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
- 48
- 49
- 50
“Damn it. We’re no closer than we were weeks ago!” Ginny hissed and threw yet another book across the room.

“That’s no reason to abuse the books,” Hermione said crossly. They’d been researching Regulus Black ever since Snape had told them who he was. Unfortunately, it seemed like every time they found something, they’d hit a dead end.

“No one knows anything about him,” Ginny growled. “We’re running out of time.”

“We’re getting Harry tonight.” Hermione turned another page in The Tales of Beedle the Bard. Dumbledore had marked the story The Tale of the Three Brothers with a strange drawing.

“We’ve already talked to him about it.”

“Yes but once he’s gone, he can call Kreacher.”

“And…” Ginny huffed.

“AND, Kreacher served the Blacks. We can ask him about Regulus.”

“You know elves keep their master’s secrets. Look at what happened to Winky.”

Hermione nodded. “I’m hoping that if we’re nice to him, he’ll talk about it.”

Ginny snorted. “Fat load of good that will do. That elf is so surly, it’d take a miracle to woo him. Especially coming from us, blood traiters, half-bloods, and muggle borns.”

“Maybe Draco can speak to him,” Hermione whispered, biting her lip in contemplation. “He’s still loyal in Kreacher’s eyes.”

“And Ron will flip his lid.”

“Unfortunately. Well, we’ll just keep it in mind. It’s really the only other avenue we have.”

“What’s so interesting in that book anyway?” Ginny asked, finally giving up her incessant pacing and walking over to Herimone’s bed.

“Dumbledore marked this story for some reason but it sounds like a load of hogwash.”

“So did the twins’ story,” Ginny said softly and read the marked passage. “Do you think they really exist?”

“It’s possible. The cloak, the one that hides its wearer, it was supposed to be powerful enough to thwart death. Melody said that Harry’s cloak was so powerful, she could barely see it.”

“You think Harry’s cloak is one of the Deathly Hallows?”

“IF the story is true, and Melody and Harmony seem to think they are.”

“Well they would, wouldn’t they?” Ginny laughed and then sobered. “But why would Dumbledore give you this clue? The Deathly Hallows were supposed to make one a master of death.”

“Oh no,” Hermione said, the color draining from her face. “You Know Who…he was after the twins so he could see his enemies coming.”

“Yes, they said as much,” Ginny said, her brows furrowed in confusion.

“Well, if he believed that story, why not this one? He’s terrified of dying right? Being a master of death would be tempting wouldn’t it?”

Ginny nodded. “So You Know Who is after these Hallows.”

“No,” Hermione whispered, remembering her last dreams of Voldemort murdering a woman with Lucius’s wand. “Just one of them. He’s trying to find a wand that will go up against Harry’s.”

“The death stick,” Ginny breathed. “The most powerful wand ever created. It would theoretically be more powerful than Harry’s.”

“Exactly,” Hermione said, her stomach flipping over. She felt that there was another reason for this message as well though, one that Ginny wasn’t privy to. Dumbledore wanted Harry to be a master of death so he could come back, perhaps as extra assurance beyond the blood, bonds, and the twin’s vision. She needed to write to him.

“I need to send a letter off to Harmony.” Hermione jumped up and ran over to the desk. She penned a quick note to Dumbledore, neither addressing nor signing it in case Archimedes was apprehended. The Ministry was complete infiltrated now. They were monitoring all strange owls. Looking over her letter one more time, she nodded and attached it to her new owl.

As he flew away, she went over the words one more time:

It has come to my attention that the drawing on the page is somewhat of a beacon. However, I’m worried it is a bit of a two way street. If so, which avenue should I turn down first? The first appears to be a dead end and this new direction on the map seems to be much more volatile. Please advise.

She hoped it was vague enough to confuse any reader except the one it was meant for. She just hoped that he understood it. Shaking her head, she and Ginny headed downstairs for a quick bite before everyone met up to move Harry. Ginny was beyond angry that she wasn’t going to get to participate but she was underage and therefore, quickly vetoed.

She’d already discussed their plans with Draco. Bless him, he’d been able to sneak out most every night. They’d even snuck Ginny out one more time to see Harry. They couldn’t do any more than that because it would look odd to beg for Potter watching duty. Still, Draco had done everything he could to help them, including opening his mind just a bit during meetings so Hermione could listen in clearly. Sharing was easier over the distance now that he could get away to be with her nightly.

Pointedly tuning out yet another row between Molly and Ron, she went over the plan one more time. They would go to Harry’s, polyjuice into him, and break up in teams. Unfortunately, in order to secure his place as the most prize informant to Voldemort, Snape had let the Death Eaters in on the itinerary. There would be an upwards of 30 death eaters following them.

Draco was going to tail her and together they would take out all their followers. Then, once he was sure she was safe, he’d drop back to find Harry. He’d have the advantage of knowing their partners since he’d be in her mind. Snape and Melody were flying blind though so he’d try to let them know before they took off but it was going to be hard.

“Alright, we’re off,” Moody growled, breaking Hermione off from her thoughts. Everyone shuffled out the doors to assemble.

Hermione hung behind for a moment to speak with Ginny. “It’ll be fine. As soon as I’m safe, he’ll go to Harry.”

Ginny nodded. “Come back as soon as you can.”

Hermione smiled. “Always.” She hugged Ginny as hard as she could and left. Remus was waiting for her.

“Fly with an old wolf?” Hermione nodded and mounted the broom, shaking a bit. “Still afraid of flying?”

“A bit. I’m only really comfortable with Draco.”

Remus chuckled. “Well, I’m probably not quite as gifted a flyer as he is but I promise we’ll be fine.”

He was right. He wasn’t as good as Draco but to his credit, the broom never faltered. She kept up a constant banter with Draco to keep her mind off the flight. He gave her the rundown of everyone they were up against. The last part made her blood freeze.

“Remus!” She gasped in shock.

“What is it Hermione?”

“You Know Who, he’s going to be there tonight.”

“Merlin. We’ll have to be extra careful.”

“Yes, there isn’t much they can do while he’s watching. Taking out three or four in the air won’t be hard because they’ll be taking return fire but you know He will be aware of it.”

Remus nodded. “We’ll manage but it’s best we keep it to ourselves. Mad Eye’s likely to burst if we let him know.”

Hermione felt nauseous as they entered Harry’s home. She hadn’t told him their plans for escape, not wanting anyone to get wind of it. Harry had become quite accomplished at occlumency but she didn’t want to cause him any undue stress. Needless to say, he was spitting mad when he found out. He met her eyes only once and quickly looked away, defeated at last. He was obviously concerned about them finding his new tattoos but she mouthed that it was okay. Mad Eye quickly doled out the clothing and polyjuice and suddenly, there were seven Harrys.

She breathed a sigh of relief when she found out she’d be flying on a thestral with Kingsley. Flying with Draco had made her more at ease on an animal. They had ultimate control, after all, and she could easily shield it from hexes. It was the closest she’d felt to calm in a long while. She relayed the assignments to Draco but Severus was already in the air with Melody by the time she’d told him. They’d have to wing it.

They headed outside and took off with a great boom of Hagrid’s motorbike. Suddenly, a wave of black descended upon them. Hermione took a deep breath and turned around on the thestral. Kingsley protested sharply but Hermione insisted that she had to see to attack. There were five on their trail and she couldn’t make out which one was Draco.

The first spell startled her because she was searching for him by his flying style. She’d barely blocked it before the next one came. Deciding not to waste any more time, she put up a partial shield and started firing around it. Draco opened their link and told her that he was on the far right at the bottom of the formation and would be moving up sharply. If he hexed from above, they’d be more likely to believe it was Hermione.

He moved like lightning and Hermione started throwing a barrage of spells, mostly stunners. She was taking no chances of getting hit or putting Draco at a disadvantage. Her breath caught in her throat as Kingsley threw three stunners in succession, one nearly hitting Draco. There were only two left, Draco and one other when she screamed in fear. Voldemort was flying through the air sans broom. She clawed for purchase on the thestral and backed into Kingsley to steady herself. Then she fired off a few stunners and a broom breaking curse at the other Death Eater. One hit, and Draco neatly ducked the others. Voldemort disappeared.

‘Are you okay love?’ Draco screamed in her mind.

‘I’m fine. I’m fine. Find Harry. He’s with Hagrid.’

‘Are you sure you’re alright?’

‘I’m fine. Now go!’

‘I love you ma chére. Stay safe!’

‘I love you too Draco. Now GO!’

Draco flew out of sight and she turned around, resting her head on Kingsley’s broad back. That had been absolutely terrifying. She had a newfound awe for her husband. There was no way she could look into that face every day and tell bald faced lies.

“Where did he go?” Kingsley growled.

“Fell off his broom,” Hermione said weakly.

“Right. Keep a sharp eye out. Can’t afford to let our guard down.” Kingsley grunted.

Hermione nodded and turned around again, keeping her eyes peeled for any sign of trouble. She concentrated on Draco and felt him soaring after Hagrid. He’d managed to take out two of the others without anyone noticing. Harry disarmed Stan Shunpike and Hermione groaned. He’d be spotted for sure.

Suddenly, Draco nearly screamed. Panic filled his chest as a green light hurdled towards Harry. It was a balanced shot and he had no chance of blocking it. Especially since Harry was a dark phenom. Draco breathed a sigh of relief when it hit Hedwig. It was sickening but he was glad. Draco took out the caster but dropped back suddenly. Voldemort had showed up.

He was frozen in fear. Voldemort was baring down on Harry quickly and there wasn’t a thing he could do about it. Bile burned his throat as he saw the first spell being cast, a green one. He was about to say fuck it and cast but he noticed something odd. Harry’s wand turned on its own and fired, frying Voldemort’s wand to a crisp. He pulled back just before Voldemort hit the barrier to the safe house. That shouldn’t have happened. He was using Lucius’s wand.

Hermione and Kingsley touched down at their designated safe house, a little cottage just outside of London. They grabbed the wire hanger port key and were instantly transported to the Burrow. They arrived to chaos. Lupin and Kingsley held their wands on each other, demanding safe phrases.

“We’ve been betrayed!” Kingsley spat.

“I know,” Lupin said softly as he gave a pointed look to Hermione. He was covered in blood. They traded stories of what happened.

She couldn’t help but whimper. “Who?”

“George. Snape cursed his ear off.”

“SNAPE!” Harry screamed and took off into the house.

Kingsley followed him in but Remus hung back. “Why?”

“I don’t know,” She said and closed her eyes, desperately trying to contact Draco.

‘Why did father curse George’s ear off?’

‘It was an accident!’ Draco thought back. ‘He was trying to hit Travers and missed. Gods I’m so sorry Hermione. He’s sick about it. He thought it was actually Harry when it happened.’

Hermione nodded and opened her eyes. “It was an accident Remus. He was trying to hit Travers.”

Remus nodded gravely. “They’ll peg you for this Hermione. You know that.”

Hermione nodded. “I know. At least they can’t say anything out loud.”

Remus sighed. “Let’s wait out here for the others to get in. Ron and Dora have obviously missed their port key.” He pointed to a rusty oil can. Then he pointed to an old trainer. “That one was Arthur and Fred’s.”

“Oh no,” She breathed. Suddenly, Arthur touched down with Fred. Remus identified them and they both ran inside to check on George. Hermione couldn’t help but give a little laugh at George’s holey joke.

“You can hear that well?”

Hermione nodded. “Comes in handy sometimes.”

“A blessing and a curse to be sure. I hope the others get here soon.”

“Oh Remus, I’m sorry!” Hermione squeaked and gave him a hug. Tonks was still out there somewhere with Ron.

“Dora’s tough. She’ll be fine,” Remus said but he didn’t sound sure at all. Luckily, a broom soared overhead just then. Tonks touched down with Ron and Remus ran for them. Hermione hung back a bit, her eyes eagerly taking in their appearance. There was no blood and they appeared whole and healthy.

“Where’s everyone else?” Ron asked her while Tonks and Remus caught up.

“We’re still waiting for Bill, Fleur, Moody, and Dung. Everyone else is inside. Ron. Ron I’m sorry but George had his ear cursed off.”

“WHAT?” Ron yelled and ran inside.

Hermione felt about an inch tall. She hung outside, still keeping an eye out for the others. Kingsley stepped outside and was about to apparate away when he paused. “It seems like we had it pretty easy.”

Hermione cringed. “A small miracle,” she whispered weakly.

Kingsley hummed and then nodded, disappearing with a pop beyond the boundary of the Burrow. A screech overhead let her know that Bill and Fleur had just touched down. She let out a small breath of air in relief. They were unhurt. Molly ran outside and hugged them both.

“Mad Eye’s dead,” Bill said gravely. Silence. “We saw it. Voldemort was on our tail. He can fly! Anyway, Dung got scared and disapparated. Mad Eye tried to stop him but couldn’t. Voldemort cursed him full in the face. I saw him fall.”

Hermione felt her legs give out. The pain of hitting the ground didn’t register. Mad Eye was dead. Dead. Dung, that stupid selfish arse had left him. Anger welled up in her and she felt sparks fly from her fingertips.

“Take it easy Hermione,” Harry whispered in her ear and grabbed her in a hug, willing some of his power to her to balance her out a bit. “It wasn’t your fault.”

“He left him,” Hermione growled. “They could have made it if Dung would have just-“

“I know. I know,” Harry said softly and then leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I saw Draco. He took a few of the others out before Voldemort showed up. Hermione, I hate to ask you this but did you tell him the plans.”

“They knew before I did Harry,” Hermione said, her voice raw from emotions. “He did what he could but I’m first priority. As soon as we took out everyone following us, he immediately went for you.”

“It had to be Dung then,” Harry said a bit louder. “Coward bailed.”

“I don’t know,” Bill said softly. “They looked confused when seven Harrys showed up. If he said something, why not tell them the key point. I think he was just scared.”

Accusations went all around and Hermione felt herself sinking further and further from the guilt. Suddenly, Harry spoke up. “No. I mean…if somebody made a mistake and let something slip, I know they didn’t mean to do it. It’s not their fault. We’ve got to trust each other. I trust all of you, I don’t think anyone here would ever sell me to Voldemort.”’

Everyone was silent for a while. Lupin jumped up. “I’ll go collect Mad Eye’s body.”

“I’m coming with you,” Bill insisted.

“Me too,” Harry growled but was stopped by everyone’s protesting. He was on the verge of losing it, Hermione could tell.

She pulled him into a hug and whispered in his ear. “Harry, the enchantments won’t fail. You’ll be safe here for a while. We’re stronger together, remember? Please, Nemesis charged me with protecting you. She’ll take my life if I don’t.”

Harry sunk to the ground when she said the last bit. The visit from the Goddess had seemed so long ago. “Alright Hermione. Alright.” He was utterly defeated.

‘Ma chére, are you alright?’ Draco pushed in her mind. He was obviously worried.

Hermione closed her eyes and rubbed the bridge of her nose under the pretense of being overcome with emotions. She was but she needed to concentrate. ‘I’m fine. We lost Mad Eye. Dung bailed.’

‘I know,’ Draco thought gravely. ‘Don’t bother going back for his body sweetheart. They’ve already taken it.’

Hermione let out a sob when he relayed that bit of information. Merlin knew what they’d do to defile his body. Draco was completely silent on those thoughts and for once, she was glad for it. She didn’t want to know. ‘Are you all alright?’

‘We’re fine. Melody’s comforting Severus right now. He’s beside himself, thinking he almost killed Potter.’

‘George is going to be fine,’ Hermione assured him. ‘He’s just going to be a little easier to tell apart from Fred now.’

Draco gave a humorless laugh. ‘Alright. I’ll give him the news but I doubt it will help his mood much. I won’t be able to come tonight sweetheart. I’m so sorry.’

‘Me too but it’s probably for the best.’

‘Shite. He’s back,’ Draco breathed and cut her off again.

She opened her eyes in time to see Remus and Bill heading off. “Remus!” She cried and the werewolf stopped, turning around for a moment. She ran over to him and spoke rapidly under her breath. “They’ve already got his body.”

“Damn it,” Remus hissed. “Well, we’ve got to look at least. We’ll be careful. I promise.”

Hermione nodded and waved goodbye as they popped out of sight. She trudged back to some very confused faces but didn’t comment. There was nothing to say.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

“Happy Birthday Harry!” Hermione chirped when he walked through the door to their bedroom. She grinned at Ginny who immediately ducked her head. Ron looked puzzled but decided to drop it.

“Thanks Hermione,” Harry grinned. “It feels great to be able to use magic!”

Hermione giggled. “I bet. Pretty soon, you won’t even need to pretend to wear glasses.”

Harry’s face fell. “Yeah, no one will be around to notice.”

“We’ll find it Harry,” Hermione said softly. “We just need to go to Grimmauld place and look through everything, maybe talk to Kreacher.”

Harry shook his head. “It’s a no go Hermione. You heard what they said. Dumbledore was Grimmauld’s secret keeper and now it’s unprotected. Snape could have been there.”

Hermione took a deep breath to steady her nerves. It still hurt to have that thrown at her, despite the fact that she understood. “Harry, IF he went back, I doubt he’s still there. We have to look at least. Besides, I think we can manage to protect ourselves long enough for a once over.”

Harry nodded. “Alright, we’ll go after Bill and Fleur’s wedding.”

A tapping on the window caught her attention. It was Archimedes. She practically ran over Ginny to get to him. She knew it would take a few days since America was so far away but she’d been on pins and needles ever since she’d sent him off to Dumbledore. She took the missive and gave him a few treats and a dead mouse she’d caught with Draco the night previous. They’d been roaming in their fox forms and it was instinct. Fortunately, eating the poor thing wasn’t.

Her stomach in knots, she quickly read the missive:

Wonderful insight you have. There are two different streets. However, you might discover that they loop around into each other. I fear the dead end is the most important route. While you are journeying in that direction, it wouldn’t hurt to keep a weather eye on the road not traveled. Look for a light.

Hermione’s brow furrowed in thought. So, they did need to find the wand and the resurrection stone but the cup was more important. Look for a light. What did that mean?

“What’s that?” Harry asked.

Hermione immediately crumpled it up and burned it, knowing it would be suspicious but Harry knew Dumbledore’s writing too well. “I had Draco ask around about Regulus. Everyone thinks he was killed by You Know Who.”

“You told that git about Regulus?” Ron shouted.

“That git told ME about Regulus!” Hermione snapped. “I told him I needed to find an R.A.B. connected with You Know Who and Regulus was the first to pop into his mind. So, I asked him to snoop around a bit.”

“He tried to kill Dumbledore,” Ron growled.

“And he didn’t,” Hermione snapped. “Drop it Ronald. He’s not going to betray us.”

“He already has as far as I’m concerned,” Ron said darkly and left.

Hermione sat down on the bed heavily. “This is going to be difficult. I can’t go more than a few days without seeing him Harry.”

Harry sat next to her and put his arm around her shoulder. “I know, but you’ve got to keep in mind that Ron doesn’t know about your bond or how important it is that you two stick together. He wasn’t in that circle. He doesn’t know what Nemesis charged you with, nor will anyone ever know except us.”

Hermione nodded. “I know. I know. I just hate it.”

Ginny sat on her other side and put her arms around Hermione’s waist. “We all do but we saw what would happen if you two weren’t together. It was…horrible.” She shuddered.

Hermione nodded. “It’s our job to protect and fight if necessary. We’re doing all we can Harry, honest.”

“I know,” Harry said softly. “It’s just…it doesn’t add up.”

“Draco helping us doesn’t add up?”

“Well, that does but everything else doesn’t. Why would Snape train us so well if he was just going to turn around and kill Dumbledore? Shouldn’t Voldemort know about us by now? What about Melody? She pledged her life for ours. Why is she with him?”

Hermione tried to hide the joy in her eyes and the hint of a smile. “Maybe there is more going on here than we first thought?”

Harry pursed his lips. “Maybe. Gah, why can’t it just be straightforward! Why all the secrets and lies?”

Hermione laughed humorlessly. “War, Harry. War.”

Harry snorted. “So when is the ferret supposed to come tonight?”

“Right after your birthday party,” Hermione said softly. “He’s bringing a sleeping draught this time so we won’t have to keep enchanting Ron.” They’d taken to enchanting him into a deep sleep in shifts so Harry and Ginny wouldn’t be caught. All they needed was Ron causing a huge stink about Harry sleeping with his sister.

“Ferret’s useful for something I guess,” Harry muttered and left after kissing Ginny’s cheek.

“So what did the letter really say?” Ginny whispered as the door closed.

“We need to find the other two hallows but finding the horcrux is more important,” Hermione murmured. She figured Ginny thought she’d asked Harmony, which was as close to the truth as she would admit. After all, Dumbledore was hiding out at the Ranch.

“How do we find them?”

“Draco has had his eyes and ears all over. You Know Who is looking for the wand, so you were right. He’s trying to find one powerful enough to defeat Harry’s. You know it was Lucius’s wand that Harry fried that night.”

“It was?” Ginny asked, her eyes wide. Then she shook her head. “Well, that explains his obsession with the wand. Has he found it yet?”

Hermione shook her head. “He’s abroad right now, torturing another wandmaker for its location. No one else knows about it. I hate to do this but…I think we’re going to have to ask Harry to dip into his mind and see if he can find out.”

“That’s dangerous! What if he discovered the link?”

“We have to trust that Harry is strong enough to block him out. We have to figure this out Gin and with him abroad, we have no other way of knowing.”

The day crawled by and finally, it was nightfall. Mrs. Weasley cooked a beach ball sized cake in the form of a golden snitch for Harry’s birthday. Remus and Tonks came over to celebrate along with Hagrid and Fleur’s family, who were there for the wedding on the morrow. Everyone was having a grand time until Scrimgeour showed up. The party split up in a quick hurry which left Harry with a sour note. They slipped into the Burrow together after arguing with the Minister of Magic on whether they would be split up or not. Then they got into an argument about keeping Dumbledore’s things. Finally, he read the will.

“The Last Will and Testament of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore,” he began. “To Ronald Bilius Weasley, I leave my Deluminator, in the hope that he will remember me when he uses it.”

Hermione tried to hide her shock. Look for a light. Was the deluminator the light, or perhaps the will itself? Her mind raced in circles, trying to figure it all out and missed the conversation until her name was spoken.

“To Miss Hermione Jean Granger, I leave my copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard, in hope that she will find it entertaining and instructive. Why do you think Dumbledore left you that book, Miss Granger?”

“I don’t know,” Hermione said, her eyes tearing at the thought. Her head was pounding from trying to chase theories. She cracked the book open to discover what was inside and couldn’t wipe the smile off of her face. Her finger traced the Celtic knots on the corner of the pages as she looked up. “He knew I liked books.”

“By why that particular book?” Scrimgeour asked, a calculating look on his face. She could tell he was fishing for information.

She huffed indignantly. “I don’t know. He must have thought I’d enjoy it.”

“Did you ever discuss codes, or any means of passing secret messages, with Dumbledore?”

“No I didn’t,” she snipped. “And if the Ministry hasn’t found any hidden codes in this book in 31 days, I doubt that I will.”

Scrimgeour narrowed his eyes and cleared his throat. “To Harry James Potter, I leave the Snitch he caught in his first Quidditch match at Hogwarts, as a reminder of the rewards of perseverance and skill.”

Harry’s face fell. Hermione could tell he was deeply disappointed but her stomach was in knots. Sure enough, Scrimgeour explained that he thought Dumbledore had enchanted a message to him onto the snitch. Hermione explained the theory of flesh memories and Harry’s eyes lit up again, although they were carefully guarded. He held his hand out and watched as the little golden ball fell into his palm. Nothing.

“That was dramatic,” Harry drawled. Hermione and Ron laughed.

“That’s all, then is it?” She asked, starting to get off the sofa.

“Not quite. Dumbledore left you with a second bequest, Potter.”

“What is it?” Harry asked, practically vibrating in his seat.

“The sword of Godric Gryffindor.” They all three stiffened.

“So where is it?” Harry asked suspiciously.

“Unfortunately, that sword was not Dumbledore’s to give away. The sword of Godric Gryffindor is an important historical artifact, and as such, belongs-“

“It belongs to Harry!” Hermione snapped. “It chose him, he was the one who found it, it came to him out of the Sorting Hat-“

“According to reliable historical sources,” Scrimgeour cut in. “The sword may present itself to any worthy Gryffindor. That does not make it the exclusive property of Mr. Potter, whatever Dumbledore may have decided. Why do you think-?”

“Dumbledore wanted to give me the sword?” Harry asked hotly. “Maybe he thought it would look nice on my wall.”

“This is not a joke Potter! Was it because Dumbledore believed that only the sword of Godric Gryffindor could defeat the Heir of Slytherin? Did he wish to give you that sword, Potter, because he believed, as do many, that you are the one destined to destroy He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named?”

Harry tried calming down with a few deep breaths. “Interesting theory. Has anyone ever tried sticking a sword in Voldemort? Maybe the Ministry should put some people onto that, instead of wasting their time stripping down Deluminators or covering up breakouts from Azkaban. So this is what you’ve been doing, Minister, shut up in your office, trying to break open a Snitch?”

Scrimgeour jumped up and jabbed his wand into Harry’s chest, singeing a small whole in his T-shirt. “You go too far!”

“Oi!” Ron yelled and raised his own wand.

“No!” Harry cried. “Do you want to give him an excuse to arrest us?”

Ron grumbled as Scrimgeour gave a spiel about respecting him.

“It’s time you earned it,” Harry growled and then backed down when Mr. and Mrs. Weasley ran through the door. Scrimgeour showed himself out.

Dinner was a solemn affair. Everyone passed around the trinkets that Dumbledore had bequeathed to them in his will. Hermione had a hard time not snorting aloud at the thought, will indeed. It was a good pretense but she wondered what was written on the pages of the book. The only way that was going to happen was if Draco was with her. There were two knots on the page after all. Melody had to have had a hand in charming them.

Back upstairs, the four of them pondered the gifts. Ron was babbling on about how Dumbledore was mental. “Leaving Harry that old Snitch- what the hell was that about?”

“I’ve no idea,” Hermione said. “When Scrimgeour made you take it, Harry, I was so sure that something was going to happen!”

“Yeah well,” Harry said while raising the snitch higher. “I wasn’t going to try too hard in front of Scrimgeour, was I?”

“What do you mean?” Hermione asked.

“The snitch I caught in my first ever Quidditch match? Don’t you remember?”

Hermione grinned. Harry had damn near swallowed it. He brought it to his lips and pressed them against the golden ball.

“Writing! There’s writing on it, quick, look!” Hermione said.

There on the snitch, engraved in Dumbledore’s handwriting were the words: I open at the close.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Harry asked and began repeating the phrase.

Hermione’s heart leapt into her throat. The close. It would open when he was about to die. She desperately fought for control of her emotions while the others continued to say the phrase over and over again, searching for some hidden meaning. She knew the meaning and it was crushing her. There was only one thing that could be small enough to fit in that snitch, the resurrection stone.

Suddenly full of nervous energy, Hermione sprang from the bed and started to pace. Now she was dying to find out what was written in that book. What could be innocuous enough that the Ministry wouldn’t catch it but important enough to risk it? She needed to get Ron out of there as well so she could ask Harry to spy on Voldemort. Her pacing was brought short when she realized that Draco was headed their way.

Luckily, Molly startled them all out of their musings. She’d become increasingly more nosy, trying her hardest to keep them separated. They’d made no secret of the quest they were going on and the Weasley matriarch didn’t like it one bit. Her worrying about them combined with the insane preparations for Fleur and Bill’s wedding had turned her into a bit of a basket case.

“We should go to bed,” Hermione whispered, glad that Ron took the hint. Harry made to follow him but she stopped him in his tracks. “Harry, one more thing before you go?”

“Sure Hermione. I’ll catch up in a second Ron,” Harry said breezily.

“See ya in a sec mate,” Ron said, his face grim but resolute.

“What is it Hermione?” Harry asked curiously and walked back over to Ginny’s bed.

“Harry, I need to ask something of you. I-I don’t know what else to do?”

“What is it?”

“I…well…I need you to try and spy on Voldemort,” Hermione stammered quickly. “He’s abroad and we need to know what he’s doing.”

“Oh,” Harry’s face screwed up in concentration. “I still dream about him sometimes but it’s like I’m in his head. I know he can’t get into mine though.”

“What was your last dream about?” Hermione urged.

“He was torturing a wandmaker, Gregorovitch.”

Hermione closed her eyes and nodded. “What did he find out?”

“He was looking for a wand, a powerful one. No doubt, he’s trying to replace his.”

“The wand you fried belonged to Lucius, Harry. Your wand didn’t destroy his.”

“Blimey,” Harry rubbed the back of his neck. “Anyway, this blond haired boy stole the wand from Gregorovitch ages ago. When Voldemort figured that out, he killed him and set off to look some more.”

Hermione bit her lip in frustration. “A dead end. Harry, I hate to ask this but can you keep an eye on him?”

“Sure. I can’t help it sometimes but I’ll see what I can do. By the way, where’s the sleeping potion?”

“Right here Potter,” Draco drawled, startling everyone in the room so badly they drew their wands. “Easy. It’s just me.”

“Not reassuring,” Harry growled.

“I come bearing gifts Potter,” Draco sneered and tossed a bag at him. Harry caught it with ease and drew out two flasks. “One is the sleeping potion. The other is fire whiskey. Just mix it and he’ll never taste it, guaranteed to knock him out for at least eight hours.”

“You’re sure about this?” Harry asked, his eyes narrowed and sat them down on the desk.

Draco sighed. “Look Potter, we’ve gone the rounds the last four days. Haven’t we established this yet? I am not going to betray you. I can’t. Dumbledore…” he sighed heavily. “Would you like to know the last thing that went through my mind before the others burst in? I was wondering how I was going to live with myself knowing I’d killed my mentor to spare my wife and mother. It wasn’t an easy choice, Potter. I’ll regret it always.”

“Yeah, Snape saved you from that one, didn’t he?”

“I’m not going to argue with you about him Potter. He’s my father, adopted me by blood, he did. He spared me the wrath of Lucius and the constant worry that one day he would track me down and destroy me. I can’t sever that tie with him. He’ll keep our secrets though.”

“He killed Dumbledore without so much as a twitch!” Harry snapped. “He could easily betray us.”

Draco snorted. “Nemesis would have his string snapped in a heartbeat and you know it. Like it or not Potter, he’s bound by the Gods. We’re safe.”

“Safe,” Harry said hollowly, his gaze moving over to Ginny. “Yeah right.”

“Listen Potter. She’ll be going to Hogwarts when you leave. I’ll keep watch out for her. Hell I’ll even bring her along to wherever you’re at from time to time. Nothing will happen to her.”

“Why do you care?” Harry snapped.

“She’s my sister, isn’t she?” Draco smiled weakly as Ginny rushed over and gave him a hug. “You should know that my family is the most important thing in the world to me Potter. Unfortunately, that means you now, and Red here.”

Harry huffed and changed directions. “What about Melody?”

“Still on our side. There are days that it takes both me and godfather holding her back to keep her from killing the Dark Lord herself.”

“Why?” Harry asked sullenly.

“It’s getting worse Potter. He’s already killed Burbage, the muggle studies teacher. He’s captured and tortured hundreds already and there is only so much we can do to help them without being found out. It’s driving her mad.”

Harry shook his head. “I knew she didn’t resign. How much more should we expect.”

“That’s the other thing I came to tell you. The Ministry will fall tomorrow. It’s all in place. Scrimgeour will be assassinated in short order and Pius Thicknesse, the current Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement will take over. He’s been imperioused of course and will be used as the Dark Lord’s puppet. Muggle borns will be subjected to round ups and ‘registrations’. It will be spun that they got their magic through theft, which is preposterous but they will be punished accordingly. It’ll end with a broken wand and a set of fang marks for each of them.”

“That’s horrible!” Ginny cried.

“There’s more,” Draco said gravely. “All Ministry employees will be subjected to investigations as well. Of course, you realize what that means.”

“Life under a microscope,” Hermione breathed.

“A what?” Draco and Ginny asked at the same time.

“A microscope is a device that muggles use to look at tiny particles too small for the human eye to see.”

“Right,” Draco frowned. “Well, it’ll be that alright. One toe out of line and Weasley Sr. will be out on his arse with a target painted on it.”

“He already has to be careful though,” Harry frowned.

“A few more things Potter. Like I said, Red will be going to Hogwarts because it will now be mandatory, pending proof of wizarding blood. And, of course, you’ll be public enemy #1, wanted for questioning in the murder of Albus Dumbledore.” Draco’s voice broke on that note.

Harry shook his head in anger. “And no one will fight it.”

“No. It’ll be quiet. They’ll take over the Prophet at the same time. No news will spread. It will be quite the coup.”

“Why doesn’t Vol- “ Harry stopped when Draco flinched. “Sorry, snake face, just take over the Minister’s position himself?”

“He pretty much has. With Thicknesse as his puppet, he doesn’t have to worry about any backlash from rebels. Potter, if we can’t bring him down, I-“ He looked at Hermione sadly.

“We’ll bring him down. First thing after the wedding, we’re going to Grimmauld to have a look around. We’ll talk to Kreacher and find out as much as we can about what happened to Regulus. We’re going to find that damned locket and then we’ll go for the snake,” Harry’s voice was hard, determined.

“But we don’t have the sword,” Ginny said sadly. “Dumbledore left it to Harry but the Ministry refused to give it up.”

“We don’t need the sword,” Draco said while shaking his head. “I’ll melt it into a puddle.”

“Right then,” Harry said, picking up the two bottles that Draco had tossed him. “I’m going to go drug Ron and then I’m coming back here. I’ll be damned if I spend my last day as a free man alone.”

Ginny grinned. “See you in a bit love.”

“We’re casting double wards tonight,” Draco growled and started to hang the sheets they’d used the past few days to separate the beds.

Hermione and Ginny chuckled and helped him out. When they were done, Ginny gazed at the door. “I think we should set an alarm for an hour earlier than normal and a trigger ward on the door just in case mum comes barreling in early. She’ll already be in a snit. Can you imagine what she’d do if she saw all of us in here?”

Draco laughed. “Well, it would be funny if Hermione took up with a little fox but you’d be flobberworm mash.”

“Why the fox?” Ginny asked curiously.

“Because your brother doesn’t know about that form and a dragon might look a wee bit conspicuous.”

“Point taken,” Ginny laughed and then launched herself at Harry as soon as he walked through the door.

“Everything settled then Potter?” Draco asked curiously.

“Out like a light. Um…thanks Malfoy,” Harry said uncomfortably.

“Consider it a birthday present,” Draco shrugged him off and bowed to Hermione, motioning for her to enter the curtains to their bed. “Have fun you two.” He smirked before he followed her in.

He dove for her but she neatly dodged him. “We’ve got something to do first,” she explained and picked up the book she’d been given earlier.

“Not even a kiss hello?”

“Well, you can have that but no more. This is important.” Hermione leaned up to give him a sweet slow kiss that made her toes tingle. She pulled back, causing him to groan in frustration.

“Now what is so important that I can’t have you?”

“Scrimgeour read Dumbledore’s will today. He gave us some things. Ron got a deluminator, I got a book, and Harry got the first snitch he ever caught.”

“What in Merlin’s name for?”

“That’s what they’ve been trying to figure out ever since but I have a feeling I know why,” Hermione said, opening the pages of the book and pointing to the Celtic knots in the corners. “The page that Dumbledore marked in the original book he gave me was The Tale of the Three Brothers. Do you remember reading that one?”

Draco nodded. “Three brothers cheated death and gained a reward, the Elder wand, the resurrection stone, and the cloak of invisibility. Together, they make the Deathly Hallows and the owners can literally defeat death.”

“Right, well, who do you know that has a cloak so powerful that Death couldn’t see it and even Melody has a hard time?”

“So you’re saying that Potter’s cloak is the one from the story?”

“It sounds mad but yes.”

Draco chuckled. “We’ve met the twins from the Paranoid Prince and you think the invisibility cloak is mad?”

“Yes, well.” Hermione smiled and then plunged on. “I wrote to Dumbledore and asked him if the Deathly Hallows were important and which one we should pursue. He wrote back and said that the horcrux was more important but that we needed to look for the Hallows as well. He said to look for a light. Then, later this afternoon, Scrimgeour came with these things. Ron’s deluminator had to be the signal for the light. Harry’s snitch had a message Draco. I open at the close.”

“The close,” Draco said hollowly. “It opens when he dies.”

“That’s what I’m thinking. I also think that there is something else in that snitch as well, something he’ll need on his way to die.”

“The stone,” Draco answered, nodding in agreement. “It’s certainly small enough. So why the book?”

“Well, let’s crack the spell and find out.”

“If we must.” Draco sighed and placed his wrist over one of the knots on the page. Hermione took the other and they recited the phrase. “Gryffindors rule!”

Suddenly, the pages of the book seemed to whirl and liquefy, a silvery substance almost like a pensive replacing them. Then there were two blue twinkling eyes looking back at them. “Well done!” Dumbledore’s voice carried from the book. “It seems as though you’ve figured everything out.”

“It’s like a two way mirror!” Hermione said excitedly. “That’s brilliant but why risk sending it through the Ministry?”

“Well, it had to look official, didn’t it?” Dumbledore smiled serenely. “And now I get the chance to thank you both face to face. You pulled off the unimaginable and I will be forever in your debt.”

“It wasn’t just us,” Draco whispered.

“I know. I have already thanked Harmony and Philippe. I should like to thank Melody and Severus as well if you get a chance alone with them and the book.”

“We’ll see what we can do,” Draco said. “For now, I think you should know that the Ministry is about to fall.”

“I wondered when it would happen,” Dumbledore said sadly. “I suppose this marks the beginning of your journey. Have you come any closer to finding out anything?”

“No,” Hermione said sadly. “But we’ll be going by Grimmauld tomorrow to look around and speak with Kreacher.”

“A most excellent idea Mrs. Malfoy,” Dumbledore said jovially. “I hope you find the answers you seek.”

“I’m actually seeking one now,” Hermione said sheepishly. “The snitch, sir. It has the stone in it, doesn’t it?”

Dumbledore’s face fell. “I’m afraid it does. I thought…with the Hallows…Harry might have one more link.”

“Voldemort is after the wand sir,” Draco said. “If he finds it-“

“Ah but he will not.” Dumbledore smiled grimly. “Grindlewald stole it from Gregorovitch a number of years ago.”

“And you defeated Grindlewald,” Draco said.

“I did.”

“So you are the master of the Elder wand?” Draco asked.

“No. You are.”

“What?” Draco and Hermione shrieked at the same time.

“You disarmed me on top of the tower, remember?”

“But the owner has to kill the last one, right?”

“No. One has only to defeat them. Grindlewald is still very much alive, or will be until Riddle finds him.” Dumbledore’s face was a mask of pain.

“The Dark Lord doesn’t believe that though. He believes he has to kill the former master.” Draco turned white as a sheet.

“And he’ll believe that master was Severus,” Dumbledore said sadly.

“Father!” They both cried out in pain.

Dumbledore nodded. “That’s why Harmony gave him the warning. He doesn’t know how or when but he knows it’s coming. Let us pray that we can stop it.”

“What if he goes looking for the wand, sir?” Draco asked, his whole body shaking like a leaf at the thought of his godfather dying.

“It was buried with my body. Melody has made me a suitable replacement. She is quite a gifted wandmaker.”

“How can I give you back ownership of your wand?” Draco asked, desperate to be rid of it. He didn’t need the world’s most powerful wand on top of being pure. He might accidentally burn it anyway.

Dumbledore chuckled. “Yes, I’d say you have no use for it. When the time comes, simply wishing for it to be returned to me should suffice. I dare say that the Gods will prefer it that way.”

“I’ll say,” Draco breathed. “I don’t want it.”

“Which is exactly why the Gods granted you with the gifts you have,” Dumbledore said consolingly. “Having power does not make you strong. The ability to resist using it does. It was a hard lesson for me and I am not certain I have learned it completely yet. So many regrets. I cannot say how proud I am of you two. You have been tossed into the flames and came out stronger for it, truly a most wonderful thing. Still, I think you will need Harry to disarm you one time for the ownership to change hands again. He’ll need it I’m afraid.”

“But won’t he gain the use of my wand as well?” Draco asked in alarm.

“He could but Melody assures me that your wand will not work for him properly. It was made for you after all. Now, I dare say you’ll have a busy day tomorrow. I wish you well and if you need to contact me, you may do so the same way. To end this link, you simply press your wrists to the corners of the book and recite the words “Slytherins Rock.”

Draco laughed in triumph.

“Melody thought you would be fond of it.” Dumbledore grinned. “Now, good night to you both, and good luck.”

“Thank you sir.” They whispered and recited the closing spell.

“Father,” Draco said, breaking the silence that descended on them.

“We’ll save him,” Hermione said sharply and placed the book on the side table. “Now, seeing as how this is our last night anywhere near a proper bed, I think we should make good use of it. What say you?”

“I’m in,” Draco said, pouncing on her and kissing her for all he was worth. He let all of his emotions flow into the kiss and took his walls down. This was the one time he could be himself and he was going to take advantage.

Hermione was too impatient to wait. She snapped her fingers and their clothes disappeared. Draco growled approvingly and began to knead her breasts, playing close attention to her nipples. She pushed him backwards on the bed and straddled him, kissing her way down to his cock.

“Not tonight,” Draco hissed as she slowly licked down his shaft. He grabbed a handful of her hair and tugged her up for another kiss, guiding her hips over his. She sank down onto him with a hiss. She still felt as tight as the first time and so warm he could barely hold himself in check.

The rhythm was slow but their rough grinding had heated them beyond boiling. Unable to resist, he jerked her down to his chest, crushing her breasts in between them and sank his fangs into her neck. She responded in kind with a bite to his shoulder, earning a howl. Bright light enveloped them as they climaxed together. What they didn’t realize is that another bright light had formed at the same time, the two combining to illuminate the entire house.

Occupants starting yelling in alarm, trying to figure out what was going on. The couples inside Ginny’s room were still coming down from their highs when the alarm ward went off.

“Shite!” Draco hissed and quickly licked the blood from his wife. He cleaned and dressed them both with a flick of his finger and turned into a hummingbird, crawling under her pillow to take cover.

Hermione could hear Harry cursing as he took down their silencing wards. She banished the sheets and dove under the covers, looking over to see Ginny do the same. Harry leapt from the bed and quickly donned his cloak, becoming invisible in an instant.

“Girls! Wake up!” Molly screeched.

“What is it Mrs. Weasley?” Hermione asked, faking a huge yawn.

“Did you see that light? It lit up the whole house!” Molly shrieked. “Ron won’t even budge awake but did you see anything?”

Ginny stretched. “Well mum, we were asleep until you came in just now. How could we have seen anything?”

“Well, we’ll check the wards then. Something happened. Keep a sharp eye out.” She stormed down the stairs, waking various people up through the house.

“Well, that was fun,” Harry said dryly.

“Put the curtains back up, love,” Draco said as he took his form again, dragging Hermione to his chest.

“Finally Malfoy, we agree on something.” Harry smirked.

AN: Hello everyone. You didn't think I was just going to leave them high and dry did you? *evil smirk* So, one more step and off we go, right? Next stop, the wedding. I'm going to wait until after I finish this story to do the Harry/Ginny snipped but I'll do it, don't worry. As always, thank you all for your awesome reviews. I got my fix again! Keep them coming and let me know how I'm doing and if you find any mistakes.
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