Lifelines (Draco X Hermione)

Chapter 10 THE FJORD

HERMIONE GRANGER loved walking along the shore of the fjord. It gave her time to not worry about the warriors who had left on their raids, or on the household chores she found herself getting up to. Her family owned many boats and was a loyal asset to the king – so she didn't need to be doing chores or being busy. But she enjoyed being out in nature, especially when the warm weather was upon them. Today she wanted to collect shellfish, she had left a few traps around the shores, and was excited to pick up some large red crabs, on her long walk back she had collected five crabs and was excited to give them to the cooks to prepare a dinner.

It wasn't until she turned into the tree line, did she spot a person. A man with bright blond hair stood before her, "who goes there! State your name and business" she yelled. She could see that he appeared injured from something but waited at a distance for him to explain himself.

"My name is Draco. I come in peace, please miss. I need assistance" she knew that she could not leave him to the wolves and so approached him and allowed his arm to rest over his shoulder. "Thank you" he groaned as they hobbled towards the village. Her house was one of the larger ones and her parents did not seem keen to welcome a stranger, but they obliged. She collected the necessary supplies and took care to clean and treat his wound. It was not deep and so they didn't have to worry about more drastic remedies. Leftover stew was served to the guest who appeared pale and hungry.

"Where did you come from?" Hermione asked once he had settled.

"Cross the mountain. I didn't mean to come this far, but I could not get back before nightfall with my knee" he added. She nodded. It was a deep climb and took their best and strongest to cross it. Many had opted for taking the long way around with the boats. They did not say anything more, but she continued on her business and left the surprise guest to rest. Draco had been surprised to see a beautiful well-dressed woman come to his rescue, and then proceed to treat him. Most of the noble women in his town would have let the servants tend to his wounds. Her position was obvious by her jewels and brightly coloured fabric tunic. His position was less so obvious, as he had opted for more durable clothing for his journey.

"Boats! They return!" a voice yelled to which Hermione raced to the doorway to observe.

"But there are only two of them, where is everyone else?" she added to the group of ladies beside her. The two boats moved closer, and it became clearer by their shame and colouring that they were not their boats.

Hermione's parents met the newest guests at the dock with a worried expression. "What are they here for?" people asked as Hermione wove her way closer to investigate.

"We have come in search for the king's son!" A voice added. The village chattered softly in surprise. Slowly she watched as her father lead the guests towards the house, perhaps the man she had found was whom they were looking for. She entered the house and observed from the side.

"We are so very thankful for your hospitality and kindness to the king's son, this will not be forgotten" the one man added to Hermione's father.

"Please, my daughter is the one to thank as she found him and tended to him. Hermione" he beckoned she stood beside him and smiled politely. The eyes followed her as she looked up at her father. It was ironic that moments ago he had disagreed by her bringing a strange boy to their house.

"I am glad that he is feeling better" she added. Draco picked up on her selflessness and couldn't help but feel that destiny had brough him here today. A feast was now to be prepared for their visitors who would not return home until the following day. Hermione had joined her friends to collect flowers to decorate the hall. She was surprised to have seen Draco on his feet on their return.

"He is very handsome" one girl noted, Hermione couldn't help but agree with a blush. Handsome men were unlikely to have noticed any of them, especially with their darker features and smaller bodies.

Draco watched Hermione walk into the room, she had changed into a fancier dress and he couldn't help but think she looked beautiful. She sat next to him with a small smile. "You are feeling better I hope?" she asked.

"I am, thanks to your care. But" he paused taking a sip of liquid courage. "I cannot help but feel saddened that I will not be able to meet you again" he added. Hermione's cheeks reddened again.

"I see. You do have your duties back home" she added quickly. She felt sensible to not let her emotions enter the conversation.

"I wonder if you would ever think to visit?" she had never travelled anywhere. She felt shocked. "I have asked your father to allow us to marry" he added quickly. She felt sick.

Draco and Hermione stared in horror. She could not believe that he had proposed without asking her first. "I knew you were a barbarian Malfoy" she mumbled watching the scene in shock.

"I am glad to see my good looked transferred over time. You blushed at the thought of me being good looking Granger" he added with a chuckle. Medera couldn't help but laugh at the comments. She lifted her wand to twirl them into the future. They were at some Viking like ceremony, and it took them a moment to recognise it to be a wedding.

"This is one of my favourites. Mind you it's summer again, so you haven't seen each other in a year" she explains.

Hermione felt nerves in her stomach as she watched the boats approach. Prince Draco had left so suddenly, and she found herself dreaming of him. Draco immerged from the boat quickly and pressed a kiss on his brides' hands. She looked nervous and he noticed her let of a soft breathless laugh. "I have been looking forward to this day" he added.
The time travelling spectators had never seen a wedding like this before and were struck at the way in which Draco seemed very attentive and careful. The bright smiles on their faces and kisses they shared. Hermione couldn't help but feel her heart squeeze at the scene in front of her. That feeling was all she had ever wanted. To feel as if regardless of what was going on around her, she had her person, and he had her back. The familiar wave of time travel pushed them forward; and no one could have expected the scene they saw.

Hermione lay covered in sweat in the moments of giving birth. From the frantic nature of everyone around – fear crept into her body. By her side sat her husband who was mumbling words and yelling at the midwives. "My king, she has lost too much blood" the one lady added. "The baby is well, but your wife" she didn't dare finish the sentence.

"Look after my son. I shall be with the gods my love." She whispered, her words becoming softer with every breath. Within sort moments she had past.