Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Bound	By : goldhorse Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 126052 -:- Recommendations : 15 -:- Currently Reading : 31
Disclaimer: JK owns HP. Not me. I also don't own any quotes you might recognize. I make no money doing this, I just get the plot bunnies to quit interrupting my sleep.

Chapter List
- 8
- 9
- 10
Draco listened behind the door for his cue. It seemed as though Potter had gotten into the fray as well.

“What did you do to her?” Harry yelled. “She hasn’t woken up yet!”

“Obviously,” Snape drawled as he went over to Ginny’s bedside. She was breathing deeply and he could see her magic starting to flow back into her. He placed his hand on her forehead, much to the Gryffindor’s protest, and felt that her temperature had returned to normal. Nodding to Pomfrey, he made his way back over to the irate boys.

“Miss Weasley was involved in a potions accident, as I already stated. I regret my state of undress, but it was necessary to remove all affected clothing.”

That seemed to shut them up. Madam Pomfrey looked over to Severus. “Is it safe yet?”

“I would try smelling salts. If you absolutely must use a spell, a closed door would be most beneficial.”

Everyone in the room looked at Snape quizzically, but stared on as Pomfrey wafted a bottle of smelling salts under Ginny’s nose. The girl stirred and then sat straight up. She shrieked and then lay back down quickly.

“What happened?” she asked and then froze when she noticed the crowd gathered around her bed. Desperately, she shot a pleading look at her professor. She hoped he’d had a good story for why she was passed out half dressed.

“Do you remember your potion accident Miss Weasley?” he drawled while handing her a pepper up potion and a pain relieving potion.

Breathing a sigh of relief, she nodded her head. “I’m so sorry, sir.” Then she downed the two potions.

McGonagall broke in then. “Severus, didn’t you have Miss Granger in detention as well?”

Shite. He had hoped the old bat would let that one go. She obviously couldn’t help but collect her Gryffindors like a mother hen. It irked Severus to no end.

“Yes, I did,” he answered brusquely. Knowing that he couldn’t hide Draco if she insisted on seeing her, he decided to give him an alibi as well. “Mr. Malfoy was also present as well. He had dropped by to ask me a few questions regarding his last DADA test. Suffice it to say that we were all affected by the blast. Whilst you were all screeching like banshees, I managed to revive him. Miss Granger is not quite so lucky.”

“NO!” Harry and Ron screamed.

“Calm yourselves boys,” Dumbledore broke in. “Miss Granger is hardly in danger anymore. She will merely need longer to recover.”

“WHERE IS SHE?” Harry screamed.

“50 points from Gryffindor, Potter, for disrespecting the Headmaster,” Snape drawled.

Draco, having slipped past everyone while they were yelling at Snape, had heard the commotion and was trying furiously to revive Hermione. The washcloth hadn’t worked and neither had the smelling salts. He’d even stripped the bed and doused her entire body with the washcloth that was now cold. All he’d managed to succeed in doing is lessening the angry red sunburn she’d had.

“Come on, love,” he muttered, not realizing the term of endearment that spilled through his lips. He’d been momentarily stalled when he saw the unique scar the healing had left. Unfortunately, he didn’t have time to contemplate it. He hurriedly shoved the rest of his clothes on and set back to work trying to revive Hermione. Sensing that his time was almost at an end when Potter demanded to see her, he lifted her up and gingerly placed her shirt back on her. It wouldn’t do for anyone to see him with a half-naked Hermione. He stuffed her bra in his robe pocket and buttoned her shirt up just far enough to where it would stay closed. The scar would smart terribly if he were to cover it completely.

“Mr. Potter, you will desist this instant. Miss Granger is in no state to accept visitors,” came the curt reply from Snape.

Shite! He didn’t have much time left. Desperately, he claimed her lips, careful to keep his magic tamped down. Nothing. Then he remembered something that caused a feeling of dread to spread through his entire body. The healer was the only one who could revive the person. In this case, there were four healers. They would all have to lay hands on Hermione and speak her name. It might not even work then since Hermione had lent her own magic to help. Bugger. He’d better get out there.

“Can’t a guy get some peace in the Hospital wing of all places?” he drawled as he strode out from behind the curtain. It was obvious that he had dressed in a hurry. His shirt was un-tucked, his robe hung loosely off his shoulders and he was still barefoot.

“Malfoy,” Ron breathed vehemently. “You did this.”

Draco calmly gazed back. “It isn’t my fault that your sister is as incompetent at potions as you are.” He shot a pointed look at Ginny, trying to convey that he needed her help once again. Then he whipped his eyes over to his godfather with the same look. He seemed to catch on rather quickly and he glanced back at Ginny. She got it that time.

She shakily got up and realized that she was only in her camisole. Blushing furiously while crossing her arms, she stammered. “That’s enough Malfoy. I didn’t mean to do it. I was distracted. Is my shirt back there?” Snape nodded, grabbing her arm and leading her behind the screen. “Yes, Miss Weasley. I cleaned it for you.”

Hopeful that Dumbledore could hold the angry Gryffindor boys back, they all hurried behind the curtain. Ginny made a beeline for her shirt and quickly donned it. Then she slipped her socks and shoes on and looked toward Draco, who was bent over Hermione trying desperately to revive her.

“We’ll all have to lay hands on her and revive her.” He whispered. “I’m not sure, but I think we need to be in the same position we healed her in. However, you’ll both need to touch her because you can’t use magic. So,” he continued as he gingerly climbed back on top of her. “I’m here, Weasley on my left and Professor on my right.” They got into position. “Now,” he continued, placing Hermione’s hand on his shoulder, “you each lay your hand on hers and then on each shoulder. When I nod, we all speak her name.”

At his nod, they said in unison, “Hermione.”

Nothing happened. “Fuck,” Draco breathed.

There was a commotion behind the curtain. Apparently Harry and Ron had gotten past Dumbledore’s hold and were currently trying to run behind the curtain. Luckily, the old wizard was still spry and blocked their path. He wouldn’t be able to hold them for long. They were determined and not even the threat of expulsion could deter them.

“Damn it. Wake up Hermione!” Draco whispered. He kissed her gently on each eyelid and then her nose in frustration. He tried reaching her through their bond although they hadn’t practiced it before. He couldn’t feel her and it frightened him. “She’s not there!”

Snape looked stricken. That Draco couldn’t feel her was very disconcerting. To have come so far only to lose her was unacceptable.

“Calm down, you aren’t dead so she isn’t either.” Then he sighed heavily. “There is only one other way to break through to her.”

Draco’s jaw dropped. “A kiss?”

At Snape’s nod, Ginny gasped which caused Harry and Ron to shout out.

“GINNY! Are you alright?” Ron screamed.

“I’m fine you ponce. It just hurts to move. Stop shouting and carrying on and let me finish getting dressed.”

Both boys were too angry at the thought of Ginny in any manner of dress with Snape and Malfoy to act rationally. Harry was barely able to curb himself after seeing Dumbledore’s look of disapproval. Ron, however, didn’t register it.

“Why are you dressing in front of those gits like a scarlet woman?” he screeched. This caused everyone in the entire ward to freeze. Ginny started shaking, the dark aura taking her over. With Hermione being the only light, there was no one to balance her out. They had to act quickly.

“Miss Weasley,” he whispered harshly as he grabbed her shoulders. “You must fight it. If the dark takes over you could kill Miss Granger!”

Her eyes snapped open and it was obvious that she was desperately trying to rein it in. Draco was still atop Hermione with the cold washcloth, trying fruitlessly to wake her. First things first, Ginny needed to be in control. So, he continued a bit louder, knowing it would condemn him.

“Miss Weasley, look into my eyes.” As she did, she saw the indigo flair. Snape called upon everything he had left to try and compel Ginny to relax. “Listen to the sound of my voice and breathe, in and out, in and out, slowly.”

Ginny melted with the sound of his voice and the dark aura calmed a bit. It was still swirling angrily but she wasn’t at the verge of bursting anymore. She could finally drown out her brother, who was now arguing belligerently with McGonagall. All she could concern herself was the beautiful indigo color of her Professor’s eyes and the smooth chocolaty voice that was commanding that she breathe slowly.

“Now, reach inside yourself and will the light. Will it to surface.”

Finally, after a few minutes, the darkness receded and Ginny slumped against him. Snape let out a sigh of relief. If she had lost it, then they would have lost Hermione as well. “Good girl,” he purred quietly as his eyes faded to black. Ginny nodded and stepped back to look at him. She tilted her head quizzically and Snape whispered her unanswered question. “I will reveal a bit more when there is more time.”

Ginny nodded and walked back over to Hermione and Draco. Draco looked beside himself. He was tenderly stroking her cheek while his eyes were shut tightly. He was murmuring soft words of encouragement, willing her to come back.

Snape was utterly spent. Using the compulsion of the vampire on top of being magically depleted had drained him. He could barely move but diligently made his way back to the bed to see his godson in turmoil.

“I can’t find her. It’s like she’s detached and yet, if she were I think I would be there as well.” He whispered. Despair could clearly be heard in his strained voice. “I think the kiss is the only way.”

Snape nodded and looked toward Hermione’s lips. What he saw there made him freeze. The girl had bitten down on her lip trying to stifle her screaming. It appeared that she had made a large incision in them with her teeth; the blood was still oozing out.

Blood. He was so weak. He needed blood. He couldn’t have her blood, even though she was pure. The bond would tear at him and he wasn’t willing to go through that. He hadn’t consumed blood since the first night that he’d gone back to the Dark Lord. Before that, it had been years since he’d had to drink it. He couldn’t avoid the blood if he were to kiss her. Even a peck would send him into full blood lust. It was the one aspect of being a daywalker that he could never control. He didn’t need it to survive, but once he had it, he couldn’t stop until he was full. Damn.

Seeing his godfather zoning in on Hermione’s lips, Draco suddenly realized the huge dilemma. They hadn’t covered vampires yet in DADA, but he knew enough from past dealings. The bloodlust was uncontrollable and Hermione was bleeding. Before he could control himself, he’d need to drink his fill. Even then, the blood formed a bond. Even a weak one would rip at the already formed one. Thinking quickly, he whispered harshly to his godfather, breaking him out of the trance.

“If you were to taste mine as well, would the bond be nullified?”

Snape snapped back to the present. If he were to drink from them both, then the temporary bond wouldn’t affect the permanent one. They would be in the same bond together. He nodded slowly, trying to keep himself from pouncing on the sleeping girl he’d come to care for as his own child. How had he made such a fast attachment?

“It still won’t stop me,” Snape whispered. “I won’t be able to stop until I am full. I could kill you both and I can’t use…” he drifted off.

Draco thought he knew what he meant. He couldn’t use his fangs because they formed a permanent attachment. He wondered if a daywalker could turn a human with their fangs. He caught the flash of red out of the corner of his eye. Ginny was staring at Snape with a look of realization.

“You’re a, a,” she started.

“Not quite, Miss Weasley, but close enough.” Snape answered quickly.

Draco’s mind was whirring. Perhaps Ginny was pure. If she let Snape draw the blood freely, then they would only have the same temporary bond and she wouldn’t be turned. It could work, if she would just agree to it.

“Ginny,” Draco whispered. Shocked at the use of her first name, she turned toward Draco. “He needs blood. But not just any blood, virgin blood given willingly. Only then will he be able to control himself.” At her quizzical look, he pointed toward the still oozing blood on Hermione’s lips. “If he touches it, he’ll go mad. He won’t be able to control himself.” She paled. “He won’t bite you. He just needs to draw it out. Please Ginny, do it for Hermione?”

“You don’t know what you’re asking Draco,” Snape cut in. “While temporary, the bond is quite strong. It would be as if you were my minions or children if you will. You won’t be able to fight the compulsion to be near me, the need to kneel, to call me father.” He choked.

“How long,” Ginny asked. At his surprised look, she asked again. “How long until it wears off?”

“A week at the most. However, I we may be sensitive of each other for the rest of our lives.”

“Sensitive?”

“Able to sense the other’s presence, feel if there is danger, things of that nature. Nothing nefarious, but it would certainly be unwanted on your part.” Snape answered.

After a few minutes of silence, she answered. “How much do you need?”

Snape stared in shock for a few minutes. Gryffindor house was known for its bravery, courage, and blind loyalty. However, this went above and beyond. Draco had no choice. The kiss was the only way. However, this tiny Weasley girl was willing to risk a life of being able to sense her Professor, spend a week humiliating herself because of a compulsion, and give her blood all for a friend in need. It rendered him speechless.

“Professor, how much do you need and how will you get it? I know you can’t use magic.”

Snape was brought out of his thoughts once again. “Are you sure? You are willing to do this for Miss Granger?”

“Yes.” She didn’t hesitate, didn’t falter. Ginny instinctively knew that Hermione and Malfoy had some sort of link that was extremely important. Perhaps it could help Harry, perhaps not but the fact that Dumbledore and Snape were willing to risk so much to keep them alive and together spoke more than any long-winded speech could. It was no question in her mind. She had to do this.

“Very well,” Snape’s voice wavered. “Normally, a few drops mixed with replenisher would suffice, however I feel I might need a stronger mix.”

“As long as you don’t drain me, I’ll be fine.”

Snape did not appreciate her frail attempt at humor. He could very well go insane at the drawing of the blood. He looked toward Draco. “We don’t have any muggle medical means to do this. It will need to be primitive.”

Draco nodded and then took out a long dagger out of his boot. It was a gift from his father, one side silver, one side gold for potions making. He held it out for his godfather to see.

“Use the gold side, silver might react badly.”

Draco nodded. Snape turned around and billowed out from behind the curtain. He stopped and whispered in Dumbledore’s ear.

“Albus, I believe you are going to have to terminate me for what I am about to do.”

Shaking his head with a sad look on his face, he returned the answer in a whisper. “Severus, it needs to be done. It’s no use to hide your gift. If this brings her back, then so be it. It is given so freely. Love is a powerful thing.”

Nodding, Snape walked to the potions cabinet and grabbed a few bottles of blood replenisher and an extra clean vial. He stopped by Dumbledore again.

“I’m not sure I’ll be able to live with myself after this Albus.”

Dumbledore put a kind hand on the defeated man’s shoulder. “You can and you will, my boy.”

Shaking his head, Snape brushed past a very angry Potter who was trying his best to restrain a livid Weasley. Thinking ahead, he turned around again. It was best if everyone knew up front about the no magic rule, it wouldn’t do to have any accidents. “Miss Granger’s healing isn’t coming along as well as I had hoped. All tests on Mr. Malfoy, Miss Weasley, and myself confirm that the use of magic makes it worse. She won’t be able to use any magic for at least a full day. In addition, we can’t use any magic on her. To do so would be devastating. I suggest you all go back to your rooms. This could take quite a while.”

“I’m staying here,” Harry said, eyeing the potion in Snape’s hand.

“I can’t go anywhere,” Ron bit out from between clenched teeth. “And I wouldn’t even if I could.”

McGonagall placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and Pomfrey took the other side, an obvious display that they would help temper the boys. Dumbledore stood his ground as well. Of course, Snape didn’t expect him to leave. However, the other teachers who had been standing quietly in the back silently turned around and left. They would be of no use now. Snape abruptly turned around and walked back behind the curtain.

Draco had climbed off of Hermione’s bed and was standing beside Ginny, a hand on her shoulder in support and thanks. It was an odd sight, seeing the spoiled little boy turn into a man before his very eyes. It seemed like he had buried the hatchet, as the muggles say, and was now dealing with the consequences like an adult. It was comforting and heartening. They might just make it after all.

Snape handed the vial to Draco and then made to step back. “I can’t be close. I don’t know how much I can stand. However, you can’t heal the wound afterwards.” He grabbed some gauze out of a drawer and handed it to Draco. “Use this as best as you can. It would probably be prudent to tie me to something.”

Wasting no time, Draco quickly tied his professor to a nearby chair and held the gold side of the blade up to Ginny’s hand. Deciding the fingers would bleed the most while causing the least damage, he sliced into one causing her to hiss loudly. They could hear Potter trying to restrain Weasley with the Professors’ help. Giving her an apologetic look, Draco began squeezing the blood into the vial. It was a painful process but he admired the red head’s courage. She didn’t scream out, just gritted her teeth and took it. When her finger clotted briefly, he looked toward Snape, who was shaking from trying to control himself. He held up the vial to ask if it was enough and Snape sadly shook his head no but motioned for the vial. Draco walked it over.

“I’ll take it in increments. That way, we won’t waste,” he rasped. Draco added the blood replenisher and Snape drank deeply until the vial was empty. Color sprung to his cheeks and his eyes turned indigo. The glamour on his teeth faded away and the points of his fangs were visible. “Hurry,” he rasped.

Draco ran back over to Ginny and cut another finger. He desperately squeezed the blood out and ran back over to his godfather. After the second vial, his fangs fully descended. It was a terrifying site to behold. The third vial saw him calm down a bit. After the fourth, he was once again himself. His eyes were full of remorse but there was no mistaking that his power was once again returning to him. Draco deftly cut one of his fingers and let just a drop ooze out. Snape reluctantly wiped it off his finger and stuck the drop in his mouth. Immediately, the bond flared up and pain started to flow.

“Hurry!” Draco shouted, untying his Godfather, and ran back over to Hermione. He jumped on the bed as Ginny and Snape ran over to her. They all placed their hands in the same positions earlier. Snape bent down and tentatively licked the drop of blood on her lips, hating himself and damning his weakness. The pain calmed. Then he gave her a chaste kiss and drew back. Draco gave her a kiss and Ginny followed. Hermione flinched a bit.

“Hermione!” they all spoke. Here eyelids fluttered a bit and she moaned.

Tears sprung to Draco’s eyes as Snape and Ginny both breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank Merlin,” Draco breathed and then kissed her again. Her eyes opened then and he gently broke the kiss and climbed off the bed.

She sat up slowly, obviously in pain. “Did it work?”

“See for yourself,” Draco told her as he handed her a small mirror that was on the nightstand.

She gasped. “It’s beautiful,” she gasped as tears streamed down her face. “Thank you,” she cried out and grabbed him in a hug. Then she winced and drew back.

“Careful, silly. It is going to smart for a bit.”

She nodded and then shakily stood up. She walked over to Ginny and gave her a tentative hug as she cried. Then she turned toward Snape. She could see by his broken stance and the sadness in his eyes that something was wrong. Before she could make it to him, she was compelled to fall to her knees. Confused, she looked up at him.

“Father?” she breathed. Her eyes widened. “What’s happened?”

Brokenly, Snape kneeled in the floor and gathered her in his arms. He couldn’t stop the tear that traced down his cheek.

“I’m so sorry my child,” he choked.

Both Ginny and Draco had kneeled beside Hermione as Snape embraced her, seeming to beg for her forgiveness. He was truly broken; she could sense it.

“Hermione, he was too weak.” Draco began. “You bit your lip through.”

It dawned on her then. She tentatively rubbed her lip and found blood on her finger. Oh no. “Are you alright Professor?”

He looked at her incredulously. “Me? You’re worried about me? I could have killed you!” he growled in frustration.

“I feel very much alive sir.” She whispered in his ear. He couldn’t help it. He broke into silent sobs. It was the first time he had ever done so since Lily had died.

She looked to Draco in shock. He leaned over and whispered in her ear.

“He had to drink Ginny’s blood until the bloodlust left his body. If he had touched the blood on your lips, he would have gone crazy. Then, because we are bonded, he had to take a drop of mine as well. We’re temporarily bonded to him. We will be compelled to kneel like this and call him father until the bond leaves. We’ll still be able to feel his presence though. It’s a high price to pay, but we couldn’t rouse you without kissing you. One fault of having to have you help heal yourself. You weren’t conscious so we had to intimately connect to you.”

Understanding raced through her. Snape felt extreme guilt at having to drink blood. She could understand. He’d fought who he was his entire life. Having to bow to his baser instincts broke him. She didn’t blame him; it was who he was. She looked over to Ginny in awe. Gauze were wrapped around four of her fingers and she smiled slightly.

Ginny leaned over to her. “It was worth it.” That was that.

Hermione grabbed Snape’s face and tugged it down to where he was looking her in the eyes. “You listen to me father,” she spoke in a stern voice. She found she was unable to call him anything but father in that moment. “You did what you had to do. You brought me back, you all did. You’ve given me the gift of life and for that I will be forever in your debt. Don’t let yourself become broken because you had to be what you’ve always been. There is no shame it in. It isn’t a weakness. Let it go and let’s move on from here.”

Hearing the fire in her voice brought Snape out of his melancholy. None of his children (for that is what they were now) seemed to hold his condition against him. He looked toward Ginny, who was staring at him in pure awe. It was unnerving, to see one so young be so accepting. It was shocking to know that anyone would accept him as he was. Only three had before, including Lily and Dumbledore. Even as she turned her back on him, Lily took his secret to the grave. Now these three young children, no, they were more adult now, had readily accepted him. He felt a new resolve building. Nodding his head, he stood. He then placed a hand on each of their heads and whispered, “Arise my children and bow no more to me.” Then he calmly walked out from behind the privacy screen. All traces of the broken man before had left him.

“She is awake,” he spoke. He looked pointedly at Dumbledore and the old man followed him to Pomfrey’s office. Harry and Ron tried to make a break for behind the curtain. “Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley,” drawled Snape. “I will only tell you this once. She is in a delicate state. No magic and do NOT hug her, for Merlin’s sake. You are each allowed five minutes and then you WILL leave.” His tone left nothing to question as he entered the office with Dumbledore.

“Albus,” he started as the door closed. “I wish to give my resignation.”

“Nonsense,” Dumbledore brushed him off. “All is well, let it be.”

“I can NOT let it be,” he growled. “I have endangered the lives of three children with my stupidity and inability to control my actions. I will not risk more.”

“Severus,” Dumbledore sighed. “You managed to save Miss Granger’s life, and in turn, Mr. Malfoy’s as well. As for Miss Weasley, you will find that she plays a more important role in this war than you can imagine. You are my best asset, Severus and dare I say a friend. I can’t stand by and let you ruin it with your self-loathing. All three of those young people readily accepted you and are willing to join in bond with you. Build that bond; teach them things I can only hypothesize about. They are the key to Harry’s success. Now, I will hear no more of this. We shall need to move her soon.”

Thoroughly cowed, Snape nodded. “I cannot understand you Albus.”

“My dear boy,” Dumbledore spoke reverently. “Our fates are not our own, yet we must bow to them. Do not under value yourself. Teach them to the best of your abilities. They will need to learn quickly. The holidays approach.”

Nodding once again, Snape left the office.

“HERMINOE!” Harry screamed as he ran behind the curtain, Ron hot on his heels. He screeched to a dead halt when he saw that Malfoy had her in his arms and was carefully placing her in bed.

“Get away from her Malfoy.” He spat, holding Ron back.

“Relax Potter. Your precious girlfriend is safe from me.” Draco’s voice sounded tired.

“What are you playing at?” Harry demanded.

“Think of it as penance Potter. She saved my life. Now we’re even.” He had a steely look in his eyes that bode no more information would come from him.

Harry decided to let it go for the moment but he wasn’t going to forget it. Malfoy stalked out of the hospital wing. He saw that Hermione’s eyes were drooping and he reached over to hold her hand. She gave him a weak smile and he gave a tentative one back. Ron walked over to the other side. He wrapped his hand in gauze and then touched her gently on the shoulder.

“I’m sorry Mione. I shouldn’t have said those things.”

“It’s okay Ron,” she breathed. Then she proceeded to drift off to sleep.

“What happened Ginny?” Harry asked.

“Well,” she began, carefully concocting a believable story from what Snape had said. “Snape was making some potions for Madam Pomfrey and our detention was to help him. I was about to add an ingredient to one when Malfoy stormed through the door and distracted me. I guess I dropped it in the wrong cauldron. Hermione saw it, screamed to duck, and then knocked me out of the way. The cauldron exploded. She got the worst of it. I remember being in pain and I remember screaming. I remember Snape trying to calm me down. Then I woke up and everyone was around me.” Her eyes watered. “I’m so sorry.”

Ron gave her a bear hug. “You didn’t mean it Gin.”

“I know but I could have killed her,” she wailed. Score one for acting skills she inwardly smirked. She also caught the slight smile on Hermione’s face. She was playing possum! That tart!

“It’s okay Gin.” The boys reassured her. She nodded her head.

“Let’s leave her to sleep. She’ll need the rest.”

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Monday morning saw a very subdued Hermione walking to breakfast alone. She had been moved to the Room of Requirement with Draco as soon as Ron had fallen asleep. There, Draco doted on her while she was recovering. Snape had dropped by and once again apologized profusely. It was awkward, listening to an apology whilst kneeling. Snape was quite angry but finally relented to release them from their immediate compulsion to kneel.

She had refused to take a pain potion this morning, even under the threat of Draco tying her up and force-feeding it to her. She was terrified that it would interrupt with the healing. Draco had assured her a hundred times over that it wouldn’t but she was still scared. Finally he had given up and given her a searing parting kiss. It made her feel tingly but the scar didn’t twinge when their magic flared.

“See?” he said. “You’re didn’t even die.”

“Still,” she had told him and walked out the door. Defense Against the Dark Arts was her first class this morning. She still hadn’t attempted to use magic and she was a bundle of nerves just thinking about it. She had learned from Ginny the night before that word had spread about her “potion accident.” Draco was left out. It suited him just fine. They decided to give ignoring each other a try. Perhaps the rumors would die down.

The Great Hall was hushed into silence when she walked through the doors. She wasn’t sure if it was because she had hexed Ron so thoroughly or the story of her saving Ginny, but she felt all eyes on hers. However, two pair felt heavy on her shoulders. The first was Draco’s. She could feel his concern and saw that he was trying desperately not to look at her as she scanned the room. The second was the onyx eyes of her temporary father. The compulsion to run up and kneel at his feet was strong but she dutifully trudged to the table and sat down. She could feel his approval.

“Glad your back, Mione,” Harry said. “Yea Mione,” Ron spoke through a mouth full of food. “No hard feelings, right?”

“Right, Ron.” She answered. Hearing the trio make up, the hall once again broke out into chatters.

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She was careful to make sure she was the absolute last person to walk into the DADA classroom, save for Draco. It wouldn’t do to kneel and proclaim her professor as her father in front of the entire classroom. Snape appeared out of the shadows as the last person filed in. The door closed quietly and Draco and Hermione looked over to him. They each knelt and bowed their heads.

“Father,” they whispered.

“Children,” he intoned as he place a hand on each of their heads. “Today’s class will be most difficult for us all. I suggest you try and stay as far away from me as you can, but if you find you must absolutely be near me, I shall have you duel at the front of the class.”

Hermione gasped. The bond was still so strong within her. She fought with everything she had to keep from inching forward and wrapping herself around her new father. Tears started streaming down her face and she noticed that Draco was shaking like a leaf, obviously struggling within himself as well.

Snape sighed heavily and kneeled down to embrace them both. “Fine. You’ll both be dueling at the front of the class. The energy exerted and the proximity to myself should be enough to keep you from having to embrace me. Now, arise my children and bow before me no more.”

They both obediently rose from the ground and walked toward class. Hermione couldn’t help but step back into her Professor as he came up to open the door behind them. “Hold yourself daughter,” he whispered and she immediately took a step forward.

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DADA class was interesting to say the least. It seemed that the magnetism of the vampire affected all of the females in the class. As Snape strode in on the heels of Hermione and Draco, and audible feminine sigh permeated the classroom. Hermione took the chance to glance across the room. It seemed like every girl in class had a heated or glazed look in their eyes. Most were squirming in their chairs. Snape turned and gave her a pointed glance and she let him enter her mind unhindered.

“At least you won’t throw yourself at me like a lovesick bimbo. This is the other thing I was worried about. Do you think the male population will notice that every girl in Hogwarts is staring at me like a piece of meat?”

Hermione couldn’t help it. She let out a small giggle causing Snape to glare daggers at her.

“Something funny,” then he choked out the word child almost illegibly before he began again. “Miss Granger? Twenty points from Gryffindor for disturbing my class!” He snapped. He had to turn around before he gave a un-Snape-like smile at his insolent child. Damn the vampire urge to gather his minions. He truly felt like they were his children. If this was how he acted with his blood bonded children, what would he act like if he had any of his own?

There was a thought. Who was he kidding? He would never find a suitable mate, especially since any mate he had would have to be a daywalker. It was the other thing that kept him from pursuing Lily fully. Casual sex was one thing but a deep bond required fangs. The thought made him cringe. Suddenly, he remembered his class.

“Malfoy, Granger!” he barked. “Front of the class, you will have an interesting duel today.” He smirked wickedly. “You will each be dueling a member of the opposite house. Whoever wins the duel takes on the next in line and so on and so forth. The remaining two will duel each other. Longbottom, Goyle, front of the class! At my count, begin.”

Hermione and Draco easily dispatched the first two students. It really wasn’t a fair match at all. As class wore on, the matches got harder but the two still stood. Luckily neither had taken a hex yet. They were down to the last few pairs. Draco quickly dispatched Ron while Hermione had just a few problems getting Blaise stupefied. She was panting slightly by the end of that duel. Finally, the much-awaited battles began: Malfoy versus Potter and Granger versus Parkinson.

The duels lasted almost until the end of class. Finally, Malfoy was able to knock Potter’s wand from his hand, causing him to draw. Parkinson however didn’t let up. Hermione was throwing everything she could at the girl and only landing about half the time. Fatigue was setting in far earlier than usual due to her healing that weekend and her aim was getting sloppy. All the sudden, Pansy hit her with the same stinging hex she had in the hospital wing. Unable to hide the pain, Draco shouted. “FUCK” as Hermione yelped.

The classroom was deadly quiet. Thinking quickly, Hermione threw a stupefy at Pansy who was busy staring at Draco with her mouth wide open. When she fell, the classroom cheered, the momentary faux pas forgotten until Snape revived Pansy.

“What the fuck is going on here?” She screeched.

“Language, Miss Parkinson,” Snape drawled. “It seems like your hex hit both Miss Granger and Mr. Malfoy.”

“I hit her square,” Pansy spat vehemently.

“Obviously not,” he replied slowly. “Mr. Malfoy, Miss Granger, you have successfully dispatched the rest of your classmates. You will now duel each other to the draw. NO ONE leaves until you are finished.”

“That could take all day,” Ron couldn’t help but blurt out.

“An astute observation Mr. Weasley, and ten points from Gryffindor for disrupting my class and questioning my authority.” Snape snapped. “On the count of three,” he continued.

The little outburst by Pansy had given both students a breather. On three they both threw powerful stunners, knowing that their timing was perfectly in sync and would not knock each other out. They began their dance of small tells to prevent another mishap like the one minutes before.

The chime that signaled class came and went and still the two circled around each other, throwing hexes and stunners narrowly missing or connecting in a way to make them repel each other. The class was none the wiser. They dueled for the better part of half an hour before Hermione’s knees buckled from the strain. Thinking of a quick dispatch, Draco went to disarm her but she quickly blocked it. Even kneeling on the floor, she wasn’t ready to give up.

Snape admired her determination. She wasn’t willing to admit defeat. There she was, kneeling on the floor, refusing to give up. After all, she still had a wand. There was still hope. He had a certain feeling of pride that his children had such resolve. Gah, he had to quit thinking of them as his children.

Draco could feel Hermione’s fatigue but also her fierce willpower. He knew they were connected and yet, when she collapsed, he did not. Perhaps they were only linked in pain and consciousness. Then again, her unconsciousness didn’t lead to his when she was healed a scant 36 hour ago. Perhaps they weren’t quite connected like that. One could only hope, because he was about to stun her.

Three spells in quick succession and the inability to dodge left Hermione open to the stupefy that Draco threw at her. She crumpled to the floor and the Slytherins hooted and hollered at the victory. Draco gave a cruel smirk at Potter and Weasley and then turned to Snape. His smirk dropped as he briefly closed his eyes to check the connection between him and Hermione. She was there, but very tired.

“Class dismissed, passes will be on my desk,” Snape barked out and then levitated Hermione out from in front of the class and over to the chair behind his desk.

The class filed out quickly, Slytherins patting Draco on the back and Gryffindors shooting him nasty looks. Potter and Weasley hung back after class with Draco.

“I suggest you get to your next class,” Snape threatened in a low tone.

“We want to make sure she’s okay,” Harry spat. “That was low, even for you Malfoy. I thought you said you had a penance.”

Draco smirked evilly. “My debt was paid in full that night Potter. I’m free to do as I please now.”

“You,” Harry started but Snape broke in.

“Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, I suggest you remove yourselves from my classroom before you earn a week’s worth of detention from Filch. Miss Granger will be fine. I will rouse her momentarily, give her a pepper up potion, and send her on her way.” Snape then gave them both an icy stare that left no room for argument. The boys grudgingly stomped out. “Ten points from Gryffindor for causing a raucous.” He called out after them.

When they left, he slammed and locked the door with a wave of his hand. Then he brought Hermione to. She groaned and then looked around in horror for a moment.

“You’re not passed out?” She directed the question at Draco.

“Obviously,” Snape drawled as he handed her the potion. “Suffice it to say that I believe now your conscious state doesn’t depend on each other but rather the bond and whether or not you refuse it. Refuse and you take each other out. Get hit with a spell, and you only share the pain, but not the consequences.” Then he turned to Draco. “That was by far the most foolish thing I have ever seen you do.” He snapped.

Feeling his anger, Draco immediately dropped to his knees and bowed his head.

“I am sorry Father.” Seeing the disapproval so evident in Snape’s eyes, he continued. “I risked us all.”

Snape felt his guilt and remorse through their bond. Immediately, he softened and cursed himself for doing so. This bond was going to be the death of him. He could feel Hermione’s sadness as well. However, there was a twinge of fear that didn’t seem to come from either student. It hit him. Ginny was scared for some reason.

“Daughter,” he snapped at Hermione, causing her jump. “Your sister is frightened.”

Hermione was immediately on point and slammed the potion back. Her fatigue drained from her. “Do you know where she is?”

Snape concentrated harder. Unfortunately, he wasn’t use to this kind of bonding. Most vampires could seek out their minions flawlessly, but daywalkers seemed to need to hone the skill. “The closest I can get somewhere near Myrtle’s bathroom.”

Hermione nodded. “I’ll go. Can I have a pass just in case?”

Snape nodded and thrust a note into her hand. “Quickly,” he snapped.

Hermione made a beeline for Myrtle’s bathroom, not even stopping when she heard her name being called by some of her classmates. She flew down the hall and opened the bathroom door a crack. The first thing that registered was Ginny kneeling over a body.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

“Draco, I have some news you might be interested in.”

“Yes father?” Draco looked up at him from his place on the other side of the desk. He was previously in deep thought about their current predicament. Fighting the compulsion was harder than he had imagined.

Snape sighed. He knew Draco had no choice in the way he addressed him but it was seriously grating on his nerves.

“I was able to briefly visit the Dark Lord. He was unhappy about you not returning home for Christmas but overjoyed that you were so dedicated to your cause. He has granted you the permission to stay at Hogwarts for the holidays.”

“Well, I guess that’s a relief then. One less thing to worry about.”

“Indeed,” Snape drawled.

“Now, concerning my daughter,” Snape cleared his throat. “I mean, Miss Granger. I might have found a way to satisfy you both.”

“Satisfy us?”

“Yes. Miss Granger is having a battle of morals and you are having a battle of secrecy. I might have found a way to appease you both.”

I’m listening,” Draco said slowly, intrigued as to what his godfather had up his sleeve.

“Dobby!” Snape bellowed.

A tiny house elf wearing a knitted golf cap and two mismatched socks along with his Hogwarts towel popped in. “Yes sirs? How may Dobby bes of service sir?”

“Bring me what I requested yesterday,” Snape said quietly.

“Yes sir,” Dobby squeaked and blinked out with a sharp crack.

“What is he bringing father?” Draco asked, intrigued that his godfather would call upon his old house elf.

“Patience, Draco.”

Dobby popped back in with a crack holding a rather large tapestry in his hands. “The Malfoy Family tapestry sir,” he squeaked. “Now Dobby must go iron his hands sirs”

“Wait!” Snape snapped. “Dobby, I order you not to punish yourself.”

“Yes sir,” Dobby said shakily and then popped out.

“The Malfoy tapestry, however did you manage it?”

“It was easy. Dobby was familiar with the Manor. I simply let it slip that it would be a big help to that bloody git Potter and he fell all over himself pledging his undying devotion and help.” Snape gave a sinister chuckle.

“They’ll notice it missing,” Draco spoke just above a whisper.

“Interesting. I would have figured the first thing you would do is balk at the meaning of having the tapestry in our possession and instead you are thinking of ways to keep from being detected.”

“I, well, I’ve done some thinking. Marrying would give us the most powerful bond. We can’t break the bond even if we stayed platonic. In the end, not marrying would only hurt ourselves. She’s not at all what I thought she’d be. I don’t think it would be terrible.”

“Spoken like a true Slytherin,” Snape smirked.

“Like you aren’t enjoying every second of this,” Draco snarled, earning a smirk from Snape.

“Fine,” Draco sighed. “I’ve come to fancy her. I don’t know if it would have happened without the bond, but it’s happened and there is no use fighting it. However, if I’m going to do this, I want to do it properly. I don’t have a ring and we can’t tell anyone. I know she’d want her parents here but, well I don’t see how that could happen.”

“Miss Granger will have to make some concessions as well, but I must admit that I am proud you are taking her feelings into consideration. As it is, I did manage to contact Narcissa as well. She has been told only what she needs to know. She has sent you a package.”

Snape then produced a green velvet box from his robes. He handed it to Draco, who took it reverently. Upon opening it, he was unable to suppress a gasp. It was the Black family ring.

“How did she manage to get this? It was said to have vanished with Grandmother Black.” To say Draco was astonished was an understatement.

“I do not know but the important thing is that you have it now. She was able to remove the curse placed upon it. Miss Granger will not be harmed if placed upon her finger.”

Unable to form words, Draco nodded. A terrible knot formed in his chest as he realized the implications of this. He might soon be married to the know-it-all princess of Gryffindor and a muggle born to boot. Grandfather would turn over in his grave. He didn’t even want to think about his father. He gingerly placed it in his pocket and gave a searching look to his godfather.

“You’re welcome. Merlin knows you two need all the help you can get.”

Suddenly, Hermione came bursting through the door dragging a distraught Ginny behind her. Her eyes were wild as she made a beeline for Snape. They both hit their knees before the startled professor.

“Father,” Ginny sobbed.

Understanding that she was overcome by the compulsion, Snape knelt before her and gathered her into his arms while she wept.

“Shh, my child. All is well, there is nothing to fear.”

Hermione was trembling on her knees beside the two.

“Father,” she whispered. “There is something to fear.”

Snape snapped his head up in surprise.

“Well, go on child.”

“I found her in Myrtle’s bathroom like you said. She was kneeling over Dean. She had stunned him. Apparently, Dean overheard Ginny sobbing and ran after her into the bathroom. She was overcome with the compulsion and fighting it made her cry out your name, sir. Dean heard it. He confronted her and accused you of being a lecher. She told him that her father would never be untoward to her and Dean blew a gasket. She stunned him in a panic. He was stirring when I got to her. We ran here as fast as we could but I think he’s coming. I- I think we’re going to have to obliviate him sir.”

Just as she finished, the classroom door blew open. Dean Thomas stood panting at the doorway, frozen with shock at what he saw. Snape was kneeling on the ground holding a distraught Ginny and caressing her hair, whispering soothing words in her ear. Malfoy had knelt behind Hermione and clasped her shoulder in a comforting way as she knelt beside Snape, obviously close to tears. After a tense moment, he gained the power of speech again.

“I knew it! You dirty old pervert!” He screamed and raised his wand. “STU-“

Suddenly, he was lifted and thrown across the room. He hit the wall with an oomph and fell to the floor unconscious. Snape stood abruptly, muttering for his children to rise as he crossed the room. He quickly bound Dean in ropes and disillusioned him. Then he levitated him through the door.

“I shall take him to Dumbledore. More than likely he’ll be obliviated. Return to your classes,” he spoke in a no nonsense tone as he flicked his hand. Three notes appeared on his desk. “I expect you all in my office after dinner.” With that, he turned and left, levitating an invisible Dean behind him.

“Well, that went well,” Draco drawled.

Hermione turned to him with a slight smile. “Certainly.”

Ginny, who was still upset, managed to crack a brief smile. “I’d better go,” she whispered and drug herself off of the floor. She cast a glamour on her face to cover the signs of her crying and walked out the door.

“We’d better go too Draco.”

Draco nodded. “Yes, but I need to talk to you about something important. Could you meet me in the ROR during lunch? It’s going to take a minute.” He asked fidgeting.

Wondering what would be so important that would have Draco so nervous, she nodded her acceptance. “Sure Draco.” Then she gave him a brilliant smile and kissed him gently on the lips.

AN: Thank you everyone for reviewing! As always, please let me know if there are any errors and how I am doing. I'm pretty sure I might have knocked some of you for a loop with this one.
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