Chapter 66

Hermione had to go and warn them. Tonks first. She needed to tell Tonks.

Oh god! What if the spy were Tonks?

No. Draco would be dead if that were the case. She'd start with Tonks and they'd figure out where to go from there.

She tried to get up, but Draco pressed her shoulder back down with a flare of his nostrils. Startled, she sucked in a breath. What was he doing? Would he not let her go back? His fingers were starting to hurt; he was digging them hard into her shoulder.

Goosebumps spread up and down her spine. She needed her wand, but it was on the floor. Hermione strained her arm over the edge of the bed but couldn't reach it with the way he restrained her with his body.

"I can't leave them," Hermione protested, struggling under his weight. He wouldn't let her up. Terrified, she blinked up at him. His eyes hardened and he wouldn't move, trapping her underneath his body. "Draco?" She reached down on the side of the bed again, but her arm wasn't long enough to get her wand. "Draco," she pleaded, her heart racing. His mouth flattened in irritation. "I can't abandon everyone."

"You're not," Draco ground out. His face contorted in anger and her eyes widened apprehensively. He grabbed her wrist and pinned it to the bed next to her head. She tried to pull her hand out, but his grip tightened. "You are one person. Warn who you have to, let them take care of it and leave."

A jolt of adrenaline shot through her as the dangerous glint in his eye appeared.

Fuck.

It was coming.

She watched in dread as his muscles slowly tensed, and she remembered laying trapped on the floor of his home, horrified, when she thought he might curse her.

Hermione was still naked; he was mostly dressed and lying on top of her, trousers shoved down to his knees. The whole situation made her perversely excited, like when he had spanked her, but she squirmed underneath him, trying to get loose.

"Draco, it's me that 'takes care of it'," she explained, trying to keep her voice steady, struggling to get her hands free. "I'm the one that has to repurpose the Portkeys. I can't leave them."

"If you stay, I'm going to lose you." Draco squeezed his eyes shut, shaking, as if ready to explode. "Don't go back. Please."

"You've warned us. We can prepare. We have some time," Hermione tried to mollify him, sounding more confident than she felt.

Draco looked to the side. "Fucking dammit," he spat, and pushed himself off of her to sit on the bed.

She exhaled in relief. He wouldn't hold her against her will. Of course he wouldn't do that.

Hermione's bare body was suddenly cold at the loss of his heat, and despite the momentary fear, she still felt empty where he had been thrusting inside of her.

Draco pulled his trousers up over his bum and reached into his pocket. "I knew you wouldn't leave," he cursed harshly to himself. "Here, take this." He extracted a small, brown pouch and held it out to her.

"What is it?" Hermione pushed herself up to sit next to him, still feeling vulnerable and exposed in the face of his anger.

"A Portkey to one of our summer villas in the south of France. We haven't been there since the Dark Lord returned." She took the pouch out of his hand and wrapped her fingers around it. It was round, and heavy for its size. Probably metal. Draco continued, "Don't stay there though. As soon as you arrive, go to the main gate and Apparate outside. I don't know where you'd stay but at least you won't be here. I'll come for you after the raid."

Hermione rubbed her thumb over the fabric and eyed him. Still agitated, he ran his hand through his hair. It flopped right back down in front of his face.

"Thank you."

She was awful. He was always looking out for her, but she still didn't have a solution for him. She hadn't forced a vote yet among Order leadership on Draco's pardon because she didn't want to risk losing. Tonks would side with her. Kingsley would not. But if she couldn't convince Kingsley, all he had to do was mention Draco's war crimes and Minerva would vote against.

Remus was the tie-breaking wild card, and she didn't want to chance losing his and Minerva's vote.

Hermione thought it best to wait until she had some way to force Kingsley to change his mind. He was hiding something. Many somethings. She had started collecting information on Kingsley's home wards from the Ministry but hadn't yet had a chance to break into his house.

Her plan was to hold her cards close, and only play them when she knew she had a winning hand. If she called a vote with something to leverage over Kingsley, then he wouldn't sabotage it by discussing Draco's crimes. The opposite. He'd do everything he could to pass it.

But she had nothing on him so far.

Hermione felt so guilty. Draco deserved to know, but he was so on edge. After that night when he had given her the plans to the gala, she wasn't sure what to expect if they fought again.

Regardless, she needed to get back and start working with Tonks. She clutched the pouch, wondering how to repurpose everyone's Portkeys while excluding the spy. They'd figure something out. She made to bend over and get dressed but Draco pushed the curls out of her face.

"Keep that on you at all times. Like the Galleon." His eyes flashed and he threaded his fingers into her hair, cradling her skull.

She swallowed, feeling both comforted and scared by the intensity of his concern. "Alright."

"Do you hear me, Hermione?" His fingers tangled in her hair as his gaze raked over her breasts and back up to her face, making her feel exposed, scared and desired all at once. "At all times."

"Yes," she whispered, and heat flared between her thighs again.

Draco's grip gradually tightened, and he tilted her head back, slowly invading her mouth. It was a powerful but controlled kiss, and arousal instantly spread below. His hands were firm and unyielding as they guided her down and Hermione's body thrummed in anticipation, not having climaxed earlier.

Draco was still hurt after being tortured. He needed her. She could stay a bit longer before heading back. He knocked the Portkey from her hand as he ripped his shirt off, over his head. She barely saw the small bag roll over her wand and across the floor when his hot mouth was back on hers again. She arched into him, enjoying the way his tongue stroked her, and wanting to give him the same pleasure in return.

His long fingers slid to the juncture of her neck and shoulder, pressing her down to the mattress and her skin tingled with excitement. Reaching around his lithe form, she shoved his trousers down and he shucked them off. Draco positioned himself between her legs and she spread herself to accommodate him, eager to have him inside her again. His body felt so good atop her and she slid her hands down his back, feeling his muscles move.

Hermione's eyes fluttered closed as he captured her mouth and she held him close. His lips were firm, and the forcefulness of his hands on her body made her cunt clench with want, but he didn't enter her yet. She groaned, grinding her hips into him. He bit her lip harshly, making her yelp.

It hurt, but she welcomed the pain. It was nothing compared to what he had gone through.

Draco's breath was ragged against her mouth and his nose pushed against her cheek. They moved together, hot and rough, he was nearly mauling her and while his touch was aggressive and bruising, she pulled at his body for more, wanting him that way. And yet, despite how sinful it all felt, something about how he was acting made her nervous.

The hand on her collarbone inched up slowly and his thumb circled the base of her neck.

It pressed into her flesh.

Hermione's eyes snapped open. He was angry and he was trying to make her submit. He was using sex to punish her again. But this time wasn't meant to be humiliating, and the way he held her down made her heart thud loudly in her chest in fear.

She had to get her wand.

Hermione pulled away but his mouth chased after hers.

Draco was all writhing limbs, smooth skin and hard muscle. Electricity throbbed below as his thigh rubbed against her apex, but she pushed against his shoulders, struggling to get him off. She needed her wand. He didn't get up, instead kissing her more aggressively. His hand crept downwards towards her breast and kneaded her flesh, making her gasp. She dug her fingers into him as he groped her and she pushed on him again. Draco released her mouth to attack her neck, sucking and nipping, making ravenous grunting noises.

"Wait!"

She tilted her head back with a whimper as he rutted against her. Every rub, every touch, every way his body moved against hers made her tighten further. She wanted him inside her, but fear spread from his fingers around her throat, throughout her body.

When he lifted his head, the blood froze in her veins. His eyes were dark behind his fringe. She tried to lean to the side to reach over the bed, but she couldn't move enough to get her wand. She pushed herself up, but his hand tightened and his body caged her on the mattress.

Hermione tensed, heart racing, not knowing what Draco would do. She had a brief flashback of him tied up and screaming at her to hit him. He had said he would never hurt her, but his hand was on her neck and she didn't trust the look in his eyes.

She was hot with want, but her growing fear sent chills of dread down her spine. She grabbed his arm, unsure if she should pry his fingers away, but he bared his teeth, contracted his muscles and thrust into her.

"Fuck!" she panted, throwing her head back.

It was sudden, and the impact of his pelvic bone against her hips hurt. But she was wet, and he slid right in, filling her completely. His cock was so far up inside and his body surrounded her; she released a choked cry.

Watching her face contort in pleasure, Draco's dark eyes gleamed victoriously, and the edge of his lips lifted in a twisted smile. He pressed his thumb into the side of her neck, pushing into the skin, tightening his grip around her throat. Sealing her mouth with his, he muffled the words of protest she hadn't yet formed. As his mouth devoured hers, almost painfully, she kissed him back, fisting his hair. Not quite pulling his head away and still unsure if she should stop him. Unsure if she wanted to. Her fear was thrilling, and made her stomach twist in desire.

Draco pulled out, waited a few seconds and speared her again, rocking her body backward. He repeated the motion again, and again, picking up his pace. His thrusts were rough, and his hips smacked the inside of her thighs each time he entered her. Bone hit bone and she winced as he curled his fingers around her throat.

Hermione slid her hand atop his, tentatively placing them over the fingers on her throat. She anxiously caressed his knuckles, and he tightened his hold. Not quite restricting her air flow, but pushing her chin upwards such that she couldn't move her head. He was rough – too rough – but it was exciting, she wanted it.

She deserved it.

She had betrayed Draco's trust. She was using him, all the while knowing what he was putting himself through. And she had made terrible decisions in retrospect. She had killed Dedalus when he would have been rescued just a few days later. He would still be alive today if not for her. Eloise was broken because she had abandoned her. And she was lying to Harry.

Draco should punish her. She squeezed her eyes tight, and a few tears leaked out. She remembered the red line of blood as she sliced Dedalus' throat as Draco's fingers splayed across hers. His hand on her neck thrilled her, and Hermione thought she might come from the fear alone.

He squeezed, making her cunt contract in response. Draco chuckled menacingly against her lips. She tightened more down below, orgasm fast approaching and squeezed his torso with her legs. His hips snapped against hers. Mad and forceful. Slapping against her skin.

Draco bit at her lips. They stung, and she whimpered. It was rough but she wanted more, kissing him back even as the fingers on her throat terrified her. She remembered his cold eyes gazing down at her at wandpoint. And how he had completely lost control while tied up.

Draco was so much larger than she was. So much harder, broader and stronger. Would he hurt her? She didn't know. If he lost control, he wouldn't know either.

His breath was hot against her skin and their bodies became slick with sweat. Draco could overpower her so easily if he wanted. He could use her however he wanted. He could strangle her. He could snap her neck. Without a wand, there was nothing she could do.

But Hermione wanted more. She was going to come; the pressure was building.

His cock slid against her walls, hitting her deep inside and she felt it pulse. She moaned into his mouth as he pistoned into her and she throbbed below. Her breathing became erratic, and she knew she was close. From the desperate grunts he made, he was too.

His grip slowly closed around her windpipe. Hermione whimpered until the sound was cut off. For a moment she couldn't breathe, and just when she started to panic she came hard and fast as he squeezed her throat. Draco lifted his head, watching her with a triumphant gleam in his eyes. She tensed, contracted, and arched her body, screaming her release when he loosened his grip on her neck.

Hermione's gasped for breath as her vision whited out. Her body quaked as the swift and powerful orgasm receded, leaving her boneless and trembling.

Draco snarled and shook as he came inside her. After a few jerks of his hips, he collapsed on top her, sweaty and breathing heavily against her neck. His heart thundered inside his chest.

After a few heaving breaths, he slid off to the side, resting his hand on her throat like a collar. She placed her hand atop his, and felt his fingers twitch. Curling her fingers under his, she lifted them from her skin, and breathed in, slowly. Deeply. And then again.

They lay in silence for a few moments. Hermione's mind was racing, unsure what to think about what just happened. She swallowed a few times, it was uncomfortable at first, and then her throat felt normal again.

Tentatively, she rested her hands on her chest and waited for her breathing to steady. She tried to will her racing heart to slow but found herself unable to calm down.

Completely shocked, Hermione couldn't believe how intense her orgasm was. But maybe she shouldn't be, knowing how she responded when he acted like this. It felt good precisely because Draco was rough and terrifying. Part of her wanted him to be deviant. And part of her wanted him to punish her.

He pushed himself up on his forearms to study her. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes were still that dangerous dark grey. His gaze shifted to her mouth and back up again. Hermione breathed heavily while she watched him, unsure what he was thinking.

Draco lowered his mouth to hers and lightly bit her lip, moving it back and forth between his teeth. It still hurt from when he bit her earlier and she whimpered. He released her lip and reached down between their legs. Inserting two fingers into her cunt, he made her hiss and buck since she was still sensitive, and brought his fingers back up. Still watching her, eyes dark and sinister, he pressed his fingers against her lips, against her teeth.

Hermione opened her mouth slightly and Draco pushed his fingers in, wet with her arousal and his come. The flavor was salty and pungent.

"Suck it off."

He pushed his fingers in further and she opened her mouth wider to stroke his knuckles with her tongue. Hermione didn't understand what he was trying to do. Was this still a punishment?

Hermione licked and sucked the come off his fingers, swallowing. His eyes were hooded as he stared at her lips. With a twitch of his fingers, his dark gaze locked on hers. After one final swirl of her tongue, Draco removed his fingers, and reached down between her legs again. He swiped around her clit, and shoved his fingers deep inside her, again making her jerk her hips.

His fingers strained and she grunted as he hit sensitive areas, still throbbing from her orgasm. His eyes held hers, and the shade had lightened somewhat. He pushed his fingers back into her mouth again and she sucked his come clean without being told. He bit his bottom lip, watching her, and his cheeks flushed in obvious pleasure.

Draco made her do it three more times, each time his eyes lightening until they returned to their normal shade. He lowered himself to kiss her. It wasn't rough like before, but it was demanding. Hermione reached up to cup his face and just as her fingers cradled his jawbone, he rolled onto his back with a sigh.

Hermione stared at the ceiling, listening to the crickets outside, somewhat in shock. She could still feel the indent of Draco's fingers on her neck, and was fairly certain she'd have bruises on her thighs and the rest of her body. It seemed the moment had passed, but she rolled over, reaching to the ground to grab her wand off the floor anyway. She picked it up with her clothes, so that he wouldn't see her take it.

She couldn't believe he had just done that to her. And she couldn't believe she had let him, and had enjoyed it.

Draco turned on his side and delicately stroked her neck. She swallowed nervously and he watched the motion. Those tender fingers had been tight around her throat just a few moments ago. Had pushed inside her mouth, forcing her to suck off his come. Had smacked her arse and her vulva before.

Hermione didn't know what to say and waited for him to speak. He slid his fingers down to her shoulder and she winced as they touched a sensitive area. He had definitely bruised her there.

"Sorry," he whispered, and trailed his fingers down her arm. She was relieved he had come back to himself. "You…" His Adam's apple bobbed, and he appeared to be deciding what to say. "I didn't want to do that. Why did you like it?"

Because I killed Dedalus. Because I broke Eloise. Because I'm lying to Harry. And I want you to hurt me, like I'm hurting you.

"This war." She met his eyes. "You're not the only one who's done bad things, Draco."

His voice was raw, and he looked troubled. "I don't want you to use me like that."

"You of all people should understand. You wanted me to tie you up and smack you."

The shift in him was palpable at her statement. Draco closed his eyes and his body trembled ever so slightly. The tips of his fingers pressed into her arm.

He exhaled slowly and opened his eyes. Their feral gleam made her feel as if he would eat her alive, and she gripped her wand tighter.

His voice was low and rough, but he said, "I don't want us to be that way."

Her eyes grew hot, but she kept the tears inside. "I don't either."

Draco reached up, tenderly tucking a curl behind her ear, and she rested her hand on his, stroking the lines of his fingers.

"Are you scared of me?"

Her gaze locked on his, and his brow furrowed in apprehension. Draco wanted her to say no. But he had just admitted that he had gone ahead with a sexual act that he didn't want to do. Despite his assurances that he would never hurt her and that he would stop if she didn't want it, she didn't know how far he would go. And she was perversely excited by that prospect.

"Not now. But when your eyes darken I am." She studied his haunted expression. "Even though I like it."

Draco laced his fingers in with hers. "But I would never hurt you. Even when I'm overwhelmed with…" He paused, unsure how to describe what he felt. He looked pained and she watched as several emotions played across his face: fear, anguish and finally resignation. His voice was tight as he struggled to speak. "Maybe we shouldn't do this anymore."

Her fingers tightened around his hand.

No. No. No.

That's not what Hermione wanted, of that she was certain. None of this was Draco's fault. He just needed help and she wasn't going to abandon him. Not to the demons that haunted him now, and not to Azkaban.

She pushed herself up and stared down at him, jaw set.

"You think I can't take you?"

His lips quirked, but he still appeared worried.

"Hermione, I'm changing."

"I'm changing too. The war is changing all of us."

"No, that's not what I mean." Draco studied her while he tried to find words to express himself. "I'm darker – I'm worse than I was. Even a month ago. I don't know when it will stop."

Hermione wasn't sure how to handle his sexual appetites. Or hers. Draco didn't seem to know what he was going to do until he was in the middle of doing it. And if that was the case, how did he know that he wouldn't hurt her?

And she didn't even say anything after he started to squeeze her neck.

Upon noticing her hesitation, he continued, "What if it gets worse, Hermione? What if casting the Patronus isn't enough?"

She was worried about that as well, but what about Tonks and Remus? They made things work.

"It's treatable. The Aurors know how." His eyebrows rose, surprised at her confident tone. "I'm not leaving you to deal with this alone, we'll figure it out together."

Draco's voice was soft when he replied, "I don't deserve you."

Her stomach twisted in guilt. It was on the tip of her tongue. Kingsley was lying, and she had knowingly strung Draco along. She stared into his eyes; grateful, sincere and hopeful right now, but dark and dangerous just a few moments ago.

It wasn't wise to tell him. Not now. Not after what had just happened, and she needed to get back to talk with Tonks anyway. The spy and upcoming raid were more important.

"I love you, Draco." She slid her hand up his arm, up his neck to caress his jaw. "I'm the one who's lucky to be with you. And I want your darkness. I want you. I want all of you."

He cradled her cheek and pressed a soft kiss to her mouth. "You have me," his lips ghosted against hers, tracing her upper lip, circling the lines of her mouth. "All of me. For as long as you want."

Hermione wished they could stay longer together. They hadn't spent the night since he was tortured after the breakout. But she had work to do. And he needed to get back as well to prevent any suspicion.

"I miss our time together." And she had to tell him. She couldn't keep this up, it was eating away at her. He deserved to know. "I miss our moments."

"I do, too." He studied her earnestly. "I'll figure something out."

She made to get up, but he squeezed his eyes shut and curled his hand into a fist behind her head.

"Draco?" she called his name tentatively.

He opened his eyes. Bloodshot and desperate.

"Stay here," he replied with a slight tremor. "Please."

"I can't. They need me."

He flared his nostrils, but kept his anger constrained to the tense coil of his body. "Then promise me you'll get out immediately. As soon as I warn you."

Once again, she was thankful for her Occlumency lessons. Taking a deep breath, she gazed into his eyes.

And lied.

"I promise."

Next chapter: The Order finds the spy.