Hermione's Hounds:

1. Hermione's Hounds
2. Master of Death
3. Soul Marked
4. The Malfoy Ward
5. Abandon All Hope
6. The Devil You Know
7. My Heart Will Go On
8. Ursula
9. Drinking at Bobby's
10. Survival of the Fittest
11. Mistress of Death
12. Queen of Hell
13. Casifer

"I need a favor love," Crowley said suddenly interrupting Narcissa and Hermione's conversation. Both witches looked surprised, although Narcissa's wand was already in motion and expelling a curse towards the demon.

"That tickled," Crowley commented drolly as he looked down at his chest where the spell had hit him. Narcissa smirked in response.

"Ms. Granger, you never mentioned that you personally knew a daemon," Narcissa said never taking her eyes off of Crowley. "Certainly he could have addressed your curiosity."

"He's vexing," Hermione answered with a slight shrug before beginning to make Crowley a cup of tea. "Furthermore, he's not familiar with our world and I need to deal with them at the moment."

"I am standing right here," Crowley grumbled at the two witches, even as Hermione rose and placed a delicate cup of tea into his hand. "That's better. What did you do to me witch?"

"Merely ensured my and mine's survival," Narcissa answered. "Daemon's have a nasty habit of unnecessary trickery. I merely provided myself with some insurance."

The pleased grin that appeared on Crowley's face before he turned to Hermione, "Where have you been hiding this charming young lady? She makes the rest of your associates appear simply common."

Narcissa merely looked bemused while tilting her head towards the settee, inviting Crowly to join them. "I must profess my disappointment with the family wards. They must be failing if suddenly a daemon, even one as powerful as you, can simply bypass them."

Hermione watched, feeling surreal, as her daemon stalker treated Narcissa Malfoy with respect and general fondness as he explained, "Your wards are quite effective. However, Ms. Granger's presence enables me to bypass all barriers." She was so unfocused by his behavior that she missed his answer entirely.

"What precisely is your intention with my ward?" Narcissa asked suddenly, which shocked both Hermione and Crowley.

"Ward?" Hermione asked staring at the older woman.

"Oh yes," Narcissa agreed. "As if I'd ever allow a young witch of such quality to be unprotected. The House of Malfoy has claimed you, Hermione, and we will not simply allow you to be led astray."

Hermione stared, before forcing herself to take a drink of tea as an attempt to clear her mind. She had no doubt that Narcissa had her own intent for providing such valuable protection, but it was still a life alternating declaration. Had they not been witches, it would have been merely lip service, but Hermione had felt her magic respond to Narcissa's the moment the oath left the older woman's lips.

Regardless of either Crowley's or Narcissa intentions, Hermione knew that it would be nearly impossible to explain to Harry or the Weasleys. She also knew that Narcissa wasn't about to allow her to escape just to speak with Crowley about his unannounced visit.

"Exactly, why did you feel the need to interrupt Narcisa and I?" Hermione asked Crowley, who seemed to have arrived at the same conclusion.

"I've got two hunters I need alive, who are hell bent on sacrificing themselves at every bloody opportunity," he answered.

"Exactly why is that my problem? You're quite capable, why can't you help them?"

"Sorry, did I forget to mention that they're hunters?" Crowley repeated. "They're not exactly fond of demons, and this isn't the time to forge new alliances. Besides, you've proven yourself extremely adept at surviving when all odds are against you. I need to borrow some of that luck."

"What does Hermione get for participating in such a dangerous situation?" Narcissa asked pointedly. "Placing her in such a position surely comes with some reward, does it not?"

The glare Crowley shot towards Narcissa did not deter the witch. "I'm sure we'll come to some arrangement."

"Exactly what do you expect me to do?" Hermione asked warily, trying to mitigate the tense air.

"I have a list," Crowley said grinning at her while producing a piece of parchment from thin air. "I need these humans to emerge alive from today's squirmish. If one or two of them winds up maimed, it's fine, so long as they're still alive. Although if you could make sure the Winchesters don't lose any necessary limbs, that would be appreciated."

"Surely, she can assist without actively participating," Narcissa said. "I insist that Hermione be allowed to interfere without direct participation."

"What are you suggesting?" Crowley asked.

"Several charms," Narcissa answered. "Invisibility, invulnerability, and a guarantee of her safety by you."

Crowley looked severely put out by Narcissa's last demand, but without hesitation he agreed. Before Hermione could protest the decision, Crowley had teleported her to the edges of a small decrepit town with the parchment of names on the ground at her feet, and disappeared.

"Bloody arse," She muttered, grateful for her paranoia she acquired during the war. Her wand never left its holster unless in use, and she still had the habit of carrying her beaded bag with her constantly. "I swear I'm going to exorcise him."