I am so sorry it has taken me so long to post this last chapter- it went through about 3 drafts to make sure it was okay. It is longer than normal so I hope that makes up for the lack of update. As of right now this will be the last chapter, unless I decide to do an epilogue, but I really think the story ends itself here. Thank you for everyone who has reviewed. Your reviews have made my day- also to the DB crew, thanks for believing you are all awesome. Finally to my beta- thanks a ton for all of your help on this, it has really been wonderful. I will be posting a one-shot fluff piece next week so keep your eyes open.
Disclaimer: Though I do dream about owning something so wonderful, I dont.
Chapter 7: When I am lost you are my light, you are the love that never dies
She didn't need to turn around to know who was there. The anger in Ginny's eyes confirmed her suspicion. He was there, the man responsible for the death of her parents, he was the one that tortured and murdered them. The rage that had consumed her on the grounds returned and readying her wand she turned around.
"Malfoy." she said coolly making sure that she was positioned in front of Ginny.
"Aw Granger lets dispel with niceties shall we?" he said barely able to contain his smirk "I was hoping that I would be the one that would find you. The Dark Lord will be so very pleased when I deliver you up to him."
"Some things never change do they? Still groveling to that man are you? Still living in his shadow? Can't fight your own battles can you Draco? Have to turn to daddy or to Voldemort whenever..."
"You dare to speak of the master that way mudblood? You dare to mention his name? You are more stupid then I thought." the fury raced through him and he started too advanced on her.
Raising her wand to hex him, she heard Ginny scream from behind her. Turning around to see what had happened she felt her heart sink. Two other Death Eaters held Ginny. Judging by their size she knew it had to be Crabbe and Goyle. There was no way out now it was only her against the three of them and they had Ginny.
"Nice to see you two can do something right." Malfoy drawled. Looking back to her he said "Where are Scar-head and Weasel to help you out this time Granger? It seems to me that you are all alone. Hand over your wand, unless you would like to see her die."
She looked towards the window it was dark now, Harry and Ron would be looking for them, she and Ginny had been gone for far too long. The boys wouldn't stick to the plan that had been laid out she knew them to well to think otherwise. They were going to make sure that the girls were alright, they cared more about them then they did defeating Voldemort. Desperately, as if trying to communicate with them, she thought- "Please don't come, please don't come. Do what you are here to do don't come after us." She looked at Ginny again her eyes begging Hermione not to give in but she couldn't give into her request. Looking defeated and weary she lowered her wand and handed it over to Malfoy.
"Right decision," he said grabbing her arm and leading her out of the hut "let's go."
She leaned against the tree shivering at the memory and she felt Ron's arm tentatively go around her. She felt instinctively to pull away but he didn't let her. Drawing her closer to him she began to relax slightly and leaned against him. She had forgotten how safe she felt when he was next to her. Looking up at him she knew she didn't want to finish the story, but he need to know. He needed to know everything now. She was tired of keeping secrets.
"You don't need to finish tonight. We can go up to the castle, go to bed and finish this another time." Ron told her pulling her closer.
"No Ron, I need to do this tonight. I need to make you understand."
"Mione, honestly I can tell that you don't want to talk about it so let's go up and see Albus and Minerva. Then we can finish tomorrow." Doubt entered his eyes at this moment, "You are still going to be here tomorrow right? You aren't leaving still, are you?"
"No," she shook her head "I am not running anymore, I promise." She placed her hand on his face and looked into his eyes amazed at intensity of emotion there. She had missed being this close to him. They had been walking on egg shells around each other lately. Their life had become a delicate balance of one word answers and trivial conversations, skirting around the issues that really mattered these past months.
Suddenly she became very aware of the position they were in and she turned away again feeling a sudden loss of the intimacy that they had just shared. Settling into his shoulder she tried to make him realize why she had made the decision to surrender to Malfoy.
"I know I shouldn't have given in to Malfoy without a fight. But I couldn't lose somebody else that I love. He had taken away my parents and now he threatened Ginny. I should have known that he would use us to get to you and Harry. I did what I thought was right but soon learned that I had made a very wrong decision."
They were moving silently on the grounds now towards the Quidditch pitch. She had to come up with something quickly or she would be facing Him soon. Though all her bravado she really was terrified of him, what he could do to her, what he could do to her friends. She had to make sure that they never got there.
Garnering more confidence than she felt she spoke, "You know Draco; you never could do anything by yourself. You have always had to turn to someone else haven't you?"
He didn't even look at her as he responded, "If you knew what was good for you mudblood you would keep your mouth shut! It doesn't matter how much someone learns from books there are people that will always be stupid."
"At least I don't need to run to daddy each time I get into trouble."
She knew she had struck a cord with that comment as he tightened the grip on her arm and she could tell that he was getting angry. "Keep this up," she told herself "this is the only way you are going to get yourself and Ginny out of this mess."
"I am sure that is where you are taking us know." she began again "Right back to daddy. Can't handle this by yourself can you? Nope have to take us to someone who has more power. Someone who could actually handle this situation, don't you?"
She knew she was getting closer to breaking him, she could fill his anger as his grip continued to tighten.
"You know Granger; I had hoped I would be the one to find you. You always deserved to be put in your place and tonight you will be."
"But not by you, you could never do it on your own, couldn't in school either. You always had to have someone else do your dirty work or someone to hide behind. Just like tonight you have to hide behind daddy and Voldemort. You know Malfoy I've always known that you were a chicken but t is pathetic that you can't handle two defenseless witches on your own."
That did it; he swung her around so she was facing him and glared at her.
"I think I could do a thing or two." he said raising his wand
Without thinking of the consequences she attacked him. Her first punch landed right in the middle of his face and made him drop her arm. She was free of his grasp now, if she could just get to her wand. Malfoy had been caught off guard the first time she had hit him but was ready for her when she made her next move. In one swift movement he had his wand up and was pointing it at Ginny.
"One move Granger and she is gone."
She looked at Ginny noticing her eyes gleaming with anger, yearning to do something but being restrained by Crabbe and Goyle. Quickly running out of ideas she assessed the situation. There really was no way out, not this time. Malfoy was right Ron and Harry weren't here to bail her out this time. If only she had her wand or- her mind worked quickly now going over every possible scenario. Was it possible? Could these three still really be that thick? She would have to risk it. Shaking her head in disappointment she looked at Ginny, sorrow showing in her eyes. "I'm sorry."
"That's right," he said moving towards her again "again I applaud you on your wise choice."
He was getting closer, just a few more feet, a little closer. "Go Ginny!" she yelled as she launched herself at Malfoy.
The fight was brief but intense. She and Malfoy had both been knocked to the ground and she did everything possible to release his grip on the wand. She was grateful for the lack of wits of his companions. Any sensible wizard would have stunned her by now. She had hoped though that they would come charging at her to protect their leader but instead they had just stood there holding Ginny, speechless. As she was struggling with Malfoy she could see Ginny struggling to get away finally stepping on feet to loosen their grip. Turning her attention back to her assailant she was able to wrestle the wand away from him and now held it to his neck. Instead of looking frightened he just smirked.
"Well, well Granger, Weasley must have taught you a thing or two. Too bad that the situation hasn't changed."
"What are you talking about Malfoy?" she asked through clenched teeth
His eyes flickered over to where Ginny and her two captors had stood. Hoping to find that Ginny had indeed escaped she looked over heart sinking as she realized that Ginny was still between Crabbe and Goyle. She wasn't standing anymore though she was lying on the ground holding her stomach trying to hold in the pain. She also noticed new bruises developing on her face.
"What they lack in magical talent and good sense they make up for in brute strength." Malfoy said grasping her wrist and throwing her off him.
"Gin?" she whispered tentatively crawling over to the place where she lay
Ginny looked at her and tried to smile a little. "Sorry," she whispered "I tried to get away but"
"Don't talk now okay?" she said wiping away the hair that was hanging in Ginny's eyes. "Don't worry. We'll be fine."
She had tried to muster up as much courage as she could in these words but took very little comfort in them herself. She didn't have any other plan now.
"You don't have anyone around her to take care of you this time either Mudblood. There is no Potter to rescue this time not even Weasley- for as much good as he could ever do." Malfoy snickered "He was always quite pathetic when it came to magic. I am sure his parents will feel relieved after he is killed tonight, such a disgrace cut from the family tree."
Her fear again turned to anger as she heard what he said about Ron. She stood up making her way towards him.
"You despicable little ferret. Don't you ever speak about Ron like that again!" she said raising her arm to hit him.
"So the mudblood has some feelings for that disgrace of a wizard? Who would have thought that even Weasley could sink this low?"
She was two feet in front of him when she heard him mutter "Crucio!"
Horrible pain racked her body. It felt like hours before the pain subsided and she was able to breathe again. She noticed she was on the ground once more. Ginny was looking at her the fear evident in her eyes. She made to stand up once more.
"Haven't learned your lesson yet have you?" she heard Malfoy ask before her body was again hit with the curse. The pain seemed more intense this time attacking every part of her body. When it finally lifted she lay on the ground panting.
"You know," Malfoy sneered "your muggle parents couldn't handle the pain either. By the end they were both begging that we take their lives."
"Liar!" she screamed trying to lift herself off the ground, when the curse hit her again. She wanted to succumb to the blackness that was threatening to envelop but fought against it. "Ron!" she yelled out in agony praying that he would arrive but knowing that he wouldn't. She was so tired now and it hurt so much she was ready to give up, to give into the pain. It was Ginny's cries that brought her out of the hazy state she was in. She could hear Ginny yelling her name over and over again.
"Don't give up Hermione." she heard "You have to fight it. Please fight it, for Ron, Hermione, for Ron."
Opening her eyes she saw Malfoy leaning over her. "Still think I can't do anything on my own Granger?" he asked
Not wanting to show that she was still in pain or that she had been defeated she replied back
"A few well placed spells, Malfoy. However if you haven't noticed, we are both still here."
"Yes you are." he said with somewhat of a disappointment. "I only need one of you though; I wonder what Weasley would think of you when he finds out that you killed his sister."
She was frightened now. What did he mean "you killed his sister"? She was not going to kill Ginny, and then a horrible thought struck her. He wouldn't though would he? "Why not?" she asked herself, he had already used one unforgivable curse tonight. What was stopping him from using another? The word rang out and it was the last thing she remembered before the darkness overtook her again.
The feeling was new to her, it was as if she could see herself lying on the ground but she was unable to push herself up. Her mind echoed thoughts and words that were not her own.
"Stand up!" a voice told her and her body forced itself up. She saw Ginny terror now in her eyes. 'Run Ginny,' part of her tried to scream but the words wouldn't come.
She stood there motionless but trying to make her muscles respond to her own commands. "You have to fight this." she told herself "You can throw this off." her body was so weak though from the previous curse that she wasn't sure if she could fight it. She felt a wand placed in her hand and she looked down at it. It was her wand; she had her wand again if she could only...
"Kill her." the command came and she felt her arm rising and the words beginning to form in her mouth. "I am so sorry Ginny." she thought "Kill her" the thought came again. Her arm wasn't responding now and Ginny looked at her pleading.
"Hermione please, please don't do this. You are strong; you can fight this I know you can."
Ginny's words were giving her strength but the thought echoed over and over "Kill her, kill her now. What are you waiting for?" She fought within herself and heard her voice starting "Avada..." she hesitated again. She did not want to do this. Tears were streaming down both her and Ginny's faces, leaving patterns where they washed away the dirt.
"You can do it Hermione." she heard Ginny say again
"Kill her." the words screamed in her mind. Again she heard herself start the curse "Avada..." fight she told herself fight, "I will not kill Ginny." she told herself "I will not hurt her, I will not." she repeated over and over in her mind. She desperately tried to gain the control she had almost mastered while in her fourth year defense classes. Finally the call came again. "Kill her." gathering all the strength she yelled out-
"No!" dropping her wand and collapsing to the ground again she realized she had won. She had beaten the curse. She felt Ginny's hand clasp around hers and the girl whisper into her ear.
"You did it. I knew you could do it."
Malfoy hovered over them and bent over to pick up the wand where she had dropped it. Cursing aloud he said,
"I knew I should have never entrusted you to do my work." he pulled the two girls apart and again pointed his wand at Ginny.
She tried to pull herself in front of Ginny but was soon pushed down again by Crabbe and Goyle. She looked on helpless as she heard the curse begin again
"Avada..."
She shut her eyes not wanting to witness her friend's death. Malfoy was cut off though and she heard a voice she had hoped to never hear again.
"Malfoy." the deep angry voice said "I thought I had told you not to harm either of them!"
She opened her eyes to see that Malfoy had dropped to his knees, head down.
"I am sorry, Master." he said terror in his words "They were fighting me preparing to attack. I couldn't control them anymore. I thought that if..."
"Don't lie to me." the voice cut him off "I have been watching you for quite sometime. I know what occurred."
Malfoy begin whimper but stayed where he was at. Struggling to pull herself out of her captors grasp, she looked right in to the face of Voldemort.
"I am going to kill him!" Ron said "I am going to find that..."
"Language Ron." she said without even thinking
"Language, bloody hell Mione. He tried to make you kill my sister! Don't tell me what I can and can't call him."
"Ron," she said with more authority this time. "We are both fine. Ginny is okay, I am okay." she looked up at him. Anger etched on his face, moving so that she was now in front of him she took hold of his hands and began rubbing them with her fingers.
"Once we realized that you two were gone me and Harry..." he said concentrating on their hands
"Harry and I, Ron." she corrected him quietly
"Hermione does it really matter?" he asked questioningly but one look told him that it did indeed matter
"Fine, Harry and I set straight off to Dumbledore's office to find out where you were. If only we had thought to bring the Maurder's Map with us we could have gotten to you quicker rather then spend hours trying to find you both."
"Ron, you need to calm down. I am not telling you this so that you will be angry; I am telling you this so you will understand. This happened five years ago Ron. Ginny and I made it out alive, you know that you came, you saved us. The thought of you was what kept me going that night. I knew you would find us. I knew that you would come." she looked at him earnestly "Say something."
"Mione," he began "I am so sorry, I am so very sorry that you had to go through that. I should have been there. I should have been there for you."
"You came Ron. That is all that matters. You came." she said referring to more than that night.
He looked at her and removed his hands from hers. He took one finger and gently caressed her cheek "I am sorry I could not get there sooner love, I tried. I really tried." he whispered as he leaned forward and kissed her for the first time in several months.
She smiled as they broke apart but the smile quickly faded,
"There is more you need to know Ron, there was something else that happened that night. It is the one thing I regret the most."
They were escorted into the middle of Voldemort's camp, paraded like animals for every Death Eater to see. Though she found it humiliating she held her head high and refused to give them the pleasure of seeing that she was petrified. Their entourage stopped at a tent in the center of the camp and left outside with four guards. She tried to talk to Ginny but was quickly cut off by one of the guards, who had positioned himself, in-between them so she couldn't even send her a reassuring glance.
Deciding to concentrate how to find a way out of her current predicament she tried to hear what was going on in the tent behind her. Voldemort, both Malfoy's and that LeStrange woman were in there, she could make out the voices talking but try as she might she could not hear what they were saying. What she wouldn't do for a pair of Fred and George's extendable ears right now. She wondered what time it was and how long they had been out here. If the boys kept to the plan the attack would take place a little before ten. If her guess was right it had to be close to eight now. Two hours they would know the fate of the wizarding world. She just hoped that she would live to see Harry come off triumphant.
The tent flap pulled open jolting her out of her musings. Malfoy stood in front of her, the smirk that had disappeared after his encounter with his master had returned. She wanted to reach up and smack that smirk off his face but knew it would only make matters worse. She and Ginny had landed in the one place that she had tried to keep them out of. They needed every advantage that she could get right now and if one could be gained by restraining herself when it came to Malfoy- well then she would restrain herself- at least for now.
"Well, well Granger, as much as I have loved our time together it seems that it is to be cut short. I have some weasel hunting that I have to go and take care of." he chuckled as he moved off shouting over his back "Don't worry I'll give him your regards."
He made his way back out into the darkness. "Please be careful, Ron" she muttered to herself "please be careful." She wasn't given much time though to ponder his safety as the tent flap had been open slightly and she heard the voices again. This time she was able to make out what was being said.
"We will be able to use the girl again for our own purposes tonight." said the cold high pitched voice she recognized immediately has Voldemort's. "They are both close to Potter but I have a feeling that she will be quite useful when we meet him tonight. Take her away I don't want anything to go wrong, understand. If I find that she has been harmed in away- the consequences will be grave."
Which one of them were they talking about? This was so frustrating for her. Harry and Ron were out there somewhere with Malfoy trying to find them. Moreover despite her best efforts she and Ginny were trapped her and there was nothing she could do about it. She never felt more helpless and now they were planning on separating the two of them. She couldn't let that happen, she had failed in everything else tonight she was not going to be separated from Ginny.
"Very well master," came a voice in response "and the mudblood? What should we do with her?"
She leaned her head in closer at least she knew which one of them they were planning on using to hurt Harry, she wondered how they knew that Ginny would be the best choice for that fate. No one realized that Harry had feelings for her did they? He had never even told Ron, she was the one that had to tell him. He had been so mad ranting on and on how Harry wasn't good enough for Ginny and the various things he was going to do to Harry. She finally had to ask him who else he thought was good enough for his sister. Grudgingly he admitted that if she had to be with someone it might as well be Harry. She smiled at the memory and then scolded herself. "Concentrate; there is not time to be thinking about Ron or anything else. You have to concentrate on what they are saying."
She realized she had missed something important during those brief seconds, Voldemort was talking again but she didn't understand what he was referring to.
"She will serve a purpose too here tonight. Your son has told us of her attachment to the other boy and we will make sure that is used to the best advantage tonight."
What did they mean the best advantage? What could they use her for? Yes she was a friend to Harry they knew that but they were using Ginny for that purpose. She heard the voices again and strained to catch what they were saying.
"What about Dumbledore?" a voice she recognized as Lucius Malfoy asked
"He will not dare harm us as long as we have these girls." came the reply "They are his weakness, they are Potter's weakness. As long as we have them they will do anything to make sure harm does not come to them."
This was too much for her she had to think of a way out. There had to be something she could do in order to keep everyone safe. Why had she run out there like a banshee tonight? If she had just stayed in control of her emotions they wouldn't be here right now. She knew that they were right; as long they were captive Voldemort had the advantage. Harry would never do anything that would harm Ginny or herself.
There was movement in the tent now and she could tell they were moving towards the flap. She backed away slightly to make it appear that she had not been near enough to hear them. Glancing towards the place were she knew Ginny was she tried to think of ways to keep them together but was worried that she wouldn't succeed.
"They separated us at that point Ron." she said "I couldn't think of any way to keep us together. They just took her. I tried, I really did and as much as I didn't want you and Harry coming after us part of me just wanted you there. To tell me it was going to be okay." He squeezed her hand reassuringly and she continued on.
"Lucius and Voldemort took me inside the tent with them. While LeStrange took Ginny off, I knew Voldemort had said she was not to be harmed but I was still so worried about her. I was worried about you too- I knew that they sent Malfoy out to find you; I think they were planning on getting all three of us together and using us against Harry. I don't know how but I am pretty sure that was the plan."
"Dumbledore wouldn't let Harry go after you two. I had never seen Harry so angry going on about you and Ginny missing and gone and how Dumbledore didn't care what happened to you as long as 'famous Harry Potter' was safe. Dumbledore finally relented letting me go as long as Lupin came with me; I guess that way even if I was captured Harry was still there to complete the job that he had to do. Ran into some trouble though along the way though."
"I know Ron-" she whispered
He looked at her confused, "Mione, how did you know?"
"I saw it all."
The tent was much like the one she had stayed in at the World Cup but instead of the homey feeling she had experienced from that tent this one held a darkness that suffocated her. She looked around and noticed the different items that were around, there were maps of the castle and one looking very much like a map of the grounds. She gasped as she studied it more closely. There were dots moving around and each was labeled.
"Yes Pettigrew did have some remarkable ideas." Voldemort said noticing where her gaze had landed. "He told me of the map that his friends had created during their time at school and I have found it to be a very valuable resource."
She looked at the map again studying the detailed map of the grounds. So that is how they knew where to find herself and Ginny tonight. It was all clear now. Voldemort had been expecting them from the moment they entered Hogsmede. Her eyes were drawn to two persons exited the castle they were labeled Remus Lupin and Ronald Weasley. She groaned inwardly and then noticed Harry was not with them. She looked up on the map of the school and saw Harry pacing in Dumbledore's office, Dumbledore and McGonagall sharing the room with him.
"As you can see, Miss Granger," he sneered at her name "my plan is coming together nicely. I know Potter will not stay when he realizes that you all are in trouble. He will come rushing out to play the hero to save you; he always has played the hero hasn't he? Stupid boy, just like his parents, ready to give his own life for someone's that he loves."
She had to warn Harry somehow that this was all a trap, but how did she do it? Her thought was broken however by Lucius sneering at the map.
"Stupid boy, it's only a Weasley. It cannot be that hard to defeat him."
She swung around and looked; a figure labeled Draco Malfoy had joined the figures that carried Ron and Lupin's names. She looked at them and wished words appeared so she could know what was going on. She saw the figure labeled Ron run over and throw himself on top of Malfoy, she smiled that was her Ron, when in doubt punch something. With in a few minutes it was all over. The figure of Malfoy stayed very still while Ron's and Lupin's moved on. She turned around to face them a triumphant look on her face, they would not win tonight. As long as Harry and Ron were still out there it was going to be okay. She had to destroy these maps though, some how she had to get rid of them. Harry would be leaving the castle soon and they couldn't know that.
"Something funny Mudblood?" Lucius spat
Voldemort simply stood staring at her, the feeling of elation she had moments before quickly disappeared as he began to speak.
"Bring the other girl here to me." he demanded
Lucius jumped up immediately to go and get Ginny. They were alone now and she was terrified, this man could kill her in a matter of seconds, the only reason she was still alive was that he needed her to distract Harry. He looked at her appraisingly as if judging an animal,
"It's a pity that you are muggle born." he said "You really could have been great in Slytherin you know that don't you. You have so much talent it will be a pity to lose you but a sacrifice I am willing to make. It is one I have had to make before." she quickly thought back and wondered what he could be talking about and then she realized, Harry's mother.
She remembered Harry talking about the memories he had when the dementors were around. He had said that Voldemort had told his mother to step aside instead of killing her on the spot. Why had he seemed willing to spare her life? Had it just been a cruel joke to make her realize her husband and son were dead and she would be left to deal with the grief and pain. She would not let that happen again. She was willing to sacrifice anything, just like Lily Potter had, to make sure this man was defeated.
The tent door opened and Ginny was thrust into the room. She looked at her and felt a huge relief. They were together again. Voldemort turned to look at them and muttered something, she could tell that he was talking but couldn't make out all the words- then it became clear to her what he was doing.
"I know you can hear me Potter, I know you can see everything that I am currently seeing. No use in trying to block me out now, this is all real. Don't fight me on this Harry, you'll want to see what I have here, it might be something of importance to you."
Voldemort had established a connection with Harry, he had done it several times since their fifth year and though Harry had become very good at blocking the visions he didn't always do it. He had told her even since they were fifteen that it was always good to know what Voldemort had planned, but he had been mislead by the visions more than once. She knew she had to stop Harry from doing something rash; she had to let him know that they were alright-
"Harry!" she screamed out, not knowing if he would be able to hear her or not "don't come Harry, don't you dare come."
Ginny had joined her protesting now and they two of them sat there yelling she was surprised when Voldemort began to laugh, the laughter stopped her calls abruptly and he said aloud,
"For some reason Harry the women in your life are always willing to sacrifice themselves for you. I would have thought that were too proud to let women defend you- to die for you." with a nod to Lucius he moved so both girls were directly in his eye sight. She looked around, he wanted Harry to see something but what was it? Her eyes found Lucius and noticed his wand was now pointing at Ginny. Without think she made her way towards Ginny and pushed her out of the way taking the curse that was meant for her.
For the fourth time that night her body was racked with horrible pain, she could hear Voldemort laughing and saying- "See Harry, even the mudblood knows that her life is nothing next to a pureblood wizard." then she heard a scream that was not her own. Ginny had rushed Voldemort knocking him to the ground breaking the connection to Harry. Lucius had rushed over to help his master and the pain began to ebb from her body. She knew that she could not survive another curse, and was sure that one was bound to come in seconds. Instead of a curse though she felt Ginny's hands go around her shoulders.
"You silly girl." Voldemort screamed "You silly girl."
He raised his wand ready to kill one if not both of them when Lucius called out to him-
"Master- he is coming."
She swung around and saw the figure named Harry Potter rush on to the grounds- "No Harry!" she thought. After everything they had worked for he was still going get himself killed. Didn't he know that he was playing right into Voldemort's hands? She had to destroy those maps, but how? They were not going to give her a wand, nor were they going to allow her to set them on fire.
"Well, well mudblood I think it is time for a choice." she looked up at him confused "There are currently two people here on the way to save you."
She looked at him terror in her eyes now knowing what he was going to say but dreading it as well "Both have been your friends" he spat out the word "for many years now and I have been notified by Draco that Weasley is someone that you now hold feelings for other than friendship. So I give you your choice of which one will join you here to face me and which one will die before he arrives."
She felt the blood drain from her face and her stomach sink. She had not been ready for this, how was she supposed to choose between Ron and Harry? Harry was her brother and Ron was, well, Ron was the reason she got up every morning. She could not choose between them, her world would end if one of them were gone. The events of last night tumbled through her mind and now she understood what Ron had meant when he said it would be easier not let someone know your feelings- it was so much easier to get hurt now. Maybe there was a way out of this, maybe she could just-
"And if I refuse?" she asked trying to make her voice show the courage and defiance she wished she had.
"Then I will simply kill them both now." he replied as if he was playing a game where lives were not involved.
She knew what she had to do, she knew what she had to do from the moment that he had presented her with her options but it was killing her inside. She looked at Ginny and found the girl staring with sympathy at her. "I am sorry Gin;" she said tears now forming in her eyes "I am so sorry."
"Well girl who will it be? Which one do I kill now?"
She looked at him and whispered one word, tears rolling down her face- "Ron."
She could feel his body tense as she told him her decision and she immediately regretted it. "You shouldn't have told him you never should have told him." she said to herself but he had to understand what had happened that night. She waited for him to speak but knew that he wouldn't,
"I am so sorry Ron. I didn't know what to do. All I could think about was the stupid prophecy and I knew that it had to be Harry that faced him. Voldemort knew that too, he just wanted to make sure that I suffered knowing that I had ordered your death. I am so very sorry." she said dissolving into tears.
She felt him move under her and get up; she looked up and saw he was staring across the lake. Before she could say anything he spoke,
"So I guess I understand why you never said anything about that night," his voice dangerously quiet
Her heart sank; she was just getting him back and then this. Why had she been so stupid to tell him?
"Ron," she sighed through her tears "there wasn't an option you know that. I wish I hadn't had to make that choice, I am still amazed to this day that everything worked out the way it did. I wanted to choose Harry to die that night, and I still feel guilty about that. For one second I was willing to put my own personal happiness above the rest of the world. Then I knew that it wasn't possible. I am so sorry."
She choked off the last words and waited for the blow of temper that would come; she was shocked though to feel his arms around her and his voice whispering the comforting words she longed to hear but hadn't believed possible,
"It's alright Mione; I would have made the same choice that night. It made sense; it was the right choice, love."
She looked at him in shock waiting for his anger to set in. "I just don't know why you didn't tell me sooner that's what hurts you know. That you would think so little of me that I wouldn't understand. We all made decisions that time that we wished we hadn't we were all forced to sacrifice what we didn't want to- you didn't do anything wrong. Do you understand that? You did nothing wrong, please don't think that you did - it was an impossible choice and you made it. We are just lucky that Voldemort sent another Malfoy after me, aren't we?
She laughed at that, Voldemort had sent Lucius out to find Ron and 'dispose of him'. Ron however with the help of Lupin had been able to escape.
"Voldemort had gone to face Harry and had left Ginny and I in the tent alone, guards posted outside. The first thing I did was ripped those stupid maps to pieces though I knew the damaged had been done, he knew Harry was coming, he knew where you were but," she paused "I didn't want to see you die."
She finished ripping the last of the map before she dissolved into tears. Ginny placed an arm her and let her cry into her shoulder.
"I am so sorry Gin." was all that she could mutter over and over again
They heard that tent flap open and both looked up, astonished to see Draco enter the tent. His usually sleek hair every direction and sporting a black eye and a bleeding lip. He sneered at them- but before he could say anything Ginny cut him off-
"Well, well Malfoy. Looks like my brother got the best of you didn't he? You didn't make the mistake of saying something about Hermione did you? I would have thought you had learned by now." she said shaking her head
"I wouldn't be so proud if I were you Weasley. I am sure by now my father has taken care of your dear brother and in a few moments you will be joining him and Potter."
She looked at him, hatred in her eyes. He was the whole reason they were here. She rushed at him not caring what she hit or what consequences it brought. What did it matter now? They had already taken away everything from her what did it matter if she died now too. He moved out of her way and she fell onto the floor, his laughter only made her angrier.
She noticed that Ginny had stood up and was circling behind him ready to pounce when they heard a commotion outside. Spells were being flung left and right and she realized Harry and the members of the order must have arrived. Malfoy began frantically searching for something and then noticed the shreds of paper on the ground. He looked at her anger in his eyes- "You are going to pay for that mudblood!" he said raising his wand-
"Expelliarmus," she heard a voice yell and Malfoy was blown across the tent. She looked around wondering who had said that and where they were. Hearing the voice again she gasped.
"Malfoy," the voice from the opening "how many times do I have to tell you not to call her that?"
She looked up and stared in disbelief, "Ron?" she chocked out. She didn't believe her eyes; Ron was standing there his wand trained on Malfoy. Lupin standing beside him, it couldn't be him though, he had died Lucius Malfoy had gone to kill him. He's not really here she told herself. I am imagining all of this but she looked up and knew that it was him.
His face was full of rage but his eyes softened for a moment when he saw her. But they quickly flooded with anger again when he really looked at her, as if he was accounting for every new bruise. "What he do to you Mione?" he asked his voice cold
"Ron," she started but found she couldn't move as fast as she wanted "I'm fine really I am see." and to prove her point she tried walking to him pain in every step. She had almost made it when her knees gave out and the only thing that kept her falling this time was Ron's arm catching her around the waste.
Turning back to Malfoy his glare turned murderous, "Give me one reason Malfoy. Give me one reason that I shouldn't kill you right now."
"Ron, leave him, he can go to Azkaban, it is what he deserves. Let him go and rot there with his father Ron."
"Not this time," he said "this time he needs to pay for what he has done."
Emotions were flooding through her; she wanted nothing more to see Malfoy pay for every pain he had caused her, for the death of her parents, for what he had done to her tonight. There was something in her though that was holding her back; she didn't want to see Ron kill. As much as he hated him Ron would have so much guilt over this and she didn't want him to become a murder just for her.
"No Ron," she said more forcibly this time taking his wand hand and lowering it. "He can go to Azkaban."
He looked at her and nodded; Lupin quickly disarmed and bound him. Malfoy looked up at them
"You are going to regret this Weasley you and your little mudblood girlfriend are going to..."
"Oh shut up." she yelled and grabbing Ron's wand she put a full body bind spell on him
"But how?" she said asked, reaching up to touch his face as if trying to make herself believe he was truly there. "Well we ran into so trouble with Lucius back there but nothing that we couldn't handle." he said
"Ron," Lupin called from the flap "we have to get out to Harry."
He turned to her and kissed her on the forehead "Ready love?" he asked and together they walked out into the battle.
Silence enveloped them now as they both thought about that last fight with Harry. It had taken all three of them to defeat Voldemort, she had been hit with the Cruciatus again in the final minutes of the battle and this time she had blacked out with the pain. She awoke three days later at Grimmauld Place with Ron sitting at her side looking like he had not slept properly in days.
As if reading her mind Ron broke the silence, "You had no idea how worried I was after that, Ginny had told us that you had been hit with the Cruciatus meant for her but she never told us about the others. Harry was a wreck pacing back and forth muttering on how his best friend was going to die and it was all his fault, Remus finally made him leave the room and suggested that I go with him. I couldn't leave though, I kept thinking what would happen if I did and you woke up and I wasn't there, I would have never forgiven myself. I was so worried Mione I really thought we were going to lose you." he pulled her closer when he said that "Ginny wouldn't tell us anything that happened, just the basics that we already knew and Malfoy wasn't talking. I just wish Gin would have told us everything before you woke up so we would have known."
"Ron, I didn't want to tell you about that night honestly, I was trying to forget it myself. I really tried to tell myself that it didn't happen that I had imagined it all and during the day it was easy, but then the nightmares would come." she shuttered looking up into his face, "You have been what has gotten me through it has been your love and your strength that has pulled me each day. I remember the day that I woke up and say you sitting there I told myself that I was going to show you just how much you meant to me. I am sorry I have not done that these past months. I am sorry I pushed you away, I am sorry for everything..." she was cut off as he pulled her into a kiss.
He chuckled a little as they broke apart, "It's good to know some things will never change." he said grinning widely
"What is so funny Ronald?" she asked an authoritative tone in her voice but he just continued to laugh "Ronald Billus Weasley if you don't tell me right now what you are laughing about..." but again she was cut off as his lips captured hers.
"Merlin, I have missed that," she whispered
"Me too," he said pulling her up "Hermione, those days after the battle when you wouldn't wake up were some of the worse in my life, I never thought I could have been more scared than at that moment but tonight when I went home and you weren't there, I- I didn't know, I thought I had really lost you this time."
"I'm so sorry Ron. You will never know how sorry I am about the letter and for what I said to you tonight. Thank you though Ron, thank you for loving me enough to come after me."
She kissed him tenderly once more and then took his hand. They walked in companionable silence through the Hogwarts grounds until the reached the castle, Ron began to move towards Hogsmede but stopped when she did not follow them.
"I promised Professor Dumbledore that I would stop in and visit after I was done here no matter what the time." she said looking at him
"Mione, it is after two in the morning, I doubt that he is up and honestly even if he is don't you want to come with me?" he said smirking running his finger down her arms.
"Ron!" she said trying to sound shocked but not succeeding in suppressing a giggle-
"Come on, Mione. It will only take us a few seconds to apparate home and then..."
"Ron how many times do I have to tell you- honestly you think after fifteen years of telling you this you might actually remember. You cannot apparate,"
"Inside the grounds of Hogwarts." he finished for her and kissed her again. The kiss begin to deepen as they ached to show each other how they truly felt.
"Well, well, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley," a jovial voice broke them apart "I am glad to see that you are both unharmed, Minerva and I were getting quite worried."
They jumped apart and the appearance of their former headmaster and teacher. Ron began to blush as if he were 16 again. The look on his face caused her to laugh and she was soon joined by Ron and both professors.
"I think," Dumbledore started "that we should hold any conversation until tomorrow morning. I would also like for you two to stay the evening here with us so that a return journey tomorrow will not be necessary."
They smiled as Dumbledore lead them to their sleeping chambers for the evening and wished them pleasant dreams. Entering the room they saw that pajamas and dressing gowns had already been laid out for the both of them and bed had been turned down. She looked around the room and then turned to Ron,
"How did he know we would come back here and that we would be together in the first place?" she questioned.
Grabbing the clothes of the bed and beginning to change he replied "Honestly I don't know I gave up trying to figure that man out ages ago."
Things seemed so normal now, more so then they had been since their son's death. She didn't want to move in fear that she would wake up from the dream she was experiencing. He seemed to notice something was wrong and made his way over to her. Wrapping his arms around her he just held her knowing that she didn't want to talk. Finally she broke the silence and turned to him,
"Will you stay and hold me tonight? I need you, I need you to be there when I wake up, I just want you to hold me."
Gently taking her hand he led her toward the bed.
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It was the sunlight that woke her first she was surprised how bright it was outside. Usually she couldn't sleep past seven but then again she hadn't gone to sleep until three. She replayed the events in her mind from the previous night and sent a silent prayer heavenward that he had come after her. They still had a long road to go down but at least they would be together.
She looked around the room and noticed for the first time that he was not there with her. Where had he gone? He didn't have to work today and he wouldn't have gone to the Burrow without her would he? Fully awake now she bounded out of bed and ran into Ron as he was walking back into the room.
"Whoa, beautiful. Where are you going in such a hurry?" he said catching her in his arms.
"I thought you had left me. I didn't know where you had gone." she said in a small voice.
"Mione," sighed sitting her on the side of the bed and putting a comforting arm around her "how many times do we have to have this discussion. I am not leaving you- ever. You can't get rid of me that easily. I went to go and talk with Dumbledore and didn't want to disturb you, he sends his regards and wanted us to meet him for lunch." kissing the top of her nose he stood up.
"Unfortunately though duty calls, my sister and our best friend are getting married tomorrow. I am sure by now the entire Weasley clan is in a panic because we have disappeared. Now as much as I might want to stay here for two or three weeks shut away with only you we really do have to get back." he stood up but she grabbed his hand and pulled him back on the bed with her.
"But do we have to? I kinda like having just the two of us around and not having to worry about if one of Bill's kids is ruining the flower arrangements. Can't we just drop them a note and tell them that we aren't going to be there until tomorrow." she asked.
He just stared at her then put out his arm. "Pinch me." he said
She looked at him not understanding "Pinch me" he repeated. She did as she was asked and saw a smile spread across his face. "I was just making sure that was not a dream. I never thought I would like to see the day Hermione Weasley wanted to skip out on responsibility."
"Maybe your bad influence has finally caught up to me Mr. Weasley."
"Maybe it has love, maybe it has."