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
- 50
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- 52
Severus Snape?

“We didn’t kill you.” Draco’s voice cut through the silent hall as he dragged a terrified Ginny past the dusty Albus and into the kitchen. “Anyone home?”

“Draco!” Hermione cried and ran into his arms. “I didn’t think you’d make it.”

“We’re supposed to be buying school supplies since it’s only a few days before we go back but I conned Melody into doing it for me. Actually, she sort of accosted me and demanded to be the one to do it. I think she’s just about to crack.”

“And you?” Hermione asked, turning to Ginny and giving her a fierce hug.

“Remus volunteered to take me shopping and we sort of…conveniently lost each other.”

“Ginny!” Harry screamed and ran into the room, picking her up and swinging her around. They kissed fiercely.

“I believe you just made his day,” Hermione giggled.

“Where’s the weasel?” Draco asked, looking around cautiously.

“It’s his turn to watch today. We’re almost ready to do this but we’re going to have to be careful. We haven’t got much insight as to what lies inside.”

Draco nodded. “Well, I’ll help any way that I can.”

“This would be so much safer if we could lure that damned toad into the open but there’s no guarantee that she’s actually wearing the locket,” Harry sighed, still clutching onto Ginny as if she were the last glass of water in the desert.

“There’s no guarantee it’s at the Ministry either, Potter,” Draco said. “So far, everything we’ve managed to find out is utter shite. Yaxley is the new Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, which is no comfort. Umbridge’s official title is the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister and the Head of the Muggle-born Registration Commission.”

“We know her office is on the first level,” Harry murmured.

“I doubt she’ll be there. Word is that she spends most of her time in the dungeons with the muggle-born trials. There are dementors down there Potter. Watch yourself. That stag patronus is unmistakable and every Death Eater knows who it belongs to.”

“Wonderful.” Harry shook his head. “We’re going to polyjuice into other people and try to sneak in and steal it that way.”

“Wonder if Nemesis would kill us if we just took her out?”

“Draco!” Hermione gasped.

“What? How many muggle-borns would we protect while they’re scrambling to find a new head? Besides, I owe that old toad. She made my life a living hell.”

“How so?” Harry asked curiously.

“I was on the Inquisitorial Squad, wasn’t I Potter?”

“Yeah, so?”

“Well, let’s just say that Lucius leaned on me a little to join and she leaned on me a lot to try and find your little group and I was punished every time I led her astray.”

“Wait. You knew where we were?” Harry’s eyes were wide with shock.

“Keep your eyes in your head Potter. I was hoping your little do-gooder group would take out that old hag once and for all and I’d have some peace for once in my life. No such luck though, obviously.”

“I never knew.”

“Of course you didn’t,” Draco scoffed. “I’d be dead if you did.”

“Point taken. Look, it’ll be a few hours before Ron gets back and I want to catch up with my wife, if you don’t mind.”

“That’s why I brought her Potter.” Draco smirked. “Run along now. Have some fun.”

Hermione giggled as Harry tossed a squealing Ginny over his shoulder and ran up the stairs, taking them two at a time. “He really needed that.”

“I can’t imagine how he’s felt. I’ve been going crazy with just the few days we’ve been maintaining. I’m glad the wolf could sneak her out. He’ll send his patronus when we need to head back. For now, we’ll catch up with everyone and then you and I are going to get reacquainted.” He smirked devilishly and picked her up bridal style, running up the stairs.

Once there, they pulled out the book and summoned Dumbledore. “Ah, good morning children, or good afternoon as it were. How are things?”

“They’re fine Professor.” Hermione smiled. “We’re almost ready to retrieve the locket.”

“Ah, good, good. How goes the other hunt?”

“Well,” Hermione frowned. “Harry saw You Know Who last night. He’s made the connection between Gregorovitch and Grindelwald. It sounds like he’s going to break into the prison there and question him.”

Dumbledore’s eyes closed, pain evident on his face. He nodded solemnly but didn’t say anything for a few moments.

“You loved him, didn’t you Professor?” Hermione asked quietly, making the connection by his expression.

“I did.” Dumbledore’s voice had a waver in it she hadn’t heard before. “I’m afraid he didn’t return my affections in the same way. He saw it as a way to manipulate me, using my feelings to do his bidding. Yet another regret of an old man.”

“I’m so sorry sir,” Hermione said, a tear sliding down her face.

Dumbledore raised a hand in dismissal. “It was long ago and I’ve since seen the error of my ways. It just stings every now and again. Knowing he is soon to be dead is like reopening an old wound, painful but necessary sometimes. It won’t be long now.”

Draco’s lips were set in a grim line. “Sir, could we speak with Harmony?”

“Of course! She has been ordered to stay in bed so it will take a few moments.”

“Is she alright?” Hermione asked.

“She’s fine. It’s just a precaution. The twin’s magic is quite volatile and is interacting with the outer world in the strangest ways. Taking this into account, Philippe and Alex have ordered her straight to bed to minimize any damage they could cause.”

“What sort of damage?” Draco asked.

“Well, Philippe’s hair has been the most magnificent shade of magenta for a week now and Alex has just found a way to get rid of his third arm.”

The couple laughed. “Is it any worse than that?” Hermione asked.

“Not too terrible. However, when one of them vanished the bottom step of the stairs, Philippe put his foot down. She’s terribly bored now, I’m afraid.”

“How can they do magic though? The house is warded against it,” Draco asked.

“That is the question we’d all like answered. It seems that they’ve found a way around it. It could also be the fact that they are inside the womb and not in the house, as it were. Still, it is quite an ordeal, to say the least.”

Dumbledore jostled the book for a moment before they saw Harmony lying on the bed and propped up with a dozen pillows. “You’re huge!” Hermione squealed in excitement.

Harmony laughed. “I’m told twins tend to do this. I’ll never think badly about my mother ever again.”

“How are you?” Hermione asked softly.

“Honestly, I’d be better if they’d let me out of here but I understand. Sometimes fun for the girls is not so fun for me. What’s on your minds?”

“My mind, actually,” Draco cut in. “Harmony, if we were to apparate there, could you…um…read us?”

“Well sure but that’s an awful long trip for a reading. What’s wrong?”

“I just want to make sure that this trip to the Ministry doesn’t turn out bad. I’m…worried is all.”

Harmony smiled softly. “Worrying about everyone’s safety isn’t a weakness Draco. When can I expect you? You aren’t one to wait around when your mind is set on something.”

“Now?” Draco asked. “Potter and Red are otherwise engaged and Weasley is watching the Ministry for the next little while.”

“Sure, pop on over. We’ll catch up. I’ve been dying for some company anyway.”

“How…um…how hard is intercontinental apparition?”

“You just need a strong focus and even stronger magic, two things you have an abundance of. Just don’t let go and you’ll be here in the blink of an eye.”

“Alright. See you in a minute,” Draco said, motioning for Hermione to close the book with him.

“You’re really that worried?” Hermione asked as he led her back down the stairs.

“I am. I just can’t shake the feeling that something really terrible is going to happen. I know we can’t thwart fate completely, but I want to be ready for it. I can’t lose you.”

“Okay,” Hermione said softly and kept a firm grip on his hand as they walked out of the house. ‘There are a whole lot of them today,’ she thought to Draco as she looked at the four Death Eaters keeping watch on the house.

‘Waiting for you three to go back to school,’ Draco answered and then turned on his heel, making sure to keep a good hold of Hermione. The trip was a bit more strenuous than a normal apparition but they touched down in one piece. Hermione bent over for a moment to try and quell the nausea. “Are you alright?”

“I’ll be fine. I just hate that feeling.”

Draco chuckled. “I know what you mean. Whenever you’re ready then.”

Hermione took a few deep breaths and then stood back up, realizing he’d taken them right to Harmony’s front porch. “Ready.”

They knocked on the front door and were greeted by a smiling Maria who ushered them upstairs. They knocked on Harmony’s door and waited for her permission to enter.

“Hey! You made it in one piece!” She cried and held out her arms. “Come on, give us a hug!”

They couldn’t wipe the grins off their faces as they hugged the now very pregnant blonde. The expression on her face looked like someone had just given her a lifetime supply of sweets and they decided that this was the best thing they could give her at the moment.

“Now, sit, sit, let’s have a chat. I only have Albus during the day and it gets lonely.”

“Where is he, by the way?” Draco looked around.

“Right here!” Dumbledore said warmly as he emerged from her loo. They each stood and shook hands with him, bidding him hello and commenting on how well he looked.

“Now sit!” Harmony said. “And put your hands on my tummy. The girls want to say hello too.”

They felt the jolt of energy shoot through them and then pure joy and a calm they’d come to crave. It was overwhelming, causing Hermione to blink back tears and Draco to sigh in content. They laid their heads on each other and just enjoyed the peaceful vibes of the twins. It was the most comfortable they’d felt in a long time.

“Aren’t they wonderful?” Harmony breathed. “My own little gifts from the fates. Perhaps they’re a reward for my tribulations.”

“You deserve it,” Draco said sincerely.

Harmony smiled. “I hope so. Now, you two want to know if the Ministry is going to play out okay. The answer is yes…and no.”

“That’s not promising,” Hermione said nervously.

“You’re going to get the locket but you’re going to get caught. I see three different ways it could go, each corresponding with who stays behind to give the others time to get away.”

“I’ll be me,” Hermione croaked. “I’m the protector, right?”

“That you are. However, you won’t be alone. Draco will be by your side. It should be quite easy to escape but you must remember that you can’t reveal yourselves to anyone.”

“Could we obliviate them?” Draco wondered aloud.

Harmony grabbed each of their hands and closed her eyes. “Yes, if you accidentally use too much magic to get away, the Gods will give you enough time to cover your mistakes. Be careful though, you could harm other innocents.”

“Will she be tortured?” Draco asked nervously.

“I’m afraid so.” Harmony opened her eyes but didn’t let go of their hands. “Use the training. This is why they tried so hard to drill that into you. It will all come down to that moment. However, I have a feeling that Umbridge will never be the same afterwards.”

“If the fates were kind, they’d allow her a slot right next to Lockheart in the mental ward at St. Mungo’s,” Draco muttered.

Harmony grinned. “The fates are only cruel to a point, you know. Take heart that you will succeed. Now, enough about that, tell me everything that’s happened and start at the beginning. You’ve still got a while yet.”

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Draco and Hermione touched back down on the front porch of Grimmauld place well past time for them to return. They’d gotten so caught up in their chat with Harmony that they’d lost track of time. Since it was six hours earlier in America, they hadn’t even noticed until the sky darkened. Hermione knew she was going to be in for it. Had Ginny been returned safely?

“Damn it. I forgot all about her,” Draco whispered aloud when Hermione’s thoughts trickled into his head.

“Well, best find out. Ron should be back by now. Go ahead and turn into a bird and I’ll disillusion you. Hide in my hair.”

Draco did as Hermione instructed and sat tensed as she opened the door. She informed the dusty specter that she hadn’t killed him and ventured further in before calling out so she wouldn’t wake up Mrs. Black. Everything was silent, too silent.

“Hermione!” Ron yelled as he came careening around the corner. His eyes were wild with fright. “Is Harry with you? Where were you? I’ve been going crazy looking for you two!”

“I went to check out some things about the Ministry. What do you mean, is Harry with me?”

“He’s not here either,” Ron said in a hollow voice.

Hermione started to panic but Draco’s thoughts seeped into her head. ‘He probably went to return Red to Remus.’

‘Well I can’t very well tell him that!’ She thought back but had to come up with something to appease Ron. “He probably went to snoop around a bit,” she offered weakly.

“Hermione, I have the cloak!”

“Maybe he’s in his animagus form?”

“Oh sure, because a stag would be so easy to hide.”

Hermione cringed inwardly, forgetting that Ron didn’t know about Harry’s dog form. Just as she was about to offer another explanation, the door opened and shut. Harry materialized with a grim look on his face. He told the dust figure he didn’t kill it and then looked up, startled that there were people in the hallway.

“HARRY!” Ron yelled, more agitated now than worried. “Where in the bloody hell were you?”

“Snooping around,” Harry said confidently. It was apparent that he’d already figured out his alibi.

“The next time you two decide to go gallivanting off, leave a note or something!” Ron shouted and stormed off, muttering about them worrying him to death.

“When did you get back?” Harry asked accusingly.

“Just a moment ago. Harry, we’re so sorry. We lost track of time.”

Harry lifted his hand and shook his head. “I know. Remus was beside himself when we got there. He very nearly beat me to death but she’s home and safe now.”

“How did you do it?” She asked.

Harry grinned. “Disillusioned and then she acquired a stray pet for a while.”

Hermione laughed. “Well, did you make the most of it?”

Harry sighed. “It wasn’t nearly long enough but yeah.”

Hermione nodded sadly. “Once the war is over, we’ll be free.”

Harry nodded in agreement. “Free. Wait a tick. Where were you?”

Hermione shuffled her feet on the stone for a moment, searching for an answer but found she couldn’t think of anything but the truth. “We went to see Harmony.”

Harry’s eyes widened for a minute. “How in the world?”

“We apparated. It wasn’t easy, thought I would lose my breakfast!”

Harry chuckled. “How is she?”

“She’s well, as big as a house and so lonely. Philippe and Alex have ordered her to bed for the remainder. The twins’ magic is acting up, vanishing stairs and giving everyone extra limbs and wild hair.”

Harry cocked his head. “Wait, in a house warded against it?”

Hermione smiled and nodded. “They can’t figure it out either. Anyway, she’s going crazy being cooped up so we stayed for a while and kept her company.”

“Did she see anything?”

“Yeah. We’ll be successful. We’ll get the pendant.”

Harry seemed to sag with relief. “Thank Merlin for that. He still here?”

Draco chirped in acknowledgement, causing Harry to laugh and shake his head. He waved and walked to the kitchen to try and calm a very angry Ron. Draco hopped off her shoulder and transformed back to himself, the disillusion spell still firmly in place. ‘I have to go love. I’ll try to sneak out later. Keep your mind open for me.’ He gently pressed his lips to hers and left as silently as he could.

Hermione wiped a lone tear from her eye as she marched into the kitchen to face an irate Ron. She couldn’t let them see she was so upset. Harmony’s words had shaken her to her core. She would be tortured but they would win and Umbridge would never be the same. Well, she could take a little comfort in that at least. Now they needed a plan and Harmony’s guidance was as good as they were going to get. Oh how she wished Melody would be along for the ride. They could use the extra set of eyes but the Gods were firm, informants only.

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Draco sat in a cabin by himself on the Hogwarts express, his face grave. In a few moments, he would be hundreds of miles away from his wife and under the constant scrutiny of the Carrows. He’d had so many things on his mind lately; he’d taken to gulping down a dreamless draught when he went to bed at night. Hermione hated it of course, but she understood. He hated burdening her with his dreams but since he couldn’t stand to be separated from her mind at night, he deemed it necessary.

The summer had been a terrifying and trying time for him and he was almost glad to be shot of the Manor. If Hermione were here with him, he wouldn’t even blink as he left. It was the distance that nagged at him. Even less than 100 kilometers away had him wanting to tear his hair out all the time. Well, as soon as he got settled in, he was going back to Grimmauld place with Red in tow. He was going to fuck his wife senseless and forget about all the things he’d witnessed over the last two months.

If Melody and Severus hadn’t been there, he was sure he would have gone mad. The two had been his pillars, despite the fact that they were coming apart at the seams. It was in their faces, the way their roles were grating on them. After all, they were both married to people they loved dearly and yet they were forced to sleep with each other. Well, not really sleep, more like perform like puppets. Melody got the worst of it, but Severus had taken to biting her just so she could feel some pleasure. No one noticed it except Demitri. They passed it off as intense blood play and healing spells but Draco knew. He could feel it for some reason and he attributed it to the traits he shared with his blood father.

Thinking about their performances caused a flood of memories of Hermione, bound and hanging from the ceiling. That image was forever branded in his mind, the look of pure ecstasy on her face, his initials dripping in blood on her back. If it had been anyone else, he would have been repulsed but just thinking about tasting her blood made him hard. She was a drug, he decided, one he wouldn’t give up.

“Down boy,” a female voice ordered and he looked up in shock, poised to attack. He relaxed immediately when he saw Melody sit across from him. He hadn’t even heard her come in but that wasn’t unusual. She was as quiet as his godfather when she wanted to be.

“Can’t help it,” he muttered. “I’m going insane.”

“Going?” Melody teased and managed to coax a halfhearted laugh from him. “That’s what I thought. So, any news on when?”

Draco shook his head. “Everything is pretty much set. The dog is getting restless. I wouldn’t be surprised if he decided to do it tonight.”

Melody frowned. They’d taken to referring to Harry as the dog, his animagus form and one that couldn’t tie it back to him. If he was getting restless, he might move before they had all their little ducks in a row. “He needs to step back and think about everything. Moving tonight would be too rash. We need to slow him down.”

“I think a certain red mongrel would cool him down a bit,” Draco murmured.

Melody gave a hearty laugh. “I don’t think cool would be anywhere near what he would be but I like the idea. I’ll have Sev set it up as soon as we get there.”

“Thanks. How are you?” Draco asked earnestly. He’d just had to heal her ribs for probably the twelfth time since they’d been gone.

“Bit sore,” Melody said, wincing as she stretched her arms over her head. She looked so tired, a shell of herself, really. “He tried so hard to miss them but that bloody snake is a foul git.”

Draco chuckled. “I think you’ve been in London too long.”

“Too right,” Melody sniffed and then smiled sadly. “My bat’s coming tonight with his wolf.”

“That’s fantastic. I’ll bet you’re both dying to see them.”

“Not really,” Melody whispered.

Draco sighed sadly. He knew exactly what she was thinking. “What else could you have done? A refusal would mean death. It hasn’t exactly been a bloody picnic. Trust me, I was there.”

“Definitely not a picnic but it doesn’t erase the feelings of betrayal.”

“It isn’t betrayal if they already knew. They gave you their blessings.”

“Could you do it?” Melody asked suddenly.

“No,” Draco shook his head. “I couldn’t even if it meant death because it would be death either way. However,” he said, cutting her off before she had a chance to retort. “If circumstances were different and there were no other way to survive, you bet your arse I would. I’d think of her the whole time but I would.”

Melody nodded. “Thinking of them hurts worse than you think. You have to shut it out. Luckily, we have a history so we just revert back to that. It isn’t healthy, but it’s kept us sane.”

“And now you don’t have to anymore,” Draco said earnestly. “It’s all over.”

Melody teared up, suddenly breathing hard. “No it’s not Draco. It will never be over. I’ll always be reminded of it.”

He tilted his head in question. “The brand, the tattoo, those can be removed, can’t they?”

Melody gave him a watery smile. “The tattoo can. The brand can’t but it can be reconfigured. But that’s not what I’m talking about.”

“Then what? I mean, you’re always going to have your memories and I can’t say I envy you there, but why will it never be over?”

Melody stifled a few sobs and tried to regain control over herself. “You can’t tell anyone Draco. Well, Hermione will know, and Harmony will know, or already does but no one else. At least, not until I figure out what the hell I’m going to do.”

“Wizards honor!” Draco said in shock. He couldn’t figure out what could be so horrible.

“I’m..I’m…” Melody shook her head, unable to continue. Instead, she waved her hand over her stomach. It glowed blue.

“Holy fuck,” Draco breathed.

Melody burst into tears and laughed at the same time, a bit hysterically. “That’s what I said.”

“Wait. You two were always careful. I took note. He fed you that potion religiously and you even cast an extra spell to block it. Hell, we all did.”

Melody nodded. “And that fucking asshole charmed the manacles. I didn’t notice it until it was too late to do anything about it. It was subtle, the sneaky bastard.”

“Why would he want you to have a baby? I mean, you’re both half-bloods, not that there is anything wrong with that, but it goes against everything he supposedly stands for.”

Melody snorted. “The others will end up in the same way fairly soon. He wants to breed an army after the war and since Severus and I are two of his most loyal, we went first. He even got to watch, the bastard.”

Draco’s eyes widened. “That’s, that’s…”

“Barbaric, cruel, mad, take your pick but what’s done is done. I…I can’t abort this baby Draco. I promised the fates I’d reproduce if I could. Sneaky bitches, they probably planned this,” Melody said bitterly and angrily wiped the tears from her cheeks.

Draco sat back in shock. No wonder she’d been coming apart. He couldn’t believe she was bearing this burden alone. One thing was for certain, he’d protect her just like he vowed to protect Harmony. A thought occurred to him just then. “Would he be willing to raise it as his own?”

Melody gave a hysterical giggle. “I don’t have a clue. He’s always wanted children. He doesn’t have any ill feelings against Severus. Hell, he thinks the man is gorgeous.”

Draco wrinkled his nose. “I could have gone without knowing that, thank you.” Melody grinned, finally starting to look like her old mischievous self again instead of a broken shell. “Well, I don’t think godfather is going to blame you for it. Perhaps you can work something out. You two raise him and godfather can be, well, their godfather…or a second father…something.”

Melody sighed and drew her legs up in the seat. She wrapped her arms around them and started rocking side to side. “I’ve done nothing but dream about it since. I blocked Harmony from my dreams because I’m not sure if I want to see the future. You should know though, it isn’t a him, it’s a them. Twin boys.”

Draco’s mouth dropped open. “Shite.”

“Shit indeed! Can you imagine two little boys with Sev’s temper and my deviousness?”

“Walking nightmares,” Draco said with a gentle smile. “They’ll be brilliant, powerful, probably have jet black hair and huge noses.”

Melody cackled. “Maybe we can forgo the noses and they can have my eyes.”

Draco rubbed his chin. “If they had your eyes, they could pass for his children, you know. He has black hair and pale features. No doubt they’ll have some sharp teeth.”

“They’ll be like you most likely, maybe a few more extraordinary talents but most importantly, they’ll be tilted like us. It’ll be like Harmony’s girls though, only a slight bit off kilter. They’ll be skewed enough to wield great power but not enough to make them as nuts as we are.”

Draco laughed loudly. “I’m not sure anyone can be as barmy as we are.”

“Agreed. So,” Melody said in a quiet voice that made her appear much younger. “You really think it could work out?

Draco sighed and walked across the cabin to sit beside her. He threw his arm around her and directed her head to lie on his shoulder. “I think that this is your gift from the fates. Nem- she said that you could give up your soul to save his, but she never said he would lose his teeth.”

“You’re really getting good at riddles,” Melody growled. “But you’re right. The most I can hope for is that he’ll be able to catch a tan and I’ll lose the ability to.”

“Just don’t do it until those little monsters in your stomach are born. I can’t wait to see my brothers.”

“That’s right!” Melody said, sitting up again. “You’ve gone from an only child to a full house!” She put her head back on his shoulder. “How does it feel?”

“Honestly? I don’t think I’ve ever felt this good about something in my entire life.” Draco closed his eyes for a moment and felt Hermione’s shock resonate throughout his mind. She was just as conflicted as Melody appeared to be, torn between extreme anger, joy, and sadness.

‘Tell her I said congrats and I can’t wait to see my brothers,’ Hermione finally answered. ‘I’ll protect her until the end Draco.’

He couldn’t help but give a wry chuckle. At Melody’s questioning glance, he chuckled again. “The lioness is a very protective animal. She said she can’t wait to see them.”

Melody sighed softly. “It seems so strange how easily you’ve fallen into your roles, or Harmony and I into ours. I’ll cut your throat if you ever tell anyone this, but I’ve never been so glad to have you here as I am right now.”

“If you cut my throat, I won’t be here anymore but I understand.”

The ride was uneventful. A few Death Eaters boarded when the train first started moving and searched every compartment. Melody had fallen into a fitful sleep at that point. Loathe to wake her, he’d hissed at them to bugger off and explained that Severus had given him the task of watching over his slave. They shrugged and moved on, obviously disheartened that they hadn’t found the golden trio. And they wouldn’t, he thought smugly. They were safe and sound back in London…for now at least.

Now that he was semi-alone, he was left to examine their impending trip to the Ministry. It was a necessary move, the last horcrux before Nagini and Potter. Once he melted that abomination, the war could start. They would win, he was sure of it. With the combined powers of the phenoms and he and Hermione, they were sure to have the upper hand. All they needed was for Potter to die and come back to life and they would end him.

He wondered how bad the torture was going to be when Hermione got caught. Would they crucio her, perhaps spill her blood? Would they try to rape her? Cold fury swept through his veins at that thought. He’d kill everyone in that Ministry if they were to try it. He could feel her trying to calm him down but it wasn’t working so well. Holding a pregnant Melody in his lap got him to thinking about his own future children. What would happen if Hermione was with child, his child? How far would he go to protect her?

Suddenly, he could see why Melody was so distraught. On top of the obvious reason, she was having her friend’s babies and not her husband’s, both Alex and Severus would go ballistic if she were to fight in her condition. They’d charm her to the bed and bury her under hundreds of wards if they knew. Still, she couldn’t hide it for long. They would be able to smell it. He was torn. They needed her, her magic, but he didn’t want to put her in danger. War would certainly do that.

‘It’s never easy, is it?’ Hermione asked sadly.

‘Of course not. We’re not that bloody lucky. Still, I wonder why godfather hasn’t sensed it yet?’

‘Perhaps he is in denial? He isn’t daft Draco. Once he realizes what has happened, he’s going to go mental.’

‘You don’t think he’d demand to make her abort it do you?’

Hermione thought about it for quite a while. ‘No,’ she said finally. ‘I don’t think he could do that. I know he says he doesn’t want children, but I think it will be different with them. They’ll be his blood, even if he isn’t their father figure.’

‘It would kind of be like a surrogate pregnancy then, wouldn’t it. I mean, Alex can’t have children and he wants them so badly. Maybe it can be like that, godfather giving them the gift of children. There isn’t anything to say that he can’t have some with Celeste and I know Melody would let him have as active as a parenting role as he wanted with the twins.’

‘I think you should go with her when she tells them. Just say the same thing you did to me and let them think it over.’

‘When should we tell them?’

‘You should probably tell Severus as soon as you get settled at school. She’s going to need all the care she can get Draco. Remember Harmony?’

‘Hopefully the war will be over before she gets that big and they start manifesting their magic. I wonder how far along she is.’

“You guys think too loudly,” Melody groaned and sat up. “I can practically hear you conversing in my head.”

“Sorry,” Draco said sheepishly. “We were wondering, how um… how far along are you?”

Melody looked down at her stomach and caressed it for a moment. “A week.”

“That’s early,” Draco said in shock. “Wait, that’s why you practically threatened me with my life to let you go shopping that day.”

Melody nodded. “I needed some time to think. I won’t show for a few months yet. We still have time.”

“No,” Draco said firmly, agreeing whole heartedly with his wife. “We tell godfather today. You need extra care and you’re going to get it.”

Melody paled and then cocked her eyebrow. “We?”

Draco smiled and brushed a lock of hair out of her face. “I’ll be with you. I’m a protector, remember?”

Melody smiled weakly. “I’ve never been so glad for one in my whole life.”

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“Enter.” Severus drawled. He was curious as to why someone was already knocking at his door. The portraits were being very uncooperative and wouldn’t tell him who it was. He’d had a half hour argument with the gargoyle just to set his password.

“Morning Sev, or em, afternoon, whatever it is,” Melody rambled nervously. Draco placed a hand on her lower back and ushered her into the room. He had told her he’d be here for this and he meant it. He could hear Hermione in the back of his mind, poised to add her two knuts worth if needed. Melody was shaking like a leaf, though he could hardly blame her.

“You didn’t get enough of me over the summer?” Severus asked sardonically. In truth, he was beyond pissed at himself for what he had done to her, his best friend. He was looking forward to some time without her, time to get his head on straight.

Melody closed her eyes in pain. This was not a good idea. She pushed back against Draco to turn away but he held fast with a scolding look. She sat down in a huff, annoyed that he wouldn’t let her just run away.

“Hello godfather.” Draco said a bit tersely. He wasn’t in the mood to put up with his snippy attitude. They had some serious things to talk about and Hermione’s constant worrying in the back of his mind was making him edgy. She believed Potter wouldn’t be appeased much longer and that on top of this new development was making him tense.

“Draco. Did you wish for me to set the wards already?”

“Well, yes actually. Hermione believes that Potter will move soon, if not tonight.”

“Foolish boy!” Severus snapped and slammed his hand down on the large wooden desk. “He’d best wait until you can be with her.”

“I agree,” Draco said softly. He hadn’t told them about what Harmony had seen. There was no sense in worrying everyone else too and he had Hermione’s support in that.

Melody narrowed her eyes. “You’ve been to see my sister.”

Draco spun around in surprise. The look of realization on her face made him curse himself. He’d given it away; she’d just taken a guess. Sighing deeply, he sunk into the chair beside her and nodded his head.

“Bad news then,” she whispered.

Draco shrugged. “We’ll get it.”

“Not without a price,” Severus said slowly.

Draco shook his head. “They’ll torture her first.”

An uncomfortable silence permeated the air. Draco was almost thankful for it. It gave him the chance to think things over before he dropped yet another bombshell on his godfather. If knowing that his daughter was to be tortured didn’t set him off, knowing he would be a biological father would be. He closed his eyes and basked in the comfort that Hermione sent him. She was terrified but resolute, knowing that it had to happen. They’d trained for this moment, knew it was coming, and were prepared to deal with it. If only it didn’t have to happen.

Severus let out a deep sigh. “This is what you’ve trained for. I have every faith that you both will be fine.”

Draco nodded. “We’ll survive. I just hate it.”

“If she needs any healing afterwards, call me and I’ll come and help,” Severus said finally. He’d run the scenario over and over in his head, trying to find a way around it. If Harmony had seen it, there was little chance that things could change. He knew he wasn’t getting the full story and that wasn’t the reason they were in his office. He waved his hand to set the wards to allow Draco to disapparate and then rubbed his finger over his lips. “The wards are set but that’s not why you’re here.”

“Sharp eye, you have,” Melody murmured.

Draco snorted. “I’m shocked that’s the only thing he’s using.”

“What are you two on about?” Severus growled.

“Taken any deep breaths lately?” Draco asked. He thought it might be better if Severus discovered it himself.

Severus scoffed. “Of course not. I didn’t want to smell the stench of fear and stale blood. In fact, I’d taken to charming my nose to block all scents on occasion.”

“Well that explains it,” Draco said, shooting a look over toward Melody. She had her head bowed, her fingers idly twirling a hair ribbon. She’d obviously conjured it to keep her hands busy. He knew she fidgeted when she was nervous.

“Explains what?” Severus snapped and then realized what they were getting at. What had he missed? He took a deep breath and catalogued the scents in the room, parchment, ink, metal, aftershave from Draco, and Melody’s strawberry shampoo. He inhaled again, trying to hone in on something different. This time, he could smell their blood. Draco’s was tangy, like lemon rinds. Melody’s was a soothing chocolate but there was something else too, something fresh and innocent, not a scent he’d encountered before.

“I think he’s got it,” Melody whispered as a look of confusion crossed Severus’s face. “Can I go now?”

“Absolutely not,” Draco growled. “For one of the bravest women I know, you are being a coward.”

“Trade ya seats,” Melody mumbled morosely.

Draco smirked. “That would be newsworthy.”

Melody gave an amused huff. “Better you than me.”

“Oh come now, it’s not all bad,” Draco said gently, making sure to keep his eyes locked on his godfather’s face. He hadn’t quite worked it out yet but he was close.

“Says you,” Melody whispered and then looked up. Shock registered on Severus’s face and then anger. She paled and jumped out of her seat, trying to scuttle out of the room.

Draco leapt out of his chair and forcefully sat her back down. Then he charmed her arse to stick to the seat and stepped in front of her. He hadn’t missed the look of anger on his godfather’s face. He didn’t think he’d actually hex Melody, but he would stand between them just in case. “So, can you guess what you missed?”

Severus’s eyes immediately locked to Melody’s as she peeked out from behind Draco. “How?”

“How what?” Melody asked petulantly. She wasn’t going to give him an inch.

“You’re pregnant,” He spoke softly but Draco could see barely contained rage behind his eyes.

“You have a very fine sense of smell,” Melody snipped, not looking him in the eye.

“How?”

“I would have figured a man of your age would know that.”

“Stop being a smart arse and tell me now!” Severus yelled, causing her to flinch. Draco leaned forward, preparing himself to take his godfather out forcefully if necessary.

“He charmed the manacles,” Melody whispered. “I didn’t notice until I was already strapped in. I couldn’t very well say anything. I’m supposed to be blind, remember?”

“Why didn’t you tell me later?”

“Because I knew this was how you’d react,” Melody said, anger sparking in her eyes. “I thought perhaps we’d dodged the bullet and gotten away with it. It was just once, after all. No such luck though. I’m not aborting them Sev so you can just give up that notion right now.”

Severus sat down hard, shock clear on his face. “You think I’d make you abort?”

Draco heaved a relieved sigh. It seemed that Hermione was right. He relaxed ever so slightly and perched on the edge of his chair. Silence hung heavy in the air and he kept a running dialogue with Hermione. It let them have their moment and kept him sane at the same time.

“I didn’t know what to think,” Melody said finally. “It’s not as if the topic has ever come up. I mean, the closest thing we’ve come to it is the fact that you hate children.”

“I don’t hate children,” Severus snapped.

Melody raised her eyebrow in disbelief. “Really? I’m certain that those were your exact words.”

“I didn’t mean it like that.” Severus squeezed the bridge of his nose. “I’m not adverse to children, I’m adverse to their blatant disregard for the rules.”

Melody chuckled. “I think that’s part of being a child.”

“Them,” Severus said suddenly, as if it had just occurred to him what she’d said.

“Twin boys.”

Draco jumped out of his chair when his godfather suddenly slammed his head down on his desk. That was the most uncharacteristic thing he’d ever done. Given the circumstances, he couldn’t really blame him. He’d impregnated his best friend, his married best friend who was not his wife. Still, it unnerved him and he cleared his throat uncomfortably.

“Give me a moment,” Severus’s muffled voice carried through the room.

“How about I give you both a moment?” Draco asked. “I- you won’t hex her after I’m gone will you?”

Severus lifted his head, his expression livid. “I would never.”

Draco chortled. “I’ve seen you do much worse than that but I believe you. I’ll leave you to it then. Oh, and I’ll be taking Red out tonight. Maybe she can keep Potter occupied for a while.”

Severus merely waved a hand at him and smacked is forehead on his desk again. Draco gave a soft smile at a gob smacked Melody. He was just about to go unpack his things when he turned around. “It could be a blessing, you know? It doesn’t have to be a burden.”

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Severus Snape?

“We didn’t kill you,” Draco said in an impatient tone. He was practically vibrating with need, eager to get his wife in his arms again.

“Hey!” Hermione shuffled down the stairs. “Harry is in the same room as before. He’s expecting you.”

“Thanks!” Ginny said brightly and hurried up the stairs, trying to tread as lightly as she could.

“Where’s the Weasel?”

Hermione grumbled under her breath and started walking upstairs.

“Pardon? I didn’t catch that.” Draco was highly amused as he followed closely behind her.

“I said he’s petrified and shoved in a closet in the basement,” she huffed and walked into her bedroom with him right behind her.

“Why?”

“Harry wants to go tomorrow and he wants me to go in first.”

Draco hummed. “Because our magic can negate the Ministry’s.”

“Precisely, but Ron doesn’t know that. Harry wants me to trip a few spells on the top levels and make it look like someone is trying to get the Minister.”

“That’s actually pretty brilliant,” Draco said in surprise. “No one will notice odd acting employees when a different floor’s spells go haywire.”

“I agree and you’ll be there so we’ll be able to do it quite easily. You will be there, right?”

Draco looked affronted. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Oh, I don’t know, school and all that,” Hermione said breezily. “Anyway, I agreed right away. Ron, on the other hand, thinks Harry is feeding me to the sharks.”

“Well, he is but he doesn’t know that.”

“I’m not telling him either. Anyway, he threw his usual fit and FORBID me to go at all!”

Draco smirked. “So you hexed him and stuffed him in a closet.”

“Too right.”

Draco laughed and scooped her up in his arms before tossing her onto the bed. “I’m glad you’re on my side,” he whispered and ducked his head to give her a searing kiss. “So he’s set on tomorrow then? No changing his mind?”

“Unless Ginny can change it for him tonight,” Hermione said softly and pulled him down for another kiss.

“One can only hope,” Draco murmured, tracing a path down her neck and over her collar bone with his lips. He wanted to take his time with her tonight, just in case Potter didn’t change his mind. Gentle caresses and feather light kisses were spread liberally over his wife’s thoroughly heated body. He made sure not to leave one inch of her untouched. When he’d had all he could stand, he lined himself up and thrust all the way in.

Hermione moaned in pleasure when she felt his length fill her. He was so warm. She bucked up to meet him thrust for thrust. She kept rhythm with him for what seemed like hours, just enjoying him parting her flesh over and over until she felt her nerves start to tighten up. She fought it but it was too strong and she came with a loud cry. Draco followed her shortly after and collapsed onto the mattress beside her.

They laid there in comfortable silence until the early morning hours. Draco had taken her several more times and she was feeling a bit sore but thoroughly sated. Hermione turned and cuddled up closer to him, her finger tracing idly over his tattoos. “Do you think Severus and Melody worked things out?”

“They disappeared for the rest of the day,” Draco sighed and rubbed her shoulder. “Alex and Celeste arrived right as Red and I left.”

“I think they’ll understand,” Hermione whispered uncertainly.

“We can only hope. We need them all,” Draco said gravely. “Come on love, let’s get some sleep. Early day tomorrow.”

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“Morning Harry!” Hermione chirped as she flounced into the kitchen. Draco had taken Ginny back to Hogwarts about an hour ago. He was going to keep their connection open in case Harry decided to go through with the plan to raid the Ministry.

“Morning Hermione. Sleep well?” Harry was grinning from ear to ear, obviously in a great mood from the night previous.

“Somehow, I didn’t get a whole lot of it,” Hermione said breezily with a wicked smirk. Harry burst out laughing and handed her a cup of coffee. “Ron break out of that closet yet?”

“No thanks to you,” Ron stormed in and yanked a mug out of the kitchen, filling it with coffee.

“If you weren’t being a complete arse, you would have been able to sleep in your own bed,” Hermione said curtly. “Now, are we on for today?”

“No,” Harry said, his lips in a firm line. “Friday morning. That gives us three more days to plan, get all our stuff packed, and come up with a backup plan. It will also keep them in chaos with it being the last day of the week.”

“Friday it is then,” Hermione said, closing her eyes and relaying that information to Draco.

“I still don’t like it,” Ron growled.

“Like it or not Ron, it’s our only shot,” Harry reasoned as he sipped his coffee. “Hermione’s the only one of us trained enough to set those wards off.”

“Why do we need to set them off at all?” Ron sneered. “Can’t we just sneak in like we originally planned?”

“We’re still sneaking in like we planned,” Hermione said in exasperation. “The whole point of me triggering the wards is that they won’t be looking at any weird mannerisms elsewhere. It’s a diversion. Once we get in, Harry will go to Umbridge’s office and you and I will head down to the dungeons to find her.”

“I don’t like the idea of you alone in there,” Ron said.

“Why? Because I’m a girl? Think very carefully about your answer Ron because I guarantee you that I could kick your arse seven ways from Sunday and I don’t need a wand to do it!”

“So I noticed,” Ron shivered, remembering the fact that she lifted him off his feet the previous night with no effort at all. “I just don’t want someone to ambush you.”

Harry snorted. “She’ll be disguised Ron. No one will notice anything out of the ordinary at first glance and when she trips the wards, no one will care.”

“I just…don’t like it,” Ron said stubbornly.

Hermione sighed. “I’ll look like Mafalda Hopkirk, Ron. I highly doubt anyone is going to ambush me and if we do run into trouble, I can handle myself. Now drop it and let’s pack everything we’ll need. Did you manage to nick some coins so we can get in?”

Ron shook his head. “No, those things are apparently hard to come by because the Magical Maintence guy, Cattermole I think, wouldn’t give one up to the guy Harry’s going to be…Runcorn isn’t it?”

“That’s the guy. We’ll just have to nick them after we stun them,” Harry said, rubbing the bridge of his nose in frustration.

“We’ll actually be sending a few of them home sick so we’ll need to be quick,” Hermione said, opening her bag and taking out a few of Fred and George’s skiving snack boxes. “I have a map of the Ministry here somewhere. I think we should memorize our paths.”

“Hermione, I see those halls in my sleep!” Ron teased and bent over with Harry to look one more time.

The more prepared they were the better and hopefully, Hermione thought, she could get them out of there before she was caught.

AN: Hello everyone! I know what you're thinking. You just threw those babies in there for shock factor. Why yes, yes I did, but that was always the plan. Poor Melody and Severus. Anyway, the Ministry is next. Looking over the reviews, yes I realize the last few chapters were a bit rushed but there was a whole lot of time to fill before we got to this event. Things should be a bit interesting from here on out. As always, thanks to everyone for your reviews and the well wishes for my horse. I'm pleased to announce that she's recovering quite well. She's eating, drinking, and generally being her bitchy old self and I couldn't be happier. Hopefully I can get some writing time in now. Keep those reviews coming and let me know how I'm doing and if you find any mistakes. Until next time... love you guys!
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