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Never Mine	By : RynStar15 Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 21248 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or the characters therein and do not make any money or intend any copyright infringement by placing them here.

Chapter List
- 10
- 11
- 12
"Unity!" I shouted at the Fat Lady who was clutching her best friend, Vi, in terror. The portrait swung open and I stumbled across the empty common room while the school shuddered under outside attack. A glance out the window showed a sea of Death Eaters at the entrance to the school, fighting to get in. Hagrid was running towards the Forbidden Forest and several teachers were standing guard with their wands raised, holding up the protective shields.
Cursing my own protective charms, I flew towards my dormitory and ripped open the trunk at the foot of my bed, throwing out objects in my haste to find the book I needed. Upon securing it, I flipped through the pages, my hands shaking so hard that several pages ripped in my rush. I cried out as I found the right page, yanking the book up nearly to my nose. I read a passage three times and threw the book from me, my body thrumming with newfound hope and determination. Clutching my wand tightly, I ran faster than I ever had in my life.
And fervently prayed that Ginny had found Draco in time.
…
One month, two weeks, and four days earlier…
I hovered somewhere between the dark and the pain, not really awake but not quite dead. No, not dead yet.
The pain was everywhere, surrounding me, swaddling me like an infant of perdition. I must have been moaning or screaming because someone was shushing me, soothing me. I choked on the liquid in my mouth, my throat struggling with the simple task. It burned like fire.
Fire...so much fire…
"She needs a Healer." The voice was strained but strong, soothing in its presence. Mrs. Weasley. She was the one comforting me. "I don't know enough-"
"The minister will only allow Madam Pomfrey. We can send Draco-" a voice suggested, the one who had stolen me from the fire. Tonks…the baby…was the baby alright?
"No, the children can't see him; they can't know we have him. Will you-?"
"Of course, I'll send him in to help."
"Quickly-"
The black took over.
...
I screamed. Surely, I was dying. The pain was more than I could bear. No one could live through this.
"Hold her down!"
Hands were pushing me down, my face pressed against a soft but firm surface. A bed. I was on a bed. I wondered vaguely why-and then the pain was ripping through me, tearing at my soul, pulling me down until death was a comforting mirage waiting just beyond the horizon…
And then someone else was speaking to me, slow, deep, familiar. This voice was different than the one above me, shouting instructions; it was inside my head, comforting. It spoke words I didn't understand but it calmed me even as it beckoned me from that illusion towards reality which was worse than I could have ever imagined it.
"Can't we give her anything for the pain?" the voice said, louder, angry, above me.
"Soon-hold her now. Miss Granger, you have to stay awake!"
Stay with me, Hermione. That voice again-a voice I knew, a voice which soothed. Hold on to me, listen to my voice, stay with me.
Draco, I'd know that voice anywhere. But it sounded different…something I couldn't put my finger on…
The horizon loomed closer, so peaceful...
Don't, Hermione, listen to me! I know it's hard but you have to stay with me-
My world went white. The agony shot through me in waves, stealing my breath, shattering me as I fought for air, abandoning all sense of reason.
Dammit, Hermione, hang on! Draco was all but screaming within me, dragging me forcefully from the bliss I sought. His voice sounded panicked. Was he okay? Was he hurt too? I had to get to him…
Then he chuckled, though it held no humor, only fear. Of course that's all you're worried about. No, I'm not hurt, I'm just fine. But I have to tell you something, you have to hold on so I can tell you…
I was being pulled under, the pain blinding…
"Miss Granger, stay with us now, open your eyes!"
But they burned-everything burned...
Almost, we're almost done and then you can sleep, just hold on, hold on to my voice.
And then the screaming overtook even the voice in my head.
Agony. Indescribable, all-encompassing agony, pain of which should never be felt, that no one could survive, that no one should survive…
A hand caught mine and I held on until the pain ebbed, miraculously, a small relief, enough that I could breathe, pull air into my scorching lungs.
"It's out, but there's too much blood…Molly, hold this here, Nymphadora, my potions, quickly now! Blood Replenishing-"
It's over, the worst is over now. A minute longer…
The black was swirling so tantalizing before me and I was slipping, my hold tenuous. I can't…
Yes, you can. You're a Gryffindor, the strongest person I know. You can't give up, you can't leave me. I have to tell you…
His hold on my hand tightened as the others spoke above me. I concentrated on that small shard of reality, one I wanted so desperately. I tried to squeeze his hand back, but I couldn't work my fingers anymore, my entire body numb…
"We're losing her-"
Don't you dare, don't you dare give up on me now-
"Molly, chant with me-"
"Come on, Hermione-"
Dammit, Hermione, I lied, I lied before, I need you, I need you here-
"It's sealed, the potion Nymphadora-"
Just hang on a moment longer, then you can sleep-
"Help me sit her up now. Drink this, Miss Granger."
I couldn't even manage to scream as I was shifted, lifted, my upper body ripping apart even as something was pressed against my lips, slipping between them to slide down my abused throat. I choked on the liquid, gagged.
"She's in pain, dammit!"
"This will help, we need you to drink, Miss Granger."
You made me take it Granger, this is just payback. I know it hurts, but you have to get this down.
"Her vitals are dropping-"
"She's lost too much blood-"
"We need another-"
Hold on, damn you-
...
Don't stop.
The burning hovered at the edge of my sanity, but something else stole my attention. Fingers woven between mine, clutching desperately. Something soft but firm pressed against my slightly parted lips and a pressure against my forehead. I couldn't open my eyes, my body too lethargic. All I could do was breathe through the fire and listen to that beautiful voice as it spoke.
Please, don't stop.
...
The fire raged, flames licking my back, seeping through my skin until it was inside me. I tried to pull it out but I couldn't lift my hands. I had to get to Verity, I had to save her...
Gods, I couldn't move, I was paralyzed. We were going to die, going to burn in this hell!
No, this couldn't be it, not after everything… I had to fight, but everything was pain-
It's alright Hermione, you're safe now.
Draco…
Yes, it's me, I'm here. You're safe, but you need to rest, to heal.
Something cool touched my cheek and I was brought back to the present. The flames weren't real, I was dreaming...
Voices floated over me, not Draco's, and I sank back into the black.
…
Reality was no more than a horrifying illusion. All I knew was pain and visions of stone walls and heeled boots covered in flames, the heat overpowering me and fear gripping me in its menacing claws.
You're safe, the voice said. They can't get you here. Don't listen to the nightmares. Potter's here, and Weasley. Listen to them, you're safe.
I was being pulled up, leaned against someone. My head fell onto their shoulder. I couldn't open my eyes, they were so heavy…
"Ron, hold her head, I don't think she can-"
Harry…he was here...
"Hermione, can you hear us?" Ron asked, his voice shaky. I tried to answer, but I doubt anything came out. It was hot, so hot. Couldn't someone put out the fire?
"Hermione, you need to drink this."
I tried to swallow the liquid but my throat burned. I coughed, and the pain racked through me until I was keening.
"Hermione, you have to get this down," Harry coaxed. He was the one holding me up. Not the one who held me down.
Fire, so much fire. The shop, the shop was on fire…
"Fred…" I croaked, my throat was so raw, my lungs searing at the effort, but I had to know. "George…"
"Don't worry about them," Ron said, his voice weak. "Just drink this, alright?"
I tried. I couldn't stop choking and when I choked I coughed and when I coughed the pain consumed me.
Relax, just breathe.
It hurts…
It will be better soon, I swear.
Finally, the black devoured me, wrapping me in its silky, pain-free embrace.
…
I was forced awake to drink several more potions before I gained the strength to finally open my eyes which burned like the deepest depths of Hades. It was dark; I was lying on my stomach. I tried to push myself up but a panicked voice stilled me.
"Don't try to get up," Harry said and my tired arms eased themselves at his voice. "Are you in pain?"
"Everywhere," I groaned. Would it ever end?
"I'll get Madam Pomfrey-"
"No," I grunted, my voice unusually rough. I reached out for his hand and he took it. I looked down at the contact and saw bandages covering my arm down to my hand. I tried to remember everything that happened, but it was blurring into chopped fragments of terror. The fire inside the shop, Verity, then the world had collapsed and the fire…the fire was everywhere…
"Tell me," I croaked. The twins, I needed to know, needed to know if they were still alive, if Verity had survived. I couldn't remember anything after the wall had collapsed; they needed to know they had been taken... "Please-"
"Try not to talk," Harry replied sounding strained. "Don't worry about that now. You need to rest. I'll get your Sleeping Potion."
"No…" Was that really my voice? "Where-"
"Is she awake?" a worried voice asked from above me.
"Ron…"
"Hermione! Gods, we've been so worried." Ron knelt beside me, his face so full of concern I wanted to reassure him but I couldn't find the words. "How are you?"
"She's not supposed to be talking, Ron," Harry reprimanded. "Go get Madam Pomfrey, she needs another Pain Potion."
"No," I begged hoarsely. Couldn't they see I had to know? "The twins..."
Ron's face fell. "We don't know."
"Ron, shut it! Hermione-"
"What's the point in lying to her, Harry? She wouldn't lie to us! She'll find out sooner or later!"
"She needs to rest-"
"We haven't found them yet," Ron said shakily, looking back to me, his hand coming to mine where it was still entwined with Harry's. "But we're working on it."
My heart dropped. "I didn't…"
"Don't be thick!" Ron said. "You saved Verity's life! Mum told us about the Patronus, there was nothing you could have done…"
I remembered Mrs. Weasley falling to the floor, I'd never seen so much pain. I had to get to her…
I tried to sit up and Harry began yelling at Ron for telling me while they both tried to push me back down, resulting in someone touching my back which made me cry out in anguish.
In a cacophony of yells and movement I was being sat up by warm, gentle hands, propped against a strong chest, a potion thrust in my mouth. I choked.
Swallow, Granger, this will help.
"Malfoy! What are you-?"
"Shove it, you sadistic bastards! Can't you see she's in pain?"
"We were just about to-"
"Yeah who do you-?"
I lost track of the conversation and simply melted into Draco's touch as the pain lessened to a dull throb. I burrowed my forehead into his warm neck, his scent comforting as the three argued above me. Another potion was pressed to my lips and I drank obligingly, seeking the dreamless sleep that would ensue. I slumped against Draco's chest, one of his hands clutching my uninjured hip protectively, and was floating away…
...
"Hermione, dear, open your eyes," Mrs. Weasley murmured. I stirred, but my body was so tired…
"Come on now, there's a girl. It's time for your medicine."
I forced my eyes open and looked into the watery ones of my mother in every way but blood. Her words were senseless in my hazy world. Medicine?
"Mrs. Weasley," I grated out, my throat so sore…why was it sore? And why was Mrs. Weasley…? Right, she'd made us tea, Malfoy was uncomfortable…
"Yes, dear?" She turned and bustled with one of nearly a dozen potions crowded on my bedside table with gauze and bottles of salves and myriad other things. Confused, I glanced around, the small movement causing me so much pain that I stopped. I was in a room, I'd obviously been hurt...
The fire, the twins, Verity, the key, I had to tell them…
"Mrs. Weasley-the room-"
"Hush, dear, we'll go over everything in a moment, you need to take your potions."
I buried my head into my pillow as she continued to prepare my medicinal cocktail. Guilt and grief assailed me at the knowledge of my failed mission. Fred and George were gone, the shop was destroyed, the room Fred had been so desperate to save likely buried or demolished. I needed to get out there, to find it for them…
"What time is it?" I asked.
"Just after ten in the morning."
"What?" I yelled, probably rupturing a few of the blisters coating my throat. "I have to go, I have to-"
I tried to get up and was met by a wall of agony. I couldn't stop the screams that tore from me, even when they doubled the anguish. I didn't need the hands that pushed me back down, the world spinning until I was sick. Several hands heaved me to the side of the bed where a pot was shoved under me and I retched over and over, the pain tearing through me until I was left slumped, shuddering.
A dull litany of cursing wove through me while worried voices conversed above me. Strong arms eased me back onto the bed properly and I whimpered at the pain it brought. A cold cloth was pressed to my lips and the sick was cleared away.
I could hear myself moaning but it was as if I had no control over it or the rest of my body as I was sat up, my back and lungs searing. My movements were stiff and I realized both arms were bandaged all the way down to my hands as well as my back from my armpits down to my rear and I realized belatedly that the only thing covering my front side was a thin layer of bandage. I had obviously severely underestimated the damage.
A goblet was pressed to my lips and I drank greedily, trying to ignore the pain in my throat, knowing the bliss that would follow. I kept my eyes shut to slow the whirling room, sitting as still as possible to regain my equilibrium, clutching the arm of whoever had sat me up.
"What Molly has yet to inform you is that it's ten in the morning on Thursday," a drawling voice told me.
My brain felt fuzzy. It was Thursday? I had been out for-
"Four days?" I cried raggedly, wrenching my sore eyes open and taking in the scene around me. Draco was sitting behind me on the bed, one arm around my middle keeping my weak body upright. Mrs. Weasley and Tonks were hovering anxiously above me, both looking bedraggled.
"Yes, dear, you've been in and out of it the last couple of days, do you remember anything?"
"I don't…" I shook my head, trying to remember. Voices mixed with fire and pain and potion after potion.
And Draco, always Draco, in my head, comforting me, calming me. I looked up into his face for the first time. He'd tried to put up his mask of indifference, but it was cracked with worry and fatigue. I squeezed his arm where I was holding it and turned away before the women got suspicious.
"Where are Fred and George?"
Tears sprang into Mrs. Weasley's eyes and Tonks shuffled nervously.
"You need to rest, dear," Mrs. Weasley said thickly, her trembling hands nearly knocking over a potion as she grabbed for it, Tonks hurrying over to help her.
"Please, I have to know," I begged and Draco's arm tightened around me. "Verity-?"
"She's fine," Tonks said, taking the bottle from Mrs. Weasley and pressing her into one of the two chairs beside my bed. "Recuperating. Couple bottles of Skele-Gro and she'll be right as rain in a couple days."
I sighed, my anxiety eased minutely. At least she was alright.
"Have you heard anything?"
Tonks wavered.
"You might as well tell her, she'll give you no rest until she gets what she wants," Draco rumbled behind me and the corner of my lip twitched.
"I'll get Arthur."
While we waited for the two to return, I kept my gaze averted from Mrs. Weasley who was sniffling in the chair, twisting a rag in her hands. Draco's thumb rubbed my side slowly where he held me, his other hand finding my fingers which rested on the bed. My chest tightened, this time not painfully, and I twined mine with his, vaguely recalling a similar sensation, until footsteps sounded on the stairs and our hands broke apart, Draco turning away from me slightly but still keeping a gentle hold on me to keep me upright.
"Hermione, it's good to see you up," Mr. Weasley said, his smile sad, though his relief seemed genuine. "You've had us all very worried."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean-"
Mr. Weasley cut me off by shaking his head and lowering himself on the chair next to Mrs. Weasley, taking her hand and stilling the incessant twisting. "What is the last thing you remember?"
I bit my lip as I worked through the muggy haze of my memory. I told them everything I recalled seeing, hearing, and doing, though none of them seemed surprised so I figured Verity had already told her version. Mrs. Weasley was crying silently during my tale and I felt Draco's fingers flinch against me when I spoke of the wall collapsing.
"Have you been able to get into the room?" I asked, praying my efforts hadn't been for naught.
"Yes, actually," Mr. Weasley said, his voice weak. "Verity gave us the key which is, in fact, derived from the ones you made for Dumbledore's Army."
I felt myself blush and smiled with the knowledge that I'd unknowingly contributed to their secret.
"Both the boys have matching ones and they used to use them to communicate, though as of yet they haven't sent her any messages."
I could hear how pinched his voice was and my own heart fell. If they had means of communication and they hadn't used it…
"Verity explained how to get to the trap door underneath. Press the galleon in and say this silly phrase-"
"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good?" I offered with a small smile and all three adults looked at me confusedly.
"Yes, in fact, how did you know?" Mr. Weasley answered.
"Something from school," I replied, pointedly not going into detail.
"Well, yes, you say that and it opens up to this little room…we had no idea they were working on so much…"
"Weapons for the war," Tonks interjected. "They've been making all kinds of useful items. And the radio for PotterWatch is down there, and a bunch of explosives-"
"Thank Merlin they were down there and not in the shop," I replied. "The fireworks were bad enough."
"Made for quite the show," Tonks grinned and I let out a small laugh, the discomfort in my throat arguing her sentiments, though I'm sure from the outside it had looked rather wild. From the inside, however…
I shuddered and Draco's fingers tightened almost painfully, though he continued to sit ram-rod straight, gazing at the wall as if bored with our conversation.
I swallowed painfully, pushing back the images. "Any leads?"
"None yet," Mr. Weasley said sadly and Mrs. Weasley let out a muffled sob. My own eyes watered at images of the twins in that dungeon, cold and scared, waiting for the sound of heels…
Stop.
I started at the voice within my head, though Draco made no indication he'd said anything.
Mrs. Weasley rose suddenly, shaking off her husband's hand. "Nymphadora dear, if you could-"
"Of course Molly, why don't you go lay down?"
"Yes, yes, I think…" she trailed off, heading for the door, the cloth she'd been wringing pressed to her mouth. Mr. Weasley rose heavily, looking as though he'd aged a decade. He came over to me and placed his hand on my cheek.
"Thank you, Hermione," he murmured. "Without you we never would have known…"
"They're my family, too," I whispered back and his eyes welled. He leaned forward and pressed a fatherly kiss to my forehead before turning to Draco.
"Thank you for taking care of my girl."
Draco stirred uncomfortably. "Glorified armrest."
Tonks sniggered and Mr. Weasley left, clapping Draco on the shoulder which made him jump and bump my back which made me gasp in pain.
"Shite-"
"It's fine-"
"Here, drink this," Tonks offered, stumbling over Mr. Weasley's recently vacated chair as she handed me the vial that was still in her hand. I winced as I reached for it but Draco snatched it out of Tonks' hand roughly, flicking off the stopper and holding it to my lips. Tonks and I shared a bewildered look and the older woman's eyebrows shot into her Weasley-red hair, a knowing smirk on her face.
I drank obligingly and Tonks began to back out of the room, tripping over the chair once more.
"I'll just-whoops!-er, leave you two be…"
"You don't have to-" Draco started but she was already out the door. He turned to me hesitantly, his face unreadable as he looked me over.
"Bed," he said simply and I nodded, feeling the drugging effects of the potion invade my senses and he eased me slowly back onto my stomach, bringing a cool sheet up to my shoulders and settling it softly, as if the slight weight might injure me further.
He scratched the back of his head needlessly, looking down at me. "I'll-er-let you rest then…"
My hand shot out and took his, stilling his retreat. He looked down at the contact, then back to my face. I smiled at him groggily.
"I promise not to come on to you," I muttered thickly. He let out a soft laugh and dragged the still-standing chair closer to me.
"Good luck with that, Granger."
"Jean."
"Come again?"
"My middle name is Jean."
I opened one bleary eye to see his expression. He pondered for a moment as if trying the name on.
"Jean. It suits you. Mother's?"
"Grandmother's."
I felt myself drifting off, but the sound of his voice tugged me back.
"Abraxas. Grandfather."
"Abraxas," I rolled the name on my tongue. "It suits you."
The last thing I saw was Draco's signature smirk.
…
When I woke again, Madam Pomfrey was changing my bandages. "Decided to join the living, have you?" she said kindly.
"Why are you here?" I asked, not meaning to sound so rude or unintelligent, but my mind couldn't seem to grasp more than that simple sentence.
"I'm going to assume you are wondering why I am at headquarters instead of Hogwarts?" I nodded. "Well, they couldn't very well take you to St. Mungo's dear, not when there is a hefty reward on your head. You're safe enough at Hogwarts but taking you to a place like that with your injuries?" She tsked. "No, much safer to bring you here."
"Thank you for coming," I said. "I wouldn't have made it without you."
She scoffed. "Quidditch, basilisks, falling buildings-you children get into enough trouble to turn my hair grey!"
I smiled and noted my left cheek hurt. Then again, what didn't? "So, what is my diagnosis?"
"Punctured right lung. Second and third degree burns over your back and arms, that piece of wood right over there was lodged about halfway through you right here," she touched a rather tender area with a cloth drenched in a foul-smelling liquid as my eyes widened at a large chunk of wood someone had propped against the wall, my blood still coating it. "That's what collapsed your lung. Some pretty nasty cuts up here, one on your left cheek, another on your right forearm. Left elbow was broken along with a couple ribs down here," she tapped my lower left side and I winced. "Other than that, a lot of bumps and bruises."
"Is that all?" I scoffed.
"More than I wanted to deal with on a Monday evening, I'll tell you. Lost a good amount of blood so you'll continue drinking this Blood Replenishing Potion for two more days as well as this one here to help with your skin re-growth, and this one here for your lungs, these two are for your bones and muscles, respectively, this one here for your pain, and this one here to help you sleep. Molly has them all on a time sheet so don't you worry about that. All I want you to do is rest. You gave us a right scare, Miss Granger."
"I'm lucky you were here," I said genuinely.
"I've lost more than enough students this year," she said lowly. "I wasn't about to lose another. Though after that curse you took two years ago, I knew you were made of stronger stuff. I'll be back on Sunday to change these bandages again."
"Thank you, Madam Pomfrey," I said, my voice still rough and scratchy. I was never more grateful for magic as now knowing that my recovery would only take a few weeks as opposed to the months and years it would have taken as a Muggle. I closed my eyes, reveling in the quiet after the nurse left. I ached all over, but considered myself quite lucky having had a burning ceiling collapse on me.
I heard the door open and turned my head, wincing at the movement. I was somewhat surprised to see Draco enter the room.
"So, how is our heroine of the week feeling?" he asked, crossing his arms and taking a seat, his warm demeanor towards me seeming to have reverted back to our normal state now that I wasn't in imminent peril of death.
"I'm no heroine."
"I think blondie down the hall would say otherwise."
I closed my eyes, too tired to argue. "Thank you for all your help. I owe you one."
"You don't owe me anything." His voice was hard, much harder than was necessary. I chanced my eyes open and Draco was staring at me intensely. "What the fuck is your problem, Granger?"
"What?" I snapped, confused, forgetting for a moment about my injuries, and pushed myself up. My newly repaired elbow gave out and my burns blazed, my lungs seared. Before I could even cry out Draco was there, easing me back down.
"Dammit, Granger! What are you doing, trying to kill yourself again?"
"Again? Draco, what-?"
"Have you completely lost your mind? You can't find me so you throw yourself out into the street to be caught by Death Eaters? Molly starts crying over something and you're suddenly jumping into burning buildings? Do you have a death wish?"
"Of course not!"
"You could fool me!"
"Draco, what is all this about?" I asked exasperatedly. I realized belatedly that I was now referring to him by his given name and he had reverted back to my surname. Something had changed since he'd held my hand as I fell asleep.
He knelt beside me; our faces were close enough that I could see the purple bags under his eyes and the grayish pallor that had come over him. He looked as bad as I felt.
Several moments passed before he spoke, his jaw twitching as he was clenching it so hard.
"Nothing. Just get some rest."
He rose and left, ignoring when I called him back. I groaned and instantly regretted it.
It wasn't long until I realized that I had to use the loo and had no idea how I was going to do it. Grumbling inwardly as my sore throat wouldn't allow me otherwise, I eased my legs off the bed and tried to lift myself up, quickly coming to terms with the fact that my left elbow didn't want to hold any weight at all. Figuring there was nothing for it, I attempted the strange maneuver with just my right arm, succeeding in nothing more than crashing painfully to the floor.
I moaned, smacking my forehead on the hardwood at my abysmal attempt as flames licked at my back and arms. I was just wondering what my next step would be when Draco flew into the room, cursing.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" he growled, dropping to my side.
"Would you please stop yelling at me?" I begged, my pounding head still trying to work out how I was going to stand without using either arm or my back when I was so weak.
"Is there a reason you threw yourself out of bed?"
"I didn't throw myself," I complained, bending my knees for leverage. "I just sort of, toppled."
He swore the air blue and put an arm under my stomach, hoisting me up to my feet where I swayed ominously, the world flipping on itself. Luckily his Seeker reflexes were on their game today as he grabbed me and held me still until the world straightened itself.
"Sorry," I apologized, grasping his arm tightly. "Haven't stood up in a couple days."
"Might I ask why you feel the need to go gallivanting around days after a building falls on you?" he snarled.
"I'm not gallivanting I just-er-need the loo," I admitted, blushing. For once he said nothing but insisted on helping me there which (I would never admit) I actually needed. My legs were wobbly and I felt weaker than I had in my entire life from lack of proper nutrition and loss of blood. I forced him to leave me alone once inside the bathroom and I managed painfully on my own, wishing dearly that I could take a shower but contented with washing my armpits and the parts of my face, neck and chest not covered in a bright yellow goo. I tried not to think about how I had relieved myself over the last day and a half.
I looked a wreck. My hair was matted, singed, full of grey ash and blood, piled on top of my head where someone had gathered it to get it out of the way. Clean white bandages covered my entire upper body to my armpits and the paste on my cheek did not add to my appearance. I groaned again, apparently still failing to learn my lesson, and Draco banged on the door.
"If you're not out in ten seconds I'm coming in after you!" he roared and I rolled my eyes.
I stiffly pulled the bolt on the door and had to step back as Draco barged in.
"Bed," he snapped.
"What's with this sudden attitude?" I asked, completely bewildered. "Did I say something to upset you?"
He simply stood aside and I ambled past him, fuming. I was tired of his cold demeanor. I couldn't think of a thing I said to have angered him, unless I'd said something while I'd been out of it. I had thought we'd made such progress, he'd shown such concern…
However mad at him I was, I needed his help back into bed. Neither of us said a word as he lowered me onto the mattress and took his leave. I barely had time to grumble about his despicable behavior when Mrs. Weasley bustled in with a tray and began spoon feeding me broth which burned my throat but I didn't complain as she was sniffling the entire time and I knew her mind was on Fred and George. She forced more potions down me and hurried out while I drifted off, my thoughts on where the twins might be at this very moment…
…
"Shut it, Ron, you're going to wake her up!"
"Well, I didn't know it was going to sing, did I?"
"Shh!"
"Look, see, she's awake already!"
"Not before you woke her, you prat!"
"How are you, Hermione?" Harry asked, cutting into Ron and Ginny's bickering.
"Like a building fell on me," I replied and mustered a smile, a pang running through my cheek. "Help me up, would you? I hate lying here staring at your kneecaps."
"Are you sure you should get up?" Ginny worried.
"I'm fine, Gin, really. Just sore," I reassured her. The boys each took an arm, trying to only touch the front part where I hadn't been burned and slowly, painfully, I was able to get into a sitting position. I tried to still my head as the world rushed around me, attempting not to show how dizzy I was to the other three.
"Here, mum said you're supposed to drink this when you wake up," Ginny said, handing me a goblet full of steaming potion, looking thoroughly unappetizing to my burning throat. I took it without a word, grimacing at the horrid taste of the Blood Replenishing Potion. Ginny took the goblet from me and settled on the bed next to me while the boys sank into the chairs opposite.
"Any news on Fred and George?" I asked, looking at them all in turn, ignoring the pain in my neck at the movement.
"Not yet," Ron said, his voice distressed. "Lupin…Lupin reckons they just wanted them out of the way, you know? Their radio station was bringing on too much attention. Lee's gone into hiding."
"I don't care what anyone says," Ginny said. "They're smart, they would have gotten away. I've been tuning into their station every night-"
"Gin…"
"You don't know them like I do, Hermione!" she cried, her eyes bright. "They had plans in case they were caught. As soon as they find somewhere safe they'll make the next episode."
Ron nodded but Harry and I just looked at each other. Verity told me the Death Eaters had them…could they possibly have gotten away?
"Look what Verity sent you, Hermione," Harry said, breaking the tense silence. He handed me a revolting singing card which looked oddly like something Fred and George would come up with.
"How is she?" I asked, handing it back to him without opening it as my head was aching.
"Better. She's been moved to a safe house and she's starting to walk," Ginny replied. "She keeps owling about you."
"I'm glad she's alright."
Mrs. Weasley brought up ice cream for all of us, which I was very thankful for as my throat was killing me. We talked for a while longer before they were shooed back to school and I back to bed, but not before begging the boys to bring my assignments to me. More potions were pressed upon me and I lay back down stiffly, exhaustion taking over.
…
When I woke again it was dark, bright moonlight streaming through my bedroom window. Thirsty, I wondered vaguely how I was going to get up this time before there was a voice by my ear.
"Planning your next rescue mission?"
I jumped and turned my head, hissing in pain as it pulled at my raw skin. "What are you doing?" I whispered.
Draco raised an eyebrow. "I was wondering the same thing."
"I was sleeping!"
He said nothing, an odd expression on his face. "Draco, what is going on with you? What happened?"
"Nothing," he murmured. "Do you need more pain potion?"
"I'm fine," I said, not wanting him to know how much I hurt. "I could use some water, though. Would you mind-?"
He lifted me bodily by my stomach once more and helped me into a sitting position.
"I have to say, it's a lucky thing it's your back that's hurt and not your front. I rather like your front."
I smacked his arm and he grinned. I couldn't help but blush as he handed me a goblet of water, his fingers brushing mine. I could already feel my throat healing, the cool water soothing. When I'd had my fill, I set it shakily on the bedside table and turned to Draco who was watching me with a hawk-like intensity, his arms crossed over his chest.
"Why aren't you in bed?" I asked, resisting the urge to lean against the wall as I knew it would hurt more than help. He shrugged and I sighed. "I'm not on my deathbed. I don't need to be babysat."
"Didn't say you did. What makes you think I'm here to make sure you don't snuff it?"
"Then why else are you here? Are you going to yell at me again for rescuing Verity?"
His jaw clenched. "I should. But no, that's not why I'm here."
"Then what is it?"
He stared at me. "How did you know? About the Horcruxes?"
I returned his gaze, wishing I was wearing more than a bunch of bandages wrapped mummy-like around me as I suddenly felt exposed. Why now? Out of all the times I had tried to talk to him and now, when I'm at my most vulnerable, he wants to talk. It struck me that it was probably that very reason he'd chosen now.
Determined to show him that I trusted him completely, I squared my shoulders as much as I could and looked him dead in the eye.
"Dumbledore."
He nodded. "I figured. And he-he found them?"
"One. He found one. He would have found two but your uncle had already gotten to it. Regulus," I answered to his questioning look. "He had already found Slytherin's locket. Harry and Dumbledore went to get it the night...the night he died."
Draco paled. "That's where he had been?" I nodded. "And the rest?"
"Harry destroyed the diary your father gave to Ginny in our second year. You remember that? In the Chamber of Secrets?"
His eyes bugged. "That was a Horcrux?"
"Yes. Dumbledore was the only one who saw it for what it was. He told Harry about it last year. While you were trying to get Death Eaters into the school, Harry was learning everything he could about Tom Riddle. There was a family ring, hidden in a shack where Voldemort's ancestors, the Gaunts, lived. Dumbledore destroyed it and, by consequence, acquired the curse that would have killed him had Snape not gotten to him first."
I stopped as Draco leaned forward, his elbows leaning against his knees. I knew that night had to be a hard memory. It seemed Snape had informed him of the curse, however, as he didn't seem thrown by the information, though his expression was weary.
"Are you sure you want to hear all of this?"
"Yes," he ground out. "I have to know."
"And you'll…keep it quiet?" I asked nervously. He looked up at me, his eyes narrowed.
"You mean will I not spill all of your secrets to the Death Eaters?" Bravely, I nodded. "I owe nothing to them. Your secrets are safe with me."
When I hesitated, he held my eyes and said seriously, "You can trust me, Granger. I know I haven't earned it and I don't expect you to, but I am never going back to them. Never." The conviction in his voice erased any doubt in my mind.
"Alright. Well, we tracked down the locket. It had been hidden in this house until Dung stole it and gave it to Umbridge."
"Wait, Professor Umbridge?" he barked incredulously.
"The very same. Ron, Harry, and I had to break into the Ministry to get it. I assume you heard about that?"
"The break-in, yeah, but we were never told about the locket! Of course, most of the Death Eaters know nothing about the Horcruxes. I didn't hear about them until…well, just recently." I could tell there was more to this story, but I didn't press him, not just yet.
"Well, I'm guessing she didn't even realize it was gone until later and never connected it. She wouldn't have known what it was either, I'm sure. She thought it was from her ancestors, the Selwyn's." I let out a derisive laugh. "Horrible woman. Anyway, Snape had already snuck us the sword of Gryffindor before…"
I couldn't get myself to talk about him and all he had risked for us, everything we knew only after it was too late. I swallowed painfully and continued, my voice gravelly. "Ron destroyed the locket. When your aunt captured me at that battle back in September I heard her talking about the extra protection on her Gringotts vault. I put two and two together and when I finally broke out we got Ron's brother, Bill, to help us break into the vault and found Helga Hufflepuff's goblet. I destroyed that and we figured Ravenclaw was the only other one it could be. Harry spoke with the Ravenclaw ghost, the Grey Lady, and we found out about the diadem which Harry remembered seeing in the room where you spent all of your time last year. Harry destroyed that one."
"And Nagini?" he asked, his voice low, though he already knew the answer.
"I killed her in the last battle at your Manor. Harry was able to distract Voldemort long enough for me to get to her."
We were silent for a long time and I could almost see the wheels in Draco's head turning and I wished now, more than ever, that I knew Legilimency.
"Draco…I need to ask you something."
"You should get some rest," he said rising. "Thank you for telling me."
"Draco wait-"
"Take your potions."
"Draco!" I called as he strode from the room. I rose to follow him but the pain that radiated from my back and lungs sent me to my knees where I stayed for a long time until the world righted. Anger was hot on the heels of the pain, swelling until I almost couldn't contain it. Why wouldn't he tell me? He knew something, and after everything I'd done for him, everything I'd told him, he still wouldn't trust me…
"Hermione! Dear, what are you doing on the floor?" Mrs. Weasley cried. "Do you need the restroom again?"
"Yes," I grated out, using this excuse so as not to admit that I had once again failed to get an answer. Mrs. Weasley helped me to the bathroom and handed me a toothbrush and, when I emerged, gave me more potions and lowered me back into bed. Before I could do more than seethe at Draco's guarded nature, the potions overcame me and I was gone once more.
…
XOXO
RynStar15
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