"Draco, Hermione…" Dumbledore motioned for the couple to come to him. "We have put together a little wedding present for you, which I think you will thoroughly enjoy." The old man's eyes sparkled mischievously.
"Yes, Headmaster?" Draco said in a voice laced with curiosity.
"Oh, don't call me that anymore! You two are adults, out of my immediate care. Please call me Albus!" Dumbledore smiled as his two former students looked a little confused. "But anyway…here!" Smiling again, he handed Hermione and Draco two silver skeleton keys.
"Thank you, but what are they for?" Hermione said, turning her key over in her hands, examining it from all angles.
"They are portkeys, dear." Professor McGonnagall spoke up. "They can be triggered by twisting the top. We have taken the liberty of secluding a secret cottage for you two on a remote little island. Hopefully, no one will find you there." Minerva smiled at the couple's obvious excitement.
"Thank you." Draco whispered and looked each person in the eye, seeing the emotions present in each set. He saw the company's mixed feelings: from fear, to worry, love, excitement, and sadness even. "You have no idea how much this means to us." Hermione was crying by now, and Draco pulled her closer.
"Well, it's the least we can do. You have endured so much, and have yet to go through some hard decisions." Minerva said, stepping forward to briefly hug Hermione and Draco. "Now, go on! You only have a few days there, make the most of it!" Hermione smiled finally, and Draco looked down at her. They both said their farewells to the company, and just as they were about to leave, Draco looked up suddenly at his mother.
"Mother, you have to stay here. It's not safe to go back to the manor without me. Lucius expects us to be gone for a week in France." Draco's eyes showed a tinge of pain and guilt.
"Oh, don't worry about me. I'll find somewhere to go." Narcissa smiled, but her eyes did not conceal her sorrow so well. After all these years, keeping her emotions so tightly shrouded, one night had pulled the veil off her heart, and set those affections free.
"She can stay here. I believe that we can adequately house her, and I have a few questions for her." Severus said, looking for approval in Draco's reaction.
"Thank you, Professor Snape. I'm sure my mother will be very safe here." Smiling, Draco turned to Hermione. "Ready?"
"As ready as I'll ever be." Hermione said, teasingly, and twisted her key. With a slight pop, Hermione was gone. Draco turned his key, and the response was quite different. A resounding crack was heard, and a flash of blinding green light filled the hall.
"Albus? Was that normal?" Minerva asked in a slightly uneasy voice.
"I do not believe so, Minerva. But I sincerely hope I am wrong." Dumbledore answered gravely.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Hermione arrived in a small cottage on a beach. The windows and doors were open, and the fresh sea-scented air blew all around her in warm torrents. Investigating the rooms, Hermione saw that each room was furnished beautifully, but the bedroom was by far the most lavishly decorated. Frowning slightly at the thought that her own teachers must have considered what would be happening here, Hermione smoothed out a pillowcase. Sitting on a bench in the kitchen, Hermione waited for Draco to arrive. Figuring he was just seeing to his mother's accommodations, she didn't worry. But when half an hour had passed, and Draco still wasn't there, Hermione started to wonder. She picked up her key and twisted it again. Arriving back in the Great Hall at Hogwarts, Hermione entered the dining hall. Surprised to see most of the company still gathered there, Hermione went straight to Dumbledore.
"Did Draco turn his key?" Hermione asked, panicking when she didn't see him among the crowd.
"Yes, he did. But I am afraid to say; there was quite a different reaction. Did he not show up at your cottage?" Dumbledore asked, slightly worried. Hermione fell to the floor, tears collecting in her eyes, as her worst fear was confirmed.
Draco was gone.
* * * * * * * * * * *
After Draco had left, Narcissa had turned to Severus. "I would very much like to go to sleep. Do you think you can find a room for me?"
"I think Severus has an extra room adjoining his own." Dumbledore interjected, knowing all too well what had happened between the two. "Am I right, Severus?"
"Yes, I do have an extra room. Is that all right with you, Mrs. Malfoy?" Severus spoke in a dry, crisp tone.
"Yes, it is." Narcissa said, and followed Severus to the dungeons.
Walking down the stairs to the lower levels of the dungeons, Narcissa spoke up. "It's been quite awhile since you've called me Mrs. Malfoy."
"It's been quite awhile since I've called you anything, Narcissa." Severus said, unlocking a heavy wooden door.
"I know what you wanted to talk to me about. The ceremony…I could see it in your eyes." Narcissa stepped in front of Severus, causing him to stop abruptly. "You know if it weren't for Lucius we-" Placing a finger to her lips, Severus stopped Narcissa.
"I know, but I doubt we will ever have that chance again. I could very well die in the war we all know is coming, and I can't bear to leave anyone behind." Severus said, side-stepping Narcissa to open another door on the side of the sitting room they were in.
"Or maybe, having someone may make you fight harder to come back." She paused to see reaction. When none came, she continued. "Severus, I still love you. If Lucius and my father had not made such an asinine deal, I would not be married to him, but rather you. I never regretted that night when you proposed, but only that I had to decline because my father had bound me to Lucius." Narcissa took a few steps forward.
"That is in the past Narcissa. We cannot change what has happened, only what may transpire as time passes." Severus turned from the pale blonde woman in front of him, willing himself not to look at her. Narcissa, the cause of his heartache, the reason Draco and Hermione's wedding had been such a burden on his heart. The younger couple so reminded him of Narcissa and himself when they were much younger. Narcissa, like Hermione, was intelligent and optimistic, brave and always willing to sacrifice herself for the virtue of her cause. Severus, like Draco, so in love with the one woman he couldn't have, giving up everything for her. But unlike Severus, Draco's relationship had ended well. Lucius had taken Severus' love away, leaving nothing but an empty shell of the man he was.
"Severus…you have to understand me. I have lived 19 years without you, without being able to talk to you, touch you, hear your voice…but this war will either end with the Dark Lord winning, or if he loses…I will come back to you." Narcissa stepped closer still, pressing her body lightly against Severus. "Lucius won't make it through this war if our side wins. He may not if we lose. But I can't keep going through life without you."
"I know, Narcissa. Every day I think about you. But somehow…it seems fated. Like we were meant to be separated." Severus leaned down, seeing the look of hurt in Narcissa's eyes. "Or maybe we weren't…" He whispered, before kissing Narcissa hungrily, searching for the love he had lost so many years ago. Returning the kiss with a fiery passion, Narcissa locked her arms around Severus' neck, as he spun her around. Pushing her against the wall, Severus picked Narcissa up and moved his mouth to her neck. Narcissa's hands unbuttoned Severus' shirt, exposing the lightly muscled skin. Severus' skin was pale, almost iridescent in the candle-lit room. His hands traced up Narcissa's arms, and slid her dress straps off her shoulders. The loose dress fell to the floor as Severus placed Narcissa back on her feet. Reveling in her beauty, Severus hardly noticed that she was pulling him through the door behind her. Falling backwards on the bed, Narcissa pulled Severus down with her, kissing him deeply. He pulled her closer, feeling her warm skin against his. Her hands traveled to his belt, and her fingers nimbly undid the clasp and button. Sliding the pants off his legs, Narcissa smiled mischievously at Severus.
"I've missed you." She whispered. Kissing her again, Severus slipped off the rest of Narcissa's garments, leaving her exposed to the cool dungeon air. Returning the favor, Narcissa slid Severus' remaining clothing off as well, and pulled his head down for another kiss. Severus pulled back, and looked directly into her ice blue eyes. They were full of desire, love, passion…and just seeing her eyes told Severus that she really did still love him. Narcissa leaned up to whisper in Severus' ear. "I need you…" and he went over the edge. Losing all that was left of his restraint, Severus slid his erection into Narcissa, shivering slightly at the gasp of pleasure she emitted. Instinctively bucking her hips against his own as Severus pulled out, Narcissa dragged her fingers across Severus' back. Pleading him with whispers and moans, Narcissa indulged in the sweet ecstasy of her lover's ministrations. Thrusting harder and deeper, Severus bent down to kiss Narcissa softly. Feeling her muscles quiver with ardor, Severus gave one final thrust and felt Narcissa climax, collapsing back onto the bed. Her breathing was ragged, but a smile played on her lips.
"Just like I remembered…" Narcissa whispered, kissing Severus and curling up next to him.
* * * * * * * * * * *
When Draco twisted his key, he heard the sickening crack, and saw the green light, and knew all too well what was happening. Bracing himself for the worst, Draco waited until the wild ride was over. Stumbling as he stopped, he looked up. The familiar stone walls, the damp floors, even the stale smell…Draco knew where he was even before the well-known voice spoke up.
"I see that your trip to France was side-tracked." Lucius leaned against the wall, staring at the kneeling form of his son. "But I can tell where you've been…and what you've done…" Lucius took a few long strides and lifted his son up. Grasping Draco's hands, he inspected the two rings. "That one is a family heirloom. So appropriate for you and that mudblood. The binding rings. And this one," Smiling sickly, Lucius pulled the ring off Draco's finger. "Renewal, rebirth. Isn't that precious? I thought I had taught you about women, Draco. Use them for whatever you need, then throw them off you. But, if it helps the Lord get your heir…" Lucius dropped the ring into Draco's pocket. "I suppose we can live with it."
"Why the hell am I here?" Draco demanded, reaching into his pocket for his wand. Advancing on his father, Draco spoke again. "Tell me."
Lucius laughed, sending a sickening shiver across Draco's skin. "I told you the Dark Lord might have a use for you. And we've found out what you may be helpful for. Now, give me your wand like a good boy and follow me upstairs." When Draco made no move to hand his wand over, Lucius' eyes flashed. "I can always take it by force. I am more powerful than you are, more experienced. Now give me the wand." Reluctantly, Draco gave his father the wand, and was 'rewarded' with a sick smile. "Come, boy." Lucius said, and turned quickly on his heel and walked from the room, robes billowing behind him. Draco followed him at a slight distance, through the impossible labyrinth of the dungeons. When they had come to the end of a narrow hallway, Lucius turned and motioned for Draco to follow, but be silent. Lucius took a key from his belt and unlocked a door. Whispering a charm, he turned the doorknob and went inside, holding the door open for Draco. The room was pitch black, and Lucius lit a candle. A long table was positioned in the center of the room, and someone was sitting at the end. The figure looked up at Draco with red eyes, and he felt a wave of fear and disgust pass over him as it spoke.
"I have been expecting you."
* * * * * * * * * * *
Hermione sat in Dumbledore's office with Harry, Ron, and of course Dumbledore himself. Both of Hermione's parents and Lavender had been sent home immediately, and Minerva had gone to find Severus and Narcissa (with strict orders to knock loudly on any doors). Hermione was still crying silent tears, twisting the wedding band around her finger. Harry had his arm around her shoulders, trying to comfort her. Ron, though, was seething.
"That dirty traitor! He's probably going back to You-Know-Who and telling him everything!" Ron slammed his hand down on the table next to his chair.
"Mr. Weasley!" Dumbledore shouted, with a glitter in his eyes none of the students had seen before. One of strict discipline and harsh anger. "We do not know where Draco has gone to, or if it was even his fault. Do not jump to conclusions." Ron, shocked, didn't answer right away, but managed to mumble an apology.
"Where is he, Albus?" Severus said, flinging a door open and walking in. His hair had been hastily thrown back into a low queue. His shirt was open at the neck, and he was straightening himself out as he walked in.
"We believe the portkey was wrongly directed. We have no idea where he might be." Albus spoke in a solemn voice. The two women came in behind Severus, and Narcissa spoke in a shaky voice.
"Do you think Lucius has him?" Narcissa came further into the room and looked into Albus' clear blue eyes. Receiving a nod, she fell to the floor and started crying. "Voldemort is suspected to be at the manor. If Lucius has Draco…" She stood up, drying her eyes. "We have to get Harry, Ron, and Hermione to safety."
"What makes you say that, Narcissa?" Albus asked. He stood as well, and went to help support Narcissa, who was a little shaky on her feet.
"Lucius wants to find Harry, because he believes that the Dark Lord is somehow connected to him, and cannot return while Harry is still alive. If they find Hermione and bring her to the manor…well, it won't be pleasant. I've been to a few of the Dark Revels, and no proper woman should be allowed to go. Lord knows what would happen to Ron, being so close to both Harry and Hermione." Narcissa took a deep breath and surveyed her surroundings. The three students were staring at her in disbelief, and Severus was standing against a wall, face emotionless. Albus was nodding in comprehension.
"Then I believe I have a plan. Sit down, all of you, I'll explain." Albus motioned to a few chairs, before sitting behind his own desk. "Now, I think that the war is quite closer than we expected. Harry, you know that a lot of responsibility has been placed on you, but I'm not quite sure if you are ready to handle it all. I am sending you to spend a few months with our best auror, Mad-Eye Moody. I believe you briefly met him in fourth year. I need you to go to wherever you are staying and pack quickly and lightly. I'll owl Moody as soon as I can. Minerva, can you go help Mr. Potter?" Receiving a nod, she left the room, and Harry quickly hugged Hermione and looked at Ron before leaving. "Now, I believe Narcissa will be very safe here. After all, Voldemort is not after you. Hermione and Ron, I know this is hard on you both, so I believe that separating you two would be very unwise. You will have to go into hiding." Hermione looked up knowingly and nodded, but Ron was still a little confused.
"You mean like Harry's parents?" He asked. Albus nodded, but Ron looked worried. "Who will be our secret keeper?"
"I will," Albus said. "Is that all right with both of you?"
"Yes sir." Hermione whispered. "We'll go pack, and then come here for the spell work." Receiving a nod from the adults, the two students left.
"Severus, I want you to keep a close eye on Narcissa." Getting a sharp look from Narcissa, Albus spoke on. "I know you are capable of protecting yourself, Narcissa, but Severus is the most skilled potion's master this school has ever seen, and the most experienced one of us in the area of Dark Magic. You will be safe with him." Albus sat there in silence with the two across the room from him. He knew all too well what had happened nearly 20 years before. If only the end of this war would give them another chance, Albus thought, looking at the two. Severus stood up, nodded to the Headmaster, and left, closely followed by Narcissa. Upon leaving the room, Severus turned to Narcissa.
"I realize that these upcoming weeks may be very hard on both of us, but we have to remain neutral. I need to make a potion for Hermione and Ron to drink, to bind the spell." He turned on his heel and stalked down the hall, leaving Narcissa standing alone in the dark corridor. A wave of fear fell over her as she heard footsteps approaching her, and she froze to the spot. A long, ashen arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her tightly against her captor. Bringing a cold steel blade to her throat, the man spoke.
"Where's Harry?"
* * * * * * * * * * *
"Come here, boy, and let me see you." The cold voice hissed, with red eyes locked onto Draco's. Receiving a push from his father, Draco stepped closer, tense. The red eyes left his own to survey his figure. Reaching out a pallid hand, the figure in the robe grabbed Draco's wrist and dug his fingernails into his skin. A drop of blood seeped through the cut, and the finger spread it over Draco's skin. "I see that you have indeed grown to be an asset to our assemblage. But the mudblood you love makes you weak. The war is coming sooner than expected, and we need your heir, young Malfoy. But more than that, we need her precious friend Mr. Potter." A sick smile was evident in the dimly lit room, making Draco's skin crawl. "You will help us."
"And if I refuse?" Draco dared to speak. The figure threw is hood back in rage, revealing the deleterious face to the fire.
"The mudblood will die." Smiling, a forked tongue ran over the dry lips. "So, make suffer the one you love, or help us? The decision is yours."
"I will help you, Lord Voldemort."
* * * * * * * * * * *
Gasping for air, shivering with fear, unable to call to anyone, Narcissa whispered to her attacker. "Harry Potter? Why do you want him?"
"My business is my own, but I wish to speak with him. It is very important." The knife blade pressed against her skin, almost breaking it. "Where is he?"
"With Minerva McGonagall. They went to gather his belongings." The knife had eased momentarily, but was pressed against her neck harder, causing a drop of blood to issue from where the tip had pricked her skin. Drawing in her breath harshly, the captor eased the knife away. Taking out a small white piece of cloth, he dried her blood and sheathed the knife. Stepping back from Narcissa, the man pulled his hood up and grabbed her shoulders.
"Tell me all you know." He whispered. "I swear to you, I am not an enemy."
"Harry is leaving to learn to become an auror. He will be staying with Moody. They are leaving as soon as possible. Draco-" Narcissa was cut short by a hand placed over her mouth.
"Shh…someone's coming. In here." Pulling Narcissa to a picture, the man twisted a knob on the frame and stepped inside a secret room. Looking out through a hole, he motioned for Narcissa to stay silent. The footsteps stopped in front of the gargoyle.
"Lemon Drops." A woman's voice said, and the man jumped out of the picture frame, dragging Narcissa behind him. Minerva (who had been the woman talking to the gargoyle) jumped at the sudden movement and whipped out her wand. "Who are you?" She demanded.
"Just someone trying to get to my god son." The cloak was pulled back, revealing the face of Sirius Black. The two women gasped, but Harry dropped his bags and ran to him.
"Harry!" Sirius exclaimed, hugging him. "It's been so long since I've seen you. Narcissa here has told me about your plans. But I have some rather disturbing news for you." Sirius' face grew solemn. "We'd best discuss it with Albus present. Come on." Leading the way up the stairs, Minerva smiled to herself. It was true that Harry hadn't seen Sirius in a long time, no one had. But Minerva had at least spoken to him. Corresponding through letters, she had written to him at least once a week for the past year. Sirius was working as a spy, since not many people on Voldemort's side knew about his being an animagus. They had sent him to spy on Malfoy Manor, being that Voldemort was assumed to be there. Entering the study, Albus looked up and smiled.
"Sirius. It has been quite awhile. Sit down. I presume you are here because you have important information that involves Lucius, but was too risky to send in a letter?"
"Yes sir. That is why I'm here. Voldemort is at the manor, I saw him there last night. They left a door open and I ran in. I only heard a little part of the conversation, but I believe it is important. Voldemort and Lucius were talking. They said that Harry was the sole reason Voldemort couldn't come back in full power. They're trying to get to him so they can kill him." Sirius took a deep breath, and looked at each person in the room. Albus simply nodded, Harry looked shocked and a little scared, but the fear was quickly replaced by a fierce determination. Narcissa looked extremely morose. Turning to Minerva, Sirius locked his eyes onto her face, willing her to look up. After the past year, writing letters constantly with any news he could think of, just to hear her reply, he had wanted desperately to meet her in person. And here she was, just like he had remembered. Hiding behind books all her life certainly hadn't made her pretty, but Sirius imagined that if she got rid of her glasses, and took her hair down once and awhile, she might turn out to be beautiful. Smiling, he turned back, and seeing the looks on the others faces, he quickly stopped.
"Draco has disappeared. We believe he has gone to the manor, but we can't be so sure. We are even doubting his loyalty to our side anymore." Albus said soberly. "Harry is going to stay with Moody, he will be quite safe there, I promise you. Hermione and Ron are going into hiding, with me as their secret keeper. And I believe they have arrived, with Severus and the potions." Signaling for Harry to open the door, the three entered the room, with Hermione still looking as melancholy as ever.
"Come on, Hermione. You don't need him anymore. He's just a filthy traitor." Ron was trying to comfort Hermione, but she waved him off.
"Please Ron. Stop saying that. It doesn't help." Collapsing into a chair, Hermione looked at Albus. "We're ready, sir."
"Good. I need all of you to leave excepting Severus and myself. Now, I need you two to hold onto everything you are taking with you, and then hold hands. You mustn't lose each other on this trip. Drink these." Albus took the two vials from Severus and handed one to each student. They drained them, and Ron coughed a bit, but stood back up and handed back the vial. "Now, choose a password. I need to be able to reach you with any news I obtain."
"Mysterious." Hermione said quickly. Ron looked at her a little confused, but she nodded and whispered, "I'll explain later."
"Okay then. I have to say a spell, so be very quiet and still. When I'm done you should disapparate to a safe house." Albus nodded. "I hope you two stay safe, and I will hear from you soon. Now then." Albus cleared his throat, and Severus left the room. "Safoix Protecume Litte." Smiling, Albus waved as the two students disappeared.
Falling down from the sudden change in speed, Hermione looked around. She nearly cried when she saw where she was. "Oh, Ron it's…"
"Hermione? What's wrong?" Ron kneeled down next to her and hugged her tightly. "What is it?"
"This is where Draco and I were supposed to stay. But I guess he won't be coming, will he?" She tried to smile, but she was much too sad. "And the password… it was the password to the head boy and girl's common room."
"Hermione… you're never going to get over him if you keep reminding yourself of him." Ron said, but Hermione looked up sharply.
"Who said I wanted to get over him?" She said protectively.
"Well, he betrayed you and everyone who trusted him. He went back to You-Know-Who, just like the dirty ferret he is." Ron said, looking hurt but defending himself.
"Think what you like, but I know Draco. He wouldn't do that. You have no idea." Hermione grabbed her bags and ran to her room. A wall had divided the bedroom, and she thankfully sighed. Placing her bags at the foot of her bed, Hermione went to the window. It was about 3 a.m., and the sky was clear. Looking up, she could barely see her favorite constellation: Draconis, the dragon. It's still out in August. That's queer, it's usually only visible in July, Hermione thought. She walked to her desk and brought out a piece of paper and a quill. Dipping the tip into a bottle of black ink, she began to write to Harry.
Dear Harry,
I know he's only been gone a few hours, but I can't help but feel like I'm never going to see him again. Ron seems to think he's betraying me, but I know he would never do that. We're staying on a beach, in the same place Draco and I were supposed to stay on our honeymoon, but that's all I can tell you. I looked out my window, tonight the sky is so clear. The constellation Draconis is still out, making me long for him that much more. The moon is full, and there's a crimson ring twisting around it, signifying trouble is not far behind. If you could see the moon, you would laugh, for the man on the moon is out tonight, looking as melancholy as me. As I look up at the stars, I can't help but wondering that if wherever he is, if he's looking at that same star, thinking about me. The empty place he left behind in me keeps burning, like I shall forever be half the person I was. The ruby on my wedding band is still clear and bright, but I'm wondering now if it was all a lie. I hate to think that, but the truth is there's only me and that moon.
Love,
Hermione
* * * * * * * * * * *
**AUTHOR'S NOTE** I know, what a horrible place to end. I am a hopeless romantic, so if course I have to make everyone happy. That's why Narcissa and Severus have to fall in love. I'm sorry if I've entirely sickened some of you with the whole Severus/Narcissa scene, but I had to do something! I mean, everyone was expecting the honeymoon to be all 'explicit' but then Draco disappears, so I had to fulfill that carnal desire of yours. Draconis is a real constellation, its out in July, and it is a dragon. Actually Draco means Dragon…so tee hee. Anyways, Sirius will return later, and I hope that I won't sicken you all even more, because I hope to get him some action too. PLEASE REVIEW! I WILL SERIOUSLY STOP WRITING IF YOU DON'T REVIEW! WHY DO YOU THINK I'M TAKING SO LONG TO WRITE THIS DAMN STORY?! I'M TORTURING YOU UNTIL YOU REVIEW!!!!!!!!! MUAHAHAHA!!!!! No, seriously, the reviews are coming in short. I've gotten like, 10 reviews on like 4 chapters. I want the criticism! Review 4 times a day, every day! It's nutritious! *wink, wink* that's for one of my reviewers who wrote a story about a centaur named Nutricious….