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Blood on the Ground	By : pepperdoc Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 15293 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter Universe, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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The morning dawned on a foggy piece of land which simple creatures often referred to as London. In one hidden doorway on one unimportant street a tall man stood considering a door. His blonde hair was long and unbrushed, he leaned heavily on a wooden staff- which may have recently been a fallen tree branch discovered in the woods between his present location and his former prison. His face held the hollowness of starvation, but his eyes glittered as only a sane man’s could as he examined the door before him. He raised his staff and used it to knock on the number plate above the window of the door.

When the door was opened, he greeted the owner of the house in his normal drawl, “Severus, I’ve come to pay a visit to my son.”

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

Hermione was in the kitchen preparing her coffee. It was just before sunrise and she was still half asleep. Her cami hugged to her curves and her sleep pants were two sizes too big. Her hair was in its normal bun. Her eyes were swollen from the crying she had done the evening previous.

The coffee machine began its gurgling and she looked in the pantry for a cup. “Where are the coffee mugs?” She muttered. Behind her she heard a clink. She turned, and there was a mug sitting next to the coffee machine. She raised an eyebrow. “I’ll need a spoon too.” She said quietly. A spoon appeared in the mug. “Thanks. Abeille?” Abeille appeared. “Could I have one of those scones from the other day?”

“Yes, Miss Granger,” Abeille said in her squeaky voice. “Does you need anything else?”

“No, Abeille. Thanks.”

Abeille bowed and popped out of sight. A plate with a scone appeared next to the coffee machine. She made her coffee and carried it and the scone to the library with her journal under her arm. She settled on the Chaise and pulled the pen out of her bun, her hair tumbling over her shoulders. She sipped the coffee, deep in thought not yet writing. She finished her cup and then began to write in the journal opened on her knees.

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

June 3, 1998

First night with Malfoy did not go well. Narcissa Malfoy held me hostage. ~~Draco~~ Malfoy ‘rescued’ me, I’m sure he thinks. Probably why he lent in for a kiss… after I cried in front of him. Dammit. Now he has information he can taunt me with whenever he so chooses. Two different kinds. He talked about his father, though, teaching him about exploiting weaknesses. Surprised me, that’s for sure. The good news is that I have some weaknesses of his which I can throw back at him whenever he decides to taunt me with what happened last night. He denies it, but he still loves his mother. His father, though… I wonder about his feelings towards that man. Lupin has been acting strangely around Malfoy, also. They seemed much too eager to change the subject when I walked into the Library after my nap. I wonder what they were talking about. And then, the audacious prat had the nerve to chastise me for bringing up something from his interview. The people present were at the damn interview, what does it matter anyway? His hand hurt my wrist slightly… Does everything have to always revolve around him? Merlin, I can’t even get away from him here!

No, it’s better if I write it out, then I won’t think about him as much. He lives here now, my subconscious may have a crush on his body, but my conscious mind has few positive things to say about him. His sarcasm and wit are mostly annoying. I think it’s the only way he can let his intelligence show. Though, last night he mentioned the way his father taught him to view weakness, as an exploitable piece of information. The sarcastic remarks could be a way for him to pretend to be aloof about some things. This should be looked at. His emotionless façade makes finding his weaknesses difficult to spot, as he intends. But perhaps there is a pattern. I do know that when it comes to his parents, because we all know his feelings towards them, he does not pretend to be aloof about them. So, that’s part of the pattern then. Maybe if I figure him out, my subconscious will leave me alone about him. Hopefully. I will say that at least when he pissed me off (Post-nap Library conversation) he was smart enough to leave me alone. And when I was crying… He… comforted me. He has the advantage and I need to even the playing field. Figuring out the pattern is the way to do it. – H

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

She went back to the kitchen to refill her cup.

Draco was looking in the cabinet for something, unaware of her presence. He wasn’t wearing a shirt and his back was sculpted as though it was made of marble. The movement of his sinewy muscles made the scars which crisscrossed his shoulders seem to dance. She stood in the doorway, completely astonished. She realized she had never seen him without long sleeves. He reached into the cabinet with his left arm and she clearly saw the dark mark glaring at her from over his shoulder.

His focus suddenly shifted to his arm, and he turned around quickly, a mug in his hand. His face showed his terror, but was quickly replaced with a smirk. “Granger,” he said with a nod. His chest was covered in larger scars. Still the perfectly sculpted muscles showed through the raised pink skin.

Her mouth clicked shut and she gave him a curt nod in return. She walked to the coffee machine and he refilled her cup before filling his own. They stood silently while they each made their coffee to their liking. She was about to walk back to her room when he said, “Your cat scared the hell out of me last night. Don’t you keep him in your room at night?”

She set her cup on the breakfast table and sat facing him. She kept her eyes on his face as she said, “I do, but last night he was tearing around and keeping me awake. I let him out. How did he scare you?”

He sat across from her and sipped his coffee, “Heard weird noises coming from down here, come to find him messing with a dead mouse.” He crinkled his nose at the memory.

“Good thing it wasn’t your father,” she said before taking a sip.

He chuckled. “My thoughts precisely.”

“Is this how we are going to do things, now? Just drop the dislike we had of each other for all those years and be flatmates?” She asked suddenly.

“We may as well get along, Granger. We are flatmates for now.” He answered carefully.

“Not going to answer the first part of that question are you?”

He sighed, “I never disliked you. I had to play the part, Granger. That boyfriend of yours, I do dislike. And Potter’s not so bad if you can ignore his awful insults. I mean really, who can’t understand a contract?”

“Seems like before your coffee, you don’t evade as much,” She said with an eyebrow raise.

“That’s right, Granger, deny a man his coffee and he will do anything, even give a straight answer.”

“Maybe we should switch to decaf instead of giving Veritasium for the interviews,” she said wryly.

He shook his head with a smile, “You are a cruel hearted woman, I always had my suspicions, but never the proof until right now.” He took another sip.

She giggled behind her hand. He raised an eyebrow in question, she answered, “No one has ever called me cruel before. Me? Cruel?” She giggled harder.

He chuckled, “Oh, yeah. I’d hate to have you angry at me again. I have never been more terrified than I was when your wand was pointed at me. I never want to find out what obscure curses you can perform.”

She had stopped giggling but her face was flushed and she was still smiling. She didn’t comment on what he’d clearly wanted her to expand on. “How’s your coffee?”

He made a face as though she had punched him in the gut, “Too smart for my simple tricks, I keep forgetting that. It’s good, thanks. Why didn’t you just ask the elves to make it?”

She shrugged, “I don’t really think they should have to. I did ask for one of those scones though. They were so good.”

“Bleeding heart again. What makes the elves so deserving of your sympathies?”

“I just think they are treated unfairly most of the time. You treat yours well, but you are the exception.”

He rolled his eyes. “You know they enjoy their work, don’t you?”

She sighed. “You know, yesterday you never told me what you wanted to talk about in the library. What was it?”

“Just to warn you of how I lounge in the mornings and about the scars.”

“Going to tell me what happened?”

“No.”

“Caffeine levels have reached their proper levels then?”

“Indeed,” He answered, raising his cup. “Abeille,” he called. The little elf appeared next to him. He looked down and told her, “Could we have another breakfast tray please? Granger loves your scones, you know.”

Abeille looked up at Hermione with her large eyes, “Does Miss Granger enjoy them?”

“Yes, Abeille, they are amazing,” Hermione told her with a grin.

“Then Abeille can have them out when Miss Granger wakes, and she can haves them whenever she wants!” The elf said with a happy dance.

“Good thinking Abeille. Run a bath in fifteen minutes, also.”

She bowed to him and said “Yes Master Malfoy,” as she popped off.

“Oh, a bath sounds glorious. I’ll take one when you’re done.” Hermione said with a yawn.

Draco stood and stretched his hands above his head. “The bath is for you, I’ve got to go for a run.” The tray appeared but neither noticed it.

“A run? Aren’t you worried about your father? And how will you find your way back, you’ve never even left through the front door but to apparate!” She asked, her face full of worry.

“Merlin, Granger, haven’t you ever heard of a Treadmill?” Her mouth opened in shock. He continued, “I’ve got a charmed one in my closet.”

“But, you use Muggle technology?” She asked.

“Only sometimes, and I’d thank you to keep that to yourself. Arthur helped me to get the charms working on it so I could still keep in shape while living here.”

She stared at him for a moment. He stared back, trying not to make a face. He got sick of it and without breaking eye contact took a scone off the tray and put it into her hand. “Eat.” He said, sitting back down.

She absently took a bite. He took a scone for himself and they ate in silence.

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

“Severus, enough of this evasion. I know you have taken custody of my son. The wards are loyal to the family, not to any one person. As the head, I am alerted to any change, even in prison.” Snape had delayed him by giving him breakfast and then showing him to the Study. Lucius looked incredibly out of place in the chair he sat in. Severus’ study was decorated in dark browns and blacks, there was no color in the decorations but for them. Lucius’ disheveled appearance resembled that of a shepherd just down from the mountains. “I’ve been imprisoned for three months, and I doubt I’m as unaware of the situations as you think I am.”

“Please, enlighten me, Lucius.” Snape drawled.

“He’s up to something. I know he is. Our Lord has left my Manor for another. Draco has taken some prisoners from the dungeon. Narcissa is missing, and has been since I went to prison. Draco knows what is behind all of these things, and I want to know what he has to say.”

“You broke out of prison for such mundane things Lucius? Surely you had a better reason?”

“I…. Suspect… Things.” Lucius looked desperate.

“Very well, we can speak without allowing this to get back to our Lord.”

“Do you swear?”

“I swear on my wand, the Dark Lord shall not hear a word of this conversation, Lucius.”

“He ordered the prisoners sent to the Mudblood, Granger. Why would he do that? I suspect he may be turning to the other side. He might be turning into a sympathizer. Or worse, he might be trying to court the girl.”

Snape thought for a moment. He said, “You sound crazed. Firstly, they hate each other. Secondly, you know how loyal he is to the Dark Lord. How loyal he is to you. But, if it will set your mind at ease, we can send an owl to fetch him from the Zabini boy’s mansion.”

“Can we not Floo?”

“I don’t have access to their network. Also, you are a wanted felon, Lucius. The Ministry is not taken over yet, we cannot depend on the rule-obeying peons who may listen in.”

They sent the letter to Draco explaining that his relative had come to visit and Snape would like him to return. They sent the letter on the wing of Snape’s Order of the Phoenix owl, although Lucius did not know the difference.

Snape showed him to a bathroom and encouraged him to have his first real bath in months. Snape went back to the window and stuck his arm out. The owl returned as it had been taught to do, and Snape added to the bottom of the letter: “Your father is suspicious, come quickly from ‘Zabini’s’ prepared for questioning- from him.” He attached the letter again and told the owl to go to the Weasley’s.

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

Draco was just stepping onto the treadmill when he heard a voice from downstairs. He ran to the door and down to the lounge to greet his favorite redhead who was holding a letter. “Mrs. Weasley, what brings your-”

She cut off his flattery with a hand, “Your godfather has just sent this. It’s to you and marked Urgent. I have a terrible feeling, open it please.” Her voice sounded strained.

Draco opened it and his face paled as he read the bottom. “What is it, Draco?” Molly asked, she was fidgeting the whole time he had been reading.

“My father…” He cleared his throat and stood straighter, “My father is at Snape’s. Snape has informed me that he is suspicious of something. I must leave. My father wants to question me.”

Molly let out the breath she had been holding. “That’s not so bad, is it, dear? Just questioning?”

Draco looked down on her caring face, “Do you want the truth or comfort?”

“Truth, every time,” came Hermione’s voice from behind him.

He turned and asked, “How much have you heard?”

“Your father is at Snape’s. Answer Mrs. Weasley’s question.”

“It is… bad. My mental defenses have surpassed his, I think. But Snape may have Veritasium, and there is no way to combat that. And if he can find anything out about here, I will die.”

Hermione looked as though she would speak, but Molly spoke first, “Die? Why will you die dear?”

“I took a Wizarding Oath as soon as I found out he may have escaped. This is the worst thing which could have happened, I don’t have the antidote on hand because that is with Snape. He was going to bring it today. We never expected my father to go directly to Snape. How could we have been so stupid!” He was pacing and talking quickly. “I cannot even evade under the effects of Veritasium, I tried during the damn interview. Fuck, maybe he won’t use it, but that man is insane, I never know what to expect of him. And then he could still use the Cruciatus curse or any number of other tortures, but maybe he won’t since Snape is there and Snape is still his superior.” He looked up suddenly, as though he had just remembered they were there. “I have to get ready to leave.”

He turned as though to rush up the stairs, and Hermione stopped him. “I have the antidote, Draco.”

“The…. What?” His eyes were dazed, he seemed to be panicking.

“The antidote for Veritasium. I have some in my bag. Drink it before you go. Keep Snape in the room, I’m sure he won’t want to leave anyway. Tell your father, if he asks about the hippogriffs and Centaurs, you sent them to me as a prank, I’m scared of them or whatever. Keep your head.”

He grabbed her shoulders and kissed her fully on the mouth before bounding up the stairs to dress.

Hermione stood there in shock. Molly cleared her throat and Hermione whipped her head around to the older woman’s calm face. “Mrs. Weasley…” Hermione tried to think of something to say.

“You’d better get the antidote dear, he’ll be needing it momentarily.”

Hermione raised her wand and said, “Accio beaded bag!” The bag flew from upstairs and landed in her hand. She dug her hand into it and pulled out a comically large trunk. She opened it with a touch of her wand and pulled out a vial just as Draco ran down the stairs buttoning his vest.

The suit he’d chosen was dark blue, though he had left the jacket upstairs. His shirt was light grey, and his tie was very dark grey, almost the color of his eyes. His tie was askew and his hair was sticking up from his hurried dressing.

She handed him the vial and told him, “Drink,” while uncomfortably stepping into his personal space. She reached up and fixed his tie as he drank the light blue liquid. She brushed a piece of lint off his shoulder and stepped back. He was staring at her with an unreadable expression while she did this. She stepped back and raised her wand again, “Accio comb,” she called again. The comb zoomed around the corner and landed in her upturned palm. She handed it to Draco silently. He combed through his hair quickly, still staring down at her.

“I’ve got to go,” He said nearly in a whisper. He looked at Molly, “Thanks Molly. Do you think you should call on the Aurors?”

“I will. I’ll go to a street close by and notify them that I saw him. Less suspicion that way.” Mrs. Weasley said, her face furrowed in a frown.

“Will you come back after so we can have tea?” Hermione asked.

“Yes dear, I’ll be back by noon, I should think.”

They left through the front door to the Apparation point on the street. Draco gave her a funny look as she stood at the front door watching them go.

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

Draco Apparated first to the Zabini complex and then to Snape’s street. He strolled up to his godfather’s door with his mask firmly in place. He knocked.

The door was opened by Snape. “Well, how was your night?” Snape drawled.

Draco stepped inside as his godfather motioned him in. “Ah, you know, Zabini had some party plans for us. We went to a local Pureblood bar and met some young ladies. They weren’t ladylike when we were done with them, Sev.”

While Draco was speaking, Severus made a motion with one open hand- palm toward his face, with a quick swipe from chin to forehead. It signaled to Draco to put his defenses up. He nodded. His godfather clapped him on the shoulder and told him, "That's the way, boy. Ah, to be young again.” It was a normal conversation between the two of them. Snape’s students were never allowed to see this side of him, it was only reserved for Draco, and reserved for whenever there was a Death Eater around.

“So a relative has come? One of mine?” Draco asked as Severus led the way down to his study.

“Indeed. Your father has broken out of prison to talk to you.” They were nearing the door.

“Oh,” Draco put on a concerned face as the door opened.

His father was seated in the chair facing the door. He was freshly bathed, his hair pulled back into its usual style and wearing transfigured clothing out of Severus’ closet. His face was carefully blank as he took in his son’s appearance. “Good morning, Draco.”

Draco straightened his posture and looked at his father as he would expect. “Good morning, Father.”

“Have a seat.” Lucius gestured to the seat in front of him.

Draco sat, masking his habit of unbuttoning his jacket with a feigned straightening of his vest.

“Severus, do you mind if I speak to my son in private?”

“I mind,” Draco said, “If you are going to ask me about what I think you will, I want Sev to hear the conversation, I think he’ll like it.”

“And what do you think I’m here to ask about?”

Draco feigned surprise, “Me moving the Hippogriffs and Centaurs to wherever Granger was.”

“It was reported to me. Why did you do that?”

Draco forced himself to chuckle, “Ah, that Granger. She’s terrified of them. Such a little chickenshit when it comes to `em.”

Snape chuckled as Lucius raised his hand, Draco flinched, “Do not curse in front of me boy! Have you no respect?”

“Sorry father.” Draco said with his head lowered. “It was just a prank on the Mudblood.”

Severus chuckled again, “A good one, boy. A good one.”

“I don’t know… some parts of these things my son is telling me doesn’t sound true. I seem to remember Draco telling me that the girl didn’t have any problems with the Hippogriff who attacked him. Do you have any Veritasium, Severus?”

“I do.”

“Bring it up, I’d like to know the truth of the matter.”

The time for the potion to take effect passed in silence. Severus nodded his head when the potion was supposed to be effective. “You have fifteen minutes, Lucius.”

“Why did you ask for the trace to be lifted?” Lucius asked, leaning forward.

Draco raised his eyebrows in what he hoped was innocence, “So I could get into the club last night. If there’s a trace, they know I’m underage. It was only three days from my birthday, I didn’t think it would be a big deal.”

“What club did you go to?”

“The Flying Carpet. It’s for Purebloods only. Zabini and I were there to meet with some witches he knew for some drinks and then seduce them to our beds. We had a bet for who could do the dirtiest thing with their witch. Zabini won because he fucked his girl in the-”

“Enough! Why are you not in Spain with the Dark Lord?”

“He… Thought I needed to be taught a lesson about where my family stands in his graces.” Draco looked down and away from his father, as though ashamed.

“Is Granger afraid of Hippogriffs?”

“Yes. The rumor is that she had a bad flying experience with one and nearly died.”

“Tell me how you feel about the Mudblood,” Lucius said suspiciously.

“She’s a haughty little bitch, who has no right to be. She thinks herself my equal if not my superior, for whatever reason. She thinks we live in a world filled with rainbows and lollis where she can just walk around freely under the Dark Lord’s rule. She needs to be taught a lesson, but she’s smart enough to not be found. I think she’s blockaded herself with charms for protection. When I find her, I want to be the one to torture her.”

“What do you know of the Order of the Phoenix?”

Draco furrowed his brow as if in thought, “I don’t know anything about that.”

“Shall we have tea then, Lucius? We’ll need to Apparate to Spain before noon.” Severus said from the corner.

“One more question, Severus. Draco, where is your mother?”

Suddenly from the front door there was a loud banging. They all looked in terror as they heard heavy boots running up the stairs and down the hall. The door swung open and an Auror stood wearing a heavy mask over his face. “Which of you is Lucius Malfoy?” His deep voice asked.

Draco made himself look like he was trying not to answer while looking at his father. He jumped up from his chair and pointed to Lucius. “He is!”

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

Severus and Draco were finally finished giving their testimony. The Aurors had fixed the front door and finally left. They were sitting to tea.

“Finally, that’s over with…” Draco said.

“Where did you get the antidote to Veritasium?” Severus asked, using his normal bored tone.

“Granger had some, if you can believe it.” His godfather grunted in response. “So, speaking of Granger, she came up with a good lie just before I left the Headquarters.”

“Oh? Which one?”

“The one about the prank. All her idea.” Draco grinned.

Snape looked uncomfortably at the fire in the hearth. “Draco, do you not think it strange how well everything has worked out for you in recent months?”

“I do think it strange. But I’m hopeful that it’s a sign from whatever gods there may be that I’m doing the right thing.”

“I certainly hope so too.” Snape said wistfully.

“Are you thinking of Lily?” Draco asked gently.

Severus cleared his throat. “I am. I hope things don’t turn out for you as they did for me. That’s all.” Draco frowned. “Now, how was your first night with my least favorite student?”

Draco sighed before answering, mirroring his godfather by staring wistfully into the fire. “My mother tried to kill her last night.”

Snape jumped and sat straight. His black eyes focused on his godson. “Speak boy!”

Draco relayed the story, leaving out what had happened in the kitchen.

“You were offering yourself in place of her?” Snape asked.

“She’s the brains of the whole Order, Sev. I couldn’t just let my mother turn her in! I knew what my mother would probably do if I told her I was a traitor. She did it, don’t think too much about it. I didn’t.”

“Where is your mother now?”

“I don’t want to know. Then I don’t have to keep lying about it.” He rubbed his forehead irritably. “Why does everyone keep asking me where she is?”

“She knows where… something He wants is. I can’t say anymore. Just keep her hidden from the Dark Lord.”

“Alright, I will.” Draco said. “I’ve got to go and tell Granger what’s happened, I’ve kept her waiting long enough. Good afternoon, Sev.” Draco mimed tipping his hat to his godfather as he spoke.

Snape smiled knowingly after his godson’s retreating back. After the door closed, he muttered to himself, “The actions one takes without thinking show their true motives.”

A/N: Also, I was having some fun with dialogue in this chapter. Snape’s tone is killing me, he sounds wrong, but it’s all part of their cover. Draco’s a playboy and Severus encourages it. That gives them dialogue to allow them to be able to non-verbally communicate like we saw in this chapter.

What’s gonna happen next? It is a secret for now! But it’ll be in Hermione’s POV! There’s that kiss to figure out. How will Hermione react? How will Molly react? They’ve got tea time to hash it out!

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Blood on the Ground