Chapter 4

Roads

For the longest time my world would be darkness and pain. Lucious did have quite a talent for torturing. He would drive me to the edge of despair. Voldemort would sometimes come and sit by the filthy and bruised girl I had become. He would just sit and talk about irrelevant things, like advanced theories on the art of necromancy.

His presence meant only one thing, he wanted me to ask for his forgiveness, and all evil would go away. When he left, the pain would start all over again.

I devised an schedule for this things. Leaving my mind without thinking of something was more likely to kill me than any blow Lucious could land on me. He would torture me twice a day during mornings and evenings. I suppose he had other occupation during the mealtime. Voldemort would visit once each fifteen days. When I had seen Voldemort for the 12th time, I knew I couldn't survive this life much longer.

Harry must've tried everything in his power to get me out of this hellhole. I know he must've.

Every once in a while Lucious wouldn't appear, I guess Voldemort had him in quite the errand to miss our delightful encounters. In one such occasion, his absence was noticed by my frail body during a freezing winter morning. I could feel the cold tearing at my flesh . The cold floor made it impossible for my bruised limbs to forget a single old mended wound. Magic could not make that ghost of pain go away.

He hadn't come. I knew because by now I would be screaming for release. As I lay there with my slimy hair below my pounding head. I couldn't find the energy to open my eyelids. If I wanted out, this was it. But Lucious was too smart he had made sure I was beyond repair in this day. My wounds were festering; perhaps in a couple of days some house elf would come to fix them, but only when Lucious was back. Against that little nagging voice in the back of my head I started to stand. Moving my dislocated wrist was like being stabbed by a red hot iron. There was no other option; putting both hands at the sides of my face I tried to lift the upper part of my body from the floor.

My scalp protested, it appeared that my hair was caked to the floor with blood and dirt. The sight of my hair made me cry. I had never been a vain girl, but having my hair full of dry blood was too much. The tears started to fall, drawing spidery lines along the dirt on my cheeks.

Voldemort was a monster. He had me beaten to an inch of my life, maimed and tortured, and still he claimed to love me! What a lie. Tom had died, at some point he had, and I simply hadn't noticed. I managed to lift my body and lean on the moldy wall. The slimy feeling of that thing against my face was revolting.

Making an extraordinary effort I managed to stand. As I did, I felt the world moving. I closed my eyes and waited for the feeling to pass. I now had to walk 100 steps to the door. How many times had I tried to escape? One, ten, a million, it honestly didn't remember.

As I took the first step I heard a rustling of clothing, someone was here. I froze. No. It couldn't be. No one ever came here. I took a deep gulp of air and turned to look at the person inside my personal hell.

"Hello Granger," whispered Draco, h is voice was deep, but scratchy like he had drank too much .

"Malfoy, finally decided you deserved to participate in the torturing. What took you so long? I expected you long before today, ferret." My voice was strained. It betrayed the screams of months.

His fine features smiled, a true smile. It reached his gray eyes. "Only you could manage this Ganger. You've been down here for half a year and still there is fire within you. I'm truly impressed."

"Ferret, if you came here to torture me get it over with. I care not to have small talk with you or anyone else."

He advanced toward me. He was tall. Being on the floor for so long had altered my perception of things. He lifted a hand. On reflex I closed my eyes waiting for the blow. He touched my cheeks. "It has affected you. I never wanted this for you."

At this I laughed, "Please Malfoy, I know you must've wanted dear Aunt Bella to be my torturer. She really must hate me. In that regard, I'm lucky Voldemort wouldn't unleash that rabid dog on me. Not yet, at least."

I had to think of something fast. I could feel the small amount of energy I had left leaving my body even as I stood.

"Oh, I understand now. You came for the spoils of war. Never thought you were the type," I said with more bravado than I really felt.

He cupped my face and drew his so close I could se the little crevices of his pale lips.

"I'm here to help."

He let go of me.

"Please forgive me if I find that impossible to believe, ferret. If there is one thing this whole war has taught me, it is that Malfoys never do anything because of the goodness of their hearts."

"Yes, you are right. We don't. I'm doing it, because I would relish the idea of a single night of peace. Your horrible screams have been annoying. I cannot stand that infernal sound for one more night."

I looked at him. He was serious about this.

Turning my eyes away, I mumbled. "Why?"

"It's none of your business Granger. If you want out it's now. Take it or leave it. I won't offer again."

In that moment I felt the last wisps of energy fade away. I stumbled, but managed to remain standing.

He looked at me. I must look more horrible than I imagined for a look of pity passed his eyes. He stretched his arm and took hold of my upper arm. He was warm. His warmth reminded me of a time when there was a Golden Trio in the Griffindor common room.

"Move it Granger!There is no time to waste, if they catch us… Well I can't figure there is anything else they can do to you which they haven't by this point. But I think I'd prefer not to experience the same treatment. So move it!"

By an effort of shear pigheadedness and pride I was able to take one step at a time. There was no way I could follow him for much longer at the brisk pace he was taking. He turned to look at me, really look at me and mumbled something along the lines of, "I can't believe I'm going to ruin this Mario Ezter shirt."

He grabbed me and lifted me into his arms.

"You owe me big, Granger. I expect you'll find a way to repay me at some point, you and Potter both."

His arms were strong. Never had I imagined I would feel safe in Malfoy's presence. His body warmth was comforting. I hadn't felt this way in so long. I stopped trying to stay conscious. He was right, there was nothing worse he or anyone else could do to me.

When I woke up, I realized I was in a bed. The sheets felt like real satin.

"Finally, you are awake."

I looked at him. He was holding a bowl full of soup. He came and sat by my side.

"You have to eat this. I will have to feed you…"

His eyes were tired.

My cheeks colored with indignation.

"I can do it. Thank you very much. I'm not a two year old."

"As you please," he said with a smirk on his face and transformed a lamp into a small table.

I tried to sit straight. I couldn't. My arms shook with effort. I tried again, only to end up in the exact same place.

"Hermione, stop. You can't do it. Being under the cruciatus for such a long period of time has eroded your muscles. It'll be a while before you are able to do so much as lift your arms."

"But I was fine in the dungeon. What did you do to me?"I said, feeling more helpless than ever before.

"He was coming in the morning; as far as I was able to investigate, he had cast a special spell on the room. It allowed you some energy. While you were in that room your body wouldn't lose all of it's strength. He didn't want to have just a heap of limbs on the floor. Trust me, I would rather face a dragon than do this, but we are stuck together. You and Bloody Potter are the last hope for me, so you better get your strength back fast," he said as he left the bowl on the table and helped me sit.

Looking into his eyes I asked, "Why are you doing this?"

His grey eyes became slits.

"Let's get something clear, my reasons are my own. "

"Where is Harry? Where are we? What's the plan?"

"Harry left the magical world. He hasn't been seen since you were captured. As soon as you are able to cast a spell , we'll call him with your patronus. We are in a little cottage by the sea. Regarding the plan after Potter answers our call, it is none existent."

In those first months my pride suffered. Malfoy had to take care of me. He nurtured me back to health.

After four months I was able to walk, bathe and most importantly I could do a patronus. Nonverbal magic, became my hobby.

"It's time. Send a message to Potter. Do not tell him where we are. Just explain that you are safe. Avoid saying you are in my company, that might upset him."

I did as I was told.

We waited, for months no answer came. Every day I would send the same message:

"Harry, I'm free."

I lost hope. Harry wasn't answering. He must think it is a trick. After I realized this, I stopped sending him messages. I had to see him.

"Malfoy, I know a spell which will take me to Harry. I need you to cover up for me. I need a distraction. Voldemort must be looking for us, if you were to be seen somewhere I could go to Harry, and bring him back with me," I said as I grabbed my things.

"How long do you need?" he said from his place by the door.

"A week."

Draco came to stand beside me.

"You've got a day, two at the most. If I don't return don't go looking for me. Get Potter and fight Voldemort. Am I clear?"

"Ok," I mumbled.

He sighed.

"Give me a couple of hours head start, then go to Potter," saying this, he apparated.

I sat on the couch and looked at the watch. I better do somethin productive to pass the time. I took a book and started reading. Four hours later I went looking for Harry.

The sight which appeared before my eyes was unexpected. As I stood outside that small home my heart was overwhelmed with happiness. Inside was my best friend having dinner with a very pregnant girl. They looked happy. He looked, happier than I had ever seen him. I was about to leave, when I decided I wanted to speak with him one last time. I rang the doorbell.

He opened the door and turned pale.

"Who is it?" asked a sweet voice in the back.

Harry swallowed and answered, "Mike, he needs to borrow my tools. I'll be right back."

He stepped out and grabbed my arm, dragging me towards the garage. Once we were inside he hugged me.

"I'm glad you are alive. A few months after you were captured, the news that Hermione Granger was dead ran like fire over the wizarding world. I lost all hope. I left and never looked back. When I received your patronus I thought Voldemort was trying to set me a trap."

"Harry, stop. I can tell you are not happy to see me."

"You always knew me too well. I can't go back. I simply can't."

I was stillewas about to explodea timen we"What's her name?" I asked.

"Thalia, we are expecting a baby girl. She has changed my world. My responsibility is to them. The wizarding world can survive without me. I don´t want my child to grow without a father." he said without looking at me.

"I understand. Best of luck Harry. I'll miss you, my friend."

I turned to leave.

"Wait, you don't have to go. You could stay here with us. You'll be my child's favorite aunt."

There was such happiness in his voice when he spoke of his family.

"I can't, Voldemort has to be stopped. Bye, Harry."

"Wait! It doesn't have to be like this. Mione, please."

"Harry I can't stay. I respect your decision, please respect mine."

"Come back. Once you do what you have to do. There will always be a place for you in this house."

He hugged me and I hugged him back.

That was the last time I saw Harry James Potter, my best friend.