A/N: I know this chapter is long overdue. Since it's been a while since I've worked on this story I've decided to go over the previous chapters and re-post edited versions, but there will be no major content changes.
Disclaimer: All rights to J.K. Rowling for all content from the Harry Potter Series.
Chapter Nine – Protection & Promises
Draco sprinted up the stairs to the main level of the castle. He was running late, and if he was late for the meeting he would undo all the good they did at Gringotts. He had not expected to run into Granger after stopping at the common room to grab his cloak and mask. Even in his rush, there was a spring in his step. Elated from their success at Gringotts, he was grinning as he rushed through the halls and his encounter with Granger somewhat improved his mood. She had sought him out. There was no other explanation for her being in the dungeons at that hour. And he would never forget the impressed expression she wore as he told her of his triumph, even if she did mess it all up by bringing up Weasley.
He counted that as his second success of the day. If Granger was coming to him for information it meant at least some part of her trusted him. Not that her trust really mattered, as long as she went along with the Dark Lord's plans quietly. Though Draco did not actually believe she could do anything quietly. But his hopes of their alliance, he could not think of it as a marriage just yet, had improved.
If he could make a deal with goblins, he could make it work with Granger. Even if he thought she was far more stubborn and cunning than any goblin, and even if she had feelings for Weasley. An idiot could see she was interested in him, why Draco could not imagine. She was far superior in brains and looks. She was especially pretty, Draco hated to admit, when she was in awe of something. Usually it was in class, but today that look was directed at him and the affect it had on him was unsettling.
Draco met his father in Hogsmeade where he awaited him at the three broomsticks. Several villagers were shooting him furtive glances. Lucius drained his firewhiskey, and met Draco at the door after tossing a couple gold galleons on the bar on his way.
"How long does it take to acquire a cloak Draco?" Lucius asked as they strode quickly out of the village.
"I ran in to someone," Draco said shortly. Unfortunately, Lucius caught the reddening of the back of Draco's neck.
"A girl?"
"Yes," Draco said, and catching the look on his father's face he exclaimed, "not like that! I was with Granger. She wanted to know all about Gringotts." However, a strange thought entered his mind, and he could not help but imagine her in the position his father had suggested.
"Ahh, so that explains why you were strutting around like a peacock," he said smirking. Draco bristled, and he added "don't get your feathers ruffled." Lucius laughed at him and Apparated before Draco could respond. Draco followed suit, and their conversation ended abruptly. They entered Yaxley's residence and were led to a long room with only a table and chairs in it, several of which were already filled. Draco and Lucius took seats next to one of the roaring fireplaces, and waited in silence for the meeting to start.
The Dark Lord arrived a few moments later and they all rose in unison. Draco, although sure of their success, was anxious to hear his reaction. Luckily it was their first order of business. "Lucius, Draco," he called down the table, "why are you so far? You must sit by Severus, and Bellatrix." Draco and Lucius obliged him. Draco unfortunately received the seat next to Bellatrix, who grabbed his arm in excitement, her jagged nails scraping him.
"I'm sure you all can presume the outcome of this endeavour," Voldemort said, "Lucius sent word to me several hours ago of our success, and I have used the time since then to plan our next steps." There was the usual celebration at these words, but Draco noticed many sour faces, especially on the Carrows. He smirked pointedly at Amycus, who scowled in return. The rest of the meeting went by in a blur for Draco, who was still high from the afternoon's experience. His attention was only regained when Voldemort requested his and his father's presence after the meeting. Draco paid rapt attention once all the others had left the room.
"The Gringotts business was well done," he said, and Draco waited for the catch. "We must work closely together now," there was the catch, Draco thought to himself. "Draco have you made any further progress on your engagement?"
The comment was made seriously, and Draco was amazed at how the Dark Lord could make it seem so important after Draco has endured months of torment. "Yes, I still believe she has potential."
"As do I," Voldemort replied, "Was her internship placement successful?"
"I haven't had the chance to discuss it with her yet," Draco said, cursing himself for not asking her when he saw her. He knew today was her first day, and she seemed to be in a good mood.
"It is of no consequence," Voldemort said silkily. "We will see if you are capable enough to produce a marriage contract too."
He dismissed them all after that. So Draco was left to return to Hogwarts, all his excitement over being alive dashed by Voldemort's reminder that his life was still dependent on Granger.
The next morning he woke up with the same concerns. He focussed on the fact that she had come to him to ask about Gringotts. But even that could not prevent his anger at Voldemort, and the way he twisted everything around. As soon as he left his dormitory, his concerns were pushed to the back of his mind. There was a decent level of excitement in the common room when he arrived. The source of the commotion was the headline of the Daily Prophet and as Draco glanced at an abandoned copy he saw his own face staring back at him. Apparently the Prophet thought his deal was important enough for the front page.
Draco smirked at a couple of fifth year girls, who were staring at him in wonder. A moment later though, Pansy had glued herself to his side, and he did not escape until they reached the Great Hall. He managed to squeeze into a spot between Crabbe and Blaise, and Pansy was forced to sit further down the table. Draco wondered what Blaise would think of his fiancée's behaviour.
Draco was amazed at the attention he was getting. A good deal of it was glares from the other houses, but all the Slytherins were treating him like royalty. He wondered if this was what Potter felt like all the time.
As his thoughts drifted to Potter, he glanced at the Gryffindor table and saw a familiar curly haired witch. He noticed she was sitting a little away from her house mates and she too was getting the glares he received earlier. He felt a twinge of guilt. He never imagined that the Gryffindors would turn on one of their own. Unfortunately Blaise caught him staring, and followed his gaze, his eyes also landing on Hermione.
"So is Granger your next target then?" Blaise asked.
"What are you talking about Zabini?" Draco demanded, dragging his eyes away from her and eyeing his housemate.
"Well, you got lucky with Gringotts, I was just wondering if you planned on getting lucky with her next," Blaise replied. He sounded casual, and there was an amused expression on his face as he watched Draco's reaction.
"I have no interest in her," Draco said. Draco glared at Zabini as he looked her way again. "If you want her so badly Zabini, you can have her." Draco and Zabini both kept their eyes on her as they finished their breakfasts.
Hermione kept her head down as she ate her toast. She could feel the stares of the other students, as if it were her fault that Malfoy now owned Gringotts. She was distracted from her breakfast when the post arrived, and a handsome tawny owl landed beside her. It was carrying a brown package tied neatly with string, and a small note attached. Hermione read the note first.
Dear Miss Granger,
Please accept this gift as a mark of our great respect and loyalty to the Malfoy family, of which you will soon be a part of. We will be happy to acquire any goblin made jewellery you require for your upcoming nuptials. It is our honour to provide anything you need as gifts to the Malfoy family.
Sincerely,
Ragnuk Hophurk
Head Goblin of Gringotts
Hermione's eyes widened at the message. The goblins were clearly desperate to stay in the Malfoy's good graces. She put the letter aside and unwrapped the package. Under the brown paper was a small box, and for a moment she feared it was an engagement ring. But when she opened the box she found that it contained a gold cameo brooch. The package also had a small label with a description of the brooch. It was goblin made, and over 200 years old. The marble used in the centre was the same marble used on the Gringotts building when it was built. Hermione loved it immediately. The brooch was the most historical thing she ever owned, even if it was given under poor circumstances. She placed it carefully back into the box and tucked it safely in her bag.
After receiving the remarkable gift, Hermione looked across the hall curious if Malfoy got anything as well. But instead of meeting grey eyes, she met the brown ones of Blaise Zabini. She looked away quickly and found Malfoy, but he was not staring at her. He was looking at Zabini with such a foul expression that she decided it was best to leave the Great Hall altogether.
Hermione stopped in the common room to store her brooch in her bedside table, before heading down to the dungeons. She was still very early, and expected she would be the first in class, as usual. But when Hermione arrived at the Potions classroom, she was once again face to face with Blaise Zabini.
"Hullo Hermione," he said approaching her. Hermione stopped dead, slipping her hand in her pocket to grip her wand. Her skin crawled at his use of her given name.
"Zabini," she greeted, painfully aware that they were alone in the dungeons.
"No need to get defensive," he said, nodding to her wand hand as his did so. "Can't a bloke just talk to a beautiful girl?" He had moved closer now, and as he said this he ran his finger down Hermione's arms. She shivered, and pulled away quickly.
"Really Zabini?" She said, "I don't think you even noticed me until this morning. What is this some pathetic jealousy over the Gringotts thing?" Blaise caught her hand again, but he could not hide his anger and Hermione knew she had guessed right. She was about to pull away again, when she heard someone clearing his throat behind them.
Malfoy descended the stairs and walked towards him. His face was expressionless, except for a raised eyebrow that was directed at Blaise. But Hermione noticed that his fists were clenched at his sides. Blaise stepped away from her quickly. Draco sauntered over and slung his arm around Hermione's hip, and she bristled for a moment, but he rubbed his thumb back and forth distracting her temporarily.
"Zabini isn't giving you any trouble, is he love?" Draco asked, and Hermione could tell he was putting on a show, for some reason unknown to her. She jerked her head in a noncommittal motion, playing along because being pressed into Malfoy's side was making her feel much safer than she had a moment ago. Zabini looked ready to start a fight, and Malfoy looked ready to oblige him, but at that moment footsteps sounded on the stairs again. Malfoy withdrew his arm just as their classmates began to arrive.
When the door opened Hermione found a secluded table near the potions cabinet, eager to avoid attention. Not noticing her, Draco and Blaise took the table in front of her and were joined a moment later by Crabbe and Goyle. The class was quiet, and it was not difficult for Hermione to ignore the boys in front of her as they ignored each other. But when Neville's potion exploded, so did Blaise.
"I thought you said I could have her?" he hissed at Draco. His voice was unheard over the commotion at the front of the room, but it was just loud enough for Hermione to hear. And what she heard made her scowl. They were discussing her as if she were an object to be owned!
"I meant hypothetically," Draco said. "You are aware that she is my fiancée? And if you continue to pursue her you will have to answer to me."
"For someone who isn't interested in her, you seem very possessive," Blaise said.
"The Dark Lord assigned her to me. Why don't you take the matter up with him? Well maybe once you get your mark." It was clear Draco struck a nerve here, and he smirked triumphantly.
"You're back in his favour now," Blaise said quietly, "why are you still planning on marrying her?" Hermione strained her ears, but she could not hear a response.
Blaise did not bother Hermione for the next few weeks, and she was quite sure he would continue to leave her alone. Malfoy, too, had been avoiding her since then. For the most part Hermione did not mind it. However, at times she felt so isolated she missed any type of interaction, even if it was fighting with Malfoy.
The winter holidays were creeping up on Hermione, and like all the other students she was eager to get away from school for the holidays. It was the last Friday of the term, and Hermione could not wait until next Friday when she would be heading home on the Hogwarts Express.
Hermione was at the Ministry, working in relatively high spirits. It was her last day at the internship until further notice. Patricia said that Hermione probably would not be needed again until January or February. Hermione was relieved, as much as she enjoyed her time there, she feared falling behind in her schoolwork before taking her NEWTS.
Patricia had left more than an hour ago and Hermione was ready to leave, but she needed to finish preparing case notes for the Wizengamot before she could go. The deadline was Monday, and she had to leave it ready for Patricia to mail first thing in the morning. It was almost eight o'clock and everything was quiet. Hermione looked out the window behind her, and saw no one bustling around in the atrium. She stifled a yawn and turned back to the case she was preparing. The office had a blazing fire making the room warm and stuffy, and making Hermione even sleepier. No one was around, so she pulled off her tie and unbuttoned her collar.
Hermione paused midsentence and put down her quill after hearing a muffled bump. She paused and waited to hear the noise again. When all remained quiet Hermione returned to her work, thinking that she must have imagined it. A moment later she heard the lift's ding. Knowing that she did not imagine that, she rose from her seat. Before she could reach the door it burst open before her, and Amycus Carrow stood in doorway. Hermione stumbled back, glancing desperately at the desk where her wand laid. With a flick of his wrist Amycus sent her wand flying to the top of the bookshelf.
"Working hard or hardly working Mudblood?" He asked.
"Pr-Professor Carrow," Hermione stuttered, wishing her voice did not break. "What are you doing here?"
"The Professor thing could be fun," Carrow said smiling cruelly, and pulling off his cloak. Hermione shuddered. She tried to think of a way out, but with her wand out of reach and Carrow blocking the only exit she did not have many options. Hermione backed up a few steps and her back hit the window. The window! If she could distract him she could grab something and break it. The fall to the atrium was not too great, and definitely not fatal.
"You have no idea how much I've dreamed of this moment," he leered at her. "I'll finally be able to wipe the smirk off that brat's face. Just wait until he hears I had his Mudblood bitch before he did."
"You're doing this to get back at Malfoy!" Hermione exclaimed in disgust. "You are despicable. How pathetic do you have to be to compete with one of your students?"
"Keep talking like that and I might be tempted to kill you instead," Carrow said. Hermione was about to reply when the sound of footsteps echoed in the hall. Amycus froze, but Hermione used the opportunity to grab a book end off the table. Just as she was about to smash it into the window she heard a voice she recognized and paused.
"Hello Amycus," Draco said. Amycus tried to move back in front of the doorway and block Hermione from view, but it was too late and Draco had already seen her. His eyes flashed and Hermione stood stock still, all thoughts of escaping through the window vanished.
"Aren't you supposed to be waiting in the Atrium?" Draco said turning his attention back to Amycus. "I recall the Dark Lord saying you were not to go blundering around the Ministry."
"My instructions are none of your business," Amycus snarled.
"Actually they are," Malfoy said smoothly, "I am conducting this mission so you will follow the Dark Lord's orders or you will face my displeasure. Now I suggest you stop bothering my fiancée and if I see you near her again you will not like the consequences."
"You are not the boss of me," Amycus said, sounding to Hermione like a petulant child. "Just because of Gringotts," he added under his breath.
"Yes Amycus," Draco replied, "just because of Gingotts my position is higher than yours. So I suggest you make yourself useful and wait in the Atrium as the Dark Lord requested." Amycus stormed out of the room. Draco waited until the lift had gone before approaching Hermione.
"Are you alright?" he asked grabbing her gently and pulling her away from the window. Hermione nodded, not quite capable of speech yet. "What were you thinking staying here this late all alone?"
"I'm not some damsel in distress Malfoy!" Hermione said, her anger allowing her to speak again. "I had this," she said gesturing the book end, "I was going to use it to break the window."
"What happened to your wand?" Draco asked suddenly letting her go and looking around.
"It's on top of the book case," Hermione answered and was rewarded when he retrieved it manually and handed it back to her. "I had it under control."
"Of course you did," he said sarcastically, "jumping out the window was a flawless plan."
"Thank you," Hermione said quietly, putting a stop to his pacing.
"You're welcome," he replied. The back of his neck turned pink. He turned away, and spotted her tie on the table. He turned back to examine her again and noticed that the top buttons of her blouse were undone. It was hardly revealing, but it caused more than enough trouble, especially for Draco's concentration at the moment.
"What is it about you?" Draco asked turning back to her in exasperation. "First Blaise, and now Carrow! I have no idea what they see in you."
Hermione took no offense given that his eyes kept darting back to her loosened collar. But she retorted angrily anway. It was not her fault! She wanted nothing to do with Carrow or Blaise. She wondered if Draco realized that they only targeted her because of his success with Voldemort. "I don't understand it either," she said instead, "I thought Death Eaters liked girls who were mindless followers just like them."
"Speaking of mindless followers," Draco said suddenly, his anger dissipating and his expression becoming serious. "I need you to be the perfect example of a mindless follower tonight."
"Why?" Hermione asked.
"Because tonight you are going to meet the Dark Lord."
Lucius sat at ease drinking his fire whiskey. Severus joined him, helping himself to a glass as well. The office off the ballroom of the Dark Lord's new fortress was left well stocked for those in the inner circle.
"I see you are enjoying your new position Lucius?" Severus asked.
"This position isn't quite new to me Severus," Lucius reminded him, "It was not too long ago when I was in your place."
"That was long ago Lucius, before the, ah...incident in the Department of Mysteries," Severus replied.
"Yes, but all that has been forgotten given my new role as Chief Executive of Gringotts," Lucius answered.
"But what about the girl?" Severus asked, referring to Hermione. "She could change everything."
"I have full faith in Draco's ability to persuade her to join us," Lucius answered. He was trying not to think about the consequences her actions could cause tonight. She could undo everything they achieved at Gringotts. "She was Potter's friend. The Dark Lord does not expect her to be eager to join him, and it will take time to convince her fully. All Draco needs is a little more time and she will be among our ranks."
"We shall see," Severus said. The silence that followed was tense, but interrupted a short while later when Amycus arrived. He staggered into the room, clearly drunk.
"You better watch your boy Lucius," he slurred. "If he crosses me again, I'll..."
"Enough Amycus," Severus intervened. "You are drunk. Go sober up before to Dark Lord arrives."
"Just wait," Amycus said. "We'll see where protecting his Mudblood gets him."
"Really Amycus," Lucius said sneering. "I knew you were jealous about Gringotts, but are you actually trying to steal my son's fiancée? I didn't think you could sink any lower."Amycus lunged across the table, but with a swish of his wand Lucius flung him into the door.
"This room is reserved for Death Eaters of rank Amycus," Lucius said. "Why don't you wait in the ball room until the meeting starts?" Amycus left the room in a rage and the sound of breaking china echoed from the ballroom.
"I wonder what he meant about Draco protecting the girl," Severus mused.
"I'm sure it's nothing of importance," Lucius said.
"I guess we will see if he can protect her tonight," Severus said.
Hermione's heart raced as their steps echoed throughout the atrium. Draco assured her that the other Death Eaters had already left, but she still had her wand at the ready and jumped at any small noise. Her chest hurt from the heavy beating of her heart. She was terrified. She could not imagine how Harry had faced Voldemort. In all fairness, Hermione thought, it was easier to face things without warning. Now that Draco had told her where they were going she was in a complete panic.
"Granger," he said, "I need you to promise me that when you meet him you will do exactly as I say." Hermione said nothing. He would want her to be docile and submissive, but that was ridiculous. She would never be able to get any useful information if she remained in the background. She needed to get into his inner circle and that could only be done by taking huge risks.
"Hermione I need you to promise me this," Draco said grabbing her arms and shaking her lightly. Hermione's heart finally stopped racing. He called her by her first name. She was not sure what to make of it, and her heart kicked back into overdrive. He was still holding her, and she had an unfamiliar urge to move closer, but she held back.
"I promise," she said quietly. She felt guilty for lying to him, especially when he was just as terrified as she was.
"Good," Draco said, letting go of her suddenly. "We are going to side along Apparate, so I need you to take my arm."
"Have you ever done this before?" Hermione asked. She really dreaded the idea of getting splinched.
"Yes, I have to several times for my mother," Draco said.
"She doesn't know how to Apparate?" Hermione asked in surprise.
"She learned, but she doesn't like to," Draco answered, offering her his arm. She grasped it tightly, and leaned into his side with the hopes that she would arrive whole. They stepped forward together and Hermione felt pressure building all around her. A moment later it was over and Hermione was relieved to find all her limbs intact.
She shivered in the cold night air, staying close to Malfoy for warmth. A large dark figure loomed above them, and Hermione fought off another shiver.
"This is the Dark Lord's new fortress," Draco explained as they approached the doors. The doors opened for them magically. Hermione took a deep breath and promised herself she would not break no matter what happened.
The entered a dimly lit ballroom and all Hermione could see was a sea of black cloaks and masks. Her eyes focussed on the centre of the room where a large throne sat. She inhaled sharply as she looked at Voldemort for the first time. His skin was pasty and tinged grey, he had a flat nose like a snake, but most terrifying were his eyes – blood red and staring back at her.
"Hermione Granger," he said, "It's a pleasure to meet you at last."
Coming Up in Till Death Do Us Part:
"I'm waiting Hermione," Voldemort said, his voice laced with amusement and anticipation.