000

Hogwarts April 1998

I can see that you're a glutton for punishment, but that's about it.

Her words.

Spoken to him so very long ago.

How very true they were, even now.

For watching Hermione as she hastily pulled on her sweater over her form fitting Muggle clothes…it was nearly too much. Draco was completely unprepared for the site of her after being deprived of it for two years. Time had been favorable to her, gone was the skinny girlish figure. Now she boasted slight, womanly curves easy to make out in the Muggle jeans and shirt. He had to suppress a smirk at the site of her boots, what did Muggles call them? Oh yes, combat boots. So undoubtedly Granger. She clearly came to the school prepared for a fight.

As much as she had grown, he did not appreciate the sharpness in her eyes. What had happened to the Granger who was so hopelessly optimistic all the bloody time? Who believed in good in everyone and was quick to offer her trust and friendship? You've become quite the Slytherin, haven't you Granger? Whenever she looked Draco's way, she would evaluate him with a shrewd, cool assessment. So different from the Granger he'd last seen. Those cold, brown eyes had been alive with heat; depthless, churning, caramel. Not anymore, she expressed her hate—made it perfectly clear, actually.

I can see that you're a glutton for punishment, but that's about it.

How he longed to fall to his knees before her, beg for forgiveness, share his memories…get it all back.

But, no.

He'd made his decision. It was for the best. He didn't deserve her and she deserved far better than him. One day, after this bloody war was over, Granger would find happiness, she'd find love…with someone deserving.

"When are your friends getting here?" Hermione asked in apparent annoyance, interrupting his silent musings. "Nott left to retrieve them an hour ago."

"Am I boring you already, Granger?" Draco asked in a lackluster tone.

She fixed him with a scathing look. "Don't start, Malfoy," she said her tone a warning.

At that moment, Nott burst back into the Head's Common Room.

"Draco," he started. "I couldn't find them for the longest…but I sent my Patronus and Blaise sent his back. They were down there."

"Really?" Draco frowned. "So they were able to get in?"

"Get in where?" Hermione interrupted. "And whose Patronus? Death Eaters can't cast a Patronus."

Both men ignored her. "Blaise's been summoned, so him and Daph are taking the Shrieking Shack exit; figured it will be easy to stun Goyle," Theo said.

"You can't send a Patronus," Hermione reiterated confidently.

"Fine-we'll take the Willow exit then," Draco decided.

"Finally," Hermione breathed taking out the Invisibility Cloak. She looked at them expectantly. "Well, aren't you going to cast a Disillusionment Charm?"

"Don't you think, Granger," Draco started hesitantly. "We should go under the cloak with you? That's Potter's isn't it? Undetectable. If you don't make any sounds while you're under it."

"There isn't room for you under here," she snapped. "A Disillusionment Charm will do just fine."

"We're trained to detect them, Granger," Nott informed her. "The quickest and safest way out of here is under that cloak, with you."

She swallowed, steeling her features.

"Don't tell me the courageous Gryffindor Princess is afraid of having her space invaded," Draco taunted.

"What the fuck, Malfoy?" she snarled simultaneously drawing her wand. "How many times must I tell you not to bloody call me that?" Draco felt a rush of adrenaline as her wand pointed perilously towards his throat. Yes, this is what I need.

"Alright, alright," Nott said stepping between them. "We don't have long before we're to report for duty. It's time we get out of here before they notice we're missing. Put away your wand, Granger."

She hesitated for only a moment. "Fine," She agreed. "Let's just leave already."

Draco and Theo hurried over to Hermione's side as she lifted the Invisibility Cloak to spread it haphazardly over them. They had to squeeze together tightly. It may have been a comfortable fit with Harry, Ron, and Hermione when they were children but now the fit was snug. Draco found himself right up against her.

Her hair brushed up against his face…so bloody delicious.

It was borderline intoxicating.

He forgot where he was for a moment. Memories of times long ago, when his fingers scraped over her scalp, twining in that wild mane of hair that still smelled like the apple shampoo she used…He couldn't help it; he leaned in, and took a deep inhale.

Instantaneously Hermione whipped around, "What the bloody hell, Malfoy?"

"It's a tight squeeze under here," he hissed. "Look, we all need to hold on to each other lest we trip each other."

"You're not going to touch me," Hermione vowed, pointing a finger in his chest.

"Come on," Draco chided. "Swallow your insufferable Gryffindor pride for a moment just long enough for us to get out of here." He placed his hands on her hips.

She of course, wrenched away. "Not there," she turned to him in alarm, her eyes widening.

"Would you rather a hold you by that bush you call hair?" Draco snapped. She swallowed, and he hoped she realized how silly she was being. "Now turn around, Granger. It's time to get going." He grabbed her roughly by the hips now, his grip like a vice around her. Theo put a hand on each of their shoulders and they began moving in unison.

Draco got another whiff of hair as her ponytail brushed his face and he suppressed a groan. Fuck, I'm getting hard. His eyes had darkened and he could hardly focus on the task before him. It's been too bloody long, he lamented as he tried to suppress a sob. Sodding hell, just focus on the task before you! Theo shot him a look, conveying much in his eyes and Draco swallowed audibly, attempting to shudder his feelings. She isn't yours, never will be, just move the fuck on already.

Feeling cold and desolate, he was able to steel his features and become aware of their surroundings once more. They moved closely together under the cloak to maneuver around Avery, who was guarding the entrance. Once outside in the cool, night air, Draco felt he could breathe again. Without her scent, that scent so intrinsically Granger, befuddling him

They made their way with surprising ease, working together in fluid movements. They reached the Whomping Willow in no time. They stayed under the cloak until they reached just inside of the entrance, before Hermione abruptly threw off the cloak, jumping a good three feet away from them. Draco backed up as well, seeking much needed space.

Adapting a face of indifference, gesturing with his hand, he said, "Shall we?"

The three made their way quietly and gracefully through the maze of the Willow, wands drawn and lit. Absently, Draco thought what a good team they made. Theo was his right hand man, yes, but if Draco had to choose a third—it would be Hermione. As long as she could get over the urge to act first, think later.

They reached the Shrieking Shack and gripped their wands at the sound of voices. The first thing they saw was a stunned Goyle. Then quickly, Daphne and Blaise came into view.

"Draco," Daphne breathed reaching to give him a tight embrace. Draco hugged her back fiercely; relieved they'd made it out. She broke away to hug Theo and Draco gripped hands with Blaise. Hermione stepped back awkwardly watching the friends that were clearly pleased to find each other whole and in one piece. She was unnaturally quiet as she gave them their space.

"What happened?" Draco asked the two.

"Daph was amazing," Blaise praised. "We both tried the password. Just one simple word…'open' in Parseltongue. But Daphne was the one to get it to finally work."

Daphne preened under the smiles the men bestowed on her.

"I don't get it," Hermione interrupted. "Why did you need to use Pars-," But she halted herself, seeming to come to the correct conclusion on her own. "You don't mean…the Chamber?"

Instead of answering, Daphne reached into the bag slumped around her shoulder and pulled out…a basilisk fang.

"Is that what I think it is?" Hermione asked, clearly impressed.

"Now we have two horcrux weapons," Theo grinned triumphantly.

"A much more productive night then you lot had all year, huh Granger?" Draco teased.

Hermione frowned at the implication but was unable to deny what a success the reformed Death Eaters had at the school.

"Where's Neville and the teachers?" Hermione asked.

"They're in here," Blaise informed her, motioning to the next room. "Longbottom, Thomas, Sluggy, and McGonagall. The four of them, they've been through a lot, it was hard to get them this far."

"They'll need a while to recover," Daphne said somberly. "Thomas and Slughorn could walk but McGonagall and Longbottom we'll need to side-along with."

Hermione peered in the other room where she saw four forms resting. "I can't believe you actually managed to get them," she said disbelievingly.

"We've helped loads of people escape, Granger," Daphne replied hotly.

"What have you been doing, all this time?" asked Blaise.

"I-I did get one weapon," she pointed out defensively.

"Wait, there's another one?" Daphne asked. "Another weapon? Theo did say there were two now, what's the other?"

"Granger got the sword," Nott said helpfully.

"You might have sent your Patronus and let us know," Blaise said.

"Yeah," agreed Daphne. "You've no idea how filthy it is down there. Not to mention we could have just got the escapees out sooner."

"You, you can't produce a Patronus," Hermione said again, doubt written all over her face.

"Can't we?" Blaise smirked. Simultaneously Blaise and Daphne waved their wand shouting, "EXPECTO PATRONUM!" Immediately a white, whispy sea bird flew out of Daphne's wand and a panther came out of Blaise's. They both looked to Hermione proudly as their patroni played around their feet.

"Draco taught us," Daphne informed her. "He's taught us a lot," she added.

"But who's taught you?" Hermione asked Draco rudely. "I don't see very many light wizards hanging around that you could have learned from."

"A friend taught me, Granger," Draco said softly. Daphne, Blaise, and Theo exchanged sympathetic glances before looking away.

The tension was apparently too much for Hermione. "Oh, well I can't imagine what your happy thought would be," she said contemptuously.

Your face when I bring you to bliss.

"Never mind that," Draco said, his voice falling an octave. "We've done our part, Granger, now are you going to take us to Headquarters or not?"

Hermione swallowed, a muscle twitching by her eye. "Alright," she conceded. "I suppose you've done all you said so far. Nott, you go with Professor McGonagall and Zabini, you grab Neville. We'll Apparate to Diagon Alley first, then I'll take you to Headquarters."

The friends shared encouraging looks with each other—they would finally get out of this nightmare.

They all looked to Draco, their leader, expectantly. "Lead the way, Granger."

000

It took longer than she'd expected to get their group back to 12 Grimmauld Place. The task was much more difficult with the wounded in tow. Not to mention Slughorn was hardly in a position to Apparate unassisted so Malfoy graciously took his former Head of House under his wing. If she'd known what was in store for her, she doubted she would have come at all, Gryffindor courage be damned.

They were met by Shacklebolt who stood flanked by Arthur and an irate Molly Weasley. "You gave us all quite a scare, Hermione," Mrs. Weasley lectured. "Have you no consideration? We've all been worried sick about you, Ron and Harry most of all."

"It's a good thing I left, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione said defensively. "This trip has been more of a success than two years of searching."

"It's true," Malfoy came to her defense and Hermione bristled. "If Granger hadn't extracted us when she did, I doubt we would have been able to keep Longbottom and Thomas alive much longer."

"I don't want to hear from you," Mrs. Weasley snapped and Hermione had to wonder at this side of her. Usually she was keen on giving people the benefit of the doubt. "You haven't even been vetted yet. We have no idea what your intentions are. For all we know Hermione could have compromised us all and you've been sent here to spy."

"Molly," said a weakened Minerva, leaning heavily on Nott for support. "Give the boy a chance. He and the others have kept us alive this far. He has my trust." Mrs. Weasley clenched her jaw shut and retreated at the older witch's reproach.

"Well, he doesn't have mine," Shacklebolt started. "At least not yet. Molly's right. They need to be vetted. This was all very spontaneous and it's left to be determined if Miss Granger made an error in her haste, or if this is a happy mistake." Hermione sighed in exasperation.

"You can Legilmence me, sir," Malfoy offered. "Once you see what's in my head…I'm confident you'll be sure about my intentions."

"As you've said before," Shacklebolt nodded. "Come then, I will see you first." He motioned Malfoy to follow him.

Upon Shacklebolt's departure, Hermione turned around to see to the wounded. "Are we still using the spare bedroom for a treatment area?" She asked Molly.

"Yes let's get them over there. You lot," she motioned to the newcomers. "Help us bring them up the stairs."

The three whipped out their wands to levitate the injured. Why didn't I think of that? Hermione followed quickly, offering Dean her shoulder to lean on as they made their way upstairs.

"Nice to see you, love," Dean muttered, smiling slightly.

"I'm glad you're alright," She responded. Then hesitantly she asked, "What about Neville? He looks like he's been through the ringer."

"The most vocal, he was," Dean answered. "Don't know how he survived this long. If it wasn't for Malfoy and the others…well, we'd likely be adding to the ghost population at Hogwarts." She nodded gravely. It was difficult to rectify Malfoy and his friends as saviors and she wondered if she'd ever be able to think of them that capacity.

With the help of Fleur who had taken up the position of Healer for the Order, they soon got Neville and McGonagall situated and Fleur began seeing to them immediately.

"We're running low on space," Molly explained. "We'll have to put the other's in your and Fleur's room, love."

"Alright," Hermione agreed. "Where are Harry and Ron?"

"Ginny was here-," Molly started.

"Something you can thank Zabini and Greengrass for," Hermione interrupted though she was relieved Ginny made it back safely.

"Yes, well that remains to be proved, anyhow-," Molly was cut off again.

"Don't tell me they went looking for me," Hermione said worriedly.

"No, no," Molly said dismissively. "They went to Godric's Hallow, to look for clues, you know."

Hermione felt a flicker of hurt but hurried to steel herself. She shouldn't have expected them to run off looking for her, but still…At the very least, she couldn't understand why, all the sudden, they were so quick to leave on a mission without her.

Nott, who was helping Slughorn to rest on the settee, froze in his actions for a moment before clenching his jaw and resuming the task at hand. Hermione furrowed her brow. Is he going to run and report back to Malfoy how even my own friends take off without me?

"At least they told us where they were going," Molly sighed. "You really shouldn't have run off like that."

"Yes but they're not going to find anything there. Besides how can Ron go on any mission in the state he's in? He should've waited, at least for us to get here," She motioned to Zabini and Nott. "They know the counter-curse."

Molly fixed her with a look of disapproval. "Why don't you go downstairs and wait for Kingsley to call you?" she suggested. "We have it from here."

Rolling her eyes inwardly, she headed for the stairs. She was starting to feel an odd kinship towards the three outcasts she'd spent the last few hours with. She plopped down on the chair and Greengrass sat down daintily on the couch in front of her. Zabini came to wait in the chair to her right. Absently, she noticed how Nott sat down next to Greengrass and put a comforting arm around her. Hermione felt a flicker of jealousy surge in her at the blatant show of friendship and even protectiveness. No one's ever there to protect me, she thought snidely, Not like I need it, though. The jealousy quickly turned to guilt however; as she recalled the way they were received by the Order.

She supposed she could understand the elder Order member's reluctance to trust the newcomers immediately but Merlin—they'd better get an apology after this. Malfoy and she had brought competent witches and wizards to add to their ranks; at least once they were all healed, not to mention a horcrux and weapons to destroy them with.

At that moment, she heard a sound like an explosion reverberate through the house and the living room shook precariously in response. Hermione and the others stood abruptly to their feet. Soon, a visibly shaken Malfoy exited the kitchen with Shacklebolt guiding him out, a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"What was that?" Asked Hermione immediately.

"Horcrux," Malfoy responded hoarsely. Hermione froze in her movements, had Shacklebolt made Malfoy destroy the diadem to prove his loyalty?

"Come, Miss Granger," Shacklebolt called. She hastened to comply with the senior Order member's demand.

Once they reached the kitchen, Hermione sat down nervously. "Malfoy," she started to say.

He interrupted, "Has proven his loyalty."

"Really?" Hermione asked. She was expecting it yet at the same time was a little surprised at his quick acceptance. "I-I thought you were right…to be hesitant. It was never my intention to bring spies to the Order."

He fixed her with a peculiar look. "Of course not Miss Granger," he said graciously. "But his memories…coupled with his actions and our previous correspondence…let's just say I'm adequately assured."

She swallowed audibly, curious what was in Malfoy's head that made Shacklebolt such a believer.

"Well, I really do hope you can forgive my rash actions-."

"You went against a direct order," he chided. "And yet…sometimes great risk brings great reward. It's impossible to ignore what a fortunate turn of events this day has brought, all thanks to your actions."

Hermione breathed a sigh of relief.

"Even so," he continued. "We're still in a dangerous position. Death Eater camps are springing up everywhere. They recruit to their ranks far faster than we do…fear is unfortunately, a great motivator." She nodded solemnly. "Still, our space is limited. As you know, George and Bill have been tasked with establishing more camps for the Order. Grimmauld Place is still Headquarters but now we've added Shell Cottage and Forest Grotto."

"Forest Grotto?"

"Yes," Shacklebolt confirmed. "Located just inside of Marlogue Wood."

"An Irish forest?"

"That's right, and easy to get to by Apparation. I'd like you to take our new recruits there. Set up the camp and await orders. I'd like Forest Grotto to be our supply base."

"But I thought You-Know-Who had that area on lock down," she said, twirling her finger nervously around her ponytail. "How did Bill and George build a camp there? And how will we keep it hidden?"

"We've already performed the Fidelius charm and you're the Secret Keeper," Shacklebolt answered. "I'll give you the coordinates and you'll be able to get the new recruits adjusted." Hermione nodded eagerly, excited to be given a mission. "Miss Granger, it's important that you follow orders this time—I won't have dissention in the Order."

"Alright, you have my word."

"I'm placing you and Malfoy in charge; he already has the respect of his peers so it only makes sense to keep him as their leader. You must learn to work cohesively with him."

"What about Harry…and Ron?"

"The mission is short-term for now; you both are merely reinforcing the base. Once Harry and the Weasleys get back, we'll strategize our next move."

"Okay," Hermione nodded. "I won't disappoint you."

"I'm sure you won't."

000

Trudging quickly through the woods, Hermione let her wand lead her as she followed the coordinates Shacklebolt had provided. The others followed stealthily behind.

"Did Shacklebolt say when Potter and the Weasel will be joining us?" asked Malfoy.

"He didn't say," Hermione muttered distractedly.

"They're gallivanting off on their own mission," Nott provided helpfully.

Malfoy frowned, "Without Granger? How will they survive? I suppose they went running off to find you, then."

"No, actually," she countered. "They're on their own mission."

Malfoy's frown deepened and a flicker of annoyance passed through his silver eyes, "They…didn't try to look for you?"

"No Malfoy," she spat, whirling to face him. "And don't try to rub it in—there's nothing to rub in. We're all adults and must do what we can to help in this war. Besides, I don't need protection."

"Easy Granger," Malfoy said, putting his hands up in surrender. "Just trying to make conversation."

Feeling slightly uncomfortable whenever she had to meet Malfoy's gaze, Hermione backed off and began to puzzle over the coordinates of the base once more.

"I hope we find it soon," Greengrass sighed. "I need to rest."

"Especially after the grilling session with Shacklebolt," Zabini agreed.

"I didn't even get to say goodbye to our professors, much less Dean and Neville," Hermione said despairingly.

"Cheer up, Granger," said Nott. "They're recovering."

Malfoy piped in, "You'll see them again."

Ignoring the encouragement, Hermione began massaging her temples. "I don't understand it," she muttered. "It's supposed to be right here—where we're standing. But there's nothing."

"Hm," said Nott. "Didn't Kingsley give you a password?"

"It's just a wand movement," Hermione said, demonstrating the motion. "See? Perhaps I have the coordinates wrong."

"Are you standing exactly where you're supposed to?" Zabini questioned.

"Yes, see?" She did the wand motion again; it glowed making the Runic symbol of Yr.

"That's the Rune for flexibility, darkness…nightmares," Malfoy observed, his voice haunting.

"Also for the Yew tree," Nott murmured excitedly.

Greengrass pointed towards a towering tree. "That's a Yew tree. Try it there, Granger."

Hesitantly, Hermione made her way over to the large Yew and flicked her wand in the familiar motion once more. This time, the tree stretched and moved. The Runic symbol Yr, previously hidden, now glowed proudly. Hermione reached to touch it tentatively. She heard Greengrass yelp and turned to see Nott hurrying to help her off the ground, the ground that was now opening up to reveal a dark tunnel in the small hill just created.

They ventured tentatively into the earth-made structure and slipped immediately on their arses as they slid down to the ground far beneath them. Once they hit the earth floor, Hermione looked up to see the entrance sealing once more, encasing them in darkness.

"Lumos," Malfoy said and the others hurried to follow suit as they lit their wands in unison. She saw what looked like furniture in the shadows and a torch sticking out from the wall. Quickly, she cast blue-ball flames and a warm light flooded the sconces in the room.

The room was quite large and comfortable looking. There were lush couches and chairs as well as a fireplace. There was another fireplace by what Hermione assumed was the kitchen. Roots stuck out from the dirt wall where there weren't cupboards lining them. She saw a stone hearth and tables and chairs. Away from the living area were presumably other rooms sequestered off by wooden doors.

Zabini and Nott began running to the nearest door to peer inside.

"This one's my room," Nott called.

"You'll likely have to share," Greengrass chided.

"Alright, pet—I'll share with you," Nott teased. She smirked in response.

"This one's a pantry," Zabini called. "There's loads of food in here."

Hermione opened the door of another room. It was a cozy bedroom with a couch and two beds stacked on top of each other. She hardly noticed Malfoy by her side as he surveyed the living quarters as well. "At least two of the Weasleys are bloody brilliant," he said impressed. Hermione had to agree.

000

The group spent the first day setting up wards and exploring the base. Draco found Hermione worked surprisingly well beside them and hardly voiced any disagreement. She seemed impressed at Theo's Runic knowledge and Blaise's understanding of wards. She and Daphne took ownership of preparing the first meal ofshepherd's pie and a fruit medley. Hermione had even rolled her eyes in amusement when Draco grumbled about missing his house elf.

Malfoy had been pleased with the library, though the book selection did leave something to be desired. Daphne had squealed in delight when she'd discovered the hot springs sequestered off in another area, not quite a room as the hot pool surrounded by limestone trickled off into an underground river that flowed through a low cave. It's as nice as the Prefects bathroom, in its own way, he thought eyeing the natural pool appreciatively.

"That's six rooms not including the hot springs, lavatory, pantry, or storage room," Blaise tallied.

"Plus there are a lot of beds," Granger pointed out, noticeably more comfortable around them. "When others do come, we'll be able to situate them comfortably. Though I suppose we can have our own beds for now."

"That's very gracious of you, Granger," Theo said teasingly.

She didn't dignify him with an answer. "Greengrass and I have been slaving away all evening," she started.

"Yeah," Daphne confirmed. "We've been figuring this kitchen out all night."

"It smells good enough," Blaise commented as they all took their seats.

"Hopefully it tastes even better," said Hermione.

They all fell into a comfortable silence as they eagerly dug into the food. Theo was the first to break it.

"Did you notice how close we are to that Death Eater camp?" He asked.

"Too close," Draco replied.

"I didn't see any," Hermione said, furrowing her brow. "How can you tell?"

"Our marks," Daphne explained. "They burn when we're near…others."

Hermione swallowed, "That can be useful." Draco grimaced. "So what have you all been doing the past two years, at the school," she clarified.

"Living a double life, pretty much," Blaise answered.

Daphne spoke up, "We still took classes, but…"

"Different teachers," Theo informed her. "And the students and old professors that didn't conform to the new…rhetoric were often the victims."

"The things they made us do," Daphne choked. "For Salazar's-sake, my sister."

"It's alright," Draco reassured her. "We all underwent it, a rite of passage, I suppose. It was regrettably…unavoidable."

Hermione looked like she wanted to probe further, the curious look on her face clear and pronounced but she seemed to think better of it and continued to eat quietly.

The group fell into a comfortable peace in the week that followed. Really, it was quite a surprise how effortlessly they fit together. Of course, Draco was a realist and knew the harmony could not last forever.

000

May 1998, Forest Grotto

Having already organized the library three times, Hermione was hard-pressed to find things to occupy her time. Despite the fact that she'd spent months with Ron and Harry doing nothing to further their position in the war, she found it unbearable to do the same with Malfoy and his friends.

Perhaps it had something to do with all the excitement and success they'd had earlier or maybe it was the fact that she had no doubts they could hold their own in a fight. It wasn't as if she did not have the same faith in Ron and Harry but the newcomers Death Eater past could be a huge benefit to the Order and Hermione wished they could put it to use instead of staying cooped up in their hideaway.

Fingering the next shirt in her pile, she was about to cast a Scorgify and Tergio when she instantly noticed a scent that halted her. It's Malfoy's. How she could recognize the trace scent as inherently his was beyond her. Well I suppose we have been in relatively close proximity the past week. Yet, had she really? It seemed to her that he had been doing his best to keep his distance—an easy thing to do in the large quarters. Why is he keeping his distance? she thought, affronted, before catching herself, Actually—why should I even care if he is?

Hurriedly, she cast a spiteful Scorgify and fixed the back of Malfoy's head with a contemptuous look. The blond didn't seem to notice, engrossed in his book as he was. She moved on to the next article of clothing, willing herself to forget about the odd scent that had assaulted her—bringing up feelings from a long forgotten dream…

"I play the winner," said Daphne to Zabini and Nott who were playing chess. "I'm done with my chores, but tell me Theo—have you done yours?"

"I don't think I need to when I'm rooming with such a competent, generous witch," Nott called back manipulatively. "You made my bed, right pet?"

Daphne rolled her eyes and came to sit by Hermione.

"Need some help?" she asked.

"I'm almost through," Hermione replied. "So Daphne, your sister's still at the school?" The boys froze in their actions but resumed what they were doing once Daphne spoke up.

"Yes," she answered. "She's a Third Year, so really…she hasn't known anything but how it is now."

"That's appalling," Hermione said empathetically. "Have you thought about grabbing her? I could help you, you know. If there's anyone there that doesn't want to be there we should get them out."

"That's just it, Granger. Astoria does want to be there; at least she thinks she does."

"It doesn't help that Pans and Millie have taken her under their wing," Nott volunteered, looking up from his game. "They've become role models of sorts to the other girls."

"That's horrible," Hermione said, stopping completely in her motions. "Perhaps she just doesn't know any better."

"She wouldn't take help from me," Daphne said. "I caused her nothing but pain. In DADA, well there weren't a lot of students per say-they combined our classes."

"They made us practice spells on each other," Zabini explained.

"Dark spells," said Malfoy as he put down his book.

"When we did them on each other," Daphne started. "It was a mercy. It's still painful to be under the Cruciatus but there are different degrees. You have to mean it, and well, you don't really mean it against your friends."

"Didn't they know you weren't giving the curse your all?" Hermione asked somberly.

"Acting, Granger," Malfoy smirked. "Haven't we proven what good actors we can be?"

"Yes well, Astoria, the silly bint, most certainly did not act," Daphne said tremulously. "She wanted all the Death Eaters to know what a failure I was and how weak my torture curse is."

"Ultimately, she had to go again," Nott explained, as he came by to comfort Daphne.

"And again," Malfoy clarified.

"Yes," Daphne agreed. "And let's just say Astoria was a stubborn one. She blacked out before she could admit the curse was getting to her."

"That's awful," Hermione said reaching a tentative hand and placing it on Daphne's shoulder. "I'm sorry you had to go through that." She looked thoughtful for a moment before she spoke up once more. "I wish there was something we could do, it seems like such a waste to simply sit here, idle."

"Granger," Malfoy said warningly. "You remember what Shacklebolt said."

"To stay put, I know, but still…"

"There is a Death Eater camp not far from here," Zabini pointed out. Malfoy shot him a look.

"There's likely prisoners held there who'd appreciate their freedom," Nott said knowingly.

Hermione smiled. "Not to mention it would be a critical waste not to put the knowledge of defected Death Eater's to use," she offered.

"You can't be serious," Malfoy responded but there was mischief in his eyes.

"No one need know it was us," Hermione argued. "We could just be…like phantoms in the night—dip in then dip out."

"I do so want to do something, Draco," Daphne said appealing to their leader. "The need to fight is just…consuming."

"And if we should be caught or injured," Malfoy said, playing devil's advocate.

Nott guffawed at that," Draco, we've got the best team the Order's ever had. We've got smarts," he said motioning to Granger and Zabini, "Par none dueling ability," he motioned to Malfoy and Daphne. "Not to mention, beauty." He said gesturing to himself.

Hermione smirked at this but then turned back seriously to face Malfoy, "We could get away with it."

"Why Granger," he said with mirth in his voice. "How very Slytherin of you."

"I'd say it's more Gryffindor," she reasoned. "Running headlong into danger and all. Of course that's if you Slytherins aren't scared."

Everyone turned to face Malfoy. He was grinning and his eyes were alight with…fire. Hermione found she quite liked the look.

"Granger," he said silkily. "I hope you're not averse to the Avada."

000

A/N: Hope you enjoyed this installment. I have the next chapter written and some of the ones after that, so should be up soon! The action picks up and so does the Dramione. Please let me know what you think and thanks for the follows and favorites C: