Chapter 15

Cait stooped in the shadows of the hallway. She and Draco were attempting to get into the dungeons, but one of the death eaters had stationed themselves at nearly every possible entrance.

"What do we do now?" she asked Draco in a nearly silent whisper.

"There is one more way that we can try, but I don't like it."

"What is it?"

Draco ran his hand through his hair and took a deep breath. "We just walk in."

"We walk in? Are you crazy?"

"They'll let us in, especially if we tell them that we are going to take over watch. We'll have enough time to do what ever we need to do in order to get her out. The only problem is, they will know that it was us that set her free."

"Shit," Cait cursed, as she leaned her head against the wall in frustration.

"It's the only way, Caity. Just trust me. What ever I tell you to do, do it, okay?"

Cait stared into Draco's eyes for several moments before she finally nodded her head.

"Okay. Let's head back upstairs and go in through the main door. It's a little less suspicious."

Cait took Draco's hand in hers before turning back the way they had come. She tried to slow her racing heart and clear her mind. She needed to focus if they were going to get Hermione out

"Father." Draco greeted Lucius as they came into view of the cell where Hermione was being held.

"Draco, what do you need?"

"I would like to take my shift of guarding the prisoner."

Lucius smiled at his son, "Very well, just make sure she doesn't escape."

"Yes, father."

Cait watched as Lucius made his way up the stairs and out of the dungeon. As soon as he was out of sight she began scanning the small cell for Hermione. The girl sat huddled on the floor in a corner. Her face wasn't visible, but she seemed to know that Cait and Draco had just replaced her guard.

"Come to have your go at torturing me, Nott?" she spat.

"Hermione, listen, we haven't got much time-"

"Why should I listen to a word you say? You have deceived me from the very beginning. The whole time you were using me!" The girl seethed as she made her way shakily to her feet.

"Be quiet!" Draco warned, "Someone is liable to hear before we can get you out."

Cait looked to Draco, wondering how they were going to get her out of the cell, and she saw him drawing his wad. He tapped the bars three times while muttering some words under his breath, then pulled the door open.

"Take my wand." he demanded, handing it to Cait.

"What, why?" she questioned, making no move to grab it.

"Just take it!"

Slowly, Cait reached out and took the wand.

"Now, take Hermione and go through the passageway behind the suit of armor on the stairs. It will take you into the Library. My father should be in his office, so you should be safe, but be careful anyways. From the library, head out the side door and into the garden. Remember the hidden gate that we used to use to get out to the lake?"

Cait nodded her head slowly.

"Good, go through that gate. Once you are on the other side you can apparate."

"But, Draco-"

"Go, Cait!" He commanded, grabbing her by the arms and shaking her.

He turned to Hermione who had hesitantly stepped out of the cell. "Take her to the Order. And, please, don't let anything happen to her. Do whatever it takes to keep her there. I've already talked to Snape, he promised her protection."

Cait could feel the tears building up in her eyes. "Draco, they are going to kill you," she whispered as the first spilled down her cheek.

Gently he wiped away the tear with the pad of his thumb. He kissed her on the forehead and held her tightly.

"Please don't do this," she begged, "Come with us."

"I can't, Caity. They already have Theo hidden away. He's safe, go be with him."

"What about you? Doesn't your safety matter?"

"The Order can't and won't protect me. My place is here, I chose it, remember?"

The tears were coming faster now. Cait threw herself at Draco like she had wanted to so many times before. She kissed him hard on the mouth, trying to use her lips to convey what her heart was feeling. She hadn't even realized that she was in love with Draco, but now he was breaking her heart.

When Draco finally pulled away, he smoothed her hair and laid another soft kiss on her forehead. "I love you, Caity."

He turned towards Hermione and pulled something out of his pocket. "Here," He said to her, handing her her wand. "Now. go! And, Hermione, Stupefy me, please."