I've had an insanely busy week, so I'm a little surprised that I've managed to get this out at all. But from now on I'll try to stick to weekly updates.

Thank you to everyone who reviewed the last chapter. I genuinely grin like an idiot after I read each one!

Chapter Seven

Luna Lovegood was still living in the cylindrical house on top of a slight hill, surrounded by open countryside and not much else. Only now she lived there with Neville instead of her father, who was apparently off on some kind of soul-searching expedition. Hermione had arrived a little while ago and was sitting in the living room waiting for Luna to show her one of the dresses she'd picked out for the wedding.

Barty was back at the Burrow. She'd managed to convince Molly that he wasn't needed. Which was true, Luna didn't have a Death Eater slave so Hermione didn't need Barty to guard her against one. She also didn't want him and Neville in the same room as each other. She couldn't imagine what it would be like for him coming face to face with the man who'd tortured his parents. In the end, it didn't matter because Neville was nowhere to be seen when she arrived. He was out searching for plants.

She nibbled on her lip and waited, a glass of the sourest lemonade she'd ever tasted clasped in her hand. She couldn't put it down because every surface she looked at was filled with flowers and plants. Even the floor. It was actually a little overwhelming. The smell alone threatened to bring on a sneezing fit that had the potential to make her head explode.

"Well?"

Hermione jumped in fright, the lemonade splashing onto the back of her hand. She spun around to see Luna standing in the doorway wearing a silvery dress. It covered most of her skin, skimming her curves as it fell to the floor in soft folds. The shimmering material bounced the light around, haloing her in sparkling silver. She looked absolutely stunning.

"You look beautiful," Hermione said, standing to get a closer look.

"Do you really think so?" Luna gave a delicate twirl, making the dress float up around her knees and spin like moonlight around her.

Hermione grinned, "This is the one. It's perfect for you."

Luna stopped twirling and cocked her head, "the Kepplers thought so too." She reached down to brush her fingers against the soft material. "I'll wear it." Her pale blue eyes rose to meet Hermione's. "Do you think Neville will like it?"

"Yes. He won't be able to take his eyes off you." Hermione said, a little wistfully.

Luna smiled and picked a white flower from a jar to place in her hair. "Have you decided anything about the Death Eaters yet?"

"Yes. Pansy...Luna, it was awful, she was like a puppet, and that hideous toad Mclaggen made her kiss my feet!" Hermione fiddled with the edge of her jumper, almost too angry to notice she'd pulled a thread loose. "It has to stop. All of it."

The blonde witch tipped her head in thought. "Do you have a plan?"

Hermione huffed in frustration, "No." She ran a hand through her hair. "It's not going to be as simple as freeing them. The first thing they'll do is seek revenge. We can't just let them go so they can kill everyone."

"Perhaps we could petition for a new prison to be built," Luna said.

"It's a thought." She narrowed her eyes, "Why wasn't one built in the first place?"

Luna wandered over to a vase of purple roses, plucking a small bud free and placing it next to the white flower that already adorned her hair, "The Ministry thought there were more important things to deal with. And when a way was found to keep the Death Eaters in check, wasting time and magic on another prison was deemed unnecessary."

"Yes, they came up with a way to contain the Death Eaters very quickly didn't they?"Hermione said, suspicion stirring in the pit of her stomach. The whole thing was to hideously perfect to be pure chance. Someone had planned this. And Hermione was determined to find out who.

Luna hummed in agreement.

"I need to find out more about what's happening at the M.O.M," Hermione said, still carrying the glass of lemonade, but looking for somewhere to put it down before Luna could make her drink it.

"You could ask Harry."

Hermione immediately shook her head. "I'm not getting him or any of the Weasley's involved."

Luna flashed an innocent smile, "You saw Cormac last night? Is he still fond of you?"

"No. Luna. No." Hermione shuddered in revulsion, "I refuse to use Mclaggen to get to the Ministry."

"Okay." She shrugged in unconcern, "It's just that his father is rather high up, and the Mclaggen's have regular parties." Her eyes wandered up to the ceiling, "All of the Ministry staff who you'd be interested in talking to, would be in attendance."

Hermione groaned. "Don't tell me that! Why did you tell me that?!"

"You'll need to speak to a Death Eater as well," Luna said, lifting the dress above her knees and ignoring Hermione's protests.

"I've spoken to a Death Eater. Two actually. Barty and Draco. And I'm not sure what help they'll be able to give." Hermione said, "Besides I don't trust them, Barty's not exactly stable, and if I ask Draco anything, then what's to stop Harry or Ron ordering him to tell them what we've talked about." She shook her head, "It's too dangerous."

Luna blinked in apparent thought, "you could get them to make an unbreakable vow."

Hermione spluttered in disbelief, "That's insane! Are you trying to get me killed?"

"I just think Barty would be a good option and the Hobkins agree with me."

Hermione shook her head, determined not to get sidetracked by any nonsense. Even if she did want to know what a Hobkin was. "But why Luna?"

The blonde came forward to link arms, "he's clever and sneaky and I'll bet he's heard all kinds of things. And nobody takes him seriously. Everyone thinks he's too far gone," Luna tapped the side of her head, "up here."

"You don't agree," Hermione stated, wondering if Luna was really the best person to be discussing another person's sanity with.

"No, I don't. And he's going to know you're up to something anyway, so you might as well try and get him onside."

Hermione frowned. "To be honest, I'm not even sure someone like Barty will even be safe to let go. I certainly don't trust him to watch over me or any of you."

"Perhaps a test then?" Luna said.

"Maybe." Hermione said doubtfully, "I just don't know. I'm more worried about the prospect of Cormac than anything else at the moment." She scowled. "Do you really think I'll have to flirt with him?"

Luna just smiled serenely. "That's up to you."

"I wish it wasn't." She muttered patting Luna's arm, "You should change out of your dress, you'll get it dirty." Hermione smiled as the blonde gave another twirl, before leading her towards the Floo.

"May I come see you tomorrow?" Luna asked.

"Yes, of course." Hermione took a handful of green powder and threw it into the fire. "The Burrow." She stated, giving Luna a quick wave before disappearing into the Floo.

When she emerged it was to see Molly wringing her hands and walking back and forth in quick angry strides. She stepped into the room, absently noting Barty standing next to the Floo as usual. Hermione immediately tensed, dread filling her stomach. "What is it?"

"George has been hurt."

"Is he okay?" Hermione asked coming to stand next to Molly and placing an arm around her shoulder in the hopes of calming her down.

"The stupid boy drank too much Fire whiskey and then tested some of his products on himself!" Molly raised a hand to her eyes, "He's covered in boils, Hermione, the healers don't know what he took, so they can't treat him. My poor boy will be in pain for days!"

Hermione blinked, "But he'll be okay? Once the potion goes through his system."

"Yes." Molly said sourly, "He'll be fine, just as soon as I can get to St. Mungo's and take care of him." She shuffled passed Hermione and into the kitchen. From the sound of it, Molly was collecting half of her store of leftovers. No doubt she planned to sit by George's side for the duration of his stay.

If she was honest, Hermione found it hard to dredge up any sympathy for him, she still remembered the twins testing their products on first years at Hogwarts. She'd been furiously angry with them at the time. Almost to the point of severing the odd friendship they'd had. Now all she could feel was a sad kind of resignation. What on earth was he thinking mixing alcohol with potentially volatile potions?

She was disturbed from further musing by Molly, who'd stuffed a basket to the brim with foodstuffs and was making her way to the Floo. Guilt filled Hermione as she realized Molly had waited for her to return before leaving.

"Shall I come with you?" She asked.

Molly smiled and shook her head, "No dear, Ginny, Ron and Arthur are already there, I'm afraid George is always a little delicate after one of his...episodes."

Hermione noted the hesitation, "Of course. Send him my love?" She said, watching as Molly nodded and made her way over to the Floo. She'd read between the lines. This was a Weasley only affair, and something that she suspected had happened on more than one occasion.

A second later she was left alone. The silence of the Burrow sinking into her and easing the tension away. Her shoulders sagged in relief and a breath seeped out of her. And then she remembered Barty. Molly hadn't taken him. Hermione spun around to see him standing a few feet away from her. She hadn't even heard him move.

"Just the two of us," Barty said in a chill tone.

Hermione backed away from him, "Yes, well." Her hands began to twitch with nerves, and she said the first thing that came to mind. "Would you like something to eat?" She asked, wincing at the absurdity of it. And mildly horrified that she sounded just like Molly. As if offering food would make everything okay in the world.

She watched as surprise widened Barty's eyes ever so slightly. Just enough to unbalance his opinion of her. Not giving him time to recover, she rushed into the kitchen and plucked the casserole dish from the counter where Molly had left it for her. A heating charm had it warmed in seconds. She scooped the thick beef stew onto two plates and set them on the table. Forks followed and then thick crusty bread. She finished with two glasses of icy water. The entire time she was aware of Barty's heavy gaze pressing down on her. Grinding away her composure.

She sat and began to eat. A few tense moments passed before Barty joined her, sitting down in the chair opposite. When he picked up the fork and dipped it into his stew, the tension drained from her. The whole thing was so stupid that she almost laughed. Hermione Granger, one-third of the golden trio, dining with a Death Eater, who'd quite happily admit to killing and torturing people without a hint of regret. What on earth was she thinking? She blamed it entirely on the manners her parents had jammed into her as a child. Even now, she could feel the urge to ask polite meaningless questions rise up her throat. The only defence she had was to keep her eyes firmly attached to her plate. But that didn't stop her from feeling his attention on her.

And it was that attention that finally snapped her determination to remain quiet. "It's rude to stare." She muttered.

"I'm not staring. I'm looking." His voice was edged with contempt.

Hermione let her eyes lift to meet his, "Well, whatever it is you're doing, it's making me uncomfortable."

Barty sneered, "Is it?" Two words spat out with hatred.

"You bloody well know it is!" She snapped. Thumping her fork onto the table. A heavy silence fell between them. Hermione glaring at her clenched fists, and Barty glaring at her. She couldn't believe that Luna had actually thought he'd be of any use. He'd likely slit her throat the moment she turned her back rather than consider helping her.

No. If she needed to speak to a Death Eater then it would have to be Draco. Hermione narrowed her eyes in contemplation. It would be a risk of course. But maybe she could ask a few questions that would be vague enough that neither of them would get into trouble. Her eyes flicked to the clock. A little after five. Harry wouldn't have finished work yet, and with both Ginny and Ron at St. Mungo's, she'd only have Lavender to deal with. She nibbled on her lip as she thought. A better chance to speak to him freely might never come along.

"I'm going to Grimmauld Place." She said, standing and making her way to the Floo before she changed her mind. Barty began to follow her. "You can wait here for me."

Cool fingers circled her wrist, "Issuing orders again, are we?" His grip tightened, squeezing the delicate bones in her wrist, "Didn't I warn you about that?"

Hermione swallowed back her panic as she watched his collar flare white, "It wasn't an order."

"No?" He pulled her towards him, a slow predatory move. "Then what was it?"

"A suggestion." She said, withdrawing her wand and placing the tip against his chest, "let go."

A feral smile crossed his lips, "but of course." he dropped her wrist but continued to crowd her. Letting his heat wash over and into her.

Hermione narrowed her eyes, determined not to let him intimidate her. "I'm going to Grimmauld Place," She let her wand fall to the side, "You can do whatever you please." Without waiting for him to answer, Hermione spun around and grabbed a handful of the gritty green powder. She flung it in with more force than necessary before stepping through.

Darkness greeted her. A deep impenetrable blackness that pressed down on her. It was so similar to her time spent in the coma that she stood frozen. Terror seizing her in a cold hard grip. Her heart nearly exploded out of her chest, when Barty emerged from behind her and cast a Lumos. The unexpected light causing her to squint and miss a step. She would have fallen if not for Barty looping his arm around her waist. Her stomach clenched in fear as he pulled her flush against him.

"Thank you." she muttered digging her elbow into his stomach in the hopes of making him let go and praying he didn't notice her moment of weakness.

He didn't release her, instead lowering his head until his chin rested on her shoulder so he could whisper into her ear. "I like it when you squirm, it makes me think of doing all kinds of inappropriate things to you." His tongue darted out to touch her cheek. A quick flick, there and gone in a second.

Hermione stiffened, outrage snapping her back straight. "Get your hands off me!" She hissed.

Barty fought against the order at first. She could feel him twitching and the chest pressed tightly into her back was shuddering with uneven breaths. She was seconds away from reaching for her wand when he let go. Slowly unfurling from her and taking a single step back.

An unsteady breath left her as she spun to face him. Keeping her eyes fixed on the untidy tufts of hair, the bright wand light brought out deep caramel coloured strands that she'd never noticed before. "Don't do that again." She waved her hand between them, "I don't want you to touch me. Not ever."

A nasty sneer curved Barty's thin lips and his mouth opened. No doubt to say something particularly cruel when they were interrupted by a sound from the room next door. Hermione's head snapped to the side. Laughter and giggles. Female and more than one. It was a sound reminiscent of her time at Hogwarts when all the girls would get together, excluding Hermione, and talk about boys and other silliness that she'd never been interested in. Drinking themselves stupid and making utter fools of themselves. It ground on her nerves then, and it did now.

It was when she heard the words 'make him' that she froze. She knew that voice. Parvati Patil. And where Parvati was, Padma was sure to follow. A sick feeling began to rise to the pit of her stomach. Her eyes flicked towards Barty. He was watching her, a calculating look turning his features into a sharp mask. This was the moment. The moment that she could test whether or not he could be trusted. Endless thoughts churned around her head. Did she really want to do this? Could Barty be trusted, and was she willing to risk it in order to help Draco Malfoy from whatever nonsense Lavender was making him do?

Another giggle forced her to make the decision quicker than she wanted. Ignoring the almost painful thud of her heart, Hermione allowed her eyes to meet Barty's. They darkened to almost black, and they studied her so intently she felt like a lab specimen about to be dissected.

She swallowed her nerves, "I'm going to stop all this." She flicked her finger to where the laughter was coming from, "but I'm going to need help. From Draco, and from you." she took a small hesitant step towards him, "When we go into that room, I want you to do nothing but stand perfectly still. Can you do that?"

"I can." His lip tipped up in a secret smile, "but that doesn't mean to say that I will."

Hermione narrowed her eyes, "Well then, I'll order you back to the Burrow and do this without you."

Barty shook his head in mock disappointment. "If you do that Hermione, then you won't be able to test whether you can trust me or not."

Her stomach dipped in horror. He was a Legilimens. And a good one, if he could pluck the thoughts from her head without verbally casting. She immediately dropped her eyes and stepped away. Panic clouding her thoughts. Trying frantically to recall what he might have seen hiding away inside her brain. She blinked. Not just her brain, but the brain of everyone he'd come across. He could be sitting on exactly the information she needed. Or if not, one glance and he could get it.

Did she want to risk it, though? Could she?

Lavender's high pitched voice squealed out, "Now the rest!"

Hermione's hand fisted at her sides. Yes, she could.

"You're right." She lifted her eyes to once again meet his. Pausing on each and every bruise. It took all of the courage she possessed. "Trust works both ways."

"Indeed, it does." He spoke gently, almost a caress upon the air.

A long few minutes passed, the only sound the increasingly raucous giggles that Lavender and the Patil's were spewing out. Hermione lifted her chin, tossing her hair back in stubbornness, "Will you do it?"

Barty smiled indulgently. "On one condition." He stepped in closely enough that his shirt brushed her arm and his breath touched her head.

Hermione resisted the urge to back away. Tensing her legs to stop them from trembling. "Go on."

"If you want me to hold my tongue, then you'll let me hold yours."

"I..." Her heart skipped a beat, "I have no idea what you mean."

Barty brushed his fingertips along her cheeks, making her flinch, "The blush colouring these says you do."

And she did. She knew exactly what he wanted. And she also knew he was choosing it because he thought she'd say no. Why on earth would she say yes, when Padma, minus her tongue, was in the next room, letting out a mangled huff of laughter. It was a lovely reminder of what he was capable of. Her eyes closed, a long steadying blink, that did nothing to ease her nerves.

When she opened her mouth, she honestly wasn't sure what answer she was going to give.

"Yes. I'll do it." She snapped her hand up to cover her lips. A belated move to try and prevent the words from spilling out. Because no way had she just agreed to willingly put her tongue in Barty's mouth.

Barty was so surprised that he backed up a step. "What?"

Hermione took courage in his apparent confusion, seeking to gain the upper hand, "I'll need an unbreakable vow that anything we speak of goes no further." She took a few hurried steps towards the door, "and I want your help to find a solution that we can all live with. Do you agree?"

Barty was looking at her in narrow-eyed speculation, "and the kiss?"

"A test of trust, as you say." She paused at the door, "Although I don't suppose you'd choose something else?"

"No."

She paled slightly but nodded her head. "Then your test comes first." It was surprisingly easy to speak about deals, promises, and deadly kisses when she didn't give herself time to think. Or worry about the thousand things that could go wrong. "When we get into that room, you won't say or do anything that I don't ask you." She walked out of the room, stopping at the base of the stairs. "Accio sleeping potion!" She whispered, pretending she didn't notice the way Barty stood too close to her.

Hermione counted to five. Praying that Harry had a fully stocked potions cabinet. Her breath released when she heard the telltale whoosh of air that told her the potion was on its way. Her hand snapped out and plucked the sleeping potion from the air.

"And when I give you a sign, I want you to come up with a distraction." She began to march towards the door, "nothing that will end in me having to punish you."

Barty scoffed, "You have an aversion to getting your pristine hands dirty?"

"Yes. As a matter of fact, I do." Hermione reached the door, scowling when hysterical giggles filtered through the flimsy wood. "But if I really have to get them dirty," she put her hand on the handle, "if there's no other way, then I will."

Don't shout. The next chapter is half written and will be landing shortly. And at least we know it's going to contain a kiss, albeit a scary, terrifying one that Hermione will have to dredge up all of her courage to go through with ;) And, hmm, I wonder what Lavender and the Patil's are making Draco take off.

As always please review and let me know your thoughts.