Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

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

Chapter List
- 41
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- 43
Draco was staring at the ceiling, had been for a while now. He was thinking over the events of the day, or morning, as it were. He’d taken Hermione quickly, too eager to connect to worry much about the preliminaries. Then, of course, Potter and Red’s noises were more of a deterrent than a turn on. Who on earth chatted that much? Well, he guessed he and Hermione did their first time. That was what he was remembering now as he laid there on his back.

She had been so scared, so sure he would hurt her. It still stung a bit that she didn’t trust him at first but he guessed he couldn’t blame her for that. Really, he’d been a grade A wanker for years and then all the sudden, he did a 180. Well, it wasn’t sudden but for her it was. He’d been too scared, too cowardly to seek help and then it fell in his lap. He’d have to be sure to thank the fates for that, if he ever met them.

He smiled as he thought about his wife. She was everything he’d ever wanted and didn’t think he deserved. He certainly never thought he’d get her. She was kind, compassionate, and so hot she seemed to scorch him at times. How could he have ever thought her plain? She wasn’t conventionally pretty but when her eyes glowed and her teeth gleamed, she was a goddess. He was getting hard just thinking about it.

It was then he realized that the noises had finally stopped coming from the Potters’ room. The Potters, that was going to take some getting used to. Well, he and Hermione being referred to as the Malfoys was still surreal so he supposed accepting Red’s new name wouldn’t be too hard. Still, it wasn’t like he was going to start calling Red a Potter anytime soon. He still didn’t think of Hermione as a Malfoy for some reason. She was his, no doubt, but she always seemed to be Granger to him. Well, they’d worry about that later. Right now, he was aching he was so hard.

He rolled over and nuzzled Hermione’s neck, something that was almost sure to wake her up. She snuggled down into the covers a bit deeper. Smirking, he brushed her hair out of the way and gently dragged one of his fangs over her jugular. She moaned slightly and shifted. He gave her a suckling kiss right behind her ear and bit back a grin when her eyes fluttered open.

“Mmmm again?” She mumbled.

“Why not?” He whispered and rained tiny butterfly kisses over her face and neck, rolling her over on her back and straddling her. “You know I can never get enough of you.”

“Yes but you were rather distracted earlier.”

“Not distracted, disgusted,” he corrected and gently bit down on her shoulder, relishing her gasp. He soothed the ache with his tongue and continued downwards, taking one pebbled nipple in his mouth and worrying it. He lathed it with his tongue and suckled it, spurred on by her hands fisting in his hair. He brought his hand up to pinch and pluck her other nipple, pulling it almost to the point of pain and then rubbing soothing circles around it. She loved it when he paid homage to her breasts and he was most happy to do so.

He pulled away with a pop which earned him and frustrated growl and a tug on his silky tresses. He almost laughed at her insistence but he squelched it and untangled her hand as he kissed her deeply. Their tongues dueled for dominance for a moment but he won out. He always did. He absolutely loved it when she submitted to him. It fed his darker nature and usually made him so hard he could pound stone. Oh how he would love to tie her up and fuck her till she screamed for mercy. He hadn’t tried that yet, afraid that he would scare her.

She pulled back quickly and his eyes widened when he realized that she’d heard his thoughts. He hasn’t been shielding them like he normally did. He shut his eyes, ashamed that he couldn’t control himself. She drove him insane with lust but that was no excuse to let his mind run loose like that. He sighed, resigned to feel her disgust.

“Look at me,” she said suddenly and his eyes popped open. “Why would I be disgusted by that?”

He sighed. “I figure you wouldn’t want to do that kind of thing.”

“Why not?”

“It requires trust, lots of it; trust that I won’t hurt you.”

“Why wouldn’t I trust you Draco?” Hermione asked softly. “I know you wouldn’t hurt me…unless I asked you to.” She gave him a lust filled smirk that made him groan.

“Merlin woman, do you have any idea what you’re doing to me?”

“I have an inkling,” she said quietly, her voice husky with arousal as she reached down and palmed his erection.

“Stop,” he gasped, holding her wrist tightly. He couldn’t take much of that, especially since she’d shown interest into his fantasies.

“So, what would happen if we did that?” She asked a bit timidly.

“Well, we’d have to wait until I could find some suitable rope, or conjure some. I don’t want to hurt you too much.”

“Why can’t you just tie my hands up like you normally do?”

“No, it isn’t like that. I want to tie every part of your body up, bind you so tightly you can barely move, and then fuck you ‘til you scream for mercy,” he said, his voice dropping low and causing her to shiver.

“Promise?” She whispered, her thoughts giving her away. The idea turned her on more than he could say.

“Gods yes,” he moaned and crashed his mouth down over hers, taking what he wanted and not leaving her an inch to struggle. She fell into the kiss as ardently as she could, giving as good as she got. She tangled her fingers in his hair and scratched his scalp. He growled as she dragged her fingers down his back and dug into his bum, pulling him into her.

Suddenly, she pushed him back. It was quite easy for her now, considering her strength. “What kind of rope?”

He half laughed, half groaned. “Treated hemp.” He swooped back down for another kiss.

“Treated?” She asked, pulling away again.

He growled and pinned her arms above her head. “You boil it so it’s soft and pliable. Now shush before I gag you. I’m trying to fuck you properly Mrs. Malfoy and you’re being difficult.”

“But I want to know more.” She twisted her head to the side so he couldn’t kiss her.

“Why?” He sighed, getting more frustrated by the minute.

“I-I want to...to t-try it,” she stammered out.

Draco’s breath caught in his throat for a second before his nostrils flared and he forced her into another kiss. He pulled back. “I’m going to get some right after we take care of that blasted circle. Hang training.”

A knock sounded out at the door.

“Shite. We woke someone up.” Draco sighed and threw a robe on as he padded to the door. He made sure Hermione was covered before he swung it open and jumped back a couple of feet. Snape stalked into the room, his robe billowing behind him and cutting an impressive figure even in his bare feet. He closed the door and dropped something in a chair before the turned around and crossed his arms.

“Problem?” Draco asked bewilderedly.

“I’d like to sleep sometime tonight!” Therefore, before you start, gag her,” Severus growled and made for the door. He turned around right before he opened it. “And be careful. Make sure you listen through the link. And you will show up for training tomorrow. ” With that, he stalked out of the room and slammed the door shut.

“Stupid bat ears,” Draco grumbled and choked back a laugh when he heard his godfather warning him that he could hear just fine.

“What’s that?” Hermione whispered, motioning to the chair where he’d dropped something before he left.

“Don’t know,” Draco said dazedly and walked over for a closer inspection. He chuckled darkly and picked the object up. “Thank you godfather,” he called out and stalked over to the bed. He threw the object down and then shucked his robe.

Hermione’s breath froze at the sight of it, a large coil of rope. She’d been intrigued and highly aroused at the images in Draco’s head as he devoured her mouth. Images of him tying intricate knots and bending her body into strange and beautiful positions filtered through and then him pounding into her from behind. She’d pulled back with a shock at how animalistic the images had been but she was far from disgusted. Now she was faced with the very thing he was talking about and her nerves settled back in. Would he hurt her? Of course he wouldn’t do it on purpose, but what about accident. Snape had said to gag her. How could she tell him to stop?

“We don’t have to if you’re scared,” Draco whispered softly.

Hermione could hear the disappointment clear in his voice and feel it through the bond. “No!” She squeaked. “I’m just…worried.”

“Just trust me,” he breathed. “If it gets to be too much, you just say the word and I’ll stop immediately.”

“What word?” Hermione asked, her brow furrowed.

“Pick one.” Draco smiled. “Something you normally don’t call out during sex, and not no or stop.”

Hermione thought about it for a moment. She’d read about this, a safe word it was called. It was generally something completely off the wall like a fruit or an extinct animal or something. What could it be? Certainly nothing embarrassing, there were obviously ears around after all. She didn’t want something too simple. It would be too easy to cry mercy and give up but it needn’t be a mouthful either. She couldn’t even imagine calling out something like chizpurfle carapace. It just popped into her head.

“Silverweed.”

“Alright then,” Draco said softly. “Now, since you’ll be gagged, just think it. I’ll hear it, promise. Are you ready?”

Hermione’s breathing sped up, both excited and nervous. She nodded shakily and watched in fascination as Draco undid the small cord holding the rope coils together. He tested a length of the rope by bending it back and forth and pulling on it. Deeming it appropriate, he nodded and reached for her hand. She took it shakily, allowing herself to be pulled off the bed. He spun her around slowly, dragging the rope over her now super sensitive flesh and causing goose bumps to break out all over.

Suddenly, he spun her around and clutched her to him. Her breath flew out of her in shock and she stared at him wide-eyed. “Are you sure?” He asked again and she nodded shakily. He smiled brightly before his eyes darkened and he took her lips in a bruising kiss. He pulled back and grabbed the tie off his robe. He kissed her softly once more and then put the silk tie over her mouth before walking around and tying it behind her head. He tilted his head and pointed to his temple.

‘Can you hear me?’ He thought.

‘Loud and clear as always.’

‘Remember, if it gets to be too much, just think the word silverweed and I’ll stop immediately.’

‘How are you going to be able to stop if I’m tied up?’

He smiled and walked over to the bedside table, taking out his double sided knife and laying it down in plain sight. ‘I’ll cut it if you can’t handle untying it.’

‘You’ll ruin the rope,’ she said in confusion.

‘Rope is replaceable. You are not,’ Draco said firmly. ‘Now, hush and kneel.’

Hermione faltered a moment; caught between being angry he was ordering her around and wanting to please him. She remembered what Snape had told her the last time she’d been in a fight with Draco. She got pleasure from pleasing him. She relaxed slightly and knelt in the floor, remembering the position she’d been taught at the last moment. His sharp intake of breath all the answer she needed for a rush of warmth to spread throughout her body.

He tilted her head up and kissed her gently again, first her top lip and then her bottom, then her eyelids and her cheeks. Then he ran the rope gently over the same path. The smell of the hemp was strong, sweet, and to her surprise, it aroused her further. It was highly erotic, the feel of the fibers sweeping across her skin so softly combined with the sweet smell and the nervous excitement.

She watched in fascination as he picked the entire coil up. To her surprise, it wasn’t just one length of rope, but three. He picked up the first, the longest length and folded it in half, placing it gently on over her head so it draped between her shoulder blades. Then he swept her hair up and twisted it into a simple bun, using a nearby muggle pen to hold it in place. Then he set to work tying a simple knot. It came to rest right in between her collar bone and the top of her breasts. Then he made several more knots in the rope, working quickly and efficiently.

Watching him master the rope brought a strange feeling of sadness to her. How many others had he done this with to know what to do so well? How many others had he been with? She wondered how she compared to them. She didn’t know what she was doing half the time. The other half, she just followed her gut or read it in a book.

“Stop!” Draco snapped aloud, causing her to jump. “For your information, you are the only girl who’s ever mattered. I don’t care to think about the very few others, thank you very much. I’ve also never tied another girl up before, ever. I became interested in it when I accidentally walked in on my father tying up one of his many tarts. I thought it was extremely odd for a man like Lucius to create something so seemingly beautiful.

“I thought it had to be some intricate form of torture and asked godfather about it. He was more than happy to fulfill my curiosity, going so far as to let me practice on a mannequin. He told me that if I were to ever try it with someone special, he wanted me to be able to do it right. I should thank him for that.” Draco trailed off and stopped tying for a moment. He was assaulted with memories of long conversations over tea when he was healing from his father’s latest training. Then he shook his head and started again.

“Anyway, I can tie these knots in my sleep. I’ve dreamt of being able to do this with someone I loved, with you.” He smiled. “Thank you.”

Hermione smiled softly, her doubts and fears erased. Draco tied one more knot and then dropped the rope, extending a hand to her. She took it and stood shakily, her legs already tingly from kneeling on the hard floor. He draped the rope in between her breasts and down the middle of her body to the apex of her thighs. Then he trailed his hand down the rope, his fingers dancing across her skin and electrifying it. He cupped her mound and rubbed the rope back and forth against her clit a few times, causing her to gasp before walking behind her. He flipped the rope in between her legs and brought it up in between her bum cheeks to loop it around the rope she had behind her neck.

The tails of the rope brushed her back and she shivered from the sensation. Draco took that opportunity to kiss her shoulder and nibble along the back of her neck, just above the rope. He was doing this for her as much as for him. His hands had started to shake he was so turned on. He knew she’d look absolutely beautiful in ropes. Gaining a steadying breath, he started again.

He ran the tails of the ropes under each of her armpits and then through the hole in between the knots right above her breast. Then he brought them back to her back, under the rope and then back around underneath her breasts to frame them in the ropes. He repeated this pattern several more times to create a beautiful diamond pattern on her torso. Then he repeated it around her hips before he tied it off.

What was loose before was now rather tight. Hermione was feeling so many sensations at the same time it was hard to keep track. The tight ropes hugging her body and biting in ever so slightly caused just the right amount of pain to be pleasurable. It didn’t help that every time she shifted or he moved the ropes, it rubbed the sensitive lips of her pussy and caused sparks of pleasure to shoot up her spine.

Draco took a step back to admire his work. He had to catch his breath when she brought her eyes up to meet his. The dull amber glow lit his blood on fire and he had to clench his fists hard to keep himself from taking her right then and there. He wanted the whole picture and he was going to have to hold himself back to finish this. “Are you alright?” He asked, breathing heavy. She nodded slightly, not wanting to move very much. “Do you want to continue?” She nodded again.

He walked over and took a second length of rope from the bed, walking behind her. He reached around and gently drew his hands down the front of her body, eliciting a throaty moan from his wife. He pulled her back into him and ground himself hard into her bum, earning a broken muffled cry. Then he brought his hands back up and grabbed her shoulders, pulling them backwards and running his hands down her arms. He started high, not wanting to put too much strain on her yet.

He tied the ropes around each arm so they wouldn’t slip and then continued to use the same diamond pattern to bind her arms all the way down until he tied her wrists together tightly. He ran his fingers around several of the knots, checking to make sure they wouldn’t slip and cut off her circulation. She was breathing heavy, the pleasure reaching a pinnacle he’d not seen her hit before.

He walked around to face her, noticing her eyes were glassy with lust. He smirked and flicked one of her nipples. She cried out sharply and then shuddered. His mouth dropped open in shock. She’d just climaxed. He had to take a firm grip around the head of his cock to keep himself from coming from the sheer erotic picture she’d presented him with.

Hermione was ensconced in a whirlwind of pleasure. The pressure of the ropes, the gentle rubbing from Draco, and the feeling of being restricted combined to put her on an edge so sharp she feared she might actually physically fall. Then he walked around her and gave her that devilish smirk that set her on fire and flicked her nipple. That was all it had taken to put her over. Wave after wave of ecstasy had washed over her, taking her by storm and leaving her a bit weak in the knees.

Draco caught her just before she slumped in the floor. He carried her over to the bed, careful not to put any strain on her bound arms. Then he maneuvered her into a kneeling position, her legs wide apart. He took the third length of rope and tied one of her ankles tightly. He worked quickly, unable to make himself slow down. He bound her calves and thighs together so she couldn’t extend her legs. Then he tied it off at the other ankle and allowed himself to stare at the picture she presented.

She was completely bound, unable to move very far. Her legs spread too wide to allow her to pull them beneath herself. Her arms were straining behind her back and her chest heaved against the pull of the rope binding her torso. She was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. Unwilling to wait any longer, he climbed in behind her. He directed her to lay her head down on the mattress, not allowing her a pillow so he’d be able to hear her muffled screams.

“Merlin Hermione.” He began whispering in her ear as his hands traced the ropes. “Do you have any idea how absolutely stunning you look like this, all tied up and submitting to me. You’re completely at my mercy. Fuck, you came! Do you have any idea how fucking hot that is?” She was shaking with need. “And now you’re mine,” he hissed and rammed his thick cock into her clenching pussy.

He couldn’t control himself any longer. She’d been perfect. She’d fulfilled one of his most vivid fantasies and she’d surpassed it. He began hitting her hard and fast, the sound of his balls slapping her arse resonated around the room. He felt the ropes moving and ran his hands under her to keep them from closing around him. He slammed into her over and over again, his hips moving faster. He refused to come so quickly though, not before he’d had his fill of her.

She began crying out, her mind begging him to go harder, faster, take her to somewhere she’d only dreamed of. He couldn’t deny her anything so he picked up the pace, thrusting in over and over again. A thin sheen of sweat covered them both, allowing the ropes to slip a bit. He could see the red marks signaling rope burn begin to litter her body but he couldn’t bring himself to care.

Hermione moaned, the feeling of the ropes burning her adding to the erotic picture and heightened her senses further. Draco was pounding into her for all he was worth, desperate to reach the same place she wanted to go. She was nearing the top, her body as taught as a bow string but she couldn’t seem to get over.

Draco felt the fluttering in her walls and her frustration. He knew what she needed. He slammed into her repeatedly until he felt his balls draw up. He let go of the ropes and allowed them to pull tight against him and rub over her lips. Then he hunched down over her and whispered in her ear. “Come for me ma chérie.” He flicked her clit at the same time.

Hermione screamed, loud and low, a guttural cry of completion as every nerve ending in her body seemed to be on fire at the same time. The room filled with brilliant white light as Draco groaned, his release right on the cusp of hers. He shuddered and thrust a few more times weakly. Hermione felt him collapsing. She felt the wave finally receding, darkness closed in on her and she closed her eyes.

Draco noticed her go limp immediately as he pulled out and collapsed beside her. She’d passed out! He couldn’t wipe the smug grin off his face as he quickly undid the gag and untied the ropes binding her legs. He gently pulled them out from under her so she could lay flat on her stomach. Then he shakily untied the ropes from her arms, noticing that she had quite the case of rope burn on her wrists.

He admired the beautiful patterns the ropes made and smirked again. She’d have to explain those to her friends later. Pushing down that thought, he undid the ropes from her torso and threw them over the side of the bed. He’d cleaned them in the morning. He scrunched down under the covers and scooped her up to rest on his chest. The last thing he heard before his eyelids fluttered closed was a dark chuckle and a low “well done son” from the next room.

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It was dark, cold, and damp. Draco looked around, trying to get his bearing down. Where was he? He put his hands out in front of him, trying to see if there was a wall nearby. Grabbing on to nothing but air, he gave up and reached for his wand. It wasn’t there. His clothes felt tattered and damp. He was fixing to cast a lumos when a high chuckle stopped him in his tracks. The Dark Lord.

“Ah, welcome back young Draco. Sssso glad you could join us,” Voldemort said with some amusement and raised the lights. “You’re just in time.” Draco noticed that he was in the dungeons of Malfoy Manor, standing in the same cell his father used to train him.

The Dark Lord extended one scaly hand to motion someone forward. Two hooded Death Eaters who he didn’t recognize were dragging a small person not any bigger than his wife. The person was covered in a tattered robe and appeared to be bleeding profusely judging from the trail left by their dragging feet. The two Death Eaters dropped them carelessly at the Dark Lord’s feet.

“You have been disloyal to me,” the Dark Lord hissed, his voice taking on a menacing quality that sent a chill through Draco’s bones. “You sullied your blood with this.” He yanked the cloak off of the prone figure.

Draco’s stomach dropped to his toes. It was Hermione, her body naked, torn and broken. Bruises littered her once creamy smooth skin and her hair hung in bloody clumps around her face. She was so skinny he could practically see every bone in her body. He fell to his knees, trying to calculate the best way to get them both out of this mess.

“You are a traitor,” the Dark Lord hissed. “Fenrir, show young Draco how we treat traitors.” Suddenly, two sets of manacles clamped onto his wrists and ankles and he lunged against them, trying to get away. Fenrir grinned evilly and walked over to his wife, running his filthy claws all over her body. Hermione was too weak to fight back, shuddering in disgust.

“Get away from her!” Draco screamed and summoned any magic he had left to take care of the werewolf. He saw him rolling Hermione over and kneeling between her thighs, his teeth gleaming before a searing pain overtook him.

“Draco! Draco, wake up!” Hermione screamed. “It’s a dream Draco! I’m fine! WAKE UP!” She was frantic. He’d been moaning and muttering in his sleep for the past half hour but in the last few minutes he’d started screaming for someone to leave her alone. He was truly convinced that something horrible was happening to her. He’d tried to fire off a spell and now the charms around the house were squashing his magic and making it painful.

“What in the bloody hell is going on?” Snape yelled as he came barging through the door, concerned at the screaming his godson was doing.

“He’s having a nightmare,” Hermione cried, still trying to wake him up. He was thrashing and screaming, still trying to get to whoever was torturing her in his dream. “He won’t wake up.”

“Fuck!” Snape swore and spun around to get something. “Put a robe on and climb behind him. Put his head in your lap and keep him as still as possible.” He ran from the room in a flash and was back before she could blink.

She blindly grabbed for a robe and threw it around herself, unconcerned for her modesty as Draco continued to scream and thrash around in pain. She had just managed to maneuver herself under his head as Melody came running through the door like a shot.

“What in the fuck is happening?” She panted. She was still dressed in her clubbing clothes. It was obvious that she had fallen asleep in them.

“He’s stuck in a nightmare,” Snape said as he produced a few flasks and started mixing them as quickly as he could.

“How?” Hermione asked. “We haven’t taken any dreamless sleep potion.”

“Shit, it’s the charms,” Melody breathed. “He had the nightmare and reacted magically. The charms are suppressing his magic and so his mind is fighting it. If we don’t wake him up soon, we’re in trouble.”

“But I don’t feel anything,” Hermione said, her brow furrowed in confusion.

“That’s not right,” Melody said, her eyes darting back and forth. “The magic charm should attack the mind, not the body. If you can feel the cruciatis which does the same thing, then you should be able to feel this.”

“Not if he’s trying to protect her,” Snape said gravely as he looked over at his thrashing godson. “Hermione, I’m going to pour this down his throat and make him swallow it. I want you to close your eyes and try to find him.”

Hermione complied and closed her eyes, desperate to wake him up. She found that the wall was up, more solid than it had ever been before. It was as if they’d never been connected. She gasped and opened her eyes in horror. “The link is locked down tighter than Gringotts!”

“You were right Sev,” Melody said sadly. “Alright Hermione, there’s a way to break it down but you must be quick. That potion should start working quickly and the link needs to be opened before he regains consciousness.”

“What do I have to do?” Hermione asked just on the verge of panicking. She didn’t like being cut off from him. She’d have to examine that feeling later because she remembered so many times wanting to just be cut off completely. Now she had it and it was the most horrible feeling in the world.

“What’s going on?” Harry shouted as he and Ginny flew into the room.

“Bad dream,” Melody said firmly and sat down on one side of the bed trying not to touch Draco who was still thrashing and screaming at the top of his lungs. Every now and then he’d scream for someone to stop, take him instead. “Sev, will legilimency set the charm off? Do you remember?”

“It shouldn’t,” Snape answered, his brows furrowed. “It should only squelch offensive and defensive magic. Legilimency is neither.”

“Let’s hope so,” Melody whispered and then shook her head to clear it. “Hermione, I want you to touch his temple and recite the legilimency spell as forcefully as you can but it must be silent. Then I want you to find that wall as quickly as you can because if he finds you in there, he will try to push you out.”

“But his walls are completely up all the time,” Hermione fretted.

“Yes but you remember how pain affects it. He won’t be able to concentrate on it very hard,” Melody coaxed softly.

Hermione closed her eyes and took a deep breath to steady herself. “Ready.”

“Good, now, once you find that wall, I want you to push from the front in his mind and the back in yours at the exact same time. I know it’s going to be very hard but you have to be diligent. Begin.”

Hermione briefly heard Ron and Luna enter the room before she forced her way into Draco’s mind. Once she pushed down his front wall, she could feel the sting of pain from the charm. She fought against it and began running through his mind as quickly as she could, pushing through the weak resistance he was putting up. He must have been in agony. She found it, there in the very back, hidden behind a steel wall. Mustering up her resolve, she concentrated on pushing it down, both from inside his mind and outside it. It held fast until she started speaking.

“Come on Dragon. Let me in. Let me help you,” she started chanting and the wall slowly crumbled. “I love you,” she whispered and the wall came crashing down. Pain crept into her mind and she pulled out as quickly as she could before it overtook her. It was agonizing, needle like pinpricks and electric shocks ran through her body. “WAKE UP!” She screamed as she writhed in agony.

Draco heard Hermione screaming but couldn’t make out what she was saying. The room was pitch black now, the only things there were his pain and her screams. He went to cast a lumos but something stopped him.

“Stop casting Draco!” Melody snapped and Draco opened his eyes. “You’re hurting yourself and you’re hurting her.”

Draco looked around wildly and found the worried amber eyes of his wife. His head was in her lap and he let out a huge sigh of relief. Not thinking about anything else but holding her, he jumped up and spun around, clutching her to his chest like a child with a teddy bear. The nightmare had been so real. He was so sure she was being ripped to shreds by an evil werewolf. He inhaled her scent as deeply as he could, burying his nose in her hair. His body still ached but he didn’t care.

“Gods Hermione, I thought I’d lost you,” Draco choked out.

“It was just a dream sweetheart, only a dream,” Hermione whispered back, thankful he was awake now. He had terrified her.

“Will someone tell me what in the bloody hell is going on?” Ron yelled, breaking the silence in the room.

Draco’s head snapped up and he realized they weren’t alone. Melody was getting up off the edge of the bed. She looked tired, weary, and so relieved that she was about to fall over. Severus wore a look of indifference but his eyes held the worry that Draco knew he felt. Potter and Red were holding each other tightly. He wasn’t sure if it was the matching looks of horror that caused them to be so close or the fact that they were trying to hide their new tattoos. Luna had a grim look on her face, so odd for her. Ron was bewildered and a bit angry at the lack of response.

Draco huffed. “What is everyone doing here?”

“You were screaming your head off,” Ron said incredulously.

“He was trapped in another nightmare,” Melody said softly. “The pain from the magic stopping charm trapped you in it I’m afraid. I’m glad that I had Sev put that charm up though. You’d have killed us all had you had the ability.” She shook her head. “Alright, everyone out. It’s almost time to get up anyway. I’ll have Maria make us all some coffee.”

The all filed out one by one until only Snape was left. He closed the door behind them and turned around to face the shell shocked couple. “Draco, are you alright?”

“I am now. I dreamt that we’d been captured and the Dark Lord had Fenrir-“ He cut off with a choke and a shudder.

Snape nodded. “Next time, don’t cut her off. If she hadn’t been able to break into your mind, you’d both be lost to us.”

“I didn’t mean to,” Draco said, a bit bewildered that he’d managed it.

“I know,” Snape said softly. “However, keep it in mind for future reference. It will only get worse from here. I’ll see you downstairs.” He nodded his goodbye and swept from the room.

“What happened?” Draco asked Hermione weakly.

“You’d been mumbling in your sleep and then you went rigid. You started yelling at someone to leave me alone and then you started screaming and writhing around in pain; only I couldn’t feel it. You’d managed to shut off our link behind some sort of steel door. I had to break in to your mind and push from both sides to get it to open back up.”

Draco shook his head sadly. “How did I close the link?”

“I don’t know but I didn’t like it. I never thought I’d say this but being so alone was the most horrible feeling in the world,” she cried.

“No it isn’t. Watching you be hurt, if only in my nightmares, was the most horrible feeling in the world.” His voice was thick with emotions.

It took them a long time before either was ready to let go and get moving. By the time they’d manage to dress themselves and get downstairs, everyone was already at the table. Harry and Ginny had obviously found some makeup to cover their tattoos with because they were in an animated discussion with Ron over the seeking abilities of the newest Wigtown Wanderers member. Luna was having a chat with Harmony about the water sprites. Melody and Celeste were deep in discussion about their routine at the club. Severus was calmly sipping his coffee and discussing a rare healing potion with Philippe. To their relief, no one stopped talking when they sat down at the table.

Maria came in and handed them both large steaming mugs of coffee. They both thanked her profusely and sipped the warm liquid that had kept them going since Christmas. Still feeling a bit distraught from his dream, Draco gave up trying to play brave and pulled Hermione into his lap. She didn’t protest at all. Instead, she curled into him and sighed happily. She was still feeling a bit bereft after being cut off. She ignored the glare she was getting from Ron and examined her feelings from earlier.

She’d done a complete 180 since November. All she’d ever wanted since then was to be able to have a separate mind from Draco. As time passed, she found she didn’t mind so much. She’d even come to miss him when he’d cut her out of the steady stream of thoughts that passed to her. However, when she’d found that steel door, it was like someone had stomped on her heart. She couldn’t stand it. Why had she reacted so strongly to it? Was she losing herself?

‘You are not losing yourself,’ Draco chided. ‘You are your own person. Trust me.’

‘So why do I feel like this?’

‘I don’t know. It’s like it’s hard to function without each other now.’

‘We are losing ourselves,’ Hermione thought sadly.

‘I’m not so sure about that. We still disagree all the time. Maybe we’re simply…growing closer. Isn’t that what married people are supposed to do?’

‘Maybe.’ Hermione sighed. ‘Still, I know I don’t want to do that again. You’re a dangerous addiction Draco Malfoy.’

Draco chortled silently. ‘Likewise Hermione Malfoy, likewise.’

‘Hermione Malfoy. It seems so strange to hear that.’

‘Well you best get used to it Mrs. Malfoy because I plan on correcting the first person I see who says otherwise as soon as the war ends.’

‘Little possessive are we?’ She teased.

‘Always,’ Draco said a little roughly, flashes of his nightmare running through his head.

‘It was just a dream Draco,’ Hermione said as she felt the change in his thoughts.

‘Dream or not Hermione, if that filthy beast so much as looks at you cross eyed, I’ll kill him.’

‘You’ll blow your cover. I’m not sure what happened in your dream, but I can assure you that I’ll not be cowed by Fenrir Greyback.’

‘I’ll still kill him,’ Draco growled.

‘Whatever you say dear.’ Hermione placated him and changed the subject. ‘Are we going to get rid of the circle after breakfast?’

‘That’s the plan. Then I have to clean those ropes and return them.’ He smirked at her blush. He looked down and noticed the rope burns on her bare wrists. She was wearing a t-shirt and he could still see the faint pattern of the ropes up her arms. He’d have to heal her in a bit but for now, he admired his handy work.

“Oi, what are you two staring at?” Ron asked around a mouthful of eggs. They looked up in surprise. They hadn’t even noticed when breakfast had been served.

“Nothing that concerns you Weasel,” Draco snapped and grabbed a plate. He started piling enough food for himself and Hermione. It was insane how used to this they were. They’d often share a plate, not willing to spare a moment in the morning to bother separating it out. He made sure they had a good balance of proteins and fruit and then handed Hermione a fork and took one for himself and they dug in.

“That’s disgusting,” Ron sneered.

“So are your table manners,” Draco retorted and took a sip of his coffee.

Ron ignored the jab and started eating again. When Hermione reached out to spear a piece of cantaloupe, Ron caught sight of the rope burn on her tender wrist. “Oi, what happened Hermione?”

“What do you mean?” She asked, playing dumb.

“You’ve got marks on your wrists. It looks like someone tied you up or something.” Ron made a grab for her wrist.

She drew back sharply, not wanting him to see. Her face was red as a tomato and cleared her throat. “It’s nothing.”

“That’s not nothing,” Ron growled. “He’s hurting you!”

Snape sighed and took out a jar of salve. He slid it across the table into Draco’s waiting palm. Ron started to protest as Draco carefully rubbed the salve into her wrists but Snape cut him off. “Stop Weasley. I can assure you, should Miss Granger feel that Mr. Malfoy is mistreating her, she will take care of it. She isn’t in need of a guard dog. Now shut up and finish your breakfast. We have a lot of training to cover today.”

“It’s not right. He’s tying her up so she can’t fight back,” Ron muttered.

“Only because she asked me to,” Draco muttered under his breath. Snape smirked and Celeste almost choked on her coffee. Hermione wanted to smack him but found she could only stifle a giggle and try to hide her blush.

“What was that ferret?” Ron growled.

“Oh nothing,” Draco said innocently and recapped the jar of salve, sliding it back across the table to his godfather. He picked up his fork and started eating as quickly as he could. Ron continued to mutter darkly about how Draco was taking advantage of Hermione. He finally snapped. “Shut it Weasel. I didn’t do anything she didn’t want me to. Drop it.”

“I heard screaming,” Ron growled.

Draco merely smirked and winked at Hermione who blushed and covered her face in embarrassment. He chuckled and sat back to finish his coffee, quite pleased with himself. Goading Weasley was his favorite past time after all.

“Harry,” Ron said, wanting back up.

Harry held his hands up in surrender. “I’m not in this one. Hermione is quite capable of protecting herself.”

“Not if he’s tying her up,” Ron said darkly.

“Mr. Weasley, this is an entirely inappropriate conversation for the breakfast table. You will desist this instant,” Snape growled. His eyes flashed in anger and he bared his teeth. Luckily, his fangs were nowhere in sight but it was still an impressive look.

Ron swallowed a lump in his throat. “I just can’t believe everyone is okay with this. She’s just a tiny thing and he’s this big git.”

“ENOUGH!” Hermione shrieked. “I’m not made out of china Ronald. I can take care of myself quite well, thank you very much and if I didn’t like what was happening to me, I would put a stop to it. Now stop trying to butt into my life and worry about what’s important. We’re here to train!”

“He’s brainwashed you!” Ron yelled and started to get up but was stopped by a gentle hand on his arm.

“I don’t think so Ron,” Luna said dreamily. “You should see all the hornwinkles settling on her shoulder. She must be very happy to have so many.”

“Hornwinkles?” Ron asked weakly.

Harmony cleared her throat. “What Luna means is that Hermione is quite content with her lot in life. You should leave it alone. She isn’t hurt, she’s not being taken advantage of, and she certainly doesn’t need protecting. She could probably toss Draco through the wall quite easily if she wanted to. So, I suggest that you finish your meal and go with Philippe this morning. You might even learn some very useful basic healing charms. You never know when you might need them.”

Ron huffed in annoyance but remained silent. He cleared his plate and emptied his glass with a loud slurp, much to Snape’s obvious annoyance. Philippe stood up and wiped his mouth, motioning for Ron and Luna to follow him. He waved goodbye to everyone and was out the door in a flash. The two students followed him quickly and they disappeared from the front yard.

“You aren’t going with them?” Hermione asked Harmony.

Harmony shook her head. “I need to stay here this morning. Is everyone ready to go out to the pasture?” Everyone nodded. “Where’s Alex?”

Melody sighed. “He’s in the basement. He didn’t want to take the potion until it was absolutely necessary, especially since he just fed yesterday. I’ll get him.”

“He can hear you from here,” Harmony growled.

“He can,” Melody said sadly and left the table.

Harmony sighed and shook her head. “Those two give me headaches from whiplash.”

“What’s wrong with them?” Celeste asked softly.

“The thing with Philippe was just the straw that broke the camel’s back. He’s terrified that he’ll lose it and kill her one day when he’s feeding. She’s sad because she can’t bite him back and worried that he’ll leave because of it. They both feel that it is a one sided relationship, which is hilarious. He doesn’t think he’s good enough for her and vice versa.”

“Sounds familiar,” Draco snorted.

“Quite.” Harmony grinned. “I have faith though. They’ll work it out and be stronger for it. Sometimes, one needs to climb a mountain before they can grow.”

Draco smiled, thinking of all the mountains that he and Hermione had climbed. They’d been enemies, then tentative friends. Then they’d gone through a sort of dating stage and gotten married. They became lovers, closer friends, and now they were having a hard time functioning without each other. Perhaps it was a natural progression that would find a balance.

“You will, just let it happen,” Harmony said softly. Draco nodded. He wasn’t even shocked by her knowledge anymore.

“Change of subject,” Harmony said suddenly. “How is the newest happy couple?”

Ginny blushed and Harry had a slight tinge to his cheeks. He smiled softly. “I think we’re just fine.”

“Merlin I hope so,” Draco huffed and then grunted when Hermione popped him in the chest. “What? I just figured that they could follow instructions.”

Harry’s jaw dropped open. “How?”

“Same rites Potter.” Draco smirked and then kissed a blushing Hermione on the nose.

“Right,” Harry said flatly. “Anyway, we’re fine. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this…calm in my life.”

“Me too,” Ginny sighed. “It’s wonderful.”

Suddenly the lights flickered and then a bright glow filled the house for a moment. It left as soon as it came and everything was back to normal. Harmony smiled brightly. “See, everything is as it should be.”

“Is that light normal?” Harry asked tentatively.

“Extremely,” Harmony said softly. “Nervous?”

“A bit,” Harry said, clearing his throat.

“Don’t be. It’s all part of being a freak. Welcome to the club.” Harmony smiled wistfully.

“Are we ready?” Alex drawled from the doorway. Melody was right beside him, a tired smile on her face. She looked happier than she had earlier but she had dark circles under her eyes from lack of sleep.

“We are,” Severus said and stood up. “When we’re done, Celeste and I will handle training and Melody will nap.”

“Ugh, you sound like my father,” Melody groaned.

“Someone should,” Severus snapped and extended his hand to help Celeste up and then Harmony. He tilted his head a bit when her eyes fluttered. “Everything alright?”

“Yes,” Harmony sighed. “I just love watching you two. Sorry about that Severus. It seems to be getting worse.”

“It will until the girls are born,” Melody said. “They look wonderful by the way. Now, you’ll stay way the hell away won’t you?”

“Of course,” Harmony scoffed. “I’m pregnant, not stupid.”

“Just making sure. I don’t want anything to happen to you.” Melody stared at her for a moment. “Let’s go then.”

“Are you sure you need to stay?” Hermione asked curiously. She didn’t want anything to happen to Harmony or the twins.

“Positive,” Harmony said confidently. “There’s no way I’ll let her face the fates alone.”

“So we’ll see them?” Draco said warily.

“I don’t know for sure,” Harmony replied, her brows furrowed. “You know my visions aren’t all that great when it involves us two but I have a feeling that the fates are involved in that damned circle. I’d rather be skinned alive than to miss it. I just feel that it’s where I need to be.”

They all headed out to the circle. Before they got near it, Melody stopped everyone. “Harry, Ginny, there is a very good possibility that all of us will be sucked in. I’m hoping you won’t be since you weren’t there. Do me a favor. If we start getting glassy eyed, yell. If that doesn’t work, throw something. We need to stay focused. Harmony, this is as far as you go sweetie.”

“Agreed,” Harmony said and conjured a small stool to sit on.

“Whatever it takes,” Harry said a bit uneasily. He’d seen the trance that Hermione and Draco had been in the previous day. It was like they’d gone off into another world. He held Ginny close to him and watched as they walked through the circle. Each couple took a point on the compass of the circle. Suddenly, their eyes flickered closed and they each swayed a bit.

Memories assaulted Hermione and Draco, the first time they’d met Melody. She cowered in the corner as he sister was bleeding out. Alex worked over Harmony desperately. Draco joined. Severus coaxed Melody out of the corner. They had fun trainings, they relearned the horrible news they discovered about Harry. The triumphs of mastering their animal forms, the low feelings of helplessness, and the resolve to carry on all flashed through. They sped through their night at the club and then a chill ran through their bones when the twins started to speak out loud.

“We have to go now Harm,” Melody said loudly, her voice straining.

“I know,” Harmony answered her solemnly. They heard her from across the pasture.

“I want to say goodbye,” Melody said firmly. “I wrote a letter.”

“They’ll come.”

“They’ll come either way,” Melody said sadly. “Hopefully it will all be over by then.”

“You don’t want them to see.”

“Of course not. I want them to have a happy memory of us, not one of us being broken.”

“I’m scared,” Harmony’s voice wavered.

“Me too,” Melody cried. “Let’s go before I lose my nerve.”

Hermione and Draco heard their screams as they were beaten mercilessly. Flashes of the fight that ensued followed but they were interrupted by a pelt of stones flying at them. Harry and Ginny were breathing hard. They’d obviously been screaming and trying to get her attention.

“Sorry Harry,” Hermione panted.

“It’s about damned time!” Ginny growled. “Is everyone ready? We need to do this quickly.”

“Ready,” they all said at the same time.

With Melody and Draco standing at the North and South points and Harry and Celeste standing at West and East, everyone started summoning their power. Four white lights filled the air, the wind whipping around them, magic crackling loudly. Harry and Ginny walked over behind Hermione and Draco who were struggling to stay on the ground with the force of their powers. They looked across to see Snape and Celeste taking their positions behind Melody and Alex, The later also having problems keeping their feet on the ground.

Their magic built up as far as they could take it, burning in their veins, begging for release. They all willed their magic into the main couple. The wind whipped harder, almost slicing them from the ferocity. Suddenly, Harmony gasped. “Now! Do it now!”

“SCOURGIFY!” Draco and Melody screamed in succession, each using the exact same intent that Hermione had used previously. The blood lifted from the ground and swirled in a vortex. The whirlpool of blood rose into the sky and exploded into a shower of sparks. All eight casters fell to their knees as dark clouds rolled in and split open with a lightning strike. When their vision cleared, three hags stood in the center of their circle.

“Clothos, Lachesis, Atropos,” Harmony said, as if she’d expected them all the time.

“Fated twins,” one of the hags said. “Friends and mate. How dare you mess with the circle of fate.”

“How dare you try to renege on your agreement,” Harmony hissed.

“Renege!” The hags screamed in outrage. “We’ve done no such thing.”

“You have,” Harmony said, her voice strong and even. “You agreed no more interference. This circle is interference if clearing it has summoned you.”

“This circle is but a mere reminder of what awaits you should you not follow your destiny,” the fates hissed.

“Destiny?” Harmony growled. “Shall I summon Nemesis and see what she has to say about that?”

“NO!” The fates screamed in succession.

“Then why the circle?” Melody called, finally able to struggle to her feet.

“A test,” The fates said, their voices speaking together and creating a hypnotic effect. “A test of the phenoms and for the pure, to exercise your powers together…and a warning.”

“Warning against what?” Melody asked through clenched teeth.

“Interfering with your own fates.”

Draco and Hermione had managed to struggle to their feet during the conversation. They helped Harry and Ginny to stand and then watched with wide eyes as the twins stood up to the fates with no fear. Hermione was gobsmacked, never having believed that the fates existed. They watched in awe as Harmony came up and twined her fingers with Melody’s. They stepped into the circle together. Alex made to stop them but was brought up short by a sad shake of Melody’s head.

“How are we interfering with our own fates?” Melody yelled in outrage.

“You joined with the self-proclaimed lord.”

“It was my fate to meet him,” Melody nodded and then her eyes narrowed. “But it was never my fate to accept my death. I never swore loyalty to him. I have interfered with nothing. I merely met my fate head on and dealt with the consequences as always.”

The fates hissed at her but could not argue. “You are not with child.”

“My mate is DEAD!” Melody screamed. “He can never have children and you damn well knew that when you allowed me my life. Harmony is with child, twin girls. She fulfills the requirements you set. You never said we both had to conceive.”

“You twist our words.”

“I merely pay attention to them,” Melody growled. “Now answer the question. Why the warning?”

“You have come dangerously close to revealing these children’s destinies. You’ve already told the dark one what lies ahead. You broke the rules.”

“We did no such thing,” Harmony snapped. “He knew it was coming. I merely agreed that he should prepare. You let Nemesis deal with him now. His fate rests in her hands.”

“So sure.”

“I am,” Melody growled. “It was in my agreement.”

“You made a deal with Nemesis!” The fates screamed in outrage.

“I did. My gift, my life in exchange for their lives.”

“She can’t take your life!” The fates growled. “Only we can end life. All she can do is extend it.”

A loud crack was heard and then a beautiful woman holding an apple and a bowl appeared outside the circle. She had a wreath upon her golden locks and her eyes were as green as grass. “I did extend it,” she said softly as she walked forwards into the circle.

“Nemesis,” Melody said, her voice wavering. She dropped to her knees and bowed her head. “Is it time already?” Alex fell to his knees, an anguished cry left his lips. Draco struggled to hold Hermione back. She was trying to protest, not wanting her to die.

“It is,” Nemesis said softly. “You still want this? You’ve known love, friendship, felt the joy of motherhood secondhand.”

“I do,” Melody’s voice wavered. “My friend has found love; my sister will have a family, and those I see as my children will prosper.” Her voice cracked. “My only regret is that I will lose him.” She looked over at Alex who could only shake his head in disbelief.

Nemesis looked over at the fates with a hard look in her eye. “You still think them selfish? One continues the line and the other gives her life…all for a fate chosen centuries ago. Atropos, will you cut her string?”

“What is the exact deal?” The third hag with scraggly red hair answered.

“Her gift will be rescinded. The twins growing in her sister’s womb will not be burdened with it anymore. Her sister has agreed to give up her gift as well. With her life, she has agreed to disperse all the years she has left equally among the six, all except her husband who will live eternally anyway. They will all live through the war. Her life will end now.”

“NO!” Everyone screamed, everyone except Harmony. Tears streamed down the blonde’s face, knowing that she couldn’t change her sister’s mind. She was more than willing to give up her gift and give her children a chance at a normal life. She and Melody had hundreds of conversations over the months about this moment. She just couldn’t believe it was happening so quickly.

“Your friends protest so strongly,” Nemesis said in wonder. “I wonder why?”

“I don’t care,” Melody said stiffly. “It secures their futures. That’s all that matters.”

“And your husband?”

“He has but to survive and it’ll be worth it.”

“He won’t,” Nemesis said sadly.

“I know,” Melody choked out. They could tell the thought was killing her.

“Why let her live then if you’re taking away your gift now?” The fates demanded.

“She wished to come back, to train them, to fulfill your requests for a connection, for love and then agreed to surrender it again once that time came,” Nemesis explained. “And Melody, have you completed your tasks?”

“Mostly.”

“Tell me about them,” Nemesis demanded and looked at each of the shell shocked occupants of the circle. The fates screamed in outrage.

Melody laughed bitterly. “The cusp of my life, Atropos salivating over my thread, and Nemesis wants to chat about everything I’m leaving behind. Very well. What would you like to know?”

“Let’s start with your friend, the dark one,” Nemesis stated as her eyes bored into Severus’s.

Melody smiled softly, a tear dripped down her face. “He lives. He’s chosen it all by himself and all because of love. Celeste is perfect for Severus and vice versa. They are so alike and so different; it’s beautiful to watch. I can leave without regret knowing he’ll be happy. He’ll fulfill his promise because he’s never ever gone back on one and he will have a happy life full of love and children with his soul mate. Neither he nor his mate will have to worry about persecution or loneliness ever again. I am content.”

Nemesis nodded to Severus and Celeste who had both fallen to their knees. They wore matching looks of shock, sadness, and anger. “A wise answer. Continue with the Chosen One.”

“He’s come so far,” Melody said softly as she looked at a shell shocked Harry who was holding a distraught Ginny. “He works with his perceived enemy. He’s accepted his friend’s love of said enemy. He’s even accepted his own love, forgoing fear to procure her for his own. He’s brave and strong and he’ll fulfill his destiny with dignity and honor. He has a wife worthy of him. She is loyal and courageous. She’ll stand by him until the very end. I’m sure of it. I’m overjoyed they completed their bond and they’ll be able to learn from Severus and Celeste as well as the pure couple. I’m confident in their victory. I am content.”

“I see. So you’ve not had the chance to train them?” Nemesis drawled.

“Not fully,” Melody shook her head. “They still have so much to master but they can learn from others now. The walls have crumbled enough to do so.”

Nemesis nodded. “A logical answer. Let’s continue with your husband.”

“I regret everything,” Melody cried out, refusing to look at a horrified Alex. “I never wished to hurt him. I should have left him alone, never came in contact with him. I could be content if he were to exist.”

“Liar,” Nemesis hissed. “Tell the truth.”

“The truth,” Melody said hollowly. “I was selfish. I wanted love for myself knowing I could never keep it. I’ve doomed him to eternal hell.”

“What would you do to correct this?” Nemesis asked quietly.

“Anything. Everything,” Melody cried brokenly.

“Why not make him part of the bargain?”

“I would if he would accept it,” Melody said bitterly. “He refuses. He’s already got eternity and doesn’t want it. The only other thing he wants is mortality but it’s too late for that.”

Nemesis nodded. “You’d give your life for his mortality.”

“If he promised not to waste it, to find someone else and be happy, have a life and all the children he wanted. I wish him to live and to be happy. That is all.”

“Alex,” Nemesis addressed the now stoic vampire. “Would you have agreed to these terms?”

“I’m not worth it,” Alex whispered. “If she dies, I go too. There is no other option.”

“You wouldn’t even try if it was what she wished?” Nemesis asked softly.

“What would be the point?” Alex asked brokenly. “I would lose the only thing that made life worth existing.”

Nemesis scoffed. “That doesn’t mean you couldn’t find happiness with someone else. It is her wish that you try and you deny it? Do you truly love her?”

“With all my heart,” Alex said, defeated. “I would go on if it would make her happy.”

Nemesis sniffed. “Let’s continue. Melody, let’s talk about the pure couple.”

Melody looked up and smiled brightly at the pair. They could only stare at her miserably, unbelieving of what was happening. “They are perfect! Everything I could ever hope them to be. They’ve faced adversity and come through stronger. They crave each other now when they used to be enemies. They’ve learned to control every aspect of their power. I have absolutely no regrets at all.” Her voice cracked.

“You’re lying again,” Nemesis growled.

“I don’t regret it,” Melody insisted. “I just wish. That’s all.”

“For?”

“To see them in all their glory,” Melody said wistfully. “They have no idea how bad their lives could have been had they decided not to bond or how great they’ll be together.”

“We can change that,” Nemesis said softly and stared down the fates. “Clothos, show them the vision.”

“No one must see their own fate,” the brunette hag squealed.

“But it isn’t their fate anymore, is it?” Nemesis quipped. “Now show them.”

The hags screamed and then threw something at the couple. Draco’s seeker reflexes kicked in and he caught the object. He opened his hand to see that he’d caught their eye. Suddenly, his vision went fuzzy and he groped out to find Hermione doing the same. They clutched each other and fell into a deep, dark abyss. They landed in a dark room and Draco’ breathing sped up, on the verge of panicking.

“Where are we?” Hermione squeaked and Draco jumped to see her beside him. He took a deep breath to steady himself.

“We’re in the dungeons of Malfoy Manor. This is the cell that father used to conduct my ‘training’ in.” His voice cracked. “Why are we here?”

Hermione shrugged. “I think this is supposed to be what would happen if we weren’t bonded.”

“I get to stay in the dungeons?” Draco asked incredulously.

He was interrupted by the vision of himself coming down the stairs. He was thinner, dark circles were under his eyes; he looked deathly pale, sick. He was carrying a tray of something that made him want to vomit, torturing implements, knives and corkscrews and other magically enhanced things like whips and chains. He carried them into the next cell and sat in the corner, shaking. His father and Bellatrix entered behind him.

“Weak,” his father spat and threw him across the cell. “You couldn’t even torture a mudblood.”

Draco’s knees went weak at the thought. He grabbed Hermione close to him. He suppressed a scream when a nearly lifeless Hermione was thrown into the cell with his other self and the door slammed shut.

“Do not come out of that cell until she’s been flayed and violated,” his father hissed and left.

“No more,” Draco said softly. “No more.”

The room went dark again and this time they were on the battlefield. Bodies of the deceased littered the grounds of Hogwarts. Hermione was standing beside him, her body trembling from the sight of so many of her friends deceased. A werewolf was mauling Brown in the middle of the courtyard. One of the Weasley twins was lying in a twisted wreck at the bottom of the stairs. They saw her and Ron trudging into the castle, both bloody and tired. They ran after them and into the Great Hall. Bodies were laid out in rows, Lupin and Tonks, Snape, Trelawney, Sinestra, Hooch, hundreds of students, dozens of aurors and members of the Order. Hermione buried her head in Draco’s shoulder at the sight.

Draco was mesmerized at the vision of him with his mother. His father wore a calculating look, as if he were coming up with an idea for something. Hermione managed to look up just in time to see a few aurors come and drag him and his family away in chains. He was going to Azkaban.

“No more,” Hermione cried.

The darkness enveloped them again. They were in the burrow now. Weasleys in dress robes were everywhere but there were no signs of Hermione anywhere. Ginny yelled that she was going to check on the bride. Draco’s stomach bottomed out as they ran up the stairs after her. There, in the same loo that Melody had been sick in, stood Hermione. She was wearing a gaudy white wedding dress, full of lace and tulle. Her fingers shook, her skin was pallor, her eyes sunken into her head. She scourgified her dress again as blood seeped through. Her core was killing her.

Ginny told her that they were ready for her and she nodded. She wiped the tears away and took a deep breath. They followed her down the stairs and watched as she stood up with Ron to be married. Draco felt like he was dying as he saw Hermione discretely scourgify herself one more time and say her ‘I Do.’ Their hands were fasted and just before they were proclaimed married, Hermione started convulsing. Blood spewed from her mouth, nose, eyes, and even her ears before she fell on the ground, lifeless.

“STOP!” Draco screamed.

Darkness enveloped them again and then a flicker of moonlight appeared. They were in another cell, much worse than the one they’d been in before at the Manor. Draco sat on a cot, his face void of all emotions as he stared off into the distance. His skin was like chalk, see through. He was wearing the prison robes of Azkaban. Suddenly, two guards appeared and opened the cell. He was flung from it carelessly but prison Draco merely fell down, not caring anymore. They shackled him and dragged him into a courtroom. He was chained down and the lights came on. It was then that they noticed that he was bleeding profusely. A dementor swept into the room. He was getting the kiss! Suddenly, he convulsed, blood gushed just as it had done for Hermione, and he fell over before the Dementor could swoop down.

“STOP, PLEASE!” Hermione screamed and Draco held her tightly, dropping the eyeball so he could comfort his distraught wife. The images had been horrifying. They felt a jolt and realized that they were still in the circle, kneeling and holding each other as tightly as they could. Everyone looked at them with pity and understanding. Had they seen everything as well?

“A much brighter future indeed,” Nemesis said, looking at each person in turn.

So they had seen then. Draco felt numb. Seeing Hermione actually die before his very eyes had been the most horrific thing he’d ever seen in his entire life. He vowed then and there that he would do everything in his power to make absolutely sure that they lived. There was no way she was going to die, not like that, not from anything but old age, ever.

“Any last words?” Nemesis asked suddenly, breaking through the silence that seemed to permeate the air.

“Can I hold her?” Alex asked suddenly. “Please? One last time.”

“You may,” Nemesis allowed despite the growling coming from the fates.

Alex stumbled into the circle and picked Melody up, murmuring how sorry he was for being a jerk and how much he loved her and how he’d do anything if she would reconsider. Draco knew in that moment how he felt. He would give anything in the world for Hermione to live. He couldn’t bare it if she were to die. Hell, if the magic didn’t kill him, he’d end his own life.

“Stop,” Hermione said softly. “I don’t want it. I don’t want her life for mine. I couldn’t bare it. I’ll survive on my own merit.”

Draco closed his eyes. He agreed whole heartedly but he desperately wanted her to live. He was a selfish bastard but he couldn’t justify Melody giving up her life when he was more than capable of protecting himself and his wife. “Me either. Leave me out.”

“Us too,” Harry and Ginny called out simultaneously.

“Us as well,” Severus drawled and Celeste nodded enthusiastically.

“Well Melody, it seems that your friends don’t want your gift,” Nemesis said in surprise.

“I still wish to give it,” Melody’s muffled voice sounded out, her head buried in Alex’s shoulder.

“A deal with the fates can’t be unbroken,” Nemesis said sadly and placed her hand on Melody’s head. “You have interfered, even minutely. You have inserted yourself in a war that did not involve you. Your instructions were to not tamper with your own fate and by using your gifts, you’ve swayed them in favor for your life. Therefore, you must face the consequences. She disappeared with a pop.

The fates cackled loudly and the red headed hag held up a yellow string. Hermione just knew it was Melody’s life line. The hag brought a pair of wicked looking scissors up and held them to the string. Melody looked up into Alex’s eyes and gave him a gentle kiss, one filled with longing and regret. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “I love you.”

Hermione couldn’t look. She buried her head in Draco’s chest and sobbed. Draco couldn’t bare it either. He scooped his wife into his arms and buried his face into her wild mane of curls. In that moment, he had never been so thankful for someone in his entire life. He knew he’d walk through fire, face a tyrant, and offer his life for the woman in his lap. He heard the sharp snap of scissors and the anguished cries of Harmony and Alex. A bright light flashed and then darkness descended.

Draco looked up to see a lifeless Melody lying limply in Alex’s arms. His heart broke as he watched the weeping vampire break down. He held Hermione tighter, hoping that he’d never have to experience that. Harmony knelt beside Alex, too weak with grief to stand anymore. She cried over her sister’s body.

“It’s not right,” Hermione suddenly shrieked. “The story said that the twins couldn’t survive without each other. How could they cut her string? They’d be taking Harmony too.”

“Exactly,” someone said and they all turned to see Nemesis. “The fates aren’t too bright. They tried to renege on their own ruling.”

“What?” Alex gasped.

“You can’t separate the twins. It was deemed by the wizard who gave them the gifts. He made a deal with the fates you know. That’s how he was able to do it.” Nemesis looked amused. “When they try to renege on a deal, even an ancient one, they must give something in return. Melody has done everything asked. She fulfilled her end of the deal.” Nemesis snapped her fingers and Melody took in a sharp breath. Alex checked her pulse, not believing she was still alive.

“However, no gift is ever without consequence,” Nemesis said. “She will not be allowed to fight. She may protect when the time comes. She may use her gifts to inform but she must no longer fight. Her hands are hereby tied.”

“That’s just perfect,” Melody groaned. “So now what?”

“Trust that the children can do it themselves. They are your pride and joy after all,” Nemesis said softly. “If you do this Melody, stay out of it like I know you aren’t inclined to do, you shall receive a gift but you’ll lose a piece of yourself.”

“What?” Melody asked curiously.

“What does your husband crave?” Nemesis asked quietly.

“Mortality,” Melody said sadly. “An impossible gift.”

“Not if you give a piece of yourself over,” Nemesis said. “We’ll talk later. Keep it in mind.” Then she turned to Hermione and Draco. “You were made with a purpose, to protect. You will fight but your focus has always been for protection. Never forget that. Abusing your power would prove most deadly.” With that, she popped out and the skies cleared.

“You knew,” Harmony breathed. “You knew.”

“I hoped,” Melody corrected. “But I was willing either way.”

“You stupid witch,” Alex screamed and then kissed her harshly. “Don’t you ever do that again.”

“I wasn’t planning on it,” Melody gasped. “I’m so tired.”

“Yes, dying really does take it out of you,” Harmony said dryly. “Let’s get you into bed. Alex, could you take me to Philippe after we lay her down? I promise you can come right back.”

“Alright,” Alex said softly and zipped out of the way.

“Work hard,” Harmony said softly as she walked toward the house. “We’ll help all we can but it seems our hands are tied.”

“We will,” Draco said, and he meant it. This war was going to end if he had to hold the Dark Lord down himself while they pried the information from him.

“Protection Draco,” Hermione breathed and he sighed. Well, he’d protect others while they pried the information out of the dark bastard. Hermione grinned at him and they walked up to the house hand in hand, thinking hard about their new purpose.

AN: Dun dun DUN! Hello again everyone! So now we get into the thick of it AND we get to see the alternate reality if Draco and Hermione weren't together. Pretty gruesome eh? So reading through your reviews, some of you want a Harry and Ginny story. Show of hands please? I'll write it if there's enough interest. I've never written a Harry love scene before...should be fun! Just a heads up, finals are coming up so I might be a bit slower. I know what you're thinking.. finals already? 5 1/2 week courses suck! I noticed that I've received a lot of mixed reviews. Some of you love it, some of you hate it, some are indifferent, and I noticed I've lost a few of my regulars. So, sound off, let me know what you think. As always, thank you to everyone who reviewed (good, bad, and ugly) because it really does help me out. When I'm done with this fic, I'll be re-reading it and I'll go back and change the discrepencies that you guys found. Ya'll are awesome, by the way. Keep them coming and let me know how I'm doing and if you find any errors. Until next time...love you guys!
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