Happy Sunday to everyone. A lot happens in this chapter. So as a reminder - this is AU so some characters are here that were killed or otherwise put out of commission in the original books. It's a plot device more than any sort of affection for the characters. In other words, I'm using them as a tool. :)
We learn a little about Hermione in this chapter and see her relationship with Draco reach a new level. Sorry still no real lemons. You'll find out why in a couple of chapters.
I don't own anything you recognize, JKR does and she makes all the profits off of them. Including the toy figurine sets I saw at Target. Did not like how they made Draco look. He is much more attractive than that.
I will try and post a couple more chapters over the next week since I took some vacation time. Yeah for time off...I really need it.
And I now return you to the battle previous in progress...
' - - - - - - '
Hermione and Draco continued to send protection spells until she knew they needed some help.
"Draco, I need to send a patronus to the Ministry."
"Ok, give me a moment." Draco sent a few powerful spells out the window before looking back to her partner. "Send it now. Go." Draco returned to sending the most powerful spells he could muster at the attacker. A silver lightning bolt shot from Hermione's wand and into the sky. As the otter skittered toward the Ministry, the attack from outside the wards halted. There was silence as Draco and Hermione panted.
"The map!" Hermione ran to the desk and screamed "Lucius Malfoy!" A black dot appeared at the edge of the property. A second and third dot also appeared. No one expected that. The names that started to appear under the dots however shouldn't have surprised anyone. Carrow and Couch appeared and the four in the Manor stared at the map in amazement.
The map worked better than Hermione had expected. Not only would the map show you who you wanted to see but anyone else that was with them. This was turning out better than even she had hoped! The floo flamed to life, instantly Draco and Hermione were in front of Narcissa and Louisa, Kingsley's head popped out. Both relaxed as Narcissa allowed him to enter.
"What do you mean Lucius is here?" His frantic eyes searched Hermione's. Draco realized Hermione's stance and persona had changed to deal with the current situation. He had only seen her this way a few times. This was how she compartmentalized during the war...this was her planning, and plotting. This was how she made sure she and many others survived. This was her in her glory. Her voice was low, and deadly as she told Kingsley the story.
"Ok, I will be right back. I just need a few moments at the Ministry. Lock the floo and do not let anyone enter until I return." He jumped back into the floo and to the Ministry. Five minutes later he was back. "I have aurors combing the other side of the property looking for evidence. Mrs. Nott, I do not think it would be wise or safe for you to return home. It appears someone tried to enter your manor as well. We are not sure; however, the first reports from the house elves state that it was Mr. Nott and another, potentially Amycus Carrow since Alecto was spotted with Lucius. Lady Malfoy, would you please remove the wards, and whatever else protects the Manor, so that we can complete a sweep?" Kingsley looked at Hermione and Draco as he finished his statement. Draco lifted his wand; however, before he could do anything Hermione spoke up.
"Kingsley, I'm not sure that will be necessary. While we were protecting the property, I swept the exterior and no one had broken the wards." Kingsley smiled at the witch knowing she could sense if someone was on the property. "Did you sweep the house?"
"Oh, no, but I will hold on."
After the final battle, Hermione had gained a new power. Not a lot of people knew of this change and those that did could not understood how or why it happened. Her ability allowed her mind to leave her body and move through the physical world. With her new power her physical body remained aware of the surroundings while her mind was able to explore as needed. She slowly moved through the main floor finding nothing. She decided to move down towards the dungeon. She shuddered lightly at the memory but pressed on. She felt something very dark, a presence, but it wasn't a person. It was just an essence of the person.
The same type of essence Hermione was experiencing herself. Her magic started to push the darkness and it gave way allowing Hermione to remove it from the Manor and off the property. After assuring the dungeon was clear, she warded, shielded and protected it before moving to the upper floor. The last place she checked was the wall that held her attention earlier in the day. As she moved closer there was a warmth and lightness not present in the other parts of the house. She remained in front of the wall for a moment before she heard Draco calling her name. She was getting an odd stereo effect. Her physical body was hearing him along with the self that was on the second floor.
"Hermione? Are you ok? It's never taken this long. Please come back. Please say something." Hermione blinked a few times and shook her head to clear the cobwebs. Draco was holding her tightly. His expression was of grave concern. Hermione was spellbound by how his eyes seemed to change from their silver grey into almost quicksilver. The way the mercury from the thermometer looked that time she broke it and it pooled on the white tile floor. Both were mesmerizing to Hermione. It took her a few moments to regain herself again. She had never been so affected by a man before. Her hand moved to his cheek in a comforting manner as he leaned into the warmth of her hand.
"I'm fine. There was, something, I don't know how to explain it, in the dungeon but it's gone now. I pushed it out. Very odd. Anyway the house is clear both Nar...Lady Malfoy and Mrs. Nott will be safe here."
Kingsley nodded and left. While Kingsley was away the first time Hermione picked up the map, rolled it and slipped it into her robes. The other three in the room watched her and said nothing.
"Tell me what you felt in the dungeon. I'm worried."
"Later. There is something more pressing right now."
Hermione moved very gracefully toward the door. The two witches and the wizard in the room followed her. They found her standing at the foot of the stairs; again, staring at the wall only this time there was light pouring down the steps. It appeared to be coming from under the wall. Narcissa and Louisa both gasped as that light was not supposed to be there; at least it hadn't been there for almost 18 years. Draco was focusing on Hermione. Her hair appeared to be on fire. The curls were moving like flames licking the air. Her magic was sparking off her. As she turned the apparent flames in her hair were replaced by the real flames in her eyes. They were no longer chocolate brown pools but they held red, orange and yellow flames flickering over those pools. Draco took a step towards Hermione. He touched her as she collapsed in his arms.
A muted "Mother!" was the last thing Hermione heard.
' - - - - - - '
"I seriously need to stop doing that. My head kills me after these episodes." Hermione groaned as she rolled over.
"Yeah you really do. You are just lucky that my Seeker skills are not rivaled and that I'm there to catch you." Draco smirked before leaning in and whispering "I'll always be there to catch you."
"Yes, always." Hermione murmured before stretching out and realizing she wasn't in the hospital wing.
"Wait, where" then she remembered "The Manor, the room..."
"What room? You were on the stairs."
"No, upstairs, at the top of the stairs, there is a room, the room. It was calling to me."
Hermione was a bit panicked and confused. Narcissa couldn't understand why the light was there, how Hermione knew about the room or why she was reacting like she was.
"Hermione dear, are you ok?"
Hermione nodded at Narcissa and looked around. She took a deep breath, sat up straight and looked to Draco. "Help me up."
He did and she moved back into the foyer. It wasn't the same as her memory. The light and warmth were gone, as was the draw. She walked slowly up the stairs. Narcissa and Louisa were at her sides while Draco walked behind. She reached the landing and turned toward the wall. There was nothing. She touched the wall, nothing. The picture that had drawn her attention was there. She leaned in and looked closely at the man and woman. She didn't know them but their coloring was definitely not Malfoy. She was confused. She truly hated to be confused. The picture did not move like the other magical portraits; however, the eyes of the male seemed to twinkle. Hermione then changed her mind, his eyes weren't like her former Headmaster's. His eyes definitely twinkled, the eyes in the portrait had more of a flickering quality. It reminded her of how a campfire reflects off a lake in the distance.
"Who are they?" Hermione's eyes never left the portrait. Narcissa sighed and responded.
"My best friend and her husband, they didn't make it through the first war. In fact, they didn't make it to the war. That bastard killed them in my home. That was the moment I knew I would not stand by and let him win. Draco was a baby, not even walking yet and Lucius had already plotted out his life. A life I refused to allow happen so I went to Albus and begged for him to allow me to help. To allow me to give my son the world and life he deserved." Narcissa's eyes left Hermonie and gazed at her son.
Draco realized at that point his mother would end the world if it would save him. In fact she helped to end the world she had been raised in, the only world she knew, to save him. Draco's eyes softened and he gave his mother a rare smile and grasped her hand. He sensed the rest of this story was not going be good. After squeezing Draco's hand she released it and nodded for him to stand with Hermoine, while she continued the story.
"The Order was born that night. By born I mean we had a name for us. There had been loose group who disagreed with what he was saying. We stayed in contact and discussed what we were hearing within our circles; however, we didn't think there were enough of us to make any difference. When he killed them, our group coalesced. Those of us who could still move in society maintained the appearance that we agreed with or were middle ground. That allowed us to provide the Order with information." Narcissa turned from the picture to look at her son and Hermoine.
"I know that you and Harry have always been curious about the name. Yes the mythology around the Phoenix rising was useful but the reality was Phoenix was their last name. They were the first sacrifices made to the war and their name was a constant reminder that he was willing to destroy anyone and everyone to attain his goal. No one was truly safe; the claims for pureblood supremacy were just claims. The first victims had been what he claimed himself to be."
Narcissa shifted her gaze back to the portrait as her fingers traced her best friend's face. Hermione was shocked at this. She never really believed the story of the Order's naming and now she knew she was right. She needed to research these people and figure out who they were. Phoenix was a name she had never heard at school. Most of the pureblood names were on the family tree at Grimmauld Place and Phoenix was definitely not there. Narcissa cleared her throat and brought everyone's attention back to her.
"That is enough of those memories. The Manor is safe, Louisa and I aren't going anywhere, the house elves have enough food that they won't need to go out and I'm locking the floo when you two leave; it is time for you to get back to school." Both Draco and Hermione nodded their heads and moved toward the floo. Draco hugged and kissed his mother while Hermione said her goodbyes to Mrs. Nott.
"Cissy, thank you again for the use of your library and with this" Hermione patted the map still in her robe "we will find him and make sure what happened today never happens again." The fierceness in Hermione's voice let everyone know she was done with the war and if needed, she would end it herself.
"Hermione, thank you for coming and feeling comfortable enough to call me Cissy" Narcissa hugged the younger witch lightly while staring at Draco. "You will take care of yourself and not let any harm come to either of you. Understand?"
Hermione nodded into the hug while Draco understood what his mother was actually saying. 'Don't let anything happen to her'. Draco nodded once.
"We need to get back before McGonagall tries to come and get us." Draco picked up floo powder, called out the address and was gone. Hermione nodded once more at both women before she too, was gone.
' - - - - - - '
After speaking with the headmistress and thanking her again for allowing them to leave for the day, Draco and Hermione started their rounds.
"I have to admit that I'm not very excited about this tonight. I have other things I'd like to do." Draco nodded at Hermione's assessment of their plans. It wasn't that rounds were difficult but they were tedious and boring and unless they found a pair of lovers it was a pretty wasted night. Luck was on their side this night.
As they rounded a corner on the third floor a distinct moan was heard echoing down the hall. Draco smirked and Hermione shook her head. Draco loved finding his classmates in compromising positions. He claimed it was fun to see just how oblivious to surroundings the couples could be. Hermione on the other hand was typically appalled by this...the war had been over less than a year, there were still insane, power hungry maniacs running around and these kids were so lost to their hormones that the world ceased to exist. It gave Hermione chills to wonder if she had lost her edge.
As Hermione and Draco made their way down the corridor the moans got louder and the sighs and groans were mixed in for good measure. Draco knew exactly where they were...a small alcove between the statues. It had been the same alcove where Draco had his first kiss during first year. 'Ah, the memories. Let's see who is using my cubby.' Draco slowly pulled back the tapestry to reveal the pair of lovers.
"Lavender? What are you doing?" Hermione's shock ended Draco's fun. Lavender was on her knees and trying to suck Ron's internal organs out through his cock. Ron had his eyes closed and hands wrapped with Lavender's hair as he pulled the girl's mouth over his shaft and was thrusting his hips toward her face. Hermione's words broke both of their focus and Lavender began to gag. Ron pushing her off of his cock and looked, with distain, at the two interlopers. He then knocked the girl to the floor before walking away.
"Ronald – stop!" Hermione yelled.
"Make me" Ron yelled back, while the rest of the statement was lost on Hermione "mudblood." Draco had heard and his worries were only strengthened. Hermione had moved onto the blonde on the ground.
"Lavender, get up. Detention for being out after curfew." Hermione recited as she filled out the detention slip. "Take this to Filch." Hermione handed the slip to Lavender and turned away.
"Jealous Hermione? You know that he is a great lay. Too bad that you refused to give him what he wanted. He had to come to me for that." Hermione's back was still to Lavender. "Turn and look at me...you are just a filthy little muggleborn and I wouldn't be acting so important. Your time in the sun is over and tomorrow the school will know that Ron picked me over you."
Draco watched the interaction with a rising anger. That little tramp had no right to treat Hermione that way. Without Hermione, Lavender would be dead. Death Eaters didn't care much for Gryffindors regardless of how easy it was to get between their legs. Before Hermione could say anything Draco interceded.
"Well, that remains to be seen. Most caring boyfriends don't push their women onto the floor and walk away without a backward glance. I suspect you were convenient and easy. I'd also be surprised if he gave you the time of day since you failed in the one and only thing he needed you to do. He is probably looking for someone else to finish him off. Wonder what other girls are awake at this time of night."
Draco glared at the girl as his comments entered her head. He, of all guys, knew what was going on...he was the one that had written the book on how to not treat girls. Ron apparently had found a copy. "Oh and 50 points for demeaning a professor, not putting any silencing charms and being stupid enough to gag on that git's cock. Seriously it wasn't that large and if you couldn't take it I recommend you learn to do something other than be on your knees."
Draco put his hand on Hermione's back and led her away from the alcove.
It took a few more hours before they were able to make their way to the dormitory. Luckily no one else was found. Once they had arrived and relaxed for a short while they started to discuss the other events of the day.
' - - - - - - '
"Why did you keep the map?"
"We were betrayed by the Ministry before. I'm worried about what was in the dungeon and honestly I think we can use it more than they can. I'll give it to them, eventually. I think we need to talk to Harry tomorrow. Something is going on; I'm worried about whatever that was in the dungeon. It was seemed oddly familiar. I'm worried about Ron and what is wrong with him."
Hermione started to chew on her lower lip in fear and anger. She had been thinking about the thing in the dungeon and remembering that there was something she recognized about it. It felt like someone she knew or thought she knew. Until she had a chance to speak with Harry she didn't want to think about what her gut was telling her.
"You suspect something is wrong with Ron" Harry came into their common room hearing the end of her statement.
"Harry, I, I need to explain."
"No you don't"
Harry stopped and looked at Hermione. Hermione feared that with that statement she had not only lost Ron but also Harry. Harry slumped onto the couch next to Hermione and sighed heavily. He draped his arm over Hermione's shoulder and squeezed gently.
"I think the same thing. Something isn't right with him and I don't know what."
Draco had been standing, listening to the two friends, his two friends, struggle with the fact that their best friend was quite possibly turning if not already turned evil.
"If he isn't already on the dark side, he is probably too far gone to save." Draco's statement caused a deafening silence.
"Dark side?"
"Too late?"
"Why?"
"How?"
Draco sighed before continuing.
"The way he looked at you this morning in the Great Hall. I've seen the look before. Harry you couldn't see it because you were holding him down and Hermione was still behind me. It was pure hatred. Pure, unadulterated hatred and it was pointed directly at you Hermione."
Draco moved to kneel in front of Hermione. He held her hand tightly before continuing.
"I've seen that look on his face. He shot it at me many times over the years. I probably deserved it each time." Hermione tried to interrupt. "I did and you know it. I was a horrid little boy and I'm not sure that I can ever do enough to offset those transgressions. You know that I can still be snarky and cold but I promise that I will do everything I can to make sure that I don't end up like those men who I looked up as a child."
Draco sighed before standing and releasing Hermione's hands.
"I didn't want to say anything earlier today because...because I don't want to lose either of your friendships over a gut feeling. As all of that is true, what is more important is I survived the war because of my intuition. I know that is how you all survived too. The black eyes and hatred could only mean that Ron has agreed with something on the dark side. Be it the desire for power, money, I don't know what but that is the same look my father had when he started down that path. The loss of eye color is one of the final steps before the heart is evil and gone. Then tonight when we found him in the hallway with the Brown girl...the way he just left that is what a Slytherin would do. He didn't stop to look back once. I watched him until he was gone. No remorse, no emotion, no heart..."
Draco shut his eyes at the memory of his father and the others who had accepted that they were entitled to everything. Harry was shocked at the mention of Lavender. Ron had listed her as one of the last slags he would touch.
"Draco, are you sure that he is lost to us?"
"Yes Potter I'm almost positive. If I could get his wand I'd know for certain."
"Is this room protected? Safe?"
"Yes Harry. Why?"
"Good I hoped that would be the answer. Before I get up please put a shield so that whatever I pick up cannot hurt either one of you."
"Harry?"
Hermione didn't understand why Harry would be needing to be protected but Draco understood enough to know that if Harry's instinct was wary, there was a good reason for that feeling. He stood and created a bubble that allowed Harry to pull something into it without fear the others would be harmed. Hermione stood and wrapped her arm around Draco's waist while Harry walked toward the bookshelf. For the first time Hermione noticed a small box on the shelf. Harry picked it up and pulled out a wand. It started to vibrate.
"Potter, drop it and step out of the bubble NOW!" Draco yelled. Harry did as commanded. Draco stepped from Hermione and sent three spells toward the wand before it stopped moving. The spells were old and Hermione didn't recognize them. She looked at Draco and his eyes were black. Fear gripped Hermione as she turned to Harry. Draco walked over and inspected the item while it remained in the bubble.
"That was one of the wands the Dark Lord used." Draco looked at the stick remembering how it had been procured. "This was the last one before he took Lucius's wand. This wand's original owner was another childhood friend of Dumbledore and Grindelwald. I don't really know his story other than he was in league with Grindelwald and was brought to the Manor for the sole purpose of his wand. He, Voldemort, was very pleased to have found the man and his wand. I was home over the break when he was brought in. The man was defiant and resigned at the same time. He was one of the many wizards that did not leave the grounds." Draco shuddered at the memory and even though he did not witness the end of the man, the next time he saw Voldemort the man's wand was firmly in Voldemort's sickly fingers.
The silence that followed was profound.
Draco had to sit after a moment and was shaking. As he sat his eyes drifted shut, Harry went to find McGonagall or Poppy.
"Draco, please talk to me. I'm worried." The blonde did not respond and almost appeared to be in a coma. Falling back on her muggle heritage Hermione worried if he was going into shock. She knew she had to get him to open his eyes and she was getting desperate. In staring at Draco, she realized the spells had to be very dark and he was fighting with himself. All she could do was talk and hold him. Hermione sat next to Draco holding his hand and speaking to him. Hermione's desperation was reaching its peak when she straddled his lap and held his face in her hands.
"Draco, dear gods Draco; answer me. What can I do to pull you back?" Hermione started to cry as she placed her forehead against Draco's.
"I need you Draco. I need you more than you realize. Please come back to me." Hermione was leaning into Draco; she was so close that their noses were touching. They could feel the other's breath on their lips.
Her whispered pleas were heartbreaking. Draco heard them distantly. The problem with using dark spells, and those three in particular; they required a great deal of power. It was a power that he had felt before when he was younger and started down the dark path. That was the time he thought that power was what he wanted. Now he realized what he wanted was the witch who was...what? Where was she? She was straddling him and she kept moving. 'Oh sweet Merlin; she is going to be the death of me and I'm going to love every minute of it.' This realization of her placement on his lap and her continued movements were what snapped him back to reality; however, hearing that she needed him is what gave him the confidence he had truly chosen the right side.
"'Mione, you need me?" Hermione's head shot up and she hugged Draco tightly while trying to stop her tears. She pulled back and looked directly into his grey eyes. He came back to her. She quickly remembered his question and her elation turned to mortification at what her subconscious had let slip.
"Well, I, um..." She refused to look at Draco knowing the smirk that would be on his face. This was the moment that Harry decided to return.
"I can't find any of them. Has he come around yet?" Harry stopped when he saw how Hermione was seated. "Um, I could come back you know."
"Harry James Potter there is nothing going on. I was just trying to. Well. I was trying to wake him up that is all." Hermione stood up defiantly and sat on one of the chairs across from the couch. She had not answered Draco's question and she hoped that he would leave it at that. When she did dare to look at him the smirk was very evident. Harry was ready to make a quip about what Hermione had awoken on Draco but Draco quickly jumped in to save Hermione any further embarrassment.
"No Potter I'm fine. Those spells were pretty dark and there is this small part of me that seems to enjoy the power that flows when those spells are cast. I'm sorry I scared you but the wand had been cursed. If Harry had not been worried about it then there is a good chance none of us would be here right now. The protection bubble is what made it shake like that. When that started I acted on instinct. I can't have anything happen to you. I promised Mother."
Draco finished with a flourish and smiled at Hermione. He knew she hadn't answered him but that was something he was going to discuss with her later. A silence settled on the trio as they looked at the wand. It was getting very late and they were all tired. It was already going to be a long month of exams before the holidays and with this new development they knew that they all needed rest.
"Where do we put this to keep it safe?" Harry's question went unanswered.
"We need to get to sleep. Harry, do you want to stay here tonight?"
"No I can go back to the tower. Since rounds are over all I have to avoid is Filch and the cat. He should be down in the dungeons now, if he is following his normal route." Harry smiled and headed out the door.
"Potter is right, he will be fine and we can store this thing in the space behind your bookshelf." That seemed reasonable to everyone and not too long after the castle was silent and asleep.