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
- 42
- 43
- 44
The dinner table was eerily silent. No one seemed to be willing to talk, partly because they didn’t want to do so in front of Ron and Luna, and partly because Melody had made her first appearance since that morning. Snape had been livid all day long, drilling them mercilessly on defensive and offensive techniques. Celeste had been working with Harry and Ginny on their wandless magic and lending back and forth over distance. Since they were bonded now, they made amazing progress.

Alex, on the other hand, had quickly taken Harmony to Philippe’s clinic and came back. He hadn’t left her side since then, refusing to even let her use the bathroom by herself. He was horrified at the deal she’d made and although he understood she’d made it before she came back the first time; it still made him leery to leave her alone. He’d come so close to losing her. He was afraid to let her out of his sight.

Hermione couldn’t blame him one bit either. She and Draco could hardly stand to separate since that morning. Those images of themselves in their alternate reality were chilling. She knew Draco had played the first scene over and over again, wondering if he would have gone through with it. Hermione didn’t think he had though, especially if she was on the battlefield in the second vision. Still, he was beating himself up about it and refused speak on it, merely holding her instead.

Melody sighed sadly. She still had dark circles under her eyes, her skin was pale, and her hands shook. She looked a decade older than she was. She’d managed to scrape her food around her plate but that was all. She knew that everyone was angry at her for trying to sacrifice herself. “I’ve got to get to work.” She pushed her plate away forcefully and started to get up from the table.

“Are you fucking crazy?” Alex hissed. “You’re in no shape to go.”

“Yes well, seeing as how I’m not dead, I think I’ll be fine,” she spat and turned to leave.

“That’s not even funny,” Alex growled as he stood up to block her way.

“It wasn’t meant to be,” Melody snarled. “Now get the fuck out of my way.”

“Make me,” Alex sneered.

Melody’s eyes flashed angrily and she smirked so evilly that Hermione actually scooted into Draco’s lap.

“I can take you in my sleep,” she murmured darkly. “No one wants me here anyway so get the hell out of the way Alex or I’ll stab you where you don’t heal.”

“Enough!” Snape growled, standing up abruptly and causing Hermione to scoot back even further into Draco’s lap. She sensed everything fixing to come to a head. Snape stalked across the room and walked up behind Melody. He took her arm roughly and gave Alex a withering look. “Outside!” He hissed and yanked Melody out the door, Alex hot on their heels. The door slammed loudly causing everyone at the table to flinch.

“Well that was pleasant,” Philippe said softly. “Anyone care to tell me what crawled up their asses and died?”

“Not particularly,” Harmony said curtly. “They’ll get over it. Just let them yell it out. Melody’s been itching for a fight for a while now.”

“She’s gotten it alright,” Draco breathed. They had apparently placed silencing charms over themselves but he could see Melody and Snape in each other’s faces, both fiery red and apparently screaming at the top of their lungs. Alex had actually taken up a stance in between them, trying to separate it out.

“Oh, they’ll go to blows, don’t worry,” Harmony said drolly.

“That’ll be fun,” Harry said softly, remembering all too well the first duel he’d seen Harmony and Snape have. It was the first day he met her. She’d matched him blow for blow but he’d had no idea that Snape was a daywalker at the time. How did she keep up with him when he was so much stronger and faster?

“Easy,” Harmony said softly, “She’s a woman.”

Harry snorted. He hadn’t gotten used to Harmony’s ability to know everything yet. He was more comfortable with Melody’s gift, the ability to see. He shrugged it off and returned to his meal.

“Like that will stop him,” Ron chortled, not realizing she’d just read Harry’s mind.

The looks he received from the rest of the table could have frozen blood. Draco was shaking with white hot rage. “My godfather might me a lot of things Weasley,” he hissed, trying to rein in his temper. “But he does not abuse woman.”

“Could have fooled me,” Ron snorted. “Wasn’t it just yesterday he was tossing her into walls?”

Harmony stood up suddenly and rounded on him. “You know nothing,” she shrieked. “NOTHING!”

“Harmony, sweetheart, you’re getting too upset,” Philippe said calmly.

“Upset,” Harmony said hollowly. “You have no idea.”

“I would if you’d just tell me,” Philippe said in frustration.

“I can’t.” Her face clouded up as she fought back tears. “It’s too painful.” She broke away from the table and ran up the stairs.

“Damn it,” Philippe hissed and made to run after her.

“Let her go,” Celeste said softly.

“Why won’t she tell me?” He asked brokenly.

“Because it hurts too much.”

“So you know then,” Philippe said bitterly.

“I do. If you’d care to step outside, I’ll tell you what happened but don’t you dare blame her for her outburst right now,” Celeste said calmly.

“Who should I blame then?” Philippe said angrily.

“Blame me,” Melody said softly. Everyone turned in shock to see her there. They hadn’t even heard her come in. Her face was streaked with tears and her entire body was shaking. “Everyone else does.” She ran up the stairs after Harmony.

Hermione felt horrible for her in that moment. For the first time in a long time, she could see things from everyone’s perspective. Snape was livid that she’d dare give her life to save his when he’d barely decided he wanted to live it. Alex was understandably distraught for this same reason. Harmony thought she was going to lose a sister. Melody only wanted to do what she felt was right. It was a miserable mess and it was tearing them all apart.

‘It’s a test,’ Draco murmured in the back of his mind. ‘They said the circle was a test, a way to test how we worked together. What if this was also some cruel test to see what it would take to rip us apart?’

‘You may be right,’ Hermione thought gravely and looked up as a very subdued Snape sat down at his plate and started eating mechanically. ‘I think it’s working.’

‘We’ve got to do better than this,’ Draco thought grimly. ‘There are many things that are much worse than this to follow.’

‘The fates said that we were created to protect.’ Hermione mulled it over in her mind. ‘Would that include protecting the group as a whole? Should we be the ones to try and keep everyone together?’

Draco sighed. ‘I believe so. You bloody Gryffindors, you’re rubbing off on me.’

‘You like it,’ Hermione teased.

‘I like it when you’re rubbing me off, or even rubbing yourself off on me but not that.’

Hermione flushed a brilliant shade of red and took a long sip of her water to try and cool herself down. Draco, the bloody prick, had an uncanny knack for not only embarrassing the hell out of her when no one else was aware of it but for turning her on while he did it. It was horrible. All he had to do was breathe heavily and she wanted him.

“Where’s Alex?” Hermione asked a bit too forcefully, trying to maintain her calm.

“Hunting,” Snape grimaced and continued eating.

“Why?” Celeste asked bewildered.

“Considering the alternative, he figured it would be the wiser choice,” he answered a bit acidly and continued on with his meal.

“What alternative?” Ron asked in confusion.

“Vampires need blood Ronald,” Hermione sighed. “They aren’t very particular about who it comes from either. Would you like to stay in the same house with a hungry vampire on the loose?”

“No bloody way,” Ron said with a shudder.

“Then it was a good idea. I’m done,” she said and pushed her plate away. She tilted her head and concentrated. She could make out the muffled sobs of the twins upstairs. Feeling that she should do something, she gave Draco a pointed look and walked upstairs.

Draco stood up but was stopped by Ron’s growl. “Where are you bloody off to then?

Draco rolled his eyes. “I’m going upstairs to hold hands and sit in a circle and sing some bloody kumquat song or something or other."

Harry snickered. “I think you mean kumbaya.”

“Whatever that blasted muggle peace song is,” Draco grumbled. “I’m going to be a bleeding Hufflepuff soon.”

“I like Hufflepuffs,” Celeste said softly. “Call if you need anything.”

“We will,” Draco nodded and headed upstairs. Hermione was waiting for him outside of Melody’s room. They could hear the twin’s weeping a bit clearer now. Although they knew they could be seen, they knocked loudly.

“Oh what do you want?” Melody moaned.

“Just to come in,” Hermione called.

“Well come on. It isn’t like no one has a clue what we’re doing. Stupid supersonic hearing,” Melody mumbled.

They entered cautiously, more out of discomfort than any fear of something happening to them. “Are you alright?” Hermione asked quietly. The girls were lying on the bed, curled into each other like a tiny ball. Melody’s hand was resting on Harmony’s stomach.

“Oh I’m just fucking marvelous. It’s been the best day of my life so far,” Melody said acerbically.

Draco sniffed. “It’s the first day of your life, isn’t it? It wasn’t a picnic for anyone else either you know.”

“You think I don’t know?”

“Oh, we know,” Hermione said softly. “But we can’t let it rip us apart.”

“Trust me, I don’t want it to,” Melody said sadly. “No one understands. I made that deal the first time we died. It wasn’t like I came back to life and got a wild hair up my ass, summoned Nemesis, and rattled off the first thing that came to my mind. I was desperate to come back, to help Severus finish your training. I knew he wouldn’t get very far with Harry because of their past. I just wanted to help. Nemesis was incredulous at first until I agreed to give my life back once I was done with my tasks. This… existence… if you want to call it that was always going to be temporary. Then those fucking fates decided to get a dig in and order me to be with Alex.”

“You didn’t want to be with him?” Draco asked in shock.

Melody barked a laugh. “Of course I wanted him. He’s all I’ve ever wanted but…but-“ She broke into sobs. “Oh I really fucked things over. He hates me and I deserve it. He thinks I regret him and I do, but not, not us. Gah. It’s hard to put into words. I wish I’d never met him simply because I want him to be happy and the only thing he’s going to get from me is heartbreak and misery.”

“Not true,” Hermione said firmly. “You gave him love. How many vampires find love?”

“Plenty,” Melody said definitively.

“True love or a semblance of it based on blood and lust?” Hermione asked smoothly. Draco had to smother a smirk at the Slytherin style of her manipulation.

Melody sighed. “Yeah well, either way I’ve broken him and I’ll never forgive myself for it.”

“He didn’t look broken…until you died in his arms,” Hermione said softly. “I imagine that’s the same way you found Severus that night.”

“What?” Melody snapped.

Hermione smiled softly and tapped her temple. “Logic. The last time, besides the other morning, that Severus threw you into a wall you said something wrong when he was distraught. You didn’t say what time that was but one look at Harry and I knew. You said you didn’t blame him and I figured that would be the only reason why. When we were here during Christmas, you said he came to you two before he went to Dumbledore to spy. I figure he’d do the same thing when Lilly died. Only, he didn’t come here. You went there. Harmony saw what happened and you came to get him before he did something stupid and he tossed you into a wall.”

Melody’s eyes narrowed. “Are you sure you aren’t a seer?”

Hermione smiled sadly and shook her head. “Didn’t believe in the stuff until I met Harmony. I’m right though.”

“Yes, you’re right. I port keyed as soon as Harmony felt it. It took a while to get to Godric’s Hollow but I found him there, cradling her body. Harry was screaming his head off, so small and terrified.” Her eyes went a bit fuzzy with the memories. “I saw Dumbledore coming to get him and knew I had to get Severus out of there before he did something he’d regret. I ran off at the mouth when he wouldn’t cooperate and he backhanded me into a wall. The Ministry always thought it was James that made the dent in the wall but it was me.” She wiped the tears that were streaming down her face and closed her eyes in pain.

“What happened next?” Draco asked softly. He sat down on the bed next to her. Hermione followed, wanting to be a comfort to them.

“I’m not sure.” Melody laughed. “My vision went a bit fuzzy but I saw the horrified look Severus gave me. He was sure he’d killed me and desperately scooped me up and apparated with me to his house on Spinner’s End. He patched me up efficiently enough and then apologized until he was blue in the face for the next week. He still feels guilty for that. I can feel it every time we have an argument and he loses his temper. I still don’t blame him though. I was an insensitive bitch but I was frantic to get him out of there. Guess it worked.”

“You probably stopped him from trying to kill Dumbledore that night,” Draco murmured.

“No, I did stop him,” Melody said. “That’s all I wanted and I succeeded and now look at him. He’s got a wife, love, children, everything he thought he didn’t deserve. He’s a bastard but he’s a good man. I don’t blame him for being angry with me now. It just hurts.”

“I’m so sorry,” Hermione said softly, tears welling in her eyes. “For what it’s worth, we don’t blame you. We just didn’t want you to give up your life for us. It almost felt like we were responsible for your death.”

Melody looked stricken. “Gods no. My life is my own to give. No one else is responsible for it ending except me… and those three idiot hags. Please don’t feel like that. Please?”

“Hey,” Draco said before she started crying again. “We get it alright? Your choice, not ours. It just didn’t feel right.”

Melody laughed. “Well, dying certainly felt all wrong too.”

“What’s it like?” Hermione asked suddenly.

“Well, the first time was agonizing, hurt like a son of a bitch until we passed. Then it was a blissful numbness. Then that stubborn prick bit me and I felt like I was on fire for a week. The second time, it was strange. I felt Alex hold me, heard him apologize and beg me not to go, and then nothing. It was like…nothing. There wasn’t fuzzy numbness; I just couldn’t feel anything. I heard the hags though. They were furious because they broke their own agreement. Then I came back and it was like…I don’t know how to explain it. It was like I’d had my head held underwater until I almost passed out. That first lungful of air burned like fire and then I felt heavy, tired.” Melody looked conflicted. “I almost wish they would have just kept me.”

“Why?” Draco asked bewilderedly.

“Because in the middle of the night, being absolutely numb feels like heaven. Death is easy. It’s life that is hard.”

“Well you’d better get used to it,” Snape said as he barged in. Everyone in the room jumped in surprise. “I plan on making your life hell for years to come,” he said softly and yanked Melody off the bed, picking her up and sitting down heavily in the space she’d just occupied. He clutched her to him like a child’s teddy bear and sighed. “Just don’t do that again. I couldn’t stand to lose you too.”

“You have Celeste,” Melody said, her voice muffled by Snape’s coat.

“He does,” Celeste said, walking in gracefully and standing in front of the hugging pair. “But you are one of a kind.” She knelt and hugged Melody from behind, creating a strange sandwich that made Hermione want to giggle.

“Bunch of buggering Hufflepuffs,” Draco murmured.

Snape sniffed. “Hardly.”

“No, he’s Slytherin to the core.” Melody giggled weakly. “Well, he might have been infected with a Gryffindor or two but he’s none the worse for wear.” She hugged him one last time and then slid off his lap, clearing her throat. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to drag my ass down to the club. I’m sure even Lazarus had to work after he died.”

“You’re too weak,” Severus said tersely. “You look about ready to keel over at any moment.”

“I thought you said dead jokes weren’t funny,” Melody sniffed as she dug through her closet. “Besides, I’ve been dead before. At least now I’m not bedridden and cursing a certain fanged fellow.”

“So it gets easier every time then, huh?” Harry said, walking through the door. How in the world did people keep sneaking up on them? Ginny was right behind him. “This ruddy bird just came sailing through the wall.”

“Oh Jez, I told you to use the window.” Melody laughed. “Bet she caused quite a stir.”

“I’m pretty sure Ron’s still gaping like a fish,” Ginny laughed.

“Jezebel is a vampire owl,” Melody said happily and held out her finger for her payment. The owl nipped it affectionately and offered her leg. Melody read the missive and frowned. “It seems that dear Bella heard the news a bit more quickly than we’d hoped. She would dampen the day I died with her presence.”

“What do we do?” Hermione asked softly.

“You heard the fates. We guide, you protect, the others fight.”

“She said we could fight too,” Draco sniffed. “It isn’t like we plan on paddling her off a creek.”

Hermione giggled. “That’s sending her up the river sweetheart.”

“Close,” Draco shrugged and they all had a good laugh. Hermione loved it when he tried to use muggle phrases. He’d only started doing it recently, becoming more and more interested in her heritage. It was surreal but she loved him for it.

“Be that as it may, I don’t think any of us should step on the fates toes so soon,” Melody said, her face screwed up in disgust. “They can be quite nasty when they want to be.”

“No really? We hadn’t noticed,” Harry said dryly.

“Touché. Well, I’m singing regardless and if I’m there, she’ll wonder why my master isn’t there.”

“I’ll be there, if only to keep you from falling flat on your face,” Severus snipped.

“Thanks so much,” Melody drawled. “Now, I figure someone has to stay here and watch the kiddies.”

“Wait, you mean we’re not going?” Draco interjected.

“You two are,” Melody said. “As Roman and Julie anyway but no one else is coming tonight. I don’t have any more charm necklaces and we can’t afford to risk being found out. That scar is like a magnet for trouble.”

Harry huffed. “I could help.”

“I’m sure you could but at what cost?” Melody asked softly. “Sometimes it’s best to stay put and send in an operative.”

“They weren’t in such great shape when they returned last time,” Harry pointed out.

“Yes well, they aren’t going to have to break Bellatrix this time. They need only protect my sister while she digs for gold, or a golden cup as it were,” Melody said as she looked at Harmony. “Are you up for this Harm?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Harmony sighed. “But I’m going to look hideous in my clothes.”

“Nonsense,” Celeste chastised. “There are glamours for that.”

Harmony smiled sheepishly. “Guess I’m still not used to having magic again.”

“It grows on you.” Celeste smiled and helped the pregnant woman off the bed. She had a noticeable little pooch in her stomach but one had to look extremely closely to see it. They continued hashing out plans until it was time for Melody and Harmony to get to sound check.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

“Oi! Where are you two going?” Ron yelled as they made their way to the front door. Hermione groaned mentally. She had hoped to avoid this part.

“Out,” Draco said simply and placed his hand on the small of her back to lead her outside. She would apparate them to the club from there.

“Dressed like that?” Ron asked incredulously.

Hermione looked down. She thought this dress was probably the most modest one of Melody’s she’d ever worn. It also showed off every curve and asset she had, almost like wearing a second skin. The dress was black, slinky and form fitted. Spaghetti straps held the v-shaped top and showed a tantalizing bit of cleavage without being obscene. It hugged her waist and bum and flared out from there, coming to a stop just short of her knees. Draco had begged her to leave her hair down but she refused, pointing out that she didn’t want to be fighting it when they were supposed to be on the lookout.

“What’s wrong with it?” Hermione asked sulkily. She thought she looked pretty good. She stuck her foot out and admired the strappy heels that Melody had let her wear. They were tall, three inches at least but she could still dance in them.

She looked over at Draco and smiled. He had decided to go for the standard again, black leather pants. He paired it with a black silk shirt that he didn’t bother to button past half way. His dragon hide boots gleamed in the light and made her smirk. He refused to wear anything else. She he admired the way his hair fell in his face, somewhat longer than it had been over the holidays. She liked it longer, made it easier to run her fingers through it and tug on it, which she knew he loved.

‘Keep thinking like that and I’ll ravish you here and now,’ Draco thought darkly. His eyes practically glowed and she shivered with lust. He smirked roguishly.

“You look like a bloody tart,” Ron scoffed.

“Shut up Ron. She looks sexy.” Ginny smiled at the couple. They cut an impressive figure. “Get a shot in for me too, yeah?”

“Sure thing Red.” Draco smirked wickedly.

“Where are you going?” Ron asked again.

“Out,” Draco said firmly and sighed when Ron opened his mouth to protest.

“Oh, there you two are,” Celeste said, racing in from the back room. “You’d best hurry. Severus will be aggravated if you’re late.”

“We were just leaving,” Draco said, pointing to the door.

“Great. You two look fabulous by the way. Have fun…and be careful.”

“Always,” Draco said seriously. He knew Celeste was worried. She’d agreed to stay behind and keep an eye on everyone. Potter had an obnoxious habit of running into trouble without thinking. With her enhanced senses, she could head him off. At least he couldn’t apparate yet. Still, she wanted to go with them. She was entirely too protective, a trait she seemed to share with his godfather.

They apparated as soon as they were a few feet from the porch and appeared a ways from the club front door. There was a line already which was not surprising for a Saturday night. They made sure their charm necklaces were on and secured and the charms infallible before they walked to the front door. Sampson gave them a toothy grin as they stopped in front of him, causing a poor muggle woman to gasp and draw back.

“Ah, Roman and Julie, my favorite pair,” Sampson said jovially.

Hermione couldn’t help the grin that spread across her face. “I bet you say that to all the couples,” she tittered, her fangs flashing in the lights.

“Only the beautiful ones,” Sampson cooed.

Hermione looked back at her smirking husband. “He IS rather beautiful, isn’t he?”

“No doubt,” Sampson replied and grinned when Draco bared his fangs in annoyance. “Sound check is almost finished. You are just in time.”

“Thank you,” Hermione said and started walked inside.

“Don’t forget to have a drink on me. Last time was most thrilling,” Sampson called and Hermione felt her cheeks heat up. Draco winked at the vampire and led her inside and through the throngs of people already there to the bar. He figured they could be easily seen there.

Victor greeted them with a large smile and two glasses. “Lime cordial and treacle tart, yes?”

“You got it,” Draco said softly.

It never ceased to amaze him, the amount of memory vampires had. Victor had their drinks mixed in short order and handed him two packages of razor blades. He passed one to Hermione and they proceeded to open them. He had liked this last time, her blood running over her hand. Good grief, was he turning full vampire? A woman whimpered beside him. He turned and noticed it was the same woman from outside.

“Muggles?” He asked Victor in whisper, knowing that the vampire could hear him easily.

“Sympathizers, thrill seekers, and a mesmerized victim or two.” Victor shrugged. “I think she’s here by accident though, a joke from her friends.” He looked at the two women on the other side of her, both grinning like loons.

“Some joke,” Hermione snorted.

“From what I hear, she doubted their stories. They are both lovers with our kind. She said they were crazy.We are protected either way. I must remember to thank Melody for that again. She’s the one who devised the charms for us…before she was incapacitated for a great time.” He cleared his throat. “SHOTS UP!”

“Well, here’s to setting her straight,” Draco said and brought the razor blade to his hand. He and Hermione cut at the same time. A tiny pool of blood fell down their hands and into the glasses. They licked each other’s wounds and healed them, just like last time. Then they traded glasses and drank the delicious confection. Lust spread through their bodies and Draco attacked her mouth, bending her backwards over the bar, much to Victor’s delight.

A crowd of vampires had gathered around to witness the site. Draco saw the two women’s vampire lovers out of the corner of his eye. They were wrapped around the women possessively. Their bewildered friend was pale and yet he could see intrigue in her eyes. He smirked and kissed Hermione harder, proud that he could show her off here at least. He drew his hands down her body and started making his way up her thighs when someone cleared their throat.

“By all means, crawl on up and fuck her,” Snape drawled.

Draco pulled back with a laugh. “Perfect timing father.”

Snape scoffed. “I was serious. It would be more comfortable than bending her in half.”

“I think not,” Hermione grumbled and straightened her dress back out.

Snape merely shrugged and held up a finger to Victor. The vampire quickly fixed the same whiskey/blood mix they’d seen him drink the first time they were here. Hermione was curious. She didn’t think he could drink another’s blood without forging some kind of bond.

“Synthetic or deceased,” Snape said softly when he noticed that they were staring at his glass.

Well, that explained it then. There was no DNA to bond to if it was synthetic and if they were dead, then the bond wouldn’t start. The deceased thing made her shudder though. She couldn’t help but wonder how.

“Donation to science.” Victor smirked when he saw her shudder at the explanation. “It’s quite convenient.”

“Sounds like it.” Draco smirked and then spun around when the lights went low. Melody stepped on the stage followed closely by Harmony. They were fairly modestly dressed tonight, both in bright turquoise sequined baby doll dresses that fell barely to their upper thighs. He remembered them arguing for a good ten minutes on what they could wear so Harmony didn’t feel bad about her appearance. It ended with a growl from Severus stating that pregnancy was not something to be ashamed of. He laughed thinking back on it.

Applause sounded all around when they stepped up to the microphones. The spotlights came on and Melody took a deep breath. She looked so tired, the heavy makeup on her face not able to cover the extremely dark circles under her eyes. She gave a weak smile and started singing. Hermione and Draco held their breath at the words.

If I die young, bury me in satin,

Lay me down on a bed of roses.

Sink me in the river at dawn

Send me away with the words of a love song. Uh oh, uh oh

Lord make me a rainbow, I’ll shine down on my mother.

She’ll know I’m safe with you when she stands under my colors, oh and

Life ain’t always what you think it ought to be no

Ain’t even grey but she buries her baby

The sharp knife of a short life, well

I’ve had just enough time.

By the time she was done, Hermione was in tears. It looked like Melody was trying hard not to lose it as well. Snape was gripping his glass so hard that she feared it would shatter. The lights went out for a moment and murmurs spread around, wondering what had happened. Someone brushed up against her and she was hard pressed not to squeak. Warm breath against her ear made her shiver.

“She’s here. The blond in the tight red ensemble. She’s not alone. She brought half a dozen cronies with her.”

Hermione shivered again as the coldness enveloped her. Melody had snuck down off stage to send them word of Bellatrix. How in the hell were they supposed to get to her with all those people here? Not to mention the fact that Snape couldn’t blow his cover. A heavy guitar sounded out a moment later and she wondered how Melody had managed to get up on stage so fast. A smooth male voice carried out over the crowd.

We were sittin’ up there on ya momma’s roof,

talking ‘bout everything under the moon

with the smell of honeysuckle and your perfume.

All I could think about was my next move

Oh but you were so shy, so was I

Maybe that’s why it was so hard to believe

When you smiled and said to me

Melody joined him, a large smile on her face. It looked like she was suddenly ten years younger the way her eyes lit up.

Are you gonna kiss me or not?

Are we gonna do this or what?

I think you know I like you a lot

But you’re ‘bout to miss your shot.

Are you gonna kiss me or not?

“Oh thank Merlin,” Hermione breathed.

“About bloody time,” Severus growled.

“So was he really hunting?” Draco asked.

“He was actually. He didn’t want to feed from Melody after this morning and he was weak from the sunlight potion,” Snape said quietly. “Still, he was a right bastard about it.”

“She seems to have a type then,” Hermione growled.

Snape had the decency to look a bit sheepish. He’d reacted quite badly, he’d admit but he’d been so angry with Melody. He didn’t want her to trade her life for his. He wasn’t worth it and he said so.

“None of us did father,” Hermione said softly. “But it was her choice and she was already dead. What else was she supposed to do?”

“I know,” Snape said softly and then knocked back his drink. His eyes narrowed as he saw Bellatrix come over to the bar. His eyes cut back to Draco and then over to her again.

“I wonder,” Draco murmured and then turned to Hermione. ‘Will you be okay if I do this?’ He asked her silently and then revealed his plan.

Hermione shut her eyes for a moment in pain and then nodded. She turned to Victor and gave him a wary smile. “Um Victor, is Tatyana here?”

Victor’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. “I believe so. Why?”

“I’d like a word with her…privately,” she stressed and cut her eyes over to the private room.

“Ah,” Victor said softly. “Meet her there.” He disappeared in a flash, startling the muggle woman so badly she fell off the stool.

Hermione felt sorry for her and helped her off the floor. “Are you alright?”

“Y-y-yes.” The muggle woman squeaked, her eyes wide with fear. “Th-th-thanks.”

Hermione smiled. “Anytime. You get used to it after a while.”

“I don’t see how,” the woman whimpered.

“It’s quite easy really,” Hermione said, a sad smile on her face when she remembered how easy it had been to start drinking Draco’s blood. She shook it off and nodded to the woman, walking briskly over to the private room. She really hoped this worked and a part of her hoped it didn’t work too well. She’d have to kill Bellatrix if it did.

‘Relax.’ Draco tried to sooth her nerves. ‘I’ll hex her myself if she gets too fresh.’

‘You’d better,’ Hermione said darkly. She could still here Draco chuckling when the raven haired beauty, Tatyana, appeared in front of her with a key.

“Back so soon?” She asked with a smile.

“I rather like it in there,” Hermione said cheekily.

Tatyana grinned. “Most do. Don’t forget the payment though.”

Hermione’s face fell. “Right.”

“Don’t worry child,” Tatyana purred. “I have a feeling that bleeding this one won’t be a hardship.”

“Probably not,” Hermione snorted and accepted the key gratefully. She hurriedly unlocked the door and entered, closing it behind her and casting the charm that allowed her to see through the door. She heard the conversation through Draco’s ears.

“My, my, what do we have here?” Draco asked in a thick French accent.

“Not interested,” Bellatrix cackled.

Snape tugged him over to the side. “Let the pheromones out.”

“They don’t work in here, do they?” Draco hissed back.

“You are powerful enough to thwart the wards. Just push them back a bit and let the thrall out.

“Why Severus, I didn’t know you swung both ways,” Bellatrix cackled.

“And I didn’t know you could look less deranged,” Severus answered dryly. Hermione just knew he was smirking at her outraged look.

“Are you sure you won’t dance with me?” Draco purred.

Bellatrix’s eyes fluttered a moment as the thrall fell over her. Hermione was in awe at the subtle shift that Draco had caused in the wards. The thrall only affected Bellatrix. “I guess just one couldn’t hurt,” She said in a husky voice.

Draco smirked and led her on the dance floor. The twins were singing a fast and sexy song, perfect to dance to without having to rub up against her. He could feel the bile come up in the back of his throat at the thought of having to touch his deranged aunt at all. Still, she fell under his spell quite easily. He always knew she was a sucker for power and strength and he used it to his ability, holding her a bit too forcefully. He let his hands slide over her neck, cutting off her air for a split second before twisting her out and back around.

Bellatrixes eyes dilated at the show of strength and dominance. She went half lidded as Draco twisted her arm behind her and yanked on it ever so slightly. He knew she was his. He leaned down and whispered seductively in her ear. “Come with me.”

“Where?” Bellatrix panted.

“Somewhere private,” Draco breathed and reached up to cut off her air again. Bellatrix struggled for a moment and then shuddered, nodding her head. He released her and she took a desperate breath as he dragged her across the club and into the room.

Hermione cancelled the spell on the door and disillusioned herself so she wouldn’t be seen. Draco burst through the door and threw Bellatrix into the chair, locking her up like he’d seen Tatyana do to the muggle. “First things first,” he purred and whipped his knife out of his boots. “We have to pay to play.” He slid the knife down her arm.

Bellatrix cried out in what sounded like ultimate pleasure. Blood ran down her arm and Draco conjured a flask to collect it in. When it was full, he cast a spell to staunch the flow but not close it completely. Let her walk out smelling of blood. He sneered and stepped back, casting a silent ‘stupefy’ before she could protest.

“I’m going to need two showers after this,” he growled. Hermione removed her charm and ran across the room to get to him. He hugged her to him as tightly as he could. “Now what?”

The door opened again. “Now we get what we came for and get out,” Snape drawled. Harmony entered behind him. They could hear Melody and Alex singing another duet and the crowd was screaming for more before he shut the door. Harmony tilted her head. “She’s stunned?”

Draco nodded. “Knocked out cold. I didn’t want to take a chance of her escaping. I know she can perform wandless magic quite well.

“It was a good call,” Snape said softly. “Harmony, do you need anything?”

“Just a chair. I don’t want to fall.”

Draco quickly conjured a chair and set it beside his aunt. He helped Harmony sit down and then stepped back to lean against the wall with his godfather. He grabbed his wife and held her close while he watched Harmony lay a tentative hand on Bellatrix’s brow. She cried out as if in pain and then shuddered. It was several minutes before she let go and wobbled on the chair. Severus was there in a flash and had both hands on her waist to steady her.

Harmony took a few gulps of air and nodded that she was alright but Severus refused to let her go just yet. “That woman is pure evil. The Dark Lord gave her a cup just like the one Potter described. It’s in her vault at Gringotts,” she gasped and then gave up the fight on her emotions. She burst into great sobs. Snape picked her up and sat down in her place, cradling her like a small child and rubbing soothing circles on her back exactly like he’d done with Melody earlier.

“That’s not good,” Draco breathed. “Gringotts has only been broken into one time and that was by the Dark Lord.”

Hermione stomped across the room and ripped a hunk of hair from the back of Bellatrix’s head. She watched in fascination as it turned from blonde to black. “I figured that would be the case,” she said softly and conjured a flask to put them in.”

Draco chuckled darkly. “Are you going to scratch her or slap her next?”

“You never know when it might come in handy,” Hermione snapped. “Now what do we do with her?”

“I have a solution,” Snape drawled, still holding Harmony gently in his arms. He’d begun rocking her back and forth to quiet her sobs. “You might not like it but it’ll serve a purpose.”

“What?” Hermione asked warily.

“Sergei. He is still weak and needs to feed every day. He can control himself though so he won’t kill her.”

“What purpose does that serve?” Draco growled.

“It feeds an ally,” Snape drawled. “And Bellatrix gets a night of passion from a vampire. Simply blindfold her and she’ll believe it’s you. When he’s done, he’ll leave and she’ll be none the worse for wear…until she returns to the Dark Lord.”

“Oh?” Draco asked, intrigued now.

“Oh yes. Since she is banned from this place and decided to come anyway, she’ll be thoroughly punished.”

“What about the others>” Draco asked, remembering that Melody had said there were a half dozen other Death Eaters with her.

“They are being…tended to.” Snape smirked evilly. “I guarantee that none of them know where she is at the moment, nor do they care. She’ll walk out woozily and they’ll assume she’s been playing again.”

“Nice,” Draco complemented and then shot a concerned look at Harmony who had suddenly gasped.

“Harmony?” Severus asked softly.

“Sorry Sev,” she whimpered. “Just another flash of your future. I’m glad though. It takes away some of the sting of her insanity.”

Severus chuckled. “Yes, her insanity is quite cumbersome. Tell me, what did you see?”

Harmony smiled softly. “Now you know I can’t tell you that.” Then her face got a contemplative look on it. “Sev, did I ever thank you for saving us all those years ago?”

“I believe so but no thanks are needed.”

“I just…I think she wanted to return the favor. We were never supposed to live so long you know. I’m thankful we did though, so thank you.”

Severus merely closed his eyes and nodded, overcome by her emotions. Hermione leaned her head on Draco’s chest, fighting the tears she knew were brimming in her eyes. Harmony took one of Severus’s hands and placed it on her stomach, right over the twins. His eyes went wide in shock and his mouth dropped open as he removed his hand. “Does that happen often?”

“Only when they meet someone they like,” Harmony giggled.

“What happened?” Hermione asked curiously.

“Come and see for yourself.” Harmony smiled. “Both of you.” They walked over to her cautiously, curious and yet wary of what they would experience. “Go on, at the same time please.”

They both cautiously put a hand on their stomach and experience a jolt of pure joy and adulation. It seemed to creep through their blood and warm their very cores. Then they experienced a little shock and they drew back. It was like a little cheering charm. “Wow,” they both said together.

“Wow indeed,” Harmony laughed softly. “They’re the best gift I’ve ever gotten, besides my sister’s life that is. Thank you again Sev.”

“What in Merlin’s name for? I didn’t put them there.”

Harmony laughed and climbed off his lap. “No, but you gave me the chance to get this far. Now, I think you should go get Sergei and I’m due for my next set. Someone has to keep those two from jumping each other on stage.” She laughed again as she left.

“That was amazing,” Draco said softly as the door shut again.

“Truly,” Snape said in awe and then seemed to shake himself off. “Stay here. I’ll be right back.” He was gone in a flash and returned before they could take the next breath. A very tired looking Sergei was with him. He was whole but he looked worn out.

“Greetings children,” Sergei said softly. “Are we ready to do this?”

Snape nodded. “Blindfold her now. Wake her up, and then tell her she was very naughty for passing out. Sergei will take over. When he is done, simply tell her what a good pet she was and leave. She can get herself out of this if she wants. Go straight back to the bar with Hermione and ignore her the rest of the night. If she makes a spectacle of herself, she’ll be thrown out and that will be that.”

“What are you betting on?” Draco asked, his eyes narrowed.

“She’ll be too weak to protest and simply leave. There is nothing out of the ordinary here after all,” Snape answered quickly.

“Except the fact that you’re dressed to kill.” Hermione chuckled under her breath. Snape’s attire wasn’t exactly as wild as Draco’s but in black muggle jeans and a black cotton shirt that hung open at the collar, he cut quite an impressive figure.

Snape sniffed. “Sampson wouldn’t let me in wearing my robes.”

“Sure he didn’t,” Hermione smiled and patted him on the cheek condescendingly. Snape hissed angrily and she wavered a bit, barely withstanding the urge to kneel. His eyes widened and he snapped his mouth shut.

“I am still your professor.”

“And my father. I can tease my own family, can’t I?” She asked, her eyes full of mirth as she dropped the key in Draco’s hand and flounced out of the room with the flask of Bellatrix’s blood.

Snape was left with a slack mouth. “How in the bloody hell does she do that?”

Draco shrugged. “Not sure but it’s really fucking inconvenient sometimes. Can’t win an argument to save my life. See you in a bit.”

Snape nodded and walked out of the room in a daze. How could a mere slip of a girl disarm him with one simple sentence? He shook his head and stalked over to the bar. He’d already given up trying to argue with her so he settled for ordering a beer and sipping it broodily while watching the show.

“Wake up pet,” Draco cooed after he’d fastened a blindfold securely around Bellatrix’s eyes. She moaned and went on full alert, trying to break through the cuffs.

“Nuh uh uh, pet. You wanted to play, we’re going to play. You were a very naughty girl, passing out before we got a chance to get started.” Draco cast a spell that felt like a muggle whip lash. His stomach went queasy when she let out an aroused moan. “You like being punished?” He growled and she begged him to punish her more.

He swallowed down his bile and threw a barrage of spells at her designed to mimic a muggle whipping. Then he nodded at Sergei and waiting until the vampire was right in front of her. “You’ve accepted your punishment like a good pet. Time for your reward.”

Sergei shot forward and sunk his fangs into her neck. Her shriek of pain turned into a moan of bliss as she writhed around in her chains. Draco turned around, not wanting to witness her reactions anymore. He thought about placing a silencing spell around him but he needed to know when to speak again. A creak of the chair had him turning and he saw that Sergei was licking his lips and then a quick swipe over the wound. It wouldn’t bleed anymore but it would take a few days to heal over the way he’d done it. Draco smirked and nodded, watching as the vampire left the room silently.

“You were delicious,” Draco purred.

“Wait,” Bellatrix cried out. “We haven’t finished. You didn’t get yours.”

“Oh I did. And I only fuck my wife,” he growled as he locked the door and slammed it behind him. He knew from experience that it only opened from the inside when it was locked. He swaggered over to the bar and discretely handed Victor the key before he swooped Hermione up and kissed her for all he was worth. She was like a fresh breath of air after being locked in a cell in the dungeons for a month.

Bellatrix’s shriek silenced everyone in the club as she burst through the private room door. “I was just a bloody meal?” She screamed as she stalked up to him.

Draco shrugged with a smug smile on his face. “I was feeling a bit thirsty.”

“Why you!” Bellatrix screamed and went to try to slap him.

Hermione grabbed her hand in a grip so tight she was sure she’d broken a bone or two. “I wouldn’t.”

“Why you little bitch,” Bellatrix growled. “Do you know what your husband does in his spare time?”

“He eats little whores like you. That’s all you’re good for,” Hermione spat and threw her a few feet backwards.

Bellatrix got up and went to draw her wand but was suddenly surrounded by six very pissed off vampires who picked her up and threw her out of the club, literally. They watched as six men slunk out behind her.

“You think that’s everyone?” Hermione breathed.

Melody suddenly cleared her throat. “Alright guys. After that, I need a drink! Be back in a flash!” She jumped off stage and made her way to the bar, Alex hot on her heels to keep all the patrons away from her. She walked right to them. “That’s all of them,” she breathed as she signaled Victor for a drink.

“Thank Merlin,” Hermione sighed.

“That was brilliant, by the way,” Draco purred and leaned in to whisper in her ear. “But do you know how hard I am now?”

Hermione blushed furiously and looked down at the bar to find a key there. She looked up in shock and Victor winked. “Fee’s already been paid.” He chuckled and handed Melody a bottle of water.

“Let’s go,” Draco said, jerking her to the back room, ignoring the chuckles and cheers. He threw her inside and locked the door again. “Gods that was sexy. You looked gorgeous, all angry and fired up.”

“She tried to hit you,” Hermione hissed.

“That’s actually one of the more tame things she’s done to me,” he recalled and grabbed her hand. He walked with her across the room and plopped down in the chair. He forced her down to straddle his lap. She went willingly, turned on by his strength.

“So you like me when I’m angry?” Hermione asked coyly, grinding her hips down over him.

“Merlin yes,” Draco growled and thrust up against her while grabbing her face and hauling it to his for a brutal kiss. He skimmed one of his hands down her body to fondle her breasts. Hermione moaned into his mouth and dug her fingers into his hair, pulling harshly.

Not wanting to waste another minute, he yanked open the button of his pants and groaned as his cock sprang free. He slid his hand up her thighs and pushed the tiny scrap of fabric she’d told him was a thong to the side. He was inside her in one thrust, swallowing her cry with his mouth.

He lifted her up and slammed her back down on top of him, taking her as roughly as he could. She was writhing on top of him, moaning and hissing with each movement. She licked and sucked at his neck as he continued to pound into her, both rocketing towards their release. He felt his orgasm building up and reached up to flick her clit, sending her over with a scream. He followed her a few thrusts later, cursing himself for not being able to last longer.

“I’m sorry,” he panted as his member softened. “I couldn’t hang on any longer.”

“Oh, but you can,” Hermione growled and he shivered as she bared her fangs and scraped them down the side of his neck. He trembled as a pulse of pleasure shot through him. His eyes widened in shock as he felt his cock firming inside her again. She scraped her fangs down the other side of his neck and licked her way back up. By the time she took his lips again, he was rock hard.

“Nice,” Draco hissed and thrust into her again. He stood her up and felt her shudder as his cock left her warm cavern. The cool air hitting his cum coated member made him bite back a groan. He stood up and spun around. With a wave of his hand, the chair turned into a tall table. He grabbed her and spun her around, bending her over the table and entering her roughly from behind.

She scrambled for purchase as he drove into her repeatedly, giving her no quarter. She wailed as he hit that perfect spot deep inside of her and moaned low in her throat when her climax rocketed through her. He didn’t let up though, fucking her through it and up the peak to the next one when he suddenly pulled out. She didn’t have time to protest before he turned her over and slammed into her again.

Draco felt his climax building again but plowed on anyway, trying to hold back. He felt her walls fluttering again and bared his fangs. She beat him to it, springing forward and sinking her fangs into his shoulder. He screamed and craned his neck to sink his teeth into her. They both let out a low guttural groan as their final orgasm rushed through them, leaving them utterly spent as their magic flickered dully. They hadn’t managed to suppress it all but at least they hadn’t lit up the entire block.

It was a while before they’d both caught their breath enough to pull apart. Hermione winced as she worked out a kink in her back. “That was…” she panted and sighed when Draco cast a healing spell over her.

“Bloody amazing,” Draco finished for her and helped her off the table. A few cleansing charms and everything was back to rights.

“That,” Hermione said softly.

Draco smiled and gave her another gentle kiss. “We’d better go. We don’t want to stay in here long enough to have to pay again.”

They made their way back to the bar and ordered two waters which made Victor laugh merrily. Draco slid him the key when they got their drinks. They took the chance to look around and rest. Harmony and Alex were on stage singing a song with heavy synthesizers. Melody was on the dance floor with Snape and looked to be having a good time at first glance. A closer look showed that they were both wearing matching strained expressions.

Draco turned back to Victor with a scowl, hoping to figure out the reason for their distress. “The blond man walked in and they changed.” The vampire growled low in his throat and sent a glare in the direction of the other edge of the dance floor.

“Fuck,” Draco breathed. It was his father. He was dressed better than he was in the Dark Lord’s presence, looking very much the aristocrat he was before he was imprisoned. His face had filled out some but was harsher, more angular. He looked to be staring at Melody, an angry expression on his face. While she appeared to be oblivious to it, he knew she wasn’t.

“We’ve got to do something,” Hermione growled.

“Up for a dance, love?” Draco asked suddenly, getting an idea.

“Why not?” Hermione sighed and followed him to the dance floor. They placed themselves in between the dancing couple and Lucius, hoping to make him either move his position or make him angry enough to get thrown out.

“What are you doing?” Snape hissed.

“Protecting,” Draco growled and dipped Hermione low to the floor, bringing her up slowly and grinding into her. He’d hoped it would attract his father’s attention. He was always one for the overly dramatic. Sure enough, it worked. “When he follows, disappear,” he whispered, knowing Severus would hear it.

“That’s your brilliant idea?” Snape drawled. “She still has to sing the rest of the night.”

“And Alex will be right behind her,” Draco said. “We can also keep a better eye on him if you aren’t in the middle of it. Take Lucius to the bar for a drink and have Victor spike it for fucks sake.”

“You think that will work?” Severus hissed.

“It will if a pretty woman delivers it to him,” Hermione said softly and went down into the splits. She smirked when she heard several groans sound out. She shimmied back up Draco’s leg and slowly shook her hips back in forth in a seductive manor. She was completely knackered but they had to continue.

“I don’t want you getting hurt,” Draco growled.

“It’s just a drink,” Hermione snapped. “I’m not going to take him into a dark room and have my way with him.”

“That’s enough to put a bloke off for the night,” Draco said weakly as he bent her backwards over his arm and then spun her around. He knew she’d just about flashed her knickers at everyone from the open mouthed stares they were receiving. In an effort to cause a spectacle, he lifted her above his head and spun her around on his hand. She bent backwards and slid down his body, flipping over at the last second before she hit the floor and slid back up his body. All eyes were on them now.

Severus and Melody took that chance to dash off the dance floor and back up to the stage. “Keep her safe,” Severus growled to a livid Alex and stalked over to the bar to order the spiked drink for Hermione. What else could possibly happen tonight?

The song ended and Draco kissed Hermione’s neck. “I’ll be back in a bit,” he shouted over the music, making sure to keep his thick French accent. She nodded and watched him walk off to the loo. She caught Lucius’s attention and subtly asked him to the bar for a drink with merely a look. He smirked haughtily and sauntered over to her. She felt a wash of pain and nausea from seeing a smirk that looked so much like her husband's on such a horrible man. Still, they had to get him out of there.

“Care for a drink?” She asked, trying to affect a French accent as well. She figured it wouldn’t go over so well if he recognized her voice from the Department of Ministries the year before.

“Why not,” Lucius drawled, giving her a lascivious once over.

She bit back a wave of nausea and signaled Victor. The vampire shot her an evil grin and walked over. “I’ll have a glass of red and whatever he wants,” she said softly. Truthfully, she’d never drank wine in her entire life but she figured it was a nice feminine drink. Lucius ordered a whiskey neat and continued to try and undress her with his eyes as they waited. Her ears picked up a slight fizz when Victor poured the whiskey and set it in front of Lucius.

“What should we drink to?” He asked in a low voice.

“To a promising night,” she said in a sultry voice, hoping he mistook her wavering for lust and not disgust. She merely put her lips to the rim of her glass and watched as he knocked back the entire drink in one gulp.

“Care to dance?” He asked her and held out his hand.

She froze in fear for one terrified moment and then relaxed when she heard the deep drawl of Snape behind her. “Lucius, what brings you to America?”

Lucius shot an annoyed look at the professor. “Severus. I was simply in the neighborhood.”

“I’m sure,” Severus said sardonically. “Julie, a pleasure as always.”

“Oui Severus, it has been far too long,” Hermione purred and almost laughed at the shock in Lucius’s eyes.

“I would like the chance to rectify that,” Severus cooed and held out his hand. She took it readily, eager to get away from Lucius before he dropped out. Severus tugged her onto the dance floor and held her closely, swaying back and forth to a slow song.

“Thank you,” she sighed in relief.

“If you think I’d let my daughter dance with that filth…” his threat died off as he stifled a snort. Hermione turned her head to just in time to see Lucius’s eyes roll into the back of his head. Victor snapped and a few people carried him off to the private room.

“What’s going to happen to him?” She asked.

“Same thing as Bellatrix,” Severus said nonchalant. “They’ll leave the marks, of course.”

“You Know Who will be furious.”

“One can only hope,” Severus said menacingly.

“How are we going to do this fa-se-sn- oh what in the bloody hell am I supposed to call you anyway? It’s annoying always tripping over my words.”

Severus chuckled. “Well, I think that under the circumstances, you should call me Severus unless we’re in the presence of your friends. Then you will address me as Professor Snape.”

“Should Harry call you daddy?” She quipped.

Snape growled. “Cheeky wench.”

Hermione laughed and then got a pensive look on her face. “It still feels strange, Draco and I. It’s like I’m living in a dream and any time now I’m going to wake up and it will have all been a joke. I’ll still be the same ugly know-it-all bookworm pining away for her oblivious best friend.”

“I can honestly say I know exactly how you feel. I have a mate, a wife. I’ve never…” His voice trailed off.

“It’s kind of wonderful isn’t it?” Hermione asked softly. Snape gave a curt nod. She smiled. “I was right about you, you know?”

“How so?” Severus drawled.

“We are kindred spirits of a sort,” she said softly and then giggled. “Although I’m pretty sure you’re never going to take in stray kittens.”

Severus laughed heartily with her. “Yes well for some reason, I could see you administer Draught of the Living Death to your friends as a prank now.”

Hermione snorted. “I’ve been around too many Slytherins.”

“Oh come now. Everyone needs a little Slytherin in them sometime,” Draco drawled in her ear and she shivered. “It’s done. They’ll throw him out in a bit.”

“Good. You two should head back to the Ranch,” Severus said, relinquishing his dance partner to her husband. “We’ll be up bright and early tomorrow. We’ve got plans to make.”

“Do you think we’ll be able to get it?” Hermione asked worriedly.

“Well, one way or another, we’re going to have to,” Snape sighed. “Off with you two now.”

“Oh come on, we haven’t got a chance to just be ourselves in so long,” Draco whined. “We’ll be good little children and be seen and not heard.”

Snape snorted. “I very much doubt that. It’s against my better judgment but I guess you may stay. Something could happen between now and then that we could use your help with. No more drinks and no more trips into the private room. I’ve no wish to pry you out at the end of the night.”

Draco laughed. “You’ve got it.”

Snape rolled his eyes. Hermione caught the end of his ranting. “…gone soft as a bloody Hufflepuff…”

Draco laughed. “I rather like his soft side.”

Hermione snickered with him. “I can help but think that everyone at Hogwarts would be wondering if the world was ending if they saw him like this.”

“They’d probably all join that loon Trelawney up in the tower and chant to try and stop the apocalypse. Come on love, one more dance?”

“Always,” She sighed and they spun around happily to the beat, enjoying what they figured was there last few moments of freedom before things got ugly.

AN: Hello again everyone! Happy 1st of March. So, we've found the cup. Now we have to go and get it. Should be fun eh? This will definitely be the last update until Wednesday. These finals have my stomach in knots so thank you everyone for your well wishes. It seems like there is a little interest in Harry/Ginny so I'll write it but it will be a while before I'll finish it. Stupid finals. Anyways, oh my goodness guys! I got such an overwhelming response in my reviews that I literally cried. I'm glad so many of you are enjoying it. I was worried that I'd lost you guys. As always, keep them coming and let me know how I'm doing and if you find any errors. (really, reviews are like crack). Until next time, love you guys!!!

Oh my goodness, I almost forgot. The song Melody sung was "If I Die Young" by The Band Perry and the duet was "Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not" by Thompson Square. I realize that both of these songs came out a decade after this story takes place... but they fit so well I couldn't bring myself to care. So we'll just pretend they existed then, kay? :D
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