Hermione had raced to Hogwarts as fast as possible, barely managing to explain everything to the others.
"I need a Pensieve and a potions' set!" She'd ordered, stumbling into the floo.
Dumbledore gave her access to his Pensieve and she pulled the memory of her dream out. She re-watched it to confirm the ingredients and instructions of Merlin's potion, and then took off for Draco's bedroom to get his comb.
It only took a few hours for the Potion to be complete. Once she was done, she needed a quiet place to take it and wait for Draco to start dreaming. She hoped he actually would fall asleep – that Constantine wasn't torturing him or hurting him.
Pansy ended up suggesting the old beige rooms that they'd stayed in so long ago, and Hermione couldn't help but agree. It felt fitting.
When she saw him again, it was like a punch to the gut. She wanted to wrap her arms around Draco and hold him close. She wanted to tell him everything, everything about her feelings and how much she needed him. But when she opened her mouth, the words stayed trapped in her heart.
When he disappeared, Hermione got to work.
"They went through the Greece Manor." She told everyone. "Can we track the floo movement? They're on the Malfoy yacht, but they could have closed the floo access."
"Does he know what their plan is?" Professor McGonagall pressed.
Hermione shook her head. "No, unfortunately. He hasn't been able to get any more information for us. But I've taken the Potion, so hopefully I'll continue to see him when he dreams."
"For now, you should rest." Dumbledore said pointedly. "I have no doubts that Mr. Malfoy would agree that you would be of no use if you collapse from exhaustion."
Hermione winced. "I understand, but I think my time would be better used in the library."
Pansy shoved her way over to Hermione and put her arms around her. "You and Draco are the same person. I swear, when you were missing, that boy became a skeleton. Listen to me! You are going to sleep. Draco would never forgive me if I let you waste away."
Daphne flanked Hermione's other side, and Ginny brought up the rear. Despite Hermione's fervent protests, they shuffled her to her dorm.
"You need to sleep so that you can keep using that brilliant brain of yours to figure everything out." Ginny kissed her cheek. "Promise me?"
Hermione sighed. She couldn't bring herself to feel irritated by her friends. She knew they were only trying to help – and it had been awhile since she slept, anyway.
Ginny stayed with her while she got into her pajamas and curled up under the covers. She didn't expect to fall asleep, but the blankets were so warm…
…
"Hermione! Hermione, wake up!"
Hermione shot up, nearly hitting Ginny in the head. "What? What is it?"
"We have news." Ginny said somberly. "We need to go to Dumbledore's office right now."
Hermione stumbled out of bed, grabbing her trousers and jumping into them as fast as possible. On her way out, she made a mental note to brush her teeth twice after all this was over.
In Dumbledore's office, nearly half the faculty was crowded around the desk. Dumbledore was seated, waiting patiently. As soon as they arrived, Professor Snape blew past them into the hallway.
"What's going on?" Hermione asked nervously.
"We've received word from Lucius Malfoy and Constantine Lestrange." Professor Dumbledore told her calmly. "We have their demands."
"What is it?" Hermione asked.
"They want…" Dumbledore took a deep breath. "They have said that they want Miss Hermione Granger to be handed over to them in exchange for Draco Malfoy."
"What?" Ginny shrieked. "No way!"
"What do you mean?" Hermione pressed. "What did they say? Why do they want me?"
"The note simply says 'In exchange for the safe return of one Draco Malfoy, we request one Miss Hermione Granger to be entrusted into our care. The exchange shall happen at Malfoy Manor, in precisely one day at high noon. At the end of high noon, if Miss Hermione Granger is not at Malfoy Manor, Draco and Narcissa Malfoy shall be permanently eliminated.'" Dumbledore read out loud.
"No." Hermione whispered.
"No!" Ginny snapped. "No way! Not Hermione! There can't be a single reason this would be a good idea."
"Draco…" Hermione whispered. "What does 'permanently eliminated' mean – it can't mean…they can't possibly…he's their blood relative!"
"Exactly." Ginny agreed. "They won't kill him. That's why they went out of their way to write something different than just 'murder'. You can't go, Hermione."
"But…I can't take that chance." Hermione shook her head. "What if it's true? What if he – I can't…he can't –"
"We understand, Hermione." Professor McGonagall said kindly. "We're going to do what we can to rescue him. We simply informed you so that you could prepare yourself adequately."
Hermione knew. They can't save him. Not in one day.
Constantine had written that message. And Hermione knew what Constantine was telling her.
You or him.
Make your choice.