Chapter Ten

After her first day of training, Hermione was quick to establish a new strenuous routine. She began her day by meeting everyone down in the Great Hall during breakfast and would sit conversing with Harry, Ron and Ginny first. Things had started out tense between them, as they didn't seem to know how to treat her or how to talk to her, but after a while they relaxed and a new kind of friendship began to develop between the four. Things weren't completely lost, which they were all grateful for.

Hermione would then spend time with Remus, discussing his blossoming romance with Dora. He appeared much more comfortable with the topic of romance than he had previously; now that he was beginning to accept it instead of shy away from it. She could see the difference in him already; he looked less tired and weary and seemed to have a definite spring in his step. She was pleased for her best friend because she knew how hard he had tried to push love away thinking he was undeserving of it, because of who or rather what he was. He didn't seem to grasp that this was furthest from the truth than possible. Well until now that was.

Hermione and the Cullen's would then go out to the Quidditch Pitch where they helped her to continue with training. She was a quick learner and absorbed everything that Jasper taught like a sponge. She actually really enjoyed this part of her day. Sometimes the others would come out and watch them practice and even cheer her on. Ron was completely amazed by her speed and fighting skills and often sat watching her in awe.

After training with the Cullen's she would then go out hunting, either with Alice alone, so that they could discuss private matters, mostly concerning the heart. Sometimes the others would join them and honestly Hermione didn't mind. She loved their company and enjoyed spending time with all of them.

Sanguini was also beginning to come out of his shell somewhat and Hermione began to relax more in his company. She couldn't believe how clever and book smart he was, and since he had knowledge of the magical world thanks to Eldred Worple, they had a lot more things to discuss than just the basics.

She found herself spending more time with him and was fascinated to learn all about his way of life. Learning how different it was compared to the Cullen's. He was a lot darker in a way but he wasn't nasty or vicious with it, like some of the vampires in the stories he told. Sanguini had been the one who told her all about the Volturi and their laws, causing Hermione to be genuinely surprised when he spoke about them, because she never once thought that vampires would follow laws or rules. It seemed that everything she knew about vampires, from watching films and reading muggle books, was the complete opposite to the life she now led.

Instead of turning to dust in direct sunlight, she sparkled like a million diamonds. Instead of being repulsed by the smell of garlic it didn't bother them. Instead of roaming wild and killing everyone they could, they were discreet and had rules and laws to follow. She seemed to learn more about herself from Sanguini than from anyone else.

He also explained to her the laws the Volturi put in place for fear of being exposed to the human world. Including how it was against the law for a magical being, like herself, to be changed. Not only did that mean her existence was against the law, but it also meant that she would never be able to change Severus, even if she wanted too. That put a lot of things into perspective for her.

After hunting she would then meet Alastor back in the Quidditch Pitch at 4pm so that he could train her to fight with magic. At first she had been dead set against working with him after the stunt he had pulled on that fateful day. But he apologized and groveled to her eventually, saying that he shouldn't have provoked and pushed her that far.

She was reluctant at first but knew that Alastor Moody, despite the mad bastard that he was, was the best person for the job. He knew more powerful defensive spells than anyone else in the castle, well except from Dumbledore himself and possibly even Severus. The latter of the two didn't have much free time to teach her however.

She began to excel in her magic as well; her wand just seemed to respond brilliantly with her power, making things seem effortless. Alastor was also teaching her how to cast nonverbal spells, as well as helping her to focus on deflecting and enhancing other people's magic to her advantage, when she wanted too rather than all the time. It was hard work but she was slowly getting there. They hadn't yet moved on to her learning to fight and cast spells with a blindfold on. He said that she wouldn't be ready for another week as she still had to develop the skills she had further. The good news now was that she was no longer a danger and could now cast spells indoors. That was a lot easier, since she no longer had to depend on others as much. She was actually beginning to feel more like a witch again, although her vampire side was never far away. She was slowly embracing both worlds, no longer fearing the unknown.

After training with Alastor, she would then meet with Severus only when he was free, so that he could teach her how to fly. Her first lesson with him had been a complete disaster and had only unearthed more problems for both of them.

She had met him in the middle of the Quidditch Pitch, like all of her other lessons, as it gave her the freedom to move and explore without doing anyone or anything damage.

"Before you even try to learn how to fly, you must first understand the basic theory and origin." Severus had said in his most Professor like voice. Hermione had tried not to smirk, but it was pretty hard when he appeared so serious, and all she could think of was the fact that she had kissed her Professor. "Is something amusing too you Miss Granger because if you cannot focus, then I shall not waste what little time I have, on trying to teach you."

She shook her head, trying to clear her mind of all the inappropriate thoughts she was having. She needed to focus as this was important to her.

"I do apologise Professor Snape it won't happen again."

"As I was saying." He said with his best Snapelike scowl. "Not every witch or wizard has the ability to fly without the aid of a broom or vehicle. The spell used is dark and was created by the Dark Lord himself, for his…. own purposes. He did however; share his creation with those who he found to be loyal."

"Like you and the ones who were at the Ministry that day?" She asked remembering the swirls of black smoke, as she was chased throughout the Department of Mysteries.

"Correct." He too, thought about the Department of Mysteries but not for the same reasons as Hermione. That would always be the day he associated with losing a part of the woman he cared for. "There are two different ways of flying, the first you have seen both on that day and with me in the Astronomy tower. This is when the person takes on the form of what looks like black smoke. That is the general technique used and given to Death Eaters of higher ranks." With a slight bend of his knees, he swirled into the air and around Hermione, before landing back in the spot he occupied before.

She really wanted to call him a show off and had to bite her tongue, in case she provoked him into changing his mind.

"The second form of flying has only two people skilled in it, the Dark Lord and myself. This is where you simply propel your body through the air, keeping your own form and not that of smoke." He bent his knees again and flew into the air, his robes billowing in the wind. He looked a lot more mesmerising like this and Hermione couldn't help but admire his skill, even if he developed it from the Dark Lord. The unnerving thing about him flying like this however, was the fact he really did look like a giant bat. Again she had to stop herself from smirking at the comparison.

He landed with a slight jog before stopping in front of Hermione, his shoulder length hair slightly windswept. She had to tuck her hands into her pocket to stop herself from running her fingers through his hair to smooth it back down.

"This is more advanced and I don't expect you to learn it, if at all." He said with a smug smirk on his face.

With a determined tilt of her head, she accepted his challenge and would prove him wrong. She would show him.

"So how does one go about learning how to fly Professor?" She asked.

He wanted to chuckle at her, for he knew he had riled her up by insulting her intelligence and by giving her a silent challenge. By doing so, he hoped to give her the determination and inclination needed to succeed. There was nothing Hermione couldn't do once she set her mind to it. The last few weeks had proven that to him. She just needed a push in the right direction on this occasion.

Keeping his face passive, he said,

"First you have to learn to cast the spell verbally and with your wand and learn it that way to begin with. Then you practice nonverbally and finally you add wandless magic to it. Once all the components are in place then you practice the skill itself."

"How long did it take you to learn?" She asked innocently.

The question seemed to extract a negative response, as his body tensed and a frown appeared of his thin lips. He seemed to have a faraway look, as a memory flickered fleetingly across his mind.

Learning to fly had not been like this experience for him, in fact it was far different to what Hermione was going to go through. The Dark Lord had been barbaric in his methods, as he beat and tortured his Death Eaters for weeks until they were competent enough in meeting his high expectations. He had not been kind and he showed no-one any leniency or mercy.

Severus didn't want to be like the others, subjected to prolonged torture, so he had learned how to fly within five days, the first amongst the Death Eaters. Many of them believed he was merely sucking up, wanting to win the favour of the Dark Lord, which of course he did. But the real reason was because he was selfish and valued his life too much.

"Severus." Hermione said bringing him out of his musings.

He turned sharp eyes towards her, forgetting momentarily what he was meant to be doing.

"What?" He snapped seeing the frown cross over her beautiful pale face, the face that was so much like her but wasn't her anymore.

"I asked how long it took you to learn." She repeated.

"That is unimportant. Now do you wish to learn or not." He stomped away before twirling to face her, his robes billowing dramatically behind.

"Of course." Hermione huffed out in indignation at the sudden change in his behaviour. Whatever he had been thinking mustn't have been good.

"The spell you need is volanscorpus. You must empty your mind and focus on imagining yourself in the air, not only that but you must also become the air. Bend your knees and push off."

She snorted at him.

"You make it sound so simple."

He rushed towards her and grabbed her by the arms.

"You wished to learn, I am teaching you, now focus before I leave."

Pulling away from him she closed her eyes and cleared her mind, slamming down her occlumens shield. She whipped out her wand, bending at the knees while at the same time cast the 'volanscorpus' spell. She tried to push off but nothing happened.

Huffing she repeated herself, again and again until she began to growl in anger and frustration. Why couldn't she get it? She began to pace back and forth, analysing what she had done wrong and just couldn't seem to grasp it.

"Hermione perhaps we should stop for a while." Severus said frustrated by the determined witch.

"Not yet." She snapped back. "What am I doing wrong?" She asked hating the fact that perhaps flying was maybe something she wouldn't be able to master.

"You are trying too hard Hermione. You must relax, it must come naturally to you it cannot be forced." Well that was a lie, as he had watched people being tortured and forced into flying. But he would not do that to Hermione.

"Right." She said with a sigh.

Giving her body a shake, she got back into position and repeated the movements she had been taught, but once again it failed. What was it Alastor had told her to do, use her magic and put the full force into her spell. Closing her eyes, she emptied her mind and began to relax. She could do this, she could, she just had to relax and let it come naturally to her.

So repeating the movements again, her wand hand tingling with magic, she put the full force of her power behind the spell and opened her eyes when she felt the wind whipping past her.

She saw the ground far below, but despite the fact she was up in the air something seemed to be terribly wrong. She wasn't flying like Severus had been doing. She was going straight up, almost like a rocket. Fear began to grip her as she didn't know how to stop or lower herself back down.

The higher she went the more she began to panic until suddenly she began to slow, eventually stopping in mid-air. Before she knew it, Hermione was plummeting back to the ground, spiraling uncontrollably as her body twisted and contorted into unnatural positions through the air.

She tried to fly but the fear was simply too much and the ground was drawing closer. She squeezed her eyes shut and wondered what was going to happen when she hit the ground.

Hermione was jerked out of her thoughts as strong arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her close into a broad chest. She chanced a glance and opened her eyes to see Severus. Relief immediately engulfed her as she wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist, careful not to use her full strength. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt her saviour in mid-air. Burying her head into his chest, so that her curls tickled his chin, she inhaled his scent and all at once felt instantly comforted by him.

So relaxed was Hermione that she hadn't noticed they had landed back onto the pitch. And Severus was too busy savouring the feeling of having her wrapped around him that he didn't want to disturb the intimate moment.

His heart had been pounding first with pride when she took off, then with absolute terror when she began to freefall through the air. He willed her to pull up, to fly but she hadn't, and as he watched her growing closer to the ground, he knew he had to do something. So he flew to her, not even knowing if he would catch her as he had never tried to fly with someone else before.

As he stood with Hermione safely in his arms, his knees buckled and he slumped to the ground, but she stayed in the same position, only now she was sitting in his lap. He breathed in the scent of her hair and rubbed his nose into her soft tamed curls. Running his hands up and down her back he held her closer, unwilling to part from her just yet.

"You are going to be the death of me Hermione. I swear it." He whispered with a shaky voice. Unable to stop himself he began to lay soft kisses on her hair and forehead. How he loved this woman so.

"Now I remember why I was so scared of flying?" She whispered with a trembling voice.

Severus couldn't help it; he chuckled at her words holding onto her body tightly.

"Merlin I love you Hermione." He said kissing her head fondly, before suddenly stiffening as he realized what he had just said. Fool, he cursed himself as Hermione pulled her body away from his, leaving him feeling cold and bereaved at the loss. She looked up into his eyes, her golden ones searching his.

"What did you just say?" She asked her voice quiet and full of surprise.

"I love you." Before he could say anything else, Hermione tore herself out of his arms, like she had just been stung.

"No. You don't mean that Severus." She shook her head in disbelief. "I've seen the vision; I know that you love Lily. So please don't pretend otherwise." Hermione didn't want to hear him proclaim his love for her. After all she knew that nothing could ever come from it. Nothing except hurt and pain.

She got up to leave but he grabbed her arm, not wanting to let her go until she understood everything.

"Look at me Hermione." He said pleadingly, only to be answered with a shake of her head. "I said look at me." He said more firmly this time, his heart rate speeding up.

Reluctantly she turned her gaze to his and as he searched her face for any signs of her feelings, any clue or just anything at all, he found nothing.

"Hermione I will not lie to you ever. I did love Lily, for 20 years I loved her as you very well know. She was my first friend, my salvation and the only person who cared about me. I thought she was the one and that foolishly we would live happily ever after together. But then she picked Potter over me. I then became…. obsessed, and I wanted to believe that she would see sense and realize that we were meant to be." His voice trailed off, as Hermione tried to pull her arm away. He held on tighter knowing that he could not hurt her.

"Why are you telling me this Severus?" She whispered her feelings in turmoil.

"Because you need to know the truth Hermione, you need to understand what you saw in the vision. I blamed myself for Lily's death, as you know. And thanks to Dumbledore I spent all these years atoning for it. He never stopped me forgetting the reason why I was doing, what I was doing. Love, Dumbledore kept saying is the strongest magic there is. And because of that I put Lily on a pedestal and idolised her. But what he never realised is that after a while, I stopped seeing Lily in that light. I stopped loving her in that way when I figured out the truth."

"And what's the truth Severus?"

He gazed down at her longingly for a moment then said,

"That she was never mine to begin with, that I had no right to feel what I did for her. That I didn't want to love a woman who hurt me so much, casting me away when she found something better. So I put her in the place she belonged in, as a friend. Yes I will always love her, but I have stopped pretending to be in love with her." He pulled Hermione into his arms and brushed a stray curl from her face. "For the past year Hermione, there has been no-one except you. I have watched you grow and during this past year as we grew closer I-" He turned his gaze away for a moment, taking in a deep breath. This was it, after he said those words to her; he knew there was no going back. He couldn't unsay them. "Began to fall in love with you. You were everything that I could ever want, you see the goodness in everyone, and for some reason you see the goodness in me. You know me better than anyone else Hermione, and never did I imagine you could possibly feel the same for me in return. But your actions lately, the way you act, are you simply toying with me or dare I hope?"

She turned her gaze away from him and tried to find the words to say, that wouldn't break his heart. How could she tell him that she had feelings for him, not knowing if she was in love with him or not? How could she explain to him that she wasn't sure how a relationship would be possible between them, especially when she wasn't allowed to change him? How could she break this man's heart, already knowing the pain and suffering he had gone through at the hands of another woman, who simply played on his feelings. She couldn't do that to him, she cared too much to hurt him like that.

"Severus I-"

Just then a white light flashed before them in the form of Dumbledore's patronus.

"Hermione come to the castle now. I need to discuss things with you." Then it was gone.

She turned her gaze to Severus, relief filling her. Or was it simply cowardness on her part.

"I'm sorry Severus, I need to go." And with that she left using her vampire speed, with Severus's gaze lingering on the speeding blur.

She didn't have to say anything, he already knew her answer and he was nothing more than an old fool.

She knocked on the door of the Headmasters office once before stepping in, Remus already sitting across from Albus.

"You wanted to see me Headmaster." She said, taking a seat next to her best friend.

"Yes. There has been a new development. Death Eaters have destroyed London Bridge killing hundreds of muggles. They have been attacking magical communities."

Hermione stood up, the chair falling behind her at the force.

"I need to get to Diagon Alley now."

"Why?" Albus asked.

"Because the Dark Lord is going after Mr Ollivander and I need to stop him."

Dumbledore nodded gravely and then peered at her from over the top of his spectacles.

"And why on earth does the Dark Lord need Mr Ollivander for Hermione?"

She placed her hands onto the table and bent over, her gaze never leaving his.

"To extract the information he needs regarding your wand. I know what it is, and I know what the other two pieces are, as do you Headmaster."

Dumbledore simply stared at her in curious fascination. If she knew about the Elder Wand and the Deathly Hallows, then perhaps she knew about his other idea.

"I will not pry as to what else you know Hermione, but tell me the idea that I have been toying with, is it true?"

She quirked an eyebrow at him, prying indeed, she mused at his lack of subtlety.

"Yes. But I would still hire Horace Slughorn if I was you, we still need him and Severus should teach the Dark Arts, as you had planned. As for the idea you had. Leave that to me, I shall deal with it until your assistance is needed." She knew what would happen if he went after the Horcruxes, the power of the ring would be too much of a temptation and he would ruin all her carefully thought out plans, if he put it on. If that happened then all the things she was trying hard to avoid, would have been for nothing. She couldn't chance it.

Remus looked between Hermione and the Headmaster as they spoke in code and riddles. Whatever it was had nothing to do with him? So he would stay quiet and pretend he wasn't there.

"So are you going to help me Headmaster? I need to get too Mr Ollivander fast."

Dumbledore stood up from his desk and came beside her, linking his arm with hers.

"I will apparate you there at once Hermione."

Before she knew it, she felt that familiar tugging at her naval, as they reached Diagon Alley just as Death Eaters were beginning to attack.

Pulling out her wand she began firing curses and hexes towards the Death Eaters, as she ran towards Mr Ollivander's shop. Helping scared and innocent bystanders as she went. The Death Eaters had not yet reached this part of the Alley. Dumbledore followed closely behind her, as he too became engaged in battle.

"Quickly Hermione. Hurry now." He shot several hexes off at stunned Death Eaters, who hadn't expected to see him, of all people here. Some scurried away like the rats they were, too scared to fight with the powerful wizard

Hermione ran into the shop, breaking down the front door and called out to Mr Ollivander. There was no reply causing her to fear that she was too late. Until a small whimper came from behind the counter.

"Mr Ollivander it's Miss Granger, I'm here to help you."

"Miss Granger." A quiet voice said, as his head poked up out from his hiding place. Relieved and full of gratitude he ran towards her, his old weary body shaking in fear. "They have come for me." He said.

"I know, but I'm not going to let them get you. I promise. We must leave now."

He trusted her, he knew she wouldn't hurt him and so taking her hand in his, he followed her outside, to where Dumbledore was fighting.

"Are you ready?" Dumbledore said. "Hermione cast your shield, so that we can apparate away."

Pulling out her wand, she cast her dome like shield, which no spells could penetrate. Before she could do anything else, they were stopped in their tracks by the sound of mad cackling. Looking towards the sound, Bellatrix Lestrange sashayed towards them, her hips swaying dramatically. A mad glint in her eyes and a wicked smile on her face. She pointed her wand towards the three of them, but didn't cast any spells. She was not going to harm them.

"Well lookie who we have here, Dumbledore coming to join in all the fun." She cackled. "Your time is running out old man, mark my words. And when it does I'll be there to see it." Pointing her wand into the air she moved it in what looked like a figure eight before whispering "Morsmordre."

A giant skull appeared in the sky in greenish smoke, as a serpent protruded from its mouth like a tongue. Screams could be heard, as the dark mark filled hearts with fear.

"I'll be waiting Mrs Lestrange." Dumbledore said calmly, as he took hold of Hermione and Mr Ollivander, apparating them back to his office.

Mr Ollivander stumbled as he was helped to sit down on a chair, gazing between Dumbledore and Hermione, awe and admiration in his eyes. His body trembled at the memory of what he had just seen, and hoped with everything he had, would never see again in his lifetime.

"Your wand work is exquisite Miss Granger. I do believe my instincts were correct." He smiled proudly at the young woman before him. "But I don't understand why they wanted me."

Hermione knelt before the old man and held his hand in hers; she wore her customary black gloves so he did not flinch at how cold her touch was.

"The Dark Lord knows about the Elder Wand, but he does not yet know who has the wand, which is why he needed you. He thinks you have the information he requires and needs it to be able to destroy Harry."

"But I don't know who has it now?" He sighed heavily.

"I know you don't Mr Ollivander, but he doesn't."

Dumbledore looked on at the touching scene before him. Hermione Granger had the biggest heart of anyone he knew, although her heart no longer beat with life, it was still able to love with everything it had.

"You should stay here for now Mr Ollivander. I do not think it would be wise for you to leave the walls of Hogwarts so soon. He will be looking for you."

Mr Ollivander turned his gaze to the Headmaster and nodded sadly, he would be safe but his shop would no doubt be ruined. His shop was his livelihood, his life, and now it was probably all gone.

"Thank you Albus, I appreciate your help. And you Miss Granger thank you for saving my life."

"You saved mine." She smiled, referring to his kindness at helping her find her new wand.

He nodded his head in understanding, as Dumbledore called for a house elf to show him to an empty room. Hermione sat watching the man's retreating back, and noted the way his head bowed low and his shoulders slumped.

"Poor Mr Ollivander it's such a shame about his shop. I hope he will be able to rebuild it after everything." She said with a sigh. Hermione knew it would be demolished out of anger.

"Yes it is." He agreed. "Everyone got there first wand from Ollivander's." He sighed.

"The Dark Lord will not be happy, he will know you were there and wonder how you knew. What should we do?"

Dumbledore sat back in his chair, his hands clasped together on his desk, as he thought her words over.

"There is nothing we can do at the moment. But I do not doubt he will want some kind of revenge. For the moment I am more concerned that he will learn about you, and make an attempt to capture you."

She had been seen by Death Eaters including Bellatrix his most loyal devotee, but she didn't think she would be recognisable to them. They hadn't been there long and they were too busy flinging curses back and forth.

"As for you plan Miss Granger, keep doing what you are doing. I will not get in your way, I trust you. I will also take your advice and contact Slughorn."

"Take Harry with you and visit him, you know how much he likes to collect rising stars, and Harry is the biggest one yet."

He chuckled softly and nodded his head.

"You really do know everything don't you Miss Granger." His eyes twinkled mischievously.

"Not everything." She said sadly, her thoughts drifting over to the conversation she had been having with Severus. How was she supposed to be in his company now?

"We are incredibly lucky to have someone like you on our side Hermione. Never doubt that for a moment." He smiled warmly to the young woman in front of him. A woman who had and was still, risking everything for the people she loved, all for the greater good. He was immensely proud of her.

"Thank you Headmaster, I'm just glad Mr Ollivander is safe. I must be going, there is so much for me to be doing."

That night Hermione never saw Severus and she didn't go looking for him either. They needed time apart and she needed to stay focused on her task at hand. Every night she had been splitting her time between researching and going out to the Quidditch Pitch to practice her wand work on her own. Sometimes she was glad she never needed sleep, because there just weren't enough hours in the day for her to complete everything that she needed too. But the pressure was beginning to get to her now. How was she supposed to do everything? What if all her carefully laid plans failed and she made no difference?

The previous day Narcissa was coming for lunch with Severus, and Hermione had to be prepared for that too. Not just for meeting the woman herself, but for seeing Severus after their latest confrontation. Sometimes for Hermione, it all seemed too much at times. But then she remembered why she was doing it, and that was all that mattered.

Hermione arrived at Severus's quarters half an hour before Narcissa was supposed to arrive, as they had to discuss certain things beforehand. Sitting on the couch across from Severus, she tried so hard to avoid all eye contact with him and simply focused on the top button of his frock coat. She couldn't be distracted during this meeting as it was incredibly important.

"I need to get her on side Severus and I fear the only way to do that, is to explain your true loyalty to her. Are you happy for me to admit it?" She asked keeping her tone professional.

With a sigh he rubbed his temple, already a headache was coming on and the meeting hadn't even started yet.

"Honestly no, I'm not happy. What if she uses this information against me? Then everything I have worked hard for is void."

Hermione regarded the man in front of her for a moment, understanding his concerns, but she knew the truth.

"Severus please trust me on this. I know it will be hard for you but we need the Malfoys on our side. I know things that will persuade her. I know her weakness. I know her fears. She will listen and things will work. We need her on side."

"No Hermione, you need her on side. I couldn't care less."

Hermione frowned at the man in front of her.

"You don't mean that Severus. Lucius and Narcissa have been your friends since school, you are Draco's godfather. Of course you care." Her voice softened slightly as she spoke.

"How do you know…. actually no. You are the know-it-all and in this case you really do seem to know it all." He shook his head and frowned. "When Narcissa comes, I have to ward off the floo to stop her from leaving. She promised to come alone as well."

"Good. In the vision I saw, she and Bellatrix came to your house. This time we are getting in first."

Severus let out a groan simply imagining the madwoman stepping foot in his house at Spinner's End. The task of simply stepping into a muggle house must have been daunting for her.

"Please spare me the details."

"So are we ready then? Do you remember the questions to ask her?" She asked, as the time for Narcissa coming grew closer.

"Not really but it's too late to stop it now. And yes I remember." He said once more rubbing his temples with his eyes closed for the briefest of moments. They shot open when he felt Hermione's sweet caress on his skin.

"It'll be fine. Please just trust me."

He looked down at his hand where she had touched him, missing the feel of her against his skin.

Hermione got up and left the room, leaving Severus to contemplate everything that was going to happen during the visit. Things would either go very badly or exceptionally well and he was really hoping for the latter. He trusted Hermione's judgement; he just wished he could shake off the feeling of unease.

At 2 o'clock on the dot his floo activated and Narcissa Malfoy walked through, in all of her glory. Her hair and clothes were always pristine, her make-up done to perfection, but seeing her now he could see the exhaustion and shame on her face, burning in her eyes. He knew the pressure she was under as well, for he had been there many times before and would again in the future no doubt.

"Narcissa thank you so much for agreeing to meet with me." He took her hand in his and kissed the warm delicate skin. "Please have a seat." He said indicating the chair Hermione had previously occupied.

"Thank you Severus." She smiled although it was only a half-hearted attempt.

While her back was turned, Severus cast a spell shutting of his floo. He put wards up as well as a silencing charm. When Narcissa saw him, she raised a distrusting eyebrow at him.

"To prevent anyone from interrupting us, as the subject we are discussing is rather delicate in nature." He said flatly.

She seemed to believe him and nodded her head.

"Thank you for writing Severus, but I must confess it came as a surprise. Especially when I was going to request a meeting with you myself."

"Really, how curious." He clasped his hands in front of him and looked towards the door to his bed chamber where Hermione stepped out. She was silent and Narcissa had no indication that she was even in the room with them.

"The reason I requested this meeting Narcissa has nothing to do with me. I'm afraid it was a ploy to lure you here on false pretenses."

The panic flickered over Narcissa's beautiful face as she stood up elegantly.

"What do you mean Severus?"

"He means that it's not him who wishes to speak with you. It's me." Hermione said walking over to the duo.

Narcissa looked from Severus to Hermione with a look of utter confusion and fear.

"What is this? Who is she? What do you want with me?"

Narcissa took a panicked step back from Hermione, almost backing into Severus.

"Don't be scared Mrs Malfoy I did not ask you here to hurt you. I wanted to discuss some things with you that may be beneficial to us both. Your main reason here is Draco."

The mention of her son brought the protectiveness out in her, as she faced Hermione.

"What do you know about my Draco?" She hissed out, not prepared to be quiet if someone was going to hurt her son.

"Please take a seat; it will be easier if we both relaxed."

Hermione sat on Severus's chair while a reluctant and tense Narcissa sat perched right on the edge of her chair.

"Tell me what you know about my son."

Severus stood at the fireplace simply watching the two women with intrigue.

"Draco is in danger Mrs Malfoy, which you already know. The Dark Lord has given him a task, a task to end the life of Dumbledore."

Narcissa gasped at the other woman's words. No-one except her family knew that. Not even Severus.

"How do you know? He has only just been given the task?"

Hermione rubbed her fingers slowly over the arm of the chair, deliberating how much to tell the woman.

"I know a lot of things Mrs Malfoy. I know that Draco was given this task as a punishment to Lucius because of his recent failings. I know that Draco will get so close to completing the task, but when it comes to the actual deed itself will not be able to do it." She leaned forward, her eyes never leaving the older woman's. "Draco is not a killer. His heart is not black; he is good inside. Just as you and Lucius are. I know that years ago when you both first joined the Dark Lord you were young and foolish. You had no idea what you were getting into. You and Lucius made mistakes, and when Draco was born your whole perspective changed. He is your world. He is your life. And you don't want him growing up in the world of darkness, his job as a Death Eater. You fear for his life every day, and that will never stop if the Dark Lord succeeds."

Tears trickled down Narcissa's cheeks, her make up smudging as she nodded her head in agreement. All the time she was aware of Severus, the Dark Lord's most trusted and loyal servant.

"How can you say these things in front of him?"

Hermione's gaze flickered to Severus, who nodded his head in acceptance.

"Because he is loyal to the light. He acts as a double agent and wants the Dark Lords reign to end just as much as the rest of us."

Narcissa turned a stunned gaze towards Severus, staring at him as if she never truly knew him at all.

"Is it true Severus?" She asked.

"Yes." He simply said.

"Thank Merlin." She smiled dabbing her cheeks with a handkerchief. "I promise I won't say anything Severus." Turning her gaze back to Hermione she said. "Everything you've said is correct. Since before Draco was born, we knew following the Dark Lord was a mistake. We aren't killers, that's not what we wanted. Lucius and I well, we let our pureblood status go to our heads. But never did we imagine people would die. Then when Draco was born, he was our new start. We kept up appearances in case the Dark Lord returned, but we never believed any of it." She sniffed into her hankie and sighed. "Then he returned and we were so scared. We had to make it look like we were followers. He moved into our house and took over and we couldn't say no, for fear of death. Lucius didn't want to fight that day at the Ministry but he had no choice. And now my boy is being forced to kill Dumbledore as a punishment." She cried. "He's just a boy." She sobbed.

"That's not all Mrs Malfoy. In Draco's seventh year, the Dark Lord brings the final battle to Hogwarts. Students are killed and the Dark Lord doesn't care that his loyal follower's children are there. Draco is caught up in a fiendfyre attack cast by Vincent Crabbe, Harry tries to save him but it is too late." Hermione knew she was misstelling the story slightly, but she wanted it to be more dramatic in order to get Narcissa on board.

"How-how do you know that?"

"Because I had a vision of the future. Not a normal vision, but one that tells me how to destroy the Dark Lord once and for all. But to avoid that grisly end I need your help. That is why I asked Severus to invite you here today."

Narcissa narrowed her eyes skeptically at the younger woman.

"You want my help. And why should I help you?"

"Do you want your son to perish? Do you want his soul ripped apart by him murdering the Headmaster? Do you want your life ruled by darkness? If not then I can help you, but I need your help in return."

"What do you want?" Narcissa asked.

"I need you to visit Bellatrix's Gringotts Vault and find Helga Hufflepuff's Cup which is hidden there. And I need you to bring it to me, so that I can destroy it?"

"Why should I do that?"

Hermione sighed in frustration. Narcissa Malfoy was not going to make things easy for her.

"If you help me Mrs Malfoy, you are helping me come one step closer in destroying the Dark Lord. In return I will make an unbreakable vow with you to protect Draco and your family."

"But the task Draco has been given; surely you won't let him do it?" Narcissa cried out.

"I promise Mrs Malfoy, Draco will not kill Dumbledore. But he still needs to complete the task and set things up, so that the Dark Lord doesn't get suspicious or harm him. It is the only way. By the end of the next school term, the Dark Lord shall fall and war shall not be brought to Hogwarts."

Narcissa wanted to believe the young woman, but couldn't for the doubts that still lingered.

"Why are you helping me?"

"I need your help also, and I know that you are not bad people. You have done stupid things in the past, but you should not be punished for previous mistakes. Everyone deserves a second chance." Hermione's eyes briefly flickered to Severus, in the hope he understood that the last part wasn't just for Narcissa, but was for him as well. "Do you agree to help me? Will you allow me to make the unbreakable vow with you?"

This was the moment of truth, everything depended on Narcissa. If she didn't agree then breaking into Gringotts, like what happened in her vision would be the alternative solution. One Hermione really didn't want to undertake, if she was honest.

A silence filled the room as both Hermione and Severus waited patiently, for Narcissa to contemplate her decision. If they rushed her, she may clam up and say no. That was a risk neither wanted to take.

"I will help you." She finally said, much to the relief of the others in the room.

"Severus, take out your wand."

Both women stood up, as they grasped each other's wrists. While Severus stood at their joined hands and cast the spell, a brilliant flame like wire coming out the tip of his wand, wrapping its way around their hands and wrists.

Deep down Severus knew that Hermione was doing this for him. So that he didn't need to it. She was protecting him. The sudden realisation that no-one had ever cared this much about him in his past, twisted in his heart. Anyone willing to do this for someone surely meant that they cared for them, she couldn't simply be toying with his emotions.

Turning to the task at hand he said,

"Will you Hermione Granger watch after Draco Malfoy, as he attempts to fulfil the Dark Lord's wishes?"

Narcissa gasped audibly at hearing whose name he just said, of course she had heard of Harry Potter's famous muggleborn friend. Why Hermione was willing to help them, she still wasn't certain about. But Narcissa trusted the young woman. Especially since she was willing to make this vow.

"I will." She said confidently, her eyes never leaving Narcissa's, who had begun to tear up again.

"And will you do all that you can to protect him from harm?"

"I will."

"And will you honour your promise and keep the Malfoy family safe, as best as your abilities will allow?"

"I will."

Three rings of fire appeared around their hands, before disappearing once the vow was made. Each woman had a faint mark on their skin where the fire like wire had burned it.

"The vow has been made. The only way to undo it now, is to fulfil the vow or die failing."

Both women stared at each other, their hands still clasped together, as Narcissa shook Hermione's out of respect before finally letting it go.

"Thank you Miss Granger for looking out for my son."

"And thank you Mrs Malfoy for helping me in my quest. I know it's not easy for you right now, but I promise it will get better."

"I hope so." She smiled weakly. "I must be going now. I don't want anyone suspecting anything." She shook Severus's hand, before he unwarded the floo.

"Mrs Malfoy one last thing, when you go for the cup do not touch it with bare skin. Wear gloves for the artefact contains Dark magic."

Narcissa simply nodded her head in understanding and with one last glance at the two people, she left heading back to Malfoy manor.

The tension at being left alone together was obvious, so without waiting Hermione packed up her things and made her excuses. Severus didn't even try and stop her leaving, he understood the need for some alone time.

With the meeting done and Narcissa agreeing to help, Hermione's plans were now firmly set in motion. There certainly was no going back now.