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.

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AN: I'm glad everyone is liking it. Thanks to those few who have reviewed. This is my first fanfic so I'm a bit nervous! Now... on with the story.

A timid knock on the door brought Snape out of his musings. He’d already discussed this upcoming confrontation with Dumbledore. If those two had been caught, especially by Miss Patil (the second biggest gossip in Hogwarts) the results would have been disastrous. Therefore, the plans to let the two try to work through it on their own went out the window and a new plan was formed. One in which his life was once again hanging in the balance if things went bad. Not that my life meant anything anyway, he thought bitterly. He’d given it up long ago in hopes to make amends for his tortured soul. Still, he couldn’t very well carry out his vow to protect Potter if he was dead. They couldn’t be sure exactly which side Draco was on.

Snape figured the easiest way to find anything out was to corner Miss Granger. She was the easiest to read and to intimidate. His godson had long ago forgotten any fear of the snarky potions master. He’d have to make it a point to up the scare tactics. He couldn’t stand to see another young life thrown away so carelessly.

“Enter,” he drawled.

Draco and Hermione slunk in and with one last look to their friends they sat down. Suddenly, Snape slammed the door shut and threw up locking and silencing charms. He swept across the room so fast it was as if he had apparated there. Silence hung heavy in the air and time seemed to stretch on forever. The next two words he uttered caused both students to look up wide-eyed and pale.

“I know.”

Neither could form a coherent sentence. Finally Snape broke through their stupor.

“Mr. Malfoy, I have secured a floo connection to the library in your manor. You will go through the floo in my office in precisely two minutes time. Your mother will meet you there. I suggest you hurry in your quest. You only have one hour before the connection closes. Miss Granger, you will remain here so I can observe the effects of Mr. Malfoy’s presence, or lack thereof.”

When both looked at him wide eyed again, he snapped. “Get a move on boy! You have one minute!”

Snapping out of what he could only describe as paralyzing fear, Draco double-timed it through the class and into his godfather’s office. He hastily grabbed the floo powder and stuttered Malfoy library before he threw it in. He tumbled head first out of the fireplace and onto the waiting feet of his mother.

His head already pounding, he hurriedly scrambled up from the floor, bade his mother hello and began hastily browsing the tomes. His eyes blurred and he felt a bit woozy but he knew he had to hurry. His godfather had ways to get around anything, even a blood oath and Granger, as resourceful as she was, was no match for him. He was a master at observation and one tiny slip could sentence them both to death.

On the verge of losing his dinner due to the skull splitting pain, he began desperately trying to take his father’s wards down around the books on bonding and binding. These were the ones that Lucius kept and used every time Draco broke through a magical binding. It seemed that he always broke through the bindings at least twice a year. It wasn’t something he actually tried to do, it just seemed to happen. His anger and desperation would flow out of control until the pent up energy broke through the binding. It was rather painful and not something he relished.

There were a dozen binding books on the warded shelves. Each one contained stronger and darker binding spells than the last. He’d made his way through the binding spells up to the last one, the one in which his father promised it would either hold his magic or kill him. He didn’t really want to find out if his threats were idle or not. They usually weren’t so he tried his best to hold himself in check. With this in mind as well as a bone-crushing headache, he tried his hardest to break the wards without breaking the bond on his magic. He couldn’t afford to pass out for a week here.

A soft, warm hand rested on his shoulder and he felt the comforting warmth of his mother lending her magic to him. She did this often when Draco had been “training”. Training usually consisted of some horrific curse that he had to experience and then a counter curse that he had to master while in duress. Her magic soothed him and balanced his volatile power enough to concentrate it.

Suddenly, the wards cracked. He gave his mother a rare smile and dove into the books with his wand. He wasn’t stupid enough to actually touch them with his hands. He shoved past the binding books to ones on bonding. They were stuffed in the very back of the shelf, never given a second thought. These were some of the rarest books in the world and were in this specific place because of the potential power they described. He thanked Merlin once again that his father never took an interest in trying to bind him to another person. It was too risky and after this bout with Granger, held too many unknowns to experiment.

He shrunk the few tomes down and shoved them into his satchel, which still hung over his shoulder. He realized that his hour was almost up and he hastily put the wards back on the forbidden tomes. He kissed his mother on the cheek in silent thanks and stumbled back to the floo. He wished he could spend more time with this mother as he rarely got to see her anymore. His last thought before he collapsed in the fireplace was that he would do anything to see her smile at him one more time.

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Hermione was frozen with unmistakable fear when Malfoy went through the fireplace. It was one thing to resist Professor Snape’s probing when she had someone there, if not for support, then to prove that the alternative could be much worse. She might be a good occlumens, but she was shite at keeping her expressions blank. An oxymoron really as part of occlumency was to make sure your opponent couldn’t read your thoughts or your expressions. Snape was a master and she was no match. When he spoke, she stiffened even more than she thought was possible. It was obvious he knew everything. At least the oath would keep her from spilling her guts.

“Now, Miss Granger, where were we. Ah yes. I know. Or, should I say we know.”

Hermione couldn’t help herself. “We, sir?”

Snape smirked as she took the bait. “Yes we. Let’s just say that a certain meddling old fool has brought it to my attention that the brightest witch of her age is acting… strangely.” He stared straight into her eyes as he said this. She fought desperately to keep him out of her head, but since Malfoy’s departure, her head was hurting steadily worse.

“My my Miss Granger. You are a far sight better than your lapdog Potter.” He sneered.

Hermione’s eyes blazed in anger. Momentarily forgetting her pain, she lashed out. “Someone had to finish his training. It was dangerous to leave his mind so open without finishing it. It cost us all dearly.” At this, she mindlessly rubbed her chest where Dolohov had struck her while she mused over Sirius’s death, inadvertently letting her walls down for a second. Luckily, Snape only caught her musings before she put her walls back up. “You’ll be happy to know that he can now choose when You Know Who invades his mind. It’s an advantage. One I will gladly help him control to the best of both of our abilities.”

“Ah yes,” drawled Snape. “If he had listened in the first place instead of blatantly disregarding everything!”

Hermione cut him off abruptly. “If you could put your hate for his father aside for two minutes you might see that Harry is not a carbon copy of him.”

Snape’s eyes widened in surprised. Taking advantage of his momentary silence, Hermione trudged on. “Harry told me what he found and believe it or not, it sickened him. He couldn’t believe his father was no better than a bully, just like your godson.” She pressed on, eyes narrowing. “I, on the other hand, saw more into that memory than Harry did. How, you ask?” She started when she noticed the fierce look in the eyes of her professor. “You know very well that you must break into the mind before the person learns how to stop it. Harry is much worse at blocking when he’s angry so I mentioned you and the memory of what he saw in your memory came forth. Interesting I know.”

Snape was rooted to the spot, consumed with anger and maybe a bit of awe that the little Gryffindor know-it-all had the nerve to stand up to him. He was the most intimidating professor at the school and he worked hard to maintain that image. Yet, as many times as he made her shrink back in the past, she seemed to have a new fury in attacking him. However, he could tell she was using the fight as a distraction from the obvious pain she was in. He decided to let her rage, hoping he could contain his anger until she succumbed to the pain.

“I saw the way you looked at Harry’s mother after what you said. I wouldn’t expect it to hurt a pureblood to speak to a muggle-born that way.” She caught Snape’s snort at this and raised an eyebrow. When he didn’t give anything away, she continued.

“Harry might have overlooked it but I didn’t. You cared for her. I don’t even know how you met her but I know love when I see it.” She paused momentarily when she saw her professor shaking with rage but she was in so much pain she didn’t particularly care. If she kept on, she could avoid the subject of Malfoy all together and try to keep her mind off the feeling that her skull was going to shatter. Eyes watering, she continued.

“Somehow Professor, you are going to have to realize that Harry isn’t the bully his father was. If anything, he’s more like his mother than you can bring yourself to realize.”

“That’s enough you stupid girl!” Snape shouted. “You know nothing of love, sacrifice, or betrayal.”

“You’d be surprised, Professor!” She yelled back. “I almost died last year trying to protect my friends. I love them so much that I would sacrifice my life for them. I’ve put my life on the line a few times now. I am confident that they would do the same for me. I’ve been betrayed before too. You might remember Marietta Edgecomb? I’ve had my heart ripped out by Ronald Weasley of all people!” Tears started streaming down her face from the pain, the truth in her words, and the newfound compassion she felt for a man who’d become so twisted from his experiences. She could only assume he felt betrayed by Lily.

“The thing that keeps you so bitter, Professor, is that you’ve never learned to forgive. Whether it’s Harry’s father and Sirius for shamelessly bullying you all those years ago or perhaps yourself for treating Harry’s mother so cruelly, you’re going to have to come to the conclusion that things happen for a reason and you need to forgive in order to unburden your soul!”

At her last words, Hermione broke down sobbing. It had only been half an hour since Malfoy had left and already she felt the world tilt. During her ranting, she’d seen the truth that Snape was fighting so hard to keep hidden. He had loved once and his love fell for his enemy. She knew exactly how that felt. It might not be to the extent that Snape felt, but she could finally see why he was so bitter. She might have found a kindred spirit if she could get him to open up to her. Her last thought struck her as so absurd that she started chuckling. Chuckling turned into a very un-lady like guffaw that found her clutching each side of her head and resting her forehead on the cool stone floor while she tried to calm herself.

To say Snape was floored would be a gross understatement. No one except for Dumbledore had ever pegged him before. This infuriating little chit had not only stood up to him, she had effectively put him in his place and sympathized with him at the same time. It was…he was…he didn’t have a clue how he felt. Anger, awe, curiosity, and a host of other emotions swirled around in his head. When she started laughing, it brought him back to reality.

“WHAT IS SO FUNNY?” he bellowed.

“I – I – I’m sorry Professor. It is just so absurd, all of it. I thought we might be kindred spirits. Imagine that, a pureblood Slytherin professor and a mudblood Gryffindor student.” She broke out in a fit of giggles. “Imagine, sitting down to tea and discussing love and life and the weather.” She was near hysterics now. “Perhaps you can take in homeless kittens and I could brew the draught of the living death and administer it to my enemies for a grand joke!”

Snape was no fool. He could see the truth in Miss Grangers hysterical ranting. She likened herself to him: a student, betrayed by their secret love. He could see the parallelism. He almost smirked at the thought of her administering a deadly potion as a prank. It was a very Slytherin thought. However, he could tell that the pain was making her go insane. Draco would be back in fifteen minutes and she must remain conscious until then. Deciding on obliviation when she recovered, Snape did the unthinkable. He told her the truth.

“Miss Granger,” Snape said in a low baritone voice above a whisper. It was enough to startle her out of her own trip to madness. “I am not a pureblood.”

Hermione sat up so fast the world spun and she almost lost her dinner. Snape carefully drug her satchel under her head and bid her to lie back down. He knelt beside her.

“True, my mother was a pureblood. However, my father was a muggle. To say he was not a nice man would be like saying that the Dark Lord is merely mean.”

Hermione then gave him a brilliant smile. “That explains a lot Professor. The lure of Voldemort must have been great when you were younger. The promise of power and the ability to wipe out those like your father. I think I understand now.”

Snape gave a low growl. “Miss Granger, I am more than likely going to obliviate you after this.”

“I understand Professor.” She said softly. The pain was making her delirious and foolishly brave. “It’s dangerous to have your personal information to get out. If you feel that you can’t trust me, then you must do what you must. But please, tell me everything first. It would do you so much good just to say it once out in the open. However, just to set your mind at ease I’ll take a vow.”

“What?” Snape wasn’t expecting this much acceptance from this pixie of a girl.

“I’ll take a vow. Even obliviation won’t void it, although I am going to wonder about the effects. Professor Snape, I solemnly vow that whatever you reveal about your personal life to me will never be repeated by me without your express permission as long as I shall live.” Gold swirled around and settled in Hermione’s skin. Her eyes were ablaze. Then everything dissipated and she smiled at the shocked look on her Professor’s face. “You might want to sneer more sir. You almost look human.”

Snape snorted at this. “The things I could tell you would make you wish for obliviation you infuriating little chit. I don’t know what you’re playing at, but if you have any notions of romance...”

Hermione cut him off with laughter. “No Professor. I’m looking for a comrade, and not in the conventional sense. I crave darkness, although I fight it. I have a feeling you might understand?” At a nod from Professor Snape, she continued. “Harry has the same lure to darkness he fights, but I suspect that You Know Who has more to do with that. He has enough to deal with besides my inner struggles. We could help each other. I can listen and you can help me keep from destroying myself.”

Snape was wide-eyed at this last comment. Damn it, where was his perfected blank face? It seemed that this little Gryffindor had found a way to undermine years of practiced indifference. Despite his seething anger at having his private life ripped apart after being kept under wraps for the better part of 20 years, the lure of finally being able to converse with someone who couldn’t use him as a pawn was alluring. Suddenly, the floo activated and Draco stumbled on the floor and lost consciousness. Looking over, he realized that Miss Granger had as well. Sighing, he transfigured two desks into cots, placed the students side by side, and went to floo Albus. He had a feeling that it would take the combined efforts of the staff to keep these two particular students alive until the end of the year.

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The Headmaster and the Professor kept vigil over the unconscious students while they discussed what he had discovered. A simple spell would have brought them both to, but many things needed to be discussed. They used a silencing spell as extra precaution.

“Albus, he wasn’t gone one minute before Miss Granger started showing signs of a headache. The longer he was gone, the worse she got. To combat the pain, she started attacking me!”

Dumbledore raised an eyebrow and Snape found the need to clarify.

“Not physically,” he snapped. “She started blaming me for not finishing Potter’s training. Then she told me I was bitter.”

Dumbledore chuckled. “Severus, I think as the muggles say, she hit the nail on the head. Miss Granger, well known for her hatred of all things Divination, has a cool logic that can pick up on the most extraordinary things. It borders on being empathic. For example, I see that she has unnerved you enough that you felt the need to bring it up to me, something you rarely do. It could have been the pain that caused her to forget herself enough to confront you, but the knowledge was there before hand. Quite remarkable.”

Snape snorted. “Infuriating know-it-all or not Albus, the fact remains that neither one could function properly when he went through that floo. At one point in time, Miss Granger went into absolute hysterics. Narcissa sent me an owl just a bit after Draco arrived that said she had to lend Draco some of her magic so he could crack his father’s wards. He hasn’t needed her help in years. It’s clear that this, this…mind bond if you want to call it that has them both unhinged. You know Draco would never risk getting caught unless it was serious. He can’t even be traced to his biddings with you.”

“Ah yes, Severus. Something is most certainly in the stars for these two. We’ll have to stand by them as best we can. Do you know where young Mr. Malfoy stands on his tasks yet?”

“No. He is either sympathetic to the Dark Lord, or so terrified for his mother that he is willing to put up the best front possible. I don’t want to spook the boy. Merlin knows I don’t need anyone else suspicious of me. The only reason I made that damnable unbreakable vow with Narcissa is because of that bint Bellatrix’s doubt.”

“Well Severus, it seems to me there is a new opportunity to discover what side the boy is now on. You seem to have found a confidant in Miss Granger.”

Snape sighed wearily. “You felt the vow didn’t you?”

Dumbledore didn’t answer one way or the other. He merely smiled serenely with a maddening twinkle in his eye.

Snape scowled. “I didn’t force her to take it. She offered it freely.”

“I never suggested she did Severus. I am merely saying that you might have found the “gift horse” if you will.

Snape sighed even deeper this time. “Blessing or curse Albus, Miss Granger is the way to change Draco’s mind.”

“Yes, my boy. It seems she is. Imagine, an entire lifetime of hate because Miss Granger’s parents are unable to do magic. Sad, really. If she can make Mr. Malfoy see that she is every bit the witch that he is a wizard, there might be hope yet. I must go. Please wake them and see what else you can find out.”

“Yes sir.”

Dumbledore slowly walked out of the classroom and back up to the headmaster’s office.

Snape turned to his two wards again and sighed. Somehow, they had managed to scoot to the edges of their makeshift cots and embrace each other. If he didn’t know better, he’d mistake them for lovers. He’d have to research that further. If they were to become lovers, no doubt it would complicate things far more impossibly than he originally thought. Slowly he walked toward the two.

“Expergiscere!”

Both students opened their eyes, blinked, flinched, and then jumped up. Woozy, both swayed and hit the floor. Smirking, Snape walked over to the two.

“Was your nap satisfactory?” Snape drawled.

Draco immediately sprang into action. “What happened, Professor? The last thing I remember was flooing back to your office and then I wake up with this…mudblood!” He said the last word with a barely visible flinch, but both Snape and Granger caught it. Damn it, he thought. His godfather didn’t miss much and he was certain there was a small smirk plastered on his face. If he were to get back to the Dark Lord with the information that he was lying with the enemy quite literally and shirking at a stupid name, his mother’s life expectancy would be naught. He tried to cover the panic he felt rising.

Hermione had caught the flinch as well. It almost warmed her heart to see that Malfoy might have suddenly grown a conscience. Almost. She could also see Professor Snape smirking at Malfoy. Suddenly she realized that Malfoy was panicking, as she felt it. He didn’t know which side the Professor was on. Of course, she wasn’t sure either but she had to trust Dumbledore. She saw her opportunity as clear as day and gave Professor Snape a wide smile, to which he answered with an almost imperceptible nod of his head.

Obviously, Malfoy in his panicked state didn’t see their exchange or he would have sensed something was amiss. It was dangerous to try out the idea in her head, but she was desperate for something. She finally saw something in Malfoy changing, a small glimpse of the fact that he might not want to serve the Dark Lord. She opened her eyes a bit wider and tried to stare into the Professors eyes. He caught on quickly and extended his hand slightly to show that he was ready. She thought the incantation and suddenly she was in his head. He was a very good occlumens, there was only a mist. Projecting her thoughts, she spoke to her Professor.

“Professor, I know you saw that. I don’t think he wants to do…it. I have a feeling you know what IT is too.”

“Yes I do,” was his reply in her head. “I am assuming you saw it during your bond.”

Hermione audibly gasped and caught Draco’s attention. It was then he realized that Snape was trying to break into Granger’s mind. Terrified was an understatement of what he was. He didn’t know just how susceptible his mind was as well. Hopefully the blood bond would protect them both. He tried to walk into their line of sight, hoping to break the spell but he found that he couldn’t move. Glaring daggers at his godfather he sat helplessly as he watched him try to break Granger.

“Did you stupefy him sir?” Hermione continued in her mind after seeing that Draco couldn’t move.

“Yes. Well, it’s modified. He can still see and hear, just not move. It is more of a petrify without the falling down part. We don’t need him to interfere just yet. Besides, it might give him the jolt he needs to confess. Now answer the question.”

“Sir, you know very well that I can’t answer that. He is going to try to black mail you sir.”

“He wouldn’t be a Slytherin if he didn’t Miss Granger. However, he is close to his ropes end. He thinks I am raping your mind right now. If you want to increase the effect, please, start to cry. Just so you know, a blood bond will also protect your mind. Draco knows this but it doesn’t shield me from seeing your activities since then.”

Tears started streaming down Granger’s face and Draco decided that it might be worth it to break his binding. He could see his mother’s life ebbing away slowly. He closed his eyes in concentration and tried to collect all the power from his magical core. When he broke the bindings in the past, it was always painful and due to anger. However, he knew that if he could concentrate, he could come through it in better shape. Besides, if he passed out, his godfather would have no choice but to stop attacking Granger’s mind. It was obvious that he was getting through. Granger never openly cried.

“Very good Miss Granger. Although, I think one more of Mr. Malfoy’s secrets is about to be exposed. Look over at him and then tell me what you see.”

Hermione gasped again as she saw Malfoy starting to glow silver. She turned back, wide-eyed to her Professor.

“He’s glowing sir! What’s happening to him?”

“That’s something you are going to have to ask him, Miss Granger. We don’t have much time so let’s get through this quickly. The Headmaster would like to see you in his office as soon as you leave here. I have the unfortunate task of watching over you two until we can get this infernal thing sorted out. I have non-addictive pain potions in my possession. I will give you each one vial for the day so you won’t be caught in any more…compromising positions. Return here tomorrow night for another detention. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you get one.”

Closing the connection and chuckling slightly, Professor Snape released Draco from his spell just before he broke through the bonds.

“That would not be a wise decision Mr. Malfoy. You are released.” Pointing to the door, Snape continued. “There is a pain potion on my desk, please take it and use it as sparingly as possible. You only get one.” Draco grabbed one and started racing to the door. “Oh and Mr. Malfoy,” he drawled as he pointedly looked to Hermione and back. “We have some very interesting things to discuss.”

Draco turned white as a sheet and started a brisk walk back toward the Slytherin dormitories. He had second thoughts and decided to double back and wait for Granger. He needed to know what his godfather knew. He couldn’t let his mother die.

“Miss Granger,” Snape drawled as she reached for the potion. “I think it would be wise for us to go through my floo. No doubt Mr. Malfoy is waiting just outside the door ready to pounce.”

“Yes sir.” Hermione grabbed the pain potion and marched toward Professor Snape’s office. The snarky potions master followed her closely and grabbed the floo powder. We’ll go together Miss Granger. The floo is set to my signature.”

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Hermione arrived at the headmaster’s office. She clumsily exited the floo, carefully avoided running over her Professor and noticed her headache starting to return. Rubbing her temples, she made her way to one of the plush chairs in front of the desk.

“Ah, Miss Granger,” said a smiling Dumbledore as he entered the office. “A pleasure to see you again. Please, drink some of that potion that Professor Snape kindly gave to you as this might take a while.”

She sipped her potion, careful to take only the amount that made the pain go away. She couldn’t afford to run out in the middle of the day tomorrow.

“Now then, feeling better?” At her nod, Dumbledore continued. “I think we all know why you are here, Miss Granger. I know you can’t outwardly tell us exactly what happen, but hopefully you can help us fill in the gaps.” She nodded once again. “Good. Now, what were you doing before you and Mr. Malfoy were…attacked was it?”

Hermione paled a bit. She knew if she told a lie that Dumbledore would see right through her but she couldn’t tell him that they weren’t attacked. It was part of the vow after all. She needed him to know what was going to happen so she desperately thought of a way around the vow.

“Well, sir. I was in the common room and decided I had had enough celebrating for one day.” Here she flushed horribly at the thought of why she was really leaving the common room. Her heart still hurt from that day. When she noticed Professor Snape give her a look that said ‘you’re lyin’ and Dumbledore’s twinkling eyes, she broke down. “Fine. Ron kissed Lavender and I ran toward Myrtle’s bathroom to be alone. There are so very few places to be alone in such a big castle.” She started to tear up.

“Yes Miss Granger. I have noticed this myself,” replied Dumbledore with a soft smile. “So, you ran into the bathroom. I think we can try to fill in from here until the end of your vow. This is all just speculation of course. Mr. Malfoy was in there as well or arrived at the same time. Naturally, you both overreacted to the thought that someone saw you at your most vulnerable. It looked like one impressive battle, Miss Granger.”

Hermione paled considerable. She thought she was going to be sick, but she couldn’t say a word as she felt the vow come down on her.

“It is quite all right Miss Granger. No permanent damage done.” She was really starting to get irritated at those twinkling eyes and that permanent smile. “Now then, you each sustained enough injuries that you couldn’t maintain the battle and came to some sort of a truce? I assume that this is when the blood vow was made.”

If it were possible, Hermione paled even more. She felt faint and she barely controlled her eyes as they tried to roll in the back of her head. How did Dumbledore always know EVERYTHING?

“Miss Granger, Hogwarts is a truly amazing school. It has been said that this castle speaks to people.” He gave her a pointed stare, which almost made her fall out of her chair. “As Headmaster, I am privy to every vow made in these stone walls.”

That did it. Hermione fainted. Grumbling, Snape revived her.

“Here Miss Granger. Have some chocolate. You’ll feel better.” The headmaster handed her a bowl full of Honeydukes chocolate.

Hermione took a small piece and braced herself.

“What do you know about mind bonding Miss Granger?” Dumbledore continued.

“Not much sir. Only that it is rare,” she answered in a shaky voice. “It happens mostly between magical creatures such as Veela and soul mates. Although, one book I read mentioned bonding in emergencies.

“Once again, Miss Granger, your knowledge is refreshing. Yes, those are the three circumstances in which two separate people bond their minds together. It is not entered into lightly, as the effects are irreversible.”

A tear started its track down Hermione’s face. “Irreversible sir?”

“Yes Miss Granger, I am afraid so. However, in your case, this is more astounding as neither of you knew that you could bond minds.” He paused here a moment. “And neither did we. It is entirely impossible for two wizards to read each other’s minds simultaneously without linking to each other. What has me baffled Miss Granger, is that you two somehow did. Furthermore, this cannot happen without some sort of prior link. Professor Snape and myself have come up with an unlikely conclusion as to why, but I want you to be positive you want to hear it. It won’t be easy.”

“I want to hear it sir.” Hermione steeled her resolve because she knew that whatever he had to say, no matter how terrible, would mean her life. “I’m certain of it. Besides, it doesn’t really matter does it? What’s done is done.” It was the closest she could come to acknowledging what happened without breeching the blood vow.

“We’ll start at the beginning then. If at any time you feel as if you don’t want to hear anymore, please stop me.” She nodded and he continued. “Do you remember when Professor McGonagall visited your house before your letter arrived?” She nodded. “Your accidental magic was quite uncontrollable. She asked me to bind your magic so you could handle it with proper training.”

“Yes sir. I am also quite aware that you two have been renewing that binding every year. I have gone along with it simply because I know it is for the best.”

“Well, Miss Granger, once again I am pleasantly surprised! I am glad you have decided that this is for the best. However, it now presents a problem. You see, every once in a very great while, a witch or wizard is born with the ability to do more powerful magic than most average witches and wizards. They are often magically bound until they can handle the extra power. Even more rare, two are born who are just as strong but magically they are opposites. Are you familiar with the Chinese term Yin and Yang?”

“Yes sir. It is the concept that polar opposites combine to form a whole. One can’t be balanced without the other.”

“Yes, very good. Magic is the same way. Most are born with a balance of power, both dark and light. This makes them, I hate to use the term, but ‘average’. This isn’t to say that they aren’t powerful in their own right. Take Mr. Potter for example. Through his mother’s love, he was able to fend off a deadly curse. Subsequently, he has had enough power to hold Tom Riddle off. However, he has both light and dark magical currents. You, on the other hand, Miss Granger, are different. Your magical signature is pure gold, indicating that your power is all light and no darkness, despite how you might feel or what you might crave.”

Hermione paled again. How did he always know?

“I can’t speak for Mr. Malfoy, but I am told that his magical signature is pure silver, indicating pure darkness. This doesn’t mean that he is truly evil, just that he has the command of that power.” Dumbledore paused, staring straight at Hermione for what seemed to like hours. “Miss Granger, you bonded because you are yin and yang. Your powers crave each other. Therefore, the effects are irreversible.”

He sat back and watched the knowledge sink in. Hermione couldn’t believe her ears. Pure light and pure darkness merging was a huge concept. Then as it hit her, she almost fainted again.

“Y-you mean that Malfoy and I are soul mates sir?”

“I’m afraid so Miss Granger, magically anyway. Now, I know you will want to research this for yourself.” He gave her a wry grin. “The only book in existence that talks of this is in Mr. Malfoy’s pocket at this very moment. You must know that he is already stretched to the point of breaking. I hate to put one so young into such a potentially deadly position Miss Granger, but you have a chance to help Harry win this war.”

She ignored Snape’s snort and pondered only momentarily. She had a chance to truly help Harry, not just stand by as his support. There wasn’t even a doubt in her mind. “I’ll do it sir. Whatever it is, I am willing to sacrifice everything. After all, if we don’t succeed, my life will be forfeit as well as my parents. Voldemort will see to it.”

“Indeed Miss Granger. I need you to ease Mr. Malfoy into this information. You’ll need to become his friend. I dare say he could use one in these circumstances. I must also ask you not to mention that I know his mission. True courage is found in the face of danger, Miss Granger. He is a good lad despite his upbringing; hopefully he can make the right decision. You may, however, be able to persuade him, as it were.” At this, Dumbledore winked and smiled at her.

“Yes sir. I’ll do my best. It won’t be easy though. I’ll need access to him and people are already suspicious.”

“Yes, well I think Professor Snape might have your evenings covered for quite some time.” At this, Snape gave her a wide smirk, mirth shining in his eyes. “By the way Miss Granger, he would never tell you himself, but I believe that you and our Potions Master are indeed kindred spirits. I daresay you, Mr. Malfoy, and Professor Snape have more in common than you can imagine.” Snape shot Dumbledore a deadly glare.

“Time to go Miss Granger. No doubt Mr. Malfoy will be skulking outside my office waiting to abduct you again. Please do be careful. I believe there might be more than one snake roaming amongst the castle.” With a pointed stare, Snape picked up the floo powder and motioned for her to join him.

“Professor Dumbledore?” Hermione asked before she climbed into the floo.

“Yes Miss Granger?”

“Please be careful.” She said tearfully.

“Of course!” Dumbledore said merrily.

Back in his office, Snape walked her to the front of the classroom. “Good evening Miss Granger. I’m sure you have some questions for me because of that meddling old fool. I must ask that you hold them until you’ve completed your task. Oh, and Miss Granger,” he called as she opened the door to the classroom. “I look forward to class tomorrow.”

Hermione groaned, remembering that she was supposed to duel tomorrow and walked through the door. Seconds after she shut the door, Malfoy pounced on her and pulled her behind the nearest tapestry, which happen to have a hidden niche behind it.

“Malfoy, a simple “pssst” would have sufficed. You don’t have to keep dragging me around like a caveman,” she huffed.

He ignored her protests, instead barging ahead with a million questions of his own. “I’ve been waiting here forever! Where did he take you? I had to take some of that pain potion he gave me.”

She could tell Malfoy was highly agitated and she supposed she couldn’t blame him. Deciding on the best course of action, she decided for half-truths and believable lies. She was shite at lying and knew he could tell if she was.

“He took me to Dumbledore’s office.” Seeing Malfoy pale, she continued. “Professor McGonagall met us there and gave me a right dressing down for trying to start a duel in the Great Hall. Then, when the Headmaster walked Professor McGonagall out, Professor Snape grilled me about the alcove with you.”

“I saw him trying to break in your mind Granger. What did he see?”

“Only the alcove Malfoy. It hurt so bad trying to keep him out but that’s all he saw. He’s so strong though. I told him that you were questioning me about the attack. He seemed to accept that.”

Malfoy snorted. “No he didn’t Granger, he knows way more than he’s letting on and we’re going to have to find out.”

“Malfoy,” she began tentatively as he turned around to leave.

“Yea Granger,” he sighed.

“Maybe he could help?”

He gave a flat laugh. “You have no idea what he’s capable of Granger.” Then he turned to walk away.

That night, both had trouble sleeping. One was restless because he had continual dreams of his mother’s demise. The other was tossing and turning because she kept running 3 different conversations in her mind at the same time. The words echoed through her mind like a haunting melody.

You know nothing of love, sacrifice, or betrayal.

Miss Granger, you bonded because you are yin and yang. Your powers crave each other. Therefore, the effects are irreversible.

I hate to put one so young into such a potentially deadly position Miss Granger, but you have a chance to help Harry win this war.

A sleeping draught never looked so good for either one.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Snape stalked to the front of the classroom and surveyed his students. Dumbledore had given him orders to find out as much about the two student’s bond as he could without giving them away. He feared that the other students might notice their odd behavior. Rumors were already running rampant through Hogwarts due to their little episode in the Great Hall the prior evening. Everything from a tale of jealousy to a modern day Romeo and Juliet story was told about the two. It wouldn’t do to add fuel to the fire.

Finally, he decided that the best way to test their boundaries without notice was a public duel. He’d heard about what happened in the infirmary and that Madam Pomfrey had suspected a hex. He wondered if that would happen in here and to keep it from being seen by all, he decided that a duel between the two was in order.

He was certain this wouldn’t be the first duel the two had engaged in. Although there were no physical signs of a duel, it didn’t take a genius to figure out what had happened. Miss Granger certainly didn’t deny it in the Headmaster’s office the night before. However, the specifics and exact reasoning for that particular duel would most likely forever remain a secret. With a wicked smirk on his face, Snape announced his plan to the class.

“Well, well. I see that we are a whole class again. Miss Granger! I see you’ve once again gone above and beyond with your homework in a sickening attempt at showing off. How about we test the practical aspects of your essay on non-verbal spells and their usage?”

Hermione visibly paled. She was terrified of what would happen in a duel. If she got hit, would Malfoy cower in pain as well? Everyone might figure what was happening out! What if they found out just how proficient she was non-verbally? What if she lost her control again and another connection was opened? Questions raced through her mind so fast she almost missed what Snape said next.

“Let’s see, who should be your partner? Certainly not one of your lapdogs. They wouldn’t have the skill to actually test you. Watching you stand about while they go blue in the face would be a waste of my time. Hmmm. Mr. Malfoy! You’ve been out of class for a while. Why not come down and face Miss Granger?”

Draco paled. His mind ran over the duel in the bathroom again and again. He couldn’t very well say anything about it but he was terribly worried. It wouldn’t be very prudent to have a repeat of the damage caused that day. However, he couldn’t back down without it looking suspicious.

“Both of you come up here NOW! Everyone else, get against the back wall.” With a flourish of his wand, all the desks in the room were vanished and there was a large circle drawn on the floor in the middle of the room.

Draco and Hermione slowly made their way to the front of the class. Both appeared steady and determined but inside, they were a mass of quivering nerves. Each knew what their opponent was capable of and weren’t in any hurry to relive the past.

Snape wore a knowing smirk as the two approached him. “I’m sure you remember the rules of engagement in a duel? Please go to the middle of the circle and bow, and then turn when you reach the edge. A protective shield will be placed around the circle so that any stray spells will be absorbed. It will also keep you in the circle. No hiding behind objects. All spells will be disarming or blocking and they will ALL be nonverbal. To ensure this, a silencing spell will be placed upon you both. Ready?”

At hearing about the protective circle and the silencing spell, both students’ eyes widened. However, knowing that they couldn’t say anything against the terms both gave a curt nod and walked to the center of the circle. Each gave a terse bow and turned to the edge of the circle. Snape cast a spell to silence the two and then another to place a protective circle around them. For good measure, he had his wand at the ready in case he had to place an obscuring spell. He didn’t have a clue what would happen when the two battled again.

Hermione and Draco circled each other, their faces impassive. However, they could each feel the tension and angst coming off the other in waves. It seemed each was feeding off the other. With a wicked smirk plastered on his face, Draco threw a stunner at Hermione. She quickly blocked it and the circle that surrounded them absorbed the wayward hex. Hermione threw a disarming spell at Draco, which he easily deflected and it too was absorbed by the circle.

For the next hour of class, the two dueled. Neither one wanted to catch the other with a hex so they made sure they used small tells. A flourish here, a twitch there and all spells were easily deflected. As the duel wore on, they were starting to get tired. Their spells got sloppier and their blocks just a bit slower. Both called a break and slumped over to rest a minute when they heard the booming voice of their Professor.

“There are no breaks in my class. There will be none if you are facing an enemy so there will be none here. Neither one of you will come out of that circle until there is a winner and no one will leave until this is finished. Honestly, I expected more from you two.”

Both Hermione and Draco were now visibly angry. Their eyes darkened, breathing quickened. They both started trembling. Magic crackled in the air. The circle around them started to crumble. Snape’s eyes grew wide as both students raised their wands and threw powerful disarming spells.

Light erupted throughout the classroom. Students were pinned against the back wall, Snape was thrown against the front wall and both Draco and Hermione were in crumpled heaps across the room from each other. When the light subsided, everyone was shocked at the destruction that was left in the aftermath. The Professor’s desk was shattered; glass shards from bottles on the shelves were strewn about the entire room. Everyone felt achy from the sheer force of the spell.

Professor Snape stood shakily and surveyed the damage. He then hastily dismissed his students. Harry and Ron were reluctant to leave, as were Pansy and Crabbe and Goyle. Snape insisted they all leave and assured them he would take the two up to the hospital wing himself. He then conjured stretchers and levitated the two students down the halls.

Madam Pomfrey bustled about trying to revive the two while Snape went to retrieve Dumbledore. A couple of reviving spells later and the two were once again awake, although in a great deal of pain. When Snape and Dumbledore arrived, Madam Pomfrey started ranting about pushing the two so hard their first day back. She insisted they spend the rest of the day in her care to make sure there were no lasting effects. Both Draco and Hermione protested but there was no reasoning with the mediwitch.

The two took the opportunity to rest during the next two hours. It was nice not having to deal with a constant headache. They were both still sleeping when students came piling into the hospital wing. Both students bolted straight up at the intrusion and realized that their pain was very much still with them. They winced and laid back down in perfect synchronization. Of course, their classmates didn’t notice this as they were huddled around the beds, blocking the view from each. However, Madam Pomfrey did notice and after giving everyone a stern 5-minute visit time reminder, she set off to find Dumbledore.

“Headmaster, you told me to report any strange happenings between Mr. Malfoy and Miss Granger.”

“Yes Poppy. I would like to know what you have observed between the two.”

“Well,” she started, “at first I noticed a lot of strange things. They seemed to be resigned to working together. While that might not be strange for other students, I am sure you will most certainly agree that it is for those two!”

“Of course,” Dumbledore answered with a twinkle in his eye. “Up until we found those two in that bathroom, I was certain I would never see the day when they could co-exist without hostility. I take it as a positive sign toward the future. Perhaps I will see house unity before my time here is through!” Dumbledore got a strange faraway look in his eyes as he said the last bit.

Forging on, Madam Pomfrey relayed the strange occurrences between the two, starting with when she walked in on them touching foreheads. She explained the weird lighting and their request for headache potions. Then she ended with their strange synchronization in the hospital ward she had witnessed just minutes ago. Then she looked at the time and insisted she get back to the hospital ward so she could usher all the students out.

Hermione and Draco were never so happy to see the portly mediwitch as they were when she returned to the wing. Since she left, they’d been forced to recount their duel in horrid play-by-play fashion. Afterwards, there were several fights and duels between the two houses. After Seamus set one of the beds on fire, Hermione called for a cease-fire. She was tired of the bickering and she hurt everywhere.

While Hermione was trying to brush off the duel, blushing through all the praise, Draco was living it up. He laughed at his friend’s snide remarks. He made biting comments toward the Gryffindors and flashed his Malfoy smirk at anyone who would look at him. Most would suspect that he was living it up, but through brief glimpses Hermione could tell that his smirk didn’t reach his eyes. She swore she could feel his weariness in waves.

Finally, all their classmates were shooed from the room. Then Pomfrey administered them a pain potion and a calming drought. Sighing in relief, the two once more returned to their comfortable silence. Every now and then they would shoot glances at each other. Hermione had taken out her book of Shakespeare and Draco read from his dark arts book of which he kept the title covered at all times.

Hermione certainly wasn’t stupid. She knew exactly what he was reading. Her earlier thoughts came swimming back into her brain and she fought with all her being to try and keep from hammering him with questions. After she re-read one sonnet for the fifteenth time, she gave up trying to read and willed herself to relax enough to nap. Try as she might, sleep didn’t come and she found herself staring at the walls, restless.

“Spit it out, Granger,” Draco said. He could feel her unease and he could practically hear the gears grinding in her head. It was wearing on his nerves and although he knew he didn’t want to hear what she had to say, he couldn’t stand trying to ignore her any longer. He had to give her credit for the brilliant effort she was making in trying to keep her big know-it-all mouth closed though. He smirked at that thought.

Hermione sighed. “Malfoy, I’m not stupid you know. I know what’s in that book.”

Draco stiffened but tried to keep an impassive face. “It’s none of your concern mudblood,” he sneered. Although he had called her a mudblood, he couldn’t manage to put the disgust behind it he once had. She’d opened his eyes to things he’d rather no one know about.

“Yes it is my concern Malfoy. You know what side I’m on. You have a choice you know. I’m sure we can figure out how to get you out of this mess.” She’d said it so softly that she didn’t know if he’d heard it. She held her breath waiting for his response.

Draco’s silence stretched on forever it seemed. He’d thought about changing sides many, many times always with the same conclusion. If he changed, the Dark Lord would kill him and his mother’s life would end. If he stayed on his current path, he’d have to kill the most powerful wizard alive. He’d be a murderer and an aid to a band of murderers that he would set loose in school. When the light won (and he was almost certain it would), he would either be killed in battle or thrown in Azkaban and kissed. That was a fate worse than death. He knew he was being selfish, but his mother was all he cared about anymore. He couldn’t see anything but hopelessness.

“You have no idea how little of a choice I have Granger. I’ll be dead either way, but at least my mother will live.” He said it softly and his voice cracked toward the end. He could feel the tears coming and tried his hardest to stop them.

Hermione, on the other hand, had tears streaming down her face. Malfoy sounded so broken, so resolved to his fate. It was heart wrenching. He’d been the biggest git in the world to her, but now she wondered if at least some of it hadn’t been an act. She still didn’t like him, but now she felt as if she at least understood him. She decided to drop it for now, but she wouldn’t give up. She had promised Dumbledore she would befriend him.

That night after dinner, the hospital wing was once again crowded with students. This time, several students from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff also showed up after hearing about the duel between Hermione and Draco. There was a dramatic shift in support though. The Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs supported Hermione. It seemed that Draco only had his closest cronies at his side. Hermione tried to brush off the sudden attention saying that she was only doing the schoolwork required of her but they were relentless. Finally, Madam Pomfrey once again came bustling in and shooed everyone away but their closest friends and warned them that of the 5 minute time limit as well.

“That was brilliant, Hermione!” Harry had a look of pride in his eyes. “I knew you were good, but now I’m even gladder you’re my friend!”

Hermione chuckled a bit. “You know Harry, if you would study more and...”

“Oh stop, Mione,” Ron cut in. “You were brilliant and you know it. Just accept it! You finally put the ferret in his place!” As he said it, he pointedly looked over at Malfoy, who had just stiffened. Malfoy simply glared back and turned toward his housemates.

“Ron, you are incorrigible. Now, times up. You’d both better go before you get in trouble AGAIN.” She smiled. They really would never change.

“Come on Hermione. I promised you we would stay with you.”

“I know Harry,” she sighed. “It’s okay really. I doubt some stranger is going to abduct me out from under Madam Pomfrey’s nose.” She heard a soft snort come from Malfoy. With a quick glare, she continued. “Besides, I need my rest so I can get out of this place. I’m so tired of hospital beds.”

Harry grinned devilishly at her.

“Go on you two.”

“No, please stay,” drawled Professor Snape as he strode into the infirmary. “I have plenty of cauldrons that need scrubbing.” His menacing tone was all that was needed for the two Gryffindors to hasten their retreat.

“See you tomorrow, Mione,” Ron called. He didn’t see her flinch at the use of her nickname. It reminded her all too much that he was the one she wanted and not only did he not want her; she couldn’t have him if he did. She was bonded to Malfoy. Life wasn’t fair.

Seeing her obvious depression, Snape made a cutting remark. “No use crying over spilled milk Miss Granger.”

Her obvious shock at hearing him use a muggle term made her forget to form a comeback until it was too late.

“No sir, I suppose not,” she murmured.

Snape nodded his head at her acknowledgment of her circumstances. Acceptance was key and made the journey that much faster and easier. He put up silencing wards around the two students and took his seat.

“I think we have an even bigger problem than I first thought, wouldn’t you say so Miss Granger?” He began.

“Yes sir. Do you think anyone noticed?”

“No doubt they did. Hopefully they are all convinced that you knocked each other out at the same time, rather than discover that you are connected. It shouldn’t be too suspicious.” He looked her dead in the eyes and she opened the connection.

“I’m going to have to hurry this along Miss Granger. I need to gain his trust. We will let him discover the true nature of your bonding for himself, but he must know that I am on the side of the light. It will make his defection from the Dark Lord a much easier choice. Should he choose not to come to the light, I need you to remove his memories of this night. Can you do that?”

Hermione nodded and Snape continued. “Draco, you do know what would happen if this were to get back to the Dark Lord don’t you?”

Draco visibly shook. “Yes sir.” He whispered, mutiny in his eyes.

“Would you give me an oath not to reveal anything I tell you if I give you my oath that I won’t go to the Dark Lord with this new information?”

“Why would you do that sir?” Draco asked, his eyes narrowing.

Snape smirked at the shocked look on Hermione’s face. No doubt she was floored that it was he who was blackmailing Draco instead of the other way around. “Because Mr. Malfoy, I see a benefit for both of us.”

“How Slytherin of you sir,” Draco sneered.

“Naturally.”

“I want your vow Professor, that you will help me protect my mother no matter what. I don’t care what happens to me. I am well aware that I won’t live to see past this year and I accept that, but I want her taken care of.”

Touched by his love for his mother, Snape continued. “Very well. I will vow to protect your mother to the best of my abilities if you vow not to repeat anything I tell you to anyone without my express permission.”

“Done.”

Hermione watched in silent awe as Snape grasped Malfoy’s arm. “Miss Granger, would you do the honors?”

“Certainly, sir.”

After the vow had been sealed, Snape settled down for the long haul. He told Draco that he was not alone. After all his protesting, Snape continued. He told him of his true allegiance and the part he could play in taking Voldemort down. He studiously avoided all talk of the bond and his magic. When he left, he urged Draco to consider his choices wisely. The odds were now stacked heavily in favor of the light. Draco had some major thinking to do.
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