Disclaimer: only the plot is mine!
A/N: Thank you to those who have reviewed, especially RobynRavenclaw98, thatharrypottergeekychick16 and dutch potterfan.
Chapter III
St Mungo's Hospital
Albus Dumbledore was anxiously pacing along the corridor of the hospital. He had received a frantic visit from Remus Lupin who had been charged with coordinating the search for Hermione Granger. He had been urgently contacted by the staff at the hospital, informing of the horrific state in which the girl had arrived, in the arms of no other than Draco Malfoy himself.
He had suddenly appeared at the reception with the ravaged girl in his arms, barking for someone to help him. Covered in her blood, he had been promptly detained by the hospital guards and thoroughly interrogated by Lupin himself, with the help of a certain potion of course. Lupin had admitted with surprise that Draco had truly rescued the girl from captivity.
The Healers had been working on Hermione for the better part of the past few hours. He had banished Harry, Ron and Ginny from the hospital after only a half hour; they had been badgering every Healer they saw, hindering them from their work. Meanwhile, Draco had been taken to the safety of his office – Albus could barely imagine what the ramifications would be once Voldemort and Lucius Malfoy found out what the boy had done. His bravery was truly impressive.
He turned expectantly as his name was called. The Healer walked towards him, a sad expression on his face. He could only plead to Merlin that she would be alright.
A week had passed since the events at Malfoy Manor. Hermione's wounds had been healed instantaneously, with the numerous healing charms that had been placed on her. And yet she had truly needed the whole week to completely recover from the violence that had been imposed on her. Her mind and body had been wracked with pain and hurt, and it would take her a lot long to recover from the psychological consequences of what had happened.
Engrossed in her thoughts, she barely noticed the two people who had appeared in the room. Dumbledore smiled warmly at her, Draco awkwardly standing by his side. "Hermione, I believe that you are being discharged today. I thought Draco could come along and help. One of my dear friends is unfortunately here – I must pop in and visit him." And with those words, he simply left.
Draco slowly sat in the small chair beside her bed. Despite her vulnerability, she was quite beautiful. "So…how are you?" He asked.
A soft chuckle escaped her full lips. "I have been better, trust me. But I do have you to thank for my life. Healer Clancy told me that if you hadn't acted, I wouldn't have survived much longer. I don't know how I will ever repay you."
Draco smiled softly. "You don't owe me anything, Hermione. You…" He hesitated. "You helped me escape my life…and my father." He looked down awkwardly, not sure what else to say. "So Professor Dumbledore told me that the people who witnessed us arriving have been Obliviated. There's been nothing in the papers, or anything like that."
Hermione smiled at him. She had so many questions to ask him about that night and what he had been thinking. But she knew that it wasn't the right moment – there was plenty of time for that. She gently raised herself out of the bed, wincing at the discomfort that she felt with the movement. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a look of concern on Draco's face. His pity frustrated her; she hated appearing weak to those around her, especially someone who had been the bane of her existence for such a long time. But as much as this disgruntled her, she honestly did need his help.
After they had gathered her scarce belongings, they chatted lightly until Dumbledore returned. With his usual joyful smile, he led the pair back to Hogwarts.
Hermione and Draco followed Dumbledore in comfortable silence to his rather oddly decorated office. They both seated themselves in the armchairs positioned across from the desk, waiting patiently as the elderly man gave a few treats to his beloved pet, Fawkes. He sat down in his chair and smiled adoringly at his two students.
"I know that the past two weeks have been rather traumatic for the two of you and that a lot has happened. And I am also aware that neither of you are probably eager to talk about it all. So I shall leave it at that. But I do have some rather important news to discuss with you." A distinct gleam appeared in his eyes, as he shifted his gaze to the brunette girl.
"Hermione, throughout your time at Hogwarts you have shown nothing but determination, loyalty and purity of heart. You exemplify what we could hope of a Hogwarts student in all that you do. It is my pleasure to offer you the position of our Head Girl."
Hermione gasped with pleasure, before giving way to a fit of coughs. After composing herself, she smiled widely at her dear mentor and gratefully accepted the responsibility.
He smiled at her before turning his eyes upon Draco. "And you, my boy, have not always been my first choice for Head Boy. You have always been quite intelligent; your grades are only second to Hermione's. And now, Draco, your actions have spoken to us clearly. You demonstrated nothing but true strength and bravery in defying your upbringing and saving Hermione's life. It is my honour to offer you the position of Head Boy."
Draco couldn't help but stare at the quirky old man. He had always wanted to become Head Boy but he had truthfully never thought that it would happen. He excitedly agreed, thanking the Headmaster profusely.
Hermione couldn't help but gasp as she entered the Heads Quarters behind Dumbledore. The room was behind a beautiful portrait of a dashing knight holding the hand of a striking peasant girl, his other hand holding the reigns of a regal horse. She couldn't help but see the similarity between the portrait and the new Head students; Draco hailed from a prestigious family and was quite adored by the female population at Hogwarts whilst Hermione had always been a rather plain, simple girl.
The room before her had off-white walls with deep oak floorboards. The deep chocolate colour of the couches and dark oak furniture contrasted brilliantly with the colour of the room. There were accents of red and green throughout the room; from the cushions and lampshades to the two luscious throws and plush rugs. It was quite beautiful.
The trio made their way up the posh staircase and through one of the two doorways on the landing. They were standing in a similarly decorated bedroom with a large king-sized bed in the middle. Beside the bedroom was a bathroom. The floors and walls were covered with black marble tiles with wisps of white within it. There was a large porcelain spa bath, large enough for two people to comfortably fit in it. The large vanity had a beautiful marble top with silver furnishings, complementing the silver shower frames and towel railings.
Draco cocked his head as he noticed another door linked into the bathroom. Whilst Hermione admired the furnishings, he opened the door to see where it led. To his surprise, he was back out on the landing. His eyebrows furrowed; where was the other bedroom?
Hermione followed after him, her face contorting with confusion as she too noticed the distinct lack of a room. Dumbledore chuckled at their faces, before asking them to join him in the lounge area. He sat down from them and took a deep breath before beginning.
"There is another very important issue that I need to discuss with the both of you. I know that both of you are aware of the impending war. A prophecy, as you know Hermione, was once made that Harry must kill Voldemort, or vice versa, and that only one can survive." He continued on, ignoring the surprise on Draco's face.
"At a similar time, another prophecy was made; one that is deeply linked to the first – it is vital to the Light Side succeeding in this war. I was unsure of the two people it concerned…until the events that transpired recently. If you will…" He indicated to the small Pensieve in front of him. Hermione and Draco complied, drawing their wands and entering the memory alongside Dumbledore.
A younger Dumbledore was slowly walking through the corridors of his school on his way to visit Sybill Trelawney. He had been intending to see how her first year of teaching had been going and now seemed to be a perfect opportunity seeing neither of them had any scheduled commitments.
He entered the room and called out her name. He heard a noise behind him and spun to see her seated at one of the desks which were usually used for her students. Her breathing was haggard and her eyes glazed over. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, the contact causing her to speak in an eerie voice.
"One with love abounding in her life,
The other having dealt with horrid strife.
The two will join in mind and body,
Chosen as children as the ones they embody.
Their marriage will bring closer his demise,
Their union must be kept from prying eyes.
Yet their joining will further bring,
A strong and powerful offering.
Emotions evolving like a bud to a flower,
They will join with pronounced power.
Her life will be troubled by torture,
Yet he will be the one to save her.
Together happiness they shall bestow,
And their love shall forever flow.
Together they will bring the day,
When the evil one down will lay."
With the end of those words, Dumbledore pulled the three of them out of the memory.
"Think carefully, my children. After all that transpired last week, I am certain that this prophesy speaks in reference to the two of you." He paused to let the two students absorb what he had just told them. "I am telling you this because only the two of you can help Harry defeat Voldemort. I know that this is a lot to process but it is of the utmost importance that you understand the implications of this prophecy. Once every 100000 years, two are chosen by their antecedents as the 'Golden Disciples'. The most well-known of your antecedents was Merlin himself. I know that this is a lot to expect of you at this age…but the prophecy clearly states that you…you must marry each other."
Draco spluttered, staring at the man before him. Hermione let out a small, strange noise before closing her eyes. Surely this was a joke! They couldn't really be asking them to marry each other when they had been enemies a mere few weeks ago.
"I am sorry, my children; I know it may not be the most optimal situation but it is extremely important for the cause." Draco couldn't help but scoff at his words.
"There is not much known about the Golden Disciples; as the prophecy indicates, only a few should know about this. I believe it is for your own safety, for many would be after you. At present only myself, Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape are privy to this information." Draco opened his mouth to protest, cut off by Dumbledore chuckling and raising his hand.
"I know Severus is a Death Eater, dear boy. He is a spy for the Order of the Phoenix, the Light side. Now, we understand that this year will be very trying on you as you progress in your relationship and learn about the mysterious powers of the Disciples. We have decided that you shall have two Deputy Heads to assist you in your responsibilities – Anthony Goldstein of Ravenclaw and Sabrina Fawcett of Hufflepuff. They too will be privy to your situation."
"It is important the two of you are married as soon as possible. It would be disastrous to enforce this with your history and so I hope you will use the next two weeks to develop somewhat of a relationship. At the end of this time, you shall be married by myself in the presence of the two professors and your aides. We will then give you a few days to yourselves in the countryside to adjust to your new roles as husband and wife."
He looked at the pair before slowly standing up. "I know that this is a lot for you both to take in. Please know that I wish there were another way without forcing your hand – but alas, the fates have spoken."
And with that he left the Heads Quarters, leaving the flabbergasted pair in what was now a very uncomfortable silence.
A/N: I hope you all liked it! This was sort of an introduction to the main idea behind the story. Please review and give me any suggestions you may have!