{8} Divorce

Hermione makes a decision

Hermione laid quietly in her bedroom, in a daze. After Draco had brought her home, he refused to leave until he knew that Hermione was going to be okay for the night. He was being very sweet to me. Why? This is Draco Malfoy we are talking about. The Slytherin a*****e, the witch thought to herself. It always amazed her how the worst person in the world can be the sweetest in the world. She let out a frustrated sigh. Her feelings for Draco were stirring in her again and she didn't know how to keep them at bay or why she was feeling them.

Ron had not returned yet and it had only been a day. She was alone in the house, as her kids were spending the day with Uncle Harry and their cousins. Sitting alone in her house gave her time to think. Thinking is what she did best. It was something that gave her a peace of mind. She needed a way out without harming her kids. Closing her eyes, she let her mind wander to form a plan, but kept drifting to her time spent with Draco Malfoy.

"GAH!" she shouted out loudly. "Why am I thinking of him?" Because you know something is happening between you two, said her mind. "Nothing is happening between me and Malfoy. He just happened to be helping me with a delicate moment in my life." Ah, but you seem to be drawing closer to him. If you weren't, you wouldn't have let him hold your hand or kiss you. Her mind was starting to drive her crazy as she tried to answer that.

While having this inner mind battle, she heard the screech of an owl outside her window. Her heart thumped as she recognized whose owl that was. She quickly opened the window and let the jet black owl in. She gave a pat to the head and took the carefully rolled up letter from its beak. With a gentle hoot, it took off again.

She unrolled the piece of parchment and stared at the two words written. Her mind was now turning numb and she really couldn't believe what she was reading. Written on the piece of parchment was, "Lavender Brown."

Hermione couldn't believe it. Her mind couldn't register it. It was impossible but yet here was the proof. It dawned on her now that she could proceed in her hasty decision last night with Draco.

"Lavender Brown. Who the hell would have thought that would happen again." Her mind whirred again as she thought out her next move in this gigantic game of life. Her next choice was divorce. It was the most obvious route that she needed to take, but did she have enough proof of it? Did not Malfoy promise to be there for her and help her through this? She had Harry and Luna's support, did she also want Malfoy's?

Angry at herself for all that's happened, she had to admit her feelings for Malfoy were getting just a bit stronger. She couldn't deny it anymore. The way he took care of her after she fainted gave Hermione some happiness.

Not knowing what to do, she sat down and wrote another letter to Draco. Maybe if she explained herself to him, he'd understand.

Sitting at her desk, she wrote:

Dear Draco, (can I call you that?)

Your update has made me do a lot of thinking lately. I am confused, frustrated, and I am not quite sure what to do. I feel empty and used inside. I am having difficult controlling stirred up feelings for you. I don't know why I am feeling this, let alone how I should be feeling. My heart races at the sight of you, my self-esteem and self-confidence have risen. The way you took care of me last night when I fainted, maybe me realize I was missing something in my life...and that's love and appreciation. Ron has not shown me that in quite awhile. I guess I am just feeling lonely. I am not sure why I am suddenly writing this to you, maybe because besides Harry, you listen to me. You are not the same person I met at Hogwarts. The whiny, stuck up Slytherin you were. You've grown up a lot, Mr. Malfoy, and it shows. You do not let others dictate who you should become. You've taken control of your own life. I give you great credit in that. Truth is, it warms my heart to see you taking care of yourself better.

Anyways, back to the issue at hand. Divorce. The word pains me but I feel like this is the best route. Ron is not loyal nor does he love me anymore, its quite obvious now. Though, I am not sure if your word will help me prove it or not. Are you willing to help me?

Hermione paused. She heard someone come through in the fire. She hoped it was Ron to start this painful process, but it turned out to be Harry with the kids. Hugo and Rose gave their mother a big hug and kiss before going to their rooms to get ready for bed.

Harry hugged Hermione and they talked for a bit. Hermione didn't want to bring up the subject to Harry with her kids right next door. She waved goodbye to Harry as he flooed home. She tucked her kids into bed and resumed writing her letter in her bedroom.

I can not do this alone. I need all the help I can get. Before I end this letter, I just wanted to say, thank you. Thank you for sharing your newly found kindness with me. Thank you for helping me through this rough time. Thank you for helping me make the right decisions. However I can repay you for this, I am forever in your debt.

Always,

Hermione Granger

Smiling to herself, she rolled it up neatly and sent it off with her owl. She got up and was about to get ready for bed, when the fire roared for the second time that night. She stumbled downstairs, and glared at Ron. He was back. She held a cool composure in front of him. Neither said a word, only contemplating who would say what first.

"You told me the other night that you needed to tell me something. What is it?" Hermione said as steadily as she could. The anger from those two words were boiling inside of her.

Ron hesitated but realized it was time to tell her.

"I am having an affair. I do not love you anymore." Ron looked at her with unblinking eyes. He didn't smile nor show any emotion. He was done with this marriage. He only wanted to see his kids.

Hermione was smiling broadly at Ron. Thoughts confirmed, she said in a strong voice, "I want a divorce."