A/N - Hi everyone! Thanks so much for all the reviews last chapter! More multiple POV's this chapter. I hope you enjoy this one and thanks for reading and reviewing!

Chapter 42

The Beginning of the Aftermath

Ron strode towards the house, intent on finding out what the hell Malfoy was doing with Hermione. When Charlie had dragged him out of the manor last night, Ron had been ready to punch his brother. But once Charlie had told him that Parvati had been asking for him, Ron had hurried back to the stables.

The Resistance had moved from the forest back onto the grounds. The stables had been set up as the infirmary and everyone else had moved back into the gardener's cottage or the tent.

When Ron had walked into the stables, he searched until he saw Parvati, being tended to by her mother. Ron hurried towards her as fast as his injured ankle would allow. He had forgotten about it in his anger with Malfoy but now the pain had returned.

When he reached Parvati's bed, Ron saw that she was asleep.

"How is she?" he asked Mrs. Patil.

"We had to give her a sleeping draught," she said. "The pain was getting to be too much." The bones in Parvati's lower leg had been shattered, so Poppy had had to vanish them and give her Skelegro. "She should be fine by the morning."

Ron, nodded, raising his hand to brush some hair out of his face. Mrs. Patil gasped when he did so.

"What?" he asked.

"Let me see your wrist," she replied. Ron had forgotten all about it.

"I'm fine," he said.

"Ron," Mrs. Patil admonished. "Let me look at it." Ron held his hand out to her. He grimaced when he looked at it. He hadn't even noticed the purple bruises that had begun to form. Mrs. Patil tutted at him as she waved her wand over his wrist.

"Just a sprain," she said. She turned to the table beside her. "Here, take this." She handed him a vial and Ron swallowed the pain potion down. His ankle immediately felt better as well. "Give me your arm."

Ron wanted to argue but knew he would get nowhere. He dutifully held out his arm and Mrs. Patil waved her wand, bandages wrapping it up to the middle of his forearm.

"Anything else?" she asked.

"My ankle," Ron said.

"Sit down, sit down," she commanded, pushing Ron towards a chair and examining his foot. "It looks as if you just twisted it. How does it feel after the pain potion?"

"Much better," Ron said.

"I'll leave it then," she said. "But if it starts to hurt, you'll need it wrapped as well."

"All right," Ron agreed. Mrs. Patil leaned over and kissed Parvati's forehead.

"I'll be back later." Ron nodded and then sat down on the edge of Parvati's bed, taking her hand in his good one. He had stayed with her until she awoke. After determining that she was all right and having some breakfast with her, he had set out for the house. He intended to get some answers from Malfoy.

Now, Ron made his way up the stairs to Hermione's room. His ankle was starting to bother him again but he ignored it. Reaching Hermione's door, he saw Malfoy sitting just as he had been the night before, holding Hermione's hand in his and looking down at her. The man looked exhausted and Ron wondered if he had sat there the entire night.

Shaking off that thought, Ron walked into the room. Malfoy looked up at him for a moment and then back to Hermione.

"I want to know what's going on, Malfoy," Ron said.

"To what are you referring?" Malfoy drawled.

"Don't give me that shite," Ron said. "You know damn well what I'm referring to." Malfoy did not reply and Ron took a few steps towards him. "Why are you sitting here holding Hermione's hand?"

"I should think that would be rather obvious," Malfoy said, one eyebrow raised. Ron's temper was on the edge. The only thing that kept him from exploding completely was the fact that Hermione was lying unconscious in front of him.

"I want to talk to you outside," Ron said.

"I am not leaving her," Malfoy replied.

"Fine, then," Ron said, casting a Muffliato around the two of them. "I'll ask again. What is going on?"

"I do not answer to you," Malfoy said. "Nor is it any of your business."

"Anything concerning Hermione is my business!"

"Are you her keeper?"

"She's my best friend!"

"If she would like to inform you of the circumstances of our relationship, that is her choice. However, I am telling you nothing."

"Your relationship?" Ron sputtered. "Since when do you have a relationship?"

"She has been living in my home for nearly two months," Malfoy replied coolly. "It should not be a surprise that we have some kind of relationship."

"Are you sleeping with her?" Ron demanded. He couldn't fathom that Hermione would ever even entertain the idea of sleeping with either Malfoy, let alone Malfoy senior. Of course, he never thought Ginny would end up with the ferret either. But if Malfoy had laid even one unwanted finger on Hermione, Ron wouldn't hesitate to make him pay for it.

"As I said, that is none of your business," Malfoy replied. "Now, if you are here to simply make demands of me that I have no intention of complying with, I suggest you leave."

"If I find out you've done anything to hurt Hermione, you'll regret it," Ron growled. Malfoy was sitting there like Hermione was his and Ron would be damned if he let the man take advantage of her. Malfoy ignored him and Ron finally turned on his heel, cancelling the Muffliato and leaving the room.

Lucius sighed tiredly. The very last thing he wanted to deal with was Weasley. He could have easily hexed the whelp, the only thing keeping him from doing it was knowing what Hermione's reaction would be.

Poppy and Severus walked in a few minutes later. The mediwitch immediately began to cast diagnostics on Hermione while Severus went to Lucius' side.

"How is she?" Lucius asked.

"Her ribs are nearly healed," Poppy said. "Her back is progressing nicely as well. Her magic levels are still the same, but that is to be expected. Her magic is working on healing the fractures right now. After that, her magic should begin to recover.

"Is that not dangerous?" Lucius asked. "That her magic is working on the fractures given it is so low?"

"Unfortunately, there's nothing we can do about that," Poppy said. "Our magic always has a hand in our healing." She finished her diagnostics. "She is doing well otherwise. There do not appear to be any other ill-effects." Poppy nodded at them both and then promised to return in two hours.

"I saw Weasley leaving," Severus said once Poppy had left. "Came to interrogate you, did he?" Lucius snorted.

"Of course, he did."

"And what did you tell him?"

"Nothing," Lucius said. "If Hermione wants to tell him when she wakes, that is her choice." Severus stared down at him for a few moments. "What?"

"I just thought you would have liked to lord it over him a bit," Severus said. His friend was right, normally Lucius would have taken great pleasure in explaining to Weasley just what the nature of the relationship between he and Hermione was. Now, though, with Hermione lying here trying to heal her magic, that didn't seem important.

"I might have, were the circumstances not what they are," Lucius said.

"Indeed," Severus said. "Have you eaten?"

"No," Lucius said.

"I will sit with her while you have breakfast, if you like."

"I am not hungry," Lucius said. Severus sighed.

"Lucius, if you do not take care of yourself, you will end up in a bed next to her. Do you think that is what she would want?"

"Fine, I will have the House elves bring me a tray."

"You should sleep as well," Severus said sounding a bit exasperated. Lucius ignored him. Severus sighed again and then turned to leave. "I will inform the elves you require a tray."

"Thank you, Severus."

Lucius turned back to Hermione. He could sleep once he knew she was going to be all right.

Kingsley was exhausted. As soon as the Death Eaters had been secured in Nott's cellars, Kingsley had contacted Proudfoot. Kingsley knew that he could trust Simon without a shadow of a doubt. After Simon's initial shock at seeing Kingsley in his Floo at one in the morning, he had quickly ushered Kingsley through.

It had taken nearly two hours to explain everything that had happened. Both men agreed that before anything else was done, they had to purge the DMLE of any Voldemort sympathizers. If the Aurors were going to temporarily take control of the Ministry, they needed to be positive everyone was on their side.

"We should bring in Robards," Proudfoot had said.

"Are you sure about that?" Kingsley asked. Robards had been made Head of the Auror Department after Scrimgeour had become Minister. Kingsley hadn't had issue with the man before Voldemort had taken over the Ministry. After, Kingsley had been in hiding and had no idea how Robards had run the department with Yaxley as the DMLE's head.

"Yes," Proudfoot said. "He's solid, Kings. Williamson too."

Kingsley had agreed to bring in both Robards and Williamson and had arranged to meet with Robards later that day.

They had no reason to think Thicknesse was not still under the Imperius. Yaxley was still alive and Kingsley was sure that the short amount of time he had been stunned would not have been enough to break the curse. Then there was Umbridge who was still chasing down leads on escaped Muggle-borns. The two of them would have to be neutralized before any change in leadership could take place. Which meant they would need all the Aurors and Hit Wizards they could get. They were likely going to have to take over the Ministry bodily.

It would take at least another day or two to determine who was on their side and who wasn't, as well as figuring out a way to keep the Voldemort sympathizers out of the way of the takeover. Until then, the Death Eaters would have to stay in Nott's cellar.

Before all that though, Kingsley needed food and then a bed. But first, he would find Poppy to ask about Hermione. Kingsley was aware that Lucius had been in Hermione's room with her since they had moved her to the house. As much as he was thankful for the other's man's help, Kingsley was not ready to confront the relationship between Hermione and Lucius.

He would need to speak to Lucius eventually though. Kingsley hoped that Lucius might be able to provide them with names of Ministry employees that, while not Marked, were still sympathetic to Voldemort's cause. With as much of a hand that Lucius had had in the Ministry while Fudge was Minister, Kingsley was sure that Lucius would be able to give them a start on who to question first.

"Father." Lucius looked up to see Draco and Miss Weasley standing in the doorway. "How is she?"

"Her ribs have healed," Lucius said. "Her back has improved. Her magic levels are still the same."

The two stepped inside and Miss Weasley went to Hermione's other side, sitting down on the edge of the bed.

"You should rest," Draco said. "There's a bedroom next door you can use." Lucius opened his mouth to decline but Draco continued. "Ginny and I will stay with her."

"I am fine, Draco," Lucius replied.

"Sorry, Father, but you're not," Draco said. "You look like complete shite." Lucius glared up at his son. Draco glanced at the breakfast tray that was still sitting on the small side table. "Did you even eat anything this morning?"

"I had enough," Lucius replied.

"This is ridiculous," Draco said. "Get up."

"I beg your pardon?"

"You heard me," Draco said. "Are you going to go on your own or do I have to make you?"

"I would like to see you try," Lucius said.

"Don't test me, Father." The two men glared at one another for a few moments.

"Hermione would be upset with you," a quiet voice said and they both looked over to Miss Weasley. Lucius was surprised she had spoken at all, but she seemed to gather her courage and continued. "She'll be angrier if you're not here when she wakes up because you made yourself ill."

Draco gave Miss Weasley a fond glance and then looked at Lucius smugly. Lucius scowled at his son.

"Fine," he finally said and rose from his chair. He faltered for a moment and Draco grabbed his arm to steady him. Draco looked at Lucius in concern, but Lucius waved him off.

"I brought you a change of clothes when I took Severus to the Manor to get the Veritaserum," Draco said. "They're in the bedroom." Lucius nodded curtly.

"If there is any change, you will notify me immediately," Lucius said, his tone brokering no argument.

"Of course, I will," Draco said. Lucius bent over Hermione, kissing her forehead before turning and leaving the room. He lingered at the door as his son took the chair he had been sitting in, Miss Weasley remaining on the edge of the bed.

When he reached the bedroom next door, Lucius realized just how fatigued he was. He stripped off his robes and climbed into the bed, falling asleep almost immediately.

"We've got plenty of Veritaserum available," Kingsley told Robards that afternoon. They were meeting at Proudfoot's flat, although Robards couldn't stay long lest he was missed.

"Where did it come from?" Robards asked in surprise.

"Severus Snape has been brewing it over the past few months," Kingsley replied. Robards frowned.

"Are you sure we can trust it?"

"You know that Severus was a spy for Dumbledore," Kingsley said.

"Yes, until he actually killed Dumbledore," Robards said. Kingsley sighed.

"I've told you what really happened, Gawain." Kingsley had spent an hour speaking with Severus before he'd met with Robards. Kingsley had always gotten on with Severus and had been as shocked as anyone in the Order when Severus had appeared to have killed Albus. Now, of course, he knew the full story and it did not surprise Kingsley one bit that Albus would have used his own death to his advantage. Kingsley had been sorry that Severus had been forced to do what he'd done and regretted what most people now thought of him.

Kingsley had also gotten a few names from Severus. A couple of them had surprised him. They had definitely hidden their prejudice well. Kingsley still hadn't had a chance to speak to Lucius but he intended to when he returned from this meeting.

"You'll forgive me if I don't take your word for that," Robards said.

"Fine, give him Veritaserum too then," Kingsley said.

"Veritaserum that he brewed?" Robards said with a snort. "I don't think so." Kingsley sighed. This was not going as he had expected.

"Who is guarding the prisoners now?" Robards asked.

"They're secured in the cellars of Nott Manor," Kingsley replied.

"With four of their Death Eater cohorts staying in the same manor?" Robards questioned. "You don't think that's a risk?"

"Trust me, Gawain, those four wanted the rest of them locked up just as much as we did. You do understand that they were helping us? That Lucius Malfoy was actually the one to separate Voldemort and Yaxley? That Theo Nott hid the Resistance on his property? That Draco Malfoy had been passing us information for months? Severus has already given me a few names of supporters and I intend to speak to Lucius Malfoy when I return to get more."

"That doesn't excuse everything they've done up until now," Robards said. Kingsley made a noise of frustration.

"I think if we could trust them to hide us and help us take out Voldemort and the Death Eaters, we can trust Severus' Veritaserum." Robards didn't look convinced but he didn't refuse the potion either.

"We have to be careful as to how we go about this," Robards said changing the subject. "Some of the sympathizers are obvious so while I would normally start with them, that would only tip off those that are more subtle about it. Unfortunately, I don't have enough staff that I trust implicitly to question everyone at once."

Kingsley nodded. He figured this might be a problem. And once the rest of the Ministry got wind of what they were doing, people would flee. But if it were a choice of immediately wrestling their government back from Voldemort's supporters while a few of them escaped or continuing to live in this limbo while they tried to come up with a perfect strategy, Kingsley would take the former. It wasn't just regaining control of the government. There were people they needed to rescue from Death Eater residences, not to mention all the prisoners in Azkaban. He told Robards as much.

"Yes, I think you might be right," Robards said with a sigh. "I'll need to brief my people and then I'll get back to you."

"All right," Kingsley said as he rose. He wanted to get back to Nott's and organize his own people. "Just know that I've got plenty of wands if you need them."

"You just be sure that none of those prisoners escape," Robards said. Kingsley gave a nod as Robards stepped into the Floo. Kingsley left the flat and Disapparated back to Nott Manor.

"Lucius, a word," Kingsley said as he stood in the doorway of Hermione's room. Lucius glanced up at him.

"Yes?" he replied. Kingsley took a few steps into the room.

"We are trying to clear the Ministry of Voldemort's supporters before we transfer the prisoners to the Ministry holding cells," Kingsley said. "Severus has given me a few names but I figured you would likely know more."

"I have not been active at the Ministry since Fudge was Minister," Lucius said.

"I'm aware but many of those employees are still there," Kingsley said. "There was little turnover when Scrimgeour was made Minister."

"I am certain there was more when Thicknesse was installed," Lucius said. "Unfortunately, the Dark Lord has had little use for me since the battle at Hogwarts."

"I think that all new employees that were hired under Thicknesse will be under scrutiny," Kingsley said. "Whatever information you have would helpful, even if it has been a few years." Lucius nodded.

"I will make a list," he said. "You should speak to Draco. He spent a bit of time at the Ministry this past year."

"All right," Kingsley said. He looked back at Hermione. "How is she doing?"

"Her fractures have healed," Lucius said. "There has been slight improvement in her magic levels."

"That's good to hear," Kingsley said. "Thank you, Lucius." The other man nodded and Kingsley stepped out of the room. He glanced back over his shoulder to see that Lucius had taken Hermione's hand once again.

Draco stood with Ginny as everyone began trying to talk over one another. Shacklebolt had heard back from Robards and while they were going to begin cleaning out the DMLE, it would likely take at least a day, maybe longer until they were ready to take over the Ministry again. No one was happy with the delay.

"What about everyone still being held at Death Eater homes?" Mr. Patil asked. "I want my daughter back."

"And everyone in Azkaban!" Weasley shouted. "They've been there too long already."

"I understand your frustration," Kingsley said. "But we can't just go storming Azkaban."

"We can find out where our children are," Molly said. "If Severus has Veritaserum let's use it."

"A few hexes should get some of them talking," someone else shouted out.

"What if they're locked up?" Parvati asked. "The Death Eater prisoners I mean. Then there's no one there to give them food or water. It's been almost an entire day already." Shacklebolt was trying to get control of everyone when Draco spoke up.

"I know where some of them live," he said. It didn't appear that anyone, save Ginny, had heard him.

"Everyone, shut it!" she yelled. Heads swung in their direction and Draco shifted uncomfortably.

"I know where some of them live," he said again. "My father and Severus probably know more. Maybe we can check those places at least."

"What about wards?" Charlie asked. "I'm guessing we won't just be able to waltz in the front door."

"Probably not," Draco agreed. "But we can try the Floo. Not everyone will have theirs locked or might not have time to lock them down once they were summoned."

"We should also be able to get into Lestrange Manor," Draco continued. "Well, Theo and I can anyway. Since that's where the Dark Lord was living, he had the wards keyed to the Dark Mark."

"My concern is possible traps around the rooms where the captives are being kept," Shacklebolt said. "If we go in blind, we may end up losing more people." Draco could see the hopeful looks on everyone's faces and Shacklebolt must have seen it too because he sighed.

"All right, make a list of whichever residences you are familiar with. Speak with your father and Severus as well and we'll discuss possible plans." Draco nodded and Ginny pulled him away a few feet.

"Do you know where the Carrows lived?" she asked.

"I don't," Draco replied and her face fell. "But my father or Severus might. The thing is, Ginny, the Carrows were still professors at Hogwarts."

"Which means they were at Hogwarts for most of the year," Ginny said. Draco nodded. "You don't think Bill and Fleur are there, do you?"

"They might be," Draco replied. "The wizard the Dark Lord appointed Headmaster is nothing more than a figurehead, just like Thicknesse. It was understood by the rest of the staff that the Carrows were in charge. So, either they consistently Flooed home or they brought your brother and his wife with them to Hogwarts in September. I think we both know there are plenty of places they could have hidden them in the castle." Ginny shuddered and Draco couldn't blame her. Thinking of the things that might have been going on right under the students' noses disgusted him as well.

"I'll tell Kingsley," Ginny said. Draco nodded and then went back to the house to make his list. The sooner they found everyone, the better.

"Gin," Ron said and Ginny bit back a sigh. She knew exactly what Ron wanted to know.

"Yeah?"

"What's going on with Hermione and Malfoy?"

"Which one?" Ginny asked and Ron scowled at her.

"You know which one."

"You'll have to ask Hermione, Ron."

"Yeah, well I can't really do that at the moment, can I?" Ron retorted. "I know you know, Ginny. Just tell me."

"Why is it any of your business?"

"She's my best friend!" Ron snapped. "Why do I have to keep saying that?"

"Just because she's your best friend doesn't mean you're entitled to know everything about her life," Ginny replied.

"Look, Ginny, I'm worried about her," Ron said. "Who knows what Malfoy's done to her? He was talking about their relationship when I confronted him this morning. You know as well as I do that Hermione would never willingly do anything with him."

"He hasn't coerced her into anything," Ginny said with a sigh.

"How do you know?" Ron demanded.

"I just do," she said. "And we both know Hermione. She doesn't do anything she doesn't want to do."

"That's what I mean!" Ron said throwing up his hands in exasperation. "Now he's up there holding her hand and fawning all over her. It's like he's in love with her or something!" Ginny shrugged.

"Maybe he is." Ron just stared at her, mouth gaping.

"You're mental."

"Look, Ron, a lot has happened in the last two months, hell in the last ten. People change, do things you might not have expected. I've had my suspicions about Hermione and Lucius and everything that's happened in the last day seems to confirm them. But until Hermione wakes up and tells us whatever she wants to tell us, it's not our business."

"It's Lucius now, is it?" Ron said scornfully. Ginny rolled her eyes. Of everything she'd said, Ron would have to grab onto that.

"He's Draco's father. What do you want me to call him? Malfoy?"

"I can't believe this." Ron ran a hand through his hair in agitation.

"You claim to be Hermione's best friend," Ginny said. "Then maybe you should start acting like it. This is her choice, Ron."

"What if she didn't have a choice?" Ginny sighed again, attempting to keep control of her temper.

"From everything I've seen, no one has done anything untoward to Hermione. She's not under the Imperius curse and she definitely isn't acting like anyone slipped her a love potion. You should know, you've had experience with that." Ron scowled at her but Ginny knew he understood what she meant. Hermione wasn't mooning over Lucius or even acting like they were together.

"When she wakes up, by all means, talk to her about this. But I'm warning you, Ron. If you keep acting like you have been about this, she's not going to tell you anything," Ginny finished.

As she walked away, Ron was frowning at the ground. At least he was thinking about what she'd said. Ginny hadn't told Ron everything she knew. Draco had told her quite a bit last night as he was trying to process everything. Ginny had had her suspicions about Hermione and Draco's father but she hadn't realized it was as serious as it was. She had been a bit surprised, but if Hermione had seen something worth loving in Lucius, then who was Ginny to argue? Ginny had lived in the Manor for long enough to know that Lucius Malfoy was not the man she had thought he was. Even her mother would agree.

Ginny certainly hoped that Ron got his act together or he just might find himself cut out of Hermione's life.

Lucius had to admit that he felt remarkably better after sleeping this afternoon, not to mention the shower and lunch. The elves had brought him a tray at dinner as well and Lucius managed to eat a decent amount. Miss Weasley had been correct, loath as he was to admit it. Hermione would not be happy with him should he neglect himself.

He had made his list for Shacklebolt and given Draco all the information he had about Death Eater residences. He had also agreed that the Carrows had likely brought the eldest Weasley son and his wife with them to Hogwarts. Knowing what he did about those two, Lucius knew they would not wish to be separated from their 'playthings' for long. The thought disgusted him. He knew Amycus was dead but Alecto still lived. It was fortunate for the Weasleys that she did. If the two prisoners were at Hogwarts it could take weeks to find them with no information. Weeks they likely did not have. Lucius was sure that the Carrows would not have allowed the House Elves to tend to them, they elves might not even know where the Weasleys were.

Plans were already being made for Draco, Theo, and Severus to go to Lestrange Manor to find whoever was being held captive there. Severus was concerned, however, with the collar Lucius had described being on the young man that had greeted him when Lucius had gone to tell the Dark Lord about the curse Draco had taken. It was likely only able to be removed by Rabastan himself. They were unsure how the young man would react to their arrival or if the rest of the prisoners would be wearing collars as well. They also had no idea just how many other captives there were.

Theo had generously opened his manor to any of the prisoners they were able to rescue. Draco had already had Liddy bring Trelawney from the lodge. She had actually recognized Poppy which was good news. They had moved her into a small bedroom near the kitchens and Molly Weasley was caring for her once again.

Lucius was waiting for the mediwitch to arrive. It had been nearly twenty-four hours since the end of the battle and Lucius was anxious to see if they could stop giving Hermione the sleeping draughts. Her back had nearly been healed the last time Poppy had checked and her magic levels were up slightly. It was all good news but Lucius would not relax until he was actually able to speak to Hermione.

He had, thankfully, not been disturbed by Weasley since this morning. Lucius wondered if his sister had said something to him to keep Weasley away. Or perhaps the man was just busy with whatever Shacklebolt was doing. Either way, Lucius really did not care.

He looked up when Poppy walked into the room. She was followed by Weasley and Lucius scowled. The only thing that kept him from saying anything to the man was that he was quickly followed by Miss Weasley. She gave Lucius a small smile. Lucius gave her a nod and turned his focus back to Hermione.

"Her back has fully healed," Poppy said in satisfaction. "We won't need to administer another sleeping draught."

"Will she wake?" Lucius asked.

"When she's ready, she should," the mediwitch said. "I can't say when that will be. It could be a few minutes or a few hours."

"And her magic?" Weasley asked.

"It has recovered slightly," Poppy replied. "Now that her bones have healed, it should come back more quickly. She will need to rest as much as possible, however. Once she wakes, we'll know more."

"Thank you," Lucius said. The mediwitch smiled and gave him a nod, then left the room. Lucius glanced at the two Weasleys but both were focused on Hermione. Lucius cleared his throat and they both looked over at him.

"You are welcome to stay," he said gruffly. He could not believe he had actually made the offer but it was what Hermione would have wanted.

"Thank you," Miss Weasley said as she approached the bed. Lucius conjured two more chairs and she settled into one, then looked back at her brother.

"Yeah, all right," he said a bit sullenly. He still sat down beside his sister. The three sat in silence, simply watching Hermione and hoping she would wake.

Kingsley stood impatiently outside the gates of Lestrange Manor. He and Severus had examined the wards when they arrived and both felt it was likely that they would bar Kingsley entry. It wasn't something either of them wanted to risk so Kingsley had reluctantly sent Severus, Draco, and Theo in without him.

A few minutes later, Draco walked out, looking grim.

"Well?" Kingsley asked when Draco reached him.

"There were more than I thought," Draco said. Kingsley swore under his breath.

"Do you know who they are?"

"Some of them," Draco said with a sigh. "Terry Boot, he was in my year, is the one with the collar that my father saw. Most of the others didn't have one."

"Most?"

"There was another, also with a collar, in a cupboard off the kitchens. It appears that he did the cooking. He's older, looks to be closer to thirty. Not Rabastan's preferred age so it's likely he was probably tortured into compliance, along with the collar. He doesn't know his name but Severus remembered him from school."

"And the rest?"

"One is Paul Davies. He was a year behind me in school. The thing is, I'm almost certain that Jugson took him after the battle at Hogwarts."

"Jugson is dead?" Kingsley asked.

"Severe Cruciatus damage," Draco said. "Although he could be dead now, for all I know. I have no idea what the Dark Lord was doing with them once that happened."

"What happened to a prisoner if the Death Eater died?" Kingsley asked.

"Well, some were given to others, like Ginny was to me," Draco said. "I'm guessing for others the prisoners just stayed with the family. That's what happened with Lovegood. Jugson wasn't married thought so maybe that's why Davies was brought to Rabastan. I have no idea actually." Draco looked pained at that and Kingsley put a hand on his arm.

"I doubt Voldemort would have given you more prisoners, after he'd already given Ginny to you. You saved her, Draco." Draco nodded and blew out a breath.

"Do you know who any of the rest of them are?"

"There was a girl that I know was in Ginny's year but I can't remember her name," Draco said. "She and Davies were in one room together. Then there were six others in another room. I didn't know any of them although most of them looked familiar. I'm sure Severus knows who all of them are, they likely went to Hogwarts, but were just a few years older than me. I know that Rabastan had been bringing in people that he said were collaborators with the Resistance. He said he was going to 'rehabilitate' them."

"Perhaps that's why Davies and the girl were in a separate room. They were original prisoners that Rabastan just inherited when other Death Eaters died," Kingsley said.

"Likely," Draco agreed. He sighed.

"I suppose we can be thankful that they weren't sent to Azkaban," Kingsley said.

"I don't know," Draco replied. "Knowing Rabastan I'm not sure if it was better being here than the prison." Both were silent for a few moments.

"Severus can't get the collar off," Draco said. Kingsley sighed. They had been afraid of this.

"We'll have to wait until Robards questions Lestrange," Kingsley said.

"Unless he dies," Draco said. Kingsley's brow furrowed. "He dies, the magic dies with him." Kingsley stared at Draco. The younger man shrugged. "Maybe he died in the battle."

"I've already told Robards who was killed in the battle," Kingsley said.

"So, he dies later," Draco said. "The cellars are rather damp. Probably crawling with things that could kill you." The two stood in silence for a few moments.

"Draco," Kingsley began. "I understand how you feel given what Ginny went through in this house. But this isn't the answer."

"It's what he deserves."

"I'm not going to argue that," Kingsley said. "But Voldemort was living here. We need information that Lestrange probably has." Draco sighed and dragged a hand through his hair.

"What do we do with them?" Draco asked. "We don't want to chance taking them past the wards."

"What about the Floo?" Kingsley asked.

"Warded too," Draco said. "Locked down completely, actually. We always had to Apparate and come in through the gates." Kingsley swore. They were going to have to leave the prisoners here for the moment. They had no other choice.

"I'll make sure that Lestrange is the first one questioned," Kingsley said. "But we're going to have to leave them here until then."

"Alone?" Draco looked sickened by the thought and truthfully, Kingsley was too. But he didn't know what else they could do. There was no Floo, they couldn't take them through the wards and no one could Apparate inside the wards. He couldn't even walk through the gates, meaning no one else in the Resistance would be able to either.

"Do you think a House Elf could get in?" Kingsley asked.

"Possibly," Draco said. "After the Dark Lord killed our elves, Liddy could still come and go."

"Yes, she was your mother's elf, correct?" Draco nodded.

"But the Dark Lord wasn't really living in the Manor then," he continued. "He was traveling more often than not, so I don't know if he would have warded this place differently."

"He had all the Lestrange elves killed, I assume?" Kingsley said. Draco nodded. "Well, I don't really want to chance it then." He sighed again.

"I'll stay," a voice said and Kingsley looked up to see Theo walking up behind Draco.

"Luna is still at the safe house," Theo continued. "I wasn't planning on bringing her back until the Death Eaters are out of Nott Manor anyway. I can stay."

"Are you sure?" Draco said.

"Severus can't stay," Theo said. "The Ministry will need his information and yours. Plus, I'm sure Madame Pomfrey will need him to brew, especially now that Slughorn's gone. You and I both know that I really didn't know anything about all that was going on. Certainly not more than you did. I'm the best choice."

"Thank you, Theo," Kingsley said.

"Just be sure to get these people out of here as soon as possible," Theo said. "They need help."

"They'll be our first priority," Kingsley promised. "I'll send Draco back with potions and supplies." Theo nodded in acknowledgement and went back into the house.

Hermione blinked in the darkness of the room trying to determine where she was. She turned her head and saw Ginny asleep in a chair beside the bed. Ron was in another next to his sister, also asleep. Hermione's eyes swept the room until they came to rest on Lucius. He was sitting on the other side of the bed and had also drifted off, although he held Hermione's hand tightly in his own.

If all three of them were here, she must still be at Nott Manor. And given that Lucius was holding her hand, it was a safe bet that Ron and Ginny now knew about their relationship. Hermione wondered how that had gone over. She shifted a bit and Lucius stirred. His eyes slowly opened and he stared at her. When he realized that she was awake, he surged forward in his chair.

"Hermione," he breathed. She smiled at him.

"Lucius," she replied. He closed his eyes in relief and lifted her hand to his lips, kissing her palm.

"How do you feel?" he asked quietly. She contemplated that question for a moment.

"Tired," she finally said. "And a bit weak? I feel like it would take a huge effort to move."

"That is to be expected," he said. "Given what happened."

"What happened?" she asked.

"You do not remember?" he said in concern.

"I remember being with you when you were fighting Voldemort's soul," she said frowning in concentration.

"Yes, we will discuss that later," he said giving her a chastising look. "Anything else."

"I think so, I," Hermione paused and bit her lip, brow furrowed. What had happened? Lucius had been convulsing and Draco had yelled at her to move. She hadn't and then…oh Merlin. Voldemort had gotten into her.

"Voldemort," she whispered. Lucius nodded. "His soul left you and went into me."

"Yes," Lucius said, kissing her hand again. He squeezed her hand and looked at her in concern. She remembered now, remembered it all and shuddered.

"'Mione?" Ron said, sounding half-asleep. "Hermione!" Ginny jumped at Ron's exclamation, startling awake.

"Oh, thank Merlin," Ginny said as soon as she realized Hermione was awake. "How are you? How do you feel?"

"I'm fine, Gin," Hermione said. "Bit tired and weak, but otherwise fine." Ginny leaned down and hugged her as best she could while Hermione was lying flat on her back. When she pulled back, Hermione could see Ron glaring at Lucius who had not let go of her hand.

"Is everyone all right, Ron?" Hermione asked, drawing his attention away from Lucius.

"They're fine," Ron said. "But we can talk about that later."

"No one was hurt?"

"Well, yes, but like I said, we can talk about that later," Ron replied. "We want to know how you are."

"Everyone made it?" Hermione asked ignoring Ron's last statement. Ron glanced at Ginny.

"Slughorn died," Ron said. "And Angelica."

"Oh," Hermione said sadly. She hadn't really known Angelica Cole, only met the woman when the Resistance arrived at Theo's. And while Professor Slughorn had never been her favorite teacher, she knew that he had done quite a bit for Charlie's group and he had been as ready as anyone to aid in the fight.

"Do not think about that now," Lucius said soothingly. "We need to be sure you are all right." He looked at Ron. "Perhaps you might notify Madame Pomfrey that Hermione is awake?" Ron scowled.

"Why don't you," Ron began, but Ginny interrupted.

"Of course, we will," she said, then grabbed her brother's arm. "Come on, Ron."

"You get her," Ron said. "I'll stay here."

"Don't make me bat bogey you, Ron," Ginny warned. "Just come on." Ron gave Lucius one more glare before he turned and reluctantly followed Ginny from the room. Hermione turned back to Lucius.

"He knows then, I take it?"

"I have not told him anything," Lucius said.

"He's assumed then," Hermione said.

"Perhaps," Lucius replied. Before she could say anything else, he leaned forward and kissed her. Sighing into his mouth, Hermione returned the kiss. When they parted, Lucius rested his forehead against hers.

"You drained your magic," he said.

"What?" she asked in confusion. Lucius pulled back from her.

"Whatever you did to eject the Dark Lord, you used nearly all your magic to do it." He looked down at her in concern. Hermione brought a hand to his cheek, although she had a hard time doing it. Her arm felt extremely heavy. He covered her hand with his own.

"Do you remember what happened?"

"Sort of," she said, brow furrowing. "I started trying to show him memories but he just pushed them aside and searched for others."

"What do you mean?" Lucius asked.

"Well, I showed him a memory from when I was a little girl. I was cuddled up with my dad and he was reading to me. But Voldemort only watched it for a second and then pulled up a memory from earlier that day when I'd been scolded for playing with some of my dad's tools. I was crying."

"You do not know Occlumency," Lucius said in realization.

"I do, but I'm not all that good at it," Hermione admitted. "Why?"

"When the Dark Lord was in my head, I was able to continually bombard him with the images I wanted while keeping the others behind my shields."

"Right," Hermione said. "Well, after showing him a few memories and him finding worse ones instead, I stopped. I tucked myself into a corner of my mind and waited. I figured I would have to flood him with a lot of memories at once, so I started quietly gathering them together. He was still rifling through my head so it wasn't that hard to take the memories that he didn't want to see."

"Do you know what he was looking at?"

"Not really," she said. "I wasn't paying him much attention, but he must have found something that he wanted because he stopped for a bit." Lucius frowned. "I think it might have been about the prophecy because he got really angry and then he started tearing through things faster." She paused. "It hurt."

Lucius squeezed her hand and kissed her forehead. Hermione could still remember the blinding pain as Voldemort tore through her mind. It had been difficult to hold on to the memories she had already gathered but she managed it.

"And then, he stopped again. He didn't seem angry this time so much as…surprised, I guess? Or thoughtful maybe? I don't know what he was watching, maybe it was the two of us. But I decided that I had better take my chance while I could. I threw all the memories at him that I could. I remember him screaming in anger and then everything hurt and I blacked out."

"You bent so far in half you broke your back and your ribs," Lucius said, squeezing your hand again.

"But I got him out, right?" Hermione said. "He didn't get into anyone else?"

"Yes, my darling, you forced him out," Lucius replied. Hermione's breath caught at the term of endearment. His hands cupped her face. "You forced him out and Draco captured him. He is in that box, warded in Theo's safe, just waiting for Shacklebolt to be able to take him to a room in the Auror Department and destroy him."

"You're sure?" Hermione asked.

"I am positive," Lucius replied. "You did it."

"We did it," she corrected. "You're the one that separated him from Yaxley." He smiled and then leaned down and kissed her again.

"We did it," he agreed.