Authors Note: I do not own Harry Potter or any affiliated characters. I can only take claim to the plot. Warning, rated M for mature for a reason. This may contain scenes of non consensual sex and torture.

CHAPTER FOUR

12 July 2001

0700

A crash came from the top of the stairs. Startled, Hermione jumped up and backed into the far corner of the cell. "How can anyone fucking see down here?" A familiar voice asked to himself. Hermione couldn't place who's voice though.

"Granger, get over here we have to go now." The deep husky voice demanded. The dark hood of his cloak hid his face. Tentatively she strode toward the cell door that he unlocked.

The bright lumos from his wand made it difficult for Hermione to see. Slowly she made her way to the figure hoping this wasn't a sick trick being played as a form of torture.

"Are you two coming? Our window of opportunity is closing." Another deep voice called from the top of the stairs. Before Hermione could comprehend what was happening a loud crack was heard through the wing of the manor.

Both hooded figures quietly started moving away from where the noise was heard. The three of them ducked through the nearest door. Hermione gasped at the sight before her. Multiple dead bodies lied on the floor of the ballroom. Bile burned her throat as she forced herself to swallow.

"Fuck, we need to go before they find us mate." The first figure was holding Hermione tightly by the wrist. She could tell neither planned on seeing the tortured faces of the dead.

"This way." The second voice said indicating a hidden passage behind the large grand piano. Hermione pondered the possibility of her rescuers being the double agents Narcissa spoke of. Quickly going through the passage they took turn after turn until they came to a door.

The figure in front slowly pushed open the door. He held his hand to have the other two stop while he went out first. Hermione could hear the hushed whispers of at least two people. He popped his head back in indicating Hermione and her other companion to follow.

Hermione walked into a bedroom adorned with green and black. A four poster bed sat in the middle of the room, dust all over the shelves, books and pictures. Another loud crash came along with yelling.

"Find the fucking mudblood. She couldn't have gone far." The shriek of Bellatrix could be heard from below. Hermione started panicking. She was quickly losing consciousness. Two strong arms grabbed her before hitting the ground.

The last thing she remembered before completely blacking out were grey eyes, eyes like Williams.

15 December 1996

Hermione was in the library as usual. The tears streaked down her face were not normal. She was ranting to herself as a blonde figure entered looking for a book on magical furniture. Slamming the book closed Hermione let out a sob and put her head on the table.

"You okay Granger?" The drawl of Draco Malfoy came. She lifted her head and looked into his eyes, instead of seeing humor he looked as miserable as she felt.

Hermione wasn't sure why, but she began telling him everything. "No, he's an idiot. Why is it that when boys look at me they don't notice I'm a girl too? But the minute that slag Lavender even bats an eyelash at him he's snogging her senseless." Tears began falling down her face again.

"I assume this is Weasley we are talking about?" Hermione rolled her eyes at Malfoy, it was obvious who she spoke about.

"No Malfoy it's Harry. Of course it's Ronald I'm taking about." Her sarcasm was not lost upon the blonde. Choosing to ignore her snide remark he sat down by her.

"Look, I know it's not much, but you aren't bad to look at. He's just daft if he can't see the woman you've become since first year." Hermione vaguely noticed his compliment before she began ranting again.

"Then why is it the only boy to ever notice me in this bloody castle was Viktor Krum? It's not like I've had a lot of guys ask me out, let alone show interest. It's as if I don't exist unless I'm saving one of their arses." The serious tone of her voice showed she really thought herself unattractive.

Not realizing what was happening or why he was doing it Draco leaned in and kissed her. The salt from her tears mixed in with the sweet taste of peppermint. Hermione out of instinct threw her arms around his neck to deepen the kiss. He swiped his tongue across her bottom lip asking for entrance. She obliged and moaned into the kiss as he lightly caressed his tongue against hers.

They pulled away panting for air. Both had a look of lust in their eyes. Before either could speak and ruin the moment Hermione lunged at him assaulting his mouth with her own. He wrapped one arm around her waist pulling her closer while his other hand tangled in her brown curls. She had one hand wrapped around his tie while the other was pinned between their bodies.

They pulled apart again both chests heaving as they took in air. Draco looked down into Hermione's eyes. He could feel her perky breasts pushed against him. "That was amazing." Hermione finally breathed out. "Who would have thought I'd enjoy that so much."

"You and me both." Draco smirked at her. Usually it would piss her off, this time the smirk aroused her. Going in for another snog they both froze when the heard voices.

"She's probably in here somewhere. I can't believe he did that." The distinctive voice of Ginny Weasley could be heard only a few rows away.

"Later?" Draco asked. "Midnight, astronomy tower." He didn't wait for a response before he placed a small kiss on her lips before slipping into the shadows.

Harry and Ginny rounded the corner to see Hermione touching her lips with a small smile and hair all over the place. "Hermione, there you are. What happened to you?" Harry asked as Ginny started waving her hand in front of Hermione's face.

"Oh nothing I was just getting away from the party needed some me time." She tried to play it off as nothing. Ginny knew better than to press the matters in front of an ever oblivious Harry.

She did however glare at the brunette and mouthed the word, 'later' before they turned to leave the room. Hermione glanced toward the shadows once more and caught a glimpse of platinum blonde hair before following her friends.

She knew she would be going to that astronomy tower tonight. She wasn't sure why, but kissing Malfoy felt right. And bloody hell was he an amazing kisser.


Okay my wonderful readers I have found myself stuck between a rock and a hard place. I have two ideas on where to take this story on its end in the future. I can go the extremely happy way or the twist sad yet happy ending. I am taking opinions through the post of chapter six. You can PM me or post in a review. Thank you again for such interest in my story.

Reviewer responses:

lovvegood81: I was excited to see a comment catching on. Yes he is.

Raya Crouch: I am so happy that you are intrigued. It's hard not to feel bad for Hermione isn't it? I hope you keep enjoying.

rezakeene: Honestly writing about him was one of my favorite parts. I used my own love for my son to reflect in my writing and am happy you enjoyed it.

Kathrynrose42: I am glad you find it interesting. I hope you continue to enjoy as the story unfolds.

Green Eyed Lana Lee: I am making it my personal goal to express my gratitude for my reviewers. It brings me joy to know others are enjoying my story as much as I do. Ginny is that best friend every woman needs in her life, the one who has your back no matter the consequences. I'm happy to see readers are reading between the lines and figuring out who her sons father is.

Until next time Blessed Be my readers

-SVowles