Ok...I'm sooo sorry...I apologize...I took absolutely far to long to update and I really feel bad...please forgive me! I've been doing so much that I completely forgot to write and I moved so things are like everywhere but I'm going to write now...I promise...
Thank you for having patience with me and this whole forever update thing...It's been a while since I wrote on this story so I lost a little bit of that touch that it had but it's coming back...so if this chap isn't soo good just bare with me...it'll get better...
The Cold and The Mission
When Hermione arrived home after tea, Macnair close behind her, she felt a bit better. She had realized and unlocked the feelings that she had kept deep inside her for Draco. It had been eating away at her for years but she hadn't been able to identify the cause for her unhappiness even when with wonderful people. Now she knew.
It was like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She felt freer, like something inside had been released. She smiled as she wound her way through the darkened room toward the faint light from the kitchen. Macnair was behind her somewhere trying to make his way with his wand pointed before him. She heard furniture being moved and tables being bumped and her smile widened a bit.
When she reached the kitchen she noticed that there were no house elves preparing dinner. It was customary, by Draco's command of course, for the elves to be preparing dinner for them when they learned one was to be arriving home. That's why it was strange to enter an empty kitchen.
"Where's Draco?" Hermione asked turning to Macnair who'd finally joined her.
"The business he had to attend to with the Dark Lord will keep him out later. I was instructed to stay and keep watch over you." Macnair said flicking his wand. The rest of the lights in the house went on. Hermione shook her head, how someone with this man's IQ could be put in charge of her was a mystery.
"Well I'm just going to go to sleep. You don't have to come up and make sure I haven't escaped, I'm not going to." She said before turning away and starting up the stairs.
Macnair didn't follow but went back to the living room to wait for Draco's return. Hermione however went to their room. She closed the door behind her and walked to the bathroom. She slipped off the skirt and pulled on something more comfortable to sleep in. She left the tank top on but slipped out of her bra. She brushed her teeth and washed her hands, a normal bedtime ritual. When she was finished she clicked off the light and walked to the bed in the darkness only the sliver of light from the moon, peeking behind the curtains to guide her way.
She climbed in bed all the while wondering where Draco was. Were they out doing terrible things, as Death Eaters did? Or were they just sitting in a meeting discussing ways to destroy Harry? Either way Hermione wished he weren't there. She didn't want him to become evil, to become his father. She didn't want to be married to another Lucius. She wanted Draco to see how wrong that path was for him.
Hermione saw the potential in him. She saw the good that he had within him, especially when he was being nice to her. He could be so useful to the Order if only he'd stop being so obedient. His father had him on a leash though she could tell there was tension between them. He still did whatever the man said showing no resistance.
Pulling the blankets around her, Hermione looked up at the ceiling wondering if she would wake up when Draco finally came home or if she would just keep sleeping. She was unusually tired this evening so she suspected she would sleep through just about anything, but she hoped that she would at least open her eyes to see him before falling back under.
With the thoughts of her husband swirling through her head Hermione lay back on the pillow and shut her already drooping eyelids. She was asleep minutes later a peaceful expression on her face. There was nothing out of the ordinary about this sleep it seemed, but there was more going on within her than just rejuvenation.
While Hermione slept upstairs, Macnair sat in a chair in the living room. He was staring at the fireplace wishing he were at home instead of baby-sitting, a stupid Mudblood. But he was there and he had to stay or the Dark Lord would punish him.
He sat there for almost an hour before the fire waiting. His head had nodded multiple times but he'd woken up a moment later. It was late and things were so quiet and peaceful that Macnair soon, though he tired to fight it fell asleep. His chin rested against his chest as he snoozed. And that was how he stayed for the rest of the night.
When dawn broke over the horizon and the sun began to pour through the windows Macnair opened his eyes to see that he was still in the Malfoy's living room waiting. He jumped up from the chair mumbling as he felt around for the wand, he'd had in his hands when he'd arrived.
"It must be here somewhere." He said as he bent down and stuck his hands deep under the cushion of the chair.
After another moment of frantic searching he found the wand right where it had fallen under the chair. He stood up and straightened himself before moving to the windows to look out. That was where Hermione found him when she entered.
"Where is Draco?" Hermione asked making Macnair turn quickly and draw his wand.
"He is still with the Dark Lord." Macnair said unhappily.
Hermione was a bit worried and slightly nervous but she said nothing more as she walked out into the hall and down to the library. When she stepped inside she closed the doors behind her and walked to the window. She sat down on the window seat and pulled aside the heavy curtains. Sunlight spilled through and cast a long silhouette of Hermione on the carpet. She curled up on the seat, her legs pulled beneath her before throwing the curtains around her, shielding her from view.
She stared out at the grounds, at the beauty that surrounded her. She watched the leaves dance on the trees as the wind pulled at the branches. She watched the birds swooping and fluttering between trees. She watched the sun slowly move across the sky. She would fall asleep from time to time but she never moved from that spot.
When the darkness settled upon the house, Hermione woke from one of the naps that she'd taken. Though she'd slept through the nights with no problems she was still tired. Every muscle in her body wanted nothing more than to relax but she fought the urge to sleep again. Instead she perked up her ears to see if Draco had arrived home yet.
Nothing was heard in the house but silence. She wondered if Macnair was asleep or just off eating in the kitchen. She also wondered what it was that was keeping Draco away. But no one knew anything about where he was or what he and Voldemort were doing.
A slow creaking sound however caught Hermione's attention and made her pull back the curtain a small bit. She saw a crack of light where the door was opened but she couldn't tell who it was that was opening it.
As she concentrated on the door and the bright light coming from the other side she felt a bit dizzy. Her arms were growing heavy as they did when she was far too tired to still be awake. Her eyes were beginning to role in her head as the door slowly open and a wand turned on all the lights.
It was Draco. He was wearing the robes they'd been given a few days before. He looked fine as he entered the room looking frustrated. He walked to the other end of the room where Hermione couldn't see him. She heard him moving things and opening doors but he didn't reenter her view.
"How could you lose her?" Draco said in a frustrated voice.
Macnair entered the library and started looking on the other side of the room for her. They were both searching for her. Macnair must have gotten nervous after not seeing her for the entire day and called the Dark Lord to say she was missing. But she wasn't missing, nor was she even hiding. She was just sitting on a window seat.
"I thought she would stay in the house. Obviously she's not as trustworthy as you would think. I didn't anticipate she would try and run away with me in the house." Macnair said as he rooted through their things.
"Macnair, Hermione is the top student at Hogwarts. She's been doing powerful magic since she was a first year. She's also escaped worse than you, using less than what she has. She is capable of anything." Draco called across the room.
Hermione wasn't sure why she hadn't revealed herself. She could easily have opened her mouth and called out to Draco upon seeing him open the door, but something had prevented that. The curtain had fallen back into place after Draco had vanished from view and Hermione sat motionless in her seat. Sleep was coming soon and not even the pangs of hunger would keep her awake. But none of that explained her reluctance to show herself. But soon it was too late.
"If we don't find her Macnair, the Dark Lord will no be happy. We have to find her." Draco said as he walked to the door again. "Which way did you say she headed?"
"Well it was this morning. She came in and asked me where you were and I told her you were still with the Dark Lord. So she turned around and headed down the hall just outside the door. She didn't go back upstairs only this hall."
"So she has to be in one of these rooms. I was sure we'd find her in here." Draco said as he closed his eyes and began to rub his temples.
Draco was stressed. He'd hoped that after they'd been married Draco would at least get a few days of peace but of course nothing ever happens how you want it to. He'd been doing nothing but going to meetings and following orders.
He'd left yesterday for what he didn't know would be an over night mission. He had been sent along with his father to France where they were to kidnap and kill an important member of the French Ministry. Lucius was actually the one that was given the mission but Draco was being taken to learn how to be a Death Eater.
Hermione hadn't been told because the Dark Lord wanted to test her yet again. He wanted to see what she did while Draco was missing with only Macnair as her guardian. If she ran away she would be punished but if she stayed there without any problems she would earn some trust. Voldemort couldn't keep hold of her forever because she did have to go back to school. If there weren't a prophecy to be fulfilled she wouldn't be going back. But Draco had to go; therefore she did as well.
Now however Draco was running about his house looking for his missing wife. The Dark Lord had given Draco instructions to find her and bring her straight to him. He would deal with her while Draco was sent back to France to complete the mission. His head was beginning to hurt for he'd been searching for almost two hours and still had found no trace that Hermione had even been on the first floor that day.
He turned away from Macnair, angry that he hadn't watched her closely and angry that she had been stupid enough to try to escape. As he looked about the room he noticed something sticking out from beneath one of the curtains.
Draco approached the curtains carefully keeping one hand close to his wand. Hermione could be very resourceful at times and he knew that she would use anything she had and resort to any means to escape. When he was close enough Draco saw that what was sticking out from beneath the curtains were fingers, three fingertips to be exact.
"I've found her Macnair." Draco said as he used his wand to move the curtain aside.
There she was, curled up asleep in the window. She was wearing one of Draco's dark green sweatshirts and a pair of comfortable black pants. Her feet were bare and her hair was flowing around her head and face in wild curls. She was paler than she'd been the day before but Draco didn't pay any attention.
"Hermione wake up." Draco said shaking her a little roughly. Hermione's eyes opened only slightly before rolling back in her head and closing again. Draco shook her again but she didn't move.
"She's not dead is she?" Macnair asked.
"No, she's just sleeping. What time did she go upstairs last night?"
"Just after we got home. Maybe 9:30, she did seem tired."
"Go notify the Dark Lord that we've found her and will be bringing her over." Draco said as he slipped his hands beneath her and lifted her up.
He carried her from the window to a small chase nearby. After she was all spread out Draco looked down at her. She was sleeping peacefully yet she was so pale. She also seemed to be shivering even though she was wearing a sweatshirt and pants. But what could he do about it? He had to be on a mission not here taking care of her yet again.
As Draco looked down on her he heard footsteps in the hall. He figured it was Macnair and looked up to tell him what to do but saw that it was Voldemort instead. He was sweeping into the room, the robes he was wearing, fluttering behind him.
"So you've found her." Voldemort said. "And where was she?"
"She didn't try to escape my Lord and she wasn't hiding. She was only sitting here; I've seen her do it before. She's asleep so that's why she didn't hear us calling. I think she's sick my Lord." Draco said as the man approached.
"Take her upstairs. I'll send for someone to take care of her. When she's in her room come find me." Voldemort said before turning his back on Draco and leaving the room.
Draco turned back to the chase where Hermione was sleeping. He hoped that he wouldn't be getting into trouble just because Macnair had trouble finding her. He would be quite angry if he did but with whom would he be angry? Should he be mad at Hermione who was sitting behind a curtain hidden from view in the first place or angry with Macnair for being so senseless.
He slipped his hands beneath her overly warm body and easily lifted her. Her curly brown locks fell over his arm as he cradled her head. She looked like a little child while she slept, a welcome change from the sometimes, commanding girl that she was. He headed for the door being sure that he made it through without waking her up.
He started up the stares, taking them carefully to avoid tripping. It was then that he realized just how careful he was being. Normally he wouldn't even think the word careful let alone be careful when around Hermione but she wasn't just normal Granger. She was a Malfoy now and his wife and needed to be treated with care. She was important to the Dark Lord and his plans as well as Draco's very own well being.
The house was quiet as he reached the landing and rounded the corner. He was coming up to their room quickly. It was when he reached it that he realized the light was even on. He pulled the door open with a little difficulty but assistance was there immediately.
"Mother?" Draco said as his mother's face greeted him from behind the door.
"Hello dear. The Dark Lord just sent you father for me. It seems I'm needed to care for Hermione." She said in her sweet manner.
"You're going to stay here and take care of her?" Draco said still standing there with Hermione in his arms.
"Why yes. Now take her to the bed and put her down."
Draco followed his mother's orders and transported Hermione to the bed. He laid her down carefully than pulled the covers up around her. Her face looked even paler in the candle light of the bedroom. He turned away from Hermione for a moment to focus on his mother.
"But what about Macnair?"
"The Dark Lord wishes to send him on a mission." She said sitting down in the chair nearby. "I think she just has a little cold. She did seem a bit flushed yesterday at tea."
"Will he no longer be watching over Hermione?" Draco asked perching himself on the edge of the bed by Hermione's feet.
"I'm not sure dear but you better head downstairs now. The Dark Lord wanted to speak with you."
Draco turned and looked at Hermione a moment. She would be fine in his mother's care so he wasn't worried but he did wish that he were being forced to care for her for then he wouldn't have to continue with that mission. He stood and leaned over Hermione kissing her forehead gently. Her head felt warm to his lips and it was slightly uncomfortable. He straightened a second later and strolled from the room as if he'd just insulted her.
After Draco left Narcissa closed the door and turned back to Hermione. She walked to the bedside and stared down at Hermione. She felt her forehead and used her wand to take Hermione's temperature all the while a small smile on her face.
"We can't let anyone grow suspicious now can we." She said a wicked smile on her face. "The plan is going superbly. The potions after effects resemble a cold so no one will suspect she's being slipped a potion at all. The only problem is how slowly the process will take."
She then used her wand to lower Hermione's temperature and bring back some of the colour that she'd lost. Hermione wasn't cured but she was getting better. Narcissa had to let her heal naturally because it would seem too suspicious for a witch who had no training in healing to cure a cold. Colds maybe common but not always curable with magic.
Hermione would be feeling a bit sick the next day but she would be fine. And with every bit of the potion slipped in the effects would return just like colds sometimes do. They might even think it were allergies or the flu. As long as no one suspected she was being fed potion everything was fine. With that thought in her mind Narcissa sat down in a chair nearby and relaxed letting herself fall to sleep.
Downstairs Draco was meeting with the Dark Lord in the living room. He'd walked in to find Voldemort and his father sitting there in silence. He wanted nothing more than to just turn around and leave but that would just be stupid. Instead he walked to a chair and sat, waiting for his instructions.
"Your mission is incomplete." Voldemort said leaning back in the chair, his face being shrouded in shadows.
"I'm sorry my Lord." Draco said remembering not to take his eyes from the man before him.
"It is not a problem. There were things that you needed to attend to. In fact I'm glad that you came here. It shows me that you know what is truly more important."
Draco was so glad that he wasn't being punished. He'd thought for sure that he would be getting some sort of punishment for leaving his father on the mission and coming back here. But it seemed that he wasn't going to have to endure lashings instead he would just go back and complete the mission, or so he thought.
"Draco instead of going back I sent Macnair out to finish the job. I have something new that I'd like you to do alone."
"Yes my Lord."
"There is a special mission that I have created just for you. It's mostly research and spy work but there might be some physical work later on." Voldemort paused to gauge Draco. When he was satisfied he continued. "Someone is relaying information to outside sources. I want you to find out who the traitor is and bring them to me. There is a traitor in our midst Draco."
Ok...so the line thingy isn't working right now...anyway...let me know how you feel...and yell at me if it's bad...I deserve it...but be gentle please...lol...I'm gonna start the next one immediately...and things will get rolling again...in the mean time...enjoy...
Starry