Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Bound	By : goldhorse Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 126052 -:- 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
- 17
- 18
- 19
Hermione’s eyes popped open when she heard the muffled sounds of an argument drifting in from upstairs. She was certain that if she didn’t have her new enhanced hearing, it would be imperceptible. She rubbed her eyes and looked at the alarm clock on the nightstand beside her. It read three A.M. It would have been nine A.M. back home but considering she and Draco had only gone to bed five hours ago after a very long day, she was exhausted. The voices escalated, causing her to listen carefully.

“Why won’t you listen to me?” It was Harmony’s voice, still raspy but stronger than it was before.

“Because you always say the same thing!” Melody hissed.

“You can’t see! How in the fuck are you going to get there and back?”

“Izzy will take me to the port key. I can walk the ten feet to the entrance easily. Then I’ll pass through and I can see just fine there. I’ve been doing this for years and you haven’t complained this bad before.”

“He hasn’t been here in years. It was necessary to keep you from killing us all but now you don’t have to go.”

“I am NOT going to ask him.”

“He’d say yes in a heartbeat.”

“And what would Celeste say, hmm? If you were her, would it be okay?”

“So you are going to get yourself killed because you don’t want to appear to steal her soul mate even though you know he can do it without breaking whatever fucked up morals you two have.”

“No,” Melody’s voice was suddenly wavering. “I’m going so I can see him one more time.”

“You’ve let yourself become nothing more than a blood cow!”

“I’d rather sustain him with my blood than give him my heart. It will be easier for him to move on if he never touches me.”

“I’d think taking your blood would be more intimate than fucking you,” Harmony spat.

Melody sighed heavily. “Why do you accept Celeste so easily and even tolerate Severus when you can’t accept Alex? They’ve all got fangs Harmony, the same impulses. Just because Alex is undead doesn’t make him unfeeling. He’s one of the rare ones who hasn’t lost his humanity yet and I’d like to delude myself into thinking that I might have just a bit to do with that.”

“I’ve seen him feed on you. It’s like he’s reached his nirvana.”

Melody chuckled. “It’s no different than you drinking that horrible chocolate concoction you swear is pure heaven. I am his food and apparently I am a delicacy but if he were to fuck me too, we’d both be lost. Vampire or not, he still has the ability to get his heart broken and I’m not going to make his eternity any darker by breaking him.”

“He just fed a few weeks ago,” Harmony snapped.

Melody snorted. “How do you think we’ve been paying for him to patch us up every fucking time we turn around, hmm? Philippe might cut us a break because he loves you more than life itself, but he’s still got bills. Alex doesn’t need money, he needs blood and so I pay it, willingly. Now, I’m done arguing. I’m leaving right now. If I don’t come back, be sure to give Sev that drawing and the letter.”

“Why can’t you wait until he comes back at least? You can give it to him yourself.”

“Um hum. Then he’ll shackle me to the ceiling and take the crop to my ass for daring to risk my life. No thanks. I’ll be lucky if Izzy can get to that port key before he can. He’s been prowling the edge of the pasture all evening. He’s asleep right now but he’s a light sleeper.”

“At least take Celeste with you,” Harmony said, panic in her voice.

“Celeste isn’t here, is she? Besides, if she came now, Sev would wake up.” She chuckled loudly. “She’s in season.”

“Oh good God,” Harmony said, exasperated. “Well, that will make it easier. You honestly think he’s not going to storm off the second he sees her?”

“No I don’t,” Melody said softly, her footsteps moving toward the front door. “I do think Celeste needs to win him over before he sees her though, makes the venom sting a bit less if you ask me. Goodbye sis. If I don’t come back, I do love you.”

The door shut and Hermione heard the sounds of muffled sobbing move up the stairs and across the hall. So Melody was playing blood cow to pay for their medical bills and to still the flares she experienced. It was sad, really. They were dying and yet still trying so hard to live. She couldn’t help but wonder though. The twins in the story died within the week. This had been going on for six years. Why weren’t they dead yet?

“It’s obvious isn’t it?” Draco said softly, startling her badly. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.”

“I just thought you were still asleep. What’s obvious though?”

“The first set of twins in the story obviously weren’t allowed companionship so there would be no chance for a successor. Harmony and Melody have companionship, it seems. They still have a chance to pass it on to their children. Besides, every spell has a loop hole.”

“What would the loop hole be then? I mean, it’s obvious that Melody can’t have children if her soul mate is a vampire, although Harmony might if it is true that Philippe loves her. I see nothing else.”

“Except the end of the story. The sisters used their gifts out of love and they lived prosperously. What if using their gifts selflessly delays the effects? The first set of twins had no opportunity to use them that way.”

“You’re saying you think they’ve not died because they’ve been using their powers selflessly?” Hermione asked incredulously.

“Why not? They’ve obviously been helping Dumbledore here lately. What’s to say they haven’t helped others?”

“It’s an interesting theory. I wonder if it could reverse their symptoms then. We know Melody went blind but what’s wrong with Harmony?”

“She’s very weak,” Draco said softly. “I felt it when I repaired her bones. They’re like glass, unable to withstand even the smallest amount of force. I think it’s why Melody happily takes the brunt of the beatings and is still in better shape afterwards.”

“Still, something doesn’t add up. Even switching part of their magic should have left them able to perform it. It’s still there since they have outbursts.”

“Hermione, playing with a magical core is an extremely dangerous thing and one of the side effects is loss of magic. The only thing it did was keep Melody’s core from deteriorating.”

“I still think it should have worked. Anyway, it’s still early here and it doesn’t look like anyone’s going to be back for a while. Let’s try to get some more rest.”

“Oh I don’t think so,” Draco growled as he rolled over on top of her. “According to Melody, the best way to connect our powers is lots of sex. I agree.”

Hermione blushed profusely. “We just did last night.”

“And?” Draco drawled and kissed her below her right ear. He smirked at her shiver. “Practice makes perfect.” He trailed kisses down to the pulse in her neck. “I want to try something different. We’ve only got a few weeks together where we don’t have to constantly keep a look out. In between lessons and meditation and research, we still won’t have that much time. Let’s use it wisely.” He licked the metallic scar on her collarbone and followed it to the end under her breast.

Hermione panted. “What did you want to try?”

“Well, the twins did give me an idea.” He drew back and smiled. Her eyes widened when she saw his fangs come down. They only surpassed his teeth by a few centimeters but they were wickedly sharp. She started scooting up the bed, terrified.

“Shhhhh. I just want to see something. If you don’t like it, just say the word.” His arm stopped her escape. Then he lowered his head to her pulse point and kissed her gently. He sucked the tender skin into his mouth for a second and then laved it with his tongue, soothing the small ache. Suddenly, she felt something scrape across her skin. She broke out in goose bumps as a feeling of pure euphoria broke out over her body.

“Oh Merlin!” She moaned. “Do that again.” She felt another scrape and another wave of ecstasy.

“What does it feel like?” Draco whispered as he kissed her pulse point again. He hadn’t broken the skin, just reddened it a bit.

“Pure pleasure,” Hermione sighed. Then she opened her mouth and willed her fangs to come out. Wiggling around a bit, she was able lean up and gently scraped her fangs against Draco’s collarbone. He moaned loudly and involuntarily thrust his hips forward. His length already hardened and pulsing with need. She did it again and he groaned loudly, pulling back and panting.

“You keep doing that and I’m going to lose it,” he panted. She gave him a Slytherin worthy smirk and leaned over to scrape them against his forearm that he was using to prop himself up. He shuttered from the feelings and then growled loudly, grabbing both her arms and penning them above her head. “Minx!”

Hermione gasped from the pressure he put on her wrists. It felt strangely wonderful. She’d never liked being manhandled but she felt herself wanting more. Her eyes dilated and she started panting. Draco narrowed his eyes and squeezed her wrists gently, causing a gasp to escape her lips. His face lit up and he took her mouth in a brutal kiss.

She could feel the pleasure this new revelation had given him come across their bond in waves. It caused her own arousal to increase. She found that she wanted to please him. They’d had a very long conversation before they’d gone to bed and discovered several things about each other, some uncomfortable, some disturbing. The overwhelming need to please each other was a new development and it was making itself known right now.

Draco released her mouth from the fierce kiss and drug his lips down her body, scraping his fangs against soft skin her every now and then. She was writhing in ecstasy. “Please!” She whispered urgently.

“Please what?” He asked softly, kissing his way around the circle of runes on her belly button. He wanted to hear her say it.

“I, I need, I need…” she whispered, too embarrassed to say the words.

“What do you need?” He dragged his fangs across her right hipbone. “I’ll give you anything you want.”

“Please,” she begged, not wanting to say it.

“Please what?” He breathed as he slid his tongue up her dripping folds. “You’ll have to tell me if you want something.”

“P-p-please, I need you,” she whimpered. He paused for a second and then brought his fingers to her folds, opening them up for him to see. Then he got a wicked smirk and gently slid the tip of his fang across her clit.

Hermione screamed incoherently as her orgasm rocketed through her. He greedily lapped up her release, careful not to scrape his fangs across her tender skin. He kissed his way back up her body and tenderly stroked her forehead as she came back down. She smiled dreamily.

“Wow,” she breathed out when she’d finally caught her breath, causing Draco to smirk. She reached up to capture his lips again. His kisses were like a drug that she couldn’t get enough of. She could feel that he was still as taut as a bow string, barely maintaining control.

She wanted to take control but didn’t know how to ask for it. Every time she squirmed, he squeezed her wrists and a burst of pleasure shot through her. She didn’t understand it and frowned. Determined to get the upper hand, she snaked her foot up his leg, keeping light contact. He brought one hand down to grab her thigh and hitched it high on his waist. He switched hands and brought the other leg up as well.

Lining himself up to her entrance, he gave her wrists a sharp squeeze and buried himself in one thrust. Hermione moaned at the feeling of fullness. She felt complete; her magic flared brightly and caused vibrations to rocket through her body. Draco’s magic responded in kind.

He’d been gentle with his wife so far, knowing that she was inexperienced and not wanting to hurt her. Her reaction to being restrained with mild pressure had been telling. It seemed she had a bit of a masochistic streak in her and he was more than willing to explore that. Perhaps she was ready for something a bit more ardent.

He pulled back slowly and gave her a short, sharp thrust. She mewled like a kitten, reveling in the pleasure. Spurred on by her reaction, he started a slow rhythm of long powerful strokes that ripped the most beautiful cries from her. She was gasping and panting with every movement. Her responses made him harder than he could imagine and he could tell he wouldn’t last much longer.

Tilting his hips so he would brush against her clit, he started thrusting faster and harder, still trying to check himself. She started pleading with him but it was barely a whisper. Still, his ears picked it up as if she had shouted it.

“Please, harder, faster.”

He allowed his control to slip and started pounding into her with abandon, her cries almost incoherent now. He felt his balls tighten with his impending orgasm and leaned down to scrape his fangs over the pulse point in her neck. She screamed her release. Her pulsating walls squeezed him so hard he could barely move and forced his orgasm from him. Their magic flared so widely around them that it lit up the entire house, unbeknownst to them.

Tired and sated, Draco lowered himself down to the bed and rolled them over to the side, still buried inside his wife. They fell into a satisfied sleep, unaware that someone had peeked into the room to check on them.

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“That was amazing.” The deep feminine voice with a slight French lilt hit Severus ears as he bounded up the steps to the house to make sure his children were okay. He’d been startled by Melody’s sudden port key departure and the telltale crack of apparition and had shifted back to his human form to go back to the house. He put his ear to the door to hear more.

“That’s what happens when you meet your soul mate,” Harmony rasped.

“I’ve never seen Melody flare like that,” the other woman said in awe.

“Melody’s never joined with her soul mate,” Harmony said sadly.

“Did she and Severus flare like that?” The woman’s voice was timid, almost as if she was afraid of the answer.

“They weren’t nearly so bright. Their flare was colored though, gold if I remember correctly. It meant that they weren’t completely compatible. Only white light means balance.”

“Why stay together then?”

“At first, it was a necessity. Melody couldn’t survive without some sort of balance and he provided it. Later, when we did the ritual, she still needed the balance but it wasn’t essential. After that, it was familiarity.”

“Familiarity breeds contempt.”

“That it does, but it also creates a bond. Though extremely rocky, they had a good friendship. She’d never admit it but it wasn’t just the calm he provided that she missed. She missed his companionship.”

“She loves him still,” the woman said sadly.

“Very much. You shouldn’t concern yourself with it though. It’s the love of friendship, of family, but not of lovers. Lovers need a deeper emotional attachment just as much as they need to be physically attracted to one another.”

“He loves her too,” she said softly.

“He’d probably strangle me if I ever breathed a word about it, but yes. In his own way, he loves her too. He will never let himself love another the way loved his first though. That’s really been Melody’s goal all along, to try and get him to open up. She knew they weren’t meant to be together but she also knew that he needed some form of emotional attachment to another or he would be truly lost.”

“Why won’t you two tell me about her? What did she do that was so horrible as to cause him to shut down?”

“We might be this all knowing entity, but we would never betray a friend. That story is for him to tell, although I believe one sentence should cover it. I might not like the bastard but he is a good man.”

The woman snorted. “You tell me this man is a bastard who loves no one and is cruel and hard. Then you tell me that I am meant to be his soul mate but your sister had a physical relationship with him for eleven years. THEN, you tell me that I look so much like the one woman that broke his heart that he probably wouldn’t even speak to me. It’s not a very promising situation.”

Harmony chuckled. “It does sound pretty grim. Even so, you’re still here.”

The woman sighed. “Where else can I go? People either run from me, screaming their lungs out or they try to attack me! I’m more comfortable as a wolf anymore.”

“And..”

“And he smells really good alright?” The woman snapped.

Harmony burst out laughing. “Oh Celeste, there might be hope for you yet.”

The woman snorted loudly. “Melody should be about done by now. I’ll go and make sure she gets home safely.”

“Thank you…for everything,” Harmony’s voice quivered.

Severus took that opportunity to burst through the door. Harmony’s face held a look of barely concealed mirth. Celeste the wolf crouched down in defense of her and then realized who it was and bounded past him and out the door.

“Listening in is poor behavior Severus.”

“She’s my soul mate?” He growled.

“Mmmm. Why would it matter? You plan on dying anyway,” Harmony snipped and gingerly got up off the couch. She staggered for a second and then winced. Snape flew around the couch and steadied her.

“Be careful you old harpy!” He snapped as he helped her up the stairs. “I said I didn’t expect to live, not that I was planning to die.”

“A very Slytherin sentiment Severus,” Harmony said quietly.

“She looks like Lily?” He asked softly.

“Have you ever wondered why you have a thing for red heads with green eyes?” Harmony asked instead of answered.

“She was my first friend,” he mumbled.

“And avenging her memory is a noble thing,” Harmony placated as they stopped in front of her door. “However Severus, you need to look to the future instead of wallowing in the past. You’ll never truly live until you do.”

“I’ve been hearing that a lot lately,” he grimaced.

“Perhaps you should start listening,” Harmony said softly. She opened the door and stepped inside her room. “Severus?” She called as he started to turn to go. “Your children are absolutely brilliant. They’ve opened up a new tangent that I couldn’t see before. You might not have to say goodbye to another friend after all. Good night.”

She closed the door and Severus stood and stared at it, shocked at her last words. He wouldn’t have to say goodbye to his friend. What did that mean?

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A heavy thud followed by a slamming door woke Hermione from a groggy sleep. The clock on her night stand said seven A.M. but she felt like she still needed to sleep for an entire day. She realized that sometime during their short rest, Draco had slipped from her and they’d ended up spooning once again. Looking over her shoulder, she saw him crack and eye open to let her know he was awake. Voices drifted from upstairs.

“You look like shit,” Snape drawled.

“I’d say the same, but since you’re just a black blob with a bronze haze, I can’t,” Melody snipped.

“Back in one piece then?”

“Obviously,” Melody drawled in a very Snape like manner.

“Why didn’t you come get me?”

“Why should I?”

“Perhaps because it is dangerous to wander about when someone you can’t see is trying to kill you.”

“Then you’d have one less memory to haunt you,” Melody spat. “Now, I’m exhausted. I’m going upstairs and I’m going to dope the fuck out of myself and then I’m going to march back down here and teach those kids everything I know.”

Snape hissed. “What in the bloody hell is wrong with you?”

“YOU! You are what is wrong with me! I am not a child anymore Severus. I’m not some poor little charity case that you convince yourself you have to help in order to save your precious soul. I spent eleven years of my life trying to get you to realize that life goes on but you insist on wallowing in the past. Then when I think I am FINALLY getting through, you dump me like a bad habit!”

“I already told you-“ Snape yelled.

“I heard your bullshit excuse Sev. Don’t give me that look, I can practically feel it. It’s bullshit and you know it. You’re too scared to let anyone close to you and I was starting to get under your skin.”

“I know about Celeste,” Snape breathed, changing the subject.

“How?” Melody asked tersely.

“Good ears,” Snape mumbled.

“More like a lifetime of eavesdropping,” Melody groused. “Well, now that you know, I suppose you’re going to blow up and drag those poor kids back to that fucking castle where they’ll be exposed.”

“No, I’m not,” Snape said softly.

“Pardon?” Melody asked, astonished.

“They’re staying here. I-“ Snape cleared his throat. “I need your help. I taught you how to control yourself as a phenom but you mastered the art of pure magic.”

“Have I died?” Melody asked. The sound of a sharp slap sounded through the house. “Yeowch. Guess not. You’re asking for my help now?”

“Why do you think that meddling old fool sent me here?” Snape growled.

Melody giggled maniacally. “It wasn’t to help them Sev. It was for you.”

“What?” Snape snapped.

“He has faith that those two could figure everything out all on their own. Them being here is a convenience. He wanted me to help you. He knows you’re fixing to risk it all and he doesn’t want you to lose sight of what you have here on earth. I’m to keep you from charging into the veil like a Gryffindor.”

“So that’s why you brought Celeste,” Snape said in a deadly tone.

“No,” Melody said flatly. “It was as I said. I’ve seen Celeste in your aura since the first day I met you Sev. I thought, through your description, that it was Lily. It’s why I refused to let go. Life goes on, even without your soul mate. However, right before you were supposed to come back, Harmony saw Celeste coming.

“I went out every day to search for her, hoping to find her before you came. Then when you didn’t, I, oh I don’t know. I was crushed. I wasn’t delusional; ours isn’t the get married and have lots of sex and babies type of love. You know that. God I missed you though. I’ve never had such great debates with anyone in my life. Then my magic flared and I got angry at you. Strangely enough, that eventually ended up being how I met Celeste.

“So you see Sev, things happen for a reason. I’ve only ever wanted your happiness. I watched you change over the years Sev. You are a good man even though you deny it. One glorious death won’t absolve you from a few bad mistakes. It’s just punctuation at the end of a sentence. Once you’re dead, you can’t seek reparation anymore. It’s over.”

Snape sighed heavily. “You believe I’ll see this woman and fall madly in love and live happily ever after?” He snorted loudly and Melody snickered.

“That’s a hilarious thought Sev. Your answer is of course, fuck no. I do hope you will gain a friend though. She doesn’t have to become more than that. As long as your soul mate is in your life, it will be enough,” she sighed sadly.

“You love him,” Snape said softly.

Melody sniffled. “God help me I do. He’s never even touched me and I love him so much.”

“What?” Snape asked, clearly shocked.

“You heard. Him drinking from me is enough to still the flares. I won’t let it go further. I’m not an idiot.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“Vampires live an eternity Sev. What if Lily had been yours in every way? If she died because of some ignorant muggle and you had to carry on an eternity, what would you do?

“End it,” Snape said, his voice cracking.

“Exactly,” Melody said sadly. “It’s better he not know. He’ll feel the loss of his blood cow but not the loss of a mate. I couldn’t bare it if I knew he’d die.”

Snape sighed softly. “I understand. I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but can we just put the past behind us for now?”

Melody sniffled. “Of course.” There was a silent moment and the sounds of cloth moving against each other filled the spaces.

“I do love you, you old bat. You’re my best friend, as sad and pathetic as that sounds. Now, those kids have been up for a while now. I believe it’s time to get started on their training.”

“What?” Snape snapped. “How do you know that?”

“I can see them moving,” Melody said happily and then snickered when Snape growled. “Just let me go upstairs and take some blood replenisher and a pepper up and you can have all the fun you want drilling them. This time though, we’re going to work on their flow.”

Steps came pounding up the stairs and Hermione sighed. This was going to be an extremely long day.

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She was right. As Hermione sat down to lunch, she realized that there wasn’t an entire place on her person that didn’t ache. Snape had taken an almost sadistic pleasure in watching her and Draco take turns falling on their arses. He held no quarter when hexing and made sure he used painful ones at that.

Melody, to her credit, did curb his temper some and she was extremely knowledgeable. She added new insights into her powers that Snape hadn’t covered. For instance, her pleasure at being held down by Draco. The light craved the darkness and that was apparently a signal to her magic. She snorted in disbelief until she saw it with her own eyes.

Melody subtly nodded to Snape and walked up to him. In a lightning fast move, he grabbed both her wrists and pinned her to the ground, kneeling over her. A brilliant gold flare shot from them both. It wasn’t so much the hold as their magic reacting to the force, although Melody did admit to being a bit of a masochist herself. Hermione had snorted in disgust at the display.

“You’re pissed that he gets the upper hand,” Melody said knowingly as she lay on the ground and closed her eyes, reveling in the peace her burst of magic had given her. Hermione looked at her for a second and then looked away. “Don’t you dare look away,” Melody snapped.

Suddenly, she brought her foot out and swept the professor’s knee out from under him and rolled. She wrenched her hands out of his grasp and grabbed his wrists, slamming them to the ground. She sat heavily on his stomach and another flare burst from the couple.

“Everything is equal Hermione, remember that,” She said gently as she got off of Snape, giving him an extra push as she did so.

Keeping that new lesson in mind, they were finally able to combine their magic without touching. Granted, it was only a simple levitating charm but it was a start. They still had a long way to go. Ideally, they should be able to borrow each other’s magic from a great distance. She didn’t see how that was possible but she was willing to try.

Draco sat next to her at the table with a groan. “I feel like I’ve been hit with a bludger.”

Melody sat across from them and giggled. “Best get used to it. Use it as motivation to not fall on your ass next time.”

“How did you learn all of this?” Hermione groaned.

“Trial and error.” Melody said softly. “Of course, that book helped too. Still, I wasn’t fully aware of my potential until I met Severus. A few months after I met him, I didn’t have magic any more but I still studied it. It helps when you can see it like I can though. Magic has so many subtleties that most overlook. It’s really amazing when you dissect it. Even though your spells come off colored, like red for stunners and green for the killing curse, there’s still a stream of white under it.

“However, when you two cast, the stream of white is actually a stream of silver or gold. Sev’s is bronze and I’m sure that your phenom friend’s spells are colored too. It’s the basis of exactly why your magic is so strong combined. I’ll tell you straight out; you’re more powerful separately than anyone I’ve ever seen in my life, including Dumbledore. Power isn’t determined by polarity; light or dark has no bearing on force. However, it is affected by it. If you two were born balanced, you’d be magnificent just from power alone. Polarity and balance seems to affect intent as well.

“Spells are based on balance and you don’t have it. The current enhances them. Therefore, combined, it doubles the intent. When Sev and I blocked that curse, it was because we both threw the same spell and combined magic. No single person can block the killing curse, but together they can. Most can’t combine magic because balance doesn’t seek anything. Your magic and that of the phenoms do. It seeks balance to correct the spell.

“So, all of that drivel to say this. If you two are powerful enough by yourselves to destroy buildings without blinking, what do you think would happen when you cast together?” She folded her hands and placed them under her chin.

Hermione and Draco were silent, almost dumbstruck at the information. They knew they’d been powerful before. They’d both been bound and were still more powerful than most of their classmates What could they accomplish now?

“No response? Fine. You could have the power to block that entire castle from any number of hexes including unforgivables for a very long time. Scaly-face must be defeated by Potter for a similar reason.”

“If we’re so strong, why not wipe it all out right now?” Draco asked.

“Still so naïve,” Melody breathed. “You have a task, a very undesirable one, do you not?” He nodded. “How did you get forced into doing it?”

“He’s got my mother,” he sighed.

“And if you were to show your power, what would he do then?” Draco paled and Melody sighed sadly. “Draco, anyone, and I do mean anyone, can be controlled. All it takes is the proper leverage. You are not invincible either. There are still spells that will harm you. What would happen if he figured out that separation is the key to killing you? It would all be for not.”

“So we just have to sit back, bide our time, and watch innocent people die?” Hermione asked incredulously.

“No. That’s just it. Sitting back, yes, biding time, yes, but watching innocent people die? Absolutely not. You two are brilliant, or so I’m told. Find a way to get them out, sabotage rather than destroy. Wars aren’t won by the heroes that charge into battle guns blazing. That is certainly how they are fought, but winning takes finesse. It’s the spies, the ones who risk their lives day in and day out for tidbits of information, that win the war. They figure out the weaknesses and give them to the heroes to exploit.”

The couple sat and mulled it over while they picked at their dinners. Sabotage rather than destroy, she’d said. How did one go about sabotaging a madman? They knew she was right though. Should anyone find out just how powerful they were, they could find a way to control them. It wouldn’t be hard, really. There were things that they valued that could be used as leverage.

Snape came and got them again after lunch. He’d chosen to eat his lunch outside, probably to sulk some more Hermione decided. She was still thinking about the implications of what Melody said. They’d could probably take out a continent they were so powerful. How horrible would it be if someone were to hold something against them? Of course, the first thing that came to mind was to destroy that person but they could be smart enough to get help with their plot. No mad man existed without minions to do the dirty work, did they? What would she do if they had her parents or her friends?

Draco was no murderer and yet he was seriously trying because Voldemort had his mother’s life in his hands. That was one thing to figure out. How did they get her out of his clutches without raising suspicions? Was it safer to let her actually stay where she was? Perhaps he’d actually spare her the pain if Draco were to do a good job.

‘You honestly believe that?’ Draco murmured in her head. ‘That bastard takes pleasure in the pain of others.’

‘Yes but if you were to complete the task, or at least if he thought you did, wouldn’t he grant you a boon?’

‘Of course. He’s going to marry me off to Pansy.’ Draco’s disgust was felt clearly in her mind.

‘What if you asked him for a different gift? Convince him that you are much more concerned with your mother’s safety than the cow you can get milk from for free?’

Draco burst out laughing causing his godfather to glare at him. “I’m sorry,” he said between guffaws. “That was bloody brilliant!”

“Care to enlighten the rest of the class?” Melody asked, slipping off the back of Izzy.

“Hermione is trying to figure out a way to spare my mother’s life. She said to convince the Dark Lord that I care more for her safety than gaining Pansy as a wife. How did she put it? Oh yes. Pansy is the cow I can get milk from for free.”

Snape and Melody roared in laughter for a few minutes and he and Hermione joined in. It felt nice to laugh like that. Finally, they gained hold of themselves and calmed down.

“Actually,” Snape said slowly. “It’s not a bad idea. He said he’d grant you a boon and picked out the thing he figured all teenage boys want, an excuse to have sex with no holds barred. However, he might consider giving you your mother’s safety instead. It leaves Pansy open as another bargaining chip and really, Lucius doesn’t give a damn about your mother so the only one she can sway is you. By agreeing to her safety, he’s got you by the bollocks.”

“Or at least he thinks that,” Melody mumbled. “You’ve also gained his trust and you’ll be privy to better intelligence. It’s all about social climbing isn’t it?”

“Always,” Snape said softly. “The higher in the ranks you are, the better your information gets.”

“And of course with those super sensitive bat ears, you can overhear things no one else can,” Melody said, her eye’s crinkling in pleasure. “That way, you can thwart missions you seemingly had no ideas about and the scaly one is none the wiser.”

“Alright,” Draco said slowly. “But when do I ask him this? I have no wish to see him again.”

“He’s asked for your presence over the Easter holidays,” Snape said softly.

“Will we be able to be apart then?” Hermione asked softly, biting her lip in contemplation.

“You should,” Melody said softly. “Your bond is coming along beautifully. Don’t get me wrong, you still have so much to master but you could be able to be apart up to a week by then. It will be extremely uncomfortable but you won’t collapse in pain from it.”

“Right then,” Draco said firmly. “I’ll ask him then. Thanks Hermione!” He said brightly, pleased that they might have found some small light of hope at the end of a very dark tunnel.

Hermione smiled and snuggled into his chest. She was feeling much more comfortable around him now. His presence was soothing and after their conversation the night before, she understood a bit more about him.

“Now that that’s settled, let’s work on something fun shall we?” Melody asked, a wicked smirk on her face. Snape raised an eyebrow in question and she motioned to the trees.

“Perfect,” he drawled and slid over to the hugging couple. He grabbed Hermione roughly and apparated to the other side of the ranch. She immediately fell to the ground when they landed, sick to her stomach from the sudden jerk. Her head hurt a bit but it was nothing like it was before.

“Warning?” She groaned.

“Why?” He said in an innocent tone. “You’ll never know when you’ll be separated suddenly.” He smirked as she glared at him. “Now, try to speak with Draco.”

Slowly dragging herself off the ground, she closed her eyes to concentrate.

“EYES OPEN!” Snape bellowed. “The point is for no one to know you are concentrating on him. Ideally, you’ll be able to hold two conversations simultaneously, one in your head and one face to face with another person.”

Hermione nodded, still angry but understanding the purpose of the exercise. She could hear Draco faintly calling her name and she answered as loud as she could. It sounded like a whisper but she was doing it.

“You can hear him?” Snape asked and she nodded. “How clearly?”

“It’s just a whisper but I can hear him clearly.”

“Concentrate on amplifying his voice. Think of the feelings you had when you lent him your magic while he was healing the twins. Use that same feeling and think of its opposite feeling as well. This should start a stronger connection.”

It took about an hour but they were finally able to adjust their minds to clearly hear each other no matter where they were on the ranch. It was tiring and gave them mild headaches but the new found knowledge spurred them on. There would be no more need for eye contact, protean charms, or owls! They wouldn’t even need to spar in the Great Hall to get confirmation of plans. It was a wonderfully freeing tool. Happy with their progress, Snape apparated her back to the house.

“You’re seventeen, aren’t you?” Melody asked as she handed her some tea.

“Yes, my birthday was in September.” Hermione said softly. Her head was pounding. She took a drink of the tea and realized that her headache had cleared. Melody winked at her and handed another cup to Draco.

“Sev, teach the poor girl to apparate,” Melody admonished.

“Fine,” Snape said softly.

“Is there a reason you took her and not me?” Draco asked. He was a bit put out with his godfather apparating his wife all over the ranch.

“There is always a reason for everything I do,” Snape said slowly. “If the bond between you were to weaken and her core became unstable, I can act as a balance until we reunite you. It is the same with Melody. She might not have use of her magic, but her core still responds to imbalances.”

“It makes sense,” Hermione said soothingly and subconsciously rubbed Draco’s tense shoulders. He relaxed into her touch. Melody shot a small smile at Snape, happy that they were progressing so well.

“Ready to-“ She was interrupted by a large white owl screeching and landing on the railing of the porch.

“Hedwig?” Hermione asked, unable to believe that Harry’s owl had a message for her. She took the scroll from the tired bird’s leg and looked around for something to feed her. Melody handed her a crust of bread from seemingly nowhere. Hedwig hooted thankfully and fluffed up her feathers.

“She’s apparently expecting a reply,” Draco said thoughtfully.

Hermione opened the scroll and realized that there were two letters in there. The first was from Ginny.

Hey Mione,

A heads up for you, the boys decided they needed to write you. They’re terrified that Snape has somehow captured you and is keeping you hostage in a dungeon somewhere. Hope you’re having a fantastic holiday *wink, wink*. Give Blondie a good hex for me.

Ginny

Hermione laughed and handed the letter to Draco, who snorted and handed it to Snape. He rolled his eyes and handed it back to her. She folded it neatly and unrolled the other scroll. Harry’s messy scrawl was splattered with ink and something that looked scarily like treacle tart.

~~Dear~~ Hey ~~Mione~~ Hermione,

I ‘m sorry if I interrupted your vacation but I just needed to know that you’re okay ~~and that greasy git didn’t kill you or anything~~. I’m sorry about the other day. Really sorry. ~~Ron’s sorry too~~. Ron says that I made him do it. Please write back and let us know you’re fine. ~~I’m~~ We’re worried about you. Have fun ~~snogging your boyfriend~~ skiing.

Harry and Ron

Hermione closed her eyes for a moment and then handed Draco the letter. She excused herself and went upstairs to her room for a few moments. She needed to be alone. Being here, she’d almost forgotten about her problems. She carefully shut Draco out of her thoughts.

How on earth was she going to do this? Her friends were going to hate her when they found everything out. What would happen when Dumbledore was seemingly murdered? She’d defended Draco so far, saying he wasn’t up to anything. Would they ever trust her again?

Tears rolled down her face. She’d been accepting her fate just fine until now. The thought of hurting her friends cut her like a knife. She couldn’t lose them. Harry was like her brother. Ron, well, his presence was starting to hurt less and less. She realized now that being with Ron had been a pipe dream and she should just forget it but she couldn’t. A knock at the door startled her.

“Feeling sorry for yourself?” Melody asked, not unkindly.

“No,” She sniffed unconvincingly.

“Mmm hum. That’s entirely believable,” Melody chuckled as she carefully entered the room, her white stick in her hand. She felt her way to the bed and sat down beside Hermione. She nudged her with a shoulder. “It isn’t the end of the world you know.”

“I’ve betrayed them,” Hermione sniffled.

“How in the hell did you come to that conclusion?”

“I’ve married the enemy,” She whispered.

“The enemy?” Melody said, shocked. “I thought you two were on the same side.”

“Well, we are but they don’t know that.”

“So, pray tell, how does one betray a friend by following their destiny? I mean, Draco might be a huge ass sometimes but he’s no Lucius.”

“They’ve been rivals since the first time they ever met.”

“Yes, and I’ll bet a lot of that had to do with Lucius as well. Draco was unable to go against him then.”

“Of course it was. I didn’t know that though, until I got to know him.”

“Well, they need to get to know him too.” Melody shrugged. “I know it’s not possible now but eventually.”

Hermione wiped the lone tear streaking down her face. “Harry said I betrayed him when he thought I fancied Draco. Betrayed!”

“I’m not sure I like Gryffindors, always the first to point fingers.” Melody shook her head sadly. “He apologized though, didn’t he?”

Hermione nodded her head and then realized that Melody couldn’t see it. “Yes.”

“There you go. If those two are truly your friends, they will forgive you for any transgressions they imagined you committed.”

“Imagined?” Hermione sniffed.

“Yes imagined you idiot. Marrying a boy to save your life is not a crime. Believe me; you would have died if you hadn’t. Well, if you hadn’t bonded, that is. Marriage was a strategic move as I understand it. I think it was the best move personally. You’re so much stronger than I was at your age. You and Draco will do some pretty awesome things together. They won’t be able to point fingers after that.”

“Yes but I feel horrible.”

“You’re acting like a Hufflepuff you know. A Gryffindor would face the challenge head on. Fuck what everyone else thinks. You know Draco is a good person and that is all that matters at the current moment.”

Hermione huffed. “So what do you suggest I do?” She snorted in disdain.

“First? Lose the attitude. You aren’t the first person who’s been dumped between a rock and a hard place. Second? Grow up. It’s a cruel world out there and it’s a shame that you have to give your childhood up so soon, but war is coming. Third? Accept your lot. It does no good to dwell on the situation. You’re only making yourself miserable and you’re making your husband miserable too.”

Hermione’s breath caught in her throat at that thought.

“You might not think it, but seeing you in pain causes him pain. It’s remarkable how close you two are after such a short time. Sweetie, I know I’m being blunt but you’ve got to get with the program. Most people spend their entire lives searching for their soul mate and never find them. So very few have them you see. The fact that you’ve found yours and so young is nothing short of a miracle. Embrace it.”

Hermione nodded. “I know your right but it still hurts. I was so sure that I’d be with Ron. I had it all planned out you see. I would marry Ron and Harry would marry Ginny and we’d all officially be family.” She whispered.

“I never said it wouldn’t hurt. I was a love sick teen once too you know. The difference is that I knew that whoever I loved wasn’t meant for me. It still doesn’t hurt any less. It’s like waving a bloody steak in front of a tiger and then telling it that it can’t have it. However, if there is one thing I’ve learned from my predicament, it’s that you don’t have to be related to be family. After almost six years of patching us up and watching out for us, Philippe and Celeste are my family. Of course, Philippe is Harmony’s lover now but he would still be my brother without that.”

Hermione considered it for a while. “You’re right. I’m being stupid. I just, they’re going to be spies. Harry will have a mission. Where does that leave me?”

“The best place of all,” Melody said, grinning widely. “You will be smack dab in the middle. Remember, sabotage and finesse will win the war. You will be the link between the spies and the warriors. In essence, you’ll be a spy as well. Don’t underestimate yourself.”

Hermione took a deep breath and wiped her eyes again. “Right. Shall we? I’m sure they’re waiting for us.”

“At a girl,” Melody said. “Now, did you get a chance to read over my notes?”

“Of course,” Hermione breathed. “They were fascinating.”

Melody chuckled. “Ready to put them to use?”

“I hope so,” She said, helping Melody down the stairs. “I just have to send Hedwig back with a note and we’ll get started.”

“Why don’t you use our owl Archimedes? I’m sure Hedwig is tired from such a long flight. Just explain that you’re letting her rest. We hardly use Arch. I’m sure he’s raring to go.”

Hermione thanked Melody and wrote out a quick letter to Harry and Ron letting them know she was alive. Then she wrote one to Ginny.

“Tell Red I said hi,” Draco said softly as he walked up beside her. She jumped a few inches and then spun around to see the sadness apparent in his eyes. She felt horrible for making him feel that way. Giving him a soft peck on the lips, she nodded, added another line to the letter, and then walked outside with him to charm Ginny’s so that no one but her could open it. She chuckled evilly at the thought of Ron and Harry with rainbow colored hair and buck teeth when they tried to snoop.

Hey Gin,

Thanks for the heads up. My holiday has been very interesting so far. I’ll fill you in when I get back home. Have a lovely holiday.

Hermione

P.S. Blondie says hi.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Dear Harry and Ron,

I’m fine. Honestly, you two are worse than my mother. Now, stop worrying about me and have a good holiday. By the way, if you haven’t already figured it out, you can’t open Ginny’s letter.

Hermione

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

“Try again,” Snape barked.

“I’ve already tried a hundred times!” Hermione screeched.

“And you’ll continue to try a hundred more until you get it right!” He snapped.

“Leave her alone! She’s trying her best!” Draco yelled back at him.

“Drop the knight in shining armor act Draco. You’ve failed miserably as well,” Snape hissed.

“Leave him alone!” Hermione growled. “He is not a failure!”

“THEN PROVE IT!” Snape bellowed.

Hermione screamed at the top of her lungs and lunged toward Snape. Suddenly, she felt a weird tingling feeling in her bones and a feeling that her insides had been flipped inside out. Scared, she stopped short.

“NO! Let it happen!” Melody yelled. “Stay angry!”

Unsure now what to do, she glared at Snape who she was still angry at and felt the need to lunge again. Suddenly, her whole body contorted. She something sprouting all over her and she landed on all fours on the ground, snarling and growling.

Snape’s eyes widened marginally and he raised his wand to hex her. Draco growled and lunged as well, feeling the same sensation as Hermione had. Instead of landing on the ground, he rose in the air, his throat on fire.

“You did it!” Melody howled.

Turning to each other, they both jumped back in shock. Hermione was a beautiful lioness, her tawny coat sparkling. A swirl of golden colored hairs circled her neck and legs right above her paws. Her eyes were the same beautiful golden color. Draco thought she was lovely.

Hermione’s eyes widened when she saw what became of her husband. Draco was now a beautiful dragon, a Swedish Short-Snout to be exact. His silvery blue scales reflected the sunlight brilliantly. He was on his hind legs, wings spread, looking very taken aback. Draco’s silver eyes stared at her through puffs of smoke coming out of his nose.

“I told you two you’d be fucking scary! This is awesome!” Melody hooted. She was doing some strange victory dance as Snape watched her with cool amusement. She stopped and cocked her head. “Draco, point your head up and blow.”

Hermione’s eyes widened as a blue flame shot from his mouth. She looked back to Melody is shock, remembering her lecture on animagi not being venomous or able to breathe fire. Draco looked just as shocked as she did, clamping his mouth shut to stop the flame.

Melody whistled. “Well Sev, your son is a chip off the ole block. Go on you two, have fun. Get used to your new forms!”

They didn’t need to be told twice. They turned and ran deep into the pasture, relishing the feel of the wind on their new bodies. They could still communicate freely. At one point, Draco carefully grabbed Hermione with his feet and took off flying. She yowled in happiness and a bit of fear.

“You miss it,” Snape whispered softly into Melody’s ear.

“More than I can say,” she whispered back, wiping a tear from her eye. “Well, they’ll be out the rest of the day. Help me make a potion?”

Snape nodded and they headed back to the house, happy for the breakthrough. Things would go much easier now.

AN: Hello everyone! I hope you all had a lovely Christmas. Show of hands to see how many I still have with me? Haven't lost anyone, have I? I'm most fortunate to have internet tonight so I decided to give you all a belated Christmas present. Enjoy. As always, thank you all for your amazing reviews. Keep reviewing, let me know how I'm doing and if you catch any errors. I've gone back and edited a few glaring ones that I've caught in the previous chapters. Love you guys!
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