"Malfoy?" Hermione mumbled, slowly sitting up and rubbing her eyes sleepily. She looked at Malfoy and saw his eyes were fixed icily onto the door and his body was tensed. "What's the matter?"
Draco's eyes didn't glance at her as he slowly raised a hand to silence her. She figured by the expression on his face that it wasn't a moment to protest or push the point any further. Hermione watched the door as well, and felt her heart beat quickly in her chest like a wild animal. Without knowing it, she scuttled closer to Malfoy and grabbed his hand, gripping it tightly.
This barely registered in Malfoy's mind. He couldn't feel his heart beat. He couldn't think of anything. He could only concentrate every sense he possessed on that door that was metres away. If he concentrated hard enough, he could hear the faint shouts of the Death Eaters, calling angrily to each other. At one point, he was sure he heard the harsh voice of Voldermort, but the voice stopped speaking too soon for him to make judgment.
Harry, Ginny and Ron were panting. They had tried room after room and hadn't found Hermione. Harry was becoming increasingly frustrated, and began taking it out on the empty rooms they found. He pointed his wand and had blown up countless tables, bookshelves and chairs.
Ginny slowly and carefully walked over to him and took his hand. She felt him shaking and his palms were clammy.
"It's ok Harry." Ginny mumbled soothingly. "We'll find her. She has to be here somewhere."
Harry took a deep breath and glanced down at the redhead clinging to his arm. He tried to smile, but his lips just wouldn't comply. He felt strained, and worried, and lost. If they didn't find Hermione soon, they would be called to leave and there would be nothing he could do. For some reason, he also found himself feeling concerned for Malfoy.
"Harry!" Ron's broken voice called from the corridor. Harry and Ginny ran from the small room they were in and saw Ron standing at the doorway to a strange arch way. Harry slowly approached him and looked at it carefully. There was nothing obviously wrong with the arch way except that on closer inspection Harry noticed it had strange carvings on it.
Ginny, not believing that an arch way was particularly fascinating, walked past the boys and stood in the next corridor. This corridor was narrow and dark and foreboding. Slowly, Ginny tip toed down it, checking every room. After a moment, the boys joined her.
A few moments later, Ginny tried a door and felt it was locked. She tried to shoulder the door, but just got a bruise in return for her efforts. Ginny whipped out her wand and pointed it at the lock.
The door shuddered as someone applied force to it's other side. Malfoy sprang to his feet, and Hermione was right behind him. The door knob jiggled a little, then silence for three seconds.
Malfoy stepped in front of Hermione protectively, and waited apprehensively for the door to open. His finger twitched towards his wand.
A split second later, the door flew open and hit the wall with a loud bang. Hermione jumped, screamed, and grabbed Malfoy's hand again. He tensed even further, then glared at the light that was pouring in through the doorway, trying to make out the figure. A moment later, his eyes widened with surprise, and he felt his voice crack as he said incredulously; "Weasley?"
"M-Malfoy?" Ginny replied, looking unsure. Her head turned and she screamed "Harry! Harry! Ron, I found them! Quick!"
Malfoy was about to say something else when he felt Hermione let go of his hand and fall heavily. He spun around and knelt down beside her as Ginny shuffled quickly into the room, tears pouring down her cheeks.
"Oh, I thought we'd never find you!" she blubbered, then she caught sight of Hermione. "Hermione!" she squeaked, rushing over.
"Hermione?" Malfoy muttered quietly, rubbing her cheek.
"What's wrong with her?"
"I think it's shock…I think." Malfoy said, checking her pulse. Well she was alive.
Harry and Ron appeared in the doorway at that moment and ran into the room, speaking with jumbled words. They saw Hermione then started firing questions. A second later, Hermione's eyes fluttered open and the first thing she focused on was Malfoy's face.
"I'm fine." She mumbled, as he pulled her gently into a sitting position. Harry and Ron tried to get closer to her, but Ginny held them back.
"Look at that." She mumbled quietly. Harry and Ron studied Hermione and Malfoy closer and saw the gentleness that they each used on the other. Malfoy's hand was resting softly on her back, supporting her, and Hermione was holding his hand again, taking a deep breath. "I think he took care of her."
"Hermione?" Ron said after a moment.
Hermione jumped, as if she only just remembered they were there. "Harry? Ron? Ginny?" Malfoy helped her to her feet and Hermione hugged them so tightly she thought bones would be crushed. When the four broke away, tears were shining in their eyes. Malfoy kept a respectful distance.
"We thought-"
"I can't believe-"
"I've missed you so much!"
"Snape and the-"
"You have no idea what my homework-"
"I felt lost-"
"School average-"
"Quidditch-"
Hermione felt overwhelmed. "Shut up. Please." She said quietly. "Just get me-" She glanced at Malfoy, "Us out of here."
Ginny was crying a river of happiness. "Come on!" She said, wrapping an arm around Hermione for support. With Ron's help, they left the tiny room.
Harry stood still, surveying Malfoy, and Malfoy looking at him carefully. After a moment, Harry extended a hand. "Thank you Malfoy for taking care of Hermione."
After a moment's hesitation, Malfoy shook his hand.
"I see you're hurt."
"I'll live." Malfoy mumbled.
"Can you walk?"
"I should be able to." Malfoy replied, nodding.
Together, they left the room and caught up to the others.
They were making their way silently along a corridor when suddenly Malfoy collapsed in a fit of pain. Hermione let go of Ron and Ginny and ran back to him. She saw a Death Eater standing a few metres away, wand raised for another attack. Harry was faster, and knocked the man out. Hermione fell to her knees beside Malfoy and waited for him to calm.
"Come on." She said, pulling him to his feet.
Malfoy was groaning and grumbling. Hermione supported him and they continued through the corridors. Eventually, Harry managed to find the concealed staircase that they had first arrived at and led them down it. They followed the path, down some stairs, then appeared out on the ledge on the opposite side of the entrance stair case.
Hermione's mouth fell open. Snape, McGonagall, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Lupin, Tonks and Mad Eye were all fiercely engaged in a battle between the Death Eaters. Curses were flying everywhere, and Hermione's vision blurred from the colours. Malfoy felt her swaying and looked at her.
"Are you okay?" He asked, now becoming her support.
Hermione frowned. "I think so…I just…feel really dizzy." The colours were becoming one, she couldn't tell whether or not she was balanced, her feet felt disconnected and she couldn't make sense of the shapes in front of her.
"Here," Malfoy said gently, "Sit down."
Forgetting about the battle that raged only metres away, Malfoy's primary concern was the girl next to him. Strange. He slowly lowered her to the floor then bent down. "Feel better?"
"Not really…I just…"
"We got them!" Harry shouted. He, Ginny and Ron were standing right next to the water, trying to get the attention of the others on the opposite bank. "I don't think they're doing so good." Harry mumbled. From here, it looked like they were being overrun. "Mr. Weasley! Behind you!"
From their position, Harry, Ginny and Ron tried to fire curses and help their friends, but at the moment, they would most likely hit them then help.
"I'm going over there." Harry said defiantly.
"I'm coming."
"Me too." Ron said.
"But what about Hermione?" Harry asked, turning to see her sitting down with Malfoy close by.
"Malfoy can take care of her." Ginny said. "I have to help…MUM!" Ginny screamed. She jumped into the water and quickly swam across to the other bank.
"Stay here!" Harry shouted to Malfoy then he and Ron followed her. They scrambled, dripping wet, onto the other bank and immediately began firing curses out of their wands. Ginny ran over to Mrs. Weasley who had been hit with a binding curse. Ginny freed her mother, then immobilized her attacker.
The screams, shouts and yells on the bank went largely unnoticed by Hermione and Malfoy. Curses rebounded off the cavern walls, but they didn't react. Malfoy had his hand on Hermione's chin, staring deeply into her eyes with concern. She was having immense trouble focusing on his gorgeous face.
"Come on Hermione." Malfoy mumbled. "Look at me."
"I am." Hermione replied, sounding slurred. "I just can't focus…"
"Close your eyes…now open them."
Hermione tried three times and blinked rapidly. Eventually, her vision cleared and the dizziness evaporated. She took a few shaky breaths.
"Better?"
"Yes." She said.
"Good."
"Where are the others?" she asked, noticing they were gone.
"Fighting…" Malfoy replied, glancing over his shoulders.
"What?"
Malfoy helped Hermione to her feet and she saw Mr. Weasley was knocked out, Mad Eye was bleeding, Lupin's clothes were even more shredded, and Minerva was having trouble keeping her balance. Harry was standing beside Snape, both fighting the same masked man. Ron was defending his dad's body, a deep slash on his cheek. Hermione saw his curses were becoming weaker. Ginny was with her mum, but the young girl was losing touch. Her curses seemed lax, and she let her guard down.
"They're all going to die!" Hermione mumbled helplessly.
"Not necessarily." Malfoy mumbled, turning her towards him. "Do you remember that spell you cast in the dining room that time?" Hermione nodded feebly. "Can you do it again?"
"I don't know how I did it the first time." Hermione said sadly, her hands shaking. "I can't…"
"Yes you can." Malfoy said firmly. They had been through far too much to just give up now. "Think back. What were you feeling?"
"Angry."
"Worried?"
"To a point." Hermione said. "But it doesn't matter. Draco, I feel really weak. I can't do that spell."
"Don't give me excuses." Malfoy snapped, rather harshly. "You are the smartest witch ever to pass through Hogwarts walls and you're telling me that a few nights of bad sleep and appetite are going to let you allow your friends to die? After they saved your life?"
Hermione felt tears brim her eyes and let them fall out of frustration. "I can't" she managed to choke out. "Don't speak to me like that."
"It's the truth." Malfoy said firmly. "You can do it. Fight through the pain. It doesn't exist. All that matters is your friend's lives. They are important- exactly like the muggles in the cage."
"I…i…I can't." Hermione said, looking away. "I don't have the power."
Malfoy forced her to look at him. "Never let me hear you mutter that again." He said, hand under her chin. Her tears were glistening on her cheeks, she had cuts and bruises, her hair was mattered and tangled and dirty. Without thinking, Malfoy lowered his lips towards hers, and kissed her deeply.
All thoughts slipped from Hermione's mind, all the pain, all the worries. They were just gone as if Malfoy had erased them. She felt bliss. Happiness. Joy. Strength. She wrapped her arms around his neck, then, when her thoughts fought through the haze she realized she was snogging Draco Malfoy while her friends were in danger. She broke the kiss, though her eyes were closed, and her head remained close to his.
"Thank you." She whispered.
Without another word, she pulled out her wand, then walked confidently up to the bank and pointed her wand at the battle. She mustered all of her fear for her friends, hatred of the death eaters, sickness, pain and love. All the strong emotions coursed through her veins, and eventually traveled along her fingertips and out of her wand.
The invisible force that flew towards them made the walls vibrate and the ground trembled. The battle ceased as everyone looked around in confusion. Hermione's eyes were closed as she concentrated on controlling the magic so it left her friends alone. Malfoy watched, proud of her in a way, as all of the Death Eaters were knocked forcefully off their feet. They hit the walls and slid down. The good guys were staring at their attackers, mouths open in astonishment. Then, their eyes eventually looked around and spotted Hermione who was standing there, eyes still closed.
After a moment, she opened her eyes and saw the roof of the cavern. The dull throbbing in the back of her head told her she had fallen. Malfoy was once again crouched over her, looking concerned.
"Did it work?"
"Oh yeah, it worked." He said, smirking down at her.
"Good." Hermione said, touching his nose with her finger. A second later, she blacked out again.
The others made their way over to them and stared at Malfoy in wonder, as if he could explain. All he could offer them was what he saw in the dining room. There was silence. Then, as if it had only occurred to her, Ginny said; "Where is Voldermort?"
"He didn't stick around long." Snape answered. "Come along. If other Death Eaters turn up, Miss Granger won't be awake to protect us. Move it!"
Malfoy effortlessly picked Hermione's body up and waited as everyone prepared themselves to apparate.
Hermione's brown eyes fluttered open. She squinted in the bright sunlight, and waited a moment as her vision corrected itself. She was lying in the hospital wing, blanket up to her chest, hands on top. Her hair had been washed- Hermione could smell the mangos. She felt clean, fresh. Her face stung slightly from a few cuts that were still healing and she felt a little light headed.
Flowers were crammed onto the bedside table, and some had even been placed on the floor near her bed. A comfy chair was next to the bed, and slumped in it was Malfoy. He looked clean as well, and smelt good. His hair was brushed, though not gelled, his face was nearly completely healed. Hermione couldn't help but remember what it felt like to kiss him. It was absolute bliss. Nothing else in the world mattered. She longed for it again, but doubted that would happen- they couldn't be friends at school. It just wasn't possible. Malfoy had a reputation and Hermione had her pride.
She sighed heavily, and accidentally woke the sleeping beauty.
Malfoy stirred in the seat and his eyes snapped open. He saw she was awake, and rubbed his eyes. "Well hello there."
"Hi." Hermione replied, her voice raspy.
"How do you feel?" Malfoy asked carefully. He sat on the edge of the chair, and looked as if he wanted to sit on the bed beside her and hold her hand but something was holding him back. Oh how Hermione wished he did. She had come to terms with it. She liked him. She couldn't help it. He had been a jerk, but on many occasions, he had protected her. He was a better guy than she would ever have given him credit for.
"I've been better." Hermione replied, sitting up. "How long have I been asleep for?"
"A day or two. That spell you cast really knocked you around." Malfoy said, his eyes reflecting the gold sunlight.
"And what about the others? Are they all okay?" Hermione asked.
"They're fine. I think they couldn't believe the magic." Malfoy smirked. "My little beaver is just full of surprises."
Hermione smiled. "I try."
"They are around here somewhere…I think they went to rest."
Hermione nodded. "And what about you?"
"What about me?" Malfoy asked, leaning back into the chair casually.
"How are you feeling?"
He shrugged. "A little stiff and sore but a part from that, I'm great. Just dandy. The school is buzzing with rumors and questions." He paused, and watched her closely. "Some are even saying that you and I are together."
"What ever gave them that idea?" Hermione asked casually. She hoped he didn't hear her heart hitting the bottom of her stomach.
"I don't know." Malfoy said, shrugging again. "Could be that I walked up the school grounds with your unconscious body in my arms. Or it could be that I haven't left your side since we got here."
Hermione was silent. She wasn't sure if he was joking or flirting. Did he look sarcastic or hopeful? To save the embarrassment, Hermione remained mute.
Slowly, Malfoy stood and came to stand next to her bed. "You really scared us-me- when you didn't wake up."
"Sorry." Hermione said.
Malfoy smirked at her and lent close. "Don't do it." He kissed her on the cheek. "Again." Another kiss on the cheek.
Hermione smiled as he pulled away and she couldn't help but notice how intriguing and dangerous yet safe he looked. His hair reflected the sunlight, but not in a dorky way. In an angelic way. Yet his eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. Hermione had to restrain herself from giggling insanely.
"There is something I want to ask you." Malfoy asked, hands in his pockets.
"Oh?"
"Yes. Don't sound so surprised."
"With you? Never." Hermione smiled, but Malfoy never got to continue as at that moment, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Ginny, Ron, Harry and Minerva entered the hospital wing. They ran over when they saw she was awake. Ginny jumped onto her bed, Harry and Ron sat down either side of her and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley stood at the foot of the bed with Minerva. Malfoy quietly retreated to his chair. He wanted to give them privacy, but didn't want to leave her side.
"How are you?" Ginny asked.
"Fine."
"Are you sure?" Harry asked, holding her hand.
"Yes."
"What happened?" Ginny asked. "I want to know everything." Hermione had the strange inkling she was also asking for information about Malfoy.
"Another time perhaps Ginny dear." Mrs. Weasley said gently. "Let the girl rest."
"She's slept for two days straight!" Ginny said exasperated. "I think she's rested enough!"
Hermione smiled, but Mrs. Weasley scowled.
"I want answers Hermione!" Ginny continued. "There are heaps of rumors and stuff…"
"Miss Weasley, I doubt this is the time for school gossip." Minerva said sternly. "Miss Granger is too tired and overwhelmed. I think you should just calm down."
"A just suggestion Minerva." A soft voice said. Everyone turned and saw Dumbledore standing behind them, eyes twinkling. He looked at Hermione kindly. "May I have a minute alone with our two survivors here?"
Regretfully, Ginny, Ron and Harry got off the bed and left with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and McGonagall.
Dumbledore moved and stood at the foot of the bed. "First, I want to apologize to the both of you. I regret the easiness in which the Death Eaters faced in order to get to you, and I am ashamed. I thought the security was tight, but I was mistaken. As such, it nearly cost you your lives. For that, I apologize."
"Sir, I-"
"Please Miss Granger, indulge an old man and let me confess my sins." Dumbledore said kindly. "Secondly, I want to congratulate the two of you. I am aware- as is the school- of the arguments the two of you endured here, but you have worked passed your differences, and supported and took care of the other. For that, I am so proud of you. I understand that you two took great care of each other during the fight to get out.
Unfortunately, I myself couldn't make the fight, even though I tried. There was another incident and I couldn't get away. I know that sounds horrible, but it was a personal matter with another student and it was something I couldn't avoid. For that, I ask your forgiveness again. Lastly, I wish to ask for your help."
"For what?" Malfoy asked curiously.
"While you were away, did you happen to hear anything, or see anyone that can help the order? I direct the question at Miss Granger, but if you chose to, Mr. Malfoy, you can speak. I do not wish to put you in a complicated situation."
"I did that myself." Malfoy said. "And sorry, but no. I don't remember."
Hermione shrugged and shook her head sadly.
Dumbledore nodded. "That's quite alright. Not to worry. Now, Miss Granger, this magic spell or force of yours I have heard about…how fascinating! It seems to occur with a particularly strong emotion, or controlled emotions."
"I was going to ask you about that actually." Hermione said.
"Well it's something that we can have many discussions on. It is so fascinating. I believe Mr. Potter shares a similar gift, though his is not nearly as controlled or dangerous as yours…"
"I wanted to ask something else as well sir." Hermione said carefully.
"Of course."
"While I was with Voldermort, in his home I mean, I occasionally felt really sick, dizzy and just in really bad pain…any idea why?" Hermione asked.
"I did too." Malfoy said from his chair.
Dumbledore was nodding slowly. "Alas, another thing that I must apologize for. You see, I thought if I could enter your minds and talk to you to get some information, we may have rescued you earlier…apparently, though, my efforts were blocked by spells." He looked truly sad. "I am so sorry for the pain that I have unintentionally caused you both."
"No sweat." Hermione said, smiling at him. "It's not your fault sir."
"Such is life." Malfoy agreed.
Dumbledore smiled faintly at them. "I am glad to see your humor is still in tack. I shall let you rest." He stood and left the room.
"Well…" Hermione said slowly. "That explains that."
"Sure does." Malfoy said. "I don't blame him."
"Not for a second." Hermione agreed. "So what was it you wanted to ask me?"
Malfoy took a deep breath. He hoped she hadn't remembered. Bugger.
"I was wondering…since the rumors are already flying around, its not like it would surprise anyone…and I trust…I mean…i…i…" he shook his head, mumbling to himself, then stood and walked over to her and sat on the bed. "We have been though…"
"Hell?" Hermione offered.
"Yeah. And well…truth is…now, I know this will sound corny…but…truth is…I wouldn't have wanted to go through that with anyone but you."
Hermione saw the twisted and hidden compliment and slowly raised her head to meet his. "You know what? We finally agree on something."
"That's new."
"Everything has a beginning." Hermione mumbled.
"What about an ending?"
"Gee, don't skip that far ahead." Hermione laughed. Malfoy smirked at her, then slowly and tenderly kissed her on the lips. Hermione floated back into her dream land.
Finally, things were set right. Her dark dreams were forgotten. Everything seemed perfect. For now. And Hermione lived in the now.
Well, now she did.
BOM BOM BOM!!
That's it! ITS ALL OVER!!
OMG
IT'S FINISHED!
Snake Goes For a Lion has officially ended with this chapter. The Characters live on in our hearts, but as far as this document is concerned, the story ends. For now…hahahah. Naw, just kidding. This is it people.
So, R&R and let me know what you thought of the ending.
Thank you so so so so much to everyone who religiously reviewed and supported me.
Thank you. You will never understand how awesome a good and praising review feels like. You guys are awesome. So awesome. Love you all.
Aj.