Hi everyone! Here is chapter 3! Sorry it took longer than the second did, I wanted to make sure I liked where it ended. Also, I don't have a beta or anything so I apologize in advance for typo's or errors! Please please review, they absolutely make my day and make me want to write more! As always, everything belongs to JKR (:

For two weeks, Draco lived in peace. He was the sole inhabitant of the library, and the Veritaserum remained in its bottle. His only constant acquaintance was the burning on his arm and the meetings with Granger when she brought him his meals. He had to admit; they had gotten considerably nicer as his stay extended into the lazy days of mid-August.

On a particularly rainy day, Draco was startled from the book he was reading by the creak of the door leading to the hallway. He looked up to find none other than Granger. She had spoken less than three words to him per day since his last interrogation session. She did not indulge in his witty comments and within five to six days of the radio silence, he had given up. She looked startled to have found him in the library, which he truly did not understand, seeing as he'd spent most of his time in the comforting room over the past few days. He had been woken by nightmares from his last moments in the presence of The Dark Lord for the past four nights in a row. His mind still couldn't understand why he'd been able to escape and he prayed one of the many books would supply and answer.

"I forgot Theo connected your room to the library." She mumbled without meeting his gaze. Her long lashes fanned out over the freckles that still dusted her cheeks. Everything about the witch's posture suggested anxiety, from her turned-in shoulders to the way her arms were tensed, especially the one holding her wand.

"I'm not going to bite you, in case you're thinking of anti-venom jinxes at the moment."

Her eyes opened wide in confusion as she finally looked at his face. What had always been an angular jawline had now grown into sharp edges that framed a perfectly straight nose and blazing grey eyes. Hermione hated to admit it, but Draco had grown into himself in all the best ways. She noted the slight growth of facial hair sprinkled around his chin and cheekbones and tried to mentally remind herself to bring him a razor the next time she brought him his meals.

"Who said you were going to bite me?"

"Well your wand hand and the anger painted across your face seems to be suggesting it. Does it comfort you to know I only bite if requested?" An amused eyebrow snaked its way up his forehead while a blush burned on her cheeks.

"Well excuse me if I'm not eager to let my guard down around the man who brutally murdered one of my oldest friends and his mother." Her eyes were fire, kindled by the rage overtaking her posture – anxiety be damned, she was livid.

He let out a long, almost anguished sigh. "Granger. I didn't have a choice. You know that right? You understand that I physically did not have a fucking choice?"

"You always have a choice."

"No!" He spat and stood from his spot in the furthest armchair, "no you do not always have a god damned choice! Not when you're in the constant presence of a psychopath whose favorite hobby is murdering people. Not when you have had to watch every member of your family be tortured, watch friends die and turn their backs on you, watch innocent lives be taken solely because good ol' Voldy had a bad fucking day. You do not always have a choice and if you – and every other person in this idiotic headquarters - could get off your high fucking horse that'd be grand because I am tired of the judgment from someone who has never once had to weigh the options between five hours of torture or painlessly killing an innocent muggle." In his anger he had strode closer to the Gryffindor who was holding her wand, looking ready to pounce.

"You could have left."

"Yeah and be skinned alive? Have every bone in my body broken three times before I'm awarded death? Abandon my family who would be ruthlessly punished for their bloods' betrayal? Great suggestion Granger, why didn't I think of that earlier?" He rolled his eyes and stepped back to his chair to sit once more, "Besides, I'm not some golden hero. I don't give a shit how this ends up so long as I make it out on the other side. I wasn't worth saving in the first place, you should have left me in that alley. Would have been easier for everyone involved."

Despair washed over her features at his final statement. He hated to admit it, but it twisted his gut to see her looking this upset. He hadn't meant to throw a pity party but hell, it'd been a pitiful few years. And something about the warmth that eluded from her made him feel as though he could say a few more things that he usually did, be more honest than he usually trusted himself to be. After all, she had saved his life and been bringing him meals for weeks. That counted for something right?

Hermione could feel her heart emptying for the man sitting in front of her, his head down between his hands. Rage still bubbled underneath this newfound emotion but it felt like a distant memory. She cleared her throat, "I don't regret saving you, and I never will." His head shot up at her statement, and she watched confusion morph into a guarded wall presented in the form of a sneer and cold grey eyes.

"I wasn't looking for your pity Granger. Congratulations on your hero genetics but don't expect me to rush around thanking you."

"I wasn't asking for that you twat. I was telling you my feelings on saving you. That's what people do Malfoy, they share their feelings about situations and discuss them. But go ahead and shrivel back into your guarded cave. Thrive off your loneliness if you really want– but don't expect me to regret saving your life or to tell you I wish I hadn't saved you. I won't fuel your self hatred any further." His face blanched at the words 'self hatred' as though she had discovered some carefully protected secret.

She picked up a book from the nearest shelf to the door and sat down in the other armchair on the other side of the room.

"Does this look like a face that could possibly hate itself Granger?" He smirked, evidence of his emotional outburst from a minute ago now absent. She snorted but did not look up from her book or offer any last words.

They sat in silence for nearly two hours, both noses shoved into the books they were reading. Every now and then he snuck a glance over at her face, the ski slope nose and the swollen bottom lip from her habit of chewing it while she thought. Her eyes moved like bullets across each page, her brain most likely moving even faster. Something about her, the way the pride dissolved from her eyes once she realized no one was looking, he was intrigued. The burning of his mark stole his gaze and he grunted from the pain and moved to shift his sleeve. The Dark Lord was getting more and more impatient – the burns becoming increasingly urgent. He looked up to find her staring at his arm, where the mark was hidden.

"Is it hurting?"

"I don't see how that's any of your fucking business Granger."

She stood up, agitated, "I was only going to offer to help you look up remedies for it, but fine Malfoy, ride your pride all the way to Hell for all I care." With that, she walked out of the room and slammed the door.

"You really can't let him get to you like that."

Hermione sat across from Theo, who had his arm around his girlfriend while she hummed lazily to herself. "He's just infuriating. One moment I think he could actually be a decent person, and then he morphs into the little git I've always known he was."

"He isn't."

"Isn't what?"

Theo looked down sadly at the wooden knots dotting the table, his hand traced a circle around one before he spoke, "a git. He isn't. He can be an ass but deep down I don't think he's anything but scared and ashamed."

Hermione snorted, "Are you going into psychiatry Theo?"

A corner of his mouth lifted as he raised his eyes to meet hers, "Hey you came down here this morning asking for advice, I'm only trying to help." Luna got up from his arm to grab a plate of pancakes from the kitchen, "If he bothers you so much, I'll bring him his meals. I've put up with him for years, both before and after the war began. I'm good at handling dear Draco's lovely comebacks.

Luna came back to sit down next to Theo, "I think Draco has always been stubborn. I think he is scared, stubborn, and desperate to be right. Which does sound quite infuriating Hermione. You should try some breathing techniques." Theo looked over surprised at his girlfriend but didn't comment on her sudden wisdom.

"Since when do you know Malfoy, Luna?" Hermione noticed a knowing smile pull at the Ravenclaw's face before she spoke.

"I'm not sure if you've noticed, but I'm a pretty observant person. I usually pick up on things others do not seem able to see or if they can see it, they do not want to. It's classic human nature." She paused to take a bite of her breakfast, "I think Draco needs time to process what has happened to him. I think he'll prove to incredibly important to the war some day, however what side he proves important to, I can't tell. His loyalties are wavering; it's clear by how easily he accepted his capture. I haven't heard a single bang of wandless magic come from his room and I think only a fool would make no attempts to learn wandless magic when captured. A fool, or someone who isn't so sure which location is the real prison."

Hermione was left dumbstruck by the observations she'd foolishly ignored. Malfoy ignited a fire of emotions and the smoke too often clouded her judgment. Something about him got under her skin, and she shuddered to think, not always in a bad way. She was curious about him, about the way his mind worked, and what caused his eyes to go from a raging storm to a steady granite in a moments notice.

Harry, Ron, and Hannah walked into dining room as Luna got up to clean her plate and Theo followed. "Hey 'Mione," Harry ruffled the top of Hermione's hair in the way he knew she despised, "what were you guys talking about?"

Ron took Theo's vacated seat as Hannah sat next to him. The two had begun dating about a year ago and she'd never seen such a set of doe eyes as she did when they looked at one another. It was nauseating at times, but sweet and wonderful to see. All too often looked over in place of his best friend, Hermione was glad to see Ron getting the love he'd always deserved.

She sighed, "Malfoy. He's been an annoying house guest to take care of, to say the least."

Ron laughed, "I mean I'd be slightly concerned if he was being pleasant. I'm sorry but Harry and I may make his attitude just a bit worse today, we want to question him again."

"What? Why?" Hermione groaned, this would only set off more snide remarks and dirty comments that made her blush despite herself.

"I think Malfoy could have some knowledge about death eater safe houses and we could really use that information." Harry replied, "We've been foolish only questioning his experiences with Voldemort."

"Not to mention he could provide us with names of death eaters themselves or with plans for attacks against the order." Ron bit into an apple as he spoke, muffling half his words.

"He's been here for over two months, he isn't going to know any plans," Hermione protested, "But I can't deny that we've been slow to question him about things that actually matter."

"Well honestly, we were hoping he'd end up opening up to you." Harry looked sheepishly at his best friend, "That's why we haven't questioned him in over two weeks. We don't like that method, it feels barbaric."

"Malfoy will open up to me as soon as hell freezes over," Hermione tried to casually laugh but the memory of the night before, of his emotional outburst, felt like ice seeping through her brain. "When do you need him? Theo and I can bring him down, he at least doesn't want to kill us…I think."

Everyone at the table laughed, in the way one laughs at a truth that no one present wants to accept. War had turned their sense of humor dark, and eager. Any laugh was cherished. Harry was the first to clear his throat, "We were thinking tomorrow, maybe around noon? I think that is when Kingsley will be here." He pushed out his chair, "But let's at least try to enjoy the day. It's a beautiful sunny day and Ginny bought a new exploding snap game the last time she went out to get potion supplies, who wants to play?"

Ron smiled, already standing up to head to the small, protected yard they had for when the rain clouds took a rare break, "I'm already on my way there." He pulled Hannah outside as Hermione followed, grateful for the small breaks she got from the turmoil of the world around her, grateful for the friends she'd chosen to stick with through it all.

Draco's eye flew open, sweat dripping down his forehead. His sheets were twisted around his legs and he could hear his heart pumping adrenaline through his veins. This was the third nightmare in a row and if he had to look into that maniacal snake-like face one more time while he tried to sleep he was going to lose it. He sighed and walked over to his bathroom sink where Granger had left a glass and, earlier that day, more razors than any man would ever need at once. After a sip of water and acceptance that he wouldn't be sleeping anytime soon, the library seemed like the best option.

Hermione felt her heart leap out of her chest at the sound of the creaking door; she'd been half awake attempting to read through a book on burn relief. She looked up to see Malfoy, his pale skin contrasting with the darkness of the doorway. He had dark circles under his eyes and, as the unwanted butterflies in her stomach noted, he was not wearing a shirt. Her eyes raked hungrily over his torso, she wasn't an idiot and she wasn't going to deny he was attractive. She just hadn't realized how built he actually was. She finally landed on the mark on his left arm, black and angry looking, with an irritated red sheen surrounding the edges.

"Granger." His steely voice tore her attention to his face, which looked equal parts amused and surprised. His hand quickly went to cover his mark, although he winced when he made contact with the irritated skin. "What are you doing here, it's 3 in the morning."

"I could ask you the same question Malfoy." He declined an answer and instead turned around back into his room without closing the door. A moment later he reappeared but now with a sweater covering himself and, more importantly, his arm.

"I couldn't sleep." He sat in the other armchair, "I assume you couldn't either?"

"I really was just too lazy to get up from this chair and go down two flights of stairs to my room," she played with the hem on her sleeve, he noticed she hesitated from wearing anything that showed off her arms either, "and I was finding some interesting remedies in this book."

"Remedies for what?"

"Your arm."

His eyes went cold and his posture stiffened, "My arm is perfectly fine."

"No, it's bothering you. I just saw how irritated it is, the least I can do is help."

"Why do you even fucking care Granger? It's just a little burning, I've dealt with worse." He stood and turned to face away from her, looking through the books on the shelf behind him.

"Ah, so it has been burning! That was just a guess, but they didn't call me the brightest witch of her age for nothing." She sounded smug and when he turned back to her, the facial expression she wore matched her tone. "Well I have found some interesting burning remedies in this book, and I still have more to go through there one ov – "

"Granger none of these useless books are going to solve this problem so just give up the hero act."

"It's not an act you idiot, I am trying to help. Unless you're some masochist and enjoy constantly being in pain?" His silence was enough of an answer for her. "Then stop being so god damn stubborn and let me help you. Pick up the book over on that shelf and start reading."

Despite his begrudging expression, he walked over to the shelf and began to peruse the text, "why do you even care Granger? I'm not a stranger to pain."

Her eyes held his and he nearly looked away from the intensity of the emotion spilling out of their depths. Gryffindors were just so damn feeling all the time. Weren't they exhausted?

"Because you should be strangers. All of us should, and yet it is an old friend for every single person in this house. If I can distance the relationship for even one person, I will. You don't deserve pain Malfoy, and you don't deserve to be called back by some murderous psychopath."

"You've heard just the tip of the iceberg on the horrible things I've done. Trust me Granger, I deserve everything that is coming for me."

She smiled sadly, "What happened to the self-righteous Draco Malfoy I always knew? The one who thought he walked on gold and couldn't be touched?"

"War turns the best of us into monsters. For me, it only served to bring the ones from under my bed out to play." For once, the brightest and most stubborn member of the Golden Trio had no response. She sighed and shook her head before returning to the book she had open on her lap. Sensing she no longer wanted to speak, Draco sat back down in his chair with the book she'd instructed him to read.

The book turned out to be useless, with information only regarding burns received from carnivorous plants. He found himself looking at Granger more often than the words in front of him. She worried her bottom lip, an inquisitive tilt to her brow as she turned the page. She was curled up in her chair, her petite frame easily fitting in the oversized cushion. About an hour into their agreed silence, he had a realization that brought goose bumps to his flesh and made his heart pound in his ears. She was beautiful, absolutely and unquestioningly beautiful.

She looked up and caught him staring, curiosity overtaking her eyes. She opened her mouth, as if to ask a question, but promptly shut it again. Gaining her composure, she addressed him, "I'm not supposed to be telling you this, but they plan to question you again tomorrow. Around noon. If you could just cooperate we wouldn't have to use th – "

"No." He shook his head resolutely, "I may be stuck in these headquarters and I may be civil but that does not change the side for which I have fought for for the better part of four years." An image of his mother entered his mind as he continued, "And I will not willingly give up the safety of my family and friends. No matter what you think of them or my side or anything of the like. I will not be a turncoat – not willingly."

"We can try to guarantee the safety of your family! We can try to save them." She pleaded.

"Try." He snarled, "Try being the key word there. Absolutely not Granger. I will not risk them or their safety for your attempts. You know as well as I do that the majority of your precious Order will attack my family or friends no matter what special instructions have been given." The truth of his words was written across her face. "Don't make yourselves out to the hero's in a battle of demons. We're all guilty here, and I don't trust those that have a reason to feel remorse." He stood and slammed the book down on the table, anger coursing through his veins, "Goodnight. Can't wait for tomorrow."

Like clockwork, he heard Granger's familiar knock at his door at noon the next day. Behind her were Ron and Harry, both looking uncomfortable. She cleared her throat, "Malfoy, you're wanted for questioning if you'd come with us?"

"Oh don't flatter me by asking. Everyone here knows I have zero fucking choice in the matter. Let's get this shit over with."

He sat in the same chair in the same room they'd placed him in last time. Hermione and Ron took their place at the back but Harry remained at the front desk with Kingsley.

"I'm going to be the one questioning you this time Malfoy, I'd like to again offer for you to answer these questions without having to use Veritaserum."

"Oh shove off Potter and stop with the formalities." Draco bit back, "you're going to have to force it down my throat and everyone in this room knows it."

The potion slipped venomously down his throat, the familiar silk had now become snakelike to him. Harry waited a full minute before beginning, "What are the names of the other members of the Inner Circle?"

Their names and faces played out in his head like a film, his brain whispering to him to speak their identities, his teeth refusing to cooperate. He bit down until he tasted blood and it was only when black spots in his vision from the lack of air forced him to inhale and names came pouring out of his mouth, like floodwaters of a hurricane. And his knowledge was the eye of the fucking storm.

"Lucius Malfoy. Bellatrix Lestrange. Antonin Dolohov. Alecto Carrow. Amycus Carrow. Corban Yaxley." His eyes bore holes into Harry's head, murderously dark.

"And who is the highest ranked."

Oh fuck it, they already knew the damn members and his tongue and jaw hurt from the effort of the previous question. "Oh c'mon now Potter. I thought you would at least have this information. If not from common sense, than from being somewhat decent at war tactics. Bellatrix Lestrange is the highest ranked." If they were going to keep asking obvious questions perhaps he could get through this without feeling guilt tear at every bone in his body.

"So you are by far the youngest member of the inner circle?"

"Potter knows how to do his basic math." Draco mocked, "Yes I am the youngest. The Dark Lord saw…potential in me." He tried to hide the disgust that pooled in his stomach at that fact. Who the hell wanted to have potential at being an achieved prejudiced murderer?

"And your best friend, Blaise Zabini, he isn't in the inner circle?"

"Did I just list his name?"

Harry bit back a retort and took a deep breath. Draco turned to see Hermione looking pained next to Ron. Much to his surprise the ginger didn't look overly pleased with the situation either. Kingsley cleared his throat bringing Draco's attention back to Harry.

"We have reason to believe Blaise Zabini's summer house in Cornwall is a safehouse for the Death Eaters. Specifically, members of the inner circle and their closest allies. Is this true?"

Draco's blood turned to ice. So this is the facts they were actually after. They probably already knew who was in the fucking inner circle, they just needed to be sure before attacking. An emotion stronger than rage spread like fire, battling against the ice that seemed to have replaced his blood. To add to the fury, he suddenly felt a force attempting to break down his mental walls. He locked eyes with Kingsley and knew it to be him, the second most accomplished legilimens in the order. The best was sitting right behind him and seemed to at least have morals in not trying to kick a man when he was down. His walls held perfectly, they'd have to try harder than that.

Finally, after his mouth had filled with blood, the Veritaserum screaming in his ears and his hands shaking against the restraints of the chair, a barely audible "Yes." Slipped from his lips. As though it sense a traitor, his mark burned with vengeance against his skin and he did little to help it. He deserved the pain, all of it.

He'd just sentenced his closest friends and family to inevitable attack. And there was nothing he could do about it. Hopelessness joined in the party of emotions overtaking his body as he distantly heard the words, "Okay Malfoy. That's all for today. Hermione will take you back to your room." His world was spinning and he welcomed the floor as it rushed up to meet his face.

I hope everyone likes this so far! Once again please please review and tell me what you think! Thanks!