I do not own any of these characters or anything that might seem similar to J.K Rowling. If something in the story seems similar or familiar to the actual story plot well that's probably because it is but I just happened to throw the two main characters into a different situation so that idea I do take credit for. Sadly everything else, well I'm not that talented.
It was hopeless to try and go back to sleep when only to return to the same nightmare and wake up covered in sweat. Performing a cleansing spell on himself Draco dressed in new attire of jeans and a grey long sleeve thermal before leaving his room. Assuming it was too early for Granger to be awake he decided he would inspect the palace for the time being, well at least the second floor.
In the hall where their rooms were located it wasn't surprising that all the rooms occupying that hall were bedrooms. None of them looked the same; each had their own theme, own architectural design. Coming across a particular room with a view that caught his attention Draco stood in the room in front of the large window looking out at the sight. The view was of the bay. There was a cliff that was further out by the ocean where lots of enormous jagged stones and the horizon showed visible between the sky and ocean. The warmth of the sun glistened off the water mixing the colors of pinks and blues together.
Falling into the trance of watching the wave's crash against the rocks Draco's mind began to drift. His thoughts drifted back to the night he made the deal, back to the day he decided to leave everything he knew.
Sobs ringed fresh in his ear even though the child's body lied lifeless in front of him. Gawking he was snapped out it when feeling a shove to the shoulder. "Quit taking a piss…that one almost got away" snapped the older Death Eater. In the moment of witnessing the death of a child something unnoticed to Draco died, his innocence. Any thoughts that seemed to have a glitter of hope to be free of the war along with his family were gone. The twinkle that was commonly seen in one's eyes vanished and all was left was cold steel filled with damn.
It was later that night when Draco suffered with the replaying image of the sobbing boy. The pictures left him cold with no other thoughts; it was his own personal hell.
Others noticed the difference in the young blond Death Eater from after the mission. Draco was always the one for bragging when he completed a job and to see him so silent and distant was alarming. Though they noticed the change none cared enough to acknowledge it and decided to leave it be, plus a briefing was to take place.
"Draco" called one of the Death Eaters gesturing to the other room as he led the way.
Being ripped from his reverie Draco followed silently. Entering a room filled with familiar witches and wizard that were all cloaked black robes he stayed in the back of the crowd. Some seated while others joined in conversation with their comrades while waiting for the meeting to start.
Silence moved through the room instantly as a member in higher command known as Erman entered the room.
"Mudblood's" Erman hissed, moving to the center of the crowd. "Filth...impure, fowl vile things that infect everything they touch. They don't belong and it's time to stop with the examples and leave an impression" Erman paused as others cheered in agreement "The Lord has a particular mark in mind. She is known as one of Harry Potter's friends...Hermione Granger." Erman paused once more seeing if to have any recognition from the followers. Few knew who he was speaking of, many knew of the Weasley's who were known to house 'the boy who lived' but not many heard of this mudblood, `Granger'. But far back in the crowd one young wizard knew all too well who this subject revolved around and this held his attention. This wasn't just any victim they were after it was one of Scar Heads right hand men and he knew this was more than going after another Mudblood. Listening closer, Draco remained in the shadows as he showed interest.
"This will be a challenge since she is known to never leave Potter or Weasley's sides but it will be done. Her parent live in the muggle world, she doesn't visit them often but…when she does she is always alone. We will watch the Mudblood's parents and wait till her next visit. The Lord wants no survivor's; her family is to die along with the witch. We have the muggles under surveillance for now but you will take turns every four hours, three at a time will change shifts." Erman ordered looking around the room at the willing, eager Death Eaters as they all nodded in comprehension "Alright, meeting adjourn" he said before leaving the room. Staying behind in the room as the others left, breaking off into groups of three's and two's Draco thought over the conference. A sudden idea struck Draco, he wondered just how valuable such information would be to a particular wizard.
In the moment the idea formed in the blonds head there was no side of him that refused what he was scheming. For the love and acceptance he longed from his father died the second that child did. Draco found himself no longer wanting or caring to be what his father expected, in fact he found himself for the first time resenting his father and the life he was forced into. What Draco thought was his happy family no longer was. His father was an unyielding worshiper of the Dark Lord, always putting the Lords need before his own family's and his mother well wasn't any better. Though she feared for her sons safety when he was out on his missions she couldn't muster up the courage to voice her disagreement to her husband about the danger he was putting their only son in.
Thinking over everything Draco realized he had no reason to not do what he was thinking. He had all the reasons to leave, to run away from his family and disgrace his family's name and possibly be known as a coward and probably be hunted down and killed but, for the life of him he couldn't find a reason to stay. Yes, even though disgracing his family's name should be enough for a reason to stay he didn't see it as one, not when he was beginning to hate being a Malfoy. With these final thoughts a part of him already knew his decision the only real problem was how to get away from the rest of the Death Eaters in order to see the one person he could possibly get murdered for seeing.
With the Malfoy Manor being used as a head quarter for the Dark Lord it would be a challenge to leave with going unseen. Standing in his room Draco packed a suitcase stuffing in his clothes from his drawer. Debating whether to carry on with this plan or to just run he settled on sticking with plan and casted a quick charm on his luggage. Shoving his shrunken case into his pants pocket he left his room in search for an empty room with a fireplace. Staying to the shadows that were his camouflage he was dumbfound at how easily he was allowed to go about the manor without running into anyone and find an empty room. Not wasting time Draco grabbed a hand of flue powder killed the fire with his wand before stepping under the hearth and threw down the powder announcing above a whisper "Number 12 Grimmauld Place".
Vanishing into a gust of tugging force Draco landed harshly on the wooden floor of a familiar place. Hearing the uproar of shouts he rose to his feet throwing his hands in the air in a gesture of surrender. Seeing two sets of eyes glaring at him along with two wands pointing his way Draco couldn't help but smirk at the two wizards. "Hello Potter" he sneered as the raven haired wizard stared back with a rage possessing his green eyes, his shaky hand still raised and armed. Not taking his eyes off Potter, Draco noticed the other older wizard was less suspicious of his presence since it remained still and lowered his wand.
Noticing his comrades action Potter disagreed while watching Draco "Remus…what are you doing? He's a Death Eater" growled Potter.
"Harry if he was going to attack don't you think he would have done it and…well it wouldn't seem like the smartest attack move considering he is crossing enemy lines, I think he needs help" replied the werewolf looking at the side of Potter's face as he spoke.
"Help? You have got to be joking, Remus he's A. Death. Eater. What could he possibly need help with? It's a trick, I'm sure the others are outside surrounding us by now and he's just the distraction. We must warn the others." The young wizard objected.
"Harry…put down your wand you know as much as I do if Malfoy meant to do harm he wouldn't have been able to come here" Lupin objected placing a hand on Potter's shoulder.
"You should listen to the werewolf Potter, he has a point" Draco retorted glaring at his raven haired enemy.
"Shut up Malfoy! Give me one good reason why I shouldn't just hand your arse over to the Aurors" hissed an angry Potter.
"Because I believe I have some very…valuable informationthat could be of use since it concerns one of your friends" mocked Draco lowering his hands to his sides.
Sharing a look with the werewolf he returned his attention back on the blond "What do you know?" Shouted Potter his face flushed with rage.
A part of Draco believed scar head knew what he was speaking of but, that didn't seem right since he just found out no longer than an hour ago. "Tsk Tsk Potter, you don't honestly trust for one minute I came here to share such information for free, did you?"
"I don't trust anything about you Malfoy, what do you want?"
"A deal with the Order" commanded Draco sliding his hand in his pockets.
"What are your demands?" questioned Lupin.
"I want out, I don't get charged with anything and I get protection" replied Draco with a stern face as he eyed both the wizard in front of him.
"I'm not certain if you can get off clean without some kind of repercussions" explained Lupin "innocent people were kil—"
"Don't play me as a fool. He can make it happen, he's St. Potter, the boy who lived, boy wonder. How badly—"
"Deal." Potter answer quickly, his wand still raised.
"Swear?"
"You have my word Malfoy" growled Potter through clenched teeth.
Eyeing his enemy a part of Draco was sadly positive he could trust Potter's word, well especially when his precious friends lives depended on it. "The Mudblood they want her dead along with her muggle parents. They said it was to make an impression on the filthy race but I know better, he's after you and is taking any opening he can get."
His assumptions on Potters knowledge of the situation was corrected when seeing no change of expression on his stoic face. He knew, but how? Draco continued watching closely for a change in the raven haired boy's expression.
"Their watching her parents, waiting for her next visit and that's when they'll attack. Every four hours is a new shift, three to four will keep watch" the blond continued acknowledging the cluelessness on the two wizards face before him.
"What do you think? His information checks out with the source." Lupin conversed with Potter, as if Draco was no longer in the room.
"As much as this seems very wrong to say…I believe him" Unlike the werewolf Potter kept his eyes on the blond "So what do we do with him? It's obvious no one can know about this transaction considering all the people who would love to kill Malfoy in the Order."
"He needs something we can give him right now and in return he has something he can do for us."
"Hey! Deal was I give information and in return I get protection and no time. I don't recall anything else on that list!" objected Draco, annoyed his presence was being ignored.
"Mr. Malfoy that was the deal but I'm afraid you won't be able to receive the second part until this is over and we are ensure of Granger's safety."
"That's not my problem, Dog!" growled Draco taking a step forward causing Potter to mimic his move.
"Ah but it is, I'm afraid your all out of options Draco. We won't back out on our part of the deal we are just simply implying that you do more on your part. Protection you'll receive but as convenient as it is Hermione or as you refer to her 'Granger' needs protection as well and as long as she issafe and in one piece when this is over then you'll be a free man doing no time. Simply look at it as watching after Granger" explained the older wizard, not seeming to take offense to Draco's insult.
"You said I didn't have to do time…oddly enough that sounds like doing time."
"Do we have a deal Draco?"
"On one condition"
"Oh...and what is that?"
"Who is your source?"
"I'm afraid I cannot tell you that information until we're assured of your wanting to be free of your involvement with Voldemort. Now if you'll follow me for a visit with Moody"
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After opening and closing numerous doors in search of the washroom Hermione found it down the opposite hallway of her bedroom. Walking in she set her clothes down on the edge of a marble stand before turning to explore the large room. It was similar to the prefect bathroom back at Hogwart's except for the fireplace and beautiful changing glass stained windows that displayed breathtakingly when illuminated by the sun. Hermione stopped in her investigation when facing a metal chain dangling from the ceiling. Her curiosity once again getting the best of her she looked around the empty room before her hand wrapped around the chain and tugged. Hearing a creaking followed by the hum of rushing water Hermione turned around to face the large stone tub that was built into the ground. Closing the gap between her and the huge tub she leaned over watching as it filled with steamy clear water that stopped once nearly at the rim of the stone bath.
Setting her toiletries near the bathtub the young witch discarded her clothes before stepping into the balmy water and enjoying the fill of warmth seeping into her bones. Allowing the liquid to swallow her whole as she leaned back under it Hermione held her breath while starring up through the water at the enchanted ceiling that displayed a night sky brightened by the twinkling and shooting stars. Her coffee eyes burning from the liquid, she closed them surrendering her body to the water. Sinking lower to the bottom of the giant tub her hair drifted about weightless as did her thoughts. There were so many things to be thought about, to consider and Hermione found this to be the perfect time to do it.
The situation she was in seemed one of a nightmare, one she was not waking up from anytime soon. To be shacked away Merlin knows where with the one person who was known to hate her by her best friend, all because one of her best friend's enemies was targeting her 'supposedly' was something entirely new to Hermione and that was saying something. The thought of being stuck somewhere was unsettling enough considering she had no clue what or if anything lurked around the huge palace considering what she saw outside her window last night.
Hermione didn't doubt Harry's intentions. No, for as long as she knew the raven haired man she knew anything he did for someone was only because he cared even when some of those things were reckless and idiotic.
Her thoughts shifting, she wondered how long Harry knew of this attack on her, how long she had to stay here with Malfoy and most of all she wondered if she was safe. There was a small part of Hermione that couldn't help but feel betrayed and she hated herself for feeling that way especially when it concerned Harry, of all people. She mentally cursed Harry for holding something so important from her, for keeping her in the dark and trusting Malfoy's words over her own. Even with emotions of resent, betrayal and hurt flowing through her she still couldn't get the last image of him out of her thoughts. Seeing it once more she felt the familiar tug at her heart and worried about her friends state of mind and safety.
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He sat at the long dining table that was surrounded by other Order members and sipped his black coffee wishing for the caffeine to take its affect quickly and overpower his exhaustion. Last night seemed like a never ending replay of watching her being dragged away whenever his eyes drifted close. It has been eleven hours since she was taken and Harry could still hear her screams and pleads fresh in his ears. A raging war went on in his head arguing, debating whether what he did was right. He knew the answer because he would have preferred to die than to be shacked off with Malfoy in a safe house like Hermione but, he would rather die a millions time than to lose her forever. After Sirius's death Harry swore to let nothing happened to the people he loved and though this was a war he wasn't going to ignore the chance to save someone when he could.
"Has anyone seen Mione'?" asked the lanky fiery red head, galloping down the stairs.
Harry only watched and listened as quizzical faces appeared across the table and mumbled "no's' were spoken followed by shaking of the heads. His stomach cringed when blue questioning eyes rested upon him.
"Harry?" Ron spoke as approaching an empty seat
Swallowing hard before answering Harry made sure to keep eye contact when speaking "She's away."
"Where?" Tonk questioned looking as curious as Ron
"Somewhere safe" Was all he said before taking another sip from his coffee.
Unlike Tonk, Ron refused for this to be the answer to his question "what do you mean 'somewhere safe' Harry?"
"I mean exactly what I said Ron" Harry answered in a low voice before leaving the room. Knowing his best friend well and that he wouldn't let that be the end to his question, he wasn't surprised to hear another set of footsteps behind him. Entering an empty study he turned on his heel to face his upset friend.
"Harry...Where. Is. Hermione?" Ron asked closing the distance between the two, now bringing them nearly chest to chest.
"Ron I mean this when I say...it's only best that you don't know mate."
Hoping Ron would leave it but knowing he wouldn't Harry was obligated to leave the red head in the dark on Hermione's situation. There wasn't a chance in hell Ron Weasly would have let Hermione be dragged off by the very boy who tormented her through her years at Hogwarts which was the exact reason Ron was only left with questions. Though there was nothing Ron could do since Hermione was gone he still didn't want to tell his best friend he was the one that made a deal with their enemy and sent the girl Ron was secretly but obviously in love with away to a remote and secure location. No, seeing the grotesque look on his best mates face he definitely didn't want to tell him exactly where Hermione was.
"What the hell does that mean? And if you expect that shite of an answer to, to...put the end to this then...you're wrong!" it was obvious to Harry by the way Ron struggled for words that he was becoming frustrated and the flush of red staining his face that was beginning to match his hair was another sign of his anger.
"I can't...tell you Ron" Harry spoke his tired green eyes meeting the furious blue orbs of his best friend. Keeping this from Ron was as much painful as keeping it from Hermione. The look on Ron's torn face was enough to compete with the cruciatus curse.
"What?"
"Just know that she's safe Ron, okay...you have to trust me when I say She. Is. Safe."
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When finding her way to the kitchen and seeing the fully stocked pantry and fridge it was very clear that this act was premeditated and once again cursed Harry in her thoughts. Sipping her tea Hermione starred down at her untouched muffin; for known reasons she didn't have an appetite. She wouldn't call it home sick since considering Grimmauld place was not actually her home but, where ever Ron and Harry were she considered her home and now that was where she would rather be. Needing them to be there to eat breakfast was odd but something she was so use to like morning grogginess or a morning piss. Seeing them was part of her life routine and she never thought she'd actually miss them more then around breakfast time. What she wouldn't do to see Ron scarf down a whole piece of toast in his mouth, the thought brought a small smile to her face but was quickly discarded when accompanied by an annoying presence.
"Is that all you're eating?" criticized Malfoy when entering the kitchen.
Ignoring his question Hermione asked her own "What exactly did Harry and Remus discuss with you? Just how long are we suppose to stay here?"
"We didn't really discuss much other then the deal, just weren't in the bonding mood and I'm guessing we'll get to return when...it's safe" he answered as he moved about the kitchen preparing his breakfast with flicks of his wand.
"Well I hope that's soon, no offense but the thought of staying cooped up in a place with you of all people isn't exactly what I'd call feeling secure"
"None taken, being stuck babysitting you isn't exactly what I'd call 'not doing anytime'"
"You are not babysitting me, I am not a toddler and I can watch after myself. What else were the terms of this deal?"
"Originally it was only suppose to be a trade, only information from my part but I got fucked over...figures I couldn't trust the order to stick to the original deal, always trying to get more than bargained...anyways the mutt seemed to think I needed to 'do more on my part' and now here I am with you" retorted Malfoy looking at her with distaste.
Hermione stayed silent after Malfoy's answer. It seemed the more she learned of this deal the more upset she became with her best friend. She couldn't understand how Harry just let a murderer get off scotch free when they were guilty and worse, felt no remorse for the lives they took and destroyed. Glaring at Malfoy from the corner of her eyes as he sat in front of his breakfast consisting of sunny side up eggs, bacon and toast she only thought of him as a coward. It was one thing for him to be a death eater which was just a foul excuse to be a killer but it was another thing for him to not even own up to it, not even except the punishment for the side he chose, not even have remorse.
"You know you wouldn'tve been in this predicament if `oh' scar head wasn't so much of a patsy"
"What's that suppose to mean?"
"Potter's weak and 'You know who' knows it and plays on it. If Potter would-"
"Harry's is not weak!"
"Please! He's a Nancy-boy"
"Why because he has other emotions then arrogance and hate or because he's not afraid to be vulnerable with his loved ones. Not being cold hearted and having feelings is not being weak its only being human. That's the difference between you and him amongst other things but that is what makes him a better wizard and a better man than you, because he cares unlike you who doesn't care for anythi-"
"Shut your filthy mouth you mudblood bitch!"
Hermione was taken aback by Malfoy's outburst and she could tell the expression she wore on her face told him that. She knew he was angry and that 'Harry comment' struck a nerve but that didn't mean his insult hurt any less, even when she expected it. Composing her wounded face she glared back at his hateful stare with her own intensity and shoved away from her seat. With silence dragging on her loss for words didn't make her retort come any faster but she didn't care to have a comeback. All she wanted was to leave this room and be far from him as physically possible. Leaving the room without even giving him a backward glance Hermione pushed the kitchen door open with unnecessary force causing it to swing back hard against the door making a loud crack sound.
'He will never change' was one of the many thoughts that flooded Hermione's mind. It didn't mean anything to her that he wanted out of being one of Voldemort's foot soldiers because what did it matter when he would always have the same view of muggle-borns. Unsure of where she was heading, she realized she passed up the second floor and was now on the third. Debating whether to turn back around she paused at the top of the stairs. Pulling her wand from her pants pocket she held it out in front of her, taking a deep breath she went forth entering the hallway that was similar to the one below.
Seeing two big doors to her right Hermione approached the entrance hesitantly then lifted her balled up hand to the door. Knocking on the door she waited to hear anything in response and rolled her eyes at her own silliness when only hearing silence. Turning the crystal knob gently she cracked open the door with enough space for her head to peer in. Her breath caught in her throat and her eyes widen with 'aw' when taking in the view in front of her; it was beautiful, simply...beautiful. Opening the door all the way Hermione walked in with her mouth agape, her eyes glazed in amazement at the enormous library she was walking into. In front of the witch were shelves and shelves occupied with books, parchments and scrolls. the bookcases were as high as the ceiling and had ladders against the ones connected to the walls as the other shelves had metal wire stairs that led to different floors of bookshelves. Turning slowly in a circle she let out a very girlish squeal before rushing to the nearest shelf that waited for her discoveries.
Downstairs in the kitchen paced a furious Draco 'who the hell does that bushy haired wench think she is? Talking to me like that, comparing me to that pussy. If anything she should be thanking me, wishing to be in my good graces since I saved her filthy arse'. Unsatisfied with not being able to take his anger out on someone he continued to glare at the pantry door causing the familiar crease in his brow to return. taking care of his left over food and dirty dishes with a flick of his wand he hissed when seeing Granger's left behind dishes and uneaten muffin "I am not a toddler...well sure as hell leaves messes as one" he growled rolling his eyes. Giving one last flick of his wand for her mess he left the kitchen still fuming.
The way Granger had the nerve to speak to him was unacceptable, it could not and would not be ignored, his ego wouldn't stand for it. Even if he disliked being one recently he was still a Malfoy and Malfoy's do not get spoken to like that and especially by a dirty, disgusting mudblood like her. Refusing to let her think this was over he wanted to shut her up for good, make her second think before opening that fat mouth of hers. Though he couldn't harm her it did not mean he couldn't remind her, a mudbloods place.