A/N: So, its been awhile. Let me know what you think!

*Draco POV*

We weren't sure where we were heading or where we were, but we did know that it had been three days since we had escaped. I gave must of what we made for us to eat to Hermione as she needed it more than me. The voice in my head made sure I knew that, even though I already did. I reached out to catch Hermione's arm as she stumbled once again. We had only been walking for a couple hours. We couldn't stop for a break. I couldn't risk people finding us.

"Can we please stop? I need to stop Draco." She whispered and her knees buckled from underneath her. I caught her and gently sat her on the ground.

Look at me, I can't even stand because of you. Shut up I thought. I had hoped the voice would go away, but I should have known it wouldn't have. I knew that once we got to safety that she would more than likely not want me around anymore, but I didn't need the constant reminder that I was the cause of further torture for her.

"W-we can st-stop for a bit." I told her and gritted my teeth. The constant spasms that ran through my body making stuttering a constant occurrence for now. The sigh of relief from Hermione made stopping sound as if she had found the most comfortable bed and laid down for a nap. I sat down next to her and pulled out the basket my mother had packed and gave her some food and water. I didn't want to waste it on myself, so I didn't bother getting any. She deserved it more than I did.

"Thank you." She whispered once more and leaned back in the grass and shut her eyes. I watched as her breathes came in and out and saw as she fell into a light sleep. I thought back to the first day of being out to when Hermione said she didn't remember meeting me. While it hurt, I'm not surprised. I even told her so. Not that it hurt, just that I wasn't surprised. Lucius probably had something to do with it. Why he didn't just kill her, I don't know. Maybe mother caught onto his plan and stopped him. It is for the better that she doesn't remember. I nodded to myself. If she doesn't remember, then she doesn't have to have any association and once we are back at Hogwarts she can go straight back to her friends and have them for comfort. I ignored the pain that came along with that thought. She had said I was her hope, but she was my light. As soon as we are safe the darkness will come back, and it will drown me. It will be deserved, Malfoy. If only you had not failed. You make me sick. If I don't drown before we get there that is.

*Narcissa POV*

I stumbled up the path to Hogwarts disillusioned. I made sure to take in my surroundings and the lack of guards frightened me. How will they be able to protect Draco and Ms. Granger once they get here. Are they just hidden? Are they so incompetent they cannot see through the spell? I shuttered and made haste up the path.

I tried to cast a Patronus up to Severus to warn him I was here, but all that was produced was a wisp of light. I had no time to try and call Tizzy. I did not even know if he was able to respond to me anymore. I had to get away. As soon as I heard Lucius, I knew I had to leave. The sound of his footsteps coming closer to me, the tight grip of his hand on my shoulder, the rough pull of-. No, I would not think of it yet. Not until I, myself, reached safety, not until I reached my one and only friend.

I was met at the door by Albus Dumbledore and the new Minister of Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt. The way Dumbledore was looking out I knew he could see through the disillusionment and I let it fall. His face took on a thunderous look and he bowed his head in greeting.

"Mrs. Malfoy, please come in. We shall have Madam Pomfrey have a look at you, shall we?" He asked and I could hear the command behind it. I followed. I knew I looked a mess. I feared, however, that the Headmaster thinks that I am a part of my husband's schemes.

"May I ask that Severus be there as well?" I held my head high as I asked. I may look and feel a mess, but I am still Lady Malfoy, hopefully if things work out, I will be a Black once more. He nodded and said nothing else. He made no motion to summon Severus, so I could only hope he would get the message. We made it to the hospital wing before I fully relaxed. There standing at the doors was Severus Snape.

"Headmaster, I was informed I was needed?" He asked and his eyes wandered to the people around Dumbledore. I could see when he realized who exactly was here as well. "Cissa? What happened?"

"I would like to know that as well." Dumbledore said as he opened the Hospital Wing doors and called for Poppy.

"Are they here Albus? I do not have all the needed potions that I could think of yet. I have pa-" Poppy stopped as she took in who was in her ward. Her shoulders slumped. I could only guess in disappointment. "Mrs. Malfoy, I see you are injured. Come sit on the bed so I can determine the full extent the injuries go."

I tried to make it seem effortless, but it was futile. The grimace on Severus and Madam Pomfrey's faces said otherwise. She raised her wand and I could not stop the flinch. Thankfully, she continued with the exam. I did not turn to look at Severus' face. The disappointment I knew would be showing in his eyes would be too much. Only problem was I did not know if it would be for me or at himself.

"You have a concussion, quite a few broken ribs, minor organ damage, your ankle has a small fracture, your right cheekbone has also been broken, along with your nose causing the swelling in your eyes. You are also suffering the effects of the Cruciatus curse. What happened, Mrs. Malfoy?" Madam Pomfrey asked as she summoned the needed potions I would need. I was about to tell her I did not need them, to save them for the children, but with one look and I felt as if I was back in school. I took the potions, trying to get my thoughts in order, to try and tell them what had happened.

"I was sitting in my room looking out the window. . ."

I had been sitting up there, looking out my window after I had let Draco and Ms. Granger out. I knew it would not be long until Lucius found out. I was trying to prepare myself for his reaction. I do not know why I did not just leave. I think I just wanted to know that if I stayed in one place that it would be less suspicious that it was me. I should have known better.

I rose my head to look at everyone. "I was foolish, he knew as soon as he walked in." I shook my head and continued.

I could hear his footsteps in the hallway before he stopped in the doorway. It was silent for a minute. I could not tell if he knew or not yet. If I turned, it would have given me away instantly. He spoke then.

"What have you done?" He asked me coldly. I still did not turn. If I faced him head on, things would have been worse for me.

"What do you mean dear?" I tried to play ignorant. Of course, that did not work, but I could not just tell him I let them go. He could have started to track them. I had to give them time to get away. To put more space between them and the monster of a man I used to love.

"Do not treat me as a fool, you blasted woman!" He snarled and crossed the room. I could feel him behind me, and he gripped my arm tightly and pulled me out of the chair harshly. He spun me to face him. The amount of effort it took to keep my emotions hidden in that moment was the hardest thing I have ever done. He looked like as if he were an animal. His eyes were nearly black, and he was gritting his teeth.

"Where are the Mud-blood and the Blood-Traitor?" His grip getting tighter. I knew it would leave a bruise.

I reached to where he had grabbed me.

I did not reply as quickly as he desired apparently, and he threw me against a vanity table. The glass shattering and landing on and around me. I looked up and did not dare to move as he stalked closer. The sound of his shoes hitting the floor will always be ingrained into my mind. The fear that built up was just a part of his game. The excitement he had in his eyes from watching the fear build in mine.

"Once again woman, where. Are. They?" He grabbed my chin and held tightly. I could tell he was trying to use legilimency on me, but that carcass of a man was never good at it.

"I do not know where they are." I ground out. He sneered and shoved me back to the floor.

"We shall see." He said and raised his wand. "Crucio."

"He said it so calmly that he sounded numb. The next couple days was much of the same until I was able to escape. I apparated multiple places and then came here. I honestly do not know where the children are. I gave them enough food for a week and some clothing so they could have something to change into. I could not risk giving potions no matter how much I wanted to." I ended with a whisper. I could feel tears making their way down my cheeks, but I did not have been out of the Manor for three days. In four, they should either be making their way here or already be here."

"I am sorry you had to go through that Narcissa. We know you did everything you could. Get some rest. I am sure Poppy will want to observe you for the night and then will let you leave once she finds appropriate. We will work on somewhere for you to stay. We must keep your arrival quiet. We do not know which students will report to Lucius. As much as I would like to know now, I will not tax you. Rest. We will talk in the morning." Dumbledore said with finality, nodded to the others, and walked out with Minister Shacklebolt.

Poppy made me change into a transfigured night gown and then straight back onto the bed. She turned to Severus and told him not to stay too long as he is still a professor and must teach tomorrow.

"Can we talk tomorrow Sev? I am very tired." I said as I looked up at him and he nodded. The last thing I saw before I succumbed to nightmarish sleep was his back leaving the curtains leaving me alone.