I've been so excited to finally get this chapter up; it's been on my computer for more than 4 chapters ago. It is here I feel the story really begins to take off, which is both exciting and scary for me! I thought about breaking it up coz it is a long one but it does read better this way so here's a little treat for you all :D Screamaahhh96 and WhipmyHair24 I hope you guys particularly enjoy this one!

Chapter 15

A party of meetings

The house was a chaotic mess the day of the gathering. Hermione was looking forward to it with a sickening mixture of dread and excitement and as she sat in her room she was glad she was not a part of the panic. Instead of folding napkins and shining silver she was able to brace herself for what needed doing. As the evening drew in and the sunlight faded she knew what she had to do.

She had wished Becky luck as the girl came up to change glad she had not shown any indication that she knew Hermione had sneaked from her bed. As Becky, pale and already exhausted left her alone Hermione settled herself for a long wait. Her heart was pounding in her ears, her hands trembling in her lap. At last she was doing something. Tonight Voldemort might come…

When the doorbell rang for the first time Hermione thought she might throw up. Then another came, then another. Blaize it seemed had been true to this word, she had yet to be summoned. She had heard no screams, no raucous laughter, no shouting, in truth she hadn't heard anything from her room. If this had been a muggle meeting she would have believed the whole affair downstairs to be civilized, in truth she simply believed silencing spells had been performed. If the staff had no gruesome tales to tell from previous meetings then the Zabini's had to be experts in hiding the truth of Death Eater gatherings from even those who shared the Zabini home.

She wondered how long she should wait, how long did parties go on for? She had not heard any more arrivals in the last hour, perhaps a little longer? Would the bell be rung when dinner was ready? A little after that she would go, when she knew everyone would be out of her way.

Growing impatient she opened her door a little in hope that sound would be heard better. Returning to her bed she twiddled her fingers biting her lip. They were meters below her. Murderers, torturers, rapists. Every form of sin she knew many had performed. The wizarding world's enemy, her enemy, Harry's enemy, Harry's murderer…

No she couldn't just sit idly by, patience was a virtue, she knew everything tonight had to be well handled, she couldn't rush, could risk failure. But she couldn't just sit here.

She brushed her tears away. She'd check the draw again, see if it had been opened, that would be safe, give her something to do. Before she did something rash anyway. Heaven granted she would have a wand, if not perhaps she would be able to hear the mood below, or even catch sight of them, of Him.

Zabini would regret not having her locked in her room. She wondered if all went as she hoped what would happen to him. She smiled evilly with the upturn of her lip, she felt a liberation in the thought that she did not care.

When had she become so unforgiving she wondered as she tip toed out onto the landing. Was it the first week of Azkaban, or perhaps the second?

Taking the narrow servant stairs she knew every step took her closer to her fate. Was He there? Did she want him to be?

She made her way to the bedroom carefully keeping the walls so as not to be seen from below. The master bedroom to her confusion was locked. She stared at it brows furrowed. Why the hell was it locked now? She tried the handle again with more force. It never occurred to her that the door would be locked, the bedrooms were always open. She stood there mouth open eyes darting at the door as her brain attempted to take into account this rather large set back.

She had to get into the room; things were to be set into motion tonight. Kill the Dark Lord or escape, everything rested on her getting in that room! The horrifying realisation that she would be stuck in servitude awaiting the next opportune moment caused her to bite her finger less she scream.

There had to be something she could do. She pulled away from the handle sadly forcing her mind to focus on what needed to be done and not on her frustration. She still needed to research how to remove the binding spell on the bracelet that kept her prisoner here in the house.

That was what she had to do. Had the dinner bell gone? Had she missed it? How long would it take to eat, would they be free to roam or stay in the ballroom? So many questions that she couldn't answer, it drove her mad.

She hurried to the small library if this was locked, which it most probably was, then she would try and sneak into the large library. They wouldn't go in there surely? It was worth the risk, she had no choice, Mae noticing her interest had come into the habit of locking the main library at night as if sensing her need to get inside. She had two choices; gamble or stay here forever… or risk being caught and locked up forever…

She growled as her mind kept raising statements that threatened to destroy any nerve that she had left.

As she drew close to the small library she turned the corner in deep in thought. The sight that stood before her was enough to stop her still, to stop her thoughts and stop her breathing.

He wasn't supposed to be there, he if at all should have been in the grand ballroom. He was nowhere near the bathroom to use that as an excuse and Hermione didn't doubt for a moment he was lost.

It had been nearly two years since she had last seen his face this close. It had changed almost as much as hers. Where smooth pale skin had existed, etched sickly skin remained. He had aged vastly in such a short amount of time, like her his experiences since the battle had changed him. She hadn't noticed it back in Azkaban, unable to believe she had missed it. As he faced her now this change brought a small comfort, had he remained strong becoming the man she had expected, she knew she would not have been able to face him. His sneer however had not changed since she last saw it and it made her sick to her stomach.

They stood motionless for a long silent moment as the weight of the history between them unfurled in both of their minds.

"There you are… for a moment I wondered if Zabini had actually killed you he's keeping you so well hidden… but not under lock and key I see, like you deserve". There was a long pause as Hermione attempted to breath.

"It's been a long time" he said slowly, fixing her with a fearsome gaze. "Who would have thought our next meeting would be like this?" he crossed his arms, smirk still in place. "Then again, I thought you were dead, I never imagined a reunion. But then what fun would there be without Potty and Weasel?"

She flinched at his words, her fists tightening in rage. After all the time that had passed, now facing each other as adults after the clear gruelling experiences they had both been through, he was still that scared vile little boy whom had simply tripped mid-curse.

"What's wrong mudblood, lost your voice? Miracles do happen" he laughed, "Do I really cause that effect?"

Thousands of remarks filtered through Hermione's brain in the pause that ensued. She wanted to curse him, strangle him and stab him with his own wand for all that he had indirectly done to her. All the suffering she had been forced through all because of a touch of fate, his own clumsiness. She had wondered once if he would have actually directly come for her on the battle ground if he had not fallen, to have bravely faced her on equal footing. She had blamed herself alone in her cell, her only conclusion that she did not deserve hope if destiny had dealt her such a vicious hand. Clearly she had done something to deserve such a fortune. But as she stood before him her anger burned for him, not some higher divinity. It was his fault, simple. And she loathed him for it.

He stood there waiting for her reaction, her retort and she wanted to give it to him but with the simple realisation of blaming him and releasing her guilt, brought a wave of rationale. He had a wand, she did not and despite the action nearly killing her to swallow her emotions and pride she turned her back on him and walked away. She could not win this battle. The library would have to wait. In truth the library was now the last thing on her mind.

She could feel his stare on her back, shocked she could only assume as she heard no movement to follow her. Perhaps he had expected more from her, clever remarks, tears even, possibly violence? After all he had caused her, did he feel any guilt at all, could he feel?

To be ignored and turned away from by a 'lowly' muggle born was clearly a personal insult as his voice cut the silence. He could certainly feel resentment.

"Granger come back here!" he shouted angrily striding after her.

She quickened her pace she couldn't face him without her wand. She wouldn't be strong enough to hear his words and remain unaffected she knew that. She imagined herself turning on him no matter what he did to her in return but as his footsteps hurried after her a wave of fear took her. Why had he sought her out, what did he want with her?

"Don't you dare turn your back on me" he bellowed behind her. She couldn't help herself as she broke into panic and ran as she heard the whip of a wand being pulled and waved free.

Sweat broke on her brow, she was going to be cursed by Malfoy again she knew it. He had come to finish the job. It was in that moment she knew she wanted to live, that Malfoy would not take her life again.

A spell shot passed her elbow and she screamed in surprise jumping wildly in hope he would continue to miss. He was physically reaching her fast however and she knew it was fruitless hiding in a room as he could simply blast down the door. He was too close to loose and for her to hide herself. Besides where was there for her to run?

Amongst her wild thoughts one idea blazed through like a light in the darkness and she wasn't ashamed to grab it. Her knowledge of the mansion became an instinct. All she had to do was keep running and not get hit.

Another spell shot against the floor by her foot and she tripped falling against the door to the servant staircase. Her body panting for air she flung it open and slammed it shut behind her with trembling hands as she stumbled down the stairs. Glad the twisting steps meant brief cover from Malfoy's hexes.

"Mudblood!"

She burst onto the ground floor corridor, Malfoy's crazed voice so close. She was nearly there!

A crippling weight exploded against her back and she fell in an agonizing crash, shoulder first onto the floor rolling over herself due to the speed of her impact. She felt hands grip the clothes at her back pulling her up.

"Blai-" she cried out but was cut off as a silencing charm was swiftly uttered. She was dragged away effortlessly and thrown into a study.

"Never defy a Malfoy" he spat viciously closing the door behind them, before placing a lock on the door.

He turned to her his cheeks stained red, his hair and clothes a mess, sweat coving his brow. He fell quiet for a moment, his panting the only sound as he attempted to settle his breathing.

Hermione clutched her arm tears spilling from her eyes due to the pain and horror of how fast the situation had flown from her control. All she had wanted was to escape this evil house; it seemed she had fallen into the hands of someone eviler if not more insane.

He swallowed and straightened his robes, attempting to gain his self-control but his eyes remained wild. "You cost me everything! I should have killed you when I had the chance" he uttered viciously.

She stared up at him trembling, leaning against the desk he had thrown her against. She turned away from his glare which held so much intense fury, attempting to hide away, pressing her face against the wood in the vein hope she could disappear. She didn't understand what he meant, did he mean when he had cursed her? When Blaize had bought her?

"It wasn't meant to be this way" he continued, his voice breathy, lowering in volume panic now lacing his words.

The façade he pathetically tried to cling too continued to fall. She had no idea what he was capable of or what he was going to do to her. With the Draco Malfoy she knew as a girl she could reasonably guess what he would do and the line he stopped at. The crazed man before her was a stranger and he terrified her.

"You were supposed to be mine, I don't care what Father says, the Dark Lord would have understood. He understands the spoils of war, he would have let me take my reward" he looked at her, his eyes wide in his self-belief. He pointed his wand at her, "You were supposed to be my trophy, none would question my worth and focus on the mistakes I've made, mistakes anyone could have made. My position would be secure, my future safe! People would see the man I am… and not him!" he shouted suddenly, wand now at the door. "Not perfect Blaize, the boy who did nothing in the war, the bastard who seems to always be in the right place at the right time. He has never had to work like I have, do the things I've done! How can I prove myself when he is given the most prestigious missions, I could have done whatever he has done and better!"

Hermione stared at him; she didn't want to die, not because she was caught in the middle of a competition between who was the bigger man, Malfoy or Zabini.

"Never thinks, never doubts, does as he's told even if it means killing people on our side! Just because I questioned, because I'm not a puppet, he gets given everything. He's not human!"

Hermione didn't want to know what Deatheaters were given, be that reward or task. She imagined both were tied to close for comfort.

"He doesn't care about all of this, what I'm fighting for, what we're all fighting for. He doesn't feel, even the Dark Lord feels something, but not him, he only cares about himself…" he was looking at her again as if awaiting her agreement. She couldn't reply, even if she had a voice. She ultimately knew Blaize as well as Malfoy's house elves did.

"But with you, people will remember what I did and I will receive the glory I deserve. What I've been waiting for. I will not let him have that!" he stepped towards her eyes ablaze.

A bang from outside the room caught both their attentions as the door shuddered slightly. Draco froze at the noise deathly pale as they both turned there gaze on the door. The handled jiggled; the sound seemed to echo around the room. Nothing happened when the handle fell still, the door remaining shut.

In panic Hermione flew at the door, she had to alert the person on the other side of her situation. She was inside they couldn't leave her!

Malfoy caught her before she was half way across the room throwing himself on top of her as they wrestled viciously, Malfoy's wand no use in such close physical contact. She ripped at his clothes, at his face, silent tears spilling from her eyes, mouth open, body screaming for someone to hear her but due to his spell all that was heard was his own grunts in attempt to stop her. His physical strength finally over powered her as he clung to her, her arms forced at her sides his legs wrapped around her like a vice body pressed against the floor, his wand at her neck. Unable to move she strained to hear movement from outside. A long silent pause ensued.

She felt Malfoy begin to relax ever so slightly when no further interruption came. His breath was hot against her neck his cologne stifling. Her heart sank, she was on her own.

Another thump sounded making them both jump and freeze, Malfoy if possible felt heavier against her. The door rattled on its hinges as the force fell against it once more. Then again. It sounded as if someone was trying to break down the door through physical human strength. The lock remained firm however no matter how hard it was being pushed. No simple 'Alohamora' charm would work she knew. Cleary the person on the other side of the door had resorted to physical strength when the door refused to open to the counter spell or any further complex breaking spells.

"You'd better stand back" Blaize's voice called out calmly from outside.

In panicked realisation Malfoy rolled off Hermione looped his arms around her chest and under her arms and dragged her back, skirting the desk to the far wall pulling her back onto her feet. A bright light appeared from the cracks of the door as the wood began to shake vigorously. With no warning the metal handle exploded and Blaize kicked open the door.

Peering out over Malfoy's arm that she had used as a shield she saw Blaize stride into the room a look of fury on his face betraying his calm words from only seconds ago. His rich robes that had rested so well before were ruffled and his hair which had been brushed back now looked slightly wild. He turned back to the corridor and muttered another spell lifting the silencing ward he had placed on the corridor to mask the explosion from his guests. With a deep intake of breath he slowly released it and straightened his robes. Taking his time he pushed the door closed as much as he could, ignoring the large hole where the handles had once existed. Running his hands through his hair to replace its neatness he turned to face the pair, his expression now a dead calm.

His behaviour had seemed casual, he had not raised his voice to speak, he had not slammed the door or cursed Malfoy where he stood. The effect his actions brought were terrifying as Hermione waited for Blaize's anger to be released. She could feel Malfoy tense behind her. She had seen him angry only once but she could feel rather than see, that now that Blaize was absolutely furious. Before she had seen it, now she could sense it and it was truly terrifying, though she could not describe what it was about him that betrayed his anger.

He stood still and silent, looking at the pair taking in every detail. His eyes travelled from Draco to Hermione whom wanted to disappear as his intense gaze took her in. His eyes flickered from Draco's wand to his hand around her body that kept her still, before returning back to her. She pursed her lips together to stop herself trembling, she knew she was projecting fear and helplessness at him but she didn't care, right now she was not ashamed to hope he would keep his promise to protect her.

"Let her go" he stated, his voice deep and guttural. He raised his wand to Malfoy fast and aimed with experienced. His movements were flawless.

From her position she could not fully see Malfoy's reaction but she felt his jaw clench and his grip find new vigour. He refused to move. Hermione in his position with Blaize's wrath fully upon him would have fallen to her knees and begged forgiveness. Malfoy however having experience with Blaize found strength to meet his challenge.

Blaize took a sharp step forward, his wand directly aimed at Malfoy's forehead. "I mean it Malfoy. Let go" he ordered, his voice dangerously slow.

Hermione could sense rather than feel Malfoy find his smirk as he pushed the tip of his wand further into her neck. Blaize's eyes became slits, the first physical betrayal of his fury.

"What are you trying to prove? The Dark Lords favour has been placed, he gave her to me" Blaize paused his voice lacing with a new venom. "Do you want Granger is that it?"

"The Dark Lord values me! I and my father have served-"

"Do you want her?" he interrupted, cutting off Draco as he finally found his voice, sharply repeating his question placing emphasis on the end of his question.

Malfoy's face fell, "What are you implying?" he demanded his pitch rising as Hermione's blood ran cold at Blaize's implications.

"You're the one with his arm around her, were you trying to prove your worth to her is that it? You fail in everything else" Blaize replied simply, his voice now becoming conversational. Hermione felt Malfoy's grip tighten painfully in rage his body beginning to shake.

"You disgust me!" he spat, forcing his wand further causing Hermione to whimper silently in pain. She clung onto his arm, finding herself almost lifted from the ground as she attempted to support her weight away from the wand. Her heart beat furiously against her chest as her hands began to slip from Malfoy's skin as they both sweated. Blaize's attempts to disarm Draco failing, his words only increasing Malfoy's hold. Instead he was deliberately provoking his anger, challenging him, making matters worse. Hermione couldn't understand what he was doing, was he enjoying this? Was that a smirk itching on his lips?

"I wouldn't touch the Mudblood's body if my life depended on it" Malfoy shouted at him.

"Then let her go, she is of little use otherwise".

"No" Malfoy said plainly, his breathing becoming deeper.

"Now" Blaize said once more, just as slow as his first request.

"No" Malfoy repeated.

"Do you want me to fetch your father or the others?"

Draco blanched causing a dark laugh of wonder to escape Blaize's mouth. "Did you honestly think you'd get her out of the house unnoticed? I charm my belongings Malfoy, they belong to me. They can't be stolen".

"I caught her. I put her in Azkaban, I deserve to have the Mudblood bow to me and suffer!" Malfoy spat, his temper exploding.

"I bought her" Blaize stated calmly.

"That means nothing!"

"Well the Dark Lord clearly believed so as he gave me permission to have her".

Malfoy went to speak but broke off thinking the better of what he was about to say.

"I'll fight you for this, I'll go to him!" Malfoy threatened pointing his wand suddenly at the man before him, Hermione gasped as the stabbing weight was pulled away.

"Perhaps it would have been wise to do that before you attempted to take her from me, hmm?" Blaize countered, brow raised.

Malfoy made a strangled noise in his throat tightening his grip on his wand.

The door behind Blaize opened slowly as Lucius Malfoy pushed the door open carefully with his cane, poking his head inside cautiously. His curiosity shifted to horror and rage as he took in the sight of his son holding the famous Mudblood. The two young men stood frozen wands forced at the other but attention on the elder Deatheater.

"Draco what are you doing?" Lucius asked astonished stepping into the room closing the door behind him hurriedly with a guarded look down the hall. Draco seemed unable to answer his father, groping at words. Lucius turned an icy glare to Blaize. "Why are you pointing your wand at my son?"

Blaize stiffly let his arm drop placing his wand back inside his robe silently.

"Have you no decorum; pointing your wand at another of our kind" Lucius stated, ignoring the fact his son was still doing the same. He stared back at Draco his face livid his eyes intense with panic at what his son was doing. This was not how he had planned the evening if only Draco had listened to him! Now he threatened to ruin them all.

"Perhaps you should discuss issues such as manners and decorum with your son Mr Malfoy" Blaize said slowly seemingly unaware of the warning and threat Lucius laced in his voice. "I do not know of your principles, many proven different to my own seen in some of your families past exploits," Blaize malicious added, "But stealing is defiantly not considered polite".

"Excuse me!" Lucius screeched, so offended he spluttered unable to speak any further.

"Stealing" Blaize repeated looking plainly at the man his expression returning to the bored dull façade he usually wore.

"For your information Narcissa was only looking at that crystal, go check you'll find it all there! As for Draco he hasn't touch anything in this filthy house all evening".

Blaize broke into a nasty smirk the effect sending chills down Hermione's skin. In that moment she believed how Blaize could become the second most feared man in the world.

"Granger, come here" Blaize ordered, lifting a hand to her. "Malfoy if you would be so kind?"

Trembling Hermione forced her gaze away from her warm skinned safety line and used her hands to pull herself from Malfoy's grip which loosened at her touch. Body burning from the stares she received from both Malfoy's she slowly stepped forward to Blaize placing her hand in his, understanding the irony that the safest place to be was with the most dangerous man in the world. As she did do he gripped her hand tightly and pulled her sharply into him. She repressed her scream and surprise as she nearly fell into him before he swiftly turned her so her shoulder now rested against his chest. Gently but firmly he pushed her chin up displaying her bruised neck for Lucius to see. She hadn't realised how tall Blaize was, the tip of her head just reaching his chin.

"I'm afraid that is not entirely true Mr Malfoy. Draco here has indeed touched something of mine". His voice was calm but spoken from his lips his words seemed to carry further meaning that what they simply supposed. What that meaning was however was unclear to all but himself. Every word that Blaize uttered never seemed as innocent and clear as the implied to be or would be if spoken from another's lips.

Lucius cast another quick deathly glare at his son whom flinched looking at the floor knuckles white from clutching his wand.

"Draco would never lay a finger on the mudblood. I'm insulted you would dare blame my son for your own actions" his volume had lowered, becoming more controlled. Even Hermione knew Draco's actions in the Zabini mansion would have repercussions to Malfoy and his family, Lucius was on the edge of the knife now.

Blaize laughed, a loud free feeling sound that made all three jump in surprise breaking away from the heavy tension that had grown in the room.

"I don't wish to insult your breeding skills but I would advise talking to your son before I am forced to speak to the Dark Lord" Blaize told him, his humour falling as he spoke each word. Despite his obvious humour at the situation; how he was feeling such was incredible in Hermione's mind, power and hierarchy oozed from him. His words were to be listened to and followed, or else.

Lucius seemed to puff up in anger once more his cheeks flushing. "And I will speak to your father about manners to your superiors". Whether this was true Hermione had no idea.

Blaize smile grew "What a wonderful idea. I believe he wishes to speak with you in private anyway".

Lucius' glare reached slits that would rival a man asleep as he attempted to keep control of his power to strike fear. Hermione couldn't deny he was terrifying, she squirmed when his eyes fell upon her momentarily, she didn't know how Blaize could stand so still and unaffected.

"Perhaps you should stay after the party? Let's get back to the gathering. I expect our absence has been noted" Blaize told Lucius, his voice irritatingly polite. He motioned his arm towards the door. Lucius his face livid turned on his heel motioning with his cane for Draco to follow. His son followed moving stiffly. Hermione could see the terror in his eyes as he left. She didn't pity him.

Hermione stood nervously as Blaize let go of her hand and followed them out. She released the breath she had been holding with the threat of a sob. Blaize turned back at the door as if only remembering she was the cause of the fuss.

"Go back to your room. I will speak to you later".

She nodded opening her mouth to speak, she didn't know what but something, she had to. Clutching at her mouth she realised her voice was still missing. Her eyes widened in panic as she stared at him mouth moving in screams with no sound. He drew his wand stepping back inside and said the counter spell. Her voice came back in a gasp her choking breathes making her unable to thank him.

He simply nodded in a business-like fashion replacing his wand, "Tonight". With that statement he shut the door on her while her legs fell out from under her.

Well, worth the wait? I'd love to hear what you guys think regarding the characters : ) I know what is going to happen so feel a bias towards them so would like to know how you guys see them at the moment :D Please, please keep reviewing everyone is much loved and adored and thank you to all the new readers and alerters, TazziJadeBlack your review made me smile so much! You guys keep me going!