Hermione finished writing her letter, and folded it up. Lighting a candle, she poured the hot wax on the back, sealing the letter with her fingerprint. Hermione stood up and looked out the window. Regaining her composure, she walked into the kitchen. Ron was still sitting at the table, his head in his hands. Hermione walked silently over and put her arm around his shoulder. Jerking up at her unexpected touch, Ron relaxed slightly when he saw that it was Hermione.
"Look, Hermione, I'm really sorry about what I said about Mal-er…Draco. I guess I don't know what he would do, I hardly know him at all. But I just don't understand how he could leave you on your wedding night. Who knows when he could be coming back?" Ron paused, and saw the look of pain on Hermione's face. Sighing, he ran a hand through his disheveled hair. "I just don't want you to get hurt, okay Hermione?"
"Yeah. Thanks Ron." Hermione leaned over and kissed Ron lightly on the cheek. His face burned red, but Hermione couldn't see it in the darkness. She stood, and sighed. "I guess I'll get some sleep. I'm still really tired." Hermione turned and walked off, not hearing the barely audible words from Ron.
"I still love you, Hermione."
* * * * * * * * * * *
Draco sat alone against the cold stone of his bedroom wall. He had been allowed to stay in his own quarters, and Demon was allowed to send and receive letters, but other than that, Draco's activity was limited. He closed his eyes, turning his head so the icy stone pressed against his cheek. He sat there for awhile, not trying to move, just breathing slowly, painfully in and out. The room around him was silent, the moonlight shaded by the heavy black curtains. Tentatively, Draco moved one hand from the floor to his pocket, his fingers closing over the small ring of metal. Slipping it on to his finger, Draco opened his eyes. The emerald eyes stared at him with an unblinking sureness, like they knew something he didn't. Draco turned the ring so the eyes faced away, and stood. Walking to the window, he drew back the curtains, and the bright moonlight made him squint. Finally adjusting to the light, Draco studied the stars, seeking out his favorite constellation. Surprised that it was still out, he traced the dragon shape with his finger. Smiling slightly as he remembered the night he pointed it out to Hermione…
"See those stars? The ones that look like they're in a line with a box at the end?" Draco had whispered to Hermione as they sat by the lake in early July.
"Mhm…" She had mumbled, eyes half-closed. "What about them?"
"Well, it's the constellation Draconis. Draco, the dragon." He had explained. Clasping her hand in his, he reached out her pointer finger and traced the dragon in the air.
"I never knew there was a dragon constellation. When did you learn so much about the stars?" Hermione whispered, snuggling closer as a breeze blew past.
"You'd be surprised what I know." Draco said, leaning down to kiss her.
Jerking back to reality, Draco smiled. Just another memory he'd have to cherish until he saw her again. If he saw her again. A knock on his bedroom door made Draco hastily shut the curtains. "Come in," he answered, his voice raspy.
"If Sir doesn't mind, The Dark Lord and Master Malfoy would like to see you, Sir." A small house elf stood at his door, wringing his hands.
"Where are they?" Draco asked exasperated.
"They didn't tell Greemi, Sir. Just to bring you to the dungeons." The small house elf stood nervously, and backed away as Draco advanced.
"Best get it over with." He said, sighing.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Harry was immediately transported to Moody's house. The retired auror had looked him once over with that magical eye of his before ushering him upstairs to a guestroom.
"Make yourself comfortable. I believe you'll be here for quite a long time." Moody had growled, shutting the door roughly behind him, leaving Harry alone. Collapsing on the bed, Harry lay there, eyes closed, for a long time. His chest slowly rose and fell, but he remained motionless. It felt very odd to be living in an auror's house, learning from him, completely cut-off from everyone he knew. A sharp tapping on the window startled Harry, and he jumped up, raising his wand. Even living in his house is making me paranoid, Harry thought, placing his wand on the bedside table and opening the window. Pigwidgeon, Ron's owl, flew in through the window, landing finally on Harry's shoulder. Relieving the small bird of its burden, Harry untied the blue ribbon and turned to the letter's back. Seeing Hermione's fingerprint in the wax made him smile, and he broke the seal. Unfolding the letter, Harry sat down on his windowsill, using the moonlight to read by. By the time he finished reading, tears were collecting in his eyes. How dare that pureblood bastard dare to hurt Hermione. Leave her on their wedding night, not even bothering to say goodbye or tell her where he was going. Harry slammed his fist on the window, causing Pig to hoot in alarm and a small crack to break the window. Sighing, Harry picked up his wand and fixed the window. He lay back down on his bed, feeling defeated and very much alone. Poor Hermione, Harry thought, closing his eyes to sleep. Malfoy doesn't deserve her, and yet she's all torn up because he betrayed her. I swear he'll get what's coming to him. Even if I have to kill him with my bare hands, that bastard will pay. Smiling in his comatose stage, Harry turned over, not hearing the door open as Mad-Eye Moody entered the room. Tying a note to Pig's ankle, he opened the window. The small owl flew silently out, and Moody eased the window back down.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Sirius sat alone in the Gryffindor common room. Being a Messr, Sirius knew every password, every trick, every secret passageway ever built in Hogwarts. (A/N: That's how he got through the painting in the last chapter, by turning the frame. He knows all these secrets.) Sitting in the empty common room, staring at the cold ashes in the fireplace, Sirius sat and thought. It was true that after Peter Pettigrew was captured in Bulgaria after the Triwizard Tournament, he had confessed everything, and Sirius' name had been cleared, but he still had an empty feeling. Like there was something he needed and that the sole purpose of his life was to find that something. But that something, the one thing he knew could make him whole always eluded him. Sirius sighed; closing his eyes and letting his head fall against the back of his chair. He knew what he needed. He needed someone to love, someone to love him. But Sirius was afraid. He had given his heart away before, but he was crushed. Just like everything in his life, it had gone wrong. Why couldn't it have been different? Sirius questioned himself. Why did I have to have James and Lily make Pettigrew their secret keeper? It's all my fault they died. If only…
"If only what?" A gentle voice purred from the shadows. Sirius jumped up, holding his wand out at the direction the voice had come from. He didn't even realize he had been talking to himself.
"Who are you?" Sirius growled, advancing on the shadows.
"If only you hadn't tried to do the right thing? We all make mistakes, yours did have a greater consequence, but it's not your fault. Never blame yourself for what happened, Sirius." A small figure emerged from the shadows, hardly recognizable.
"Mi- Minerva? What are you doing here? You look so different…" Sirius lowered his wand and stepped forward to get a better look. Her glasses were gone, her chestnut hair fell in waves down her back, even her eyes sparkled a little more. It was mid-August, and the sun had done her pale complexion some good, tinting it a light bronze.
"My rooms are right next door. Through that painting." Minerva said, pointing to a picture of a Hungarian Horntail dragon. It was presently curled up and sleeping, small puffs of smoke emanating from its nostrils. "So, I believe that I should ask why you are here, Mr. Black." She slowly circled him, sitting on the couch and lighting a fire with her wand.
"You know me, Minerva. I always sneak around at night." Giving her a smile, he sat down next to her on the chair. "Like when James, Remus and I were at school, we used to sneak out every night, regardless of what you and Lily said about us getting caught."
"Oh, yes. I remember that all too well. Lily and I would sit up in the common room, hardly daring to talk about where you three went…" Minerva smiled, remembering her own days as a Hogwarts student. "But the students have changed. I mean, Hermione and Draco getting married? Proposing while they were still in school? It's all so different from us, because you can imagine what must have happened…"
"Not all that different. Remember when James and Lily would sneak out at night, saying they wanted to go to the library? James would talk about those late-night 'library' visits for weeks…" Laughing, Sirius and Minerva looked at each other. The years had gapped between them, but fond memories of childhood are never forgotten.
"I miss those times." Minerva said sadly. "We always had such fun. Especially at the quidditch matches. James would fly around on his broom like there was no tomorrow…"
"Harry does too. I've watched him a few times." Sirius' eyes grew sad as he looked at Minerva. She was sitting there, apparently lost in thought, staring at the flames licking the walls of the chimney. "What's wrong?" Sirius whispered, placing a hand on her arm.
"I can't believe this is really happening." Minerva whispered.
"What? Is there something wrong Minerva? You know you can tell me anything…" Sirius wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer.
"Two of my students are getting married, then one disappears. Hermione and Ron are in hiding, Harry's becoming an auror, and Voldemort is slowly gaining strength. I'm frightened, Sirius. The war that's coming…" She looked up into his eyes and saw the deep understanding. She had to tell him what she had felt that last year, while they were writing back and forth. It's now or never, Minerva thought to herself. Taking a deep breath, she continued. "And now that you're here, I'm even more afraid. Afraid I might lose you."
"Why would you lose me? I'm not going anywhere. This war that's coming doesn't hope to be short and sweet, and even though I'll probably be fighting in it, there's little chance I'll die." Sirius looked at Minerva, still seeing the immense grief in her eyes. "Trust me, I know what it's like to lose a friend…"
"I lost Lily, I don't need to lose another friend. I know you're probably not going to make it through the war, the Death Eaters are after you." Minerva's eyes started to water. "How could I lose you too? And Remus… I don't even know where he is. We've all lost eachother."
"I promise we won't lose eachother. We all need to keep the friends we have. I'll send a letter to Remus. He might need to come to Hogwarts anyway." Sirius smiled at her. "Don't worry. We'll be fine."
"I hope so, Sirius. I hope so."
* * * * * * * * * * *
"Hermione?" Ron whispered, knocking softly on her door. "Are you still awake?" Hermione turned over in her sleep, facing Ron. Her hair was splayed out on her pillow, framing her face. The moon shone in through the open window, giving her creamy white skin an iridescent glow. Sitting on the edge of her bed, Ron wrapped a lock of her hair around his finger. "Hermione?" he whispered again.
"Draco?" Hermione sleepily murmured. Being called by his enemy's name stung, especially hearing it from Hermione. "Is that you?" Ron's heart skipped a beat, as he leaned down. Taking advantage of Hermione's sleepy state, he kissed her. Her warm lips caressed his own as she leaned up to kiss him deeper. Her eyes remained closed, and she reached one hand up to hold behind his neck. Hermione's tongue slipped into Ron's mouth, and she lifted a finger to play with his hair. Funny, Hermione thought, Draco's hair is longer, and softer. Hermione opened her eyes to find the freckles of her best friend Ronald Weasley staring back at her. She quickly jerked her head back, wiping her mouth.
"Oh, shit…Hermione, look…I'm sorry. I didn't-" Ron stuttered.
"No, Ron, don't explain. Just leave." Hermione looked at Ron with a mixture of hurt, betrayal and disgust.
"Hermione, listen…" Ron tried to explain, but Hermione cut him short.
"No, Ron. I think you should leave. Now." Hermione turned away, cowering in her covers. She could hear Ron sigh, and get up to leave. When the doorknob reassuringly clicked behind him, Hermione uncurled slightly. She felt so violated. Her own friend had kissed her, taken advantage of her. If only Draco really was here, Hermione thought. I miss him so much. If we were normal, if his father wasn't a Death Eater, maybe we could be living together in some remote house where no one could find us. But here, with Ron, I feel so vulnerable. Hermione stood and walked to her window. The sun was just peeking over the horizon, barely up at all. Sighing, she opened her window and felt the warm breeze rush over her. In a sudden fit of impulsive want, Hermione ran to her closet and grabbed a swimsuit. She threw it on and ran outside. The sand was cool as Hermione ran across it into the water. She splashed in up to her waist before diving under. She swam around a little, and then just floated, content with the feeling of weightlessness. Little did she know that Ron was watching from his window, staring at her. I swear that pureblood bastard will pay. He stole Hermione from me, and I'm going to get her back. With that final thought, Ron smiled and went to bed.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Harry awoke the next morning, feeling rested and quite pleased. His agreement with himself to make Malfoy pay if he ever dared to show his face around any of them again had given him a sort of abhorrent peace with himself. He showered and dressed, and went downstairs for breakfast, as Moody had instructed him.
"Sit, Mr. Potter. We have a few things to discuss." A small house elf was serving plates of food to Harry and Moody. "Firstly, I expect you to sleep well each night, for we will have arduous work to complete each day. There are 2 house elves, I expect you to treat them courteously and obey them. Also, I have many wards that travel through my house, you are to be respectful and polite to them as well. We will start your training at 1 p.m. precisely this afternoon. Meet me outside in the garden." Moody stood and nodded to Harry, before turning and entering a small door to the side of the kitchen.
"Does Harry Potter want anything else, sir?" A small female house elf asked. She was dressed well for a house elf, in a small dress and shoes.
"Uh…. No thanks. What's your name?" Harry asked as the house elf took his plate.
"My name, sir, is Mildy. The other house elf is my brother, Esso. We were sent here by our mother in hopes of a better life after Mr. Malfoy fired us." Mildy said, taking the rest of the kitchenware to the sink.
"Wait, you worked for the Malfoys?" Harry asked, a grin spreading over his face. Mildy nodded. "So, you would know some things about them, namely where they live, how to get around their house, some personal information…"
"Oh, yes, Harry Potter sir. I was Master Draco's personal elf. He was very kind to me. Master Draco let me come with him when he had to do important jobs for his father and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, so I could learn everything possible." Mildy wiped her hands on her apron.
"You know, Mildy, I think you and I will have to talk sometime about Master Draco and those jobs…" Harry said, standing from the table and going upstairs. Revenge, Harry thought. With Mildy's help, 'Master Draco' will definitely pay for last night.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Hermione sat on her front porch, notebook in hand, writing in her journal. She had started writing in it the night after her wedding, August 14. So far, she had written once, writing about all that had happened that past year, and especially what had happened that night. The journal sat rejected for a few weeks, as Hermione could hardly bear herself to look at the pages she had written. It was just too painful. But as the weeks had passed, and her and Ron had almost taken a truce of silence, and no letters came from anyone but Harry, Hermione needed a confidante. And her quill and that notebook proved to be the only way to relieve her feelings. So there she sat, on September 12, pouring her heart out onto little white sheets of paper. She wrote about Ron, and Harry, and how much she missed those days when everything was so simplistically blissful. She wrote about the coming war, and the measures being taken to save certain people, but mostly, Hermione wrote about Draco. About how she longed for his touch, his voice in her ears, how she needed him. But none of my writing could ever make him come back, Hermione thought ruefully. She snapped the book closed, and screwed the cap to her ink jar back on. Tossing the book and quill on the floor, Hermione stood and walked to the ocean. The water, a pale blue. The color of his eyes. The sand, so white and pristine, the color of his skin. Even the sun setting is the color of his lips. Hermione sighed. Lately, Draco was all she could think about. Sometimes she doubted that he had ever loved her, or that he might come back some day, but as the ruby on her wedding band stayed clear and such a bright crimson, she kept hope. She never spoke of it, but she always kept the little shred of hope that Draco might come back.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Harry sat on his bed, smiling. Moments before, Mildy had finally agreed to come with Harry to Malfoy Manor. Harry had already asked Moody if he could go to London. When he had received a skeptical look with his magical eye, Harry quickly lied and said that was where a friend lived that he wanted to see. Moody had agreed, reluctantly, and Harry was scheduled to leave that afternoon. From there, Mildy would guide him to the center of Bradsbury Forest on the outskirts of London to the manor. Mildy would find the kitchens and stay there until Harry ran down and they would leave, hopefully undetected. When the clock chimed 4 p.m., Harry jumped up and grabbed his bags. Mildy was downstairs already, waiting for Harry to arrive. Moody transported them to the train station, just as a bright blue engine came steaming into station. Harry fell asleep on the train ride, thoughts of revenge in his head.
"Harry Potter, sir! We're there!" A small voice cooed from next to him. Fluttering his eyes open, Harry saw Mildy standing on the seat next to him. "We must go!"
"Oh yeah, course." Harry mumbled, and grabbed his bags. They checked into a nearby hotel, and Harry grabbed his wand. "How long to walk there?"
"About 45 minutes, Harry Potter sir. We must travel fast. Once we are in the forest, we can apparate to the manor." Mildy started hopping down the street. Harry sighed, following. Upon reaching the woods, Harry felt a small sense of foreboding creep over him. The woods were dark and dense, and a strange cry came from its depths as the stepped past the line of trees. "Is sir ready?" Mildy asked.
"Sure." Harry passed the wand over both their heads, and with a small pop, they were gone. Almost immediately, they reappeared next to a huge stone building.
"Sir, the dungeons are this way." Mildy said, pointing to a barred gate. "The kitchens are there, and that's where Mildy will wait." Nodding to show comprehension, Harry turned to the gate.
"Alohamora." He whispered, as the lock fell off and clanged against the stone. Heaving the gate up, Harry ran under it and let it carefully back down. He ran down the passageway until he saw a flicker of firelight. Harry pulled his invisibility cloak out of his robes, and threw it on. Looking at himself to make sure he was fully covered, Harry emerged into the faint glow of the fire. A gathering of ominous-looking men sat around a table, while a herd of women conversed in a corner. Quickly glancing around, Harry spotted another group. It was a small group, one of young ladies crowded around something. Walking closer, Harry saw that the something was Draco. He had a full glass of wine in his hand, apparently not trusting any of them enough to drink. There was a girl on his left, draping her weight on his arm, and one on his right, whispering something into his ear. Draco laughed, as the girls giggled. Harry stormed over, forgetting he was invisible, but stopped just in time.
"Why don't you show me your bedroom, Draco?" A blonde whispered. "I'm sure Daddy won't mind if I leave for awhile." Harry face contorted in disgust. So this was what he was doing? Instead of being a loyal husband to Hermione, he was off with a slurry of whores waiting at his beck and call. Harry inched around them, and smacked the wineglass. The red liquid spilled all over Draco's shirt, staining it scarlet.
"Shit…" He whispered, giving the glass to the girl next to him. "Uh, excuse me ladies, but I have to go change…" He moved a little towards the door. "Alone." He added as some girls made the motion to follow. Harry smiled behind his cloak. Now, to follow him, Harry thought. He pushed through the crowd behind Draco, following him out the door and up the corridor. Draco stopped at a heavy wooden door and unlocked it. Harry slipped in behind him and pulled the cloak off.
"Malfoy…" Harry growled dangerously. "I cannot believe you had the nerve to marry Hermione, then abandon her for some cheap sluts!"
"Potter? What the fuck are you doing here?" Draco snapped. Suddenly looking panicked, he continued. "Look, whatever you think is wrong, and I know you're in no place to believe me, but you have to go. Voldemort wants you… he thinks that you can give him the power he needs to return. He'd in my goddamn dungeons, Potter! You have to leave before he finds you…"
"I'm sure that's the Dark Lords plan. And I know exactly how you know, you dirty traitor." Harry snarled. "You broke Hermione's heart! You want to know what she wrote in her last letter to me? She wrote that she still loves you and that since the ruby in her wedding band is still bright, that you still love her too. Do you know how hard it is to hear your best friend say that she loves a man that betrayed her?"
"I never betrayed her!" Draco yelled furiously. "I don't think you know what the hell you're talking about Potter. So I'd just keep my damn mouth shut if I were you, and listen to what happened."
"How do I know you won't lie to save your own ass?" Harry said, eyeing Draco suspiciously.
"Fine! You want me to tell the damn truth, Potter? Is that what you want?" Draco stormed to a cabinet in the corner of his room. He opened the door, and slammed his hand on the shelf, breaking a few bottles and cutting his hand. "Veritaserum. Here…" Draco picked up a vial and downed the silvery contents. "There you go, truth serum. Most powerful one there is. Now, do you want to hear what happened?" Harry nodded in disbelief. "My portkey was directed to here because my father knew I married Hermione. He threatened her life unless I helped them find you. So, I said I would, and for the past few weeks I've been telling them that you're in America, hiding from Voldemort. I knew you would never go there, so I figured it was safe to lead them there. As for Hermione, I couldn't tell her where I was or what was happening, for fear the letter would get intercepted or they might find her." Draco breathed in sharply. "Are you happy now, Potter?"
Harry stood in front of Draco. He was in total shock. Draco really didn't mean to hurt any of them, but merely help them survive. "Draco…I'm so sorry…I didn't know…"
"Don't apologize to me, Potter. I don't want or need your pity. Just get out of here as fast as you can." Harry nodded and put the cloak back on. As his hand was on the doorknob, he looked around at Draco. He was sitting on his bed, his head in his hands. "Tell Hermione I love her." Draco whispered, and Harry ran, knowing all to well what would come of this night.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Hermione sat in front of her fireplace, talking to Dumbledore. He had appeared there shortly after Hermione had eaten her dinner, alone. Ron was off in another part of the island, and had been all day. Hermione hadn't talked to Dumbledore since she left, and was very happy to do so.
"So, Hermione, how are things going?" Albus asked cheerily, eyes sparkling in the fire.
"Not so well. Ron and I…well, we had a disagreement and I don't know anymore. Do you think he could go with Harry?" Hermione asked, looking at the floor.
Albus sighed. "I would have him go with Harry, but the risk of leaving you here alone is too great. Ron is here to protect you."
"I know, but I don't feel safe with him anymore." Hermione's eyes were tearing as she spoke the words. Her own best friend didn't make her feel safe? It was almost too much to handle.
"I'll see what I can do. For now, try to manage. Goodbye, Hermione." Albus smiled, and his head disappeared from the fire with a small pop.
"Goodbye." Hermione whispered, gulping down the lump in her throat as the door opened, signifying Ron was home.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Harry walked slowly down the corridor, hardly daring to believe what Draco had said. He hadn't meant to hurt Hermione, and really had been protecting them. As Harry entered the main hall, he saw Lucius and a small group of Death Eaters. One turned toward Harry, and stared directly at him. Harry froze, not daring to move. Looking down, he saw that one of his legs wasn't covered, therefore exposing his presence. The Death Eater turned toward Lucius and pointed to Harry before he had time to cover his leg. Lucius strode over to Harry and ripped the cloak off.
"My, my…Potter has come to pay us a visit. Won't Lord Voldemort be happy?" Lucius smiled, and grabbed Harry's neck. "Get his wand." He growled to the Death Eaters. They did as they were told, and disarmed Harry. "Now, boys, throw him in the dungeons. I need to talk to Voldemort. And bring Draco too. He may want to help." Immobilizing Harry with one quick spell, the Death Eaters dragged him down to the dungeon and threw him in. Sitting against the cold wet floor, finally being allowed to move, but immediately locked in, only one thing occurred to Harry. Draco is my only hope.
Draco stormed down to the dungeons, hand still freely bleeding under his crude bandage. Damn you, Potter. Look what you got us into now, he thought vengefully. He opened a door and stepped inside. Bowing, he spoke.
"You wanted me, Lord?" Draco said with sickening politeness. Voldemort nodded, and signaled for Draco to sit at the table.
"We have captured Harry Potter. He is currently in the dungeons." Voldemort hissed with satisfaction. The mere sound of his voice caused a nauseating shiver to pass over Draco's skin.
"I congratulate you, my Lord. What will be his punishment?" Draco said, bowing his head again.
"I will let Lucius decide. For now, I want you to find him and relay that message. You have been most helpful to me, my boy. You're loyalty will pay off. Is there anything you want?" Voldemort smiled again. Draco gulped. The truth serum was wearing off, and although Draco still could not openly lie, he could remain silent. "I see. Think about it, I will reward you." Voldemort dismissed Draco, and he left to find his father. Lucius was leaning against the wall outside Harry's cell.
"Did you see Voldemort?" Lucius asked. Draco nodded.
"He wants you to decide Potter's punishment." Draco whispered, appalled at himself for not being able to do anything. Lucius smiled.
"He shall die." Laughing a bit, Lucius pulled out his wand and aimed it at the lock to Harry's cell…
"No…" Draco growled, stepping forward. Lucius raised an eyebrow at him, obviously surprised.
"What's wrong?" Lucius asked. Draco stood there, meeting his fathers gaze. "Oh, I see… You want to kill Potter yourself…" Lucius laughed in relief. "Go ahead my boy. Draw it out as long as you want… Make him suffer." With another laugh, Lucius strode off, leaving Draco is his wake. Draco unlocked the door and stepped inside.
Harry had been listening to the conversation through the barred window. So Draco does want to kill me. I bet the truth potion was a fake, Harry thought, standing as the door swung open.
"Malfoy, you conniving little bastard! I thought you wanted to help us…" Harry spat as Draco slipped in through the door.
"Shut up, Potter. I want none of your shit now. Now, take my wand and stun me." Draco's cold blue eyes cut into Harry with no mercy.
"What?" Harry stammered. "What are you talking about?" Draco sighed, and stepped closer. Placing his wand in Harry's hand, he moved back again.
"I want you to stun me, and then drop my wand and run. There's a secret passage in this cell, one Lucius probably doesn't know about. Tap the third stone over on that wall, a door will open, and a passage will appear. It will lead you to the kitchens. Take any house elf, they can lead you around the estate and through the woods. Tell Dumbledore immediately, and hide." Draco kept his steady gaze on Harry's emerald eyes, watching them swirl in confusion and admiration.
"You…You're going to sacrifice yourself for me?" Harry asked, astonished.
"I'll come up with a plan. Just hurry!" Draco urged. Harry still looked hesitant about stunning him, so Draco spoke again. "Do you want both of us to die, or do you want to get out? Don't worry about me, damnit! Just go!"
Harry lifted the wand and murmured the curse. Draco froze, and fell backwards. Harry almost ran to him, but heard faint voices in the dungeons. He dropped the wand and ran to the passageway, tapping the stone and running.
* * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * *
*A/N* yeah…shitty place to stop…but its eight pages long damnit! How was I supposed to keep writing one chapter? Anyways, I'm sorry if I've disgusted anyone with the whole SS/NM thing… but if you don't like it, I'll kill one of em. So review, give me your opinions, and thoughts…..PLEASE!!!! and I'm going to write another hr/dr after this one….possibly 2 more…so, if you wanna hear about them, review!!!!!!!!