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Bound	By : goldhorse Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 126119 -:- Recommendations : 15 -:- Currently Reading : 31
Disclaimer: JK owns HP. Not me. I also don't own any quotes you might recognize. I make no money doing this, I just get the plot bunnies to quit interrupting my sleep.

Chapter List
- 9
- 10
- 11
The next few hours passed quickly. His stomach was in knots but he wanted to ask her as soon as possible. She would need time to think it over. It was a huge step. What was he even thinking? Did they seriously need to go the distance for this?

He switched back and forth between his options. On one hand, marriage was the strongest bond between the two. They’d practically be married anyway, right? Not much was known about Merlin and Nimue except it ended in tragedy. Was that because they didn’t have the strongest bond? On the other hand, his father would quite literally kill him if they went through with this. Marriage to a mudblood, even a frightfully powerful one like Hermione, was strictly forbidden.

His father. He’d be able to track him down wherever he hid. He thanked Merlin once again that Lucius was still in Azkaban. There was no way he could do anything from there. Still, it was only a matter of time before the Dark Lord broke him out. Once he deemed his father to be punished enough, he’d get him. Then what would happen?

Still, the lure of having the maximum amount of power was very strong. Even though they wouldn’t be able to destroy the scarlet eyed bastard, there was still so much they could do. They could take out half of the Death Eaters before that time. It would even the odds. Draco knew all too well just how many the Dark Lord commanded.

Of course, there was marriage itself. Really, what choice did they have? Sure, they could just have sex and get it over with. Still, it wasn’t like he could form a connection with anyone else. Hermione had proven herself to be compatible with him in every way. It was only her blood that was different but she was just as powerful as he was. He could only imagine how powerful their children would be. Children? Where did THAT come from?

He guessed he could admit that he’d like to have children someday. It took everything he had not to giggle like a twit about that. The thought of having the first half-blood Malfoy was very amusing. Still, with Hermione’s brilliant mind and his cunning, they’d be superior in every way. It made him smile a bit. That brought him back full circle again. How did he ask her?

He could hardly pay attention in Care of Magical Creatures and was consequently knocked down by a niffler. He barely heard the guffaws of his classmates as he pondered. Soon class was over and he walked in a daze back up to the castle.

“Drakey-poo, is something wrong?” Pansy simpered in his ear. It was like having a bucket of ice dumped down his back.

Struggling for an answer, he turned to her. “Uh, no Pans. I was just thinking about my task. I’ve been granted permission to stay over the holidays to complete it. I was just going over everything in my head. I’m going to be working through lunch.”

Pansy scoffed. “You work too hard Drakey. You need some us time. I could make you forget everything for a little while.”

Draco fought against the nausea rising through his throat. “Don’t let HIM hear you talk like that Pansy. He is more important than us right now.” His eyes were hard as steel when he said this.

Pansy shrunk back as the color drained from her face. “Of, of course Draco. I didn’t mean that your task wasn’t important.”

“You’d better hope not,” he replied, in his voice hard.

“Would you like me to bring you some lunch,” she asked quietly.

“No. I’ll be fine. Go on with the others Pansy. I’ll catch up later.” With that, he stalked back to the castle, pleased at being able to make Pansy quail. He wasn’t lying. He had more important things to do than deal with that power hungry whore.

Shaking slightly, he mulled over exactly what he wanted when walking across the threshold in front of the ROR. He wanted a nice romantic setting, nothing too poncey like Madam Puddifoots. Something classy and upscale would work beautifully. He called for Dobby and asked him to bring them a simple but elegant lunch. The elf was only too happy to comply when he said it would be for Hermione. Then he entered the room to make sure everything was set. It was as close to perfect as he was going to get. He stepped back out and awaited Hermione’s arrival.

Hermione could feel the nervousness coming off of Draco in waves. It was a bit unsettling but she figured he was under a fair amount of stress. It stroked her curiosity. She touched base with Ginny before she stole away to the ROR. The red head was holding up well, considering she had stunned her boyfriend and was fighting the compulsion to kneel before her DADA professor and embrace him. Ginny promised to cover for her at lunch.

Hermione came upon Draco nervously pacing back and forth in the hallway. She looked around to make sure that they were indeed alone before she gently tapped him on the shoulder. He swung around in alarm before his face softened at seeing her. The soft look on his face caused butterflies to spring up in her stomach.

“Glad you could make it,” Draco said with a bow. He grabbed her hand and put it in the crook of his arm.

Hermione couldn’t stifle a giggle. “What’s all this about?

“You’ll see,” he said with a grin. Then he bowed again and ushered her into the room.

She gasped as soon as the door was closed behind her. The room was dark; the only light a soft glow from the candles on a single table. The table was covered in a deep red tablecloth adorned with a vase of white roses. Two wine glasses and two place settings completed the ensemble. Draco walked her over to the table and pulled out a chair for her. She was speechless.

Draco clapped once and Dobby popped in with a salad for each and then popped out again. Silence ensued as the couple consumed their salads. Dobby popped back in with the main course, a small steak with baked potato and green beans accompanied by a sparkling cider appeared. This too was eaten in silence, both mulling over what was happening. Finally, Dobby popped in with desert, a simple strawberry cheesecake.

Draco finally broke the silence as Hermione popped the last bite into her mouth. “I know you are wondering why I asked you here today.” At her nod, he continued. “I’m generally a lot more eloquent in these matters but I find myself tongue tied around you. I know you know that we need to complete the bond soon. I also know that it is still a large dilemma for you.”

A tear slid down Hermione’s cheek as her hands trembled. Draco brought a handkerchief out of his pocket and gently dabbed the tear away. Then he handed it to her and gave her a brief smile.

“I know it’s overwhelming, but we must think of our future together. I know we said we would take it slow but the closer it gets to the holidays, the more unsettled my magic feels. I’ve wondered but haven’t had the opportunity to ask. How have you kept from breaking the binding?”

Hermione’s voice shook a bit. “Well, I spoke to Dumbledore about it. They have bound me with dark magic. It stabilizes the light and holds. You were also bound with dark magic but instead of stabilizing, it reacts and overcomes. He said that all of the bindings have caused a shift in your core. Another attempt at a bind other than with me would kill you.” Her voice was a mere whisper toward the end.

Draco nodded. “I thought as much about my predicament.” Then he took a deep breath and gently took Hermione’s hands in one of his. “I purpose we seal the bond at the start of the Christmas holidays. They will have to remove the bindings and we’ll need to bond afterwards.”

Hermione shot up and back from the table. Draco followed, grasping her gently by the arm and swung her around to face him. Then he pulled a chair out from the table and sat her down in it. He immediately kneeled at her feet. He placed a finger to her lips to stop her protest and then brought the green velvet box out of his robes. Ignoring her gasp, he continued.

“Hermione, I’m not a white knight like in the muggle fairy tales. I’m not a kind and gentle man. I’m definitely not Weasley. We have a horrible past together and we were both thrown into this thing against our wills. I’m not nearly as good as you deserve but I’m the only one the fates have decided to place you with. I promise you this though. I honor my family above all others. Marry me, Hermione. Marry me and I’ll be as good to you as I possibly can. Marry me and we’ll have the strongest bond possible. Marry me and together we’ll fight against that homicidal maniac and restore peace to the wizarding world.”

Draco then opened the box and displayed the ring.

Shaking like a leaf with tears streaming down her face, Hermione fought to compose herself enough to talk. “Draco, we’re so young, I’m seventeen, you’re only sixteen. We hardly know each other. We’ve known OF each other but we’ve only just begun to talk. This is a huge step. I, I…”

“I know that!” Draco snapped. “This whole situation is impossible Hermione but if we don’t at least bond, then we’ll both die from something we can prevent. Even now, we can’t form any attachment to another person. Our bond is too strong. I believe we won’t even be able to have a strictly carnal association with another person. Essentially, we’ll be magically married. Why not make it official? Why not ensure the strongest bond possible? Sure there are going to be rough patches. We’re polar opposites in every single way!” Here he smiled and reached up to wipe the tears from her eyes.

“Hermione, not everything is white and black, right and wrong. Sometimes, there’s an entire world of grey. Unfortunately, we have no choice in this. We’ll be friends with benefits.”

Hermione blushed horribly and tried to look away but was unable. Draco had a hold of her chin and wouldn’t let her move her head. He had an amused smirk on his face at her reaction.

“Don’t look away from me. There isn’t anything to be embarrassed about. I’m not even asking for an answer right now. I want you to think about it. Think logically on it. You’ll see the truth. This,” he said as he raised the box to her eyesight, “is the Black Family ring. It has been in my mother’s family for centuries. My mother delivered it to me through Snape. She apparently understands a little of what needs to happen and retrieved this for me. There was a curse on it that prevented anyone but a pureblood to wear it. She removed that curse for me.”

Hermione took the box from his hand. The ring was absolutely beautiful. It was done in platinum. A large emerald was in the center surrounded by diamonds. Two serpents were engraved into the metal band. She couldn’t believe how lovely it looked in the firelight. It had an unnatural sparkle. Everything seemed too surreal.

“You keep the ring,” Draco said. “You keep it and think about it. Let me know your answer when you are ready.”

Then he got up off the floor, gently kissed her forehead, each of her cheeks, and then each eyelid before he gave her a sweet peck on the lips. He turned and walked out of the room, leaving her to her thoughts.

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Hermione was in a daze the rest of the day. She kept the ring box in her robes pocket and couldn’t bring herself to let go of it. Everyone noticed that something was wrong and asked her if she was ok every five minutes. It annoyed her so much that she stood at dinner and screamed at her friends.

“I’d be a bloody sight better if you two would bugger off and leave me alone!”

Then she stormed out of the Great Hall amidst snickers and knowing looks from two male Slytherins. She ran straight to the ROR, certain that Draco wouldn’t be occupying it. She needed to think and this was the only place she knew she could go where no one could find her. Not even Harry could locate her with his stupid map. Ginny had confirmed that for her during her weekend stay.

She stormed through the door and found the comfort of her thinking place. It was dark except for a spotlight on the pole. Soft reggae tones played in the background and she started relaxing. She found that dancing freed her mind and the chance to just let go was too tempting. She shed her outer robes and began swaying to the music. Unbeknownst to her, two others had entered the room. Apparently, the room felt she needed to be discovered.

Draco and Snape were frozen at the door. They were immersed in darkness, their focus entirely on the curvaceous woman who had now jumped up and grabbed a hold of the pole in the spotlight. She wrapped herself around it and flung her head back, oblivious to her audience. Draco’s mouth dropped open as she flipped over and slid down the pole upside down. Snape had to physically restrain him when she transfigured her school uniform into a spandex bodysuit.

They had been walking down the corridor. Draco was still shaken up from asking Hermione to marry him and on edge awaiting her answer. Snape had given him rare praise, telling him he was proud that he stepped up and was a man about the entire situation. Draco had decided to have Snape analyze the cabinet. He was stuck and needed a second pair of skilled eyes to help him. The door was there before they got there and they snuck in, curious.

Hermione was finally free, swinging and twirling about the pole. She was starting to feel the burn, moving slow and sensually. Dancing always made her feel sexy, even if no one were there to witness it. A faster song came up and she started to dance independent of the pole. Winding her hips, she finally let her mind wander. Draco’s proposal had been sweet, tender, and almost straight out of a twisted fairy tale. He didn’t profess his undying love. He promised her as much as he could though. He’d do his best by her. She couldn’t ask for more from the current situation. Gods they were so young. It didn’t really matter though logically. They’d be just as much together now as if they waited, if they ever did marry. Having the strongest bond was strategically a good move.

She decided right then that she’d tell him yes, just not for a few days. He might change his mind too. It seemed kind of impulsive of him. Still, he was honoring her desire to wait until marriage. It wasn’t ideal, but it was a sign that he was willing to compromise with her. How could she refuse to compromise as well? Gods was it just over a month ago they had tried to kill each other? Feeling lighter, she dropped down into the splits and distinctively heard a gasp. Frightened, she threw a wandless stunner and called out.

“Who’s there?”

“Don’t shoot,” called Draco.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” she screeched.

“Apparently,” drawled Snape, “the room thought you could use some company.”

After an anguished scream, she stomped over to the two men and knelt at Snape’s feet.

“Father,” she quivered. “No one was meant to see that.”

“On the contrary, it was… eye opening,” Snape stated, obvious amusement in his voice. “Arise my child and bow before me no more.”

Hermione stood shaking with embarrassment. Draco could do nothing more than stare at her with hot eyes. She felt as if she was under a microscope. Mortified, she started to transform her clothes back.

“Don’t,” Draco spoke as he grabbed her. “You were,” he paused and slowly perused her body. “You were beautiful, uninhibited, and sexy. Why hide this part of yourself away?”

“Because,” she quavered. “It’s something I do to relax. It frees my mind, allows me to think, to feel good about myself. I don’t think I could take the mocking that would come from others, that I know is going to come from you both in a minute.”

“Make no mistake about this,” Draco said as he looked into her eyes. “That was the sexiest fucking thing I have ever witnessed. You should feel good about yourself and anyone who would mock you for it is an idiot.”

Hermione fought back the tears as she looked at him and then over to her father.

“He’s right, my child,” Snape said softly. “You move beautifully. No one could fault you for that except the jealous. Embrace it.”

“Dance with me,” Draco said.

Shocked from both Draco’s acceptance and Snape’s gentle words, she took his hand. He twirled her around expertly and dipped her. They moved fluidly through the darkness, connecting for the first time at a deeper level. All the while, Draco whispered to her how sexy she was, what a good dancer she was, how compatible they would be, how they had a lifetime to work out their differences. She could hardly believe this was the same boy who used to taunt her and call her filthy names; the same one who battled her in the bathroom a scarce five weeks previously because she refused to back down. She finally felt at peace, if only in this moment.

Snape watched his children with a slight soft smile on his face. Perhaps if these two mortal enemies could connect, the wizarding world had a chance after all. He had no doubts that he wouldn’t live to see it, but now he had something he didn’t have before. Hope. It was a strange feeling indeed.

When the song ended, Draco held Hermione close. Leaning down, he kissed her tenderly. She responded in kind, opening up for his exploration. White light enveloped them and they were lost to each other. They didn’t notice Snape letting a small red headed girl in, or the subsequent whispers from the two. They were wrapped up entirely in their own magic, the feeling of euphoria taking them to new heights.

As Draco cautiously invaded her mouth, carefully mapping it with his tongue, he pondered. How could this girl, no woman, for he certainly felt her soft curves pressed up against him, have gotten to him? It wasn’t long ago that she was a filthy mudblood, the epitome of all he was raised to hate. She had shattered all his preconceived notions of muggle-borns and integrated herself within his life. He was like a love struck puppy around her, always seeking her out, pining for her touch. Bond be damned, he wanted her. He couldn’t deny it anymore. Asking her to marry him had been a logical step, but now he was not certain it hadn’t been the fruition of something he wanted either.

Hermione had officially stopped thinking. Draco’s sweet mouth was pressed against hers, his tongue gently rolling about her mouth as if to discover every tiny detail. He had one arm gently wrapped about her waist while the other tenderly caressed her cheek. She was in heaven. This was what she had dreamed it would be like with Ron, the feeling that her body wasn’t her own anymore. Ron had been an untouchable fantasy, the proverbial muggle story of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. With this kiss, Draco had finally managed to shatter her glass house of dreams. He was here and he felt like home.

Ginny watched on in amazement as she clung to her professor. Her best friend and her once enemy looked ethereal in the white glow that surrounded them. It was something out of a romance novel, or perhaps one of those plays by Shakespeare that Hermione was always reading. What was that one story of the two lovers from families who were mortal enemies? It almost fit perfectly. She sighed.

“What is going on it that head of yours daughter,” Snape asked quietly.

“Oh father, it’s just so sweet. It’s like something out of this muggle play that Hermione made me read one time.”

“Romeo and Juliet,” Snape offered.

“Yes that’s it. They don’t exactly have anyone rooting for them do they?”

“No,” Snape chuckled.

“Father, how long is this compulsion supposed to last? I feel inexplicably drawn to you and not just in a daughterly way, if you will excuse me for being so bold.”

Snape sighed. “It’s part of the compulsion of the vampire. You must know that I am not a full vampire, only part, a daywalker if you will. Apparently, my vampire type uses sexual seduction to seek out their pray. Drinking a victim’s blood doesn’t necessarily turn them, especially if the victim is a female. If the attraction is strong enough, the vampire can then use the victim as a blood cow. I drank more of your blood than of your counterparts Miss Weasley. By that alone, the compulsion is stronger. Furthermore, you are forgetting that we are opposite phenoms. Magical opposites attract.”

At her gasp, Snape hurriedly continued. “What is happening between those two is NOT what is happening between us. You have your magical soul mate somewhere but it is not me. Our balances are too far off to be compatible. Besides, I prefer a more mature partner.”

Ginny visibly relaxed. Her professor wasn’t near as frightening when you broke past his defenses, but that didn’t mean she wanted to be tied to him. Still, she had always been drawn to him regardless of his demeanor. At least she could explain it now.

“Has the compulsion lessened my child?” Snape drawled.

Ginny nodded.

“Then please remove yourself from my person,” he growled.

Ginny jumped back like she had been burned. “I-I I’m sorry father. I didn’t mean…”

“Stop,” Snape cut her off. “You did what you had to in order to lessen the compulsion. Stop trying to apologize.” His reply was snappish and gruff but he couldn’t help the soft manor in which he addressed her. The compulsion to gather his children close was loosening the tight hold he had on himself.

“Now, it is time for your detentions. If you’d please help me separate those two before they turn into rutting hippogriffs,” he snarked.

“Yes sir.”

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It was one minute to curfew when the girls drug themselves back up to Gryffindor tower. Snape had put them through the ringer. Obviously miffed at the fact that he was so sensitive to his ‘children’, he had drilled them mercilessly and held no quarter. Ginny was learning occlumency and further refinement on both separating and combining her balances to cast certain spells. For this, he made Draco duel her so she could see the difference when her magic shifted to the darkness. It seemed to crackle when they would bounce a spell from each other when it was dark as opposed to combining when it was light. It was eye opening and they were starting to see just how much more they had to learn before they could fully harness their powers.

Hermione and Draco were worked even harder. Their acceptance had brought them to the next step in their training. They had to practice duel occlumency. Through their bond, they could theoretically each raise a wall in the other’s mind as well as close the connection between the two of them. However, it was extremely painful to do, especially without the consent of the other. It felt like their skulls were going to split in two when they tried. Even shared healing couldn’t lessen the pain. Snape assured it would get better but the ache prevented them both from believing him fully. Afterwards, they dueled Ginny dually.

The lesson ended with more lessons for Ginny in occlumency. It wouldn’t do for anyone to find out what the girl knew. She made a good showing but Snape was a cruel taskmaster as the girls knew all too well from Harry. Finally, the lessons were finished and pain potion was administered all around.

Before they walked out of the classroom, Hermione stopped Draco with a gentle tap on the shoulder. She then took the velvet box out of her pocket and placed it in his hand. She’d decided that she wouldn’t make him wait. No one would benefit from it and if he wanted to back out she would more than understand. At his look of confusion, she smiled softly.

“Yes, Draco. I will. It’s the only logical conclusion.”

Draco grinned and swiftly slid the ring on her finger. Then he picked her up and swung her around, kissing her in elation. He didn’t expect that her acceptance would make him feel this giddy.

Snape and Ginny extended their congratulations. Then Snape put a specialized disillusion spell on the ring. Only those who knew it was there would be able to see it. Afterwards, the students were all sent back to their houses.

“Oi you two, where were you?” Ron called as soon as they trudged through the portrait.

Sighing heavily, Ginny walked up to him. “We were in detention with Snape you git.”

Hermione tried slipping out of the common room but Harry caught up to her first. She self-consciously placed her left hand behind her back, not entirely sure that the charm worked on the ring. Unfortunately, Harry caught it.

“What are you hiding Hermione?” He asked with narrowed eyes.

She took a deep breath and slowly slid her hand from behind her back.

“Fa- Professor Snape caught me with a burning hex and I didn’t want you to worry.” She replied, hoping he didn’t catch her slip.

At his hard look, she quickly added, “he put dittany on it but it wasn’t healed yet before I left.”

“That stupid bloody git shouldn’t have thrown it at you in the first place.” His voice was steely as he looked at her hand.

She heaved a great sigh of relief when he didn’t react to the ring on her finger. She was careful to keep him from touching it though. After all, just because he couldn’t see it didn’t mean he couldn’t feel it.

“Harry, Professor Snape is trying to prepare us for war. A burning hex is going to be child’s play compared to what they will be using.”

Harry nodded solemnly. “I know that Mione, but it doesn’t make me any happier. Your hand seems fine now. Are you okay? You’ve been in a daze all day.”

Hermione smiled. “I’m fine now Harry. I was just out of sorts earlier. I promise.”

Harry smiled back. “Good to have you back Mione.”

Both girls went up to bed and were asleep before they hit the pillow.

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It was finally the Thursday before holidays. Ginny and Hermione had snuck out early in the morning and were in the ROR frantically trying to transfigure one of Hermione’s muggle dresses into something that resembled a wedding gown. It was decided that she and Draco would marry that Saturday night after everyone left for the Holidays. Then they would be taken to a secret place to spend the entire holiday. This would give the bond plenty of time to solidify.

The past week and a half had been extremely stressful for the girls. Days consisted of studying and nights were spent in detention. Thankfully, the compulsion ended a week after it began, just as Snape said it would. It was a relief not to bow to the dour man and proclaim him as their father. Snape seemed the most relieved, relishing the fact that he could once again be nasty and underhanded without feeling deep remorse. However, each student could now tell when he was near. It was just a niggling feeling though.

Slughorn’s party was the next day and they had already been given a later detention to allow them to attend. It was a concession on Snape’s behalf but upon seeing that neither girl wanted to go, he made the exception on principal. It would be entertaining to watch them squirm.

“Almost done,” Ginny exclaimed. They had transfigured a simple white sundress into a subdued wedding gown. It was strapless; the simple a-line skirt just brushed the ground. A wide cloth belt gathered with a subtle brooch at the side completed the ensemble. The wedding wasn’t exactly going to be a fairy tale so they figured the dress needed to be simple yet elegant as well. After transfiguring a long veil from a pair of socks and a tiara from a hair barrette, the ensemble was complete. The girls carefully stored the dress in a garment bag and started to head back to the common room.

“Hello ladies,” drawled Draco as they stepped out into the corridor.

Hermione gave a little shriek and Ginny jumped a bit.

“I take it you weren’t expecting me?” He chuckled.

“Oh, you need to quit sneaking up on me,” Hermione snapped.

“But it’s so much fun!” To prove his point, he looked around to make sure the corridor was clear and then spun her wildly until she squealed and pleaded to be let down. He put her down and touched foreheads with her.

“Two more days, Hermione.”

She turned red as a beet and squeezed her eyes shut. Things with Draco had been escalating since she had accepted his proposal. He would catch her eye in the Great Hall and give her a heated glance. He would snatch her out of the corridor and snog her senseless in between classes. Sometimes, they would skip meals and take time to get to know each other in the ROR. They always had an alibi for these times.

As each day passed Hermione had a greater attraction for the blond rogue. They had taken to gentle exploration of each other’s bodies but never went beyond heavy petting. It was frustrating but she was too scared to go any further. To her surprise, Draco was patient and gentle, sensing her trepidation and stopping before it became too much. The bond tugged harder at them each time but she still wasn’t ready to finish it. Besides, they couldn’t really complete it while their magical bindings were in place. It would inhibit the bond and they needed all the help they could get.

Hermione could hardly believe he was the same bully who used to call her horrible names and make fun of her. He used to be a spoiled little brat who thought his father could do no wrong, or so it seemed. Talking with him gave her a deeper understanding of his behavior. He hated his father but had no choice but to respect and obey him. His father was abusive and manipulative and wouldn’t hesitate to use unforgivables and other dark curses for minor infractions. She had cried for the better part of an hour when he described his father’s “lessons” in curses. He’d curse Draco with them repeatedly and then teach him the counter. Then he’d curse him again and again until he was either unconscious or could counter. It was horrible.

Draco couldn’t believe how much lighter he felt the past week and a half. He now had hope and it was more than he could have ever expected. He still was struggling with the fact that he had to kill the headmaster. The old man had been counseling with him at length, making sure that he knew Snape was to do the final deed. However, it still unsettled him. His godfather had given so much already. He’d come to have an even greater respect for the man. For the first time in his life, Draco had more than just his mother to care for. He had a comrade, a father figure, a surprising friend in Ginny Weasley, and soon he’d have a wife. He had to mentally pinch himself every now and then just to make sure that this was all real.

Hermione was a girl out of some sort of dream. He rarely thought about her heritage anymore. She was smart, loyal, and fair. She was also a ferocious fighter. He couldn’t deny that he wanted her and each time he kissed her it was harder and harder to stop. She was like a drug and he just couldn’t get enough. He just hoped he could hold out until the holidays. Then he’d drag her to bed and she’d be lucky to escape it for a week.

Suddenly, the trio heard a noise and Draco bolted into the ROR.

Harry popped out from under his cloak as he turned the corner. “Where did Malfoy go? He was just here!”

Hermione was having trouble controlling her breathing. She had all but forgotten that Harry had that stupid cloak with him all the time now. In the last couple of weeks, he had taken to stalking Draco. He was convinced he was up to something devious. He had no idea how right he was but Hermione kept insisting that Draco was just being himself. Harry, however, wasn’t buying it. She and Draco had become lax in their vigilance and this time it almost cost them their cover.

Ginny, seeing Hermione’s distress, stepped in to do some damage control. “We didn’t see him at all Harry. Maybe he was disillusioned?”

Harry sighed heavily. “I bet your right. I just know he is up to something. He’s never at meals anymore. He’s not even hanging around his goons anymore. I know he said he had a task on the train and he was rubbing his left arm. He’s a Death Eater and he’s planning something. I know he is.”

“Harry,” Hermione began and then stopped abruptly when she saw, or rather felt, Snape coming down the corridor.

“What are three Gryffindors such as yourselves doing out and about this early in the morning?” He drawled.

Harry just glared at him. Ginny blinked wide-eyed and looked at Hermione who was shifting her eyes back and forth between her Professor and Harry. She decided to take the situation at hand.

“Um, well sir. You know that Slughorn’s party is tomorrow. We were just up here putting the finishing touches on our dresses.” She made sure to emphasize the last word.

Instantly catching on, Snape smirked. “Ah yes. Suffice it to say that you will be paraded around in front of anyone who is someone. But you are quite used to that, aren’t you Potter?”

Harry just glared at Snape harder.

“Since I have made a concession on both your and Miss Weasley’s behalf, Miss Granger, and allowed you to come to detention an hour later, you will make it up tonight. Show up at my classroom at 7:00 sharp. Bring your best robes. Mustn’t look shabby for the flobberworms.” He gave a wicked smirk to the girls.

“Yes sir,” both girls said just above a whisper as they ducked their heads. It wouldn’t do for Harry to see the grins on their face. This, of course, had been talked about but not executed yet. Somehow, Snape had managed to do it flawlessly, making sure that someone in their house overheard him and it wasn’t just word of mouth.

“Very well. Now, it is almost time for breakfast. I suggest you get down there.” Then he spun and gracefully stalled down the hall, his robes billowing behind him.

Hermione couldn’t help but chuckle. “He really does look like a giant bat,” she whispered to her companions.

Then all three gave a hearty laugh and walked to the common room.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

When Hermione and Ginny entered the DADA classroom at precisely 7:00 p.m., they were stunned. In place of the desks was a large dance floor, complete with lights. A table with finger foods and drinks was against the wall. There were no horrible posters, no floating creatures in jars, and no desks.

“Surprise,” Snape drawled softly in the girl’s ears, causing them to jump.

Shocked into silence, the girls looked on at the scene mutely. Draco walked in with a large smile on his face.

“Well well, the bat of the dungeons has a heart?”

“Hardly,” Snape replied snidely. “This was NOT my idea.”

“No indeed,” came a low voice from the other side of the room. “It was mine.” Dumbledore appeared out of thin air from the other side of the room. “It isn’t every day one gets married. It is a cause for celebration! I have come bearing gifts.”

The door leading to Snape’s office slowly opened, drawing the attention of all the occupants.

“Mother?” Draco’s voice was above a whisper.

Narcissa stood regally, a single tear slid down her face as she nodded to her son. Draco crossed the room in two strides. He embraced his mother as if she were a piece of glass.

Unnoticed by the reunited pair, another couple slipped in the door.

“Mum? Dad?” Hermione asked, in shock.

“It’s us sweet pea.” Her mother answered. She flew into their arms.

The two teenagers caught up with their parents as Professors Dumbledore and Snape along with Ginny watched silently. Ginny thought it was a lovely gift. She and Hermione had stayed up and talked far into the night too many nights to count. Hermione was torn. She had learned not to refuse the bond, but she was still melancholy. She wanted love, not just a partner although she did admit she was very attracted to the Slytherin. She wanted her parents there on a day that was to be the most special in her life. She wanted her friends to stand with her. However, she was a logical person. Desperate times called for desperate measures. She knew she was settling and that she didn’t have a choice but it saddened her greatly.

After Draco and Hermione had caught up with their parents, it was time for introductions. There were some extremely tense moments. Narcissa warmly greeted Hermione, ensuring her that she was proud of the upcoming nuptials. Hermione’s parents were less than thrilled about their little girl getting married so young. However, Dumbledore had explained to them the dire consequences that could come from waiting. They were not happy but eventually came to an understanding. Draco was able to charm his way into her mother’s heart. Her father, well, she’d always be daddy’s little girl. After Draco promised to protect her with his life (leaving out the part that they would die together regardless), he warmed up.

Final preparations were made. Draco and Hermione would be married in an ancient binding ceremony. This one would only require those present to acknowledge the union. This would hopefully not register on the Ministry books and Voldemort would be none the wiser. The ceremony was to take place in the Great Hall at 9:00 Saturday night. Most of the students would be gone by then. It was a very risky move but they weren’t sure how much room they would need to contain the power surge from releasing the magical bindings on the teenagers. All doors would be sealed and heavily warded with signatures.

Unfortunately this ritual would require the consent of all four parents of the binding couple. Luckily there was a way for Snape to step in as the father. He needed to do a blood-binding ritual with Draco. The mingled blood would then fulfill the need of a blood relative to stand in. Snape was already Draco’s godfather by law, fulfilling the legal requirements as well. It had the benefit of being a familial bond and therefore, would not interfere with the magical bond the couple had.

“Godfather, are you sure you want to do this?”

“I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t,” Snape snapped. “I made an unbreakable vow to protect you. This falls within it. Besides, I think that with the blood-binding, it will also break the ability for your father to track you.”

“It isn’t that I’m not grateful for this godfather, but I have some concerns.”

“You need not be concerned. I am perfectly healthy and able to do this with you, although I’m not crazy about the side effects.”

“Side effects, sir?” Hermione asked.

“Yes,” Dumbledore answered. “They will each give a piece of themselves to the other, their blood if you will.”

Hermione’s eyes widened in understanding. Draco was concerned with the vampire characteristics that the professor possessed. If they were to exchange blood, there would be a good chance the malady would transfer across.

“It won’t, Miss Granger.” Snape answered quietly, as if sensing her thoughts. “Not entirely anyway. However, our characteristics are bound to change. Most likely, we will each gain a part of a feature from the other, such as eye color or hair. It will only be partial though and easily concealed if needed.”

Hermione nodded and then giggled madly. At Snape’s raised eyebrow, she clarified. “I just can’t imagine you as a blond, professor!”

That brought a chuckle to everyone and a wry smile from Snape. The blood bond would take place after they celebrated the upcoming nuptials.

The betrothed couple danced the night away with their guests. Even Snape joined in for a dance or two, rendering Ginny speechless and leaving Draco gaping as his godfather twirled his fiancée around the floor. After the festivities, Dumbledore announced that it was time for Snape and Draco to bond. Only the immediate family could be in the room but Dumbledore gave directions to Ginny and Hermione. They were to keep close to each other. There was no way to tell the exact effects of the bond or if this new bond would affect Hermione.

Hermione and Draco had managed to corner Snape earlier in the evening and ask exactly what would happen when the bond cemented. Snape admitted that he wasn’t entirely sure but he did know that vampirism was only passed through the glands in the fangs. However it was entirely possible for Draco to develop certain characteristics such as a heightened sense of smell or hearing, more strength, perhaps a flash of indigo in his eyes, or in the worst case scenario, he could develop fangs. He might even adopt some of the magnetism. He could assume none of it or all of it.

However, Snape assured him that he would NOT have to drink blood to regenerate, although he might develop a liking for blood play. Snape smirked wickedly as he gave this tidbit out and Hermione paled. Draco was somewhere between appalled and highly amused. His sexual appetite wasn’t exactly vanilla but blood wasn’t anywhere near his list of turn-ons.

Hermione gave her parents a tearful good bye. They would be returning that Saturday night, but it still made her sad. She wasn’t going to get to spend the holidays with them for the first time ever. It was just one more piece of her childhood that she was losing. In two days’ time, she would have a husband. Dumbledore gave them an old sock and made it into a port key. It would return them directly to their living room and then bring them back to the Great Hall an hour before the ceremony. As they faded away, Draco tenderly wiped a tear from Hermione’s cheek.

“They’ll be back.”

“I know,” she answered. Then she looked deeply into his eyes and he lowered his walls.

“It’s time Draco. After the ceremony, I’m going to have them obliviated and moved.”

“So soon?” He asked.

“After Saturday, who knows what is going to happen. I want them safe. I know they would protest if I asked them to leave. It will be better if they don’t know who I am.”

“What if they are found anyway? Death Eaters aren’t exactly merciful. They won’t leave them alone just because they don’t have a clue who you are anymore.”

“I know. It’s horrible, but I’m also doing this to cover our tracks. If they don’t know, they can’t spill any vital information.”

Draco nodded in understanding. Hermione was going to do whatever it took to get her parents away from the war. However, she felt bad because it wasn’t entirely selfless. She was becoming just a bit Slytherinish. He loved it.

“We all have to do what we have to do. It makes you no less of a good person if you happen to gain two things from it instead of one.”

Hermione nodded. She wasn’t the least bit convinced but she didn’t expect Draco to see anything wrong with her being selfish in this. He was a Slytherin after all. He was the very definition of his house: cunning, resourceful, and sneaky as well as selfish. Gryffindor courage and bravery rubbed him the wrong way sometimes because those attributes were given so blindly sometimes. However, together they made a great team. That is why she had agreed to this. They made up the parts of a whole; a whole that could bring down an evil bastard’s rein.

Hermione broke the connection and turned toward Narcissa who was waiting by the door to Snape’s office. It was obvious she was giving them some time. Still, Hermione thought she owed the woman a debt of gratitude. After all, she was allowing all of this to happen. She had no idea where Narcissa Malfoy stood on blood status but one thing was clear. She loved her son deeply and was willing to do whatever it took to keep him safe. Even let him marry a mudblood. Hermione timidly walked over to her.

“Mrs. Malfoy, I just wanted to thank you, for, well for everything.” She pleaded with her eyes for Draco’s mother to hear the words she couldn’t articulate.

She was thanking her for her support and her silence. Narcissa had taken an oath of silence before the planning began. She had also arranged to be obliviated after the ceremony. She would store all of her memories about her son’s wedding, his new wife, and their special connection for later use when restoring her memory, if she was ever able to. This way, even if the memory charm couldn’t be reversed, she could at least relive the moments in the pensieve. Her memories wouldn’t be lost forever and couldn’t be accessed by anyone in the meantime.

Voldemort was a highly skilled legilimens. He could probably find his way around an oath or a vow. Narcissa knew her occlumency was no match for his skills. It was safer that she know absolutely nothing than risk the despot stumbling upon damning information, or worse, Lucius. His mind had been twisted by the snakelike Lord’s promise of power. He was losing sight of his family completely. Once, there was a time when he would have hidden information to keep them safe. Now, she wasn’t so sure he wouldn’t offer her up on a pedestal with Draco chained at her feet for the chance to get higher in the Dark Lord’s ranks.

Narcissa tenderly placed a hand on her future daughter-in-law’s cheek. “You are most welcome Miss Granger. I doubt my son could have picked a better partner. I wish you both the best.” Then she gently took the stunned teenager into her embrace. Several minutes and tears of happiness and relief, the woman parted.

Hermione walked back over to Draco with a wistful smile on her face. He cocked his head in question.

“It’s a shame we won’t get the chance to get to know each other. I think we would have become good friends,” she whispered.

Draco nodded and clutched her into an embrace. “She really is lovely. I think you two would get along.” Then he gave her a very tender parting kiss and walked her to the door of the classroom. “Until tomorrow. I’m going to be half Snape in a minute Hermione. Think I’ll look good in black?” He grinned.

“Smashing!” She laughed.

She, Ginny, and Dumbledore left the classroom and the occupants within to perform the ritual blood bond that would allow Snape to claim Draco as his blood son. Draco would still be a Malfoy, but with Snape’s blood flowing through his veins, Lucius Malfoy’s hold over Draco would be over. He could no longer use his blood to track him and he wouldn’t have legal right to offer his son in any sort of contract. In short, Lucius Malfoy was fixing to lose his son and possibly his ticket back into the Dark Lord’s good graces.

“Ginny, you go on back to the common room. I’ll catch up with you in a bit, ok?” Hermione had waited until they were out of the dungeons before she decided she needed to talk to Dumbledore tonight. Her parents had to be taken care of.

“Sure Mione. I’ll just tell the boys that Snape had to revive you after knocking you out or something. They’ll most likely buy it.” Then Ginny gave a mischievous grin and turned toward Gryffindor tower. She had learned that there were some things she wasn’t going to be privy to regarding her best friend. The further she was sucked into the fold, the more she was willing to let them have secrets. Keeping things from her friends and family was taking a toll on the lively fifth year but she’d do it again in a heartbeat. Anything that would bring the end of the war closer was worth it.

“Professor Dumbledore, I wonder if I might have a word with you.” Hermione began.

“Yes of course Miss Granger, but I must tell you that I am sure I already know. Both Severus and Mr. Malfoy have brought the topic of your parents up in our discussions. You wish to keep them safe and by doing so, maybe keep yourselves safe as well.”

Trying to fight past the shock, Hermione merely nodded.

“Where would you like them to end up?” Dumbledore asked kindly.

“Well sir, I thought Australia might be nice. It’s far from here, generally off the Wizarding world’s map. They’ve wanted to go for ages. I think they would like it. Of course, they’d have to close down the practice and get their finances in order. Oh gosh, I hadn’t even thought of that.”

Hermione’s mind was reeling. How could she have been so stupid? Of course they couldn’t just pack up and leave. People would become suspicious. Furthermore, they couldn’t use their names anymore. It would be too easy to track.

“Miss Granger,” Dumbledore spoke, breaking into her thoughts. “I have taken the liberty to get it all worked out. Your parents will become Wendell and Monica Grange, a pair of dentist with no children. They’ve just come into a bit of money and decided to pursue their lifelong dream of owning a practice in Australia. I hope this pleases you.”

“Oh my, sir. It is perfect! How can I possibly repay you?”

Dumbledore waved his hand in dismissal. “Think of it as a wedding gift.”

“But you’ve already given us so much already sir. I couldn’t ask,”

“Ah, but you need to and it is done. Besides, one can never have too many gifts.” At this, Dumbledore smiled brightly and his eyes twinkled merrily.

“Thank you so much!” Hermione said with tears in her eyes.

“You are most welcome, Miss Granger. Now, I believe we’ve made the trek to your house. I bid you good day. Please stay close to Miss Weasley and I dare say it, Mr. Potter if things get a bit out of hand.”

At his pointed look, realization sunk in. Draco’s bond tonight could wreak havoc on his magic which would intern wreak havoc on hers since they had a bond. Even though it was in mind, it seemed to affect their magic more and more as the days passed. In order to calm their magic, they’d have to have someone of opposite magical polarity to balance it out. Harry was a phenom, even though he didn’t know it. His darkness could be enough to keep her light at bay.

“Of course sir. Um, will there be a way to…”

“Yes Miss Granger. If something were to happen, you would be summoned post haste although I am sure you would actually be one of the first to know.”

“Yes sir. Good night sir and thank you so much again, for everything.” She breathed as she gently touched his blackened arm. She didn’t mention that she saw a bit of a change when she did this. It was probably her eyes.

“Once again, you are welcome Miss Granger. Good night and pleasant dreams.”

Hermione turned and entered the common room to find Harry and Ron peeling bat bogeys from their face. She looked over toward the sofa where Ginny had her wand trained on the two. It wasn’t hard to figure out what happened. They had pressed her to find out exactly what went on with Snape and she’d had enough. Hermione could barely contain her mirth.

“There. All in one piece, just like I said she’d be. Believe me now?” Ginny snarked.

“Yes Gin,” came the answer from the two subdued boys.

“Now, I’m going to go ahead and sleep in Hermione’s room tonight just in case. Will that satisfy both of you gits?”

“Yes Gin.”

“Good.” Then Ginny grasped Hermione’s arm and stalked up the stairs to the girl’s dormitory. It could prove to be a very long night.

AN: I'm glad you're all still with me! Thanks so much for the reviews. *blushes* As always, let me know if there are any errors and how I'm doing. It's always nice to know and if you get confused, don't hesitate to ask. I'll answer it as best I can...(without giving away my plot!)
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