Chapter 3:

Soft. Soft fabric was the first thing that welcomed Hermione, next was the presence of bodies swarming around her quietly. She heard thing open and close, things being set down and the sound of multiple footsteps surround her. There were soft whispers of words she couldn't quite make out, and soft replies that followed. She opened one eye, seeing some sun interrupt the comfortable darkness she had and promptly closed them. She shifted her body ever so slightly, feeling the edge of the surface she was on and the solid back of it behind her, coming to the conclusions she was one a sofa. A leather one to be exact, she thought as she took a deep sniff through her nose and smelled the new leather that was cool against her cheek. A feeling of nausea rushed over her body as she breathed, she felt it swim up her body until she leaned over the couch and threw up, groaning as acid burned against her throat, and she was slightly aware of a trash can right next to her face.

"Is she up?" Someone called from a far distance away.

"She's been getting up and throwing up for days only to pass back out." A female said, someone that sounded a lot like Ginny.

Hermione opened both eyes and held herself up against the trash bin while she dry heaved the the nausea away. She rolled onto her back, staring up at the white ceiling before she thought about closing her eyes once more. Days. It echoed in her ear, Ginny sounded concerned. But surely a few more hours of shut eye wouldn't affect anyone. She reached out her hand over the side of the couch, feeling a cold floor touch her knuckles. She shut her eyes but couldn't will herself to fall asleep despite the exhaustion.

Then she remembered. Lucius's crazed eyes, his firm grip, her arm burning, Voldemorts face flashing before her. She heard herself screaming for him to let go, screaming to hold off the scary memories, screaming from pain. Merlin she was so scared. She was scared now. She wanted Draco. Her throat was dry, her lips felt cracked but she tried to speak and willed her eyes to open. No one seemed to notice her, they moved about doing whatever they were doing before. Did they think she was going to die? Had they given up on her? Where was everyone anyway?

Flashes of dead bodies surrounded her vision, blood and lights passed by and she watched as bodies crumbled in front of her. She began shaking, as she saw herself reach for people, to awaken them. But it wasn't real, it was her imagination wasn't it? She wasn't in that place of death and horror, she had been before, yes she had lived it but that wasn't where she was at now and that wasn't how events had panned out. She tried speaking again, a small groan escaping her lips. Taking a deep breath and using all the strength she felt she could muster in her stiff state she screamed as loud as she could.

"Draco!" She said it over and over again, wanting him to take her from this place, wanting to feel him next to her. She opened her eyes, water free falling down her sad cheeks, and then she felt a pair of arms lift her up into the air and against their chest. She inhaled deeply and recognized the deep amber smell that belonged to Draco.

"Dammit you!" He chuckled, not in humor but full of relief. "Stop scaring me."

She stopped her shouting and forced herself to sit up on his lap, her eyes looking at his blurry face. "What happened?" She whispered.

"We don't know yet, love. But you are safe now, thats what matters." He hugged her to his chest tightly.

Hermione looked over his shoulder and saw people standing around, familiar faces full of relieved smiles as they looked at the two on the couch. She scooted off of Draco's lap, stepping on her feet shakily and holding onto him for support. "How long was I asleep?"

"Four days." He said, disgusted.

"Did I miss anything?" She panicked. "Where are we?"

"No. We are at our new home. We hoped we would have had it set up before you woke but I am glad you are up nonetheless."

"Yeah," Hermione whispered, stepping away from the couch and around some boxes.

Hermione smiled at the clutter around the new home, boxes decorated the granite counter tops in the kitchen; filling every open space including the island, there were even boxes on the black stools that surrounded the island. The dark mahogany cupboards, that matched perfectly with the hardwood floors and the banners of the staircase, were open and partially filled with an assortment of dishware. The living room seemed to be even worse, the only place you could clearly was the black leather sofa she had resided on only moments before. There some nice grey chairs with high backs, a couple of red blankets thrown across them along with some more boxes piled high.

She was highly pleased when she looked at the stone fireplace that traveled all the way up the wall and to the high ceilings and saw two bookshelves on each side that were littered with knick knacks and books that were on their side. She walked towards the entryway to admire the dining room, it was filled with light from the large open windows; the sun shining through kissing the black table and creating a shine throughout the room. She peered through the archway on the opposite side of the wall and recognized what would become an office, something she was going to have to take a look at later. She turned back and walked towards the living room, sighing with happiness as she stared at Draco leaning casually against the railing of the staircase.

"This must have cost a fortune." She whispered, glancing up the two level staircase that led to a balcony that overlooked the living room.

"You are worth it. Want to take a look upstairs?"

"Sure," She smiled, following Draco up the glossy wooden steps.

Reaching the top of the steps you could go in two different directions, straight; which led to a small hall with a set of french doors as the end, and to the left; which led to a hall full of doors on each side. Draco guided her straight, opening the doors with a grand gesture, and she was welcomed with plush carpet that looked as fresh as snow.

The room took her breath away. For starters it was at least double the size of the living room, and she was greeted by floor to ceiling windows that were covered up with silky golden drapes that flowed down like a waterfall. The ivory walls pulled together the gold and black in a perfect elegant feel. This was the only room that was clean, with everything in place, all the way from the black couch in the corner that was donned with golden pillows to the bed that was large and neatly made. The comforter was black as well, but the pillows were gold; obviously the couch and bed were a set along with the matching bedside tables. A foot away from each of the tables were black doors, that proved that the house seemed to keep going on and on forever.

"The door closest to the couch is the closet. The door right here," He said pointing to his right, "Is the bathroom"

He opened the door for her to walk in, and she was pleasantly surprised to be greeted with the familiar look of his bathroom back in the manor with minor changes. Instead of the tub just being against the wall it was in its own little cocoon of an area, with a half circled window above it.. The bathroom looked the same though, apart from that. The familiar black bowl with golden flecks for the sink, the sparkling tile and large glass shower. She smiled, they had many memories in his bathroom.

"I couldn't help but want to have the bathroom the same, I had it redone. It was the first time you told me you loved me and sometimes memories of certain rooms should be kept. Its those special memories that I didn't want to part with and this was my way of keeping it if that makes any sense.I can walk in here and remember." He said in a rush.

"I understand." She looked up and smiled at him.

"Want to see Teddy's room?"

Hermione nodded eagerly and followed Draco out of the room and down the hall to which they came and went down another hall with multiple doors on each side. "The door right here," Draco pointed to the first door on the right. "This is the laundry room, the door next to it is a bathroom. These three doors on the left are all rooms with nothing yet, except one, which is Teddy's room."

Hermione nodded in understanding and looked at a door that was located where two sides of a wall should have met. "What's that?"

"A surprise." Draco said, with a wiggle of his eyebrows before opening up the room that belonged to Teddy.

He gave his arm a grand gesture that encouraged her to step in before him, to which she did and was happy to see what she saw. There was a window bench that outlooked onto the front yard of the happy neighborhood, with white curtains that flowed beautifully in the slightest breeze. On either side of that window bench were brown bookshelves that had yet to find books for them, but the bottom two shelves had woven baskets full of toys. There was a long brown dresser that was full of Teddy's clothes, a white crib with a blue blanket hanging over the side and a changing station that was already set with diapers and wipes. The room was a light yellow that radiated happiness.

"Its not quite done yet, but its a start." Draco said proudly.

"Its perfect." She said, walking over the window and looking at the bright green grass below. Draco walked up behind her, his arms snaking around her waist and his chin resting on her shoulder.

"If there is anything you want to change say the word and its done."

"No. Its absolutely wonderful. I might get wooden letters that spell Teddy's name and paint them, then we can hang them above his crib or something. Mark this as his room." She sighed happily.

"It sounds good. Which reminds me, his aunt and uncle gave up all rights to Teddy, he belongs to no one right now. I was wondering what your feelings would be on adopting him? We would be his legal guardians, if you are up for it."

Hermione turned around in his embrace, her big doe eyes seeking his molten silver and her own arms wrapping around him. "I admit I love the idea. But I don't want to have you do something you will regret, and I don't want there to be any pressure."

"Its not. It was my idea to adopt Teddy. You can think about it for a few days, there is no rush. Are you ready to see your surprise?"

"Sure." Hermione sighed, walking out of the room and following Draco down the remainder of the hall to the oddly placed door. She opened it before he could and was greeted with quite the sight.

It was a circular room, with a spiral staircase off to the side that went up and down what appeared to be a tower. And Hermione let a bubble of excited laughter escape her throat as she recognized the room as Draco's personal library back at the manor. She loved the little touches of their old home being in their new home, the places that held the best memories and it made her swell up with joy seeing this room. She looked at the rug that had the black sofa sitting on top if it right in front of the fireplace.

"We made love right there." Hermione sighed wistfully. "Well not there but, you know what I mean," She stammered a light blush coating her cheeks.

"Actually you are right. This is the actual tower, half of it at least, that I had taken from the Manor and added on to the section of the house. The exterior matches the one of the house and you would have never guess I didn't replicate it unless I told you." He replied smugly.

"Aren't you full of surprises today." She giggled. She turned and walked out of the room, Draco followed behind her closing the door.

"How are you feeling?" He asked.

"Tired. All the excitement." She said softly.

"Why don't you go get some rest and I can help the others finish unpacking?"

"Yeah," She said, heading to their new bedroom. "Where's Teddy? I would like to see him."

"He will be back later, is watching him while we work on moving." he reached for her hand and gave it a light squeeze. "Get some rest."

She nodded and made her way through the french doors before she plopped herself on the couch. It was very comfy, and she liked that it wasn't leather but was plush and full. She wrapped the throw blanket around her and snuggled deeper against the fluff. What a crazy day already and she had only been up for a half hour. It was insane how much things changed, they had Teddy now and a new home; they were trying to start over but she couldn't. There was a dark blanket that was surrounding her every second of everyday, the little moments of happiness she had were when she had come up from the covers for taste of fresh air. But the rest of the time she was building walls to ignore it, even though she knew it was always there.

And then she remembered the events at 's. She hadn't recognized Lucius's without his snarl and the darkness in his eyes. He looked so proud when he had seen Teddy, so happy to finally be a grandpa and the weirdest thing is that he was really good with him. Draco's face broke her heart because it was like he wondered where that man was his entire life and why couldn't he have experienced it before. But then, within a breaths moment, it all changed. He had grabbed her arm, right across the dark mark, and it burned and hurt her just like when she had received the mark; but with a glance it looked normal like the burning was all in her head.

But it wasn't, Lucius's voice rang through her mind, 'Evil will return'. He didn't look pleased about that, not sick and twisted like before, he looked scared. He was truly scared of something and that terrified her, it made her wonder what was going on in his mind; and then for him to try and kill himself was out unheard of. Draco told her he was a Veela, while she had remembered him saying so before it seemed like it was ages ago by now. She knew that he wasn't suppose to even be able to think of killing himself, it was supposed to be impossible. Perhaps the mark was poisoning his mind, after all the years of being under such a dark force it didn't seem like an unreasonable conclusion, sometimes dark times make people snap.

The tile floor was cold beneath Hermione's feet as she shuffled her way through the abandoned hall. Doors lined the walls in endless rows, pale lights illuminating the hall into a blinding light. She took a deep inhale of breath and smelled the familiar scent of different ingredients that a potions healer would use, and then it dawned on her that she was in 's. Although it wasn't as busy as what it was the other day, and she wondered if Draco was somewhere around here.

Hermione kept walking, finding herself drawing near a certain room; as she got closer she peeped inside hoping to find Draco within. She pushed the door open with a hand, glancing around the entirety of the room; noticing two beds. Peeking around the door she jumped startled for a moment as she saw two lanky figures that looked an awful lot like a friend she used to know.

She recognized them a moment later, it was Neville's parents. They were standing in the corner of the room behind the door, their hands clasped with dark circles under their eyes. They looked deathly ill in their paleness, and when their eyes locked on hers they were voice of any emotion. Hermione knew now was the only time to tell them the news of their son, even if they didn't understand.

"Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom," Hermione whispered, feeling the familiar lump form in her throat. "You may not know this, but your son; Neville, he died." She swallowed hard for a second and regained her courage. "You should know, and above all else you should know that he died a hero. If not for him I would be dead and I know that in no way justifies it, but you should know that he didn't die in vain and I am grateful to him."

They didn't move, Hermione didn't expect a response she just needed to get it off of her chest or else she might explode. She nodded at them gratefully and began to turn away when a hand on her shoulder stopped her. She turned, bracing herself for anger and for hysterics, but she saw Mrs. Longbottom with crazed eyes instead; her whole body shaking as if moving took all the energy she had in her and she was using whatever was left to touch Hermione.

"Run." She said in a hoarse whisper. "Run as fast as you can."

Hermione didn't know what compelled her, but she did as she was told and took off in a sprint. She went back the way she came, checking behind her to make sure she wasn't being followed. As she passed each door and went further down the hall the lights behind her went out, slowly encasing her in the darkness. As each light went off the amount of panic rose inside of her chest, but the hall was never ending and she didn't know how much longer she could run until she was too exhausted or the darkness caught up to her.

And just as she felt that she couldn't keep going she felt a pair of arms snatch out and grab her, yanking her through a doorway; the door slamming with a resounding click. She turned to see her savior, her mouth open in surprise. Lucius stood there, well groomed and serious as always in his black suit.

"Mr. Malfoy," She said through gasping breaths. "We have to leave. We have to go!" She pulled on his sleeves eager to save the both of them. But he didn't budge. Instead his long and pale fingers wrapped around her wrist.

" ," His voice was like silk."You have come at the most opportune time imaginable. I feared I would have to hunt you down myself."

Her forearm started to warm up, heating up to a blistering point and then it felt like her flesh was melting, she could smell the burnt flesh; it was like rotten meat. She jerked away a couple of times before she felt his hand release her and send her to the ground. She looked up at him through long, damp eyelashes. She hadn't realized that she was crying.

"The seed is planted." He said, his eyes having an evil glint behind the pupil.

"Wha-"

"It must be destroyed!" And in an instant Lucius changed. She had blinked and it was like he was different suddenly. His hair became messy, his face covered in a layer of stubble and his eyes filled with dark shadows and traces of tears. He looked fearful. "I am sorry it has to be this way."

Hermione caught a glimpse of something silver behind his back, and jumped away; attempting to scramble to her feet when he pulled a knife that was all too familiar to her. It was was the same knife that Bellatrix had used to carve into her once perfect skin; the knife that had killed Dobby. It was the knife that was going to ruin everything.

Lucius raised up a hand, the knife shaking with nerves, the light shimmering off of the silver blade with each movement. It looked like he had second guessed himself but with a final resolved look he swung down the knife, it plunging into her heart, and she screamed in protesting pain.

"Hermione!"

She could hear someone in the distance and slowly brought herself out of sleep, her eyes adjusting to the new room; surprised at how dimly lit it was. Then the next this she grasped was a pair of hands on her arms, stroking her softly, and lips peppering kisses all over her. "Draco?" she sighed, not quite awake.

"I'm here love."

Hermione reached her arms out sleepily and hugged him to her in a daze, "You smell nice." Then she felt herself fade back into unconsciousness, Lucius's face flashing through her mind quickly, his hand grasping her arm, the smell of burning skin reaching her nostrils, and then the knife stabbing her. Hermione put her hand up to stop the blade from piercing her chest, screaming when it went through her hand.

Draco shook her, questioning why her hand was extended out in front of her. He jumped when she started screaming and he shouted himself when blood spurted out of her hand by an invisible force. And next thing he knew her eyes popped open and she released a gargled breath, gripping her chest. Draco removed the blanket off of her, her precious blood spilled out of her chest from a wound that had not been there moments ago. Draco whipped out his wand and healed her before his mind even processed what was going on.

Hermione's whimper filled his ears and his Veela whined in protest against her pain. Her scent came back to him stronger than it was and he was relieved, albeit terrified at the sudden events. He gently covered her mouth with his hand to stifle her noises and listen for anyone who might be in the house; see if he could hear different sounds and footstep patterns than the friends who were already helping out. Nothing was amiss. He moved his hand to her cheek, caressing it lovingly. That was without a doubt the scariest thing he'd ever seen, she had been attacked by something they couldn't see and it had physically harmed her. How was he to protect her from that? His Veela instincts were going crazy with the need to help her and protect her and assure that no matter what she was safe. At least for now she was going to be alright, he just needed to take a deep breath. Inhaling to catch her scent he realized it wasn't strong like it should have been.

Hermione was still whimpering, and it took Draco a second to realize that she was cradling her arm. "What's happening to me?" She whispered, looking up at him with tear filled eyes.

"I don't know love, I don't know."