Chapter 10
Hermione woke up with a skip of her heart. Where was she? What had happened? She had no clue where she was. She was terrified to move. Who knew what was lurking around.
She took a deep breath and pulled herself together. She began going over what she remembered.
She had planned her escape. She had escaped. That's right. When Bellatrix turned her back she had smacked that loon over the head with a brick. Strangely she thought she enjoyed it a little. That frightened her. Being put through that was not an excuse to lose sight of what is wrong. She shook all thoughts of that away.
Everything was coming back to her rather quickly. There was more though. There was something more important. Bellatrix's curses were messing with Hermione's mind and memory.
Wait. No. Draco? Yes. She had made it to the main floor of the house. She was making her way out when she saw him. That evil, vile boy. She was being tortured right below his feet and he did nothing. He probably would've let her rot down there.
How could he? She thought he cared for her. Her gut turned at the thought of him going about his life as hers was ending in his dungeon.
However. She wasn't back down in the dungeon. He hadn't taken her back there. She was tucked under a large comforter. She was warm and dry. This was someone's room. Was she wrong about his part in this?
Suddenly the feelings of warm spurts of air were tickling the back of Hermione's neck. Someone was on the bed with her. Her heart stopped again.
Slowly she turned over. Her heart melted at the sight of Draco. He was asleep… and drooling slightly onto his pillow. He didn't bring her back to the dungeon. He had rescued her. She still wasn't quite sure where he had taken her to, but there was a feeling of security. His room? He had taken her away from that dreadful place. Maybe he wasn't aware of her situation with his mother. He might not have known she was down there. She looked back to the sleeping blonde. A smile grew on her face.
She had gotten back to him. She survived. Well she had so far.
Draco slowly woke up from his slumber. He cracked his eyes open into little slits. He saw Hermione's smiling face.
"Thank bloody God." He sighed and cupped her cheek. "You're alright." He smiled at her. The healing spells worked. He didn't think he would ever be that happy again. Not since the last time he had spent with her.
Hermione nodded as tears fell down her face. She was so happy words could not express it. She leant down and pressed her mouth firmly against his. The feeling of his lips sent a rush through Hermione's body. She had almost forgotten what he felt like. What he tasted like. He was wonderful. Every inch. Every piece was amazing.
Draco pulled Hermione down on top of him. He snaked his arm around her back to make her body flush with his. She moved slightly with their kiss. He was in pure bliss. Nothing had ever felt so good. She had come back to him. She was there. Real.
Real. Reality. What had happened? The questions rushed back into his mind. Of all times to have his mind win over the wants of his body.
He slowly pulled Hermione away to look into her eyes. Her face showed of disappointment. She clearly wasn't ready to be pulled apart. She looked at him questionably.
He needed her to hear the seriousness in his voice. He needed to get his worry through to her.
"Hermione." That was the first time he hadn't used her surname in front to her. He faltered a bit with it. He wasn't sure how she would receive it. He continued anyway. He caught her eyes with his.
"Hermione I need you to tell me what happened. I need to know what happened to you. The condition you were in was near death. I was terrified I hadn't been able to heal you properly. I know you're fine now, but you must tell me. Tell me who did this. How did you get here?" He watched her eyes sink into the water flooding them.
"Oh Draco. It was horrible." She let out a few sobs. She wanted to tell him everything. Every piece. She wasn't sure if she should though. The information might sway him to giving her up. If he knew it was his mother that had organized this along with Blaise and Pansy… surely he would have to follow them. No. Draco wouldn't do that. He had saved her time and time before. This was no different. His feelings for her were still there in his eyes. She then pulled herself together to tell him what happened.
She told him how Blaise and Pansy had forged a letter from him and attacked her in the Astronomy Tower. How Pansy had physically beat her into unconsciousness.
She explained how she woke up in that cold, wet dungeon.
She panicked a little when she had to tell him that it was his mother, Narcissa, Hermione had first seen here. How Narcissa knew about the relationship growing between the two of them. How Hermione was told that she would not stray Draco from his path. How he was destined to become a great Death Eater and stand alongside with the Dark Lord. She said that Narcissa wasn't planning on letting Hermione go. Ever.
After seeing the distress on Draco's face, she paused briefly. Then after a few more sobs she continued. She explained to him all the horrible pain Bellatrix had put her through. How horrible everyday was.
Finally she revealed to Draco that he was the only thing that kept her going. The dreams she had with him. The thoughts of her with him. The thought of getting back to him kept her strong.
A tear slipped from Draco's eye. His heart was overflowing. She had survived. For him. To get back to him. Her feelings for him were real. As real as the ones he had for her. He should never have given up hope on her. He should have known she was strong enough. His feelings for her grew stronger in that moment.
The horrible part of this was that his own family, his own flesh and blood, had just spent a week torturing her. They tortured her, because she got too close to him.
It was his worst fear. It was what he wanted to prevent from the beginning. He would have never gotten so close to her if he knew she was going to have to suffer. At least he would have tried a lot harder to hide his emotions from others. Now his mother knew and she clearly wasn't going to stand for it. He couldn't very well go to Narcissa now with the note and demand an explanation. Draco had to protect Hermione. Keep her safe. He had failed her once. Never again. His heart hurt for her.
Hermione kissed away the tear from his face. She saw the pain in his eyes. She didn't want him to blame himself. It was not his fault. He had no control over the feelings he had. The feelings she had. For each other. It was not him who put her in that dungeon. She didn't mean for him to take it that way. It wasn't even close to being his fault. She hated herself for making him feel that it was.
"I am so sorry Hermione. I had no idea this was happening. Until yesterday I didn't think…" He tried not to let out the tiny sob that was building in his throat. "I didn't know…" The sob escaped.
Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck and she squeezed him as tight as she could. "Draco… I'm alright now. I'm with you. I'm safe and you're safe. We're together. It's okay now." She kissed the side of his head. "I'm not going anywhere." She smiled a little. "Not even if you want me to."
He whispered into her mess of hair. "I would never want that." He held her back by her shoulders. "But it's not fine Hermione. It will not be fine until we are out of here. Until we are as far off their radar as possible." Panic was starting to set in. He needed to get her out of here as soon as he could.
"R… run? Draco. I can't Draco. I can't abandon Harry. Ron. Everyo-" She was cut off by the anger growing on Draco's face.
"No!" He jumped off the bed and ripped his hands through his hair. "No. You won't be safe. They would not be able to protect you like I can! They don't care for you like I do! Hermione I need you. I need you safe. I want to be with you. We have to go. Don't you see? You have escaped them. They won't just let you get away. They will hunt you and kill you." The pained face Hermione made killed him.
"My fate will be the same. Disloyalty is not taken lightly. When they find out that I have abandoned my path… well let's just say that they won't let me get away." He moved back to her and cupped her cheek. He kissed her lips tenderly. "I cannot lose you again Hermione. I won't. It practically killed me. I almost lost myself completely."
Hermione was in shock. She could barely squeak out the words. "You're not going to follow your orders?" She couldn't believe it. "Draco. You… you're going to risk your life. Why? Why would yo-"
"For you Hermione. Haven't I made that clear just now? I know I hadn't been great at showing it before, but it's different now. I'm not going to take our time for granted any longer. " He grabbed her hands in his. "Come with me. We have to leave Hermione. It's the only way we can survive now. The only way we can be together. I know it's not what you wanted in life. Hermione you deserve so much more than I can give to you. I promise you though, I will do whatever I can to keep you safe. I'll do whatever it takes to keep you happy."
"I… I… I don't know if I can Draco. I don't know if I can do this." She stood up and passed him towards the window. She felt the sun on her face for the first time in over a week. She stood there for a moment trying to sort through everything. Trying to find another option. How could she do this?
Then suddenly she stopped. She stopped because there was no other answer. At least no other answer she needed. She wanted Draco. She wanted to be with him. She couldn't imagine spending another moment without him.
She whipped around and ran to Draco. She threw herself around him. "Yes. Oh yes Draco. I don't know what I was thinking. There is nothing else I want. I don't want to be anywhere you're not. I need you too Draco. I'm going wherever you go." She smothered her face into his neck.
Draco's heart lifted. He couldn't believe it. She could give it up for him. She just did. He did. They were going to do this. Together.
Draco's happiness was drowned out by the call of his mother. It was actually a blood curdling scream.
Draco grabbed Hermione sternly by the shoulders. "Listen to me. We can't leave yet. Not while my mother is around. She will catch you the minute you step out of this room. We will have to wait for the right moment." His face softened when he saw the fear in Hermione's eyes.
"Draco… how long?" She hardly got that out. The thought of being in this house longer was devastating. She didn't know if she could bare it.
He kissed her forehead. "Not long. Mother visits my father often. It could be tomorrow or the next day." He looked dead in her eyes. "I promise you. Now that I have you back, no onewill ever hurt you again. We will get out of here. I swear to you Hermione. You have no need to fear anything again."
He moved her to have a seat on the bed. He leaned over her and rubbed the side of her face. "Stay here. Okay? There are enchantments on the doors. No one other than me can enter. No one can hear inside. I have to go speak with her. Otherwise she'll have reason to find her way in here."
Hermione nodded. She was terrified, but she understood. She knew that he would protect her. So she had nothing to worry about. She was safe. There was just that little annoying part of her mind that was still filled with worry. Worry that something might go terribly wrong.
Draco flicked her nose and gave her a little smile. He opened the door just enough so that he could slip through. With a click of the door shutting, he was gone. She was alone again.
There was a cold feeling that washed over her. She crawled over to the pillows and pulled the blankets over her head. She closed her eyes. She wanted to keep them shut until Draco returned.
She was on edge. What if his mother knew he had saved her? What if Narcissa was confronting him now with Bellatrix? Her nerves were bouncing all over the place. She was in a state of paranoia. What if it was a distraction so they could get in here?
She must keep calm. She just needed to relax. Draco will return. He wouldn't leave her now. He promised.
Draco walked slowly down the staircase. He wasn't really in a rush to walk away from Hermione. He knew she was still in a fragile state. He didn't want her alone for long. Her mind was still damaged from the Crucio curse. He didn't know what tricks it could play on her.
"Draco! Oh darling you're here. My boy." Narcissa ran up to Draco and brought him into an embrace. "When you didn't answer me… goodness you gave me a scare."
"I'm fine." He pulled her back slightly. "What is going on mother? Is father alright? You were practically screaming." He must keep calm. Hermione's life depended on how he handled this.
"No your father is fine dear. I was just worried about you. Your aunt was attacked down in the dungeon. I was terrified the assailant had come after you as well. Did you see anyone come through the house? Did you see anyone Draco?" He could hear the insistence behind that question.
"No I'm afraid I haven't mother. I only came down stairs early for breakfast. I've been in my room since. I feel awful. I could have helped. I could have stopped him." He ran his hand through his hair and put on his most convincing concerned face. She bought it.
"Sweetheart it wasn't your fault. Bellatrix was foolish to let her guard down. It's being handled. Her attacker is being hunted as we speak." She smiled and pecked his cheek. "Come darling. We'll have supper early tonight." She turned and made her way for the dining room.
"Who was it mother? Who was the bloody coward that attacked her?" He was doing his best not to break his act. He needed her to believe every word. He needed to sound concerned about this. She would be suspicious otherwise.
"Some lowly Mudblood she caught for fun. Like I said your aunt was a fool. She should've kept a better eye on that creature. No matter though. It'll be killed like the vermin it is. In no time at all." Narcissa snickered at her comment. "Come now." She continued her way to the dining room.
Draco looked behind him with a foolish hope he would see Hermione. He didn't want dinner. He didn't want to see his mother right now. Not knowing what she had done to Hermione. He loved his mother. He did. His feeling for Hermione had surpassed those for his mother. He believed they had been greater for a while now. He couldn't leave Hermione alone in her delicate state. He was worried.
He just wanted to curl up with his witch. His witch. He smiled at that. She was his. He was hers. They are going to get through this. He was going to make sure of it.
So unwillingly he followed his mother.
Narcissa sat down in her usual seat. She was watching Draco's moves carefully as he sat. For a moment she looked as though she noticed Draco's change in mood. Like she could see right through his charade.
Two raggedy house elves came trotting in from the kitchen. They placed a plate in front of both him and his mother. Then with a snap of their fingers, the plates filled with a gorgeous steak dinner with all the trimmings.
Draco was starving. He knew Hermione would be as well. He would have to find a way to get some of this back for her. So instead of scarfing it down like his stomach was begging him for, he slowly picked at it and nudged it around on his plate.
"Are you not hungry dear? Is there something the matter? Did they not cook your meal properly. Pugsley!" She called out for the kitchen elf. "Pugsley get in here this instant!" Narcissa looked concerned for her son.
"No. That's not necessary. I'm fine mother really. I'm just tired is all. Lounging around all day hasn't really given me much energy." He paused thinking how to word his next request. "Would it be alright if I finished my dinner upstairs in my room? I'm just not up for sitting at the dinner table. It's hard to keep focus and I hate to be like this in your presence. I don't want to be disrespectful to you mother." He looked up at her with an innocent looking stare.
Narcissa mulled the question over for a second. Her features softened. "Of course sweetheart. If that's what you desire. Go on upstairs and I'll see you tomorrow." She smiled at him.
"Thank you mother." He got up and crossed over to where she was seated. He leaned down and kissed the top of her head. He went back and grabbed his meal. He was almost out the door when she stopped him.
"Get plenty of rest dear. I was going to wait until we were finished eating to tell you, but now would be the proper moment. I've been told that in two days' time you will be called upon." Her face glowed with excitement.
Excitement that Draco could just not match.
He stuttered at that information. "Two days?" He was sure his eyes were as wide as they felt, because his mother was now looking at him strangely.
"Yes. Two days. What is the matter with you boy? This is great news. You're acting as though you were just informed someone died. Our Lord has a request to ask of you. This is a privilege. You should act as such." She was looking at his very suspiciously.
"No. I'm sorry. It's just I wasn't expecting it to be so soon. I just don't want to let you and father down. That's all. I'll be fine. I'm sorry if I didn't seem grateful for this opportunity. I am. I'm… I'm going to retire to my room now. Goodnight mother." He slowly turned around and exited the room.
His mother called after him, but he didn't understand what she said. He didn't care. Two days? Bloody hell that was no time at all. He had to make sure that he got Hermione out of here before then. He must. There was no other option. He couldn't be here and turn Voldemort down to his face. That was suicide.
No. They would have to leave tomorrow. They had to.
He got to his bedroom door and whispered the password to unlock the door. He entered quietly and locked the door behind him.
He placed the dinner plate on the table beside the bed. He looked at the tiny lump that was under the blanket. He chuckled at the sight. She softened him. Normally he would have hated feeling like this. But with her it didn't matter. He could be like this and she would still look at him as her strong protector. She was an unbelievable person. She saw more to him. She brought that kindness out of him. He felt as though he could be himself with her. Completely.
Hermione woke up to movement on the bed. She smiled when a heavy arm wrapped around her and pulled her in. She pressed herself against his stomach. It felt so right. Like nothing in the world could touch her. Nothing could harm her. Not while he was there.
"I missed you." He whispered into her ear. He placed a gently kiss on the back of her neck and squeezed her in tighter.
"What took you so long?" Hermione rolled over so that they were nose to nose. Neither seemed to mind that they had to go cross-eyed to look at each other.
"Mother had me sit with her for dinner." He sighed a little.
He didn't want to tell her. He wanted her to have one night of peace. He didn't want to burden her with worry tonight, but he wasn't going to keep her in the dark. If she knew everything he could keep her safe easier. "They're hunting for you. My aunt is furious. Seems you really let her have it. She is now clearly embarrassed that you got one over on her." He smirked at her.
He was proud in a way. Bellatrix was not a witch you would want to cross. Hermione held her own, he was damn proud. "They believe you're making your way back to Hogwarts. That will help us with our escape. They won't be anywhere near here when we need to leave. They will be searching for you closer to the school grounds."
"That's good." She didn't sound too convincing. "You really think we can do this? That we can get away?" The hope was gleaming in his eyes.
He kissed her to calm her nerves. "Hermione. I believe we can do anything. As long as I have you I'm going to fight my ass off for it. You're never going to be harmed again."
His face faltered a little. She saw it.
"Draco what's wrong? There's more isn't there?" There was worry growing in her eyes.
"We need to leave tomorrow Hermione." He let out.
Hermione's expression turned to shock. "Tomorrow Draco? That's so soon. Why?"
He looked at her sternly. "Because in two days I will be expected to meet with the Dark Lord. He plans on giving me a mission and I am meant to follow through with it." He took a deep breath and shied his eyes away from her. "So that is why we must leave. Tomorrow. We have no choice."
Hermione grabbed his chin and lifted it up so his eyes met hers. She gave him a nod meaning she understood what he was saying. This time she brought him in closer for a heated kiss.
They were longing for each other. All of this dancing around for months. It was all so frustrating. They wanted each other. Now.
Draco rolled himself on top of her. He pressed his body down hard onto her to express his need for her. He moved his hand up under her dress and stroked her inner thigh. With the other hand he supported her head and pressed it harder into his own.
Hermione shuttered at the touch of his hand on her bare skin. She had never had this feeling rush through her. Not before him at least. She wanted him. All of him. In every way possible. She wanted to give herself to him. She in turn reached her hand to the waist of his pants and caressed his skin below. She could feel the goose bumps forming.
Draco trembled. His body was screaming for her now. He needed her. He separated their mouths to slip her dress off. He was about to go back in to reinitiate the kiss, but Hermione motioned to take his shirt off before he could.
Hermione lifted herself up so that their bare bodies made contact. The rush was unbelievable. It sent shivers down her spine. She had tingling feelings in places she was never aware she could. She had never experienced such hunger for someone. This was the most intense and pleasing sensation. She couldn't resist letting herself drown in him. She dug her nails into his back causing him to arch. She could feel his muscles tighten. He was amazing.
Draco was now caressing the side of her breast and kissing the nape of her neck. He felt his urges growing. Both in emotions and in between his legs. He moved his hand slowly down to the waist of her panties. He slid his finger across the top of them just as she did to him. He felt her shake in anticipation.
"Draco." She whispered as he nibbled at her neck. "Please Draco. I need you." She ran her fingers down to his lower back and squeezed his sides.
Draco needed no more than that. He slid down the remaining cloth on her as she undid his trousers. Within seconds there was nothing in between them. Nothing keeping them apart.
Draco was still hesitant. He didn't want to rush her. He didn't want to go too fast to scare her off. He wanted the moment to be right. He wanted her to be ready. He cared for her deeply. He didn't want to take it further than what she was ready for.
Hermione was losing it. She wanted… no needed him. Her body was screaming. She pushed her pelvis into his. She figured that would be the perfect signal for the go ahead.
It was.
Draco took a deep breath as he entered her. It was the most miraculous sensation he had ever felt before. No other female had made him feel so whole. Hermione was his missing piece. She completed him. She was everything he needed. And in this moment she was giving him everything.
He was tender. He treated her with the most respect she could have asked for. He wasn't pushing her to do something she didn't feel comfortable with. He was wonderful. She lost herself into his motions.
Their foreheads were touching. Draco was staring deep into Hermione's eyes. With every thrust her face showed of bliss. She let out tiny little moans and gasps. In turn it excited him.
He slid his arms behind her back and lifted her up. Draco was now kneeling on the bed as Hermione straddled his lap. Her head hung above his. Her arms were wrapped around his neck. One of her hands was digging into his shoulder while the other had a fist full of his hair.
Draco was doing his best to hold on. He wanted it special for her. To last. He wanted her to remember this forever. Only problem was she was driving him mad. He was close to finishing. He tried to hold off, but the feeling of her was making it impossible.
Hermione began to move against his motions. The friction between them was becoming extremely heated.
Their breathing was erratic.
Hermione let out an exhausted moan. Her body shivered as she reached her peak of pleasure. She could feel Draco beneath her coming to his own finish.
He laid her down gently. He didn't remove himself. He played with the hair that was matted to her face. He leaned down and gave her a passionate kiss.
She caressed the back of his neck and had a huge smile on her face when he parted their lips.
They were both exhausted.
Draco slid himself off of her and placed himself by her side.
Hermione nestled her head into his arm. She was falling asleep to the movement of Draco's chest. He was breathing deeply. He must had fallen asleep the instant his head hit the pillow.
She smiled to herself. There was nowhere else she could imagine being. She was content. She was complete. She had Draco. They had each other. They belonged together.
She closed her eyes and allowed her exhaustion to take over her.