A/N - Thanks for all the reviews last chapter! We're moving towards the end but there's still a bit of drama left. I hope you all enjoy this chapter and thanks for reading and reviewing!

Chapter 43

Rescues Begin

After Poppy had checked her over, Hermione was nearly asleep. Even though she had been sedated for more than a day, she was just so tired. Poppy told her it was to be expected, given how magically exhausted she had been. But her magic levels were already recovering. The fact that she couldn't cast any magic for a few days was a bit annoying but Hermione understood.

Ron stood at the end of her bed with his arms crossed over his chest the entire time Poppy was running her scans. Hermione knew he wanted to talk but that would have to wait. She was just too tired and didn't think she could even coherently answer his questions.

"Hermione needs her rest," Poppy said to Ron. "You can speak with her later this morning."

"Why is he staying?" Ron retorted glaring at Lucius.

"Mr. Malfoy will be allowing Hermione to sleep as well," Poppy said, fixing him with a stern look.

"Ron we'll talk later," Hermione said. "I really am tired." Ron's expression softened.

"I'm glad you're all right," he said. She smiled at him. Ron's gaze shifted to Lucius and hardened again. "I'll be back."

"Unfortunately," Lucius drawled under his breath. Hermione gave him a reproachful look but he didn't look the least bit sorry.

"Get some sleep, 'Mione," Ron said. "I'll see you later."

"Good night, Ron." Ron turned and left the room and Hermione sighed and looked at Lucius.

"You don't have to antagonize him, you know." He simply smirked and she rolled her eyes.

"Sleep now," he said, leaning forward and kissing her forehead. "You need to rest."

"Only if you sleep with me," she replied.

"I do not think that is the best idea," he said.

"Please?" Hermione said looking up at him. He looked at her for a few moments before he answered.

"Very well," he said. Standing, he shed his outer robes and took off his shoes. He climbed into bed next to her and she attempted to shift to snuggle into his side. She was having a hard time moving though. Lucius, sensing her trouble, gently pulled her to him and she laid her head on his chest, letting out a sigh of contentment. He kissed the top of her head and tightened his arms around her.

"Sleep," he said. Hermione's eyes fluttered shut and she relaxed into him as she drifted off to sleep.

Lucius heard Hermione's breathing even out and knew she had fallen asleep. He had planned to leave the bed as soon as she did so, however, he could not force himself to. He was exhausted as well, not to mention how glad he was to have her back in his arms.

He knew that later today, once word had spread that Hermione had woken, she would be inundated with visitors. As much as it pained him to leave her, Lucius would make himself scarce. Unsure just how and when she wanted to reveal their relationship, or if she even did, his presence would likely force the issue. Lucius would not pressure her. He was sure that Weasley was going to be the first to interrogate her as it was.

It would also not be prudent for anyone to arrive and find him in bed with her. Not that he cared what they thought, but he would not put Hermione in that position unless she wanted him to. Still, he would not leave just yet. They could lie here for a bit longer, no one would come before sunrise at any rate.

"Father," Draco hissed in his ear. Lucius opened his eyes to see Draco standing over him.

"What is it?" Lucius asked. He only then realized that the sun was streaming into the room and Lucius was currently still in bed with Hermione.

"Weasley is on his way here," Draco said. "You might want to get up."

Actually, Lucius thought it would be quite comical to see the look on Weasley's face if he walked in to see Lucius in the position he was currently in. However, he knew that Hermione would not appreciate that. He managed to disentangle himself without waking her and slid from the bed. It was only then that Lucius realize Miss Weasley was in the room as well. She looked away from him quickly as he stood.

Straightening his shirt and trousers, Lucius picked up his robes and slipped them on, then sat down to put on his shoes. When he was presentable once more, he looked up at his son and Miss Weasley.

"I did not mean to sleep there all night," he said. "I must have been more tired than I realized."

"Yes, well, I'm just glad it was Ginny and I that found the two of you," Draco said. "Weasley was walking up with us initially but got waylaid by his brother for a moment."

"Would you like some breakfast?" Miss Weasley asked and Lucius could not help his surprise. Despite what she had said to him the day before, he still was not sure just how she felt about his involvement with Hermione.

"That would be very nice, thank you," he said. Miss Weasley gave him a small smile and turned and left the room. Lucius raised an eyebrow at his son.

"I told her," Draco said. Lucius nodded; he had suspected as much.

"Her reaction?"

"Not completely surprised," Draco said. "Apparently, she had caught some of the looks between you at the Manor." Lucius sighed and Draco's lips twitched in amusement.

"Yes, yes, we were not as circumspect as we thought we were," Lucius said waving a hand in his son's direction. "I have heard it all from Severus." They heard footsteps and turned to the door to see Weasley stepping through.

"You're still here," he said to Lucius.

"Well spotted, Weasley," Draco drawled. Weasley glared at him, then looked at Hermione.

"Has she woken again at all?" he asked.

"No," Lucius replied.

"Is that normal?" Ron asked in concern.

"She will likely sleep for much of the day according to Madame Pomfrey," Lucius said. As much as he did not care for the young man in front of him, Lucius was aware that he was just as worried about Hermione's recovery. He could not begrudge him information.

Miss Weasley returned with a tray and Lucius thanked her before setting it aside on the bedside table. He would wait until Weasley had left to eat.

"I'll sit with her for a bit," Weasley said.

"That will not be necessary," Lucius said.

"I wasn't asking," Ron replied. The two stood staring at one another.

"Shacklebolt wanted to speak to you again, Father," Draco said. "He's with Severus now."

"Very well," Lucius finally said. "However, I will return once I have finished." He stared at Weasley for a few more moments and then followed Draco from the room, levitating his breakfast tray behind him.

"Where is Shacklebolt?" Lucius asked Draco.

"Library," Draco said. "But you should probably eat and clean up first." Lucius glanced back over his shoulder at Hermione's sleeping form. He watched as Weasley took Lucius' chair, his sister sitting in the other.

As much as Lucius did not like leaving her, Draco was right. He was rather disheveled after sleeping in his shirt and trousers for a large portion of the morning.

"Let him know I will be with him in thirty minutes," Lucius said, heading for the bedroom he had used the day before.

Hermione opened her eyes and looked to her right but Lucius was no longer in the bed. She turned her head further but it was Ron that was sitting in Lucius' usual chair.

"Hey," he said with a smile. Hermione smiled back. "How do you feel?"

"Better," she said. She lifted her hand and realized that her arms didn't ache so much anymore. She brushed the hair out of her face and saw that Ginny was here as well.

"Where's Lucius?" she asked Ginny. Hermione didn't miss Ron's scowl.

"Kingsley had some more questions for him," Ginny said. "He'll be back once he's finished."

"What time is it?"

"About ten," Ginny said. "Poppy said you can have something to eat if you like. Are you hungry?" Hermione took a quick inventory of herself.

"I am actually," she said. Ginny turned to Ron.

"Can you go get Hermione's tray? The House elves made one up for her. It's under stasis in the kitchen." Ron looked as if he wanted to protest, but Ginny fixed him with a look that was very reminiscent of her mother. Grumbling, Ron complied.

Once he was out of earshot, Ginny turned back to Hermione.

"He's going to interrogate you about Lucius."

"I figured as much," Hermione said with a sigh.

"Thought you could use a bit of sustenance beforehand," Ginny said with a smirk.

"Wait," Hermione said realizing what Ginny had said. "What do you know? How do you know?"

"It's not like it was hard to figure out given Lucius' reaction to what happened to you," she said. "He's barely left your side. We had to all but force him to sleep for a bit yesterday afternoon. But Draco also told me."

"Oh," Hermione said. She looked up at her friend. "And?"

"I'm not going to judge you, Hermione, if that's what you think," Ginny said. "I suspected there might be something going on while we were still at the Manor, so it wasn't a complete shock. I'm not sure how it all came about but I can tell that he's different. He was different even before you got to the Manor. Even more so now, which likely has something to do with you." She stopped and hesitated.

"What?" Hermione prompted.

"I just, I don't want you to get hurt," Ginny said.

"Lucius wouldn't do that," Hermione replied.

"Look, it's not like I have any room to criticize given who I'm involved with." She took a breath and met Hermione's gaze. "I just don't want this to be about swaying public opinion."

"What do you mean?" Hermione asked, although she had a rather good idea of what Ginny was alluding to.

"Lucius Malfoy, Pureblood bigot dating a Muggle-born just as Voldemort is finally destroyed?"

"No, Ginny," Hermione said vehemently.

"All right," Ginny said. Hermione looked at her in confusion when she didn't say anything else.

"That's it?"

"If that's not what it's about, that's not what it's about," Ginny said with a shrug. Hermione gaped at her in astonishment.

"Just like that?" Hermione asked.

"Just like that," Ginny replied. "You're the one in the relationship, not me. As far as I can tell, Lucius is genuine in his concern for you. If you're sure about how he feels, then that's enough for me." Hermione gave a shaky laugh.

"I thought you'd have more questions for me."

"Oh, I have plenty of questions, trust me," Ginny said with a wicked grin. Hermione rolled her eyes but was immensely pleased to see a bit of the old Ginny come through.

"Somehow, I don't think Ron is going to be so accepting," Hermione said.

"Ron thinks in very black and white terms," Ginny said with a sigh. "He gets it from Mum." Before Hermione could ask if Mrs. Weasley knew anything about what was going on, Ron came back with her tray.

Ron and Ginny helped Hermione get into a sitting position and she took the cover off the tray. The smell of breakfast made her mouth water, even if it was only porridge and fruit.

"Do you need any help?" Ron asked. Hermione picked up the spoon and managed to get a bite into her mouth. Her arms felt a bit rubbery still, but she could control them.

"I'm all right," Hermione said with a small smile. Ron and Ginny watched her eat for a few minutes before Ron finally asked what Hermione knew he had been bursting to since she woke early this morning.

"What's going on with you and Lucius Malfoy?" Hermione took another bite and then leaned back into her pillows.

"Lucius and I are involved," she said.

"Involved how?" Ron demanded. Hermione sighed and turned to Ginny, giving her a pointed look. Ginny, thankfully, understood and cast a Muffliato around them.

"I don't think you're so thick as to not know what I mean." Ron's face turned bright red and he opened his mouth to respond but nothing emerged. Closing it again, he stared at her. Hermione waited patiently for the explosion she knew was coming.

"You're sleeping with him!?"

"Not that it's any of your business, but yes," Hermione said calmly.

"What the fuck are you thinking, Hermione?"

"Ron," Ginny admonished.

"It's all right, Gin," Hermione said. She looked up at Ron. "If you can discuss this like the adults that we are, then I'm happy to tell you. But I refuse to say anything if you're going to interrupt me every two seconds or continue to yell at me."

"Fine," Ron said tightly.

"I mean it, Ron," Hermione warned. "I'm too tired to deal with these adolescent reactions of yours." Some of the anger left Ron's face at that.

"If you're too tired, we can talk later," he said.

"And let you stew all day? I don't think so." Ron took a breath and raked a hand through his hair.

"All right," he said. "I won't yell." Hermione looked at him questioningly. "Or interrupt."

"Okay then," she said. "I told you there was a prophecy, but there was more to it than just working with one another." Hermione began her tale, telling them how she found out about the prophecy in the first place and what she had thought it meant once she had seen the memory of it. Of her search for the missing variable and of Lucius' eventual agreement with her about the meaning of the prophecy and how things had happened the first time.

"What did you think was going to happen after?" Ginny asked curiously.

"Honestly, I had no idea," Hermione said. "I mean, I don't think that either of us really believed we would have some vision of what we needed to do to defeat him but, maybe a tiny part of us hoped." She glanced at Ron. His jaw was clenched and his hands were in fists on his knees, but he didn't say anything.

"After that, we went back to our research," Hermione said. "And then, things just progressed from there."

"He took advantage of you!" Ron said, unable to hold it in any longer.

"He didn't," Hermione said firmly.

"How can you say that?" Ron demanded.

"Because, Ron, if that's what he was doing, he wouldn't have stopped me the night I'd been drinking and was upset about what had happened to everyone." Ron goggled at her. "I had asked what had happened to your family and Neville and Luna after the battle. I decided that we should just get on with it and he stopped me." Ron was clearly trying to process that and Hermione waited.

"All right, fine, how did you get from doing it the once because of the prophecy to him refusing to leave your side?"

"It didn't happen right away," Hermione said. "But we were working together every day and we just continued to get closer." She looked up at Ron, bracing herself for his reaction to what she was about to say. "I love him." There was complete silence in the room for a few moments.

"That's impossible," Ron finally said.

"Why?" Hermione challenged.

"Because he's Lucius fucking Malfoy, that's why!"

"I'm well aware of who he is, Ron."

"No, no, you're wrong," Ron said. "You've been stuck in that house with him and you had to, you know, for the prophecy and you've just, you're confused, that's all."

"I don't know my own mind now, is that it?" Hermione asked indignantly.

"You can't possibly," Ron said, shaking his head. "You just, you can't."

"Well, if that's the case then I don't know how we managed to do what we did with Yaxley and Voldemort," Hermione said.

"What?" Ron said. "What are you talking about?"

"The missing variable? The one I tried to figure out for weeks? It was love, Ron." He stared at her in confusion. "When we had to flee the Manor, we went to the Malfoys' hunting lodge. There was a portrait there, an ancestor of the Malfoys who was a Seer. A true Seer. She was the one that helped lead me to the missing variable."

Hermione told them about Cecilia's vision for the future should Voldemort continue to stay in power. She explained how she had come to the realization that love was the missing variable and how it had changed the odds once she had plugged the missing variable into the Arithmancy equation. She told them how they had come up with their plan and what she had done to ultimately eject Voldemort's soul from her mind.

"It's not one-sided, Ron," Hermione finished. "Lucius loves me too."

Ron stared at her for a few more seconds. And then he stood from his chair.

"I cannot believe you, Hermione," he said quietly and then he turned and left the room. Hermione stared after him for a moment and then sighed and looked down at her lap. She knew that he would have a hard time accepting Lucius but Hermione hadn't realized it would hurt so much when he didn't.

"Give him a bit of time," Ginny said quietly. "You know Ron, he gets angry then has time to think things over and eventually figures himself out."

"Yeah," Hermione said, raising her head to look at Ginny. "Except he didn't storm out blustering and angry." She managed a smile but there were tears in her eyes.

"It will be okay, Hermione," Ginny said, leaning forward to hug her. Hermione clung to Ginny for a few minutes and then sat back.

"I'm really tired," she said. "Can you take this tray?"

"Of course," Ginny said. She moved the tray and then helped Hermione settle back into the bed. Hermione turned away from Ginny and buried her face in the pillows. She felt her friend sit down at her back and put a hand on her shoulder, giving it a squeeze. Hermione closed her eyes and all she could see was Ron's disappointed and disgusted expression behind her eyelids.

Lucius walked back into Hermione's room. Weasley was gone, but his sister remained, sitting on the bed, hand on Hermione's shoulder. Miss Weasley looked up at his arrival and gave him a sad smile.

"What has happened?" he asked. Miss Weasley sighed.

"Ron didn't take the news of you two very well," she said. "Hermione was upset but I think she's asleep now."

Miss Weasley rose and picked up a tray with the remnants of what Lucius assumed was Hermione's breakfast.

"Please tell Hermione that I'll check on her later?" He nodded in agreement and she left the room.

Lucius immediately moved to the bed, sitting down on the edge and looking down at Hermione. Her brow was furrowed and there were traces of tears in the corner of her eyes. Lucius felt his ire rise but tamped it down. This was what he had been afraid of once her friends found out. Sighing, he ran a hand over her hair.

"Lucius," she mumbled, eyes still closed.

"Shh, sleep now," he said. She reached out and gripped his other hand, cradling it against her chest. Lucius toed off his shoes and maneuvered himself on the bed so he was lying next to her. She moved into his body and he wrapped his free arm around her, kissing the top of her head as she settled back into sleep.

Draco followed the two women out of the Floo. Flint and Warrington's flat had only had the most basic of wards and a simple Alohomora had opened the front door. The room where they were keeping the two women was more heavily warded but it hadn't taken Severus and Shacklebolt long to disable them.

It was only Shacklebolt's presence that convinced the women to Floo to Nott Manor with Draco. Severus and Shacklebolt had then moved on to Rookwood's. At the moment, they were only checking those Death Eater's that lived alone. Both because it was likely that those hostages needed immediate attention, as well as the fact that they were unsure how many other people were in the residences of those that were married.

Draco had recognized Alicia Spinnet as soon as she had looked up when they entered the room. He hadn't seen the former Gryffindor Chaser since she had finished school but he had always admired her skill on a broom. The younger woman, Gwendoline Hedgeflower, Draco had recognized but not known. Severus had known who she was, of course. She had been a Hufflepuff in Ginny's year and had stayed to fight at the battle of Hogwarts.

The two were now huddled together looking around Theo's sitting room.

"Liddy," Draco said and the elf popped into the room. "Please fetch Madame Pomfrey from the infirmary."

"Yes, Master Draco," the elf said and popped way. Gwendoline flinched at the noise.

"You can sit down if you like," he said but they both just stared at him and didn't move. Alicia looked defiant as if daring him to try and do something to her. She had a split lip and a bruise under one eye. Gwendoline just cowered into Alicia, looking down at the floor. Moments later, Liddy popped back into the room with Madame Pomfrey in tow.

"Hello, girls," she said gently. "Will you let me have a look at you?"

Draco, knowing the women would feel more comfortable if he were anywhere else, nodded to the mediwitch and then left the house, moving across the grounds towards the stables. He would give the news to Charlie Weasley and then join Severus and Shacklebolt at Rookwood's. Neither expected it to be as simple as Flint and Warrington's had been. Rookwood was an Unspeakable and probably had his house warded to the hilt.

Ginny was waiting outside the stables when Draco arrived.

"How did it go?" she asked.

"Easily enough," Draco said. "They weren't much for wards."

"Who was it?" Ginny asked.

"Alicia Spinnet and Gwendoline Hedgeflower." Ginny sucked in a breath.

"Are they…okay?"

"Madame Pomfrey is with them now," Draco said. "They seemed all right physically." Ginny nodded, closing her eyes and pulling in a breath through her nose. Draco moved carefully. When she was like this, she startled easily. He brought a hand to her arm and she looked up at him, eyes brimming with tears. He gently pulled her to him and she wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his robes. He stroked her hair and whispered soothing words to her. When she pulled away, she smiled up at him gratefully.

"I should tell the others," she said. Draco nodded.

"I need to talk to Charlie," he said. "Then I'm going to Rookwood's."

"Do you think they'll get in?" Ginny asked. The rest of the Patils had been most anxious to get to Padma.

"I don't know," Draco said. "Rookwood was an Unspeakable so there's no telling what kind of wards he has."

"Be careful," Ginny said. He smiled down at her and kissed her cheek.

"I will."

When Hermione woke again, Lucius was sitting in the chair, going through a pile of parchment. A small tabletop holding quill and ink hovered in front of him and he made notes on the parchment every so often. Hermione watched him for a few minutes before he realized she was awake. When he did, he immediately set down the parchment and pushed the tabletop off to the side, settling it on the floor before turning to her.

"How do you feel?" he asked.

"I'm all right," she said, smiling up at him. She made to shift into a sitting position and he moved quickly to her side, arranging the pillows and helping her to lean back against them. He sat down on the edge of the bed, taking her hand in his.

"What were you doing?" she asked, nodding her head at the parchment.

"Going through the list we made for the DMLE," he replied, "of those in the Ministry that were sympathizers. The list of Death Eaters' homes is there as well. I had a few things to add."

"Have they searched anywhere else?" she asked. Lucius had told her about Lestrange Manor.

"They were going to Flint and Warrington's flat earlier. They planned on visiting Rookwood's as well. I am unsure if they have returned." She nodded, gut twisting at the possible horrors that all of the hostages had been through.

"Has there been any word from the Ministry about moving the Death Eaters?" she asked.

"Not as of yet," Lucius replied. "I believe Shacklebolt has a meeting with Robards later this afternoon." He continued watching her, even after they had stopped talking.

"What?" she finally asked, although she had a relatively good idea of what he wanted to ask.

"Miss Weasley was here when I returned," he said. Hermione sighed.

"What did she tell you?"

"Only that her brother had not had the best reaction to your news." Hermione snorted.

"Bit of an understatement." She fell silent and Lucius squeezed her hand.

"I knew he would be upset," she said quietly. "I didn't expect him to just accept it."

"But you hoped he would," he finished.

"Maybe," she said then smiled wryly. "Stupid of me."

"There is nothing wrong with wanting acceptance from your friends." She nodded and then fell silent. He sat quietly, waiting for her to continue.

"Ron tends to lose his temper but once he calms down, he can usually think things through logically. But today," she trailed off and shook her head.

"Today," Lucius prompted.

"Today he was angry, but he wasn't yelling or anything. He was just…quietly furious. Almost disappointed. And I don't know what to do with that." She looked up at Lucius who had somber expression on his face.

"If you feel it would be easier if I left," he began but she immediately interrupted him, grasping his hand with both of hers.

"No! No, that's not what I want." She pulled in a breath and let it out. "Ron, he's just going to have to deal with it because this is what I want."

"Hermione," Lucius began but she shook her head again.

"No," she said firmly. She gripped his hand tighter.

"All right," he said. He cupped her face with his free hand and she leaned into him. He leaned forward and kissed her. Hermione smiled at him when he pulled back.

"I shall fetch your lunch," he said. "And I will check if they have returned from checking Rookwood's. I need to get these lists to Shacklebolt in any case."

"Lucius," Hermione said as he summoned the stack of parchment to him. He turned back to look at her and she managed to lean forward, kissing him again. "I love you." He smiled.

"And I you," he said. "I will be back shortly." She nodded and sank back into her pillows, watching as he left the room.

"Damn it!" Kingsley shouted as the ward he was attempting to dismantle snapped back into place. Severus echoed the other man's frustration, however, did not express it aloud. The modest cottage was heavily warded, not that Severus had suspected it would be otherwise. The two of them had been working for an hour before Draco had arrived but even his help had not resulted in success.

Severus had already attempted to enter, hoping that perhaps Rookwood would have allowed fellow Death Eaters through, but he was thrown back as soon as he encountered the boundaries of the wards. Holding his Marked forearm against the gates had done nothing other than give him a nasty stinging hex.

The most difficult obstacle was that the wards had been woven together instead of just layered on top of one another. Layered wards were easier to break through, as they could be removed one at a time. Woven wards had to be removed all at once. They would either need a curse-breaker or much more firepower to overwhelm them such as the Dark Lord's forces had done to Hogwarts.

Kingsley made another attempt to break the anti-apparition ward. Draco was standing back a few feet studying the cottage itself, thoughtful look on his face.

"What is it, Draco?" Severus asked.

"This place doesn't look all that big," Draco mused. "Have you ever been inside?"

"Once, years ago during the first war," Severus said.

"And is it the same size inside?"

"A few of the rooms have been magically expanded but not by much. It is relatively the same." Kingsley swore again.

"If she's in one of those rooms," Draco said pointing to the windows on the second floor, "maybe we can get her to come to a window." Severus raised a brow in question.

"Cast a Patronus with a message," Draco said.

"It would have to come from Kingsley," Severus said. "I doubt that Miss Patil would acquiesce to any request from me given her last year of schooling." Draco got Kingsley's attention and he walked over to the two of them. Draco explained his idea.

"I'm sure the windows are warded," Kingsley said. "Or what if she's in the cellar?"

"Then at least she knows someone is trying to get her out," Draco reasoned.

"All right," Kingsley agreed.

"We should spread out around the house," Draco said. "To monitor all the windows." Draco moved around the back and Severus moved to the side. There was only one window on the upper floor here and one near the foundation which was obviously in the cellar. Severus heard Kingsley cast his Patronus and speak to it, explaining who he was and telling Miss Patil to come to the window if she could.

A few minutes passed before Draco gave a shout. Severus hurried around the back and saw the young woman standing in an upper floor window. She recoiled as soon as she saw them, however. Kingsley pushed his way in front of them and cast another Patronus, asking if she was all right. She nodded nervously, still glancing warily at Draco and Severus. Severus could not blame her. He was certain she had been punished by the Carrows at least once that last year of school.

Kingsley cast one last Patronus telling her that her parents and Parvati were all right and letting her know they were trying to get her out. Severus saw her nearly collapse at the news of her family but she managed to stay on her feet and nod.

Kingsley stumbled backwards, clearly spent from all the work they had been doing on the wards and then casting his Patronus three times in quick succession. Draco looked up at the window again and then back to Severus.

"You can still fly, right?" Draco asked Severus.

"Yes," Severus said. "But the wards are a dome. I will not be able to get her out that way."

"I figured," Draco said as he conjured parchment, quill, and ink. "That wasn't what I was thinking though." Severus looked over as Draco began to write down questions on the parchment in large block letters. When he was finished, he waved his wand again and the ink became extremely dark and much easier to read. He handed the list to Severus.

"Get as close as you can," Draco said. Severus took the list, cast the spell, and flew upwards towards Miss Patil's window. Although the wards curved as the neared the roof of the house, he was still a good ten feet away. He hoped she had good eyesight.

Severus cast a hovering charm on himself when he had reached the right height. Then he held up the parchment, pointing to the first question on the list. It asked if the doors and window were locked or warded. She mouthed the word warded.

Asking if she had food was the next question and she shook her head. Water was next and she nodded. Severus assumed there was a bathroom connected to her bedroom.

Rookwood had no house elf as far as she was aware and she had been locked in the bedroom for three days. She managed to communicate that she had initially had food but had eaten the last of it the day before. She had nothing she could use as a weapon and everything in the room was stuck tight to the surface it was sitting on save her clothing. She did not even have shoes. She had a few books but Rookwood never gave her anything larger or heavier than a Muggle paperback. Nothing she could attempt to break the window with, although given they were warded it likely would not have worked in any case.

Severus turned the parchment over to show her the last thing Draco had written. 'We are trying as hard as we can to rescue you but it may take a bit longer.' She nodded and Severus could see the tears on her cheeks.

"We will be back," he mouthed carefully and she nodded again, obviously understanding what he had said. She put a hand to the window and mouthed 'thank you'. Severus nodded once and flew back to the ground.

"Robards had best question all of them today. Even if he has to come to Nott's to do it," Severus said vehemently and then balled up the parchment and set it on fire. He stalked away, anger coursing through him at their helplessness.

Kingsley was expressing his extreme displeasure on the stance Robards had taken on questioning the Death Eaters in Nott's cellar.

"You cannot continue to leave these people trapped in these houses," Kingsley snapped.

"I have no choice, Kingsley," Robards snapped back. "All of my resources are going to cleaning out the Ministry at the moment. I don't have anyone to spare to send to Nott's to question the Death Eaters. I'm down three Aurors already and two Hitwizards after the purge."

"Then let me do it," Kingsley said. "Charlie Weasley can be temporarily given Auror status and help me."

"Weasley isn't a Ministry employee," Robards said.

"All the better then, isn't it?" Kingsley asked. "No need to question his loyalty."

"There are protocols, Kingsley."

"Damn the protocols Gawain!" Kingsley shouted. "There are people locked up, some of them likely with no food or water! How long do we leave them there? Until they die?"

"I know. Damn it, I know! We're spread too thin, Kingsley." Robards sighed, scrubbing a hand down his face.

"You're acting head of the DMLE Gawain, you can give Charlie Weasley Auror status. You concentrate on cleaning out the Ministry and we'll question the Death Eaters."

"All right," Robards said after a few minutes. "I'll file the paperwork. But I want this done by the book, Kingsley. Don't give the Wizengamot a reason to let anyone off on a technicality. And no one with the Mark helps you with questioning." Kingsley frowned. He had wanted Severus with him as some people were able to resist the effects of Veritaserum. Of course, given no one currently had access to the antidote, the only way to resist Veritaserum was through Occlumency. Which meant that Severus might not be able find out anything with Legilimency anyway. He finally nodded in agreement.

"My main concern is freeing hostages," Kingsley said. "I'll let you worry about arrests and what you're charging them with." Kingsley stood and walked to the Floo of Proudfoot's apartment. "And Gawain?" Robards looked up. "Azkaban is next on my list." Kingsley stepped into the Floo and returned to Nott Manor.

Lucius made his way back to Hermione's room, supper tray floating in front of him. Draco and Severus had spent the rest of the afternoon and evening searching as many Death Eater residences as they could while Shacklebolt met with Robards and then began questioning the captive Death Eaters. Draco and Severus had taken Oliver Wood with them to ensure that the hostages believed they were actually being rescued and not just turned over to yet another Death Eater. The three of them had brought back two more hostages. Selwyn had lived with his wife and had few wards at all. The woman was only too happy to hand over their hostage, Dean Thomas, and had not been all that upset when she learned her husband was dead.

The other was Hannah Abbott who had been rescued from Rowle's estate. His mother lived with him and had been easily overpowered. She had attempted to keep them from the upstairs bedroom Miss Abbott had been kept in, ranting about the girl carrying the Rowle heir. She had not been visibly pregnant but Madame Pomfrey was with her now and Lucius had not heard what the results of the diagnostics were.

Hermione smiled at him as he entered. She was propped up against the pillows and he settled her tray in front of her before he took the chair next to her bed.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

"Better," she said. "Still tired, but I'm feeling stronger than I was earlier."

"I am glad to hear it," he said.

"What's been going on here?" She took a bite of her stew.

"Four hostages have been rescued," he said telling her who they all were. "Shacklebolt and the elder Weasley are currently questioning the Death Eaters with Veritaserum."

"Has anyone else been located?" she asked. She already knew about everyone at Lestrange Manor but he explained about Miss Patil."

"I hate that we can't get her out," she said. "What about everyone else? It's been two days since Yaxley called everyone. What if they're locked up with no food or water?"

"Besides Miss Patil, everyone else is in a home where there were other family members. We hope that means they are still being taken care of. Shacklebolt intends to question Rookwood and the Carrows first. Draco thinks that they may have taken Weasley and his wife with them to Hogwarts. If they are there, once we find out their location, we might be able to send in Hogwarts elves to be sure they are fed. It is possible that they may even be able to bring them here to us. Otherwise, someone will go in and get them."

Hermione sighed and looked down at her food, setting her spoon back on the tray.

"You must eat," Lucius said gently.

"How can I?" she said, voice full of anguish. Lucius moved to the edge of the bed and took her hand in his.

"If you wish to assist with this process, you must regain your strength. Not eating will not help that." She looked up at him, tears in her eyes and nodded. He squeezed her hand.

"How is everyone that you've brought here so far?" she asked, forcing herself to take another bite.

"Poppy has been tending to them and it has helped to have some of their classmates here with them." He paused. "They will all need mind Healers." Hermione pulled in a shuddering breath and pressed her fingers to her lips. He frowned. "Perhaps we should talk of this later, after you have eaten."

"No," she said. "No, I want to know. I just, I keep thinking about everyone else that's still out there and everyone in Azkaban. I just want them all freed."

"I know," he replied, leaning forward to wipe a few tears from her cheek with his thumb. "Everyone is working as quickly as they can." She nodded and sniffled, wiping her face with her napkin. She pulled in a breath and blew it out, then returned to her dinner. Lucius saw the look of determination on her face as she took another bite. He knew that look. As upset as she was, she was going to do whatever she must to get out of this bed and help.

Kingsley yawned and scrubbed a hand down his face. Surprisingly, Rookwood had cooperated with them without even needing to be given Veritaserum. Kingsley didn't know if he was trying to save his arse from a longer sentence or not and he really didn't care. They knew the location of the ward stone now and Rookwood had given them a bit of blood in order to drop the wards entirely. He and Charlie were waiting for Samir, Padma's father, to join them so they could go and get her.

Alecto Carrow had been less accommodating, laughing when Kingsley had asked her where Bill and Fleur were. The Veritaserum had finally done its work, however. They were indeed at Hogwarts, hidden in an unused storage room in the dungeons. Kingsley had consulted with Severus as to the location and Severus had suggested attempting to send in one of the Hogwarts elves. Kingsley wanted to check the room himself first, though, not knowing what kind of wards were in place.

Charlie, of course, wanted to go immediately, however given the professors in the school had all been appointed by Voldemort, Kingsley wanted to have at least one person from the Ministry with them when they went in. He had sent an owl to Gawain, hoping the man would be able to spare at least one Auror for a short time. Kingsley had informed Oliver of what was going on in case Gawain responded while they were at Rookwood's. Even Charlie hadn't thought it would be a good idea to tell Ron until they knew for sure they were going. Knowing Ron, he would set off for Hogwarts on his own.

"If Robards responds, send me a Patronus," Kingsley instructed Oliver as Samir joined them. "I'll come back immediately."

"All right," Oliver said. He wished them luck and the three men walked into the woods to Disapparate.

The ward stone was just where Rookwood said it would be. Kingsley inspected it dubiously. There was always a chance that Rookwood was leading them into a trap, although given he had freely given Kingsley his blood, it was less likely.

"Where is she?" Samir asked.

"Back of the house, last window on the right. Can you cast a Patronus?" Samir shook his head. "Head back there and I'll send her one letting her know you're coming."

"I should help you first," Samir said.

"Charlie and I have it," Kingsley replied, waving the man off. He knew Samir was anxious to see his daughter for himself. Kingsley waved his wand and his lynx formed. He added the message and flicked his wand, sending it towards the house. He then turned his attention back to the ward stone.

"Will it work, do you reckon?" Charlie asked.

"One way to find out," Kingsley said and pulled the vial of blood from his pocket. He handed it to Charlie.

"Three drops while I cast the spell," Kingsley said. Charlie nodded and uncorked the vial. Kingsley began the incantation, moving his wand in a circle as Charlie tipped the vial and let three drops of blood fall onto the ward stone. As Kingsley finished the incantation there was a sizzling and a pop. He took a step back and cast against the wards but they were no longer there. Sighing in relief, they moved toward the house.

"Samir!" Charlie called and the man came around from the back of the house. There were tears on his cheeks that both Kingsley and Charlie did not comment on. "They're down. We're going in."

There was a locking charm on the front door which Kingsley dismantled and then they walked inside, wands still drawn. Kingsley knew that Samir wanted to sprint up the stairs but he held him back. Rookwood had said there weren't any traps but Kingsley was being cautious all the same.

A revealing spell indicated that Padma was the only person in the house and a few other spells cast on the stairs and the corridors showed nothing untoward either. They finally made their way upstairs to the room where Padma was being held. The door was warded as well, but nothing overly difficult. Charlie and Kingsley worked together to bring them down quickly.

They opened the door and Samir burst inside. Padma ran to her father and jumped into his arms, sobbing into his shoulder as he held her tightly.

"Are you hurt?" Samir asked his daughter. She shook her head, not letting go of him. "Come, let's get you back to your mother and Parvati." He easily picked her up in his arms and carried her from the room, Padma resting her head against his chest, her arms still looped around his neck.

Kingsley and Charlie followed and Kingsley could see the tight set of Charlie's jaw. He put a hand on the younger man's shoulder.

"We'll get them," Kingsley assured him. Charlie nodded, pulling in a breath. They left the house and Samir Disapparated with Padma. Just before Charlie and Kingsley followed, Oliver's Patronus landed in front of them.

"Robards is here. You had better come back as soon as possible." Kingsley glanced at Charlie and they turned immediately, disappearing with a crack.

Hermione and Lucius sat on her bed, Hermione leaning into his side. She had finished her dinner and they were talking quietly. Both looked up at noises coming from downstairs. Lucius frowned and rose from the bed walking to the door of the bedroom.

"What's going on?" Hermione asked as he stepped into the corridor. She could hear people talking, but not make out what they were saying.

"I am not sure," he said, drawing his wand. "I will be right back." Hermione watched as he disappeared down the corridor. Biting her lip, she waited for him to come back, her stomach a ball of anxiety. She hated that she couldn't use magic right now, hated even more that she was stuck in this bed. Finally, Lucius returned.

"It seems that the Aurors are finally here to retrieve the prisoners in the cellar," he said, tucking his wand back into his sleeve.

"That's good news then," Hermione replied. "It means they've taken over the Ministry."

"Yes," Lucius said, glancing back into the corridor.

"What is it?" Hermione asked.

"I am sure that they will have questions for us about what happened with the Dark Lord," he said. "I do not wish them to disturb you right now."

"Just because I can't use magic right now doesn't mean I can't answer a few questions," she said. "Besides, I'm sure they're more concerned with getting the Death Eaters to the Ministry anyway."

"I suppose," Lucius agreed. He did not rejoin her in the bed, however, sitting down in the chair next to it instead. His brow furrowed in thought.

"Shacklebolt did not mention this earlier."

"Maybe he didn't know," Hermione said. "And he might not even be here right now. Maybe he's gone to get Padma or someone else."

"Perhaps," Lucius replied but he still looked concerned. They both sat in silence, waiting for what she wasn't sure. Lucius kept glancing at the doorway every few minutes.

"I'll be all right if you want to go and see what's going on," she said.

"No, I will not leave you alone."

"I hardly think the Aurors are going to do anything to me," she said.

"If one of the prisoners escapes, you have no way to protect yourself," he said.

"Lucius, the Death Eaters are all in the cellar. If one of them does escape, they'll have an extremely difficult time making it all the way up here before they're caught. None of them have wands." Still, he remained by her bedside. Hermione wasn't really complaining about that, but she didn't like seeing him so agitated.

Quite some time passed and all was still quiet. Finally, Lucius seemed to relax a bit. She reached for his hand and he took it, raising it to his lips and pressing a kiss to her knuckles. She tugged on his hand, attempting to get him to join her in the bed again when someone filled the doorway. They both looked up to see an Auror standing just inside the room, staring at the two of them.

"Lucius Malfoy?" he said. Lucius released Hermione's hand and stood from the chair.

"Yes?"

"I need you to come with me."

"For what?" Hermione asked. The Auror stepped forward and it was only then that Hermione saw the manacles in his hands.

"What are you doing?" she demanded. She looked up at Lucius who simply looked resigned. "You can't mean to arrest him!" The Auror ignored her and turned to Lucius.

"Your wand please." Lucius slipped it from his sleeve and handed it to the Auror.

"Stop this!" Hermione shouted trying to get up from the bed.

"Hermione," Lucius said. "You will injure yourself."

"I don't care!" she said moving towards the edge of the bed. "This is ridiculous! They can't arrest you!"

"Stay where you are please, Miss," the Auror said. He moved towards Lucius with the manacles.

"Don't you know what he did to defeat Voldemort?" she snapped. "Surely, Kingsley told you!"

"We have orders to arrest all Marked Death Eaters, Miss," the man said as Lucius held his hands out in front of him.

"No! Not him!" she said lunging forward and grabbing Lucius' hands, pulling them away from the Auror. The Auror turned on her, steely glare on his face.

"If you continue to interfere, I will have no choice but to arrest you as well."

"Hermione," Lucius said. "Please." He tugged himself from her grasp and turned back to the Auror.

"They can't do this," she said as the Auror snapped the manacles onto Lucius' wrists. "Why are you letting them take you?" He looked at her sadly.

"You know why," he said. A conversation they'd had weeks ago popped into her head. 'I may be doing the right thing now, but I am not a good man' he had said to her.

"Lucius," she choked out, tears in her eyes. She reached for him and he managed to lean forward and kiss her forehead even as the Auror pulled him away. He stared over his shoulder at her for as long as he could until the Auror pulled him through the door and they were gone.

Hermione stared at the open doorway, tears running down her face. What the bloody hell had just happened?