Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Bound	By : goldhorse Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 126120 -:- 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
- 26
- 27
- 28
“Happy first of March,” Melody chirped as two very exhausted teens came trudging through the door. It was six a.m. and she’d finally allowed them to go to bed after midnight the day before. She knew they were tired but they were so close to nailing the last step with the dolls.

“What exactly is so happy about it?” Draco grouched. He was tired, sore, and wanted to do nothing more than go back to the ROR and bury his had under the covers. In between his classes, their training, and trying to work on his task for the Dark Lord, he hardly slept at all anymore. He’d hit a snag with the cabinet and couldn’t figure out what was missing.

“Nothing actually,” Melody sighed. “If you remember, something horrible is supposed to happen today. It could be two horrible somethings though. Harmony was miraculously non-specific and has been tight lipped ever since.”

“I’d forgotten about that,” Hermione sighed. “Today is Ron’s birthday too.”

“Maybe that’s why this day is horrible,” Draco joked, earning a stern glare from Hermione. She was just too tired to growl at him for making fun of her friends.

“Well, it could be a number of things,” Melody said, smirking a bit. “I expect that snake man will be summoning my evil fidelity bonder very soon. It could also be my job tonight.”

“Job?” Draco asked casually.

“I, um, yes.”

“You’re going back to the pole,” he said flatly.

She nodded her head and angrily brushed a tear from her eye. “Alex joined the League yesterday. He said that they’re making a move for more dark creatures to join but no one said anything definite. He didn’t dare try to read their minds though. He could smell the blocking potions from the back of the room. So, I decided to go back.”

“You could die,” Draco said softly.

She nodded with a grim smile. “It’s always a possibility. Anything for the cause right?”

“Why risk your life for this?” Hermione whispered.

“Yet another tangent Harmony saw before we died. You remember when she touched Harry the first time?” They nodded. “Well, most of the tangents we were in had us being captured and well, you know what happens when we’re used. When we came back from the land of the dead, we decided to join the cause on the right side. After all, we wouldn’t be in those tangents if there wasn’t a very strong possibility.”

“I thought you said you couldn’t thwart your own fate,” Draco said accusingly.

“We can’t, which is why I’ve agreed to be Sev’s little poodle in front of the despot. However, we can make decisions for ourselves. A tangent isn’t exactly the same as an event, or so Harmony says. Besides, those tangents were made before we died so…” she shrugged.

“You’re weaseling out of your fate by deciding to join the war,” Hermione said. “But You Know Who is still going to get you under his thumb.”

“Correct,” Melody said softly. “However, he won’t know who I am and I won’t wear his mark. It’s decidedly less bleak.”

“You’ll still need a mark of some sort,” Hermione said softly.

“Oh I have one,” she said with a frown. “But enough of that for now. You are so close to being rid of these dolls. Today, you take control of each other’s dolls and anticipate your moves. Remember, you’ll need that link your minds have to read the moves before they happen. Shall we start with a waltz?”

The couple nodded, stripping down to the bare minimum to remain decent. They always got hot and sweaty during their workouts. Who knew dancing could be so hard? A slow waltz filtered through the air and they took each other’s dolls into their consciousness. It took them a few minutes to gain control of both their movements and the doll’s but soon they had them moving fluidly.

By eight, both of them were panting and trying very hard to move to the extremely fast salsa that was playing. A knock on the door sounded out and Melody informed them to keep moving no matter what.

“Hey Sev,” Melody said when he walked slowly into the room. “You look like someone told you that you were going to have to kiss Harry Potter.”

Snape snorted. “Hardly. However, I believe the events your sister was worried about have happened.”

“Events? As in, more than one?” Melody said and tsked when the couple’s dolls faltered for a moment. “No matter what, remember?” She snapped. They nodded and concentrated a bit harder.

“Yes, more than one. The Dark Lord requested my presence last night after I returned to my chambers. It seems that he is more eager to see you than originally thought. We will be seeing him this weekend. Unfortunately, he’s hinted that he wants to see Draco as well. I couldn’t think of anything to get him out of it.”

The dolls fell to the floor as the couple tripped and hit a desk, scrambling for purchase. “This weekend?” They both squeaked.

“Yes,” Snape said sadly. “I’m at a loss.”

Melody took a deep breath. “Well Sev, we can see how distance affects them. He’s on this continent right?”

“I believe he’s in just outside of London.”

“Well, we can test the distance a few times and apparate her just that far away when we go. I’ll have Alex go with her. He can control his power now and protect her until we return. As for their control, if they concentrate hard enough, they can keep him from knowing about the bond. However, if he gets hit with a cruciatis, they’re both in for a world of hurt.”

“My next piece of news assures me they will both be in very grave danger when we go,” Severus continued. “It seems that the poison Draco planted for Dumbledore has made its way to a student instead.”

Draco paled and sat down hard on the floor. “No. He assured me that it would work out. He said that he’d get the poison over the holidays and dispose of it properly. No one would be hurt. No one.” He shook his head in disbelief.

“Who was it?” Hermione asked shakily.

“Ronald Weasley,” Snape said softly and winced as she too hit the floor. “It seems that he ingested a love potion intended for Potter. Actually, he overdosed on it. Potter, in a wise move for once in his life, draged him down to Slughorn’s office and had him make the antidote. Afterwards, Slughorn brilliantly decided that it would be a delightful idea to crack the bottle of mead intended for Albus and poured them all a glass.”

“Oh my God, Sev. They could have all been killed,” Melody said, placing her hands over her mouth in shock.

“Yes. I guess it was lucky that Weasley is a glutton and knocked back his drink before Slughorn could finish his toast. Potter has been paying attention in potions for once because he found a bezoar and stuffed it down Weasley’s throat while that old goat sat there and gaped at him.”

Hermione sobbed softly. “Will he be alright?”

“Yes, he’ll need to stay in the hospital wing for a week and drink essence of rue but he’ll be fine. He more than likely will regain consciousness by the weekend.”

“How…how could you?” Hermione asked Draco in disbelief.

“I didn’t mean for anyone to get hurt. I was simply following Dumbledore’s orders. He said he’d get the poison over the holidays and dispose of it. I swear, if I knew. You have to believe me. I might not like the weasel but I’d never try to kill him. Please?” He asked, his voice tiny as a single tear streaked down his face.

Hermione shook her head, too shocked to process anything.

“Albus was beside himself when he found out,” Snape explained. “It seems that he thought he’d found another horcrux and rushed out the first moment he could. He’d completely forgotten about the mead and trusted Slughorn to deliver it to him.”

“Then he doesn’t know that selfish old walrus very well, does he?” Hermione screamed. “And does he have anything to show for it? Did he find the horcrux?”

“No,” Snape said softly.

Hermione hauled herself up off the floor and threw on her clothes, not caring that she was still drenched in sweat. Without so much as a look backwards, she ran out of the room.

“She’s shut me out,” Draco said dejectedly.

“Give her some time sweetheart,” Melody said, lowering herself to the floor to embrace him. “Whether it was an accident or not, her husband inadvertently tried to kill one of her best friends. What’s worse is that he was a past love interest. She needs to sort it all out.”

“She hates me,” Draco whispered. “I really didn’t mean to do it. I didn’t know.”

“Of course you didn’t,” Melody said, rubbing his back as she rocked him back and forth like a small child. “That old man is slipping.”

“I rather think he’s just extremely stressed,” Snape said, coming to kneel beside them and offer a comforting hand on Draco’s shoulder. “However, from now on, I suggest not agreeing to any more plans that could get others hurt.”

Draco nodded. “The Dark Lord is going to massacre me.”

“Probably,” Snape said softly. “Perhaps he will be overjoyed at you almost taking one of Potter’s friends out. He does like indiscriminate killing.”

Draco huffed a laugh. “Of course.”

“Well, it is something Draco,” Melody said. “A small glimmer of hope is better than none.”

He nodded. “What about her? I don’t want her to have to experience that kind of pain. Ever.”

“I’m afraid we don’t have a choice,” Melody said sadly. “We don’t have enough time to perfect everything. If she tries to separate her senses now, we could lose you both.”

“Besides that, Hermione didn’t do it last time. I think I did and I pulled her in with me.” Draco’s brow furrowed in thought.

“That could prove even more dangerous,” Severus whispered. “For now, trust that she is strong enough to handle it. You’re wife has more inner strength than you give her credit for.”

“Oh I know she does,” Draco said. “She’s so much better than me.”

Melody smiled. “I think she’d say the same about you.”

Draco took a shuddering breath. “After today, I’ll be surprised if she even looks at me again. I don’t blame her either.”

“She will,” Severus said confidently. “Hermione is a logical girl. She’ll work it out in short order. It was just a terrible shock. I think we’re all entitled to overreacting once in our lives.”

Melody laughed. “I think Sev demonstrated that when I walked through the door all bloody that one day.”

“Surprisingly, no one has said a word about it,” Snape muttered.

“Of course not,” she scoffed. “They all think we’re lovers. You are allowed to react just a bit to my condition.”

“Do you know how hard it is going to be to keep a level head when we go?” Snape asked her softly.

“Oh I know Sev. I know. For now, let’s just focus on getting them back together. Draco, go to the ROR. Sev will excuse you from classes today. I’ll go fetch Hermione and have a talk.”

Draco nodded and got up from the floor unsteadily. He slipped his clothes on and transformed into a bird, flying out the door. It would be better if no one saw him this morning.

“You think they’ll make it?” Severus asked softly.

“I do. After all, you still love Lily, don’t you?” She whispered.

“I do. Merlin help me I still do.” His voice cracked.

“Shhh,” she said, pressing her forehead to his. “There is nothing wrong with loving someone, even if they are long gone. You don’t ever have to stop. However, there is still enough room in your heart for more. Believe me; you are more than capable of expanding.”

“I don’t know how,” he whispered, looking into her eyes to find some answers.

She smiled softly. “Simply let yourself. Don’t fight it. You’ll find that you can love all sorts of people when you do.”

He nodded and got up off the floor, taking her with him. “I think I’ve made my decision.”

“And?” Melody asked.

“I think Harmony and I should have a chat.”

Melody smiled widely and kissed his cheek. “You got it batty. I’ll call her on the way to the hospital wing. Can you cover the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw seventh years today?”

Snape scoffed. “I might have some teaching skills.”

Melody giggled and set off to the Hospital wing to find Hermione. She opened her compact and called Harmony.

“What’s up Mel?” Harmony asked groggily. It was two-thirty in the morning there.

“Sev’s decided that he’s not ready to kick the bucket yet. Think you could spare some time at lunch today to discuss that with him?”

Harmony’s eyes lit up. “Of course! Be there at noon.”

“Thanks Harm,” she said and snapped the compact shut as she rounded the corner. Hermione was standing in front of the door to the wing with a haggard looking Harry and a teary eyed Ginny. She slowed down and listened in on their conversation.

“But who would want to poison Slughorn?” Ginny asked softly.

“I don’t think it was meant for him. He said it was for Dumbledore,” Harry said tersely.

“Why give it to Slughorn?” Ginny said.

“I don’t know. Katie said that necklace was meant for Dumbledore too. I think someone’s trying to kill him.”

“Why would they want to kill Dumbledore?” Ginny asked softly.

“Because he’s the only thing standing between the Voldemort and Hogwarts,” Harry replied.

During the entire conversation, Hermione had remained silent. Her pale face was a mask of fear and sadness. Melody felt very sorry for the poor girl. Keeping such a dangerous secret from her friends had to be a huge burden.

“Why are you all standing about?” Melody asked loudly as she came tromping down the hall.

“Ron’s been poisoned,” Harry said softly.

“Yes, I heard about it. I am sorry for your friend. However, you won’t do him any good clinging to the door like a barnacle. Go to class.”

“But-” Harry started to protest.

“No buts Potter. Pomfrey won’t admit anyone until tonight so you might as well go. He’s in good hands. You’ll benefit no one by standing around,” Melody said curtly.

Harry nodded dejectedly and Ginny followed him, holding on to his arm as if it were a crutch. Hermione started to follow but Melody held out a hand. “You and I have a few matters to discuss.”

Harry and Ginny turned around and waved sadly. She gave them a wavering smile and nodded to Melody. When they were out of sight, Melody pointed to an abandoned classroom down the hall. As soon as they were in, she grabbed the girl in a bear hug. Hermione broke down immediately.

“Shhh,” Melody whispered in her ear as she stroked her still damp hair. “It’s going to be alright.”

“No it’s not,” Hermione whimpered into her shoulder. Her voice was muffled but Melody could make it out. “He tried to kill him.”

“Nonsense,” Melody said softly. “He simply listened to the wrong person. Trust me, he’s devastated. No one could have known what was going to happen. Even Harmony didn’t know and that’s saying something. Ron’s alive though so we are thankful for that and we move on and we learn from this experience.”

“What do we learn?” Hermione hiccupped.

“That life is precious and even foolproof plans fail. We learn the true merit of ourselves in situations like this. Judging from today, I know that Draco could never willingly kill someone. Knowing that he’d come close to it on accident has shattered him.”

“Why didn’t he think of that before?” She wailed.

“I’m sure he did. He trusted that Dumbledore would get the poison. Besides, he was fixing to marry the girl of his nightmares. How in the world was he supposed to have a clear head?” Melody said, smirking a bit.

“Nightmares!” Hermione shrieked and pulled back. “Is that what he said?”

“No.” Melody smiled. “That’s what I said. It will be true if you continue to shut him out though. He’s terrified that you’ll never even look at him again.”

“What? That’s silly. Of course I’ll look at him again. I might be devastated but he’s still my h-husband.” Hermione stumbled over the last word.

“He is. He understands why you are so angry sweetheart, he does. That’s why he is so frightened that you will abandon him. He wouldn’t blame you if you did. If that’s not understanding, I don’t know what is. He acted as though he thought you’d left him.”

“He thinks I’ve left him?” Hermione breathed out in shock.

“In a manner of speaking,” Melody said. “You can’t truly leave him because breaking the bond would kill you but you can deny him your company. Honestly, I think the poor boy would prefer death. You know he’s more worried about you feeling the pain of Moldy Short’s curses than he is about experiencing them.”

Hermione shook her head. “I just needed some time to think. I didn’t, I just, ugh! It’s all happened so fast.”

“I know sweetheart, I know. I told him as much. He’s willing to give you all the time you need I’d imagine. Just don’t keep him waiting too long. He’s got enough to worry about as it is.”

“Would Voldemort really torture him?” Hermione whispered.

“Without a second thought,” Melody said softly. “Hell, he’ll hex someone for daring to sneeze in his presence.”

“How bad will it hurt?”

“Mmm. Imagine your insides being crushed. Actually, it probably feels about three times as bad as the healing you underwent for your curse. Luckily you’ll just feel the pain. The victim, in this case Draco, will experience residual tremors and possibly internal damage not limited to broken bones and ruptured organs.”

“That’s horrible!” Hermione cried as she placed her hands over her mouth.

“It is. Sev said the last time Voldywort got done with him, he had to have his eye muscles regrown and the optic nerve repaired. They’d been shaken so fiercely that they both detached.”

“No,” Hermione said weakly.

“I’m sure he’ll not be as hard on him this time. He’s only got a day to heal after all. Actually, other than you two being fully prepared, I’d wager we lucked out.”

“I’m not so sure we’re good enough yet.”

“You’re good enough,” Melody said confidently. “He might be the master but I’m better. Not even he can crack Severus’s mind and I can; so if you aren’t good enough, you’ll get that way pretty fucking quick.”

“We’ve only got tonight and tomorrow night,” Hermione squeaked.

“Actually, you’ve got all day because we’re excusing you two from classes today. If we have to, we’ll excuse you tomorrow as well. You’ll be able to get out of detention early tonight because I’ve got to be at the pole at four in the damned afternoon.”

“Don’t do this,” Hermione said softly. “It’s not worth it.”

“If I find one piece of information that we can use, it’s worth it. It’s always worth it. Now, don’t worry about me. You worry about you and your husband. He’s waiting in the ROR for you right now. Want me to walk you there?”

“Yes please. I’m not sure I’m ready to face him alone.”

They walked to the ROR in silence. Melody figured that this would be the first true test of their relationship. After all, how many couples went through this? They knocked on the door and identified themselves. Draco opened it up and stepped sideways to let them in. His eyes were bloodshot and red rimmed and he looked exhausted.

Suddenly, Melody caught sight of something and let out a terrified scream, running out the door and shrinking against the far wall. Bewildered, Draco knelt down beside her and waved his hand in front of her face. She started and stared at him.

“What’s wrong?” He asked worriedly.

“Go get your dad now,” Melody said shakily.

Knowing she meant Severus, he nodded and stood up. He gave a wary and sad look to Hermione and then took off at a dead run. Hermione knelt beside the terrified woman on the floor and rubbed her shoulder gently. “Hey, there’s nothing in there.”

“Oh yes there is. It’s horrible.”

“What is it?” Hermione said, glancing back inside and seeing nothing other than the stacks of junk that had been there for decades.

“A horcrux,” Melody breathed.

Hermione froze in shock. “No. Another one?”

“Apparently. This one is worse though. He made it earlier than Harry. It’s more powerful.”

“How do we destroy it?”

“Well, Harry destroyed that diary with a basilisk fang. I don’t suppose you have one on you?” Melody asked unevenly.

“No. Is there anything else?”

“Dumbledore used the Sword of Gryffindor. That’s a long story as to why it worked but it did. You’re going to have a time explaining it to him why you need it though,” Melody said softly.

“Can’t we just say we found one and get it?”

“Well, we could but the sword only allows itself to be used by a true Gryffindor. You’d have to wield it and that thing is really nasty. It could get into your mind and mess with your head.”

“Anything else?” Hermione asked.

“Fiendfyre,” Melody whispered. “But neither one of us can yield it. It’s very dark magic and it takes an extremely powerful person to control it.”

“Is that why you sent for Professor Snape?”

“Exactly.”

Hermione sat on the floor and held Melody’s shaking hand until the two Slytherins came running down the hall.

Forgetting all pretenses, Snape sunk to the floor and picked Melody up, cradling her like a child. “What’s the matter?”

“A horcrux Sev. It’s the most horrible thing I’ve ever seen, worse than Potter. It’s got enough protections that simply brushing up next to it could kill someone.”

“Then we destroy it,” Snape said. “I’ll get the sword.”

“No. Only a Gryffindor can wield it against this thing Sev. Either Hermione needs to do it or you’ll have to cast fiendfyre. I see no other way.”

“Fiendfyre is too dangerous. We could burn down the entire room!” He breathed.

“I’ll do it,” Draco said softly.

“Absolutely not. It’s much too dangerous,” Snape snapped. “If you lost control-“

“I mastered it the first time I ever cast father,” Draco said flatly. “I was fourteen.”

“My God, what did Lucius do?”

Draco gave a grim smile. “Locked me in the room with it.”

Hermione gave a choked cry. “You could have died.”

Draco shrugged. “It was a risk he was willing to take. Now, tell me what it is and I’ll take care of it.”

“Alright but that thing makes me nauseous,” Melody said weakly.

Severus carried her right to the spot where she pointed. His eyes widened in shock. “Merlin, I believe that is Ravenclaw’s lost diadem.”

“Well, it certainly fits the description,” Hermione said reverently. “It’s a precious artifact, it’s heavily warded, and it belonged to someone of importance. I can’t believe he’d molest it in such a way.”

Draco snorted. “He holds nothing sacred.” She shivered and he held out a hand to pull her to him, remembering at the last moment that she probably didn’t want him to touch her. He yanked his arm like he’d been burned and cleared his throat. “Everyone out, just in case. I’ll make this quick.”

“Be careful Draco,” Snape said softly and carried Melody back out. Hermione gave him a look that was a cross between abject terror and sadness before she trailed out behind the professor and shut the door. As soon as it disappeared, she broke down again. This time, it was her blood father-in-law that enveloped her in his arms. “He wouldn’t risk it if he wasn’t absolutely sure he could do it.”

Inside the room, Draco looked at the diadem in awe. How could such a tiny and beautiful thing carry something so horribly ugly? Shaking his head, he raised his wand and pointed it square at the base of the tiara. Suddenly, mist rose from it and the Dark Lord’s voice seemed to swirl around him. “Your mudblood wife is quite pretty Draco. You don’t deserve her. She’d run to Weasley in a heartbeat if she could. She doesn’t love you.” He kept spewing out things that made Draco sick to his stomach. Realizing that it was a trick, he steadied his wand and cast the curse strongly. A jolt of fire rose from his wand and started licking at the voice in the mist.

A short while later, the door reappeared. Hermione almost fainted in relief but managed to stay upright. Draco swung the door open, brushing off a bit of soot from his shoulder. His face was pale and he was shaking. “That think wasn’t nearly as scary as my father,” he said lightly. Then he held up a charred and blackened tiara.

Melody grinned. “It’s gone! You did it!”

“Glad that’s over,” Draco said softly. “Now, do you think you could take a look at the cabinet and tell me if you can see something I might have overlooked?”

“Sure,” Melody said. “Sev, do you want to take that up to Dumbledore?”

“I will,” Snape said, gently grabbing the mangled artifact and giving a tiny smile. “I’m sure he’ll be ecstatic.”

“One down, at least one more to go, and who knows how many more that evil maniac created,” Melody said as she shivered. “Well Hermione, come on in with me. As soon as I take a look at this monstrosity, we’ll get started on legilimency tests.”

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

“How is he?” Hermione asked as she tiptoed into the hospital wing. Harry and Ginny were already there. She was supposed to be in “detention” but she really needed to see Ron. Seeing him with her own eyes was the only way she was going to be able to move on. She and Draco had been politely distant all day and it was taking its toll. They could keep Melody out of their heads for only a few moments before they broke down completely.

“He’s still unconscious,” Harry said softy. “Madam Pomfrey says he’ll probably wake up tomorrow.”

“That’s good,” Hermione said weakly.

“Where were you all day?” He asked curiously.

“Training.”

“For?” Harry asked with narrowed eyes.

“To not kill everyone!”

“What happened?” Ginny breathed.

“I’m just having a hard time controlling it, that’s all.” She shrugged. “Melody’s stayed all day long to try and help. It’s nerve wracking.”

“So you were with Malfoy all day.” Harry grimaced. She nodded her head. “Did he look guilty?”

“What?” Hermione asked with a waver in her voice.

“Did he look guilty? Surely he heard about Ron. I think he did it,” Harry said.

“After everything you’ve just learned, you’re still going to try and peg this on him?” Hermione asked weakly.

“He can’t hurt you Mione, but he can hurt Dumbledore,” Harry said gravely.

“Why would he want to do that?” She whispered, trying desperately to keep it together.

“Just because you have to work together doesn’t mean that he’s not a death eater. Have you seen his arm? Have you?” Harry pushed.

She shook her head no, unable to answer. Tears sprung to her eyes. Draco had done it but he hadn’t meant to. He’d been subdued all day long and respected her space. He hadn’t once tried to touch her or say more than he had to. It was…surreal. Most of all, it was lonely. She’d kept him shut out of her thoughts all day and it was utterly quiet. She hadn’t realized that she’d grown so used to the endless stream of thoughts he projected.

“He might keep our secrets. He might even protect you if only to protect himself. But Mione, I just know he’s up to something,” Harry whispered fiercely.

She was about to reply but was cut off by the sounds of Fred and George arriving.

“Well, we didn’t quite picture delivering Ron’s present like this,” Fred said.

“Yes, in our imagination, he was conscious,” George said.

The twins sat down and chatted for a bit, regaling them with stories of new products and their plans to try and open up a store in Hogsmeade. Hagrid walked through the door after a while, explaining that he’d just gotten back to the castle and heard what happened. They were all looking at Ron with pity and concern. Just when Hermione didn’t think she could take much more, a knock sounded out above the noise.

“Miss Granger, I realize that this is the first time you’ve been able to see your friend today,” Melody said softly, trying not to draw Pomfrey’s ire. “However, I must insist we get on with it. After all, I don’t have a whole lot of time left.”

“What are you getting on with then?” Fred asked.

“Detention,” Hermione said softly.

“Really? What could you have possibly done to earn that?” George stepped up beside his brother and cocked his head.

“I, um, have it all year for hexing Ron,” Hermione explained.

They whistled in unison. “Well done!” They said happily.

“Miss Granger!” Melody said a bit louder.

“Coming. See you all later.” She ran out of the wing ahead of Melody and accidentally ran into Molly and Arthur. She apologized profusely.

“Oh Hermione dear, it’s lovely to see you,” Mrs. Weasley said.

Hermione gave her a weak smile. “It’s nice to see you too Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.”

“What are you -” Melody said, stopping dead in her tracks at the sight of the Weasleys.

“Melody?” Molly asked softly. “Is that you?”

“Oh, Mrs. Weasley,” Melody said warmly. “Lovely to see you again, well, in a manner of speaking. I’m so sorry we can’t stay and chat but Severus will probably skin us both alive if we don’t arrive soon.”

“Oh, are you staying at the castle now?” Molly asked.

“Not really. I’m co-teaching with Severus for the fifth, sixth, and seventh years but I port key back and forth to America at night and in between classes.”

“Goodness, isn’t that tiring?” Molly asked in a concerned voice.

Melody gave her a wan smile. “It can be but I’ve gotten quite used to it. I really do hate to run but Miss Granger is dreadfully late for her detention and Severus isn’t a patient man.”

“Oh, sorry to have kept you,” Molly said, giving Hermione a questioning glance. “Perhaps we’ll see each other again soon?”

“Of course Mrs. Weasley. I look forward to it,” Melody said, giving Hermione a little nudge to get her to move.

They marched down to the DADA classroom in silence. When they opened the door, Hermione gave a bit of a start to see the Headmaster sitting in a chair beside Professor Snape. Draco was sitting all the way across the room from him, sulking and pale. She ducked her head and took a seat at the front, patiently waiting for an explanation.

“Miss Granger,” Dumbledore said softly. “I can’t begin to express my regrets for my laxness in this situation. Your husband might not believe me but I truly never meant to make such a grievous error.”

Hermione stared at him for a long while. He seemed even older than before, exhaustion lining the ever present wrinkles in his face. His blue eyes no longer twinkled but were filled with worry. His mouth was set in a frown. She shook her head. “I believe you but I’m not happy about it.”

“I wouldn’t expect any less,” the Headmaster said sadly. “I’ve also commended Mr. Malfoy on his success in destroying another horcrux. I think it is obvious we are dealing with more than just a few trinkets. I believe Professor Slughorn might know how many there are and that we can assume that there is one more past that. I don’t think Voldemort realizes that he made Harry into a horcrux or he wouldn’t want to destroy him.”

“Well, obviously,” Draco drawled snidely. “I wouldn’t want to destroy a part of my soul either.”

“Exactly,” Dumbledore said softly, not even taking offence to Draco’s tone. “I believe there is at least one more that I’ve been trying to locate all year, a locket that belonged to Slytherin. That is where I have been disappearing to since the holidays. I’ll let you both know when I find it but Harry will be the one that takes the journey with me.”

“How’s he going to destroy the bloody thing then?” Draco snipped.

“He’s wielded the sword before,” Hermione answered. “He can do it again.”

“You two make a fine team,” Dumbledore said thoughtfully. “It would be a shame to destroy it because of the carelessness of an old man, don’t you think?”

“It’s not destroyed,” Hermione said softly. “It’s just a bit shaken.”

“I am truly sorry Miss Granger. Oh, pardon me. I mean, Mrs. Malfoy,” he said with a slight twinkle. She gave a tiny smile. “As I understand it, you have been working on a potion so as to spare Professor Snape and your husband from having to kill me. If you wish to abandon it, I’ll understand.”

“That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard,” Hermione snapped. “Of course we won’t abandon it.”

“Then we test it,” Snape interrupted. “It is ready. Melody, if you could cast the heartbeat detection spell while I administer the potion?”

“Sure thing Sev,” she said as she whipped off her sunglasses. Her eyes were a bit greener than they had been, a sign that she was healing.

They watched with baited breath as Snape produced a niffler from a nearby cage and carefully administered the proper dose of medication. The niffler shuddered and then fell over, as if dead. The detection spell registered the heartbeat stopping for 45 seconds and then starting again, much slower than before but enough to sustain the creature. Melody ran her wand over it again and it came back registering the animal as dead.

“Now we wait to see when it wakes up,” Severus breathed.

“What happens after that?” Hermione asked.

“Then we test it with a bezoar,” Snape explained. “All of our research indicates that as long as the poison Albus ingests is neutralized with the bezoar, then it should hold, regardless of the side effects that he might experience. We can also treat whatever poison he is supposed to ingest while he is unconscious.”

“Where will he stay then?” Draco asked, trudging up to the front of the room to take a seat a few down from Hermione. He was still mindful of the fact that she was angry with him.

“Philippe and Harmony have agreed to keep him at the Ranch,” Melody said. “It’s better if she stays as far away from the action as possible. I mean, I can hide my gift well but she can’t. You saw her reaction to Potter.”

“Yes and we also saw your reaction to the horcrux. What’s going to happen when you meet the Dark Lord face to face?” Draco asked worriedly.

“I’ll be prepared then. Sev has agreed to ply me with a calming drought and a nausea potion. I’m very good at playing blind too.”

“What about your mark?” Hermione asked. “You’ll need two and a symbol. One has to be in a private place, one in a place that is easily visible but can be covered if needed, and then you’ll need some article of symbolic jewelry to signify yourself as taken.”

“Well, I have the private one,” Melody muttered. “Needless to say, if you combine an idiotic sixteen year old and an obsessive twenty year old, then you do some pretty stupid shit.”

“Like?” Draco drawled, curious.

She smirked and shook her head. “He branded his initials on my inner thigh, as high up as he could get them.”

“Sounds painful,” Hermione whispered.

“Oh it was, but I didn’t care. It didn’t match the pain I’d been experiencing due to my core deteriorating.”

“What about the other mark?” Draco asked.

“Well, if Toadywart didn’t know his runes, I’d say to pass of Alex’s mark as Sev’s but I know he does. So, I’ve taken the liberty of making an appointment to get a tattoo, a magical one, right behind my left ear. My hair will cover it but it can be easily shown.”

“What is it going to be?” Hermione asked curiously.

“A black mamba in the shape of an S,” Melody said, her eyes sparkling in mischief. “They’re my favorite snake you know and Sev is notoriously Slytherin.”

“I think it’s perfect,” Draco said, trying not to laugh out loud.

“What about the jewelry?” Hermione asked, trying to smother a grin on her face as well.

“I have taken care of it,” Snape said softly, producing a small box from his robe pocket. He handed it to Melody who opened it with shaking hands. She laughed a bit when she saw what was inside.

“It’s my old collar,” she said, picking it up and inspecting it. It was a thick blue leather collar with a large metal D ring in the front and several smaller ones circling it.

“I figured some familiarity might give you at least a bit of comfort.”

“It’s perfect, thanks Sev,” she gushed, blinking conspicuously for a few moments. “But doesn’t your Lord know his colors?”

“He does,” Severus drawled softly. “However, I thought I would ask before I changed it.” With a nod from Melody, he tapped the collar and it turned black.

“Much better, although, I believe I will avoid wearing it until that night if you don’t mind. Will you keep it for me?” Melody asked, placing it gently back inside its box.

“Of course,” he said, putting the box back into his robes.

“Well, it seems you have matters well at hand,” Dumbledore broke in. “I’ve lifted the bans from this one room for the next two hours. You’ll all be able to apparate in and out of this room only.”

“Thank you Albus,” Snape said.

“You are most welcome, my boy,” Albus said with a twinkle. “Take care.” With that, he walked out the door.

“Only shaken?” Draco asked in a small voice.

Hermione smiled sadly and walked over to him. “I’m not happy with the way things turned out,” she began as she sat on the desk in front of him. “But I’m not running. I know you didn’t mean to but next time, use a bit of common sense.”

Draco returned her smile and timidly placed his hand over hers. His eyes were warily searching hers. “There will be no next time. I’m not going to try anything else until the day it happens. I couldn’t stomach the thought of hurting anyone else or worse, losing you.”

Hermione wiped a tear from her eye and slid into his lap, resting her cheek on his chest and snuggling into his arms as he brought them around her. “I’ve been so lonely today without you.” Her voice was muffled in his chest. She lowered her walls and let him back in. Immediately, she was bombarded with his overwhelming guilt and fear that he’d truly lost her.

He had a hard time breathing when he felt her answering guilt, confusion, and anger at the entire situation. She truly had never thought about turning her back on him and that was perhaps the biggest comfort he’d ever received. He squeezed her a bit harder; thankful he could hear her again in his mind and feel her against his body.

“If you two are done being sappy,” Severus drawled. “We have much to get through tonight. We’ll be apparating to my home and testing the distance you can tolerate from there. Judging by how far you two can be separated, we’ll calculate a place where Alex can take Hermione when we visit the Dark Lord. Shall we?”

They each took the hand of the phenom of opposite power and spun out of the school. They arrived in front of a run-down home on Spinner’s End. Severus waved his hands in an intricate fashion and they felt the wards drop to admit them. When they walked in, Melody scoffed.

“Good grief Sev. You’ve let the place go.” She coughed and casted a few cleaning spells.

“I’m not usually here in the middle of the year. I send a house elf to tidy up before my return in the summer. Shall we get started?”

“Sure. How far do you think for a start?” Melody asked.

“I’d say twice the length of the ranch. We know they can tolerate that and more. Hogwarts is easily one and a half times the size.”

“Alright. Are we going to do this in tandem? I’m not sure my stomach can take it any other way.”

“Yes. I’ll go with Hermione first.” Snape said, grabbing Hermione’s arm and turning on his heel. They disappeared with a pop.

They spent the next hour and a half apparating across the country. First Snape and Hermione would go and apparate back and then Melody would take Draco out. They even let them apparate by themselves a few times so they could get a knack for it. After all, they’d mastered it and they were with a teacher. They weren’t necessarily breaking the rules.

They’d started out small with a 48 kilometer hop from Cokeworth to Surrey and ended with a hop nearly 450 kilometers away in Scotland. The last hop had Hermione clutching her head in pain. He quickly returned her and let the couple grab on to each other for a while.

“So, we need a happy medium,” Melody said, sipping a cup of tea and glancing at her watch. She needed to get going soon.

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. “Well, here is out because more than a few Death Eaters know where I live. Surrey is fairly close. I could bully the Dursley’s into letting you use their place for a few hours but they’d let Potter know about it over the summer. The Burrow is about 350 kilometers away and I believe that might be pushing it. The safe house, which belongs to Potter, is in London. It’s unplottable but under use of the Order right now.”

“Well that narrows it down a bit, doesn’t it?” Melody snorted. “I say we go for the closest place that’s safe. Perhaps Albus can clear the safe house for Saturday?”

“Not likely. We also have to contest with Molly popping in and out.”

“Does Lupin live there?”

“He stays there from time to time I believe,” Snape sighed.

“Then we contact him,” Melody said softly. “The safe house is extremely close, unplottable, and we know that everyone there is relatively safe.”

“You trust the werewolf.”

“I do Sev. He’s got a lovely aura, very trustworthy, more so than yours.”

“What?” He snapped. “I’d never!”

“Of course you wouldn’t you idiot,” Melody snapped back. “I meant overall. Admit it, you’re a lifetime sneak.”

“Perhaps,” Snape whispered. He glanced over at the couple who were cringing in pain in an armchair. He’d taken them too far apart, hoping that Hermione could stay at Hogwarts while they were absent. At least there, she’d be absolutely safe and she’d have Ginny to help her through it as well as access to Pomfrey should she need it.

“We need to be heading back Sev. The ban will come back down in about fifteen minutes,” Melody said, looking at her watch.

He nodded and rose to stalk to the back room where he kept all of his potions. He took several down, shrunk them, and stuck them carefully into a small black back. Then he came back to the den and handed the teens some pain potion. “Take this now.”

They gulped them back and sighed in relief. He nodded at Melody and she came rushing in to grab Draco. They apparated back without a moment to spare. The couple collapsed on the floor in exhaustion.

“Sev, I’ve got to go. Can you get them to the hospital wing by yourself?” She asked as she glanced back at her watch.

“Of course,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her nervous fidgeting. Before he could say anything, she thanked him and activated her port key. Damn Albus. Why on earth could someone port key out of the school but not in? Sighing, he levitated the two very tired teens to the hospital wing. He pulled up a chair and sat down beside Draco to wait for Madam Pomfrey who was busy trying to usher the brood of Weasleys and one very belligerent Harry Potter out the door.

“Severus, not again?” Madam Pomfrey sighed as she took in the sight of the two teens passed out on her beds.

“I’m afraid so Poppy. I believe they’ve just exhausted themselves magically this time. They passed out right after I administered my pain potion,” He drawled, letting her know that it was his special potion.

“Alright. Do they need to be roused or can they afford to sleep a bit?” She asked. Albus had informed her that they had been in intense training for an important task. He’d charged her with their care but warned her against asking questions.

“Take care of whatever you need to do Poppy. They can wait that long,” he said confidently, ignoring the curious stares of the Weasley’s.

“Shoo!” Pomfrey said to Harry and Ginny as she pushed them out the door. “You’re breaking curfew!” She growled and they trudged out the door with frowns on their faces.

“Arthur, Molly, I’ll send an owl as soon as he’s conscious, I promise,” Poppy said softly.

“Thank you Madam Pomfrey,” Arthur said, shaking the medi-witch’s hand.

“Oh, it’s not a problem,” She said, dismissing him.

Molly stopped at the door, glaring at Severus when she realized that it was Hermione passed out on the bed. “How could you push her to that point?”

“I did nothing of the sort,” he dismissed her and she flounced out of the door. Arthur gave him a wary nod before he too left.

Poppy grabbed a few pepper up and rejuvenating potions and administered them in short order. Then she revived the two students and checked them over. Satisfied that there was nothing terribly wrong, she granted them permission to leave.

“How long were we out Professor?” Hermione asked softly.

“Not long, half an hour at the most,” Snape answered.

“So what’s the plan?” Draco whispered.

“Well, Melody thinks that her vampire and your werewolf will get along famously in the safe house. Hermione will go there. It’s close and extremely safe. You’ll have the best chance there.”

“We failed miserably today,” Hermione said sadly.

“You’ll be excused tomorrow then and I’ll have Melody drill you until you can’t think straight anymore.”

“That’ll help loads,” Draco scoffed.

“You’d be surprised,” Snape said, shrugging. “For now, get some rest. Reconnect.”

Hermione blushed furiously and Draco chuckled sadly. “I doubt she wants to and I’m not sure I have the strength left to anyway.”

Snape took a deep breath through his nose and then smirked. “Oh she wants to,” he drawled, looking directly at Hermione who ducked her head. “And you must. The stronger your connection is, the better your chances at survival.”

“He wouldn’t kill him, would he?” Hermione asked in a small, scared voice.

“Not right now,” Snape said. “You must always realize that it is a possibility though.”

“I couldn’t bear it,” she sobbed.

“Well, you wouldn’t have to for very long,” Snape whispered.

“How long?” Draco asked, slowly getting up and walking over to comfort his wife.

“I’d say a month at the most.”

“I couldn’t stand it,” Draco said, holding Hermione close to him.

“Then sell it with all of your might,” Snape said.

“Will he kill Melody?” Hermione squeaked.

“I don’t believe so. We’ve come up with a plausible explanation. I am surprisingly in his good graces at the moment so he doesn’t have a great need to punish me, not that it will stop him should he choose to. Harmony hasn’t alluded to anything fatal. I have no doubts that her eyes will turn completely white after this though.” His voice cracked.

“They’ll heal,” Draco said confidently.

“They haven’t healed from her last attack. What makes you so sure of this one?”

“She’s not exactly been trying to recover has she, working at the pole?” Draco asked logically.

“No. I’m glad she’s shot of that place,” Snape growled.

Hermione ducked her head and buried it in Draco’s chest, afraid she’d give away Melody’s secrets.

“She’s not shot of it,” Snape hissed as he stared at his godson. Draco’s face had faulted only for a second but he’s caught it. “That’s where she is now, isn’t it?” Draco remained silent. “Isn’t it?” He roared.

“Yes,” Draco whispered. Snape made to stand up but Draco stopped him. “I wouldn’t. She’s chosen to spy for us of her own free will. If you go in there wand ablaze, you could get both of you killed.”

“You know what happens in that retched place!”

“I do. I also know she’s endured far worse than play acting,” Draco said softly. “Let her do it this one time. Trust me; she’s as terrified to go as you are for her.”

“If she lives through the night, I might kill her first thing in the morning,” Snape snarled.

Draco smiled. “I’m pretty sure she’s not afraid of you.”

Snape huffed and got up. “I swear, that woman.”

Draco chuckled as he watched his godfather stalk out of the room. “Come on love,” he said softly. “Let’s get to bed. Big day tomorrow.”

They cautiously made their way out of the hospital wing, looking every direction before they ventured to embrace again. Draco put his arm over her shoulder and held her tightly to him, thankful that his wife was understanding and forgiving.

“I’m scared,” Hermione whispered.

“I know,” he replied softly. “We’ll get through it.”

“What was Melody saying about the color of her collar tipping him off?” She asked, changing the subject abruptly.

Draco blinked and then laughed a bit. “It’s a slave collar. Blue stands for consideration. It’s like dating. If either one of the pair decides it’s not working, the collar is returned, no harm no foul.”

“She was his slave?” She squeaked.

“Not like that,” Draco chided. “Godfather is a Dom and prefers the lifestyle. However, while he wants a sub in the bedroom, he’s not interested in keeping a slave all the time. The collar is just a symbol of that relationship, kind of like a promise ring.”

“So what does black stand for?” She asked, enthralled with this new information and glad to avoid the subject of Voldemort and their upcoming doom.

“Black is a permanent color. It’s equal to a wedding ring.”

“Is that why you wrinkled your nose at your gift?” She asked him timidly.

“At first. But then again, your gift is much the same, if a little unorthodox. Besides, there are two we can never take off,” he said, reminding her of the collar of runes around their necks.

“I wonder if that is what they mean.”

“It was my first thought, honestly.” He shrugged.

“Are there any more colors?”

Draco nodded. “Red. It’s also called a training collar; it’s kind of like an engagement ring.”

“So he chose black to signify that she was his permanently?” Hermione asked for clarification.

“Exactly. If she were to walk in wearing a blue one or even red, then he would know immediately that something wasn’t right. A fidelity bond is forever, the symbol should be too.”

“I think I understand now. Do you think Celeste knows about it?” She asked softly. Draco burst into laughter. “What?”

“You weren’t paying very close attention the last time we saw her then,” he said, still chuckling. “She was wearing a thin blue collar.”

“Oh!” Hermione squeaked. They were quiet until they reached the door to the ROR. “I hope they work out.”

“Me too,” he agreed as they entered the room.

Neither saw the shimmer of the invisibility cloak behind them. Harry pulled it off of his head and glared at a very subdued Ginny. She’d come with him this time.

“What permanent collar?” He asked tersely.

“It’s just a bunch of runes tattooed on their necks. It appeared when they were each bound.” She carefully picked through her words.

“I’ve never seen it.”

“Well, Mione does either wear makeup or that necklace,” she said softly.

“I thought Sam gave it to her.”

“She never said who did.”

“Why would they give each other gifts? How can she trust that git?” Harry growled.

“He can’t betray her, can he?” Ginny asked quietly. “I imagine they decided to get along. I mean, they’ll have to hang around each other for the rest of their lives, won’t they?”

“Why did she give him a collar then?” Harry snapped.

Ginny giggled. “I think she just found out the significance of that tonight. Besides, he’s got to hide his tattoos somehow.”

“I haven’t seen him wearing a collar,” Harry griped.

“I’m sure he keeps it glamoured,” she said in exasperation.

“Then why wear one at all?”

Ginny shrugged. “I imagine in case someone happens to throw a finite at him. It’s much easier to explain a black collar than a bunch of tattoos.”

Harry sighed. “I guess. But why would Mione be scared?”

“We’re all scared Harry.” Ginny said softly. Harry nodded and gave her a peck on the cheek.

“They’re sleeping in the ROR now?” He asked after a few minutes.

“Where has Harry Potter slept the last few weeks?”

“That’s different!” He protested.

“Why?”

“Because nothing happens. We just sleep.”

“Maybe they just sleep too.” Ginny supplied. “You have to admit, you feel much calmer when we’re together.”

He nodded and swung the cloak over them and led them back to Gryffindor tower. “I still don’t like it.”

“I’m sure it doesn’t matter whether you like it or not.”

AN: Hello everyone. Ya'll have me worried, was the last chapter that bad? *bites nails* Thanks to everyone who reviewed, you make my day, really you do!

*waves to LadyFreak* Welcome to the board. Glad you like it.

HG4EVA- that's why I ask you to look! I hate to miss stuff! So, as always, drop me a line and let me how I'm doing and if you see any errors. Love you guys!
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