Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

A World Not Fit To Live In	By : snowblind12 & Lissa Category: Harry Potter > Threesomes/Moresomes Views: 78125 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 6
Disclaimer: These characters and the Harry Potter world belong to J K Rowling and her publishers. I make nothing from this story and I own none of it. It is based off the work of JK Rowling.

Chapter List
- 37
- 38
- 39
AN: We realize the last few chapters were particularly emotional. I wish we could say this chapter is different, but it’s not. We thank you for sharing your thoughts and we relish the comments and reviews.
Last two chaps will post next Friday and Sunday and then Master Mine: A Lesson in Love will begin posting the following weekend.
Love to you all!

Chapter Thirty-Eight
BETA love – RaynePheonix2
As Hermione watched the planning happening around her, she couldn’t help but feel this was the way it should have been all along. Perhaps the war would be over by now if the responsibility had been shared amongst a tight group of comrades rather than controlled by a puppeteer. A puppeteer who pulled the strings of all the players on separate stages from each other. They were all part of the same production, but no one knew what the other acts were about.
It’s not that Dumbledore was a bad man in Hermione’s opinion. On the contrary, he was a good man who had done great things. But he was a leader who had kept too many secrets and had failed to share needed information with not only Harry, but other members of the Order as well. It was ridiculous that a group of adults hadn’t been tasked with hunting Horcruxes and it was beyond negligent that the resistance at Hogwarts on that fateful day was spear headed by children. It was doomed to fail, and it was a miracle there were any survivors at all.
She felt a swell of enormous hope as she looked around at the familiar and unfamiliar faces that were now the Order of the Phoenix, faces that had aged and matured beyond their years in a short amount of time. They all shared an expression of readiness and determination. Their plan was in place and their players were on the chess board.
Hermione couldn’t stop the suffocating sadness that Ron was not here. He would have excelled in this moment; putting together the strategy and aligning the proper pieces where they needed to be. Her eyes immediately shot to Bill, Charlie and Fred who had a matching fierceness about them. She thought of George – bonded to that awful Carrow woman, and Neville who was supposedly in a coma. They, the captives, would be the next focus. Once Voldemort and his inner circle were destroyed.
“Any questions?” Charlie asked as he glanced about the room. No one said anything. This plan had been hashed and rehashed so many times and with so many variables that everyone was very clear on what their role would be. Remus Lupin was standing next to Snape. It was obvious that all animosity they had shared was now behind them or at least buried for another day.
Hermione was shocked to learn that Severus had been slowly poisoning his hated Master with Muggle arsenic in small doses that had been weakening the man-thing for months. It had started after the Hogwarts battle when Voldemort felt himself most powerful and invincible. The despot had his food and drink regularly tested for nefarious potions and elixirs, but it never occurred to his over inflated ego that Muggle tactics could be used against him. Because of the poison, the megalomaniac had been growing more and more frail. He had thought, as had his personal healer, that it was the destruction of all but one of his Horcruxes that was affecting him. Because of this, Nagini remained close and pampered by his side just as before. Severus had, of course, agreed with the hypothesis and brewed ‘special’ strengthening potions for the Dark Lord. Little did the bastard know that the very thing he was consuming to cure him was ailing him.
Harry and Hermione exchanged glances as Severus handed out the twenty-two Protean Charmed coins to those who would be involved on Saturday’s mission. There were a few, Ginny included (much to the redhead’s frustration) who would be safe housed with Andromeda and Teddy while everything went down. The twins Ginny was carrying were wreaking havoc on her magic and Severus refused to allow her to participate. Hermione felt badly for her friend and understood her aggravation, but she also understood Snape’s concern and agreed that the safety of Ginny and her unborn children took precedent. With Bill, Charlie, and Fred each backing up Severus, Ginny didn’t stand a chance with that fight.
Lucius had been silenced of any such notions on Hermione’s behalf by a single stern look from the bushy haired witch and not another word was said.
All eyes remained on Snape as he continued. “Twenty minutes after the Dark Lord drinks the final lethal dose that will eventually kill him - if Potter doesn’t do it first - Lucius will summon you to the Manor via the charmed coins you now hold in your hand. They are not only a means of messaging you to come but are also portkeys that will deliver you into the Ballroom directly. They are timed to activate fifteen seconds after the message is delivered, so you must be ready. The Dark Lord will be very vulnerable and easier to defeat as the poison consumes him. Potter and I will focus on him while you all focus on your assigned Death Eaters. Remember, the snake must be killed.
Lupin cleared his throat and with a resigned look on his face added, “Don’t forget, killing curses on the Death Eaters we discussed. It’s the only way to shatter the bonds between them and their captives. If they are captured instead, Magical Law Enforcement will have to follow protocol and it could be several days before all the red tape is removed allowing for the forced consumption of the bond severing potion.” He slowly looked around the room. “It could be too late for some of them by then.”
There were mumblings as everyone reaffirmed their understanding of the plan. It was obvious that some did not find the order to kill nearly as troublesome as others.
Hermione glanced up at Lucius to see the strain evident on his face. He had struggled greatly with this plan because he didn’t want his home vulnerable. In order for the portkeys to work, however, the wards would have to be compromised. There was no other way.
Lucius noticed Hermione’s concerned stare and offered her a small nod in confirmation that he was still in agreement. Adding to the man’s distress was that this was to occur in two days’ time, on his wedding day. If all went according to plan, however, Voldemort would be dead, and his loyal Death Eaters would be surrounded and captured long before any vows were made.
Of course, there were a few Order supporters who would be on the guest list who were like Lucius, turned but undetected; Theo and Theodros Nott, as well as Thorfinn Rowle, the Veela Queen, Ravana, and the Vampire Father, Bonificio. These players would be strategically placed about the ballroom when everything went down. If everything went as planned, it should be quick and effective.
At the end of the meeting, the air was electric with excitement about the Order making its final stand. Win or lose, this was it. Their final play. There was also a shadow of melancholy as it was understood without saying, that some – if not all – might not survive.
Hermione made her way around the room to hug her friends and offered words of encouragement. It was getting late and she and Lucius needed to get back to the Manor. It was amazing how easily she tired, the pregnancy was really starting to exhaust her, and she was only three months into it.
When she got to Ginny and Harry, she pulled them both into a fierce hug. The three held each other, their silence saying far more than words ever could.
When she made her way back to Lucius and Snape, she threw her arms around Severus’ waist, her eyes full of unshed tears. “You’re one of the best men I’ve ever known, Professor. Thank you.”
Severus pat her back awkwardly, uncomfortable with the display, especially in a room full of people. “By all means, thank me by blubbering all over my robes.”
Hermione snickered. This was his way and she would not wish him any different. She did not miss the slight flicker of appreciation and warmth in his eyes as she pulled away.
It was after midnight and Lucius was sitting at his desk contemplating calling it a day when Draco walked in with a happy Jupiter on his heels. Lucius had hardly seen his son since his recovery, as Draco spent most of his time with Pansy or away from the Manor. He did notice that the young man was back to his old routine of visiting Mony every evening and bringing the pony an apple. It was such a relief to have his sane son back and he hoped that in time Draco’s self-hatred would ease. He was being so very hard on himself. Although, truth be told, Lucius knew he would feel the same if it had been him.
“Father, I’ve noticed that you and Hermione have been gone a lot from the Manor lately. I hope you aren’t leaving because of me.”
Lucius shook his head as he reassured his son, “We’ve been spending some time at Hogwarts. You know how close the girls are.”
It was like looking in a mirror when Lucius saw the knowing and not-to-be-deceived gaze of his son. “I hope you realize, Father, that I am on your side. I would do anything to help you and Granger…err Hermione.”
Lucius contemplated what had been said as well as what was implied. Did Draco suspect Lucius was actively plotting against the Dark Lord? While he knew of his son’s hatred for Voldemort and his desire to see him destroyed, Lucius did not want Draco involved in the upcoming mission. Draco was still weak and his occlumency abilities had not rebounded entirely. It was for his own sake, as well as the mission’s, that Draco be kept in the dark. The Order understood that Draco was not to be harmed and merely incapacitated – if needed. Everyone in the room knew that the younger Malfoy was on their side. Harry had been as adamant as Lucius on that point. Lucius would die to protect his son just as he would die to protect Hermione and his unborn grandson.
“Thank you, Draco. I can only…imagine how hard all of this has been for you. It pains me greatly to know that you harbor feelings for Hermione that are not reciprocated. I want you to know that I would, that I will…step aside if there is a chance she could ever feel the same for you that you feel for her. Who knows what the future will bring? I love you both and would forego my happiness to procure your own.”
The words were not placating candy, they were truth. Lucius would give anything for Draco to not be suffering. It was his hope that, after Saturday, they would all be free from the clutches of the Dark Lord. Lucius knew that he would either be dead or behind bars when this was all over. Dead if the Dark Lord was victorious. If the Order prevailed, he would face his crimes in front of the Wizengemot and Hermione would be free to live her life. Draco would hopefully be absolved of all his crimes given his youth, the coercion he dealt with, and the control the curse held over him. Draco was as much a victim of this war as anyone else, and more so than many. Lucius would live out his days in Azkaban in relief if he knew his son was happy, Hermione was free, and his grandchild was safe. Perhaps, in time, Hermione would grow to trust Draco and to love him. They would be raising a son together, after all. This selflessness was new for Lucius. It was genuinely how he felt, though.
Draco pondered his Father’s words before responding, “The Dark Lord gives us little choice in these matters, Father. But I promise that if anything ever changes and we have our free will returned to us, I will divorce her. I only want her happiness, and she loves you, Father. If it were possible, you two should be together.”
In an uncharacteristic move, Lucius stepped around his desk and pulled his son into a fierce hug. “I always left the soft words to your mother, but I love you, Draco, and I am very proud of the man you have become.” When Draco’s reciprocating hold was as tight as his own, Lucius could barely contain the swell of emotion. The two men broke apart, avoiding each other’s glistening eyes.
Just then, Bilby entered the room and enquired, “Master Draco, sir, the orange beasty, where is Bilby to put him?”
Lucius looked at Draco questioningly.
Before Draco could respond, a high-pitched squeal, followed by thundering steps as someone ran down the hall, grabbed their attention.
Hermione’s unmistakable voice was shrieking, “Crookshanks!! Ohh, Crooks.” Lucius quickly stepped into the hall to see the witch on her knees hugging the largest, ugliest orange cat he had ever seen. Jupiter pounced into the mix and proceeded to smother Hermione’s face and the cat’s head in slobbery kisses. The cat was purring so loud the air practically vibrated.
When Lucius looked from the spectacle to Draco, the younger Malfoy shrugged and then kneeled in front of Hermione. His voice was soft. “I remembered you had a cat back at Hogwarts. I had seen him patrol with you on your prefect rounds. He used to come to the dungeons and hunt mice.” He reached forward and stroked the cat’s tail. “I figured you had left him there or at the Weasley’s.” His eyes shot up to find hers welling and looking at him for the first time without fear. They even had a touch of warmth. His heart began to flutter. “I found him chasing garden gnomes in the Weasleys yard.”
Huge tears rolled down her cheeks as her focus moved back to her familiar.
“Anyway, I figured you would like him back.”
A soft “Thank you,” could be heard through her sniffles and Draco felt like Christmas had come early. Making her happy was all he wanted at this point.
He stood and was surprised to see Lucius had moisture in his eyes as well. “That was very…kind, Draco.”
Shaking it off Draco muttered dismissively, “Ok, good, that’s done.” Feeling his own emotions stirring, he mumbled as he walked away, “It’s entirely too sappy in here right now. I’m going to bed.”
Lucius watched Draco leave and then glanced back down at the girl who had stolen both of their hearts.
“Crooks, are you hungry? Let’s see what’s in the kitchen.” Hermione wiped her eyes with her sleeve and stood. She smiled up at Lucius and practically skipped down the hall with a prancing cat and bounding dog in tow.
Lucius rubbed his forehead and walked back into his study. Once again, his mind wandered to Saturday. It was only two days away and the prophesy kept playing over and over again in his mind:
A girl of tainted blood and a virgin no more shall spawn a sacrifice for love. Within her lies the power to end it all.
Lucius and Severus had discussed what it could mean at length. Hermione held no credence to any of it, but Lucius wasn’t so sure. A girl of tainted blood and a virgin no more sounded an awful lot like Hermione. Of course, it could be any number of females, from the present or from many lifetimes from now. It could also be just as Hermione claimed, mad ramblings of an alcoholic wanna-be Seer. Still, the words spawn a sacrifice for love sounded rather ominous. He did not miss the implication it could be referring to her unborn child. He would do everything he could to prevent any such ‘sacrifice’ from occurring. He loved his witch but did not forget for one minute that she was a Gryffindor and self-preservation was not always high on her list of priorities.
When Saturday rolled around, Hermione was a bundle of nerves as she dressed in the Mistress suite. She was too distracted to pay much notice as to how Tinny had dressed her. When she reminded herself that she needed to be calm and focused, she closed her eyes and took twelve slow, deep breaths. Opening them again, she finally really looked at herself.
Tinny was an artist. The elf would put any muggle hair and makeup designer to shame. Her makeup was subtle, and her hair was twisted into an intricate updo. The dress she wore was elegant chiffon in a gorgeous aubergine color. The neckline was sweetheart, and the fabric was tight around her waist before blossoming out into a full, floor length skirt. Diamond drop earrings were delicate and just enough jewelry. Her tanzanite collar had been charmed to match the shade of the dress. Hermione noticed her diamond wedding band shone beautifully as her hand fell against her skirt. It was a shame that something so lovely represented something that she hated so much.
A soft knock on her door was followed by Draco’s entry. The past few weeks had made Draco’s presence slightly more tolerable. She no longer flinched every time he moved or spoke to her. However, in fairness, he made a point to say very little around her at all. She knew he was miserable. To have killed his mother in such a way…it was unconscionable. She felt pity for him. She wanted to forgive him, even if she knew she would never forget. Somehow, she just couldn’t, though. He had been very creative and relentless with his physical and verbal abuse of her. That had to speak something about the kind of person he was. The curse made him hate her, but did it influence his violence as well? Rose said it did, but Hermione just wasn’t sure. Maybe someday she would get to a place where she could forgive him, for their son’s sake… Maybe.
“You look beautiful,” he said quietly.
“Thank you,” she responded just above a whisper.
“Are you sure you don’t need the potion?”
They had discussed this at length the night before at dinner. Hermione had assured both men she could act the part of the bonded slave without difficulty. The thought of ever being bound again, even to Lucius, made her ill.
She reassured him, “I’ll be fine. I’ll be very tuned to what you say to me and will do as directed.”
Draco sighed. “I’ll do my best to talk to you as little as possible. Just stay next to me and play along.” He shuffled his feet. “I apologize in advance for the things I say and the way I act tonight.”
Hermione shrugged. “I’m used to it.”
The words filled Draco with more pain than the witch could ever realize. He nodded lightly. “Let’s head down, shall we?”
Hermione simply nodded and followed Draco into the hallway, but her mind was hours ahead, envisioning the different outcomes of the evening. Would she be free at the end of it all? Would she even be alive? Would Lucius end up married to Trelawney?
She stroked her collar and hoped Lucius remembered in all the excitement he was supposed to remove it from her when he initiated the Protean Charmed coins. She would need her magic to protect herself as well as the others. One of Hermione’s strongest wandless spells was her Protego or shield charm. It had been decided that she should keep the spell cast upon herself while also doing her best to keep Harry shielded as much as possible. Any other spells she cast to assist the other Order members would be gravy, but that collar needed to be off in order for her to do her part.
When they entered the ballroom, it was decorated magnificently. Flowers in blush colors and whites were in abundance and buffet tables were laid out with crystal stemware and a large variety of various alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The house elves manning them wore white tunics with the large letter ‘M’ in elegant script on the front. Other tables were laden with fine foods and a large, three tier cake displayed on the center table to the right grabbed the attention of all who entered.
The entire room was beautiful, yet there was something off putting about it – sterile almost. It felt as though someone had seen a picture and simply said, “Recreate this.” There was nothing personal about it. Of course, there was nothing personal about this farce of a wedding either. It was Hermione’s understanding that Lucius had hired a service to set everything up.
Hermione watched as guests began to arrive. She stayed to Draco’s right as he put on the Malfoy charm and played a proper host to all who entered. He was dismissive to her as though bored, but to Hermione’s relief, he was sticking to his word and saying very little to her or about her.
Hermione watched through her eyelashes as Theo and Millicent arrived alongside Blaise and Daphne. The Lestranges flooed in next and were given their customary wide berth by the other guests. Ravana and Bonificio arrived with their small entourage of six. It was a thing of much gossip for the heads of the long feuding groups to arrive together. It was to accommodate the vampire that the ceremony was happening now, after dusk, instead of the early afternoon as most would have preferred.
Hermione couldn’t help but to find herself curious about them. Ravana was stunning with her willowy, tall figure and long, silky platinum hair. If it wasn’t for the fact that the Malfoys were pureblood, she would question that they had Veela blood as well. Ravana’s high cheekbones and silver eyes accented a face many supermodels would kill for. The men in the room, as well as several women, were enamored with her. She, however, seemed bored by all the attention. It was something she was obviously accustomed to.
Where Ravana was light, Bonificio was dark. He was tall with black hair and dark eyes, yet his lips were blood red and his skin pasty white. He had the face and build of a man in his thirties, however it was well known he was over seven hundred years old. Despite what he was, he was dressed impeccably and there was something alluring about him. Vampires were known for their charm and skill at seduction and Hermione felt this was a creature she could easily be seduced by in a vulnerable state.
When Pansy arrived, Hermione sensed the relief in Draco. He did not hesitate to approach her and, while Hermione followed, she gave them a bit of distance.
“Hi, Pans. Thanks for coming,” Draco said quietly as he leaned forward and gave her a small kiss on the cheek.
For her part, Pansy seemed slightly uncomfortable and shot a glance at Hermione before looking back up at him, “Of course, Draco. I’m here for you.”
Lucius had told Hermione that Draco had been spending a lot of time with Pansy. It seemed that she was someone Draco felt he could confide in and Lucius was very relieved she was there for Draco. Hermione had decided that Pansy had to be completely in love with the boy to have put up with his treatment of her all those months.
“You look lovely,” Draco told her without any hint of falseness.
“Thanks.” Where Pansy had looked like a goth marshmallow at the graduation party, tonight she really did look beautiful. Her gown was elegant in a steel grey silk and it accentuated her thin frame beautifully.
Hermione was stunned when the Slytherin witch whispered, “Granger, you look…nice.”
Hermione couldn’t help but glance up at Draco, anticipating a biting response due to habit. Instead he just looked away as though he hadn’t heard the compliment.
Hemione turned her gaze to Pansy and softly responded, “Thank you. You look beautiful. Your dress is really pretty.”
Pansy offered Hermione a half smile in return before she turned on the signature Slytherin bored expression and glanced about the room.
The room continued to fill and when Lucius walked over to greet them, Hermione thought she was going to swoon. He looked stunning in his formal robes. Lucius Malfoy was a gorgeous package that she wanted nothing more than to unwrap. Her mouth went dry when she imagined that the night could be a failure and Sybill Trelawney could end up with that pleasure. Where the vision would have made her laugh weeks ago, now it made her want to cry. It would only be another thirty minutes or so before the potential future Mrs. Lucius Malfoy would be making her entrance. Hermione could only imagine what kind of entrance it would be and found the thought amusing despite herself.
“Father, watch the Mudblood for me while Pansy and I mingle for a bit.” With that, Draco took Pansy’s hand and led her towards Blaise and Theo, leaving Hermione and Lucius a few moments alone.
“You are a vision, Hermione. I wish it were our wedding tonight.”
Hermione glanced up to see him looking about the room with his typical haughty sneer. He was so incredibly good at that. She wanted to leap into his arms and kiss that sneer right off his face. Even if there weren’t a room full of people, Hermione wasn’t sure how her affections would be received. Ever since Draco had awoken, Lucius had been sexually distant towards her. He held her when they slept and told her he loved her, but he hadn’t initiated sex and had claimed exhaustion the one time she tried. She hoped he just needed time but a piece of her worried that this was about Draco.
“You look very handsome yourself. Professor Trelawney is one lucky witch.”
“Don’t say that,” Lucius responded sadly. “It won’t come to that. It can’t come to that.” He swallowed the final drop from his glass. “Here, take this.”
Hermione stared in confusion as Lucius handed her his empty glass with a sneer. She assumed he was just playing their usual charade and forcing her to deal with his dirty dish. When she took it from him, however, it had something on the bottom of it. She froze for a second when she could feel it was a coin.
“You once asked me for a wand and portkey to Paris. You don’t need the wand with your wandless abilities, and I can’t sneak it to you without being seen. But the coin is a portkey. It will take you to Ile Saint-Louis in front of a small watch repair. The owner is a man named Reggie. He is holding enough Galleons for you to run away and hide. It’s enough money to support you for many lifetimes if you aren’t reckless.”
Hermione stared straight ahead as her heart began to pound. Breathlessly she choked out, “You want to send me away?”
“Of course not. That’s for you to use if things go awry. If anything goes wrong, I don’t want you hurt. You and the baby must escape.”
“Lucius, I don’t want…” She was unable to finish her sentence because in that moment, Voldemort arrived, and Lucius walked away from her. Draco appeared instantly and was at her side again.
Her head was spinning. She was free! She could activate the portkey right then and there and disappear. She wasn’t about to leave, though. She would not abandon the Order or Harry. She would not leave Lucius. She would see this through. It was tempting, though. Now that she was supposedly bonded to Draco, Lucius would no longer take the fall. Draco would. She knew better, though. Lucius would confess. He would protect his son at all cost. In truth, despite everything, she did not wish ill will towards Draco. He could live his life, just hopefully far away from hers. She chanced a glance at her husband who was now greeting Cormac McLaggen. She couldn’t help the shiver of revulsion. Ignoring their exchange, she kept her head down while sneaking glances all around her.
There was tension about the room as the Dark Lord entered the large gathering with robes that looked like they were swallowing him. Nagini slithered behind him and everyone gave the massive python a very wide berth. He was led to a special, throne-like chair at the side of the room where Dolohov, Severus, and the Lestranges had congregated. Hermione had not even seen Snape arrive.
She felt her palms grow sweaty and her mouth was as dry as the desert when she saw Severus hand a goblet to his Master
This was it.
The unsuspecting Lord was about to drink his death. The arsenic in that glass was enough to kill a grown man within an hour, but Riddle would go down faster because of his weakened state from constant smaller doses over several months. Just as the snake-man moved the glass towards his mouth, he met her eye and froze his motion. She didn’t mean to be caught staring and quickly looked down. She watched through her lashes as he glanced about the room before looking down at his cup as though in thought. He snapped his fingers and one of the serving elves arrived at his side instantly. Dread washed over her as he handed the cup to the elf and ordered the poor soul to drink all of it.
She watched Severus step forward and say something, but Voldemort merely waved the Headmaster off and kept his eyes on the elf. Hermione saw movement in the corner of her eye as Theo and Thorfinn whispered something to each other. The elf let out a small gasp and patted his chest as though he had indigestion. Voldemort turned an accusing glare at Snape and much to Snape’s credit he didn’t even flinch.
The second the elf collapsed, Voldemort was out of his chair, his wand turned on Severus. “You!”
Before Severus could even respond, all hell broke loose.
Bellatrix had her wand on Snape but went down instantly from a curse to the back. Her dead body was crumpled on the floor, her eyes open and staring without seeing. Hermione was stunned the witch was brought down so quickly. It was what the resistance had hoped for: the element of surprise playing in their favor. She could not tell who had cast the curse because there was panicked shuffling and movement as people struggled to get out of the way, but Gregory Goyle senior seemed to have a very satisfied look on his face.
The collapse of his favorite pet distracted Voldemort for a split second, which was just enough time for Snape to grasp his wand and drop and roll behind a chair.
There were frightened yells as many guests started to run.
Lucius must have activated the portkeys because resistance members suddenly appeared to loud gasps of surprise. Lupin quickly jumped into the fray as Charlie, Bill, and Dean popped in right behind him.
Hermione scanned the room for Lucius but before she could spot him, Draco had grabbed her hand and pulled her out a hidden pocket door she hadn’t realized was there. They were in a smaller ballroom she had never seen before and Draco’s hands were at her collar, releasing it.
“I don’t know what’s going on in there, but you need to be able to defend yourself and our child.”
Hermione swallowed, grateful for Draco’s help. She tossed the glass she was still holding aside and tucked the coin into the bra cup of her dress. After a second’s thought, she threw caution to the wind and hoped she wouldn’t regret saying, “It’s the Order. They are here to end this once and for all. Lucius is helping.”
Draco’s eyes grew wide as saucers. Hermione didn’t wait for his response, instead she ran back into the larger ballroom to find curses flying causing glassware to shatter and tables to splinter to pieces. She almost tripped over a dead Walden MacNair as she ran for cover, her eyes darting around looking for Lucius, looking for Harry.
The minute she crouched behind a sideways table, she felt someone behind her. “Dammit, Granger. Do you have absolutely no sense of self-preservation?!”
She ignored Draco as she searched with panicked eyes for the men she loved. “I have to find Harry. I need to protect him.”
“What? Granger, what the fuck?! Potter’s dead!”
“No, he survived. I have to –”
Before she could finish her sentence, Draco stammered, “Merlin’s balls. There he is!” He pointed across the room and Hermione was on her feet before she even thought about moving. She could feel Draco behind her as the spells were flying all around them and bodies were collapsing. She tried to contain her panic as she made her way to her best friend who had his wand pointed at Voldemort.
It was the first time Hermione had ever heard Voldemort sound anything less than composed.
“Harry Potter! How is it you are still alive??”
“Fate won’t let me die until I destroy you, Riddle!”
Hermione cast her wandless Protego on Harry just in time to deflect a red curse from Rodolphus’ wand.
“NO!” the creature man bellowed. “Potter’s mine! Nobody touches him!”
Hermione cast another Protego at Harry before throwing a Confringo at Rodolphus who was attempting to dodge a curse from Charlie’s wand. Her curse was so strong it sent the wizard flying through the air where he slammed into his brother, Rabastan, who was a good thirty feet away. Several surprised glances landed on her after such a powerful show of wandless magic.
Rabastan tried to push his unconscious brother off him but wasn’t quick enough to prevent the Incarcerous cast from Lucius, who Hermione now spotted with great relief. Hermione screeched in horror when he was stuck down just as he threw her a small smile.
“Lucius!” she cried out and was only prevented from running to him by the strong grip of Draco.
“You’re going to get yourself killed!” he growled. “It was a stunner, he should be okay.”
Hermione’s eyes were wild as they scanned the room to find many Order members still fighting. Lupin was battling Corban Yaxley and Dean was fighting someone she didn’t recognize. She saw a denim clad body with long, dark hair covered in blood and laying still on the floor. Obviously, it was an Order member, but Hermione couldn’t tell who it was without seeing her face. She was shocked to see Pansy casting Incarcerous spells on fallen, but still breathing, Death Eaters as she stood beside Theo, who was throwing hexes left and right.
Ravana was holding her own quite impressively as she struck down dazed wizards who had gotten too close to her. Hermione did a double take when Bonificio turned himself into a bat and flew about the room, adding chaos as he shat droppings on the faces of Death Eaters from over their heads. It was the perfect distraction for resistance fighters to seal their victories in their one-on-one battles. Crude, but effective.
Other Order members were Disapparating the restrained Death Eaters out before Apparating back in to apprehend more. The Order was successfully doing to the Death Eaters what they had done to the Order during the Hogwarts battle. Hermione’s gaze fell back on Harry who was throwing hexes at Voldemort, but the evil bastard was merely laughing as he deflected them.
“I have to help Harry!” she said more to herself than anyone as she started to move forward.
“No! I’ll help Potter. You protect our son, Granger.” Hermione turned to Draco and met his eyes, which were fierce with their conviction. “Protect our child,” he said before he added, “please.”
She watched as her husband darted forward and cast an impressive shield on Harry while he made his way to his Father’s side before dodging a hex from Alecto Carrow. The witch didn’t even see the stunner that hit her from behind.
“That’s for George, you gnarly bitch,” Fred scowled as he kept his wand on her.
Thorfinn Rowle stepped up beside Fred and cast an Avada Kedavra at the fallen Carrow. “That’s for making me fuck you as a reward.”
Hermione was frozen for a moment as she felt overwhelmed and confused. She needed to help Harry, but she also wanted to get to Lucius, and she had to protect her unborn child. She would have to make a choice. Suddenly it seemed obvious, her child would have no chance at a happy life if that evil bastard wasn’t brought down. She had to help Harry finish this once and for all. Victory was the only option.
She cast yet another Protego on Harry and was about to dash forward when a voice whispered too close for comfort, “You smell sooo delicious.” She would recognize the smell and voice of Fenrir Greyback anywhere.
She spun on her heels to find him leering at her lasciviously. She made a face of disgust, which made him laugh. “Don’t be like that, kitty cat! I just want a little taste. I was very disappointed when I killed that little bitch who bit me only to have her dead body morph into someone else.”
He made to grab her arm and, without thinking about it, she cast a Relashio followed by a Stupefy. He instantly fell to the ground, unconscious. Unable to resist, she kicked him hard in the face before turning back to see Harry crouching behind a different chair as he continued to battle Voldemort.
She made a quick scan of her periphery before bolting to Harry’s side. She cast another Protego around Harry and then, throwing caution to the wind, she took a deep breath before focusing all her inner power on her target. The curse she threw manifested as a fireball the size of a small boulder. She heard Harry gasp in surprise as it flew at a lightning pace towards Voldemort himself. The despot was so focused on Harry he didn’t even see her curse coming before it was too late. His own shield crumbled under the force and the fireball hit his shoulder as he ducked. He was knocked to the ground and suddenly the room was dead still, all eyes on the heretofore untouchable wizard as he lay with smoldering robes.
Voldemort struggled from the ground, his eyes blazing with rage. The look of surprise when he realized it was Hermione who had cast the magnificent display of magic would have been funny if the circumstances weren’t so dire.
“Kill her!” he screamed.
Two things happened at once. First, Severus suddenly appeared behind Voldemort, a basilisk fang in his hand. The snake had been encased in a bubble protection charm since the start of the fight and the minute Hermione’s spell hit the Dark Lord, his protection spell on the snake evaporated. Severus had obviously been waiting for this moment and stabbed the snake to its instant death.
The Dark Lord was still reeling, his shoulder now nothing but burnt flesh. His maddened and unbelieving eyes shot back towards his dead Horcrux as Harry cast the killing curse that struck the evil lord dead on the spot.
Hermione stared stunned at the fallen body of the monster she had, until this moment, feared indestructible. She glanced up at Harry to find his expression matched her surprise. When he turned his green eyes to hers, she let out a squeal of joy and leapt at her friend to hug him.
What she did not realize, however, was that the minute the Dark Lord had yelled for her death, Dolohov had taken aim. His signature cutting curse was headed her way and it was not until she heard Draco yell, “NO!” followed by the thud of a fallen body that she began to realize what had happened.
She stood frozen for a second as her mind raced to catch up as she stared at Draco laying before her with blood pouring out of his chest and torso. She could not explain the sudden rush of dread she felt for this man.
“Draco,” she shrieked without conscious thought. She swallowed heavily as she came to her knees with wide eyes as her hands pressed over his chest, seemingly of their own accord, to try and stop the gushing blood. “Draco…” Her eyes took in the blood rapidly pooling around him, her dress now saturated at her knees. Her focus moved back to his face to find him staring up at her serenely. “Draco…why did you…?”
He looked so peaceful as he rasped, “I had to protect you. I...” he swallowed, “…I love you.”
Hermione’s eyes suddenly welled with tears that instantly spilled over as she watched the man she had once hated more than anyone in the world lay dying before her.
“Just breathe… Just hang on…” She glanced to her left and then her right before yelling a bit maniacally, “I need some help here!”
She looked back down as an unexpected sob escaped from her chest. “Keep your eyes on me. Just breathe.” He nodded slightly and took a breath that made him cough. “Stay with me, Draco. Don’t die, okay?”
The corners of his mouth attempted a weak smile, but she could see his lips turning blue and his skin growing more and more pale. She could hear the crackles with each faint breath as his lungs filled with blood.
Suddenly Severus was hovering over Draco from the other side, his hands moving over the bleeding wounds as he chanted a healing spell of some kind.
“You’re going to be okay. Severus is here. He’ll…”
Draco never took his eyes off hers. His voice was weak and barely above a whisper. She couldn’t understand him. “Don’t talk. Keep your eyes on me and breathe.”
His forehead creased with the effort to speak louder and she realized he wasn’t going to stop. She leaned forward and turned her head so that her ear was just over his mouth. She could barely understand him through his wheezes. “Take…care…my so... Tell…him…”
Silence.
Hermione pulled back to see his eyes had closed. She stared at him. “Draco.”
Still silence.
She swallowed as she gently shook his shoulder. “Draco,” she said in a louder, more urgent voice. When he didn’t respond, she looked up at Severus to see tears dripping down his cheeks. He was no longer chanting.
She stared back down at Draco. “No!” she cried as unwelcome and unexpected grief continued to confuse her.
The room was silent, and then there was a wail of anguish as Pansy sprinted from a few feet away and fell to Hermione’s side before she lifted Draco’s head. She brushed his hair back, which made him look like a young boy sleeping.
Pansy’s words were choked through sobs. “Oh, Draco… don’t leave me! We promised to be there for each other. You can’t leave me!” She fell forward and rested her forehead on his as her tears grew silent, but her body wracked with its grief.
Suddenly, Hermione felt like she was intruding and pushed herself up to stand. Harry wrapped a supportive arm around her, and she rested her head on his shoulder as a numbness washed over her. She stared down at the dead body of her husband; a man, who until this moment, she thought she would never forgive. A man who gave his life to protect her and their unborn son.
Lucius. She needed Lucius. Her eyes scanned the room to where he still lay unmoving from the stunner that had hit him what seemed like hours ago but had only been minutes. Hermione moved quickly to his side, tripping over Dolohov’s now dead body. She was barely aware of Lupin giving soft orders to the still standing members of the resistance as he took control of the macabre scene.
When she got to Lucius’ side, she found that he was warm and had a normal pulse. Draco had been right – Lucius would be fine. Tears overcame her once again. This time it was not grief for herself, or grief for a life taken too young, but overwhelming despair for this man who did not know he had lost his only child. This man whom she would have to explain had lost his son in a valiant sacrifice. A sacrifice for love.
- 37
- 38
- 39
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

A World Not Fit To Live In