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
- 46
- 47
- 48
Draco stared at the sleeping form of his wife in the early hours of the morning. Today was the day. Today he was going to become a full-fledged traitor to the light and officially begin his spy career. His stomach was in knots. So many things could go wrong. What if she got hit with a stray curse during the raid? He’d never forgive himself if that happened and he wasn’t there to protect her.

He traced the outline of her nose, smiling softly when she crinkled it. It was absolutely amazing, the changes inside him since this little firecracker of a witch literally barged into his life. They’d come so far from Myrtle’s bathroom, from cursing to destroy each other to wanting to die before doing so. He wouldn’t have it any other way though. She was his life and he’d be damned if he’d let some snake faced bastard destroy the best thing that had ever happened to him. They would win. He’d make certain of it.

Hermione’s eyes flickered open and took in the silver pools that stared so intently at her. She’d heard his inner monologue and couldn’t help but respond. She felt the exact same way after all. In just months, the sharp faced ferret had gone from her bully and personal enemy to her husband and best friend, even more important that Harry and Ron. She hadn’t thought that possible but if given the choice, it was Draco all the way. They just had to win.

“You’ll stay safe today, won’t you?” Draco asked worriedly.

“I’ll keep a shield up at all times. I’ll be fine,” Hermione reassured him as she reached up to trace the little hummingbird on his temple. They’d taken all their makeup and jewelry last night, preferring to be with each other exactly as they were. It meant a bit more time getting ready this morning and packing for the long haul but they didn’t care. If it was their last unhurried night, they’d savor it.

Draco leaned into her touch, closing his eyes and savoring the calm feeling she gave him. He cherished these times more than anything, the ability to just touch and hold, explore and be close. He wasn’t a vanilla lover by any means but sometimes, just the contact was all he truly craved. He pulled back the covers to admire Hermione’s nude form.

She was absolutely beautiful. Their extensive training had turned her soft curves into sleek muscles but it only added to her beauty. She still had curves, they were just more defined now. He traced the little lines in her abdomen, remembering the first time he’d thrown her to the ground when she was learning defense tactics. She could easily knock him on his arse now. He smiled and leaned down to kiss the ridges, one by one.

Hermione sighed. He’d not bothered to shut off his inner thoughts this morning and she cherished it. They’d be intermittently cut off from now on and she was going to miss the steady stream of thoughts that flowed from him. He kissed her one final time and then pulled away to stare into her eyes. She smiled at the little silver hummingbird that was preening itself. Her eyes traveled south to see the smooth tone lines of his arms. They were more defined now, more sinewy but not bulky. He was so strong now, in both the physical and emotional senses.

She trailed her fingers down his left arm and gently traced over the Dark Mark. It still buzzed her but she’d gotten used to it long ago. He hadn’t though. He still flinched every time she brushed over it. He thought himself tainted and her too pure to be able to touch such a dark and ugly thing. She could hear those thoughts now and mentally scoffed. She picked his arm up and placed a kiss directly on the gently waving skull. Let Riddle feel that.

Draco let out a hysterical giggle at that thought. He certainly hoped the Dark Lord couldn’t feel that but he could. Her kiss was like fire, heating up his blood and causing his breathing to hitch. She’d taken his past and thrown it away, preferring to write a new story. He couldn’t have been happier. He looked at her collar bone, the braided metallic scar from her healing glittering in the dim light of the candles. She’d been so strong from the very beginning. That first healing had scared him, truly terrified him that she wouldn’t come back to him. It was then he knew he was in love with her.

He leaned down and kissed the scar from the start at her shoulder all the way to underneath her breast, thanking the fates that he was allowed to keep her. Her breath hitched when he got to the sensitive skin underneath her breast and nipped slightly. She tasted like treacle tart, life, and something that was all Hermione. He couldn’t help himself and mapped out every inch of her body with his hands, the tip of his nose, his lips, and his tongue. Hermione was a drug and he couldn’t get enough.

Hermione’s breath came out in shudders. His gentle exploration was burning her, melting her into a puddle of goo. He hit every sensitive spot she had and a few he hadn’t managed to find yet which was unbelievable. They knew each other’s bodies better than their own by now and yet she never could seem to get enough of him. Her fingers made lazy circles over his body, traced over the beautiful silver runes of their bonding, and wrote their names idly over his skin. He had goose bumps all over from her touch.

Finally having had enough of him being in charge, Hermione kicked Draco’s knees out from under him and shifted on top. She traced every inch of him with intermittent kisses, licks, and nips. He sat back and watched as she worshiped him, never taking his hands off of her body. He caressed her shoulders, her neck, her sides, anywhere he could reach before he finally buried his hands in her hair and brought her head up to kiss him.

The kiss was a lazy and sweet as the rest of their gentle ministrations. Neither one battled for dominance but simply tasted, teased, and sampled. They were in no rush to get this over with, preferring slow and sensual to hurried and rough. The war was knocking at their door and they weren’t going to miss this opportunity.

Draco shifted to alleviate the pressure on his rock hard member. He’d taken her a few times during the night and he was still hard for her. He felt Hermione shiver when his cock nudged her bum. When she did, some of her juices rolled down his abdomen and made his breath catch. She was dripping, ready for him again. He urged her to lift up and embedded himself inside her with a soft moan. She felt exquisite, still as tight as a fist and hot as fire. She was consuming him.

Hermione felt complete as his member filled her completely. Somehow, when he wasn’t inside her, she felt a bit empty. It was strange, how she craved him so much. His length was hot, her insides boiling from his heat. She bent down and laid butterfly kisses all across his collar bone, tracing the runes over his heart. She shifted over him and he groaned at the change. She hadn’t moved since they’d joined but now she wanted to feel the pleasure soaring. She moved slow, trying to savor every moment of their time together.

Draco was sure this is what heaven was like. Hermione was moving so sensually and slow over him, it was like she was giving him a private dance on that muggle pole of hers. Only, he was the pole now and he could barely breathe from the sensations of her inner muscles shifting around him. He was shaking, overwhelmed at the combined sensations of her beautiful body and the love he felt radiating from their bond.

Hermione felt the pleasure mounting, reaching its peak and she was both sad and ecstatic. She didn’t want it to be over but she craved the euphoria she knew would flow through her veins. One more moment in time was all she wanted. She cried out and trembled as her orgasm washed over her, warmth flooding her veins and the bubble of pleasure spreading through her body. Tears flowed down her face at the thought of this being their last time.

Draco held his breath, trying to hold himself back as her sheath tightened around him so snug he thought he’d scream. Then she fell against his chest, her tears mingling with their sweat. He knew how she felt because he felt it too. He hadn’t had enough yet though and flipped them, never losing the connection and began thrusting slowly. He used his strength to twist and hit her in just the right way to make her cry out beautifully. He rolled his pelvis, forcing himself as deep as he could before pulling out all the way.

It was then that Hermione thought her heart would burst, the thought of him pulling out completely. Just as she thought she would die from the separation, he’d glide back in, winding and rolling his hips to hit every inch of her walls. He was stroking places she didn’t know she had, trying to claim every inch of her for himself.

She keened and came again, shuddering in his arms as more tears of joy cascaded down her face. His lungs hurt, his back ached, his legs cramped, and still he kept on with his slow possession of her. Tears sprung into his eyes at the thought of losing her. Finally, finally he couldn’t hold back anymore. He sped up, hitting her as deep as he could, taking what he could get before he couldn’t stop himself. His balls drew up and he felt it coming so he snaked his fingers in between them and lightly pinched her oversensitive clit.

She came apart in his arms as he came, giving a guttural cry. It wasn’t enough. It was never enough. Even as he shook in ecstasy and felt his seed fill her still pulsing womb, he wanted more. He rolled them over to the side, his half hard member still firmly inside her and sobbed silently, knowing he was too tired to continue.

Hermione felt the same way. She wanted more, more of him, more of them, just more. Her fangs elongated and she knew what she wanted. She reached up and nipped his shoulder, baring her neck so he knew what she was thinking. His fangs gleamed in anticipation and he kissed her softly before trailing his lips to the curve of her neck.

They bit at the same time, sucking the sweet nectar from each other and shaking as the rapture filled them. The light of their combined magic exploded but neither took notice of it. Draco’s cock hardened again as he tasted his favorite desert, Hermione. Her walls constricted almost painfully as she came. He felt himself spill inside her again, his body shuddering even as he pulled more of her life blood into his mouth and swallowed.

The room was growing dim, their bodies slightly chilled and nearing their third orgasm from biting each other. They knew it was finally time. It was all they could have right now. As their last climax took them over, they released and licked their wounds clean. They held each other tightly and allowed the darkness to consume them.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Melody stomped through the halls, trying desperately to keep her composure. Today was the day. She’d be seeing a lot more of old snake face, the self-proclaimed Lord of morons. Supremacy her ass. Her maid was more deserving of a position to rule than that poser. Still, she had a duty and she’d be damned if she was going to back off from it. She cast a knocking charm at the blank wall where she knew the ROR would be. Severus came to a halt beside her and she jumped. She’d almost forgotten he was there. “Why didn’t they show up this morning?”

Severus sighed. “I imagine they were making the most of it.”

Melody nodded and viciously swiped a tear from her eye. “This is beyond cruel. To ask so much of these two, and not just by some psychopathic maniac but the fates themselves, it’s just horrifying.”

“You’d take their place.”

“In a heartbeat,” Melody snapped. “Would you?”

“If I were able to.” Severus frowned at the wall. “They aren’t responding.”

“Oh God I hope they didn’t pass out from blood loss.”

“How in the devil are we going to get in and find out?”

“The room will know,” Melody said and began pacing.

“Can you not tell?” Severus asked incredulously.

“The ROR is heavily enchanted Sev. I can hardly tell them from the room.”

“And yet you can see who is outside of it.”

“Yes because there is merely a wall in between. I’m looking into an entire enchantment this way, not just one side of it. The more magic, the harder it is and this room is something else.” Melody came to a halt when a door appeared. “Thank Merlin.”

“You can thank him when we know they are fine,” Severus growled and entered the room behind a worried Melody. They both stopped in their tracks when they saw the couple, still clinging to each other for dear life. Tear tracks had tried on their faces and they were trembling, their lips blue and their skin pale.

“Please tell me you have some replinisher,” Melody sighed.

“Always,” Severus said and handed her a bottle. Then he flipped the sheet over the couple to preserve their modesty and took Draco’s side of the bed.

“Wake up you two. It’s time to enter the gates of hell,” Melody croaked.

Draco’s eyes snapped open and he tensed, ready to spring on their intruders. He relaxed only marginally when he saw Melody’s concerned gaze. Her face was a mask of pain. He knew that face. It’s what his would look like had he not been trained to cover it.

“Drink the potions so we can prepare,” Severus said softly. His face was indifferent as he stared into Hermoine’s golden eyes but she knew they were haunted. They each took a bottle and downed it, feeling much less weak than they had only moments ago.

“Next time you decide to suck each other dry, please think about sparing a bit for your veins, will you?” Melody asked, trying to make a joke but falling just a bit flat. Her enthusiasm wasn’t near what it normally was.

“Sorry. Wasn’t expecting to need to do that,” Draco mumbled.

“It’s a reflex,” Melody sighed. “The bond senses a split coming and wanted to seat itself as deeply as it could. It looks permanent now. I think you’ve finally done it.”

“And not a moment too soon,” Hermione sighed and untangled herself from Draco’s legs, wincing when his soft member slipped from her body. She didn’t have a clue how they’d stayed connected.

“We’ll step outside and let you two gather yourselves. Do hurry though. We have many things to go over,” Severus said. He couldn’t bring himself to become the hard Professor at the sight of his children clinging to each other for dear life. It was hard enough that Celeste was so jumpy. She was terrified that she’d lose him but kept all of it bottled inside and he couldn’t blame her. If he could make the separation easier for at least his children, he would.

Draco and Hermione took a quick shower, bathing each other rather than themselves just to have one more excuse to stay in contact. They could feel the change in the bond. It was like they could breathe as one if they wanted. There were no more uncertainties, no more jealously, and no more inklings of what if. It was a relief but not enough of one for this morning.

They got dressed quickly and met Severus and Melody outside. It was still early, but time stopped for no one and seemed to speed along for them. They all trudged up to Dumbledore’s office and had a very subdued breakfast.

“I’ll start then, shall I?” Dumbledore asked. No one moved. “Right. I will send for Harry at twilight. At least we’ll have the advantage of extra protection tonight. I’ve begun calling in several members of the Order to fill in. Professors have been given instructions to lock down the common rooms. It is my hope that such a late departure time will see fewer casualties.”

“We’ll still need to fight Headmaster. They’ll tear down the common rooms if they face no opposition,” Hermione said softly.

“That is correct,” Dumbledore said softly. “Therefore, I’d like you to use the DA coins again, summon the Army to fight. I do not wish to risk any more innocent lives but I fear that we will need their skills. With Lucius on the loose again and partnered with Bellatrix, there is no telling what they will try.”

“I don’t like it,” Draco said softly. “What if-“

“That’s just a risk we’ll have to take,” Severus said sadly and laid a hand on his son’s shoulder in comfort. “Trust your wife, Draco. You’ve trained with her all these months for this moment. She’ll be fine. I’ll protect her as much as I can.”

Draco nodded. “As will I. I’ve gotten the Hand of Glory and I’m going to purchase some Peruvian Instant Darkness powder this afternoon. If I see any students in the halls, I’ll throw it up. I’ll be able to see but no one else will. It will make it impossible for the Death Eaters to strike. Unfortunately, it will incapacitate everyone else as well.”

“It’s still a good idea,” Melody said softly. “The less fighting until we get to the main floor, the better. It will give us the advantage.”

“That’s what I was hoping for,” Draco sighed. “I need to lose them so I can make my way to the tower and slip the Headmaster Merlin’s potion.”

“Do we think this is wise? After all, I will be with Harry and we need to lay as little blame on you as possible.” Dumbledore stroked his beard in thought.

“Well, we have enough potion for several of us to carry a bottle,” Melody said. “I’ll have a bottle, Severus will have one, Draco will have one, and Alex will have one. I can have him meet you in Hogsmeade to give it to you. It’ll be dark enough then. However, Harry might sense him since they are bonded.”

“I believe he will be too stressed to recognize it though.” Dumbledore nodded. “I believe that will work. Will he be able to send word to everyone that the deed is done?”

“I can conjure us some buttons like the ones Draco and I first used,” Hermione interjected. “He can relay the message to us so we all know and don’t worry.”

“That would be most appreciated, Miss Granger,” Dumbledore said softly. “Now, I must prepare the rest of the school. I’ll leave you all to it. Good luck to you all. I suppose I will see you in a week.” He smiled wryly.

They nodded and headed downstairs, their stomachs in knots. Hermione had to go and spend some time with Harry, Ron, and Ginny before he got the summons from Dumbledore. She felt like she was being led to the gallows. Draco still had several things to do to get ready so he would be little company to her today. Still, they made plans to meet up at lunch for one more tryst.

Hermione was solemn all morning and could barely pay attention to anyone. She was of no use at all.

“Hermione!” Harry snapped. “Wake up! You haven’t gone mental have you?”

“No Harry,” Hermione sighed. “I’m sorry. I just have a lot on my mind right now.”

“Like what?” Harry asked curiously.

Hermione suddenly got an idea. She’d give him the pieces of the puzzle to put together Severus’s identity and then they’d leave her alone. The professor had only acknowledged that it was him a week ago and demanded the book but she declined, stating that Harry was actually learning from it. Snape snorted, not believing her but he surprisingly dropped it.

Snapping out of her memories, she pulled the yearbook off the shelf. “See Harry, it says Eileen Prince. I think Prince is a name.”

Harry laughed, actually laughed in her face. “It’s not a girl Hermione.”

Hermione’s nostrils flared in anger. “And how do you know that?”

Harry gulped. “The handwriting is all spidery like a guy’s.”

Hermione harrumphed. “Maybe it’s her son then.” She twirled away, stomping off to grab a copy of Hogwarts: A History to take her mind off of the upcoming battle and her subsequent separation from Draco. They had to perform their spell work flawlessly tonight. They’d managed it hundreds of times on the niffler and even a dummy transfigured to look like Dumbledore but practicing on an actual person was nerve wracking.

“It’s father,” Ginny said, plopping down beside her and startling her. “Isn’t it?”

Hermione smiled and nodded. “He finally told me last week, threatened to take the book away.”

Ginny giggled. “I figured it was him. No one is that brilliant at potions and then I saw Eileen. He looks just like her, except for his nose.”

Hermione nodded. “I hope to use it when we’re on the run.”

“On the run?” Ginny asked and Hermione paled.

“We’ve got one more to find, remember?” Hermione asked weakly. “Have you read the paper lately?”

“Yeah,” Ginny breathed. “The break in has been all over the Prophet. A pair of muggle clowns broke in to a vault and let loose a dragon.”

The two girls chortled. It was a ridiculous story but at least no one had been identified. Hermione sobered. “Still, I believe he’d put two and two together by now.”

“Do they know which vault?”

Hermione shook her head. “We sort of blasted a few of them open as we were running.” It had been an accident. They’d been aiming for aurors and goblins at the time but they’d missed. “Besides, I hit that goblin with an obliviate.”

“Smart move,” Ginny agreed. “So you think You Know Who will put two and two together and come after you?”

“Most likely,” Hermione sighed. “And when he finds his prized possessions missing, we’re in for a world of trouble.”

“And you’ll go on the run,” Ginny said softly. Hermione gave a sad nod. “So what about me and Blondie?”

“You’ll stay here and hold down the fort. Melody’s found a way for us to see each other. Maybe you can hitch a ride. I know Harry would appreciate it.”

“But would my brother?”

Hermione giggled. “I doubt it but we haven’t been learning how to sneak around for nothing.”

Ginny grinned. “You’ve got that right. I haven’t slept in the girls’ dorms since Easter.”

The two girls were still cackling when Harry and Ron finally came over. “What’s so funny then?” Ron asked.

Ginny burst out into a new round of giggled. Hermione tried desperately to keep a straight face. “We were just discussing how well Ginny’s been sleeping lately.”

Harry’s face immediately flamed and he took a cautious step back, lest Ron see his guilty face. “Have you been having troubles Gin?” Ron asked in genuine concern.

Ginny snorted loudly and gulped some air. “I was having a few nightmares but now I’m sleeping like the dead.”

Hermione felt her stomach twist at the analogy and she paled. “Whoa Hermione, are you alright?” Harry asked, forgetting the pink tint in his cheeks.

“Fine,” Hermione croaked out. “I didn’t eat much breakfast this morning and I think it’s catching up to me.”

“Well, let’s get you some food then. It’s lunch time anyway.” Ron said.

“I can’t,” Hermione squeaked. “I, um, have a date.”

Ron snorted. “A date with the slimy git then. Well, go on. Don’t let us keep you waiting.”

Hermione bit her lip in worry before she nodded to them and set off to the ROR. Dear Merlin what would they think of her after tonight. She thought she might pass out at that very moment but two strong arms enveloped her waist.

“Easy love. Just breathe,” Draco whispered in her ear and led her into the ROR. He had a table set up just like he had the night he’d proposed, except the roses were blood red, the color of true love. He pushed her up to the table and sat himself in front of her. “It thought it would be nice to relive the past.”

Hermione blushed, her eyes tearing up at his thoughtful gesture. “Oh Draco, it’s lovely. It’s just what I wanted.”

Draco smiled and took her hand, gently fingering her wedding ring. “If I could go back to that day, I think I’d do it all over again but I’d admit how much I loved you. I did even then. I just didn’t know it.”

Tears spilled down Hermione’s cheeks and Draco gently wiped them away. “Oh Draco. I love you so much. I fell so fast. I think I knew when you proposed that I loved you. Funny isn’t it? It seems like so long ago and yet it feels as if it were just yesterday.”

“It does,” Draco nodded. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me Hermione. When this is all over, we’re leaving. We’ll go on an adventure, just the two of us.”

“What about school? I want a career.”

“We’ll sit the NEWTS privately. I’m pretty sure we can both pass them right now. Besides, if we need any help, I know two professors who might be willing to help.” Draco grinned.

Hermione laughed. “I imagine they would. Alright Mr. Malfoy, what will we do on this grand adventure?”

“Well, I figure we can go to Australia and find your parents.”

“Oh Draco,” Hermione cried happily. “That would be wonderful.”

Draco nodded and squeezed her hand. He’d hoped it would please her. “After we’ve sorted them out, we can go to Egypt. I’ve always wanted to see the muggle pyramids. Father forbade us to go there when we’d visit Cairo.”

“Is there anywhere you haven’t visited?” Hermione teased.

“Well, I haven’t been to Africa or Asia.”

“We’ll go there next then.”

Draco laughed. “You can run with the lions.”

Hermione grinned. “Wouldn’t that be something? Then you can fly with the dragons.”

They spent their lunch time chatting merrily about their plans for the future. They got so lost in their plans, they’d forgotten themselves completely until the chime on Hermione’s watch rung out. Lunch was over and the real world beckoned.

“Time to go,” Hermione whispered softly.

“Not yet,” Draco said, standing up and walking around the table. He helped her out of the chair and walked her over to a corner of the room where a small pallet was waiting for them. “You aren’t leaving here until I’ve had desert.”

Hermione blushed and then lowered herself onto the pillows. They didn’t have time for slow exploration and gentle ministrations. Draco gave a mischievous grin and snapped his fingers, immediately divesting her of all of her clothing. She started to protest when she noticed that he’d taken his away as well. He pushed her back and dove into her center, licking her mercilessly. She struggled, trying to maneuver herself over so she could please him as well.

He got the hint and shuffled around so they were lying side by side. She gently took his hardening length in her hand and stroked the satiny flesh. He was like steel wrapped in silk, his member hot and pulsing in her hand. She gave a gentle kiss to the tip and smiled wickedly when his breath hitched. He stopped his ardent pursuit for only a moment before he dove back in. She tried to concentrate on him and not the delicious sensations he was giving her.

She licked him from base to tip, coating his stiff cock liberally and placing wet kisses all over it before taking him into her mouth. She’d tried her hardest in the past but he was so large she was unable to take him fully. Instead, she took him all the way to the back of her throat, the head gagging her a bit before she slid all the way out again, her tongue swirling over the prominent vein and dipping into the tip. He let out a loud moan that vibrated her pussy and caused an arc of pleasure to sweep through her.

Not to be outdone, she sucked him down as hard as she could and massaged the rest with one hand. Her other she brought up to fondle his balls and run her finger down his perineum. He jerked and groaned when she kneaded his sac and she smiled a bit at the power she had over him. Suddenly, she felt him scrape his fang over her clit and she came apart in his arms, unable to fight it.

Draco flipped over quickly and thrust into her still pulsing pussy. He started pounding her mercilessly, not letting up for a minute. She felt her second orgasm rapidly approaching. “Look at me,” he ordered hoarsely. “I want to look into your eyes as you come apart. I want to memorize them, burn them into my brain so I can see them when I close my eyes.”

His rough words were all she needed and the bubble exploded. Hot white pleasure flooded her body but she refused to close her eyes. She watched as he too broke apart, his neck tensing and his lips opening in a groan. Still, his eyes never left hers. They stared until they both had come down and longer still. Hermione’s watch gave another warning beep to alert her that time had run long past.

They cleaned up and dressed in silence, neither one of them wanting to acknowledge that this might be the last time they saw each other for a while. Perhaps, it would even be their last time alive. It hurt more than words could ever express. Unable to stall any longer, Hermione ran into his waiting arms, clutching him as close as she could.

“Until we meet again my sweet, sweet wife,” Draco said, kissing the top of the head. “Know that there won’t be a moment that passes that I won’t think of you.”

“I love you Draco,” Hermione said weakly. “Please be careful. Life isn’t worth living if you aren’t here with me.”

“I love you too ma chérie,” Draco breathed and planted a tender kiss on her lips. They broke apart reluctantly and he gave her one last sweet peck on the lips before she left the room. She ran all the way down to the ground floor before she couldn’t handle it anymore. She found a nearby unused classroom and broke down.

A knock on the door startled her. “Hey sweetheart. It’s just me,” Melody called softly as she came in and closed the door behind her. Hermione had only put the standard wards up and it was easy to break them. “Oh you poor thing. Come here sweetie,” Melody said and opened her arms. Hermione leapt into them and started crying anew.

She didn’t know how long they’d been there but she slowly became aware that Melody was humming a lullaby. Her crying quieted and she allowed the woman to rock her a few more minutes before she gathered herself and sat up. “There,” Melody whispered. “All out now. We can all put on our brave faces and carry on with the ruse.”

Hermione looked up and realized that Melody had been crying too. Her face was blotchy and her eyes were bloodshot. Perhaps they’d both just needed a moment of silent comfort. Hermione shook her head. “How do you stand it?”

“When you’ve lived all your life denying yourself what you truly want, you learn to live with what little you can get,” Melody said sadly. “Still doesn’t make it hurt any less though. When all of this is over, I’m going to plead to Nemesis for Alex’s soul. I don’t know if it will work, but I can’t stand the thought of him suffering eternity alone.”

Hermione nodded. “Just…don’t offer your life in exchange for ours. Please?”

“No,” Melody sighed. “I’ve already tried that and it didn’t work. However, I got another nifty little brush with death. Now Harry isn’t the only one who will be able to say he escaped death twice.”

Hermione laughed at the horribly inappropriate joke. It seems crass to be making fun of something so horrible but it seemed a given at the moment.

“If you don’t laugh, you’ll cry your heart out,” Melody said softly, as if she knew exactly what Hermione was thinking. “Come on now. You need to meet up with your friends and I have to go pull Celeste bodily from Severus. Let’s just hope she doesn’t kill me.”

“I wonder if that’s what’s been wrong with Celeste as well,” Hermione thought aloud.

“It is. She’ll be going back to America and she’s heartsick. I can’t say I blame her though. She’ll return when Severus’s position as headmaster is secured.”

“Do you think it will take us all summer to destroy the horcrux?”

“You assume they’ll find it tonight,” Melody said flatly.

“They won’t.” Hermione’s voice was dead with realization.

“A valuable clue, nothing more.”

“When did you find this out?” Hermione snapped in anger.

“Last night,” Melody answered. Her voice was hollow.

“Then why send them at all?”

“Because Harmony can’t see past it. I don’t think she could even if I were to drag her in front of Moldy Shorts himself. Someone else has interfered.”

“Who?” Hermione breathed.

“That’s what we need to figure out. Just make sure you owl Harmony the clue the second you get it.”

Hermione nodded. “Where will you be?”

“With any luck, I’ll be busy bowing and scraping and insisting I wasn’t the one who encased Fenrir Greyback in a statue of silver.”

Hermione laughed. “And afterwards?”

“I’ll go on the run with Severus and Draco. Hopefully that asshole will be lenient. After all, his wishes will have been fulfilled, won’t they?”

“What if we fall apart?” Hermione asked softly.

“Stick close to Harry and I’ll get him to you as soon as I can,” Melody reassured her. “I really think Moldy will go easy on them. After all, Draco did poison Albus before Severus cast the curse. He just needed to speed things up a bit. Harry is the only witness and what will a corrupt Ministry think of the allegations of one teenage boy with a history of longstanding hatred against his former professor?”

“I hope your right,” Hermione said, spelling the evidence of her breakdown away.

“Me too sweetheart.” Melody sighed and did the same. “Me too.”

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

“So, what have you been up to?” Harry asked as Hermione came shuffling into the Gryffindor common room late in the afternoon.

“Studying,” Hermione said softly.

“Mmmhmm. I imagine it was a very interesting read,” Ginny said, her eyes alight with mirth.

“I learned a lot,” Hermione said, trying to keep her voice light an airy. She was still trying to process the fact that they were doing this for not more than a clue.

“Somehow I doubt that,” Harry muttered.

“Just because I read a lot doesn’t mean that I can’t still learn.” Hermione stressed the word read, implying exactly what Harry was thinking. He immediately reddened at the suggestion and dropped it. Ginny giggled at the sudden silence and pulled Hermione upstairs.

“Hey, I got that extra makeup you wanted,” Ginny said, digging through her ruck sack and producing two tubes of makeup, one in her color and one in Draco’s color. “Running low?”

“Stocking up. Summer’s coming soon,” Hermione said and stuffed one of the makeup tubes in her pocket. The other one she wrapped in plain brown paper. She’d ask Harry if Hedwig could deliver a package for her before he left. Draco would need this if he were to continue hiding his tattoos from Voldemort.

“Summer,” Ginny said dejectedly and sat down heavily on her bed.

“It’s only for a little while.” Hermione placed a comforting hand on her friend’s shoulder.

“Seems like forever.”

“Well, he’ll come for the wedding, right?”

“There is that.” Ginny smiled and then her face twisted in horror. “Oh Hermione, I didn’t even think! How on earth are you going to deal with this? Will you be okay?”

“We’ll have a way, remember?”

“Yeah. It just doesn’t seem fair.”

Hermione gave a sad laugh. “It never is.” She was about to change the subject to Bill’s upcoming wedding but was interrupted with a bellow from downstairs.

“You’re being called,” Ginny said wryly.

“So I noticed,” Hermione fought down the queasy feeling in her stomach and headed downstairs. Harry was waving a piece of paper and hopping up and down, obviously impatient about something. It had to be a summons from Dumbledore.

“He’s found it!” Harry hissed as she got to him, Ginny hot on her heels. “We’ll be going tonight. Keep your eyes out for anything suspicious, yeah?”

“Of course Harry,” Hermione said softly, trying to force the waver out of her voice. She held her breath as Harry grabbed his cloak and dashed off. Was it twilight already? She fingered the contents of her pocket nervously. The galleon from the DA and the button that she’d made for Alex to contact them felt like they weighed a stone a piece. She made excuses to go to the library so she could prepare for the upcoming battle. After all, she couldn’t warn anyone if she was in the common room.

Draco was pacing back and forth like a mad man. He felt Hermione’s distress. Coupled with his own, he was certain he was going to vomit. Any moment now, Snape would send word that he was to fetch the Death Eaters. He’d tested the cabinet a week ago with success and once more this morning to purchase some things from Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes. He had grabbed the Hand of Glory as well. He held it now, torn between chucking it as far as he could across the room and gripping it so hard that it crumbled.

Potter was off to Dumbledore’s now. He’d heard it in Hermione’s head. It was comforting to hear her thoughts, as disturbed as they were. It made him feel less alone. If anything, she had the harder task. She had to pretend to be stunned at the recent turn of events and then live with her friends after his perceived betrayal. She was staying at the Burrow after all. He longed for the days when everything came out into the light but for now, those were fantasy.

‘I love you,’ Hermione thought sadly.

‘I love you too ma chérie.’ Draco sighed mentally. Somehow, that single thought calmed him down. He could do this. He would do this and then they’d take the Dark Bastard down. A knock at the door startled him so badly he dropped the hand. Luckily, it hadn’t broken.

“Yes?” He asked, sticking his head out the door. It was his godfather and surprisingly enough, Zabini.

“May we come in?” Snape drawled sarcastically.

“Of course Professor,” Draco purred. “My home is your home.”

Snape snorted and pushed Zabini inside, following him closely and shutting the door. “You will summon them in one hour’s time. Any questions?”

“One,” Draco said, his eyes still trained on Blaise. “Why is he here?”

Snape quirked an eyebrow. “You had a deal, did you not?”

“So we did.” Draco nodded and waved goodbye to his godfather. “Well Blaise, are you prepared to fight?”

“What do you mean Drake?” Blaise asked wearily.

“We had a deal. I give you an in. You fight on whatever side I tell you to,” Draco said, ticking it off on his fingers as if he were counting favors.

Blaise sighed. “It starts tonight doesn’t it?” Draco merely stared at him, his face giving nothing away. “What side am I on?”

“The right one,” Draco whispered. “Just be ambiguous about it. No one need know where your loyalty lies.”

“Right,” Blaise said flatly. “Does Granger know?”

Draco’s jaw twitched. “That is neither here nor there but if you see her in trouble, you will get her out of it. Is that clear?”

“Crystal,” Blaise said with a tiny shudder. He could tell Draco was in no mood for teasing.

“Good. You may go. Oh and Blaise?” Draco called just as he got to the door. He turned around and waited patiently. “It might benefit you to take up some light reading.”

“Good idea Drake,” Blaise said softly and left to make his way to the library. If he was supposed to protect Granger, that’s what he’d do. Besides, he had some homework he needed to finish up anyway.

Hermione growled when she heard the conversation between Draco and Blaise. She narrowed her eyes when the handsome Slytherin came strutting into the library and casually took out his charms essay to work on. She didn’t really trust him but she trusted Draco. He assured her that Blaise was always true to his word and he’d twisted his promise to where he literally couldn’t hurt her.

She took a deep breath to center herself. One hour and the excitement would begin. It seemed a bit frivolous to work on homework at the moment. After all, they’d most likely either close down the school or at least cancel classes. Homework seemed pretty silly right about now. She laughed at herself for that thought. Once upon a time, she would have beaten herself senseless to think that way. Now she could barely give it a shrug. She’d pick her studies up after the war.

Usually, when anticipating something, the hour crawled but this time, the hour flew by. How had it been an hour already? Draco took a steadying breath and activated the vanishing cabinet. The first person through made his heart stop, Fenrir Greyback. That sick sadistic bastard sent a werewolf hell bent on infecting children to an entire school full of them. Bellatrix was next which was no surprise. She looked tired and unhealthy, no doubt the victim of liberal curses for her failure to comply with orders. Rowle, Amycus, Alecto, and Gibbon were also no surprise, her usual lackeys. Then there was Dolohov and Yaxley. He cringed when he thought of Hermione’s scar. The last Death Eater through made his blood boil, Lucius.

“Well done, son,” Lucius’s oily voice washed over him, making him feel the need to shower.

“Father,” Draco said flatly while shrugging off his hand. He turned to the mass and settled himself before he spoke. “I’ll lead you to the ground floor where you can lead the attack. Potter and Dumbledore have gone off on some wild adventure and I will be waiting to finish him when they return. If we encounter staff in the hallways, I have a distraction. Just make sure to hold on to me so we can get through it. Any questions?”

“Such a strong lad,” Bella purred.

Draco sneered. “Let’s go.”

Hermione’s breath hitched in her throat when she heard Draco exit the ROR and she took out the gold galleon to alert the DA. She closed her eyes and rubbed the coin, relaying everything she could think of. In minutes, Ginny, Nevil, Luna, and Ron were at her side. “Death Eaters are in the castle. Protect the younger years,” she ordered and stormed out. She noticed that Blaise had snuck out and was now hot on her trail but she had to get down to Snape to let him know. Luna had taken up a post beside her.

“Are we warning him then?” Luna asked lightly.

“Yes,” Hermione said tersely.

“Well, if it’s necessary.” Luna shrugged and traipsed along beside her.

“Professor!” Hermione snapped, trying to convey her urgency.

“Miss Granger?” Severus looked up from his parchment, the quill he was holding not quite able to mask the trembling in his fingers.

“Severus!” Flitwick came crashing into the room. “Death Eaters are loose in the castle!” Snape quickly stunned him and looked up. “Not a word. Wait a bit,” he breathed as he ran out.

Hermione nodded and braced her back against the door frame, trying to calm her breathing. She just had to use her head and think. She needed to get to the Astronomy tower and she had to ditch Luna and Blaise to do so. She could probably lose them in the fighting but how would she find Melody?

“Let’s go.” A female voice startled her. It was Melody, her face pale and her mouth set in a grim line. “Zabini, put the hood up on your cloak lest someone spot you,” she ordered as they marched toward the tower. “Pick a nook and hex from there. Do NOT get spotted.”

“Aye,” Blaise agreed and dropped back a ways to make it look less suspicious.

“Luna, I know you can feel what’s happening. Keep your mouth shut and curse any Death Eater you see,” Melody muttered under her breath.

“Certainly,” Luna said in a steely tone no one had heard her use before.

“Hermione, put this on,” Melody said, throwing her a cloak. “No one needs to see you. When it’s on, stick close. They’ll have put the ward up by now.”

The trudged up the stairs and found themselves in the thick of things. Curses were already flying. The green light of the killing curse startled them from their path as they hit the dirt. “Oh that stupid fucking oaf!” Melody growled and cast a tripping hex at Rowle who went careening down the stairs. He shot another curse as he hit bottom and ended up hitting Gibbon.

Hermione cringed when the green light hit the Death Eater and felt Melody tug her arm. She went willingly, keeping a shield up against the fighting. A curse went flying past her and headed straight for Ginny who was too busy shielding Ron to notice. Hermione deflected it and it hit the wall right beside her ear. Satisfied that she’d done all she could, she ran up the stairs behind Melody. At the top of the stairs, Melody stopped and went rigid.

“Are we okay?” Hermione hissed in her ear and turned around to block a few stunners from claiming Lupin and Tonks.

“This ward is horrible,” Melody murmured under her breath. “Make sure you do NOT let go of me for any reason.” With that, she grabbed onto Hermione’s hand and dragged her through the wards.

Hermione looked around and noticed that they were alone. “Where are they?”

Melody frowned. “Draco is coming up the stairs now. He’ll loiter in the doorway if he knows what’s good for him.”

Hermione exhaled harshly. She just wanted to see him one more time, if only a glimpse.

“Oh for fucks sake,” Melody growled and looked off into the sky. “They haven’t left Hogsmeade yet or we’d have a signal from Alex. Go ahead and say goodbye but make it really quick. I’ve got to get back down there and find Sev so we can crash the party together.”

Draco slid in through the doorway, his eyes darting back down the stairs warily. Hermione uncovered only her head and had to laugh at the picture presented.

“It’s a beautiful picture,” Draco breathed and then clutched her to his chest as if she was the most precious thing in the world. “Until we meet again ma chérie.” He kissed her fiercely. She responded with all the passion she could muster but it was over too soon. They heard noises coming from the tower stairs. Draco hugged her again and motioned for her to pick a spot on the far wall so she wouldn’t be stepped on. He slid back out the door and waited for Potter and Dumbledore to get there.

They didn’t have to wait long. Not five minutes after they’d taken their positions did the button heat up. ‘Potion delivered. Not consuming until package is safely hidden.’ The message said. Draco stepped out quickly and cast the Mark and then ran back to the spiral staircase, his mind on the fact that Dumbledore hadn’t taken that potion yet.

‘It’s for the best,’ Hermione whispered in Draco’s mind. ‘We don’t know how quickly it will work.’

‘Or if it will,’ Draco thought back solemnly.

‘Stay positive.’

‘I’m positive I love you.’

Hermione giggled. ‘Well, it’s a start.’

Harry and Dumbledore landed on the ramparts, mere feet from Hermione. Harry looked around. “What does it mean? Is it the real Mark? Has someone definitely been – Professor?” He asked, turning around and noticing that Dumbledore was clutching his chest.

“Go and wake Severus,” Dumbledore said weakly. “Tell him what has happened and bring him to me. Do nothing else, speak to nobody else, and do not remove your cloak. I shall wait here.”

“But-“

“You swore to obey me, Harry – go!”

Harry ran over to the door to rush down the stairs. Draco, knowing that he had nowhere to run, stomped a couple of times to make it sound like he was running up. Harry backed away and drew his wand just as Draco came bursting through the door. “Expelliarmus!” He yelled, pointing his wand at Dumbledore.

The headmaster nodded to Draco and then cut his eyes over to the floor where he’d immobilized Harry. Draco closed his eyes in acknowledgement and then gave him a piercing glare that told him he’d better drink the potion. Dumbledore took the hint and downed the vial quickly. Draco breathed a sigh of relief and cleared his throat to begin their predetermined speech.

“Good evening Draco.”

Draco looked over to the brooms that Potter and Dumbledore had used to reach the ramparts. He knew Hermione was only a few feet from them. His heart ached from the strain of having to do this. “Who else is here?”

“A question I might ask you. Or are you acting alone?”

Draco cut his eyes to the stairs. “No. I’ve got backup. There are Death Eaters here in your school tonight.”

“Well, well. Very good indeed. You found a way to let them in, did you?” Dumbledore said, his voice was getting thready. They needed to hurry this up.

“Yeah. I used the broken vanishing cabinet in the Room of Requirement that Montague got lost in last year.”

“Ingenious. Yet…forgive me…where are they now? You seem unsupported.”

Draco gave a tense shift, more for dramatics than anything. “They met some of your guards. They’re having a fight down below. They won’t be long…I came on ahead. I - I’ve got a job to do.”

“Well, then, you must get on and do it, my dear boy,” Dumbledore said softly. It was clear to see that he was fading fast. Where were those damned Death Eaters when you needed them? “Draco, Draco, you are not a killer.”

“How do you know? You don’t know what I’m capable of, what I’ve done!”

“Oh yes, I do. You almost killed Katie Bell and Ronald Weasley. You have been trying, with increasing desperation, to kill me all year. Forgive me, Draco, but they have been feeble attempts…So feeble, to be honest, that I wonder whether your heart has been really in it.”

“It has been in it!” Draco spat. He was getting increasingly alarmed at how long Severus was taking to get there.

“There is little time, one way or another,” Dumbledore rasped. “So let us discuss your options, Draco.”

“My options!” Draco screamed. He hoped someone would hear him and hurry the hell up. “I’m standing here with a wand – I’m about to kill you-“

“My dear boy, let us have no more pretense about that. If you were going to kill me, you would have done it when you first disarmed me. You are more than able to.”

“I haven’t got any options! I’ve got to do it! He’ll kill me! He’ll kill my whole family!” Draco’s breath hitched when he got to that point. So much was riding on this, it was ridiculous.

“By family, I am assuming you mean Miss Granger as well.”

“Malfoy. She’s a Malfoy now,” Draco growled.

“Yes, of course. I appreciate the difficulty of your position. Why else do you think I have not confronted you before now? But now at last we can speak plainly to each other. I can help you Draco.”

“No, you can’t,” Draco whispered softly. “Nobody can. He told me to do it or he’ll kill me. I’ve got no choice. I can’t let her die.”

“Come over to the right side, Draco, and we can hide you more completely than you can possibly imagine. We can hide your wife and your mother as well. Come over to the right side, Draco…you are not a killer,” Dumbledore rasped.

“How can you hide them so completely when Hermione and I can’t?” Draco asked brokenly. It was a question he’d wondered time and time again. If they’d just ran off, how far could they get? But no. Nemesis had ordered them to fix the balance and that is what they had to do. He heard the thunderous noises of the Death Eaters running up the stairs. Finally. “It’s out of my hands now,” Draco whispered sadly.

Four Death Eaters came barreling in, looking pleased as punch that Draco had managed to corner Dumbledore. However, there was no Severus. Where in Merlin’s name was he? Draco stood back and let the Death Eaters banter with Dumbledore for a few moments until he heard the steady pounding of dragon hide boots and Severus grumbling low in his throat, Melody in tow and blasting for all she was worth. She was simultaneously trying to pick off the rest of the Death Eaters while blocking the Order.

“Draco, do it now!” Rowle growled, snapping him back to the present. Draco lifted his wand and caught his breath when Dumbledore slid down the wall. The potion was almost set!

“He’s not long for this world anyway, if you ask me!” One of the death eaters taunted. “What happened to you, then, Dumby?”

“Old age, in short… One day, perhaps, it will happen to you…if you are lucky,” Dumbledore said slyly and caused a stirring.

Finally, Severus made his way out the door, Melody hot on his heels. “We’ve got a problem, Snape,” Amycus growled. “The boy doesn’t seem able-“

Dumbledore cut him off. “Severus… Severus…please…”

Snape looked at Dumbledore for a few moments, his face in a mask of hatred. He took out his wand and aimed it straight at the Headmaster’s heart. Draco felt Hermione cast the shield just seconds before Severus screamed “AVADA KEDAVRA!” Draco cast his shield and the green light seemed to envelope Dumbledore’s body. To his horror, the power of their combined shield charms lifted him up and sent him over the edge of the railing.

“Out of here quickly,” Severus snarled and hung back as they all went charging out. “Did you catch him?” He breathed to Melody. She gave a curt nod and headed out. He grabbed Draco’s arm and they ran out as fast as they could amidst blasts from all sides. They’d just made it to Hagrid’s cabin when Potter caught up to him.

“Stupefy!” Harry screamed, missing them by only a fraction.

Severus turned around to head him off. “Run Draco!” He shouted and blocked a crucio from Potter. “No Unforgivable Curses from you, Potter. You haven’t got the nerve or the ability!”

“Incarc-“ Harry screamed but was once again blocked. “Fight back! Fight back you coward!”

“Coward, did you call me, Potter? Your father would never attack me unless it was four on one, what would you call him, I wonder?” He blocked another curse and tried to give Potter an ambiguous tip. “Blocked again and again and again until you learn to keep your mouth shut and your mind closed, Potter!” He turned around and yelled at the other Death Eaters. “Now COME! It’s time to be gone, before the Ministry turns up.”

One of them shot a curse at Harry, and Snape quickly squashed it. “NO!” He roared. “Have you forgotten our orders? Potter belongs to the Dark Lord. We are to leave him! Go! Go!”

With that, Draco hid with Melody in the forest and watched as the others apparated away. He didn’t want to go until he absolutely had to which is how he saw Harry’s last attempt at cursing his godfather and blocked him. Severus spun around bared down on him. “You dare use my own spells against me, Potter? It was I who invented them – I, the Half-Blood Prince! And you’d turn my inventions on me, like your filthy father, would you? I don’t think so.”

Harry dove for his wand and Snape blocked him again. “Kill me then,” Harry panted. “Kill me like you killed him, you coward.”

“DON’T CALL ME COWARD!” Snape screamed and then shot a spell that incapacitated him. He ran to Draco and Melody and they all popped out together.

It was all Hermione could do to stand up straight when Draco left the grounds. She’d been watching Harry’s attack through his mind, reeling with guilt and remorse from their ruse. As soon as the Death Eaters had left, she’d started levitating patients to the hospital ward. She knew she’d be pretty useless when Draco left. It felt as if someone had carved a large hole out of her heart.

The next hour was spent tending to the sick. They’d only suffered one casualty. Bill had been mauled by Fenrir before Melody did exactly as she promised and sprayed the werewolf with silver. She’d done it from behind Ginny’s back so she wouldn’t get caught but he’d already been torn to shreds. Fenrir had tucked tail and run and no one else had gotten hurt…except for Dumbledore.

Hermione had immediately gone down to check on his body and found Alex at the base of the Astronomy tower, busily transfiguring a log to look like the Headmaster so he could take him out of there. He’d assured her that the headmaster had survived the fall just fine. Melody had slowed him down enough that he only suffered minor abrasions. It was a lucky break and they were glad for it.

Now they were in the wing and she was hearing Harry accuse Draco and Severus of their crimes. She stared at the floor, cringing at what she knew was coming. Sure enough, Ron turned towards her, a look of pure disgust on his face. “You,” he breathed. “You said-“ his throat was closed up and he couldn’t say another word. The vow of silence had descended on him. His eyes widened and he shut his mouth. The strangling sensation ceased and he glared wildly at her.

“It wasn’t her fault Ron,” Harry sighed. “Malfoy had his reasons. Voldemort was going to kill his family if he didn’t kill Dumbledore…and then Snape.” He gave a harsh laugh. “He fooled us all.”

“Kill his family,” Ron repeated, his face paling when he understood.

“His entire family,” Harry nodded. “But Snape took the choice from him. He, he, and we TRUSTED him.”

Hermione didn’t want to hear anymore. She closed her eyes and looked in on Draco. They were just organizing in front of Voldemort. Her stomach clenched in anticipation.

“So it is done then?” Voldemort hissed.

“Yes My Lord. I killed him,” Severus said softly.

“Why you Severus?” Voldemort spat. He was clearly angry.

“We didn’t have time My Lord.”

“Time for what?”

“I poisoned him Milord,” Draco cut in, cringing in anticipation of a hex. “I poisoned him earlier in the day but he was surprisingly resilient.”

“I see,” Voldemort mused and then chuckled. “Then he was finished off by his faithful servant whom he had his every trust in. It’s quite the accomplishment. However, it was still not as I requested. Draco, you did not end up finally killing Dumbledore. However, since you did manage to let my friends into the castle, I shall grant you the boon of your mother’s safety. Do not make me regret my decision.”

“Thank you Milord,” Draco breathed. “I am not worthy.”

“You are not,” Voldemort spat. “Which leads us to your punishment. You will not be so careless again, will you?”

“No Milord,” Draco said, preparing himself for the curse. He was trying desperately to cut the pain link off from Hermione but with the distance, it was proving very difficult.

“CRUCIO!”

Hermione collapsed in the middle of the hospital wing. Screams erupted from her as she felt the cruciatis being administered to Draco over and over again. She couldn’t only shut the pain link off half way. All the shouting and concern from the occupants was thwarting her concentration.

“EVERYBODY SILENT!” Lupin roared and the hospital wing went completely silent in shock. Hermione had started to whimper pitifully. “Come now Hermione. You must do better than this,” Lupin said softly as he picked her up and put her in the bed.

“Harry,” Ginny gasped. “Harry, lay with her. Keep her calm.”

Harry was ashen faced at the prospect of seeing Hermione in so much pain. He knew what was happening. Malfoy was being tortured and Hermione was unable to cut off the link between them. He crawled up behind her and cradled her in his arms like a doll, shaking with fear, shock, and sadness. “Fight it Hermione,” he breathed in her ear. “Fight it.”

The last thing Hermione heard before the world went black was Voldemort congratulating Severus on a job well done.

AN: Hello Everybody! Hope you enjoyed the latest installment. What can I say? I got inspired. Now, as if it isn't obvious, most of the dialogue on the tower came directly from HPB with a few liberties to twist it to suit my needs. (rubs hands together and cackles maniacally). We're getting closer all the time, aren't we. I'm soooo sad! I might try and tackle the Harry/Ginny story soon. We'll see how time constraints work. As always, thank you to everyone who reviewed. It apparently knocked my ass into gear! 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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