Alrighties, just a warning, this chapter is sort of longish but not my longest. I have a bundle of other chapters of this ready to upload, I'm just going through and writing my A/Ns.

Enjoy.

"Right, where is this kid's room?" Malfoy whispered.

"Cell 89." Hermione said, as they started running up the dark corridor.

"Alright then." Malfoy mumbled, turning this way and that, following the numbers on the walls.

He grabbed Hermione's hand and dragged her into the shadows as two guards walked down the hall towards them. Hermione and Malfoy pressed themselves up against the wall, not daring to breath as the guards passed them. Hermione noticed Malfoy was still holding her hand. When the guards were gone, he ran down the hall, still holding her hand. Hermione decided to discard it.

Ten minutes later, they reached cell 89. Malfoy unlocked it, and quickly pushed Hermione inside. Hermione saw a cell smaller then hers, Ellie in one corner, a bed in another.

"Hey Ellie." Hermione said quickly.

Ellie looked at her. "What are you doing here?"

"Getting you out." Hermione smiled, walking over to her.

Ellie smiled.

Hermione held out her arms, picked Ellie up and ran back to the door. "We'll play a game where you have to be the quietest okay? You must stay quiet or the game will end."

"Okay." Ellie mumbled.

Malfoy saw them coming.

"Who is that?" Ellie asked, pointing to Malfoy.

"A good Friend." Hermione said quickly. "Now remember, shh."

Ellie nodded into Hermione's shoulder, and rested her head.

Hermione held her like most mothers- on one hip. Ellie's arms were wrapped tightly around Hermione's neck. Hermione looked Malfoy, silently thanking him with her eyes, then followed him down the corridor.

Malfoy secretly thought a child with Granger suited her. Of course, he would never share this with her.

Ten minutes later, they were running along a dark corridor, crouched low, avoiding the cell doors on both sides of the wall. They hadn't seen a guard for a while, but Malfoy told them that the alarm may have been tripped.

Malfoy pulled them into a small, narrow corridor. Hermione would have completely missed it herself. It was set into the wall in the shadows, with absolutely no light.

She found herself reaching for Malfoy's hand as they ran along the corridor. There were no cells here. The ceiling was low, and it smelt damp. The floor was a mixture of stone and dirt. After a minute, Malfoy grunted. He had hit something wooden in the wall.

"Are we trapped?" Hermione hissed, her voice echoing in the dark. She could practically feel Ellie's heart beat. The poor girl was shaking.

"No." Malfoy mumbled.

Hermione heard a series of thumps. Suddenly, the wall seemed to fall away and dark moon light poured in through the hole. It was only after Hermione scrambled out of it did she realize that it was a door.

They were on a cliff face- nothing a head of them but water. A narrow path led around to their left, a sheer fall to their right. Malfoy led them along the path, careful to put his feet in the right place. The moon light provided some comfort, but not much. Hermione was uncomfortable. Something didn't seem right. They had gotten out fairly easy.

"Malfoy, I have a bad feeling about this." She mumbled.

Malfoy stopped walking and turned around to face her. She nearly bumped into him.

"Really?" He asked. "Me too."

Suddenly the path ended and they were facing the castle grounds. They looked even sadder at night with the moon light on them. Malfoy froze when he saw ten Dementors on the grounds, spread out, patrolling.

He pulled Hermione and Ellie over to a boulder and crouched behind it.

"That was far too easy."

Hermione nodded in agreement. They sat still for a moment, until Malfoy heard small voices. He pressed a finger to his lips and strained his ears to hear.

"We found Gil locked in one of the cells. Two prisoners have escaped- the Ministry will be very angry at us- and I'm not taking the heat!" The voice was low, rough and agitated.

"Why? It's only two prisoners." Another voice replied, though this one was softer, and a little anxious.

"They both, at one point have been accused of Mr. Harry Potter's disappearance! Imagine what this will do! If something has happened to him, everyone will be in uproar- especially when it gets out that we had the suspects but they escaped!"

Draco resisted the urge to roll his eyes- of course, can't have the golden boy missing. The voices continued.

"So who are the escapees?"

"Lucius Malfoy's brat, and that Healer who protected a Death Eater."

"The girl they bought in the other day?"

"Yes, the very same."

"Isn't she Hermione Granger? Why would she protect a Death Eater?"

"That's precisely what the Minster wants to find out. I heard the fat man who was here yesterday talking to Ray that they think she's smitten with the Death Eater so much so that she betrayed her friends. Meeting them was a convenience."

"And Malfoy? Why is he so important?"

"He apparently has information on He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Not to mention, they knew he had a history with Mr. Potter, and they believe he may be in league with Granger- this is proof now if you ask me. They escaped together."

"But they can't get far."

"Not with the Dementors patrolling they wont. I've made sure of it."

Draco glanced at Granger and saw her eyes were wide. She too had heard every word they had said. She was about to whisper something to him when Draco held up a hand to stop her. Someone was speaking again.

"Even if they had nothing to do with Mr. Potter's disappearance, the Ministry will find a way to blame them. I reckon the only way they'll be let off is if Potter walks into the Ministry unharmed, with a good explanation as to where he has been." The voice trailed into silence as the two men began to walk away. Draco couldn't hear anything else of what was being said.

Ellie was shaking so much in Hermione's lap, even though she hadn't understood anything that she had heard. She felt her blood run cold as she thought a Dementor was near. A small squeak escaped her lips. Hermione quickly pressed a hand to Ellie's mouth, and muttered calming words in her ear. Hermione glanced at Malfoy with a now what expression.

"I'm thinking, I'm thinking!" Malfoy mumbled, his mind racing. How could they get out of this alive? He glanced around the boulder and saw a small row boat sitting in the water, about 100 meters away. A small smirk crept onto his lips. Malfoy raised the wand, and concentrated.

Hermione's mouth fell open in surprise as a serpent patronus shot out from the wand tip and slithered through the air across the grounds. It's white or silvery light seemed like a bright orb in the near darkness as the moon wasn't doing its job. The Dementors immediately chased it.

Malfoy stood, grabbed Hermione's hand and they began running toward the boat, Ellie still carried by Hermione. They reached the boat after a moment, huffing and panting, but they quickly scrambled into the boat, and Malfoy tapped the oars with the wand. The boat started rowing on its own. Hermione was sitting on one of the narrow wooden seats, Ellie next to her, while Malfoy sat on the opposite one with his back to Azkaban.

They heard shouts and screams. Hermione looked over Malfoy's shoulder and saw that the patronus had died off, and the Dementors had a moment of confusion before following the guards who were running to where the boat had been. They began firing angry spells from their wands.

"Duck!" Hermione shouted, pushing Ellie down to shield her. She didn't know if Malfoy had ducked in time as a red spark flew over her head, quickly followed by a strange blue one.

Malfoy hadn't ducked, but instead had turned around in his seat and raised his wand, firing two quick spells, that hit two guards, before he began to create a shield around the boat. An invisible shield appeared seconds later, and the spells deflected off it. But as Malfoy concentrated to keep the shield up, with his eyes closed, he felt there was a little hole somewhere…his eyes opened to look around and he began to repair the small hole that had appeared.

As he bent to touch the gap with the wand tip a small curse shot through the hole and hit him in his right shoulder. Malfoy roared with pain, and quickly patched up the hole before collapsing on the floor of the boat.

Hermione sat up, and saw the prison was slowly getting smaller and the spells now being cast at them barely made it. She then spotted Malfoy on the floor, hand to his shoulder, as some kind of smoke escaped between his fingers. Hermione slid down next to him and forced his hand away to look at the damage.

Malfoy looked at her warily, but Hermione dismissed his concerns with snapping "I'm a trained healer damn it. I know what I'm doing." She brushed his hand away and looked at his shoulder.

The clothing around the wound was scorched and burnt, but as Hermione carefully pulled it back, ripping it more, she saw a round burn, about 6 cm in diameter, that was black and red. The flesh was blistered and scorched and smelt like charred skin- big surprise there. She winced when she saw the burn was slowly spreading! It was like it was eating all the skin around it. That would be very painful. She pulled the wand out of his hand, much to his protest, and pointed it to his burn. She muttered something under her breath and with a sigh of relief saw that the burn had stopped spreading.

Malfoy's face was contorted with unspoken pain. He tried to focus on anything but the searing pain that had stretched from his shoulder to his chest.

Hermione continued to mutter spells that helped with the pain, and the burns, but she wouldn't be able to do much unless she had some medicine. Since there would be no way she could return to the hospital, Hermione decided herbs would have to do and she knew the perfect place to get them- the Weasleys.

When the boat had reached a certain point, Hermione touched Ellie, who was still shivering, and grabbed Malfoy's hand and apparated.



Arthur Weasley came home from the Ministry, looking worn out and tired. Molly was in the kitchen, fixing him some late night supper, and her back was bent over the stove when her husband came in through the back door. After hearing his sigh, Molly turned around and saw the expression on his face.

"Arthur, what's wrong?" Molly asked, fearing the worst.

Mr. Weasley sighed again before slowly settling himself at the kitchen table. "I've just been told by our connections at the ministry that Hermione is in Azkaban."

Mrs. Weasley dropped the wooden spoon that was in her hand. It landed on the kitchen tiles with a dull clatter. "Arthur, that isn't funny. Why would Hermione be there?"

"I didn't get the full details…" Mr. Weasley mumbled, rubbing his temples. "But it was something about she wasn't co-operating with the Ministry, and something about her being followed by Death Eaters so they took her for her own protection."

"What absolute rubbish." Mrs. Weasley said, even though her eyes were still wide.

"That's not all." Mr. Weasley continued. He hesitated, then took a deep breath. "Apparently they are also trying to connect her with Harry and Ron's disappearance."

Mrs. Weasley's face was one of shock for a moment before it twisted into rage. "How can that possibly be? They are on a Ministry mission! How can they be labeled 'missing' when the ministry sent them?"

Mr. Weasley shrugged. "I don't know. It's just what I've been told."

"Wait until I get down there- I'll straighten them out. How could they put an innocent girl behind those horrible walls? She hasn't done anything wrong! It's criminal, that's what it is. Why, it's almost as if they are accusing her of being involved with the dark side- Hermione of all people! She's Harry Potter's friend for goodness sakes. She's about as dark as the light in this kitchen! I just can't-"

"Molly, calm down. We'll find a way to help her." Mr. Weasley said soothingly, getting up and hugging her.

"How? We won't be able to reach her…and Arthur, what if something has happened to Harry and Ron? Have you heard anything-"

"Molly, you need to take a breath." Mr. Weasley said, taking a steady breath himself. "I'm sure we can help in some way and that Harry and Ron are-"

"Shh!" Mrs. Weasley said quickly. "Did you hear that?" she could have sworn that she heard a pop from somewhere out in the garden.

The two of them stood in the kitchen for a second, listening to the quiet house. They suddenly heard someone groaning, and footsteps on the gravel. Mrs. Weasley gripped Arthur's hand as he reached for his wand.

The back door opened, and it took them a moment to see their visitors. Hermione stood in the door, supporting Malfoy and holding onto a little girl's hand. Mrs. Weasley squealed in delight and rushed forward, sprouting incoherent words.

Hermione struggled to understand what she was saying. She caught words like "I just heard about…I was so…you had me thinking…oh thank Merlin…that's a horrible place…I couldn't believe…"

"Molly, take a breath." Mr. Weasley said, walking forward and giving Hermione a quick glance. "Here, come in Hermione and sit down."

She smiled gratefully, and shuffled into the room, still supporting Malfoy who hadn't yet realized where he was. They sat down at the table, Hermione in between Malfoy and Ellie on one side, while Mr. Weasley sat opposite them and Molly fixed them some tea.

Mr. Weasley surveyed Hermione. Her hair was messy, and she had slightly torn clothes, but nothing drastic. His eyes flicked to the little girl who was looking around the kitchen like she had never seen so much colour and life. Her eyes were wide with surprise, curiosity and fear. Then Mr. Weasley looked at Malfoy who had his eyes closed, leaning back, groaning softly.

Hermione had seemed to think his injuries could wait- at least until she explained what happened.

Mrs. Weasley set a cup of tea down in front of everyone, then sat next to Arthur.

"I was only told of your situation this afternoon." Mr. Weasley began, not taking his eyes off Hermione, even though he wanted to know who and why she had the company. He decided she'd get around to it.

Hermione nodded, taking a sip of tea. "It's a very long, and I think complicated story." She said, after a pause. "I'll tell you everything, but I don't know if I should- you could get into trouble."

"Nonsense dear." Mrs. Weasley said. "It doesn't matter. The ministry are a bunch of-"

"Molly." Arthur warned.

"Fools." Mrs. Weasley finished.

Hermione smiled, sensing that wasn't the word Mrs. Weasley would have liked to end with. "They are. Okay. Here it goes." Hermione took another deep breath and was about to begin her story- from the very beginning- the club, when Malfoy suddenly shouted in pain as the burn in his chest flared up again.

Everyone looked at him for a second in shock, before Hermione stood up, setting her tea down on the table. "Mrs. Weasley, can I put him on a couch somewhere?"

"Of course you can, dear. He can go into the spare room." Mrs. Weasley said, standing up.

"And can Ellie have somewhere to rest?"

Mrs. Weasley nodded, smiling kindly at Ellie. "She can sleep in Ginny's old room. Come with me dear." She said, offering her hand to the timid 5 year old. Ellie took her hand, and with Mr. Weasley and Hermione supporting Malfoy, they started through the kitchen and up the stairs.

Mrs. Weasley got Ellie settled in Ginny's room while Mr. Weasley and Hermione continued onto the official spare room and carefully lay Malfoy down on the bed.

"What's the matter with him?" Mr. Weasley asked as Hermione sat on the bed and felt Malfoy's forehead.

"He was hit with a curse." Hermione said. Malfoy's eyes were closed, his hands were gripping his shirt and his forehead was hot and clammy. "Does Mrs. Weasley still have her herb garden?"

"Of course I do." Mrs. Weasley said, coming through the door. "The little girl is asleep. Now, what herbs do you need?"

Hermione gave her a list and Mrs. Weasley disappeared. Mr. Weasley left a moment later, and Hermione took Malfoy's shirt off. The burn had reignited, and was now covering the top of his chest, reaching from shoulder to shoulder. Malfoy was in absolute agony.

Mr. Weasley returned a moment later, carrying a small bowl of cold water and a clean cloth. Mrs. Weasley came back soon and handed Hermione the herbs. Hermione dabbed the damp cloth over Malfoy's face and on the burn. She had stopped it from spreading again, but knew it was only a matter of time before it began to move. She crumpled some of the herbs in her hands and rubbed them into the burn.

"I need to make a potion." Hermione said.

Mrs. Weasley nodded. "I'll stay up here if you like. My kitchen is yours."

Hermione smiled, handed her the damp cloth and left the room, heading down the stairs. She entered the kitchen and began to move around quickly. A pot was on the stove in seconds, boiling away. Hermione threw some herbs in, then stirred it, before adding some ingredients she found in Mrs. Weasley's potion cupboard.

The potion gave off a strange lavender smell and had a bright red colour. Hermione continued to add certain things until the only thing left to do was let the potion simmer. It had taken her an hour.

After turning down the heat, Hermione walked back up to Malfoy's room and saw Mr. Weasley sitting in a chair, and Mrs. Weasley on the bed, every now and then dabbing Malfoy's forehead.

"Has he made a noise?" Hermione asked, walking over to her.

Mrs. Weasley shook her head. "Hasn't even made a whimper. I think he may have passed out."

"Not surprising." Hermione said, looking at him. He wasn't as clammy and the burn wasn't quite so blistery. "Well the potion needs to simmer for about twenty minutes."

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley nodded.

"I guess I'll fill you in." Hermione sat down on a small chair and took a deep breath before unloading. She started with the club and Andy, then how Harry and Ron had called off their meeting, saying they had something that had to be done. She told them of Harry's instructions to burn the letter. She then went on to describe the next day when Andy had showed up, chased by the Aurors. It went on through her boss, then the warning Andy gave her, her trip home when she felt strange, and then finally the day when she was chased through the streets of London before being caught on the bus.

Hermione took a deep breath before plunging into what the Ministry worker had told her, and the questions he had asked. Then she told them how she was told that Azkaban was the only way to protect her from the Death Eaters that were apparently following her. Hermione then spoke of her time in Azkaban, explaining how Malfoy was her cell mate, what he had told her about…well everything, about the fat man's visit, and how she had met Ellie. Then she told them Malfoy had a plan and agreed to help her escape with Ellie. Finally she told them about their escape and how Malfoy became injured.

When she was finished, Hermione took a deep breath, and saw the Weasleys were watching her, trying to comprehend everything she had said.

After a moment, Hermione asked softly. "Do you know anything about Harry and Ron?"

"No." Mr. Weasley said. "We only know what you know- they were on some kind of mission."

"But it is horribly wrong how they are trying to blame you dear, if anything has happened to them." Mrs. Weasley said, gripping the cloth so tightly that all the moisture dripped out of it. "And if anything has, when I get my hands on them…"

Mr. Weasley sighed. "It all sounds very…mysterious. And him…" Mr. Weasley looked at Malfoy. "I wonder what his story is. I know what he told you Hermione, but its obvious there is more to it."

Hermione nodded- she had got that feeling too.

"So do you know what's going to happen when he is better?" Mrs. Weasley asked after a moment of silence.

Hermione shrugged. "I think the original plan was to go our separate ways, but…" Hermione sighed. "I think the only way to clear our names is to find Harry."

"And you should do it together?"

"And we should do it together." Hermione nodded.

"But remember Hermione, Harry is only one part of why you are in trouble. What about this Andy character?" Mr. Weasley asked. "You said you were his mission…"

"That's right dear, you may still be what he's after."

"But he's locked in the hospital." Mr. Weasley said, looking at his wife.

"I don't know- he seems like a tricky piece of work." Hermione said, then suddenly remembered the potion. "Hold on." She got up, raced down stairs and looked at the potion which had turned to a nice salmon colour. Hermione carefully poured some into a glass then went back up stairs. She woke Malfoy up, much to his protest and forced some down his throat. After that was done, Hermione set the glass down the table and sat back down. Malfoy had collapsed into a deep sleep.

"It doesn't matter either way Hermione." Mr. Weasley said. "You should still keep that in the back of your mind while searching for Harry."

"I still don't think searching with him is a good idea." Molly said, nodding at Malfoy.

"I don't think so." Hermione said. "He won't be any trouble- he needs to clear his name as much as I do."

Mr. Weasley nodded. "And what about the girl?"

Hermione shrugged. "I don't know- I was wondering if you knew anyone who could take care of her."

Mrs. Weasley smiled. "I think I know someone."

Hermione sighed. "Good."

"Well dear, I think you have earned a rest…I can show you a room if you like…"

"No, I think I'll stay in here- the potion needs to be taken every couple of hours." Hermione stood and smiled at them. "Thank you so much for taking us in…I really had no idea where else to go…"

"It's quite alright dear…you have been through a fair deal. It's the least we can do." Mrs. Weasley said, hugging her tightly. "I'll have a lovely breakfast for you in the morning."

Hermione smiled into her shoulder then pulled back. "Thank you." Mr. Weasley gave her a quick hug then they both left the room. Hermione settled herself back down on her chair and closed her eyes. She took a deep breath and was relieved that they had done it- they had escaped from Azkaban. She really had no idea what she was going to say to Malfoy in the morning (when his burns should be fully healed) because she was determined that they searched for Harry together. Besides, Malfoy may be able to help her with the Andy issue as well.

:

Through out the night, Hermione woke every few hours to give Malfoy the potion. It hadn't really mattered since she wasn't sleeping very well anyway. Her mind kept running through everything that happened over the last few days. It was like it had happened to somebody else.

By the time the sun slithered through the window, along the floor, across Malfoy's bed and up her chair to sit uncomfortably bright in her face, Hermione really wasn't in a good mood. She opened one eye but shut it quickly as the light nearly blinded her. Groaning, Hermione pushed her chair back a meter or so, to give herself about ten more minutes of sleeping time.

However, it didn't really work- the sun was glaring in her face minutes later.

Hermione sighed in defeat and slowly stood up, rubbing her eyes and arching her back. She walked over to Malfoy's bed and saw he was awake but looked very tired and slightly confused.

Hermione sat on the bed, a movement which caused another look of confusion from Malfoy, but Hermione didn't care. She leaned forward to examine his burns. A small smile crept onto her mouth. His burns were completely gone- the only thing that was left behind was a light pink patch of skin where it had been. Hermione thought that should clear in a few days.

"How are you feeling?" Hermione asked, touching his forehead. He wasn't sweating anymore either.

"Like I've been caught in a burning house." Malfoy mumbled. He looked around the room. "If you paid this for a hotel, then you should get your money back."

Hermione tried to not let her face stiffen. Its okay, he's just confused, she told herself. "It's not a hotel." She said, turning to look away and pick up the bowl of water. "It's Mr. and Mrs. Weasley's house."

Malfoy's eyes went wide. "You put me there? But their house is probably not a very safe structure- have you looked at it? I mean, seriously looked at it?"

"Yes I have, and I believe the magic they used is very strong. Quit your complaining."

"They hate me- what if they gave me a potion made with poison?"

"Well if they had, you would be dead by now."

"Not if it is a slow working poison- they exist you know."

"I know Malfoy. Besides, I was the only one who gave you anything- plus, I've been in here all night."

"But you hate me too."

Hermione sighed. "Malfoy, people grow up. I grew up. The things that happened in Hogwarts…well let's say I've left them in Hogwarts. You should too."

Malfoy was silent a moment, then slowly sat himself up against his pillows. He was about to say something when Ellie came through the door and walked over to them. She climbed onto the bed, getting an almost frightened look from Malfoy, and sat next to Hermione.

"This place is huge!" Ellie said, her eyes wide, as if she was trying to emphasize how 'huge' it really was.

Hermione smiled at her. "I'm glad you like it."

"Mrs. Weasley is really kind. She made me pancakes this morning." Ellie seemed to frown. "I can't remember the last time I ate something with a taste."

"Me neither." Malfoy mumbled.

"Do you know if Mrs. Weasley has-"

"Breakfast is downstairs for you dear." Mrs. Weasley said, standing in the door way. The bright look and rosy smile led Hermione to suspect she had heard what Ellie had said.

Hermione smiled at Mrs. Weasley. "Thank you." She got off the bed, helped Ellie down and started to follow Mrs. Weasley out of the room.

At the door, Malfoy spoke. "Could you get me something?"

Hermione turned. "Sure."

She saw Malfoy settle back into his pillows as she closed the door behind her and started down the stairs.

"Arthur has already gone to work- they have lots of people working on Harry and Ron's 'disappearance'." Mrs. Weasley said, entering the kitchen. "Arthur isn't one of them, but they have him in early for other things…besides, it gives him a chance to speak to people."

Hermione nodded and looked around the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley had really out done herself. Three pots burned on the stove, spoons were mixing in bowls near the benches, plates were washing themselves in the sink then neatly staking out of the way and the toast was buttering itself before landing on a plate.

"I think Malfoy should choose his breakfast." Hermione said, then turned around and headed quickly back up the stairs.

In his room, Malfoy didn't appear to be too keen to get out of bed, but Hermione grabbed his hand and practically dragged him out. He grabbed his shirt, with the blood stain on the shoulder and quickly put it on, even though it was his prison uniform.

"Come on," she said, helping him to stand. "You'll love it. There is too much to choose from so you can pick it for yourself."

They walked out the door and down the stairs. A moment later, they were sitting at the table with Ellie while Mrs. Weasley finished up the cooking.

Malfoy looked a little uncomfortable in his surroundings, but Hermione saw he was slowly relaxing as he ate.

"Mrs. Weasley, I think you have just about cooked a feast." Hermione said, smiling as she took a sip of pumpkin juice.

Mrs. Weasley beamed. "Well, breakfast is the most important meal of the day." Then her face darkened slightly. "And I know the horrible food they serve in…that horrible place."

Hermione knew she was referring to Azkaban.

After they had finished their food, Hermione offered to do the dishes, with Malfoy's help. He had seemed extremely reluctant, but wasn't rude enough to say no. Mrs. Weasley had insisted they hadn't, but Hermione asked her to help Ellie into some less obvious clothing- the little 5 year old was still wearing her prison uniform.

Once Mrs. Weasley and Ellie had left the kitchen, Hermione stood and started gathering the dirty dishes before putting them in the sink and tapping the brush with the prison guard's wand. It immediately came to life and began to clean the plates.

Malfoy came over carrying a few glasses and put them down.

Hermione sat on the counter. "Um, I wanted to talk to you about something."

Malfoy glanced over his shoulder with a suspicious look in his eyes, as if he was expecting her to confessing about poisoning his food. "Oh?"

"Look, I really want to clear my name with this whole Harry thing, and I believe you do to. I agree with the guard from last night- the only way to do that is to have Harry come back and prove he is okay." Hermione took a deep breath. "But we need to find him to bring him back."

"Wait a second- we?"

"Yes. We need to clear our names and we have to help each other to do so."

Malfoy sighed. "I'll think about it. But hold on, what about you're whole death eater problem?"

"Pardon me?"

"I heard you talking last night- when you were explaining everything to our hosts." Normally, someone confessing this would look bashful, but Malfoy kept a perfectly neutral face. "I hadn't passed out."

That much Hermione could have figured out for herself. So, Malfoy –the prick- eavesdropped on her conversation with the Weasleys, so now he knows everything. Great. "Well…" Hermione began carefully. "I don't know. I guess I'll cross that bridge when I come to it."

Malfoy slowly nodded. "And the girl?"

"Whose name is Ellie- Mrs. Weasley thinks she knows someone who can take care of her." Hermione said.

Malfoy didn't speak and a moment later Mrs. Weasley came back through the door and handed him a clean t-shit. "I thought you may want to get out of that uniform as well."

Malfoy didn't seem to hesitate as he took his shirt off carefully, handed it to Mrs. Weasley who looked slightly uncomfortable, and slipped into the new shirt that was a little too tight- but it wasn't like he was complaining.

Hermione turned away, blushing slightly which earned her a smirk from Malfoy. He looked to speak to Mrs. Weasley but she had left the room.

There was an uncomfortable silence for Hermione- who was desperately trying to not look at Malfoy as that shirt clung to his muscles perfectly. She scolded herself and commanded her cheeks to stop burning. She would never let this down.

Malfoy however didn't seem to realize her shiftiness as he sat himself at the kitchen table and lazily looked around the kitchen for the first time. "I guess it doesn't seem that bad."

"What doesn't?" Hermione asked, sliding off the counter and walking over to the sink without showing Malfoy her face. She was as red as a beetroot.

Malfoy spoke. "The house. It's…what's a word? Cozy. Now, I'm not saying I want to live here, but as a break from everyday living…it's definitely an improvement from that cell."

Hermione had a strange flashback to her time in Hogwarts as she splashed cold water on her face. Putting the flames out as it were. Her flashback was in the girl's dormitory, where it was probably around ten o'clock and Hermione, who was in bed but reading was brought out of her comfort zone when Lavender entered the room, gossiping with another girl.

Lavender and the girl (Who was in a year below them) were talking about a stunt Malfoy had just done. As ever, he was trying to get the attention of some girl who said she'd admire anyone who crossed the lake. That and the challenge that had risen between him and other Slytherins. Of course, Malfoy had to be the winner. So apparently, and according to a flushed Lavender, at sunset, Malfoy had stripped down to black boxes and braved the lake. On the other side, he had received a kiss from the girl, who now admired him.

Hermione remembered wondering how Malfoy had looked but had scolded herself then too. What a stupid thought. He couldn't look that good (considering Lavender was comparing him to a Greek god.)

Now, back in the present, Hermione turned the tap off and felt the redness drain from her face. She turned to face Malfoy and saw he was watching her with a smirk on his face.

"What?" she asked, slightly embarrassed.

"Nothing." Malfoy said innocently. "I think that if we are to track down Potter, we should get moving. I want this over with as soon as possible."

Hermione nodded.

At that moment, Mrs. Weasley entered the kitchen. Hermione explained that they should get moving. Mrs. Weasley was reluctant- "Don't you want to rest?" but Hermione and Malfoy were determined to go. She sighed, and hugged Hermione, and shook Malfoy's hand.

"Will you be warm enough dears?"

Hermione nodded, but Malfoy hesitated- he was only in his prison pants, (which were plain black as the white stripes were dirty) and black shirt. However, he didn't need to say anything as Mrs. Weasley quickly handed him a black coat that looked expensive.

"It was supposed to be Ron's but he was too lanky for it…its brand new dear, so it's never been worn."

Malfoy nodded, and slipped the jacket on.

Hermione thought he looked like something out of the matrix.

They said their final good byes, Hermione having to tear Ellie away as the girl clung to her leg, and started to walk up the drive way.

"I have to say you handled that well." Hermione admitted when they were out of ear shot.

"Handled what?" Malfoy asked, kicking a rock away.

"That house. I thought you hated them."

"Hate is a strong word. Influenced is more appropriate."

Hermione nodded. "Right then."

"So where should we begin this search?" Malfoy asked, sounding bored, and Jesus, it was only the beginning.

"Harry's Aunt and Uncle's house." Hermione said after a moment.

"Does Potter still live with them?" Malfoy asked, looking surprised.

Hermione shook her head. "No, he moved out, but it's the only place where Voldermort cannot go. I think that if Harry wanted to hide something from him, it would be the perfect place."

Malfoy shrugged. "Fine. Whatever. But remember, we are probably wanted by the magic law by now."

"We can find ways to avoid that." Hermione mumbled, pulling out the guard's wand they had stolen. "But we really should get our own wands back."



Andy found his way to the house, and entered through the front door. It was run down, and old, but the apartment kept its host safe. He walked over the threshold, and down a very dusty corridor, then began to climb a rickety staircase.

At the end of the corridor, Andy turned and walked through an archway, finding himself standing in a wide room, scattered with chairs and empty glasses. A large burning fireplace was on the opposite end of the room, and standing before it, hands behind his back, robes clumped around his ankles was Voldermort.

"Andy." Voldermort greeted, slowly turning around. "Well, that didn't go at all to plan, now did it?"

"No, my Lord." Andy mumbled, not meeting his burning gaze. Andy made his way carefully into the room.

"Normally I would have killed you for this stupidity. Honestly Andy- telling the girl your real name? Then appartating to the place she worked so she had to save your neck? Do you realize what this means?"

Andy shook his head.

"It means you are in her debt- she saved your life. You are in her debt for life."

Andy cursed.

"However," Voldermort continued calmly. "This may prove to work to my advantage. The girl is smart- it won't take her long to figure the debt you now owe her. But as we can not wait, then you will have to help her along."

"How?"

"Tell her. Track her down and let her know you are in her debt- tell her I threw you out because of it. Make it convincing. I can set up a situation where you save her life. She will eventually trust and believe you."

Andy nodded. "Ok."

"But there are some things you should know before hand." Voldermort said. "Because the dear helped you, she was thrown into Azkaban."

"So I have to break her out?" Andy guessed.

"Too late- she has already escaped with Lucius's son." Voldermort said, tilting his head slightly. "But that wasn't the only reason she was there- it appears Harry Potter has gone missing, and the fools believe she had something to do with it."

"What?"

"Well they thought she was smitten with you, therefore betrayed her friends. This is getting better." A smirk played with Voldermort's mouth. "I am guessing that she will want to clear her name- from you and from Harry. However I have the sneaking suspicion she wont be alone. Your task is to stall their search for Harry as long as it takes for her to trust you. Then you can help them search, and when you find him, you are to call me immediately."

Andy nodded. "Of course, my lord."

Voldermort waved a hand in dismissal. "You may go."

Whoop! Hello!!! Ok, so the pieces are beginning to fall together, into a puzzle…and Hermione is none the wiser! So people are plotting, people are missing, and Hermione and Draco's search is about to begin in the next chapter!

R&R if you want to know if they find anything useful!

Aj.