Hermione stirred from her slumber, slightly disoriented. It wasn't because her body was mildly sore, nor because her muscles thrummed with a dull ache. Hermione brought her hand to her swollen throat. Fresh water.
It wasn't as if she couldn't breathe in fresh water, only that she needed to properly adjust to the difference in salinity. While she steadied her breathing, she took stock of her surroundings.
She was in some sort of circular glass chamber with brightly colored plants at its center. The water was much clearer then she was used to, so she was able to see just beyond the container with relative ease.
It was another chamber devoid of water and enclosed by wooden walls. She recognized the material from the remnants of the many abandoned ships scattered in the depths of the sea. She placed her hand against the cool glass, tilting her head to get a better look at the room.
Other than some wooden objects in different shapes and sizes, there was no one around. She turned to observe the chamber that she was in, and aside from the plants and some smooth bedrock, there was nothing.
It was only when she looked up that she realized there was a kind of latch. She swam upward, her golden tailfin finally able to expand and stretch. She tried to push the latch open but it appeared to be locked. "Alohamora," she muttered, but it didn't budge. There didn't seem to be an actual lock, but it was sealed somehow. After a few minutes she gave up and sank back to the bottom.
Hermione tried to remember what had happened, she vaguely recalled reaching the bay and maybe seeing Draco, but she wasn't sure if she had simply imagined him to comfort her impending demise.
She winced at the memory of Serefina's voice, casting one deadly spell after another. It made her inspect her scales. Lines of faint scars were proof of the intense battle.
"They'll fade away in time," Draco's muffled voice startled her. She raised her head to see that he was standing on the other side of the glass.
"Draco," she sighed happily. There he was, her Silver Prince. His expression softened as she placed her hand on the glass to meet his. "What happened?"
"Don't worry darling, everything is alright now," he said calmly.
"But Serefina–"
"That was its name? The creature that nearly killed you?"
"Yes." Hermione took a breath. She was happy to see him, but wasn't sure why he had put her in here. Maybe Serefina was still out there and this was his way of keeping her safe. "Is she–"
"She's dead and will never harm you again," he said firmly, his eyes hardening with the declaration.
"Dead?" Hermione whispered incredulously. The Heartless Serefina, the most powerful enchantress in the Aegean Seas did not just simply die. "Did you–"
"In time, my love. For now, you must rest," he said tenderly.
Hermione couldn't make sense of what she was hearing. Draco could not have possibly killed her. Serefina was a witch and he was a mere mortal. Hermione knew that love was a beautiful and powerful motivator, but it was not enough to contend against her master.
"How are you feeling now?" he asked, regarding her carefully.
"Uh, okay. A bit stiff." She put the thought away. There would be plenty of time for explanations. For now, they had survived Serefina's wrath and were together once more.
"That's normal, you did almost die. I've added a relaxant solution to the tank's filtration system, which should help to relieve any pain. Are you hungry?"
"Tank?"
"Yes, this enclosure. I made it for you. Do you like it?" he said with a smile from ear to ear.
"It's lovely," she replied gratefully. It hadn't occurred to her that he might have wanted her to visit his home. "You didn't have to. I can walk, you know." She probably should have told him before, except that she didn't really prefer her human form. They hadn't known each other for very long, and there was still plenty to learn. Hermione smiled at him kindly waiting for a reply. That was when she noticed that he had become quite still.
"You don't like it," he said, disappointed.
"Oh no, that's not what I mean, I just, well I can't–" she placed her hands on the glass to reach for him. She wasn't sure how to convey that she wanted to embrace him and thank him for rescuing her. "I'd just like to thank you for saving me," she said softly, her voice turning to satin. She had never been intimate with a man before, but this certainly felt like the right time.
"My lovely," he said, stepping closer, "you being here is all the thanks I will ever need." He leaned his head against the glass and she followed suit. After a moment he shifted. "I have to go into town and get some supplies. Will you be alright here alone for a bit?" he asked.
"Um, I suppose. How can I get out?" Hermione asked innocently. "The latch appears to be locked."
Hermione should have seen it sooner.
When she looked upon him, his expression had hardened, and yet again he was still. His eyes felt sharper, darker– and for a moment, Hermione thought she saw them shift to a deeper shade of violet.
"Why do you need to get out?" His voice had changed. It was not laced with the familiar hum of happiness she was used to.
Hermione was silent. His question was nonsensical. Of course she needed to get out. With Serefina dead, she was free to rule the seas, to claim what was hers.
"Draco, I can't stay here forever," she laughed looking around at the enclosure that suddenly felt entirely too small.
"Of course you can. Darling."
He had called her that name many times before, but never like this.
Hermione should have seen it sooner.