Disc- It's all JK's. Everything. Do you think I'd be writing fanfiction if I owned Harry Potter? (Yes...) And no, unfortunately not, I'm not earning any money from this. (Darn...I'm broke too...)
A/N-Yes, I'm finally back, on the internet for the first time in a month and I'm so sorry about that. I'll try to be a bit quicker next time, but I'm so busy it's crazy. Sorry and hope this was worth the wait!
~Recap
I hadn't seen Voldemort yet, and when I turned to look for him, I didn't have to look far. "Well, well, well. What do we have here?" said his slippery voice, and I looked up and saw his red eyes staring into my own.
I had let my cloak slip off my head.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was speechless; it seemed as if my voice had left my body and gone elsewhere. 'How could you have been so stupid?' I mentally cursed myself. Voldemort's cold voice reverberated in my mind, haunting my reply and preventing me from speaking.
"I asked you a question, mudblood. Answer me when I talk to you," Voldemort said in a menacing tone and took a step towards me, making me reflexively move back.
My voice was still gone. My breaths were rapid and weak, and beads of sweat were forming on my head. I looked over at Draco, but he was still lifeless. "Draco," I whimpered.
"Oh? You see your little boyfriend over here? He is alive," Voldemort told me and I couldn't help but let a small smile creep on my face, a smile that faded when red eyes bore upon my skin. He was so frightening; it took my breath away.
"You didn't let me finish," he said and his lips curled into a horrible silence when my face paled. "He is alive, but not for long," he said and I closed my eyes. Not for long? Draco was my world, my everything, I could see myself marrying him as soon as we both graduated. Life without my Draco was unimaginable, and I certainly didn't want to try to imagine it.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"If you don't do what exactly what I say, he will die," Voldemort threatened and pointed his wand at Draco's heart. Voldemort's scabby, coarse fingers curled around his wand like vines twisting up and down a building.
"What do you want?" I bravely asked. I would risk my life for Draco, surely Voldemort knew this. Draco was everything in the world to me.
"Aren't you supposed to be dead?" Pansy interrupted, causing Voldemort to redden in the face. He obviously wasn't used to interruptions, and this one made him exceptionally angry. He was in the middle of his melodramatic speech about life or death, and then comes a shameless sixteen year old corrupting it.
"Ah yes, tell me about that Miss Granger," Lucius said. "Mr. Zabani seems to be under the impression that he killed you. He, apparently, is very wrong. Why does he think he killed you?" Lucius' stare was cold and murderous; he knew I was the reason we were here, even if Voldemort didn't make that clear.
"I-I don't know. Maybe he was drugged," I said, which was first thing that came to mind because I wasn't about to tell them the truth. I would surely be executed for the truth.
"Well, that is of no importance now," Voldemort waved the subject aside, having had enough of the talk. "Mudblood, I'll make this death quick and painless, don't worry," he perilously said. His expression cast an unearthly shadow over Draco, a shadow of darkness which only the brightest light would destroy. I watched Draco's immobile body, the wisps of silver-blonde hair that fell lightly onto his forehead, and his pale hands which had held me so many times before.
"Please don't kill him, I'll do anything!" I pleaded, falling to my knees from having been so overcome with emotion. "Anything."
"I wasn't talking about him," he said as my eyes widened. Voldemort's long, old and used wand was raised and pointed at my chest. I looked ahead of me, and Voldemort's thin mouth was directly inline with mine. I could feel his flaming breath on my face, and it scorched my cheek. I reached up and felt my inflamed skin, which was red with animosity.
"No no no," I pleaded, collapsing into a heap. The next few minutes passed, and nothing was said. I looked at my surroundings, the last things I was ever going see. 'Eyes, look their last,' I thought, quoting the muggle play, "Romeo and Juliet." Draco's room was furnished with all silver and green furniture and adornings. Pansy was sitting on the couch, staring into my eyes with horror all over her face. She looked as if she hadn't actually expected me to be killed. Lucius was still pacing, twirling his finger around his goatee. He took nervous yet proud steps and kept his head down. A short person in a black cloak who I hadn't noticed before was guarding Draco. He lifted his head to look at me as though he could feel my gaze. When his hood fell back, I gasped, than cursed myself. "I should've known," I muttered so silently that even Voldemort didn't hear my speak. And Voldemort. Voldemort had moved so that he was across the room from me, his wand still pointed right at the middle of my chest.
Draco was the last thing I looked at before Voldemort spoke. Draco's pale, blonde hair fell in wisps around his contrasting pale face. His eyes were closed, something that really struck me. If I had one second to live, which, ironically, I did, all I wanted was to look into his eyes one more time. His hands were in his lap, clenched tightly. He had a murderous look on his face, and I felt as though he was telling me off for being so stupid. "Fight back," I heard his soul speak. "You have a wand, you can do it. I believe you. I trust you," and his voice faded away. Hearing his voice one more time gave me the strength I had been missing, and the strength replaced the fear of which I felt no more.
I curled my head under my body and reposed into a fetal position so I could get my wand without suspicion. Yes, I was outnumbered, but I was going to die anyway. Might as well go down fighting for my life. For Draco's life. I had my wand safely in my hand when I spoke again and an agonizing voice. "Please don't. I'll do anything," I begged.
"I know you will. You told me that already. But there's nothing I want from you," Voldemort said, and I could tell he wasn't so sure of that himself.
"Nothing?" I questioned and looked up with a pathetic look on my face. Yes, being seductive was an absolute last attempt, but it was worth a try. Besides, he was a man, and no matter how evil he was, men have hormones.
Voldemort smiled, well, more like smirked, and lowered his wand. "I think I'll be able to postpone your death for a little while," he smiled. "But you will do what I say. You will listen," he commanded.
"Yes sir," I said quietly, but inside I was smiling. He may have the most disgusting things planned for me, but his sick desires bought me time.
"You will sit on the couch and watch me torture Mr. Malfoy," he said and I took a deep breath before getting up and sitting next to Pansy who instinctively moved away from me. It was as if she was scared of me.
"Now watch the master," he said and raised his wand, jerking Draco's head up with him. Draco's eyes opened, and they darted around prior to viewing me. His eyes widened when he saw my sitting on the couch, watching him.
"I love you," I mouthed so nobody could here and he acknowledged it with a nod. Seeing Draco alive one more time gave me the energy to perform the curses I needed to administer in order to escape alive.
"Mr. Malfoy," Voldemort said, and I pointed the tip of my wand at Pansy. I whispered a spell, and in a split second, her head fell back on the couch and all her limbs relaxed. I heaved a deep breath, and took my aim once again.
"One down, three to go," I murmured. Lucius' back was to me so he was my next prey. Within a second, he was face-down on the floor, and no one was any the wiser. I had combined the silence spell with Stupefy so nobody could tell anything had happened. I smirked at my cleverness, then got ready for my third curse.
Wormtail was the person in the black cloak whom my eyes had slid over at first and he was eyeing me, so I sarcastically smiled at him and he turned away. "Idiot," I muttered. Since Wormtail was well aware of my presence and was eyeing me closely, I had to refrain from hexing him. Voldemort was still standing over Draco, pulling his head up and down as if Draco was his puppet and Voldemort was the puppeteer. It made me sick to my stomach, and I couldn't stand watching it.
"You," Voldemort suddenly said and I jumped in surprise. I looked at him, expecting him to finish his sentence. "Come here," he motioned for me to come with his long, scaly finger.
I gulped, expecting the worse, then reluctantly got up. Voldemort luckily didn't see Lucius, and he figured Pansy fell asleep. Voldemort grabbed me by my hair when I was within his grasp, and Draco flinched and shut his eyes tightly. The ropes binding him to the chair were cutting into his skin and it felt as if I could see the bright red streaks coiling around his arm. My wand was under my robes, so I couldn't get it.
"What do you see?" he asked. I didn't answer him, but rather looked at him, bewildered. "I said," he inhaled, "tell me what you see." I decided to play dumb, just to stall time. Time is death anyway.
"I see Draco," I answered and Voldemort's nostrils flared.
"What about Draco?" he said.
"He's tied up and those ropes are penetrating his skin," I told Voldemort and Draco closed his eyes tightly again. He shook his head, as if telling me that was the wrong thing to say, but I still ignored him.
"I am aware of that. Should I make them tighter? Will that get a straight answer out of you, mudblood?" he threatened, and I decided to tell him what he wanted to hear. He was very intimidating, and not someone to mess with.
"I see Draco tied up because he disobeyed you. The tight ropes are a punishment. I see you, very powerful and strong," I gave compliments and Voldemort's horrible smile broadened. I was satisfying him already, and I hadn't even been close enough to have to touch his repulsive skin.
"Yes, yes that is true. Very good. What do you see about yourself?" he asked, hoping that I would say the right answer so he wouldn't have to kill me.
"I am no match for you," I lied. "You have all power over me and Hogwarts," I said reluctantly. It pained me so much to say it, but I felt I had to. Otherwise, Voldemort would see right through me.
"Smart little one, aren't you. Lucius was correct in telling me that you were very intelligent," at that he turned around to face Lucius, and found him lying on the ground. That had given me time to whip out my wand, and hold it in my sleeve so Voldemort couldn't see it. Voldemort's face turned red, contorted with fury. "How did this happen?" he asked Wormtail.
When his back was turned, I whispered to Draco, still facing Voldemort's back. "Draco," I hissed quietly, trying to move my lips as little as possible. "Where's your wand?"
"He has it," he said, nodding at Wormtail who was looking at Voldemort with terror on his face.
Voldemort towered over Wormtail so there was hardly any light between their bodies. "Accio wand," I whispered, and Draco and Wormtail wands came zooming towards me. I caught them, and threw Draco's to him. I unbound him, but made it look as though he was still tied up though he could move anywhere and get up. "Don't move," I told him when he tried to get up.
"Idiot boy!" Voldemort yelled and hit Wormtail upside the head. Wormtail fell to the ground from the force of the blow. He clutched his head, whimpering and sobbing.
"Sorry, so sorry my Lord. I will keep better watch from now on," he apologized between wails.
"I hope so," Voldemort said and turned back to me and Draco. "Now, where were we?" he asked, an annoyed look on his face.
"I believe you were telling me how smart I was," I replied. "Then you found Lucius on the ground."
"Right. Do you know how Lucius got like that?" Voldemort asked. I hoped he didn't suspect me.
"Actually, I do," I said with a slight smile on my face. "You see Pansy? Her and Lucius got into a duel and knocked each other unconscious," I fibbed, and prayed Voldemort would believe me.
"Why would they do that?" Voldemort questioned forcefully, staring into my eyes, as if trying to analyze me.
"Um..." I cast my mind around. "Pansy was mad that Draco was being hurt and she blamed Lucius. He challenged her to a duel and it was all very quick," I told him, hoping he would believe me.
"And you don't have a wand," Voldemort stated.
"Oh no. Blaise took it and hid it somewhere in his room. I couldn't find it," I said, gulping.
"Let's just check then, shall we?" Voldemort said and raised his wand.
"I don't think that's necessary," I said in an unusually high and strained voice, and glanced at Draco, giving him the cue of distraction.
He got the message, and abruptly hexed Wormtail, who had red boils spring up all over his face. Voldemort spun around, and stared at Wormtail. I took out my two wands, and Draco stood up, holding his out in front of him. "Accio wand!" he shouted and Voldemort's wand soared into Draco's outstretched hand. Voldemort whipped around, his nostrils flared and his eyes closed into slits of red.
"Stupefy!" I shouted and hoped it had hit Voldemort. It did, but did nothing; Voldemort was too powerful for such a petty spell.
"Only dark spells work on him," Draco informed me.
"I can't do any," I said in a panicked voice.
"Stand back," he instructed and rolled up his sleeves. "Sciotto!" Draco shouted and Voldemort was hurled at the wall and his arms were outspread. Tiny red spots were blossoming on his arms, spots I realized were blood.
"Such a small spell Mr. Malfoy. I would've thought Lucius had taught you better than that," Voldemort menaced and stood up and walked towards Draco. His arms were down at his side, and as fast as the speed of light, they were on Draco's throat.
Draco's hands flew up to his throat, trying to pry Voldemort's hands off but his grip was too tight. Voldemort tightened his hands around his throat and Draco started to turn blue.
"Draco!" I cried. I couldn't do anything because I didn't know any dark curses. Running out of ideas and sanity, I ran and jumped on Voldemort's back. "Let him go! Leave him alone!" I bellowed with my legs around his waist, and my cold hands on his face, obstructing his view.
"Get off me mudblood!" Voldemort roared and threw me off, making me hit the wall with such force, it felt as though I were paralyzed.
"No!" I screeched when Draco lost consciousness. "Help me! Help me! Please...anybody..." I cried, losing hope. I got up one last time, and bravely limped over to Voldemort. I struck him right in the back, and he turned to face me, his eyes livid.
"That was a very stupid thing to do," he threatened.
"Well this is going to be even stupider!" I screamed. I took my knee and rammed it into Voldemort's most sensitive spot. As I said before, the most evil wizard in the world was still human, if even hardly that. He keeled over, clutching himself. Draco dropped to the floor, landing sprawled-eagle. Voldemort looked up and seized my throat. "Aac..a...help me," I screeched.
"Morentio!" I heard a high, shrill voice shout from the corner of the room. I immediately felt the grasp on my throat loosen and I was able to look around. Voldemort was unmoving on the ground, right next to Draco. Pansy had her wand outstretched and her eyes were wide. "I just cursed my master. Oh what have I done?" she started to wail and put her hands up to her face, hiding her eyes from sight.
"Pansy!" I said breathlessly. "You just saved us," I said with my eyes widening, actually realizing for the first time that my enemy had saved my life.
"Not yet," she nodded at Draco, but he was still insentient.
"Draco," I stifled and walked to him. I checked his pulse, but there wasn't any. 'Think Hermione, think,' I thought. 'How do you CPR again? You know this...' "A ha!" I said and Pansy looked up.
"I don't think so," she sneered. "Stupefy," she uttered and I fell into a pool of blackness.
*Pansy's POV*
"I want to be the one to save him," I told Wormtail who merely nodded and looked the other way.
"Well go on then," he said and I swayed on spot.
"I...er...don't know what to do," I said sheepishly.
"It's called CPR. It's some muggle thing," Wormtail shrugged.
"But I don't know it," I whined.
"Then just do Ennervate. Easy enough," he said.
"Fine. I will," I said in a know-it-all voice. I got all dramatic, and pointed my wand over Draco's heart. "Ennervate," I whispered and saw him stir. 'Thank God,' I silently prayed.
"Pansy?" he said weakly.
"Yes dear?" I threw a pathetic smile on my face and panted as if I were out of breath from saving him.
"What are you doing here? What happened? All I remember is Hermione jumping on Voldemort's back and getting thrown off. Then I blacked out. It was so...so...awful. She was just trying to save me..." he looked off and seeing the look on my face, began again. "And you...you were out cold. How'd you wake up?"
"Rat man over here brought me back to consciousness," I nodded at Wormtail who looked away as though embarrassed that I'd called him 'rat man.'
"But Hermione had his wand. Does she still? Did he get it back?" he bombarded me with questions.
"Why do you want to know so much about her? I was the one who saved you," I told him.
"You were? What happened? Tell me from where you woke up to when I did," he said.
"Fine. Rat man used his little silver hand-ish thing to wake me up. He didn't need a wand because of the hand. Anyway, when Granger got thrown against the wall, she blacked out. Just like you," I lied. "I snatched the opportunity, and cursed Voldemort with the Morentio curse. Obviously, he was knocked out instantaneously," I smiled at my use of an impressive word.
"Wow. You saved me. Thank you," he said quietly.
"What's wrong?" I asked sweetly.
"How did Hermione get over here from the wall?" he asked and I noticed for the first time, Granger near him.
"Eh...um...well you see she er..." I struggled to find an excuse.
"I brought her over here," Wormtail spoke up. "She was too close to the fire otherwise. She would've been burned to death," he quickly excused.
"Exactly. What he said," I agreed.
"Yeah and I see why you did that because you all care about her so much you want to save her. Right. Because you forget, Voldemort wants her dead. So yeah, I can see exactly why you want her to live. Because you know, no one wants to please the master," Draco mocked and I scoffed.
"Smart-ass," I muttered under my breath.
"What was that you said Pansy?" he asked.
"Nothing, nothing. Just agreeing with you," I lied again.
"Pansy," he said and I looked expectantly at him. "Why don't you tell me the real story?"
"But that was the real story," I put on an innocent face.
"I'm leaving. And I'm taking her with me," he motioned to Granger.
"No!" I objected. "Please. Um...help me get Voldemort, Lucius and Wormtail out of here," I came up with a reason for him to stay.
"You invited them, you get rid of them," Draco told me and I pouted.
"I will pay you back Draco Malfoy," I told him. "I will. And your little girlfriend too," I added.
"I'm terrified."
"You should be," I said. Draco shook his head and picked up Granger. He walked out of the portrait hole without saying another word.
"No! That wasn't supposed to happen!" I complained.
"Pansy, we have to go," Wormtail said worriedly.
"Shut it you. I have connections you know. How do you think you got in here? The dark curses? Someone had to shut of the alarm idiot," I murmured.
"Of course," Wormtail said bowing and lifting up his sleeves. "Time to revive our master," he said.
"NO!" I screeched. "Don't do that. He'll kill me right away. He had Draco and Granger right within his reach and I stopped him. He'll kill me. Wait until you get back to the manor. Take Lucius and get out. You better do it soon too. Trelawny thinks everyone who's supposed to be dead is dead. So get them and go."
"OK," Wormtail declared. "Bye," he waved meekly and sorrowfully before flooing back to the manor.
"Now what I am I going to do?" I moaned. I had risked my life for Draco's, and what I got in repayment was a lousy thank you and bashing. What of that? "It's not fair!" I screamed and curled up into a ball. Tears were flowing down my face like raging rapids that never seemed to cease. "Now I'm going to die! I'm going to die for Draco!" I sobbed loudly. "You see what did Draco? Do you see?" I blared into the night. "I hope you're happy Draco. I hope you wanted me dead. My one last wish before I die is to see you watch it. I want you to see what you put me through. You're killing me Draco!" I spoke to heavens above. "Please! Grant me this one last craving. I give up! I give up! Draco, you've won for now, but the Dark Lord will get you. He always does. He always wins," I cried softly. "Always," I said before sinking into a deep sleep which nothing would end up penetrating.
*Draco's POV*
"What do I do, where do I go?" I asked aloud. Hermione was in my arms, and she was weighing me down slowly. My room was occupied by the foulest things that walk the earth, and I had forgotten where Hermione's room was. I thought hard, and then my head snapped up. "The Astronomy Tower," I said abruptly.
I ran as fast as I could, which wasn't that effective seeing as I still had Hermione in my arms. I laid her down on the stairs, and took out my wand, making her feather light. "That's better," I said when I picked her up and she felt as though she were as heavy as a quill.
I got to the Tower, and walked in. All our stuff was still there from earlier. I put her gently on the couch, and stroked her limp hair. "Ennervate," I said and she stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, and she smiled when she saw me looking down at her.
"Draco," she breathed.
"Hermione," I said softly in return.
"Where are we? What happened?" she asked weakly.
"We're in the tower. Voldemort's knocked out. I expect he's back at the manor now though. He's really weak. Wormtail probably took him and Lucius back home," I paused for a moment. "I mean back there."
"Oh Draco!" she lamented and tried to sit up and throw her arms around me, but she was too weak. She fell back and her eyes filled with teardrops. They threatened to come pouring out like waterfalls, but I wiped them away before they could.
"Don't cry," I requested. "It only makes me want to."
"Why us Draco? Why? What did we ever do? Why is it so wrong to love someone so much you'll do anything for them? Why can't they just accept it? Draco, when you die, I'll be right there next to you. Always. I'll always love you. I'll always be with you," she found the strength to put her arms around me.
I enveloped her in a hug, and didn't let go. I just held onto her. Her brown curls tickled my face and I lightly played with them. I stroked her hair while she cried into my chest. Her sobs and the rise and fall of her chest carried me to a distant world inside my head. Nothing penetrated it, I just thought of her. Her and her sweet laugh, her wonderful smile and the way it lit up any room. Everything about her made me seem like I was dating an angel. "And I'll be with you," I told her and felt the smile on her lips mold into place as she heaved a contented sigh into my cloak though I could feel it on my skin.
We just held on to each other, absorbing the silence like water to a sponge. We were clinging onto each other as though it would be the last time we got to hold one another. For all we knew, it could be. We had numerous amounts of evil people after us, who would show no mercy next time they got ahold of us. Their dark plots could shine brightly through all the light emitted from Hogwarts.
After a while, she broke off, needing to lie down and rest. "Sorry," she joked.
"No reason to be," I said, laying down next to her on the couch that was only supposed to hold one person. Our figures weaved themselves together, thus creating the image that we were one body. One soul. One person. One spirit.
She turned to face me, her eyes gazing into mine. "I love your eyes," she finally said.
"What?" I said incredulously. Eyes?
She giggled innocently. "I always have. They amaze me," she looked into them once again. Her gaze burned so deeply on mine, I could feel the heat.
"My eyes intrigue you? What's so special about them?"
"They just-," she faltered. "They house so many emotions behind a clear glass. Sometimes it seems as though the transparent glass is fogged up. Then I can't tell what you're feeling," she admitted guiltily.
"So you're been able to tell how I feel all along?" I said suspiciously.
"Well, maybe not your exact feelings. But the basics is clear. You don't wear your emotions on your sleeves Draco, but rather in your eyes," she explained.
"Oh," I said dully. I looked around, seeing everything my eyes were taking in. I tried to look beneath the surface of all of it, trying to see the deeper meaning behind it. But, it's awful hard to find the deep meaning of a desk.
"Ron on the other hand," she started and laughed. "Well that's a different story. He is very blunt and to-the-point. He does wear his emotions on his sleeve, and they can cause many problems," she chuckled, thinking about her best friend who had cause so many emotional problems for her.
"So what am I feeling now?" I inquired. Could she tell?
"Hmm..." she took my head in her hands, moving it up and down, right and left. "You are feeling warm, and affectionate. You are feeling romantic and passion. You also have malice and hatred deep beneath everything else. Hate that is targeted at your father," she somberly said and her eyes averted my gaze. They looked at all the things surrounding us, but never once met my eyes.
"Just like reading a book," I said.
"Much like it, but not just. Your eyes take me places I've never been. Places I can only see through your eyes," she said thoughtfully.
"Oh. Let me look into yours," I made an attempt at reading her eyes.
"You have a gift," I grinned as I pulled back.
"Nothing?"
"Not one thing," I acknowledged.
"It's a gift," she concluded.
"And a very special yet intruding one at the same time," I teased.
"So?"
"Oh Mione," I held her even closer. "You are one of a kind."
"Now that you mention it, I guess your right," she smirked.
"This is your cue to tell me the same thing," I hinted.
"Oh is it? Draco," she paused and moved her lips closer to mine. I anticipated her to say something extremely romantic and passionate, but I was sadly mistake. "You're just like everyone else."
"That's more like it--hey!" realization of what she said had dawned on me. "That wasn't very nice," I pouted and stuck out my lower lip and she took it in her fingers and brought it back up to meet my lips. I cast puppy dog eyes and she looked pitiful for a moment then smiled.
"Nope," she happily. "It wasn't. But that's the fun of it. Besides, what are you going to do about it? You have no good one-liners like me."
"No, but my method is a little less verbal. I'm sure you'll find it intriguing and sensual," I said and kissed her. It wasn't anything big, innocent and pure. Her lips tasted of innocence and sweet affection. They begged for more every second, never being satisfied with what they got.
I pulled away, leaving her grabbing for my neck. "Mmm...that is a good method of comebacks," she said, licking her lips. Watching her do this made me want her lips on mine again, even more so than before.
"I know," I told her, and moved to kiss her again, but was stopped by the sound of pounding on the door.
"What's that?" she asked me, alarmed. Her eyes widened in fear when the knocking didn't desist.
"I don't know," I answered, my eyes wide.
"Ask," she ushered.
"No," I hissed. "It could be anyone." It was true. Voldemort and his puppets could've come back to get us. They were raving, and would act at a moments notice, killing us at first glance. They wouldn't even look back on it. It would be put behind them along with all the other murders committed. A father killing his only son and soulmate would have no effect whatsoever on the father. At least it wouldn't if the father was Lucius. It would be dismissed just as a stranger's murder would.
We walked silently to the door, and I gathered up my courage. "Who's there?" I bravely asked in a falsely confident voice.
The pounding just got loud and harsher. "They'll knock the door down," Hermione whispered.
"I warn you, I'm armed!" I lied. My wand was ready and out, but I still was no match for Voldemort and his entourage of idiots.
"Open it," Hermione pleaded when a crack formed in the door as the pounding refused to halt.
"Stand back," I said and she quickly retreated to the couch, hiding her head under her hands which were strategically placed on the most vulnerable parts of her head.
"No, hide behind the couch. Don't let them know you're here," I told her and she nodded, her mouth strained in a open O and her eyes darting around, checking to make sure the room was safe.
When I made sure she was hidden, I braced myself, and swung the door open. "Ratiopritesium!" I cried, fashioning a shield around me so that nothing but the unforgivable curses could rupture. It was a dark curse I had learned from my father awhile back. The shield was invisible so the attacker thought the victim was unarmed. It was a useful spell that came in handy.
"Thanks for that. It was getting a bit drafty out there," said an unwelcome yet familiar voice.
"Ronald Weasley!" Hermione screamed and ran out from behind the couch, her arms flailing around. She ran up to Weasley and got up in his face. "You nearly made us wet our pants!"
"Did I really?" he looked amused. "Darn. It would've been a sight to see. Draco Malfoy, the amazing bouncing ferret slash pants wetter," Ron joked and I gave him a cold stare. How dare he call me that?
"Ron I don't believe you," Hermione said, straining to fight the smile that wanted to creep up on her lips. I mentally begged her not to smile. It would give Weasley the assumption that she thought he was amusing, which he certainly was not.
"I am unbelievable," he admitted, looking way too proud of himself. I had a strong urge to go punch his smirking face in, but I had a feeling that wouldn't have gone over well with Hermione.
"Unbelievably annoying," I butted in, staring at him with slits for eyes.
"You think so? I was going for unbelievably dashing, charming, brilliant, you know, the works," he said, looking himself over.
"Well I'm not one to judge on that," I said, making the conversation a bit lighter, and speaking the truth.
"I should hope not," Weasley retorted indignantly.
"Guys, leave it alone. Just drop it. It's not worth it," Hermione split us apart.
"Yeah, you're right Hermione. Truce?" Weasley said, extending his hand to mine.
I faltered, then saw persuasive expression on Hermione's face. "Truce," I sighed and briskly shook Weasley's hand. "Weasley."
Hermione smiled, showing all her dazzling, white teeth. "Haven't we been through this before, Malfoy?" Ron said.
"I can only vaguely remember it," I said, lying through my teeth.
"You are impossible. Ron," she revolved around to face him, "what ever happened with Pansy?"
Weasley's face turned bright red, and the tips of his ears looked as if they were going to burn off into a crisp. "What-what do you mean?" he said in a high voice.
"I mean, last night. When Draco and I were alone in the tower. Pansy was with you. Why didn't you come find us?"
"Well, I er...OK so she's alluring. So sue me!" he threw his hands up and looked down, his face still flushed.
"God Weasley," I said in shock.
"What?" he asked miserably.
"You do get around," I nodded and his jaw dropped. He opened his mouth to reply, but I cut him off. "I mean, two girls in twelve hours. Woo, that's better than I can say."
"Oh yeah? I do recall you doing the same exact thing in reverse. Right? Pansy in the morning, Hermione at night. Isn't that what happened yesterday?" he smartly responded.
"Er..." I stammered. It was true. I had done the same thing as Weasley. Great...
"Draco Malfoy!" Hermione shrieked.
"I don't think you're one to talk Mione," Ron cut in. "You snogged two people also yesterday."
"I-I-no I didn't!" she disagreed.
"I think you did," I argued.
"OK, so we all kissed two people yesterday. Can we get on with the conversation?" she said.
"Yes. Where were we? Oh yes, I remember. Weasley, what exactly did you do with Pansy?" I asked and he looked away.
"I don't remember," he screwed up his face, as trying to remember.
"You're a bad actor Ron," Hermione informed him and he looked affronted. "We need to know how you kept her occupied. This could save many lives."
"How?" he asked skeptically.
"It shows what keeps someone careless when they are achieving the Imperius curse. Something you did kept Pansy engaged," Hermione said.
"Fine if it's for the good of our side. We...um...er...got into a pretty intense snogging session," he said, ashamed at himself.
"That's all?"
"No. We kind of went a little farther than I had intended," he shifted on his feet.
"How far exactly?" Hermione asked, getting a bit red in the face.
"Er..."
"Ronald Weasley you answer me right now!" Hermione fumed and stamped her foot down. She was obviously very disturbed that Ron would declare his feelings for her then got snog another girl. Pansy at that.
"Well...um...probably farther than you and Malfoy ever went," he confessed.
"How could you? I've been going out with Draco for the longest time and you...you..." she sputtered, lost for words. Her face was bright red.
"Hermione, I'm sorry. But it did give you time with Malfoy. Right? I mean, you wouldn't have any time with him if it wasn't for me," he tried to defend himself, and I hated to admit it, but I agreed with him.
"He is right you know Mione. We wouldn't have any time to be together otherwise. If Ron hadn't done anything with Pansy, she would've barged up here and split us up right away. We're lucky Ron's a perverted git," I said with relish.
"Hey!" he objected, looking mad.
"Well, I'll give you that. But did you have to do so much?" she asked ruefully in a small voice, close to tears.
"I'm really sorry. I guess I just got caught up in the moment," he said, and he looked truly sorry.
"I forgive you, but this'll take time to heal," she said, and sniffled a little bit. I hated to see her like this, so upset and empty. Just empty. Her tone of voice, her expressions, the way she kept her hands folded neatly on her lap. It pained me inside and made me want to wring Weasley's neck.
"Of course," he hastily agreed, not wanting to rift their relationship further.
"So Weasley, do you mind?" I asked. I wanted time for Hermione and me to talk. Talk about what had just happened, what we had been through together.
"Yeah sure. I was just checking on you," he said and walked towards the door. "I genuinely am sorry," he said and left, his footsteps echoing off the walls even after he had shut the door.
Hermione looked up at me, and I could still see the remainders of tears in her eyes. Tears that had fallen for Weasley when they shouldn't have. Tears that streaked her face like a red spot on white snow. Snow, so soft and sparkling, that was trailed with blood. Dark crimson blood that contrasted with the powdery, white snow. Hermione didn't deserve this, she didn't need to cry. Not over Weasley. Not over anybody. And especially not me.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A/N- So what do you think? There's no cliffie, that's a good thing, right? I guess I'm sort-of over the writers block I was having.
I AM CONDUCTING A POLL WHICH I NEED PEOPLE TO TAKE! Please! It goes something like this:
Shorter chapters?
Longer chapters?
Or keep it the way it is?
Please tell me in a review and if you choose shorter or longer, please tell me by how much. Thanks you so much in advance!
You guys really are the best...
Cyropi- I'm so sorry I haven't reviewed your story, but I haven't even been off my log in page in months! Anyway, yes Pansy and Trelawny are both evil. Did I mention Blaise was too? Because I know you did! Did you like the movie? Hope is your French coming along? I take Spanish, si senorita. Your sequel is awesome so far, and I'll read right after I get this up!
Angela- Sorry it took me so long, but I was a good cliffie, right?
AlyBaby- I think you found out what happened to Ron, but I'll tell you if you didn't. He wandered around aimlessly for hours, got some sleep, than went to find D and H. Got it? Hee hee.
DracoMalfoy- Thank you for clicking it! Maybe I should start clicking the interent symbol and writing...sorry everyone!
Draco'sAmericanGurl- Wow! Thank you for the long review! Tell me when your story is posted because I'll read it for sure! Thank for all the compliments! They really keep me going. I'm glad you're a faithful reviewer, because I am too when I get the time. How was your Christmas? Hope it was good! Thanks for the review, and by the way, you reviewed on my birthday! December 21! Yeah!
Haleigh- I hope you didn't go crazy, that wouldn't be a good thing. Thanks for the review!
Tinny- Thank you!
Rosewell4ever- Thank so you much! I'm glad I've contributed to your change of opinion on Draco. Thanks so much for the reviews!
OK guys that's it. I won't blame you if you don't review because I really deserve it for taking so long. But if you feel kind enough for even two words, that'll be greatly appreciated!
A/N-Yes, I'm finally back, on the internet for the first time in a month and I'm so sorry about that. I'll try to be a bit quicker next time, but I'm so busy it's crazy. Sorry and hope this was worth the wait!
~Recap
I hadn't seen Voldemort yet, and when I turned to look for him, I didn't have to look far. "Well, well, well. What do we have here?" said his slippery voice, and I looked up and saw his red eyes staring into my own.
I had let my cloak slip off my head.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was speechless; it seemed as if my voice had left my body and gone elsewhere. 'How could you have been so stupid?' I mentally cursed myself. Voldemort's cold voice reverberated in my mind, haunting my reply and preventing me from speaking.
"I asked you a question, mudblood. Answer me when I talk to you," Voldemort said in a menacing tone and took a step towards me, making me reflexively move back.
My voice was still gone. My breaths were rapid and weak, and beads of sweat were forming on my head. I looked over at Draco, but he was still lifeless. "Draco," I whimpered.
"Oh? You see your little boyfriend over here? He is alive," Voldemort told me and I couldn't help but let a small smile creep on my face, a smile that faded when red eyes bore upon my skin. He was so frightening; it took my breath away.
"You didn't let me finish," he said and his lips curled into a horrible silence when my face paled. "He is alive, but not for long," he said and I closed my eyes. Not for long? Draco was my world, my everything, I could see myself marrying him as soon as we both graduated. Life without my Draco was unimaginable, and I certainly didn't want to try to imagine it.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"If you don't do what exactly what I say, he will die," Voldemort threatened and pointed his wand at Draco's heart. Voldemort's scabby, coarse fingers curled around his wand like vines twisting up and down a building.
"What do you want?" I bravely asked. I would risk my life for Draco, surely Voldemort knew this. Draco was everything in the world to me.
"Aren't you supposed to be dead?" Pansy interrupted, causing Voldemort to redden in the face. He obviously wasn't used to interruptions, and this one made him exceptionally angry. He was in the middle of his melodramatic speech about life or death, and then comes a shameless sixteen year old corrupting it.
"Ah yes, tell me about that Miss Granger," Lucius said. "Mr. Zabani seems to be under the impression that he killed you. He, apparently, is very wrong. Why does he think he killed you?" Lucius' stare was cold and murderous; he knew I was the reason we were here, even if Voldemort didn't make that clear.
"I-I don't know. Maybe he was drugged," I said, which was first thing that came to mind because I wasn't about to tell them the truth. I would surely be executed for the truth.
"Well, that is of no importance now," Voldemort waved the subject aside, having had enough of the talk. "Mudblood, I'll make this death quick and painless, don't worry," he perilously said. His expression cast an unearthly shadow over Draco, a shadow of darkness which only the brightest light would destroy. I watched Draco's immobile body, the wisps of silver-blonde hair that fell lightly onto his forehead, and his pale hands which had held me so many times before.
"Please don't kill him, I'll do anything!" I pleaded, falling to my knees from having been so overcome with emotion. "Anything."
"I wasn't talking about him," he said as my eyes widened. Voldemort's long, old and used wand was raised and pointed at my chest. I looked ahead of me, and Voldemort's thin mouth was directly inline with mine. I could feel his flaming breath on my face, and it scorched my cheek. I reached up and felt my inflamed skin, which was red with animosity.
"No no no," I pleaded, collapsing into a heap. The next few minutes passed, and nothing was said. I looked at my surroundings, the last things I was ever going see. 'Eyes, look their last,' I thought, quoting the muggle play, "Romeo and Juliet." Draco's room was furnished with all silver and green furniture and adornings. Pansy was sitting on the couch, staring into my eyes with horror all over her face. She looked as if she hadn't actually expected me to be killed. Lucius was still pacing, twirling his finger around his goatee. He took nervous yet proud steps and kept his head down. A short person in a black cloak who I hadn't noticed before was guarding Draco. He lifted his head to look at me as though he could feel my gaze. When his hood fell back, I gasped, than cursed myself. "I should've known," I muttered so silently that even Voldemort didn't hear my speak. And Voldemort. Voldemort had moved so that he was across the room from me, his wand still pointed right at the middle of my chest.
Draco was the last thing I looked at before Voldemort spoke. Draco's pale, blonde hair fell in wisps around his contrasting pale face. His eyes were closed, something that really struck me. If I had one second to live, which, ironically, I did, all I wanted was to look into his eyes one more time. His hands were in his lap, clenched tightly. He had a murderous look on his face, and I felt as though he was telling me off for being so stupid. "Fight back," I heard his soul speak. "You have a wand, you can do it. I believe you. I trust you," and his voice faded away. Hearing his voice one more time gave me the strength I had been missing, and the strength replaced the fear of which I felt no more.
I curled my head under my body and reposed into a fetal position so I could get my wand without suspicion. Yes, I was outnumbered, but I was going to die anyway. Might as well go down fighting for my life. For Draco's life. I had my wand safely in my hand when I spoke again and an agonizing voice. "Please don't. I'll do anything," I begged.
"I know you will. You told me that already. But there's nothing I want from you," Voldemort said, and I could tell he wasn't so sure of that himself.
"Nothing?" I questioned and looked up with a pathetic look on my face. Yes, being seductive was an absolute last attempt, but it was worth a try. Besides, he was a man, and no matter how evil he was, men have hormones.
Voldemort smiled, well, more like smirked, and lowered his wand. "I think I'll be able to postpone your death for a little while," he smiled. "But you will do what I say. You will listen," he commanded.
"Yes sir," I said quietly, but inside I was smiling. He may have the most disgusting things planned for me, but his sick desires bought me time.
"You will sit on the couch and watch me torture Mr. Malfoy," he said and I took a deep breath before getting up and sitting next to Pansy who instinctively moved away from me. It was as if she was scared of me.
"Now watch the master," he said and raised his wand, jerking Draco's head up with him. Draco's eyes opened, and they darted around prior to viewing me. His eyes widened when he saw my sitting on the couch, watching him.
"I love you," I mouthed so nobody could here and he acknowledged it with a nod. Seeing Draco alive one more time gave me the energy to perform the curses I needed to administer in order to escape alive.
"Mr. Malfoy," Voldemort said, and I pointed the tip of my wand at Pansy. I whispered a spell, and in a split second, her head fell back on the couch and all her limbs relaxed. I heaved a deep breath, and took my aim once again.
"One down, three to go," I murmured. Lucius' back was to me so he was my next prey. Within a second, he was face-down on the floor, and no one was any the wiser. I had combined the silence spell with Stupefy so nobody could tell anything had happened. I smirked at my cleverness, then got ready for my third curse.
Wormtail was the person in the black cloak whom my eyes had slid over at first and he was eyeing me, so I sarcastically smiled at him and he turned away. "Idiot," I muttered. Since Wormtail was well aware of my presence and was eyeing me closely, I had to refrain from hexing him. Voldemort was still standing over Draco, pulling his head up and down as if Draco was his puppet and Voldemort was the puppeteer. It made me sick to my stomach, and I couldn't stand watching it.
"You," Voldemort suddenly said and I jumped in surprise. I looked at him, expecting him to finish his sentence. "Come here," he motioned for me to come with his long, scaly finger.
I gulped, expecting the worse, then reluctantly got up. Voldemort luckily didn't see Lucius, and he figured Pansy fell asleep. Voldemort grabbed me by my hair when I was within his grasp, and Draco flinched and shut his eyes tightly. The ropes binding him to the chair were cutting into his skin and it felt as if I could see the bright red streaks coiling around his arm. My wand was under my robes, so I couldn't get it.
"What do you see?" he asked. I didn't answer him, but rather looked at him, bewildered. "I said," he inhaled, "tell me what you see." I decided to play dumb, just to stall time. Time is death anyway.
"I see Draco," I answered and Voldemort's nostrils flared.
"What about Draco?" he said.
"He's tied up and those ropes are penetrating his skin," I told Voldemort and Draco closed his eyes tightly again. He shook his head, as if telling me that was the wrong thing to say, but I still ignored him.
"I am aware of that. Should I make them tighter? Will that get a straight answer out of you, mudblood?" he threatened, and I decided to tell him what he wanted to hear. He was very intimidating, and not someone to mess with.
"I see Draco tied up because he disobeyed you. The tight ropes are a punishment. I see you, very powerful and strong," I gave compliments and Voldemort's horrible smile broadened. I was satisfying him already, and I hadn't even been close enough to have to touch his repulsive skin.
"Yes, yes that is true. Very good. What do you see about yourself?" he asked, hoping that I would say the right answer so he wouldn't have to kill me.
"I am no match for you," I lied. "You have all power over me and Hogwarts," I said reluctantly. It pained me so much to say it, but I felt I had to. Otherwise, Voldemort would see right through me.
"Smart little one, aren't you. Lucius was correct in telling me that you were very intelligent," at that he turned around to face Lucius, and found him lying on the ground. That had given me time to whip out my wand, and hold it in my sleeve so Voldemort couldn't see it. Voldemort's face turned red, contorted with fury. "How did this happen?" he asked Wormtail.
When his back was turned, I whispered to Draco, still facing Voldemort's back. "Draco," I hissed quietly, trying to move my lips as little as possible. "Where's your wand?"
"He has it," he said, nodding at Wormtail who was looking at Voldemort with terror on his face.
Voldemort towered over Wormtail so there was hardly any light between their bodies. "Accio wand," I whispered, and Draco and Wormtail wands came zooming towards me. I caught them, and threw Draco's to him. I unbound him, but made it look as though he was still tied up though he could move anywhere and get up. "Don't move," I told him when he tried to get up.
"Idiot boy!" Voldemort yelled and hit Wormtail upside the head. Wormtail fell to the ground from the force of the blow. He clutched his head, whimpering and sobbing.
"Sorry, so sorry my Lord. I will keep better watch from now on," he apologized between wails.
"I hope so," Voldemort said and turned back to me and Draco. "Now, where were we?" he asked, an annoyed look on his face.
"I believe you were telling me how smart I was," I replied. "Then you found Lucius on the ground."
"Right. Do you know how Lucius got like that?" Voldemort asked. I hoped he didn't suspect me.
"Actually, I do," I said with a slight smile on my face. "You see Pansy? Her and Lucius got into a duel and knocked each other unconscious," I fibbed, and prayed Voldemort would believe me.
"Why would they do that?" Voldemort questioned forcefully, staring into my eyes, as if trying to analyze me.
"Um..." I cast my mind around. "Pansy was mad that Draco was being hurt and she blamed Lucius. He challenged her to a duel and it was all very quick," I told him, hoping he would believe me.
"And you don't have a wand," Voldemort stated.
"Oh no. Blaise took it and hid it somewhere in his room. I couldn't find it," I said, gulping.
"Let's just check then, shall we?" Voldemort said and raised his wand.
"I don't think that's necessary," I said in an unusually high and strained voice, and glanced at Draco, giving him the cue of distraction.
He got the message, and abruptly hexed Wormtail, who had red boils spring up all over his face. Voldemort spun around, and stared at Wormtail. I took out my two wands, and Draco stood up, holding his out in front of him. "Accio wand!" he shouted and Voldemort's wand soared into Draco's outstretched hand. Voldemort whipped around, his nostrils flared and his eyes closed into slits of red.
"Stupefy!" I shouted and hoped it had hit Voldemort. It did, but did nothing; Voldemort was too powerful for such a petty spell.
"Only dark spells work on him," Draco informed me.
"I can't do any," I said in a panicked voice.
"Stand back," he instructed and rolled up his sleeves. "Sciotto!" Draco shouted and Voldemort was hurled at the wall and his arms were outspread. Tiny red spots were blossoming on his arms, spots I realized were blood.
"Such a small spell Mr. Malfoy. I would've thought Lucius had taught you better than that," Voldemort menaced and stood up and walked towards Draco. His arms were down at his side, and as fast as the speed of light, they were on Draco's throat.
Draco's hands flew up to his throat, trying to pry Voldemort's hands off but his grip was too tight. Voldemort tightened his hands around his throat and Draco started to turn blue.
"Draco!" I cried. I couldn't do anything because I didn't know any dark curses. Running out of ideas and sanity, I ran and jumped on Voldemort's back. "Let him go! Leave him alone!" I bellowed with my legs around his waist, and my cold hands on his face, obstructing his view.
"Get off me mudblood!" Voldemort roared and threw me off, making me hit the wall with such force, it felt as though I were paralyzed.
"No!" I screeched when Draco lost consciousness. "Help me! Help me! Please...anybody..." I cried, losing hope. I got up one last time, and bravely limped over to Voldemort. I struck him right in the back, and he turned to face me, his eyes livid.
"That was a very stupid thing to do," he threatened.
"Well this is going to be even stupider!" I screamed. I took my knee and rammed it into Voldemort's most sensitive spot. As I said before, the most evil wizard in the world was still human, if even hardly that. He keeled over, clutching himself. Draco dropped to the floor, landing sprawled-eagle. Voldemort looked up and seized my throat. "Aac..a...help me," I screeched.
"Morentio!" I heard a high, shrill voice shout from the corner of the room. I immediately felt the grasp on my throat loosen and I was able to look around. Voldemort was unmoving on the ground, right next to Draco. Pansy had her wand outstretched and her eyes were wide. "I just cursed my master. Oh what have I done?" she started to wail and put her hands up to her face, hiding her eyes from sight.
"Pansy!" I said breathlessly. "You just saved us," I said with my eyes widening, actually realizing for the first time that my enemy had saved my life.
"Not yet," she nodded at Draco, but he was still insentient.
"Draco," I stifled and walked to him. I checked his pulse, but there wasn't any. 'Think Hermione, think,' I thought. 'How do you CPR again? You know this...' "A ha!" I said and Pansy looked up.
"I don't think so," she sneered. "Stupefy," she uttered and I fell into a pool of blackness.
*Pansy's POV*
"I want to be the one to save him," I told Wormtail who merely nodded and looked the other way.
"Well go on then," he said and I swayed on spot.
"I...er...don't know what to do," I said sheepishly.
"It's called CPR. It's some muggle thing," Wormtail shrugged.
"But I don't know it," I whined.
"Then just do Ennervate. Easy enough," he said.
"Fine. I will," I said in a know-it-all voice. I got all dramatic, and pointed my wand over Draco's heart. "Ennervate," I whispered and saw him stir. 'Thank God,' I silently prayed.
"Pansy?" he said weakly.
"Yes dear?" I threw a pathetic smile on my face and panted as if I were out of breath from saving him.
"What are you doing here? What happened? All I remember is Hermione jumping on Voldemort's back and getting thrown off. Then I blacked out. It was so...so...awful. She was just trying to save me..." he looked off and seeing the look on my face, began again. "And you...you were out cold. How'd you wake up?"
"Rat man over here brought me back to consciousness," I nodded at Wormtail who looked away as though embarrassed that I'd called him 'rat man.'
"But Hermione had his wand. Does she still? Did he get it back?" he bombarded me with questions.
"Why do you want to know so much about her? I was the one who saved you," I told him.
"You were? What happened? Tell me from where you woke up to when I did," he said.
"Fine. Rat man used his little silver hand-ish thing to wake me up. He didn't need a wand because of the hand. Anyway, when Granger got thrown against the wall, she blacked out. Just like you," I lied. "I snatched the opportunity, and cursed Voldemort with the Morentio curse. Obviously, he was knocked out instantaneously," I smiled at my use of an impressive word.
"Wow. You saved me. Thank you," he said quietly.
"What's wrong?" I asked sweetly.
"How did Hermione get over here from the wall?" he asked and I noticed for the first time, Granger near him.
"Eh...um...well you see she er..." I struggled to find an excuse.
"I brought her over here," Wormtail spoke up. "She was too close to the fire otherwise. She would've been burned to death," he quickly excused.
"Exactly. What he said," I agreed.
"Yeah and I see why you did that because you all care about her so much you want to save her. Right. Because you forget, Voldemort wants her dead. So yeah, I can see exactly why you want her to live. Because you know, no one wants to please the master," Draco mocked and I scoffed.
"Smart-ass," I muttered under my breath.
"What was that you said Pansy?" he asked.
"Nothing, nothing. Just agreeing with you," I lied again.
"Pansy," he said and I looked expectantly at him. "Why don't you tell me the real story?"
"But that was the real story," I put on an innocent face.
"I'm leaving. And I'm taking her with me," he motioned to Granger.
"No!" I objected. "Please. Um...help me get Voldemort, Lucius and Wormtail out of here," I came up with a reason for him to stay.
"You invited them, you get rid of them," Draco told me and I pouted.
"I will pay you back Draco Malfoy," I told him. "I will. And your little girlfriend too," I added.
"I'm terrified."
"You should be," I said. Draco shook his head and picked up Granger. He walked out of the portrait hole without saying another word.
"No! That wasn't supposed to happen!" I complained.
"Pansy, we have to go," Wormtail said worriedly.
"Shut it you. I have connections you know. How do you think you got in here? The dark curses? Someone had to shut of the alarm idiot," I murmured.
"Of course," Wormtail said bowing and lifting up his sleeves. "Time to revive our master," he said.
"NO!" I screeched. "Don't do that. He'll kill me right away. He had Draco and Granger right within his reach and I stopped him. He'll kill me. Wait until you get back to the manor. Take Lucius and get out. You better do it soon too. Trelawny thinks everyone who's supposed to be dead is dead. So get them and go."
"OK," Wormtail declared. "Bye," he waved meekly and sorrowfully before flooing back to the manor.
"Now what I am I going to do?" I moaned. I had risked my life for Draco's, and what I got in repayment was a lousy thank you and bashing. What of that? "It's not fair!" I screamed and curled up into a ball. Tears were flowing down my face like raging rapids that never seemed to cease. "Now I'm going to die! I'm going to die for Draco!" I sobbed loudly. "You see what did Draco? Do you see?" I blared into the night. "I hope you're happy Draco. I hope you wanted me dead. My one last wish before I die is to see you watch it. I want you to see what you put me through. You're killing me Draco!" I spoke to heavens above. "Please! Grant me this one last craving. I give up! I give up! Draco, you've won for now, but the Dark Lord will get you. He always does. He always wins," I cried softly. "Always," I said before sinking into a deep sleep which nothing would end up penetrating.
*Draco's POV*
"What do I do, where do I go?" I asked aloud. Hermione was in my arms, and she was weighing me down slowly. My room was occupied by the foulest things that walk the earth, and I had forgotten where Hermione's room was. I thought hard, and then my head snapped up. "The Astronomy Tower," I said abruptly.
I ran as fast as I could, which wasn't that effective seeing as I still had Hermione in my arms. I laid her down on the stairs, and took out my wand, making her feather light. "That's better," I said when I picked her up and she felt as though she were as heavy as a quill.
I got to the Tower, and walked in. All our stuff was still there from earlier. I put her gently on the couch, and stroked her limp hair. "Ennervate," I said and she stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, and she smiled when she saw me looking down at her.
"Draco," she breathed.
"Hermione," I said softly in return.
"Where are we? What happened?" she asked weakly.
"We're in the tower. Voldemort's knocked out. I expect he's back at the manor now though. He's really weak. Wormtail probably took him and Lucius back home," I paused for a moment. "I mean back there."
"Oh Draco!" she lamented and tried to sit up and throw her arms around me, but she was too weak. She fell back and her eyes filled with teardrops. They threatened to come pouring out like waterfalls, but I wiped them away before they could.
"Don't cry," I requested. "It only makes me want to."
"Why us Draco? Why? What did we ever do? Why is it so wrong to love someone so much you'll do anything for them? Why can't they just accept it? Draco, when you die, I'll be right there next to you. Always. I'll always love you. I'll always be with you," she found the strength to put her arms around me.
I enveloped her in a hug, and didn't let go. I just held onto her. Her brown curls tickled my face and I lightly played with them. I stroked her hair while she cried into my chest. Her sobs and the rise and fall of her chest carried me to a distant world inside my head. Nothing penetrated it, I just thought of her. Her and her sweet laugh, her wonderful smile and the way it lit up any room. Everything about her made me seem like I was dating an angel. "And I'll be with you," I told her and felt the smile on her lips mold into place as she heaved a contented sigh into my cloak though I could feel it on my skin.
We just held on to each other, absorbing the silence like water to a sponge. We were clinging onto each other as though it would be the last time we got to hold one another. For all we knew, it could be. We had numerous amounts of evil people after us, who would show no mercy next time they got ahold of us. Their dark plots could shine brightly through all the light emitted from Hogwarts.
After a while, she broke off, needing to lie down and rest. "Sorry," she joked.
"No reason to be," I said, laying down next to her on the couch that was only supposed to hold one person. Our figures weaved themselves together, thus creating the image that we were one body. One soul. One person. One spirit.
She turned to face me, her eyes gazing into mine. "I love your eyes," she finally said.
"What?" I said incredulously. Eyes?
She giggled innocently. "I always have. They amaze me," she looked into them once again. Her gaze burned so deeply on mine, I could feel the heat.
"My eyes intrigue you? What's so special about them?"
"They just-," she faltered. "They house so many emotions behind a clear glass. Sometimes it seems as though the transparent glass is fogged up. Then I can't tell what you're feeling," she admitted guiltily.
"So you're been able to tell how I feel all along?" I said suspiciously.
"Well, maybe not your exact feelings. But the basics is clear. You don't wear your emotions on your sleeves Draco, but rather in your eyes," she explained.
"Oh," I said dully. I looked around, seeing everything my eyes were taking in. I tried to look beneath the surface of all of it, trying to see the deeper meaning behind it. But, it's awful hard to find the deep meaning of a desk.
"Ron on the other hand," she started and laughed. "Well that's a different story. He is very blunt and to-the-point. He does wear his emotions on his sleeve, and they can cause many problems," she chuckled, thinking about her best friend who had cause so many emotional problems for her.
"So what am I feeling now?" I inquired. Could she tell?
"Hmm..." she took my head in her hands, moving it up and down, right and left. "You are feeling warm, and affectionate. You are feeling romantic and passion. You also have malice and hatred deep beneath everything else. Hate that is targeted at your father," she somberly said and her eyes averted my gaze. They looked at all the things surrounding us, but never once met my eyes.
"Just like reading a book," I said.
"Much like it, but not just. Your eyes take me places I've never been. Places I can only see through your eyes," she said thoughtfully.
"Oh. Let me look into yours," I made an attempt at reading her eyes.
"You have a gift," I grinned as I pulled back.
"Nothing?"
"Not one thing," I acknowledged.
"It's a gift," she concluded.
"And a very special yet intruding one at the same time," I teased.
"So?"
"Oh Mione," I held her even closer. "You are one of a kind."
"Now that you mention it, I guess your right," she smirked.
"This is your cue to tell me the same thing," I hinted.
"Oh is it? Draco," she paused and moved her lips closer to mine. I anticipated her to say something extremely romantic and passionate, but I was sadly mistake. "You're just like everyone else."
"That's more like it--hey!" realization of what she said had dawned on me. "That wasn't very nice," I pouted and stuck out my lower lip and she took it in her fingers and brought it back up to meet my lips. I cast puppy dog eyes and she looked pitiful for a moment then smiled.
"Nope," she happily. "It wasn't. But that's the fun of it. Besides, what are you going to do about it? You have no good one-liners like me."
"No, but my method is a little less verbal. I'm sure you'll find it intriguing and sensual," I said and kissed her. It wasn't anything big, innocent and pure. Her lips tasted of innocence and sweet affection. They begged for more every second, never being satisfied with what they got.
I pulled away, leaving her grabbing for my neck. "Mmm...that is a good method of comebacks," she said, licking her lips. Watching her do this made me want her lips on mine again, even more so than before.
"I know," I told her, and moved to kiss her again, but was stopped by the sound of pounding on the door.
"What's that?" she asked me, alarmed. Her eyes widened in fear when the knocking didn't desist.
"I don't know," I answered, my eyes wide.
"Ask," she ushered.
"No," I hissed. "It could be anyone." It was true. Voldemort and his puppets could've come back to get us. They were raving, and would act at a moments notice, killing us at first glance. They wouldn't even look back on it. It would be put behind them along with all the other murders committed. A father killing his only son and soulmate would have no effect whatsoever on the father. At least it wouldn't if the father was Lucius. It would be dismissed just as a stranger's murder would.
We walked silently to the door, and I gathered up my courage. "Who's there?" I bravely asked in a falsely confident voice.
The pounding just got loud and harsher. "They'll knock the door down," Hermione whispered.
"I warn you, I'm armed!" I lied. My wand was ready and out, but I still was no match for Voldemort and his entourage of idiots.
"Open it," Hermione pleaded when a crack formed in the door as the pounding refused to halt.
"Stand back," I said and she quickly retreated to the couch, hiding her head under her hands which were strategically placed on the most vulnerable parts of her head.
"No, hide behind the couch. Don't let them know you're here," I told her and she nodded, her mouth strained in a open O and her eyes darting around, checking to make sure the room was safe.
When I made sure she was hidden, I braced myself, and swung the door open. "Ratiopritesium!" I cried, fashioning a shield around me so that nothing but the unforgivable curses could rupture. It was a dark curse I had learned from my father awhile back. The shield was invisible so the attacker thought the victim was unarmed. It was a useful spell that came in handy.
"Thanks for that. It was getting a bit drafty out there," said an unwelcome yet familiar voice.
"Ronald Weasley!" Hermione screamed and ran out from behind the couch, her arms flailing around. She ran up to Weasley and got up in his face. "You nearly made us wet our pants!"
"Did I really?" he looked amused. "Darn. It would've been a sight to see. Draco Malfoy, the amazing bouncing ferret slash pants wetter," Ron joked and I gave him a cold stare. How dare he call me that?
"Ron I don't believe you," Hermione said, straining to fight the smile that wanted to creep up on her lips. I mentally begged her not to smile. It would give Weasley the assumption that she thought he was amusing, which he certainly was not.
"I am unbelievable," he admitted, looking way too proud of himself. I had a strong urge to go punch his smirking face in, but I had a feeling that wouldn't have gone over well with Hermione.
"Unbelievably annoying," I butted in, staring at him with slits for eyes.
"You think so? I was going for unbelievably dashing, charming, brilliant, you know, the works," he said, looking himself over.
"Well I'm not one to judge on that," I said, making the conversation a bit lighter, and speaking the truth.
"I should hope not," Weasley retorted indignantly.
"Guys, leave it alone. Just drop it. It's not worth it," Hermione split us apart.
"Yeah, you're right Hermione. Truce?" Weasley said, extending his hand to mine.
I faltered, then saw persuasive expression on Hermione's face. "Truce," I sighed and briskly shook Weasley's hand. "Weasley."
Hermione smiled, showing all her dazzling, white teeth. "Haven't we been through this before, Malfoy?" Ron said.
"I can only vaguely remember it," I said, lying through my teeth.
"You are impossible. Ron," she revolved around to face him, "what ever happened with Pansy?"
Weasley's face turned bright red, and the tips of his ears looked as if they were going to burn off into a crisp. "What-what do you mean?" he said in a high voice.
"I mean, last night. When Draco and I were alone in the tower. Pansy was with you. Why didn't you come find us?"
"Well, I er...OK so she's alluring. So sue me!" he threw his hands up and looked down, his face still flushed.
"God Weasley," I said in shock.
"What?" he asked miserably.
"You do get around," I nodded and his jaw dropped. He opened his mouth to reply, but I cut him off. "I mean, two girls in twelve hours. Woo, that's better than I can say."
"Oh yeah? I do recall you doing the same exact thing in reverse. Right? Pansy in the morning, Hermione at night. Isn't that what happened yesterday?" he smartly responded.
"Er..." I stammered. It was true. I had done the same thing as Weasley. Great...
"Draco Malfoy!" Hermione shrieked.
"I don't think you're one to talk Mione," Ron cut in. "You snogged two people also yesterday."
"I-I-no I didn't!" she disagreed.
"I think you did," I argued.
"OK, so we all kissed two people yesterday. Can we get on with the conversation?" she said.
"Yes. Where were we? Oh yes, I remember. Weasley, what exactly did you do with Pansy?" I asked and he looked away.
"I don't remember," he screwed up his face, as trying to remember.
"You're a bad actor Ron," Hermione informed him and he looked affronted. "We need to know how you kept her occupied. This could save many lives."
"How?" he asked skeptically.
"It shows what keeps someone careless when they are achieving the Imperius curse. Something you did kept Pansy engaged," Hermione said.
"Fine if it's for the good of our side. We...um...er...got into a pretty intense snogging session," he said, ashamed at himself.
"That's all?"
"No. We kind of went a little farther than I had intended," he shifted on his feet.
"How far exactly?" Hermione asked, getting a bit red in the face.
"Er..."
"Ronald Weasley you answer me right now!" Hermione fumed and stamped her foot down. She was obviously very disturbed that Ron would declare his feelings for her then got snog another girl. Pansy at that.
"Well...um...probably farther than you and Malfoy ever went," he confessed.
"How could you? I've been going out with Draco for the longest time and you...you..." she sputtered, lost for words. Her face was bright red.
"Hermione, I'm sorry. But it did give you time with Malfoy. Right? I mean, you wouldn't have any time with him if it wasn't for me," he tried to defend himself, and I hated to admit it, but I agreed with him.
"He is right you know Mione. We wouldn't have any time to be together otherwise. If Ron hadn't done anything with Pansy, she would've barged up here and split us up right away. We're lucky Ron's a perverted git," I said with relish.
"Hey!" he objected, looking mad.
"Well, I'll give you that. But did you have to do so much?" she asked ruefully in a small voice, close to tears.
"I'm really sorry. I guess I just got caught up in the moment," he said, and he looked truly sorry.
"I forgive you, but this'll take time to heal," she said, and sniffled a little bit. I hated to see her like this, so upset and empty. Just empty. Her tone of voice, her expressions, the way she kept her hands folded neatly on her lap. It pained me inside and made me want to wring Weasley's neck.
"Of course," he hastily agreed, not wanting to rift their relationship further.
"So Weasley, do you mind?" I asked. I wanted time for Hermione and me to talk. Talk about what had just happened, what we had been through together.
"Yeah sure. I was just checking on you," he said and walked towards the door. "I genuinely am sorry," he said and left, his footsteps echoing off the walls even after he had shut the door.
Hermione looked up at me, and I could still see the remainders of tears in her eyes. Tears that had fallen for Weasley when they shouldn't have. Tears that streaked her face like a red spot on white snow. Snow, so soft and sparkling, that was trailed with blood. Dark crimson blood that contrasted with the powdery, white snow. Hermione didn't deserve this, she didn't need to cry. Not over Weasley. Not over anybody. And especially not me.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A/N- So what do you think? There's no cliffie, that's a good thing, right? I guess I'm sort-of over the writers block I was having.
I AM CONDUCTING A POLL WHICH I NEED PEOPLE TO TAKE! Please! It goes something like this:
Shorter chapters?
Longer chapters?
Or keep it the way it is?
Please tell me in a review and if you choose shorter or longer, please tell me by how much. Thanks you so much in advance!
You guys really are the best...
Cyropi- I'm so sorry I haven't reviewed your story, but I haven't even been off my log in page in months! Anyway, yes Pansy and Trelawny are both evil. Did I mention Blaise was too? Because I know you did! Did you like the movie? Hope is your French coming along? I take Spanish, si senorita. Your sequel is awesome so far, and I'll read right after I get this up!
Angela- Sorry it took me so long, but I was a good cliffie, right?
AlyBaby- I think you found out what happened to Ron, but I'll tell you if you didn't. He wandered around aimlessly for hours, got some sleep, than went to find D and H. Got it? Hee hee.
DracoMalfoy- Thank you for clicking it! Maybe I should start clicking the interent symbol and writing...sorry everyone!
Draco'sAmericanGurl- Wow! Thank you for the long review! Tell me when your story is posted because I'll read it for sure! Thank for all the compliments! They really keep me going. I'm glad you're a faithful reviewer, because I am too when I get the time. How was your Christmas? Hope it was good! Thanks for the review, and by the way, you reviewed on my birthday! December 21! Yeah!
Haleigh- I hope you didn't go crazy, that wouldn't be a good thing. Thanks for the review!
Tinny- Thank you!
Rosewell4ever- Thank so you much! I'm glad I've contributed to your change of opinion on Draco. Thanks so much for the reviews!
OK guys that's it. I won't blame you if you don't review because I really deserve it for taking so long. But if you feel kind enough for even two words, that'll be greatly appreciated!