Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

It Just Had To Be You	By : Tregan2415 Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 31065 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 4
Disclaimer: Sadly, I do not own Harry Potter, or make any profit off of it, or I'd be a billionaire

Chapter List
- 22
- 23
Over the course of the next few days, Luna stayed in the hospital wing, Harry at her side, dealing with her first full moon. It wasn’t easy, but she took it extraordinarily well, considering. Every feeling, every thought, she was excited about, writing it all down and Owling her father about it. Needless to say, the next issue of The Quibbler was going to have some exciting news on werewolves. Harry was doing his best, never leaving her side, always there to help whether it be a helping hand with her potion or an ear to lend when she wanted to chat. He helped getting her around the castle during the days when she was weak. It was hard, every day she was getting stronger, needing him less and less. He wasn’t used to not being needed, and everyday took its toll, but he was going to remain there for her, even if she didn’t need him.
                Sunday came way too soon, as Draco stretched in his bed and roll out, heading down to the common room, yawning and scratching his head. He was never a morning person, but it gave him plenty of time to spend with his Father in the hospital wing before the days traffic rolled in of student’s who had come across a bad hex or jinx, or had a potion brew the wrong way. Draco felt sorry for Madame Pomfrey some days, that poor medi-witch never had a day off. He swore, he would scream if he saw Longbottom, the witless wonder, grace the hospital with his ever annoying presence one more time all because Snape had yelled at him and he dropped his cauldron again. One time however, it wasn’t Neville, he had actually managed to spill his all over another student, turning them into one gigantic blister with feathers. Bloody kid was a menace, he should be locked up for his own safety, Draco thought, shaking his head. He strolled around to the couch and sat down, putting on his shoes, and tucking his wand up his sleeve in its holder when Blaise rounded the corner.
                “Good morning,” Blaise yawned, stretching.
                Draco growled, “What’s so good about it?”
                Blaise sighed, he knew Draco wasn’t a morning person, “well, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping....”
                “My father is still in a coma,” Draco cut Blaise off, finishing the sentence.
                Blaise brought his eyes down in embarrassment. How could he forget? His own godfather still lay near death in the hospital, and here he was talking about birds. How could he be so heartless? He could only imagine what Draco must be going through. “Are you heading down to see him?”
                Draco nodded, standing up, “Yeah, I usually see him in the early mornings, give me some private time with him without prying eyes watching.”
                “Mind if I tag along?” Blaise asked. He went whenever he could, time wasn’t an issue to Blaise, and he didn’t mind if there were other students around, he was proud of his godfather.
                “Not at all. Let’s go, Longbottom is due to arrive by nine, only good thing about him, he’s always on time when it comes to him being sent to the hospital.”
                Both boys left the dorm and made their way up to the clock tower, which was also the hospital wing. Draco led the way down the row of beds and pulled aside the curtain to reveal his father, motionless on the bed. They had put up curtains all around his bed, made it into a sort of private room, so to speak. Apparently, the sight of Death Eater Lucius, laying in the hospital wing, was a bit too much for the students. There was a rumor that he was faking it, that he was really lying in wait, wanting to catch everyone off guard and attack, to finish them all off one by one. Draco chuckled a bit at that one, poor old Lucius would have a stroke if he knew what they were saying. Blaise hoped that some form of that rumor were true, he would have his godfather back, alive and well.
                “Morning Father, Blaise is here with me.” Draco said to the father quietly, taking the seat on Lucius’ right, Blaise took the left.
                “Hello godfather. Madame Pomfrey been taking care of you?”
                From somewhere off to the right of the boys came a scoff and a sarcastic reply, “You know I have been Mr. Zabini, are you beginning to question my abilities?” Madame Pomfrey asked lightly, coming over and waving her wand over Lucius. From spending so much time here, Blaise had begun a bit of a friendship with the medi-witch. She wasn’t too stuffy once you got to know her, she just took her job seriously.
                She frowned a bit, “Sorry, still no change. Suppose that’s not the worst thing, in this case, well I better see to getting Mr. Longbottom’s cot ready, he’s quite punctual these days.” And off she walked towards the next set of beds.
                “I can’t keep doing this Blaise, something must be done.”
                Blaise looked over at his best friend in question.
                “I can’t keep coming here every morning, knowing nothing has changed. Can’t watch another tear fall from Mother’s eyes. Can’t sit here and do nothing anymore.” Draco spat angrily, staring over at his Father’s face.
                “What do you purpose we do mate?”
                “Finish what we started, we could go and grab the sword from Dumbledore’s office, go to Potter’s place, destroy the damned thing and be back by lunch, if we leave now,” Draco replied, smiling a bit.
                “And what of Granger? We won’t last a minute without her and the rest and you know it! If we are going to do this, we have to do this properly. Let’s go gather the forces and meet by Dumbledore’s office after breakfast.”
                Draco agreed, they needed Hermione, neither had any idea on how to destroy a Horcrux, and neither were exceptionally book smart, well not like her anyways. He sighed in defeat, and got up from his Father’s side. “We will be back Father, and I swear, we will be closer to ending this.”
                “Goodbye Godfather,” Blaise said, patting Lucius’ hand and walking out with Draco. “Care to grab a bit of food before we get the others?”

                “No, you go on a head, I need something first. I will meet you guys by Dumbledore’s office in a minute.” And with that, Draco took off, heading down the staircase, heading Merlin knows where.

                Twenty minutes later, seven teens stood in front of the grand golden Gryffin staircase, waiting for Draco to arrive, when he rounded the corner, smiling.
                “Hello my adoring fans, nice to see you could join me!” he grinned down at Hermione, who merely smiled and shook her head. “Especially you Potter, you handsome devil you!”
                “Shove it Malfoy,” Harry replied, rolling his eyes.
                “Anywhere you please Potter, but I digress this isn’t the place, later perhaps,” he winked at Harry, “shall we?”
                Hermione walked up to the humongous Gryffin and turned around to Draco, “You sure you want to do this now, we aren’t nearly as prepared as we should be.”
                “No time like the present Granger. Don’t worry love, if you get scared and find yourself in need of protecting, I’ll be right here for you.” He smirked devilishly, a wicked glint in his eye.
                She scoffed, “hardly, ACID POPS!”
                The staircase began unraveling, and the teens hopped on the stairs as they rose towards the front door of Dumbledore’s office. They stopped in their tracks at the sound of arguing.
                “This isn’t some wild goose chase Severus, they know where the Horcrux is. It’s just a matter of time before Draco gets tired of waiting, and goes out and tries to destroy it himself.”
                Draco pressed his ear to the door, and turned to the rest of the group, “That’s my mother, what’s she doing here?”
                Blaise came up beside him and pressed his ear to the door as well.
                “I hardly think Draco is that stupid Narcissa, now please sit down before you wear a hole in the floor.” Snape’s voice clearly booming out.
                “Then you don’t know my son very well.” Draco leaned his head off the door, a hurt expression on his face. Everyone had to hide their mouths with their hands to keep from bursting out laughing.
                Pansy whispered, “She’s not wrong Draco,”
                “Shut it Pansy,” Draco snipped, and put his ear back on the door.
                “Are they even aware of the dangers yet Albus?”
                “I’m afraid not. With everything going on, I’ve been preoccupied as of late and haven’t had the time to speak to the children.” Dumbledore replied, his head resting on his right fist, as he sat in his large chair behind his desk.
                “What dangers Albus?” McGonagall asked, her expression turning worried as she turned and looked at Dumbledore.
                “What’s she doing there?” asked Draco.
                “Trust me Draco, if there’s one person you want in your corner when all hell breaks loose, it’s Professor McGonagall. She’s the best, aside from Dumbledore.” Harry laughed.
                “This isn’t just a regular Horcrux, Minerva, it can’t be destroyed like Potter did to all of Voldemort’s last year. I’m afraid we are in quite the situation.” Dumbledore sighed, and for the first time, the teens thought he sounded defeated.
                “What do you mean Albus?”
                “He means, Bellatrix must die to save Lucius, this much we knew, but in order to destroy the Horcrux, the destroyer would die as well, the fate’s would demand a life for a life to make the balance even again.” Snape replied, shuffling over and planting himself down in one of the armchairs. He was tired, he wasn’t getting much sleep, up all night trying to find some way to keep the children alive, while trying his best to stay positive, it really was a daunting task.
                “Has anyone told the children?”
                “Not yet, I’m afraid,” Snape answered, rubbing his face with his hands.
                Minerva was stunned shocked. “So what are we supposed to do, offer one of us, or worse, one of the children up as bait? They are children Albus, surely you disagree.”
                “What do you suppose we do then Minerva?”
                “Go out in force and capture Bellatrix. Bring her back, have her reverse the curse, and then lock her up!”
                “And what of the laws we would be breaking?”
                “The devil with the rules, and since when did you ever agree with and follow wizarding laws?”
                Albus sighed deeply, he knew she was right, he never was one for the rules, but this matter was delicate. There was more than one life on the line here, not just his as it usually was. He couldn’t agree to this.
                “You can’t be serious Albus, stop this madness immediately.”
                “I’m sorry Minerva, but this is out of my hands now, there must be another way.”
                The teens pulled back and gasped. Ginny looked over at Draco, his eyes blackened over with rage. “Draco, calm down, we will find another way. We figured out the Horcrux, we can figure this one out as well.”
                Draco shook his head. He chuckled darkly, “Bloody well figures, we get one step closer and knocked back three. We were so close, then this happened. What else? Someone going to die?”
                Luna raised her hand, “I think I’m within my rights to say, that we’ve come close to dying enough as we can, and personally, I’m sick of it.”
                “That’s not what I meant Luna, I’m sorry.” Draco replied, softening his tone.
                Luna held up her hand to silence him, and Draco furrowed his brows. “I’m apologizing here Lovegood, don’t be rude.”
                “Shhhh Malfoy, I hear something. Mataeus is calling, I must go.”
                “Then you won’t go alone, they may know where Bellatrix is.”
                The teens ran from the office, down the stairs and out the Grand Doors, towards the Forest, following Luna. She broke into a dead run as she reached the boundaries and leapt over a log. She turned left, then right, then another left, deeper still, till they came across a body, sitting up against a tree stump, holding his stomach and coughing blood.
                Luna rushed forward, “Mataeus, what happened?” she was checking him over. His face had plenty of cuts and bruises all over it, his breathing was labored and his heartbeat faint.
                “Ahhhh, Lovely Luna, here to save me.” He slumped forward, clearly passed out form pain. How long had he been there? What happened?
                “Potter, patronus to Dumbledore, tell him we need help immediately,” Blaise yelled and came beside Luna, helping her lift Mataeus up.
                Harry wasted no time, “EXPECTO PATRONUM!” A silver stag appeared in front of the teens and Harry whispered to it, “Go to Dumbledore, we need help in the forest, GO!”
                The stag took off with great speed and in a few minutes, there were five small pops. Albus, along with Snape, McGonagall, Narcissa and Madame Pomfrey appeared and rushed towards the kids.
                “What happened?” Madame Pomfrey asked, waving her wand, with Snape beside her whispering incantations.
                “We don’t know, he passed out before he could say,” Ron answered, “Is he going to be okay?”
                “He will be fine Mr. Weasley, now move, I must get him to the hospital wing. You know Albus, with the way this year is shaping up to be, I may need a bigger wing.”

                Albus smiled at her fondly, “finally an answer I can give gladly!”

                Mataeus awoke later in the day, shifting slightly at the sight of the teens looking down on him. “You seem to have caught me indisposed I’m afraid, I apologize for my currant state. Where are my manners, allow me to introduce myself. I am Mataeus, leader of the wolf pack in these parts.” He sat up, cringing at the pain in his side.
                “I’m Pansy,” Pansy replied, helping to shift his pillows, allowing him more comfort. “This is Ron, Blaise, Ginny, Draco, Hermione, you already know Luna,” at her name, Mataeus smiled handsomely, “and this is...”
                Mataeus held up his hand, “no need for introductions Miss. Everyone knows the famous Harry Potter. He released us from The Dark Lord’s grasp. We werewolves were servants, nothing but toys for his sick, cruel game. We are forever grateful Mr. Potter, your name is legendary around our parts.”
                Harry shifted awkwardly on his feet, his eyes glancing around anywhere but on Mataeus. He still wasn’t used to being famous. Eight years of it, and it was still weird.
                “What happened Mataeus?” Luna asked softly, coming to stand beside Harry, entwining her fingers in his.
                Mataeus looked down and their conjoined hands and frowned slightly, “Bellatrix happened. She did this when I refused her and her plans for my pack to attack the school. I dare say, without me there, the pack is vulnerable. She will use them, twist their minds. Nothing more than mere puppets in her sick, twisted mind we werewolves are.” He spat angrily, has he sank lower in the bed.
                “Do you know where she is now?” Draco asked, wanting so badly to find his deranged aunt and give her what she had coming.
                “Malfoy!” Mataeus spoke his name with venom. “How dare you come in here as if we are friends after you sided with the Dark Lord? Leave my presence now, before I begin to feel better.”
                Draco’s chest puffed up, “And just who the hell do you think you are, tossing demands my way like some low life servant? You forget your place my good man, we helped save you,” he growled viciously.
                Mataeus snickered, “You think I needed saving boy? We werewolves heal quickly, I would have been fine on my own.” Mataeus threw the blankets off him, and stood up painfully. “As the name Potter is famous through our world, so is the name Malfoy. However yours brings nothing but fear and hatred.”
                “As so it should, our name has commanded respect through centuries, though I doubt you would know anything about that,” Draco said, his head held high.
                Mataeus laughed deeply, his chest rumbling, “Respect? Your line is nothing but cruelty and abomination.”
                “Abomination? Your barking mad, you are. You are nothing but a mangy mutt who needs to be put out of his misery. Please allow me.” Draco yelled, raising his wand.
                “Clearly, you are no better than the rest of your retched line Malfoy, I said leave, NOW!” Mataeus shouted, waking the other students in their beds. Draco squinted his eyes and stormed out, Hermione hot on his heels.
                “I apologize for my rudeness, which was not what I wanted to happen. The name Malfoy isn’t a good name within the werewolf ranks.” Mataeus said, his eyes lowering, and he sat back down on his bed.
                “It doesn’t sit well with a lot of wizarding families either, however, that particular Malfoy isn’t like his ancestors. Believe what you will, but he is different.” Blaise responded, trying to defuse the tension.
                “Because he’s Veela, he thinks he’s different? You heard how he spoke to me, how low he believes me to be.” Mataeus sighed, picking up his shirt and putting in back on, with great difficulty.
                “He grows on you, trust me!” Harry mumbled, shaking his head.
                “He’s not exactly known for thinking before speaking. We’ve had years to figure that out. He’s controlled by his emotions, some good, some bad, but his hearts in the right place, give him time and he will prove you wrong about your beliefs of him. He’s on our side. He wants nothing but to find Bellatrix and end her reign of terror.” Harry continued.
                Mataeus sighed, “If the rest of you don’t mind, I would like to have a word with Mr. Potter alone?”
                Harry nodded his head to the rest, Luna stood on her tiptoes and went to kiss Harry, to which he turned his head and she got his cheek. She sighed, and Mataeus gave no sign that he noticed this. When the rest had left, he stood up again, a bit less shaky and began walking towards the opposite end of the hospital, walking out onto the balcony, leaning over the railing.
                “Mr. Potter, I will trust what you say, whether he is different has yet to be seen, but if you place your trust in him, so does he have mine. I’m afraid I withheld information back there, due to my anger. I know where she is staying for the time being, there’s a small cabin, hidden deep within the forest, far from the school. She should be there, if she hasn’t left already.”
                “Brilliant, thank you Mataeus, what will you do now, your pack...”
                “I suppose I will try and find them, take them away from here, to a better life, away from the hate and scrutiny. I hear Ireland is beautiful this time of year.” Mataeus laughed.
                “You won’t stay and help us fight? I thought you wanted Bellatrix dead just as much as the rest of us? We could really use your help.”
                “My kind has done enough fighting to last a life time, I don’t want to see anymore hurt or dead because of my selfish wants.”
                “Wants?” Harry asked, not really understanding.
                Mataeus turned and stared at Harry directly in his eyes, “Luna is a wonderful being Potter, exceptionally unique. I found her during her turning, did she tell you that?” Harry nodded, looking down at the ground sheepishly, “I knew from the moment I saw her, she was beautiful. Wolves don’t date and wait to fall in love, they feel it almost instantly, and with her, I knew.” Harry’s head snapped up immediately, his eyes angry.
                “Come again?”
                Mataeus laughed again, this time a bit less happily, “don’t worry Potter, through her breaths, she kept whispering your name, over and over again, like a chant. She’s not mine Potter, I know this, so you needn’t worry, I won’t try and take her. She turned me down once, that’s all I need. While she spent the night with the pack, we began talking. Now whether it be from tiredness or just her usual way, she was forthcoming about your relationship.”
                Harry quirked an eyebrow at this.
                “Once word got around she knew the great Harry Potter, well, you can imagine the questions that began to fly from the pack. However, one odd little fact didn’t sit well with me. She spoke of your distance as of late. Believe me when I say Potter, you aren’t the first.”
                “First sir? What do you mean?”
                “You really think you’re the only one who has dated a human who has contracted the gene? Many of us were human in the pack, very few are born with it anymore I dare say. I had someone once upon a time Potter. Oh did I love her, Maggie was her name, she was perfection personified, if I do say so myself. However, like all good things, it came to an end. I’m quite well aware it’s hard. Hard to be with someone who’s powers exceed your own, and not in the same way. How do you think she’s felt, living in the shadows of the Chosen One? It isn’t easy, never having the sunlight shine upon your face every now and then.”
                Harry let out the breath he was holding, “it’s a little hard, I admit. She used to need me, now, well, I’m not as important to her as I once was. It’s rough but I’m handling it.”
                “Potter, for all your fame, you’re really not that bright are you? That magnificent creature would lay down her life for you if you so ask. Relinquishing one’s emotions to that degree, well, I dare say that makes one pretty vulnerable, quite in need of someone. This past week Potter, I’ve envied you, so much it chokes me, and sometimes I think I got the better deal. To be that close to her and not have her, be all alone even when you’re holding her, feel her, feel her beneath you. Surrounding you, her scent.” Mataeus paused for a second, thinking, “No, you got the better deal.”
                “I’m the lucky guy, yeah.” Harry replied saddened. “I’m trying my best, I just hope it is good enough for her. I don’t want to lose her, she means everything to me.”
                “Believe me Potter, keep doing your best and it will be enough for her. All she asks is that you try and not keep her at arm’s length. Let her in on everything, keep nothing from each other, wolves aren’t about secrecy, and I think you’ll make it.” Mataeus smiled.
                “Thanks Mataeus, I hope you and your pack find everything you’re looking for.” Harry held his hand out, and Mataeus shook it gratefully.
                “Only thanks to you Potter, is this even possible. If you should ever need anything, do not hesitate to reach out to me. If Luna has any issues with her changing, or questions, tell her she knows how to get in touch. Until we meet again Potter, farewell.” Mataeus vanished, Apparating away quickly, wasting little time going to find his pack.

                Harry waved to nothing but air and sky, “Goodbye...friend.”

                “Draco, wait up! He doesn’t know what he’s talking about. He doesn’t know you,” Hermione hollered, trying to keep up with his great strides.
                Draco whipped around and yelled, “I don’t want to hear Hermione, now leave me alone!” He turned back around and continued walking.
                “You don’t mean it, I know you don’t,” although her Veela instinct inside told her he just might. “Please Draco, where are you going? DRACO, STOP AND TALK TO ME DAMN IT!”
                Draco paused mid step. He knew his mate was angry, but his Veela was far angrier.
                “What Hermione? What in Merlin’s name do you think you have to say to me that will make things better? Huh? You got some great lines to throw my way about how I’ve changed? How I’ve stepped out of my families shadow and became the man I am today? Or perhaps how your love has changed me, how ours will overcome the obstacles? If that’s all you’ve got Granger, save that nonsense for someone else. I don’t care, nor do I want to hear it.”
                Hermione gasped, she felt a strong pang in her heart, his hatred flowed through her like fire, burning her inside. She raised her palm to her heart and pushed, trying to ebb the pain. It didn’t work.
                Draco waved his hands in the air as the rest of the group caught up with them, “I’m tired of you always thinking you know best Granger. Well guess what Princess, you don’t always know what’s best. You may be smart, and brilliant, but you’ve never been as wrong about me as you are now. I’m a Malfoy, and it’s high time I began acting like one.”
                “Malfoy, what the bloody hell is wrong with you, can’t you see Hermione’s in pain?” Ron shouted, bending down to Hermione’s side and wrapping his arms around her, while she gulped for air in his shoulder.
                “Oh King Weasel, always there to rescue poor Granger, if I didn’t know any better, I would say you still have feelings for my mate. Watch out Pansy, this one’s a heart breaker.” Draco smirked.
                “That’s uncalled for Draco, why are you doing this?” Pansy cried, her eyes welling up with tears. She knew he didn’t love Granger, but it still wasn’t nice to hear.
                “Just doing what I should have done a long time ago. I’ve changed for everyone, and it’s not doing one damn bit of difference. Everyone wants to see the monster, oh they will see it. I’ll give them all quite a show.”
                Blaise growled and lunged at Draco, who side stepped the attack. “I really don’t care to do this with you my old friend. You’ve been the only true friend my entire life, I don’t wish to harm you.”
                “Then stop this Draco, Hermione can’t take much more. What in the blazes has got your wand in a knot?” Ginny yelled, coming in front of Blaise to keep him from trying anything stupid.
                “Ahh Red, shockingly, I’ve grown to like your ‘in your face’ attitude. What’s my problem you ask? While we’ve been staying here in the castle doing nothing to help my father, he stays up in the hospital, wasting away to nothing while my mother cries herself to sleep every night. No one has done a damn thing to help. We found the Horcrux, and the bloody sword, so why hasn’t anyone done anything? Well no longer, I’m going to do something about it right now. Anyone coming with me, had better come now.”
                “You can’t be serious Malfoy, after everything you just did, everything you’re doing, you still expect us to follow you? You haven’t got a plan.” Ron spat, still trying to calm Hermione down with Pansy on her other side, helping.
                “Oh I think killing her is a pretty good one.”
                Ginny grunted in frustration and Draco turned to face her. Of all the friends he’s ever had in his life, she’s the only one who never held anything back from him, no matter what the cost. He appreciated her for it, but now was not the time for formalities.
                “Yes weaselette?”
                “That’s one Draco, everyone gets one, but say that name again and we won’t have to wait for Hermione, I’ll hurt you myself. We both know I can.” Draco nodded in agreement, Ginny wasn’t one to mess with either. “You can’t kill her Draco, she can’t die remember? The Horcrux? She doesn’t have a death wish.”
                Draco turned around and started walking again, towards Dumbledore’s office. “Hasn’t got a death wish? Bitch won’t need one!”
                “But she will beat you Draco, she’s too strong right now!” Ginny said running up beside him, trying her best to keep up with him.
                “I’ve got a shiny sharp sword in Dumbledore’s office that will prove you wrong,” he grunted, as he pushed her aside gently.
                “You’ll end up getting your arse whipped up and down Hogsmeade till she gets bored and finally decides to kill you!” Ginny pleaded with him, trying to make him see reason.

                Draco whispered the password and stood on the steps, waiting to be taken up. He looked at Ginny and replied, “Yeah, the whipping might hurt like hell for a few hours, but she’ll be dead just a little longer.” He winked at her as he was raised out of her sight.

                “Harry, we have to stop him, we have to do something!” Luna cried, running into Harry’s arms, turning her face into his shoulder, shuddering violently.
                “Stop who? What’s going on here?” He looked at the carnage the stood before him. Ron sat on the floor with Hermione cradled in his lap, who looked like she was about to die, while Pansy kneeled behind her, rubbing her back and whispering soothing words into her ear while Ron rocked back and forth. Blaise was in Veela form, panting heavily, leaning up against the wall, trying and failing to compose himself, while Ginny stood, hands on her hips staring threateningly down the corridor at something Harry couldn’t see apparently. There was only one person missing, he came to the conclusion himself.
                “The war path of Malfoy huh?” Harry asked and Ginny spun around and glared angrily at him.
                “Your damn right, Malfoy! He’s gone to do something stupid Harry, we have to stop him.” Ginny pleaded with Harry, coming over to Blaise, rubbing his back soothingly. His eyes began clearing up, his claws retreating and fangs disappearing back inside his gums.
                “I’ll kill him, if he doesn’t get himself killed, I’ll kill him.” Blaise panted, leaning over and taking huge gulps of air.
                “What do you purpose we do?”
                “He’s gone for the sword Harry, he’s heading up to Dumbledore’s office right now!”
                Harry stopped for a second, then started chuckling. First it started out low, a soft chuckle only he could hear, but it began building up quickly, ending in Harry bursting out laughing, tears forming in his eyes.
                “I hardly think this is the proper time for laughing Potter, we have a serious issue on our hands.”
                Harry, in between laughs, shook his head and replied, “No, we really don’t. If Dumbledore put the sword back, we really don’t. Clearly Draco hasn’t read Hogwarts, A History in a while or else he would have remembered, only a true Gryffindor can attain the sword of Godric Gryffindor, and last I checked, Malfoy was no Gryffindor. He’s a Slytherin, through and through. However I do think we should make our way up there, he may try and do something else foolish, and get us all killed. Come on, up you get Hermione, let’s go get Draco!”

                Pansy and Ron helped Hermione to her feet, and ushered her towards the statue, waiting for it to descend, so they could ring Malfoy’s neck themselves.

                Where was the blasted sword? The old fool wouldn’t have put it anywhere else, his office was the safest place in Hogwarts, aside from his presence. Draco looked around every square inch of his office, in every drawer, under every chair, in every portrait, yet no sword was to be found. Did he place a charm on it? Draco shook his head, wouldn’t matter anyways, there were so many charms in this office, figuring out which one it could be would take him months if not a year and he wasn’t sure his father had that long! Swearing out loud, he grabbed the first thing he could find and threw it at the opposite end of the office. It shattered against the wall in a hundred pieces and Draco watched in fascination as the pieces slowly started to wiggle, and suddenly it began to reassemble itself. Draco bent down and picked it up, turning it over slowly in his hand. He gasped as he realized he was gazing down into a moving picture frame. The three men laughed about something then turned towards Draco and waved, beaming smiles grazing their faces. There was Dumbledore, albeit a slightly younger version of him, Snape, still looking a greasy as ever, and his father, in his Chaser uniform, holding the Quidditch Cup in his hands. Draco paused for a moment, a tear welling up in his eye. He bought to wipe it away, he reveled in the feeling of it as it slid down his cheek, coming to a stop right under his chin for a moment, before splashing to the ground. He choked back a sob, his father looked so happy, so.....alive. He wiped the streak from his face and hurled the picture one more time, not intending to pick it up. A deathly chuckle from the darkened corner had Draco whirling around, wand at the ready.
                “Vincent? What in Merlin’s name are you doing here?” Draco asked, his heart in his throat.
                Vincent raised an eyebrow in question. “The same could be asked of you young Veela.”
                “None of your concern Vampire,” Draco sneered, “Dumbledore ask you to come?”
                Vincent nodded his head once, “Why else would I be here?” Draco lowered his wand and ran his hand through his blonde hair. Vincent tilted his head to the side, taking in Draco’s appearance, “You look like a man fixing to do a bad thing, young Veela.”
                Draco groaned in annoyance, this Vampire was getting on his last nerve. “I’m looking for the Sword of Gryffindor, if you must know.”
                Vincent’s handsome face screwed up in confusion. “Did you have a recent fall and hit your head Veela? We gave it to you not too long ago. Don’t tell me you misplaced it already. I knew it was wrong to trust ones so young. Speaking of which, where would that delicious mate of yours be? I do so miss ‘conversing’ with her, so to speak.” Vincent’s eyes darkened over and the tips of his fangs poked out from beneath his crooked smile.
                Draco’s head whipped around, and he raised his wand once more, “Hermione is mine, and you will do well to remember that,” Draco sighed again and lowered his wand, “however, her whereabouts aren’t clear right now.”
                Vincent’s eyebrows shot up in disbelief, “you do not know where your mate is Veela, trouble in paradise perhaps?”
                “Doesn’t matter anyways. After I’m done, she will be free to have a choice again.”
                “Oh?” Vincent asked.
                The door swung open violently, flying off its hinges. There stood Hermione, her wand pointed, eyes blackened over and her fangs bared viciously. “The hell is your problem Malfoy?”
                “Granger, now is not the time.” Draco replied, “I’m busy and ARGHHHHHHH!” He never got to finish the sentence. Hermione had flicked her wand and was now dangling Draco by his ankle high in the air.
                “Why are you in such a hurry to go and off yourself Malfoy? Do we mean so little to you?” Blaise asked, his eyes wide with sadness. Draco tilted his head over at him, Blaise never used his last name unless he was really upset or angry.
                “Do I mean so little to you?” Hermione whispered, finally calming down. She lowered Draco to the ground and removed the curse off of him. He found his footing and came to her side, grabbing both her hands in his. He stared deep in to her brown eyes and placed his forehead on hers. He breathed in her scent, and relaxed.
                “No love, you mean the world to me, and you know that, but I have to save my father.”
                “And what happens when you die Draco? How will I ever manage without you?”
                Draco chuckled, “you will finally be able to have your choice back, you’re my best friend Hermione and I want nothing but you to be happy in this life and the next.”
                Vincent moaned in disgust, teens in love really were the worst.
                “Did we say something to upset your delicate Vampire demeanor Vincent?” Draco asked, a smirk evident on his face.
                “You’re not friends. You’ll never be friends. Love isn’t brains children, its blood. Blood screaming inside you to work its will. Now you listen to me. I’ve been alive a bit longer than you, and dead a lot longer than that. And done things I prefer you didn’t. Don’t exactly have a reputation for being a thinker. It’s my instinct and I follow my blood, which doesn’t always rush in the direction of my brain.” He smiled handsomely at Hermione, who blushed deeply and Draco growled quietly.
                “Ugh, what is it with you Vampires and blood?” Ron said, paling visibly. In his years of being best friends with Harry and Hermione, he had seen his fair share of blood. He really had enough of it.
                “Cause it always has to be blood,” Vincent answered, narrowing his eyes at Ron, who went even whiter.
                “We aren’t discussing dinner right now.” Draco sneered, and Vincent rolled his eyes.
                “Blood is life, young Veela. Why do you think we eat it? It’s what keeps you going, makes you warm. Makes you hard. Makes you other than dead. Of course it’s blood.” Vincent answered and the teens understood instantly. He continued, “So I’ve made a lot of mistakes, a lot of wrong bloody calls. A hundred plus years of figuring out this thing called life and there’s only one thing I’ve ever been sure of.”
                Hermione moved closer to Vincent, looking at him with questions swimming in those big brown eyes of hers. “What’s that Vincent?”
                “Death is final. You don’t get another chance at it little one. Don’t be so quick to throw it away.”
                Pansy chewed her lip, she couldn’t hold it in anymore. “But what about you? You died and now living again, and forever I might add. That’s a bit hypocritical don’t you think?”
                “If you call this living, then you really have no idea what it means to live. Now why are you trying so hard to kill yourself Veela? If you wanted to die so badly, you should have sought me out. I would be glad to help,” Vincent smiled, his fangs gleaming in the lamplight. He ran his tongue over them and looked at Hermione, “I would be most willing to comfort your mate with your untimely death. Catch her tears as they fall as they say.”
                Hermione blushed deeper, her hands flying to her face, “oh my,” she giggled and Draco looked over at her. He raised his eyebrows at her and she fixed herself right away, “oh shut it,” she said and walked to the other end of the room.
                “Now while this has all been enlightening, how are we going to help my father?” Draco hollered, raising his hands in frustration.
                “That’s why I was summoned here young Veela. Your Headmaster wanted to speak with me in private. I believe I hear him coming.”
                Dumbledore walked into his office, staring at his door, laying on the ground. “Hmm, I seem to have remembered that being attached earlier this morning. Must have gotten tired again, old door, well back on you go.” He waved his wand in the air and his door snapped on with a loud bang. “That was fun.” He smiled at the teens and looked over at Vincent, “Ahhh, my dear old friend, I see you got my Owl.”
                Vincent nodded and bowed low at Dumbledore, “Indeed I did Albus, but we seem to have attracted an audience.”
                Dumbledore smiled, a twinkle in his blue eyes, “yes, it seems we have. I regret that I must ask you to wait outside, I have pressing matters I need to discuss with Vincent here. Now please, if you will, out, out!” He ushered all the teens out, not seeing the bushy haired Gryffindor huddled in the corner.
                “Why have you asked me here Albus? Surely you know I gave them the sword.”
                Dumbledore held up his hand to silence the worried Vampire, “Yes Vincent, I have it. That’s the issue really. Seems we have an exuberant Veela who wishes to avenge his father without thinking of the consequences.”
                Vincent took a seat in front of Dumbledore’s desk while the Headmaster sat behind his grand desk. He snorted in an undistinguished way, unbecoming of a Vampire of his stature. “He doesn’t realize what he has Dumbledore. Family and friends who love him, a beautiful mate one finds once in a lifetime, a heartbeat, a pulse. He’s nothing more than a spoiled brat.”
                “Yes, that does seem to be the general consensus, doesn’t it?” Dumbledore chuckled.
                “You have no idea,” came the hushed replied from the darkened corner.
                “Ms. Granger, what are you doing here?”
                “I never left Headmaster,” she answered, slowly walking forward.
                “Cheeky Veela,” Vincent mumbled, an evil glint in his eye. “I have half a mind to bend you over my knee little one.”
                Hermione came up beside Dumbledore and stood, placing her hand on his arm. “I believe I may have found an answer to our problem. However I may need Vincent’s assistance”
                “Your wish is my command little one. What you need of me, you need only ask.” Vincent stood and bowed at Hermione. She smiled back.
                “I don’t want the other’s knowing, but I will need Harry on this one though. He’s the only one who knows how to kill these things.”
                Dumbledore smiled, “Of course Ms. Granger, is there anything I can do to help?”

                “Yeah, explain it to Harry for me? I don’t relish another row with him so soon.” Hermione chucked, while Dumbledore nodded, a smile lightly playing on his lips.

                “Ahhh Luna, could you hand me that bag over there? Hermione put an undetectable extended charm on it.” Harry asked Luna, getting everything ready. He had just come from Dumbledore’s office. He didn’t want to leave the safety of the school so soon, but if Dumbledore asked him, it must be important.
                “Sure Harry, but where are you going again?”
                “Back to Grimmauld Place. Believe me, I don’t want to go, I would much rather stay here, spending the nights in the dorm with you in my arms by the fire, but Dumbledore said it was important and so I must go. He wouldn’t send me without a reason.”
                Luna sighed and helped place a few items of clothing in the bag. “You said Hermione was going with you?”
                “Yeah, well I’m not known for my brains, and I guess I’m going to need her, but well, when do we not?” Harry laughed as he grabbed Luna around the waist and pulled her into his arms.
                Luna squealed in delight, and wrapped her arms around his neck, “well she is the brightest witch of our age. Quite brilliant really. I believe we have everything you need Harry, what time are you leaving?”
                Harry smirked at her, “not for an hour or so, now what could we do to pass the time?” He brought his lips down on hers and shivered when he heard her moan in pleasure. He pushed her back, his lips never leaving hers, towards the edge of his bed and laid her down upon the red blanket.
                Luna brought her legs up and wrapped them around Harry waist, using her new strength she flipped them around so she was straddling his waist. She looked down at him and smiled, “You are wearing far too much clothing Harry James Potter, let’s do something about that.”
                He looked up, and laughed as she started undoing his belt, “My wolf,” he whispered.

                “My Savior.”

                “Where is Harry? Wasn’t he supposed to meet us here at nine?” Hermione asked Vincent, while she paced the floor and Vincent leaned against the stone wall. His arms folded across his chest, and his legs crossed at the ankle. He watched the little Veela pace in wonder. Humans felt such odd emotions in the worst of times. He leaned his head against the cold wall and closed his eyes, he should have fed before agreeing to join them, he was becoming quite tired.
                Suddenly, Harry turned the corner and joined the rest of them. “Sorry I’m a bit late, had to finish a couple things before we left, ready?” He asked Hermione, nodding in Vincent’s direction, who nodded back weakly.
                Hermione could smell Luna all over him and gave him a knowing glance, to which Harry reddened. “Yeah right, we just have to grab a few things from Snape, then we can go. Come on, we have to go to his office.”
                The three walked down to the Potion Master’s classroom and walked in. They walked down the aisle towards his door that led to his office. Harry looked around, and asked, “Where is Snape?”
                “Dunno, probably somewhere with Dumbledore, quite convenient, wouldn’t you say?” Hermione opened the door and waited till everyone was in before closing the door behind them. “Stay here and watch the door for anyone to come in, I just need to get a few things.” She started grabbing a lot of bottles and tossing them into the bag that carried all their clothing, books, the sword of Gryffindor and some food. He assumed they were potions incase anything happened. Harry smiled fondly at the witch before him, she was always prepared.
                “You have a love for the little one don’t you?” Vincent whispered quietly, he too was watching her.
                “She’s my best friend, how could I not?”
                “You would die for her?”
                Harry shrugged, “seems only fair, she would do the same for me. What’s with the trail all of a sudden?”
                Vincent shook his head, “no reason Potter, just trying to take my mind off my stomach. Seems I was much hungrier than I anticipated earlier.”
                Harry turned his head slowly, his eyes big with concern, “You didn’t feed? Are you going to be okay? Are we in danger Vincent?”
                “Hardly Potter, however we may need to stop soon.”
                Hermione finished, and walked over to the two boys. She took in their appearance. Harry was looking at Vincent in horror and Vincent was looking rather dead, or, more then he usually did.
                “Everything alright boys?”
                “Seems Vincent here forgot to feed, think Snape has any Blood Replenishing potions lying about?” Harry asked, looking around the room.
                “I took them all, we may need them. But no fear, I made a stop earlier while you were otherwise, occupied Harry. Here Vincent, I thought you may need this.” She pulled out a bag of blood and tossed it at him. He caught it and looked at her with surprise. “I stopped by St. Mungo’s and grabbed it for you, thought it might come handy. Guess I was right.”
                Vincent turned around, ripped the bag open with his teeth and sucked greedily from the bag. Harry backed away, a little disgusted, but more for wanting to give the man his own space while he fed. They waited until he turned back around, looking more like himself then before. His hair now shiny, his eyes gleaming, and a slight pink tinge across his cheeks. He sighed deeply, and threw the bag back towards Hermione, who vanished it with her wand. “Thank you little one, you truly are an extraordinary being.”

                “Always the tone of surprise,” she laughed, and cleared her throat, “Yes well, let’s get going, before everyone figures out what we are doing and tries to stop us.” Blushing, she turned around and threw some floo powder into the fireplace. The three stepped into the flames and shouted Grimmauld Place, and with a bright flash of green they disappeared.

They walked out of the fireplace at Harry’s home, dusting off their clothes. Harry sighed in comfort as he took in his surroundings of his home. He couldn’t wait till he was finished school so he could spend a lot of time taking apart this place and redecorating it. It was rather bleak and dark, not quite how he liked it, but other things were more important. He hoped to bring Luna here once they were done, and perhaps one day filling the house with children’s laughter. He smiled at the thought and followed Hermione into the kitchen.
“Excuse me Mr. Potter, I seem to have a bit of an issue here.” Vincent shouted from the living room. Harry rushed back and looked at the Vampire, still standing in the fireplace. Harry raised his eyebrows in confusion and Vincent groaned in annoyance. “I can’t enter a home without being invited Potter.”
Harry blushed in embarrassment, “oh yes, forgot about that. Come in Vincent.”
Vincent elegantly walked out and took off his cloak. He laid it upon the couch and followed Harry into the kitchen. He watched as Harry walked around the large table and came beside Hermione, who was taking some things out of the bag, searching for something.
“So how does that work exactly Vincent? Do I always have to invite you in every time? Or can you now come and go as you please? What of other Vampires?”
“The invite is mine and mine alone, no other Vampire can enter your home without invitation by a person who resides in the house. An invite only includes the certain Vampire who the person is speaking of. Yes I can come and go as I please, however if you are not comfortable with that, a ward can be put back in place to keep me out. I can assure you Potter, I will never grace your house without explicit instruction, you have my word.”
“You aren’t so bad to have around Vincent. Keep your fangs to yourself and you are welcome anytime you want.” Harry smiled at the Vampire and looked back at Hermione.
“Finally, there it is,” she said and pulled out the large sword out of the bag, the red rubles gleaming in the light. She placed it on the table and looked at Harry. “You have more knowledge about these things than anyone Harry, what do we do now?”
“We must strike the portrait with the sword, and only the sword. Be careful though, it may try to lure you in, say or conjure things to twist your mind. Fight it and stab it with the sword and that should kill it.” Harry suggested. That’s all he had ever done and it seemed to work every time. Should be the same with this as well.

Suddenly, from down the long corridor, they heard a loud, shrill cackle which sent an icy chill down the spines of the two teens. “What do we have here?”

                Draco shook suddenly, and his skin broke out in goosebumps. He was sitting in the Head dorms, in front of the fireplace, with Blaise in the other armchair, sitting sideways, his legs dangling over the edge. They were doing some reading, seeing as how they had missed a few classes, they were trying to catch up. He let out a shaky breath and rubbed his arms, trying to get warm.
                Blaise looked over at him oddly, “cold mate? Don’t see how, the fire is roaring.”
                Draco sighed, “There’s not much I hate about being a Veela, a chunk has come in handy, but I don’t think I will ever get used to feeling everything she does. She must be outside with Red.”
                Blaise shook his head, “nah, Ginny is with Luna in the library, studying.”
                Draco uttered, “Huh, possibly Quidditch Pitch then, watching Potter or Weasley flying around.”
                “Pansy and Ron are in Hogsmeade, apparently a date was more important than studying.” He chuckled and shook his head, looking back down at his Arithmacy book.
                Suddenly, their portrait swung open and in walked Ginny followed by Luna. “Hey guys, we need help with our potions project, would you mind answering a couple questions?” The girls came around and each sat on either side of Draco. He was very grateful Luna took her smell into account and started wearing perfume. The scent of a werewolf, although mild, was not the most pleasant of smells to Veelas.
                “Couldn’t get Potter to help you Luna?”
                “I would have asked him, Malfoy, but he’s not here.”
                “What do you mean, not here? Where else would he be?” Blaise laughed, and bent over the parchment, looking at the girls essays.
                “He’s gone, with Hermione and that lovely Vampire we met. Professor Dumbledore sent them somewhere, but he said they would be back by morning, I’m assuming this is for Vincent’s case though.” She shrugged and was listening to Ginny explaining the issue they were having.
                Blaise dropped his quill and turned quickly over at Draco
                His eyes were wide open, starring off into space. He seemed to be so shocked that he was rendered immobile.
                “Luna, explain that again please?” Blaise spoke softly, never taking his gaze off of Draco.
                “I don’t know more than that, I’m afraid. Harry told me Dumbledore had asked him, Hermione and the handsome Vampire to take a little night trip to Grimmauld Place. Why? I don’t know. He did say they would be back before the sunrises, but wouldn’t say more. Why would we have to use unicorn hair? Isn’t it illegal in potions?” Luna asked, trying to get back on track with her potions essay.
                Blaise shook his head, still watching Draco, watching every single emotion wash over his friend’s face, before he saw the last one, anger, lingering, just a tad longer than the rest. “It is Lovegood, that’s why it’s confusing you two. Instead of using unicorn hair, find another substitute.” Blaise answered her question, however, she seemed to be the only one paying any attention.
                Ginny’s mouth hung open, her quill falling to the table top with a quiet plop. “You didn’t think this was important enough to tell the rest of us?”
                Luna looked up from her paper and looked at the rest of the group, her eyebrows coming together in confusing, “no, not really. I trust Dumbledore, he wouldn’t have sent them into danger........would he?”
                “How can he know danger won’t find them? Potter can find danger in a bathtub. He’s a magnet for it.” Blaise and Ginny stood up together and began running around the dorm, grabbing clothes and robes, getting ready to leave right away.
                Draco still hadn’t moved, hadn’t even breathed. Blaise was walking slowly towards his back, and placing a hand on his shoulder. He felt Draco exhale, and breathed a sigh of relief.
                Draco began stirring, stood up and roared, “WHAT?”

                Time to go!

                “How did you find this place?” Harry asked, raising his wand. He snuck a look at Hermione who also had her wand raised while shifting around the other side of the table. Vincent was backing himself quietly into a dark corner, disappearing completely.
                “This is my house, you filthy Half Blood.” She gasped, shocked that one so low would dare speak to her.
                “It’s Harry’s, not yours.” Hermione replied, her eyes glancing around, hearing noises coming from the inside of the house.
                “Don’t speak to me in the tone, you disgusting creature.” She shot a curse at Hermione, who quickly deflected it. It crashed into the ceiling, breaking pieces off and smashing onto the ground.
                “Harry,” Hermione whispered, Harry looked over at her quickly. She nodded her head towards the upstairs and he quickly caught on. He heard it too, the footsteps slowly walking upstairs, but on which floor he had no clue, and perhaps they didn’t either.
                Bellatrix laughed, “You didn’t think I would come alone did you?”
                “Your intelligence knows no bounds,” Harry spat and walked closer to her. He stopped though as he watched about twelve people saunter down the steps and come to stand behind Bellatrix. They held no wands, or none that he could see, yet their presence alone made the hair on the back of his neck stand on end.
                “They are werewolves Harry.” Hermione said, as if reading his mind.
                “Hmmm, yes they are, and they have quite an appetite for young blood. I feel this time, you are the ones in over your heads. Get them.” Bellatrix hollered, yet no one moved. They seemed to be fighting an inner war over attacking two helpless teens. “What are you waiting for, I said get them, unless you want to end up like your previous leader, NOW!” She screamed and the dozen wolves began to descend upon the teens.
                Suddenly a loud hiss was heard, and he saw Vincent was at the front door. The wolves turned around growling in surprise.
                “Potter, invite them in!” Behind Vincent stood his covenant, and the entire one it seemed.
                “Come in,” he squeaked, and the war broke out fast, Vampires and Werewolves attacking each other, Harry shooting spell after spell at a rather large looking male, while Bellatrix and Hermione watched in horror.
                Vincent bared his fangs menacingly at a younger wolf and lounged. He clawed at the wolf, his nails slashed across the wolf’s upper arm, and he jumped on his back, clawing and slashing away. The younger wolf hollered in pain, turning to the left and right quickly, trying to throw the older Vampire off his back. Hermione gasped in fear as he was thrown off and whipped up against the wall. He slumped down in pain as the wolf came up in front of him. He grabbed a jagged piece of wood and quickly jammed it into Vincent’s chest making Vincent’s eyes bulge out.
                “NO!” Hermione screamed as she watched Vincent topple over to the side like a sack of potatoes.
                Bellatrix laughed, and turned her head back towards Hermione. She raised her wand as Hermione did the same and both shouted out a spell at the same time,
                “Avada Kedavra!”
                “Expelliamus!”
                A bright light of green and red met in the middle, both battling for dominance over the other. Bellatrix was swishing her wand quickly to the right and left, trying to break the connection, but Hermione held on strong. Sweat starting forming on both witch’s brows as their stamina began to weaken. Hermione added her second hand to her wand as she felt her power growing faint, she was only hoping the other witch was getting weaker as well. Suddenly, the connection was broken, both hands fell to their sides as both witch was breathing heavily. Bellatrix wasn’t giving up soon and again started another battle which Hermione met her with the same strength. They both knew this couldn’t last forever and again the connection was broken. Hermione took this time to run and dive behind a chair, skidding across glass, slicing up her outer thigh. The pain ran up her spine as she hissed in pain, “Bollocks,” she whispered a quick healing spell. Bellatrix was coming around and Hermione climbed to her feet again and dodged a spell thrown at her, she threw a couple back as Bellatrix blocked one and side stepped the other. They were weaving in and around other people, while trying to hit the other one.
                “Hermione, move!” Harry yelled, but Bellatrix was too fast for him. She shot a stunner at him and he was sent flying through the air, across the room, and slammed into the opposite wall, falling down unconscious. He had a huge gash on the side of his head, which began bleeding.
                “Harry, get up! Please get up,” Hermione shouted as she blocked another curse from Bellatrix. He wasn’t moving and Hermione’s heart was pounding in her ears. She stepped backwards and her foot caught on the edge on the couch and she fell, her wand slipping from her hand and sliding a few feet out of reach. She quickly rolled over on to her stomach and stretched her arm out, trying to reach it. Bellatrix saw this and ran forward, stepping down hard on Hermione outstretched hand.
                Hermione screamed, and tried to bring her arm back, but Bellatrix wasn’t letting up. She reached down and grabbed Hermione’s wand and pointed it towards her as well.
                “This time, I will make sure you stay dead, Mudblood.” She raised down wands, when she suddenly fell forward, the wands falling from her hands, which she brought up to her chest and looked up scared. Hermione watched, and wasted little time in gathering her wand, screaming “Incarcerous” tying up the Death Eater. Bellatrix was fighting for breath and turned her head to the left. Hermione followed her gaze to look at Vincent. Hermione’s heart skipped a beat in happiness at the sight of him alive. He was panting, as he let go of the sword, which now was sticking out of the portrait, which was now fully black and dead. He had done it, he killed the Horcrux.
                “Vincent,” Hermione whispered and fell forward. Vincent rushed to her side and held her gently in his lap, looking over at Bellatrix, who was glaring at the couple, but unable to move. “I thought you were dead,” she continued, her breath coming out in gasps.
                Vincent chuckled low as he brushed some hair from her forehead, “What can I saw, young wolves don’t have the accuracy as their elders. He missed the heart, but only just. Still Hurt like Hell though,” he joked.
                The battle slowly died down, the Vampires coming to form a line in front of Vincent and surrounding the wolves, keeping a close eye on both Hermione and Harry. Each side began crouching down, ready to begin again.
                “ENOUGH!” A voice suddenly roared, and Mataeus’ big form appeared in Harry’s doorway. The wolves immediately backed down, and knelt in fear. The leader walked in and surveyed the damage. He had only just gotten the hurried message from Luna, and rushed out. He arrived when the fighting stopped. He glanced over at Hermione, who was shakily getting to her feet with the help of a Vampire, who he could only guess, and hope, was a friend. He looked over to the other side of the room, and growled low when he saw the unmoving body of Harry. He ran and fell to his knees beside the boy, who was bleeding steadily from his head.
                He turned towards his pack and growled, “Do you have any idea who they are?” The pack didn’t respond, and he rolled Harry over and raised the hair on his forehead to reveal his famous scar. “You attacked Harry Potter, and Hermione Granger,” he waved his hand towards Hermione who had now ran into the kitchen to grab her bag.
                The pack didn’t move, their heads still bowed, until one woman spoke up.
                “We didn’t want to. We didn’t want to attack the boy, boy but we had no choice.” She whimpered, and started to tremble.
                Vincent snorted, as his coven came and stood behind him, looking beautiful as ever. Hermione noticed the red head who had been making eyes at Draco looking at her. Hermione nodded her head in thanks, the slender woman’s mouth turned up in one corner, a sly smile and winked, then turned her head back around. “You had a choice, you could have denied her.”
                “And sign our death warrants? Not all of us are immortal you know.” a wolf in the back mumbled.
                Mataeus raised a hand. “We are a peaceful pack. We do not follow the orders of any witch or wizard. I’m ashamed of all of you. I apologize for the actions of the pack. It won’t happen again. Come, we must leave now. You’ve done enough damage.” He shook his head in shame as the wolves left one by one by Apparating away, until only Mataeus was left. He came over to Hermione’s side, who was now healing Harry’s wound and feeding him a potion for pain. “Is there anything I can do?”
                “No Mataeus, I think we are fine now. Thank you.”
                Harry shifted as he sat up, a little fuzzy. Mataeus reached for his hand and shook it, “I’m so sorry Mr. Potter, no harm should have ever come to you. Let me make it clear now, none will ever come again.”
                Harry laughed lightly as Hermione helped him to his feet. He swayed a bit, but waved off Hermione’s arms. “I’ve looked worse Mataeus, believe me. Thank you friend.”
                “Until we meet again, my friend” Mataeus apparated away with a loud pop.
                Harry looked around at his ruined living room, “what the bloody hell happened?”
                “We did it Harry, Vincent destroyed the portrait.” Harry’s eyes shot up to Vincent, who only shrugged in reply.
                The red head began whispering in Vincent’s ear, who chuckled and nodded his head. The Vampires began filing out of the house into the night. Hermione’s brows creased, “Where are they going?”
                “The fight took a lot out of my coven. They need to feed, and your bleeding little one. On my orders, they do not attack, however I cannot deny them food, so they are off to heal and will meet me back at the castle. I say we get this one back to the school, and ourselves.”
                Hermione looked down to her thigh and saw the deep red stain growing bigger on her jeans. She looked back up. “Thanks Vincent, I appreciate not being a meal just yet.”
                “If anyone were to have that privilege, it would be mine and mine alone little one,” he winked and grinned at her. Harry poked her in the side with his elbow and raised his eyebrows in humor at her, she only scoffed and bent over to pile everything back in her bag. Vincent bent and grabbed Bellatrix up with one hand and placed her over his shoulder, kicking and squirming.
                “Potter, if you don’t mind, this is rather annoying.” Vincent said, motioning to Bellatrix with his other hand. Harry nodded in agreement and pointed his wand at her, “petrificus totalus!”
                “Thanks ever so much,” and he stepped into the fireplace, followed by Harry and Hermione.
                “Merlin, look at my house. It’s destroyed,” Harry said, taking in the sight of his surroundings.
                “I’m sorry Harry,” Hermione said and placed a comforting hand on Harry’s shoulder.

                “I’d say it’s an improvement. Mortals have such terrible taste in upholstery.” Vincent replied, making the teen’s chuckle. Hermione threw the powder into the fireplace and in a flash of green, they were gone.

                Harry ran out, followed by Hermione who fell into her stomach, while Vincent walked out regally, Bellatrix still on his shoulder, frozen in place, but glaring evilly at his back. They were back at Hogwarts, in Dumbledore’s office it seems. Harry leaned over and helped Hermione up, chuckling softly.
                “Oh, shut it Harry. You know I’ve never been able to work these things properly.”
                “Little more practice, I think you will be fine.”
                Vincent cleared his throat, “we seem to have company.”
                Harry and Hermione looked around to find three surprised teens, three shocked teachers, one annoyed parent, and one pissed off Veela, tied to a chair, a gag in his mouth. The sight was quite unnerving to say the least.
                “Where were you guys? What happened?” Ginny asked, her hand squeezing Blaise’s, who looked relieved.
                Narcissa came over and inspected the two teens, stopping when she saw the blood running down the jeans of Hermione. “Severus, she needs help.” She began waving her wand, healing the wound and cleaning in.
                “There’s no need Cissa, I can always go see Madame Pomfrey. Also, professor Snape, you are out of Blood replenishing potions I’m afraid.” Snape raised an eyebrow at the young witch, but settled for rolling his eyes in annoyance.
                “Nonsense, this is Mother’s work. There’s nothing she can do, that a mother can’t, my child. Mr. Potter, let me see that head.”
                Hermione shuffled to the side quickly, not one to be fawned over, but she knew Harry loved it. Not having a mother growing up, he yearned for motherly affection, which he got plenty of from Mrs. Weasley, but he would gladly take it from anyone else when she wasn’t available.
                Narcissa planted a light kiss on his forehead and whispered in his ear, “Thank you again Mr. Potter. You saved my son’s life once by risking your own, now you do the same for my husband. I will never be able to repay you.”
                Harry blushed the darkest Hermione had ever seen, while he just stammered a couple words and walked over to Luna’s side.
                Hermione looked over at Draco, who was tied to a chair by a fair share of ropes, with a gag in his mouth. He was staring deathly over at Dumbledore, who was beaming over his half-mooned spectacles at the returning party. “What happened here?”
                Blaise laughed slightly and Draco’s eyes shot over to him as well. “He wouldn’t listen. Professor Dumbledore told him he couldn’t leave, that you would come back, but it took the four of them,” he gestured to the adults, “to tie him down. The gag was my idea.”
                “He nearly got through the ropes but Ginny froze him to the chair,” Luna sang sweetly, smiling at the red head who beamed back.
                “Well we are back now, I’m sure you can let him go.” Hermione waved her wand and the roped fell off. He reached up and ripped off the gag and sped over to her side. He forcefully grabbed her hair and retched her head backwards so she was looking up at him. He violently crashed his lips down on hers, putting all his anger and rage into the kiss. She accepted his kiss and wrapped her arms around his neck. He released her hair and began running his hands up and down her back and arms. The sound of someone clearing their throat behind them finally forced them apart.
                “Merlin Granger, you ever do that again, I shall accept my death and kill you myself,” he smiled into her eyes and she melted, her Veela purring with desire. How long had it been since she had him?
                “While I hate to interrupt this disgusting display of affection, what shall I do with her?” Vincent said, tossing Bellatrix to the ground with a large thump. She glared daggers at the handsome Vampire but turned her attention towards the group.
                Narcissa walked up and bent down towards her sister, “How did you ever manage to capture her? Even the best Auror’s couldn’t do it.”
                “My fair lady, it was not me who did it. It was your son’s mate who did her in, rather exceptional that one.”
                “What?” Narcissa whipped her head around to look at Hermione, who was looking down at her shoes, kicking an imaginary piece of dirt.
                “I couldn’t have done it without Vincent, of course. He, after all, destroyed the Horcrux.”
                “Bloody Hell! You did what? How did you manage it? You’re still alive!” Draco said, his eyes widening.
                “Good eye, young Veela. And still as eloquent as ever I see. I’m already dead, I have no soul. I couldn’t be harmed. Your mate came to me, asked me to help. Who am I to turn down the request of one so beautiful, so innocent?” Draco squinted his eyes at the Vampire, but softened when he realized he was only trying to get a rise out of him.
                “I wouldn’t be alive if he hadn’t,” Hermione smiled at him, to which Vincent bowed low.
                “I wish to speak to my sister, if that’s alright?” Narcissa asked, glancing sadly at Dumbledore.
                “Of course, Mrs. Malfoy, Ms. Granger, if you will?”
                Hermione flicked her wand, only allowing Bellatrix to use of her mouth.
                “Don’t bother Cissy, I have nothing to say to you. You deserve them, you all deserve each other and your disgusting filthiness. I will kill each and every one of mmph,” she found herself gagged again by Hermione, who couldn’t stand to see the look of hurt on Narcissa’s face anymore.
                Narcissa shook her head, “what happened to you Bella? To make you hate so much? To make you fall so far? I can no longer help you, dear sister. Your actions will have consequences, and you will be judged for your crimes.” She whispered and a single tear fall down her cheek. She stood up and walked back to the side of her son, who wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Blaise joined on the other side and held his godmother while she silently wept.
                “I apologize for my rudeness but I must depart, the sun will be rising soon and I must tend to my coven before dawn. I will see you again.” Vincent said, his eyes darting to the window.
                “Thank you so much Vincent, I owe you one.” Hermione came up to him and extended her hand. He grasped it gently and placed a light kiss on the top, “you owe me nothing little one.”
                Draco held out his hand, “I suppose I should thank you as well. For everything.”
                Vincent stared at his hand for a second, then reached out and gripped it, yanking hard and pulling the Veela into him, and whispered low so no one could hear him, “You take care of her. If I hear for one second you caused tears to fall from those eyes, I will come and take her from you and have myself a real good day, do I make myself clear?” he pushed Draco back, who had both eyebrows raised in shock, “However, you are quite welcome young Veela. I hope to see you venture back for a visit soon.” He strode over to the window and opened it. He climbed out onto the ledge and leaped, falling to the ground and landing gracefully. He glanced back up at the window and sped off into the woods, glad to be going home.
                “What did he say Draco?” Ginny asked, still looking towards the window.
                “Nothing important, but I think he might be growing on me,” Draco smirked but turned it into a smile when he turned back towards Hermione, “I also think he might have a tad bit of Slytherin in him,” and Hermione laughed.
                “What’s to be done with her Albus?” McGonagall asked, pointing her wand at Bellatrix, who was still laying on the ground, her eyes now closed, trying to block out the traitors.

                “We should move her to the hospital wing immediately. I believe it’s time to wake someone who has slept long enough, don’t you agree Minerva? Severus, will you bring he please? I’m going ahead to see if Poppy can clear out the wing for us.”

                The teens were walking towards the hospital wing, after leaving the Head Dorms and Gryffindor tower so Hermione and Harry could change, they were laughing as they walked towards the Great Hall but stopped when they heard Pansy’s annoyed voice from around the corner.
                “Honestly Ron, I have no clue why we were called to Dumbledore’s office. You’ve spent more time in there than anyone I know, except Potter, perhaps it was you who did something and I’m just going there to be a witness to your expulsion.”
                Draco stopped the group and placed a finger on his lips to quiet them, he wanted to surprise them.
                “I haven’t done anything Pansy, I swear. You don’t think it’s because we were at the Leaky Cauldron do you?” he asked, worry clear in his voice.
                “I hardly think it was because of that.”
                “But we rented a room Pans, we had, err... relations. You think he knows?”
                “Any louder and the whole school will know,” the rest of the group had to bite their lips to keep from laughing. “And it’s called sex Ronald, better get used to saying the word if you plan on having any again. But no, I don’t think it would be that, most of the school would be in his office if that was the case. Let’s just get this over with.”
                The couple rounded the corner, hands entwined and stopped in front of the group. Draco stood at the front, his arms crossed over his chest.
                “Relations Weasley? Is that what they are calling it these days?” Draco laughed, looking back at the others, who were all red in the face from holding in their laughter. It exploded all at once and everyone joined in.
                “Nothing delicate about you huh Draco?” Harry said begin gulps of air, holding his sides from laughing to hard.
                “Care to find out Potter? I’ve got a few minutes to spare if you are up for it.” Draco wiggled his eyebrows at Harry who immediately stopped laughing.

                He made a rather rude gesture with his finger and began walking again towards the hospital wing. The other’s followed, while Ginny and Hermione filled Pansy and Ron in on what had happened.

                Every one piled into the Hospital wing and stopped when they came to a bound Bellatrix on a chair, a gag in her mouth, and the adults standing around the bed of Lucius.
                Dumbledore turned towards Bellatrix, and held out her wand. “Now Bella, I ask you to undo the curse you placed on Lucius, please.”
                The gag slid down her face, “would love to Albus, but I don’t feel like it right now.”
                Severus gripped his wand tighter and jabbed it into her neck, right on her pulse. “We can always send for the guards of Azkaban Albus, and wait it out till she dies,” Bellatrix’s eyes widened in fear, “I hear they’ve been looking for you. I’m too understand there will be no hearing, the sentence is death. I’ve heard the kiss can be quite excruciating to watch, but I will do my best. If you do not, or I see anything other than the counter curse come from your lips, I will make sure they carry out your sentence painfully slow, and you know I can do it too. You will be begging for the end before I’m through with you. Either way, he’s waking up, whether it be by your hand or your death, it’s really up to you Bellatrix. Now, what’s your decision, and make it quick, I only have so much patience.” Snape demanded, digging his wand in deeper, causing her to whimper in pain.
                “Either way I’m dead, so what does it matter?” Bellatrix spat.
                “Perhaps I can be persuaded to strip you of all magic, alter your memories and have you live out the rest of your life as a Muggle, Bellatrix, which will be sworn by a wizards oath from everyone in this room that no one will ever mention your whereabouts, unless you prefer death, then by all means, Minerva send an owl...” Dumbledore never got to finish his sentence.
                “No, no, I will take your offer, so long as you swear I will be safe from Azkaban.”
                “I swear, you will never grace Azkaban ever again,” Dumbledore answered, and she nodded her head. All the adults wands were trained on her, especially Snape’s, as Dumbledore waved his hand and the ropes fell from her body. The teens watched in fear as she walked oddly towards Lucius’ sleeping form and leaned over him. She pointed her wand at his head and whispered an incantation no one had ever heard before and stood back up.
                “He should be awake by morning, now our agreement Albus?”
                Dumbledore waved his hands again, and again she found herself bound to the chair. She shrieked in anger, “we had a deal Albus,” suddenly a gag appeared around her mouth and she turned her head towards Snape.
                “You insolent witch. How dare you question his integrity after what he offered you? You deserve no better than death and still you have the nerve.”
                Dumbledore silenced Snape with a glare. “You have my word Bellatrix, after we see if you kept yours. Now if you please Severus, I believe the room of requirement will be a good place to keep her for the night.”
                Snape nodded and floated Bellatrix out of the Hospital wing, with McGonagall following on his heels.
                “Get some sleep, we will meet back here tomorrow morning.” Dumbledore instructed the students who started walking out of the Hospital.
                Draco stopped, “Headmaster, if you don’t mind, I would like to stay with my mother and wait for my father to wake up.”
                Hermione leaned up and whispered in his ear, “but how can I take advantage of you in front of your mother Draco? I had plans for us. I wanted to be screaming your name in various positions before the night was through.”
                Albus turned back around from speaking with Narcissa, “well, I suppose since your mother doesn’t mind, you could...”

                Draco interrupted him sharply, “you know what? Never mind, I’m good.” He grabbed Hermione’s hand and started dragging her out of the hospital. “Come along Granger, it’s getting late, time for bed!”
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It Just Had To Be You