Terrifié
Chapter Twelve [Tear of a Slave]
Last Time:
"Hermione, don't ever kiss me unless you want it. Understand?" He said, seeming suddenly offended as he realized she was once again trying to appease him. She nodded and he gently let her go, brushing her cheek with his hand one last time before he strode off down the hall purposefully.
Hermione touched one hand to her cheek and one to her lips. So, she had made herself into a gift to Draco Malfoy. What next? To her surprise, Hermione felt almost... eager, to see what would happen next.
She would be rooting for Draco at the game tomorrow.
TBC
***
"So, have you got much of your Christmas shopping done yet?" Ginny inquired of Hermione casually the next day as they made their way towards the Quidditch pitch to watch the game. Hermione snapped to attention.
"Christmas? What are you talking about?!" She asked, her voice edgy. Ginny looked at her in surprise.
"Mione, you have got to be kidding me! You always finish getting gifts so early. Well, as you know, it's Friday, and we are all going home next Wednesday. Although I suppose this is a Hogsmeade weekend. Don't worry about it or anything." Ginny looked at her friend's expression, still shell- shocked, amusedly. "Sneak up on you then, did it?" She poked Hermione playfully in the ribs.
"Yeah, I guess it did..." Hermione started at the poke and quickly smiled, but the look in her eyes told that she was in a faraway place.
***
Draco soared around on his broom, loving the cold wind and fresh air. He was looking for the Snitch, but also for Hermione in the stands. He hoped she had come. He spotted her in the Gryffindor stands next to that young Weasel girl, Janet. He noted with a flush of pleasure that she was not wearing any red or gold, just a simple black coat with a half-hidden green scarf. But he'd concentrate on the game. So far the teams were tied 50-50. It was a good game, fast with a lot of action. Both the Gryffindor and Slytherin team were very good this year. But the seekers were weaving around with no sighitng of the Snitch yet. Harry was shooting Draco malicious glances, but Draco preferred to keep his eye out for the little golden ball instead of focussing on the boy-who-smelled. And then he spotted it. Hovering near the ground in the centre of the field. Draco looked about to see where Harry was. He was floating about higher up and over a little, obviously he hadn't seen it yet. Draco allowed himself a small smile as he tilted his broom downwards and sped towards the far-off glint. Soon he heard the gasps that meant the crowd had noticed him. And he could sense Potter on his tail, quickly gaining. Potter's broom was faster this year, damn him, and soon enough they were almost head-to-head, with Draco retaining the lead by mere centimetres. Draco sensed something wrong as slowly the cheering died into dead silence, everyone in the stadium focussed , breathless, on the two figures hurtling at high speed towards the ground, head-first. And suddenly he realized how fast he was going, and how close he was getting to the ground. But, he had to beat Potter, he had to...
And then Potter pulled out of the dive.
And Draco saw the Snitch before him.
He reached out and closed his fingers around it, feeling that familiar, wonderful feeling of it's tiny wings fluttering against his skin, before he crashed into the hard, cold earth. The scoreboard changed and Slytherin had won, but no one cheered, or even noticed. All eyes watched as Madam Pomfrey and Dumbledore ran over to where the Slytherin Prince was sprawled on the ground, a shock of paleness on the frosty green grass.
***
Hermione watched as the two boys plummeted towards the golden glint, and vaguely wondered if that tiny ball was worth all this. Whether it was worth Harry's life. Or Draco's. She remained almost suspended in time as she watched Harry pull out at the last minute. But for some reason she did not stop watching, did not sigh in relief and smile as Ginny and the other Gryffindors did.
As she watched Draco crash, his hand closing around the glint just moments before, she felt the icy steel hand close around her heart tightly, and she felt paralysed. The wave of fear swept over her, painful and immobilising. She watched in horror as the professors dashed to where he lay, and suddenly, she snapped out of it.
Pushing Ginny out of the way, she ran down the row of seats, banging people and not stopping to apologize. She raced down the stairs and onto the field, her small figure surprising the people watching as it rushed to where the small group was huddled. The players were still floating in the air, watching from above.
Hermione reached them and slowed down, squeezing through Flitwick and Snape, not caring about touching him, she just had to get to Draco. She knelt beside him and touched his face.
"Miss Granger, please stand back. Mr. Malfoy needs immediate medical attention! Miss Granger!" Miss Pomfrey was silenced by Dumbledore, who shook his head at her forbiddingly. His forehead crinkled in concern as he watched the two students. Hermione felt for a pulse and found one, faint, but there. She collapsed onto Draco, hugging him gently, not wanting to hurt him. His robes had come undone at the top, exposing his chest. The medallion fell out of her robes and onto his skin. Hermione rested her face next to it and a tear leaked onto his chest as well. Suddenly a golden glow washed over them both and medallion rattled, before everything returned to normal, leaving the audience doubting their own minds. The tremendous silence was broken as Draco suddenly got up, seeming perfectly fine, and asked loudly, "Well what are you's all bloody lookin' at? I won didn't I?" Before also helping Hermione to her feet.
"I think the two of you have some explaining to do. My office. Now." Dumbledore was stern, the usual sparkle in his eye vanished. He walked off the field and the two students followed, wondering what was in store for them... and what had just happened.
The group of professors left behind exchanged glances. Trouble was a- brewing. Of that you could be sure.
***
Draco and Hermione sat uneasily in two chairs facing Dumbledore's desk. Albus was taking his time about making himself a cup of tea. Finally he dropped a sugar cube into his mug, contemplated it as it slowly dissolved for a moment before abruptly spinning to face the two nervous youth.
"So. I am going to give you a chance to explain yourselves... although I don't believe what I saw today could be anything but what I think it is. But, to be fair... what is your explanation of this afternoon's occurences?" He looked at the two questioningly, then began to stir his tea.
"Err, well I dunno. All I remember was falling, and then blackness. And then waking up and feeling fine. Ask her, she was conscious." Draco looked at Hermione.
"I-I don't really... I just saw him fall, and then it was like I was possessed. I just knew I had to get to him... I just had to." Hermione paused, fiddling with the hem of her sweater. "And then, he was lying there, so... broken. So I went to him. What else could I have done? And then there was this warm feeling, and some faint humming, and that golden glow thing, and everything was happy and good for a moment. And then he was ok." She shrugged helplessly and stared at the floor, memorizing the carpet.
There was silence in the office, except for the clinking music of Albus' spoon against his cup as he added another sugar cube and stirred. A cold wind blew through an open window, and he looked up slowly. It slammed closed. Hermione wrapped her arms around herself and shivered.
"Well. What I meant was, of course, the medallion. It fell onto Draco's bare skin, along with one of your tears. Draco was badly hurt, Miss Granger. Badly hurt. Miss Pomfrey believed his spine was broken and his skull perhaps cracked... he would not have lived." Draco shuddered and Hermione unconsciously bit her lip. "Now, although I'm sure you are aware," A dark glance. "The touch of a golden ownership medallion and the tear of a slave can save an owner's life. No other medallion has this power. So I have assumed, rightly I think, that you Draco, have bought Hermione." Dumbledore looked over the top of his half-moon glasses at them, looking none to pleased. Draco swallowed guiltily and nodded, and Hermione was almost dizzy from staring at the pattern of the carpet.
"Yes, sir." Draco said in a cold, proud voice, raising his head. "And it is fully legal, mind you." He added, raising an eyebrow. Dumbledore shook his head.
"Unfortunately, yes it is. Although it will be illegal by the end of this week. You are lucky... or unlucky, in the case of Miss Granger. Hermione, I regret to tell you that although the practice of owning Muggleborns is soon to be outlawed, there is no way to set free the slaves already bought. The only way this bond can be broken is by the owner himself. Fortunately the practice is not common and there are a mere few hundred slaves in all of the wizarding world. It is encouraged that owners set their slaves free, but there is no more we can do..." He took a sip of his tea, the skin around his mouth wrinkling as he pursed his lips.
"Can I be on my way then? I'd like to go celebrate with my teammates." Draco's voice was void of emotion and he was looking out the window neutrally.
"No, Mr. Malfoy. I'm sure your teammates will be celebrating for a while yet. For a moment you must remain here." He took another sip of tea. "Now. Is there any chance you are willing to give up ownership of Hermione? To set her free?"
Hermione looked up, her gasp audible. She watched Draco. There was silence. They noticed the ticking of a clock. Footfall in a distant corridor.
"No." No quaver in that voice, no uncertainty. Simple steel.
Dumbledore set his cup down with a clink.
"Well, I suppose there is nothing more I can do here. You are dismissed Mr. Malfoy, but I'd like to have a word with Miss Granger."
Draco stood up, nodded to first Dumbledore and then to Hermione, turned on heel, and left the office. The two remaining listened to his receding footsteps as he jogged down the stairs. Hermione did not feel afraid of Albus Dumbledore.
"Look at me Hermione." Hermione met his blue eyes and found they were once again warm and twinkling. She felt slightly reassured. "If he hurts you, in any way, you must come tell me immediately. I cannot break the bond between you... how I wish I could... but I will not allow you to suffer." He stood and walked round the desk, standing next to her. Hermione also stood and they hugged. She was surprised at how much comfort she found in him. "I am so sorry Hermione. I am desperately sorry. I would give most anything in exchange for your freedom. I am always here for you." He pulled back and looked at her sincerely, nodding. "I am sure Harry and Ron are worried about you. Go find them." He smiled and gently pushed her towards the stairwell. At then entranceway she paused, turned and said in an almost- whisper,
"Thank-you, Albus."
TBC
***
Chapter Twelve [Tear of a Slave]
Last Time:
"Hermione, don't ever kiss me unless you want it. Understand?" He said, seeming suddenly offended as he realized she was once again trying to appease him. She nodded and he gently let her go, brushing her cheek with his hand one last time before he strode off down the hall purposefully.
Hermione touched one hand to her cheek and one to her lips. So, she had made herself into a gift to Draco Malfoy. What next? To her surprise, Hermione felt almost... eager, to see what would happen next.
She would be rooting for Draco at the game tomorrow.
TBC
***
"So, have you got much of your Christmas shopping done yet?" Ginny inquired of Hermione casually the next day as they made their way towards the Quidditch pitch to watch the game. Hermione snapped to attention.
"Christmas? What are you talking about?!" She asked, her voice edgy. Ginny looked at her in surprise.
"Mione, you have got to be kidding me! You always finish getting gifts so early. Well, as you know, it's Friday, and we are all going home next Wednesday. Although I suppose this is a Hogsmeade weekend. Don't worry about it or anything." Ginny looked at her friend's expression, still shell- shocked, amusedly. "Sneak up on you then, did it?" She poked Hermione playfully in the ribs.
"Yeah, I guess it did..." Hermione started at the poke and quickly smiled, but the look in her eyes told that she was in a faraway place.
***
Draco soared around on his broom, loving the cold wind and fresh air. He was looking for the Snitch, but also for Hermione in the stands. He hoped she had come. He spotted her in the Gryffindor stands next to that young Weasel girl, Janet. He noted with a flush of pleasure that she was not wearing any red or gold, just a simple black coat with a half-hidden green scarf. But he'd concentrate on the game. So far the teams were tied 50-50. It was a good game, fast with a lot of action. Both the Gryffindor and Slytherin team were very good this year. But the seekers were weaving around with no sighitng of the Snitch yet. Harry was shooting Draco malicious glances, but Draco preferred to keep his eye out for the little golden ball instead of focussing on the boy-who-smelled. And then he spotted it. Hovering near the ground in the centre of the field. Draco looked about to see where Harry was. He was floating about higher up and over a little, obviously he hadn't seen it yet. Draco allowed himself a small smile as he tilted his broom downwards and sped towards the far-off glint. Soon he heard the gasps that meant the crowd had noticed him. And he could sense Potter on his tail, quickly gaining. Potter's broom was faster this year, damn him, and soon enough they were almost head-to-head, with Draco retaining the lead by mere centimetres. Draco sensed something wrong as slowly the cheering died into dead silence, everyone in the stadium focussed , breathless, on the two figures hurtling at high speed towards the ground, head-first. And suddenly he realized how fast he was going, and how close he was getting to the ground. But, he had to beat Potter, he had to...
And then Potter pulled out of the dive.
And Draco saw the Snitch before him.
He reached out and closed his fingers around it, feeling that familiar, wonderful feeling of it's tiny wings fluttering against his skin, before he crashed into the hard, cold earth. The scoreboard changed and Slytherin had won, but no one cheered, or even noticed. All eyes watched as Madam Pomfrey and Dumbledore ran over to where the Slytherin Prince was sprawled on the ground, a shock of paleness on the frosty green grass.
***
Hermione watched as the two boys plummeted towards the golden glint, and vaguely wondered if that tiny ball was worth all this. Whether it was worth Harry's life. Or Draco's. She remained almost suspended in time as she watched Harry pull out at the last minute. But for some reason she did not stop watching, did not sigh in relief and smile as Ginny and the other Gryffindors did.
As she watched Draco crash, his hand closing around the glint just moments before, she felt the icy steel hand close around her heart tightly, and she felt paralysed. The wave of fear swept over her, painful and immobilising. She watched in horror as the professors dashed to where he lay, and suddenly, she snapped out of it.
Pushing Ginny out of the way, she ran down the row of seats, banging people and not stopping to apologize. She raced down the stairs and onto the field, her small figure surprising the people watching as it rushed to where the small group was huddled. The players were still floating in the air, watching from above.
Hermione reached them and slowed down, squeezing through Flitwick and Snape, not caring about touching him, she just had to get to Draco. She knelt beside him and touched his face.
"Miss Granger, please stand back. Mr. Malfoy needs immediate medical attention! Miss Granger!" Miss Pomfrey was silenced by Dumbledore, who shook his head at her forbiddingly. His forehead crinkled in concern as he watched the two students. Hermione felt for a pulse and found one, faint, but there. She collapsed onto Draco, hugging him gently, not wanting to hurt him. His robes had come undone at the top, exposing his chest. The medallion fell out of her robes and onto his skin. Hermione rested her face next to it and a tear leaked onto his chest as well. Suddenly a golden glow washed over them both and medallion rattled, before everything returned to normal, leaving the audience doubting their own minds. The tremendous silence was broken as Draco suddenly got up, seeming perfectly fine, and asked loudly, "Well what are you's all bloody lookin' at? I won didn't I?" Before also helping Hermione to her feet.
"I think the two of you have some explaining to do. My office. Now." Dumbledore was stern, the usual sparkle in his eye vanished. He walked off the field and the two students followed, wondering what was in store for them... and what had just happened.
The group of professors left behind exchanged glances. Trouble was a- brewing. Of that you could be sure.
***
Draco and Hermione sat uneasily in two chairs facing Dumbledore's desk. Albus was taking his time about making himself a cup of tea. Finally he dropped a sugar cube into his mug, contemplated it as it slowly dissolved for a moment before abruptly spinning to face the two nervous youth.
"So. I am going to give you a chance to explain yourselves... although I don't believe what I saw today could be anything but what I think it is. But, to be fair... what is your explanation of this afternoon's occurences?" He looked at the two questioningly, then began to stir his tea.
"Err, well I dunno. All I remember was falling, and then blackness. And then waking up and feeling fine. Ask her, she was conscious." Draco looked at Hermione.
"I-I don't really... I just saw him fall, and then it was like I was possessed. I just knew I had to get to him... I just had to." Hermione paused, fiddling with the hem of her sweater. "And then, he was lying there, so... broken. So I went to him. What else could I have done? And then there was this warm feeling, and some faint humming, and that golden glow thing, and everything was happy and good for a moment. And then he was ok." She shrugged helplessly and stared at the floor, memorizing the carpet.
There was silence in the office, except for the clinking music of Albus' spoon against his cup as he added another sugar cube and stirred. A cold wind blew through an open window, and he looked up slowly. It slammed closed. Hermione wrapped her arms around herself and shivered.
"Well. What I meant was, of course, the medallion. It fell onto Draco's bare skin, along with one of your tears. Draco was badly hurt, Miss Granger. Badly hurt. Miss Pomfrey believed his spine was broken and his skull perhaps cracked... he would not have lived." Draco shuddered and Hermione unconsciously bit her lip. "Now, although I'm sure you are aware," A dark glance. "The touch of a golden ownership medallion and the tear of a slave can save an owner's life. No other medallion has this power. So I have assumed, rightly I think, that you Draco, have bought Hermione." Dumbledore looked over the top of his half-moon glasses at them, looking none to pleased. Draco swallowed guiltily and nodded, and Hermione was almost dizzy from staring at the pattern of the carpet.
"Yes, sir." Draco said in a cold, proud voice, raising his head. "And it is fully legal, mind you." He added, raising an eyebrow. Dumbledore shook his head.
"Unfortunately, yes it is. Although it will be illegal by the end of this week. You are lucky... or unlucky, in the case of Miss Granger. Hermione, I regret to tell you that although the practice of owning Muggleborns is soon to be outlawed, there is no way to set free the slaves already bought. The only way this bond can be broken is by the owner himself. Fortunately the practice is not common and there are a mere few hundred slaves in all of the wizarding world. It is encouraged that owners set their slaves free, but there is no more we can do..." He took a sip of his tea, the skin around his mouth wrinkling as he pursed his lips.
"Can I be on my way then? I'd like to go celebrate with my teammates." Draco's voice was void of emotion and he was looking out the window neutrally.
"No, Mr. Malfoy. I'm sure your teammates will be celebrating for a while yet. For a moment you must remain here." He took another sip of tea. "Now. Is there any chance you are willing to give up ownership of Hermione? To set her free?"
Hermione looked up, her gasp audible. She watched Draco. There was silence. They noticed the ticking of a clock. Footfall in a distant corridor.
"No." No quaver in that voice, no uncertainty. Simple steel.
Dumbledore set his cup down with a clink.
"Well, I suppose there is nothing more I can do here. You are dismissed Mr. Malfoy, but I'd like to have a word with Miss Granger."
Draco stood up, nodded to first Dumbledore and then to Hermione, turned on heel, and left the office. The two remaining listened to his receding footsteps as he jogged down the stairs. Hermione did not feel afraid of Albus Dumbledore.
"Look at me Hermione." Hermione met his blue eyes and found they were once again warm and twinkling. She felt slightly reassured. "If he hurts you, in any way, you must come tell me immediately. I cannot break the bond between you... how I wish I could... but I will not allow you to suffer." He stood and walked round the desk, standing next to her. Hermione also stood and they hugged. She was surprised at how much comfort she found in him. "I am so sorry Hermione. I am desperately sorry. I would give most anything in exchange for your freedom. I am always here for you." He pulled back and looked at her sincerely, nodding. "I am sure Harry and Ron are worried about you. Go find them." He smiled and gently pushed her towards the stairwell. At then entranceway she paused, turned and said in an almost- whisper,
"Thank-you, Albus."
TBC
***