Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Breaking the Chain	By : RynStar15 Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 42452 -:- Recommendations : 5 -:- Currently Reading : 4
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, that belongs to the glorious J.K Rowling. I don't make any money off of this writing, I simply twist her world for my own pleasure.

Chapter List
- 34
- 35
Hermione bathed languidly in the now tepid water while a maid watched on in horror. Hermione smiled knowing the superstitions of the time. She indulged in small comfort regardless, more calm than she'd felt in a decade. Though her stomach twisted with nerves, she was confident in her plan and knew it was only a short time before all of the pain she'd suffered would be eradicated.
When she rose, the maid covered her quickly with a flimsy cloth, chattering in terrified French and rubbing her arms and legs roughly. She pulled her into all the underskirts and petticoats before tugging a dark blue dress over her head. It had a square neckline inricately woven with a black flower design and a heavy black belt that came around her. The maid smoothed it while Hermione grinned at the luxurious (though too-large) garment and pressed her into a chair where she tried to pull a thin bristle brush through her thick hair, grumbling. Hermione tried not to laugh at the poor girl's efforts. She couldn't even remember the last time she'd brushed her hair out, usually just whipping it immediately into a bun as soon as she was out of the shower.
Hermione looked up when Alvida entered the room. The mistress of the house excused the maid and took up the brush herself, gazing at her in the small mirror before her.
“The dress hangs on you more than last time I saw you.”
Hermione averted her eyes. She knew she’d lost weight. She rarely remembered to eat and even then it was never more than a piece of toast or an apple on her way out the door, moreso lately as she'd gotten so close to finishing the necklace. She looked like hell, to be quite frank. But she hadn't found reason to care.
Alvida fixed the dress silently and commenced the brushing of her hair.
“We’ll need to be careful.”
“I understand.”
“We’ll need to make a plan.”
“I have everything planned out already, everything we'll need is in the bag I brought," Hermione said. "I've thought of nothing else for ten years."
Alvida's lips thinned. "I am certain you have devised an adequate strategy, however, I must instill upon you the magnitude of this venture. If we change anything else, if we are seen, the consequences could be dire for us both."
"I am aware, I've done this before."
The brushing stilled for just a moment while she eyed Hermione in the mirror. “I am going to pretend that I didn't hear that.”
Hermione smiled softly. “We saved two lives that night, Harry and I. I was given a Time-Turner in my third year of school so I could attend extra courses. But when Dumbledore suggested their rescue to me, I couldn't refuse. I felt so guilty afterwards I turned in the Time Turner right away and cut down my studies. I told the boys it was because it was too much work, but I never told them how much I felt I had let myself down, how I had let Professor McGonagall down, and all the wizards who thought I was responsible enough to take it. Don’t get me wrong, if I could go back and do it again, I would. Sirius and Buckbeak didn’t deserve the fate they had been dealt. Just like Draco.”
Alvida sighed. "You have a beautiful soul, Hermione. I look forward to seeing what you do when it is mended once more. Although I must admit, that is not the reason I invented the Time Turner. Understand that this must be the last time, Hermione."
Hermione nodded in consent. She would have no other reason after this. Voldemort would be gone and Draco would be back in her arms. Though she mourned the others who had lost their lives to the war and would that she could save them all, she needed Draco by her side to serve her true destiny, whatever it may be. Alvida understood this and Hermione couldn't find the words to thank her enough.
When she'd finally pulled through the last tangle, Alvida led her to a grand dining room. While they ate, Hermione began explaining the plan. Alvida listened quietly and they remained at the table long after their plates were cleared. Hermione dragged out all the rolls of parchment she had detailing time frames, layouts of rooms. She even dug out her Pensieve, much to Alvida's delight, and they dove in, Hermione walking her around her memories, explaining every angle. The older witch had been in tears when she saw the state Hermione was in and gripped her hand fiercely when she watched Draco being struck down.
When they'd returned, Alvida had pulled Hermione into a long embrace. "Oh, my dear, the pain you have endured..."
Hermione shook her head. "It doesn't matter. It will be worth it in the end."
They were served lunch, having to shove away the documents when the maid brought out their dishes, but they worked straight through their meal, only the darkening of the sky outside and the numerous times they'd had to add wood to the fireplace marking the time.
After they'd finished dinner, Alvida pulled Hermione into the parlor to practice the intricate magic that would be required. They were both worn by the time they'd decided to call it quits and Gilaud served them tea, Hermione reveling in the calm that stole over her once more.
Three more days were spent thusly, diving into memories to practice timing and back home to practice spellwork. The two women sat in companionable silence after the end of the fourth night, a customary mug of laced tea in Hermione's hands.
"We shall depart first thing on the morrow," Alvida said. "I know you are eager, but you need all the rest you can get. I wish you would stay a while, get your strength back..."
Hermione shook her head. "I can't, I can't slow down, not now, not when I'm so close. I'm ready, I will not let you down."
Alvida smiled. "I would never doubt you."
The friends parted and Hermione sank gratefully into the already warm bed, falling eagerly into a dreamless sleep.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
Anxiety gripped Hermione's stomach when she awoke, jolting up, panting. The waiting maid did not comment, simply stepped forward with her dress in hand and pointed to a small wash basin. She cleaned hurriedly and allowed the girl to pull on her dress before hurrying down to the dining room where Alvida pressed breakfast on her. Hermione could barely choke the food down, but did so until the older witch was satisfied and they rose.
Hermione followed her to the front hall where she explained to Gilaud that they were leaving and he fetched them cloaks. Outside, Alvida once again shrank Hermione’s to fit her better and she led her down the dark street to a cemetery Hermione explained was still similar in the present and they were therefore unlikely to be disturbed on their trip.
They stepped up to a chosen tree and Alvida turned to her. "Are you ready?"
“Yes,” Hermione said, steeling herself. She’d thought of this moment endlessly and now that it was finally here, she could hardly breathe through the fear. What if it didn’t work?
Alvida could see the apprehension in her gaze. “Worry not, Hermione. You are a strong witch. You will be with Draco soon.”
“Thank you,” she whispered, clutching her hands. "For everything. Thank you."
“Anything for you, my dear girl," Alvida said and pulled her into one last hug before Hermione looped the necklace around their necks and set the Time Turner while Alvida covered them in the Invisibility Cloak.
“Ready?” Hermione asked, checking to ensure their feet were covered.
“As ever.”
She pushed all lingering doubt out of her mind as they whirled in a gust of wind and they landed quietly in the dark cemetary of the future, the chilly night pressing in on her. Alvida smiled down at her, impressed at her perfected Time Turner and Hermione felt a sense of pride. If she could not only create, but improve time travel, she could damn well save Draco.
Hermione lifted the necklace from Alvida before gripping her arm and Apparating to the now empty drawing room in the Malfoy Manor, checking her watch to make sure they were on time. Hermione let out a sigh of relief and nodded to Alvida.
They waited with bated breath. Hermione glanced out the open door to the entrance hall. It was empty but for the sounds of battle echoing down from upstairs. After a few minutes, in which her heart threatened to jump from her chest, she heard sounds of Apparation from the front hall and Dean Thomas calling for help before racing into the room with Hermione's mangled form. Though they'd seen this scene dozens of times, Alvida's breath caught at the sight and Hermione couldn't blame her. It was so much worse actually being here as opposed to watching a memory.
They waited silently for the scene before them to unfold, Alvida clutching her arm tightly while Hermione waited breathlessly for their moment. As the bodies switched, Hermione caught her eye and she nodded.
The instant the forsaken lovers began to disappear Hermione was already turning, the four of them landing simultaneously, the older witch's Apparation being masked by the pop! of the other two and Draco/Hermione's cry of pain.
Hermione let out a silent, shudding breath as no one looked up, continuing the event she knew by rote. Alvida clenched her hand for a brief moment in support before raising her hands in preparation as they waited wordlessly.
Hermione felt herself start to shake as Draco/Hermione rose and went to Voldemort. Alvida gave her a single nod, she was ready. And as Voldemort raised his wand, Hermione waited anxiously.
"Avada Kedavra!"
As the last syllable left his lips Alvida struck, a slight boom knocking them back a step as the scene froze, not a hair before them twitched. Hermione let out a shuddering breath and hurried forward at Alvida's insistance, whipping off the cloak and rushing to the frozen body before her. Her heart caught seeing the bolt of green halfway to its mark, the anguished look on her own teenage face.
"Geminio!" she muttered, creating an exact replica of her broken past self. Hermione quickly surveyed her work, ensuring not a bit of clothing was out of place, that every scratch was exactly the same, before switching their places with a spell rather than moving them personally so that every nuance was exactly the same. Hermione looked back to Alvida who nodded, tight lipped, and Hermione knew she needed to hurry as the spell was draining the woman. Levitating Draco, she flipped him to a standing position and Alvida took the burden of the spell into her right hand and with a small grunt, ran her left over Draco who slumped even more, his body boneless as she put him in a deep sleep. Hermione was grateful he was in her much smaller body as she and Alvida took his weight between them, her heart skipping once her arm was around him. She wanted more than anything to wake him, to bury her face in his shoulder and feel his arms around her, even if they weren't his. But the danger was not over yet.
She Accio-ed the Invisibility Cloak back over them, making sure they were completely covered before she raised her left hand and nodded to Alvida.
She dropped the spell and the green light hit. With a wave of Hermione's hand the fake body slumped, a flick of her wrist and the eyes turned glassy and dull. Grief hit her like a punch to the stomach watching the rest of the scene unfold, tears springing to her eyes as she gripped Draco ever harder. He was here, right here now. It was almost over.
Snape appeared suddenly and engaged Voldemort in fight and Hermione gripped Alvida'a dress tightly on the other side of Draco, preparing.
“Go, Draco! Take her and go!”
As imposter Draco gripped the fake body tightly, Hermione squeezed her eyes shut and she and her past self Apparated synchronously. However, her current self opened her eyes to the dark and empty living room of the Weasley's rather than the entrance hall of the manor. It was crucial that everything continue as before. Her past self would have to believe she'd lost Draco and take to her murderous rampage.
Looking around the familiar room, Hermione cried out in delight. They had done it, they were here!
She could see Alvida smiling out of the corner of her eye as they eased the broken form between them to the couch, laying it down gently.
"I'll keep him under until he changes back," Alvida reminded her as Hermione knelt at the body that looked so like her own. She nodded shakily and placed her hand on her own, knowing Draco was beneath, knowing he was safe, he was alive. She wished he would wake now, but they had both agreed it was more humane to spare him from this pain. She could wait a little longer.
She felt the creeping claws of hysteria itching to grab hold, but she pressed them back. She couldn't afford to break down, not yet. They still had a long night ahead.
"And you're sure we won't be found here?" Alvida asked anxiously.
"I'm sure, the entire family is at the battle, they won't be back until long after we've left." Hermione turned to her mentor. "Are you alright? I know that spell was draining."
Alvida nodded. "Nothing a couple of winks won't cure."
"I'll make you some tea," Hermione offered, knowing she still had a lot of magic to do that night. Alvida nodded and settled herself in a chair while Hermione bustled in the kitchen, adding Pepper-Up potion to Alvida's tea for strength. She pressed the drink into her grateful hands and sipped at her own chammomile, hoping to settle her own nerves. She returned to the floor beside Draco.
"Thank you," she whispered again, looking longingly at the figure before her.
"Anything for family."
Hermione snapped around. "What?" she asked breathlessly.
"Come, Hermione," Alvida smiled. "Surely you've made the connection? Not just any witch can unravel the secrets of time. It runs in our blood."
"But...but...I'm Muggle-born," she said. "My parents can't do magice, no one in my family..."
"Yes," she said sadly. "Unfortunately, that happens sometimes. But it seems to have found a spark again in you."
Hermione's head reeled with the information...Alvida Eynon was her ancestor, that's where she had gotten her magic. It was unbelievable; but it made sense with the connection they had built so readily, the way that their magic flowed so well together.
Pondering this new discovery, Hermione sat stock-still at her vigil beside Draco, refusing to take her eyes off him because if she did, he might fade away. She still couldn't believe that he was here, beside her. He didn't look like himself, but she could feel the bond that pulled her to him.
It seemed an eternity, but eventually his skin began to bubble, his body lengthened, the gashes and broken bones healed and Hermione was grateful for Alvida's comforting hand on her shoulder.
A small sob broke forth from her lips as Draco lay before her, whole and uninjured, his chest rising and falling gently. Taking a deep breath she looked to Alvida to remove the spell.
"It will take him a few moments to wake," the witch warned and Hermione nodded, her left hand clenching his tightly, her right on his forearm, fingers digging into the familiar strength there.
Alvida placed her hands over his chest, silver light lifting from his body and into her palms and he took a shuddering breath, though his eyes remained closed. It took an endless minute before he finally stirred, his eyes opening lethargically, his face turning to hers. His beautiful grey eyes locked on her and Hermione couldn't contain the sob that brust from her, her shuddering hand coming to his face.
"Draco..." she whispered, tears racing down her face. He looked at her disoriented for a moment before his eyes snapped open and he shot up, dragging her to him.
"Hermione! Gods, Hermione, are you alright?" he yanked her back frantically, taking in her appearance. She let out a small laugh of utter joy, grabbing at him as he looked her up and down in confusion. "You're not injured." She shook her head, unable to trust to her voice as he eyed her dress. "And you're-"
He noticed for the first time that someone else was in the room and looked up, cursing. "Alvida! What are you-?"
"There is much to explain, Draco," she said softly. "For now, you should take care of your young woman. She has gone through a great deal for you to be here."
Hermione was now sobbing harshly and he looked down at her in concern, dragging her back into his arms, speaking to her her gently, but she couldn't hear his words. Her nails gripped him tightly and she dug her face into his neck.
"It's you," she choked. "Please tell me it's you, that you're finally here, please, tell me-"
"I'm here," he muttered, gripping her tightly, though he must be plagued with confusion. "I'm here and I'm never going to leave your side, never again."
The world ceased to exist but for Draco. He was there, alive. Her body shook with the knowledge.
“Shh,” he hushed, rubbing his cheek comfortingly against her temple. “It’s alright now. I've got you.”
She tried to say something, say anything, but she couldn’t form the words through the tears of relief. It was real, he was real, she had done it. It had worked.
It was a time before she was calm enough to pull back to look at him. He looked exactly the same, so beautiful she ached, and though she knew she must look a wreck, the emotion in his gaze soothed her heart as nothing else could.
“I love you,” she finally grated out, the only thing she could think to say. He smiled, grabbing her face and wiping at the streaks of tears on her cheeks with his thumbs.
“I love you too, Hermione,” he said, then dragged her to his lips. Oh, those lips, so soft and warm beneath hers that she whimpered. Gods, she’s missed this, how could she have lived without it?
When he pulled away Alvida handed him a handkerchief and he cleaned her face gently and she blew her nose, flicking the cloth clean afterwards. She stared up at him, unable to take her eyes away for a moment. His face fell as he took her in, stroking her cheek once more.
"Merlin, Hermione," he said sadly. "What happened? You look as if you've aged a decade."
For the first time in as long, Hermione threw her head back and laughed.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
XOXO
RynStar15
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Breaking the Chain