The week flew by and Draco came over and shagged Hermione silly several times. It was becoming a decent pass time at relieving her anxiety for what was to come. He was a pretty talented man and she could appreciate it for mutual benefits. He had the chance to shag her, and she got that comforting release she has been needing.
Monday, she was nervous. The minister was going to be waiting for them and she was jittery. She had to convince him this was a normal, harmless experiment. It truly was except for the possibility of bring back several people back to life. She warned Draco countless times about the voices and how he had to not move, at all. Period. She warned him about Severus possibly being there and he looked visibly relieved at hearing that.
Hermione was dressed professionally and Draco gave her a smirk as he took her arm and nodded at each other as they were about to enter the office. They walked in and Kingsley was smiling. "Come on in you two. Mr. Malfoy, Miss Granger. I am very excited to hear what you have for me that you were this desperate for a meeting."
Hermione nodded and smiled, "Minister Shacklebolt, as you know I am an Unspeakable and have a curiosity about the Veil. I have for you quite a treat today," she said with mirth and his eyes lit up.
"What might that be?" The minister asked and she offered Draco a chance.
Draco cleared his throat and smiled, "Miss Granger and I have been working on a discovery together, purely from my library and our research of course. We have discovered an incantation that might test the Veil's properties and tell us more about the magics on the other side." He finished and the minister tilted his head in wonder.
"This... incantation, can you explain how it would?" Kingsley asked and Hermione pulled out her notes; the notes that were vaguely optimistic.
He quickly read over them and gave them an expression of pure shock, "this is very intriguing indeed!"
"We would like to perform this incantation, Minister," Draco declared and Kingsley choked on his surprise.
Hermione pointed to the notes in his hand, "as you can see there would be no lasting effect on the Veil nor those involved with the incantation. If we cast it near the Veil, it will only breach the platform." She declared and Kingsley nodded.
The minister nodded and sighed, "well, this does go against protocol, Miss Granger. I would have to make sure the other Unspeakables and I are present."
Hermione gave him a gesture of agreement, "on there are some barrier spells and wards to protect you. Safety first of course."
Kingsley nodded and gazed at Draco, "you helped her with these findings? I need to be sure so I have all the facts correct."
"Undoubtedly, Minister Shacklebolt," Hermione said and Kingsley chuckled.
Draco smiled and gave him a nod, "she is great at research, I just helped keep her motivated and read with her."
"Don't be so modest, Mr. Malfoy," Hermione replied and the minister nodded.
"Alright, Miss Granger. What we will do is I will speak to those involved, get a date for you both by the end of the date. Miss Granger if I deliver it to you-"
Hermione didn't let him finish because she gave him a bright smile and nod, "Draco and I will be performing it together so I will notify him."
"Excellent, I will stop by to see you before the end of the day. Thank you for your hard work, both of you." He dismissed them and once they were outside her office Hermione started to dance.
"Yes!" She hissed and Draco stopped her and pushed her against the wall.
He snogged her deeply and she was taken off guard from it. She yanked him inside and shut the door swiftly while he started to pull up her skirt. "Draco- I have- to- work." She told him through his attack.
The blond shook his head and yanked her knickers down before lifting her, "not before I shag you."
He pinned her to the wall and she coiled her legs around him. It was but a moment and he soon found leverage enough for entrance and she gasped. It was rough and he bit her neck and suckled it while he slammed into her. She bit down on her screams and whimpered gently, digging her nails into his shoulders. It was a shudder worthy climax for both of them and when he placed her back down she shook off the endorphins.
"We can't keep doing this, especially outside of my home," she giggled and he nodded.
Draco fixed himself and ran a hand through his hair, "it was to be expected, Granger. We were on a high."
Hermione sighed heavily and shook her head, "you are a bad boy, Mr. Malfoy," she told him and he smirked.
"Don't I know it," he retorted and she giggled.
"Alright, I will send you word when I have it, Draco. For now, I have to work." She went to retrieve her discarded underwear and he snatched them swiftly.
"I think I am going to save these," he teased and she glared at him.
"I need those," she said with her hands on her hips.
Draco leaned over and kissed her, "you will have to go without them today, Granger." With that, he pocketed them and left.
Rolling her eyes, she went to her desk and sat down. A discreet cast to clean up the mess of her tryst and she was ready for her day. Hermione could barely focus and anxiously waited for the minister to come knocking with good news.
0o0o
Two days later and Hermione was at breaking point with the conversation. They were sitting with the Potters and Draco Malfoy was being... well, bloody Draco Malfoy.
"Ok, walk us through the incantation again," Ginny told her and Hermione glared over at Draco and Harry.
"Wait, I have a question. This was fake the whole time?" Harry asked and Hermione groaned.
"Well, I shagged her, a lot," Draco declared and Hermione rubbed her face.
Harry turned red yet again, "but the relationship?" This had been going around in circles for the better part of an hour.
Hermione shrugged her shoulders, "I mean we had no intention of it being more than it was. We worked on this, we snogged, we shagged. That was all that was expected, Harry."
"She is definitely worth the time spent on this, trust me." Draco declared and Hermione placed her forehead on the table.
Harry heaved a sigh and nodded, "alright then. What about this incantation?"
"Thank you, Harry," Hermione growled and glowered over at Draco. "We are going to be bringing Sirius and Remus back. Severus too if Draco can muster up the feeling for it. We will cast it, they will come out. We will not move. They will come through. After we come to, we will sev-" Hermione paused and gasped.
"Oh no," Hermione sighed and covered her mouth.
Draco watched her and he knew it was something she missed, "what is it?"
She shook her head, "if I sever their bond, they will... well, they won't." She didn't have to finish, he knew.
"A chance you have to be willing to take," he told her and she scrunched her face up and nodded.
"They won't?" Ginny asked her because she knew as well.
Hermione shook her head and cleared her throat, "it doesn't matter, they will be back."
Harry was lost but he was certain she said she was bringing back Sirius and Remus, "you are going to bring them from the Veil?"
Hermione gave him a nod and sighed, "yes, it will be very good. They can come back to Grimmauld Place with me after they have recovered."
Ginny snorted and Draco gave her a look, "right," Draco snickered and Hermione glared at him. "I am agreeing with you, Granger."
"They will not be bonded so we can make sure they are stable and have time to recuperate." Hermione declared with a nod and smiled.
"Very good, so we have made sure we freed up the day. We will be waiting for the owl." Ginny nodded and Hermione sighed.
"There is one thing we have to talk about," Hermione grumbled and Draco nodded.
"If one of us gets touched by the Veil. We will get scars and will eventually die." Draco declared and Hermione exhaled heavily.
Harry looked alarmed and Ginny shook her head, "then don't get touched by it, both of you." Ginny spat and Hermione nodded.
"Draco," Hermione stopped and gazed at him. "If my heart stops. Do the severing over us right away before they die too. Let it happen. The dream... it was horrendous to put everyone through."
Draco shook his head, "tough luck, Granger. We brought you back seven months later from what you said."
"It will be good... I am absolutely terrified, but it will be good," Hermione grumbled and Draco laughed.
"Don't worry so much, it isn't like you haven't done this before," he teased and she smiled and nodded.
"Alright, rest up, Potters. It might be a long day tomorrow." Hermione declared and they started biding goodbyes.
Draco was about to go through the fireplace before Hermione and he turned. "So, want to, for old times sake?" He asked and she giggled.
The Potters were watching the exchange with curiosity. "Hurry up then. I expect it to be a good last shag, Malfoy." She snickered softly, but the couple at the table heard.
Harry glared at Ginny who shrugged her shoulders as they left. "I guess he is a decent shag." Ginny murmured and Harry groaned.
"And I was convinced she couldn't surprise me anymore," Harry responded and Ginny stifled a giggle.
"I am quite sure she has more secrets than you know, Mr. Potter."
0o0o
This felt so similar. It felt so real. She was here before she could swear it. Draco took her hand as they walked up to the Veil and he gave her a nervous smile. "Are you scared still?" He asked and she shook her head.
"Just nervous. I no longer fear death, I had to live through it, remember?" She asked and he nodded with a gulp. "Trust me?" She squeezed his hand and he smiled at her.
"Most definitely, Granger. Don't move, don't touch anything, don't breathe if I can live through it..." He trailed off with a smile and she giggled.
"We are going to bring them all home, Draco. We are going to change history. Remember that," she told him and he nodded.
"Everything ready up there?" Kingsley shouted and Draco let loose a big breath.
They stood back to back and Draco shot off a flare from his wand. Hermione watched the group casting their spells and she nodded. "Alright, Draco. Time to shine," she declared and he started his casting.
Hermione started the beautiful incantation. It rolled off her tongue easier than she thought it would and it melted into the air as she moved her wand. She felt at ease suddenly; she had done this before, she knew the outcome of the spell, no worries. Hermione finally got to the repetitive line and started the cycle.
Ten.
Thirteen.
Seventeen.
Twenty.
Twenty-one!
She flicked her wand toward the curtain and was in awe of the bright pure white that the archway was covered with. The mist started to circle around them and Draco backed hard against her. "Trust me, Draco. We are safe, just stay focused." Hermione comforted him and he nodded.
The mist swirled and danced so beautifully and Hermione watched attentively as the forms started to take place. She took Draco's free arm in her arm and he sighed, "Thanks Granger," he whispered.
There were the glowing eyes and soon the faces she knew would arrive came into focus. "you were right..." Draco murmured and she smiled.
"Remus, Sirius," Hermione said with a smile and they grinned. "Are you going to join us now?" She asked and they nodded.
"Severus," Draco declared and Hermione cleared her throat.
"Just stay here, Draco. He is coming too," she responded and he nodded.
They were pressing through the barrier and she felt Draco become alarmed, "we are fine, they are going to keep us safe. Trust me."
The barrier ripped open and Hermione grabbed Draco and ducked him down with her. He let loose a choke and she rubbed his face as darkness encircled them. "Trust me," she breathed, looking into his eyes and he smiled.
"You did good, love, sleep." Sirius whispered as she felt them encircle her and she hugged Draco as she gave into sleep.
0o0o
Hermione's throat was so dry. She coughed and opened her eyes to see the all too familiar setting of the hospital. She gasped and touched her chest, peeling away the blankets and lifting her shirt. Her relief swept her and she let out a heavy breath.
"Do you always make witches take off their shirts, Pads?" Remus grumbled and she pulled her shirt down fast to see the marauders sitting there in her room.
Sirius grinned at him and nodded, "even bookish ones I suppose, good morning, love."
"Go-" her voice cracked and she tried to wet her lips.
"Hold on, Hermione, let me get that for you," Remus told her and poured her a glass of water.
He handed it to her and she smiled in gratitude before gulping it. "Thank you," she said and he smiled at her.
"Of course. It is the least I could do after you, well you saved us from death." Remus declared and she grinned with a sigh.
"How long was I out?" She asked and Draco came into the room.
"Only since yesterday. Healers say your incantation fatigued you." Draco said with a shrug.
"Did you do the severing?" She asked and he nodded slowly.
"As you asked. Everyone is accounted for. No scars. No excess magic. Even Severus was impressed." He informed her and she clapped.
"Oh, that is so good! What did the paper say, Draco?" She asked and he grinned brightly and handed it to her.
Magical Experiment brings forth Fluke chance. Rescues three!
Hermione read it with happiness as she saw it did not question her research or possibilities of doing it again. It was declared a happy fluke and Draco and her would go down as the two people alive to bring someone out of the Veil.
"This is happy news indeed! Thank Merlin!" Hermione gasped and slumped against the pillow.
Sirius frowned at her and tilted his head, "love, I have to ask you. Why Remus and I?"
She smiled at him and sighed, "because, Harry and Teddy missed you both terribly."
Draco smirked and rolled his eyes, "nothing at all to do with how dashing you think they are, Granger?" He asked and she turned scarlet.
"Draco Malfoy..." She warned and he chuckled and kissed her forehead.
"I will see you when you get discharged. I will bring over some of my dad's spirits and we will get sloshed at your house. I suppose there's a first for everyone, getting pissed at Grimmauld Place." He told her with a chuckle and she gave him a smirk.
"Good plan. See you later, Malfoy," she snickered and he grinned and left.
The marauders were glancing at each other and Sirius frowned. "Hermione, you live at Grimmauld Place?" Remus asked and she nodded.
"When Ron and I split I asked Harry if I could live there. I worked on the incantation there." She declared and finished her cup of water.
"You planned to save us?" Sirius questioned and she shrugged.
"I had a hunch and went with it," she replied with a smile and Sirius arched an eyebrow at her.
"I am not sure whether to kiss you or praise you," he snickered and she gave him a smooth expression.
"They are the same thing, Padfoot," she replied and his jaw dropped.
Remus chuckled and shook his head, "someone has taken a page out of your book, Pads."
The werewolf poured her another glass of water and she stopped him and took his hand. "I am so glad to see you, Remus."
He blushed and cleared his throat, "thank you," he declared and pulled away from her.
Sirius came over and sat on her bed, "how about me, love?"
"Oh, I am happy to see you as well," she paused as he grinned, "but I am happier to see Remus." His face dropped and he scowled at her.
"You are obnoxious, girl. I know you missed me just as much," he growled and she smirked.
Remus was stifling laughter, "my, Pads, I think we are going to enjoy living with her. Hermione, you have changed so much."
She raised an eyebrow and her smile grew lopsided, "you have no idea."
Both marauders glanced at each other in shock and Sirius exhaled, "well, this will be a decent start. I suppose we will find out at dinner... at the Burrow." His face turned into a grimace.
"Oh, is Teddy going to be there?" She asked hopefully and Remus smiled.
"Yes," he told her and she clapped.
"I haven't seen him in a few weeks, I cannot wait!"
Remus gave Sirius another look and the animagus grinned, "neither can we."