:: Chapter Ten: The Time Has Come ::

Honestly Ron and Harry didn't have the slightest clue of what they were going to do. No amount of Auror training could've ever prepared them for this. Their hearts raced as they stepped closer to the mansion. They made their way towards the back door; no matter how many spells they muttered the door would not budge. They had no choice but to find the quickest way inside. Which just so happened to be the front door.

"Draco, I'm afraid." Hermione confessed softly. He felt his heart crumble. He didn't know what to do. He knew that Hermione had to do; there was absolutely no doubt in his mind that she would be leaving him a matter of minutes.

"I'm so sorry. I don't know what I can do."

"I wish this would have never happened."

"Don't say that."

"Well its true."

"If none of this would have ever happened we would still hate each other." He pointed out.

"But I also wouldn't be dying before I reach the age of twenty-five. I'm only twenty-four Draco, I want to get married, to have kids, and I want to know I have a future."

"I don't know what to tell you Hermione. I love you, and I don't want anything to happen to you, but I'm no longer in control."

"Run away." She said suddenly. "Let's run away, let's get away from here. Let's do it." She pleaded.

"I wish we could. but that's almost a certain death."

"And so is staying here." Hermione was beginning to break down. Draco moved from his chair and sat next to her on the bed. He took her bound hands in his and looked her in the eye. She stared back at him, waiting for him to say something, and yet, no words escaped his lips. Instead he kissed her, stifling her concerns, muting her fears. Her muscles relaxed and she prayed that this moment wouldn't end. The kiss deepened and his tongue explored the crevasses of her mouth. They both were unaware of any outside movement, the squeak of the stairs and the footsteps coming closer.

Harry's hand shook as he reached for the cold knob of the door. He pushed it open and took in a sharp breath.

"Well, well, Mr. Potter." Lucius Malfoy drawled. "It's nice to see you."

"I believe you're hiding someone here that I need to rescue." Harry said casually.

"That mudblood?" The trademark Malfoy smirk graced his lips. The sneer that added character to Draco's handsome features only made the older Malfoy seem even more hideous than before.

"Don't toy with me Malfoy." Harry snapped. He reached into his pants pocket nervously running his hands over the wooden wand in his pocket. Lucius said something to a Death Eater that neither Auror could make out. Within mere moments Draco escorted a gagged and bound Hermione down the main stairs.

"Hermione!" Ron yelled. Whether it was relief or panic that filled his voice it was uncertain but the sheer emotion shone through. Hermione's eyes welled with tears. Draco's heart rate quickened, this was the moment he had been dreading. Lucius pointed his wand at Hermione.

"Avada Kedavra!" The killing curse rang out clearly it the room. Hermione fell to the ground and it took all of Draco's strength not to rush to her side. However, Ronald Weasley is not that strong. Without a moments hesitation Harry turned his wand on Lucius.

"I'm tired of watching you kill the people closest to me." Harry drawled.

"You won't have to watch it anymore." Lucius said maintaining the position of the wand on Harry.