Chapter 51- To Shake Faith
Hermione sat with three male companions under a tree by the lake, watching the giant squid propel itself across the lake. Their final N.E.W.T. had ended just under an hour ago. The quite aptly named Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests had taken up most of their time for the past two weeks.
"You know, Hermione, I'm almost glad you made us study," Ron commented lazily. "Some of the stuff they asked, I never would have remembered had I not looked over your- I mean, my notes." He had thus far not admitted that he could not study properly from his own notes.
"Mmm," Hermione replied. She was dozing against Draco's shoulder, with his right arm curled comfortably around her, and was not inclined to speak.
"It really wasn't as hard as I thought it would be," Harry said. He seemed happy about this, unsurprisingly. "I mean, who knew there would be a twenty-point question about the Patronus Charm?"
"I did," Draco drawled. "No, just kidding. I was surprised at that one, actually. Good thing Hermione's notes are so detailed, or none of us would have passed."
"And the Transfiguration N.E.W.T. was only three questions. I don't think that was quite fair," Harry said bluntly.
"Well, they were things every wizard should know, Harry," Hermione mumbled. "Besides…the practical test was…was…*yawn*."
She felt more than heard Draco chuckle slightly. "Don't try to involve yourself in the conversation, Hermione. These two could keep me amused for hours."
"You know," she said sleepily, "I could take that a number of ways. One of them is quite provocative but not unpleasant in the least. Can you guess which?"
Hermione knew, though her eyes were closed, that Ron looked horrified, Harry amused-horrified, and Draco like he was about to cough up a porcupine. In her ear, she heard a whisper. "I would only do that with you, darling."
She smiled slightly. *I know,* she thought back.
"Go to sleep, Hermione," Draco ordered gently. She didn't need urging, really. She was half-asleep as it was, and quite comfortable enough to go the rest of the way into sleep right there. Draco made a wonderful pillow…
She opened one eye briefly, too quick for any of them to see, before the thought passed. She could see Harry and Ron with that half-glance. They both looked- content was the word, she thought. Ron seemed a bit less comfortable around Draco than Harry (the latter two had finally admitted they were friends), but he did not seem unhappy to be there. Hermione relented, she had never thought to see the day when the four of them would be doing *anything* together. Considering how much they used to hate each other.
The reason she had kept Draco as a secret from them for so long, despite what they might have thought, was that she was afraid they would make her choose between them. How could she ever do that? She loved Harry and Ron, and could never give them up as friends, but Draco was her one and only Love.
The thought that Harry and Ron might begrudge her Love had made her both angry and afraid. If they really considered themselves her friends…but she was getting distracted. They had accepted her choice, and they were trying to get along with Draco. Harry was succeeding, actually. Ron- well, he still had a ways to go before he got to that level.
She knew her eyes were still closed, but she was staring out across the lake. It stretched as far as eye could see. Above it, the sky imposed itself on her vision. Bright blue, brighter than occurs in real life, filled her vision.
In the midst of that bright blue, a black figure appeared. It was confident and intimidating. It approached her, seeming to glide in the air. Its black robes billowed dramatically, in the tradition of the clichéd ominous figure. It seemed to be wearing a mask…but it couldn't be…
A Death Eater?
All too soon, the figure hovered before her. A few strands of pale hair blew free; the rest were tucked under the robe's hood. He pointed his wand at her, and she could feel a smirk radiating from him.
"At last, I have what I have been seeking. You will be the answer to all my problems." His voice was taunting, somehow hinting that the key to her escape was just beyond her grasp. Or just within it, if she only knew what it was.
"Shows how much you know," she responded. "I'll never help you."
"You don't really have a choice in that," he snarled.
"Oh? In case you didn't know, you would never get away with anything you do to me. There are too many people who care about me."
"They can't do anything about it if they never find out. And how would they know, with no witnesses to tell them who was at fault? The answer: they would not. That is why I am a Slytherin. My plans always work."
The voice seemed familiar, but was distorted beyond recognition. Rage, insanity, laughter obscured it into something she could not place. Evil had changed the voice to sound so mocking. Hermione tried to get up, but her body was weak. Somehow, she had lost control of her muscles.
Panic began to spread over her, and she desperately searched to remember where she had left her wand…it was in her pocket.
Her fingers wiggled upon command. Relief came over her, in slight proportions. Perhaps with time, she would have in her use enough muscles to chase the Death Eater away.
"There is no hope for you," the Death Eater insisted. "No one knows you are here. But you are. And so lovely. What must be done, however, *must* be done."
"I don't know what you're talking about, but I hold to what I said before. You will not escape with your life if you do anything to me."
She knew this to be true. It had to be. If before any harm-doers would have died of Harry and Ron, now Draco would be sure to hex them beyond oblivion if he got his hands on them. He had shown time and time again how much he cared, what he would do for her.
"Relax," the Death Eater told her as she flexed her hand surreptitiously. "Your part in this is easy. All you have to do is die." He raised his wand slowly. So slowly, in fact, that she could now move her shoulder.
She had just enough time to regain control of her whole arm. "Goodbye," the Death Eater stated primly.
Before he could cast his spell, she whipped her wand from her pocket and pointed it at him.
"Interficus Maleficum!" she intoned. The Death Eater fell to the ground in front of her, his life wiped from his body. She lay back for a moment, enjoying her relief, letting her muscles regain movement.
When finally she could walk again, she got up and went to the fallen body. It was not really important, he was dead, he was a Death Eater, he would never harm anyone again. However, something about his voice tugged at her; she had to know.
Hesitantly, eagerly, she knelt beside the body. Painstakingly, she reached for the mask, and removed it. She gasped and fell backward.
The face revealed was Draco's.
Hermione jerked out of her dream, sitting up with a start. Her breathing was unsteady, and she fought to control her tears. Why would she dream such a thing?
"Hermione?" She felt Draco's hand on her back. "What's wrong?"
She closed her eyes, swallowing a few times. She shook her head to clear it of horrible thoughts. She knew Draco too well for it to be true. "Nothing," she replied, settling back into his arms. "Just a bad dream. Nothing to worry about."
"Tell me."
"No, I don't want to talk about it right now. I'll tell you later." How much later, she really didn't know. Maybe in a few decades…
It was then that she noticed the absence of two of her friends. "Where did Harry and Ron go?" she asked.
"They left about five minutes ago. Said something about chess. Good thing, too. I expected Harry to start snogging Ron at any second." He made a sound that suggested he would rather look at other things.
Hermione giggled. "Really? Well, that's a coincidence, isn't it? Because I was expecting you to start snogging *me* at any second."
Draco laughed shortly. They sat comfortably, silently for a few minutes. Knowing Draco…Hermione waited for the snog to come. And waited…
Without warning, he turned her and caught her mouth with his, his tongue searching. His hand traveled over her back, pulling her closer. She let herself melt into him, until she hardly knew where she ended and he began. She felt his passion seep into her, and they changed positions to make for a more pleasurable snog.
Basically, the same thing they did every day.
Though usually it was at night and NOT in plain view of all students or teachers that happened to pass.
When at last they parted lips, they sat grinning at each other lovingly, limbs entangled. Draco began to stroke her hair, which she was wearing straight that day. Draco spoke first.
"Did I ever tell you how much I love you?" he asked quietly.
"Yes," she replied with a smile. "I think so. But I can't quite remember." She brought her face closer to his and whispered, "Remind me."
He did remind her, for about the next hour.
Suddenly, when they had progressed to hands in each other's clothes, a scandalized Professor McMissGrangerI'mSurprisedAtYou caught them, and sent them to do some Head Boy and Girl chore.
"I notice she wasn't surprised at you," Hermione said smugly.
"Well, everyone knows my reputation," Draco shrugged. He was obviously covering up his pride in that reputation with the indifference in his voice.
"Your reputation has changed a bit, I would think. I've 'changed you for the better', you know." She winked.
"I'm changed *you* for the better, as well. Better sex life, that is."
"Draco! You don't have a sex life anymore. And don't be expecting anything soon. We still have another two weeks of school."
"I know," he groaned. "Why are they torturing us? We've taken our N.E.W.T.s already. It's not as though we need more time at this bloody school. Why don't they just let us go?"
"Draco, you aren't honestly telling me that you won't miss Hogwarts at all."
"Well, not *honestly*. I will miss it, I suppose. It was, after all, where I met you. Wonderful place, this castle," he said, looking around with approval.
She swatted at him. "I mean it. You're going to miss living here, admit it."
"Well yes, I suppose. But I have this marvelous flat in London, maybe you've heard about it?"
"Oh, shut it, Draco. You're so sarcastic. It suits you, but it annoys me. Have you ever been just sincere?"
"My apologies," he said solemnly. He got down on one knee before her, took her hand in his, and placed his other hand over his heart. "Thank you, dearest Hermione, who art fairer than all the treasures of the world, for the gift of the Flat thou hast given me, and the gift of thy Heart. Thou art greater for that than the god-"
"That's enough." She pulled her hand out of his grasp. "I said sincere. I did not say overdramatic *or* exaggerated."
He stood and took her in his arms. "Is this better?" He asked. His head being above hers, she could barely hear him. She wrapped her own arms around him, and they sighed together with happiness.
"Much."
************************************************************************
"I grow more impatient by the minute, Lucius," Voldemort told his right hand Death Eater. "The Potter boy has thwarted my plans five times too many. You told me you had a plan sure to succeed."
"I do, my lord," Lucius bowed again. "I know a way to lure Potter, his red-headed friend, and even my treacherous son to a place we- you choose, Master."
Voldemort's red eyes glowed, intrigued. "Do you? Go on."
"The girl," Lucius said. "The Mudblood. They care for her, and the damsel-in-distress fix never fails to bring the quote unquote heroes to the scene. All that must be done would be to bring her to the designated spot, and wait for the others to come after her."
"And you think this can be done *before* this school term at Hogwarts ends? I do so wish to see the look in that fool Dumbledore's eyes when he finds out students were killed on his own territory."
"Doubtless, my Lord. And I know just where we should bring them. Professors will take too long to get there to do any damage to our plan."
"So you say. Where is this place?"
"You know of the Forbidden Forest, of course. Well, my son Draco has a lingering fear of forests…"
Voldemort leaned closer as Lucius continued. At last, one of his servants had been able to form the plan that would succeed. It was so simple, and yet so effective, that it would end Dumbledore's faith in the White magic forever.
End Chapter 51
Well well. The plot has thickened. Although it's pretty thick already, so this brings it to quite an impressive consistency.
I'd like to say to everyone, including those who have not read or reviewed the last chapter as of yet, that the whole Jesus Christ thing was just a thing, did not mean anything, does not reflect my beliefs, and if you're offended by it or think I shouldn't have written it, just pretend it's not there. It doesn't really matter all that much. If I end up being sued by the Roman Catholic Church, I might change it.
Anyway, review for some type of confetti!
Hermione sat with three male companions under a tree by the lake, watching the giant squid propel itself across the lake. Their final N.E.W.T. had ended just under an hour ago. The quite aptly named Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests had taken up most of their time for the past two weeks.
"You know, Hermione, I'm almost glad you made us study," Ron commented lazily. "Some of the stuff they asked, I never would have remembered had I not looked over your- I mean, my notes." He had thus far not admitted that he could not study properly from his own notes.
"Mmm," Hermione replied. She was dozing against Draco's shoulder, with his right arm curled comfortably around her, and was not inclined to speak.
"It really wasn't as hard as I thought it would be," Harry said. He seemed happy about this, unsurprisingly. "I mean, who knew there would be a twenty-point question about the Patronus Charm?"
"I did," Draco drawled. "No, just kidding. I was surprised at that one, actually. Good thing Hermione's notes are so detailed, or none of us would have passed."
"And the Transfiguration N.E.W.T. was only three questions. I don't think that was quite fair," Harry said bluntly.
"Well, they were things every wizard should know, Harry," Hermione mumbled. "Besides…the practical test was…was…*yawn*."
She felt more than heard Draco chuckle slightly. "Don't try to involve yourself in the conversation, Hermione. These two could keep me amused for hours."
"You know," she said sleepily, "I could take that a number of ways. One of them is quite provocative but not unpleasant in the least. Can you guess which?"
Hermione knew, though her eyes were closed, that Ron looked horrified, Harry amused-horrified, and Draco like he was about to cough up a porcupine. In her ear, she heard a whisper. "I would only do that with you, darling."
She smiled slightly. *I know,* she thought back.
"Go to sleep, Hermione," Draco ordered gently. She didn't need urging, really. She was half-asleep as it was, and quite comfortable enough to go the rest of the way into sleep right there. Draco made a wonderful pillow…
She opened one eye briefly, too quick for any of them to see, before the thought passed. She could see Harry and Ron with that half-glance. They both looked- content was the word, she thought. Ron seemed a bit less comfortable around Draco than Harry (the latter two had finally admitted they were friends), but he did not seem unhappy to be there. Hermione relented, she had never thought to see the day when the four of them would be doing *anything* together. Considering how much they used to hate each other.
The reason she had kept Draco as a secret from them for so long, despite what they might have thought, was that she was afraid they would make her choose between them. How could she ever do that? She loved Harry and Ron, and could never give them up as friends, but Draco was her one and only Love.
The thought that Harry and Ron might begrudge her Love had made her both angry and afraid. If they really considered themselves her friends…but she was getting distracted. They had accepted her choice, and they were trying to get along with Draco. Harry was succeeding, actually. Ron- well, he still had a ways to go before he got to that level.
She knew her eyes were still closed, but she was staring out across the lake. It stretched as far as eye could see. Above it, the sky imposed itself on her vision. Bright blue, brighter than occurs in real life, filled her vision.
In the midst of that bright blue, a black figure appeared. It was confident and intimidating. It approached her, seeming to glide in the air. Its black robes billowed dramatically, in the tradition of the clichéd ominous figure. It seemed to be wearing a mask…but it couldn't be…
A Death Eater?
All too soon, the figure hovered before her. A few strands of pale hair blew free; the rest were tucked under the robe's hood. He pointed his wand at her, and she could feel a smirk radiating from him.
"At last, I have what I have been seeking. You will be the answer to all my problems." His voice was taunting, somehow hinting that the key to her escape was just beyond her grasp. Or just within it, if she only knew what it was.
"Shows how much you know," she responded. "I'll never help you."
"You don't really have a choice in that," he snarled.
"Oh? In case you didn't know, you would never get away with anything you do to me. There are too many people who care about me."
"They can't do anything about it if they never find out. And how would they know, with no witnesses to tell them who was at fault? The answer: they would not. That is why I am a Slytherin. My plans always work."
The voice seemed familiar, but was distorted beyond recognition. Rage, insanity, laughter obscured it into something she could not place. Evil had changed the voice to sound so mocking. Hermione tried to get up, but her body was weak. Somehow, she had lost control of her muscles.
Panic began to spread over her, and she desperately searched to remember where she had left her wand…it was in her pocket.
Her fingers wiggled upon command. Relief came over her, in slight proportions. Perhaps with time, she would have in her use enough muscles to chase the Death Eater away.
"There is no hope for you," the Death Eater insisted. "No one knows you are here. But you are. And so lovely. What must be done, however, *must* be done."
"I don't know what you're talking about, but I hold to what I said before. You will not escape with your life if you do anything to me."
She knew this to be true. It had to be. If before any harm-doers would have died of Harry and Ron, now Draco would be sure to hex them beyond oblivion if he got his hands on them. He had shown time and time again how much he cared, what he would do for her.
"Relax," the Death Eater told her as she flexed her hand surreptitiously. "Your part in this is easy. All you have to do is die." He raised his wand slowly. So slowly, in fact, that she could now move her shoulder.
She had just enough time to regain control of her whole arm. "Goodbye," the Death Eater stated primly.
Before he could cast his spell, she whipped her wand from her pocket and pointed it at him.
"Interficus Maleficum!" she intoned. The Death Eater fell to the ground in front of her, his life wiped from his body. She lay back for a moment, enjoying her relief, letting her muscles regain movement.
When finally she could walk again, she got up and went to the fallen body. It was not really important, he was dead, he was a Death Eater, he would never harm anyone again. However, something about his voice tugged at her; she had to know.
Hesitantly, eagerly, she knelt beside the body. Painstakingly, she reached for the mask, and removed it. She gasped and fell backward.
The face revealed was Draco's.
Hermione jerked out of her dream, sitting up with a start. Her breathing was unsteady, and she fought to control her tears. Why would she dream such a thing?
"Hermione?" She felt Draco's hand on her back. "What's wrong?"
She closed her eyes, swallowing a few times. She shook her head to clear it of horrible thoughts. She knew Draco too well for it to be true. "Nothing," she replied, settling back into his arms. "Just a bad dream. Nothing to worry about."
"Tell me."
"No, I don't want to talk about it right now. I'll tell you later." How much later, she really didn't know. Maybe in a few decades…
It was then that she noticed the absence of two of her friends. "Where did Harry and Ron go?" she asked.
"They left about five minutes ago. Said something about chess. Good thing, too. I expected Harry to start snogging Ron at any second." He made a sound that suggested he would rather look at other things.
Hermione giggled. "Really? Well, that's a coincidence, isn't it? Because I was expecting you to start snogging *me* at any second."
Draco laughed shortly. They sat comfortably, silently for a few minutes. Knowing Draco…Hermione waited for the snog to come. And waited…
Without warning, he turned her and caught her mouth with his, his tongue searching. His hand traveled over her back, pulling her closer. She let herself melt into him, until she hardly knew where she ended and he began. She felt his passion seep into her, and they changed positions to make for a more pleasurable snog.
Basically, the same thing they did every day.
Though usually it was at night and NOT in plain view of all students or teachers that happened to pass.
When at last they parted lips, they sat grinning at each other lovingly, limbs entangled. Draco began to stroke her hair, which she was wearing straight that day. Draco spoke first.
"Did I ever tell you how much I love you?" he asked quietly.
"Yes," she replied with a smile. "I think so. But I can't quite remember." She brought her face closer to his and whispered, "Remind me."
He did remind her, for about the next hour.
Suddenly, when they had progressed to hands in each other's clothes, a scandalized Professor McMissGrangerI'mSurprisedAtYou caught them, and sent them to do some Head Boy and Girl chore.
"I notice she wasn't surprised at you," Hermione said smugly.
"Well, everyone knows my reputation," Draco shrugged. He was obviously covering up his pride in that reputation with the indifference in his voice.
"Your reputation has changed a bit, I would think. I've 'changed you for the better', you know." She winked.
"I'm changed *you* for the better, as well. Better sex life, that is."
"Draco! You don't have a sex life anymore. And don't be expecting anything soon. We still have another two weeks of school."
"I know," he groaned. "Why are they torturing us? We've taken our N.E.W.T.s already. It's not as though we need more time at this bloody school. Why don't they just let us go?"
"Draco, you aren't honestly telling me that you won't miss Hogwarts at all."
"Well, not *honestly*. I will miss it, I suppose. It was, after all, where I met you. Wonderful place, this castle," he said, looking around with approval.
She swatted at him. "I mean it. You're going to miss living here, admit it."
"Well yes, I suppose. But I have this marvelous flat in London, maybe you've heard about it?"
"Oh, shut it, Draco. You're so sarcastic. It suits you, but it annoys me. Have you ever been just sincere?"
"My apologies," he said solemnly. He got down on one knee before her, took her hand in his, and placed his other hand over his heart. "Thank you, dearest Hermione, who art fairer than all the treasures of the world, for the gift of the Flat thou hast given me, and the gift of thy Heart. Thou art greater for that than the god-"
"That's enough." She pulled her hand out of his grasp. "I said sincere. I did not say overdramatic *or* exaggerated."
He stood and took her in his arms. "Is this better?" He asked. His head being above hers, she could barely hear him. She wrapped her own arms around him, and they sighed together with happiness.
"Much."
************************************************************************
"I grow more impatient by the minute, Lucius," Voldemort told his right hand Death Eater. "The Potter boy has thwarted my plans five times too many. You told me you had a plan sure to succeed."
"I do, my lord," Lucius bowed again. "I know a way to lure Potter, his red-headed friend, and even my treacherous son to a place we- you choose, Master."
Voldemort's red eyes glowed, intrigued. "Do you? Go on."
"The girl," Lucius said. "The Mudblood. They care for her, and the damsel-in-distress fix never fails to bring the quote unquote heroes to the scene. All that must be done would be to bring her to the designated spot, and wait for the others to come after her."
"And you think this can be done *before* this school term at Hogwarts ends? I do so wish to see the look in that fool Dumbledore's eyes when he finds out students were killed on his own territory."
"Doubtless, my Lord. And I know just where we should bring them. Professors will take too long to get there to do any damage to our plan."
"So you say. Where is this place?"
"You know of the Forbidden Forest, of course. Well, my son Draco has a lingering fear of forests…"
Voldemort leaned closer as Lucius continued. At last, one of his servants had been able to form the plan that would succeed. It was so simple, and yet so effective, that it would end Dumbledore's faith in the White magic forever.
End Chapter 51
Well well. The plot has thickened. Although it's pretty thick already, so this brings it to quite an impressive consistency.
I'd like to say to everyone, including those who have not read or reviewed the last chapter as of yet, that the whole Jesus Christ thing was just a thing, did not mean anything, does not reflect my beliefs, and if you're offended by it or think I shouldn't have written it, just pretend it's not there. It doesn't really matter all that much. If I end up being sued by the Roman Catholic Church, I might change it.
Anyway, review for some type of confetti!