A/N: I'm sorry this took so long but I went through a bit of a block with this last chapter. I knew what I wanted to happen. I knew, sort of, how I wanted it to happen. But getting myself to that point was nearly impossible. I hope you all enjoy this chapter. And thanks to my wonderful Beta amethyst18 - you're awesome beyond compare!

Chapter 29

Narcissa opened her eyes as the first rays of dawn entered the room. The feel of a strong arm draped across her midsection did more to comfort her than anything else could have. She moved her fingers along his forearm and relished the feel of his skin beneath hers. She was content. Happy. The pending doom that hung over them was hardly noticeable as they lay together and she was able to lose herself in the moment.

She smiled as she felt his lips moving over her bare shoulder and she turned slowly to look at him. His eyes were still closed, but his grip on her tightened. He moved closer to her and buried his head in the crook of her neck. She had her mate back. He was here, in a bed, and he was currently leaving soft kisses along her skin.

"Good morning," she said softly.

He didn't say anything as his hands moved beneath the sheet and skimmed along her body. "My love," he finally whispered against her, and she could feel his happiness, and it was hard for her to tell where his began and hers ended. Their emotions were so well blended that she feared when the moment would end.

"You said last night that you would tell me what has happened."

And like a dead weight, she felt his happiness sink. She hated that she caused it, but she knew there were issues they needed to discuss. "I feel that we can discuss it a little later, Cissa."

She furrowed her brow and brushed her fingers over his chin. "I believe you may be right. After all, we have long months to make up for," she said before she leaned up to kiss him and any thoughts of a discussion about their current predicament were gone.

Draco received the notice from his Head of House that morning before the sun arose. He and Padma were to meet in the Great Hall and prepare for instructions. Whatever that meant. He knew, however, that waking before dawn was not something that he wanted to even contemplate. However, the constant pecking of the owl at his door left little doubt that he had an option.

He met Padma just inside the doors of the Great Hall and noticed that all of the professors were in assembly. He greeted his co-head and then asked questions. "What's happening?"

Padma shrugged. "No idea. Some of the professors seem as confused as we are."

When Dumbledore entered, all talking ceased. He stood amongst them all and he heaved a sigh. "War is coming to the castle. In three days."

Murmuring started again and Draco could see that several of the people in the room looked fearful, Padma was one of them. He wouldn't blame her if she wanted to run. After their attack, he felt it was justified.

"We have to get the young students out of the castle without drawing attention."

"How do you plan to do that, Headmaster?" Professor Sprout asked.

"We have allies, and I've made a few Floo calls. They'll be put somewhere safe until such time we can safely get them back to their homes."

"How do we know that this is happening?" Professor Sinestra questioned.

"Certain events have come to light. It's going to happen. We'll need to be prepared."

"What's the plan?" Draco asked, wondering if this could somehow offer a solution for the problem before himself and Hermione.

"Beauxbatons has agreed to hide the students in their hallowed halls. Madame Maxime will be here soon with the carriage. The students will be unaware of what will be happening and I expect none of you to tell them. We'll take every precaution to keep correspondence as to what's happening from the hands of those who would use it against us. As of this moment, the plan is to send the students there. We'll need to use all of you to make sure that this happens seamlessly."

Padma spoke up then. "Headmaster, how will we get them to Beauxbatons without causing suspicion?"

"All students will report to their first classes this morning. From there, the classes will be escorted to the Astronomy Tower where the enchanted carriage will be awaiting to take them away. It will happen quickly and we will check off every student to make sure none of them slip away."

Draco ran a hand through his hair, knowing that something had happened. He could feel it in his bones. Dumbledore and Harry Potter being in the same vicinity was too large a target for the Dark Lord to ignore. This might be his one and only chance to get to them both. He knew his worry was transferring to Hermione when he felt her tug on their bond in reassurance.

She was a steadying force even in the face of something insurmountable. Dumbledore dismissed everyone and as Draco was leaving, he could feel the eyes of several professors on him and he knew they were questioning his loyalty. The truth was, he was loyal to Hermione and his family. Everyone else could hang for all he cared. But Hermione would risk her life to make sure that those she loved were protected and Draco would do anything to protect her. He only hoped that neither of those scenarios happened.

Padma was wringing her hands as she walked beside Draco. "I can't believe this is really happening."

Draco heaved a sigh and frowned. "I can. Unfortunately."

"Something had to change," she said out loud.

"I thought the same thing. Why now? They've had all year to attack the castle without warning."

She frowned. "If you find out something, you'll tell me, won't you?"

He nodded. "Of course," it was a lie, but one that was easy to tell. The truth was, he didn't trust anyone with the exception of Hermione and his own parents, but he wouldn't tell her something to upset her, not when she was already visibly shaken by all of this. "You know, maybe Dumbledore will let you escort the students there."

She glanced at him briefly and then hung her head. "I couldn't leave Parvati. I simply couldn't chance that something could happen to her."

"Something could happen to her whether you're here or not. But you're not going to be very good in battle if you're so easily rattled. You'll need a cool head."

"Easy to say when a wand isn't pointed at your face."

How true, he thought. "I think we're going to be alright, Padma."

"You're trying to buoy my spirits?" she asked, almost laughing.

He shrugged. "Why not? Not much else we can do at the moment."

"Too true," she said finally. "I'm going back to my room to get my books and then head to breakfast. Be careful," she said finally.

"You too," he said to her retreating form.

Draco escorted the first years through the castle, all of them whispering amongst themselves as to what was happening. As they exited onto the balcony of the Astronomy tower, it all became clear to the other students. Professor Sprout and Professor Sinestra were checking the names off as the students assembled inside. It was first years through sixth years. Dumbledore wanted to make sure that they were all protected and he was doing a fine job of it. But Draco knew that if one Death Eater got word that all of them had been sent to the French school that they would all die.

Padma brought up the last group and Sinestra checked them into the carriage and the students were carried away. "Mister Malfoy," Professor McGonagall called to Draco and he turned slowly at seeing the Head of Gryffindor house coming towards him. "Headmaster Dumbledore would like to see you in his office."

He heaved a sigh and nodded. "Yes, Professor," he said as he left the others standing atop the Astronomy Tower.

He made it there quickly and knocked on the door to find Dumbledore pacing. He gave Draco a smile when he entered. "Good morning, Draco."

"Headmaster. You wanted to see me."

"I did. As you are probably aware, events have come to pass that have led to the decisions we've had to make." Draco nodded as he took a seat in one of the chairs in front of Dumbledore's desk and the Headmaster seated himself. "Your father showed up here last night."

Draco felt stunned. "Is he alright?"

"Perfectly fine. He's with your mother."

Draco sagged in relief, not realizing how worried he'd been about the man until that moment. He sat straighter. "Good."

Dumbledore furrowed his brow. "We have an opportunity here, Draco."

"What opportunity is that?"

"You're a very important person to Slytherin house. Yes, most of your house is stepping away from you at the moment, but you can turn the tide for us. They still look up to you."

Draco felt dread settle in the pit of his stomach. "What does that mean? What do you want me to do?"

"I want you to reveal your relationship with Miss Granger."

Draco shook his head. "No. It would put a bigger target on her back and I won't do it."

"Draco, I understand your reluctance..."

"Reluctance? My best friends attacked her and blamed it on me, and then Padma and I were attacked because I wouldn't claim an attack I had nothing to do with."

Dumbledore frowned. "Please consider this. You are important to this school and its students because you represent the ideas that have long been held by the Purebloods. Maybe it's time to show them that people are capable of change."

Draco shook his head. "I'm a Slytherin, Headmaster. I'm not able to be manipulated."

Dumbledore squared his shoulders, obviously taking offense to his words. "It needs to be done, Draco. The students should know that you are more than just the son of a Death Eater and that you are capable of something better."

Draco tapped his fingers on the arm of the chair. "I will not put her in any more damage by linking her with me."

A knock sounded at the door and Dumbledore bid the person to enter. It was Hermione and she looked curiously from Draco to Dumbledore. "Miss Granger, right on time."

"You wanted to see me, Headmaster?"

He nodded. "Please, have a seat."

Hermione sat beside Draco and he could feel his anger building. Dumbledore was going to force his hand and make him do it, despite his protestations. Because Hermione would see it as a way for him not to be marked and all he saw was the danger it could do to her.

Dumbledore began to tell Hermione of the events over the last twenty-four hours. "I've suggested to Mister Malfoy that we reveal your relationship to the student body."

Hermione furrowed her brow. "Why?"

"To show the students, specifically those in Slytherin house, that they are more than just their parent's expectations. They can redefine who and what they want to be. Draco, while his fate and reasons are a bit different, is a prime example of how a person can step out of the mold that was so carefully constructed for him. Your relationship shows that Purebloods, Half-bloods, and Muggle-borns can work and exist together. We will need the numbers in the upcoming fight. While it is a good thing that they would be willing to change because of Draco's example, we need them to help us fight."

Hermione turned to Draco. "This would mean you wouldn't have to be marked and join his ranks," she said softly. Draco lowered his head and stared at the floor. "You're against this?"

He turned to face her. "Yes."

"You've said all along that you would tell people if you could. Was that simply to placate me and get what you want?"

"No. I would tell the world. But I won't risk you to do so."

"So, now you're saying that you won't?"

He sighed. "I won't put you in danger."

She stood then and scowled at Draco. "So, which is it? You want to tell the world that we're in love or you want to protect me by keeping this a secret forever?" Draco glared at Dumbledore and Hermione's voice rose. "Don't glare at him. This is between you and me!"

Draco stood as well and faced Hermione. "You're in danger already, Hermione."

"Right, because of my friendship with Harry. Which I will not apologize for."

"I know that! But I won't have you become a bigger target. They're targeting my family! If they know that I love you, that's it! You're dead! And I won't...I can't live without you."

Her eyes softened then and she turned to Dumbledore. "May we have a moment, please?" she asked softly. At Dumbledore's nod, Hermione took Draco by the hand and led him out of the room and to the staircase. "I won't force you to tell everyone about our relationship." He looked visibly relieved. "But I'm not going to hide it anymore."

He frowned. "I don't like ultimatums."

"You have no problem issuing them," she reminded him. "And look how well that turned out," she said, hoping to remind him that their time during Christmas was well worth what they had gone through to get to that point. "I am well aware that my friendship with Harry has already made me a vulnerable. But, Draco, I would do anything for Harry. I feel the same about you."

"Right. So, why would I want to jeopardize our lives further by telling the people in this school, people that don't matter, about you and me?"

She folded her arms over her chest. "That's just it, Draco. They do matter," she said as she folded her arms over her chest. "I understand you don't want me in danger. But we're already in danger by being in this school. We are not guaranteed tomorrow. I won't sit back and do nothing when we could help people out there like us. People who want to break away from the mold and be more. Those people, your friends, they matter. The only person who doesn't seem to understand that is you."

"Hermione, don't force this. Don't make me do something I don't want to do simply because you think it's the right thing. I've never done something just because it had merit to it. This…is foolish and risky and overall a horrible idea. Nothing good will come from us revealing our relationship. Nothing!"

She frowned. "So what are you saying, Draco? I'm worth fighting for, but not to the point where you have to reveal that you're fighting for me? You're so frustrating! You love me, but you won't tell anyone? That's ridiculous. It could help people, Draco."

"I think you're putting more stock in our relationship and what it means to other people than it deserves." He was angry at Dumbledore and was taking it out on Hermione. It wasn't fair, but she was an easy target.

He could see the tears welling in her eyes, but they weren't of sadness, but in anger. "Maybe it means more to me than it does to even you, mate or not. You've said things to me in the past; that you would tell people of our relationship, but when provided with reasons to do so that goes beyond…what would it be? Bragging? You want no part of it? That's fine." Draco knew that it was anything but fine. "When you decide what it is you want, you let me know."

"I already know what I want. I want you. Only you. Forever. But I won't be threatened by you or anyone. I will not be the cause of you being exposed to more danger by being tied to me!"

She turned and walked away from him, realizing that arguing was getting her nowhere.
Draco leaned against the wall and banged his head against the stone several times before walking towards the Great Hall. He saw her seated with her friends and he warred internally within himself. He started walking towards his table and stopped when he saw the sad expression on her face. He'd made her unhappy, one thing he never wanted to do. He took a deep breath, fortified himself for what would happen when he acted and moved towards them.

It was a risk, a huge one. And as stupid as he felt for following through and giving her and Dumbledore what they both wanted, he couldn't deny her anything. The Veela demanded that he reconcile and as he felt along their bond, he didn't feel her tugging back in reassurance that she could forgive and forget. He was used to her comforting him when he was upset. But they had hurt one another and now he was the one who was going to have to make it right, whether or not he agreed with it.

He stopped in front of her and held his hand out to her. She looked at it for a moment and he gave her a small smile. She placed her hand in his and stood. He pulled her into a hug and the gasps that erupted in the room nearly sucked the flames from the candles.

"I'm sorry. I would do anything to see you happy," he said into her ear.

She pulled back and cupped his face in her hands and placed a kiss on his lips. "You've succeeded."