Chapter 15

Draco's point of view

I pulled out my wand and whispered the spell that set its tip alight. McGonagall and Pomfrey had done the same. We walked through the cave, deeper and deeper until the air became stale around us. It was like I could feel the weight of the mountain on top of me as we moved into the darkness. I was scared, so scared. For Hermione, for me, even for the people who would surely miss her. If this didn't end well then I'd even feel sorry for that Weasel.

"We are almost there, not to far to go now." His voice rang through the tunnel, I picked up my speed so that I could walk alongside Hermione's floating form. Her face was deathly grey and I could barely see her chest move as air rasped through her lungs. My heart thudded, we needed to move faster!

"This is?" McGonagall asked.

"Yes just set her down there." He pointed to a section of the floor that was covered in weird markings that had been drawn onto the floor by chalk. Not too far away was a pool of blue glistening water. I immediately wanted to jump into its depths and I could see the same look of concentration on everyone's faces as they ignored the urge.

"What now?" I asked impatiently.

"We need to join hands and think about her life force. I will explain later about how this has happened but first we must make her better." It was strange hearing him speak more than a couple of words, when he had last been at Hogwarts he only communicated in grunts and broken sentences- his English had improved immeasurably.

On either side of me was Professor McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey, I took their hands and began to think about her.

Memories flooded to my mind.

I watched her from afar, scared to talk to her in case my father found out and punished me. I hated the punishments but something told me that I needed to know her...

...When she walked down those stairs in that dress I'd never seen anyone prettier. I wanted to confess my love for her right then...

...We were to be married! Maybe this could be my redemption...

...Her eyes looked at me ever so warmly, I could finally see the love and affection that I had fought so hard to earn. I loved her and she loved me...

...Her laugh- her musical laugh- and those freckles, and the way she bites her lip. She would be the death of me...

All of these beautiful moments passed before my mind as I saw every single moment that I had know Hermione Granger- now my wife, Hermione Malfoy. I saw her and I knew that she would survive this because I loved her so much. My eyes flew open at the sound of a gasp and I almost screamed when I saw what was happening. Those memories, along with the ones from McGonagall, Pomfrey and... and him... were pouring out of chests into Hermione's chest. Her body seemed to absorb them and with every memory more colour returned to her cheeks.

Then the memories stopped. We all let go of each others hands and then took a step towards Hermione.

"For the last step we need to put her into the water, make sure that no water lands on you. It can cause you great harm."

"Then why are we putting my wife into it?"

"You must trust me Malfoy, I know that must be hard as you love her very much but if you want her to wake up then we must do this." I had no choice, he saw the worry flaming in my eyes and put a comforting hand on my shoulder.

"I promise I will explain when she's awake." I nodded and then helped him lift her into the glittering water. Instead of sinking like I had expected, her body floated and her hair fanned out around her head- she looked like she had a halo. Then the water flashed a brilliant white and I had to sheild my eyes from it because of how blinding. Slowly the light dimmed and Hermione's form floated back to the shore and we dragged her out of the water.

She was completely dry- and her eyes were open!

"Hermione!"

"Draco?" She groaned, eyes searching in the dark.

"Oh thank god you're okay." I sank down to the floor and pulled her into my arms. I immediately relaxed when I felt her soft arms wrap themselves around my waist. I felt her comforting warmth and my heart slowed down to a bearable beat. She was safe.

Then she stiffened suddenly and the panic reared.

"Hermione are you okay?" But she wasn't looking at me, she was looking at the shadows.

"Krum is that you?"

A/N: I know it's short but I really hoped you liked this chapter, please review :)