A/N: I'm back! Sorry for the very long delay, but I've finally had some time to start writing again. So here is chapter 15.
Disclaimer: All rights for the Harry Potter series belong to J.K. Rowling
Chapter 15 – Espionage Unraveled
Hermione was really beginning to detest the Hogwarts rumour mill. She had given up on keeping her head down after receiving glares from a table of Hufflepuffs in the library. Instead she alternated between ignoring the whispers and glaring at the offenders. She could no longer keep up the charade of being loyal to Harry, and even Ginny and Neville were keeping their distance after the Daily Prophet feature.
Hermione was not even amused by some of the more farfetched gossip. Pansy Parkinson was maliciously telling anyone who would listen that she was the Dark Lord's mistress, which most of the Slytherins found hysterical. Some first years speculated that they had not returned right after the wedding because they were helping You-Know-Who train an army of dragons. She overheard a group of Ravenclaws saying she was branded with the Dark Mark, so to fuel the fire Hermione made a point of always keeping her arms covered.
Any concerns Hermione had about her relationship with Draco vanished. He stayed by her side as often as possible. The first and second year students were terrified of him and often scattered on sight. The older students were more resilient so Draco criticized their gossip loudly.
"Yes that's exactly what the Dark Lord is planning," Draco said, sneering at a couple older Ravenclaw boys. "And you're supposed to be a Ravenclaw." The boy who had spoken turned bright red and shut up quickly.
When Draco could not bully people into being quiet he had no problem misusing his authority as a Prefect. One day they had been studying together in the library when they overheard the harsh whispers. Hermione ignored it, but Draco marched right up to the group, several of them members of the DA.
"This is a library," Draco said coolly, "if you want to continue gossiping like old hags I suggest you take it outside."
"Or what?" Michael Corner asked.
"Or it will be a week of detentions instead of just the one I am giving you now for talking back to a Prefect," Draco snapped. "Have fun writing lines." Michael Corner shot Hermione a sullen look as he left the library with his mates. Hermione sighed and returned to her Charms work.
Draco sauntered back to their table and pulled Hermione's hand to his lips. Hermione pulled it back and Draco frowned. "Is something wrong?" he asked, his face guarded.
"No, but I really need to finish this Charms homework this afternoon," Hermione said. She had already outlined her study schedule for her N.E. and was trying not to fall behind.
"Hermione," Draco groaned in exasperation, "it's not due for almost a week."
"But I also have another foot to write for Potions, and I haven't even started Transfiguration yet," Hermione replied. Draco was smiling at her indulgently and Hermione was about to make an angry retort when he leant across the table and kissed her. She decided to allow the distraction. One kiss would not make her fall too behind.
"Come with me," Draco said pulling her to her feet. "I have a book that will help you with Potions. I'm almost finished it." Hermione followed Draco into the stacks near the back of the library. He came to a sudden stop and Hermione looked at the titles behind him.
"There is no Potions book," Hermione murmured as he leaned toward her, "you tricked me."
"I am a Slytherin," Draco responded before kissing her again. His hands gripped her waist as he pressed against her. Hermione felt his tongue sweep across her lips and could not help bus respond to his kiss. She rank her fingers through his hair and down his back as his hands wandered down to her skirt-clad thighs.
They were interrupted by brisk footsteps entering the row. They pulled apart and Hermione saw a flash of red hair before anything else registered. It reminded her of Ron, and for a second she felt the ebbs of guilt. Ginny looked gob smacked and hurt, but before Hermione could say anything her expression turned stony.
"Apparently I'm interrupting," she said coolly. She grabbed a book off the shelf above Hermione's head and marched away, her back ramrod stiff. Hermione leaned her head back against the shelf and groaned.
"Are you okay," Draco asked quietly as cupped her face in his palm. Hermione nodded and leaned into his warm fingers. He fitted his mouth against hers again. This time only for a short sweet kiss before breaking away.
"I'd better not distract you anymore or you're going to stop letting me study with you," Draco smirked. Hermione smiled, she was positive that Draco knew studying with him was a pleasure she was unlikely to deny herself. "Have fun working on your Charms," he said when they returned to their table.
"Are you leaving already?" Hermione asked.
"I wanted to warm up a bit before the match," Draco replied. Hermione nodded and smiled as he walked away. It seemed strange to her that Quidditch still seemed so important with everything else going on. But as always the school seemed to buzz with excitement over the match between Ravenclaw and Slytherin.
Less than ten minutes after Draco left Hermione was approached by a first year student, once again carrying a message from Professor McGonagall. Hermione sighed. It looked like her Charms work would have to wait. The school was quiet since many students were heading to the Quidditch pitch. She assumed that was why Professor McGonagall chose to meet with her now when no one would notice their absence as long as they finished before the match actually started.
The corridors were deserted as Hermione made her way to the meeting. She had not spoken to Professor McGonagall since she had returned, and Hermione suspected she was being extra cautious now that everyone seemed to believe she had switched sides. When Hermione entered the office she was unsurprised to see Moody waiting with Professor McGonagall.
"I have to say I'm impressed Miss Granger," Moody began. "I did not think you'd be able to turn things around after the disaster at the first meeting."
"Thank you," Hermione said trying to hold back the 'I told you so' that was on her lips. "I'm sure you both want to know what I've learned since the wedding."
"Well I didn't come here to congratulate you on your recent nuptials," Moody said tartly. Professor McGonagall scowled at him and gestured for Hermione to continue.
"Well you already know about the hesitations in Bulgaria," Hermione said deciding to tell her tale from the beginning. "I assume it was you who prevented them from moving forward at our last meeting with them." Moody nodded and Hermione continued, "Draco and I were there after the wedding and things did not go well for the Dark Lord. The plans for France were a disaster, and I can't say I'm surprised. Can you imagine the reaction to a marriage law in Paris, the capital of love?"
"I'm surprised he wasted resources on such a futile prospect," Professor McGonagall admitted. Moody made an aggravated noise.
"He Who Must Not Be Named already has spies deep within the French parliament," Moody said. "I believe he was testing them to determine who he could use as a believable successor to the current Minister there."
"Since he is waiting to act in France," Hermione continued, "he is focusing on the great progress he has made in Russia. He also plans to renew his efforts in Bulgaria within the next six months." Hermione decided it was best not to mention Draco's plans for a safe house. She convinced herself it had nothing to do with Voldemort's plans.
"What about the letter you sent to Minerva?" Moody asked.
"I was able to decode it," Professor McGonagall said as she pulled the letter out of a drawer. "Nurmenguard. For the Greater Good."
"Exactly," Hermione said, glad that she had understood her message. "That was our last stop before returning to Hogwarts. I've done some research, but no one seems to have any conclusive information on whether or not Grindewald in still alive. The curse Dumbledore used to trap him there prevents anyone from moving the body so even if he died he would remain there."
"He's still alive," Professor McGonagall informed her. "The thought of You-Know-Who working with Gellert Grindewald is rather ominous. Do you know anything else?"
"Draco seemed to be interested in a symbol that Grindewald had carved into a wall at Durmstrang," Hermione said. Using a piece of parchment from Professor's McGonagall's stationary Hermione carefully drew the symbol for them.
"It does not resemble any rune I've come across," said Professor McGonagall as she examined it.
"I don't believe it's a rune," Hermione agreed. "Grindewald is believe to be of Hungarian decent, so I did some research on Hungarian runes, but this is unlike any of them. However, I have seen it before."
"Where?" asked Moody sharply.
"In the book of fairytales Professor Dumbledore left me," Hermione explained. "I don't have it on me, but the same image was sketched into the book. Right before The Tale of Three Brothers."
"I'll see if there are any other links between this symbol and that old folk tale," Moody said.
"And I will see if it has any connection to Albus," Professor McGonagall said, her eyes falling on his sleeping portrait.
"Now I suggest we all make ourselves scarce. The match is starting soon and I believe Mister Malfoy would be suspicious if his wife was not in attendance," Moody said as he grabbed a pinch of floo powder from the mantle. Hermione watched the green flames light up the fireplace, the green not so different from the colour of the scarf she would be wearing at today's match.
Draco waltzed through the Ministry atrium smirking. Skipping class for a surprise lunch with Hermione was the best thing he had done all week. He knocked on the door to Patricia Marchbank's office.
"Hello Ms. Marchbanks," Draco said noticing that Hermione was not in the room. "I was just looking for Hermione."
"She is out of the office for the morning," Ms. Marchbanks said. "Kingsley Shacklebolt requested her help with arranging some of files in the Auror's office." Draco clenched his jaw. With the exception of her initial Ministry tour, Hermione should not have been anywhere near the Auror's office.
"Thank you for letting me know," Draco said as calmly as he could, "I'll look for her there then." Draco was frowning as he made his way to the Auror's office. Kinglsey Shacklebolt was a suspected member of the Order of the Phoenix. Draco could only come to one conclusion and it made him scowl.
When he arrived at Shacklebolt's office he found the door was locked. Draco felt his stomach drop. He knew Hermione. He knew she did not support the Dark Lord and that there would be trouble when Potter resurfaced, but he had not expected her to go behind his back before then.
He was angry at himself too. He should have known better. Of course the Order would have used her as a spy. The Dark Lord underestimated her. Draco had known better, but somehow his heart had convinced his head that she wouldn't betray him.
Draco waited in the corridor. He had a perfect view of Shacklebolt's office, so he would know as soon as Hermione left the room. As he waited his anger grew. He loved her. He knew that now. If he didn't this would not have hurt so badly. Hermione left the office alone and stopped in her tracks the moment she saw him waiting for her.
"Draco," Hermione said, and he noticed the guilt etched into her face, "what are you doing here?"
"I thought I'd surprise you," he said hearing the anger in his voice, "but I received a surprise of my own when you weren't in your office."
"Kingsley Shacklebolt asked me to help him with some filing," Hermione said as she followed Draco into the lift. Their conversation was interrupted by the presence of several other people on the lift. Draco did not speak to her again until they had exited the Ministry and were on the streets of Muggle London.
"Draco, what's going on?" Hermione asked.
"Don't," Draco said, giving into his anger at last. "Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about. How long have you been a spy for the Order?" He could not read her expression. It was some combination of sadness and resignation.
"Since the day you told me that we had to get married," she admitted. Draco's chest ached at her admission. It had all been an act. Every moment they spent together. He trusted her. He was planning to buy a safe house for her. It was all for her. For their life together.
"Well you convinced everyone," Draco said, and added bitterly, "even me." Hermione's face fell at his words. She reached out to him, but he shrugged off her touch.
"Draco, I never wanted to hurt you," Hermione said.
"But you never wanted me either," his voice was quiet. They were both silent for a moment, but Draco's anger was coming back in full force. She may have hurt him, but he still had his own life to think of.
"If you want to risk your own neck so be it," Draco said at last. "Spies always seem to end up dead and I plan on surviving this war. You'd better not screw that up." With those parting words Draco left her standing alone in Muggle London trying to erase the memory of her stricken face from his mind.
Hermione had never felt as vulnerable as she did standing by herself on that sidewalk. She wiped the last trace of tears from her face as she headed back into the Ministry. Her shift for her internship had already ended, so after quickly grabbing her things from Patricia's office she got in the queue for the floo network.
The world seemed to blur before her eyes when she returned to Hogwarts. She needed to see Professor McGonagall. A small part of her wanted to go after Draco instead, but she was not certain that he would even speak to her again. She was happy to find Professor McGonagall in her office while most of the students were still at lunch in the Great Hall.
"Miss Granger, I did not expect to see you today," Professor McGonagall said looking up from her marking. Seeing Hermione's face, she added "is everything alright?"
"My cover's been blown," Hermione said. Her heart was still pounding from her row with Draco and a part of her feared he would not forgive her.
"What?" Professor McGonagall looked up in alarm. "We need to get you away from here. If You-Know-Who knows what you are-"
"He doesn't know yet," Hermione interrupted, "at least I don't think he does. Draco found me in Kinglsley's office and knew." Professor McGonagall's lips were a thin line.
"How did he react we he found out?" Professor McGonagall asked. "I need his exact words." Hermione obliged not leaving anything out.
"The situation is not good," Professor McGonagall said when Hermione had finished. "But all hope is not lost. Mr. Malfoy may be angry, but his life is still tied to yours. I don't think he would risk his own life just to turn you in to You-Know-Who.'
"You didn't see him," Hermione said.
"His anger is understandable," Professor McGonagall said, "he feels you betrayed him. What you need to do now is convince him to keep your secret. Nothing good comes from You-Know-Who finding out that you are a spy. Maybe he can be of use to the Order too, he is more deeply involved with the Death Eaters than you are and could provide us with valuable information."
"I don't think he will go for that," Hermione admitted. "He made his opinion of spies very clear."
"We have to try, Miss Granger," she said. "You must go find him now before he makes a decision he might come to regret. I'm going to contact Moody and Kingsley immediately."
Hermione left the office with low spirits. The castle was huge and even though Hermione thought she knew Draco well, she had no idea where he would go when he was upset. Hermione checked the Quidditch pitch, the library, the lake, the Great Hall, but he was nowhere to be found. Dejectedly she went to the Great Hall for dinner. She hoped that Draco would be there, but part of her knew that he would not. Hermione pushed food around on her plate long after most students left the Great Hall, but there was still no sign of him.
Hermione put her fork down just as the dishes disappeared from the table. The only place Hermione had not searched was the Slytherin common room. Hermione had long suspected that he would be there, in the one place she could not follow him. She decided there was no point waiting any longer, she would just have to be patient. Sure that he would be in class the next morning, Hermione returned to her own common room for a restless night.
The next morning things took a turn for the worse. Hermione waited anxiously in Potions, but as the Slytherins filed in she noticed at once that Draco was no amongst them. No one else seemed disturbed by his absence. He had been pulled out so often for Death Eater duties that they were accustomed to his absence. Snape began the lesson, and though Hermione watched him carefully, he showed no signs that anything was amiss.
By Transfiguration Hermione was a wreck. She barely managed to conceal her emotions as she sat through the lesson without hearing a word of it. Hermione had never feared for her own life the way she did now. It was a new type of fear for her. Usually when she was fighting alongside Harry and Ron she was fueled by adrenaline. She was not anxiously waiting for something bad to happen. At rustle of parchment or scratch of a quill Hermione glanced at the door, expecting Death Eaters to come for her.
"I couldn't find him," Hermione said, when the period had finally ended. Professor McGonagall pointed her wand at the door and the lock clicked.
"You must calm down Hermione," Professor McGonagall said. She did not seem surprised be Hermione's outburst. "I had a search of the castle done, discreetly of course, and there was no sign of him. He never returned after your encounter with him yesterday."
"Is it safe for me to run?" Hermione asked. The details about the trace put on females had not been released, but Hermione was under the impression that once the Matrimonial Vow had been completed the trace would be removed. The odds of any females leaving after completing the vow were slim. The only way to avoid the consequences of breaking the vow was to live in total celibacy. Even a kiss could trigger severe pain, and would immediately alert your partner of your whereabouts.
"No," Professor McGonagall said quickly. "I've already discussed the matter with Alastor and we think it is best to wait. There has been no sign of Draco and no indication that he has been in contact with the Dark Lord. There is still the possibility that he will not say anything. He is supposed to be at a Death Eater meeting this Saturday. If he has not returned by noon on that day then you will flee. Remus has offered to accompany you."
Hermione's first instinct was to argue that she could go alone, but wasn't she always telling Harry to accept the help of others. As Hermione left the room she tried to steady her nerves. It was only Wednesday. Draco had three days to show up.
When Draco had not returned by Friday Hermione began to prepare for the worst. Instead of focusing on her lessons she was planning what needed to be packed. She would have to keep it light. Only the essentials.
At lunch a new fear plagued Hermione. She was just entering the Great Hall when she overheard them.
"Look at her," the unfamiliar voice said, "not so confident with him gone. Who'd have thought that Hermione Granger needed a Death Eater to protect her?"
The insult did not even bother her, but it brought up too many memories of Draco defending her. In her fear that he would tell her secret, she had let herself forget what they had become. They were a team. She knew Draco better than she'd ever thought she would, and it was not like him to risk everything by disappearing. The worry hit her like a freight train. Accompanied by a mountain guilt. She had worried only for her own safety. Not once had she considered that something could have happened to him.
Fear and terror followed Hermione all afternoon. Hermione finally understood some of Draco's pain. She had felt betrayed when she thought he was going to turn her in after everything they had been through together.
Draco downed his fire whiskey impatiently. He began to pace around his father's study running his fingers along the glossy wooden desk. When his father finally arrived he settled into the leather armchair across from him.
"Amycus was very curious about why you were out of school this week," Lucius said. His expression was curious, but he did not reprimand Draco for skipping school which is why Draco went to him instead of to his mother. "He's under the impression that you were doing something for the Dark Lord, and I did not bother to correct him."
"Thank you father," Draco said automatically.
"You realize the severity of your actions, I'm sure," Lucius said. "As far as I know, the Dark Lord has been preoccupied and did not notice your absence. What was so urgent that you felt the need to leave so suddenly?" Draco could tell by his tone that Lucius suspected more than he was letting on.
"I went to France," Draco said, "too purchase for a safe house."
"We are back in the Dark Lord's favour," Lucius said, "a safe house is not exactly necessary at the moment. Though I commend you for your cautious planning. It is always prudent to think of the future."
"Hermione and I got into an argument," Draco said, finally admitting what was truly bothering him. Lucius smirked, and Draco realized that he had known all along.
"Why France?" Lucius asked.
"Because Hermione recommended it," Draco answered, wondering where this conversation as going.
"So even though you two had a disagreement you still decided to go with her suggestion," Lucius said. "I wonder why that is." Draco wanted to groan in frustration.
"I don't know," Draco said. Because it would make her happy was his first thought, but he was not telling his father that. Lucius raised an eyebrow at him.
"What was the quarrel about?" Lucius asked, finally returning to the matter at hand.
"She lied to me," Draco said without elaborating.
"And you've always been completely honest with her," Lucius pounced immediately, and Draco could not believe he fell into his trap.
"No," Draco replied grudgingly.
"Contrary to popular belief, a successful marriage is not based on honesty," Lucius said. "We all sit in a web of lies. The only way to make a relationship work is to accept that."
"So you think I should forgive her," Draco said.
"I didn't say that," Lucius answered. "I will never be happy that you married a Mudblood." Draco started to protest to that word, but Lucius continued, "But it is not my opinion that matters. It is your marriage and you need to decide whether or not you want to make it work."
"I cannot exactly un-marry her," Draco said, not that he wanted to. Divorces were rare enough in the Wizarding community, but they were magically bound together.
"No," Lucius agreed, "but you can choose whether or not your marriage to her is a happy one." Draco pondered that for a moment and was interrupted when the door to the study opened.
"Lucius, can you-" his mother's voice stopped when they made eye-contact.
"What's happened," she asked, her tone urgent.
"Draco and Hermione are quarrelling," Lucius told her. Narcissa shut the door behind her.
"So you left school," Narcissa said, her voice had a slightly shrill quality to it and Draco cringed. Not wanting to anger her further, he merely nodded. Narcissa pursed her lips.
"What happened between you and Hermione?" She asked.
"Hermione lied to him, and naturally Draco was very upset," Lucius answered for him. "I said he ought to forgive her and that honesty was the cornerstone of any good relationship." Draco's jaw dropped at his father's words, and Lucius looked highly amused.
"Ignore your father, Draco," Narcissa said, to his surprise. "He's been lying to me for years and thinking I haven't realized." Lucius looked at her sharply and she smirked back. "But you do need to work things out with Hermione."
"Why?" Draco asked. "Neither of you like her very much." Lucius did not dispute this, but Narcissa piped up immediately.
"Well, I'll admit that her blood status is nothing to brag about," Narcissa said. "But she is a bright witch and I think I've done an excellent job in preparing her for life in Pureblood society. And I want grandchildren." Lucius snickered and Draco blushed.
"Mum!" he groaned, putting his head in his hands.
"Since her parent are muggles," she continued, "we will definitely have the upper hand, and I want to ensure they have the best things money can buy."
"Alright," Draco said, rising from his chair, "that's enough. I'm going back to school now." Draco left his parents in the study, ignoring his mother's suggestion for a nursery at the Manor. The last thing he wanted to think about was having a baby. They would not need to worry about that for a very long time.
Hermione could not stand the noise in the Great Hall that evening. Her stomach was in knots and she pushed her food around aimlessly. Unable to take in any longer, Hermione stood up abruptly, earning some curious stares, and left the Great Hall.
Hermione's steps echoed in the empty Entrance Hall. She looked up, startled, when one of the massive front doors opened. Hermione stopped dead in her tracks when she saw the familiar flash of blonde hair.
"Draco!" She exclaimed. Without thinking twice, Hermione ran across the Entrance Hall and launched herself at him. She felt the tears welling in her eyes and knew they needed to go somewhere private for this discussion.
"Hermione," he said. His voice was guarded again, Hermione noticed immediately.
"I want to talk to you," Hermione said. She grabbed his arm and pulled him up the stairs towards the seventh floor. Draco took his arm back, but followed her up the stairs nonetheless. She stopped when she reached the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy and began pacing back and forth. Draco was unsurprised when the door appeared, but they both received a shock when they entered the Room of Requirement.
Hermione had just wanted a private place where they could talk. The room was small and cozy, with a large bed in the center and a roaring fireplace. Draco stared wide-eyed at the bed. It was a surprise to Hermione too, she had not asked for a bed, but she suspected that some part of her subconscious had wanted it. Had wanted to be fully connected to Draco again. Deciding their talk could wait, Hermione grabbed him by the neck and pulled him down to her.
He responded to her immediately, naturally. Hermione had missed him more than realized and she hugged him tightly. Missed having his arms around her and the strong feel of his shoulders beneath her palms. Draco's tongue pressed into her mouth at the same time he gripped her by the hips and lifted her onto the bed. Hermione gasped as his body hovered over her, his hips pressing into hers. Somehow, Hermione was not sure if it was the magic of the room or if she had done it without noticing, their clothes had disappeared.
"If you want me to stop," Draco said panting, "tell me now." His lips had moved to her neck, nipping and teasing her. His hand was at her breast, stroking her and driving her mad. She could feel every inch of his body, and knew how much he wanted this too.
"I want to be with you," she murmured. Stopping was the last thing on her mind as he slowly sunk into her. It felt better this time, and Hermione's hips thrust forward involuntarily as she arched her back, needing to be closer to him. He set an even pace and she met his thrusts eagerly, her body hummed with anticipation. Her muscles tightened and a moan escaped her as the tension broke. A moment later Draco swore as he had his own release, and then the room was silent except for the sounds of their breathing and the crackling of the fire.
Draco smiled for the first time in a long time as he lay in bed with Hermione. She was dozing against his chest and he felt at ease with his arms wrapped around her. He knew the discussion would come eventually. He was still hurt, but his anger had faded. He knew Hermione well enough to know that she would never abandon Potter. In all fairness she was more emotionally attached to the Order than he was to the Death Eaters. But he wished they could both just get out of the war.
"Draco," Hermione said at last. "I'm guessing you didn't tell anyone. About me."
"I didn't," Draco said, annoyed that she even had to ask.
"I know you don't approve of spies, but the Order thinks you could be a great help to them," Hermione said quickly. "We could work together."
"I don't know if that is a good idea," Draco sighed. "Honestly, I'm not a big fan of the Dark Lord's plans, but I think the Order of the Phoenix is a different extreme. Apart from our own survival, I'm rather indifferent to this war." He could tell she wanted to protest, but she refrained and he appreciated it.
"Just so you know," she said, "I'm not going to stop spying for the Order. You may be indifferent to it, but I'm not." Draco clenched his jaw. Did she not realize how much danger she was putting them both into? Her actions today proved she had feelings for him, which was the only reason Draco decided not to force the issue.
"I'm not going to pretend to be happy about it," Draco said, "but I won't try to stop you either." Draco knew the matter was far from settled, but at least they were together.
Coming Up in Till Death Do Us Part
The Common Room was rowdier than usual when Hermione arrived. She noticed Ginny and Neville first, tucked into their usual corner accompanied by Dean Thomas who was ranting angrily. Then she saw the commotion by the dreaded notice board. It was an official Ministry of Magic notification.