A/N: In this chapter: Voldemort is fatherly, Draco tells all, and Lucius cowers and cringes!

Some of you have been wanting some fluff, and you got lucky, because that's what you're getting in this chapter.

I am so happy! I went to sleep last night with 92 reviews, and when I woke up, I had 128! Thank you all so much!

If anyone wants to me to e-mail them when the new chapters come up, TELL ME, AND LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS (or, if you're a member, sign in).

Rating: R, although this chapter is probably only around PG-13

Pairings: Hermione/Harry, Hermione/Draco

Disclaimer: *sits drumming her fingers on the desk* Ugh! Why do I even try? *sighs, exasperated, and rolls her eyes* I don't own it! So there! *sits down in a humph and glares at anyone who dares to look her way*

**********

Chapter 8

Draco sighed as he reached the entrance to the Great Hall. He really wasn't in the mood to go in there and make small talk with the Death Eaters. He would have liked to talk to Hermione, but he wasn't sure whether she would be there or not, and didn't feel like taking the chance.

Instead, the 17-year-old wizard turned on his heel and headed towards the library. He hadn't been there in a few days, and besides—there was a chance, however small, that Hermione might be there. It would be a good idea to talk to her and perhaps decide where their relationship stood. He knew that he hadn't yet apologized for everything he'd done to her up until their sixth year, and he knew that their relationship wouldn't go anywhere if that didn't happen.

The passage he was walking down was the main way to the library. There were connecting corridors that led to the Great Hall—where Draco had come from—the dungeons, Gryffindor tower, and a few others places that he couldn't recall at the moment. This was the fastest way to the library from each of those places, and Draco was confident that there would be few people about—after all, Death Eaters were anything but literary creatures. Even his father stayed away from books.

Draco increased his pace, eager to get to the library. As he rounded a sharp turn, he was extremely surprised to find his father sprawled on the floor, breathing shallowly. He was even more surprised—not to mention enraged—to find Hermione collapsed near the wall about five feet from his father's body.

The young man nearly ran to her side, feeling for her pulse, and, finding it faint and shallow, he levitated her body. He walked quickly towards the infirmary, using all the shortcuts he knew. Voldemort had allowed Madam Pomfrey the run of the place, so long as she didn't try to escape. So far, the witch hadn't tried, and for this, Draco was extremely grateful.

"Madam Pomfrey!" Draco yelled as he neared. The witch ran out of the infirmary, her eyes widening as she saw Hermione.

"Quickly," she said, "bring her in and lay her down."

Draco followed her orders, and explained the situation to the witch. "I found her in the passageway to the library; my father was near her, sprawled across the floor." The two shared a look—they both felt they knew what had happened.

"Mr. Malfoy," the witch said as she worked to gather supplies, "would you mind getting your father? If he did attack the lady, it's possible that she cursed him. I've heard that her family was very powerful in wandless magic."

Draco nodded, and after taking one last look at Hermione's unconscious body, he left the infirmary.

***

Voldemort slouched in his chair, tapping the cherry oak of the desk with one of his short fingernails. Strange. He didn't know what to do. He really should be planning how to take over the Wizarding world, but… Well, ever since he'd found his daughter, it hadn't seemed important anymore. All he really wanted was to live peacefully, and perhaps get to know his daughter before she grew up and went out on her own.

He'd thought she'd been dead for so long that he truly didn't have anything to live for. It had been why he hadn't been afraid to drink the unicorn's blood six years earlier. Of course, it had been Quirrell who'd drunk the blood, but, well, it was practically the same thing.

But the point was, he didn't want to do it. He didn't want to take over the world. He didn't want to destroy all the Muggleborns and the Halfbloods. Then again, he never really had, seeing as how he was a Halfblood himself. He didn't want to kill anymore innocents, he didn't want to have to keep his minions in line by giving them a Muggle woman or a Muggleborn witch every few weeks.

He just plain didn't want any of it. Maybe he could slowly disband the Death Eaters. Collect and destroy all of his Dark memorabilia.

The older wizard sat straight up in his chair. Yes! That was it. That was how he'd do it. He would collect all of the Dark things he'd passed off to his followers, saying he needed it for a plan of his, and then slowly destroy it.

But getting rid of his followers would be the hardest part. He couldn't kill them… Well, maybe he could. But he really didn't want to. Voldemort laughed. Like anyone would believe that. Well, perhaps he could send them on missions that were bound to fail, and they would slowly be either captured or killed by the Ministry. That would be a good way to do it. Yes…

The Death Eaters were a rather stupid lot. The Dark Lord shook his head disgustedly. What had he been thinking when he inducted those members into his group? Lucius Malfoy had seemed promising. He had been one of the top students in his graduating class, topped only by Lily Evans, later Lily Potter.

Voldemort sighed. He must have been mad when he went after the Potters. And to have destroyed such a keen mind as well… Yes, temporary insanity must have been the guilty party. Young Potter showed promise, and a good understanding of the Dark Arts. He'd used to think it a shame that the boy insisted on staying on the side of the Light, but now he was grateful that the boy had been strong where he had not.

He sincerely regretted everything he had done, and wished that Rhianna had been able to save him sooner.

A loud knock on the hard door interrupted his thoughts.

"What is it?" he barked, yanking the door open.

A trembling Pettigrew inched through the door. "M-my lord," the rat stammered, "There has b-been an a-accident."

Voldemort's moves were swift, and Pettigrew was pinned against the door before he could so much as blink. "Who?" the Dark Lord demanded softly, feeling he already knew the answer.

"Th-the lady, Lady Hermione, my lord."

The elder wizard dropped the Animagus and strode towards the infirmary, not bothering to glance back. Thoughts were racing through his mind as he increased speed until he was flat-out running. What had happened? Was she okay? Who hurt his little girl?

He burst into the infirmary, but was quickly blocked by Madam Pomfrey, who glared at him, obviously unaffected by his snarl. "Voldemort," the witch said, "You must calm down. I will not let you see your daughter if you do not calm down."

"What happened?" he whispered, his voice deathly low.

"Mr. Malfoy, the younger one, found her unconscious in the corridor that leads to the library. The elder Mr. Malfoy," she gestured toward one of the beds, "was found about five feet from her." The witch's eyes communicated the rest.

Voldemort found himself infused with a fury equivalent only to the time Rhianna had been attacked by Lucius. He turned toward Lucius' bed, raising his wand, only to find it yanked out of his hand by Madam Pomfrey.

"No magic," she commanded, bringing his wand with her as she headed towards the back of the room. He nearly snarled at her, knowing that her possession of the wand wouldn't do any good. She probably knew it as well, and only wanted to feel as though she had the power to take it away.

Voldemort walked slowly towards the curtains that were drawn around a bed he was certain to be Hermione's. His movements were almost cat-like, strange in the fact that he was a Slytherin. He pulled back the soft linen, surprise flickering through his gaze when he saw someone already seated next to her. It was Draco Malfoy. The boy was holding his daughter's hand, staring at her face as though waiting for her to wake up.

He set down her hand and rested his face in his own, sighing deeply. "Hermione…" he whispered, his voice tinged with sadness. "I will kill my father if he hurt you, I swear it."

And then, as silent tears trickled down the boy's face, Voldemort turned and left, leaving the boy to himself.

***

Draco reached out and grasped Hermione's hand again. Staring at her peaceful face, he gathered the courage to speak. "Hermione… I know that we've never been the best of … ah … well, anything, really. Unless you count enemies. But you always seemed to be different from Potter and Weasley, and I no doubt would have tried to befriend you if it hadn't been for my prejudice against Muggleborns. My father brainwashed me practically. I've heard that term used before.

"You… you always loved whatever we did in class. It annoyed me, and I was jealous. I was jealous of the fact that you always understood what was happening, and that you liked what we were doing in class, no matter what. You were a Muggleborn. You weren't supposed to understand what was going on, much less be able to do it. I think that was one of the things that changed how I looked at you, and instead of just seeing the Muggleborn, I saw Hermione. It took awhile, I'll admit. I think last year, sixth year, was when it really changed.

"It's funny, really. We were researching the Polyjuice Potion. Snape asked for someone to explain how it worked, and, as usual, you raised your hand. I don't remember what you said, but he said, 'Ms. Granger, the only way you would have known that would be if you had made it yourself. That information is not available in any books.' After class, he held you back, and demanded to know when you had done it, as, if I can remember correctly, the use of the Potion was strictly monitored by the Ministry. I was staying back to talk to him about something. He didn't know I was there.

"You said second year. I swear I have never seen Snape so shell-shocked. That potion is one of the most difficult to brew, and the only books available on it were in the Restricted section. He never reported you, and I think that was a testament to your abilities. He recognized the fact that you had talent, and that you would get in a lot of trouble—to put it mildly—if the Ministry found out. My overall view of you changed that day. If you remember, I never teased you again after that. I never called you names. I just picked on Potter and Weasley.

"So what I'm trying to say here is that I'm sorry. I'm sorry for teasing you for six years. I'm sorry for everything that I ever did to you. I'm sorry for when that curse in fourth year that hit you. I'm sorry for everything I ever did to hurt you. I'm just … sorry." Draco sighed, leaning his forehead against the bed and closing his eyes, breathing in deeply and wishing she were awake.

***

Voldemort watched the younger Malfoy through an opening in the curtains from Lucius' bedside. Most of the boy's words had drifted through the nearly empty infirmary to reach his ears. He was amazed at the feeling he heard in those words. Perhaps it would not be that hard to find someone his daughter would agree to marry…

"My lord," Lucius rasped.

The Dark Lord's head whipped around to stare at Lucius, and the younger man cowered in response. "Would you care to explain what happened?" he asked silkily.

Lucius scowled, regaining his courage. "I was attempting to have some fun with that Patil girl. Someone struck me from behind, I don't know what happened. The next thing I know, I'm here."

Voldemort's stare could have burned a hole through Lucius' skull it was so intense. There really was no reason for him to lie. Well, there was, if it turned out he had attacked Hermione, but the man wouldn't be that stupid, would he? No, probably not. Besides, the story was pure Lucius. No doubt Hermione had found him trying to force himself on Patil and she had quickly defended her former housemate. Besides, if he were lying, it would be easily proven wrong when Hermione woke up.

"I see…" Voldemort said.

"Er, my lord, I understand that this is most likely not the time, but I was wondering…" Lucius trailed off, looking uncertain.

Voldemort raised a brow questioningly.

"I was curious as to why you have not yet given the Dark Mark to my son, Draco."

Voldemort was quiet. He had originally not given the Mark to the boy because he'd seen something in him, a chance to do something with his life. Draco Malfoy was a true Slytherin, ambitious, and with the power to back it, the likes of which he was sure had not been seen since Salazar himself. Voldemort was hesitant to give the young man a Mark which would gain him nothing, and only help him to lose everything. He was extremely grateful that he had kept at least a part of his brain.

Now, however… He knew how to answer Lucius.

"My dear servant," Voldemort said quietly, his mouth curving as he saw Lucius flinch at being called a servant, "I do believe that young Draco already knows whom he serves." His eyes flickered over to where the young man was gazing at Hermione with longing and … love. Yes, Draco did indeed know…

***************

A/N: So, enough fluff? I loved writing Draco's little confession/apology! It was so sweet. Oh! I just realized that I didn't explain what happened to Hermione. Well, you'll find out the next chapter.

cathy: I wrote this chapter the day after I posted the last one! The problem is posting it… Well, not really. I just like Lavinee to read it before I post it. And I agree with you about Lucius, and I really don't mind the language when it is referring to him.

Crystalline Lily: Oops! I'd forgotten that you'd already read LWAD. Sorry about that. Erm… As for when I'll update it… I don't know! I've started the fourth chapter, I just need to finish it. It should be soon. Hopefully by next week, which, although I know it's a long time, is better than never. Sorry.

HarryPotterWanter: I'm glad you don't think that Hermione's out of character. That's always been one of my main fears. I know you're disappointed that Harry wasn't mad at Hermione, and actually, I'm having small doubts about that myself. I might change it, actually. It would make a lot more sense, wouldn't it? Hmm. Especially with this latest development… And I love the fact that you like this! Thanks for the long review, I really like those. ^^

hopeless romantic: Thank you for being understanding about the updating thing. This is actually sooner than you expected, isn't it? It's sooner than I expected as well! But when you go to bed with 92 reviews and wake up with 128, it's hard not to write! Glad my explanation made sense.

MistressDeDraco: Ooh! A long review; thanks! :) Yeah, Lavinee came up with the original plot. Actually, I've changed a lot of things. I think I might post the original plot at the end, just so everyone can see how many changes this story went through. 'Cause it did—I changed it plenty of times. Ah, I see you don't just accept everything I tell you or imply—you think that the Son of the Light might be Draco… Hmm. Very astute. Yes, all of this is rather hard on Hermione, as you can see from the end of the last chapter. And you've noted the fact that I never said anywhere that Harry and Hermione are in love—that's why the extra line of the prophesy is important. And yes, she will have to come to some decisions regarding her father.

Avri: I feel sorry for her too…

Atomic Babe: *grin* Thanks.

Reversing mirror: Better and better? Thanks. :)

estella_jayne: Well, I suppose I do now, thanks to all you wonderful peoples!

Leara Malfoy: The best story ever? *blushes* Thank you very much!

Ysanna: Thanks!

Gryffindor Chik: Wow. "Story of the century"? Really? Wow.

Lozzie: Thanks!

Eevya: *grins and bows* Thank you very much.

Rya: Yeah, I finally updated. And this was faster, wasn't it?

Aragorn Rox: The best chapter, eh? What about this one?

+ Evenstar +: You just started it? Well, I'm glad you like it! I love new people reading this story. :)

dan's gurl: And excellent update, eh? Is this one good as well? Glad you love the story.

angie: Thanks!

esmerellda: Her husband? Ah, that I cannot tell you. You'll find out for sure at the beginning of the sequel, although you might be pretty sure at the end of this one. It's not that difficult to get a login, you just need an e-mail address. The best story on the site? *blushes* Thanks! And as you can see, there's fluff in this chapter! There should be more in either the next one or the one after that. There IS some romance, don't worry. Although the bulk of it won't be until the sequel, there will be some in here. And I'll try to work in more Lucius/Hermione verbal sparring. After his attacking Parvati, I think that she'll especially want to take him out.

liana: I'm glad I've taken the time to share it. :)

isa: I have problems reading too much fan fiction as well. My family hates it. Glad you liked the chapter.

sad_panda: You've asked a very good question. I'll have to explain that later.

~Frodo~: I will NEVER abandon this story, don't worry. I just sometimes have trouble writing. Obviously not for this chapter, lol.

Rise: Thanks, and I will continue, don't worry. ^^

Myra: I'll do my best.

peter Wilson: As always!

Percy: Extraordinary? Thanks. Hope this wasn't too long a wait.

Delta Rocks: Not exactly. She (Lavinee Rocher) posted the plot, wanting someone else to write it since she didn't have time to. So I volunteered. Of course, the plot has been considerably altered since she turned it over to me. I'm considering posting the original plot at the end of this story so that people can see how many changes this story went through.

kiki-0303: I'm sorry it took so long. Snape is still alive because of his expertise in Potions, as well as the fact that Voldemort was planning on waiting to surprise him and then torture him or whatever, but now that he's found his daughter… Well, let's just say he's had a change of heart.

Japanese Goth: Glad you like Draco and Voldemort. I like them too. :)

Aie! It takes forever to write these replies now! But it's fun, because it's how I thank you for reviewing.

Much love,

hasapi