There was something relaxing about the Quidditch pitch. Maybe it was the breeze brushing against his pale skin or maybe it was the adrenaline pumping through his veins as he whipped about the field. Whatever the reason, he loved it.
"We should head in soon. I've got a few pieces of homework to finish and Merlin knows I'll probably need Hermione's help before it's over," Ginny mused, steadying herself on her worn broom.
Ginny wasn't dumb. In fact, she was quite brilliant, but her attention span was lacking these days. Between the knowledge of Voldemort's return, Umbridge's takeover and her ever straying thoughts of Tonks, it was difficult keeping focused on one thing for too long - and Hermione's understood that. She never faulted Ginny, only helping whenever Ginny requested it. And she requested it…
A lot.
"Agreed. I need to make my rounds anyways. Umbridge keeps us on a tight schedule; she fears people are planning to revolt. She's a very paranoid woman."
Shaking her head, Ginny landed with a thump. "She's batty is what she is."
Draco didn't disagree but he kept his opinions to himself. It kept him out of harms way and allowed him protection for Hermione by proxy. The Slytherins gave her no issue, but the other Houses held resentment toward her, more than even she knew. But he'd never tell. She had enough to deal with.
Dropping next to Ginny, he grasped his broom and started toward the castle. They stored their respected brooms away in the shed before walking side by side into Hogwarts, a comfortable silence befalling them. In the beginning, their friendship was only tentative; their connection to Hermione outweighing their hatred and closing the gap of animosity separating their lives. Yes, he still believed her family were blood traitors, but she (and the twins, he admitted begrudgingly) weren't so horrible. Ronald and his parents would never hold favor with him, but that didn't matter in the scheme of things.
In the end, he was pleasantly surprised to find himself taken with the redhead (platonically, mind you. He couldn't imagine seeing Ginny as anything more than a friend and he wasn't oblivious; she was obviously smitten by someone. Who? That was the mystery).
Just outside the entrance, they came across a group of whispering first years. They were hunched together, but their voices carried in the silence.
"…she just walked out with him. I can't imagine that conversation going well."
"I heard she actually forgave him."
"No way! I wouldn't forgive someone after something like that. She's a better person than I am."
Apprehension curdled Draco's stomach, his eyes narrowing warily. "Who are you talking about?" Draco demanded, storming over to the Slytherins.
Eyes widened anxiously and they shared a nervous glance. The girls of the group cowered while the only boy shivered noticeably. Coming face to face with the nephew of a notorious Death Eater was nerve-wracking.
"Tell me. Now." Leveling a glare at the boy, he crossed his arms impatiently.
Swallowing hard, he replied with a trembling voice, "Potter and Hermione Riddle were talking in the courtyard not too long ago. People are saying she forgave him but I don't know. We were just speculating, I swear!"
Apprehension bubbled into fury before settling into somewhere in between. The mere idea set his teeth on edge, nails biting into the palms of his hands as his fists clenched. "It'd be in your best interest if you didn't. And, if I were you, I'd get out of my sight."
The first years scrambled away, fearful of Draco's rage. His tantrums from his early years were legendary, but his anger was scarier than anything. Being on the receiving end of that was not a pleasant thought.
"Draco…" Ginny's hand fell on Draco's shoulder but he shrugged it off.
"I need to find Hermione," he growled, stalking away and leaving Ginny to stare after him. She'd talk to her fellow Gryffindor - but later. She didn't want to be around for that particular conversation.
-X-
The library was easily her second home. It was her safe haven and, while it couldn't provide what her lover's arms could, it enveloped her in a sense of comfort the cold halls lacked. Tucked away in her usual spot, she drummed her fingers against the wooden tabletop, a million miles away from reality as she replayed the events of her day. To say she hadn't imagined her morning going the way it had was the understatement of the century.
Groaning, Hermione lowered her head. Can life never be simple?
Footsteps echoed through the shelves and stopped directly in front of her corner. The silence was telling and she knew exactly who was before her without ever sparing him a glance. "Hello, Draco."
"Don't 'Hello, Draco' me, Hermione Riddle. What the bloody hell is going on and why did I have to hear about it from some first years?"
Sighing, Hermione peered up at her best friend. "Well…"
-X-
"Please, Hermione." His pleading threatened to crumb the stone protecting her aching heart and she pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Things will never be the way they were before, Harry. You need to understand this."
Harry nodded frantically, worrying Hermione. She feared he'd give himself whiplash with the ferocity he was presenting. "I know."
"I guess we can try, but I cannot promise anything, Harry. I'm still hurt by what happened, but I can't keep this up. I'm tired of being tired, of being angry." Hermione felt as if she'd sold her soul to the Devil in that moment, but what was done was done. She had a part to play - and she was going to play it spectacularly.
Harry embraced her suddenly, oblivious to her stiffening. "I won't let you down, Mione. I promise."
Pursing her lips sadly, she patted his back. You already have.
-X-
"You forgave him? Just like that? A little groveling and you fall back at Potter's feet?" Draco flinched at the hurt splayed across Hermione's face the moment his accusation left his lips, but it was too late to take it back.
"Do you remember what you said to me at the beginning of break?" Hermione inquired softly, staring at Draco expectantly.
Tilting his head, Draco shrugged awkwardly. He was startled by the abrupt change in conversation, but he knew Hermione; she always had a point.
"When you told me about Umbridge, you said we all have parts to play; that our lives were sacrifices and we couldn't always do what we wanted but what we had to do. Forgiving Harry wasn't something I wanted, but something I needed to do. And, honestly, I don't forgive him but he needs to believe I do. I don't trust him and I'm not sure I ever will.
"There are bigger things at play than just you and me. To do what we must, I have to swallow my anger and smile. Right now we need him. I accept that and I will act accordingly, just as I will accept a place on Umbridge's squad. I hate the idea, but you were right. It helps fulfill your promise and it gives me the leverage I need. You're my best friend, Draco, but I need your support and your help. I can't do this alone, but you cannot question the things I do. Everything I do has purpose."
Faltering under Hermione's gaze, all Draco could see was his aunt staring back at him. There was a fire burning fiercely in her eyes, swirling and flickering with each deliberate word. He wondered if she noticed the change within her; if she could feel it in her bones the way it reflected in her eyes. Slowly, she was blending with Bellatrix; held the same confidence and passion he'd seen only in his aunt, her smile tight and posture stiff. He was thankful she wasn't consumed by the same insanity or their conversation wouldn't have gone nearly this smooth.
I should write Mother about this. She and the Dark Lord will want to know. But it'll have to be discrete. Merlin knows what would happen if Umbridge found out.
"I understand," Draco swallowed. "I'm sorry."
Blinking, the fire ebbed away and Hermione slumped, shoulders hunched forward. "I'm sorry too. I should have told you about this after it happened. I'm just so tired, Draco."
Shuffling toward her, Draco wrapped his arms across Hermione's shoulders and gathered her into his chest, resting his cheek atop her head. "I know."
-X-
Ginny meandered into the library a few hours after Hermione's talk with Draco, letting the dust settle from what was probably (definitely) a difficult conversation, though he'd seemed fine when she'd run into him. But, Hermione deserved time to collect herself and Ginny really had needed to catch up on her studies.
"Hey," the youngest Weasley greeted with a smile. "You okay?"
With a noncommittal hum, Hermione shoved her book aside and turned her full attention to Ginny. She'd been skimming that page for an hour and still had absolutely no idea what she'd read. "I will be."
"Want to talk about it?" Ginny wondered gently, grasping Hermione's hand and rubbing her thumb along the back.
Retelling the story, the remainder of Hermione's energy drained away and she seemed to crumble in on herself, the weight of the world bearing down on her thin shoulders. All she wanted was to drag herself to her room and tumble, boneless and despondent, into bed; dream away the stress of the day and not show her face in the light until break was over.
"Merlin," Ginny breathed, biting her lip sympathetically.
"Yeah," Hermione mumbled, pressing her palm against her forehead and exhaling heavily.
Wishing she could take away the darkness shining in those dark orbs, Ginny simply smiled comfortingly. "Want to help me with my studies? Muggle Studies is truly bizarre to me, despite Dad working with muggle objects. I thought since you'd lived in that world, you'd be the best person to tutor me."
Laughing appreciatively, Hermione nodded. Ginny always knew what to do, even if it meant doing nothing at all. "Of course, Gin! What has you confused?"
-X-
The Sunday before break ended, Hermione found herself beside Draco in Umbridge's office, hands clasped together and clammy as that horrible toad of a woman eyed her critically with a vile smirk tugging at her lips. Her skin crawled like bugs flittering about, replacing the blood in her veins. She wanted to claw everywhere Umbridge's gaze lingered.
"I assume Mr. Malfoy has explained to you what being a part of my Inquisitoral Squad entails?" Umbridge folded her hands, leaning back in her overly pink, unsightly chair.
"Yes, ma'am," Hermione replied flatly, trying desperately to seem unfazed by the victorious glint in the Headmistress' eyes.
"Wonderful," she purred, rising from her chair and taking the badge from the corner of her desk. "Now, I must admit I am asking more of you than of the others. You are the only member who isn't housed in Slytherin. I want you to watch Potter and his gang of heathens; see what he's up to now that Dumbledore has gone into hiding. I am positive he knows something. Report to me immediately if you find something." Gripping Hermione's robe, she deftly pinned the badge on.
Swallowing back bile, Hermione nodded. "Of course."
"Excellent." Umbridge patted the Gryffindor's cheek. "Now, out you both go. I have things I must do and you two are needed to survey the students returning from break. Off you go."
Hermione didn't need to be told twice. She hurried from the room, absently wiping at her cheek. "I hate this," she muttered.
"I know," Draco hummed, locking arms with her, "But it had to be done."
Huffing, Hermione clicked her tongue disdainfully. "That doesn't mean I have to like it."
An invisible hand tightened around Hermione's heart, ironclad and unforgiving. She could feel it threatening to drag her to her knees, but she wasn't weak. No, she was a Riddle and Riddle's dare not falter in the face of adversity. She was a Riddle - and she would make her family proud.
-X-
"You're one of Umbridge's lapdogs now?" Ginny squeaked, shooting Draco an apologetic shrug. "Sorry, mate."
Draco responded with a shrug of his own, gathering food onto his plate.
The Great Hall was loud with chatter, blanketing their conversation from inquisitive ears and prying eyes. Neville was curiously absent, but Hermione was certain he'd eventually appear in his usual haggard state; his apologies breathless and a meek smile upturning his lips.
"I had to do it," Hermione mumbled, angrily flicking a potato around her plate.
Ginny glanced at Draco, who nodded grimly. He knew it wasn't an ideal situation but Hermione's protection came before all else. Hermione was insistent that he not give up his life to care for her and keep her safe, but he did not see it that way. She was his best friend and meant for more than either of them could imagine. He would stand at her side until the very end.
It wasn't giving up his life, it was securing their future.
"Well, now I can steal both of your perks," Ginny perked up. "So you're going down to the pitch with me when Draco can't."
Snorting, Hermione was incapable of stopping the smirk breaking across her face. "Of course," she drawled, "It's not like I have better things to do." Her voice dripped with sarcasm.
"Exactly," the youngest Weasley replied with a cheeky grin, laughing when Hermione threw a piece of bread at her.
Hermione started to retort, but Neville rushing toward them stopped her. Arching a brow, she waited.
"Gosh, I'm sorry. I was helping Professor Sprout and I didn't realize it'd gotten so late!" Neville wheezed, flopping down beside Ginny. His cheeks were flushed and he was panting softly.
Chuckling, Hermione shook her head. She knew her friend all too well. "It's fine, Neville. No need to apologize. You're not required to sit with us."
"I know," he coughed, "But I like sitting with you."
"What were you helping Professor Sprout with?" Ginny wondered, nibbling on a chicken leg.
Neville enthusiastically began regaling his experience, granting Hermione a few moments of peace. She loved the company of her friends, but she was overwhelmed by her ever-changing world and the obligation of conversing was all too taxing. Becoming a pawn in Umbridge's twisted game, forgiving Harry…
God she was so fucking tired.
She was the kind of tired poets bemoaned; exhausted by life, but too keyed up with the anxieties of the world to actually sleep. She was the kind of tired lesser men crumpled beneath, swallowed by the Earth and unable to claw their way from the dirt. She was tired of being tired.
So caught up in her thoughts, she nearly missed the awkward throat clearing behind her. Glancing over her shoulder, her eyes fell upon Harry. He was shuffling from one foot to the other, warily staring at Draco. The blonde boy glared, but bit his cheek. He had to trust Hermione's judgment, even if he despised Potter.
"Can I join you?" his voice trembled, words barely audible above the noise of the Great Hall.
Hermione waved her hand and Draco stood abruptly. "I have rounds. Might as well get a head start." He kissed Hermione's head with an affection only a brother could offer before strolling from the hall. Just because it was necessary didn't mean he had to like it nor did he have to interact any more than required.
Settling beside Hermione, Harry smiled awkwardly. "Hey, Gin. Neville."
Neville nodded silently, obvious distrust coloring green irises. Over the last few months, his loyalties had shifted to Hermione and their little band of misfits. He still believed Harry was important in the impending war, but that didn't mean he had to like his actions. He could only hope that Harry would prove himself once more, but he had to be realistic.
Harry had never had the best track record.
"So, Hermione, you know the stink bombs you helped Fred and George improve?" Hermione nodded carefully. "Well, tomorrow they plan to test them, and another one of their creations, so I would avoid going near the Slytherin common room and the hallway near Umbridge's office. Oh, and the fifth floor corridor! The twins are going to run Umbridge rampant." Ginny shot Harry a meaningful look.
Catching the glance, Hermione arched a curious brow, eyes flickering between the two Gryffindors. Harry seemed conflicted, internally warring with himself. He desperately wanted to regain Hermione's trust, but the badge glittering on her robe was daunting. Biting the proverbial bullet, he sighed.
"I want to contact Sirius and ask him about something, but the only fireplace not being monitored is…"
"Umbridge's," Hermione finished, understand splashed across her features. "This will be the perfect distraction."
"Exactly."
Humming thoughtfully, Hermione pushed her plate away. "Well, I'm positive the Inquisitorial Squad will be summoned, if only to catch the twins. I'm sure someone can manage to keep the others occupied while you talk to him."
Harry perked up. "You would do that? After everything?"
Shrugging, Hermione replied airily, "I told you we'd give this friendship another shot. What are friends for?"
The Golden Boy was stunned by Hermione's kindness. After being quite the git, she was still willing to put herself on the line for his antics.
Why had he ever listened to the others?
-X-
The letter in Narcissa's hand was crumpled slightly as she poured over the words carefully. There were a few peculiarities, but nothing concerning. Admittedly, she was startled by Hermione's joining the Inquisitorial Squad, but her children's reasonings were sound. Hermione forgiving Harry was another story entirely, but Draco promised to explain in detail later, during the Hogsmeade trip.
What stood out among her son's ramblings was his conversation and subsequent assessment that Hermione was starting to act similarly to Bella. He had given a vague overview of it without actually mentioning it, but she thought he was right. That sounded far more like Bellatrix than the sweet Gryffindor she'd come to know.
Bellatrix was on a mission for their Lord, one she only had snippets of information on. She was searching for something, but what she didn't know. Be it an item of interest or simply answers was a mystery. But He was in her library, his base of operations it seemed as of late, not that she minded. It meant Bellatrix and Lucius were home; accessible if she wanted them for something or if she needed to remind herself they were there.
Strolling from the sitting room, Narcissa paused in front of the library. Wormtail wasn't at his usual post so she assumed that He wasn't entertaining one of his loyal followers. Knocking softly, she waited for permission before nudging the door open. He was looming over a table, scanning the contents of a book.
"What can I do for you, Narcissa? It is a rare treat that you seek me out." He peered up, his snake-like eyes tracking her movements. He wasn't wrong; she usually went through Lucius or Bellatrix. She wasn't bothered by him, but being in his presence for too long made her uncomfortable.
She handed him the letter, staying quiet as he scrutinized the parchment thoughtfully.
"I thought you would wish to know about this development," Narcissa said, deliberately choosing her words. He was not an unreasonable Lord but he was unpredictable when it came to Hermione - and subsequently Bellatrix.
"This is quite a development." He passed the letter back to its rightful owner. "I was not expecting much to come from their connection while they're so far apart. With what I've had Bellatrix doing these previous few weeks, it has left them little time to talk, even through letters - especially with the Ministry's takeover of the school."
Narcissa remained silent. She was sure there was more to come and he was not a man to interrupt.
"Soulmates are a peculiar occurrence in our world. Nothing about them is consistent. Everything we know about them are mere speculations created by oblivious witches and wizards who only wish to condemn and ward them off. Fear makes us do terribly idiotic things, doesn't it?" He didn't wait for her to agree. "For years your family has served me well. I have left your family in impossible positions and yet, it thrives on. Lucius' lack of searching for me had left a sour taste in my mouth, I will admit, but he has done well to earn forgiveness. So I put faith in you that you shall not repeat what I'm about to tell you.
"When I came into power during the first war, I believed I was to become the ruler of this world; to bring it to its knees and shape it into my own. After Hermione's birth, I realized that it may not be that simple. Her prophecy is telling. At first, I was furious that a child - a mere baby - was to be more powerful than anyone could imagine. But it also made me realize a few things. Absolute power is far more than one person. It comes from those you surround yourself with and the strategy you follow. If she and Bella are to be greater than even myself, then they hold the power I need most.
"Despite what most think, I do care for her. It is not a conventional care and it will never be, but she is not just a pawn. She is my child - my flesh and blood - and the heir I never expected. I will never show her proper affections and I will never be an ideal father. I cannot be.
"However, you and Lucius are the parents she deserves; that is why I had no qualms about you adopting her. I am her father, make no mistake of that, but you provide the love and care I am incapable of. I may guide her, but you are nurturing and can show her things I cannot. A child will always need their blood, but there is nothing wrong with having multiple figures to look up to."
Narcissa gaped at the man, eyes glazed and a stunned expression marring her features. She'd never heard of him complimenting anyone - except maybe Bella - and she had no idea what to make of his monologue. He was acknowledging her love (and Lucius') for Hermione, approving of it in fact, and title made her heart pound against her ribs.
"You are dismissed." He waved his hand, though a faint smile was painted across thin lips. "I trust you will keep this conversation to yourself?"
"Of course, my Lord."