Disclaimer: JK Rowling created and profits from Harry Potter. I do not.

The Bond Servant

Chapter Ten

Christmas vacation, of course, turned out to be the complete opposite of what she had imagined. Hermione had thought she would be reading for pleasure and exploring the city of Krasnodar and spending romantic evenings and weekend days with Lucius. She had imagined a refuge from her responsibilities to Voldemort and the Order.

Well, she had gotten half, she supposed.

After Lucius had left her, she had went home quickly. He wasn't there. She had waited up for him all night, hoping that he would come back for her in the morning when the portkey left. When he had not shown up by eleven, she knew that he had left without her an hour prior. In her desperation not to lose him, she wrote several owls over the next few days, but they were never answered.

As more time passed, his parting words set in more. Finally, she had to acknowledge the truth. Lucius had broken up with her.

On the 29th, Adeline and Abraxas tried to come over, but she didn't answer them. Perhaps Lucius ending things was for the best. Maybe he would stay in Russia and not get involved. At the very least, she knew he would not seek out Voldemort to spy on him. The truth was that things were over, and in the long run, it was better that way.

On the second day of 1974, Hermione was still horribly drunk. She had not left her home for any reason other than to buy more alcohol from the shop in town and a small amount of groceries. She was to return back for her first classes at Hogwarts again the next day and her last season of work at the hospital would begin the following Monday.

Considering everyone thought she had been in Russia, with the exception of Lucius's parents, she had also gotten out of having to fulfill her obligations to spend time with Roderick. Unfortunately, that was to end.

She looked at the clock on the mantle from her position on the couch and groaned. She had to meet Roderick at the Leaky Cauldron for drinks in half an hour. On the bright side, at least she could keep drinking there. She pulled herself to her feet and into the kitchen, throwing open the cabinet that contained her dwindling bottles of booze and phials of sobering draughts.

Pulling one of the phials out, she fully intended to throw it back after pulling out the cork, but the smell caught her nose. "Damnit!" she said, throwing it against the wall. The smell of sulfer permeated the room, stating that she had certainly not imagined that the cure had not been stoppered properly. That was what she got for brewing while drunk.

She was going to have to play it straight. Yes, that was the right thing to do.

She resolved to start practicing right away. Walking, slightly awkwardly, up the stairs, she quickly made her way to her bedroom where she changed clothes. She ran a brush through her hair and pinned half of it back with a barrette and quickly brushed her teeth. Then, she walked down the stairs and toward the floo. "Leaky Cauldron!" she said, stepping into the green flames.

She stumbled out, giggling as she barely caught herself on a passing busboy. "Sorry bout that!" she said, waving to him as she looked around the room.

She saw Roderick already sitting at a table. He smiled when he saw her and walked across the room toward her. "Happy New Year!" he said, bowing slightly to her.

She remembered that she was supposed to be acting sober and nodded. "Yes, thanks. You, too," she responded, looping her arm through his so he could lead her to the table.

Once seated, he caught the attention of Tom. Tom walked over quickly and smiled. "Miss Elias and Mr. Nott! What can I get for the two of you?"

Hermione smiled at Tom, a bit too widely. "A pint and a shot of whiskey, Tom! Actually, make that 4 shots of whiskey to share. We are celebrating the New Year!"

Roderick raised an eyebrow but nodded. "An extra pint of whatever it is she likes for me."

"So, how was Russia?" Roderick asked, politely, once Tom had walked away.

Hermione forced a smile to her lips, unable to tell how utterly fake it looked. "Beautiful. Cold, but beautiful."

Their drinks returned and Roderick lifted his beer. "To a productive and pleasurable New Year! Cheers!"

Hermione clinked her glass to his and put it to her mouth, drinking deeply. She didn't particularly notice that she drank half the glass immediately, but Roderick did.

"Did you miss me while you were away?" he asked, smiling at her in that charming way of his.

He looked so roguish and sexy in this light. How was it he was single? Oh, right, he was pursuing her and not anyone else. She watched as he pushed a hand through his thick reddish hair. She finally noticed his amused, if somewhat confused, stare.

"Huh?" she asked, blinking rapidly. "I didn't hear you," she said, giggling a bit.

It was nice to be out. Her home felt completely empty knowing that it wasn't likely to have Lucius in it anytime soon. Spending time with Roderick, away from there, was a good thing.

"I asked if you missed me while you were in Russia," he repeated.

She shrugged. "I don't know. I was pretty busy thinking about Lucius. I hope his Christmas sucked as much as mine!" The last was said angrily, and she reached out and threw back a shot.

Roderick looked a bit startled at that but took one of his own shots and drank it quickly.

"Had a fight?" he asked, trying to hide the hope in his voice.

Hermione giggled again. "Your pers... persister…" she paused for a moment, trying to remember the word she was looking for. "The way you keep trying is both cute and annoying." She put one of her elbows on the table and propped her chin on her hand.

"You are drunk," Roderick said, stating what was very obvious.

Hermione tried to contain it but couldn't. She giggled again, reminding herself of Lavender Brown. "Oops! You found me out!"

Roderick just looked at her stupidly. "So, you and Lucius got into a fight."

She snorted, "It was kinda one sided but sure, Rick. We got into a fight."

Roderick's lips quirked. "Rick?"

She shrugged. "I already use 'Rod' and 'Roddy' for Rodolphus. I could use it for you, but then I would have to call him 'Dolphus' and that sounds too much like 'dufus'. Actually, I think I'll call you Ricky. Yes, Ricky. It has just a little bit of… something, doesn't it, Ricky?" She cocked her head to the side, and his smile widened.

"You can call me whatever you want to," he responded. "So… are you and Lucius…"

"Kaput? Seems that way. Told me that I might as well just not go to Russia and just accept your proposal. Sound like a break up to you?" she said, tossing back the other shot and then chugging the rest of her beer.

Roderick looked between the bar and Hermione, as if he was contemplating whether to get her another drink. He finally caught Tom's eye and mouthed "coffee" to him. Hermione caught the action.

"Coffee, huh? Cutting me off already?" She reached across the table and took his other shot, raising it to him mockingly before drinking it, too.

"He broke up with you?" Roderick said, obviously surprised that Lucius would do such a thing. "Why?!"

Hermione sighed, knowing she couldn't give away the reason why. "I don't want to talk about that."

Roderick nodded, letting that go. "So, does this mean…."

She snorted, rolling her eyes. "Ricky, don't be pushy. It makes you less attractive."

He raised his eyebrows, looking pleased. "You think I am attractive?"

She rolled her eyes again, "I think we both know the answer to that. Do not fish for compliments. Of course you are attractive, but that doesn't mean I want to marry you."

Roderick nodded. "I love spending time with you, but… perhaps you should go home?"

Hermione glared, "Because I had a few drinks?"

He shook his head and reached out, taking her hand. "No. I just want what you say to me to be because you want to say it, not because your inhibitions are lowered. I don't want you to think I have taken advantage of you or something like that. I want to win you over, and I think it is best if I try to do that when you are sober."

Hermione sighed. "So you'd send me back to my empty house to continue being drunk?"

He shrugged. "I'll escort you there if you like and see that you get in bed. While you can do what you like, you should probably stop drinking. Tomorrow is a teaching day, isn't it?"

"You'd see that I got in bed?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

He rolled his eyes at her that time. "Yes. As in climbed into your own bed alone and went to sleep. Can we go?"

He pulled out several galleons and dropped them on the table.

Hermione shrugged and stood. "You can't come to my house. I have specific wards so only select people can approach. You aren't one of them."

Roderick looked at her in confusion and frowned. "Do you think I am a danger to you?"

She shook her head, unwilling to admit that when she had made the list of the few people that could not gain access to her home even if invited that she had definitely thought he might possibly harm her. Considering she did not currently want to see him shocked unconscious and lying in the Malfoy dungeons, she didn't want him to attempt it.

"No, I don't. I am quite confident I could take you. There are only a few people that can come to my house, and I have been closer with them for a lot longer."

Roderick nodded, thoughtfully. "Okay. Can you get home okay or should I pay for you to get a room here?"

She shook her head, "I'll be fine. I think I'll apparate home, though; it is easier on the stomach."

Roderick stood from the table and helped her up, looping an arm around her waist as they left the Leaky Cauldron and headed for an apparition point. Standing next to the small alcove a few moments later, Roderick looked at her.

"Well, thanks for meeting me regardless of… well, I doubt you really wanted to be here tonight," he said, quietly.

Hermione nodded. "It was surprisingly good seeing you. I'm sorry I'm… yeah, I need some time." She swayed lightly, and ran a hand through her hair.

Roderick smiled down at her much smaller form. "I understand. But, uhm… well, I want you to know that even if things didn't work out with Lucius like you planned… I'm still here. I want to be here, you know, with you."

Hermione smiled at him. "Thanks… Ricky." She started to turn toward the designated point when she felt his hand grab hers. She turned and looked up at him again.

"I do want to kiss you, if that is okay," he murmured.

Hermione felt her eyes widen as she blurted out, "oh."

Roderick looked down at the hand she hadn't yet pulled away from his and thought over the very distinct lack of rebuff. Smiling, he leaned down and slid his other hand to her jaw, cupping it. Then, he gently pressed his lips to hers.

Hermione lay in her bed, staring at the ceiling. One hand absently moved to her mouth, brushing against her lips as she thought over the end of her most recent encounter with her only remaining suitor.

Roderick Nott had kissed her.

The shock of what happened had caused her to stop drinking, at least. She could feel the buzz of alcohol wearing off as her room slowly brightened with the rising sun.

She sat up in bed, wincing as the movement caused her head to ache. Standing up and making the bed she had not really slept in, she thought again over what had happened.

Roderick's lips had pressed gently against hers, and she had initially stiffened at the contact. After a moment of hesitation, she raised her free hand up to his shoulder, intending to push him away.

He, however, had taken the movement to mean something entirely different. She heard a slight sound of pleasure as he smiled against her lips. His hands came to her waist, pulling her closer to him. Feeling his chest come into contact with hers is what started it.

Without even thinking, she found herself kissing back. Her hand slid from his shoulder into the hair at the base of his neck.

He squeezed her waist a bit as he pulled back, smiling happily at her in a way she didn't see often. Lucius smiled and grinned with her to be sure, but there was always some sort of strange amusement behind it. Lucius was constantly thinking about what was amusing him. His eyes would sparkle intelligently, and she could almost feel him thinking about what witticism he could return.

Roderick, his smile was absolutely stunning. The skin next to his eyes crinkled slightly with sheer joy, and he seemed to experience the moment as it passed, living it to its fullest. She knew she was like Lucius. She didn't sit back and just live like that. When was the last time she had just been… happy? Perhaps 4th year at Hogwarts? Or maybe even earlier than that…

Roderick continued to smile as his hands left her waist. Noticing her expression, which she was sure was quite strange, he cocked his head slightly to the side, still smiling.

That sealed it. Hermione put her hands on his broad chest and pressed her lips eagerly to his. He let out a slightly startled noise before quickly pulling her into him and enthusiastically returning their kiss. While the first had been sweet and chaste, this one was not.

Hermione let out a moan as he lightly backed her up against the brick wall. Her mind rushed through faces in her head. Only a few were particularly noteworthy. Victor Krum had been too aggressive. She had felt like he was trying to eat her almost. Ron Weasley has been a bit too wet and was a bit too much of a tongue enthusiast. Kingsley Shacklebolt had been a bit like kissing a brother. Just… nothing.

Lucius could certainly kiss. He set her on fire with them sometimes. They were always pushing for dominance, challenging each other with their minds, bodies, and souls.

Roderick was unlike any of these. He definitely knew how to kiss her, but it was so different from Lucius. He was definitely in a dominant position, but she was sure that if she wanted to take control, he would gladly hand it over. It wasn't a challenge, it was just a very, very good snog. It was simple.

And then, it was over. He pulled back from her lips and stepped back, still smiling at her.

She started to take a step toward him, but he raised a hand. "I am… Don't get me wrong. I am ecstatic about this, but I don't want this right now. On some level, alcohol is causing this, and I don't want you to blame me for it later."

Reality started to settle in, even though a part of her wanted to just forget about everything and enjoy a bit of simplicity. Still, she knew that it wouldn't be simple when the sun came up.

"You should go home. Get some rest. Tomorrow, I will owl you and set up a proper date with you. And if you like, while on that date and sober, you will kiss me again and I will not stop you. I just hope that in the morning you don't back off of this. Obviously, there is potential for us… please don't deny that."

She said nothing but nodded, sure she was blushing.

"Go on home, then. Don't splinch yourself."

And so here she was. Alone in her house after her first romantic encounter with Roderick Nott. Confliction summed up her feelings quite easily.

First, she was guilty. Lucius has broken up with her less than two weeks before, and she was making out with his rival? She had told him that Roderick wouldn't be a threat, and she had been snogging him last night. He had stopped it. What would she have done if she hadn't? Would she have woken up to Roderick Nott in bed with her?

Second, she was angry. She was incredibly angry at Lucius after all of this time. Had she only kissed Roderick and advanced things because of that? She knew she shouldn't be angry at Lucius. He hadn't taken the news of her spying well. She hadn't thought he would just throw her away like that, though. She had thought he would give her a chance to explain herself at least.

Third, she was contemplative. And that was because of the kiss itself. She had thought it would be impossible to feel those butterflies of the same intensity that she did with Lucius. While it was still a very different kiss, she would be stupid to deny that there was a connection.

And that was a problem. There was a connection. She was pretty sure she liked Roderick, and she knew that chemistry was not an issue. So… what to do about it?

Accepting a relationship with him felt like it would certainly be closing the door on a relationship with Lucius. While she knew she didn't love Roderick, she knew she did love Lucius. Still, the promise she had made to the old Lucius was fulfilled. She didn't see him joining Voldemort. She didn't see him becoming that cold murderer he would have become without her. He was technically in the clear.

Perhaps Roderick was another person she could save. Lucius had not mentioned him as being one of the potentials, but he hadn't gone into great detail about the other Death Eaters. He had been consumed with thoughts of himself. Maybe if she could convince Roderick to see the light, he would be saved as well.

After all, her point in coming here had been to save lives, not make a good life for herself. If she rejected Roderick, it was possible she was dooming him to a life of sin and servitude.

And even if he was doomed to become a true Death Eater, no matter what she did… wouldn't it open up an opportunity to gather more information? Roderick and even his father might be willing to share information the Dark Lord gave them, too. Information that could end this whole war before it got a chance to start.

But did it truly come down to potentially making herself happy versus saving people? It was possible, she supposed. And, if making herself happy included being with Lucius… it was possible that ship had already sailed. Lucius had broken up with her.

A relationship with Roderick, she knew, would be easier for her at the moment. While trying to turn his heart against Voldemort, she could imagine what she would get with him. He really could be a sweet and thoughtful man. He could be happy and carefree in a way that felt a bit impossible to Hermione, and that was attractive all on its own. She had made a habit of surrounding herself with people that were carrying a lot of baggage or were just as challenge-oriented and intellectual as herself.

With Roderick, maybe she could learn to possess a bit of simplicity. Sure, he still was ambitious and cunning. He wasn't dumb, but he was simple. He was blacks and whites while she and Lucius lived on a palette where the two had been swirled together with a toothpick. Few blacks and whites while greys of various shades consumed.

She walked downstairs, intending to scramble a few eggs before heading out to buy a hangover relief. She was taken by surprise to see a Roderick's owl sitting patiently on her open window sill. Upon seeing her, the owl flew over and suck its leg out.

She smiled as she saw the hangover remedy, and sniffed it quickly before drinking it in one swallow. Then, she read the short letter attached.

Hera,

Thank you for meeting me last night. I am sorry I had to cut our time together short, but I do hope to see you again as soon as you have time. Saturday night at seven? I could pick you up at Hogwarts, and we could explore Hogsmeade together. I never actually had a date there with anyone, so it would be nice to do that with you.

Sincerely, Ricky

P.S. Please stop overanalyzing. Not everything has to be thought about for hours in reflection. Let's meet and let things happen as they will, with less liquor.

She smiled lightly, chuckling to see that he had initially started to write "Roderick" before crossing it out and replacing it with her new nickname for him.

Should she accept the date? Her mind started to go over everything again before she looked at the postscript and caught herself smiling. Yes, yes she should.

Dear Lucius,

I won't be bothering you anymore. Your silence has spoken volumes on how you feel, and I understand. Truly, I do.

I know you probably aren't even reading this, but I feel it necessary to say just a few more things.

Please finish your apprenticeship. You have so much to offer the world. For my part, I will do my best to make sure that no one tries to keep you away from what you want to do. Stay in Russia and when you finish there, I urge you to look into jobs that would keep you away from the stresses of life in Britain.

Please do not allow our relationship falling apart to have an effect on your relationship with your parents. They, like I, want only the best for you and everyone else.

I hope you understand why I couldn't tell you sooner, and I also hope you can make peace with the decisions I have made eventually. I am sorry things won't work out between us, but I do hope you know that my thoughts will always be of you. I will continue to love you, even if we can't be together. I will hope that this decision turns out to be the best for everyone

I'm proud of the man you have become.

Sincerely,

Hera

Hermione tied her letter to her owl's leg and looked at it in the eye. "Aramis, please take this to Lucius. You don't need to wait for a reply. Just come on home, and I promise I won't force any long journeys on you anytime soon."

Her owl flew out the window, and Hermione watched it go until it disappeared into the darkening sky.

She reflected on how her afternoon had been. She had finally allowed Adeline to come over, and she had even managed to keep herself from falling apart again as she told her what had happened. Adeline had been upset, and Hermione had sat there watching the woman she had expected to be her mother-in-law cry.

Hermione had comforted her in a clinical, no-nonsense way. "He is safer without having the Dark Lord so close." "Perhaps he will stay away all together now." "Now I can focus on what I need to be doing rather than what I want." "This is good."

The words sounded false to her own ears, even as she tried to convince herself to the small truths within them. Getting involved with Lucius was, perhaps, something she shouldn't have allowed. Perhaps if she had demanded friendship only, despite her feelings, she would be further along in her task. It was foolish of her to focus on her own personal happiness and future when the major point was to insure that other people had a future. She was been selfish.

Adeline had not taken the news of her consenting to date Roderick well. Shortly after hearing it, she had left, saying she would speak to Dumbledore on her behalf. But not before informing her that she would allow Roland Shacklebolt to be the major middleman and to encourage them to perhaps bring Edgar Bones in. It would look strange, after all, for Adeline to be continuing a close relationship with Hermione after she and Lucius had broken up.

After she left, Hermione was partially relieved to receive a short owl from Abraxas.

I understand. I will still be at your side.

It hadn't even been signed, but she had known it was from him all the same. His writing was similar to Lucius's, if slightly more tilted and cramped.

At least she could rely on him to hold her together: the only"friend" that was also a disloyal Death Eater, and the only Malfoy she could count on having a relationship with in the future.

On Saturday night, she was startled from getting dressed for her date with Roderick by a burning on her arm. She sighed. At least, with Roderick, she wouldn't have to make an excuse. He would know it was imperative to go to the Dark Lord's side rather than meet her and understand if she was late.

She had walked quickly from Hogwarts, brushing her arm casually as she walked past Dumbledore as he went into the Great Hall. He nodded in understanding.

Once she got off of Hogwarts grounds, she apparated to the Dark Lord, seeing him seated on his sofa in the study. Bowing quickly, she spoke. "My lord?"

Voldemort nodded. "Just another moment, Hera," he said, smiling charmingly.

A moment later, another crack sounded and Roderick was there, walking to stand at her side. He also bowed and greeted the Dark Lord before looking at her and smiling lightly.

"I guess I won't have to apologize for running late," he said, teasingly.

Hermione watched as the Dark Lord's eyebrow rose in amusement. "So, it is true, then? You have ended things with Mister Malfoy?"

Hermione nodded her head, fighting hard to contain her thoughts on the subject. "Yes, my Lord."

Roderick looked as if he was trying not to be happy about hearing it said out loud, but he was only half successful.

"Why?" the Dark Lord asked.

If he had been anyone else, she might have told him to mind his own business. Unfortunately, that didn't seem like a good decision.

"He believed that I was forming an attachment to Roderick and told me to choose. When I told him that I could not do that until the required six months had passed, he told me that I had obviously already made a choice and left." The lie was plausible, at least, and Hermione knew that Adeline would make sure Lucius knew that that was the cause of the breakup.

"Abraxas told me earlier today. He believes his son has made quite a mistake."

"Don't we all? I won't look a gift horse in the mouth though," Roderick said, smiling at her.

"Abraxas is a smart man. It is sad that his son seems to be so… brash. I wonder if this has changed your mind on if Lucius can be recruited, though?"

Hermione looked at the Dark Lord seriously. "It has not. At this point, I wonder if his temperamental attitude would actually be a detriment to you. I also do not wish to work with him anytime soon. Do you intend to break your word?"

The Dark Lord frowned and was silent before tutting softly. "I am a man of my word, Miss Elias, and I would ask that you not question that. I do trust that if you change your mind you will let me know?"

"Of course, my Lord," she said, lightly.

"As it stands, you are fortunate to have had two intelligent, powerful, pureblood suitors. Mr. Nott is also a friend to this cause and arguably a better match for you. You have my blessing."

Roderick seemed to be struggling not to beam at the Dark Lord, a notion which seemed completely ridiculous in Hermione's head. Did anyone other than Bellatrix actually grin at the man?

"I appreciate your approval, my Lord, but do not wish to get yours or Roderick's hopes up yet. I have not decided if I am going to pursue the relationship after the six months is up. I might decide not to date for a while after this is over."

Roderick looked at her in surprise, frowning lightly. She raised an eyebrow at him, and the Dark Lord chuckled.

"I assume from Mr. Nott's greeting that the two of you had plans for the evening?"

They both nodded together, and Voldemort smiled before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a pouch. He tossed it to Roderick, and Hermione could hear the sound of wizarding currency jingling inside. "Your evening together is on me. Enjoy yourselves."

Roderick looked across the table at his date and forced a smile. "I think you enjoyed yourself more when you were drunk," he said, trying to lighten the mood.

Hermione raised an eyebrow and was quiet for several tense moments before responding. "I am giving this a real shot, Roderick."

"Ricky," he said, quietly. He glanced at her beseechingly, and she tried to hold back her surprise. She had thought he would hate the nickname and had intended to let it go. She was sure he would find it juvenile. Roderick certainly sounded more powerful.

Her expression must have encouraged him to speak.

"I've always been Nott or Roderick. I might not be particularly… playful, but it is nice to have someone act relaxed with me. Also, I like the idea of being someone special to you, and a nickname signifies that. I," he hesitated, seemingly unsure if he should continue.

Finally, he steeled himself and finished. "Even when I didn't respect you or want a relationship with you, I could acknowledge that the way you looked at your friends… the way you looked at Lucius… no one has ever looked at me like that before. Maybe my mother did, but she was gone too soon for me to remember it. My 'friends' are mostly acquaintances and allies. Honestly, before you started, it was like that with most everyone else, too. Sure, Lucius and Antonin have always been close, but outside of them there weren't any real friendships. I've seen you and various members of your group in Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade just for fun. I'm… jealous. I want friendships like that. Not ones that are predicated on the political or financial or social benefits of it. So, Ricky… from you."

Hermione looked at him, feeling a wave of sympathy for the man sitting across her. If this was how he would feel in 30 years, she couldn't be surprised that he was a Death Eater. To not feel like you had friends or anyone who valued you as an individual? How many other Slytherins felt like that?

"Ricky…" she said, softly, nodding at him.

He smiled, trying to fight off a blush.

"So, before I interrupted you…"

Hermione took a deep breath and huffed it out. "I am not over Lucius, not even close. I want that to be perfectly clear. I don't know when I will be, and I am not going to lie and pretend that I am. However, I am not going to outright reject you just because this caused issues for me. If Lucius can't… if he can't deal with the situations I am in by my side, perhaps it isn't meant to be."

Roderick nodded, encouraging her to continue. "Don't expect me to accept a proposal from you in two months. It won't happen. I'm not saying it can't in the future. You seem like a good guy, and if there hadn't been a Lucius, maybe I would feel differently. As it stands, you are just going to have to be patient. When the two months is up, if all is going well, I will continue to tentatively pursue a relationship with you… on my terms."

Roderick smiled and reached his hand out to lay it on the small table between them, looking at her hopefully. She took a deep breath before putting her hand on top of his. Dear Merlin, she hoped she wasn't getting in too deep…

Author's note: Today has been a frustrating week with sick kids and a painful rewrite that effected several future chapters due to a dumb mistake. It is all taken care of now, but I did not get around to much new material this week. Anyway, thank you all for reading and for your awesome reviews! I hope you are still enjoying the story and see it as being worth the time to write a review. I promise the thirty seconds max that it takes to write a nice review is way less than I spend writing this behemoth. I'm thinking that there will be a "Part 3", though it is a ways off from what I am writing now. Probably at least another 10-15 chapters here at least.

Next up: A Daily Prophet article and a little bit of time with Narcissa.