AN- Alright guys, I've not done great at the posting once a week thing, but I am still confident I should get this wrapped up within the first week of February. I'm actually almost done with the next chapter, then just 3 more. :)

I hope you are still enjoying this story as much as I am. Oh! And just a reminder I am going to write a special something for review #200 (we're currently sitting at 198)

As always major Beta Love to Dark Norse Lady. :)

11 Malfoy Manor Pt.1

The next morning, breakfast with the Malfoy family was extremely uncomfortable, primarily because their patriarch was determined to ignore that Hermione was present.

"Draco, pass me the sugar," he drawled.

Draco looked at his father incredulously, "Father, the sugar is in front of Hermione, surely she'd be a better person to ask to pass it to you."

"Do not question me," Lucius demanded, "I told you to pass it to me, and you will do it without another word."

Looking to the girl across the table, Draco offered her an apologetic smile. "Hermione, will you please pass the sugar?"

She returned the smile and silently offered it to him. The remainder of the meal was eaten in a tense silence. It wasn't until the house elves were clearing the table that Narcissa spoke, "Draco dear, I thought Hermione might like it if you showed her around the manor." she turned to smile at her niece, "I'm sure she'll take quite a liking to the library in particular."

"Sure thing, Mother," Draco stood and walked to Hermione's side. "Shall we go, cousin?" She tentatively took his offered arm and was led from the room.

It was sometime later, as they strolled through the garden she could see from her bedroom window, that she noticed a change in her tour guide's demeanor.

"So, what was it like?" he cocked his head to the side and peered at her.

"What was what like?" she asked.

"Growing up as a werewolf, with a pack." approaching a tree he sat on the soft grass beneath it and gestured for her to join him. Taking her seat, she turned to regard him warily. He was looking into the distance, clearly lost in his thoughts. "Life at the manor used to be bliss, before his return I mean." Neither had to acknowledge who 'he' was. "I was rather spoiled," Draco laughed and looked at her. "And I was a bit of a prat."

"Mmhmm," the corners of her mouth quirked in the hint of a smile, "I seem to remember that. You weren't very impressed with my manners, called me a barbarian I believe." Seeing him blush, made a smile lite on her face. "I'd never been to Diagon Alley before that, you know. I've only been there a handful of times since, and all of them were after I was bonded with Remus." At the mention of her mate, she looked down at her hands, hoping her companion missed her misty eyes.

"Did you know he was my teacher?" Hermione shook her head, and Draco continued. "Good Bloke, Professor Lupin was. The best defense teacher I've had so far, and with Snape as headmaster, I can't imagine this year's professor will be any better."

"He mentioned teaching for a year, I guess I didn't realize his students were so close to my age," she gave Draco a watery smile, "sometimes I forget how much older than me he is."

Her cousin nodded in understanding. "So, will you tell me about the pack?"

She laughed but nodded her head. "Mum found me when I was just under five years old, and she convinced papa that they needed to adopt me…."

Hermione was surprised that he seemed to hang on her every word as she told him about her childhood, her friends, and how she came to meet Remus. She was equally surprised to hear more about his childhood. She had already assumed that Narcissa had been a very dedicated mother but had a hard time believing that Lucius used to be a doting, but strict, father.

The next two weeks continued on much the same as the first day had. It seemed that he was grateful to have someone near his age to spend time with him. She learned more about his time at Hogwarts and his rivalry with Harry. Hermione found his need to best the bespectacled boy to be quite amusing.

All in all her time at the Manor had been uneventful, and almost relaxing. It was easy for her to forget that she was, in fact, a prisoner. That all changed the night before Draco was to leave for Hogwarts.

Entering the dining room, she was taken aback by three extra people sitting around the table. The first she immediately recognized as Rodolphus Lestrange and seated across from him was the man who had approached them in Diagon Alley, his brother, Rabastan. Next to Rodolphus was a woman with riotous curls that Hermione thought looked somewhat familiar, and judging by the murderous look in her eyes, she was sure the woman recognized her as well.

Hermione quietly took the only seat available, leaving her to sit between Draco and Rabastan. Halfway through the meal the woman across from her dramatically pushed her plate back from herself. "Elf, come take my plate. I have no appetite, the stink of dog seems to be very prevalent tonight. Really, Lucius, I know the Dark Lord order she not be harmed, but to have her at your dinner table." She shot a disgusted look at the head of the table.

"Bella, dear, this is my doing." Narcissa interjected, "the poor girl had no say in her unfortunate upbringing, I thought some culture might be good for her."

Hermione tried to brush off the conversation around her but found that task harder when she felt a hand on her leg. Turning she saw Rabastan giving her a lecherous grin. "I know you said you wouldn't give her the time of day, Rod, but I happen to think that this little wolf is quite enticing. Tell me, little girl, are you wild in all aspects of your life?"

She tried her best to move away from him, but his grip on her leg only tightened, and Hermione began to panic until help came from an unexpected source.

Lucius cleared his throat, "Draco, perhaps it's time to show Mrs. Lupin to her bedroom, I'll be up in a little while to make sure it's properly warded." He sent Rabastan a pointed look.

"Yes, Father," standing, he took her arm and quickly led Hermione out of the room.

Once they were safe inside her room, she turned to look at him and was taken aback by the anger burning in his eyes. "I'm very sorry about that, Hermione. From what I've heard Rabastan has always been a vile man, and Aunt Bella always a bitch, but their time in Azkaban just intensified that."

"It's not your fault," she placed a hand on his shoulder. "I was surprised by your father though-"

Draco cut her off, "I think it's safe to say neither of our fathers are always exactly how they seem." She nodded, and he stepped forward pulling her into a hug. "I need you to promise me that you'll be careful. I'm leaving for Hogwarts tomorrow, but I've been permitted to return the weekend after the full moon. I'll be back September 19th."

"That's my birthday," she smiled. "I'll be fine Draco, I promise. Between your mother and Rodolphus, I will be perfectly safe."

"Rodolphus?" he raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, he saved my life when the Weasley wedding was attacked. I think he was close with my mum."

"Hmmm. Well, regardless, stay safe. I might even bring you a present back with me." He smiled at her before his face once again grew serious. "I'll miss you, Hermione."

"I'll miss you too, Draco, and you stay safe too," she pulled him into a tight hug, "a school run by Death Eaters can't be safe."

He dropped a kiss to her forehead, "I will be." A knock at the door signaled his father was there to place wards on it. "Good night, cousin. I will see you in a little over two weeks."

"Good night."

"So, How is it you know my mum?" Hermione cocked her head to the side. She had been surprised to find Rodolphus when she made her nightly trip to the library, but she wasn't going to pass up an opportunity to question him.

"Now that's quite a story," the man gave her a small smile. "I met Calia for the first time when we were very young children, no older than four I'd say." Leaning forward, Rodolphus picked his glass up from the table between them and took a swig of the amber liquid before continuing. "Your mother was a wild one even at that age," he chuckled, "I remember our fathers were livid when we came back to the manor up to our ears in mud. Callalily had convinced me to jump in the fresh puddles near the entrance of the hedge maze.

"I was mad about her, you know," there was something in his eyes as he stared at the glass in his hand. "I'd have given her the world had she asked it, but that's not what she wanted from me, so I gave her the only thing she asked for instead." Looking up at Hermione he gave her a pained smile.

"Which was what?" she leaned forward, captivated by his story.

"Freedom," he answered simply, "when she came to me and told me she'd found your father, and that she wished to run away with him I was crushed. I'd like to say I was noble and let her go without a second thought, but I'm not that good of a person," he chuckled darkly.

"It wasn't until I saw them together," as he spoke he stared into the empty fireplace, " that I knew I had to let her go. Your father looked at her like she was the only thing that mattered in his universe, but more importantly, she never looked at me the way she looked at him."

Hermione watched him silently lost in his thoughts for a moment before his head snapped back to her, looking as if he just remembered she was there. "So, the next morning I went to the Ministry and signed the papers to let her out of our contract, and she ran away with him a week later."

"Wow," she whispered, "that was very kind of may say you're not a good man, but I am inclined to disagree." Hermione leaned forward and placed a hand on his. "Not only did you do the right thing then, but you have saved me, twice. You, Mr. Lestrange, are a good man." Before he could say anything in reply, they were interrupted by a shriek.

"How dare you!" Bellatrix was in the pulling Hermione up by her hair in a flash."It seems that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. First I had to deal with Calia trying to come between Roddy and me, and now I have to worry about her tramp of a daughter trying the same. Go back to your foul half-breed and leave my Roddy alone!" The older witch threw her to the ground and pulled out her wand. "Crucio." The next second Hermione was writhing in pain on the floor; screaming.

"Bella," Rodolphus was instantly on his feet, "my love. Don't waste your time with the girl. You know I only have eyes for you." He broke her concentration as he took her hand in his and gently kissed it. "Let us retire for the night."

She relented and let him lead her from the room, but not before glaring at the girl on the floor, and hitting her with a severe stinging hex.

Hermione looked up in time to see Rodolphus look back and mouth, "I'm sorry," before closing the door behind him.

Making her way down to the dungeon on September 16th, Hermione was surprised to see Bellatrix waiting for her, an evil glint in her eye.

"Time to be collared, mutt," she cackled.

Hermione silently stepped forward and allowed the crazed witch to place the collar around her neck. Once it was fastened, she felt pain ripple through her body. She could faintly hear Bellatrix laughing but wasn't able to make out exactly what she was saying.

Suddenly, the pain stopped.

"Bella, surely you remember the Dark Lord's orders. I'll not have you disobey him in my house," Lucius drawled. "Run along now; your husband was looking for you."

The next thing she knew, she felt magic wash over her and the last if the painful tingles ceased. "I apologize for the current accommodations, Mrs. Lupin, but surely you understand that I can't have a werewolf roaming the manor grounds." Without waiting for a response, Lucius turned and left her once again alone.

The next morning Hermione awoke back in her bed, with Narcissa worrying over her. "Don't sit up dear. You're in no condition. I've healed your open wounds, but I'm afraid it's a couple of days bed rest for you."

"Water?" Hermione was able to rasp out.

The older witch smiled gently and helped her to lift her head so that she could drink from a straw. "In a few hours, you should be able to sit up just fine. Then you can call on the house elves to get you anything you may need. Until then, get a little more sleep."

"Thank you," Hermione gave her a grateful smile before letting sleep take her.

She was still in bed when Draco returned home two days later. "I hear you were in pretty bad shape," he said as he sat on the edge of her bed.

"I was," she smiled, "but I think now Aunt Cissa is using it as an excuse to keep me in my room. It's easier to keep danger away that way."

"Aunt Cissa?" he teased. "When did that happen?"

"Your mother has been in here keeping me company the past few days. She's an interesting woman, and very skilled at chess."

"Oh, Hermione," Draco shook his head and chuckled, "You should never play chess with a Slytherin. Anyway, are you feeling well enough for a little trip? Uncle Rod and I have a birthday present for you."

"Both of you?" she looked skeptical.

"Mmhmm," he nodded, "but I have to be the one to show you. We don't want more issues with Aunt Bella."

Hermione shuddered at the thought. "Well, lead the way."

A few minutes later Hermione found herself standing in the Malfoy's garden, right outside the hedge maze.

"I don't get it." she turned to Draco who was grinning like a madman.

"Walk up to the hedge and hold out your hand," when she did he grinned wider, "do you feel that? We added wards to it. You won't have to spend another full moon in the dungeon; instead, you'll be able to freely run through the maze, and the wards will be activated by your change and not let you out until you change back."

The next thing he knew she had her arms wrapped around him and had her face buried in his chest, "Thank you, Draco."

"You're welcome. Hermione." he squeezed her tight, then let go. "Come on; The house elves have dinner ready for us in the kitchen."

"I have another present for you," Draco grinned as they walked into her bedroom following dinner. She looked at him curiously as he quickly warded and silenced the room. Her curiosity was further peaked when he pulled a wizarding wireless from beneath Calia's old desk and begun messing with the dials.

"What in Merlin's name are you doing?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, I passed on a message to Weaselette that you are safe and being well cared for here. We got to chatting a bit, and she showed me something I think you will rather enjoy." He smiled broadly at her before returning to the dials. "This should be it," raising his wand he murmured a single word, "Moody," and the static instantly cleared up.

"Thank you, Weasel-"

"Oi mate, the name is Rapior!"

"Alright, thank you 'Rapior' for that information. Now though, we have two special guests on Potter watch, so we go on over to Canis and Romulus for an update on where Potter has been spotted."

"Thank you, River," The moment she heard his familiar voice her eyes welled up with tears.

"I-is that?" she turned to Draco. When he nodded, she launched herself at him, hugging him tightly. "Thank you," she sniffled, "this means more to me than you realize." Together they sat in silence listening to Sirius and Remus give the latest information on Harry.

"That's all the information we have at this time, but we will be back in a couple of days with any updates. Before I send things back over to River, I have a special message. I've received intel that a certain witch may be finding her way to this program. If you're listening, Love, I want you to know that I love you and I can't wait until we are together again. I'm sorry for what I've said, and I will work every day to make it up to you. Stay strong, I'm here fighting for you." his voice was thick with emotion. "Ahem," Remus cleared his throat, "back to you, River."

"Romulus, mate, that was a beautiful message," River made a sniffling sound, "You have one lucky lady. Well, that's all for today. We'll see you in three days, the passcode this time will be Prewitt. Stay safe out there folks."

By the end of the broadcast, Hermione was wrapped in Draco's arms and sobbing into his shoulder. "Thank you," she looked up and gave him a watery smile, "I miss him so much."

Pulling away from him, she moved to sit on the edge of her bed before laying back; her feet still planted firmly on the floor. Draco took her lead and was soon laying next to her, both looking up at the golden canopy above them.

"So, how long have you fancied her?" Hermione broke the silence after some time. Turning on her side and using her elbow to prop herself up, she looked down at her cousin.

"Fancied who?" Draco furrowed his brows.

"Ginny," she smirked, "with how much you complain about her and Harry's relationship I figured you must like her a lot."

"Weaslette?" he made a retching sound. "Have you seen her? That ghastly red hair, the way she dresses, and don't even get me started on her attitude." He closed his eyes to avoid her piercing gaze.

Hermione looked pensive for a moment before smirking, "perhaps you prefer messy black hair boys with hazel eyes?"

"Potter's eyes are green," as soon as the words left his mouth, Draco's eyes popped open. "Hey, you did that on purpose." His eyes then shifted to just over her shoulder, and he bit his bottom lip, "Could you, uh, could you not mention that around my father? Or anyone."

She smiled softly, "of course not. If it's any consolation though, he talks about you a lot too."

"He does?" Draco sat up and turned toward her; eyes wide, "what does he say?"

"Well, when they found out mum was a Malfoy Ron had quite a few opinions to share about your family." Hermione bit her lip, "Harry mentioned you the night of the Headmaster's death. He mentioned that he was certain you were going to accept help and that if you took the mark, it wasn't your choice." There was a heavy silence. "Do you- Do you have the mark?"

Draco looked away and held his arm out to her. Hermione pushed his sleeve up and gasped when she saw the ugly dark mark on his otherwise porcelain skin. Tentatively, she reached out and ran a finger over the snake only to pull her had back sharply, able to feel the dark magic radiating from it.

"He was right though," Draco whispered, "It wasn't by choice. After father was thrown into Azkaban, Aunt Bella insisted it was time for me to represent the Malfoy family. Mother tried to talk them into giving her the mark instead, but that just resulted in the Dark Lord hitting her with a crucio." When he looked up at Hermione, it was with hate-filled eyes, "I didn't want this, and I hope more than anything your friends can bring this war to an end."

Now it was her turn to comfort him. Wrapping an arm around him, she pulled him to her shoulder. He clung to her as she ran a hand through his hair. "We'll get through this, I promise you that, and you have my word that when I escape here, it won't be without you."