Wow, important chapter! Tell me your thoughts and leave a review!

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Chapter VIII


Hermione was surprised when she heard the door open again; he had been gone for more than an hour, she jumped up to meet him. Since he had left Hermione alone with her thoughts, her mind had filled itself with doubt and uncertainty, something she felt intense now than before.
Malfoy slowly walked in, Firewhiskey in one hand, she couldn't tell if he had drunk too much or not. She noticed that in his other hand he was holding a book, not just any book, the book, the one that had started this whole ordeal.

Throwing it near her feet, Hermione stared at for a moment and looked back up meeting his eyes, he made a nod with his head to pick it up. She looked back down and refused to move, or rather her body simply did not make any movements, she then looked back up at Malfoy, who was walking pass her now, ignore her stare. It was as if he wanted to ignore her presence. She turned around, he was still standing with his back at her.
I can't change anything.' He said, his voice sounded cold and distant, not facing her. 'This life… this is how we live now.' He sighed, now turning around again, giving the book a brief glance before his eyes traveled all the way up to meet her eyes. His slow and unfocused movements made her uneasy and wary.
'How we all live now.' He finished.

All as in you, me, pureblood, mublood. It didn't matter if it was wrong because it was simply right, now today and so on forever.

'There is very little we can do about it.' He said leaning again a bookcase across from were Hermione was standing. 'You really believe that?' Hermione asked, convinced he didn't believe his own words either, she could hear it in his voice, it made her wonder what was going on inside his mind. 'I know that.' He answered bitterly, rolling his eyes at her words, taking a sip from his bottle. It almost sounded if he didn't like the current situation either, which would be weird considering his position.
'Do you not like the life your living?' She softly asked, wondering if perhaps he would share his thoughts.
'Not really…' He muttered, not making any eye contact with her, actually he was looking everywhere beside her.
'Why not? You have everything you possibly want...' Her voice went up a little, she could feel her emotions swirl inside of her. If it was anger or sadness she didn't know.
'Hmph…' He then just smirked at what she had just said. 'Ironic…' He muttered, taking a rather large sip from his drink. 'Maybe this was a mistake… there is simply no room for freedom.' He finally said, looking at her again. He words were clear. Her freedom… He could simply not give her that. And she would simply not want it.
Hermione nodded in agreement, 'Yes, I too feel this has been a mistake. Too much has happened in our lives, to just forget what happened is impossible.' Hermione felt as if she was being sincere with herself for the first time, she couldn't just be like Annette had said.
What come will come; she had never lived along that motto.

'I… I'm just as trapped as you are.' He said, he had dropped his harsh attitude when he said that, fumbling with head of his bottle, ripping off the remains of the sticker. 'Maybe now, yes… But there was a time when you had a choice.' Hermione words were filled with venom, anger was running through her veins. She felt that, every time they talked, Malfoy made her feel like he too was a victim.
He was anything but.

He was the cause.

'You blame me.' He said resolute, as if he had just concluded that.
'You are to blame.' She shot back.
'Think whatever you want, mudblood.' He hissed back, the level of alcohol was now running high through his veins, his mood swings were hard but she was tired of this game.
'Malfoy… You were and always will be…' 'Malfoy.' She spat his name, his vile name. 'Nothing but a moron who can't think for himself and who has nothing but his name and his status to rely on. You are nothing!'
With that she ran out the library.

Malfoy let his head fall back on one of the bookcases. Taking huge gulp of his bottle of Firewhiskey.

*****

Hermione's cheeks were wet.
So was her hair.
Her body.
Her clothes.
But she didn't care.
She loved the rain.
She loved how it made the green grass smell, how the droplets would slowly slide over, the leafs of the trees, the flower's petals, how it would slide over her face and her hair, dropping further down her back. How it almost made her feel as if it could wash away her sorrows, her scars, her entire existence. Looking up, at the dark clouds, she remembered thinking as a child that when it rained, the world was grieving. That someone was grieving; someone had just lost someone or something precious. And the world showed his condolence by weeping with them. Somehow, even though the thoughts were saddening, it brought her comfort.
She wondered who was grieving. It certainly wasn't her. No, her skin had grown too thick, her heart too cold and her mind too numb. It hadn't hurt when he said mudblood. No, the Cruciatus curse hurt, his words did not. And one could not feel betrayed when one hadn't ever trusted.

But it left her confused. What did she want? Why did she even still want to get out? What would she do? What could she do? Resume her life?
He was right. This was the life they were living now. And there was nothing anyone could do about it. Yet she hanged on to such delicate hope. Small and fragile, but there, right inside of her. She knew that hope, she knew it oh-so-well. It was the same hope she cling to before Hogwarts. And it had rewarded her. She might've not liked the society she was thrown in.
But the magic. The magic was more then she had ever dreamed of.
And then she thought of Ron and Harry. And everyone she had grown to love during those few years of her life she had been rewarded so well. And she refused to just give up; she would not let their deaths be in vain.

But what was it she was fighting for again?

'Hermione!' Annette came running towards her with a towel in her hands. 'Have you lost your mind!?' She shrieked, 'Do you want to get sick!? Let's get inside…' She wrapped the towel around Hermione who just nodded numbly, letting the girl lead her back inside the manor.

Drying her off gently, Annette looked at her concerned. 'You shouldn't be doing this.' Hermione spoke up, 'You're going to get into trouble.'
'I know…' She whispered, wiping her hair out her face, it was sticking on her skin.
'Which is exactly, why I'm taking over.' A familiar warm voice made both girls look up in surprise. Greeted by Margret's sunny smile, she walked over towards them with a fresh pair of towels. 'You!' Pointing at Annette, 'Out.'
Annette smiled grateful at het, gave Hermione an apologetic look and practically ran out the door. 'Now, young lady, you shouldn't be sitting outside in the rain you know. If you get sick they won't heal you or give you any type of medicine.' She stopped dried off Hermione's hair, 'And they will make you work. Harder if possible.' She continued, trying to comb Hermione wild hair, 'Don't think because you work for young Master Malfoy…'

'I don't think like that.' Hermione didn't sound harsh when she said that, although it did anger her, she knew Margret well enough by now that she didn't mean bad. Nodding her head, Margret continued talking, 'I don't know about your history with him. But he has requested your presence multiple times now. You should go before others find out you were just standing outside. If they mention it to him, he has to punish you, whether he wants to or not.'
Margret was somehow aware of the strange situation she was in. It worried her.
'Does anyone—'
She cut her off, 'No, of course not.'
'I'm an old lady; I just pick up one these things.' She winked.

'Don't tell anyone. Thank you.' Hermione threw her arms around her and gave her a warm embrace which she returned gladly. 'Better run.'

Which Hermione did, despite the odd stares and peculiar stares she got, no one dared to stop her, and maybe this was a good thing too. Then they could think she was still a loyal servant like them, in a hurry to please her Master, afraid of punishment. Something she somehow knew she wouldn't receive. Or she hoped.

Knocking shortly before entering, since she didn't wait for a response and entered the room. It was empty. He wasn't here. Had he returned to the library? She walked towards her room, she would put on a fresh pair of clothes first, perhaps by that time he would have returned.

Taking off her grey sweater, she unbuttoned the white blouse, trying to change as quickly as she could, only now did she feel the cold. Perhaps some warm water would help her get the feeling back into her hands. Letting the steam met her face, she could feel her skin tingle with delight. Taking in a deep breath, she opened her eyes, seeing her reflection.
She looked awful. Her bushy hair was wilder than usual.

Suddenly her door wide open, she had hear the screeching sound her doorknob made, it occurred to her she hadn't fully closed it to begin with. Malfoy was leaning on doorframe, his face indifferent. Hermione covered herself up, startled by his actions. 'What do you want?' She had tried not to let the fear be heard in her voice but she had slightly trembled before speaking.
'We need to talk.'
Hermione nodded and waited for him to leave, but he stood still and made no motion to move. 'Can I get dressed first?' She hissed.
He didn't respond right away, making her feel uneasy. 'I'll take a bath.' He spoke very quietly, 'Meet me there.' The last part he whispered so quiet, Hermione would've hardly have heard it hadn't his lips moved.

Hermione simply nodded in confusion. He had ignored her current state of dress and had stared at nothing but her eyes, calculating and somewhat cold and distant. It didn't take away the flush that was one her face, but that happened to be there because of the steam of the hot water. Or so she told herself.
The feel of discomfort was scrubbed from her face by her hands, a mantra going on in her head that she did not fear anything. She dried herself off and gave herself one last glance.
God, she looked horrible. She didn't have anything to keep her hair out of her face, so her bushy hair would just have to do. She had put on her older slightly worn out blouse, the skirt was half dry, she left her sweater to dry.

*****

Walking slowly in the halls of the baths, which were damp and smelled somehow like musk and something else Hermione couldn't quite put her finger on. She assumed that it was something they used to wash themselves with. It smelled quite nicely.

Standing in front of the door where she had met Malfoy previously, Hermione slightly hesitated, not really certain what to expect. 'No use standing here.' She said out loud to herself. When she went inside she was greeted by a thick cloud of steam. Not being able to see Malfoy she walked in a little closer. The bath must've had ridiculously hot because steam was like a thick mist in front of her eyes, Hermione could feel herself starting to sweat. How could he stand such a heat?

'Granger.' His voice was unmistakable. 'Over here.'
'Where is here, Malfoy?' Agitated, she walked around with her hands spread out, trying to find some sort of hold on. Or just to have a clue of where she was going. He snatched her hand and pulled her towards him, but she was stopped by the edge of the bath, which was the height of her knees. 'Ow! That hurt.' She grumbled, lightly rubbing her knee.
'Took you long enough.'
'Well excuse me!' She huffed.

'Get in.' He said, his voice was close yet his face was nowhere to be seen.
'W-what?' She asked baffled.
'I thought you'd like a bath after standing in the rain for an hour.'
'I- No! I will not!' She answered livid, not really sure what he was suggesting, searching for his face. 'Fine…' His voice sounded uninterested, she still couldn't see him, she had caught a glimpse of him but he had disappeared again. 'I thought you would like that.'
'N-Not with you!' She shrieked.
'After the rain…' He muttered, but Hermione was certain that his smirk was in place.
'Fine… never mind.' He had dipped his face in the water, she could hear him gasp for air.
Hermione was certain her face was red again, but this time she was sure it was a shade she couldn't blame on the steam.

When he came up for air again, she saw his figure move in the cloud of steam. 'Where you watching me?' She asked quietly, feeling somewhat shy and most definitely exposed.
'Yes.' He answered honestly.
'Why?'
'I felt like it.'
'What a Malfoy-ish answer.' She rolled her eyes.
'Malfoy-ish?' He wondered out loud, she could hear water splattering, her eyes darted around.

But she soon found him. He was leaning on the opposite wall, bare torso, his arms were crossed, frown on his face. Droplets of water cascading on his bare skin, like the rain. Like the rain had done on her eyes had followed a small droplet but she didn't have the courage to follow its destination. So when her eyes shot up to meet his blue ones, she saw that he was staring at her intensively. Feeling sheepish at being caught doing something so juvenile, her eyes broke contact with his.

'What did you want to talk about?' She said. She knew it had nothing to do with their last conversation. No. They would talk about that some other time. She knew Malfoy by now that he needed time to explain himself properly.

'About earlier.' He said.

Of course he had to screw up her entire theory around him and proof everything she thought she knew was absolutely wrong. Clearly annoyed by him, she didn't want to let it show so she simply said 'Hmm…?'
At least the warmth was more than welcome, she shivered from delight. 'At least put your feet in it.' He said, seeing how much she was enjoying the heat. 'Or something.'

Hermione ignored him. Shrugging at her stubbornness, he resumed talking, 'I want to make a deal.'
'A deal? Malfoy, I don't have a lot to trade for.' She said sarcastically, she had nothing to trade for.

'I'll work against the ministry.' He paused for dramatic affects, typical Malfoy. When he saw he piqued her interest her continued, 'First thing I'll do is make Hogwarts an honest place again. A home, as you like to call it. I'm sure they're still people plotting to overthrow us,' us, the current ministry, 'I'll give them valuable information in return.'

Hermione had to slow down the words in her head. He was saying he was willing to give up his entire existence, something he and all his followers had worked so hard for, he claimed that there were still people fighting, even though the entire world claimed that no one had dared to go against them. But he wanted a deal. So… 'What do you want in return?'

'Your loyalty.' He simply answered
'My loyalty?' She questioned, what planet does he live on? she had no choice but to be loyal to him and him alone or else there would be severe punishments…death.
'Yes.'
'You see, I want you to do something for me.'
'And what is this something?' Eager to hear just was he was purposing.
'I need you to find out who killed my mother.'

Those words needed to sink in. Hermione just stood with her mouth open.

'Obviously trying to befriend you wasn't going to work so I decided I need to give you something you want. Hence my proposition.' He spoke in a business type matter, as if speaking towards a fellow colleague.
'So that's what you were doing? You were trying to be nice to get me to do something for you?' Hermione fumed with rage, she knew he had been playing with her head! He and his stupid games!

'No.' He said calmly. 'There was a personal reason to it too. I already told you that one…' He broke eye contact when he said that, his hard persona slightly crumbled at the confession.

Somehow this calmed Hermione down. But still she needed to think. She started to take of her shoes and sat down at the edge and with a swirl she let her feet feel the hot water.
That felt so nice. It made her thoughts relax too. Reasonable thinking was taking over again.

'So… What does this mean exactly? How do you want me to find out about your mother?'

'As you know and heard,' he faked a cough, remembering his father's conversation, 'I suspect my father of being behind the death of my mother. He continued speaking after he took a small breath, 'I don't know if he actually killed her herself, I assume he let someone else do it.'

'My father keeps many secrets. But this house has ears and eyes. Servants, house-elfves and so on, no one will speak to me. Not any of those below me and not any of those who are in the same league.'

'I can't speak to those who are above me.' Hermione interrupted. 'I'm not asking you to speak to them. I'm asking you to listen, sneak around. Look around in my father's office.'
'You really think he isn't going put some type of safety on them?' She said viciously, referring to the magic she could not deflect without a wand. In her head she was referring to some type of curse she once had used too. 'See what you can do and I'll get you a wand.' He responded, that caught her attention. 'A real wand?'
'Yes like the one I have.'
'You'll let me have your wand?' Hermione asked in disbelieve. 'Yes. But only when the time is right and that's when you have proven your loyalty and your worth to me.' He said snobbishly.

Ignoring him, Hermione thought about what he had just said for a minute, letting her feet make dip and sending ripples in the water. 'Alright, say I'll do it. How are you going to go against the ministry? You are the ministry.' She pointed out.
'Exactly.' He smirked, pointing out the obvious. 'Anyway, let me worry about that.'
'Will you do it?' It was almost as if she was interrogating him, her eyes were intently focused on him and his answer, 'I'll need proof you'll actually stop what you are doing in Hogwarts.'
'Hogwarts: A History, the greatest proof there is.' He pointed out, smirking at his own brilliance. Good point, she thought, that is good proof. The book would never lie.
'And you'll return it to the library.' Her voice sounded as punctual as back in their Hogwarts days, she had used that tone so much. He nodded his head and rolled his eyes.
'Not yours! Hogwarts!' She added.
'Yes, Professor Granger.' He mocked her, smirking.

She would be putting a great deal on the line. But he had just confirmed that there were indeed people plotting against him. And she knew he would give information to the right people and not some other idiot because then he would just be cutting in his own skin. He too was putting a lot on the line. His life actually, something Hermione had thought he cling on more than anything. This was dangerous. And would they even speak to her? Could she make them talk? And then there was his father. Lucius Malfoy.
She was going to dig into the business of one of the most dangerous man in the world. He was cruel and felt no mercy. How was she going to go up against him? How on earth was she going to do that?
But the reward… was more than anyone could give her, a chance to recuperate. A chance for not just her, but so many others, the next generation could relive like in the older days.

'I guess…' She slightly hesitated. 'We have a deal.'

'I guess we do.' He said, getting up to extend his hand and shake on it, Hermione halted him with a hand. 'I think that can wait.'

'Still such a prude?' He teased. 'You have no shame!' Defiantly lifting her chin in the air, she moved her head to the side. Sprinkling some water on her to catch her attention, Hermione huffed at his childlike behavior and rolled her eyes at him.
'Let's…' He started, 'Forget everything.'
'All we have is each other. Let's try to rely on one another as much as we, both, can.' He too had a hard time trusting people and was rather suspicious. 'Yes.' Hermione nodded.
Feeling the hostility disappearing slightly, Hermione told herself, that indeed time would only tell if his words were true or not.

What come will come. Ironically Annette's word came back to haunt her.

Enjoying the water a little bit longer, Hermione felt it was no longer appropriate to just sit like that. Well it hadn't been appropriate before either but then they were talking and it had helped her calm her nerves, now it just made her feel uneasy.

'Now, if you would excuse me.' Her voice broke the silence that had filled the air.
'I would like to go to my room and change my blouse. Again.' Her blouse was wet because of the water, he had to, splash on her.

'Of course.' Even though he didn't say anything wrong with that, the mischief in his eyes were evident as was the smirk plastered on his face. 'You are getting a bit see-through…'

Glancing down her blouse, she saw that the thin white material was wet and left nothing to the imagination. Her sweat and Malfoy splashing water on her hadn't helped either. Covering her breasts with her arms, she scowled at him, and got out quickly as she could. Trying not to fall on her face because that would be a typical "Hermione-ish" thing to do, picking up her shoes, she quickly walked off and let the door fall shut behind her. She however could still hear Malfoy's laughter in the background. That only made her flush more. With anger. How did they always have the strangest conversations.

*****

Resuming the ritual of the evening, Hermione tried to avoid talking to the servants just yet.
She needed a plan first. And some more information on who to talk to, not to mention she couldn't trust anyone either. This was her own risk and she couldn't let others get involved.

When Malfoy came back of the baths, he looked more relaxed than ever. Obviously pleased that had been able to make a deal with her. Hermione sat down at the table in front of him, as if they were two associates that were having a meeting. She was going to set some rules, whether he liked it or not.

'About this.' Referring to their agreement, 'I want to set some rules.'
'Rules?' He asked amused. 'Yes, when no one is around I want you to treat me like an equal.' Malfoy stayed silent but gave a small nod, not really certain where she was going with this.

'If you want me to take risks for you, I want you to treat me accordingly. I understand that you cannot do that in front of others but I want you to let me speak freely when I'm alone with you, I don't want to excuse myself when leaving a room and I want my privacy. I know myself well enough that I cannot function properly with my own peace of mind.'

He nodded in agreement, 'I understand.' It amused him that she was all business now. 'Here.' He walked towards his desk and returned with a book, extending his hand, keeping his distance, he gave it to her, 'Feel free to read whenever you want.'

It was the novel she had been reading earlier.

'Thank you.' She smiled politely, glad that Malfoy could be so pleasant and that this deal was obviously going to change her life no matter what. 'One more thing.' She wanted to open her mouth but was halted by a knock. She raised her finger, telling him to wait a minute. Funny thing to do, she noticed, he gave her an amused look in return. Walking in a fast pace towards the door to answer.

'Dinner.' She mumbled, opening the door she took the tray and closed the door again, not even saying thanking the girl, which was something she normally did. But she was too consumed with forming a decent plan. She placed the tray and sat down and started to eat, not waiting for Malfoy's approval and ignoring the bemused look he was giving her.
'As I was saying… One more thing, Where do I start?' She asked in al sincerity.
'I'm not really certain.' He said, thinking about what she had just said.
'I need some sort of plan. And I need a place to start.' She added. Noticing that he hadn't touched his plate yet, Hermione arched an eyebrow and looked up at him. He was too concentrated to notice her stare.
'Aren't you hungry?' Hermione's question stopped his train of thoughts, he first gave her an aggravated look but soon saw she was simply curious, he softened immediately.
'No…' Earning a disapproval look he changed his answer, 'I'll eat in a minute.'
'Good.' She said pleased with the answer.

Give her a little freedom and she turns into your mother… He thought, rolling his eyes.

'I think White would be a good start.'
'Impossible me and that woman do not get along.' Hermione retorted, 'Maybe if I had some sort of bargain chip…'
'You must know a few people, ask them.' He said, giving her a curious look. She swallowed a potato.
'Yes, and do you know how many people use each other for their own gain? If they snitch to you, it's okay but if they snitch against your father…'
'Then we are both screwed…' He answered crudely. That is one way of putting it.

'Let's first try something else, instead of asking around about my father directly, ask something less dangerous… Ask about me first, so if anyone snitches they tell me.'
'How are you so sure about that? Why would they not choose your father to tell?' Hermione retorted back.
'Because right now he is out for two days, so they will have to tell me. And start with people who have loyalty to neither of us. White is very loyal to my father, so she's off limits and anyone around her too. Well until we have a better plan anyway.'
Hermione nodded in agreement. 'I think I know now where to start safely.'

Malfoy finally started eating but not before he raised his glass, Hermione took her glass of water and toasted on their new collaboration. Both of them had a small smile on their face, they were still uncertain to where this could lead but they were a both one step closer to where they wanted to be.


And so it begins… or maybe not… Who knows!? …I do actually mwuhahaha… Leave a review and I'll update faster! Actually, I'm just so excited that I might do it anyway... But I've got to bribe you guys with something, right? Just tell me your thoughts about this chapter!? Come on, some feedback!