Chapter 14 – Expanded Horizons

A/N: On the song recommendations, these are songs that spur my writing process and are not necessarily fully compatible with what the chapter contains (AKA they set the mood for me when I write). Thank you for all the reads, reviews, follows, and favorites! Wednesdays are quickly becoming my favorite day, next to Sundays (my dedicated writing day). Song Recs: Falling – Harry Styles and In Between Breaths - SYML

"Thank Merlin!" Hermione cried, relief flooding throughout her as his voice breathed out her name.

Tears begin falling as she struggled with the wave of emotions threatening to drown her. The flutter of her heart at hearing him speak her name. Immense relief in knowing he was still alive. Sheer terror at knowing they were even more bound than before. Confusion at her growing concerns for his well-being. She shook her head and sniffed, trying to stem the flow of tears.

"W-what is going on?" he whispered, bringing her back to reality.

"I found you out here…b-bleeding and nearly dead." She breathed out, stuttering as she recalled finding him, "I-I, uh, Cerridwen helped me revive you."

Hermione determined it wasn't the best moment to tell him she had inadvertently put some of her magic into him. Through a kiss, no less. She felt it was safe to assume that he would prefer being dead than accept that she had kissed him. Well, technically, Cerridwen had kissed him. But that was neither here nor there. She shivered, dreading when she'd have to reveal that bit of news to him. Besides, it sounded like he didn't remember the exchange. Better to let it be for now.

He peered up at her, his eyes darkening as he processed her words.

"You should have just left me alone." He gritted out, letting out a dejected sigh and slumped further in her lap, "I came out here so the Dark Lord would never be able to use me again. With the Order gone, he'll rise again and somehow find me through that cursed mark."

Hermione blinked, surprised. He did not realize his Dark Mark was gone. Her eyes briefly traveled to his scarred arm. Alarmed, she noticed Cerridwen's symbol was no longer visible as well. She grimaced, another secret she'd have to divulge one day.

"Malfoy," she urged as her eyes returned to his, "He won't be able to find you that way anymore."

"I didn't think you could be so thick-headed Granger." He snorted, derision coating his voice.

"I'm completely serious Malfoy," she snapped, resisting the urge to shove him off her lap, "Look."

"Why would I look Granger?" he growled, refusing to turn his head, "If I'm not dead, it's still there."

"Stubborn prick. Just look!" She demanded, exasperation creeping into her tone.

He only glared in response, his eyes boring into hers. She groaned at him in irritation, grabbed his arm, and yanked it up to his face.

"Look, you idiot." She hissed.

He jerked up from her lap, grasping his arm tightly. Hermione felt strangely forlorn at the loss.

"H-how?" he stuttered, his fingers ghosting over the scars and crusted blood. "The Dark Mark is meant to permanent. Removal of it means death since it is entwined with our magic. This is not possible."

Hermione bristled at his disbelief, obviously it was very possible or else he wouldn't be sans Dark Mark and still breathing.

"Cerridwen is an ancient magical goddess." She pointed out, "I think it's safe to say she is more powerful than some dark lord. Besides, we only have the slightest notion of what she can do."

Malfoy gave no response and merely continued inspecting his arm in awe. She stood slowly, her body stiff from the cold. She recoiled at the bloody scene surrounding them. Muttering a cleansing spell under her breath, the woods returned to their normal scenery. She looked down at Malfoy, who still sat upon the ground.

"Come on Malfoy," She motioned, "You've lost a lot of blood and I know you haven't been eating. Let's get you back to the cottage so you can rest."

Malfoy turned out to be the worst patient ever. He did not take well to Hermione's efforts to heal him. He fought her at every turn, complaining loudly at her insistence of his confinement to bed. He healed slowly. Hermione suspected this was due to his magic being severed from Voldemort's dark magic then filtered through both her and Cerridwen's magic. Not to mention his body was just weak from his self-imposed starvation. She was emotionally frazzled at the end of each day, tired of his constant mood swings and complaints about her quality of care. Hermione had been eternally grateful to Narcissa Malfoy's foresight to include healing textbooks in their stash of books. She had poured over the texts, attempting to absorb knowledge of restorative spells and medicinal herbs uses. This also allowed her to escape the surliness of the Malfoy scion.

She tried to understand that he must be struggling emotionally to come to terms with a botched suicide attempt resulting in the disappearance of something he considered eternal. Hermione was no shrink, but she knew that sort of experience would be traumatizing for most. Each night after he fell asleep, she would creep in and sit by his side, switching between observing his condition for any changes and reading various texts. She would sneak out each morning before he woke, confident he wouldn't appreciate her bedside visitations.

Draco awakened to the sounds of birds chirping loudly. He groaned, his body still sore and exhausted from his foolish attempt a few days prior. Every morning he dreaded opening his eyes, terrified that the Dark Mark had returned. With a deep breath, he forced his eyes open and inspected his arm. Finding the skin unmarked once again, he let out a small sigh of relief. However, he was surprised to find Granger curled awkwardly in a chair next to the bed. Her face was partially obscured by her messy curls and a book was open haphazardly in her lap. Draco scowled at her sleeping form. She wasn't his keeper, and he didn't understand why she was being so caring towards him. He wasn't some useless Gryffindor in the hospital wing and he certainly didn't need her hovering around him. He grunted as he sat upright and watched for any signs of her stirring. Looking over at the nightstand, he observed a glass of water and a plate of buttered toast. It was still warm. She must have cast a warming charm on the food. He huffed in irritation, the plate reminding him of all the meals she had left in the days leading up to the incident. Gingerly, he reached for the water and took a small sip. Holding the glass, Draco watched Granger shift in her sleep. Noticing the book in her lap slipping, he gently removed it and placed it on the bed. The hair had fallen from her face, leaving it open to his gaze. Quietly, he watched her. He was surprised to notice small freckles smattered lightly across her nose. Her features were relaxed and her long lashes rested delicately on her cheeks. His eyes traveled to her mouth. Something about them felt familiar but he couldn't explain why, but it was only a shadow of a feeling. Shaking his head slightly, he dismissed the troubling familiarity. He sighed, torn. Perhaps, he shouldn't have been so harsh with her these past few days. She, or rather Cerridwen, had saved him and he no longer bore the Dark Mark. His magic wasn't tied to the Dark Lord anymore. Although, it still felt tied to something. A different type of connection that felt more like an equalization rather than absolute dominion. He couldn't quite put his finger on what that meant. He took another sip of water, tapping his fingers absentmindedly on the glass. Once again, he was stuck with Granger. Only this time, it would be much longer than a month. Thinking on how drastically his situation had changed, he decided he would make peace with Granger and work with her and that band of foolish Order members to bring down one of the darkest wizards in magical history. If they could somehow win this war, assisting the Order without a damning Dark Mark could work in his favor.

What else had he to lose?

Determining Granger would be sore if she continued sleeping in her current position, he cleared his throat rather loudly and roughly set the empty glass on the nightstand. He smirked as she jerked awake and stilled upon realizing just exactly where she was.

"Watching me while I sleep now?" he taunted, flashing a crooked smile.

"I was just making sure your condition didn't change during the night and I must have dozed off." She challenged, while scrambling out of the chair and yanking it backwards from the bed, "You are a rather exhausting patient. I'll go make some breakfast."

"Granger," he called, "Wait."

She paused and slowly turned to him, a wary expression on her face.

"Look," he started, stumbling over the words, "I know I have been difficult and-."

She snorted at that, which he ignored.

"-I never thanked you for saving me." He rushed out, his voice barely above a whisper, "I…I would also still bear the Dark Mark if it hadn't been for you."

Her expression softened as she walked forward and sat down on the edge of the bed. He flinched when she reached out a hand and gently placed it on his. His eyes dropped to the contact, shocked at how intimate it felt.

"I understand why you did it." She explained, "And I'd do it again."

With that she withdrew her hand, stood up with a small smile, and left the room. Draco could only stare at the empty doorway, utterly floored. Blinking slowly, he looked down at his hand where the ghost of her touch lingered. With the exception of his mother, no one had ever touched him with such sincerity and warmth. He inhaled sharply and flexed his hand, attempting to shake the need for Granger's touch once more.

Hermione walked down the stairs slowly, her mind racing with what had just happened. Malfoy had thanked her. The rude, stubborn, and proud Slytherin Prince had actually thanked her! And what had she done in return? Touched his bloody hand like some simpering schoolgirl. She had been taken aback by the expression that flitted across his face, hence her abrupt departure from the room. He had seemed absolutely aghast by her touch. She chewed on the inside of her cheek, worrying if she had gone too far. Still burdened with the knowledge of kissing him, she hadn't considered the consequences of even the smallest of gestures towards him. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, she hoped to avoid any further physical contact with Malfoy. It felt too intimate and way too familiar.

Almost as if it had happened before…

Unnerved, she turned her mind to prepare breakfast, hoping her conflicting feelings would melt away.

A week later, she declared him healed enough and Draco nearly flew out of the bedroom into the crisp air of the woods. Despite the gruesome scene it had endured, Draco found peace in those trees. He inhaled deeply and walked slowly to the nearby creek. The ice was starting to break apart, indicating winter was drawing to an end and spring would come soon. Brushing off a snow-covered boulder and settling himself down, he watched the flowing water while trying to figure out how he would tell Granger his plan to assist the Order. Would she believe him? Snorting, he argued with himself that she probably would, but the rest of the Order definitely wouldn't. He huffed and threw a pebble into the water with a plunk. At least he'd have some time to figure out his argument with the Order being underground for foreseeable future. Oddly enough, his more pressing concern was Granger herself. After she had touched his hand, he found himself seeking it constantly. She must have felt something as well because she had been extra careful to avoid any further physical contact with him. Draco was dismayed to find himself upset that Granger was distancing herself. Several times, he had tried to initiate interaction like asking her to hand him a book or check his forehead for a potential (and invented) fever. Each time she had managed to evade him. He chided himself for being absurd and tried to convince himself it was simply some sort of cabin fever from being trapped in that room for over a week. Even though he knew it wasn't entirely true, it was all he was willing to concede. He picked up another stone and angrily chucked it into the stream.

"What did that stream do to you?" came an amused voice from behind him.

He whipped around, startled from his thoughts. Simultaneously relieved and irritated to see Granger walking towards him.

"What do you want Granger?" he barked out.

"Hello to you too." She responded, amusement still in her tone, "I came to check on you. You've been out here for awhile."

"Are you going to do this every time I go outside?", he fumed, "I haven't tried to kill myself as you can plainly see."

She crossed her arms and pursed her lips together, a look of frustration creasing her features.

"Arse." She quipped, a finger tapping on her arm as she continued staring him down.

Draco sighed and brought a hand up to his temple, rubbing his forehead gently. Arguing and constantly snapping at Granger would not help his case. He dropped his hand and glanced up at the witch.

"I was trying to figure out how to tell you something, but…" he began, "I haven't been able to word it right."

Her face quickly changed into one of alarm and she took a step forward.

"Are you alright?" she asked quickly, "Is your arm hurting?"

"No, it's not that." he replied, pausing to collect his thoughts, "The Order is underground, leaving many unprotected. The Dark Lord will use this time to gather more forces. Tortures and killings will have more than likely increased and become more violent. I assume he has also become more reckless since losing you as his chosen weapon. Eventually everything will come to an explosive point, whether the Order is ready at the time or not."

She stood silently, waiting for him to continue.

"So, what I am trying to say is since you and the Order assisted in my escape and subsequent Dark Mark removal, I find myself in your debt. I'd prefer to repay that debt as quickly as possible by offering my assistance and Death Eater intel to the Order in exchange for immunity from judgement should this war end in our favor." He finished, watching her reaction.

Her arms dropped slowly as a smile graced her lips.

"I think we can manage that." she declared, "Any other demands Malfoy?"

"I'll give you a list later Granger." He countered, picking up another rock and turning it over in his hands.

Granger nodded and turned to leave before she stopped and looked back at Draco.

"Thank you." She said softly.

The splash of water swallowing stone was the only response he gave her.

After dinner, Draco grabbed a book and settled himself next to the fire. Granger had moved her chair next to one of the cottage's windows and was quietly watching the snow fall. The moon was full and bright, highlighting the fluffy flakes. Draco was drawn from his book with the sound of sniffling. He looked up to find Granger looking longingly out the window, tears slipping down her cheeks. Despite the tears, he was taken aback at her appearance. It had changed somehow. The moon illuminated her in a milky light, reflecting the silvery tracks of tears. Her hair draped down her back softly, nearly at her waist. He had never noticed her hair being that long before. But what captured Draco's attention was the glow coming from her eyes. The amber of her eyes seemed unnaturally bright. She gave another sniffle, breaking the moment.

"Snow isn't THAT beautiful." He called out, a small smirk forming.

"No, it's not that." she responded, shifting in embarrassment, "It just reminded me of my parents."

The grin dropped from Draco's face, feeling slightly guilty and annoyed he said anything in the first place.

"Care to elaborate?" He asked when she sniffed once more.

She turned towards him, hugging her knees to her chest.

"It's not a particularly special memory." She began, "It was the first Christmas holiday after I had begun attending Hogwarts and my parents took me to a park filled with trees that looked sort of similar to the ones here. We walked and I told them all the wonderful magic I was learning. They were laughing and Mum looked so proud. The moon was full just like this. Even the snowflakes look the same. It was simple and easy. I finally had friends and felt like I belonged somewhere. I wasn't worried if Harry would get himself killed or if we would survive another year because of this war. It is one of the last times I remember being genuinely happy and carefree."

Draco kept his mouth clamped shut. He had not expected that. Unfortunately, he had no words of comfort for her. But he understood, nonetheless. He recalled wintery afternoons as a child walking the grounds with his mother. Draco remembered the high and clear sounds of laughter from her as he played in the snow. Far from the Manor and his father's disapproving glare, he and his mother could find small moments of joy near the expansive lake. Yes, he understood Granger's sadness completely.

Noiselessly, he stood and walked over to where she sat. With a soft flick of his wand, he enlarged the chair to accommodate a second occupant. She watched him silently with a mixture of confusion and curiosity. Without a word, he sat down and placed his arm on the back of the seat, gauging her reaction. She stared at the empty space next to him for a while, several emotions battling behind her eyes. Finally, her eyes lifted to his, cautiously blank. He held his breath, not knowing if she would accept the unspoken invitation or flee from the room in revulsion or fear. Warily, she scooted closer until she nearly touching him. Once more, she peered into his eyes, almost as if she was waiting for him to bolt or push her away. Draco held her gaze, hoping she'd see this was his way of providing solace to her distress and not some cruel prank. Apparently finding what she was looking for, she slowly eased her small frame into the curve of Draco's side while tucking her legs under. At a snail's pace, she lowered her head until it rested on his shoulder. Noticing she was still very tense, Draco took a deep breath while summoning all the boldness he could muster, and gradually shifted his arm from the back of the couch to curl tenderly around Granger's arm. The moment his hand wrapped around her arm, she melted into him. Draco felt slightly dizzy with realization on how intensely he had been longing to touch her. Her proximity was at once thrilling and terrifying. Soon, he would have to acknowledge what that meant but, for now, he was content to simply exist in the moment. He eased his head down to rest atop hers, hoping he hadn't pushed her too far. Instead, to his astonishment, she burrowed further into his embrace while sighing softly. He inhaled, the scent of pine and peppermint radiating from her. He lifted his eyes to the calm scene of moonlight and snowflakes, wishing he could hold onto it and her forever.