Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Bound	By : goldhorse Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 126052 -:- Recommendations : 15 -:- Currently Reading : 31
Disclaimer: JK owns HP. Not me. I also don't own any quotes you might recognize. I make no money doing this, I just get the plot bunnies to quit interrupting my sleep.

Chapter List
- 32
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- 34
“It’s Malfoy!” Ron yelled in anger. “What is Malfoy doing with Hermione?” He lunged forward and was thrown back several feet by a powerful force.

“Calm down Weasley or you’ll be getting nice and cozy with the walls,” Melody said with a hard edge in her voice. She’d managed to sit up and had Ron held with a barrier spell.

“It’s bloody Malfoy!” Ron screamed.

“Yes, we gathered that,” She said sarcastically. “Would you care to state something else that is obvious?”

“Why is he touching her?” He asked venomously.

Melody sighed sadly and cast a silencing hex on him. “Sev, can I have my cloak? I’m cold.”

Severus cast another cushioning charm on her back and then draped her cloak over her. He fastened the front and helped her put her arms through. Then he cast a seaming charm that closed the front over her to preserve her modesty. She kissed him on the cheek in thanks and then shakily rose to her feet, leaning on him.

“Why do you care Weasley?” She asked nonchalantly and removed the hex.

“What?”

“I’m speaking plain English Weasley. Why do you care?”

“He’s touching her!”

“Yes we’ve established that. Perhaps you should look again though,” Melody said softly as she walked to the end of her bed and perched there. “She’s touching him back.”

“Why?” Ron asked, his voice cracked.

She shrugged and then winced. “I imagine they decided to let bygones be bygones.”

“What does that even mean?” Ron asked, his voice pitching high in his near hysteria.

“It means that they’ve decided to put the past behind them and move forward. I am happy with the development.” She looked at Harry who was currently darting his eyes nervously back and forth between the sleeping couple, her, and his distraught friend. She smiled softly. “Easy Potter. I’m not going to let him get a crack in like you did. That’d be a cheap shot since Draco isn’t awake to defend himself.”

“You knew?” Ron asked, hurt thick in his voice.

Harry lowered his eyes in shame. “I just found out yesterday night.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Ron screamed.

“Shut it,” Melody snapped. “Number one, they just woke you up yesterday. I imagine he was trying to spare you grief, like any good friend would. Number two, even if he wanted to, he swore silence.”

Ron’s head snapped towards her. “Silence! Why?”

“Because it isn’t very wise for this information to get out.” She shrugged and then winced.

“Stop that,” Severus hissed.

She ducked her head. “Sorry. Force of habit. Perhaps you should tie me up so I can’t.”

“Bloody minx,” Severus grumbled and dug around in his bag for another vial. “Drink this.”

She quirked her eyebrow. “You wish to kill me?”

“Sometimes. However, this potion isn’t for killing. It will numb you enough that your inane gestures should be painless.”

She snorted. “And reduce my reaction time.”

“Actually no. I’ve maintained the same speed on and off of it. It is my own creation, of course.”

“Oh, well then. If Severus Snape made it, it must be the most perfect potion in the world,” she said cheerfully and then knocked it back.

“Have you all gone mad?” Ron asked, floored by the casual way everyone was interacting. “Malfoy will hurt her.”

“Not bloody likely,” Melody snorted and then flashed a wry smile at a smirking Severus. “Look Weasley, things are extremely complicated. If you want to know even a smidgen of this information, I’m going to need a blood oath.”

“What?” Ron squeaked. “That’s dark magic.”

“Only if you intend to go back on your word,” Melody said lightly. If you don’t agree, I’m going to obliviate you on the spot.”

“You can’t obliviate a student!”

Melody gave him a dark smile. “Try me.”

“She will Ron,” Harry said softly.

Ron looked at Harry bewilderedly. “You trust her mate?”

“I do,” Harry said with a half shrug, still looking at him warily.

“You’re all barmy,” Ron breathed.

Melody cackled. “That’s only the thousandth time I’ve heard that today.” She quit laughing. “I’m serious Weasley. Take the vow or I’ll take your memories.”

Ron looked helplessly at Harry who ducked his head. “Ron, she made the same deal with me. I took the vow but you have to make the choice. I don’t blame you whichever way you chose.”

“I want to know,” Ron said softly and stared forlornly as Hermione snuggled closer into Malfoy’s chest.

“Done. Sev, you up for another vow or do I need to?” Melody asked softly.

“I believe we can let Potter do it this time,” Severus drawled. “You don’t have enough blood left and I’ve already had enough Weasley nonsense to last me a lifetime.”

Melody smacked his chest in annoyance. “That’s quite enough of that. Potter, link arms with Weasley. Sev, grab Draco’s knife, will you?”

They made the vow quickly. Both boys came and sat on Melody’s bed. She sat at the head and clutched Severus’s hand for strength. She was well and truly exhausted.

“Well, first things first Weasley. You don’t need to fear Draco hurting anyone. He’s flipped sides.”

“What?” Ron asked in shock.

“Do you have a hearing problem?” Melody asked incredulously. “He’s turned spy so you shouldn’t fear him.”

Ron snorted. “I’m not scared of Malfoy.”

“You should be,” Melody muttered earning her a glare from Severus. “What? He should. I would.” She shrugged and smiled when she noticed that it no longer hurt.

“Why should I be scared of that git?” Ron asked sourly.

“Several reasons. Anyway, the important thing is that he’s on our side so no hexing or hitting him.”

“Are you bloody serious?”

“Yes I’m bloody serious,” Melody growled. “I mean it Weasley. No violence.”

“You let Harry get a shot in though, didn’t you?” Ron asked, cutting his eyes over to the bowing raven haired boy.

“Trust me Ron. It was definitely not worth it. I won’t ever do it again,” Harry whispered.

“You know what Weasley, why don’t you just sleep on that one thought tonight? I’m exhausted, those two won’t wake up for a good long while, I see Potter has yet to recover and you just woke up,” Melody reasoned.

“I want to know!” Ron yelled. “Why is he with her?”

Melody sighed. “You remember they were ill. It’s had some strange side effects, some of which you’ve seen. Remember that night in the classroom when they damn near killed us all? They’ve since learned to work together. I, for one, think it’s about damned time. They’re perfect together.”

“Together,” Ron said in a dead tone. “Right.”

Melody gave him a sad smile. “Weasley, Ron, you missed your chance sweetheart. You picked Lavender and it was rotten timing that Hermione fell ill at the same time. Some things just aren’t meant to be though. It’s one of life’s cruel jokes.”

“Sure. You got Snape though, didn’t you?” He asked flatly.

Melody chuckled. “No, no I didn’t.”

“Quit trying to make me feel better,” Ron bit out in anger.

“I’m telling you the truth. Severus and I have been together for a very long time. He cares for me and I for him, but it’s nothing more than that. There are many different kinds of love sweetie. Sev’s and mine is a very complicated and fucked up one but we’re ok with it. In time, you’ll come to terms with yours too. Merlin knows Hermione had a damned hard time doing so. Besides, you have someone already.”

Ron snorted. “You don’t know how bad I want to be shot of her.”

Melody smiled. “I think I do but I want you to know that there is someone out there who is the perfect person for you.”

“Hermione was the perfect person for me,” Ron whispered.

“Afraid not sweetie. Trust me, when you find them, you’ll know,” Melody said, reaching over to pat his arm. Her sleeve rode up and he saw her Dark Mark. He recoiled in horror.

“You’re a Death Eater!” He yelled and got up, grabbing his sleeve as if he were going to go for his wand.

“Unfortunately,” She said bitterly. “I didn’t have a choice. You wondered what happened to me. He did.”

“You’re still one of them,” Ron spat.

“No, no I’m not. I want that fucker dead worse than you do,” she spat venomously. “The world isn’t black and white Weasley. I might wear that psychopath’s mark but I swore no allegiance. Hell, that bastard didn’t even give me the mark. He had his servant do it and for that I am truly thankful.” She rubbed the mark subconsciously. “I only wish that they didn’t have to pay the price.”

“What do you mean?” Harry asked, breaking in for the first time.

“Taking the Mark isn’t some fairy tale ritual where you all celebrate and have tea afterwards,” Snape spat, sparing Melody from having to answer. “It’s a pain worse than any you could imagine, worse than the strongest cruciatis. The Dark Lord saw fit to transfer this pain to Draco instead of Melody.”

“Merlin,” Harry said, looking sadly over to the couple. He got up and walked over to Hermione’s side of the bed. “No wonder she’s so weak,” he breathed, reaching out to rub a tender finger over her brow.

“Indeed,” Snape drawled.

“Why would she be weak?” Ron asked in confusion.

“The illness, the draw energy from each other,” Melody said, choosing her words carefully. “Draco suffered horribly and had to draw from Hermione. She’s very weak as a result and they still have a long road to travel until they’re both healthy.”

“I don’t understand,” Ron said in frustration.

“I’m sorry sweetie. I can’t say any more than that,” Melody said softly. “Suffice it to say that hexing Draco would be a bad idea. Now, you’ve got a lot to process. Sleep on it. Know this though. I’m putting up wards so don’t go getting any stupid ideas in your damned head about getting even for a perceived injustice.”

Ron merely shook his head and walked over to his bed, turning his back to them. Harry started to go after him but was stopped with a gentle touch and Melody shaking her head. “He needs time. Let him think. Remember how much of a shock it was for you dear.”

Harry nodded. “How much longer until they are healed?”

“Well, we’ll begin growing Draco’s nerves back tomorrow morning. It’ll be extremely painful but they’ll have to persevere. He should be up and around tomorrow night. They’ll both be sore and more than a little stiff but we’ll work with what we have.”

Harry nodded. “I’ll see you in the morning then.” He made his way over to his bed beside Ron. The redhead merely turned to lie on his stomach with his face buried in a pillow. Harry sighed and lay down, suddenly extremely tired.

“Come on Sev,” Melody said, maneuvering the cloak off her body and turning over. “You need at least an hour or two.”

“The wards?” He drawled, removing his trousers once again.

She waved her arm once and then nodded. “Done.”

He nodded in thanks and then climbed into bed again. This time, sleep found him. It wasn’t restful but at least it was something.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hermione’s eyes flickered open as the first harsh rays of the morning light hit her. She hurt absolutely everywhere. Moaning softly, she snuggled deeper into Draco’s side before she realized where they were. She sat up so fast that her head spun. Her balance shaken, she slid off the bed and was caught right before she fell to the floor.

“Easy daughter,” Snape whispered softly in her ear. “You’re still very weak.”

“Thank you father,” she whispered and then blushed, realizing what she’d called him.

He gave her a rare smile and set her back on the bed. “You missed quite the party last night.”

“Oh no, Ron,” Hermione breathed. “What, um.”

“You and Draco have reconciled,” Snape answered her unspoken question. “Your illness has brought you together and causes you to draw energy from one another. He knows he’s a spy.”

Hermione nodded in acceptance. “How did he take it?”

“Not well,” Snape said softly as he came to sit beside her. “He’s been awake most of the night, muttering darkly. He’s taken a blood oath with Potter though so no matter how angry he gets, your secret is safe.”

“Thank Merlin for small miracles,” Draco croaked out and Hermione jumped in surprise. “Morning ma chére.”

“Morning,” she breathed in response. “How are you?”

“I’ve been better. The weasel isn’t going to be a problem?”

“No,” Snape answered sharply and got up to sit beside the bed as Hermione narrowed her eyes at Draco.

“Right,” he gulped. “Sorry.”

Hermione exhaled harshly and shook her head. She bent down and gave him a kiss. “Please try to get along.”

Draco smiled grimly. “No promises but I’ll try. So, when do I get my nerves back? It’s bloody strange without them.”

“Right now,” Alex said, breezing through the door.

“You’re back,” Melody croaked, trying to sit up on the bed.

“Sorry I ran late. I was a bit, um, thirstier than normal.” He shifted uncomfortably. “I also picked up the proper potion at the office. Drink this down Draco.”

“How bad is it?”

“Not as bad as the cruciatis but I wouldn’t wish it on my mother.” Alex smirked.

“Duly noted.” Draco huffed a laugh and opened his mouth to swallow the vile tasting potion.

“You’ll probably want to sit up for this next part,” Melody said softly as she stared at the curtain. Alex transfigured the bed to sit so Draco could lean against it. He found that he could move his arms but just barely.

“So you’re awake now,” Ron said quietly as he stepped around the curtain.

“Ron,” Hermione said pleadingly.

“Save it. How could you Hermione? With Malfoy?”

“Ron, I…it wasn’t like that.” She was struggling for words.

“How was it then?” He asked darkly.

Hermione bowed her head in shame and frustration. How was it? She’d originally agreed to save her life but now…

‘You’d rather die than be with me?’ Draco asked, hurt by her sudden change in demeanor.

‘No!’ She thought back, startled. ‘I just didn’t want to hurt him.’

‘Looks like he’s more than willing to hurt you,’ Draco thought disgustedly.

Tears rolled down Hermione’s cheeks and it killed Draco to see her in such pain. He knew he was being a bastard but all he could think about was that she was crying over the red headed git in front of her who seemed more than willing to blame her. He struggled to sit up and touch her but found that he was basically still useless. Sensing his struggle, she scooted over just a bit so he could make contact with her. It settled his nerves to know that she was still there for him.

“What, no answer?” Ron spat.

“I didn’t have a choice at first.”

“At first.” Ron said flatly.

She shook all over, both terrified and resolute in what she was going to say. “I fell in love.”

Ron’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “He’s playing with you.”

Draco snarled in protest. “What do you know about it weasel?”

“I know you don’t give a damn about her!” Ron screamed.

“What, like you?” Draco sneered, anger pulsing through his veins. He was tired of having to defend himself.

Ron whipped his wand out of his sleeve and cast a blasting hex. Draco, thankful that he didn’t need a wand or his hands to cast, effortlessly erected a shield around himself and Hermione. The redhead blasted him again and again.

“Fight me!” Ron screamed.

Draco shrugged minutely and simply flicked a finger. Weasley flew up against the wall. Draco wiggled his fingers again and petrified him. Then he simply sat back and watched with a sharp eye. Hermione, shaking with fear and dread, sat back with him. He leaned his head over to lie on her shoulder. She sighed and relaxed.

“Are you done having a fit?” Melody asked softly. Ron’s eyes cut over to her, a look of hatred clear on them. “I told you that you should be a bit scared him. Let him go Draco.”

Draco twitched again and Ron fell to the floor in a heap. Ron scrambled up and brought his wand at the ready. Draco growled softly. “I could do this all day Weasley.”

“Ron!” Harry cried as he skidded across the floor. “No!” He jerked Ron’s wand away from him. “Hermione, you okay?”

“I’m okay Harry,” she whispered.

“Why are you asking her?” Ron growled.

“They draw from each other you idiot!” Melody snapped. “You hex Draco and you’re going to hurt her. Of course, you’re too busy have a pity party with your righteous anger to care about hurting a girl you claim is your best friend.”

Ron’s eyes flickered in understanding and hurt. He shook his head. “Whatever. You’re both traitors,” he spat, looking at Hermione and then Harry.

“Oh yes, because she’s selfish enough to want to live,” Melody growled.

“What?” Ron asked, shocked at the vehemence in Melody’s voice.

“Look Weasley, I can’t tell you everything at the moment and if I did, you certainly couldn’t understand it all right now. All you need to know is that for her to survive, she had to agree to work with Draco. Draco, in turn, had to learn to work with her and in doing so, they fell in love. How fucking hard is that to fathom?”

“Survive?” Ron squeaked.

“Yes Weasley, the opposite of die in case you didn’t know,” Draco sneered and then let out a grunt. Hermione curled up into a ball, shaking with pain. The potion had just kicked in. “Merlin, is there a way to block it?”

“I know of only one,” Melody said softly. “And you’ll risk being in a coma for the next month if you try it.”

“What’s happening?” Ron asked, looking at Hermione in horror.

“A side effect Weasley, remember? They draw from each other,” Melody said softly.

“Could a pain potion block it?” Draco asked.

“Afraid not kid,” Alex said softly, stepping up and taking his vitals with his wand. “Regrowing nerves is worse than bones and no pain potion in the world can block it. If your dead set on it, Melody’s way is the only way.”

“How does it work?” Draco cringed.

“No!” Hermione shrieked. “I can take it. I promise!”

“I don’t care whether you can or not,” Draco snapped. “I don’t want you to.”

“Please, I can do this. I’m not sure I can do the other yet. My head hurts too badly to concentrate hard enough.”

“She’s right sweetie,” Melody said softly. “You need to start out with full concentration. It’s dangerous business to try it without. Besides, this conversation is going to have to wait a while.”

“Why?” Draco croaked.

“Because I assume Parkinson just got the news and she’s coming now,” Melody said softly. She picked up her wand and transfigured her cloak into a halter top with a skirt so it wouldn’t graze her battered skin. “Sev, the collar.”

Severus sighed and took the collar out of his pocket. Closing his eyes in despair, he stepped forward to snap it on her neck. “Do you take this collar with perfect trust?” He whispered.

“I do,” she said shakily and held still while he snapped it in place. When that was done, she trembled for a moment and then calmed down. “Alright, Potter, Weasley, back into bed. Take Hermione with you and Harry, maintain contact with her at all times. There’s no telling what’s fixing to happen.”

Harry nodded and instead of waiting for Hermione to uncoil, he scooped her up into his arms. She moaned in pain and tried to get back to Draco on pure instinct. “Shh. I’ve got you Mione,” he whispered as he carried her over to his bed. He sat down and put her on his lap, gently rocking her back and forth.

“What in Merlin?” Ron breathed.

“Energy through touch. Now go to bed before I hex you there,” Melody hissed.

Ron sneered and then stomped back to his bed. Snape merely glided over to the wall and leaned against it. Alex plopped himself in a chair beside Melody’s bed and helped her lie down on her stomach. Just as she got settled and Alex pulled the sheet over her, Pansy came careening through the door.

“Draco Malfoy what is the meaning of this?” She screeched as she waved around a parchment.

“The meaning of what?” He snapped, trying desperately to rein in his magic. It was on the verge of flaring.

“You had him call off our engagement!” She screamed.

“Damn it Parkinson, this is the hospital wing, not a quidditch match. Stop shouting!” Melody snapped and turned her head to see the seething girl.

“This doesn’t concern you, slave!” Parkinson hissed.

Melody’s face grew dark and she flew out of bed, ignoring the protests of Alex and Severus. “Now you listen here you little bitch,” she said in a voice like acid as she grabbed the now frightened girl by the collar and got right in her face. “I only have one person I have to listen to and you aren’t them. You lost your precious prize because you are a selfish fucking imbecile. I hope the Dark Lord decides to punish you properly. For now, you get the fuck out of this room and you mind your mouth or I will permanently hex it closed.”

“Professor Snape!” Pansy screeched.

“I’m afraid she’s right Miss Parkinson,” Snape drawled. “You’ve stepped over the line. Get out.”

Melody let go of her and she scrambled backwards, knocking into Draco who groaned in pain. “You!” She screamed and slapped him hard across the face.

Melody caught her hand and threw her across the room and into the wall. Then she picked up her wand off the table and stalked towards her. “Alex, are you still hungry?”

“A bit peckish,” Alex admitted.

“I’m sure she’d make a fine snack,” Melody hissed vehemently.

“No!” Pansy whimpered. “You can’t do this?”

“Maybe your dear daddy didn’t explain everything to you,” Melody growled as she pressed her wand tip to Pansy’s throat. “I am no one to trifle with. Perhaps you should ask him what happened to Mr. Malfoy’s dear Auntie Bella when she tried to fight me, hmmm?”

Pansy turned white as a sheet. “He, I, that was you?”

“Oh yes,” Melody said softly. “I won’t hesitate to give a repeat performance either little girl. You had best stay the fuck out of my way or you’re going to find yourself in a whole heap of trouble.”

Pansy’s lip quivered as she desperately looked towards her head of house. Snape merely raised an eyebrow, the look on his face one of impartialness. Finally, she nodded and whispered, “Yes ma’am.”

“Better,” Melody growled. “Now get out of here and you’d best leave Draco alone to his thoughts and if I hear differently, you and I will have another talk. Is that clear?” Pansy nodded her head. “I can’t hear your head rattle Miss Parkinson!”

“Yes ma’am,” Pansy squeaked and then her eyes flickered a moment.

“What is it?” Melody drawled.

“Why do you care about Draco?” She asked in a small voice.

“He is Professor Snape’s godson is he not?” Melody quipped.

Pansy whimpered. “Yes.”

“Some of us are more loyal than others,” Melody hissed and motioned for the frightened girl to leave. Pansy took the hint and high tailed it out the door, knocking firmly into Ginny who grunted and gave her a death glare. Pansy took no notice as she was trying to run.

“What was all that about?” Ginny asked bewilderedly.

“Jilted ex-fiancé,” Melody shrugged and then winced.

“Easy dear, you tore open one of the marks,” Alex said softly as he led her back to the bed.

Ginny gasped loudly and clamped a hand over her mouth when she saw Melody’s back. “Oh my, are you okay?”

Melody turned around and gave her a soft smile. “I’ll be fine.”

Ginny fought back a tear and nodded her head. She knew they’d be in bad shape. “Professor, are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” Snape snapped and stalked over to Melody’s bed. “But you, what in the hell were you thinking?”

“I was thinking about scaring the piss out of her so she won’t come sniffing around every five damned minutes. I’m pretty sure it worked.”

Ginny giggled. “I’ll say. She looked like she was about to piss herself.”

Melody cackled. “I would have loved to see her face.”

“You will, eventually,” Alex said softly. “Have you given it any more thought?”

Melody shook her head. “I’ll be fine without that. I’m used to this. The wounds will heal.”

Alex nodded and spread some healing cream over her back, casting several charms in succession to close her newly reopened wounds. “Alright. Just let me know if you change your mind.”

“Not likely. Burning for a week isn’t quite an appealing situation.”

Ginny smiled at their antics and then looked over to the next bed. “Blondie!” She gasped as she ran towards Draco. “Where’s Hermione? Are you ok? What happened?”

Draco chuckled mirthlessly. He was desperately trying to calm his magic. Sensing he was on edge, Ginny laid a tentative hand on his wrist. He sighed at the small reprieve. “Hermione is on the other side of the room with Potter and your brother. We are fine. I’d rather not discuss what happened at the present moment.”

“My brother,” Ginny breathed.

“Yes, me,” Ron said, stalking over. “You knew about this!”

“I did,” Ginny said warily.

“My own sister, a traitor.”

Ginny sneered. “Traitor? Traitor! I’ll show you a traitor you stupid selfish wanker!” She didn’t even bother to go for her wand as she magically threw her brother into the very same wall Draco had done earlier. “A traitor is someone who turns their back on their friends.” She picked him up and turned him upside down and let him dangle by one ankle.

“Calm down,” Snape drawled.

“I will not!” Ginny yelled indignantly. “Hermione has practically sacrificed herself so she could help Harry and my stupid brother and he’s calling us traitors!”

“She’s thrown her lot in with Malfoy!” Ron yelled angrily as he hung upside down.

“Malfoy has thrown his lot in with us!” She yelled and smacked his head into the wall again. “If anyone is the traitor here, it’s you. You’re too stupid to see how this could benefit us all!”

“He’ll betray us the first chance he gets!” Ron screamed.

“No I won’t,” Draco said softly. The pain was horrible but less than he’d experienced the other day. He raised a finger and slid the curtain aside to reveal a tearful Hermione holding her face and clinging to a forlorn Harry. “Bring her here Potter.”

Harry picked his friend back up and carried her to her husband, setting her down gently in his lap. A very weak flash of light flickered from them and they breathed a sigh of relief. Hermione snuggled up to him, cringing in pain but happy that she didn’t feel quite so out of control anymore. She draped his hand over her shoulder at his request.

“This is the one and only time I will say this weasel so you better listen closely,” Draco said darkly. “I will not betray you.” His eyes started glowing faintly. “You are allowed to feel however you want about it but never question my loyalty again. What you can’t do is go and blab it to everyone. When we are in front of everyone, everything will appear as it always was. I hate you, the Chosen One, her, and everything you fight for. Privately, the only side I am on is hers.”

Ginny suddenly dropped her brother with a thud. He landed on his shoulder and cried out in pain. Alex, taking mercy on the poor kid, repaired the bruising he’d experienced. Then he leaned down to whisper in his ear. “Take heed Weasley, no one in this room is your enemy. We all strive to see the Dark Lord fall but you must play your part. It’s your choice. We can teach you to fight, we can show you the path to success, but you must be the one to take it. Think it over.”

Alex led Ron back to his bed and handed him a vial of dreamless sleep. “What’s that for?” Ron asked suspiciously.

“It’s dreamless sleep of course. I have it on good authority that you didn’t sleep much last night. You need to finish healing. Take this, sleep, rest, and then when you wake up, you can think it over,” Alex said and waited as Ron hesitantly knocked back the vile potion. He waited patiently until Ron’s eyes fluttered shut.

“Is he out?” Severus drawled.

“Like a light,” Alex said, sitting down beside Melody with a tired sigh.

“Perfect, next order of business,” Melody said before the door burst open.

“Your next order of business is to hug me you idiot!” Harmony called. Philippe and Celeste were in her wake.

Melody stood up slowly and mince stepped over to her sister who caught her around the neck. The twins held each other for a long time, tears of relief streaming down their faces. Celeste stared at Melody’s back for several minutes before she cut her eyes toward Severus. He turned his face away in shame. A lone tear fell down Celeste’s cheek as she walked across and grabbed his face in her hands.

“You all made it. That’s all that matters,” she whispered before kissing him fiercely.

Ginny and Harry sat on the foot of Draco and Hermione’s bed. “What happened?” Ginny asked softly as she leaned in to Harry’s embrace.

“He put Melody through her paces,” Draco bit out. “Then he tortured me for a bit. There was a brief interlude when she kicked my Aunt Bella’s arse. Then he had godfather torture Melody and give her the Mark.”

“Sounds fun,” Ginny said dryly.

“Never had so much fun in my life,” Draco deadpanned.

They all chuckled wryly for a moment while the adults got reacquainted. Draco had a particularly painful surge in his abdomen and they both cried out in pain.

“Why are you still hurting?” Ginny asked softly.

“He held him under the cruciatis for about half an hour,” Melody said, coming to sit in her bed. “So, I had Sev mix up a concoction that burned all his damaged nerve endings away and now we’re regrowing them. It’s quite painful but they’ll be ok.”

“Are you sure you are ok?” Ginny asked.

“Stop worrying about me. I’m fine,” Melody chided. “Now that we’re all together again, we need to decide the next step. Harm, Weasley, what’s the deal?”

Harmony closed her eyes for a moment and then nodded. “He’s angry, that’s for certain but I see that Potter has a blood oath from him. It will take him a while to get over it but I think he’ll come around. Be prepared to get the cold shoulder for a while. There is something else though that I can’t figure out. Something ominous but I can’t see in relation to him.”

“Lavender,” Hermione wheezed, the pain finally letting up so she could talk. “She said she was on to me but I don’t know what about.”

“Hmmm. Is there a way I can find her?” Harmony asked.

“She’ll probably be around in a minute,” Ginny frowned. “She was primping to go see her Won-Won when I left.”

“Great. Now I need an excuse to touch her,” Harmony said thoughtfully.

“Easy. Trip,” Melody said shrugging. “Trip at the opportune moment and bam, instant touch.”

“Fair enough,” Harmony smiled. “Now, next up, let me see your arm.”

Melody held out her arm for inspection. “It’s only half of what Sev’s is. I can be summoned but he can’t torture me through it and if he calls, I have to go to Sev first. Basically, it’s a painful two-way mirror. Moldy had Sev burn it on me and give Draco all the pain. Sorry about that sweetie.”

“No, we’re square,” Draco said softly, remembering the horrible whipping he’d given her.

“Oh sweetheart,” Melody said, her voice full of sympathy. “Don’t blame yourself for that okay? You had no choice. You were actually quite masterful.”

“Thank godfather for that,” Draco whispered.

“I keep trying and he keeps declining.” She shot an annoyed look over towards the quiet man standing next to the wall. Celeste had simply stood beside him and held his hand in a comforting gesture. It was her silent show of support and it meant everything to him.

“I see no need to thank me for what I did,” he drawled slowly.

“It could have been so much worse,” Melody breathed and Harmony nodded her head enthusiastically. “So, back to the story, King Scaly Skin gave Sev all the information on it via legilimency and then tried to obliviate him and us. What old Moldy Shorts doesn’t know is that the obliviation failed. Score one for phenoms. Oh, and pures of course. I think I’ll be able to remove them when this nightmare is over.”

“Really?” Draco asked eagerly. He hated the ugly black mark marring his skin.

“Yes really!” She said excitedly. “We don’t have time to go over technique now though because if I’m not mistaken, Brown is just around the corner.”

“Shall I take my leave?” Alex asked, remembering her previous reactions to him.

“No, I think we can use it to our advantage. Philippe, come take Alex’s place. Alex, stand next to Harmony and try to place yourself in between them so that Lavender falls into her in fright. She’ll be so scared of you that she won’t notice if Harmony goes a bit off. Harry, Ginny, you two grab Hermione and go over there with Ron. He won’t be waking up any time soon.”

Harry scooped Hermione up and high tailed it across the room. Ginny followed in his wake, careful not to touch Hermione in case she flared. Harry lay down as if he were still asleep and had Hermione curled up in a ball on his chest as if she’d fallen asleep talking to them as they used to do in the common room. His heart pained a bit when he remembered how close they once were. Hopefully, they could return to that now that he knew what was going on. Ginny sat in the chair beside the bed and held his hand.

“Alright, that looks good you guys,” Melody called. “Celeste, Sev, I think you two need to go and have a chat.” She waggled her eyebrow on the last word. Draco broke out in a wheezing laughter when Celeste ducked her head and blushed horribly. Melody cackled. “Oh girl, you are fun. Sorry I slept with your guy last night but I was cold!”

Celeste gave her a wry smile. “It’s okay. Just don’t make it a habit. If it becomes a regular thing, we’re going to need a bigger bed.”

Melody grinned. “At a girl. Of course, we’ll need a huge bed because even though Alex claims not to sleep, he’s a bit of a bed hog.”

“Hey now,” Alex tsked. “I might not sleep but I want to be comfortable.”

“You mean steal everyone’s warmth,” Severus drawled causing all of the jokers to pause for a moment before bursting out laughing.

It was that moment that Lavender picked to walk through the door. Celeste spun around on her heel to avoid being seen and Alex quickly draped his cloak over her. Severus grabbed her arm and with a nod, they took their leave quickly. Melody lay down slowly and painfully with Philippe’s help. Draco merely took everything in.

Lavender looked around wild eyed. “Where’s my Won-Won?”

“Keep walking Brown,” Melody called out. “Can’t miss him.”

Lavender nodded jerkily and tried to scamper to the other side of the room. Just then, Alex spun around and flashed her a smile. She jumped a few inches and ran backwards, barreling into Harmony. Harmony, held onto her shoulder as they both tumbled to the floor. A few seconds later, Harmony’s mouth went slack in surprise. She held the girl down while she read her. A few minutes later, she got up and stalked across the room without so much as a sniff in the girl’s direction. Horribly embarrassed, Lavender skittered to the back of the room to see Ron.

“That little bitch,” Harmony bit out softly as she put up a silencing spell.

“That bad huh?” Melody’s muffled voice called.

“Worse,” Harmony said glumly.

“So you want me to do her?” Melody asked, her face still in her pillow.

“No, I think we can do some damage control before it comes to that. Philippe, be a dear and have a chat with the Headmaster. I believe you’re going to find an identifying test in an abandoned bathroom with a poor little lonely ghost.”

“Mrytle,” Draco groaned. “Merlin I hate that place.”

“Care to tell me where it is?” Alex drawled.

“Second floor girl’s lavatory,” Draco growled.

“Back in a flash,” Alex said softly as he whisked out the door.

“Philippe, tell Albus anyway. He’ll need to be informed,” Harmony said tiredly. Philippe merely nodded and dropped a kiss on her cheek before he left.

“Identifying test?” Draco hissed.

“That devious bitch has been checking her for traces of someone else. Apparently, she found it and put it to work in a potion. Luckily, she’s not really the sharpest quill in the box and it’s taken her a while to get the test started properly.”

“Never did like Brown,” Draco groused. “What the hell is her problem anyway?”

“Jealousy,” Harmony said firmly. “Seems she and Ron have plenty in common there. She is afraid that a, Hermione is dead set to take Ron from her and b, is jealous that Hermione’s boyfriend is handsome, even if he is a muggle.”

“Yes, well Sam is good looking,” Draco said smugly. “Still, why does she care?”

“Because Ron’s heart truly lies with Hermione at this point.” Harmony said softly.

“Does Weasley have a soul mate?” Draco asked curiously.

“No,” Melody said, finally turning her head to look at him. “Having a soul mate is a rare thing. Finding them, rarer still. That so many of us have is just insane. Still, there is nothing in his cards that says he won’t find the right girl for him and be happy. It’s just not going to be Hermione.”

“Damn straight it isn’t,” Draco said fiercely.

“Down boy. She’s yours and yours alone and of course that in reverse.” Melody chuckled.

“Speaking of me being hers, nice job on Pansy.” Draco smirked.

“Yes well, Parkinson knows two things, fear and power. I have both. I don’t think she’ll be much of a problem anymore.”

“What if she writes home to tell her daddy of her horrible treatment?” Draco asked worriedly.

“Then I’ll simply inform my Master’s Lord that she was trying to interfere with your work. Being the good little slave I am, I told her to back off. I had my Master’s permission to look after his godson, after all.”

“I still say you are part vampire.” Draco chuckled.

“I’ve had a little vampire in me,” Melody cackled causing Draco to guffaw and then wince in pain. “Take it easy sweetie. You’ve got a long day ahead of you.”

“Can’t you just knock us out for this?”

“I suppose we could. Sleeping through the pain isn’t the most restful but at least time will seem to pass quickly,” Melody said, reflecting on her own experiences. “Hell, we’ll all do it when Alex gets back. He’ll need to keep watch just in case we need to separate you two again. Never know who comes waltzing through the infirmary.”

“Thank you,” Draco said sincerely. “For everything.”

“No sweat,” Melody said offhand. “You know you two are like the kids I’m never going to have.”

“Why not?” Draco asked suddenly.

“Vampires can’t have kids,” Melody shrugged. “I mean, I always thought I’d have them one day but one day never came. I’m okay with it. I’ll just spoil Harmony’s so bad she won’t be able to stand them.”

“What makes you think I’m going to have kids?” Harmony grimaced.

“Oh don’t pull that shit on me,” Melody said, turning to her sister. “If you don’t think I can’t see, you’re an idiot.”

“Can’t see?” Harmony croaked.

“Oh, you don’t know do you?” Melody said softly and sat up slowly.

“Know what?” Harmony whispered.

“Oh honey, you’re going to be a momma,” Melody said shakily.

“No,” Harmony breathed in shock.

“Yes,” Melody said, tears forming in her white eyes. “Let me have a look.” She trained her eyes on Harmony’s stomach for a very long time. “It just happened! Guess that party did the trick, eh?”

“Oh my God, you’re joking! Please tell me you’re joking.” Harmony was on the verge of hysteria.

“Calm down honey,” Melody said softly as she grabbed her sister in a comforting hug. “You’re going to be fine.”

“I’m not ready for this. So many things could go wrong.”

“Shhh. One step at a time,” Melody reassured her. “Right now, they look healthy. I’ll be with you every step of the way and if anything remotely weird happens, I’ll let you know immediately. You married a healer for fucks sake. I married a doctor. I think between the three of us, you’re going to do just fine.”

“They!” Harmony broke down into tears. “I’m scared,” she managed to whimper between bouts of sobbing.

“Me too honey, me too,” Melody said softly. “But I’m not going to let anything happen to those babies.”

Harmony nodded. “How am I going to tell Philippe? What if I lose them? Oh, he really wants kids and…”

“Hush. We’ll think of something. Right now, I think you need to get some sleep too, kay?”

Harmony nodded. “Sleep with me?”

“Just like old times,” Melody said and led her to her still enlarged bed.

“Congratulations,” Draco said softly when the blond had finally calmed down.

Harmony nodded. “Thanks.”

Draco closed his eyes and felt Hermione’s elation. He smiled. “Hermione says congratulations too.”

Harmony laughed tearfully. “Tell her thanks.”

“Already did.” He smiled. His face grew serious for a moment and nodded. “We’re not letting anything happen to those babies either.”

Harmony’s breath caught in her throat. “You don’t have to.”

“We do,” Draco said, opening his eyes. “You’ve done nothing but help us. It’s time we returned the favor. Whatever you need, let us know.”

“How about a babysitter?” Melody chuckled.

Draco paled a bit and his eyes took on a glazed look. “I’m afraid I’d hurt them.”

“No. I see your soul Draco,” Harmony croaked. “You’d give your own life before you’d hurt the innocent. I’d trust you with the lives of my daughters.”

“Oh, so you know then,” Melody smirked.

“Twins, what else could it be?” Harmony groaned.

“Curse and a blessing dear.” She gently stroked Harmony’s forehead.

Alex breezed through the door. “Found it. You’ll be happy to know it just showed Harry to be the culprit. She must have plucked a hair of his from your robes or something. So, no harm no foul.” He froze and tilted his head, seeing Harmony’s tear streaked face. Confused for a moment, he took a deep breath in. His eyes lit up in pleasure. “I smell it!”

Melody smiled. “Twin girls.”

Alex’s face broke out in a grin. “Congrats! I’m going to be an uncle!”

Harmony chuckled. “I never thought you’d want kids.”

Alex frowned. “I’ve wanted kids since I was little. Not every man dreams of becoming a father but I guess I was a strange one.” He gave her a wicked grin. “And since I can’t have my own, I’m going to live vicariously through yours.”

“Oh, these kids are going to be rotten,” Harmony groaned. “Oh God, I’m going to be a mother!” She started hyperventilating.

“Whoa!” Melody said, conjuring a paper bag for her to breathe into. “Easy does it. You’ll have plenty of time to overact later. For now, Alex, can she have a sleeping potion?”

“She can but I don’t think Pomfrey has one that’s safe for pregnant women. Is she in her office?” He asked sniffing the air.

“No, Sev ran her out this morning. He told her that he’d hold down the wing until breakfast which is in like, two minutes so she should be here any moment.”

Alex nodded and then went to check her stores. He was back in the blink of an eye. “I didn’t see one. Let me run down to Severus’s rooms and have him whip me up one, if he doesn’t have it already. Shouldn’t take more than fifteen minutes.”

“Grab one for Draco and Hermione too dear. They’d prefer to sleep through this part,” Melody said with a sympathetic glance at a grimacing Draco.

“I’ll get one for you too alright?” Alex said softly.

Melody nodded. “I didn’t sleep too good last night. Between Weasley’s outburst and Sev having to tend to my wounds every few hours, I feel like I need to sleep for a year. You’ll keep watch though, won’t you?”

Alex smiled. “Always.” Then he ran out the door.

“Oh no!” Harmony moaned. “He’ll tell Severus!”

Melody chuckled. “I think that Severus of all people can keep a secret.”

“Your right, I know your right but I’m still freaking out.”

“Brace yourself honey, it’s going to be one hell of a ride!” Melody chuckled and then lay down next to her sister.

------

“Why is he still asleep?” Lavender screeched for the tenth time.

“We already told you damn it, he’s been given a dreamless sleep potion,” Ginny snapped.

“But why?” Lavender whined.

“Because he couldn’t sleep, obviously,” Harry said softly. He was trying very hard not to snap at her. Hermione was practically trembling in pain and he was trying to keep her calm and balanced until Lavender gave up and left. Unfortunately, it looked like it was going to be a while.

Hermione needed to be next to Malfoy soon or she was going to lose it. It hadn’t been easy for him to accept the pale blond boy but one look at them when they were dancing and he had to admit it. Malfoy truly loved her and she him in return. No one could fake those kinds of looks. It was like they would die if they couldn’t be together, which was just about as true as you could get. He only hoped Ron would come around.

Lavender huffed in irritation and brought him out of his musings. “Well if he’s going to sleep all day, I’ll be back later. I just hope that creepy vampire isn’t over there.”

“What’s the matter Lavender, scared of a little vampire?” Ginny taunted.

“Little! He tried to eat my Won-Won.”

Ginny laughed loudly. “He was just messing with him.”

“How do you know? You weren’t there,” Lavender hissed and flounced off.

Ginny laughed and got up to watch her scurry of the room. When the door closed, she motioned for Harry to carry Hermione over to Draco again. The same pale white light flickered from them again.

“How long is this going to take?” Ginny asked worriedly.

“The rest of the day,” Draco gasped as he felt a sharp prickling in his hand.

Alex and Madam Pomfrey arrived in the hospital wing at the same time. By the time she cleared Harry to leave, Alex had already administered the potions to Harmony, Melody, Draco, and Hermione and they were all sleeping as peacefully as possible.

“Will they be okay here?” Harry asked worriedly.

“I’ll keep a look out,” Alex said softly. “Go on, enjoy your day. They’ll be awake by dinner if you want to come back and visit.”

Harry nodded and he and Ginny left the room after bidding Alex goodbye.

AN: Hello everyone. I am so sorry this took me so long to get out. I had a family thing and then I lost a friend this weekend so my heart just wasn't in it. I think the next chapters will be easier. I hope this chapter is okay. It was extremely hard for me to hash it out since Ron is such a hot head. Judging from his reactions in the books, I don't think I'm too far off. Looking through my reviews, I realized I missed a question. Melody's skin is going to be hard and puffy with lots of whip marks. Just google whip marks. *and don't try that at work!* A huge thank you to everyone who reviewed. I did cry this time. Keep them coming and let me know how I'm doing and if you catch any mistakes. I do go back and fix them. :D Until next time, love you guys!
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