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Bound	By : goldhorse Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 126120 -:- 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
- 6
- 7
- 8
It had been almost 5 weeks since their mind bonding and his nerves were starting to wear a bit thin. They had discovered that if he kissed her, they could be apart for up to four hours pain free. However, the more they had contact, the stronger they could feel each other’s feeling. Not to mention that when that time was up, the pain was twice as bad. This was a major problem for Draco because he found he felt the need to comfort her every time she was upset. She seemed to get upset more often as the week went by. He wasn’t sure if it was because of Weaslebee or the fact that she was going to have to fuck him soon.

He had decided that it was mostly the latter. Her precious Gryffindor morals were getting in the way of her, no, their survival. She wanted the muggle white wedding with a fairy tale prince charming, the perfect situation in which she married and gave herself to her true love on their wedding night. He thought it was all a bunch of bullshit. True love didn’t exist. His mother had told him of true love, how she had married his father because of it. It didn’t exactly look like the ideal situation to him.

However, Granger was mourning herself sick. She was becoming withdrawn, wasn’t participating in lessons, and she’d all but stopped eating. He had taken to snatching a few bits of toast in the morning for her. He’d kiss her into submission and then force her to eat. One time he even bound her to a chair until she complied. She was too weak to fight him. He found he didn’t mind the kissing. Her lips were as sweet as honey but it felt as if she was slipping away from him, from everything. Melancholy was the only thing he felt from her now. He didn’t know when he had begun to care for her, but now he found that he didn’t want to wait four hours to see her again. He liked being in her presence and he’d be damned if she wasted away just because of the silly notion of true love.

He needed some advice and there were only two people he could go to. His godfather obviously wasn’t the best at matters of this nature but he wasn’t about to go to Dumbledore. Just because he now worked for the wizard didn’t mean he had to like him. He found himself in front of his godfather’s office and he knocked quietly.

“Enter.”

“Professor, may I have a word with you?”

“Yes, Mr. Malfoy. Come in and close the door.”

When he was seated, Snape continued. “I take it this isn’t a social call Draco.”

“No godfather, it’s not. I need some advice. I know you are probably not the best person to ask this but only you and that doddering old fool know what is going on.”

Snape quirked an eyebrow. “What makes you think I am unqualified to answer a simple question?”

“I have never seen you with a woman.”

Snape’s eyes grew hard and there was a subtle flash of indigo that startled Draco. He flinched and Snape smirked.

“Still having trouble coping with my condition?” He changed the subject.

“No, just a bit startled. I’ve never seen your eyes change before.”

“I’m very good at hiding what I am, and that includes my interactions with women.” He sneered. “It just so happens that Miss Granger has already come to me.”

Draco’s face fell. She felt more comfortable going to his godfather than her, her what? What was he, her bonded mate by accident?

“You really must learn to school your features. Pouting like a little twit isn’t going to solve anything.” Snape sighed deeply. “Miss Granger is finding it hard to let go of her childhood dreams.” Draco nodded. “However, she knows that she is being silly. Her dilemma is that she knows it is petty and she is punishing herself for it.”

“What? That doesn’t make sense.”

“Apparently, it does to a Gryffindor, blind loyalty and courage and all of that shite. She is berating herself for not thinking of your feelings” He looked sick as he sneered the last word. “She doesn’t understand how she just can’t accept it. She is so logical that she has trouble with her feelings. As a result, she is slowly killing herself.” Draco nodded solemnly. “I can see it in you too.” Draco looked up sharply. “You have dark circles under your eyes, your face appears gaunt, you aren’t sleeping well, and you feel her melancholy as well as your own. Add that on top of the fact that you are constantly holed up in the ROR every chance you get for your duty and I doubt you two will last until the Christmas holidays. You are feeding off of each other and the bond isn’t cemented yet. You are experiencing all of the negative effects of the bond without any of the perks.”

“What perks? I don’t want her to be able to read my mind.”

Snape sighed. “You stupid boy, you will only be able to read each other’s minds with express permission. Think of it as advanced Legilimency. Did you not read this in the book?”

“It wasn’t exactly plainly worded.”

Snape growled in exasperation. “Once the bond is cemented, your powers will flow between you two easily. You will both achieve balance, which will make your magic much easier to handle. However, in order to do all of this, we must remove the magical bindings.”

“NO! We’ll self-destruct!”

“Only if you do not cement the bond afterward.”

Draco groaned. “How am I going to appease Granger enough to get her to fuck me?”

“That’s your first problem, Draco. She doesn’t see it as fucking. She sees it as an act of love.”

Draco snorted. “She wants prince charming. I’m not fucking prince charming. I’m just the stupid fuck she’s stuck with.”

“Why Draco, is that a conscience I hear?”

Draco snorted again. “You know I can’t marry her. That blasted tapestry will show it and then we are all done for.”

“The Black family tapestry is in the possession of Harry Potter.” Draco blanched. “Is there a Malfoy family tapestry?”

Draco thought hard. There was one once upon a time but it had been stowed away in one of the many forgotten places in Malfoy manor upon his birth. After all, he was the only legitimate heir. There was no need to check again. However, it would be his luck that someone would find it.

He’d been back and forth with the issue of marriage all week as well. He didn’t know how far Granger had gotten in the book, but it did mention that a full marriage complete with fidelity and eternity bindings would enhance the bond beyond cementing it. It wasn’t known why. Marriage seemed like an awfully hasty step though. However, it wasn’t sacred to him. Marriages were arranged all the time and he was bred to accept that. Still, he owed it to Granger not to take the next step simply out of obligation. He’d have to find another way.

“Yes, but I’m not sure where it is,” he said finally. “But, I don’t think it would be wise to force her into that. She’s stressed enough. I don’t know what Weaslebee did to her that day, but she hasn’t been the same since. She’s turning into a damn Hufflepuff.”

“Agreed. Might I suggest talking to her? You’re both going to have to figure out Christmas arrangements soon and I am tired of having to listen to her.”

“It almost sounds as if you care godfather.”

“Let’s just say that we have found a common ground. She accepts me for who I am without fear and I can’t help but respect her for that, as much as I hate it.” He sneered.

“Well, I’m going to need access to Granger for a good while so we can work everything out, starting tonight. Do you think you could convince the Dark Lord that I must stay here to continue on with my mission?”

“I’ll see what I can do. I should have an answer for you by the end of the weekend.”

“Thank you,” Draco said as he stood up to walk away. Then, he thought better of it, turned around and held out his hand to his godfather to shake. “Just so you know godfather, I’ve always admired you. I’ve come to realize that blood and conditions don’t matter.”

Snape reluctantly shook his hand before he sneered, “quit being such a damn Gryffindor.”

Draco chuckled as he left. He sent a message to Hermione to meet him in the ROR that night. It was Friday and they’d probably need the entire weekend if he were to convince her that she had to stop trying to kill herself. Now if he could just come up with an excuse for both of them.

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His excuse was fairly easy to construct. Everyone in his house knew that he’d had a task to complete for the Dark Lord. They didn’t question him when he said he’d be working on it all weekend. However, Granger’s was more difficult. He’d managed to sneak a peck on her cheek before breakfast and quickly tell her that she’d need an excuse for the weekend. His almost smirked at her wide-eyed expression but he was quick to tell her they would just be finalizing Christmas and future plans. When she visible relaxed, he sent her on her way.

Their opportunity came at dinner. He’d felt hungry all day and knew she hadn’t eaten anything. He’d bit down that niggling feeling that he’d made her so nervous she couldn’t eat. She was sitting at the Gryffindor table, staring off into space when that damn Weasel had to pick a fight.

“Oi! What are you staring at Mione?” He all but yelled.

“Nothing Ronald,” she sighed. “I was just thinking.”

Then he said the one thing that set her off so badly that it rivaled her fight with Malfoy in the bathroom. “Maybe if you’d stop thinking less and started paying attention to yourself more, you’d have a better chance at a social life or a better boyfriend than some muggle you probably made up.”

Everyone in the Great Hall went silent. Sensing that this wouldn’t end well, Draco caught his godfather’s eye as he moved to leave the hall. It wouldn’t do if she blacked out and took him with her. He was just outside the doors but he could hear and see everything thanks to a few stragglers who were stuck in the entryway.

Hermione stood up and pulled her wand. “Ronald Weasley, HOW DARE YOU!” She appeared to lose the ability of speech and let her wand do the talking. One flick and Ron had floated to the middle of the Great Hall, levitating by his ankle. Then she dropped him and people from all tables winced at the crack his head made on the floor. Ron groaned and she deftly flicked her wand again. He was covered in puss filled boils. Then she knelt by him.

“If you ever even think of talking to me like that again, Ronald, you’ll welcome the boils by the time I get through with you.”

She stood up and marched out, giving Draco a glance and going off toward the ROR. Smiling at the fact that she had found her backbone, he sauntered down the hallway after her.

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That utter prat! Hermione’s mind was whirring a million miles a minute. Fueled with outrage, she stormed to the ROR. The anger was a strangely welcoming change from the despair she had sunk into all week. She felt like a useless ninny, even going so far as to confide in Professor Snape. She thought that he would have berated her until she forgot about her problems and could focus on anger or at least the task at hand. Instead, he had calmly told her that her sadness wasn’t unfounded. She’d simply needed to work through the grieving process. Who would have thought Snape had a soft side?

All week, she had sunk further and further until she almost forgot herself. Her only reprieve was when Draco would snog her silly. Afterwards, she would fall into depression again, blaming the euphoria solely on the bond and not her personal feelings. She felt like she was on a roller coaster. Logically, she knew her path. She just needed to move on and get to it but emotionally, she was a wreck. She was still pining after Ron. That git didn’t deserve her pining after him. How dare he insult her looks and her intelligence? The nerve of him, suggesting she dumb herself down and paint herself up like some whore. By the time the ROR opened for her, she was shaking with anger.

“Well, well Granger,” Draco’s voice startled her and she whipped around to see him smirking at her. “Welcome back.”

“What?”

“I said,” he stepped up next to her and gathered her in his arms. “Welcome back. I was hoping you’d return. You had me worried. I thought you were going to grieve yourself to death.”

Tears started rolling down her cheeks. “No, no, none of that now.” He gently brushed the tears away. “We’re going to move past that. It’s time to live in the now instead of the proposed future.”

“How,” she asked, barely above a whisper.

“I know you’ve had every second of your life planned out but we’re fixing to go to war, Granger. This is going to be an impromptu mission from here on out. Oh, they’ll be plans but we might have to change at the drop of a hat. Your precious schedules wouldn’t hold up.”

She sighed. “I know. I know I am being silly but, aren’t you unhappy about this?”

It was Draco’s turn to sigh. “Granger, Hermione, I was livid at first. You know how I was raised. Your blood is dirty, muddy, and forbidden.” She nodded. “It’s surprising though, in this last week, I find myself missing you. I don’t know if it is because of the bond or if I’ve somehow come to enjoy your company on my own but I do know that I’m not going to second guess it. There are so many things that are uncertain right now but we are stuck with each other, like it or not. I’d rather accept it than be miserable thinking of what would have been.”

Hermione gave a half laugh. “I know your right, I just find it hard to let go. I’m fine when I’m with you, so I guess I’ve come to enjoy your company as well. But then when we part I find it hollow, thinking that I only feel this way because of the bond.” She looked at the floor.

“Hermione,” he started, placing his hand gently under her chin and raising her face to meet his. “Bond or not, I’d rather live for right now because tomorrow is uncertain. Just quit thinking for once in your life and feel.”

“How can you just jump into this so quickly?”

Draco chuckled. “I haven’t had many choices in my life. It was either do this or suffer. Sure, I’m still warring with myself but the fact is that I still don’t have a choice. I know I feel better when I’m with you. Don’t you feel better when we’re together?”

“Yes,” she answered quietly.

“There you go. Besides, just think of the look on the Weasel’s face if he found out you’ve been snogging his mortal enemy.” He chuckled darkly.

Hermione frowned. “Stupid git, just because I’m intelligent and I don’t fuss with my hair and makeup doesn’t make me unattractive. Does it?”

“That’s a loaded question.”

Her face fell. “I know you don’t think I’m pretty. I might not be good looking but looks don’t get you far in life.”

“Well you’re right there. Your intelligence will take you far. However, you are wrong about your looks. You might not be beautiful in the conventional sense Granger, but you aren’t a dog. You are pretty, despite what the Weasel says. I find myself more attracted to you every day. If you tell anyone I told you that, I’m going to make your life miserable.”

Hermione chuckled. “Fine. As long as you don’t let anyone know I told you that you aren’t so bad yourself.”

Draco grinned. “Done. Now, how long is Weaslebee going to be in the hospital wing?”

“Oh, he’ll be fine by Sunday night. You said I needed to be gone the entire weekend. Why?”

“I thought we should actually sit down and work things out. First things first, we can’t be separated right now. Even if the bond were cemented, I doubt we could last two weeks.”

“Agreed. I had planned to go skiing with my parents and the drop by the Burrow for Christmas. The Burrow is most definitely out. I guess I can tell Harry and Ron I’m going to stay with my parents. Then I’ll tell my parents that I’m staying here to continue on my studies. They’d believe me.”

“I’m sure they would,” Draco smirked.

Hermione batted his arm playfully. It felt good, surreal, but good to be talking like this. She always did better when planning. The night wore on and they decided that they would both say they were staying at school for Christmas. Whether or not they needed to go somewhere else would be determined when they spoke to Professor Snape. All too soon, her stomach grumbled loudly.

“We’d better get you something to eat, Hermione. You haven’t been taking care of yourself. Professor Snape said he could see it affecting me as well.”

Hermione looked horror struck. “Oh Draco, I’m so sorry. I didn’t even think.”

“Stop,” he interrupted her. “You and your damned Gryffindor bleeding heart, stop apologizing. You needed time to cope, end of story. Let’s go down to the kitchen. It’s almost curfew so there is a chance we could be seen. What do you think, disillusion?”

“Sounds ok.”

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Hermione sat on one of the tables in the kitchen, eating a sandwich while Draco sat on a table opposite of her with his. It took forever before they convinced the house elves that they could do it on their own. Finally, she told them they could cater breakfast in the ROR the next day and they finally relented. She still marveled that they could like serving so well.

Back to the task at hand, she raided the cooler. She had taught him how to make his first meal all by himself and Draco was quite pleased. He had a lot to learn and she was bound and determined to show him that muggles weren’t the filth he was raised to believe they were. In fact, they were quite ingenuitive.

The door to the kitchen burst open and Professor McGonagall flew in, immediately descending on Hermione.

“Miss Granger! There you are. Why are you here in the kitchens? We’ve been looking for you everywhere! Where have you been? What spell did you cast on Mr. Weasley?”

“Professor McGonagall,” Snapes drawl interrupted her. “Perhaps if you quit peppering her with questions, she could answer each one in turn.”

Just then, McGonagall turned to notice that Draco had sat opposite her. “Mr. Malfoy, why are you here?”

Draco merely shrugged, said, “I was hungry,” and turned to Professor Snape.

“It isn’t curfew yet, I see no reason why his presence is strange.” Snape drawled. He had obviously overlooked the fact that no student was allowed in the kitchens. Then he did a double take at Draco’s sandwich. Draco smirked; shot his eyes toward Hermione, and then continued to eat as though McGonagall wasn’t so worked up steam could shoot from her ears at any moment.

“Professor,” Hermione cut in. “I had to get some fresh air so I’ve been walking about the grounds. I do apologize for the scene I made but NOT for the hex. Ronald went too far this time. He should clear up by Sunday.”

“Miss Granger, I hope you know that your actions will have serious consequences. There is a whole school full of witnesses who can verify that you deliberately attacked a student. I must insist that you come with me to the Headmaster’s office at once.”

“Yes, Ma’am,” she answered. She got up and made to follow McGonagall. When her Head of House had gotten out of eye shot, she quickly kissed Malfoy just in case they would be separated for a while and then left. She caught the smirk on both Slytherin’s faces but let it slide.

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“Ah, Miss Granger, do come in.”

Hermione walked in after her Head of House and sat herself in front of the headmaster’s desk.

“I understand that you took it upon yourself to teach Mr. Weasley a lesson in manners?” His eyes twinkled slightly although he didn’t smile.

“Yes sir. He said something horrible and I couldn’t control my temper. I am sorry that everyone had to witness it.”

“It was a rather creative way you expressed yourself. I trust Mr. Weasley will only suffer temporarily?”

“Yes sir, the hex should fade by Sunday.”

“I am afraid that despite the fact that Mr. Weasley probably deserved a modicum of correction, you must be disciplined for the manner in which you chose to educate him. That will be 100 points from Gryffindor for the hex that you used. I also must insist that you have detention with Professor Snape every night at 8:00 until the end of the year.”

“Albus!” Professor McGonagall cut in. “As Head of her House, I can watch over Miss Granger’s detention.”

“I have no doubt that you could Minerva, however Severus has informed me that he needs an assistant for a while and Miss Granger is perfect for it.”

“But,” she started.

“I’m sorry Professor McGonagall, but I must insist,” he said firmly but not unkind.

“Very well.” She sighed heavily.

“Good, now Miss Granger, you and I have some more things to discuss.”

Hearing her obvious dismissal, McGonagall patted Hermione on the shoulder and left.

“Yes sir. I’ve been meaning to come and see you. I have decided that I would like to stay here over the Christmas holidays.”

“That is all very well Miss Granger. I assume Mr. Malfoy is staying as well?” At her nod, he continued. “Good, good but I believe we may need to get you two out of the castle.”

“Sir? I thought Hogwarts would be safest.”

“Yes, Hogwarts is the safest place you two could be. However, there are far too many eyes that could be witness to unusual happenings.”

“I can see that sir, but how unusual do you think they are going to get?”

“Well, by now you know of Mr. Malfoy’s binding?”

“Yes sir.”

“Then you are also aware that he breaks it every year around this time?”

“Yes sir, but I assumed that had a great deal to do with his father’s presence”

“Most of the time, it does. However, it seems to be inevitable either way. I have spoken with Professor Snape and we have confirmed that his magic surges around this time. You read in the book that it must be bound with the opposite power. Since he is bound by dark magic, his own powers surge and render it benign, although it is a painful process.”

“Sir, was I bound with dark magic?”

He looked at her for a long time, a slightly sad smile on his face. “At first, no. However, after your first year, we discovered your aura and had to change tactics. Luckily, they are fairly harmless spells. Miss Granger, you must understand that while I do not like dark magic, it can and does have practical uses.”

“I understand sir. If he breaks his bonds though, can he undergo another? If I understood the reading correctly, the surge if he’s not bound could kill him and myself.”

“Under normal circumstances, we could rebind him with minimal problems. However, since he has been exposed to the darkest of spells trying to restrain him, I fear that his core has permanently shifted. It wouldn’t respond to light magic, well binding that is. He will still respond beautifully if you lent him your magic. Miss Granger, I fear that this might be pushing it, but we only have two choices. We could wait until he breaks the binding. No one knows when the binding will falter but if he breaks it on his own it will be horribly agonizing for both of you. The other option is that we purposefully take the binding off to spare you both the pain. However, either way, you must be unbound as well. Then you must cement your bond quickly following that. Otherwise, you both risk irreparable damage.”

Hermione was horror struck. It had finally sunken in just how imperative it was to have sex with Draco. It truly was a do or die scenario. It was enough to help her conquer her last doubts and move on. There was no turning back.

Seeing the emotions cross her face, Dumbledore gently brought her out of her thoughts. “Miss Granger, I understand that it will be extremely uncomfortable for you both to complete this, but it must be done. Please remember that once you are cemented, your true training can begin. Professor Snape can only teach you so much before you are joined.”

“I understand Headmaster. I just have one question.”

“Yes, my dear?”

“How does Professor Snape know so much about pure magic? I mean, he is a phenom but he is quite knowledgeable, more so than just to have read about it. It is like he has experienced it.”

With a twinkle in his eye, Dumbledore smiled and answered. “That my child is something to ask the professor yourself. However, I will say that he does have a certain amount of experience. It would do both you and Mr. Malfoy well to heed his teachings.”

“Yes sir. Um, I was wondering.” She blushed profusely.

“Yes dear?”

“Could, um, I mean if it isn’t too much trouble, um, would it be possible to, um.” She stammered.

“Miss Granger, arrangements have been made for both you and Mr. Malfoy to be together this weekend.”

Pleased that she didn’t have to ask aloud, she merely nodded her head in thanks.

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“Where is she?” Harry asked, staring at the Maurader’s Map. He’d been going out of his mind with worry. It was Saturday afternoon and no one had seen or heard from Hermione since the night before at dinner. He’d never seen her lose her temper quite that badly. The last time she had come close was when she decked Malfoy in their third year. He felt that while her treatment of Ron was harsh, he’d pretty much deserved it.

“She’s probably gone off to the library or something to cool off, Harry,” Ginny answered soothingly. “I can’t believe my big git of a brother said such horrible things to her. I’m sure she’ll turn up later.”

“That’s just it Ginny, this map shows everywhere in Hogwarts and she’s not here. I’ve looked through all seven floors, the quidditch pitch, all the grounds, and even Hagrid’s hut. She’s nowhere. It’s like she’s walked off the face of the earth!”

“Oh Harry, quit being dramatic.”

“I’m just worried about her. I hope they didn’t expel her.”

“Did you ask McGonagall?”

“Yes, and she was very short with me. Told me that she was being disciplined for her actions, and then walked away. She and Dumbledore have been avoiding me ever since.”

“Well, I’m sure she’s ok Harry. They would have said something if she wasn’t.”

Harry sighed deeply. “I guess you’re right.”

Ginny smiled and squeezed his shoulder gently. “Trust me, she’s fine.” Harry nodded. “Now, I’m going to go visit my git of a brother and give him another piece of my mind.”

Harry grinned thinking of the tongue-lashing Ron was fixing to get. After living with 6 brothers and Molly, Ginny had a mouth to rival them all.

“Have fun!” he called out after her.

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Hermione woke groggily and realized that it was sometime Saturday afternoon. She froze when she felt a warm body next to her back and the weight of an arm draped across her stomach. Everything came hurtling into place.

Snape had come back to the headmaster’s office with Draco to collect her. He then led them to the ROR. He gave explicit instructions not to leave the room unless going to detention for the entire weekend. Meals would be brought up by Dobby, who was abnormally loyal to Hermione due to her knitting. The room opened to resemble a London flat, complete with kitchenette, loo, and den/bedroom combination. To her dismay, there were two armchairs and only one bed.

She and Draco had sat up until early morning talking and making plans, speculating where Dumbledore would send them for the holidays, and generally getting to know each other. Conversation had passed between them with few awkward moments. She found him to be a terrific conversationalist. He had a sharp tongue with a dark sense of humor to match. She found he was also intelligent and surprisingly charming.

They decided at the beginning of the night that all prejudices were to be placed aside. It was a large blow for both of their egos but a necessary move if they were to comfortably spend the rest of their lives together. Neither expected love at this point, but mutual respect and friendly companionship would be nice. Of course, there would be sex but they steered clear of that topic the entire night. This night was to be used to get to know each other. Friends first, more later, it was an unspoken agreement.

She noticed the time when Dobby popped in with a light breakfast of tea and scones. The time had flown by and to their surprise it was almost seven in the morning. The each ate their fill and by the time they were done, she found herself uncontrollably yawning. She looked longingly at the bed but was hesitant to lie down in it. There was only one bed after all and she wasn’t heartless enough to make Draco sleep on the floor. Draco had noticed her gaze and offered to sleep on the floor anyway. Gathering her Gryffindor courage, she had declined and told him she’d have to get used to it one way or another. So, it was then that they’d lain down together, careful not to touch anywhere but their hands. She drifted off into a peaceful sleep until now.

The first thing Draco noticed when he woke was a rather large mane of chestnut tangles. The second thing he noticed was that his arm was draped over a tiny waist. The third thing that he noticed was that he was sporting a raging hard on. Damn it! Quickly, he pulled his arm back and adjusted himself before the pretty brunette could turn around and see it. He didn’t want to embarrass her. They had made such tremendous progress.

The night before, they had talked well into the morning. Of course, they planned their holidays and the week leading up to it. He had given her the idea of asking McLaggen to Slughorn’s party the day before holiday. He figured she wouldn’t take an interest in the blowhard, and it had the added bonus of making Weasley absolutely barmy with jealousy. He knew the red headed prat had a thing for Hermione but was too big of a coward to act on it. It was a good thing for Draco. She didn’t need the distraction of a Weasley she couldn’t have.

Hermione was much more than he expected. She was an engaging conversationalist. She gave as well as she got in an argument. He found her quick wit a match to his own and her wealth of knowledge to be refreshing. She didn’t lord her information over him and he was pleasantly surprised about that. Having spent all his time around pureblood girls who were all raised to be shallow talking dolls, she was a breath of fresh air. He felt that they could become very good friends, if no other feelings developed. Looking at her bright eyes as she turned over to face him, he wasn’t so sure they would remain just friends.

Lunch was a quiet affair for the couple. After they finished their meals, they each went and cleaned up for the day. They found that the house elves had already taken the liberty of bringing a change of clothes, their toiletries, and a few books to their rooms. She had gone first and went back to retrieve something she had left in the loo. When Hermione accidentally caught sight of Draco in nothing but a towel, her breath caught in her throat.

He was, for lack of a better word, beautiful. His back was pale, smooth, and sculpted. However, she could see silver lines she could only assume were marks from his past abuse. She felt her heart go out toward him as she subconsciously rubbed the place where Dolohov had left his mark on her. He must have caught her staring at him in the mirror because he turned around and gave her a wink and a wide smirk. Blushing profusely, she looked down, telling herself she did NOT see his perfectly sculpted abs, his sleek sinewy arms, or the startling black of the Dark Mark against his pale arm.

Draco walked over to her and lifted her chin. Then he did something that melted her into a puddle of goo. He smiled at her, a genuine smile and not a smirk. It seemed to light up his face and he truly looked happy for the first time in a long time. She couldn’t help but give him a soft smile in return upon seeing the joy in his eyes.

“It is okay to look you know,” he said, startling her out of her haze. She jumped about a foot backwards and he chuckled. “Hermione, when is the last time you shut that formidable mind of yours down and just let yourself feel?”

Looking at him in confusion, she asked, “Whatever do you mean? I feel things all the time!”

“Well sure you do, happiness, pain, anger, but I mean let your feelings guide you. Just, let go of what your mind tells you is proper, turn it off, and just move instinctually.”

“I, I,” She couldn’t honestly say. She was a logical creature. Being ruled by emotions and feelings was foreign to her and hadn’t served her well before, their predicament came to mind. There was no control and it frightened her. The only time she could really let go was when she danced and she had diplomatically left that part out of their conversations. It was too embarrassing.

“Touch me,” he intoned.

“What!” She gave him an incredulous look.

“Touch me.” He said softly. Before she could back away, he grabbed her wrist. “Stop thinking. Just feel.” Then he gently placed her trembling hand in the middle of his chest and laid his hand atop hers. “See, nothing scary. We are much closer than this when I snog you,” he smirked.

Blushing, she looked away. “Yes, but you are clothed,” she breathed.

“Time to take the next step Hermione. Stop thinking, just go with your feeling and explore.”

She closed her eyes briefly, willing herself to stop shaking. This was the first time she had touched a semi-nude male. Oh sure, she’d seen them. Harry and Ron weren’t exactly modest and in a house full of Weasley males, you were bound to catch more male anatomy than you bargained for. However, this was different, intimate, and she was both thrilled and terrified.

Slowly she opened her eyes and looked into his. What she saw there made her gasp. His eyes sparkled; silver pulsated amongst the pale blue-grey background. They held an intense heat and was that desire? Slowly, she looked down to her hand resting on his chest. She drew it up to the base of his collar bone, back down to his sternum, traced his pecs, then his abs reveling in the feel of sparse hair so blond she couldn’t really see them. She traced around his belly button and then heard him inhale sharply when she reached the top of the towel. It was her turn to take a quick breath when she saw the tent his erection had created underneath. No doubt, he was enjoying this just as much as she was.

Gradually, she traced her way back up, making it up to his muscular shoulders and then down his right arm, to his hand to caress his fingers. He had long elegant fingers; his hands were slightly calloused from playing quiditch, but surprisingly soft. She made her way back up his arm, back across his collarbone to his other shoulder and down to his left arm, stopping just as she reached the Dark Mark. She felt him stiffen slightly and she took his arm in both of hers, cradling it.

“Does it hurt?”

“Not anymore, right now anyway,” he whispered. “It will if he summons me though. I hate it. I feel as if I gave up a part of my soul that night.” Even at a whisper, she could hear the slight quiver in his voice.

“May I touch it?” she asked quietly. At his nod, she gingerly traced the skull with the writhing snake. It felt just like the rest of the skin, but her fingers tingled at the power it radiated. It must have been very irritating. Seeing him slowly relaxing, she made her way back up his arm and then leisurely walked around him. She traced the sinews in his shoulders around to his spinal cord. Then she traced every muscle and scar in his sculpted back, fascinated at how marred and yet how beautifully perfect it was.

“Please,” he whispered, barely audibly.

She walked back around to face him, tilting her head slightly as if inviting him to continue with his thought.

“Please let me touch you.” She could tell he was shaking with the effort to hold himself back. She wasn’t sure he could take much more of her gentle exploring. It obviously unnerved him, but she was just as unnerved. Once again drawing on her Gryffindor courage, she slightly nodded her head.

Gently, trying not to scare her, he stepped forward and placed a hand on her cheek. Her exploration of his torso had taken him to the edge; his desire for her growing until he almost couldn’t bare it. He NEEDED to touch her, to at least ground himself to the feel of her skin. He could sense she was still nervous, bordering on terrified.

Bit by bit he drew his hand down her neck to her back, down to the waist of her jeans, where he slowly slipped his hand under her t-shirt. Working deftly, he lifted the shirt to the bottom of her bra, his eyes drinking in every inch of new exposed flesh. As he went to raise it further, she flinched horribly and clasped a hand to her chest, tears streaming down her face.

“What’s wrong?” He asked gently, hurt shining in his eyes.

“I, I’m,” she stopped and drew a deep breath of air. No one had seen her scar since Pomfrey had healed her. She thought it hideous. Someone as beautiful as Draco would never accept anything less than perfect. She didn’t think she could take his reeling away in sheer horror at the sight.

“Dolohov cursed me horribly in the Ministry of Magic last year. It, it left a scar. It’s horrid.”

He snorted. “I doubt one scar is going to turn me off Hermione,” he coaxed gently. She shook her head fiercely and he stilled it. “Trust me, I won’t be disgusted.”

Trembling, tears running down her cheeks, she conceded. He lifted the shirt all the way off her body and couldn’t contain his sharp gasp as he saw the extent of the scar. Right below the bottom of her pale pink bra, starting just under her left breast and reaching up just to the top of the right side of her collarbone was a thick deep red scar.

She wasn’t joking; she was scarred horribly. It brought feelings of sadness and yet he was immensely proud of her for standing here after taking that. He knew all too well the effects of the curse that left that mark. However, what bothered him is that it didn’t appear to be healing at all. It looked worse and he wondered if something was wrong but didn’t want to alarm her by saying anything.

Feeling her start to turn, he clamped his hands on her shoulders until she stilled. Then he pushed her chin up until her eyes met his. Quickly, he placed a searing kiss to her lips and then drew back.

“You are absolutely beautiful,” he breathed. She slumped then, tears streaming down her face in disbelief.

Creating a torturous path up her stomach, he touched every inch of creamy white skin he could reach. He stopped just below her breasts. Walking around her, he reverently traced the contours of her back. Making his way to her spine, he stilled at the hooks, slipping his finger underneath the strap. He left it there as he dropped butterfly kisses on her shoulders. She dropped her head forward and he began kissing the back of her neck.

“Let me,” he breathed.

She was trembling like a leaf in the wind but she slowly nodded her head. He swiftly unhooked the clasps and pushed the garment over her shoulders. It fell silently to the floor and he began his exploration of her back again. Uninhibited by her bra, he traced her shoulder blades, around to her shoulder, and then walked around and traced her collarbone.

Her breasts were medium sized, perky, with dusky pink nipples that were standing at attention. He slowly traced her breasts, spiraling inward toward her puckered nipples. She started shaking harder, unable to still the feelings roaring in her body. He was careful not to touch the scar, knowing that in its irritated state it would be painful. Instead, he traced the outside of it as he felt tears falling onto his hands.

“If it bothers you that much, we can heal it. I won’t lie though; it will be every bit as painful as receiving it the first time. You must relive the curse.” His voice was barely above a whisper as he slowly traced his way to her nipples, giving them a tiny tweak, making her gasp.

“I,” she started; bracing herself to talk against the assault Draco was performing upon her breasts. “It hurts so much right now; I just want it gone. Madam Pomfrey told me we wouldn’t be able to heal it fully.”

Stilling his hands, he gently cupped her cheek. “You saw the scars on my back?” She nodded. “They are from the same curse. The counter curse is just as painful and the pain will take you to the brink of consciousness. The scar will never go away, but I can make it into a line of silver and the pain will disappear.”

“I don’t care about the pain, Draco. I want it gone.”

The determination burning in her eyes was breathtaking. He stood in awe of her. Here was a girl who had been born to muggles, thrust into a world she knew nothing about, and somehow managed to claw her way to the top. She’d been through hell already because of a simple act of being born to the wrong family. She had been nearly killed and was more than ready to put herself at risk again to protect her family and her friends. It was truly humbling and in that moment, Draco felt his last shreds of doubt fall away. This was what he was meant to do. He was meant to stay with her, to protect her, and to help try to end this pointless war.

“Alright, but it will be difficult. I’ll need to teach you how to lend me your magic.”

She answered barely audibly, “Ok, whatever you need.”

He couldn’t help himself. With a passion he didn’t know he had, he roughly possessed her lips. A bright white light flashed between them as he licked the outside of her lips, begging for permission, which she readily gave. As he explored her mouth, he realized her hands were roaming his back, caressing his neck, making their way into his hair. He was intoxicated with her.

BANG BANG BANG

The sudden banging on the door made them both flinch but not separate. Suddenly, the door burst wide open and Snape strolled in, followed by Dumbledore.

Hermione screamed and buried her face in Draco’s chest as he swung his arms around her to cover her.

Draco sighed. “A little more warning would have been nice godfather.”

“Get dressed. We have plans to make,” Snape sneered as he turned around to walk back out of the room, Dumbledore trailing behind them, eyes twinkling madly. “Five minutes.”

Trembling, Hermione shot backwards from Draco and retrieved her clothes from the floor. She began fumbling, trying to put her bra on before Draco stilled her hands. He grabbed her arms and gently slid the bra on her, walking around the back to clasp it. Then he grabbed her t-shirt and gently placed it on her head before turning around to gather his clothes and dress.

She sat on the bed, uncontrollably shaking with tears streaming down her face. Everything had happened so fast, she couldn’t process it. Her feelings were all jumbled. She was terrified at first, not knowing what Draco would think of her body. Then she was overwhelmed by the fact that he didn’t seem to care. Finally, she was thoroughly embarrassed to be caught in such a brazen position by two of her mentors. She knew they wouldn’t fault her, but it still stung.

After he dressed, Draco turned around to observe Hermione for a bit. She looked thoroughly shaken. It didn’t surprise him. She was so innocent and to be walked in on such an intimate moment had to have rattled her to her very core. He decided to give her a few more minutes to gather her wits. Besides, he needed to discuss her healing with his godfather. They would need help.

He walked over to her quietly. He then dropped a chaste kiss on her forehead as he knelt in the floor in front of her. Taking her hands, he explained. “I’m going to go out and buy you a bit more time. I know that was a bit overwhelming.”

She nodded her thanks and watched as he walked out the door. She jumped up and started trying to talk some sense into her psyche with logic. Logic hadn’t failed her before and it would be just the thing she needed now.

“Professor Snape, Headmaster,” Draco greeted. “I think it wise we give her a few minutes. Your grand entrance was a bit traumatic.” He shot a glare at his godfather.

Snape sighed. “I didn’t figure you had gotten that far yet. I,” his voice faltered a bit. “I apologize.”

Draco’s eyebrows shot up into his hairline. That had to be the first time he’d ever heard those words out of his godfather’s mouth directed at anyone other than the Dark Lord. Perhaps he really did have a soft spot for Hermione. It would certainly make things easier in the long run. He was starting to see that there was another side of Snape that he’d never realized existed.

“You should apologize to her Professor,” he answered. Snape merely nodded in acknowledgement.

“Now, I need to discuss something with you and she needs a few minutes to gather herself so, if you’d please?”

Snape immediately put up a silencing charm and motioned Draco to continue.

“I saw the cursed scar she has from Dolohov. She wants it gone and I can’t blame her. I know the spell to heal it, but I am going to need help. I’ve never been able to complete it on my own but I don’t know why.”

Obviously taken aback, Dumbledore started. “Well, I can give you that reason. You’ll find that spells that require such immense power will not work well for you. This is because of the pure qualities of your power. Unfortunately, it takes both sides of magic to heal a person, although you wouldn’t normally think it. You have only one side. Therefore, someone of the light must lend you his or hers. In this case, Miss Granger would be your lender.”

“I see,” started Draco. “However, I am worried about one other thing. We feel each other’s pain and it will drain us both more quickly than if one of us weren’t involved. I shall require a backup.”

Snape broke in then. “Are you mad? That is a highly unstable counter curse. The fact that you are pure will make it even more so. Furthermore, if she should lose consciousness, you would too and the scar would only be half healed. There won’t be another chance.”

“So you’ll be healing her then,” Draco snarked.

Snape sighed heavily. “I am saying,” he growled, “that she should be left for the curse to run its course.”

“NO!” Draco lost himself and screamed. “You don’t understand. The curse isn’t dissipating. It isn’t disappearing and it certainly isn’t healing. It hurts her, she’s ashamed of it, and it seems like it is slowly winning!”

“Oh dear me,” Dumbledore cut in. “It seems like the purity of Miss Granger’s magic is making it stronger. That particular curse is nasty, as you are both familiar with. However, it feeds on the light. Your own dark qualities can overpower it, which is why both you and Severus can overcome the curse much faster. Miss Granger is most unfortunate in this case. I do believe, my dear boy that we will have to heal her in order to free her.”

“Perhaps you are forgetting something, Albus?” Snape growled lowly. “I can only lend the darkness to Draco. He’ll need a balance and I doubt Miss Granger will be able to concentrate enough to carry the curse to completion.”

“So very true, Severus. We must find another phenom to lend the light before we can heal her.”

“Great,” muttered Draco. “We’ll never find a person in time.”

“That’s not necessarily true, my boy. There is another at this very school. In fact, they are here in this hall with us right now. Severus, release the ward if you please.”

Snape wore the same shocked face as Draco but did as Dumbledore requested.

Dumbledore cleared his throat and called out. “Miss Weasley? Please remove your cloak and step forward.”

AN: Thanks to everyone who's reviewed. Are you all still with me or did I lose you? Once again, please let me know if you see any errors.
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