Draco lay on the floor, unable to move his body. Harry had made it safely out, and he could hear people coming down the hallway. He had a story developed, but getting Lucius to believe it was a different story. The door swung open and hit Draco's head, causing another wound. The bandage on his hand was soaked through with blood and now more of the crimson liquid was pouring from a cut down his left cheek.
"What the fuck?" Draco heard a voice speak. McNair, he thought. Just what I need. Some Death Eater besides Lucius to deal with. "Draco?"
"You bloody git, he's stunned!" Another Death Eater's voice resounded. "Mobillio!" he said, and Draco could feel his muscles ease. He stood up and wiped the cut on his cheek.
"Where's my father?" Draco growled. The Death Eaters stepped back and pointed. Draco stormed down the hallway angrily. The cut on his face stung like mad, but he continued to ignore it, occasionally wiping the blood off his cheek. He slammed the door to his father's chambers open. Now the acting begins, he thought bitterly.
"How did it go Draco?" Lucius drawled coldly, not looking up. "Is Potter dead yet?" When Draco did not respond, Lucius looked up. His son was clutching his wand fiercely and the blood from his cheek was spilling down his neck. The bandage on his hand was dripping. "What happened?" He asked, casually standing and coming over.
"Potter attacked me when I came in. He choked me, and when I fell, he grabbed my wand. I tried to stop him, but he stunned me. He left, but I know where he's going. Let me pack and I'll go after him. He won't be able to find me where I'm going. And I don't want any Death Eaters to know, not even you, because it could endanger the mission." Draco kept his eyes faceted on his fathers. Lucius sat back down and stared at his son with as much intensity as Draco dealt out.
"Why are you doing this?" Lucius asked. "I thought you hated the Dark side. Why are you helping us capture Potter?"
Draco had expected this, and was prepared to answer. "Because I love Hermione. And I know you don't accept that for more than a way to get an heir, but I think that our love is worth sacrificing my enemy for." Lucius nodded.
"I understand. You can go. Pack and leave immediately. Take that owl of yours, I expect letters telling me of your progress." Lucius turned back to his work, dismissing Draco with a wave of his hand. Draco left, hardly believing his luck. Not only had he been granted permission to leave, he had lifted Harry's wand from his fathers pocket. Draco walked up the stairs to the main hall. Some of the guests were still there and a few girls flocked over.
"Draco…" One whispered, grabbing his arm. "What are you doing?" Draco shrugged her off and picked up Harry's invisibility cloak from the floor.
"Get the fuck away from me, you whore. I'm in no mood to deal with you." Draco spat and started to go up the stairs.
"What's the matter? You used to be all over me, and every night I was up in your bed. Now, all of a sudden, I don't matter?" The blonde was yelling.
Draco spun around and rushed down the stairs. He got right up close to her and whispered, "I'll have you know that you never mattered to me. And now, you're nothing more than a mistake." Draco lifted his hand between them, displaying his ring. "I'm a married man, Natalie. You mean nothing." He spun and started up the stairs again, taking them 3 at once. He could vaguely hear the girl's cries from the bottom of the stairs, but he didn't care anymore. He was going back to Hermione.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Dumbledore's head flickered out of Hermione's fireplace. It was only the third time he had visited, and it looked to be the last. Albus had told Hermione that Harry had left Moody's house, and no one knew why. Moody refused to tell anyone, and the Ministry of Magic had begged Albus to shut down all links to Hermione and Ron. Albus had almost complied, and severed all links but one. He still had the connection to them, so he could contact the two on the island, and the spell still worked. Anyone with the password could find them. But for their own safety, Albus told Hermione that he couldn't come anymore. Hermione had cried and begged, and although it pained him to do so, Albus insisted. Hermione did consent, but her eyes had taken on a dull indifference.
Hermione stood and walked to her kitchen, where Ron was sitting. For about a week, they hadn't talked, merely exchanged glances. Ron looked up at her and motioned for Hermione to sit. She did so, and looked at him. His skin had tanned and his hair lightened from the sun, but his eyes were as dull as hers were.
"Ron, Dumbledore just told me that we're supposed to stay here without any contact to anyone, because they cant find Harry." Ron looked up urgently. Hermione continued, realizing that as hard the news had been to her, it would be more to Ron. "He left Moody's house, and no one knows where he is. They think he left of his own free will, but they can't be sure. Ron, I'm-" Ron stopped Hermione mid-sentence.
"It's okay. Harry can take care of himself. But I wanted to talk to you too." Ron looked down. "I know what I did, and what I have done, is absolutely depraved and there's nothing I can do to make it up to you, but I want you to know I'm sorry." Ron sighed, and Hermione placed her hand on his.
"I know this is hard for you, Ron. But I do forgive you. We have to stay together, with the war coming and all. I don't think Draco will be coming back, but I'll just have to keep hoping." Hermione lied a little about this, because as disheartening as it seemed, she did believe Draco would come back.
"I still think he's a dirty traitor if he comes back or not," Ron said, a little angered. "I know you'll probably get mad at me for saying this, but I hate him all the same. He hurt you, Hermione." Ron's eyes showed a deep concern for Hermione as she sighed heavily.
"I know," she said, standing and walking out the kitchen door into the hallway. "I know."
* * * * * * * * * * *
Harry ran all the way down the passageway into the kitchens. Mildy was standing in a corner, wringing her hands. "Harry Potter sir! I am so happy to see you! We must go now! Hurry!" Mildy ran over and grabbed Harry's hand, dragging him outside.
"Wait, Mildy! I don't have my wand!" Harry shouted. Mildy squeezed Harry's hand tighter and snapped her fingers. Harry fell, confused and dizzy. He was in front of Moody's house.
"Come, sir, we have to tell Master Moody that we've returned." Mildy tried to get Harry to stand, but he sat up slowly.
"I'll meet you up there, Mildy." Harry smiled as the little elf ran up the sloping lawns to the door. Harry casually stood, and walked slowly to the door. He had lost his wand and his invisibility cloak, not to mention gotten Draco into a mess of trouble with his father. Harry walked in the door, only to be greeted by Moody, who was staring him down.
"Potter, I do not mean to diminish the bravery of your quest, but it was not a smart move. You know that you are one of the Dark Lord's greatest enemies, and walking into his most loyal supporter's house was something you should not have made. I suggest you sleep for awhile and then visit Dumbledore tomorrow afternoon." Harry nodded sheepishly, and walked up the stairs. He fell onto his bed, too tired to make any move to write a letter to Hermione or Ron. Harry knew what had happened between them. He sighed, and a cold breeze blew in his open window as Hedwig flew in. She landed on Harry's stomach and dropped a letter from Hogwarts. Harry sat up and gave Hedwig a cracker from his bedside drawer. He opened the letter, and saw Dumbledore's neat script.
Harry-
Hermione and Ron are isolated. Do not write any letters to them. I need you to see me, so when you get this, inform Moody that you are to visit me, if he has not already told you to. I hope all is well.
-Albus Dumbledore
Harry sighed, relieved that he had not been reprimanded again. He leaned against his pillows, worried for Hermione and Ron. Eyelids heavy with slumber, Harry surrendered into a deep sleep.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Draco apparated just outside the Hogwarts grounds. He hadn't taken the time to heal either of his wounds, and the one on his hand had just stopped bleeding. He continued to wipe the blood off his cheek as he pushed the heavy iron gates open and started the long trek up the path that led to Hogwarts.
He slid in through the doors, the loss of blood making him weak and tired. Draco walked up the stairs and came to a halt in front of the gargoyle. "Black Licorice," He whispered, hoping the password had remained the same. The gargoyle sprung to life and stepped aside, revealing the revolving staircase. Draco walked slowly up the stairs, and knocked softly on Dumbledore's door. The door swung open, just as Draco collapsed onto his knees.
"Mr. Malfoy?" Albus said, surprised. He, of course, had known that Draco had been waylaid to Malfoy Manor, and that Draco had never meant to abandon Hermione, but he was still shocked that Draco had managed to escape.
"I need to see Hermione… please…" Albus lifted Draco from his knees and placed him in a chair.
"You've been injured. How?" Albus asked, moving to take the bandage off Draco's hand and get his wand.
"I cut my hand on a broken potion vial. And I got hit by a door." Draco's eyes showed sincere concern, mirroring Albus'. "How are Hermione and Harry?"
"Hermione is fine. She's in hiding with Ron. Harry is also fine, but I'm a little curious as to why you would ask about him." Albus said, eyes sparkling.
"Well, he came to visit me, hoping to chide me about betraying you. But I took a truth potion, and then when he finally believed me, he left. He apparently wasn't careful enough, and Lucius captured him. Voldemort told me that Lucius was to decide Harry's fate, and my father sentenced him to death." Draco spoke.
"If Lucius condemned Harry to death, how did he manage to escape? And what part have you played in all of this?" Albus asked softly.
"I went to tell Lucius, and he laughed at Harry's fate. He turned to open the door, but I stopped him. He was a little confused, and since I could not openly lie because of the potion, he assumed I wanted to kill Harry. Lucius allowed me to, and I was, once again, reprimanded by Potter. When he stopped, I gave him my wand and told him the passageway out of the dungeons and into the kitchens, telling him to take any house elf to help him. I told him to stun me, so Lucius would believe me that I had been attacked." Draco paused, searching the older wizard's face. "When Harry left, McNair and Tharow came and mobilized me, so I told Lucius my story. He believed me, and I asked permission to go after Harry. I said that I would be the only one going and I couldn't share the knowledge of where I was going because it would endanger the mission. I escaped, and came straight here." Draco fell back in his chair, exhausted. Both his wounds had been healed, leaving only thin red lines.
"That was a very brave thing to do, Draco." Albus said, admiring the young boy. He was only 18, and his life was forfeit if his lie was uncovered. "But now, I think Poppy would like to see to you. You are much too weak to see Hermione now. Wait until morning, she is fine." Draco started to protest, but was met by the stern eyes of Madam Pomfrey herself.
"Mr. Malfoy, I cannot allow you to go anywhere unless you've spent some time in the hospital wing. Your injuries are too severe to be taken lightly." Madam Pomfrey lectured. Draco nodded, and walked slowly to the hospital wing. Collapsing on a bed, he slept a deep, dreamless slumber.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Narcissa, Severus, Sirius, and Minerva sat in the Astronomy tower, circled around the fireplace. An owl had just been sent to Remus Lupin, friend to Minerva and Sirius, enemy to Severus, and stranger to Narcissa. Narcissa was two years younger than they were, but forced to marry Lucius while she was only sixteen. Lucius was a year ahead of the rest. Remus was supposed to come to Hogwarts for reasons of his own safety, and because he might prove to be an asset in their later endeavors. Narcissa was curled up next to Severus, resting her head on his shoulder. His arm was draped around her shoulders. Sirius and Minerva had no idea what had transpired between their two companions, but seeing them both look so happy was a welcome sight. Minerva had her knees pulled under herself, holding a mug of tea and sitting on a chair. Sirius was pacing along the balcony nervously, staring at the stars.
"Sirius, what's wrong?" Minerva asked softly, hardly daring to disturb the silence that had settled.
"Nothing. I'm just worried about Remus." Sirius walked back inside, black hair ruffled from the wind. He ran a hand through it, and sat opposite Minerva.
"I'm sure he'll be fine. Never failed to take care of himself before." Severus growled. "Even if it is a full moon tonight…"
Narcissa looked up. "Why would Mr. Lupin have troubles with a full moon? Does he live near many werewolves?" Sirius looked at her and laughed softly.
"No, Narcissa, he doesn't live near many werewolves. They are solitary creatures." Sirius' eyes sparkled with the joke.
"Then why would the full moon be a problem? Is there something I don't know?" Narcissa said, eyeing them with mock suspicion.
"Remus is a werewolf, Narcissa. That's why we were a little worried." Minerva explained. Narcissa gasped, and looked at Severus.
"I thought you said he taught here a while back! How could Albus let a werewolf teach our children?" Narcissa looked at the amused state the others were in. "You wouldn't be laughing if any of you had children in this school with a werewolf!"
"Narcissa, darling, you went to school with him. He was in our year. Albus trusts him fully. And Severus helped out with the monthly wolfsbane potion." Minerva clarified.
"And I'm sure Draco can take care of himself." Sirius said. "After all, he is a Malfoy." Narcissa gave him a hostile glare.
"Is that an insult to Malfoys? Because I just so happen to be one…" Narcissa said haughtily. Severus leaned down to whisper in her ear.
"Not by choice, Narcissa." He said, sending a shiver up Narcissa's spine. Minerva looked at Sirius, confused, but he just shrugged his shoulders. Rolling his eyes a bit, he teased his long-time rival.
"Get a room, Snape. She's a married woman, remember?" Sirius joked. Severus looked up sharply. "But she won't be by the time this war is over, I can guarantee you." Sirius added, eyes blazing fire for a moment, thinking of the past wrongs Lucius had committed against him.
"Is that an open threat on my husband?" Narcissa asked. Sirius nodded. "Good." Narcissa said, crossing her arms.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Harry woke the next morning when the sun was high in the sky. Looking at his clock, he realized that the morning had almost gone by, as it was nearly noon. He stood, stretching and grabbed his towel and a change of clothes. Harry showered and changed, and went back to his room. He noticed the door next to his was closed. Shrugging, Harry dismissed it as another ward of Moody's. He went to the kitchen, and Mildy gave him a plate of food.
"Harry Potter is up late, sir. Master Moody is waiting in the garden for you. He says not to rush, but that you will work late today." Mildy smiled at Harry as he finished his breakfast. He walked outside the back door, and onto the grass. The sun had dried the dew, but the trees were starting to fade to red and gold. Harry walked through the trees to get to the training field. Harry stopped, listening. He heard a faint cry, like someone was sobbing. He looked around as the sobbing got louder, but couldn't make out where it was coming from. It subsided, and he heard shaky breathing, and something that sounded like Parseltongue. More curious than before, Harry looked around the forest for the source of the sound, but still could not find it. He saw Moody stroll out onto the lawns, and heard the breathing and sobs stop abruptly. Harry ran out to join Moody, but did not say anything. They worked on defense charms for a few hours, and when they had a small break, Harry noticed a black snake slither in through the doors. Standing to follow it, Harry started to the door, but Moody barked at him to start the next lesson, blocking spells.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Draco awoke the next evening. The preceding day had left him weaker than expected. Madam Pomfrey hurried over and gave him a small potion vial.
"You can leave when you've finished drinking. The things you brought are over there on that table. Professor Dumbledore wants to see you." The nurse bustled off again, leaving Draco alone. He stood and gathered his things, and went directly to Dumbledore. Albus was sitting at his desk, anticipating Draco.
"Ah, Mr. Malfoy! I see you are much better this evening than you were yesterday." Albus smiled. "But I do believe you will not be staying?" He asked, almost reading Draco's thoughts.
"I came to ask if I could see Hermione." Draco stated. "And to give you these." Draco pulled out Harry's wand and invisibility cloak from his bag. "They're Harry's. Lucius took his wand, and his invisibility cloak was in the main hall. I figured he would want them back." Albus accepted the cloak and wand, placing them on his desk.
"I'll make sure Harry gets them. Now about Mrs. Malfoy…" Albus said, folding his hands and placing them on his desk.
"What's wrong with my mother?" Draco asked, stepping forward. Albus smiled, his face crinkling with laughter.
"Narcissa is fine. Severus, Sirius, Minerva, and her are presently waiting for a friend to arrive. But the Mrs. Malfoy I was speaking of was your wife, Hermione." Albus smiled again at the relieved sigh Draco gave. "She is presently in hiding with Ron. They have had all communications with the outside world severed for three days. As soon as you go there, Hermione and Ron will have to be moved. I am not against this, as Ron and yourself should have some basic defense training, and Hermione would probably be best off with some as well, but I think I will send her to stay with Narcissa somewhere nearby you three gentlemen. She will not be fighting, as it looks that she will have a child." Draco looked up sharply, penetrating Albus' eyes with his own. "Ron's vision stated that, if you remember. It will be your child Draco, don't worry. Hermione misses you very much, so I believe I will let you go. The password is Mysterious." Albus stood. Draco smiled at the password, remembering its significance. "Come now, do you have your wand?" Draco nodded, and Albus positioned him in front of the window. "Now, repeat after me, but say the password in your head. Safoix Protecume Litte."
"Safoix Protecume Litte…" Draco spoke, repeating the password over and over in his head. He pitched forward, and was stopped almost as suddenly. He looked around, noticing he was in front of a small beach house. It was night and the moon was waning, but still bright. He stepped onto the porch, knocking lightly on the door. Hermione came to the door, expecting it to be Ron back from the other side of the island, where he spent most of his days. She opened the door, and stepped back. Draco was standing there, pale skin and white blond hair almost glowing in the moonlight.
"Draco?" Hermione whispered. "Is that really you?" Draco took a step forward, closing the distance between himself and Hermione.
"Who else would it be?" He asked, wrapping his arms around her waist. He leaned down and brushed his lips against her neck. "I told you I would never leave you. And I held to that promise." Hermione closed her eyes, pulling Draco inside and shutting the door.
"I knew you would come back. The ruby…It was always bright. I never doubted that you would come back." Tears formed in Hermione's eyes, and as she smiled, one fell. She wiped it quickly away. Draco leaned down to kiss her. She returned it with a fiery passion, deepening it and wrapping her arms around his neck. Draco lifted her easily, never breaking the kiss, and led her to the bedroom. Hermione's bed had doubled in size, and she smiled at the change. So Dumbledore did have some mischievous trick to play, Hermione thought, but her mind was cleared when Draco kissed her again. She flipped around and pushed him gently onto the bed, moving to kiss him. She straddled his torso, kissing her way down his neck. She pulled Draco's shirt off, and traced the scar with her finger. Hermione could barely see it, but she knew it was there. Draco reached behind her, pulling her down for another kiss, and unzipping her dress. The soft blue material fell to the floor, leaving Hermione exposed to the warm summer air. She unbuckled Draco's belt, kissing her way down his stomach. He flipped her around, and slipped her remaining garments off. He leaned back down; kissing every part of Hermione's exposed skin with a feather-light touch. Her head tilted back as he reached her sensitive spots, but he came back up to kiss her deeply on the mouth. She ran her fingers through his silken hair, moving her hands down to rid him of his boxers. She caressed his stomach, sending a shiver down Draco's spine. He looked her straight in the eyes, and saw his own passion mirrored in them. Placing the tip of his erection at Hermione's opening, he leaned down and whispered in her ear.
"Do you wish me to continue?" Draco asked, remembering the other times he had asked her this.
"Never stop," Hermione breathed, bringing his lips down to meet her own. She gasped in pleasure as Draco thrust into her and a small shiver flew up her spine. Hermione bucked her hips against Draco, and pleaded him with whispers. They moved in perfect rhythm, their desire building with each thrust. Hermione breathed in and out sharply, pulling Draco down to kiss him. He eluded her mouth and placed kisses on her neck. She titled her head back in ecstasy, and Draco took the opportunity to caress the newly exposed skin. His tongue danced across her skin, tracing small patterns. Draco thrust one last time as Hermione climaxed. She collapsed against the bed, breathing heavily, small beads of sweat dotting her hairline. Draco lay next to her, closing his eyes. Their breathing slowed, and Hermione smiled. "This was where we were supposed to stay after our wedding."
"Really? I noticed the password." Draco smiled as Hermione curled up next to him. He pulled her closer, stroking her hair.
"I missed you. Every day I would think about you." Hermione closed her eyes, exhaustion taking over.
"I missed you too, Hermione. I promise, as long as I'm alive, that I'll never leave you again." Draco looked down at her. Hermione was asleep, a smile playing on her lips.
The next morning dawned bright and cool. September was nearing its end, and the trees were coloring. Hermione woke up after Draco. He had taken a shower and changed, and was currently sitting in the kitchen. Hermione sought him out, and kissed him.
"Did you sleep well?" He asked, smiling. She nodded, moving to the hall door.
"I'm going to go shower. I suppose Professor Dumbledore wants to see us?" Draco nodded, and Hermione smiled. She didn't know where Ron was, but right now she didn't care. She knew he would be safe on the island. But Hermione's mind was far from Ron as she stepped out of the shower and changed into a pale violet dress. This morning, she felt different. Hermione knew why, but she was still having second thoughts about not asking Draco. She shook the misgivings from her mind, and sat on her bed. She made a firm resolve. Hermione was not going to put a charm on herself this morning to prevent her from getting pregnant. No morning after charm, no potion, no spell. This time, she would keep the baby.
* * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * *
**AUTHOR'S NOTE!** I know, big step with the whole baby thing… Sorry if this took awhile to update, my power went out for like a whole day, and my phone doesn't work…which means NO INTERNET! Anyways, I hope y'all like it, and I put Draco and Hermione back together. Ron is not dead, don't worry… and for those of who are curious, the Parselmouth/snake comes back…its important…my wonderful beta-er, Jessica, and I came up with the character…hope you like the chapter! REVIEW! PLEASE! I WILL STOP WRITING IF YOU DON'T REVIEW! I AM AN EGOTISTICAL BITCH, OKAY? I NEED REVIEWS!