Juxtaposed; LOL, sorry about that-I forgot what you said you wanted to be
called so typed a random name promising myself I'd check it before I posted
and I forgot, although I did realise about 10 minutes later and changed it,
so should be fine now. But I got you in :o) Also, Ron;s outfit, I
actually didn't know what he'd go as. I figured something like Peter Pan
so I dressed him in green and left it up to the imagination of the readers.
Raine Malfoy; Your mind may rest at ease; Yes, they are using precautions; well, we can assume they are. I can just never be bothered writing about them putting the condom on or about Hermione taking her pill etc. I figure (and hope) that the actual love scenes make better reading :o) You're forgiven in asking me to update soon; I do it all the time when I review other people's stories.
Darkloverfading; I'm so glad you recognised my blatant plagiarism of the wonderful "In the Hands of the Goddess" *smiles broadly* That set of books are one of my all time favourites and I thought that line suited Draco and Hermione perfectly so in it went (to anyone who hasn't read those books...you really should, they are excellent). Thanks for the review :o)
Kendo-goddess; Thanks very much for reviewing. I'm glad you've been reading regularly. I know how hard it is to find time to review. I read loads of great stories and find I never have time to review them all so I'm grateful that you reviewed me. As for Ron and the mission; nothing is being given away yet.
Apollonia2; I'm relieved you're enjoying the love scenes-I get so nervous posting them up...stupid really as everyone's so nice. Hope this update is soon enough for you.
Athene Saile; If you're still reading by this point, I just read your review of Chapter 6 and....WOW!! I got two people recognising my intertextual links in the story. First Darkloverfading now you...that's great, and you're the only ones to have said anything. Yes the line was inspired by Titanic; for the same reasons as my other plagiarism; those lines reflect wonderfully the images I have in my head of the characters and their emotions, and I hope that by readers relating to some lines it helps convey what I see. Thank you so much for reviewing, I'm glad you're enjoying it so far and I hope you keep reading.
Spaced Out Space Cadet; Feel like I've not heard of you in ages :o) Thanks for reviewing. Ron WILL be finding out but I'm not saying when or how.
Hermione1992; Thank you. This will be finished, but not for a while yet.
N.B. I do not own Harry Potter or any of the names associated with it. They are owned by J.K. Rowling, Bloomsbury publishing and Warner Brothers. Only the plot is mine. As usual this has been proof read but, also as usual, I'm as terrible as ever and may have missed things. I apologise.
Chapter 15-Gifts for a Raven
Christmas Eve; Draco and Hermione sat entwined in each other's arms in one of the over sized armchairs in Hermione's rooms. They stared at the fireplace in silence, neither one having to say anything, enjoying the dance of the flames in the fire.
"You know we won't be able to spend tomorrow together don't you?" Draco whispered softly into Hermione's ear, twirling a long strand of her hair between his fingers.
"I know," Hermione sighed, "and it would have been so nice to share the day together I really wanted to see you to give you your present."
"Well, I thought about it in advance and I brought your present with me tonight." Draco smiled.
"Ooh, really? Can I have it now?" Hermione asked, her eyes shining like a small child's at the prospects of gifts.
"No." Draco teased, although at the same time he reached into his pocket and handed her a small package, kissing her forehead as he handed it to the joyous Gryffindor.
Hermione took the parcel, her eyes sparkling as she unwrapped Draco's Christmas present to her. Underneath the expensive paper sat an elegant black, velvet box. She opened it and gasped when she saw what lay inside: A white gold ring nestled in the lining of the box. Set in the ring where small, alternate stones of red and green, and set in the centre at the front of the band was a much larger stone which, when examined closely, was seen to contain two swirls of colour, again red and green, which danced around each other, only occasionally combining to create a brilliant shimmering, white light.
"Treasure Essence." Hermione gasped, recognising the swirls of colour immediately, "Oh Draco it's beautiful....but it musty have cost you an absolute fortune."
Draco shrugged; he wouldn't tell her how much it had set him back; she was worth every penny. He watched her tenderly as she slipped the finger on the middle finger of her right hand, gazing at it in wonder. She leaned over and kissed him affectionately;
"Wait there." She whispered climbing off his knee and taking a small parcel form her bedside cabinet. It was wrapped in pretty blue and silver paper and when Draco removed it he saw a box not dissimilar to the one he had handed Hermione. He grinned slightly as he opened the box to reveal a handsome wide band of silver. He slipped it over his middle finger of his right hand and looked at the inscription on the front. The engraving was charmed so that it shimmered slightly, a beautiful silvery colour. As he examined the engraving closely Draco recognised it as being the language of The Innocents, an old language, no longer understood by most mortals. The symbol meant "forever." He smiled widely at her and lifted her face to his in an amorous kiss.
"Thank you." He whispered.
"You're welcome." Hermione purred, twisting in his lap to face him.
Draco supported her slight weight with one hand as with the other he hitched her skirt up slightly so it was around her hips. She smiled seductively at him; Gods she's sexy, he thought to himself, watching the flames move their dance to her face, shrouding and secreting pieces of it in their darkness. Her eyes glinted in the shade and she fluttered her long lashes at him slowly as he reached beneath her skirt and slipped two fingers into the waiting wetness. He gently rubbed her clit with his thumb and she began to rock in time to the pressure he applied.
He hadn't seriously begun before he felt her pull her body off him. He opened his eyes, confused and questioning, but she silenced him with a passionate and forceful kiss, gently closing his eyes with her elegant fingers. Draco gave into her as he felt her readjust his own robes in an effort to reach her target, and he moaned slightly as her cool hands searched through the folds of the fabric until they found him. She wasted no time in freeing his member and subjecting it to her merciless taunts of caresses and gentle licks.
She knew what she did to him and it drove him wild knowing that she did. She knew exactly what to do to peak his excitement without pushing him over the edge. It was as though they were connected on a level above that of the corporeal existence they knew.
In one swift movement she had him out of her hands and inside her. The suddenness of the contact caused Draco to open his eyes and look at the girl he loved; he wasn't fully prepared for what he saw. It was as though the Hermione he knew and loved had disappeared; the woman riding him at the moment bared more resemblance to another, much darker being; a life form composed of all the evils ever known.
The green eyes flashed dangerously and the midnight locks flew wild and unkempt as she rode him faster and faster. The flames in the fireplace seemed to leap up higher than ever before, casting fearful shadows around the room, the flames landing in her eyes, yet still she rode him. The flowing movements never faltered and never threatened to stop. The image on top of him was the scariest yet most beautiful thing he had ever seen; he wanted to, no, he needed to touch her, but she crackled with a green light he had not yet seen. Her usual show of other worldly magic involved red light, always red, never green. But Draco didn't care.
Slowly he reached out to touch the beauty astride him, but inches from her dangerously beautiful face his fingers leapt back as though they had been burnt. He examined them; no mark was there. He looked again at Hermione; she was laughing, almost cackling in her enjoyments of these events.
She body rocked constantly, allowing him to penetrate her deeply. He reached out again, and captured her breasts; they did not burn him. Only her body was his, her face and mind were not, yet he was absorbed in their power.
He closed his eyes and let the passion overthrow all rational parts of his mind. He needed her, wholly and unconditionally. Just her, forever.
They moved together, thrusting and contracting in graceful, erotic movements. Their eyes never met but their souls spoke to each other, and as they simultaneously peaked Draco tasted what Hermione felt; all of her fear, lust, venom, love, sorrow and happiness flowed through his body and he savoured each and every one of her pure emotions for the brief second that it was his.
She collapsed onto his chest heavily panting, her hair covered her face and Draco felt her cool, clammy forehead against his chin. She was no longer burning as she had been. Tentatively Draco lifted her hair form her face and looked at her eyes. She stared back and he sighed with relief; she was his Hermione again.
"Are you OK?"
"I don't know." She answered truthfully. "That feeling then it was..."
"Intense. I know; I felt it."
"Bt you didn't. I felt everything. Everything there has ever been; all the suffering, all the fear, all the hatred, all the love and all the happiness all in one go. It made me want to scream. There was so much of it, too much of it." She shook slightly, "Why are they doing this to me?"
"Who?"
"The Gods Draco, I know it's them. I figured it out, I just can't understand why."
Draco held her closely;
"But that can't have been the Gods; all the other times you've glowed red and were perfectly capable of rational thought, that time you were green and...and it was like you were possessed or something."
"I was." Hermione whispered. "The other times it has been The Innocents and The Ancients, it wasn't then, it was The Dark Ones. They took over me, wanted me to taste it all; everything they had once felt. I felt like they were killing me but they said they wouldn't, they needed me for a bit longer yet."
Draco didn't say anything; he didn't know how to react. Instead he held her close as she thought to herself quietly. He did not interrupt her thoughts and he did not question her.
He remained holding her for many more hours until she looked up at him quietly;
"You should go." She whispered.
"Will you be OK?" Draco asked, concerned for hr after the previous events.
"I'll be fine. I guess it's just another thing I have to cope with." She laughed weakly, "Anyway, Ron, Harry and Ginny will be around tomorrow and I doubt your presence would go down well."
"Good point." He answered, pulling her gently from the chair as she saw him out, "Forever's a long time you know." He stated, glancing at the new ring adorning his right hand. "Are you sure you want me for that long?"
"Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?"
"It won't be easy, and we can't pretend it will be. Even if we do win..."
"When Draco, when we win."
"OK, when we win there'll still be people working against us being together- Ron, Death Eaters who remain uncaught, many people."
"I know, I've thought about it too but there's not much we can do about people's opinions except cross that bridge when we come to it. Relationships always have problems...we'll just have a few extra."
"So you're sure?"
"More than I've ever been about anything, now run along," She smiled playfully, "Have a good Christmas. I love you"
"I love you too." Draco smiled, before pulling her into a final kiss.
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Christmas Day dawned white and gleaming and Draco awoke to large pile of presents at the bottom of his bed. They were all expensive and elaborate, many consisting of illegal or dark magic. Off his Mother and Father he received a golden Snidget quill, a very old, very expensive and very illegal book on the Magic of the Dark Ones and a well made full length, black, high collared dress coat with a note attached;
"For March." Was all it said.
Draco sighed; that meant his Father was already thinking about the final battle at Easter, a subject he'd rather not consider at the moment. He glanced down at the bed, only an envelope remained. Recognising the black and red serpent wax seal Draco groaned as he opened it and read the contents;
"Be at Malfoy Manor this evening for festivities. Your Lord"
"Great." Muttered Draco, before rolling out of bed, getting changed and making his way to the Slytherin common room.
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It annoyed Draco greatly that despite Hermione's humiliation at the hands of Pansy he still had to be friends with the members of his house. Although logically it did make sense as they could not recall the event, having had it wiped entirely from their memories.
He entered the large, cold common room and was immediately engulfed by Pansy who, when she finally allowed him to breath, left a large deep red mark on his cheek.
"Happy Christmas Draco." She beamed and he grinned back as she linked arms with him and led him over to their group who, as usual, were in the best seats.
"Move." Draco commanded to Millicent Bulstrode and the hefty girl pulled herself from the chair silently moving to another, much less comfortable seat on the floor. Draco threw himself into the previously occupied seat.
"Y'allright Draco?" Blaise drawled from his position on the couch, sporting a new and very expensive looking green robe.
"Not too bad." Draco replied, observing the scene around him whilst helping himself to the chocolates on the table.
Crabbe and Goyle were stuffing their faces whilst playing a rather bad game of explosive Snap; their reaction times were so bad that they missed almost every pair that came up. The younger Slytherins were grouped in corners, observing the older, much scarier Slytherins with awe upon their faces and his group, as usual, were oblivious to them all. One of the young Slytherins braved to come up to the table as if going to dare to tell Draco off for eating the chocolates that weren't his; Draco silenced her with a sharp glare and a sneer, daring the young serpent to challenge him. She didn't and returned to her group looking apologetic.
"They are so wet." Smirked Pansy, watching the retreating girl, "As if they're scared of you."
"The whole castle's afraid of me." Draco smirked, "It's a gift I guess."
Pansy giggled and sat on the sofa arm, her fingers playing with Draco's hair. He inwardly stiffened at the unwanted physical contact but appeared overtly relaxed to the Slytherins.
"So Draco, you still shagging that Hufflepuff?" Blaise scoffed.
It was now Pansy's turn to stiffen and Draco couldn't help but smirk.
"Hell no Zabini, I kicked her out months ago."
"Still not one for commitment eh?" Blaise laughed.
"Who is?" Draco sneered, "anyway what about you? You must have had the entire school by now."
"Only the good ones mate-you should know." Blaise winked, "There's no challenges anymore; they just simply melt under the Slytherin charm." Draco nodded his silent agreement.
"Oh, I don't know about that." Pansy piped up annoyingly.
"Oh would you not? And why's that?" Blaise snapped; he had about much patience with the bony Slytherin as Draco did, having had a very similar experience with her.
"I know of a challenge that neither of you could achieve."
"Pansy darling, you don't count; having been laid more times than that ho in Hogsmeade." Blaise commented, and Draco couldn't help but let out a cruel laugh.
"Shut up Zabini-I wasn't talking about me. Anyway, I wouldn't shag you again if you paid me."
"People already do pay you Pansy." Blaise retorted, never one to be challenged and not retaliate.
Pansy opened her mouth to protest but Draco silenced her.
"Gods Pansy would you just spit it out; your inane babbling is so annoying."
"Fine." Spat Pansy. "Granger."
"Hey," perked up Blaise, "now there is a challenge."
"As if I'd waste my time." Draco spat, trying to steer the conversation in a different direction, "I bet she tell us all useless facts about 'Hogwarts: A History' when she's in the sack."
"Not if you gagged her." Pansy suggested spitefully.
"Come on Draco, she may have a point there." Blaise declared, "She's defiantly a challenge for both of us, and I certainly wouldn't mind teaching the dirty little Mudblood a thing or two. You've got to admit she's looking pretty damn sexy at the moment, better then anything the Slytherins have got to offer."
Pansy prickled again at Blaise's attack on her but remained silent. Draco was also quiet-he didn't want Blaise anywhere near Hermione. Blaise had an effect on girls that made them all want him instantly-true, he also had that effect but that wasn't the point at the moment.
"So?" Blaise pressed, "What do you say? 200 Galleon bet?"
"200?" Draco questioned.
"Each."
"Now you're talking. But the fact is it's Granger, I'd rather fuck Potter."
"That's a complete no-go area. He's straight as his fucking wand-trust me on this one."
Draco raised an eyebrow but remained silent at Blaise's comment, which didn't come as too much of a surprise. The pretty-boy Slytherin attracted (and gratefully received) attention from members of both sexes and the fact he'd tried it on with Potter didn't shock him one bit.
"Come on Draco." Pansy cooed in his ear. "You're not going soft on us are you?"
"Of course I'm not." Draco snapped, pulling away from her sharply. "I'll take your bet Zabini, and your money whilst I'm at it. There's no way you're going to win this one."
"Great. So how do we prove we slept with her?" Blaise asked, realising it wouldn't be as easy as he'd thought to prove who had won.
"Whoever beds her has to enter the Great Hall holding hands with her the day after they've bedded her." Draco grinned-he'd got this in the bag, he knew he had.
Blaise nodded his agreement and the gentlemen shook on their arrangement. Soon the conversation moved away from Hermione and the bet to Voldemort-a topic that was freely and regularly discussed in the Slytherin common room.
Draco had been dreading this ever since Dumbledore's memory charm on his house mates. He wondered how much they remembered and how much they faked.
From what he could gather from their brief conversation, the Slytherins knew nothing of Hermione's marking, only of his own, and Draco silently thanked the Gods as he bragged and gloated to the others about being one of the prestigious amongst the Dark Lord's selected elite group. The small congregation listened in awe as he spoke of he-who-must-not-named and the revels.
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That evening Draco made his way to Dumbledore's office. He wore black shirt, black trousers underneath black dress robes, with a silver chain and Hermione's ring. Simple and sexy.
Hermione and Snape stood waiting when he arrived, talking to Dumbledore. Draco looked at Hermione; she looked stunning; her dress was tightly corseted, making her waist tiny and her chest huge. It was made of deep green velvet, with fine black chiffon over the skirts, which fell gracefully outwards from her hips and were lined in silver. Like her Halloween dress, there was split over her left leg from the hem to the waist, flashing her Dark Mark. An identical split was over her right leg, only this one revealed smooth, soft flesh and the top of her suspenders. The neckline plunged almost to her naval and the sleeves were full length, widening at the end into many green, black and silver tapers.
Her hair fell in wild, unkempt curls and her blackened eyes flashed; she reminded Draco of the way he had seen her only last night, but this time she was the pure image of unadulterated sex, not the Goddess of evil. Draco calmed himself and walked forward, taking Hermione's hand and observing the two older wizards exchange small smiles.
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The three fell to their knees in front of Voldemort and Draco noticed that Hermione's eyes never lowered to the ground, never left Voldemort's face and never flickered with fear. She met his red slits with her cat's eyes, refusing to show weakness. The party had not yet begun and the Death Eaters mingled restlessly, thirsting for killing, sex and blood.
The three rose, Hermione's and Draco's hands still linked. Draco felt everyone stare at them as they stood before the Dark Lord.
"My dear Raven, I have a gift for you." Voldemort said. Hermione released Draco's hand and stepped gracefully forwards. She didn't speak, merely watched as Voldemort beckoned Bellatrix Lestrange to him, she long a long, slim box and cast Hermione a look of pure loathing-she had once been the favourite, now she played second fiddle to a Mudblood. It was all she could do to refrain herself from spitting at the little bitch; although only because she valued her life.
Voldemort opened the box and from it took a necklace which he placed around Hermione's neck. The necklace was black and Draco correctly assumed it to be very rare black gold. Wound loosely around the black gold was a thin, delicate band of white gold, contrasting sharply but attractively. Dangling from the chain was a replica of a Raven's feather, again made from black gold and etched with white. Set into the feather were black and white diamonds, small, sparkling and perfectly formed, sprinkling the shining surface.
"It's beautiful." Hermione gasped, fingering the band that now adorned her slender neck and throat, "Thank you My Lord." She curtsied before joining Snape, Draco and Lucius, the latter of whom took it upon himself to pinch and caress Hermione's backside. Never flinching, Hermione stood still and silent between Draco and his father as one of them took advantage of her body and the other silently fumed.
Draco took her hand in his and the revel began. Music and screams as the muggles arrived.
In one corner McNair and Bellatrix were subjecting a pair of muggles of relentless humiliation as they tortured and fucked them.
Snape had yet again struck lucky and managed to escape to the bar and was currently engaged in a conversation with Narcissa about her recent travels for the Dark Lord.
Lucius was currently casting Crucio repeatedly on one muggle whilst simultaneously dunking another.
Draco debated about what to do when Voldemort gave him and Hermione their instructions for the evening;
"My dear Raven, partake in some pleasure; warm yourself up with a little violence. Draco relieve yourself in whichever way you feel most beneficial- I believe you haven't done any serious damage to any muggle women for a while? May I suggest that."
It wasn't a suggestion, it was an order and both Hermione and Draco nodded. Voldemort walked away, turning around only to give her her final instruction;
"You shall wear the necklace and the necklace alone."
Again Hermione nodded silently and the Dark Lord settled himself at the bar to watch his prize Death Eater at work.
"You don't have to do this." Whispered Draco, putting his arm around Hermione;
"Yes I do." She answered determinedly, "what about you? What will you do?"
"Merlin knows; you heard him; he wants me to screw around and kill."
Hermione nodded silently once more before strolling over to a nearby muggle woman who looked scared to death at what was going on.
"Hey cutie." Hermione purred to the woman, circling her as though stalking prey. As she surrounded the woman she traced a long green fingernail across the woman's face, drawing blood. Draco watched as Hermione leant over and licked the blood from the woman's face;
"Ooh...you taste dirty. That will never do. Why don't we clean you up a bit?"
The woman was stood rooted to the spot as Hermione cut her other cheek, causing cherry streams to gush dramatically. Hermione took the woman's head n her hands and smeared the blood over her hands before running them through the muggles hair. The woman screamed and Hermione laughed loudly. The woman tried to run and Hermione froze her to the spot. The woman gave up and stood, defenceless, her hair matted and bloody around her face.
Hermione stood back, straight on from the woman, staring at her, licking her long fingers thoughtfully. She pointed her wand at the woman and her shirt was ripped open at the front. Hermione sauntered back to her victim, a green glow beginning to appear around her body, her eyes filling with flames.
"Now then, I wonder how we can get that filthy body of yours clean?" She whispered.
Everyone's attention was now on Hermione as she effortlessly, and without her wand, threw the woman into the air with a simple wave of her hand. The woman twirled over and over before landing in a crush of broken bones on the hard, cold floor. She screamed.
"Oh shut up!" Shouted Hermione, sounding bored. Still the woman screamed.
"I said shut up bitch!" Hermione yelled, pointing a blazing finger at the woman and instantly silencing her. "Much better."
She pinned the woman to the floor and crouched over her. With a few waves her hand the woman began to gush scarlet liquid as Hermione slit her throat, wrists and stomach, without ever touching her. She removed the silencing curse and the bloodcurdling screams filled the air. Hermione stood, gloating for a few seconds before declaring;
"Oh do hurry up, I'm getting bored now." And with that she Avada Kedavra'd the muggle woman with a point of a finger.
The green glow around her ceased and Hermione cleaned herself up before heading over to Voldemort;
"Honestly, some people take so long to die-it's positively rude."
Voldemort chuckled at her before offering his arm and leading her away.
Draco sighed as he watched her leave, not wanting to think about what was going to happen. He got himself a large Whiskey and settled into a dark corner with a tall, blonde muggle girl.
His anger at Voldemort soon kicked in and overruled the rational half of his brain, taking over his actions. He didn't care what he did or who he hurt, but somebody had to pay. Hell, life was unfair, everybody suffered.
He roughly downed his Whiskey and grabbed the tall blonde, pulling her into his lap where he forcefully ripped open her top, spilling her large breasts. He took one of the in his hand and began to expertly knead and pinch it. The woman moaned and pushed more of her bust into his hands.
Soon his hand was on her leg, edging up to the hem of her belt-like skirt. He roughly pushed her underwear aside and touched her core. The woman moaned much more loudly this time as he began to stroke the raised nub at the top of her sex, and she reached down to his belt, freeing him.
Draco muttered as she proficiently stroked his shaft, moving her lips to the tip, taking him in. It was now Draco's turn to moan as she licked and sucked him, tasting the early juices.
The woman moved from Draco and twisted in his lap facing him, ready to lower herself. But as he felt her sex touch his tip he roughly pushed her off him and onto the floor where she lay, legs spread, eyes angry and confused as Draco placed himself back inside his clothing. He glanced down at the woman, and feeling guilty about what he'd nearly done he simply spat;
"Whore." At he, before Avada Kedavra'ing her.
He deftly slit her throat, smearing the blood across her face and between her thighs, before heading over to the bar for many long, stiff drinks, glaring and silencing anyone who dared to even think of approaching him or trying to engage him in conversation. He didn't feel much like socialising tonight.
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When Hermione and Voldemort returned, Draco was near drunk and feeling extremely guilty about what he'd almost done. He felt even worse that he hadn't apologised to the poor woman, but there was nothing he could do about it now. Hermione appeared physically unharmed but before Draco had chance to corner her to ask she was wept away by a young male Death Eater Draco didn't know and he was being beckoned to Lord Voldemort.
"You and the Raven?" Voldemort questioned.
"Yes My Lord."
"You did not ask my permission to deprive me of my beautiful Raven?"
"No My Lord. I am sorry-does our relationship displease you?"
The Dark Lord's cold, shrill laugh chilled through Draco.
"Oh no Dragon, it does not displease me. Quite the opposite in fact-you are a powerful couple, and any offspring you may produce would undoubtedly be the greatest wizard to ever walk the Earth, a great heir to me and most beneficial once we win the war."
"Yes My Lord. I am glad you approve of us."
"Indeed I do. Although young Dragon, you do realise that you will never fully tame the Raven?"
"My Lord? I do no understand."
"You may own the Raven's heart, but her spirit and her body-her essence-are mine, and they always will be."
"Yes My Lord." Draco responded through gritted teeth, crushing the glasses he held and causing his hand to flow with a crimson tide.
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AUTHOR'S NOTE: I started this so very very organised (I was proud as I'm not to big on organisation skills). Anyway, the plan was for me to handwrite each Chapter and then type up when I could be bothered, the theory being that I would never catch up until it was all posted up as I would be writing two different things (does that make sense?). The problem is that in practice the theory doesn't work because everyone has liked the story so I've tried to update when people have asked, meaning that was the last of my handwritten Chapters so I don't know when the next update will be, it won't be as regular as it has been...sorry. I do know where it is all going though so this IS NOT the end...that I can promise.
Raine Malfoy; Your mind may rest at ease; Yes, they are using precautions; well, we can assume they are. I can just never be bothered writing about them putting the condom on or about Hermione taking her pill etc. I figure (and hope) that the actual love scenes make better reading :o) You're forgiven in asking me to update soon; I do it all the time when I review other people's stories.
Darkloverfading; I'm so glad you recognised my blatant plagiarism of the wonderful "In the Hands of the Goddess" *smiles broadly* That set of books are one of my all time favourites and I thought that line suited Draco and Hermione perfectly so in it went (to anyone who hasn't read those books...you really should, they are excellent). Thanks for the review :o)
Kendo-goddess; Thanks very much for reviewing. I'm glad you've been reading regularly. I know how hard it is to find time to review. I read loads of great stories and find I never have time to review them all so I'm grateful that you reviewed me. As for Ron and the mission; nothing is being given away yet.
Apollonia2; I'm relieved you're enjoying the love scenes-I get so nervous posting them up...stupid really as everyone's so nice. Hope this update is soon enough for you.
Athene Saile; If you're still reading by this point, I just read your review of Chapter 6 and....WOW!! I got two people recognising my intertextual links in the story. First Darkloverfading now you...that's great, and you're the only ones to have said anything. Yes the line was inspired by Titanic; for the same reasons as my other plagiarism; those lines reflect wonderfully the images I have in my head of the characters and their emotions, and I hope that by readers relating to some lines it helps convey what I see. Thank you so much for reviewing, I'm glad you're enjoying it so far and I hope you keep reading.
Spaced Out Space Cadet; Feel like I've not heard of you in ages :o) Thanks for reviewing. Ron WILL be finding out but I'm not saying when or how.
Hermione1992; Thank you. This will be finished, but not for a while yet.
N.B. I do not own Harry Potter or any of the names associated with it. They are owned by J.K. Rowling, Bloomsbury publishing and Warner Brothers. Only the plot is mine. As usual this has been proof read but, also as usual, I'm as terrible as ever and may have missed things. I apologise.
Chapter 15-Gifts for a Raven
Christmas Eve; Draco and Hermione sat entwined in each other's arms in one of the over sized armchairs in Hermione's rooms. They stared at the fireplace in silence, neither one having to say anything, enjoying the dance of the flames in the fire.
"You know we won't be able to spend tomorrow together don't you?" Draco whispered softly into Hermione's ear, twirling a long strand of her hair between his fingers.
"I know," Hermione sighed, "and it would have been so nice to share the day together I really wanted to see you to give you your present."
"Well, I thought about it in advance and I brought your present with me tonight." Draco smiled.
"Ooh, really? Can I have it now?" Hermione asked, her eyes shining like a small child's at the prospects of gifts.
"No." Draco teased, although at the same time he reached into his pocket and handed her a small package, kissing her forehead as he handed it to the joyous Gryffindor.
Hermione took the parcel, her eyes sparkling as she unwrapped Draco's Christmas present to her. Underneath the expensive paper sat an elegant black, velvet box. She opened it and gasped when she saw what lay inside: A white gold ring nestled in the lining of the box. Set in the ring where small, alternate stones of red and green, and set in the centre at the front of the band was a much larger stone which, when examined closely, was seen to contain two swirls of colour, again red and green, which danced around each other, only occasionally combining to create a brilliant shimmering, white light.
"Treasure Essence." Hermione gasped, recognising the swirls of colour immediately, "Oh Draco it's beautiful....but it musty have cost you an absolute fortune."
Draco shrugged; he wouldn't tell her how much it had set him back; she was worth every penny. He watched her tenderly as she slipped the finger on the middle finger of her right hand, gazing at it in wonder. She leaned over and kissed him affectionately;
"Wait there." She whispered climbing off his knee and taking a small parcel form her bedside cabinet. It was wrapped in pretty blue and silver paper and when Draco removed it he saw a box not dissimilar to the one he had handed Hermione. He grinned slightly as he opened the box to reveal a handsome wide band of silver. He slipped it over his middle finger of his right hand and looked at the inscription on the front. The engraving was charmed so that it shimmered slightly, a beautiful silvery colour. As he examined the engraving closely Draco recognised it as being the language of The Innocents, an old language, no longer understood by most mortals. The symbol meant "forever." He smiled widely at her and lifted her face to his in an amorous kiss.
"Thank you." He whispered.
"You're welcome." Hermione purred, twisting in his lap to face him.
Draco supported her slight weight with one hand as with the other he hitched her skirt up slightly so it was around her hips. She smiled seductively at him; Gods she's sexy, he thought to himself, watching the flames move their dance to her face, shrouding and secreting pieces of it in their darkness. Her eyes glinted in the shade and she fluttered her long lashes at him slowly as he reached beneath her skirt and slipped two fingers into the waiting wetness. He gently rubbed her clit with his thumb and she began to rock in time to the pressure he applied.
He hadn't seriously begun before he felt her pull her body off him. He opened his eyes, confused and questioning, but she silenced him with a passionate and forceful kiss, gently closing his eyes with her elegant fingers. Draco gave into her as he felt her readjust his own robes in an effort to reach her target, and he moaned slightly as her cool hands searched through the folds of the fabric until they found him. She wasted no time in freeing his member and subjecting it to her merciless taunts of caresses and gentle licks.
She knew what she did to him and it drove him wild knowing that she did. She knew exactly what to do to peak his excitement without pushing him over the edge. It was as though they were connected on a level above that of the corporeal existence they knew.
In one swift movement she had him out of her hands and inside her. The suddenness of the contact caused Draco to open his eyes and look at the girl he loved; he wasn't fully prepared for what he saw. It was as though the Hermione he knew and loved had disappeared; the woman riding him at the moment bared more resemblance to another, much darker being; a life form composed of all the evils ever known.
The green eyes flashed dangerously and the midnight locks flew wild and unkempt as she rode him faster and faster. The flames in the fireplace seemed to leap up higher than ever before, casting fearful shadows around the room, the flames landing in her eyes, yet still she rode him. The flowing movements never faltered and never threatened to stop. The image on top of him was the scariest yet most beautiful thing he had ever seen; he wanted to, no, he needed to touch her, but she crackled with a green light he had not yet seen. Her usual show of other worldly magic involved red light, always red, never green. But Draco didn't care.
Slowly he reached out to touch the beauty astride him, but inches from her dangerously beautiful face his fingers leapt back as though they had been burnt. He examined them; no mark was there. He looked again at Hermione; she was laughing, almost cackling in her enjoyments of these events.
She body rocked constantly, allowing him to penetrate her deeply. He reached out again, and captured her breasts; they did not burn him. Only her body was his, her face and mind were not, yet he was absorbed in their power.
He closed his eyes and let the passion overthrow all rational parts of his mind. He needed her, wholly and unconditionally. Just her, forever.
They moved together, thrusting and contracting in graceful, erotic movements. Their eyes never met but their souls spoke to each other, and as they simultaneously peaked Draco tasted what Hermione felt; all of her fear, lust, venom, love, sorrow and happiness flowed through his body and he savoured each and every one of her pure emotions for the brief second that it was his.
She collapsed onto his chest heavily panting, her hair covered her face and Draco felt her cool, clammy forehead against his chin. She was no longer burning as she had been. Tentatively Draco lifted her hair form her face and looked at her eyes. She stared back and he sighed with relief; she was his Hermione again.
"Are you OK?"
"I don't know." She answered truthfully. "That feeling then it was..."
"Intense. I know; I felt it."
"Bt you didn't. I felt everything. Everything there has ever been; all the suffering, all the fear, all the hatred, all the love and all the happiness all in one go. It made me want to scream. There was so much of it, too much of it." She shook slightly, "Why are they doing this to me?"
"Who?"
"The Gods Draco, I know it's them. I figured it out, I just can't understand why."
Draco held her closely;
"But that can't have been the Gods; all the other times you've glowed red and were perfectly capable of rational thought, that time you were green and...and it was like you were possessed or something."
"I was." Hermione whispered. "The other times it has been The Innocents and The Ancients, it wasn't then, it was The Dark Ones. They took over me, wanted me to taste it all; everything they had once felt. I felt like they were killing me but they said they wouldn't, they needed me for a bit longer yet."
Draco didn't say anything; he didn't know how to react. Instead he held her close as she thought to herself quietly. He did not interrupt her thoughts and he did not question her.
He remained holding her for many more hours until she looked up at him quietly;
"You should go." She whispered.
"Will you be OK?" Draco asked, concerned for hr after the previous events.
"I'll be fine. I guess it's just another thing I have to cope with." She laughed weakly, "Anyway, Ron, Harry and Ginny will be around tomorrow and I doubt your presence would go down well."
"Good point." He answered, pulling her gently from the chair as she saw him out, "Forever's a long time you know." He stated, glancing at the new ring adorning his right hand. "Are you sure you want me for that long?"
"Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?"
"It won't be easy, and we can't pretend it will be. Even if we do win..."
"When Draco, when we win."
"OK, when we win there'll still be people working against us being together- Ron, Death Eaters who remain uncaught, many people."
"I know, I've thought about it too but there's not much we can do about people's opinions except cross that bridge when we come to it. Relationships always have problems...we'll just have a few extra."
"So you're sure?"
"More than I've ever been about anything, now run along," She smiled playfully, "Have a good Christmas. I love you"
"I love you too." Draco smiled, before pulling her into a final kiss.
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Christmas Day dawned white and gleaming and Draco awoke to large pile of presents at the bottom of his bed. They were all expensive and elaborate, many consisting of illegal or dark magic. Off his Mother and Father he received a golden Snidget quill, a very old, very expensive and very illegal book on the Magic of the Dark Ones and a well made full length, black, high collared dress coat with a note attached;
"For March." Was all it said.
Draco sighed; that meant his Father was already thinking about the final battle at Easter, a subject he'd rather not consider at the moment. He glanced down at the bed, only an envelope remained. Recognising the black and red serpent wax seal Draco groaned as he opened it and read the contents;
"Be at Malfoy Manor this evening for festivities. Your Lord"
"Great." Muttered Draco, before rolling out of bed, getting changed and making his way to the Slytherin common room.
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It annoyed Draco greatly that despite Hermione's humiliation at the hands of Pansy he still had to be friends with the members of his house. Although logically it did make sense as they could not recall the event, having had it wiped entirely from their memories.
He entered the large, cold common room and was immediately engulfed by Pansy who, when she finally allowed him to breath, left a large deep red mark on his cheek.
"Happy Christmas Draco." She beamed and he grinned back as she linked arms with him and led him over to their group who, as usual, were in the best seats.
"Move." Draco commanded to Millicent Bulstrode and the hefty girl pulled herself from the chair silently moving to another, much less comfortable seat on the floor. Draco threw himself into the previously occupied seat.
"Y'allright Draco?" Blaise drawled from his position on the couch, sporting a new and very expensive looking green robe.
"Not too bad." Draco replied, observing the scene around him whilst helping himself to the chocolates on the table.
Crabbe and Goyle were stuffing their faces whilst playing a rather bad game of explosive Snap; their reaction times were so bad that they missed almost every pair that came up. The younger Slytherins were grouped in corners, observing the older, much scarier Slytherins with awe upon their faces and his group, as usual, were oblivious to them all. One of the young Slytherins braved to come up to the table as if going to dare to tell Draco off for eating the chocolates that weren't his; Draco silenced her with a sharp glare and a sneer, daring the young serpent to challenge him. She didn't and returned to her group looking apologetic.
"They are so wet." Smirked Pansy, watching the retreating girl, "As if they're scared of you."
"The whole castle's afraid of me." Draco smirked, "It's a gift I guess."
Pansy giggled and sat on the sofa arm, her fingers playing with Draco's hair. He inwardly stiffened at the unwanted physical contact but appeared overtly relaxed to the Slytherins.
"So Draco, you still shagging that Hufflepuff?" Blaise scoffed.
It was now Pansy's turn to stiffen and Draco couldn't help but smirk.
"Hell no Zabini, I kicked her out months ago."
"Still not one for commitment eh?" Blaise laughed.
"Who is?" Draco sneered, "anyway what about you? You must have had the entire school by now."
"Only the good ones mate-you should know." Blaise winked, "There's no challenges anymore; they just simply melt under the Slytherin charm." Draco nodded his silent agreement.
"Oh, I don't know about that." Pansy piped up annoyingly.
"Oh would you not? And why's that?" Blaise snapped; he had about much patience with the bony Slytherin as Draco did, having had a very similar experience with her.
"I know of a challenge that neither of you could achieve."
"Pansy darling, you don't count; having been laid more times than that ho in Hogsmeade." Blaise commented, and Draco couldn't help but let out a cruel laugh.
"Shut up Zabini-I wasn't talking about me. Anyway, I wouldn't shag you again if you paid me."
"People already do pay you Pansy." Blaise retorted, never one to be challenged and not retaliate.
Pansy opened her mouth to protest but Draco silenced her.
"Gods Pansy would you just spit it out; your inane babbling is so annoying."
"Fine." Spat Pansy. "Granger."
"Hey," perked up Blaise, "now there is a challenge."
"As if I'd waste my time." Draco spat, trying to steer the conversation in a different direction, "I bet she tell us all useless facts about 'Hogwarts: A History' when she's in the sack."
"Not if you gagged her." Pansy suggested spitefully.
"Come on Draco, she may have a point there." Blaise declared, "She's defiantly a challenge for both of us, and I certainly wouldn't mind teaching the dirty little Mudblood a thing or two. You've got to admit she's looking pretty damn sexy at the moment, better then anything the Slytherins have got to offer."
Pansy prickled again at Blaise's attack on her but remained silent. Draco was also quiet-he didn't want Blaise anywhere near Hermione. Blaise had an effect on girls that made them all want him instantly-true, he also had that effect but that wasn't the point at the moment.
"So?" Blaise pressed, "What do you say? 200 Galleon bet?"
"200?" Draco questioned.
"Each."
"Now you're talking. But the fact is it's Granger, I'd rather fuck Potter."
"That's a complete no-go area. He's straight as his fucking wand-trust me on this one."
Draco raised an eyebrow but remained silent at Blaise's comment, which didn't come as too much of a surprise. The pretty-boy Slytherin attracted (and gratefully received) attention from members of both sexes and the fact he'd tried it on with Potter didn't shock him one bit.
"Come on Draco." Pansy cooed in his ear. "You're not going soft on us are you?"
"Of course I'm not." Draco snapped, pulling away from her sharply. "I'll take your bet Zabini, and your money whilst I'm at it. There's no way you're going to win this one."
"Great. So how do we prove we slept with her?" Blaise asked, realising it wouldn't be as easy as he'd thought to prove who had won.
"Whoever beds her has to enter the Great Hall holding hands with her the day after they've bedded her." Draco grinned-he'd got this in the bag, he knew he had.
Blaise nodded his agreement and the gentlemen shook on their arrangement. Soon the conversation moved away from Hermione and the bet to Voldemort-a topic that was freely and regularly discussed in the Slytherin common room.
Draco had been dreading this ever since Dumbledore's memory charm on his house mates. He wondered how much they remembered and how much they faked.
From what he could gather from their brief conversation, the Slytherins knew nothing of Hermione's marking, only of his own, and Draco silently thanked the Gods as he bragged and gloated to the others about being one of the prestigious amongst the Dark Lord's selected elite group. The small congregation listened in awe as he spoke of he-who-must-not-named and the revels.
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That evening Draco made his way to Dumbledore's office. He wore black shirt, black trousers underneath black dress robes, with a silver chain and Hermione's ring. Simple and sexy.
Hermione and Snape stood waiting when he arrived, talking to Dumbledore. Draco looked at Hermione; she looked stunning; her dress was tightly corseted, making her waist tiny and her chest huge. It was made of deep green velvet, with fine black chiffon over the skirts, which fell gracefully outwards from her hips and were lined in silver. Like her Halloween dress, there was split over her left leg from the hem to the waist, flashing her Dark Mark. An identical split was over her right leg, only this one revealed smooth, soft flesh and the top of her suspenders. The neckline plunged almost to her naval and the sleeves were full length, widening at the end into many green, black and silver tapers.
Her hair fell in wild, unkempt curls and her blackened eyes flashed; she reminded Draco of the way he had seen her only last night, but this time she was the pure image of unadulterated sex, not the Goddess of evil. Draco calmed himself and walked forward, taking Hermione's hand and observing the two older wizards exchange small smiles.
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The three fell to their knees in front of Voldemort and Draco noticed that Hermione's eyes never lowered to the ground, never left Voldemort's face and never flickered with fear. She met his red slits with her cat's eyes, refusing to show weakness. The party had not yet begun and the Death Eaters mingled restlessly, thirsting for killing, sex and blood.
The three rose, Hermione's and Draco's hands still linked. Draco felt everyone stare at them as they stood before the Dark Lord.
"My dear Raven, I have a gift for you." Voldemort said. Hermione released Draco's hand and stepped gracefully forwards. She didn't speak, merely watched as Voldemort beckoned Bellatrix Lestrange to him, she long a long, slim box and cast Hermione a look of pure loathing-she had once been the favourite, now she played second fiddle to a Mudblood. It was all she could do to refrain herself from spitting at the little bitch; although only because she valued her life.
Voldemort opened the box and from it took a necklace which he placed around Hermione's neck. The necklace was black and Draco correctly assumed it to be very rare black gold. Wound loosely around the black gold was a thin, delicate band of white gold, contrasting sharply but attractively. Dangling from the chain was a replica of a Raven's feather, again made from black gold and etched with white. Set into the feather were black and white diamonds, small, sparkling and perfectly formed, sprinkling the shining surface.
"It's beautiful." Hermione gasped, fingering the band that now adorned her slender neck and throat, "Thank you My Lord." She curtsied before joining Snape, Draco and Lucius, the latter of whom took it upon himself to pinch and caress Hermione's backside. Never flinching, Hermione stood still and silent between Draco and his father as one of them took advantage of her body and the other silently fumed.
Draco took her hand in his and the revel began. Music and screams as the muggles arrived.
In one corner McNair and Bellatrix were subjecting a pair of muggles of relentless humiliation as they tortured and fucked them.
Snape had yet again struck lucky and managed to escape to the bar and was currently engaged in a conversation with Narcissa about her recent travels for the Dark Lord.
Lucius was currently casting Crucio repeatedly on one muggle whilst simultaneously dunking another.
Draco debated about what to do when Voldemort gave him and Hermione their instructions for the evening;
"My dear Raven, partake in some pleasure; warm yourself up with a little violence. Draco relieve yourself in whichever way you feel most beneficial- I believe you haven't done any serious damage to any muggle women for a while? May I suggest that."
It wasn't a suggestion, it was an order and both Hermione and Draco nodded. Voldemort walked away, turning around only to give her her final instruction;
"You shall wear the necklace and the necklace alone."
Again Hermione nodded silently and the Dark Lord settled himself at the bar to watch his prize Death Eater at work.
"You don't have to do this." Whispered Draco, putting his arm around Hermione;
"Yes I do." She answered determinedly, "what about you? What will you do?"
"Merlin knows; you heard him; he wants me to screw around and kill."
Hermione nodded silently once more before strolling over to a nearby muggle woman who looked scared to death at what was going on.
"Hey cutie." Hermione purred to the woman, circling her as though stalking prey. As she surrounded the woman she traced a long green fingernail across the woman's face, drawing blood. Draco watched as Hermione leant over and licked the blood from the woman's face;
"Ooh...you taste dirty. That will never do. Why don't we clean you up a bit?"
The woman was stood rooted to the spot as Hermione cut her other cheek, causing cherry streams to gush dramatically. Hermione took the woman's head n her hands and smeared the blood over her hands before running them through the muggles hair. The woman screamed and Hermione laughed loudly. The woman tried to run and Hermione froze her to the spot. The woman gave up and stood, defenceless, her hair matted and bloody around her face.
Hermione stood back, straight on from the woman, staring at her, licking her long fingers thoughtfully. She pointed her wand at the woman and her shirt was ripped open at the front. Hermione sauntered back to her victim, a green glow beginning to appear around her body, her eyes filling with flames.
"Now then, I wonder how we can get that filthy body of yours clean?" She whispered.
Everyone's attention was now on Hermione as she effortlessly, and without her wand, threw the woman into the air with a simple wave of her hand. The woman twirled over and over before landing in a crush of broken bones on the hard, cold floor. She screamed.
"Oh shut up!" Shouted Hermione, sounding bored. Still the woman screamed.
"I said shut up bitch!" Hermione yelled, pointing a blazing finger at the woman and instantly silencing her. "Much better."
She pinned the woman to the floor and crouched over her. With a few waves her hand the woman began to gush scarlet liquid as Hermione slit her throat, wrists and stomach, without ever touching her. She removed the silencing curse and the bloodcurdling screams filled the air. Hermione stood, gloating for a few seconds before declaring;
"Oh do hurry up, I'm getting bored now." And with that she Avada Kedavra'd the muggle woman with a point of a finger.
The green glow around her ceased and Hermione cleaned herself up before heading over to Voldemort;
"Honestly, some people take so long to die-it's positively rude."
Voldemort chuckled at her before offering his arm and leading her away.
Draco sighed as he watched her leave, not wanting to think about what was going to happen. He got himself a large Whiskey and settled into a dark corner with a tall, blonde muggle girl.
His anger at Voldemort soon kicked in and overruled the rational half of his brain, taking over his actions. He didn't care what he did or who he hurt, but somebody had to pay. Hell, life was unfair, everybody suffered.
He roughly downed his Whiskey and grabbed the tall blonde, pulling her into his lap where he forcefully ripped open her top, spilling her large breasts. He took one of the in his hand and began to expertly knead and pinch it. The woman moaned and pushed more of her bust into his hands.
Soon his hand was on her leg, edging up to the hem of her belt-like skirt. He roughly pushed her underwear aside and touched her core. The woman moaned much more loudly this time as he began to stroke the raised nub at the top of her sex, and she reached down to his belt, freeing him.
Draco muttered as she proficiently stroked his shaft, moving her lips to the tip, taking him in. It was now Draco's turn to moan as she licked and sucked him, tasting the early juices.
The woman moved from Draco and twisted in his lap facing him, ready to lower herself. But as he felt her sex touch his tip he roughly pushed her off him and onto the floor where she lay, legs spread, eyes angry and confused as Draco placed himself back inside his clothing. He glanced down at the woman, and feeling guilty about what he'd nearly done he simply spat;
"Whore." At he, before Avada Kedavra'ing her.
He deftly slit her throat, smearing the blood across her face and between her thighs, before heading over to the bar for many long, stiff drinks, glaring and silencing anyone who dared to even think of approaching him or trying to engage him in conversation. He didn't feel much like socialising tonight.
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When Hermione and Voldemort returned, Draco was near drunk and feeling extremely guilty about what he'd almost done. He felt even worse that he hadn't apologised to the poor woman, but there was nothing he could do about it now. Hermione appeared physically unharmed but before Draco had chance to corner her to ask she was wept away by a young male Death Eater Draco didn't know and he was being beckoned to Lord Voldemort.
"You and the Raven?" Voldemort questioned.
"Yes My Lord."
"You did not ask my permission to deprive me of my beautiful Raven?"
"No My Lord. I am sorry-does our relationship displease you?"
The Dark Lord's cold, shrill laugh chilled through Draco.
"Oh no Dragon, it does not displease me. Quite the opposite in fact-you are a powerful couple, and any offspring you may produce would undoubtedly be the greatest wizard to ever walk the Earth, a great heir to me and most beneficial once we win the war."
"Yes My Lord. I am glad you approve of us."
"Indeed I do. Although young Dragon, you do realise that you will never fully tame the Raven?"
"My Lord? I do no understand."
"You may own the Raven's heart, but her spirit and her body-her essence-are mine, and they always will be."
"Yes My Lord." Draco responded through gritted teeth, crushing the glasses he held and causing his hand to flow with a crimson tide.
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AUTHOR'S NOTE: I started this so very very organised (I was proud as I'm not to big on organisation skills). Anyway, the plan was for me to handwrite each Chapter and then type up when I could be bothered, the theory being that I would never catch up until it was all posted up as I would be writing two different things (does that make sense?). The problem is that in practice the theory doesn't work because everyone has liked the story so I've tried to update when people have asked, meaning that was the last of my handwritten Chapters so I don't know when the next update will be, it won't be as regular as it has been...sorry. I do know where it is all going though so this IS NOT the end...that I can promise.