Chapter 13: fifteen years earlier

As Draco keened in her arms, Hermione was hatching a plan. With Dumbledore's help, Draco needn't have to return home again. He could remain at Hogwarts over the rest of the school breaks and could continue to train and fight for the Light. It was simple. It was foolproof. Obviously the Headmaster trusted Draco enough to allow him into the battle classes. It would simply be a matter of explaining the rest of the issue at hand to get him to agree to help.

Hermione slowed her rocking and asked Draco quietly, "How much does Professor Dumbledore know, Draco?" Pulling his tear-stained face back, the hollow look she found indicated he hadn't told Dumbledore much. Hermione kneeled in front of him again. "Draco, you have to tell him." When Draco made to protest, she hurried on. "I'll go with you. It will be easy. I'm sure he'll believe you and once he does he will protect you."

"Protect me how? From what? My life?" Draco asked with stubborn disbelief. "My father is returning from an extended trip after the Christmas holidays. And when he does, don't think he won't beat me for even thinking I could escape him. He'll find out soon if he doesn't already know. And after he makes me pay for my betrayal of him, he will hand me over to Lord Voldemort at the first opportunity."

"Just a minute!" Hermione snapped as she narrowed her eyes. "If you are so sure that will happen, why in the world did you join our battle class? How would Dumbledore have even consented to it? Was it your plan to carry our secrets back? Why tell me the truth about your mother? What are you playing at, Draco?"

Feeling defeated, Draco stood and pitifully walked toward the door. "After Mother died I decided that I would be strong enough to stand against my father. I told Dumbledore so. But now that some time has passed and Father is about to return, I feel the truth in my bones. I cannot fight Lord Voldemort, Hermione. I cannot fight my destiny."

"What a load of rubbish!" Hermione exclaimed as she ran past him to block his escape. "Dumbledore will protect you! If you tell him everything he will let you seek sanctuary here at the school and he will allow you to fight on our side in the war. I know he will!"

"And you think my father will just allow that to happen? You think he won't be able to get to me if he really wants to? You think the wards at Hogwarts are truly strong enough to keep him – the great Lucius Malfoy – out of the building when he is – by law – allowed to visit as a trustee of the school?" He shook his head dejectedly. "I don't think so."

"Draco Malfoy," Hermione admonished him. "I refuse to let you give in to your self-pity or to that monster you call a father. I know Dumbledore can help you if you let him. I've seen the wonders he can work. And with Dumbledore on your side our plan can't fail." Draco cocked a brow as she said 'our plan.' He liked the way it sounded. "Please, Draco," she implored. "Let Dumbledore help you. Let me help you." She paused as she gathered her courage. "I…I care for you and I don't want to see you give yourself over to the Dark. Please."

Draco felt his doubts immediately ebb as he looked into Hermione's eyes. She cared about him! He took a moment to pause and to consider his options. Yes, the thought of betraying his father was scary. Yes, he had a million doubts about the success of Hermione's plan. But, Merlin, he felt wonderful! Hermione cared! And that was all he could want. Leaning his forehead down until it touched hers, he tried to convey with a look what he didn't trust his voice to say. "Thank you," he finally whispered.

Hermione gave him a smile, which glowed like the sun as she realized he would let her help. Then, taking a chance, she tilted her head until she was able to meet his lips in a kiss full of hope and promise.

/-/-/-/-

With his fingers steepled under his chin, Albus Dumbledore listened gravely to the story unfolding. He had suspected there were deeper issues with Draco Malfoy when he approached him earlier in the year. He had already known about Narcissa's passing, even though Lucius had managed to buy off top Ministry officials and the Daily Prophet in an effort to keep it as quiet as possible. But he had no idea of the specifics behind her death. Rumors were of suicide, but he couldn't bring himself to believe them. And now the real truth was being revealed in all of its hideous glory to him. He marveled at the strength with which Draco recounted his tale.

Then again, it wasn't too surprising really. With a twinkle in his eye, Dumbledore remembered seeing the pair of students before him disentangling their hands as they entered his office. How fascinating! He hid the smile trying to break its way free. Hermione and Draco. Together. How wonderful indeed!

"You need not ask me, Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore addressed Draco as he finished his gory tale. "My protection, and that of Hogwarts, is yours if you wish it."

Draco and Hermione smiled in unison at their Headmaster's understanding. "Yes, sir," Draco replied gratefully. "Thank you, sir."

"But," Dumbledore was quick to cut Draco off. "I have one condition on which I will not yield." Draco turned sober again as he listened to his Headmaster. "If I am to protect you, you cannot under any circumstances leave these hallowed halls." Draco nodded to the affirmative. "That means, Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore clarified, "that you may not go to Hogsmeade, you may not walk unaccompanied to your Care of Magical Creatures class, and no more quidditch."

"But sir," Draco objected to his favorite pastime being taken from him.

"Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore's voice was stern. "Surely you must agree with me that you cannot be kept safe if you are flying around the quidditch pitch at all altitudes. It would be unrealistic to think anyone could keep pace with you. Not to mention it would entirely hamper the natural progress of the game."

"Remember Harry and the Dementors?" Hermione asked Draco quietly.

Draco pursed his lips but nodded his assent. "Very well."

"I am glad to have you on our side Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore stated honestly. "I trust you will live up to the faith I am placing in you."

"Yes, sir," Draco replied earnestly. "And thank you."

"You are most welcome, Draco," Dumbledore spoke kindly as his eyes softened. "If that is all, you may go." As the pair of students stood to take their leave, Dumbledore called to Hermione. "Ms. Granger, a word if you please." Nodding at Draco, Hermione watched him leave before turning to her beloved Headmaster.

"I believe in the truth of what he says, Headmaster," she said solemnly as she appraised him with a steady gaze. "More importantly, I believe in him."

"I know, dear girl," he said with a kindly smile. "All the better for him. I simply wanted to encourage you to keep watchful. Those who cannot get to Mr. Malfoy may try to get to him through you."

Hermione furrowed her brow as she cocked her head to one side. "But, why?" she asked.

Amazed by the fact that the brightest witch in his school hadn't yet realized he understood everything that happened within his walls, he simply gazed overtop his spectacles at her in amusement. And, as a knowing blush slowly spread across her cheeks, Hermione grinned shyly, thanked him for his assistance, and took her leave.