Title: As the World Falls Down Part Three
Word Count: 1005
Theme: Independence
Number of Theme's Completed: 15:100
Rating: M
Characters: Draco and Hermione
Disclaimer: I don't own anything at all.

Part Three

"Through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered, I have fought my way here …, for my will is as strong as yours, and my kingdom is as great. You have no power over me."

-Sarah (Jennifer Connelly) Labyrinth

Hermione laid upon the grand canopy bed. Her lovely hands rested on her stomach and her chest rose and fell with each breath she took.

Draco sat far in the corner, deep in the shadows and silently watched over her. He had cleaned the blood from her face and brought her to the chambers instead of casting a charm to awaken her. He felt he deserved those last moments with her, even if only to commit her to memory.

Dragging his fingers through his long locks, he let a terrible sigh. He realized, given the chance, he wouldn't change a thing. Mostly because it refused to admit what he did was wrong and after all, he had her for a year. In a pretty gilded cage, where she needed him more than air. More than water or nourishment. This was his love, and Granger would never understand it, or return it. That is why he took her and cursed her. As he saw it, he was taking her from a cruel, war torn world, and offering her a luxuriously sheltered and cushioned life. Safe.

Hermione began to stir. The dark crescents of lashes that rested upon her rosy cheeks twitched and then shot open. A flash of fire in her eyes. A browned gold lick of flaming life.

Immediately Draco sat forward, his eyes narrowed into slits and his jaw flexed. He wanted to smile, embrace her, and tell her he was glad that she was back. But knew that Granger would not welcome it at all. So he settled for a cold, daring glare and silence.

Hermione gulped deeply and waited for her blurry vision to clear. When beautiful glittering burgundy silk came into view, she sat up on her elbows and glanced around the strange room. The last thing she remembered was walking through the streets of Beirut looking for someone, looking for…

"You." She hissed and her eyes became accusatory, suspicious as they fell upon Draco. Her mouth twisted hatefully and she attempted to spring across the bed, but the hindrance of her elaborate dress slowed her.

Draco stood, and took a daring step towards her. His arms straight at his sides, fingers curled in anticipating fists.

Then she stopped and settled herself on the edge of the bed, her chin lifted and her eyes locked with his. "Why did you do this to me?"

"I wanted you."

Her mouth began to drop open and shock settled upon her fine features. "You hate me."

"I don't." He began to relax a bit.

She tilted her head and bit her bottom lip.

"I married you." He nodded to her right hand, causing her to glance down.

Suddenly her eyes hardened and she jumped at him with a growl. Her nails clawed at his neck, leaving three red marks.

Draco winced and gripped at her wrist causing the buttons of his shirt to pop free. She twisted her hand free and smacked him hard. Momentarily he lost his balance, but gained it quickly by wrenching her arm behind her back and bringing her body flush against him.

Hermione grunted and kicked sharply at his shin bringing forth a whispered swear and he threw his weight into her making them both tumble to the bed.

She wiggled desperately, and he forced his body between her legs for leverage. With one long-fingered hand he pinned her wrist above her head, then reached down and tugged her skirts around her waist.

She took the opportunity to spat in his face. "Rape me you foul, evil bastard!"

Brushing her curls away from her face softly, he let a small frown. "I won't." His heart was ripped in down the center. Overjoyed that Granger had returned to fight him, grief because he had to let her go.

Her mouth snapped shut and she was breathing wildly, tears of anger and confusion brightening her face. "You won't break me," her voice was weak.

"I never intended to." He said sadly.

"Then what did you intend?"

"For you to love me." Draco withdrew and turned from her with a frustrated sigh. "But, I never realized that in doing so, I'd lose you. But you struggled with the curse, and I knew I could not keep you."

Hermione sat up and straightened her clothing whilst taking the opportunity to search his form for answers. "How long?"

He pivoted and no longer seemed cold and ruthless, now was a broken man full of regret and sorrow. "A year."

She gasped. "What of my friends?"

He had the grace to flush. "They accepted our marriage, but never kept contact with you."

She sobbed and a tear streaked her face. "Did Harry…the war, is it…?

"Yes, three months after we were married." He nodded.

She felt abandoned, alone and heartbroken. Wiping at her face with the back of her hand she murmured, "I want to go home."

Draco gulped. "You are free to do as you please." He moved to the wardrobe and withdrew a green knapsack. "This carries your wand, divorce papers to sign, and a key to your vault at Gringotts." He handed it to her.

She took it and rose, but could not bring her feet to move. Instead she took a long deep look into his eyes. Something was there deep in them and she found that it made her want to stay. To care for him. On its own accord her palm cupped his face. She could have loved him, she recognized. Maybe that had been her reasons for insisting on taking after him to Beirut. Or perhaps if had simply courted her properly. But now, she could never trust him, and that was the very foundation which love was built.

Draco closed his eyes and allowed himself the pleasure of her touch one last time.

"Goodbye," she whispered, and then with a rustle of silk and a resounding creak of the door, she was gone. Forever.

Free from her gilded cage.

To learn that independence isn't so sweet.

fin