Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Beyond the Pale	By : goldhorse Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 81362 -:- Recommendations : 11 -:- Currently Reading : 17
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, JK Rowling does, lucky woman. I make no money from this, which is probably why I'm poor as a church mouse.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
- 8
Melody muttered darkly to herself as she ordered a dozen chocolate frogs for Harry. “The nerve of that little…I can’t believe he would…stupid fucking…oh for fucks sake, I used to change his nappies!”

“We can’t go,” Hermione finally managed to choke out.

“About that, I realize seeing your enemy was a shock but there’s something else.”

Hermione could only nod miserably. It was taking her longer than normal to process what she’d just experienced. For instance, she’d never noticed how lovely Draco’s…no…Malfoy’s eyes were, like storm clouds. How gorgeous would he be without his permanent sneer? Wait. Gorgeous? This was horrible!

Melody sent two owls on their way for Hermione before dragging her into Flourish and Blotts. She cast a silencing spell around them and then slapped Hermione soundly about the face…hard!

“What was that for?” Hermione cried in shock.

“You were alternating between muttering like a loon and laughing like a hyena!” Melody snapped. “What in the fuck is going on?”

Hermione blinked back the tears that were trying to form. “He’s what’s wrong.”

“Who, Malfoy?” Melody asked, her head cocked. “You’ve never had a problem with him before…well, at least one you couldn’t handle.”

“No, it isn’t that,” Hermione growled in frustration and started to pace frantically.

Melody sighed and per her hands on her hips. “Look, this would go much faster if you would tell me what in the fuck is going on.”

Hermione looked up, finally letting one blood stained tear fall down her cheek. “He smells of parchment, grass, and…and…home!”

“Oh fuck.”

“Yes, oh fuck!” Hermione screamed. “What in the fuck am I going to do? I can’t be fucking mated to fucking Draco Malfoy! He’d kill me just for the fun of it! This isn’t fair! I’m supposed to be with RON! Ron doesn’t care about my blood. I’m not even human anymore!”

“STOP!” Melody bellowed and grabbed both her shoulders, shaking her a little. “You will calm the fuck down right now or so help me, I’ll have Sev blister your ass so hard it’ll take hours for you to heal.”

“I don’t want a mate who hates me,” Hermione said brokenly.

Melody sighed and pulled her down into the floor, cradling her body in her lap. “I know how you feel little one. Severus resented me for years, made it perfectly clear that he was stuck with me and was only enduring me because he had no choice.”

“He said he treated you despicably,” Hermione said, heaving great sobs but managing not to let the tears fall. “He feels bad about it.”

“Well, things got better. I can tell he cares now.”

“You’re saying that Malfoy will change his spots?” Hermione asked in disbelief.

“Why not?” Melody asked as she ran her fingers though Hermione’s hair, careful not to dislodge her glamour clip. “Severus has…sort of.”

Hermione snorted. “He never had a problem with your blood.”

Melody sighed. “Lucius has done a number on that boy. Severus tried so many times to steer him on the correct path. Still, Draco is just a scared teenager who can’t get out from under his father’s thumb.”

“I doubt anything is going to change his mind,” Hermione said sadly. “There’s so much bad blood between us. It would be impossible. I’ll have to live my life without a mate.”

“Well little one, I wish you luck,” Melody sighed. “Because I certainly didn’t have any. Stupid mutt.”

“Does Harry know he’s alive yet?” Hermione asked.

“Mmm, don’t think so. Albus wasn’t going to spring it on him until he got him away from the Dursleys.”

Hermione nodded. “How does it feel? Not being with your mate, that is.”

“Like part of you is missing,” Melody sighed. “You’ll find yourself thinking about him at odd times. It’s…all consuming.”

“You’re going to kill yourself if he dies, aren’t you?” Hermione asked suddenly.

Melody looked up in shock, face drained of what little color she had.

“I thought so,” Hermione said sadly. “Did you know he wants you to move on if he were to die? Is that even possible?”

Melody snorted. “If a vampire’s mate dies, they can find a new one but most opt to follow their mate into oblivion.”

“You could find another mate after Severus,” Hermione offered.

Melody snorted. “I’d find Sirius…and most likely kill him.”

“I suppose you would,” Hermione said softly. “Does he still smell the same?”

“No. He smells like spearmint and…safety? Not sure why that is.”

“Perhaps Sirius has changed for the better then,” Hermione offered and then quickly continued before Melody could protest. “You don’t have to like him! Just, consider the possibility that he’s grown up.”

Melody sniffed. “Doesn’t make him less of an ass though.”

Hermione giggled. “No, I suppose not.”

“There’s the smile I was waiting for. Come on. Let’s have some fun before we have to go meet your doom…I mean mate.”

“He’s not my mate!” Hermione hissed. “I refuse.”

“Suit yourself,” Melody said as she pulled Hermione to stand. “But you’re only hurting yourself by not accepting it.”

“Because you so gallantly charged into it.”

“No, I accepted my mate. I just chose to stay the hell away from him. There is a difference.”

“Fine,” Hermione huffed. “I accept it. I just refuse to act on it.”

“Better,” Melody nodded. “Now let’s just hope he cooperates because Sirius sure as hell didn’t.”

“Oh bloody hell.”

Melody snorted. “You sound like a Weasley, which is where we’re going by the way.”

“What?”

“The Weasley twins have done well for themselves,” Melody continued as she led the way down the street. “Those skiving snack boxes you tried so hard to eradicate last year were a hit. They’ve actually started up their own joke shop. It’s quite the success. Ah, here we are, Weasleys Wizard Wheezes. Well, it’s certainly…noticeable.”

“That’s an understatement,” Hermione croaked, wincing at the bright flashing lights. Her eyes were very sensitive to them but she thought even normal humans would get a headache from their garishness.

“Well, let’s have a look around, shall we?” Melody motioned for her to enter first.

“Are you sure it’s safe?” Hermione asked. She meant safe for everyone else, of course. She didn’t want to go on a rampage and kill everyone.

“It’ll be fine. Everything will blend together and I’ll be right behind you to tackle you to the floor if you get out of hand.”

“So reassuring,” Hermione said dryly and walked into the bustling store cautiously. She took in the sights, wincing every now and then from a particularly high pitched sound or strong burst of magic.

“Well, what do you think?” Melody whispered in her ear.

“This is amazing!” Hermione cried. “I knew they were talented, but I never expected this.”

“After that swamp?” Melody laughed.

“How did you know about that?” A voice from Hermione’s left startled her. She spun around and found herself nose to chest with a maroon robe wearing man.

“Fred?” Hermione asked softly as she looked up. She’d recognize the twins anywhere and she did have the uncanny ability to determine between the two of them.

“And I’m George!” The other Weasley twin exclaimed as he appeared from the crowd of kids.

Melody nodded. “Pleasure to meet you gentlemen. I’m Cara and this is my friend Rain.”

“The pleasure-“ Fred started.

“Is all ours,” George finished. “Did you two go to Hogwarts? You don’t look familiar.”

“Word travels,” Melody said evasively.

“So it does,” Fred said, eyeing his twin before nodding. “We could say the same thing.”

“Oh?” Melody asked. Hermione heard her heart speed up a bit.

“Yes,” George took over. “Word is that Snape has a lady in town, possibly two.”

“And you find that hard to believe,” Melody said knowingly and smiled when the twins nodded. “Snarky git he may be gentlemen, but his is still a man just like any other.”

“Ugh, wish we hadn’t asked,” Fred said, his face going pale.

Hermione couldn’t help but giggle at their antics. If only they knew just how much of a man Severus was, they’d faint…or possibly take notes.

“Cor!” George whispered. “Mione?”

“You’re Snape’s lady?” Fred croaked.

“Shut it you dunderheads! In the back,” Melody snapped. “NOW!”

The twins high tailed it to the storeroom and turned to stare at the two women. Melody flicked her wand and erected a privacy bubble around them before spinning on the twins. “She is most certainly not Snape’s lady! She is in grave danger so you will both keep your fucking mouths shut or I’ll show you the meaning of pain.”

“Danger?” Fred asked.

“Use your brains!” Melody snapped. “Things aren’t exactly safe around here for muggleborns are they?”

“No, suppose not,” George said.

“Especially after Olivander and Fortescue disappeared,” Fred agreed.

“But why is Snape protecting her?” They asked in unison.

Melody sighed. “Look boys, Dumbledore asked me to keep a look out for her, alright?”

“Why can’t she come to the Burrow then?” Fred asked.

“Yeah,” George agreed. “Mum and dad have loads of wards up because of Harry. It’ll be safer there than wandering the alley with a…um.”

“Another girl?” Melody asked darkly and smirked when the twins gulped. “I can assure you, I’m the most dangerous thing in this alley.”

“For some reason,” George started.

“We believe you,” Fred whispered.

“Good,” Melody said softly. “Now I need your vow that this goes no further than this room. No one is supposed to know. Not your parents, not your friends, and certainly not anyone in the alley.”

“What about Ron and Harry?” George asked.

“They’ll be beside themselves with worry,” Fred said.

Melody pinched the bridge of her nose. “Hermione, can we trust them?”

Hermione nodded. “I’d trust them with my life.”

“You’ll need to,” Melody said seriously. “They’ll be susceptible to the Ministry.”

“No we won’t,” the twins said hotly.

“I-I don’t know,” Hermione hedged. “I don’t want them to be called in because of me. What if…what if they use veritiserum?”

“Blimey, Mione,” Fred exclaimed.

“You wound us to the quick!” George answered and held out his hand.

“Anti-truth?” Melody asked in astonishment.

“Been working on it for ages,” George explained.

“Figured it would come in handy should something happen,” Fred continued. "Just tip the bottle and the effects last for a week.”

“Impressive,” Melody said softly.

“Thank you,” the twins beamed.

“Well, Hermione?” Melody asked. “It might not hurt to have some help.”

Hermione bit her lip in contemplation before making a decision. “Alright, but vow first and not here.”

“Very well,” Melody said. “Boys, do you have somewhere more private than here?”

“Of course,” Fred started.

“Our flat is just upstairs,” George said and pointed the way.

Melody canceled her spell and followed the twins up the crooked stair case to their flat. She leaned over and whispered in Hermione’s ear. “They’re the most reasonable, you know.”

“I do,” Hermione breathed. “If anyone would accept me, they would.”

“Isn’t this cozy?” George said when they’d all sat down.

“Tea?” Fred asked.

Melody shook her head and sighed. “Let’s cut the crap, shall we? Vow first.”

Hermione watched in awe as the golden swirls circled the twins. Well, there was no questioning their loyalty. She smiled. Finally, someone she could hopefully confide in.

“Now what is so important that our dear Hermione has to hide behind a charm?” Fred asked.

“Hermione, take the clip out please,” Melody ordered.

Hermione raised a shaking hand to her hair and removed the clip that had hidden her identity so well. She felt the glamour melt off, revealing her new features to the now gawking twins. They looked like they had seen a ghost…or were choking on their drool.

“Wow, Mione,” George croaked. “You’ve grown up.”

“That’s not all she’s grown,” Melody chuckled. “She was attacked by a vampire a few weeks ago.”

“No bloody way,” the twins spoke in unison.

“Afraid so,” Melody said sadly. “We were too late to stop the turning.”

The twins stared at Hermione as if they’d never seen her before. It was a long and uncomfortable silence until they broke out in grins. “Wicked!”

“What?” Hermione blinked in surprise. Had they just said what she thought they had?

“That’s amazing Mione!” Fred laughed.

“Yeah, we can’t wait until you tell Ron,” George nodded.

“What would he say?” Hermione asked.

“Well, dear little Ronniekins is almost as afraid of vampires as his is of spiders,” Fred said.

“So he wouldn’t accept me,” Hermione said sadly.

“Well, he would after we beat some sense into him,” George said.

“Mione, how can you be out? It’s daylight,” Fred asked.

Melody cut in. “Suffice it to say that there is a reason Professor Snape is in charge of her care.”

“Of course,” Fred snorted. “The git is the best potions master around.”

“Not to mention that he lives for the Dark Arts,” George took over.

“So you’ll keep her secret?” Melody asked.

“Of course.” The twins looked offended that she would even ask that question.

Melody nodded. “Good. She’s number two on You-Know-Who’s shit list boys. If he found out what she was, there would be hell to pay.”

“Wouldn’t he just stake her?” Fred asked.

“No. Much worse,” Melody said softly.

“What’s worse than that?” George asked.

“I’d be a slave,” Hermione cried, unable to hold back anymore. “I’m unable to fight his pull anymore. I ‘d have to obey unless my mate told me not to.”

“Then we’ve got to find your mate!” Fred said with a waggle of his eyebrows.

“Already have, thanks,” Hermione said miserably.

“Well, where is he?” George asked. “Let’s get you two together!”

“Bad idea,” Hermione said sadly.

“Why?” They asked in unison.

“His father is a Death Eater…and he’s slated to be one as well.” Melody whispered.

“Blimey!” the twins cried.

“Correct,” Melody said. “And until he has a change of heart, Hermione is in very real danger. If he were to find out…there’s no limit to what he could make her do.”

“We’ll get rid of him for you Mione,” Fred said softly.

Hermione smiled sadly and brushed a bloody tear from her face. “No. I can’t allow you to do that, as much as I want to.”

“Merlin,” George whispered. “You really are a vampire, aren’t you?”

Hermione nodded and bared her fangs.

“Not a word to anyone boys,” Melody snapped as the twins howled with delight. “She looks cool, but she is extremely dangerous. Please be careful around her. She can’t control herself just yet.”

“She looks just fine,” George insisted.

“Mmmhm, until she can’t stand it anymore and takes a hunk out of you.”

“How bad is it Mione?” Fred asked.

“It’s awful,” Hermione whispered. “Do you know you smell like biscuits and raspberry jam? I just wanna…this is horrible.”

“Hermione,” Melody said sharply. “You are the master, not it.”

“Am I?” Hermione whispered. She could feel the saliva building up in her mouth. “The smell.” She bit back a hysterical sob. “This is never going to work!”

“What helps?” Fred asked.

“Feeding,” Melody answered. “And experience. As long as she stays fed, she can control it long enough to escape but any prolonged exposure is grating.”

“Have you tried blood pops?” George asked. “Vampires say they are all the rage.”

“It’s an idea,” Melody acknowledged. “You don’t happen to have any, do you?”

“Actually, we do,” Fred said and got up off the sofa.

“We’ve been experimenting with them but we have a few untouched ones,” George said.

“Here, try it,” Fred said and handed her a handful of blood red lollies.

Melody nodded. “It’s a good idea. Try eating one.”

Hermione cautiously unwrapped one of the sweets and popped it into her mouth. The savory flavor of blueberry pie filled her mouth and she let out involuntary moan. It tasted delicious and her urge to eat the twins died away completely. “Wow, it’s amazing,” she spoke around the sucker. “I don’t want to eat them at all.”

Melody smiled. “Thanks boys. It’s a great temporary solution but there is still the problem of her feeding during school. She’ll be granted permission to leave the grounds but she still has to eat at least every other night. It’s not always feasible to leave.”

“What about synthetic blood?” George asked.

“It’s been tried before,” Melody answered. “It tastes like plastic and is less than nutritious.”

“We’ll see what we can do then,” Fred said softly.

“Anything for our little vampy,” George chuckled.

“Thanks boys,” Hermione said softly, a pretty blush coloring her cheeks.

“We’ll check back with you soon,” Melody said. “But we’ve got to go.”

The walk out of the alley was surreal for Hermione. With a small bag full of blood pops clutched in her fingers and one in her mouth, she hardly noticed anything else. It was a strange sensation, to be totally fixated on a sweet. It certainly wasn’t like her but it would be easier to explain than suddenly tearing into someone’s neck. She smiled at the warm reception she’d gotten from the twins. It gave her hope for the others.

“See, things are looking up,” Melody said as they left the alley. “Hopefully, that sucker will get you through this meeting with Draco.”

“Ugh, you had to say something,” Hermione growled.

“Afraid so,” Melody said as she tapped the bricks to leave. “If it gets too bad, excuse yourself to the loo.”

Hermione moaned miserably and boarded her bike, taking off after her mother.

“Here we are,” Melody said when they’d arrived at a tiny little diner just around the corner.

“That wasn’t nearly as far as I was hoping,” Hermione mumbled as she parked.

“Can’t have Malfoy getting lost in the big wide muggle world, can we?” Melody said cheekily. “We’re a few minutes early. Let’s get a table.”

A portly woman with a broad smile walked over to greet them. “Hello lassies, welcome to Nancy’s. What’ll it be?”

“My normal table, if you’d please Shirley? Oh, and we’re expecting a third, a blond bloke named Draco.”

“Of course love,” the woman said a bit warily and walked them to the very back of the joint.

“Why exactly do you have a regular table at a diner?” Hermione whispered after they’d been seated.

“To keep appearances,” Melody said. "And because they serve more than just food here. The owner is a friend of my dad’s. She keeps a few pints back for us.”

“Nancy?” Hermione asked.

“That’s the one,” Melody said with a grin. “He’s quite fond of her, first person to accept him as he is.”

“That’s lovely,” Hermione sighed.

“Yeah. I keep hoping he’ll decide to settle down.”

“But she’s not his mate, is she?”

Melody shrugged. “He won’t say. The most I can get out of him is that he won’t turn her and he still goes on long searches across country. I would assume he would turn his mate.”

“Not necessarily,” Hermione countered. “If he considers it a curse.”

“Cara? Rain?” A female voice asked warily.

“It’s me,” Melody said with a grin.

“OH!” A small woman came bounding up to the table and practically wrestled Melody to the ground. She blushed as she got back to her feet. She was quite beautiful, a few inches shorter than Hermione with short spiky brown hair and eyes the color of the sea. Hermione took a careful whiff of the air and smelled peaches.

“Nancy, this is our child, Hermione. I’d ask if you could refrain from tackling her.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Nancy said softly. “Sorry Mel, it’s just been a while.”

“I know. We’ve been busy,” Melody said and gestured to Hermione. “It’s only been a few weeks.”

“I’m sorry,” Nancy said. “Are you…hungry?”

“It couldn’t hurt,” Melody said. “She’s meeting her mate in a few moments.”

“Oh goodness! I’ll be right back.”

Melody grinned and took her seat again. “Nancy is a squib. She was disowned by her family when He was rumored to have returned your first year. Dad found her near death in a back alley. He discovered that she was a good cook and encouraged her to open this place. It’s been a success ever since.”

“I couldn’t have done it without Alex,” Nancy said as she set two covered metal glasses down. She placed two red bendy straws beside them and looked around for a moment. “It’s my dream come true.”

Hermione got a mischievous idea and schooled her face to look abashed. “I hope you don’t mind me saying so, but you smell wonderful, like peaches.”

Nancy blushed to the roots of her hair. “Th-thank you. I-I…Alex always tells me I smell like the best flower garden in the world.”

“Does he?” Melody asked, trying desperately to smother a smile.

“Yeah,” Nancy said with a peculiar look on her face. “He said he could never…eat…me because I smelled like gardenias and home.”

“You’re very calm about the prospect of being eaten,” Hermione said, trying desperately to remain unaffected by what the woman had unwittingly revealed.

Nancy smiled. “I was sure I was going to die before Alex found me. Any day after that is a gift…and anything I can do to help him or his family is a way to repay my debt. I know he’d never hurt me, even if he did want to take a taste.”

“You want him to,” Melody said with a sly grin on her face.

Nancy immediately stared at the ground. “They say it feels wonderful.”

Hermione snorted. “Felt bloody terrible to tell you the truth.”

“That’s because your attacker was an asshole,” Melody said fiercely. “Without venom, the bite is quite…pleasurable.”

“Well, that explains a lot, actually,” Hermione mumbled. She remembered her first orgasm at her parents hands…erm…teeth. The thought made her have to shift in her chair to ease the pressure in her core. Damn she hated being aroused all the time.

“Head’s up,” Nancy said. “There’s a young bloke, just walked in. He’s headed this way.”

Melody looked over her shoulder and nodded. “That’ll be him. Go find a shady spot Nancy. This might get a bit tense.”

“Wonderful,” Nancy muttered. “Should I call your dad?”

“No, we’ll be fine. Actually, I should tell him about his granddaughter. Will you pass on the message for me when you see him?”

“Sure. I expect him sometime in the next few weeks. You know how he likes to drift. Have a good evening ladies,” Nancy said with a small curtsey and disappeared to the back.

“I like her,” Hermione said just as Draco reached their table.

“What’s to like?” Draco said snottily. “She’s a muggle.”

Melody slammed her hand down on the table and glared at him. “She’s a squib and you will keep a civil tongue in your head or I will cut it off. Is that clear?”

“Well, there’s the Cara I know,” Draco said dryly. “Point taken.”

“Good,” Melody hissed. “Rain, best sip it before it gets cold.”

“Huh?” Hermione said dazedly. The lolly in her mouth had done little to deter the scent of her mate from permeating her senses.

“Drink!” Melody snapped and plopped the straw in her cup.

“Oh!” Hermione gasped and pulled the sucker out of her mouth, quickly dropping it out of sight in case Draco should pick up on what it was. She took a pull on the straw and moaned at the taste. It was delicious, the creamiest chocolate milk shake she’d ever tasted. Nancy sure knew how to pick out blood.

Draco swallowed uncomfortably and shifted in his chair at the display. Hermione’s eyes snapped open in shock. She could detect the difference in his scent. It smelled the same as Severus and Melody did before they shagged. He was aroused! The thought that she’d made him feel that gave her a warm tingly feeling. That was not good. She wanted to please him and he would throw her to the wolves. She didn’t want Draco to take her to Voldemort, which he surely would. She would fail and be used against Harry. She’d kill herself first…unless Draco forbid it. There was no way out!

“I-I’ve got to go to the loo!” Hermione squeaked and practically ran to the restroom.

“That’s not the Rain I know,” Draco said fiercely.

“No, it’s not,” Melody said softly. “Excuse me a moment. She’s having a panic attack.”

Hermione was currently curled in the fetal position in the furthest corner of the bathroom. She didn’t want to be stuck with Draco. It didn’t matter than he was handsome and smelled like home. It didn’t matter that he made her stomach flip flop or she creamed herself when he was pleased. This was a nightmare.

Melody crouched beside her. “Sweetheart, come on. You’re a Gryffindor. Sniveling in a corner is beneath you.”

“I’m not sniveling. There are no tears and no snot,” Hermione huffed.

Melody giggled. “Well, that’s always a plus. What is it now?”

“He’s going to give me to You-Know-Who…and there’s nothing I’m going to be able to do to stop it.”

“There will be,” Melody said softly. “With training, you’ll be able to resist. It’ll hurt, but you’ll be able to do it. Now, we’ve got to get back out there before Draco gets any more suspicious.”

Hermione nodded and tried to center herself. “Why does he have to smell so fucking good?”

Melody chuckled. “Just lucky I guess. Your father is going to have a heart attack though.”

Hermione bit her lip as the left the loo. “When do you think he’ll be back?”

“I don’t know,” Melody said softly. “Hopefully not too long. We’ve got to get started if you’re going to build up a tolerance before school.”

Hermione schooled her face into a neutral mask despite the fact that her insides were quivering like jelly. She gingerly sat down in the chair across from Draco, careful to keep her eyes downcast. It was instinct, not to challenge him that way. She tried ignoring him, settling for drinking some more of the delicious blood that Nancy had provided.

“So Draco, what brings you to Nancy’s?” Melody asked as lightly as she could.

Draco snorted. “You know very well why. There are three girls in particular, Cara, Rain, and Sage, who are the exact same height and build. There are particular times of the year when each come out, like seasons. When they aren’t around, several other women are, each with the same voice. Every one of them looks at the professor like he was the last drink of water in the desert…or perhaps the best fuck in the world.”

Hermione choked on her blood at that last declaration. Melody merely smiled serenely at the raised eyebrow Draco gave and patted her on the back. When Hermione could breathe again, she flicked her eyes nervously back and forth between her companions who seemed to be having a staring contest.

“You’re very observant,” Melody said smoothly, dropping her face English accent.

“And you are American,” Draco breathed. “I always wondered about that accent. It seemed just this side of authentic.”

Melody snorted. “I’ve lived in London longer than you’ve been alive.”

“So why hide?” Draco asked. He turned and ordered a glass of water and a shepherd’s pie when the waitress walked by.

Melody waited patiently until he was done, whispering that they were still fine under her breath. She’d sensed Hermione’s increased heartbeat. Hermione had already finished her blood in an attempt at hiding behind the scent and was now sucking furiously on the blood pop. It wouldn’t last much longer.

“Severus is possessive.”

Draco laughed. “Tell me something I don’t know.”

Melody sat back and crossed her arms, pushing her drink over to Hermione when she pulled the empty sucker stick out of her mouth. “He doesn’t wish for his toy to be taken away.”

“Who would want to take his toy away?” Draco asked in confusion.

“Your father.”

Hermione jumped about a foot at the deep masculine voice. She spun to see a handsome man standing behind her. He was almost as tall as Severus with long black hair. One thick streak of white from just left of center ran through it. His eyes were electric blue and he smelled of spices and...family?

“Hello little one,” the man said softly. “I’m Alex.”

“Well that was fast,” Melody said with a frown.

“The latest thing,” Alex said and produced a cell phone. “No owl needed.”

Melody sighed. “They don’t work in the magical world.”

“I know,” Alex purred and sat down in the empty chair across from Melody. “Which is why I gave one to Nancy. I figured that you’d tell her if you needed something.”

“That was a dirty trick Nancy!” Melody called, earning a grin from the woman as she peeked out.

Alex laughed. “What, no greeting for me?”

Melody ran around the table, flinging herself in Alex’s lap and planting a kiss firmly on his lips. She leaned in his ear and whispered softly. “I missed you daddy.”

“I missed you too dearest. What is this of a child?” Alex was speaking too softly for Draco to pick it up.

“She was attacked three weeks ago. Sev and I found her in time to reverse it. She’s in bad need of submissive training. He’s been called…and he’ll need help with this one.”

“Very well,” Alex said louder and helped Melody off his lap. “I will fill in.”

“Oh thank you!” Melody squealed and kissed him again.

Alex chuckled. “Anything for you.”

“Thank you…sir.” Hermione whispered. She was grateful. Melody’s father felt very dominate and if he could help, she was willing to go along.

Alex grinned. “You’re very welcome little one. Now, follow me, I’d like to get a good look at you.”

“It’s okay,” Melody whispered in her ear. “He just wants to see you without the glamour.”

Hermione gulped and nodded, standing on shaky legs. She stumbled over to him and jumped when he slung his arm around her shoulders to steady her.

“Wait a minute!” Draco yelled, his eyes sparking with anger and…was that jealousy? “Who are you? What does my father have to do with this? Why would he want Cara?”

“Because he did not have her,” Alex said darkly. “And you don’t need to know who I am.”

“What did he do?” Draco breathed, dread pouring from him.

Melody stiffened, her eyes pleading with Alex not to say anything. She was ignored.

“He drugged her after a party and took her to a muggle hotel to have his way with her.”

Hermione gasped in shock. Oh Merlin. What happened?

“Easy little one,” Alex cooed. “I knocked him out cold and took her away from that place.”

“Does Severus know?” Draco asked softly.

Melody’s eyes narrowed. “No. And he never will, will he?”

Draco swallowed hard and shook his head.

“I don’t trust him,” Alex growled. “He’s too much like his damned father, thinks he’s entitled to everything he sets eyes on.”

“I do not,” Draco said hotly. “I’ve earned everything I’ve ever received.”

Hermione snorted in disgust and turned away. Lying little prat.

“Like she knows me,” Draco muttered darkly.

“You’d be surprised,” Melody said evasively and sat back down at the table. “Now, why are you here Draco? If you knew all this, why not just tell your fucking father?”

Draco sighed. “Probably for the same reason you use polyjuice when you come to visit now.”

Melody sighed. “Yes, that was the last time I used the glamour clips around him.”

Hermione shook her head and followed Alex into the kitchen. The smell of peaches made her grin. Alex might not want to admit it, but Nancy was his mate. Perhaps there was one more couple she could get together.

“You are a mischievous one, aren’t you?” Alex asked affectionately as he led her into a tiny office and closed the door.

“What do you mean?” Hermione asked innocently.

Alex laughed. “The second you walked in here you started grinning like a loon. Either you are insane…or plotting something.”

Hermione wiped the smile off her face.

Alex laughed again. “I see…definitely plotting. Now, please take the clip off.”

Hermione took the clip out of her hair for the second time that day. There wasn’t the trepidation this time. Alex was Melody’s father, the original light vampire. She couldn’t bring herself to look at him though. What would he think of her? She couldn’t help but long for his approval.

“I will not condemn you little one,” Alex cooed, his voice soft and airy like he was trying to lure a wild beast out. “Please gift me with your eyes.”

Hermione looked up, a reflex from the strangely worded request. She couldn’t help but smile at the look of awe that Alex had on his face. “Hello sir.”

Alex grinned. “Please, call me Alex…or grandfather if you prefer.”

“You look much too young to be a grandfather,” Hermione whispered shyly.

Alex nodded. “Would it surprise you to learn that I am over sixty?”

Hermione shook her head. “Melody has told me all about you.”

“She has? Well, I’m afraid that I haven’t had the same luxury. Please, tell me a bit about yourself.”

Hermione took a deep breath. “My name is Hermione Granger. I’m a witch and I am…was…sixteen. I guess I always will be.”

Alex shook his head. “No little one. You look much closer to twenty now and your mind will age even though your body won’t. At least you’ll never contend with the wrinkles that others complain about.”

Hermione sighed sadly. “But I’ll never dream…or have a family.”

“Come now,” Alex said gently. “You do have a family. Your new parents and I are your family…and your mate when you find him.”

Hermione cried in outrage. “Draco is my mate.”

Alex lifted a brow. “Well, that complicates things. Never the less, give Melody a week and she’ll have him singing a different tune.”

Hermione huffed. “I seriously doubt that.”

“Oh?” Alex asked. “Are you listening closely?”

Hermione shook her head and concentrated hard. She could make out every conversation in the diner. One couple was breaking up. Another was discussing the merits of paper versus plastic. A third was making arrangements for an interlude later. She blushed at that one. Finally, she picked out Draco’s voice and concentrated on what he was saying.

“Why won’t you tell me who Rain is?” Draco asked.

Melody sighed. “Because you are a danger to her...and to Severus.”

“Why?” Draco growled.

“You have a master now.”

“How did you know?”

Melody sniffed. “Besides the fact that you are cradling your arm like a delicate flower? I have my ways Draco and I’m not stupid. I knew he would want to punish you…especially after the Ministry.”

“He certainly has done that,” Draco said miserably. “But Severus can just stay out of it. I can handle it.”

“Suit yourself,” Melody said lightly. “But you won’t be getting acquainted with Rain…ever.”

“You can’t do that!” Draco shouted.

“I can,” Melody said darkly. “I mean it Draco. You stay away from her. You’ll only get her killed.”

“I would never!” Draco snapped.

“And if I told you she was muggleborn?” Melody countered. “Remember your master Draco. He would be most unpleased were he to find out you fancied someone who wasn’t worthy of you.”

Draco snorted and muttered under his breath. “What does blood matter? They all bleed red.”

“Oh?” Melody asked softly.

“Oh Merlin,” Draco groaned. “How did you hear-I didn’t mean- that is to say that-oh bugger. You’re going to turn me in. I’m going to be killed.”

Melody sniffed. “Hardly. I’m glad you see reason…but not glad enough to let you near Rain.”

“What is she to you?”

“The most precious thing I’ve had in a very long time. That is all you need to know.”

“What if she wants me?” Draco asked softly.

Melody growled. “I do not care what she wants. Whether or not your views have changed, you are a good for nothing prick and you will not drag her to your master. In fact, you aren’t even going to remember her.”

“No!” Draco snapped. “You will not take my memories!” There was a pause and Hermione could hear Draco’s labored breathing. She could only imagine the look her mother was giving him.

“I won’t say anything!” Draco shrieked. “My gods, what will it take for you to believe me?”

“She’s beneath you Draco, dirt, filth, a mudblood. Why wouldn’t you take advantage of that? Your master would praise you for putting her in her rightful place, snuffing out her life.”

“I don’t care,” Draco whispered. “I don’t want to see anyone else killed. There’s something about her that just...I have to have her…blood be damned.”

“And when you discover what is under that pretty façade?” Melody asked sharply. “Will you still want her in the harsh morning light when her secrets are revealed? Would you turn your back on everything you’ve ever known? You should think about it before you go making declarations.”

“Severus has done no less for you,” Draco said softly. “I see the way he looks at you.”

Melody sighed. “Yes, I’m aware he is a possessive person. He’s defied his master to keep me and I will not let you destroy him, no matter what. I will protect him and Rain with my life.”

“I’ll make a vow,” Draco said in a rush. “I’ll keep it secret…from everyone…even Severus if that’s what you wish. Will that change your mind?”

Melody laughed. “Very Slytherin Draco, but a secret isn’t enough. Surely you know this?”

“Of course,” Draco said. “But I’ll let you set the terms.”

“Sure you will,” Melody said. “After you’ve had your say.”

“I have just as much to lose,” Draco said. “If you tell him what I said…my life will be forfeit.”

“It already is Draco. Surely you know this? I don’t know what he’s decided your punishment is but I do know that it will be damn near impossible to finish.”

“He’s being punished?” Hermione asked softly.

Alex sighed. “Melody wrote to me about the incident at the Ministry. You-Know-Who doesn’t particularly care how he punishes his subjects. What better way to get to the father than through the son?”

“That’s horrible,” Hermione breathed.

Alex nodded. “But since he is your mate and you are extremely submissive, you’ll need to grow a spine.”

“How did you know?” Hermione asked, a bit perturbed.

Alex laughed. “You smell and act very sensitive. Come, let’s go back out before they kill each other over terms. Sit in my lap. I’ll keep you from leaping across the table if he asks you to go with him.”

“Thank you…I think,” Hermione said with a frown.

“You might want to put that clip back in. You are breathtaking but it is better he not know who you are.”

“Oh, right.” Hermione shoved the clip in her hair and stood stiffly until Alex left the office. She trailed behind him, wondering what was about to happen.

Melody and Draco were still bickering back and forth about terms when he pulled out his chair. He motioned for Hermione to sit down and she couldn’t help it. She practically jumped in his lap, shaking with fear. Draco’s eyes were ablaze with anger and frustration. When he trained them on her, she felt like falling on the floor in front of him. Alex chuckled and directed her head under his chin and his strong arms came around her. Instant calm.

“So that’s how it is,” Draco said softly. His voice was deadly calm.

“How what is?” Alex asked, his hard tone making Hermione cringe. He whispered softly in her ear. “Easy little one, it’s him my ire is directed at. So sensitive.”

“You show up a few minutes ago, tell me I have no business knowing who you are, declare my father a rapist, and then steal my girl.”

“Your girl?” Alex growled. “I was under the impression that you’d just met.”

“I-well,” Draco mumbled, blushing. “She could be…if Melody would let me talk to her.”

“I won’t so you can just forget that notion right now,” Melody snapped.

“Why don’t you let her choose for herself!” Draco shouted and then sighed in aggravation. “Rain? Would you care to get to know me?”

“N-No!” Hermione squeaked. She knew everything she wanted to about Draco. Why on earth would she go anywhere with him…especially since he knew she was a muggleborn?

Alex tightened his grip on her, a silent offering of comfort. He nuzzled her hair affectionately and she felt his approval in her bones. It made her relax ever so slightly. She didn’t know if it was because he was Melody’s father, a vampire, a dominant, or some strange combination of all three but she wasn’t going to complain right then.

“You don’t even know me!” Draco insisted. “You only know what she’s told to you. I’m not like that!”

Hermione shook her head and buried her nose in Alex’s soft cotton shirt. The smell of spices and family drowned out the smell of Draco, for which she was thankful.

“I’d take it she knows all she wants to,” Alex said. “Now, make your vow and get out.”

“This doesn’t end here!” Draco sneered.

Door chimes interrupted Melody’s reply. Her chair fell with a loud clatter. “Severus!”

Hermione jumped in shock. He was back! She tried to run to him with Melody but Alex held her fast to his chest. “Stay! He’s hurt.”

Hermione obeyed, trembling at the thought of her father being hurt. He didn’t look ill, snogging the life out of Melody. They separated only for her to practically carry his weight and help him sit down at their table. If he was shocked at the company, it didn’t show on his face.

“Nancy!” Alex called and waited for the woman to poke her head out. “One more special if you please.”

Nancy bowed her head and reappeared moments later with a steaming metal cup, complete with bendy straw. Melody picked it up for Severus and sat patiently while he drank the life giving blood. The drawn look and his shaking stopped. Melody pulled her chair right next to him and snuggled up, her head lying softly on his chest.

“Draco,” Severus said finally, his voice gravely. “What are you doing here?”

“He knows about the glamours…and the polyjuice,” Melody said softly.

“How long?” Severus asked with narrowed eyes.

“Years,” Draco huffed.

“Eyes like your mother,” Severus said softly. “Well, this requires a vow of silence…or your memories. What will it be?”

Alex laughed. “They’ve been going back and forth for the past half hour.”

“I see,” Severus drawled. “Then I will decide.”

“No!” Draco spat. “That’s not even the half of it. She won’t let me see Rain.”

Severus’s eyebrows rose in shock and he turned his head to view his child cringing into Alex’s chest. “I see. Rain, come here.”

“Y-you’re n-not well,” Hermione stuttered.

“I will be fine for this.”

Hermione didn’t need a second invitation. She jumped off of Alex’s lap and ran to her father, skidding to a halt to gently curl up on his lap. She placed her head on his chest and breathed deeply, potions and smoke…and something else. “You’re bleeding.”

“It’s healed,” he reassured her. “Now, I have obviously missed a lot. Please fill me in.”

Hermione nodded and muttered, “He’s my mate.”

The growl that ripped from her father’s throat made her cry out in fear. What had she done wrong?

“It is not you, child,” Severus whispered, causing her to look up. She shuddered when she saw the glamour, worry lines and small scars. He kissed her gently and laid her head back on his chest.

“What the fuck?” Draco snapped.

“She is mine,” Severus hissed. “You will not touch her.”

“He did,” Draco said darkly and pointed at Alex.

Alex merely crossed his arms and laughed. “He hardly cares.”

“If you’re so into sharing, then why not share with everyone else?”

“I don’t share!” Severus snapped. “And this conversation is over with. You will come outside with us and we will make a vow of silence and you will forget about Rain. Is that understood?”

“I don’t want to forget about her,” Draco sneered. “I want her.”

“I don’t care what you want,” Severus growled. “Outside now! Rain, go sit with Alex.”

“Yes Severus,” Hermione whimpered and ran back across to Alex. This was getting old. She wanted to go home where she didn’t have to clutch to strange men she’d only met to keep from jumping Draco as he stormed out of the cafe. Her stomach ached, ears hurt, and she felt so…empty.

“It’ll pass little one,” Alex said as he rubbed her back soothingly.

“This is horrible,” Hermione whimpered. “I just want to go home.”

“You aren’t fit to drive right now,” Alex said and then rose his voice a little. “Severus, could I take her home? She needs rest.”

“You may go,” she heard her father answer.

Hermione watched Alex make his goodbyes to Nancy, the woman blushing the whole time. He grinned and carried Hermione out to the Harley. The ride home was too long in Hermione’s opinion, considering she wanted to be there yesterday.

She’d never wanted to see a threadbare sofa so much in her entire life. Her body collapsed into it, thankful for the respite. She heard Alex shuffling around but contented herself with burying her nose in the cushions and breathing in the comforting smell of her new home. This day was forfeit.

“Feeling sorry for yourself won’t help,” Alex said after a while.

Hermione sighed. “You’re right. I just…why did it have to be him?”

Alex chuckled. “Melody asked herself that a million times, with both Sirius and Severus.”

“Severus loves her,” Hermione said softly. “Even if he won’t admit it.”

Alex grinned. “Tell me something I don’t know.”

Hermione chuckled. “How long have you known?”

“Well, I believe it was when Lucius took her.”

Hermione furrowed her brow. “Can you drug a vampire?”

“No,” Alex said with a shake of his head. “Malfoy didn’t need to know the details. Lucius put that body binding curse on her and took her to a hotel. She wasn’t strong enough to get out of it and he kept throwing it at her.”

“Why hasn’t she reported him?” Hermione asked hotly.

“She didn’t want Severus in Azkaban,” Alex said softly. “She was going to tell him when he finally found her a few days later, but he was too distraught.”

“I thought you found her.”

“Lucius beat her to a bloody pulp before she eventually broke the spell. She was too weak to fight him off after that. Her magic was spent and she needed to feed to heal.”

“So he…he-“

“No,” Alex said firmly. “The magic of vampire mates will protect you, but not in the way you’d think. Unlike a magical binding that kills, it knocks the attacker unconscious when they try to penetrate you.”

“So he got close and then passed out.”

Alex nodded. “She called me with the last bit of strength she had. Lucius ran as soon as I showed up. I knew how Severus had treated her in the past so I was hesitant to try and contact him. Instead, I dressed her wounds and found her someone to feed from. It took her two days to heal.”

“How did Severus find her?”

“Another property of mate magic. To claim your mate, you must drink their blood. Unlike other bites, those that claim never disappear. From then on, you are inexplicably linked and can find each other. Simply place your hand over the mark and it will send you visions of your mate’s location.”

“It still took him two days to find her?” Hermione asked.

“The visions aren’t always clear,” Alex said softly. “And they get weak if you haven’t consumed your mate’s blood in a while. Severus always refused. It was a few years later and the magic was weak.”

“He drinks from her now,” Hermione said.

Alex chuckled. “Yes he does. He and I had some very heated words for each other when he came barging in the hotel room. I had her cradled to my chest in an attempt to calm her. Between her growing discord with Severus after Lily’s death and Lucius’s attack, she was a mess.”

“I would believe it.” Hermione shook her head sadly. She couldn’t imagine what Melody had gone through. “He changed after that,” Hermione breathed, finally putting everything together.

“You are a very clever witch,” Alex said affectionately. “Yes, that was a few months after Lily’s death. I made sure to tell Severus the state she was in. She refused to tell him the culprit, fearing for his safety. Honestly, I think some of it was because she was so fond of Draco. He was but a year old then.”

“She said she changed Draco’s nappies,” Hermione said. “She missed her baby.”

“She did,” Alex said softly. “My heart never hurt so badly as when I found out her choice. In the end, she made the right decision. She is so brave. She is very much a submissive but her strong will is a blessing. She was able to stand against the entire coven, even thwarted one who wanted her as his mate. You have it too little one, a will strong enough to resist. You’re just very new and need some training.”

“It doesn’t feel like it,” Hermione countered. “It took everything I had to say no to Draco. The only reason I could say no was because I could feel your encouragement.”

“That is how Melody started out, seeking me as a touchstone. You’ll begin your submissive training with Severus and me, switching between touchstones. In the end, you’ll be able to resist us both.”

Hermione huffed. “Why does the dominant get all the bloody fun?”

Alex barked a laugh. “Oh little one, it is not fun to be a dominant at all. In some ways, it’s more painful.”

“I don’t see how,” Hermione pouted. It was childish but she didn’t particularly care at the moment.

“You saw it today with your mate little one. He felt the need to have you. You are still inexplicably linked, even though he is mortal. If he were to become a vampire, that feeling would increase a hundred fold. Severus is gentle and kind with you, a rarity. If a dominant is too harsh with their submissive, they feel a sharp pain like nothing you’ve ever experienced. Most dominants would move heaven and earth to make their submissives happy.”

Hermione shook her head. “But Severus said that some dominants live to break their submissive.”

“They do,” Alex said with a nod. “They are usually not their intended mate, but a forced one. They are also dark and don’t feel the pain quite like us. Submissives who are dark can defy their mates easier but they are also easier to break.”

“So I’m lucky then,” Hermione whispered. A light clicked on in her head then. “That’s why you haven’t claimed Nancy.”

“Beg pardon?” Alex asked softly.

Hermione grinned. “She’s your mate but you have to inject her with venom to claim her. Venom negates the choice and you don’t want her to be dark.”

Alex narrowed his eyes. “How did you ascertain that?”

Hermione tried to keep from laughing. “I told her she smelled like peaches.”

“And she told you what she smelled like to me,” Alex sighed. “That’s the last time I open my big fat mouth.”

“Why didn’t you change her when you found her near death?”

Alex closed his eyes in pain. “Because I knew she would live without my interference. She’s so strong…and intoxicating.”

“Why not ask her,” Hermione hedged. “She might surprise you.”

“She sees me, able to walk about in the day, and thinks it wouldn’t be so bad. But it is. You’re discovering that yourself, the need to be as inappropriately close to your family as possible. Your throat burns when you’re hungry, stomach clenches when you’re around fresh blood. There is no sleeping, no dreaming, and no consorting with mortals…no matter how badly you want to.”

“But you can be around mortals. Professor Snape does it every day.”

“And he’s a bastard about it too,” Alex said with a chuckle.

“What’s wrong with it? You and Nancy obviously get along.”

“Vampires frown heavily on it. They’ve gotten more lenient over the years, allowing themselves closer contact with magical beings because there are still barriers there. For example, they allow vampires to own businesses in the magical world. However, sleeping with one is out. Humans become clingy or jaded. Look at what it did to Sirius. He rejected his mate because he was too jaded from others.”

“So why the forced mating?” Hermione growled.

“It is rare to come across your mate. You become lonely and mating in general looks like a good idea. After all, you can find pleasure without love, can you not?”

“I suppose,” Hermione said softly.

Alex nodded. “I haven’t slept with Nancy because I know I wouldn’t be able to walk away. The coven would smell it and I’d be charged…either change her or they’ll kill her. I couldn’t do that.”

“Does she know?”

Alex shook his head. “I haven’t the heart to tell her. I know how much she loves me. I can see it in her eyes, the pain when I tell her I’m leaving again.”

“Where do you go?”

“Away…wherever the wind takes me. Sometimes I stay with Melody and Severus. I still have to go back to America and check in with the coven every now and then. I’m not allowed to leave them completely, penance for being a daywalker and sparing my daughter’s life. I’d do it again in a heartbeat though, if only to hold Melody in my arms. She’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Hermione wiped a tear from her eye at his passionate words. “I wish I could have a family like that…a child.”

Alex smiled sadly. “It’s our burden to bare, forced to live forever in stasis while those around us die out.”

“Well,” Hermione said softly. “Harry’s not going to die for a very long time if I have anything to say about it. I’ll need training though. Will you help?”

“Of course little one. I’ve already said so,” Alex said softly and motioned for her to curl up in his lap. He took the clip from her hair and placed it on the table before running his fingers in it. “You are my family. I would give my life for my family.”

“Me too,” Hermione breathed before she let herself drift off into meditation.

AN: Oh my goodness you guys. You gave me so many reviews, you changed my Karma! Things are decidedly less bleak today than they were yesterday, so thank you all. I promised you guys a chapter for lots of reviews and you didn't disappoint. I'm extremely glad I already had this one written out.

So, Draco didn't quite figure out who Hermione is yet, but he wants her. That's something, right? We met Alex. (sorry to those of you who have read my other stories. I just couldn't leave Alex out of this one. He's the first OC I ever wrote. An oldie whom was in my very first original novel.) We've got a game plan now. Let's see how bad we can cock it up, right?

Reading through my reviews again. *plays Peanuts music* Wave to Freak. Lovely to see you again dear. Babies, huh? I dunno. We'll have to see about that one. As Always, thanks again to everyone who reviewed. They made my day much brighter. Much. In fact, I have a number in my head and I'll do this whole posting thing again when it's reached. We'll see if I can't offer my Muse some chocolate. She's been very generous to me, allowed me another chapter of Fooling Fate, which I have to polish because it looks like a six year old wrote it. Keep those comments coming and let me know how I'm doing and if you find any errors. Until next time...love you guys!
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Beyond the Pale