Hermione had always enjoyed a deep sleep. A deep sleep had always left her feeling ready for whatever was to come but this deep sleep was filled with horrors. Faces flashed and blood splattered across her dreamscape. She woke with a start and fought off the blanket that had been wrapped around her too tightly. The only thing that pierced the silence was her heavy, frantic breathing and it was almost more frightening then her dream… realising that this silence was going to follow her, even into her thoughts.
Once she had gained control over her breathing she stood and grabbed her wand to go and get harry so that he might be able to get some rest. As she pushed aside the fabric of the tent doors she noticed harry walk over the ridge a few metres ahead of her instead of being by the tree where they agreed to stay and look out.
"Harry?" Hermione called, confused as to why he was soaked, head to toe.
"It's alright Hermione. I've bought someone with me." Harry stepped forward slowly.
"Don't freak out." Harry said raising his hands as if the small action might calm her.
Unfortunately seeing a flash of silver hair and the face of the person she considered the most conceded and arrogant man she had ever met, did not ease her mind, nor did it slow her pace as she pulled her wand and cast an entrapment spell.
Draco fell quickly and shuddered with the weight of the magical blanket that Hermione was obviously trying to suffocate him with. Draco grunted and pushed against the ground with his hands and knees so he didn't collapse.
"Are you insane?!" Hermione screeched at harry taking a few furious steps towards him.
Harry took a step back and opened his mouth to explain but Hermione was not in the mood to hear the ridiculous reason as to why harry had just handed them over to Voldemort.
"Harry Potter I have the right idea to rip your head off you git! You're being ridiculous. You can't actually be serious, bringing this… this… traitorous ferret to us so that he can just summon You Know Who and have us killed where we stand?" Hermione turned and shot Draco the foulest look she could muster. She almost smiled at the sight of his back bending to her magic.
Not so tough now are you Malfoy
"Hermione, he saved my life. I have the sword now as well. Hermione let him up." Harry pleaded with Hermione.
Hermione took a breath after looking between the two boys and taking the sword into account, she slowly, almost threateningly, motioned her wand to release Draco. Draco coughed in relief as the weight lifted and struggled to stand. He braced himself on his knees and pushed himself up with a grimace.
"thank you for that wonderful greeting Granger." Draco said in a dull tone dusting off the leaves that had stuck to his clothes.
Hermione ignored him and kept her eyes locked on harry. She hoped he could feel her frustration and her anxiety by allowing Draco into their camp. Hermione turned and marched back into the tent without a word leaving the two boys to look at each other in an uneasy way, for they knew there wouldn't be a fury greater than Hermione Granger's if anything were to happen because of their decisions.
Harry watched Hermione walk back into the tent and instantly his body relaxed. Who knew that she was the thing he was most afraid of right now rather than the impending death that was hovering over his head. Harry felt an itch of annoyance as a wave of darkness washed over his thoughts.
Who was she to think that I am not as good as she is, I'm smarter than her anyway.
Harry turned to Draco with a scowl and examined him. He wasn't hurt from what he could see.
"I think it's probably best that you don't go inside."
Draco nodded in agreeance as he stood awkwardly waiting for Harry's cue to start moving. Harry turned and walked over to the tree that Hermione and harry agreed to make the lookout spot. Harry was very aware of Draco's movements as he followed him, feeling that even though his trust of Malfoy was starting to grow, he was still cautious of having his back turned.
"Give me your wand" Harry said turning to face Draco and holding out his hand.
Draco seemed ready to fight harry on this but he let out a breath and angrily placed his wand in Harry's hand.
"If you see anything come and get us. Stay here until it's time for me to take lookout." Harry ordered, turning and walking into the tent without another word.
