AN: hi. k so...as you read this...just remember how much i love you & don't hate me. k? k. *kisses*


Chapter 11 - Blown Away


"What were you thinking?!"

"Well, obviously I wasn't but, she was into it right? She liked it. She came onto me. She came back here with me and.."

"Ron! I really don't want a play by play. It looked...well, it looked rather disturbing actually. As if you were...you know." Harry couldn't even say the word.

He'd stormed out of Ron's room and hadn't spoken a word to him during the last day of Quidditch Training Camp. He was angry with his best mate, but he wasn't going to ruin his last day of holiday. It wasn't until they arrived at the Burrow that Harry finally exploded.

"Harry! I might be a little out of sorts, but I'd never...I can't believe you'd think I would..." Harry squirmed uncomfortably. He hadn't had the best opinion of Ron since his rather obnoxious breakup with Hermione.

"Ron, you have to admit.."

"No Harry! I drank too much. I said horrible things. I know that right? I've never touched a woman. At least, unless she wanted me too. I can't believe that my best mate would think for one bloody moment that I.." Ron slumped against a tree, his face in his hands.

"I don't know what to think anymore." Harry flopped down on the ground after casting a warming charm. "I can't believe you shagged her."

"Don't tell my Healer. She thinks I'm replacing one addiction with another and right now, I don't think she's wrong. I need to check in. I promised." Ron sighed heavily, silently berating himself.

"Alright well, stop by after. I need to check on Hermione. I left her in my flat, knowing Andromeda, Teddy and the Malfoys were coming over. I'm surprised I didn't receive a Howler."

"Why would she be angry with you for that? Seems silly. They're her family too now. Wait. Why was she at your place?" Ron haphazardly buttoned his coat, glaring down at Harry.

"Oh right, yea well, Hermione and Narcissa had a bit of a tiff and well, she left."

"Mione left her husband?"

"Well, sort of I suppose, I don't expect it to be permanent or anything." Harry shrugged, slowly getting to his feet. He could see Molly peering out the window at them and didn't want to get sucked into another long family dinner. He wanted to go home and see his wife.

"D'ya think I still have a chance, Harry? With..Mione I mean.." The hopefulness oozing from Ron was bittersweet. On the one hand Harry was glad his friend had a glimmer of life in him again, on the other hand, he was going to have to snuff it out.

"No, Ron. I don't. Even if Malfoy wasn't in the picture. He loves her you know."

"Yeah..I thought it might be like that."


*Three Days Prior*


"Lucius. I'm going to visit my sister." Lucius Malfoy scowled, ignoring his wife to turn another page in the worn book he was perusing. "Do not ignore me."

"What would you like me to say? Have a delightful lunch with your blood traitor sister and my Mudblood daughter-in-law?" He hadn't expected his wife to slap him. He hadn't expected the slow burn from the force behind it.

"I warned you Lucius. Do not speak of my sister that way. As much as it rattles the family tree, Hermione Granger is a Malfoy now. She needs to learn to control her temper, but she's an asset. Our son loves her. She's carrying our grandchild. You will not use that vile word again or you'll find your belongings in the carriage house. Mark my words, Lucius, the carriage house will be on fire as well." Narcissa seethed, cradling her throbbing wrist with her uninjured hand.

"The little Mud..Draco's wife is with child?" He didn't relish the idea of a half-blood grandchild, but it was better than none at all.

"She's unaware currently but we expect they'll be discovering it soon. Personally, I'm hoping sooner rather than later." Lucius cautiously drew his wand and healed his wife's wrist. He had numerous questions, but knew better than to address them now. They could wait.

"I suppose Draco is accompanying you to attempt to win back his wife's affections?"

"He's in such a state, Lucius. I don't know what we'll do with him if she refuses." Narcissa sat beside her husband in their private study, her blue eyes shining with unspent tears.

"I remember how I berated him for his inability to prove himself better than a...a Muggle-born witch. Draco ranted and raved about the poor girl for hours. I suppose he was besotted then, wasn't he?"
Lucius Malfoy detested accepting the inevitable. While he didn't wish to relive any of his moments spent under the questionable tutelage of the Dark Lord, he'd never minded the pure-blood supremacy. He was well aware of their inability to sustain without introducing new blood, yet he'd never considered Muggle-borns as part of the scenario. If he took Hermione Granger's blood status out of the equation, Lucius didn't honestly have any lingering issues with the witch.

"I didn't notice it. I didn't consider it, until...until I saw Draco's face when she was writhing on the drawing room floor. I'd never seen him look like that. It was then I realised he cared for her and probably always had. I'm so glad we closed that wing of the Manor. I wouldn't want her to be afraid here. I wouldn't want her to disallow our grandchildren to visit the very house their father grew." The corner of Narcissa's lip quivered. Lucius patted her knee. He did detest a woman's tears.

"Cissa, you don't wish to be late, it's most unbecoming of a Malfoy." He flashed her a smile, which distracted her enough for the threat of tears to abate.

"I'm extending a dinner invitation." Narcissa stroked her husband's cheek and stepped into the Floo.


Hermione knew they had arrived by Teddy's frantic screeching and the thump of toddler feet across Harry's kitchen floor. She hadn't seen Draco, nor responded to any of his owls in the past week and she was nervous. She threw on a pair of heavy, dark blue Muggle jeans and a cream turtleneck.

Hermione had lodged a few complaints with Harry over the draftiness of his house and the incessant chill in the air, but Harry wouldn't hear of it. He kept telling Hermione it was all in her head and if she was unhappy with her accommodations she could feel free to go home.

Hermione tiptoed out of the guest room until she was standing at the top of the stairs and took a deep breath. Slowly she descended, holding the banister as if it were a lifeline.

"Of course I had him take Teddy to the garden. We couldn't very well discuss them with him present." Hermione stopped, pressing herself against the wall.

"You really should apologise to her, Cissy. You can't ask Hermione Granger about her job and then be offended when she answers you honestly. It's not as though Lucius didn't have such artifacts in the first place. He did. You bloody well know he did. Sure, you tell everyone you donated them to the Ministry but I know better Cissy. The Ministry confiscated them during a raid. Lucius has rubbed off on you." Hermione could hear the venom in Andromeda's voice and swallowed hard.

"Andy.."

"Don't 'Andy' me, Cissy. We're not children anymore and reverting to childhood nicknames won't get you anywhere."

"Andromeda. While Malfoy's do not apologise, they do make amends. I'm quite aware I was hasty with the poor girl, considering...and I plan to speak with her, over dinner at the Manor."

"You can't expect her to.." Hermione's throat closed. She closed her eyes and took a few cleansing breaths.

"We sealed off that portion of the Manor. No one's set foot in it since the day Potter defeated Vo-Vold...the Dark Lunatic. Bellatrix was always a bit deranged quite honestly. I don't know what Father ever saw in her. You know how horrid it was for us during the war. Draco is no stranger to the Cruciatus Curse himself. I can't claim to understand how traumatising it was for her, but it's not as if Bellatrix carved 'Mudblood' into her arm." Hermione shuddered at the thought, her feet shifting on the stairs, causing them to creak.

There wasn't a need to hide any longer; therefore Hermione descended the stairs, steeling herself for an icy blue glare. Instead, she saw a trace of fear behind those blue eyes and almost smiled. For a scant moment, Hermione enjoyed seeing the unease in the historically composed matriarch. She stood at the bottom of the stairs with a bit of uncertainty, when the back door flew open.

"NeeNee! Lookit! Mal! See Nana! Is Mal and NeeNee!" Teddy was pulling on Draco's hand, bouncing on the balls of his feet as his hair rapidly changed colour until he finally settled on dark blonde curls and hazel eyes.

"Yes, Teddy, we see. Come along. Would you like to go to the park with Nana and Cissy?" Andromeda smiled warmly at her nephew.

"Yes! Ice cream too? Mal and NeeNee too?"

"Let's let Mal and NeeNee have a chat and perhaps they'll meet us later for ice cream." Narcissa practically cooed at the toddler, completely besotted with him.

While the awkwardness in the air was palpable, Narcissa and Andromeda were of a mind to ignore such unpleasantness. They each took one of Teddy's presumably sticky hands and left.

Hermione nibbled the corner of her lip, unsure where to begin or if she wanted to say anything at all. She wanted to fly up the stairs and hide in Harry's guest room but she seemed rooted.

She couldn't remember a time when she'd ever seen Draco dress so casually. She glanced at him through lowered lashes to see him wearing a pair of dark blue faded Muggle jeans and a black turtleneck. He had pushed the sleeves up a bit, exposing his arm and Hermione was pleased to see the salve she had created was still doing its job. When her eyes finally rose to his face she gasped in shock.
He looked horrid. His cheeks were sunken, his face practically gaunt and his eyes, oh his eyes were filled with a pain she could understand. Draco had jammed his hands into his pockets, staring at the floor. His pale hair flopped into his eyes until he finally took a breath and looked at her.

"I missed you." Draco was wary. He didn't want her to rush off again, but at the same time, he wanted her to know what she meant to him.

"Y-you did?" Draco nodded slowly and took a step toward her.

"I changed the wards on the Floo." He took another step, breathing a sigh of relief that she hadn't retreated.

"You changed the family wards? Whatever will your mother say?" Hermione cringed realising her words had more bite than she had intended.

"You're my family."

"I'm not going to the Sudan to meet Bill." Hermione took a step forward, her heart beating furiously.

"You're not?" Draco took in the dark circles under her eyes and the way her clothes hung.

"When I'm through with the Rune-a-mator case, I'm giving my resignation. I've had my fill of dangerous situations." Hermione took another step forward and they were so close, they only needed to raise their hands to touch.

"Rune-a-mator?" Draco quirked his head questioningly.

"It's Harry's idea of a joke. Muggle movie. Terminator. Oh never you mind." Hermione snorted, realising how ridiculous it all sounded.

"I've been bloody useless all week. Potter told me to remove my head from my arse, which I still maintain is disturbing." Draco raise his hand, almost waiting for her to recoil, yet when she didn't, his thumb caressed her jaw, his fingers lightly resting on her neck.

"I'm to meet Bill tomorrow." Draco noticeably stiffened, "at the Ministry, in one of the Auror training halls. I'd like it if you...if you came with me."

Draco closed the slight distance between them, slipping his hand to the back of her neck, pulling her closer. Hermione placed her cheek against his heart and inhaled. He buried his face in her hair and the ache in his chest which had plagued him from the moment she'd left their home, ebbed.

Wordlessly, Hermione withdrew from their sloppy embrace and took his hand in hers. She led him up the creaking stairs to the guest room she considered hers and climbed into the double bed. Draco followed, instantly wrapping her in his arms.

"Come home, baby." Malfoy's didn't beg. It was ingrained in him from childhood. They also never admitted they were wrong, never said they were sorry and above all else respected their purity. Draco realised he didn't care about any of those things anymore, he simply wanted his wife.

"Can we...can we just sleep first? I'm so tired, Draco." Hermione's eyes had already drifted closed, her words a barely perceptible mumble.

Draco held her tight, shifting slightly to his side so their bodies were pressed together beneath a ridiculous quilt he could only assume was the work of Molly Weasley. He pulled her hair off her face, watching her mouth drop open. He had missed the way she'd snuggle against him while she was sleeping. He had missed the little pants which would always escape her lips, never louder than a sigh. He had missed the feel of her body beside him.

*Gods, I love her.* Draco thought to himself as he felt the urge to join her in slumber.


The next morning they were woken by a grumbling Astoria and a giggling Ginny.

"Why are they here? That's the real question." Astoria stabbed her porridge as if it had personally offended her.

"Who cares? They've got their clothes on. Actually, I can't believe Harry didn't tell you." Ginny nibbled a slice of cold bacon, bundled into a heavy dressing gown.

"I was out of the country. I was visiting my parents and my perfectly wretched sister. Did you know they wanted me to bring her back with me? They suggested I find her a respectable wizard to marry. Ugh. As if that were even possible."

"Yes, yes, Daphne's impossible. Anyway, Harry told George who told Mum who told me that Hermione and Malfoy got into a bit of a row because of Narcissa or with Narcissa. Not terribly sure on that point, but anyway. She left him and spent the week here."

"Hmpf." Astoria rolled her eyes and shoved a raspberry scone in her mouth. "Where were you last night?"

"It's funny actually. I know I was meant to be here. I remember packing a bag. I was going to meet a woman for a drink and I woke up at the Burrow. I haven't the foggiest what happened. I think I...I think I had sex."

"You think? What the fuck does that mean, you think? You don't know?"

"Stori, I just bloody told you! I don't remember anything!"

"Did you go to Nox? There was a raid. The bartenders have been lacing everyone's drinks with that horrid drug Imp."

"I was..." Ginny frowned, making her face scrunch. "There was a woman. She seemed nice enough and I got an owl..yes! I did go to Nox. I met her there. She touched my arse! It's a bit hazy, but I sort of remembering her coming on to me, but I can't remember what she said and after that it's blank."

"Owl Pansy. Have her meet you at St Mungos. I woke you, so maybe there are remnants of Imp still in your system. I'd go with you but I'm not bloody Apparating anywhere."

"Do you really think it was Imp?" Draco inquired as Ginny practically ran from the room.

"Go home."

"That's not very hospitable, Stori." He padded across the wood floor and poured himself a cup of coffee.

"I'm not feeling very hospitable, Draco. I'm as big as a bloody house and it's only February. I've got almost another month to go. Not only am I being pummeled from the inside, I've got Draco and Hermione sleeping in my guest room that Harry still hasn't managed to convert into a nursery. I have to use the loo every few minutes and I can't stop eating. In fact go wake up your wife. She makes delightful Muggle food." Astoria buttered a croissant while still chewing the remnants of her scone.

"I'm not your personal chef, Stori." Hermione rubbed her bleary eyes. She offered Draco a half-smile as she burrowed herself into his arms.

"You lot are disgustingly adorable. I hate you. Make me food."

"What this time? Muggle food? You need to eat better." Hermione sighed, her breath tickling Draco's neck. He shivered, kissing the top of her head.

"I can't cook. You want me to eat better, feed me better." Stori pouted, stroking her astronomical stomach.

Hermione rolled her eyes, yet she quickly tied back her hair, finished the rest of Draco's coffee and staring pouring through the pantry.

"Aren't you glad I convinced Harry you needed an icebox? Can you imagine the difficulty you'd have storing all this?" Hermione laughed which made Draco's heart feel lighter.

He still thought she was terribly thin, but there was a lightness about her now and he wanted it to stay that way. He amused himself by irritating Astoria as she peered into the various pots on the cooktop.

"What's this mess?" Astoria's nose crinkled.

"For someone who refuses to learn to cook, you are quite particular. I told you. I'm infusing flavours into the spinach." Hermione turned down the heat, watching the onions and garlic sizzle in the cast iron pan.

"I don't like spinach. I don't like green foods."

"Tough. I'm not having my godchild suffer before of his mother's stubbornness."

"Cooking is sort of like Potions isn't it?" Draco watched Hermione carefully stir a large pot filled with an orangey concoction.

"Exactly. Alright, this here is done. I'm setting it on the sideboard until it cools. I'll have Harry portion it for storage."

"What have I got then?" Hermione felt Draco's hand slip into hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. He understood how demanding Astoria Potter could be.

"There's a pan of lasagna with a bolognese sauce, if that's the only way I can get a vegetable into you, so be it. That crock there is soup. No, I'm not telling you what kind, simply eat it. I know you've quite an addiction to crisps so I made you a dip. Fresh rolls, macaroni and cheese, chicken chowder, and I sliced a ham for sandwiches. I'm late now. You owe me." Hermione summoned her belongings with a practiced flair. She turned to Draco while slipping on her trainers.

"I'm going to pop home to change. I'm sick of these clothes. Could you uhm, pop by the Ministry and inform Bill I'm a bit behind?" He didn't want her to go to the Ministry. He didn't want to accompany her there. He wanted to take her home, lock her in their bedroom and ravish her until the very thought of ever leaving him again was completely banished. Instead, Draco smirked.

"For a price." Her eyes narrowed, yet she could see a playfulness in Draco she hadn't experienced before. Casually he rounded the table with a twinkle in his eye. Hermione squealed when he reached for her, trying to evade him but it was futile. They both knew it in the end. He trapped her against the door without giving her a chance to catch her breath and kissed her hungrily.

Their mouths slanted, breaths quickened, hands roamed, teeth nibbled lips with small gasps of pleasure until Astoria threw an unbuttered roll at Draco's head.

"Oi. Get out."


"I still maintain you should have told Bill to bugger himself." Draco grumbled in annoyance sneering at various wizards who dared to meet his heated gaze.

"Malfoy, you're insatiable. If I recall correctly, I informed you I have an appointment with Bill. Apparently there are time constraints and blood magic involved. Why the bloody artifact would be marked with my blood is quite curious."

"I still don't like it." He allowed Hermione to yank him into the lift.

"You're not meant to like it. It's my job."

"You're not a Curse-Breaker, you're a bloody Specialist."

Draco casually pinned Hermione in the corner of the lift, toying with the ends of her curls. She opened her mouth to protest and found her mouth covered and a warm tongue probing her mouth. Her body responded, clouding her thought processes. She sighed upon the sensation of small open mouthed kisses trailing along her jaw and the hollow of her neck. Before she could regain her senses, her heavy Muggle jeans were unbuttoned and shoved down past her knees and his hands were under her jumper unclasping her bra.

"Mal-Malfoy, w-we're in the bloody lift." Hermione managed to gasp even as his lips surrounded a taut peak.

"We're alone. Missed you. Need you." She braced herself in the corner of the lift, grasping his shoulders in a vise like grip.

"Draco." He growled then, nipping her neck. His trousers hit the floor unceremoniously. Draco hitched her knee around his waist, the moment he plunged into her recesses. Hermione met him thrust for thrust, the lift filled with their operatic ensemble, ending in a medley of grunts, groans and moans of completion.

Draco smirked as he watched his wife hastily adjust her wrinkled blouse, grumbling at the loss of buttons.

"Love, you are a witch." He flicked his wand, repairing the alluring pale blue lace bra as well as her navy blouse.

"I can't believe we just did that."

"I don't know about you, but I feel loads better. There'll be plenty more of that when you get your sexy arse home." He truly loved the moments she blushed. It gave her this angelic, innocent quality which endeared her to him that much more.

"Oi. You're late." The lift had opened, revealing a disgruntled Bill Weasley. Bill took in their mussed hair and rumpled clothing with a shake of his head.

They followed Bill down the darkened corridor to the lone door at the end. Hermione expected him to open it so she could get to work. Instead, he tied back his red hair and ran a hand down the scarred portion of his face.

"Listen. I've had the object transported from the Sudan. You know that much and I'm assuming you've informed Malfoy as well. It's fine. Don't work yourself up over nothing. I just want to warn you, warn the both of you really. There's something different with this object. It's only a bloody music box, but the family in question has revealed the wards kicked in after the patriarch's death and it contains the key to their vault."

"Why on earth..."

"Not the family vault, his personal vault, which contains his will and bequeathments to the family, hence why Gringott's is quite anxious to get inside. They're receiving a percentage of the wealth contained simply by housing this object. I don't know why there's a blood enchantment placed upon it and they don't have a bloody clue either."

"Whose is it?" Draco injected. There was something wrong with this entire scenario. It was quite ominous to be honest.

"It's anonymous."

"Which is Curse-Breaker for 'I know but I can't tell you'." Draco scoffed, pulling his wife to his side with a sneer.

"I understand. I wouldn't want to allow my wife to do this either. I'll be with her the entire time. I have a sneaking suspicion that regardless of the Ministry Training Hall's protections, we'll not be able to exit until the job is complete. If I knew whose object it was, I'd tell you."

"I'm sure it will be fine." Hermione's false bravery didn't fool either of them.

"There's an observation deck to the right. I'd rather you stayed there, Malfoy. We need someone there. I had asked Harry to do it, but he got called to Romania on an urgent matter. Stori's going to have his head. You'll be able to see everything and if you see we've hit a spot of trouble, then you can call the Aurors." Draco nodded. He still disliked it but it made him feel a bit better. If he couldn't be there with her, at least he could observe her, it was something.

"Alright you two. Behave. If I'm going to be trapped in there for an indeterminate period of time, I'm going to use the loo." Hermione flashed a smile over her shoulder and hurried away.

"Listen, Malfoy er Draco. I know you're worried. I've uh heard through the grapevine.."

"Your loud mouthed sister.."

"Yes, exactly." At least Bill had the decency not to deny it. "Regardless, I know you've had a bit of...issues. They don't tell you. It's hard to be newlyweds when there's familial opposition."

"You? You married that Beaubaxton beauty didn't you?" Draco had been mildly impressed to hear the girl had married Bill after his disfigurement. He respected that.

"Fleur Delacour, yeah. She was in the Triwizard with Harry and..my family was adamant they'd never accept her. My mum is still cool where my wife is concerned but it's improved. Don't let your family come between you. Remind yourself she is your family now."

"My mother is...an intimidating witch and well, she's never reacted well to opposition. You'd think she would have expected it, considering the match was her idea...bollocks." Draco ran his fingers through his hair, nervously, expecting Bill to hex him once he deduced the truth. Instead, Bill laughed.

"It's better you learn this now instead of later. Harry is the worst gossip of the bunch. He has learned to never tell Ginny, I suppose that's something. It's not my business. I don't care to be quite honest. It's obvious you care for her and vice versa. You'll figure it out." Bill offered his hand and Draco found himself shaking it firmly. He decided for a Weasley, Bill wasn't a bad bloke.

"Look at you, Malfoy. Making friends."

"I'll give you two a moment. Head on in when you're ready Hermione." Bill clapped Draco on the back and entered the singular door.

"I want you to promise me something." Draco clasped her shoulders, holding her arms length, even as he wished to do the exact opposite.

"I'll try." Hermione squirmed under his scrutiny, her eyes continually falling to the floor yet unable to resist the pull, she stared into silvery pools of worry.

"I know we've had a rough week. I'll adjust the wards to prohibit spontaneous arrivals. I'll inform my mother she must owl prior to visiting. After this case, I'll take a desk job. I'll fucking train those swotty Junior Aurors. I'll accompany you to the bloody Burrow for Sunday brunch and I won't hex the Weasel, unless he starts it. Then all bets are off. However, I can't do any of those things if you're not safe in there. I don't want you to take any ridiculous risks and I know your Gryffindor courage is already balking and I don't care. I'm a selfish man, Granger. I want what I want and I usually get it. I suppose what I'm saying is.."

"You want me to be careful." She smiled at his impassioned speech. It wasn't like him to express himself and make declarations, but she'd take what she could get. It was progress.

"You fucking better. Now, get your arse in there be a good little know-it-all, solve it quickly so I can take you home and shag you senseless." Draco kissed her quickly, laced with sweetness.

He didn't want to overpower her with emotion. He didn't want her to get lost in passion. He simply wanted her to feel the depth of his feelings. He cupped her face firmly, teasing her lips slowly before embracing her. He inhaled deeply, reveling in the caress of her curls against his cheek.

Hermione smiled brightly, while her knees were shaking and tossed a little wave before heading into the Auror Training Hall. Draco exhaled and wondered where in the bloody fuck the observation deck door could possibly be when it appeared beside him.

The room was almost completely bare besides a half dozen plush chairs near the picture window. Draco squinted in the glaring overhead light. He found he could see Hermione and Bill walking around the Training Hall, giving the object a wide berth. He had expected a music box on a pedestal; instead it was the biggest bloody music box he'd ever seen. It was taller than Bill and Draco wondered if it housed a trio of musicians.

"I wish I could hear them." Draco mumbled to himself, plopping into the chair closest to the middle of the window.

"...Room of Requirement. It's a newer training facility. I don't even think Harry's trained in here. You'll have to be sure to tell him all about it."

"So if we happen to be stuck in here for days on end, the room will provide us with sleeping quarters, food and a loo?" Draco leaned his head back on the chair and closed his eyes. He'd be fine as long as he could hear her. He supposed the Observation deck was similar to Hogwart's Room of Hidden Things as well, which suited him just fine.

"Harry told me, you know. Sorry, but I always like to start without anything hanging over me. Clear the air if you will. I'm not prodding. Like I told Draco, I don't care, not really. I just wanted you to know that I know. If you need to talk or if the two of you need anything, send us an owl. Fleur and I are well versed in opposition." Bill laughed then, rolling up the sleeves of his striped button up.

"I didn't think...it would be this difficult. Which is stupid really, I mean, in what world are Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy going to welcome me into their family. Let's just get to work. I don't want to think about it now. It's distracting." Hermione tucked her wand into her hiking boots and it was only then Draco noticed she was outfitted for a tromp in the woods, which he found curious.

"Alright then. The family swears this is a music box. I've never seen such a thing, unless they've entombed an entire orchestra inside, I doubt this is only a music box but that's neither here nor there. I've removed the enchantments on the back and the right side. I'm halfway through the left side, but the front is all yours. There are layers of enchantments and I've broken down two layers. The third layer seems to have been placed there especially for you. It's strange. While it's the third layer, it's a newer enchantment and since I'm prohibited from questioning the family directly, I haven't a fucking clue if they have any connection to you at all."

Draco soon grew bored. Hermione did more speaking than actually doing. How Bill wasn't ripping his ridiculous red hair out by the roots was anyone's guess. He wished he had known what he would be reduced too. He was a nanny for lack of a better term. He also wished he had brought along a few books or even his overflowing inbox. Draco jumped as the two chairs beside him morphed into a long, yet thin desk. He spied his favourite quill as well as a small stack of parchment. Draco ambled over and found himself immersed, while casting furtive glances down to his wife.


*Present*


"Malfoy! How long have you been here?" Harry kicked the leg of Draco's chair trying to rouse the slumbering wizard.

"Fuck off. It's too early." Draco grasped the back of his neck, blinking rapidly. "Ugh, I'm still here. I need coffee." Harry thrust a mug onto the desk, perching on a chair, curiously watching Bill.

"Did you know I can't get in there? I tried. Wasn't the best idea I've ever had."

"You're not known for your brilliance Potter." Draco sipped the coffee and grimaced. "You'd think after being my bloody partner for years you'd know how I take my coffee."

"I'm not your wife, mate. Suck it up."

"Suck what up?"

"Ugh. Nevermind. D'ya know if I can get a message to them?"

"You're not interrupting them, Potter. She's working on a blood magic enchantment. You and I both know how Dark that sort of magic is. That's my wife. Whatever it is, can wait."

"Charlie was attacked. He's alive, but he seems to have a few new additions to the scars on his back." Harry never looked at Draco, his curiosity piqued by the waving of Hermione's hands.

Draco vaguely remembered willing Hermione to shut up while drooling on his makeshift desk and the room had complied. He had no intention of informing Harry Potter that it was possible to eavesdrop on Bill and Hermione.

"Runes?"

"Of course. Stori's going to kill me. I haven't been home since I left for Quidditch Training Camp."

"Oh, you're a dead man, Potter. Seems the killings are closer together. He's getting agitated."

"D'ya think it's a bloke?"

"I don't care. It's easier to say he than he or she every bloody time and Granger smacks me every time I say they, therefore I dub psychotic murdering fiend he."

"Ludovic Bagman is dead."

"Who cares? Fat arse pervert."

"He was all carved up too."

"Bloody fantastic, Potter. Why don't you go work the case and I'll keep an eye on my wife and your brother and..."

Their vision was drawn to Hermione. She was jumping up and down and if Harry had to guess, squealing in excitement.

"Sound." Draco demanded of the room and instantly the Observation deck was filled with Hermione's shouts and Bill's vigorous clapping.

"I think they've made a break through." Harry sipped his coffee, making a face.

"Very good, Potter. Ten points for Gryffindor for stating the obvious. You're right shite at brewing coffee."

"You could always make your own, you ungrateful prat."

"Nonsense, if I do that, I can't tell my children Harry Potter used to make me terrible coffee." Harry rolled his eyes dramatically.

"Alright then Bill, I'm going to pull the runes one by one." Hermione's voice shook a bit and Draco was instantly on his feet, his hands pressed against the glass.

Hermione stood directly in front of the magical box. It was obvious she had slept in her clothes and her hair was a knotted mess, yet Draco thought she was lovely just the same. Bill stood to the side, pressed against the wall, while Hermione swished and flicked her wand, slowly pulling the shining golden runes to hover above her head.

"Seven runes." They heard Bill murmur excitedly.

"I didn't know Bill could count."

"Shut up, Malfoy."


Hermione studied the runes floating above the ornately jeweled magical box while nibbling her bottom lip. She'd been awake for too long. She almost wished she had taken Bill's advice and attempted to get a good night's sleep, but the very thought was ludicrous to her. She'd gone days without sleep, she'd barely hit eighteen hours and Bill certainly hadn't slept. As exhausted as she'd been, the very idea was practically offensive. Bill had forced the issue and while she had lain on a lumpy cot for a few hours, she'd never slept. Hermione swayed on her feet and Bill was instantly at her side.

"Are you alright?"

"Nothing I can't handle, Bill." Hermione lied. Her stomach lurched. She closed her eyes, willing her stomach to cooperate. She'd always had an issue with nausea when she deprived herself of sleep.

"You look a little...piqued. Here." Bill thrust a paper cup of tea into Hermione's wavering hands. The steam rising from the cup was pleasant smelling causing Hermione to sip it slowly.

"That's lovely. Exactly what I needed." She closed her eyes as the hot tea worked its way toward her unsettled stomach and sighed.

Hermione was exceedingly excited. While it wasn't an outward display, Bill took note of the shine in her eyes.

"I've taken to studying runes. I'm nowhere near where you are, but I've made a bit of progress. For instance, I know those particular runes are letters, not words or phrases. That's something I suppose." Bill resumed his stance leaning against the wall, allowing Hermione to work.

"That's brilliant. It took me quite a long time to learn the difference considering there are so many different runes, translations and even interpretations and..." Harry and Draco zoned out as Hermione droned on about the history of the ancient rune.

"Mute!" Draco shouted at the room.

"Does she do this at home as well?" Harry inquired casually, draining the last dregs of hideous coffee.

"Oh, she tries, but I kiss her. Shuts her up every time. Never repeat that, Potter. Dirty little gossip." Harry blushed and pressed his forehead to the glass.

"Turn the sound on, she's translating the runes." Harry smiled grandly as the room acquiesced to his demands.

"C. O. E. R. U. T. D." Draco quickly grabbed a quill, writing down the letters. Harry pored over the parchment as they argued and arranged the letters until their eyes widened in shock.

Their fists poured the glass as they screamed themselves hoarse, yet Bill and Hermione were oblivious.

"I'm assuming once we unscramble the letters we'll be home free." Hermione shimmied her shoulders in happiness. She studied the letters, rearranging them in the air while humming a little tune. Hermione stopped as cold realisation seeped into her very bones.

"I've got it. Wow. It was really easy actually." Bill nodded slowly, quite pleased with himself.

"NO!" Shouted Draco and Harry from the Observation Deck.

"Bill..." Hermione slowly stepped backward from the ornate box, her wand held in front of her.

Bill was so pleased with himself he misjudged the tremor in Hermione's voice as excitement. He didn't see her wand rise. He didn't see her lips moving to formulate a spell. He only felt his own jubilation.

"Prote.."

"REDUCTO." Bill interrupted, his blue eyes widened in abject horror the moment the word left his lips.

Hermione screamed, throwing her hands over her head as the magical music box burst open with a force that sent her catapulting across the room. With a sickening crunch her body crashed into the door, blowing it off its hinges.

Draco attempted to rush from the Observation Deck when it became obvious Bill was going to speak the spell, yet Harry held him fast. Harry suffered a few punches which would bruise terribly, but the force of the spell was so strong he didn't want Draco in the corridor. He was glad he'd made such a split decision. Draco had wrenched open the door and at his feet was his wife, on top of the splintered remnants of the door.

Hermione's right arm was bent at an odd angle, as was her left leg. Her chest was moving slowly, too slowly. Her head was seeping blood onto the door, which was dripping onto the floor. Draco could hear the thundering footsteps of what he assumed were Aurors, but he couldn't take his eyes from Hermione. He scrambled over huge hunks of the door to gather her in his arms. He knew he shouldn't be moving her, but he had to be sure she was alive. She had to be alive. She groaned and while it was laced with pain, Draco calmed slightly. Hermione was alive. Harry plucked Draco's shirt nervously.

"Malfoy. We've got to get her to St Mungos. Her arm is obviously broken. She's probably got a concussion but there's so much blood, I can't see where it's coming from..." Harry's voice trailed off as the puddle of blood beneath her grew.

Draco clutched Hermione with one arm, his other hand checking her for wounds and coming up empty until he reached her jeans.

"Potter, her slacks...they're soaked. I-I can't Apparate with her in this condition. I-I.." Draco's voice broke as he peppered her forehead with small kisses.

"Pucey, check Bill. Bring him to St Mungos. I'll bring the Malfoys. Send a Patronus, I want them ready for us." Hermione's lips moved as if it pained her.

"Baby, don't talk. It's alright. We'll get you fixed up. Promise." Draco continually stroked Hermione's hair off her face, her body scrunching in torment.

"I quit." Hermione finally managed to whisper as Draco leaned over her.


Healers and Medi-witches galore were standing in the corridor as Harry Apparated the Malfoys to St Mungos. Draco barely remembered what happened after they arrived. He remembered being slightly feral with the staff as they removed his wife from his arms. He remembered Harry forcing him into an uncomfortable chair and threatening to bind him.

"Draco..." He could hear his name; feel a large hand on his shoulder. He didn't want any of it. He didn't want to speak to anyone. He didn't want to hear anyone's voice. He wanted her.

"Get the fuck away from me."

"Bill, now's not the best time. Wait until we hear something. He's a right mess. Could you use the Community Floo and contact his parents and well, everyone for that matter. He'll need them. She'll need them too." Harry interjected, insinuating himself between Draco and Bill before hexes were thrown.

"It's my fault. It's all my fault. I knew better. I should have.." Bill cradled his head in his hands, his long red hair covering his scars from the stares of strangers.

Bill Weasley sat in the furthest corner of the waiting room. His mother sat beside him, absently patting his back as if he were an infant in need of a burping. Lucius Malfoy paced the halls, glowering at any Healer or Medi-witch who dared near the collection of witches and wizards without news of Hermione.

Harry was doing his best to keep Ron and Draco separated from each other, until finally Silencing Ron and begging Draco not to engage the rage riddled ginger. Narcissa Malfoy was the last to arrive, her pale features marred by red rimmed eyes.

"Oh my! Aren't we just busy busy busy today!" An irritatingly bubbly Medi-witch clapped her hands together loudly while smiling brightly.

Draco growled, his top lip twitching as it curled in derision. He gripped his wand tightly in his hand, intending to hex the witch into oblivion but found his target blocked by Harry Potter.

"Who's next then?" Her frizzy light brown hair bobbed as she nodded at Harry.

"Listen, er, uh.." Harry fumbled.

"Sydney. My name is Sydney, I'll be your Medi-witch today and.."

"There's nothing wrong with any of us. Hermione Granger er..Malfoy was brought in earlier and we're waiting for some news of her condition."

"Well. You can't wait here. This area is reserved for patients. I'm sure she'll be just fine. You should all just scurry along home and her Healer will just owl you all." She smiled again, flashing her pearly whites while scrunching her shoulders.

"Malfoy no! Don't!" Harry being a bit smaller than Draco was struggling. It seemed Draco was quite intent on simply beating the Medi-witch to death since it was obvious he'd never get a spell off with Harry bleeding Potter in front of him. Lucius turned the corner at precisely the right moment and shoved his son backward quite easily.

"Sydney, if you value your life, you'll get the fuck out of here and find us a Healer." Harry hissed, prepared to tie Draco to a chair. He'd never seen the wizard in such a frenzy.

"I was just...trying to help. It seems silly to just wait..."

"SYDNEY LEAVE THEM THE FUCK ALONE!" The last witch Harry Potter ever expected to see spouting profanity in a roar of rage of Luna Lovegood.

The wispy blonde had tied her hair back with a peculiar looking bow which matched her green Healer robes. Her normally serene face was contorted with flashing blue eyes, deep furrows of her brow and a high flush across her cheeks. She brandished her wand, which sent her radish earrings swinging erratically before stopping beside Sydney the Medi-witch.

"Healer Lovegood er Zabini," Sydney stammered, wringing her man hands," Healer Goldstein said..."

"Fuck him. He's not your bloody supervisor is he? He didn't assign you to Spell Maladies did he? I believe that was me. I also believe I told you to keep your arse where you fucking belong or you'd be reported. You have a nasty little habit of ingratiating yourself where you don't belong. If Mr. Harry Potter and his entourage wish to sit here all bloody night doing fuck all, they have the right to do it. It's not up to fresh out of training Medi-witches to depict otherwise. Now. GET YOUR ARSE WHERE YOU BELONG BEFORE I LET MALFOY LOOSE!" Luna shrieked, pointing down the corridor with her wand. Sydney bobbed her head, hurrying away from the terrifying Healer.

"Hello Harry, I'd say it's lovely to see you but these are most unfortunate circumstances. Mr. Malfoy, I think it's safe to let Draco go now. I'm sure he'd like to have a word with me. I don't have much to offer, but it's better than one's imagination." Harry gulped loudly and settled himself in a chair.

He hadn't seen much of Luna Lovegood since her marriage to Blaise Zabini but he knew Hermione had. Hermione hadn't mentioned the drastic change in their friend, however if it kept others from bothering them, he was all for it.

"Luna..."

"I'm sorry Harry. I'm aware Hermione, Ron and yourself have always been close and you consider her family, but in this circumstance, Draco is her family. He'll decide what's to be disclosed after I speak with him." Harry blinked sharply.

He couldn't remember a time where his name didn't get him exactly what he wanted. He was aware it was a completely pompous thought, it simply also happened to be true. His green eyes watched Draco struggle to his feet, his face devoid of colour, his hands trembling a bit as he made his way to Luna. Harry observed Luna stand on her toes to whisper in his ear, while taking his arm and leading Draco away.

"She's an...interesting witch." Lucius Malfoy broke the stunned silence seconds before resuming his angry pacing.

Harry shrugged and decided to join him. It seemed to work for the patriarch and Harry was just about willing to try anything. He knew he should be sending an owl to the Minister or even checking on Charlie Weasley's condition...

"Fuck." Harry stopped short, his shoes skidding across the hospital linoleum as he worked his way back toward his makeshift family.

"Molly, Ron, Bill...I er...in all the commotion...I uh.." Harry rubbed his scar, frustrated with himself.

"Is it Hermione?" Ron leapt to his feet, his fists clenching and unclenching.

"No, actually, I don't know anything about Hermione. I suppose when Malfoy comes back...anyway. I forgot to tell you something really important. Kingsley's going to bloody murder me. Charlie's being transported here by Portkey. I was supposed to prepare you lot and then..."

"Then, I blew up Hermione Granger." Bill shuddered.

"Bill, it was an accident. Pucey's going over things right now and I'll bet you 50 galleons there was a timer and the minute she deciphered the runes in air they would have blown. Regardless, your brother Charlie?He's a bit of a mess really. Seems the person who's targeting witches and wizards here has a very specific agenda. He's alright. He's alive. He just has a few new scars to his collection..."


Luna Zabini led Draco Malfoy down the corridor toward the lift. She had looped her arm through his and he was thankful she wasn't skipping. He wasn't aware of where they were going. It didn't matter to him, not really. Luna could lead him anywhere she liked as long as Hermione survived.

"Healer Zabini, did you really berate Sydney in front of.."

"Fuck off, Goldstein." Luna ignored the nondescript blond Healer and continued to lead Draco. He could hear Goldstein sputtering behind them and found himself without the ability to even snort in derision.

"Blaise is rubbing off on you." Draco whispered, his eyes concentrating on the swing of the radishes.

"Yes." Luna lifted a shoulder in a shrug, stopping outside the last door on the right. "She looks a little rough. I just want you to be prepared. She's not awake yet and I shouldn't be doing this, but you won't speak of it." She smiled then, not a full blindingly bright smile just a hint, but it gave Draco hope.

He stepped through the door with his heart in his throat, choking back a sob at what lay before him. Draco Malfoy thought he'd never witnessed anything worse than Hermione writhing on the drawing room floor of Malfoy Manor all those years ago, but he was wrong.

Hermione Malfoy looked as if she were one big bruise. Her arm and leg were no longer bent at odd angles; instead they were restrained by splints, keeping them in place. Her eyes were blackened with dark purple bruises spread across her cheeks. There were cuts and scrapes in various stages of healing on her arms and forehead. He was pleased to see her breathing had improved immensely while slowly approaching the bed.

"It looks much worse than it is. The impact could have done some serious damage if it had taken place anywhere else. The new training rooms have light cushioning charms embedded in the doors and walls. Her right arm was broken as was her left leg, when she regains consciousness we'll give her some Skele-gro, but until then we've reset the bones and splinted them. She has a concussion and normally we'd want her to be awake, but considering her injuries, it's best if she rest as much as possible. We're monitoring her and her brain activity doesn't seem to be affected. We'll know more once she awakens." Luna covered Draco's hand with her own as they stood side by side next to Hermione's hospital bed.

"Draco. With the extent of damage, you have to understand..." Luna sighed, squeezing his hand gently, "we did everything we could, but.."

"But what?" Draco whispered, unable to tear his eyes from Hermione.

"We couldn't save the baby."