Chapter 14
Draco's point of view
As soon as I was in my room and had locked the door wandlessly I set Hermione's frail figure on the double bed. I felt the guilt well up inside of me. It was my fault, her being here, her experiencing all of the pain that wasn't right for anyone to bear. I had stayed behind and listened to Ron and Harry's conversation and I had followed the path of destruction to see it end in Hermione disappear with a crack. It was also my fault that she had passed out but I had to do it. If Bellatrix had thought I was going easy on her then Hermione would be handed over to Greyback, and he was well known around the death eaters for his...use of the female body. I hated the way Bellatrix had grinned at me when I had performed the curse. She thought I was going to do what Greyback would have done. I had to talk to Hermione about it- if she'd listen to me. After what I had done I doubted it. Just looking at her sleeping form, no matter how drained she looked, filled me with a warm feeling. I was here and I was protecting Hermione and hopefully she would forgive me. I know I'd forgive her. I'd do anything for her and she needed to know that. I'd become the bad guy if it was to protect her. Her eyes fluttered and I flocked to her side.
"Hermione...can you hear me...it's really important that you stay quiet. Ok." Her innocent brown eyes looked up at me with fear. "I promise I won't hurt you or let anyone hurt you. Ok." She continued to look at me blankly. "Please believe me. Do you think I would hurt you if I didn't need to?" After a moments thought she shook her head and I let out a sigh of relief.
"Draco...it hurts." She half whimpered, half croaked.
"I know. But I've got nothing here to help you. They think I'm going to..."
"I know."
"Then kill you." I added solemnly.
"You won't will you?"
"Of course not, but after a few days I'll have to show them a body."
"I think I have an idea."
"You do?"
"Yeah...wait where's my bag?" She made a move to get up but I pushed her back onto the bed. I understood the aftermath and knew how painful it was. I didn't want her to be put into any more pain than she needed to.
"I'll get it." I exited the room and walked down the stairs.
"Aunt Bella?"
"Yes Draco?"
"Where's the prisoners belongings?"
"Over there...why?"
"She doesn't know that we are going to kill her and insisted on a contraceptive potion that she has in that bag."
"Very well, but punish her for her demands. Do you understand me."
"Of course aunt Bella."
"That's my boy." She smiled showing her filthy brown teeth. I knew she would buy into that excuse. The Dark Lord didn't use her for tactic anymore- she had gone insane in Azkaban and he only used her for the torture of Muggleborns and blood traitors. Basically, everyone who wasn't a death eater. I made my way back upstairs and once I was in my room I locked my door once more.
"What do you need."
"There's an undetectable extension charm on that bag so there is a lot of things in there. Be careful that you don't smash anything."
"Ok. So what am I looking for?"
"Your looking for a vial of veela blood and a box of snakeskin and finally a tiny vial of unicorn hair. Be very careful, two of those ingredients are very expensive."
"Ok." I carefully extracted all of the ingredients and placed them before her.
"The veela blood resembles no impurities- that helps because I will look pale and beautiful as if death has taken hold. The unicorn hair resembles the tranquility I will be in- basically I will look dead in my face and body language. The snake skin resembles poison- it will render me incapable to move but I will be able to hear and see. It also stops my bodily functions with next to no damage. So, I wont be able to breath, blink, speak, move etc.
"You sure this is safe?"
"What other choice do we have?"
"Stupefy?"
"I'll still be able to breathe. This is our only option Draco."
"I know. But it doesn't mean I have to be pleased about it."
"I know."
"We will have to wait a day or two. I don't have anything for the pain. But sleeping should help."
"No."
"What?"
"I will not be falling to sleep." The determined look in her eyes shocked me.
"Why not?" I asked curiously, she needed to recover- so she needed sleep.
"Why do you think?" Her eyes bit into mine and I had to look away from how intense she was being.
"Would you like me to leave?"
"Yes." The hurt bit into me but it was for Hermione. Anything for her to get out of here safely. I bit back a snide retort and instead answered:
"Goodnight...I guess."
"Night Malfoy."
"Hermione...I'm really sorry I didn't want to do that but if I hadn't have cursed you. Well, she would have given you to Greyback." I watched as she shivered. "I'd do anything to keep you safe even if I had to make you hate me."
"I'm sorry, I just need some time alone."
"I understand." I turned towards the door when she asked me a question, the question that I hope she wouldn't ask.
"Draco, why were you in the bluebell forest?"
"I was following you."
"To get to Harry and Ron?"
"No. To make sure that you stayed safe." I exited the room then. I had given her the honest answer but it was up to her to believe it.
A/N: Please review.