Chapter Soundtrack - Eternal Blue by Spiritbox
/
Hermione never knew exactly how deep the dungeons of Hogwarts were. The answer was now obvious: deep.
While the main dungeon floor had been converted for potions, there was a heavy, iron door, almost hidden in an alcove, that led to a long flight of steps.
The torches on the walls had long gone out, forcing Hermione, Draco and Theo to whip out Lumos in order to see the steps.
Down they went.
The staircase opened to a dank, stone cavern with old barrels and rows of metal bars spanning ceiling to floor. Hermione thought she caught a glimpse of chains on the wall, no doubt the very same Filch had once threatened them with.
The cavern went on. The halls began to branch, some leading down other stairways, some into other cells that looked suspiciously like old torture chambers. It was little consolation that none had seemed used for centuries.
Every so often, Hermione caught a skittering sound. A rat perhaps, or something more sinister.
"Bleak, isn't it?" Theo piped up, "Easy to forget Hogwarts was once a mediaeval castle."
"They touch on the dungeons in Hogwarts: A History but I had no idea they were so vast."
"Yes well, Hogwarts: A History tends to gloss over the nastier parts."
"You've read it too?"
Theo tutted.
"Granger, anyone with half a brain's read it."
Hermione fought down a snort.
"So how far down do these tunnels go? How many floors?"
"Endless. They say not to wander too far or you'll get lost and never find your way back. Some swear there are ghosts still wandering in the deepest depths. Most people just come here to snog, though."
"And how much further til the duel?"
"One more down and that'll be it."
They descended another staircase, took a turn and ended up at the far end of a hallway in front of a large, iron door.
"Theodore Nott here with Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger," Theo announced clearly to the door.
A heavy lock clunked and the door grated open, scraping noisily along the floor.
Hermione could feel the tingling of wards as she entered behind Draco and Theo. Wards for sound-proofing, for alarms and protection spells, and maybe cushioning charms as well. The air was heavy with them and Hermione could tell they were done by skilled hands.
The cell was spacious enough. Blue candles floated, giving an eerie, otherworldly glow. The four House banners hung on the far wall.
A concrete platform had been raised in the centre of the room. On the other side stood Susan Bones, Padma Patil, Blaise Zabini and, to Hermione's surprise, Neville.
To the left, Demelza and the other Gryffindor Hermione didn't recognize stood off to the side. Geoffrey Hooper held a power stance on the concrete stage, his wand clutched in his fist.
Draco nodded towards the right and Hermione followed him while Theo took his position on the platform, in front of Geoffrey.
The iron door shut with a sonorous clang and then silence.
Susan spoke, her voice magnified so that it filled the chamber.
"On this date, at 10 pm, the eleventh of February, Geoffrey Hooper has challenged Theodore Nott to a duel. You are Geoffrey Hooper?"
Geoffrey grunted a hasty 'yes'.
"You are Theodore Nott?"
"Naturally."
Susan narrowed her eyes slightly.
"Duelists, declare your seconds."
Geoffrey declared Demelza Robbins and Theo did the same for Draco Malfoy.
"We, the four Houses, bear witness to this duel and shall decide the verdict with fairness and justice," Susan continued, "Wands only. Unforgivable spells are banned. The first to lose their wand, be physically incapacitated or to say ' I surrender' will be proclaimed the defeated."
Geoffrey stood tense. Theo seemed unbothered.
"To those present to witness, there are protection spells set up along the sides of the duelling area. All the same, keep your wands close with defence spells at the ready. We will not take any responsibility for injuries sustained here. Anyone who wishes to leave, do so now."
Why was Susan looking at her?
Hermione clenched her wand but other than that, didn't move and inch.
"Duellists, draw your wands and assume the position."
Geoffrey and Theo stood back to back, their wands held up.
They walked three paces and stalled, waiting for Susan's go ahead.
Geoffrey looked to be visibly shaking with contained rage.
"Duel!" Susan boomed, her wand shooting off sparks with a bang.
Both men whirled, Geoffrey's wand arm coming down in an arc while Theo jabbed his upwards like a rattlesnake.
Hermione could have guessed the outcome from the start.
Geoffrey was too angry, too impatient. Theo was calm, composed, calculated. He moved like someone who had done this in his sleep a thousand times.
It was mesmerising how he dipped, dodged and swerved gracefully at each curse Geoffrey shot his way. Despite aiming for head and heart, Geoffrey was sloppy. His curses exploded along the walls, which stayed impressively intact for the most part.
Hermione was so busy analysing the fight, she was caught off guard when a Stupify shot right at her. Her hands flew uselessly up to cover her head. A Protego materialised before her eyes.
Draco needn't have bothered; the ward around the arena kept things contained, and the spell fizzled out even before it reached his shield.
Still, he stepped protectively in front of her. Embarrassed, Hermione allowed him to, though she stubbornly held her head high.
She had never been the quickest at fighting and it still bothered her to this day. She gripped her wand tighter, determined not to be surprised a second time.
More spells were shot at quick intervals, lighting up the room each time. The sounds of magic rang out in an orchestra. Hermione could tell some places in the wards were straining from constant bombardment. Neville and Demelza each had to throw up a Protegro when a few Stupefys finally managed to break through.
Theo finished the fight before any more damage could be done.
Geoffrey was too slow to react and Theo hit him with a swift Petrificus Totalus that snuck right under Geoffreys raised arm.
Geoffrey's limbs slapped to his sides and he keeled over with a wounded howl, slamming hard into the floor.
"No!" The Gryffindor Hermione didn't recognize cried out in anguish.
"The duel is over," Sudan declared, "Theodore Nott is the wi-"
Out of nowhere, a streak of red speared Theo in the chest.
"Theo!" Hermione screamed.
Pandemonium ensued. People were yelling. A few spells went flying randomly across the room. Hermione was ready this time and managed to get a shield up as something nasty ricocheted off.
Draco leapt onto the platform in front of Hermione and began shooting off spells, heading towards Theo.
"Stop it Will, it's over!" Demelza shouted.
Will, clearly some sort of relation to Geoffrey judging by their similar features, was already on the platform, his eyes wild, his features distorted in anguish.
He tried to curse Theo's inanimate body but Draco got there just in time.
Three spells hit Will simultaneously, Draco's getting him right in the chest.
Will crumpled to the floor as Demelza rushed to catch him.
Hermione immediately jumped up, hurrying to Theo.
He was wheezing, his eyes wide, blood gurgling from his mouth.
A deep, bloodied gash slashed his side. Hermione recognized the signs of dark magic.
She cast a few stabilising charms to stop the bleeding though she didn't dare do more in case it made things worse.
"Hospital Wing! Quickly!" She screeched.
Blaise, Padma and Draco were already casting levitation spells on Theo's body.
"Are you-"
"I'll be fine, go, go!" Hermione cut Draco off. He gave her one last look before turning and hurrying after Blaise and Padma.
It seemed that despite being hit with multiple spells, Will was awake again and cursing loudly from a lying position on the ground. Demelza was holding him down firmly.
"-Isn't justice! His father tortured my cousin Johnny and he probably tortured him too! Why does he get to walk around fine when Johnny spent months in St-Mungo's and almost died! He shouldn't be allowed to roam free, they should lock him up and-"
"That's enough!" Susan yelled. Her voice was back to normal, though she still made for an imposing figure.
"The duel decision is final! This isn't a place to torture people, though it may seem like it! It's to settle things once and for all! Geoffrey lost and that's that! You know just as well as he did that he risked losing to get his retribution. If he wasn't strong enough when he issued a challenge, that's on him."
"I'll challenge Nott! I'll make that bastard pay for what he-"
"You're a disgrace. A sneak attack from the sidelines is unsportsmanly, weak and dishonourable. You'll get no glory from challenging him now and you're banned from this arena."
Will looked up at Susan, his eyes bloodshot and full of fury.
"You call yourself a judge! You're just a bitch who's clearly fucking Nott or you wouldn't-"
"Shut up, Will! It's over, all right? You're just making things worse!"
Demelza grabbed Will by the collar and hauled him up, keeping his arms pinned away from Susan.
"For the record, the reason there is a representative from each House is to assure fair judging. I don't singlehandedly decide the outcome. And I'm fucking Terry Boot actually," Susan responded icily.
Will's bottom lip quivered, but he didn't say another word. Angry tears stained his red cheeks.
Demelza finally succeeded in hauling him off.
Hermione looked down at her hands and noticed they were shaking. She clenched her fists, trying not to let the image of a pale, clammy and bloodied Nott fill her mind.
It had snuck up on her, but she realised in a small amount of time Nott had become a dear friend to her.
Seeing her friend hurt like that…Well, it brought far too many other dark memories back to the surface.
Neville had sidled up to her.
"Don't worry Hermione, Nott should be fine. We've seen worse, to be honest. I feel bad for that Will bloke. Cheating in a duel is the lowest of low and he won't live that down for a long time. Even if the duels here are supposed to stay secret, word always seems to get around anyways."
"You feel bad for him? Nott was bleeding out! I'm sorry, but that Will person is horrible! He should've just accepted the verdict and hauled Geoffrey out of this place!"
"Err…yeah, well… People can do stupid things for those they love, sometimes. Especially when those they love have suffered."
Hermione and Neville stood quietly in a moment of reflection.
"Are you going to tell me off for being here?" She finally asked.
"I'm not surprised you're here actually."
"You're not?"
Neville smiled uncertainly.
"You're only ever seen with Nott and Malfoy these days."
He paused, shuffling his feet awkwardly.
"We miss you, you know. Even Ginny, even if she won't admit it. What even happened between the both of you and why won't you eat with us anymore?"
Hermione sighed.
"I'm sorry Neville. But I'm afraid I don't get judged for who I hang around when I'm with the Slytherins. I still see Luna a fair bit, but everyone else looks at me like I'm a…a traitor."
"It just takes getting used to. You left without any explanation. It was sort of hard to empathise when you didn't even tell us why."
"I…It all just sort of happened. I partnered with Malfoy in potions and it turns out he isn't so bad now. If you could've seen how Padma and Ernie and Hannah looked at me. It's like I committed the ultimate sin. And naturally they're ready to welcome me back but Nott and Malfoy-"
"Can you blame them? Malfoy let Death Eaters into the school! People could have died! People did die!"
"And you don't think it's an entire burden for him to live with his actions? How are we supposed to progress onward from the war if we harbour the same enmities and that's for both sides! Unity shouldn't just be preached at wartime, it should be all the time! I'm not saying forgive everyone, but what of those who are actually trying? I don't want to argue about this anymore, Neville. I'm sick of hearing people say bad things about me. I like hanging around the Slytherins! I didn't defend this school's freedom to then be told who I can and can't socialise with! You and Hannah are welcome to join us for studying in the library, but I don't feel welcome with Gryffindors anymore."
Neville looked down, kicking a non-existent pebble.
"Maybe….Though as for Hannah…err…We aren't exactly in a good place right now."
Hermione's eyes widened.
"No! Things seemed to be going so well! What happened?"
"The truth is I'm not exactly sure. She's missed our last date and she's been a bit distant. I've tried talking to her but…"
He trailed off, looking lost.
Hermione put a reassuring hand on Neville's arm.
"She'll come around. How long has she been distant?"
"I think…since we came back on the Hogwarts Express. When we shared that compartment."
Hermione felt her unease increase. She'd remembered Hannah being a little off. Was Hannah putting distance between Neville because he was friends with her and Luna, fellow Slytherin defectors?
"If you haven't done anything wrong then maybe she just needs time to process things on her own," Hermione finally concluded reassuringly, keeping her suppositions to herself.
Neville shrugged and offered a half-smile that seemed more sad than happy. Hermione felt guilty. Hadn't she done the same thing to her friends? Distanced herself from them without an explanation?
"I'm sorry for disappearing on all of you. You're right, I should've at least invited you or told you where I was going. That was very unfair and selfish of me. I just…It's been hard without Harry and Ron. They're my best friends and they're not here and…Well, Dra- er… Malfoy and Nott have really helped me get by, as unreal as that seems. I really do think they've both changed a lot, for the better. If you could just talk to them, Neville, you'd see it!"
"Maybe…" Neville conceded somewhat reluctantly.
They were the last two in the duelling room.
Neville murmured some protection spells as he shut the heavy iron door behind them and off they went.
"This setup is all very impressive. Who's idea was it?"
"Susan's," Neville answered, as they began the trek back upstairs.
"The start of the year was rough, people attacking each other left and right. Students were fresh out of the war, more of them than not having suffered losses in their families and friend groups. Teachers were handing out detentions but it just made everyone more angry. Susan decided a duelling arena, a credible one, would be a good way to settle things once and for all. An efficient, just and respectful way to not only demand retribution but to get your frustrations out. It's been very cathartic for everyone and since she's set this up, it feels like things have calmed down a little."
"Wouldn't it increase animosity? Now that students have an outlet for it?"
"I don't think it does. If anything, I think it gives them closure. A way to look your enemy in the eye one last time and let skill and fate decide the outcome. It's…oddly therapeutic."
"Who designed these wards? They're quite elaborate."
"That'd be Padma and Blaise. Blaise also found us the location in the dungeons. Apparently it's a regular haunt for the Slytherins but they tend to keep to the higher levels so as not to get lost. Initially I suggested doing it in the Room of Requirement but these days I can't seem to access it at all. It's bizarre, though I suppose because of last year, a good chunk of people know of its existence now so it'd make sense that it'd be occupied all the time…"
"Yes, makes sense," Hermione squeaked, her voice unnaturally high. Of course she couldn't tell Neville that she and Draco were single handedly responsible for that. She was so used to Draco catching her in all her little white lies but luckily, Neville wasn't a seasoned Occlumens nor was he paying much attention to her face. His eyes and his Lumos were chained to the ground, so as not to trip on anything suspect.
"Susan knows duelling law inside and out and she isn't a bad duellist either. She asked me in, as the Gryffindor representative, to help keep people in check in case stuff happens like it did tonight…"
Hermione tried not to take it too personally, though there was a part of her, perhaps a larger part than she liked to admit, that wondered why Susan hadn't come to her. Hadn't Hermione proven herself enough in both academics and bravery? Not to mention there were a few ways she thought the wards could be strengthened, even if they were well-constructed overall. Was it arrogant of her to assume she was the best pick? Was her personality that off-putting?
"I think you were initially supposed to be part of this," Neville said gently, as if reading Hermione's mind, "But given how you'd been keeping to yourself a lot at the beginning of the year, I think Susan just assumed you wanted to be left alone. A lot of us did."
"I think I did want to be left alone for a while. I just needed time to myself. Suddenly everyone wanted to talk to me about painful memories and it…It was just a lot."
"I understand. It felt strange being back for me too. No one cared about me for the longest time- I was just that clumsy, doddering lad with a toad. But ever since the battle, it feels like I've been getting so much attention. Everyone wants to talk about the sword and the snake…which hasn't been all bad. But it is overwhelming. I think I finally sort of understand a small part of what Harry went through all these years."
"Is it wrong that I wish they wouldn't? I appreciate that people respect what I've done but all I want is to move on and get my N.E.W.T.s."
"It's not wrong at all," Neville answered reassuringly.
He had always been such a good friend, even in first year, when he had tried to stop them from sneaking off to the Philosopher's Stone. She realised that she'd missed his company.
"I feel like a normal student when I'm with Nott and Malfoy," Hermione explained, "They treat me like Harry and Ron treated me when they were at school. Like equals. I really would love for you to come join us for study, even just once."
Neville smiled, his face illuminating as they finally exited the dungeons, into a torch lit hallway.
"I'll think about it. Take care, Hermione."
Hermione tugged Neville in for a tight hug, feeling grateful for their conversation. It felt good to connect with an old friend of Gryffindor again. She wished she had given some of her friends more of a chance.
They parted ways, Neville back to Gryffindor tower and Hermione to the Hospital Wing.
/
Theo was stable.
True to Hermione's suspicions, Will Hooper had used some kind of dark curse which kept Theo's wound from closing.
He had to be kept in the Hospital Wing for at least a week, though apparently it could've been longer if it hadn't been for Hermione's quick healing.
"Will should be expelled for using horrible spells like that! Especially after the war!" Hermione complained in a whisper while she and Draco studied in the library.
"Did Potter get expelled for slashing my abdomen open?" Draco asked wryly, arching an eyebrow.
Hermione pursed her lips, cowed, and continued to peruse the heavy tome on wards she'd scavenged up.
"The duels need to be kept secret above all else, or they'll be terminated. Patil isn't much of a duellist but I think she was chosen by Bones primarily because Bones can trust her discretion, on top of her smarts."
"Still, some students could really cause each other harm down there!"
"Blaise, Longbottom and Bones have got it covered. Besides, Theo's been served worse than this, trust me. He'll recover."
Hermione winced.
"Then why does he keep accepting duels?"
"I didn't mean in the duels."
Hermione fell silent.
Theo duelled with an ease that clearly showed practice beyond what Hogwarts taught. Had he been raised by his father to be a ruthless Death Eater? Hermione shivered.
"Why don't you ever accept duels?" Hermione asked.
"Because I'd much rather spend my evenings shagging you then duelling some ape with a bowl cut."
Hermione stifled a cackle. It wasn't an entirely inaccurate description of Geoffrey.
They went to visit Theo as much as they could.
Hermione was forcibly reminded of her countless visits to Ron and Harry under very similar circumstances.
One time they went to see Theo, a very harried-looking Padma had rushed past them as they were passing through the doors.
Padma had just enough time to throw Hermione a glare of utmost loathing before striding out of the ward.
"I didn't realise you and Patil had gotten into it," Draco commented, having noticed as well.
"I didn't either," Hermione answered, a little taken aback, "She might just still be mad that I'm with you lot now. Though we were never all that close, so it seems a bit overkill."
"Oi," Theo called, with a smidgen less of his usual dry gusto.
He looked tired but it was a relief to see some colour back in his cheeks.
"Here's your homework and I've left a copy of my notes from the classes we share. Was Padma visiting you?" Hermione inquired, leaving a stack of parchment next to a large, hairy flowerpot that seemed to be from Hagrid, along with a few other sweets brought by Blaise and Daphne.
"Yes, she wanted to check in to make sure I didn't blab about the duelling arena to any teachers. As if I would ever squeal. I've probably been there the most out of everyone."
They spent lunch hour with Theo and then off to classes.
Before Hermione departed, Draco grabbed her arm.
"Can you spare a night off studying? Meet me in the East Tower before suppertime."
"Not the Room? What in the world do you want to do with me there?"
"There are many things I want to do to you. You'll just have to see which ones in particular tonight."
He smirked.
"Oh? Is there a special occasion?"
Draco leaned in and, before Hermione could check to see if anyone was around, brushed his lips against her cheek.
"It's Valentine's, obviously," he breathed in her ear.
"Oh, and don't wear your Hogwarts uniform," he added slyly.
With a swift smile, he ducked off, leaving her flustered.
Valentine's indeed! How could she forget it was tomorrow? So much was happening and it wasn't generally a holiday she looked forward to. She felt guilty. Draco had seemed positively smug to catch her off guard though, so at least she had comfort in that his feelings weren't hurt.
Blushing at the idea of their first Valentine's date ahead, Hermione rushed off to Herbology.
/
"Draco, what's going on and what have you done to your hair?"
He was grinning and for some reason, he'd dyed his hair black.
She'd never realised how signature his platinum colour had been until now. The black suited him, but it had taken her a moment to recognize him. His face seemed even more pale now, in contrast.
Hermione crossed her arms as she took in the rest of Draco, bundled in a cloak and the scarf she'd knit him. His broom leaned against the stone wall and he had an extra cloak which she could guess was for whom.
They were atop the East tower. A bright orange line spanned the horizon, the last bit of sun before nightfall. The air was cool since the tower sported a large, high arched window that almost touched floor to ceiling.
Draco strode over, pulling the cloak around her in one swoop and fastening it under her chin. He tugged on the lapels dragging her in for a small kiss.
"Ready?"
"Ready? For what? Draco, you're not planning on dragging me off on that thing? I'm no good at brooms."
"Luckily for you, I'm extremely so. All you need to do is hold on. Here,"
He held his hand out and the broom obediently lept into it. Hermione eek'd.
"Where are we even going? If we leave castle grounds at this hour, we'll set off the wards and we'll be in trouble!"
"Wrong!"
Draco seemed to say the word with such relish, probably because Hermione didn't often give him much reason to.
"We're technically past seventh year and that means we're old enough to come and go as we please. The wards only cover Hogwarts students and technically we've gone beyond that. They've cast them that way so the teachers don't get alerted each time one of them needs to nip out."
"Are you quite sure?"
"You're not the only one who knows how to do research. Coming?"
He placed a foot on either side of the broom and gestured at the spot in front of him.
"Ugh, I don't like this…"
She stepped in front of him. Draco held the handle for her to grasp but she hesitated.
"Haven't you flown on worse things before? Dragons, if I recall correctly?"
"It was a dragon, and just because I did it doesn't mean I liked it! I only ever seem to fly in life or death situations."
"Hermione, I would never let anything happen to you. You know that, right?"
His hand tilted her chin back so he could look at her. She leaned back against his chest.
He looked dashing as always, but something about his proximity always made her heart beat faster.
"I trust you," she breathed and their lips met. Soft. Comforting.
He took her hands in one of his. She marvelled at how small hers were in comparison.
He showed her where exactly to grip the handle, enclosing his hand around hers. There was a lascivious glint in his eye that made her blush. She could feel calluses on his palm from all the Quidditch matches with Theo and Blaise. She bit her lip.
Couldn't he just shag her against the wall and they could forget all this broom rubbish?
Before she could propose her plan, Draco tensed behind her.
"Hang on!" He whooped and kicked off hard. They shot out the window like an arrow.
She wind gusted into her face, blowing her hair back. She shut her eyes tight. Her hands were already aching from clenching the broom even though they'd been flying less than a minute. She heard Draco chuckle behind her.
"Hermione, we're barely going ten miles an hour," Draco called over the wind.
"I am certifiably sure that is not true!"
"You're missing the moon, it's giant tonight."
His arm tightened around her while the other steered the broom. Hermione's eyes opened a sliver.
"If you're feeling scared, blur your vision. It'll help with dizziness and vertigo."
She did as he instructed and found it did help. Trees were whizzing by under them, though they now looked like abstract green masses.
When she was ready, she gathered her courage and looked up.
The sight took her breath away.
The immense globe hovered above them, imposing itself on the night's sky. It was indeed abnormally large- or was it because they were in the air that it looked so immense? Either way, she couldn't remember ever seeing a moon so beautiful.
Draco's arm felt secure and warm. She relaxed, even if it was only a little.
The twinkling lights of Hogsmeade approached them.
They landed a little outside of the village. Draco helped Hermione dismount and shrunk his broom down so he could pocket it.
He looked at her and grinned, taking her hand.
"Are you laughing at my hair? It's probably a big bush thanks to all that wind."
"Your hair is beautiful. You're beautiful. I'm laughing because…Well, I suppose because I'm happy."
His cheeks were pink from the cold. He looked impossibly handsome when he was happy
He led her down the path, past the gates to a quaint little french restaurant, Les Bobards.
"I thought it might be nice to go on a date to a real place this time," Draco said while squeezing her hand.
"Oh, how lovely! I don't remember ever seeing this place before!"
"It's new. Hogsmeade underwent quite a few changes during the war. A lot of places closed down and others sprung up in the aftermath."
"Businesses that were Muggleborn-owned got chased off, you mean."
"Yes," Draco answered slowly, "Though Madame Bobard is half-blood."
Hermione raised her brows.
"You looked into it?"
"I look into most establishments that I plan to frequent."
"Are any of the new places here run by Muggleborns?" Hermione asked.
"Some, yes. Muggleborn and half-blood businesses have taken a hit but they've also been the first to be subsidised by the Ministry for rebuilding since the dust has settled."
"It's the least the Ministry can do, though I'm glad Kingsley is proactive about it."
They walked up to the front doors. The restaurant was elegant yet cosy. Strings of lights waltzed along the walls and white roses decorated the olive green table cloths.
Hermione had been worried that she might be underdressed in her grey sweater and jeans, but it seemed the atmosphere was chic in a laid-back sort of way.
"Reservation for two under Nicholas," Draco addressed the hostess.
Hermione blinked at the false name but otherwise, gave nothing away. That explained the black hair. No doubt the white-blonde colour was signature Malfoy lineage and perhaps Malfoys weren't exactly welcome in half-blood establishments.
"Bonjour, yes, I 'ave a table for ze lovely couple- Goodness! Is that- Hermione Granger?"
The hostess shed her false french accent in her shock.
Having spent a hunk of her time that summer holed up at the Burrow, Hermione had managed to evade the bulk of her newfound fame.
It had been disconcerning enough to be accosted by people at Hogwarts, but out in the real world even moreso.
Hermione didn't quite know what to say, so she offered a cautious smile.
"It is you! Hermione Granger, the very same, in my establishment! Well isn't that something!"
The woman grasped Hermione's hands in hers. Hermione was startled to see tears in her eyes.
"You can't begin to know what you've done for me, my family, for all of us. You've saved us! From the bottom of my heart, I thank you, for everything! If there is anything I can do for you, anything at all, it is yours, dear!"
"I…I'm just glad I could help, that's all," Hermione replied. She tried to keep her voice steady but the earnest way the woman peered up at her made her feel emotional.
It was easy to remember all the lives they'd lost, to fall into the darkest memories of wartime.
But here, in the flesh, was a reminder of how it had all been more than worth it.
"We've heard wonderful things about this restaurant and wished to have a quiet evening to enjoy its atmosphere," Draco said softly, filling in the lingering awkwardness.
"Yes, yes of course! Have what you want, naturally it is all on the house!"
"What? No, we couldn't possibly-"
"Thank you for your generosity Madam Bobard, but it would be my deepest honour to spoil this beautiful lady tonight, while contributing to such a fine establishment."
Draco swept forward taking Madam's hand in his and brushed his lips briefly against her knuckles.
"Oh my," Madam Bobard giggled, her cheeks rosy, "I can't quite deny a gentleman such a request. Pleez follow me, Monsieur Nicholas, Mademoiselle Granger. Your table eez right over 'ere," she concluded, winking at Hermione and resuming her horrid accent.
They settled in and ordered with a speedy service, Draco hardly needing a moment to select a complimentary wine with their food.
It was perfect. They were finally on a date, a real one.
Seeing Draco fold his napkin on his lap, converse politely to the waiter and carefully select his cutlery when their plates arrived was all new to Hermione. She knew many sides to him; Malfoy the bully, Draco the academic, her Draco, the one who listened to her, who made love to her.
But well-mannered, high-society Draco was novel. And yet it must be such a large part of him. He must have spent years and years honing these skills at the Malfoy diner table, must have addressed all of his extended family and entourage with utmost elegance and propriety.
"Is something wrong with the salmon?"
Hermione realised she had been lost in thought.
"Not at all! Everything is…well, perfect. I can't believe you went through all this trouble. I was just thinking about how much and yet how little I really know about you. We spend so much time together but I'm always discovering you in new ways."
"I could say the same about you."
"Oh really? How much of your perception of me has changed since we've met this year?"
"Aside from the obvious of not harbouring any unhealthy views on your blood anymore, quite a lot. I'd always thought you very attention-seeking, bossy, a little blustery and a complete Know-It-All. Turns out I was only right about the last one."
"You don't think I'm bossy? I think I've lost count of the number of times I've heard that one."
"You can be, but I wouldn't qualify it as core to your personality. You're a lot more mellow than I thought. More thoughtful."
Hermione paused to introspect.
"I suppose the war has changed that in me. I may not be as outspoken as I was when I was twelve but I still won't hesitate to voice my disagreement."
"The difference is when you were twelve, you jumped to answer every single question. I've noticed now, you only bother when it's a difficult one. You've learnt to channel your energy into what's important. It makes me even more pleased that you choose to spend your time with me."
"But you are important! To me at least!"
Draco curled his lip and took a sip of white wine. Hermione mirrored him and marvelled at how sweet it tasted in the aftermath of the fish.
"I hope this doesn't sound too arrogant, but now that I've had a hand in defeating Voldemort, I no longer feel like I need to prove myself to everyone. I've done enough and now I just want to focus on things I want. On people I want."
She took his hand from across the table. His emerald ring sparkled under the dancing, overhead lights.
"D'you know you're the first person to ever call me mellow?" She smiled wistfully.
"I'd like to say it's because I know the present you more than anybody else, though that would be terribly presumptuous of me."
"Presumptuous maybe. But not wrong."
He smiled then, a full smile. Gods, he was gorgeous when he smiled for her.
"Can I ask a terribly intrusive question?"
"You can ask me anything."
"Why did things end with you and Pansy?"
Even Draco, the master of masking, couldn't hide his apparent displeasure.
"Why are you asking me this?"
"You said I could ask you anything!"
"Yes, well, I didn't exactly anticipate talking about my ex on Valentine's."
"Well…" Hermione spoke slowly, mulling her words over this delicate subject, "I know you were close and, erm…Daphne wondered if you might still have feelings for Pansy. I know we're together and it's silly to worry, but it's been nagging me since, and I think it would put my mind at ease to know at least a little of what happened."
"Jealous are we?" Draco drawled, a little unkindly.
"I've told you about how things ended with Ron, it's only fair I get the same consideration. It isn't like she's some ex-girlfriend I've never known- I've seen you both together, thick as thieves! She used to treat me awfully!"
"I know, all right?"
Draco pulled his hand out of hers, looking away.
"There's no need to sulk. We don't have to talk about it now, but eventually it would be nice," Hermione said stiffly, setting her own fork down, her appetite abating.
"I'm not sulking, I'm…brooding."
Draco exhaled harshly. He ran a hand through his hair, muffing it up in a windswept way that still seemed to look model-esque.
Hermione waited patiently.
"Better to get it out now, rather than later I suppose," Draco finally conceded and his expression sagged. He stared glumly at an asparagus on his plate.
"I didn't treat her right. By all means, she was far from a saint herself, but I could have handled things very differently. I never hurt her physically-" Draco added quickly, "But I was rude, distant and…and…"
He sighed and suddenly he looked very tired.
"My family luckily never foisted any marriage contracts on me. My mother always wanted me to find love, much like she had with my father. Naturally, she still had her standards, but she trusted me to make a suitable choice. Pansy was probably the most suitable choice of all, and she knew it, too. Pureblood, family with good social standing, popular among Slytherins, commanding. She was the Queen of Slytherin and she wanted a King. I think she enjoyed the dream of us together as a power couple more than she actually enjoyed our relationship. I'm fairly certain that's why she stayed for as long as she did."
"In all honesty, things were fine up until sixth year. I had my mission and it was the easiest thing to just toss her aside. I should've known then, that what we had wasn't real. But, to her, Voldemort was on the rise, and it was more important than ever to secure her spot alongside someone who was right in his inner circle. Someone who not only had the Dark Mark, but who was probably the youngest Death Eater to ever have one. To Pansy, I was the one who would raise her to glory within the new world order."
"She wanted to spend more time together, wanted to talk marriage but I couldn't care less. The most maddening to her was that I couldn't even tell her why. We'd fight, she'd come back, we'd make up, over and over. She was like a horrible boomerang I couldn't bring myself to get rid of. Each time, I treated her worse and worse. One day she didn't return, and I didn't even notice. We haven't talked since."
Hermione listenned, feeling cold inside. It didn't surprise her an ounce that old Malfoy had been a terrible boyfriend. But the Draco she knew now was far from it. Yet she had to keep reminding herself that they were one and the same. Malfoy the bully was Draco, the man she was in love with.
Somehow this was the hardest thing to digest. He'd tortured people and she'd managed to forgive that somehow.
But he had done that against his will. To keep his family safe, to stay alive.
But keeping Pansy around was his choice.
"You kept her around to get a quick fuck when you needed one. You were using her," Hermione said blankly. She watched Draco's face crumble.
"I was horrible and I regret it deeply. I have almost nothing but regrets, " he said quietly.
"I…I appreciate your honesty. Truly I do. But I do need to process this."
"I understand."
Silence fell between them. Hermione suddenly wanted to be alone. She wasn't hungry and she couldn't look Draco in the eye.
"This is why I didn't want to talk about all this."
"So that I wouldn't know what a prick you were?"
"Because your disappointment in me is gut-wrenching, if not undeserved."
"Hmph."
"Hermione…" Draco clasped his hands, looking so lost that Hermione almost reached for him. Almost.
"If I could've known…If any ounce of me could have known where I would be today…I would have done things differently. Everything differently. I promise you, I…"
He sighed.
She didn't answer.
Draco gestured to the waiter for the bill.
They nodded to Madam Bobard as they left, who waved and bowed profusely.
"I don't know zis man, but 'e iz a keeper. You are both welcome back any time," she whispered to Hermione with a wink. Hermione forced a smile.
The outdoor cold was welcome and Hermione filled her lungs.
She felt Draco's hand on her back and turned.
"I have so many things to make amends for. But I want you to know, no matter what happens, I want you to be happy. I love you, and you deserve the world."
He kissed her gently on her forehead.
It didn't fix everything- far from it- but it made the broom ride back to the castle a little more bearable.
When they disembarked, Hermione faced him.
"I know this isn't exactly how you wanted the evening to go."
"It went the way it needed to go. I don't want to hide my past from you. You deserve to know everything about me. Even if it means-"
He stopped.
He took her hand and squeezed.
Even if it means losing you.
He couldn't say it but it was there plain as day. Draco would prioritise honesty, always. In any other person, it would be commendable. But she almost wished that with him, she could stomach living in blissful ignorance.
She could feel tears welling in her eyes. She couldn't lose him. Yet how many more skeletons in his closet could she handle?
She squeezed his hand back.
"It's late. I'm going to head to bed now. We'll talk tomorrow. Have a good night."
Wrenching herself away from his hurt gaze was devastating.
But she needed some space. Needed to think.
/
Hermione was shaking, barely registering the cold stone of the Malfoy Manor floor.
She was too busy screaming, screaming, screaming as her body was forced to feel the worst pain of her life. Her cheeks were wet from crying.
"Where did you find it, girl? Tell me where you got the sword!" Bellatrix screeched, her voice echoing in the hall.
Hermione was sobbing so hard she could barely talk.
"We f-found it…we f-found it, I s-swear…"
She could smell blood and bad breath. Bellatrix was so close that Hermione could see curly black hairs dangling in front of her bleary vision. Hermione shut her eyes.
She'd been here before. She always knew what came next.
Sure enough, Bellatrix's cold hand yanked on Hermione's wrist, twisting her arm upwards in an unnatural angle.
Hermione screamed, knowing she was doomed to relive her branding for the rest of her life. She could already anticipate the pain of the wand slicing the first letter 'M' in her flesh.
But this time, it never came.
Hermione hardly dared to look up when Bellatrix dropped her arm on the ground and walked away.
Hermione was wheezing shrilly. Surely there wasn't anything worse that could happen. Surely they'd finally leave her alone.
"Perhaps this might jog your memory. Pull her up so she can see."
At Bellatrix's sharp command, Hermione felt nails scrape her skull as someone yanked on her hair. Her face was pulled up from the floor.
Draco was floating in the air, ropes wrapped tightly around him.
He was looking straight ahead, his face an emotionless mask.
Hermione felt something break inside her.
"No! No! Please, please, I'll tell you everything you need to know, just please, please don't hurt him!"
Her throat was raw from screaming. But it didn't matter. They needed to leave Draco alone, they needed to-
"Oh how pwecious," Bellatrix cooed in a sickening baby voice, "The Mudblood would sell her fwiends away for a Pureblood. Fitting isn't it? Even she understands she is nothing but filth compared to us! Tell me everything, and don't you dare lie, or I'll torture Draco until his bones break!"
"You c-can't, he's your n-nephew! He's your b-blood-"
Hermione twisted around and felt some hairs rip out of her head. Narcissa was the one holding Hermione up.
"Please, he's your son! Your only son! You c-can't let them- Don't let them-"
Narcissa looked coldly at Hermione.
"No son of mine would entertain a whore like you."
Hermione sobbed loudly.
"Where did you get the sword?" Bella shrieked. The noise pierced Hermione's eardrums.
It was over. They had her. She would have died to save everyone. But she couldn't let them kill Draco.
"G-Gringotts…" Hermione heard her treacherous voice tumble from her, "We b-broke into your v-vault…Now please, please just let him go!"
Bellatrix threw her head back and screamed in rage. For a moment, Hermione could've sworn she'd turned into a Banshee. Her black hair was wild, her eyes seemed even more bloodshot against the dark circles under her eyes. Her rotted teeth dripped with spittle.
She spun and jabbed her wand into Draco's throat.
His whole body shook, as if trying to dislodge his limbs. Great slashes opened on his chest, blood pouring out from his mouth and eyes. Bellatrix screamed on and on. Or was it Hermione who was screaming?
Hermione finally woke up.
She was sweating and sobbing hard.
She scrambled to find her wand and cast Silencio on her drapes before tossing it in front of her and crying, crying, crying.
That had been the worst nightmare she'd ever had.
She held her knees to her chest, rocking back and forth until finally, she was able to take deep, rattling breaths.
Was she going mad?
Would she give up everything for this man who had done so many things wrong?
Was this what love was? Forsaking all that mattered because what kind of life would be worth living without his smile? Without his hand in hers? Without him reading a book within earshot?
She snatched her wand up and summoned her TeleGalleon from her robe pocket.
She tapped it.
It barely burned hot before Draco answered.
"Hermione?"
His voice was too much for her. He was alive and well. She burst into more tears.
"Hermione! What's wrong? Tell me where you are!"
"It's f-fine I'm just…Just being silly is all. Had a n-nightmare."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"N-No, not really…"
Hermione heaved a deep breath, trying to gather her wits.
"I'm so cross with you!"
"I know."
"Why is this all so complicated? Why did you have to be such an arse? I'm not supposed to end up with someone who hated me and who treated everyone like dung! Why is it that now, all of a sudden, you have every good quality under the sun? You're kind and thoughtful and loving and stupidly handsome! Where do you get off on being the absolute perfect person when you were the complete opposite before! I just want to be normal, have a normal relationship without having to find out some new, horrible thing about you. And I know, I know I should've seen this coming, anyone would be the first to say "I've told you so" when I started going steady with Draco Malfoy of all people! Perhaps I should have listened to you and baulked when I had the chance but now I love you and I hate it!"
"I'm sorry."
"Sorry doesn't cut it! And don't you dare break up with me! I'm just…Augh! I'm just so frustrated and conflicted. It's so hard to move past all this sometimes!"
"I would never treat you the way I treated Pansy. I would never treat anyone like that ever again. It was a fucked up year, and I was at my lowest point in life, but that's still no excuse. I understand it's hard to forgive. If it's any consolation, I have the same conflicts with myself, daily."
Hermione sighed, frowning at the roof of her four poster.
"What was your nightmare about?" Draco asked quietly.
"Bellatrix…"
Hermione barely whispered it.
"Ah…Yes, she visits quite a few of mine as well."
"This was the first one I've had since we'd started seeing each other."
"I only sleep well when I'm with you."
She heard warmth creep into his voice. It relaxed her.
"I miss you," she said softly, clutching the Galleon by her mouth. She knew she'd needed space, but now she wanted nothing more than to sneak off to the Slytherin dorms and climb into bed with Draco.
"I…You don't know how good it is to hear you say that."
"I love you."
She heard his intake of breath.
"I love you, too. More than anything."
She sighed. His words seemed to instantly calm her whole body. She felt her muscles relax when she didn't even realise they were tensed up.
"Is there anything else I should know?" She asked, dreading the answer but knowing she needed it, for her own peace of mind.
Silence.
"Draco?"
"I've tortured Muggles. Two women and four men. I never knew their names. I watched people get tortured and did nothing. I've lost count on how many. I almost killed Katie Bell and Weasley through pure reckless stupidity, though you already know that. I…"
He hesitated. She could hear him clear his throat.
"I as good as killed Crabbe. He wouldn't have turned so bad if I hadn't egged him on. I needed his help to guard the cabinet and I told him it would earn him a Mark and a coveted place with the Dark Lord. I brainwashed him. Both he and Goyle could have turned out all right, but I dragged them into something they never needed to be in. I tried to turn them into monsters like me and for Crabbe, it worked."
"And Goyle?"
"He moved out of the country like many others. America I think."
"You could have, too."
"I could have."
"But you didn't."
"No."
They were silent for a beat.
"Crabbe's father was a Death Eater. You weren't the only one brainwashing him. You can't blame yourself for his death."
"He died at Hogwarts! With me! He would never have known about the Room if it hadn't been for me! I didn't strike him down but his death is on my hands. He was rough around the edges but his father was…hard on him. Crabbe probably had it the worst out of all of us. He was a loyal friend, even if he was a horrible person."
It had never dawned on Hermione to ask Draco about Crabbe, nor Goyle. In retrospect, it seemed odd; the three of them had been inseparable after all. Practically as
inseparable as she, Harry and Ron.
It was the first time that Hermione considered that Crabbe and Goyle had been more like brothers to Draco, even though, from her perspective, they'd always looked more like henchmen.
Draco's influence had led them to destruction.
Much like how Lucius had led his family to the very same.
Draco's emotional baggage seemed heavier by the day.
"Have you ever tried talking to someone about all this? Someone professional? Maybe…it could help give you some clarity. There's no shame in it after all."
"No. There's just too much there, some of it unthinkable. I'll just…deal with it on my own."
She couldn't stomach the idea of Draco falling into a pit of self-loathing and it made her lose patience.
"You'll make amends in a productive way and I'll personally see to it myself that you do! You'll clean up the Manor's finances like you've said you would, you'll donate to Muggleborn charities and you'll be respectful to every single being you meet, even if they spit on your toes! No boyfriend of mine will be wallowing away in pity, that's for certain."
She heard Draco chuckle.
"Perhaps you are bossy, after all."
She could hear the softness in his voice. He meant it endearingly.
"There you have it. All my dark secrets are yours."
Hermione breathed a sigh of relief.
"Good. No more surprises then. I look forward to starting fresh with you, tomorrow."
"I would very much like that," he murmured in a way that made her blush a little.
"I'm really glad we had this talk," Hermione whispered, settling into her pillows, the Galleon resting next to her mouth.
"I want to kiss you."
His words instantly made her face heat up. She regretted the lack of kissing they'd had on their Valentine's date and now it was too late to remedy. Hermione sighed.
"I wish I could kiss you, too,"
"I meant tomorrow. In public."
Hermione took a moment to digest what she'd just heard.
"You mean…in front of people?"
"Being with me will never be easy or normal. But perhaps I can try to make it as normal as I can. Will you be my Valentine, Hermione?"
"But…I thought…What about what people will think?"
"It won't be easy, but I think you know that. At least, if we're publicly together, I'll be in a better position to protect you from any threats. Nott, Luna and Tracey will back you as well. I know hiding it has been stressful for you. If you still want to be with me, even after everything I've told you, then I'm all in."
Hermione wanted to laugh.
It was almost too surreal to believe.
They were really going to do it. They were going to be a real couple!
Oh, people would be angry certainly, but Hermione wouldn't let that stop her. She'd made up her mind on that long ago.
"I want to hug you right now! Why does tomorrow have to be so far!" Hermione whined though she was grinning from ear to ear.
Finally. No more secrets.
"I know, love. I want to hold you and never let go."
"What else would you do to me, if I was there?"
She wished she could see the expression on his face.
After a moment, he spoke. His voice was low.
"Kiss you. Your mouth. Your neck."
"And?"
She faintly heard the sound of him inhaling slowly.
"Touch you," he finally murmured, through his exhale.
She shivered. She very much wanted that.
"How would you touch me?" She whispered. She was starting to feel hot.
"Mmm. Are you wearing those dark blue pyjamas?"
"Yes."
"I'd slide my hand under the hem of your shirt. Run it up your stomach. Between your breasts."
Hermione sucked in her breath.
"What else?"
"I'd touch your nipples till they harden. Kiss you until my tongue slips in your mouth."
Hermione couldn't help a small moan. She heard Draco make a hum of satisfaction.
"Hermione," Draco murmured. He sounded raspy.
"Are you hard?" She blurted out.
"Very."
"Ohh…"
Picturing the tent in his boxers was almost too much for her. Her pussy was now throbbing painfully, demanding her attention. She wanted to be with him so badly.
"Will you be a good girl and do what I tell you?"
Hermione gasped.
"Yes."
She heard him groan softly.
"Slide a hand down, between your legs."
"Okay."
She did as he bid her, resting her palm right on her mound.
"Play with your clit and tell me exactly how you like it."
"I'm…ohh…"
Hermione pushed down slowly with three fingers around the area. She was breathing harder.
"I'm rubbing circles, pressing down on it and…ohhh…Draco it feels….so good. Ahhn…I wish you were here…"
"Good. Just listen to my voice. Tell me how fast you're going."
"Slow…no, fast. I don't know!"
She had been going slow at first, but the more she heard his voice, the faster and harder she touched. She could feel her orgasm starting to build.
"Are you…ahhnn…t-touching yourself too?"
"Yes," she heard him hiss.
She made a breathy whining noise.
"Describe it to me," she managed, through breaths.
"I'm stroking myself at the thought of how wet you are. Push a finger in your cunt and tell me."
"So wet," she gasped.
Indeed, as soon as he commanded, she'd eagerly shoved her forefinger inside her and was unsurprised and pleased by the squelch it made.
"I'm…ahnn…touching myself and…spreading it over my clit…I'm so wet, Draco. Soaking wet."
He groaned.
"I can hear it," he sounded almost reverent.
She heard him panting a little.
"Put two fingers in and rub your sweet spot just how you like it."
"Yess….Yesssss!"
Hermione cried out in relief as he gave her permission to start earnestly masturbating.
"Roll your clit on your palm."
"Oh god, oh god, yes, Draco!"
"You sound amazing. Keep touching yourself. Just like that. Such a good girl."
"I'm touching my….touching my- ahhnn…"
Relaying every action was beginning to be a challenge. She could feel her impending orgasm gaining momentum.
"Add another finger if you can. Touch yourself and imagine it's me pushing my fingers inside your cunt until you make those delicious little noises you always make."
She was indeed making a myriad of noises. She moaned and keened and bucked, rocking her hips against her fingers and pressing her clit down hard on her palm. She was close, oh so close. She shut her eyes tight and pictured Draco, naked, his cock erect and gleaming. She could imagine his hands on her. In her. She cried out.
"Fuck, that sounds good. I wish I could lick you clean. Push my face right between your thighs and devour you…"
"Ahhnn! Yes, yes! What else?"
"Push my cock inside you and pound you. Fuck you nice and hard until you-"
"Draco!"
She didn't think she'd ever come that hard before, by her own hand. She arched her back as her orgasm finally liberated her.
"Draco, oh god, I'm coming!" She panted, riding the wave. She could hear his breath speed up. Just as her orgasm started to settle down, she heard a loud grunt and gasp. Then heavy panting.
"Did you just come?" She asked, still reeling.
"Merlin… yes. The noises you make- they drive me mad. I wanted you to climax first but I felt ready to burst. It was a close call."
He sounded as exhausted as she felt. She smiled, stretching like a cat and feeling immensely satisfied.
"I can't wait to see you. I want your fingers in me for real now."
"Such an insatiable minx."
She grinned.
"Hermione?"
"Mmn?"
"I love you."
Hermione made a sleepy sound of contentment.
"I love you, too. Draco…"
"Ask me anything and it's yours."
She smiled into her pillow.
"Could we…sleep with the TeleGalleons on? I like hearing you, even if you're quiet. It makes me feel like we could be sleeping next to each other. Is that odd?"
"No, it isn't odd at all. I'm right here and I'm not going anywhere. Sweet dreams, love."
Hermione drifted off to the sound of Draco's steady breathing and, being the obedient girl that she was, had nothing but the sweetest of dreams.