Passion & Duty ~ Chapter 8 of 8
Title: Passion & Duty
Author: jadestrick
Original Couple/Prompt: Lancelot & Guinevere
Disclaimer: I don't own anything in the universe of Harry Potter. JK Rowling owns all that. I do this purely for enjoyment with no profit expected. Life is so unfair.
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Sexual implications
Summary: When your heart feels true love for the first time, can you go against the world and everything you believe in?
Notes: Written for dramione_remix. Story begins here in the comm. Beautiful banner made by ningloreth.
I had FUN with this. Oh, it was stressful, especially since I NEVER write long fic. (I'm a drabble queen.) But this was FUN. And I already have oneshots for bits of the story rambling through my head. :) GARGANTUAN thank yous to caitriona_3 for being my beta and to rightxhere for being my cheerleader. I couldn't have done this without them. And thank you, of course, to the mods of dramione_remix for this wonderful idea! And thank you for reading the inner dark workings of my mind. :)
Additional Notes: Hermione's uncle is up to your imagination. :)
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Passion & Duty ~ Chapter 8
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Hermione stood in her room with her hands on her hips, trying to find anything else she hadn't packed. Her wedding dress hung in the wardrobe and she walked over and lifted one of the flowers out of her veil, intending to give it to Cedric. A light knock sounded at the door and Harry and Ron stepped in, closing the door behind them. She turned and looked at them questioningly.
"Beautiful wedding," Harry said.
"Mom was bawling," Ron added.
"I'm never wearing those robes again though. Made my back itch."
"Oh I agree. Worst choice ever for a dress robe."
Hermione stared at them.
Ron looked down and shuffled his feet. Harry sighed in exasperation. "What happened, Hermione?" he said.
She sighed as well and placed the flower on her bed, her stomach full of knots. She perched against the bedpost and crossed her arms. "I guess reason always wins with me."
"What a crock," Ron retorted.
She looked at him in worry.
"You love Malfoy, Hermione," he continued. "I saw it plain as day on your face. Why did you choose Cedric?"
Hermione saw that the look on Harry's face matched Ron's question and she moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue. "I love him too."
Harry blinked. "How can you love both of them?"
She sighed in exasperation. "Imagine this really were about the two of you. Harry, if I chose you, I'd have constant adventure and danger and passion. And with Ron, I'd have comfort and security and the kind of love that lasts."
"And Malfoy wouldn't have given that to you?"
"He chose Cedric as well," she whispered.
Harry's jaw dropped and Ron yelled, "That daft prick!"
"No!" She yelled at them. "It makes sense! If I were tearing the two of you apart, what would you do?"
"You couldn't tear us apart, Hermione," Harry interjected.
"Exactly."
Ron and Harry turned and looked at each other and then back at Hermione, who stood there with her arms crossed, waiting for them to figure it out.
Ron sighed. "I hate it when she looks like that."
Harry nodded. "All-knowing and reasonable."
"What about Malfoy?" Ron asked.
"I don't know," she looked down. "I haven't spoken to him since yesterday morning, but considering what was said, I think we both grew up a little bit."
"Are you going to be able to do this, Hermione?" Harry sat down in a chair. "Are you going to be able to live the rest of your life with the two men you love constantly at your side?"
"What if you slip up?" Ron suddenly whispered, a horrified look on his face.
She furrowed her brow. The thought had crossed her mind. "I guess sometimes honor is more important. He made me feel…different. Older, beautiful, capable of loving someone desperately. But when Cedric talked to me two days ago, it didn't take long to figure out that he loved me that way. And Draco knew that, I think." She looked up to see Ron and Harry looking at her worriedly. She gave them both a small smile. "But I'm not worried with you two being Knights and all. You're supposed to keep me and Cedric honorable now."
Harry smiled slightly and Ron beamed a little. "I always wanted to be a Knight," Ron remarked.
Hermione smiled and stood. "So," she said. "From this point on, Sir Knights, I challenge you to protect me and my husband at all costs and to never be disloyal to your brothers-in-arms. Agreed?"
Ron smiled genuinely.
"Can I at least hit Zabini once?" Harry asked. "He's turning out to be a prat."
"No," Hermione smiled. "Now help me pack."
Harry and Ron both bowed low. "Your Majesty," they whispered.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Draco folded Cedric's dress robes and placed them in the trunk, closing the lid with a tight snap. Blaise fastened the wand sheath around Cedric's back and covered it with a cape festooned with the colors of Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. Theo stood beside the mirror, inspecting Cedric's appearance.
"Done," Blaise said, patting Cedric on the shoulder.
Cedric smiled at Blaise, his expression docile.
"Perfect," Theo said. "For once." He winked at Blaise who rolled his eyes and turned to the doorway.
"I'm off to make sure the carriages are ready," Blaise said as he crossed the room and exited.
Draco pretended to fluff the robes in the trunk, hoping that Theo would take a hint and leave for a moment. He heard Theo clear his throat and congratulate Cedric before walking softly out of the room and closing the door behind him.
"Draco," Cedric whispered.
Draco stood and closed the trunk, turning to face his king. His face appeared calm, but his chest still hurt. After the moments on the Astronomy Tower, he felt he had closed himself off slightly and looked more toward duty. And he wished that Snape hadn't told him that he would hurt forever over something like this. He actually believed him now.
"My king?"
"Why?" Cedric asked. "Why did she choose me?"
Draco scoffed slightly and smiled. "For the same reasons I did, Cedric."
"She doesn't love me like she loves you."
Draco felt uncomfortable and fought the urge to ask what Cedric meant.
Cedric turned from his reflection and looked at Draco. "The way you talked about the clearing, the words you said to her in the labyrinth. Draco, I'm not capable of that kind of love. I know it."
Draco furrowed his brow and opened his mouth to argue, but felt his will stop him. He was suddenly very, very angry at the entire situation. He narrowed his eyes at Cedric.
Cedric looked off to Draco's right with a shielded expression on his face. "Just say it. I'm letting you."
"I'll always love her more, Cedric."
"I imagine she'll always love you more."
"Then you don't know her at all."
Cedric blinked. "I don't-"
"She wouldn't choose love over honor."
Cedric glared. "She did with you."
"For the span of weeks. For weeks she thought she might have something she's never really been able to feel. But she's too grounded for that. I knew it every time I kissed her. It was like I felt the battle within her mind. I knew she would never really choose me."
"I love her that way, Draco."
Draco sat down on the bed and ran his fingers through his hair. "I know."
"So I'm never going to have that kind of love with her?"
"No, you will," Draco looked up and smiled slightly. "I just gave her the first taste of it."
Cedric sat down beside Draco, pulling the robe from his shoulders and dangling it between his fingers. "I'm not that confident, Draco. Every time I kiss her, I'll be wondering is she's comparing me to you."
Draco snorted and Cedric looked at him in surprise and hurt. "Cedric, you git. I may be in love with your wife and queen, but she's not that in love with me. At least, she won't be. She loves you too. In a different way, yes, but she does. And the difference between you and me is that I'm just…in love with her. I'd never make her a good husband she'll grow to love forever."
"Now who's the git?" Cedric stood and pulled the robe back on his shoulders. He looked at Draco until Draco dropped his gaze, the hurt seeping back into his chest and squashing the anger he felt. "If I were any other man, Draco…"
"I know," Draco whispered.
"I wish I were."
Draco snorted again. "I don't. I would've hurt someone else far worse than you. And I don't think I could live with that. You taught me that honor."
"I'm sorry."
Draco gave a small smile. "I know that too."
He started when a low knock came at the door. Blaise poked his head in.
"It's time, your Majesty."
Cedric smiled in response before Blaise left. He turned back to Draco. "Now's the best time. Everyone will be distracted. How far will you go?"
Draco sighed. "I want to go back home. Even if it's just for ruins."
Cedric grimaced. "You're not taking Snape, are you?"
Draco grinned and rose. "Not a chance."
Cedric offered his hand and Draco pulled him into a hug. "Take care of her."
Cedric pulled away and looked at Draco. "I will."
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Draco tossed the reins over the horse's back, patting the beast lightly on the neck. He turned and looked at the castle, the flags for Hufflepuff and Gryffindor sharing poles on each of the building's spires. Hundreds of villagers and nobility stood within and outside of the castle walls, talking excitedly in anticipation for the appearance of the bride and groom.
He turned back to the horse and placed a foot in the saddle, starting when he heard someone clear a throat behind him. He turned and saw Harry.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" He asked.
Draco bit his tongue against his annoyance. "It's what I need."
Harry nodded and Draco realized that he actually understood. He closed the distance between them and passed him a long object wrapped in red silk. Draco removed the fabric and stared at the object, turning at last to look questioningly at Harry.
"She wants you to have it," Harry said.
"I can't wield this. You know that."
"She told me to tell you that Gryffindors are brave and chivalrous," he said softly. "And you are."
Draco blinked, feeling flattered. He nodded and fastened the gift to his saddle. Turning back to Harry, he held his hand out, which Harry clasped in his own.
"If the Knights ever need me…"
Harry smirked. "We do, Draco. But we understand."
Draco smiled once more. He turned and mounted the horse, holding the reins loosely as the horse walked a bit in place. He looked down at Harry.
"Long live the king and queen."
"Long live the king and queen," Harry answered.
Draco dug his heels into the ribcage of the horse and felt the wind lap against his face. He flew through the forest around Hogwarts and past the buildings of Hogsmeade. In the distance, he heard the cheers and trumpet fanfares and knew Hermione and Cedric were waving their goodbyes. The sun shone bright in the afternoon sky, bearing heat down on the world, but Draco didn't feel hot. He stirred the horse faster, letting his senses dissipate in the trail behind him. As he glanced up in the sky for his direction, a red bird flew through the clouds. He smiled and turned toward Slytherin, the sword of Gryffindor banging on his calf.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~ Chapter 1 ~
~ Chapter 2 ~
~ Chapter 3 ~
~ Chapter 4 ~
~ Chapter 5 ~
~ Chapter 6 ~
~ Chapter 7 ~
Author: jadestrick
Original Couple/Prompt: Lancelot & Guinevere
Disclaimer: I don't own anything in the universe of Harry Potter. JK Rowling owns all that. I do this purely for enjoyment with no profit expected. Life is so unfair.
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Sexual implications
Summary: When your heart feels true love for the first time, can you go against the world and everything you believe in?
Notes: Written for dramione_remix. Story begins here in the comm. Beautiful banner made by ningloreth.
I had FUN with this. Oh, it was stressful, especially since I NEVER write long fic. (I'm a drabble queen.) But this was FUN. And I already have oneshots for bits of the story rambling through my head. :) GARGANTUAN thank yous to caitriona_3 for being my beta and to rightxhere for being my cheerleader. I couldn't have done this without them. And thank you, of course, to the mods of dramione_remix for this wonderful idea! And thank you for reading the inner dark workings of my mind. :)
Additional Notes: Hermione's uncle is up to your imagination. :)
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Passion & Duty ~ Chapter 8
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Hermione stood in her room with her hands on her hips, trying to find anything else she hadn't packed. Her wedding dress hung in the wardrobe and she walked over and lifted one of the flowers out of her veil, intending to give it to Cedric. A light knock sounded at the door and Harry and Ron stepped in, closing the door behind them. She turned and looked at them questioningly.
"Beautiful wedding," Harry said.
"Mom was bawling," Ron added.
"I'm never wearing those robes again though. Made my back itch."
"Oh I agree. Worst choice ever for a dress robe."
Hermione stared at them.
Ron looked down and shuffled his feet. Harry sighed in exasperation. "What happened, Hermione?" he said.
She sighed as well and placed the flower on her bed, her stomach full of knots. She perched against the bedpost and crossed her arms. "I guess reason always wins with me."
"What a crock," Ron retorted.
She looked at him in worry.
"You love Malfoy, Hermione," he continued. "I saw it plain as day on your face. Why did you choose Cedric?"
Hermione saw that the look on Harry's face matched Ron's question and she moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue. "I love him too."
Harry blinked. "How can you love both of them?"
She sighed in exasperation. "Imagine this really were about the two of you. Harry, if I chose you, I'd have constant adventure and danger and passion. And with Ron, I'd have comfort and security and the kind of love that lasts."
"And Malfoy wouldn't have given that to you?"
"He chose Cedric as well," she whispered.
Harry's jaw dropped and Ron yelled, "That daft prick!"
"No!" She yelled at them. "It makes sense! If I were tearing the two of you apart, what would you do?"
"You couldn't tear us apart, Hermione," Harry interjected.
"Exactly."
Ron and Harry turned and looked at each other and then back at Hermione, who stood there with her arms crossed, waiting for them to figure it out.
Ron sighed. "I hate it when she looks like that."
Harry nodded. "All-knowing and reasonable."
"What about Malfoy?" Ron asked.
"I don't know," she looked down. "I haven't spoken to him since yesterday morning, but considering what was said, I think we both grew up a little bit."
"Are you going to be able to do this, Hermione?" Harry sat down in a chair. "Are you going to be able to live the rest of your life with the two men you love constantly at your side?"
"What if you slip up?" Ron suddenly whispered, a horrified look on his face.
She furrowed her brow. The thought had crossed her mind. "I guess sometimes honor is more important. He made me feel…different. Older, beautiful, capable of loving someone desperately. But when Cedric talked to me two days ago, it didn't take long to figure out that he loved me that way. And Draco knew that, I think." She looked up to see Ron and Harry looking at her worriedly. She gave them both a small smile. "But I'm not worried with you two being Knights and all. You're supposed to keep me and Cedric honorable now."
Harry smiled slightly and Ron beamed a little. "I always wanted to be a Knight," Ron remarked.
Hermione smiled and stood. "So," she said. "From this point on, Sir Knights, I challenge you to protect me and my husband at all costs and to never be disloyal to your brothers-in-arms. Agreed?"
Ron smiled genuinely.
"Can I at least hit Zabini once?" Harry asked. "He's turning out to be a prat."
"No," Hermione smiled. "Now help me pack."
Harry and Ron both bowed low. "Your Majesty," they whispered.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Draco folded Cedric's dress robes and placed them in the trunk, closing the lid with a tight snap. Blaise fastened the wand sheath around Cedric's back and covered it with a cape festooned with the colors of Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. Theo stood beside the mirror, inspecting Cedric's appearance.
"Done," Blaise said, patting Cedric on the shoulder.
Cedric smiled at Blaise, his expression docile.
"Perfect," Theo said. "For once." He winked at Blaise who rolled his eyes and turned to the doorway.
"I'm off to make sure the carriages are ready," Blaise said as he crossed the room and exited.
Draco pretended to fluff the robes in the trunk, hoping that Theo would take a hint and leave for a moment. He heard Theo clear his throat and congratulate Cedric before walking softly out of the room and closing the door behind him.
"Draco," Cedric whispered.
Draco stood and closed the trunk, turning to face his king. His face appeared calm, but his chest still hurt. After the moments on the Astronomy Tower, he felt he had closed himself off slightly and looked more toward duty. And he wished that Snape hadn't told him that he would hurt forever over something like this. He actually believed him now.
"My king?"
"Why?" Cedric asked. "Why did she choose me?"
Draco scoffed slightly and smiled. "For the same reasons I did, Cedric."
"She doesn't love me like she loves you."
Draco felt uncomfortable and fought the urge to ask what Cedric meant.
Cedric turned from his reflection and looked at Draco. "The way you talked about the clearing, the words you said to her in the labyrinth. Draco, I'm not capable of that kind of love. I know it."
Draco furrowed his brow and opened his mouth to argue, but felt his will stop him. He was suddenly very, very angry at the entire situation. He narrowed his eyes at Cedric.
Cedric looked off to Draco's right with a shielded expression on his face. "Just say it. I'm letting you."
"I'll always love her more, Cedric."
"I imagine she'll always love you more."
"Then you don't know her at all."
Cedric blinked. "I don't-"
"She wouldn't choose love over honor."
Cedric glared. "She did with you."
"For the span of weeks. For weeks she thought she might have something she's never really been able to feel. But she's too grounded for that. I knew it every time I kissed her. It was like I felt the battle within her mind. I knew she would never really choose me."
"I love her that way, Draco."
Draco sat down on the bed and ran his fingers through his hair. "I know."
"So I'm never going to have that kind of love with her?"
"No, you will," Draco looked up and smiled slightly. "I just gave her the first taste of it."
Cedric sat down beside Draco, pulling the robe from his shoulders and dangling it between his fingers. "I'm not that confident, Draco. Every time I kiss her, I'll be wondering is she's comparing me to you."
Draco snorted and Cedric looked at him in surprise and hurt. "Cedric, you git. I may be in love with your wife and queen, but she's not that in love with me. At least, she won't be. She loves you too. In a different way, yes, but she does. And the difference between you and me is that I'm just…in love with her. I'd never make her a good husband she'll grow to love forever."
"Now who's the git?" Cedric stood and pulled the robe back on his shoulders. He looked at Draco until Draco dropped his gaze, the hurt seeping back into his chest and squashing the anger he felt. "If I were any other man, Draco…"
"I know," Draco whispered.
"I wish I were."
Draco snorted again. "I don't. I would've hurt someone else far worse than you. And I don't think I could live with that. You taught me that honor."
"I'm sorry."
Draco gave a small smile. "I know that too."
He started when a low knock came at the door. Blaise poked his head in.
"It's time, your Majesty."
Cedric smiled in response before Blaise left. He turned back to Draco. "Now's the best time. Everyone will be distracted. How far will you go?"
Draco sighed. "I want to go back home. Even if it's just for ruins."
Cedric grimaced. "You're not taking Snape, are you?"
Draco grinned and rose. "Not a chance."
Cedric offered his hand and Draco pulled him into a hug. "Take care of her."
Cedric pulled away and looked at Draco. "I will."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Draco tossed the reins over the horse's back, patting the beast lightly on the neck. He turned and looked at the castle, the flags for Hufflepuff and Gryffindor sharing poles on each of the building's spires. Hundreds of villagers and nobility stood within and outside of the castle walls, talking excitedly in anticipation for the appearance of the bride and groom.
He turned back to the horse and placed a foot in the saddle, starting when he heard someone clear a throat behind him. He turned and saw Harry.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" He asked.
Draco bit his tongue against his annoyance. "It's what I need."
Harry nodded and Draco realized that he actually understood. He closed the distance between them and passed him a long object wrapped in red silk. Draco removed the fabric and stared at the object, turning at last to look questioningly at Harry.
"She wants you to have it," Harry said.
"I can't wield this. You know that."
"She told me to tell you that Gryffindors are brave and chivalrous," he said softly. "And you are."
Draco blinked, feeling flattered. He nodded and fastened the gift to his saddle. Turning back to Harry, he held his hand out, which Harry clasped in his own.
"If the Knights ever need me…"
Harry smirked. "We do, Draco. But we understand."
Draco smiled once more. He turned and mounted the horse, holding the reins loosely as the horse walked a bit in place. He looked down at Harry.
"Long live the king and queen."
"Long live the king and queen," Harry answered.
Draco dug his heels into the ribcage of the horse and felt the wind lap against his face. He flew through the forest around Hogwarts and past the buildings of Hogsmeade. In the distance, he heard the cheers and trumpet fanfares and knew Hermione and Cedric were waving their goodbyes. The sun shone bright in the afternoon sky, bearing heat down on the world, but Draco didn't feel hot. He stirred the horse faster, letting his senses dissipate in the trail behind him. As he glanced up in the sky for his direction, a red bird flew through the clouds. He smiled and turned toward Slytherin, the sword of Gryffindor banging on his calf.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~ Chapter 1 ~
~ Chapter 2 ~
~ Chapter 3 ~
~ Chapter 4 ~
~ Chapter 5 ~
~ Chapter 6 ~
~ Chapter 7 ~