AN: Thank you so much to LilyVampire for your lovely review, I'm glad you're enjoying Twisted.
Read and Review Please!
Chapter Thirty Eight: Advantageous Planning.
When the majority of Order members began preparing to sleep, Draco slipped back into the Infirmary to administer Hermione's next dose of Pain Relieving Potion. Only Harry and Ron remained with her in the Infirmary, deep in a confidential conversation when he entered. Being careful not to draw their attention, he pulled the potion from its shelf and lingered in the store room doorway, hidden from view by the door. Cocking his head, he strained to listen to their hushed conversation.
"There must be something in Bellatrix's vault. She was terrified to think we had been in there for the sword." Harry whispered adamantly.
"But why would Bellatrix have the Sword of Gryffindor? She was a Slytherin." Hermione mused, "It's obviously a weapon, but why would she want it? She's a Pureblood; she wouldn't fight like a Muggle."
"She threw the dagger at Dobby." He pointed out mournfully.
"I know." She murmured, patting his hand in a consoling manner. The three held a momentary pause in conversation in respect of the murdered House Elf.
"Ginny said she, Neville, and Luna tried to take it from the Headmaster's office last September, but they were caught. When they tried again, it was gone." Ron broke the silence quietly.
"What if they know we're hunting for horcruxes?" Hermione suggested, "We've already established that the Sword only imbibes what makes it stronger, and we know it's impregnated with Basilisk venom. What if they know it can destroy horcruxes and that's why they've tried to hide it? No-why would they know he has horcruxes." She let out a frustrated groan.
"So, what's the significance of the Sword to them?" Harry asked.
"It's not the Sword." Hermione gasped, "Of course. Of course!"
"What?" Ron prompted impatiently. Draco could only smirk at this. He knew the expression that would be painted on Granger's face now. It was one anyone who spent years in her classes would recognise instantly; the moment she discovered something. Her chocolate eyes would dance erratically, as her mind would whirl with possibilities and realisation, and a slight self-congratulatory smile would twitch on her lips. She would take a moment to process this new knowledge, before eagerly reaching for her quill and parchment or a textbook. It was a look Draco knew well from their joint classes.
"Bellatrix must be hiding something else in her vault, and I'm sure it's a horcrux." Granger finally explained her thought process, "Purebloods often have the most protected vaults at Gringotts. V-He-Who-Should-Not-Be-Named is a Halfblood; he probably doesn't have access to such vaults through inheritance. It makes sense that he would hide a precious object in one of his most loyal follower's vault, who would have such a vault. He must have a horcrux hidden in Bellatrix's vault!"
"Of course." Harry exclaimed, "Hermione, you're brilliant."
"But how do we get to it?" Ron burst the bubble of excitement brewing between them, "It'll be impossible to break into."
"We'll need Griphook's help." Hermione began strategizing, "If he can help us access Bellatrix's vault, it would almost be easy. But he will ask for something in return. Goblins will not do the bidding of others without payment."
"I have gold." Harry dismissed the thought quickly. Withholding the urge to scoff, Draco rolled his eyes at Potter's stupidity. The Goblin wouldn't be interested in gold; it would want something much more from them. He wouldn't be surprised if it asked for the Sword.
"So, how do we do this?" Ron asked eagerly.
Draco could only imagine how their Gryffindor brains would be exhilarated at the idea of going on another idiotic mission. The Golden Trio was known for running off into danger, with only thoughts for their goal in mind. They disregarded danger and ignored sensibilities. But as they began planning, Draco realised he could turn this situation to his advantage, as any Slytherin would. Twirling the vial of pain relief potion between his fingers, he purposefully exited the store room, ensuring he gained their attention.
"Malfoy!" Harry and Ron had their wands on him in a second.
"Sneaking about like the snake you are." Ron taunted him, "How long have you been listening?"
"I've been listening long enough to know about your plans to break into Gringotts." He stated simply.
"And what's it to you, Malfoy?"
"Nothing." Draco shrugged, "But I doubt you want your plans known? After all, you like to run off into danger like the imbeciles you Gryffindors always do."
"What do you want, Draco?" Hermione asked. Contrary to her companions' reactions to his intrusion, she was sat primly in her bed, not in the least surprised to find he had been eavesdropping, nor was she surprised that he expected something in return for his silence. He deduced that her enhanced senses had already alerted her to his presence prior to her friends' being aware, but it made him question her motives. Why would Granger want him to know their plans?
"Take Blaise and Pansy with you." Draco crossed his arms, "You're already one person down in your plan. Take Blaise and Pansy as your defence."
"Why would we take you with us? How can we trust you're not going hand us over?" Ron sneered.
Before Draco could snarl a reply back to the ungrateful twit, Granger raised her hand to pause all arguments. Harry and Ron both looked at her like obedient slaves to a master, while Draco turned his gaze unwillingly to her. She looked like a royal lady, commanding the three of them with a wave of her hand, and he resented her expectations of obedience. He'd lived too long under the rule of someone else, he wouldn't be told what to do so easily, but her next words made him listen with appreciation.
"Draco won't turn on you. You can trust him." Hermione announced, "He, Pansy, and Blaise would not risk their lives, only to double cross the only reason they're still alive." Draco snorted at the assumption that he and his friends were incapable of surviving without the Order, but didn't interrupt as she continued, "I think Blaise and Pansy should accompany you to Gringotts-"
"But-" Ron tried to protest but she continued regardless.
"You'll need a good defence. Gringotts is notorious for its security and Death Eaters will be crawling through Diagon Alley. You'll need someone who can help you get in and out. Pansy and Blaise will know the way to Bellatrix's vault. It only makes sense that they go with you." She reasoned, "Draco, can you ask Blaise and Pansy if they'll go?"
"They will." Draco nodded with certainty.
"There, now that's settled." Hermione smiled, "I don't want any more arguments, from any of you." Despite being unable to see any of them, all three boys felt her stern glare from behind her scarred eyelids. Shaking his head at her, he handed her the potion vial. Gratefully, she drank it, sighing as the pain began to lessen. With that, Harry and Ron retreated to another part of the bunker to plan, and Draco took the vial back and left Hermione to fall into a relieved sleep. Returning to the potion and textbook strewn desk, he fell back into his routine with ease, finding it almost comfortable to do so. There would be no action for him in their plan; he had bigger plans to implement.