"How far would you go to save that Wife of Yours,Malfoy?"
The words replayed in his head for months. He would've done anything to save her. He would've sacrificed his life for hers, if it was possible.
She didn't deserve to die. Him on the other hand, was easily expendable. Astoria had requested that she be made comfortable instead of being put through the loops of finding a cure for her unfortunate family blood curse.
In the months leading to Astoria's death, Draco was working with the Ministry under the table. There were tons of Death Eaters still on the loose from the war, and of course they couldn't risk they're own Aurors so The Ministry sent Draco. Draco didn't mind- He actually enjoyed the hunt. So when head Auror Topez came to him with said plans to exterminate the remaining Death Eaters it came with a deal- In order for them to help look for a cure for Astoria, He must agree to go on a mission with a Polyjuiced Auror of their choosing, No if ands or buts. Nobody would ever expect Astoria to be the mole, it would be perfect.
Draco reluctantly agreed, As long as they kept working on a cure to help with her blood curse, He wouldn't give a shit what he had to do. His loyalties started and ended with his wife.
Astoria began to grow weaker as the days went on. Draco knew that the inevitable curse would soon whisk his wife away. Each day He made sure to keep her comfortable and happy. Astoria was not one to complain- So Draco never actually knew if his wife was in pain or not.
Astoria would continue Her daily routine until She was unable to walk through the manor. The days seemed to blur together when Astoria stayed in her chamber, Draco continued to work closely with the Ministry. Astoria continued to decline, Draco could tell she was in what would be Her last days. He was Hell Bent on making sure she was as comfortable as possible. He even had a muggle doctor give her some sedatives.
On Astoria's Death Bed, She had told Draco how proud of him She was. Draco broke down and told her the plan with the ministry almost instantly. He had thought she would be angry, and demand that it be put to stop instantly but she grabbed his hand and laid a gentle kiss across it. He had her blessing to do what it took to make people not see him as "Draco The Death Eater" But as "Draco Malfoy, The Man. ".
Astoria had passed away in his arms, with a slight smile on her face. They had sat and talked hours earlier on what their life would've been if it hadn't been stolen from them. Draco had asked her if she would be waiting for him on the other side, with all the strength Astoria lifted her lips up to his and left a light kiss.
"Draco, Promise me you'll move on and live the life we wanted. Please, " Astoria begged. Of course even as she was actively dying she was bossing him around. Draco gave her a small nod. He didn't have the words, and if he did speak he was sure he would bust out in tears. Astoria let out a small hum of appreciation and fell fast asleep.
She never woke up.
Draco sat with her in his arms for what felt like hours. He knew that he had to owl the ministry so they could put her body in a statis so they could collect her hair but he couldn't stomach the thought of her leaving the manor in a bodybag. Eventually he laid her body on the bed they had shared for the most time of their marriage. He would be sure to set the bedspread aside after she was gone. He would do anything to have her beside him, but he would settle for her smell. A few minutes after he had owled the ministry, An Auror had already started to bang on his door. The walk to the door felt like the longest walk he had ever had to take. Once the Auror had bagged Astoria's bod,He told Draco they would be in touch.
Draco got so drunk on fire whiskey that night, He wanted to forget. But unfortunately his problems were only just beginning.
His father was found dead. Draco didn't mourn, But he did rejoice. He no longer had to bow down to his father's ideals. It was truly bitter sweet. His mother had fled to Paris after the news of his father had made its way through the remaining pureblood families.
He didn't blame her, Not only was Draco free of his father's ideals but so was Narcissa. She could finally live a life that hers, and not have to worry about the ministry on the back of her neck. He was so proud of his mother for getting away. He just wishes that he could've gone with her.
It was a Sunday when Harry came barging into Hermione's office at the ministry. She could feel the atmosphere instantly change as Harry sank down in the chair in front of her desk.
"Topez has lost his mind, Mione " He seethed out.
Hermione sat in her office chair emitting a soft sigh. if Harry had come to her,This wouldn't be good.
"What is it this time,Harry?" She managed to get out. The anxiety was already clawing at her skin.
Harry kept muttering something and kept his head down to not make eye contact. This did not help with Hermione's anxiety. "Harry, louder please" she requested gently.
"You're going on a mission, Mione. I can't stop it. I already tried" Harry met Hermione's stare and let out a defeated breath of air.
"A mission Harry? That's why you're all worked up?" She questioned him. He nodded, rolling his eyes. Hermione let out a light laugh as Harry stared at her in horror. Harry Potter was worried about sending Hermione on a mission? The same Hermione who aided him in sneaking gringotts and escaping on a dragon?
"I'm sure I'll be fine, thank you for your concern Harry" she reached out his hand to give it a little squeeze but Harry recoiled at her touch.
"Ask me what the mission is, Hermione". Harry's stoic face had a grim smile on his face. He truly looked unhinged.
Hermione didn't understand why Harry all of the sudden felt like she couldn't hold her own but she decided to play his little game.
"Savior of the Wizarding World, Please tell me my mission" Her even tone matched his.
"It's a Death Eater Mission! They're sending you to be a SPY Hermione! " Harry exploded.
Hermione rubbed her temples. Has she not done enough to show Harry that she doesn't need to be coddled? Does Harry really think she couldn't handle a few death eaters? Although Hermione appreciated Harry's concern, There was no need for concern.
"I'm sure there is a reason why I'm being sent in the field, you shouldn't worry about me Harry."
Harry had gotten up from this seat he was previously in and started to pace back and forth. He knew Hermione could hold her own, He was not worried about that.
What he was worried about was a git named Malfoy. He hadn't told Hermione the mission as it was being kept secret for a reason. It could not get out that Astoria Malfoy had died. That would ruin the whole mission and probably get Harry fired. Harry let out a defeated sigh and made his way to the door. He had to leave before he spilled his guts.
"Mione… Just be careful, okay? I'll owl you" He couldn't look her in the face as he made his way out her office.
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Hermione went home that night and drank a whole bottle of elf wine.
Who did Harry think he was telling her she couldn't handle a few death eaters? She scoffed at him barely being able to function without her at Hogwarts. The elf wine went down smoothly. She plopped on the sofa and turned on the telly.
Fuck Harry Potter.
She giggled at the thought of Harry and Ron trying to manage without her. What a disaster that would be.
As her movie was ending, an owl flew right into her flat from her open window. She took the letter from the owl giving it a biscuit. What a brilliant time of night for them to send her an owl.
At 3 in the morning, When she was off her Arse.
Ms.Granger,
We are expecting you in the meeting room around 9 am tomorrow. We will be going over your newly appointed mission. Please do not be late.
Thank you.
Hermione yawned as she threw the letter on her coffee table. Better set an alarm she thought to herself, elf wine was nothing to be played with.
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Hermione awoke the next morning by falling off the bed. Apparently elf wine had made her toss and turn in her sleep.
She was just happy not to be late to work. She grabbed her work robes and changed into them in the bathroom. Her curly hair was a mess, but she did not want to deal with it so she charmed it to stay in place. It will work for now.
By the time Hermione made her way into the ministry, people began to file in. Hermione greeted the people around her and started to walk to the office when she bumped into someone as she was rushing into the meeting room.
"Watch it, Granger" What was Malfoy doing at the Ministry? He did not work here. Hermione was puzzled but managed to gather herself.
Hermione could recognize that voice anywhere. How could she not? He only tormented her all the way through Hogwarts.
"I would say I'm sorry, but I will save the bullshit apology Malfoy. You are in my way, Move. " Hermione bit out.
Malfoy planted his feet in front of her and rolled his eyes. "I didn't know you owned these halls, Granger. I'll be sure to watch out for you next time" and with that he bumped her into the wall. She could barely catch her breath as she turned around to watch him walk away.
Draco Malfoy, is a cunt. She thought to herself.
Hermione walked into her office grabbing pen and paper. She was ready for this meeting to be over with.
Hermione walked out of the door and locked it behind her. She wasn't sure when she'd be back, Better safe than sorry.
People began to file into the meeting room but not before she caught a glimpse of someone's strikingly blonde hair.
Was the Ministry out of their mind? Why would they bring Malfoy in on a mission? What could Malfoy possibly bring to the table that the other Aurors couldn't?
Head Auror Topez had casted a silencing charm, that's how she knew it was serious.
"Thank you all for being here today. This is a big mission for the Auror Department. We need all hands on deck.
"Hermione, I need your word that you will not speak about this meeting to anyone else in this building". Topez was now standing directly in front of her.
She nodded. The anxiety that had suddenly struck her was physically draining her.
" We're sending you undercover with Malfoy, This is not a request. "
She felt numb. No wonder why Harry came by to warn her. Topez was truly off his rocker. "You will be going as his wife. You will be given a ring that has a polyjuice base. As long as you wear it, your body will be Astoria. Do you understand?"
She weakly nodded.
The mission was simple — infiltrate the party and gather intel on a dangerous new Dark Arts organization.
Malfoy was her way in. All she had to do was use polyjuice to impersonate his wife. His dead wife.
The way he looked at her made Hermione regret ever having agreed to it.