A/N: I'm so sorry for the long wait for an update. I know it's been forever, but Writer's block is just getting in the way. I'm adamantly refusing to let it win, and I'm not willing to give up the story, but updates can be slow in the process of my writing right now. I appreciate all of you who have read, reviewed, favorited and followed through the course of the story and I hope you enjoy this shorter but new chapter. Thanks again for all your patience.
It had been three blasted hours and they had gotten nowhere. Well, if you didn't count the panic that ensued through their little band of rebels at the mention of Lucius being in the know. At least until the following explanation that he claimed to not care. The frenzy of fear abated on that note, but it left everyone feeling a sense of doubt.
None of them believed that that the minister was just letting them off scot free. First of all, he was a Malfoy, he sought power and prestige at the sake of anything and everything. Secondly, he was a Slytherin, he never did anything without having the advantage and getting something in return. There was just no way was he content to just let a little band of rebels be.
"So," drawled Draco slowly, "what we got so far is that none of us trust my father."
"That's stating the obvious there mate," Theo Nott echoed.
"I'm just surprised that the wedding planner over there hasn't come up with anything," quipped Blaise jokingly.
Pansy feigned offense, "I'm a wedding planner Zabbini, not a criminal mastermind." Her words seemed to have a sobering effect of Daphne.
"Merlin," the lithe blond witch gasped as though someone had poured ice cold water over her "that is what we are isn't it? Were criminals and old enough to be held responsible to the full extent of the law."
"Daph," Theo soothed his girlfriend, "nobody is after us, and nothing is going to happen."
"That is correct," Thorfinn announced. "Right now, the regime's main concerns are the re-education of captives and squashing the resistance. We technically are not a part of the resistance, and even if Lucius does know about us, the others do not." Everyone calmed again at his statement.
"What is our main concern," Blaise asked. "I mean we are not part of the resistance but maintain the same goals, to shut down the regime and restore a working democratic government in Wizarding Britain. However, we aren't actually doing anything, unlike our counterparts."
"Our main concern," Hermione replied "Is Macnair." Finn picked up on her turmoil at bringing up the subject, so he filled in the details for the room full of blank faces, even as he drew Hermione into his arms.
"As you know, Macnair has made it a personal vendetta to expose Blair Nightshade as Hermione. Doing so would jeopardize her safety. What you likely do not know, is why."
"Why?" Several voices raised the question.
"Macnair was slotted for custody of Hermione when she was captured, he took the liberty of attempting to locate her himself. When he found her, instead of turning her in, he made a game out of tormenting her, stalking her, sending her gruesome gifts and taunting her with what her future held in store. He intended to share her with your father Theodore, and looked forward to breaking her. Thankfully I learned of this plot and was able to relocate Hermione. However, with Hermione's sudden disappearance from her job, school and flat in the muggle world and the sudden arrival of my affianced Blair Nightshade made him suspicious. He realized that I was the only one he told other than Nott, of his plans and put two and two together."
"That's a shocker," came Draco's sarcastic reply.
"So, Macnair doesn't actually know for sure," Daphne mentioned.
"Unfortunately, we are certain that he does know. He doesn't have enough proof to convince the other lords of it however, and that is the only saving grace we have. It is only a matter of time before he comes up with something." Thorfinn explained.
"It would be so much simpler if we could get the other Lords on our side. There is no love lost between them and Macnair," Draco thought aloud.
"We considered that already," Hermione supplied. "The other's may hate Macnair, but they are currently enjoying the benefits that come with being on top, and many of them are so wrapped up in their perversions and violent tendencies to let it go now."
"I think Draco has a point though," Theo interjected smoothly. "The other's don't want to give up control, and shouldn't be let in to the truth, but they do hate Macnair enough to thwart his attempts, and we could play that to our advantage."
Interested Hermione responded, "How do you suggest Theo?"
"Most of the other lords like you, err Blair I mean," Stammered Theo when Thorfinn's face darkened into a menacing scowl. "Since they like you, they want to earn your favor. If you were to mention to them that Macnair has been continuously bothering you, they would more than likely direct their efforts into eliminating the problem."
"Yes, But Theo," Draco began, "they already know about Macnair and they haven't done much of anything aside from excluding him from group functions. He still holds his position."
"But do they know that he has continued bothering Blair?"
"He hasn't," Hermione groaned. All the heads turned towards her. Since his attempt at raping me and being banned from social functions in which Blair is present, Macnair has not reached out to me at all. We only know that he is determined to reveal my identity, there is no evidence of the fact."
"Hermione I think Theo has a point," Thorfinn's deep voice rumbled. "I don't think we need proof per say, to gain sympathy. If you were to simply confide in a few of the lords, and say how afraid you are of him, how angry he was when he was caught violating you, I'm almost certain it would elicit the lords to act."
"Well I'm willing to try. How do you suggest? Not another dinner party I hope."
"No," Daphne and Pansy said at the same time.
"You have already hosted too many dinner parties lately," Daphne pressed on. "What you need is an outing, somewhere that others are sure to be seen and where you can encounter them."
"Exactly. I hear that the Russian Wizarding Ballet is coming to Diagon alley next week. As a native to the mother country Dolohov is sure to attend, and his comrades will more than likely follow his example?"
Hermione was starting to feel as though her life was becoming similar to that of an 18th century socialite. Dinner parties, galas and upper class evening entertainment galore. It made her sick to her stomach how old fashioned the traditions and the mannerisms of the wizarding world really were. Never the less, she had to accept it and conform if she was to keep up appearances.
With a heavy sigh, she replied. "Fine. Finn and I will attend as well." She felt more than the she heard his resounding scoff of indignation. She placated him with a squeeze to the hand.
"It's very formal," groused Pansy, to which Hermione sent her coldest smile. "Fine, fine I'll leave your dress up to you."
"Thank you Pansy." The others laughed.
"I think this is all we'll be able to settle for now. I think perhaps we should retire for the evening," Thorfinn stated. The group departed through the floo for their own residences, and soon Hermione and Thorfinn were alone in the quiet library. They relaxed, cuddled by the fire, wrapped in each other' arms, their fears forgotten for a while by the comfort they found in the moment.
