A/N: err, I'm just getting attached to Dramione again, so this is born… lol. I hope you enjoy. By the way it rates M for language and… who knows what will happen in the future.

Disclaimer: Harry Potter and the character in it belong to JK. Rowling.

Synopsis: It's her fault that her team is dead. The woman warned her but she still insist on going. Now look at her! Stranded in a desert with no water, no food, and no shelter, with her only nemesis as his companion. Things can't get any worse than this, right? Or so she thought.

THE SECRET PASSAGE

Hermione Granger looks nervous as she read the ancient book of the sand goddess in her hand. Today is scorching hot, even now, when it's almost sunset. She desperately needs some lemonade to help her think. She can't help but feel that her brain is boiling and the heat start wearing out on her. It's been less than 2 months since she's-they're here, in the middle of desert. In the middle of nothing.

Her boss is really annoying, he keeps pestering her about how she used to work fast and now they're late behind schedule. It's true though, that she used to be so fast at figuring things out. For God sake, she only needed a month to figure the pyramid mystery on Maya jungle. But now is different, it's really hot and she rarely get a vacation after one mission to another, her head can't get any clearer. Mr. Bongs said that she doesn't need a vacation since all she does is travel from one country to another. In a way, he's true, so she have nothing to say anymore.

"Are you okay Hermione?" Harry Potter smiled at her. He feels pity for her because he knows how miserable she really is right now, but he tries not to let it show though, since he knows how independent she is.

"What are you doing here?" Hermione looked up at his bright face. It's cooling.

"I want to see how you are doing. Besides, Bongs is finish with his job at the so called main gate. He needs a break so it's my break. It's so relieving that I don't have to protect him all the time, the guy don't know how to shut up," Harry explained and sat next to her.

"I'm so glad that you're our Auror protector for this project. I can't survive this desert and my boss without my best friend," Hermione let out a small chuckle.

"Water?" Harry grinned and handed her a bottle of water which she gladly took and drank the content in one gulp. "What about you, what are you doing here? You're awfully far from our camp?" he asked when she returned his bottle. "It's dangerous," and added worriedly.

"I know, and I know you watch me, so," Hermione answered. "I just reread and translated this part," and before Harry could protest, she showed him the book.

"I have no idea what it's wrote, but I'm guessing that it's about the entrance," Harry raised a brow.

"Precisely," Hermione nodded and set her book down. "There is something about secret passage to reach that temple, and it hid beneath the sand," she explained again.

"You're suggesting that we start digging?" Harry asked, half serious and half mock.

"No, silly. I don't think it's literally like that, or, it might literally like that. But the point is, looking for an underground way, I think," she said, unsure as she read the book again. "That's why I'm here, for the last three days I'm sending my patronus below the huge piles of rocks which stack around the temple," and added.

"Hermione, look," but Harry, who suddenly didn't listen, grab her head and forced her to look to a small hole under the nearest pile of rock. Her patronus just came back. The beaver wriggled its tail and they both know what that means. There's something in there.

"Come here, girl," Hermione reached out her hand and the patronus lingers on her finger. "Show me," Hermione demanded. Not a moment later, there's another silver spark above the patronus which forms into a whole, a long secret passage that its been through. And in the end of that secret passage, there is a door. A giant stone door with symbol on it. "Oh my God…" she mumbled, her eyes wide opened as she staring into the giant door.

"You found it…" Harry said quietly as he scrambled on his feet, getting up. Hermione do the same. "Hermione you found it!" then he exclaimed and hugged his friend.

"I know!" Hermione laughed in happiness as she hug him back, her eyes is teary. She's touch, it's been a long time since she had something this challenging, and exhausting. It's been three years since she walked in this path, and whatever she found is never failed to amaze her.

After that, she sent a another patronus to Bongs to inform him about what happen, and until sunset, she diligently open the path with Harry's help, until they can see the hollow way below them. When nighttime come, Harry insist that they must go back, and no matter how impatient Hermione is, she knows he's right and she have to wait.

That night, a party is held in their camp. She's a hero once more. Bongs opened all his firewhiskey supplies, and the first toast went to her. There's a bonfire, they drink their alcohol, they eat they grilled meat, and dancing until their heart content.

But Hermione sit quietly in the corner, near her own tent. She knows that she have to be wise. They will explore the path tomorrow and no one knows what's in there, so she's sensible enough to let herself sober. Hangover is the last thing she need for tomorrow.

She stops reading when suddenly she heard some ruckus, and from the corner of her eyes, she sees Bongs and some of his colleague trying to calm down a man. A man, who Hermione notice, protested at the first day they arrive here. He doesn't want them to continue the research, because there'll be a huge consequences. When Hermione attempted to talk to him, he said that he can't talk about that, and Bongs assured her that the man just being paranoid. Since this is the first time for him and his nearby village to get a visit from a bunch of wizard.

Of course, this land is eerie itself. Hermione knows from the history book that there are some place in this world that belongs to wizarding world since a long time ago. Like another side of London, but the resident knows about magic even though not all of them are wizard.

Eventually, Bongs manages to send the man away after calm him down, and give her a small nod before he come back to the party. Of course, he doesn't care if Hermione exclude herself from the party and prefer to read, it'll be most effective.

"You practically attach to that book," a familiar voice came from behind her. She quickly turns her head and found Draco Malfoy leaning on the stack of boxes.

"So?" Hermione rolled her eyes and continue her reading.

The other regrettable moment for her in this project is that Draco Malfoy is here too. He used to disrespect her when they're still in Hogwarts, cocky and arrogant enough to called her mudblood. And during the war he took side with you-know-who, and he's a former death eater, he almost burn her and just stood in silent when she was tortured in his living room. But after the war he's proven innocent because he was force to join. His parents are not so lucky though. In short, they were nemesis.

She was shock when Harry told her two years ago that Malfoy has started his career as an Auror. She even wondered why ministry is desperate enough to take him? Of course, she knows that he had outstanding mark in his test, without cheating, and although he's a bit sly but he's did more than fine in dueling. But still, how can they trust him?

She doesn't sure about him now. Like Harry, he was sent to this project to protect the team incase anything happen. He still verbally abuses her sometime, especially when they're in one room or space, but most of the time they're avoiding each other. Harry used to steal time to be with her, while Malfoy following Bongs and do his job.

"Do you think something bad is going to happen tomorrow?" Malfoy asked.

"I don't know. Why do you care Malfoy?" Hermione sighed. She really wants him to go.

"It's my job as your pathetic team protector to know about the situation. The stupid potty is too absorbs in this party. So if there's something you know, spill it," Malfoy crossed his arms and glared at her.

She knows he is right, no matter how harsh he is, he is right. "I honestly don't know," she turned to look at him again.

"Then why are you still reading that book and not sleeping like you usually do?" Malfoy raised an eyebrow.

Hermione mouth opened in a gap. How come Malfoy knows about her habit? "Did you just…"

"It's my job to know everyone habit and every little detail. Auror, remember?" he scoffed and looked at her with the look like I would pay any attention to you.

"True," she pretended to act coolly. How could she even let herself to think that Malfoy is watching her? "It's not your problem, Malfoy. Go back to the party," she returned to her book and waved her hand.

She didn't hear when Malfoy move to sit next to her. She glared at him, super annoyed, and he's just staring at her.

"You're thinking about that man's words. You're thinking about multiple possibilities in your tiny little head about why does he always seem to mind to your research," he finally deducted, coldly.

Hermione feels a cool wind on her neck. "My head is not tiny," she protested.

"That haircut makes it look like that," Malfoy sneered. Hermione did cut her hair very short into pixie style, she figures that it's too hot and too much disturbance to keep her long wavy hair. She glad she did it though, everybody said how fresh she look. Harry was a bit shock, but he agreed after she explained her reason. She does feel a tiny bit of guilt though, since if she's too lazy to taking care of her hair before she went out, all her see is a pretty boy in her reflection in the mirror. "And don't change the topic," Malfoy added.

Damn! Hermione thought. Since when did he become a great observer? Or did he learn how to read people's mind? "Yes, I think about him, happy?" she snapped, upset.

She thought that Malfoy will mock her about she's being too wimpy or something. "Do you think we shouldn't go?" instead, he asked seriously.

Hermione thought about it. Her head aching slowly, and suddenly she regret about a small amount of firewhiskey that she took. "I guess I'll see tomorrow," she rubbed the bridge of her nose softly.

"Let me see that," Malfoy lured his hand to the book. "Come on, I'm sure the letter won't come off if a pureblood touch it," he smirk arrogantly.

Hermione pray so hard for patience and throw the book onto his lap. "Can you even read a hieroglyph?" she crossed her arms and scowl at him.

"A bit," Malfoy ignoring her and check out its cover. After that he turns the pages. "This one is about how to find the way to the temple," he frowned, his face illuminates slightly from the bonfire on the center of their camp. "This is about the sand protector, the goddess.." he continued and talked about the small content of the book.

He's handsome, Hermione said to herself. She always knows he is handsome, even from day one when he was still a shitty brat. Now he's handsome than ever. He still pale, but now there is some color on his cheek, his hair is still in the platinum color she always knew, his lips are pink and sensual, his eyes are in icy blue and as sharp and wicked as she recalled. He's taller than Harry, and slightly taller from Ron, which mean she's almost like a midget around him, even though she had an average height for a young woman. He's always known for his slender figure, but Hermione saw him wash up in the river many times and notice the muscle around his body.

"You know more than a bit," Hermione sighed as she took the book back from his lap.

"Hei!" he protested.

"It's my job to decode it," she pouted at him.

"Did I just catch a small hint of amazement and jealousy in you, Granger?" he smirked again.

"I think you should rest, your eyes are playing tricks," Hermione scoffed and stood. "Good night Malfoy," and without give him a chance, she stroll in to her tent.

The entire team is gathered in the underground path at the next morning. Hermione nervously staring at the dark path in front of her, the only source of light is from the hole that previously hides by the pile of rock.

"Anytime you ready, Hermione," Bongs smiled widely at her and standing with his colleague and near Malfoy who obviously is his personal bodyguard for the day.

"I'm right beside you," Harry whispered and quietly slipped his hand into her hand.

She sighs and gives him a reassure smile. "Lumos," she waved her wand, and everyone around her do the same.

And so they go, with Hermione and Harry leading in front. She hears everyone talking with amazement at the relief and hieroglyph around them, while Harry chanting spells quietly next to her to disarm the traps.

"Wonderful!" Bongs exclaimed in amazement when they finally reach the giant stone door.

"Stand back everyone," Harry said. He and Malfoy come forward to check if the door is covered with dark magic that could endanger them. They cast series of spells upon it, and nothing happened.

"Proceed," Malfoy spoke coldly as he returns to Bongs side.

"Shall we!" Bongs gave his team permission and they swarm over the door like bees, some already trying to open it, both with magic and manually. But Hermione know better. She just stood there and read the text on the door.

"It needs sacrifice," she mumbled to herself. Before anyone notice, especially Harry, she give a small cut on the inside of her palm. Blood draws out quickly and she walks in haste to the door, pressing her wet palm against the cold stone.

Everyone is shock when suddenly the room is lit with magic and the light on their wand is wiped away. They even shocker when they saw Hermione's blood colored the thin line on the door until it suddenly roam, shake, and finally began to move.

"Hermione, what did you do?" Harry ran to Hermione side, his face is both worried and annoyed.

"Good job Hermione," But Bongs gave her a small pat on her shoulder as he entered with his team.

Harry glared at him. "Episkey," but quickly shook his head and mumbled a spell to Hermione's palm. It should've heal, but it doesn't. "That's weird," his brow furrowed and he tried more complex charm, which doesn't work either.

"I figure this is because the place. This place needs sacrifice, since I gave it my blood I think some healing charm will be limited," Hermione explained.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Harry scolded her.

"I'm sorry Harry, I don't even know it'll turn out this way," Hermione shrug as she pulled her scarf off and cover it around her palm, to stop the bleeding.

"What if somebody else get hurt?" Harry helped her tying it around, he's still angry but he figured it won't help.

"I'll talk to Bongs, don't worry," Hermione said apologetically.

"I'm not sure he'll care," Harry shooting daggers to Bongs back by glaring at him.

"At least I have to try," Hermione pat his shoulder and run to find her boss. "Mr. Bongs," she called.

"Yes darling?" Bongs turn around. "Look at this place, it's extraordinary!" he quickly grabbed her hand and spun her body to look at the magnificent temple.

"Yes…" Hermione whispered to herself as her eyes lighten in amazement, drinking the golden view around her. "Sir," but she quickly regained her composure since anyone could seriously hurt after this and they have to prepare some precautious.

"Hmm?" Bongs looked at her, still grinning.

"I think we should get out of here. My wound isn't healing, I'm sure it's this place," she explained.

"I know," Bongs nodded. "Don't worry, we'll stay here for an hour only," he then smiled widely and walk pass her.

"Sir, you don't understand!" Hermione protested.

"I perfectly understand, Miss Granger," he turned back at her and said firmly, or rather, warned her. "Now, do your job," he added softer and return on his heels. Malfoy watched them interestedly and smirk at her.

Unbelievable! Hermione stomped her feet.

"Hey! I found something!" somebody yelled. Hermione turns her head and realize that some of her team already entered the next room. She quickly makes her way to them, afraid if they'll do anything stupid.

Don't go in there!

Hermione stopped. "What?" she asked.

"Who are you talking to, Granger?" Malfoy stood next to her and watch her in suspicion.

"No one," Hermione turned her head away from him and continued.

I said don't. This place will react to you.

Hermione spun around. No one is standing near her at the moment. Even Malfoy proceed first. So she walks again.

That room is different. You'll get your friends hurt.

It must've been my imagination, Hermione thought as she entered the room.

But she doesn't thought long as the ground suddenly shakily in a hard and scary way, the sand rumbles beneath them, everybody is screaming help and spells, and before she know it, she lost her footage and herself rolled widely bellow the raging sand to nowhere.

She panicked. Her team mates drowning, scrambling, and yelping around her. She watches them in horror. Fortunately, she saw a one piece stone in front of her and grabbed it fast before she carried further. Someone is rolling into her side and with one hand she catches his hand.

"Hang on!" she yelled and noticed his platinum hair.

"Granger?" Malfoy looked at her back in dismay. They heard another violent rumbling and realize that a new violent wave of sand is coming towards them. "Brace yourself!" he warned her and none of them could react when the sand hit them.

Everything went white. She couldn't hear anything.

"Hermione," a woman's face appeared in front of her. She's still young, probably her age, or a bit older. She's taller, her skin is a bit tan, and her hair is black, thick, and long. Her face is what you call as a middle east's beauty.

"Yes?" Hermione responded at her. She suddenly feels insecure. She's not supposed to be here.

"No matter what, don't die now," the young woman said firmly.

Suddenly, everything is blur, and she can hear someone yelling at her. A man's voice.

"Granger! Granger!" Malfoy shouted right in front of her face. She looked around her surroundings. They're in some kind of sandy tunnel. Probably because of the event before. She realized that Malfoy looked really angry and worried at the same time, which is impossible. And his body is covered with small cuts.

She wants to speak but she can't, she's too weak. Her neck feels wet, and also the side of her body. She can't move.

"Renneverate!" Malfoy pointed his wand towards her neck. "Fuck! Why doesn't it work!" he yelled in frustration after that, almost breaking his wand in two.

And Hermione realizes, she's dying. There is probably some large wound on her neck. Oddly, that's not her focus right now, but it's Malfoy. He stood abruptly and looking around sharply, probably looking for some exit. He even released a patronus to help him, which is of course, a snake, or King Cobra to be precise. When the snake leaves them, he's back in frustration.

"Shit, shit, shit!" he yelled. "Think you fool! Think!" he jumbled around and touching the walls to study them, hoping for another secret passage.

"Malfoy.." Hermione called weakly.

Malfoy turned at her abruptly. "Don't talk!" and kneeled in her side.

"Put some pressure before the cut.." Hermione choked back her tears. Crying won't solve her problem.

"What?" Malfoy looked at her confusedly, as if he heard it wrong. Of course he doesn't know how to tend a wound in muggle way.

"Your scarf, take it off," she fought her urge to sleep.

Malfoy watch her as if she's crazy, but he takes it off like she said. Hermione hand shakily reaches for his hand which holding the scarf. He's too shock about what happen and can't even talk. She eventually manages to guide his hand to her neck.

"Press, before the wound… Stop the bleeding…" she looked at him and said firmly.

"There's no way this could help you Granger, you—" Malfoy started rambling again.

"Calm down," Hermione cut him off. "Calm down and you can think," by talking in softer tone, or is it because she's getting sleepier.

Malfoy stopped talking and looked back into her eyes. "You're right, you're right," he mumbled quietly, more to himself than to Hermione. "I read this before, somewhere…"

Hermione smiled and start rubbing her thumb on his soft skin, to sooth him. "Yeah… Calm down is so much better," she said slowly.

He looked at her and forced a smile. "You look horrible Granger," he teased.

She wants to chuckle but she can't. "It's alright… It's alright…" she whispered. She's getting tired, colder, and sleepier. Her thumb movement is stopping, and Malfoy noticed this straight away. His own eyes widen as he watched her eyes half closed.

"Granger, no! Wake up you idiot! Potter is going to kill me if you die with me unable to do something!" he shook her shoulder violently but all she can do is closing her eyes. Everything is getting blurry. He's getting blurry. "Stay with me, mudblood!" she felt herself being roughly pull to sit, and the next thing she knows is the sudden warmth around her body.

The review button should be under this. Oh, and by the way, if someone wants to be this story beta reader, it will be so much helpful for me. Thank you, I hope you enjoy.