A/N - I just want to thank everyone for continuing to read and review. Life is so crazy right now, I'm glad I can share this with you and hear your thoughts. Be kind to each other and stay safe!

Chapter 13

Library

Lucius waited as Miss Granger watched the memory Severus had provided. He had not seen it himself, not feeling the need. Severus had told Lucius what Dumbledore had requested of him and the reasons why.

Lucius' fingers tapped idly on the arm of the chair as he waited. He had intended to tell Miss Granger about her visit to the library the next day, however, he had refrained. His earlier solicitous behavior had disturbed him. He would not ask her if she would like to visit his library, he would simply inform her in the morning when he came to take her there. This was still his house.

Miss Granger finally pulled out of the Pensieve and put a hand on the back of the settee to steady herself. She looked…sad and Lucius found himself wondering who that sadness was for. It was likely for Dumbledore; the man had been the champion of the Light after all. The fact that he had all but forced Severus to kill him surely wouldn't upset the golden girl of Gryffindor.

"Thank you," she said a few moments later, "for showing this to me." He inclined his head. "And please thank Professor Snape for allowing me to see it." Well, that had not been exactly what he expected.

"I will express your gratitude," Lucius said as he pulled the memory from the Pensieve and stowed it back into the small vial. He could see her biting her lip and clearly hesitating to ask him a question. He had been rather brusque since he entered her room.

"Just ask, Miss Granger," he said, not trying extremely hard to keep the edge of exasperation out of his voice.

"I was just wondering if you had talked to Professor Snape about speaking with me."

"I have," he said, but did not elaborate. She was clearly frustrated with his lack of response.

"And did he agree?" Lucius didn't say anything for a few moments, simply stared at her.

"It is possible that you may be able to speak with him tomorrow," Lucius finally said.

"Oh, when?"

"I will inform you tomorrow," he said, voice clipped. He picked up the Pensieve and started for the door indicating that the conversation was over. He could feel her eyes on his back as he opened the door, but he refused to look back at her. He may have to work with her, but that did not mean that he was not still in charge.

Hermione frowned as Mr. Malfoy left without so much as a good-bye. He had been quite different when he had brought in the Pensieve than he had been earlier when he'd brought her dinner. At first, she thought it was because he was uncertain as to how she would view the memory, if she would believe it or not. But even once she'd viewed the memory and thanked him and Professor Snape, he had still been cold and distant.

She chewed her lip in thought as she sat contemplating the situation. While he hadn't been rude, exactly, he hadn't been very pleasant either. She had thought, after this afternoon, that things were thawing a bit between them. They did have to work together. It would be much easier to do so if they were at least cordial to one another. Sighing, she supposed that was too much to ask, given he hated her simply because of her blood status. Working with Draco would have been much more tolerable.

Hermione immediately felt guilty for that thought. She wouldn't wish Dolohov's curse on anyone. She shuddered remembering the rounds of potions and the residual pain that lasted for weeks afterward. She couldn't imagine what it would be like to die from that curse, only being partly incapacitated because of it had been bad enough.

Hermione sighed again. She still wasn't sure just what they were looking for, or even if they would find it. They could read all the books in the world and still not have an answer as to why Voldemort was still alive. She wondered if the destruction of his Horcruxes had made him weaker. He didn't seem to know when one was destroyed. If he had, Hermione was sure that he would have come after them much sooner. While the diary had been destroyed before Voldemort was able to return, Professor Dumbledore got rid of the ring the summer before sixth year. Surely, if Voldemort felt it somehow, he would have moved the others at the very least.

None of the books she'd read that mentioned Horcruxes had said what would happen to the owner if they were destroyed. Of course, they had all concentrated on how to make them, not what happened once they no longer existed. Plus, none of the information said anything about making more than one.

She wondered just how small the bit of the soul was that Voldemort had left. While none of the books said specifically, as really, how could one even measure that, Hermione thought that ripping one's soul to create the Horcrux, tore it in half. Therefore, with each subsequent Horcrux Voldemort made, he was tearing the remaining bit of his soul in half again. The soul fragment left in his body must be tiny after making seven.

She wondered if it affected his magic or even his daily functioning. He didn't look human, that was for certain, and she wasn't sure if that was due to the ritual to bring him back, or because so much of his soul was missing. As horrible as he was, it was still fascinating to contemplate.

She yawned. Even with her nap, she was still tired from everything that had happened over the course of the day. She rose from the settee and walked into the bathroom to ready herself for bed.

Lucius stood outside Miss Granger's door. He had not said much to her when he brought her breakfast. She had not asked about speaking to Severus which was a bit surprising. He was here to take her to the library, although he had given her no indication that he would be returning before lunch.

He paused for a moment before casting the transparency spell on the door. She had always been dressed and waiting for her breakfast and he had never caught her in any state of undress or any other compromising position. However, until yesterday, his visits had always been predictable. Perhaps it would be better to knock to give her a bit of warning.

He snorted derisively at himself for this thought. This was his house; she was his prisoner. He needed to give her no such courtesy. He drew himself up and opened the door with a wave of his wand.

Miss Granger was sitting on the settee, reading a book, of course. She looked up in surprise at his entrance.

"Is something wrong?"

"No," he said. "Come with me." She did not move from the settee.

"Why?" He huffed in frustration.

"Must you always question everything?"

"After yesterday, yes, I must." He glared at her and she glared right back.

"It was my understanding that you wished to speak to Severus," he finally said. She looked surprised again at this. "Of course, if you have changed your mind-"

"No!" she said, jumping up from her seat. "No, I just, I thought he would come here." He did not reply as she moved quickly to put on her shoes and then joined him at the door. He said nothing as they stepped into the corridor and began walking towards the back staircase.

She looked confused as they continued down two more flights of stairs. Severus' quarters were only on the third floor, albeit in a different wing of the house. Lucius was not surprised that Miss Granger remembered.

"Where are we going?" she finally asked.

"I have told you where we are going," he replied crisply.

"I'm seeing him somewhere other than his room?"

"An astute observation," he drawled. She scowled at him and he smiled inwardly. They stepped off the stairs and travelled down the back corridor that led to the library. They were meeting Severus there.

When they reached the door, Lucius paused for a moment. Knowing her thirst for knowledge, he had wondered what Miss Granger's reaction to the Malfoy library would be. It was not as large as the Hogwarts library, of course, but it was much grander, in Lucius' opinion. She looked at him with a furrowed brow at his hesitation. Lucius opened the door and walked through.

When he turned around, she was standing just inside the doorway, her mouth hanging open. He suppressed a chuckle and sniffed indifferently instead. She didn't even acknowledge him as she took a few more steps inside, her eyes roving over the many bookcases and shelves.

They had entered on the upper floor, which held a small portion of the collection, but was home to more of the small reading nooks that were scattered throughout. The main level, which they were currently looking down upon, held the majority of the books. There were also a few desks and tables, the large fireplace with its long couches and comfortable armchairs. Lucius and Narcissa had spent many an evening in front of that fire once Draco had started Hogwarts.

He shifted, clearing his throat to dislodge the small lump that had formed at thoughts of his late wife. It didn't happen as often as it used to anymore, but there were times when he was still a bit overcome. He glanced back at Miss Granger who seemed to have lost all ability to speak. It was rather amusing to watch her eyes dart from shelf to shelf. And, he had to admit, caused him no little amount of pride that she seemed to have been rendered speechless by the room.

"This, I," she began, then stopped again. "This is your library?"

"Well spotted," he said, unable to help himself. She ignored the jibe and continued to look around the room.

"I, why, why have you brought me here?"

"Do you wish to leave?" he asked.

"No!" she said immediately. He smirked. She took a deep breath and looked up at him, eyes narrowed.

"I just don't understand why, after all this time, you've let me leave my room."

"You left your room yesterday." He smirked again when she scowled at him. It didn't last long, however, as her eyes were drawn back to the magnificence of the library.

"Professor Snape wanted to speak to me here?" she asked.

"Severus will join us shortly," Lucius replied. Her head snapped towards him and he could see her confusion. He again felt the urge to laugh but repressed it. He was so enjoying her reactions. The smirk left his face after a few moments, however. He was going to have to inform her that she was to be given access to the library to continue her research. He clasped his hands behind his back and looked out over the room.

"It has occurred to me that your research methods may differ from my own. And that perhaps it would be beneficial for you to explore the library's offerings instead of simply reading the books I have procured." Her mouth dropped open again, gaping like a fish. Normally, he would not care for such a display, wearing one's emotions so openly. For some reason, however, he found it rather amusing.

She finally seemed to collect herself as her mouth snapped shut. She continued to study him, eyes narrowing in thought. It did not surprise him that she was suspicious.

"I find that a bit hard to believe," she finally said.

"Believe what you will," he replied indifferently. "You do not have to utilize the library if you do not wish to. I can continue to bring you books as I have been." She looked stricken for a moment, staring out over the stacks of books again.

"I suppose that we are coming at the problem from two different perspectives," she finally said.

"Indeed," he replied. He had not turned to face her, but he could see her contemplative look from the corner of his eye. He wondered what she was thinking, then pushed that thought away. He did not care what she was thinking. He sniffed again. He knew she glanced his way but did not acknowledge it.

"No longer afraid I'll try to escape?" she asked, after a few moments, hint of teasing in her voice. He was a bit taken aback at the abrupt change in topic and her demeanor.

"The library will be sufficiently warded," he said, his voice clipped.

"I would expect nothing less," she replied dryly.

"Yes, well," Lucius said, trying to regain the upper hand in the conversation. She, however, seemed to be the one amused now. "It is nearly time to meet Severus." He turned and walked towards the small staircase that led to the main floor.

Hermione followed Mr. Malfoy to the stairs, grinning behind his back. She couldn't believe that he had brought her here. She had figured that the Malfoys must have a library in their Manor and she had assumed it would be large given the size of the house. She hadn't expected anything quite this grand, though.

The entire thing was beautiful. Her hands itched to start delving into the stacks. She did wonder if she would be given free reign or there were books similar to some that had been removed from Grimmauld Place that would be dangerous for her to touch. Knowing the Malfoy family's stance on Muggle-borns, she assumed they would have similar books here. Honestly, though, she couldn't really find it in herself to care. The simple fact that she was once again in a library and doing research overshadowed anything else.

They had reached the main floor and she followed Mr. Malfoy through the shelves towards a back corner. There was a long table and a small sitting area, which is where they stopped, Mr. Malfoy ushering her into one of the chairs. She didn't want to sit, however.

"May I look around until Professor Snape gets here?" she asked, trying to be as polite as possible.

"You may look but do not touch anything. Some of the books here are," he paused, frowning slightly.

"Dangerous for people like me?" she asked airily. He glanced up at her, his features schooled, but not before she had seen just a hint of surprise in his eyes. He cleared his throat.

"Yes," he said. She knew it wasn't possible, but she imagined she saw a hint of embarrassment in his face. She hadn't, however. It would be ridiculous to think he might be even a tiny bit ashamed to admit something like that. She nodded and moved to the nearest bookcase.

It was full of books on magical creatures. She perused the titles, recognizing some from the Hogwarts library. Most were new to her, however. Magical creatures had never been an area of great interest to her though, so she quickly moved on.

She moved past the section on Magical Creatures and saw that the next was clearly devoted to the Dark Arts. Some of the titles were horrifying, not that that was overly surprising. She saw one of the books that she had read already, as well as one that had been in the library at Grimmauld Place. She caught herself reaching towards a book more than once and would quickly move her hand away. It was difficult to be in a library and not actually look through any of the books. One could only tell so much from a title.

Walking further away from the sitting area, she continued to peruse the shelves. She was making mental notes as to which she wanted to read when she eventually got the chance but knew she would never remember them all. There must be parchment and quills in the library, she wondered if Mr. Malfoy would allow her to use any if she asked.

She was about to return to the sitting area to make her request when another book caught her eye. She moved closer, eyes squinting as she tried to read the title, which was faded and cracked in places. Try as she might, she couldn't make out all of the words and moved closer still. She wondered if the title of the front cover was more legible than that on the spine. She raised a hand, reaching for the blood-red cover.

Hermione pulled her hand back quickly, chastising herself once again. She shifted towards the next bookshelf, but instead of moving on, her gaze continually returned to the book whose title she couldn't read. It was nearly at the end of the row, there was only one other book between it and the edge of the shelf. Surely it wouldn't hurt to just pull it out for a moment to check the title. She wouldn't be handling it for more than a few seconds. Besides, if the books were really that dangerous, wouldn't Mr. Malfoy have accompanied her? Or not allowed her to look at all? Hermione reached back up toward the book.

Lucius glanced at his pocket watch again, a bit surprised that Severus was late. Lucius knew that he had been making another round of potions for Draco so perhaps he had not quite finished. He was only a few minutes late, after all.

Miss Granger had disappeared from Lucius' view. She had not lingered long in the Magical Creatures section of the library, but he was not overly surprised by that. Their collection on that particular subject was not large. There had been few Malfoys interested in creatures beyond the basic information. Miss Granger could have gone two ways after that, either into the Potions section or the Dark Arts section. Both would interest her, he would assume.

He frowned thinking of their earlier conversation about not touching the books. It should not have bothered him and it was ridiculous that it had. She had obviously not been surprised by it, so why should it trouble him?

Things had grown quiet and Lucius could no longer hear her moving about. It was not overly concerning, the plush carpet muffled footsteps quite well. Still, the library could be a bit of a maze and it would not do for Miss Granger to find herself lost in the stacks.

Lucius stood and moved past the Magical Creature section. He debated for a few moments whether to go towards the Potions stacks or the Dark Arts, but ultimately chose the Dark Arts. Potions was a bit of a veer to the left and it was likely she had just continued on. He could not see her, but the Dark Arts section was large, she had likely turned into the next row.

Lucius moved quickly to the end of the row and turned the corner. She was a few shelves ahead and appeared not to have heard his approach. He saw her reaching towards one of the books and then snatch her hand back. He chuckled inwardly. It did not surprise him in the least that she was having a hard time not taking books from the shelves.

He took a few more steps as he saw her reach for another book. Or was it the same one? He quickened his pace as she did not seem to be pulling her hand back this time. He called out to her, but she did not respond. Lucius' eyes widened when he recognized the book she was reaching for.

"Miss Granger!" he shouted, but if she heard him, she made no acknowledgement. Lucius ran forward when it became clear that she had no intention of pulling her hand away this time.

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders yanking her back from the bookcase. He spun her around, gripping her upper arms.

"Did you touch it?" he demanded. Miss Granger stared at him for a moment and when she did not answer, he shook her slightly. "Did you touch it?" Her brow furrowed and she appeared unable to concentrate. She looked back longingly at the book.

Letting out a growl of frustration, Lucius kept a tight grip on one of her arms and then waved his wand to conjure a box. He settled it on the ground, then levitated the book from the shelf into the box. When the lid was shut, he let go of Miss Granger and cast a few wards on the box. He looked back at her.

"Did you touch it?" he asked again, gripping her arms once more. He did not think that she had, she looked no worse for wear, but it was a curse after all. Even he was not exactly sure how long it would take to manifest. She shook her head, looking as if she were trying to clear it.

"N-no," she finally managed. She seemed to be regaining control of herself.

"You are certain?" he asked.

"Yes," she said. "I didn't touch it. I wanted to, but I didn't." He closed his eyes for a moment and his hands slid from her arms down to her wrists. Miss Granger tensed and he recovered himself and released her, taking a step back.

"I had forgotten that particular book was here," he said, looking down at the box.

"What was that?"

"The book has a compulsion spell on it," he explained. "Urging anyone that comes near it to read it." Miss Granger's brow furrowed once again.

"Anyone?" He looked away from her.

"It is stronger for those not of pure blood," he finally said. "And being a Malfoy renders the compulsion nearly nonexistent. I can feel it, but it hardly affects me."

"And if I'd touched it?" she asked after a short silence. He stared at her for a few moments.

"It would not have been pleasant." She nodded, then looked back at the box. He knew she could not feel the compulsion any longer, the wards he had placed on the box would have seen to that. Still, he stayed close to her. When she looked back at him, he could see the hurt in her eyes.

"Miss Granger-" he began, but she simply gave him a thin smile and turned back the way she had come.

"I think I'll just wait for Professor Snape." She moved quickly down the row of books and disappeared around the corner. Lucius watched her go, glancing back at the box and wondering why he felt so regretful.

Hermione reached the sitting area and sat down on one of the armchairs. She brought her legs up and curled her arms around them, scooting as far into the corner of the chair as she could. She didn't know why she was so upset. It's not as if she had been surprised to learn there were books in the Malfoy library that would injure, if not kill, someone like her. Mr. Malfoy had basically told her as much when he'd instructed her not to touch anything.

It was stupid to think he would have gone through the library to try and make it safer for her. She knew that many curses put on books couldn't be removed with a simple Finite. It was one of the reasons why books had been removed from the library at Grimmauld Place instead of just trying to remove the curses and jinxes. In a library as vast as this one, it would have taken months to remove all of the curses that were likely in place. Sometimes, it was impossible to remove them at all.

So why was she sitting here wallowing in self-pity? It's not as if she didn't know that the Malfoys firmly believed in Pureblood supremacy. Her alliance with them to destroy Voldemort was simply that, an alliance to destroy Voldemort. Hermione held no illusions that things would change in their beliefs afterward. They might no longer actively look to eradicate Muggle-borns from the Wizarding world but they wouldn't welcome them with open arms either. Right now, she was a means to an end, nothing more.

She sat up with a sigh. She definitely did not want either Mr. Malfoy or Professor Snape to see her like this. Hermione stood to straighten her robes just as Mr. Malfoy came around the corner into the sitting area. He held the box where he had placed the book under one arm and stopped short when he saw her.

Hermione stared at him for a moment, not knowing what to say. Her eyes jumped to the box and then back to him. She remembered how his hands had slid down her arms to her wrists and the look on his face. He had looked almost…relieved when he knew that she hadn't touched the book. Hermione swallowed as he met her gaze. They stood in awkward silence for a few moments.

"I would like to…apologize," he finally said. Hermione stared at him in complete shock. She couldn't even respond. Lucius Malfoy was apologizing? To her? Had the world ended without her realizing? She saw the scowl begin to form on his face the longer she stood silent.

"Oh," she finally managed, ever so eloquently. "I, that's," she shook her head again and finally regained her composure. "Thank you." They stared at one another again. His eyes were grey. She wondered why she had never noticed that before.

"Lucius," a voice said, making Hermione jump. The voice she had heard when she was first in the cellars. The voice she had convinced herself she had been mistaken about. Hermione turned to see her former Potions professor striding towards them, looking no worse for wear save the edge of a ropy scar that Hermione could see peeking out of the collar of his frock coat. She stared at him, still remembering her last, horrific view of the man. She flinched as she saw the snake in her mind, striking out to sink its fangs into his neck.

"Miss Granger," the professor said and Hermione looked up to see him frowning at her.

"Professor," she practically whispered. She was still staring at him and knew she should stop, but she couldn't. She still couldn't believe that he had survived. He finally scowled at her.

"If you are quite finished," he sniped.

"Sorry, sir. It's just, I keep, I," she shook her head. "Never mind." There was silence for a few seconds.

"Indeed," the professor finally said. She glanced back up at him and his expression had softened somewhat. He was still frowning, but he no longer looked angry. She shook her head to clear it. She wasn't sure what was happening this morning, but she felt as if she had stepped into some alternate reality. Hermione sat down heavily in the chair behind her.

"Lucius informed me you wished to speak to me," the professor said, hands clasped behind his back. She looked up at him.

"Yes, sir."

"I need to dispose of this," Mr. Malfoy said indicating the box. "I shall return shortly." Hermione watched as he swept past the sitting area and up the stairs they had used to come down into the main floor of the library.

Professor Snape had settled himself into one of the other armchairs. One leg crossed over the other, he rested an elbow on one of the arms of the chair and looked back at her. Hermione took a fortifying breath.

"I wanted to apologize, sir."

"For?"

"Leaving you in the Shack like that. If I had known-" but he put up a hand to stop her.

"I do not require an apology, Miss Granger. You did exactly as you should have done," the professor said.

"But I could have saved you!" she insisted. He snorted derisively.

"I see you have not lost your inflated sense of self-importance." She looked at him in surprise. "Tell me, Miss Granger, did you have blood-replenishing potion on your person? Or the anti-venin to Nagini's bite? Are you aware of the incantation required to even partially close a wound of that nature?" Hermione's cheeks reddened. She remembered Percy's battered body arriving in front of her and Ron. She hadn't known how to save him either.

"I thought not," Professor Snape said. She scowled up at him.

"I could have tried," she said stubbornly.

"And you would have failed," he replied. She huffed in annoyance, crossing her arms over her chest. "I was supposed to die, Miss Granger." When she looked up at him, she saw that softer look on his face again. He said it so matter-of-factly, she was a bit taken aback. He didn't sound all that upset about it.

"Besides, had you remained to attempt to assist me, you would have prevented Lucius from being successful," he continued. "You and your little trio had more important things to do."

"Not that it made any difference," she muttered. They were both silent for a few moments. She pushed thoughts of Harry from her mind. She couldn't think of him right now, not without completely losing it. Instead she turned to the other elephant in the room

"About your memory, sir," she said. She saw him stiffen and bit her lip.

"I assume that you understood the memory?"

"Yes, sir," she said, taking a breath to continue. He spoke before she could, however.

"Then I do not see what there is to discuss. I did what Dumbledore requested of me and I was successful."

"Yes, but-"

"There are no 'buts', Miss Granger," he said, a bit of venom in his voice. "And I do not wish to speak of it further." She watched him for a moment before she nodded. His reaction, along with the memory itself, told her all she needed to know anyway.

Lucius paused outside the library doors and looked down at the box under his arm. He sighed as he walked towards his study, intending to stow the book in his desk for the time being. He would look at it later to see if it might have any bearing on their research.

As he walked, he could not help thinking of what had occurred after he stopped Miss Granger from touching the book. His reaction had been, well…he growled in frustration. He had been worried for her. Worried that she had inadvertently invoked a curse that would have likely killed her. He had been so relieved that she had not, he had forgotten himself for a moment.

Of course, he had only been worried because of the prophecy. If something had happened to her, the prophecy would have been rendered useless. Lucius still thought that they might destroy the Dark Lord without Miss Granger, but the prophecy made it likely it would happen sooner, rather than later. And it might mean that would actually be successful. While he did not know the complete wording of the prophecy about the Dark Lord and Potter, Lucius assumed there was some ambiguity there or Potter would likely still be alive. While there was plenty of vagueness about the current prophecy, the Dark Lord's demise did not seem uncertain. As such, Miss Granger needed to be protected. There was no other reason.

As Lucius reached his study, he most definitely was not thinking of how soft the skin on the inside of her wrists was or the scent of her shampoo. No, it was only because he had thought of Narcissa when they first entered the library that he had noticed those things. Not having been in close contact with a woman in months, of course thinking of his wife would make him notice certain things in another woman. He ignored the fact that the Weasley women had been in his house for far longer than Miss Granger.

Rounding his desk, Lucius opened the bottom drawer and shoved the box inside, then locked and warded the drawer. He knew that he would need to do a scan of his library, removing any of the books that could be lethal. He should have done so before he ever brought Miss Granger there in the first place. It might take a bit of time, but he could likely remove most of the curses on the affected books. He was sure that Severus could assist him, Draco as well once he was healed completely. His decision was only because Miss Granger could not do adequate research if she were unable to utilize as much of the library as possible. It had nothing to do with the nagging feeling of remorse or the worry he had felt earlier.

Hermione looked up as Mr. Malfoy entered the library once again. She and Professor Snape had drifted into another awkward silence, after she had asked him if he knew what had become of the rest of her classmates. He had only told her that some had been given to Death Eaters while others were sent to Azkaban, something she already knew. He hadn't elaborated, simply saying that he had obviously not been present for the actual event. She was quite certain her knew more than he was telling.

Mr. Malfoy sat down and the three of them discussed Voldemort's demise for the next hour. Of course, they came to no conclusions, just more possibilities as to what he had done to stay alive beyond the Horcruxes. Hermione's mind kept coming back to the one question she had not yet asked. She was certain she knew the answer, but she had avoided asking because she wasn't sure she really wanted her suspicions to be confirmed.

"Harry was a Horcrux, wasn't he?" she finally said. She saw the two men glance at one another.

"We believe so, yes," Professor Snape said. Hermione nodded. She'd suspected, ever since Harry had explained the concept of Horcruxes to them. The connection he had to Voldemort through his scar, she had always thought it was something more than just a cursed scar or the residue of Dark Magic.

"In the forest," she said, pausing to collect herself. She could feel the tears gathering and vowed not to let them fall. Not here anyway. She looked up at Mr. Malfoy. "That's why he didn't die, at first? The curse killed the Horcrux?" Mr. Malfoy cleared his throat.

"It is likely, yes." She looked to the professor.

"And Dumbledore knew?" There was a moment's pause.

"He did not tell me in so many words," Professor Snape replied. "Albus did not tell me about the Horcruxes at all. But I believe so, yes." Hermione let out a shuddering breath. Everything they had gone through that year finding the Horcruxes, it was all so that Harry could die at the right time.

"Your memories," she said, still addressing the professor. "The ones you gave him in the Shack, he knew that he had to die. That's why he went into the forest isn't it?"

"Yes," Professor Snape replied. She nodded. It wasn't anything that she hadn't expected but knowing was something different.

"I'd like to go back to my room now."

"Miss Granger-" Mr. Malfoy said.

"Please," she replied. She wasn't sure how much longer she could keep her tears at bay and she had no intention of sharing her grief with them.

"Very well," he said. He rose from his chair and she followed, keeping her eyes steadfastly on the ground in front of her. He made no move to speak to her but she could sense him looking at her from time to time.

They reached her room and he opened the door. She crossed the threshold and kept her back to him.

"Thank you," she managed, tears already starting. There was silence for a few moments and she wished for nothing more than for him to leave her alone. Finally, she heard the quiet click of the door behind her.

Hermione sunk down onto the settee, burying her face in her hands as the sobs wracked her body. She cried for the boy who had lost everything as a child, raised by those horrible people with no knowledge of who he really was. And when finally introduced to the Wizarding world, to where he belonged, it was only so he could eventually die and save them all once again.

Her very best friend, going out to the forest alone, knowing he was going to die, but doing it anyway because he thought it was the right thing to do. Because he thought it was his job to protect the rest of them. How relieved he must have been when he realized the spell hadn't worked for the second time in his life. She damned Bellatrix Lestrange to hell again and again, not that Hermione didn't think that's exactly where the bitch was. If it hadn't been for her, Harry might have been successful, he might have been alive. They might have won.

Hermione cried for Harry and for Ron and for all of them who had been forced to grow up faster than they should have, for everyone they had lost, for everyone trapped in horrific circumstances, whether it be with Death Eaters or in Azkaban, for all her friends still wondering what had happened to her.

She railed against Voldemort and the Death Eaters, against a Ministry that could have taken things in hand and stopped this before it had even started again, even against Dumbledore for keeping so many damn secrets and for using people like chess pieces, even it were for the 'greater good'.

Finally, Hermione was spent. She climbed into her bed and pulled the covers over herself before she dropped into an exhausted sleep.

Lucius had hovered outside Miss Granger's door after he left. She was obviously upset after what she had learned about Potter. Lucius could tell that she had been trying extremely hard not to break down on their way back to her room. Her hands had trembled and she had pressed her lips together so hard they were nearly bloodless.

He could not blame her. Suspecting something and knowing it were two different things. While the fact that he had been a Horcrux did not make Potter any less dead, knowing that had Narcissa's deception not been discovered, he might have lived, well. Lucius knew exactly how Miss Granger felt. Narcissa would likely have been alive as well.

Lucius tried not to dwell on it. He had done that often enough right after Narcissa was killed and it had never led to anything but wallowing in a bottle. He had not had that luxury all that often, needing to care for Severus and attempt to look after Draco. It did not change anything, at any rate. He had still lost his wife and was still trapped in this hell that had become his life.

Still, something in him did not let him leave the corridor. While he would not intrude on Miss Granger's grief, she would never allow it even if he had attempted to, he could not leave either. He knew there was nothing in her room that she could injure herself or anyone else with. It had been the first thing he had ensured when he set the room up for her after all. Nevertheless, he lingered.

Some time had passed before he finally decided to cast the transparency spell on her door. It was only for her own safety, he reasoned. She was rather resourceful when she wanted to be and he just wanted to make sure that she was not attempting anything unwise.

When he looked inside, Lucius saw her stumble towards her bed, pulling the blankets up over her. He cancelled the silencing spell on the room and enhanced the sound from within. Her face was red and tear-stained and she still made small shuddering breaths even as she settled into the mattress. She drifted off quickly, her breathing evening out, but her brow remained furrowed.

Lucius watched for a few more minutes before finally cancelling and reapplying the appropriate spells. With one last glance at the room, he moved back down the corridor towards the library. He would begin his work on the books while she slept.

When Hermione opened her eyes, she could tell it was late afternoon. She rolled over, looking up at the ceiling. She still felt the ache in her chest at the morning's revelations. The worst of it was she couldn't do anything. She was stuck here. Sure, she and the Malfoys, and Professor Snape now she supposed, were trying to find a way to destroy Voldemort, but that didn't help her friends now, did it? For Merlin's sake, they didn't even know she was alive.

Even if she hadn't been trapped here, it's not as if she could have freed the prisoners from Azkaban or gone to every Death Eater's house and rescued their captives. She knew this, logically. It didn't change the fact that she felt helpless and she hated it.

Sitting up with a sigh, she looked towards the sitting area, not surprised to see that her lunch tray wasn't there. Lunch had been hours ago, after all. She wasn't all that hungry anyway.

She drew her legs up and wrapped her arms around them, resting her cheek on her knees and looking out the window. Hermione knew she shouldn't wallow like this. It wasn't going to change anything and it wouldn't help. Trying to find a way to destroy Voldemort for good should have been all the motivation she needed. The problem was, she had no idea if they were going to be successful, nor how long it might take to accomplish. If there was something she could do now, even something small, it would help. Even if it were just contacting her friends to let them know she was all right.

Hermione sat up straight at the thought. But no, the Malfoys would never allow it. They would assume she would try to give away her location or something. She bit her lip. But maybe, maybe if they read it and could assure themselves that there was no way she had given any information, they would agree.

She thought again to Mr. Malfoy's reaction when he thought she had touched the book. He had been worried; she knew he had. And he had acted the same when he'd brought her back to her room earlier. Those quick glances towards her while they walked the corridors, he had been concerned. She never would have thought it possible, but she knew worry when she saw it.

She still wasn't sure why they needed her so much, but Hermione wasn't above using it to her advantage. Now that she knew Professor Snape was alive, perhaps she could appeal to him if the Malfoys refused. Mr. Malfoy had said that he would be bringing her to the library regularly and she was sure that Professor Snape would be there sometimes as well.

Feeling lighter, she got out of bed, intending to make herself a bit more presentable before her dinner was delivered.

Lucius approached Miss Granger's door with a bit of trepidation. She had still been asleep when he came to deliver her lunch. He had hesitated in the corridor for a few minutes before deciding to simply open the door and send the tray into her room without entering himself. When he had gone to collect Miss Granger's dinner, Mrs. Weasley had informed him that the lunch tray had been returned uneaten. If Miss Granger were still asleep, Lucius felt that he would have to wake her. She should not miss two meals in a row.

He was hesitant to do so, however. He had seen her fall into bed fully clothed earlier, but he had no idea what she had done in the meantime. She could have easily woken at some point and changed then gone back to bed. He had no idea what her sleeping attire consisted of or if she even wore anything at all.

The last thought made him clear his throat and shift uncomfortably. He scowled and told himself to stop being ridiculous. He could think anything he liked, it meant nothing after all. And it would not kill the woman if she missed another meal. It would be her fault for sleeping the day away.

Decided, he cast the transparency charm on the door and found Miss Granger sitting on the settee, a book on her lap. He cancelled the spell and opened the door, ignoring her when she looked up at him.

"Your dinner," he said, then turned to go. It mattered not to him if she were recovered from her emotional outburst earlier, it was not his job to ask after her. If she wanted to return to the library, she could tell him herself.

"Mr. Malfoy," she said just as he'd reached the door. He turned to face her, raising an eyebrow in question.

"I would like to contact my friends to let them know that I am all right." He stared at her for a few moments trying to process what she had said.

"I beg your pardon?"

"You can read the letter or tell me what to write, I don't care. I just want them to know that I'm not hurt."

"You must be joking."

"No," she said, defiant look on her face. "I'm not." He stared at her for another few moments before he began to laugh. She scowled at him. He tried to control his reaction, but he couldn't. She actually thought he would allow this?

"You need something from me, shouldn't I get something in return? Isn't that the Slytherin way?" Lucius stopped laughing and looked down at her.

"Are you insinuating that you will no longer help unless I agree to this?" he asked, smirk on his face. If she thought she had the upper hand here, she was seriously mistaken.

"Perhaps," she replied, still seeming self-assured.

"Might I remind you, Miss Granger, that you are a prisoner here? I can easily bring you to the Dark Lord if you feel this arrangement is no longer working for you."

"And what will he do when he finds out you've had me here for weeks? When he discovers what we have been planning? What then?" Lucius was silent. He did not let the smirk leave his face, but everything she said was true. The Dark Lord would discover all of that, and more, and his life, as well as Draco's would be forfeit. Severus as well now that she had seen him. Still, he was not about to admit any of that to her.

"And how do you think this little plan of yours will work?" he asked, acting as if she amused him.

"As I said, you can read whatever I write, or tell me what to say yourself. I'm not looking for them to come and rescue me or something equally ludicrous. When I said that I would help you get rid of You-Know-Who, I meant that. I gave you my word."

He contemplated her words. There were things that could be done to ensure that no one could discover her location. It would not be difficult. Keeping the message from being intercepted was another matter entirely, however. That was a bigger concern to Lucius. He looked back at her and saw that she was now frowning. She looked up at him through her lashes.

"I only want them to know that I'm all right," she said quietly. He said nothing for a few seconds. She glanced up at him again.

"They must think-" she began, then trailed off. She pressed her lips together and blinked rapidly. Lucius bit back a sigh.

"I will consider it," he finally said. She looked at him hopefully, a hint of a smile on her face.

"Thank you," she said. He nodded once and left the room. After he had closed the door behind him, Lucius stood in the corridor for a moment. He was well aware that she had been attempting to play on his emotions with her last little display. Still, he would consider her request. It would be far better to have her cooperative than sullen and combative if they wanted this plan to come to fruition, after all.