Author's Note

For anyone who would like to get a real feel of the story, I'll the name of a song that can be played during each of Hermione's scenes. Start it when it starts in the chapter and keep playing only during her scenes. For anyone who wants to be 'apart of the story'. I recommend it to get a good idea of what she's feeling. It took me a while to find an appropriate song….

Hope you all enjoy! (The chapter not the song)

Song Name: Hide and Seek by Lizz

Previously on Hideaway:

Draco tossed her a rolled up newspaper which she deftly caught and flipped over.

"They've released my father from Azkaban."

"As I was saying, I was released on a recommendation." Lucius replied curtly. "It was an anonymous tip but it provided enough information and evidence for the ministry to have to release me." Lucius said.

Harry flipped over the picture and read out the tiny p.s. "If Malfoy birdy tweets, another birdy dies."

"Get close to them. Find the girl. Watch them. Don't be unfriendly. Be discreet. Find everything."

She felt a strong grip clamp over her mouth and nose with a mask filling her lungs with the most dizzying and intoxicating scent ever. The struggle was short as she felt unconsciousness consume and overtake her.

"What the hell happened? Where's Hermione?" Harry asked.

"Shut up Harry!" Ginny snapped grabbing floo powder. "He needs medical attention not auror interrogation!"

One two, I see you.

Three four, lock the door.

Five six, I have what you'll most miss.

Seven eight, she's in the place you most hate.

Nine ten, will you see them again?

Hermione's head felt like it was mush, like a hammer had been smashed repeatedly over it. She groggily peeled her eyes open feeling fear and alarm overwhelm her as she took in her surroundings. She vaguely remembered being forced on with a mask but nothing else.

She was in a dank wooden shed type building. Very small and dirty. It had an eerie sense, quiet and haunting. There was nothing in the room except for where she sat against the wall. Her hands were bound behind her back by a thick rope. Her legs were tied together too, both unnecessarily tight. She quickly gazed down at her stomach which had ropes tied above and below it, with one through the center reaching to attach at the wall behind her.

Tears sprung to her eyes as she groped for her wand. Of course she was wandless as she sat bound and defenseless in an unknown room.

Think Hermione, think. Her eyes darted around the room searching for any indication of where she was, who she was with and an escape route. There were no windows to see outside and no other entrance/exit besides the single obviously locked door opposite her.

Anxiety closed around her, clamping down on her and closing in. Draco. She thought helplessly. She highly doubted he found Viktor, so what held him up?

The most important thing for her now, was to get the hell out of here. She didn't know what plans Lestrange had in store for her but she wasn't going to let him harm her baby. Death was a much more appropriate option if she could save her child.

She was about 7 months pregnant now and her due date was in 2 months. No way, was she sitting in here for 2 more months. She just needed to figure out a way to get out.

There was suddenly the most horrid music being blasted throughout the room. It sent a chilling feeling up her spine as the lights dimmed and all she was left with was the creepy, haunting music howling in her ear.

What did she do? She screamed.

"I've sent search teams out to scour the area for Hermione. Her team and other aurors have been sent to investigate your house. We'll find her Draco, I swear it." Harry said entering the hospital room once more.

"Just get me out of here. I'm fine. I just need to find Hermione!" Draco growled.

Harry sighed and licked his lips before giving in. "Alright. We could you everyone we get. I'll go sign for release, if they'll let me."

"Play the Boy Who Lived card. I really don't care just get me out so I can find Hermione." Draco said.

Harry nodded before exiting the room. Draco leaned back against his bed and dropped his head in his hands. How had he been so foolish? Of course whatever they had planned, was to separate him and Hermione. How could he have not seen that? He should have known from the moment that Hermione noticed Krum wasn't home. It was his job to protect her and he had failed. Now, Merlin forbid anything to happen to Hermione or the baby.

The door opened again and this time, it was not Harry who entered but Blaise.

"Hey," Blaise said shutting the door behind him. "How's it going?"

"How do you think it's going?" Draco asked without raising his head.

"We'll find her mate," Blaise said dragging a chair over to sit next to him. "Everyone's looking for the lost war heroine, she's going to turn up."

"It doesn't matter that she's some war heroine. She's pregnant and kidnapped by some of the most notorious and merciless people." Draco groaned. "They have no limits Blaise. They will not hesitate to torture and kill her. That will kill me."

"That was the most sappy thing I've heard you say." Blaise grinned.

Draco raised his head to glare at his best friend. "It's also a very true thing."

Blaise's face turned serious. "I get it, I have pureblood dark parents too. But she's strong. She won't let them get to her."

"I certainly hope so." Draco muttered as Harry re-entered nodding at Blaise.

"I did have to play the Boy Who Lived card but that's what it took to get you out. So hurry up and go back to your house to help with the investigation." Harry said grimly. "I'm going to check in on the search parties."

"Thanks Harry." Draco said meeting Potter's gaze. "I appreciate it."

"I want to find my sister too." Harry nodded before turning and rushing out.
Ginny entered heavily pregnant, about to pop any day and glared at the pair. "I know Harry managed to release you from the hospital but you are still injured Malfoy. You need to be careful, you can't push yourself."

"I know Gin. Thanks," Draco strained a smile. He could see her worry about her best friend too and hurriedly clambered out of bed to find his clothes.

"When are you due Red?" Blaise asked eyeing her large stomach.

"End of the month." she replied her face turning soft as she caressed her stomach. "A little past Christmas time."

Draco had changed quickly and ran out of the hospital, apparating painfully back home. Ginny had insisted on helping and had been given the task of being the messenger between each party or investigation site. Blaise had joined a search party and had left a little after Harry.

Draco returned to their house, watching as aurors had it blocked off with caution tape. They were rushing around checking wards and searching for signs. Draco felt the fear that consumed him overwhelm him again. It was the fear he only felt associated for Hermione. His heart thumping, he entered his house and finding members of her team peering around the living room.

He drew his wand observing the living room. The fire was dying where it had only burned bright hours ago. Draco suddenly felt realization dawn over him as he quickly sent a patronus to Harry.

The letter with the numbers were clearly clues to where she was and what happened to her. They just had to decode it.

Harry was there momentarily and Draco pulled out the letter again. "These are clearly clues to where she is and what happened to her. The first two lines aren't of much importance."

"The third 'Five six, I have what you'll most miss.' That's Hermione and the baby." Draco said easily feeling uneasiness spread through him.

"The fourth line 'Seven eight, she's in the place you most hate.' What place do you most hate?" Harry asked.

"Malfoy Manor."

Hermione's hands were bound behind her making it utterly impossible to cover her ears. She felt like her head was going to combust as the sinister music wailed into her ears, like a thousand souls crying. She had screamed at first. The horror of the music and the dire situation had driven her anxiety off the ages, assisted greatly by hormones. But screaming had made it louder. Her terrified screams mingled with the torturous music was even worse. The baby had kicked defiantly in protest and she had cried softly feeling helpless as the music screeched on.

Ding Dong
You can't keep me waiting
It's already too late
For you to try and run away

She placed her head in between her knees and breathed heavily as the lyrics pounded against her skull. She couldn't think. The lyrics, the music the loud sound was making the situation unbearable.

Focus Hermione, focus. She thought desperately blinking away tears. She struggled to right herself before fidgeting with the ropes binding her wrists together. Hermione moved one wrist higher than the other but that only caused the rough rope to grind and shred against her skin. She yanked and felt the rope rub sharply against her skin causing blood to pour out. She felt pressure close in on her, the music, the lyrics, the loud howling, the rope, the defenseless and helpless situation she was in. She screamed as she rotated her wrists to wiggle one out to no avail. The rope dragged and rubbed against her wrists. She felt her skin become shredded and bloodied as she pulled and twisted.

Hermione panted as she blinked tears away and leaned her head against the wall behind her. The ropes constricting her stomach, she knew she had to be cautious with. She couldn't afford to press roughly against the rope.

Hermione gazed wearily around the room again trying to find a way out or a weapon of some sort. With resignation, she grit her teeth and turned so her back was to the door. She used her feet to push against the door and propel herself backwards. It was a struggle of not toppling over but she began the tedious task of scooching towards the door. It was highly unlikely that she would find the door unlocked but it was worth a try.

The music was still screeching all around her making her head split. She screamed in frustration when she reached halfway and the music continued to sing tauntingly at her. Her butt was sore and bruised from dragging against the rough wood. Her core was aching from keeping her upright without hands and moving without falling. Sweat was gathering on her forehead but the music…..the room...it was all too much.

She could only hope that Draco was alive and looking for her and the baby. And that whoever kidnapped her, had some sort of heart.

He and Harry had gotten as quickly back to the Ministry as they could much to Draco's annoyance for the pitstop. But Harry had insisted that they approach with backup.

"Don't you remember last time we went to Malfoy Manor?" Harry asked before shouting at some aurors to prepare the swat team. "It was a bloody mess."

"Hermione could be there dying right now! And being tortured! We have to get there now!" Draco hollered striding towards the exit. Harry grabbed his shoulder and twisted him around.

"I know your urgency to get Hermione back. And I feel it too, but we need to go about this carefully. We're dealing with very dangerous people and we need to be prepared. One wrong move and it's not only Hermione and the baby's lives but ours too that are at risk." Harry said as calmly as he could.

Draco scowled and nodded to show his understanding as Harry shouted a few more orders before they were ready. Draco apparated to Malfoy Manor without hesitation and arrived before the rest of them. Slowly, one by one everyone else appeared armed and ready.

"This is like a hostage situation." Harry called to them as they approached the manor. "Tread with caution."

Draco ignored these words as he crept along the outside of the manor. Aurors began entering rooms shouting 'clear' before marking it off. He knew the most likely place Lestrange or any dark pureblood wizard would hold a hostage and motioned for them to begin heading towards the dungeons.

It wasn't something Draco was proud of but he been to the dungeons many times during the war to supervise prisoners or escort them to the Dark Lord. He easily crept down the stairs silently and swiftly before reaching the entrance.

He lit his wand dimly and lead the group forwards. Aurors separated behind him clearing each cell. Draco felt his panic grow as they neared the last cet of cells and had seen no sign of Hermione.

"We found something!" an auror cried. Draco rushed towards the last cell in the dungeon and shoved the poor auror out of the way.

"Bloody hell!" Ron gaped appearing next to Draco, his wand lowering slightly. "It's Thalia Gordon!"

Draco felt bad for the disappointment he was feeling upon hearing that it wasn't Hermione. So where was she? Draco helped the other men unlock the cell which creaked as it swung open. Ron and the other aurors lifted Thalia who was unconscious and levitated her as they rushed to apparate to the hospital.

Harry's eyes widened as he watched them come up the stairs with Thalia and not Hermione. Harry spoke rapidly to Ron who nodded vigorously before they disappeared. Harry turned to face Draco and had the deepest look of sympathy on his face.

"The note. Seven eight, she's in the place you most hate. It said she. Not Hermione." Draco said suppressing the urge to scream and pound the walls.

"We're back to where we started." Harry sighed rubbing his forehead.

"Then where is she?" Draco asked as he paced back and forth. "Where the hell could she be? We should ask Valentina fricking Simmons. There is no way that she did not see Lestrange. How can someone disappear and in their place leaves a dark mark? She is a lying cow and I'm going to hunt her sorry ass down and question the hell out of her till she gives me some real damn answers." Draco fumed as he came to a stop.

"Draco, let's ask Thalia first. Thalia might have more intell. Besides we need to know what her story is." Harry said walking towards the exit.

Draco followed frustrated as his head throbbed with questions and concerns. "Doesn't this seem familiar?" he asked suddenly. "One person gone and another returned?"

Harry paused and turned to face him. "You know it does. Last time Valentina returned the same time Thalia disappeared. This time Thalia is returning the same time Hermione has disappeared."

"This doesn't sound good." Draco muttered as they apparated to St. Mungos.

They were told by a sweating Ron that Thalia had been admitted to the Emergency ward and was being revived right now and checked for injuries.

"I'm honestly disappointed that we didn't find 'Mione." Ron said crossing his arms as they waited to question Thalia.

Draco was silent as he impatiently waited for the healers to finish. He just wanted to find Hermione and take her far away from this shit till their baby was born. Then they could start a new life away from this. Although he knew Hermione would never be happy away from her life here.

Just thinking about all the horrible things that could be happening to Hermione and the baby right now was enough to make him sick. When he found Lestrange he would personally kill him himself and nothing would stop him. Not Harry, not the Ministry not the damn law either. Lestrange was a dead man the day he decided to screw with Draco's family.

"You good mate?" Ron asked eyeing Draco. Draco hadn't exactly adopted to Ron the same way he had Harry. There were still tiny things that Weasel just did that made him tick. But Ron was their family friend so he dealt with it. Right now, Ron was doing one of the many things that annoyed him to no end. The way his head was turned and face scrunched up in the plain confused lost look. One could put it as 'not all there'.

"What do you think? My pregnant wife was kidnapped and a bunch of other shit is going down." Draco muttered rubbing his eyes.

Before Ron could reply a healer came to tell the aurors warily about the situation. "She wasn't harmed in any way. Maybe a little exhaustion and dehydration but otherwise perfectly fine. Please do not question the poor girl too much. She's very tired." the healer said eyeing them with disdain.

Draco promptly ignored the healer and lead the way to Thalia's room entering and advancing towards the bed.

"Miss Gordon?" Harry asked as Ron shut the door and placed silencing spells.

"Can I help you Mr Potter? Because I can assure you I have committed no crime." Thalia said in a high serious tone. Thalia was a very pretty girl. She had caramel colored skin, dark brown eyes and short frizzy hair. She had her arms crossed and lips sealed tightly as she observed the three men. Draco did not like her.

"We understand that you have just returned but we insist upon a proper questioning as per Ministry regulations." Harry said sitting opposite her. "Now why don't you begin with where you were and what happened to you."

"Nothing happened to me." she said simply. "I had a family emergency back in Lebanon. I left in a rush to get to them and that's where I was since the last time anyone saw me. I wasn't kidnapped." Thalia explained.

Draco, Harry and Ron shared a grave look. Why was she lying?

"I don't believe you." Harry said simply. "We know you're lying so I'm going to give you one more chance to explain."

"I don't know what you're talking about!" Thalia cried throwing her hands up. "My grandmother died and I went to her funeral! I was not kidnapped and I think I know where I was Mr Potter!"

"Ms Gordon we know the truth, we're just waiting for you to say it." Ron said grimly as he watched Thalia scowl in their directions.

"I was not kidnapped and I had left for Lebanon immediately and didn't get a chance to report my leave of absence." she said fixating each of them with a glare.

"We have an eyewitness Ms. Gordon." Harry said loudly. "We know you are lying because we have a witness."

"Your witness is lying. I had left for Lebanon in a hurry and was mourning for the past weeks." Thalia said firmly. "Your witness is lying."

"Our witness has given us memories as evidence of what truly happened." Ron said his face turning red. "Our witness is not lying."

"Fine. Take some of my memories and you'll have your evidence." Thalia said irritation spreading across her fine features. Harry raised his wand and placed it at her temple. He drew out a stream of memories and Draco quickly transfigured a pensieve where Harry placed the memories. They swirled together silvery and pale before Harry ducked his head inside.

They waited in bated breath as Harry watched the memories. Harry's eyes were narrowed as he faced Thalia. "We'll just be a moment."

With that Harry nodded for the other two to head out and shut the door behind them once they were standing outside. "Her memories check out!"

"This is ridiculous, I need to find Hermione!" Draco snarled crossing his arms.

"This can't be a coincidence. Two people kidnapped and return with alternate excuses? It doesn't make sense. We have an eyewitness too and how is it possible that her memories check in?" Harry said ignoring Draco.

"There's definitely something bigger going on here." Ron agreed watching Thalia through the glass divider.

"We're not getting anywhere! I need to find Hermione!" Draco hissed impatiently.

Draco felt growing hysteria as they once again filed into the room.

"Well? Am I free to go?" Thalia asked shooting them all nasty glares.

"Actually Ms. Gordon I need to take you in for further questioning." Harry said pulling his wand out. Before Harry could utter another word, Thalia let out a scream and began thrashing around in her bed.

"Woah chill!" Ron said growing alarmed as he too drew his wand. Thalia leaped out of bed and began punching the wall. She swiped at the table knocking down a glass of water which shattered on the floor.

Healers began running in, attempting to control Thalia. A hairy healer approached the three aurors, ushering them all out. "I apologize but as our patient is showing signs of mental instability, and it seemed to have occurred under your questioning, ministry law allows us to ask you to leave."

"That's codswallop! We ARE the ministry!" Ron protested as the large man shoved them all roughly out of the room. "We seriously need to check who they're employing!" Ron huffed once they were standing outside St. Mungos.

"Look, I honestly don't give a crap about this at the moment, so if you'll excuse me I need to find my wife!" Draco said turning and was about to stalk away when Harry grabbed his arm.

"Draco I understand, but we need to sort through everything first. It might help us find Hermione. Our first attempt gave us...someone else." Harry said firmly. "I won't hesitate to arrest you because I know that if you get killed looking for Hermione, when we do find her, she's gonna kill me."

Draco scowled and wrenched his arm back. "You can try."

Hermione had no concept of time as she sat exhausted at her destination. She had managed to reach the door after much struggle and discomfort. The music had not died down the slightest as it continued wailing. She had the lyrics seared into her memory now, and could sing along to the horrendous song if she wished.

Her wrists bleeding, her butt bruised and sore, her core aching and burning she felt like shit. But the slow pain that began hammering at her was the hungry stomach. She feared for her unborn child who was surely just as hungry as she was. Thirsty. She was also thirsty. The thought of water made her want to cry.

Ding dong. Ding dong. Ding dong. Ding dong. Ding dong. Ding dong. Ding dong.

Hermione banged her head against the rough wooden wall, tired and so sick of hearing the song repeat over and over.

With strength she didn't know she had she stood up clumsily without hands or unbound feet and rammed against the door with her shoulder. She nearly tipped back down but grabbed the handle with her hands.

"SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!" she screamed bodychecking the door as hard as she could. "Just make it stop!" she begged as they music pounded against her skull. "Make it stop!"

Hermione was bawling after failed attempts at breaking down the door. Her unsuccessful tries had her shoulder in pain and if she was correct dislocated too.

She sunk down against the door crying because of the pain her body was undergoing. She was crying because of her unborn child suffering at dark hands already.

For the next hours to come, she sat against the door knees pressed against her chest silent as the music droned on. Her vision and thoughts became fuzzy as the day - night - time wore on.

When her moments of peace within the confines of her own head granted her clarity, she thought. She thought of the hell she was going through and that she had to get out. That she would find a way out to save herself and her baby. That she would find the souless bitch and kill him - her- it. After she thought, she remembered. She remembered the timeless and irreplaceable moments in time she shared with Draco. That if she died today, she would die knowing the love he held for her and their child. The last memory of him would be the look of fear but determination and bravery as he climbed up those stairs. When she remembered, she felt the pain. The pain was a throbbing ache that kept slamming into her when she least expected it. The pain of everything she had been through, the war, the loss and the little battles she fought each day. The big battles she encountered her last year, this year. The pain of the present moment, threatening to cause another wave of uncontrollable sobs.

The pain made her cry. Her tears fell freely as she released the anger and resentment. Her tears were her anguish because she was tied and unable to fight back. Her tears were her agony because she was alone and tired and so scared. Her tears were making trails down her face, creating a track of lost hope and despair.

After, she began the sobs that wracked her body and hurt all over. It unleashed a new pain that hurt from the inside. A fresh wave of pain that made her realize just how alone and afraid she was. A new pain that made her trembling in despair because if she didn't get some food into her system, the baby's health and perhaps life was at risk. This brought on the tears that just didn't seem to stop.

"Alright Potter hurry up! Last bloody time." Draco growled as he watched Harry summarize the new points for the 8th time.

"Thalia and Valentina were both discovered after another woman disappeared. They both disappeared on a site that showed clear evidence of dark work. Lestrange was witnessed kidnapping Thalia by Percy. However they both claim they were not kidnapped and have memories showing other stories. And now, Cho has just checked and confirmed that London is officially missing because-"

"Because London hasn't been seen for a long period of time that officially crossed the 'missing persons time' for a wizard or witch untrained or unqualified of the ministry." Draco concluded tapping his feet. "Can you give me Hermione's exact location after all that?"

Harry sighed and fell back against his chair. "No. I can't."

Draco felt his heart sink as he watched the minutes tick by. He had never felt this fear or been this scared his entire life. He should've known the person that could bring out the greatest love in him, could bring out the strongest fear too.

"Look, it's really late. In fact we've gone into Monday morning. Go home and get some sleep. Mull it over and we'll reconvene tomorrow." Harry said gently.

Draco shook his head stubbornly. "Like hell Potter. I need to find my Hermione and I will not rest until I do."

"As you wish." Harry gave in standing up and pocketing his wand. "I need to check in on what the situation is with Thalia after her outburst. Ron is managing searches on Lestrange and for Hermione. You can assist him if you want."

Draco heard the door shut and was left alone in Harry's office. One minute Draco felt the urge to punch the wall. The next he felt like screaming at everyone and everything. Then he felt like crying and yelling for Hermione.

The door opened again and Blaise walked in, his hands clasped behind him.

"Hey," he said sitting on the edge of Potter's desk. He pulled out firewhiskey from behind his back and offered it to him.

Draco snatched it from him and threw down a shot. Blaise watched as Draco proceeded to drink the whiskey.

"Don't drink too much, or you'll get all tipsy on me." Blaise warned mock serious as he took back the bottle drinking some himself.

"Blaise, I've known you since we were little. Have you ever seen me drunk?" Draco asked wiping his mouth as he rubbed his temples.

Blaise grinned and tipped the bottle towards him. "We do have the best tolerance." he agreed drinking some more.

"Did Harry tell you to come in here?" Draco asked thinking about Hermione. How much he missed her. Her voice, her smell, her little annoying but loveable mannerisms. He just wanted to hold her and never let her go.

"Since when do I listen to Harry?" Blaise asked raising an eyebrow. "We're Slytherins, we're our own kings."

Draco finally cracked a smile for the first time in what felt like ages. "I just want to find Hermione. I lost her, when I was supposed to protect her and now she's gone. At the hands and mercy of some savage uncontrollable beast."

"This self-pity shit has to go man," Blaise said looking down at him. "Go home and sleep. We'll find Hermione. But you won't accomplish anything driving yourself mad."

"You don't understand! I can't sleep knowing that she's out there alone and kidnapped!" Draco said loudly gripping the armrests tightly. "I have to find her."

"You're not going to find her sulking and dead tired." Blaise retorted sharply.

"Besides, my home is a bloody crime scene. There are aurors everywhere, caution tape blocking certain areas off. And I couldn't sleep there anyways, Krum and I had a fucking fist fight in our bedroom. Hermione was kidnapped just downstairs." Draco said squeezing his eyes shut.

"Just bunk at my place for the night. You need to take a break." Blaise said standing and yawning. Draco sighed and stood unsteadily gripping the whiskey tightly as Blaise led the way out.

Draco flopped exhausted onto Blaise's couch and felt a deep painful feeling in his gut as he tried to sleep. Hang in there Hermione, he thought holding a pillow close to him.

Hermione had fallen asleep sometime during the night, how she did, she had no idea. The music was still playing giving Hermione a splitting headache. She was starving as she peeked under the door and saw light from outside. She presumed it was morning and knew her child had gone a day and then some without food. She felt fear prickle down her spine as she glared at the door helplessly.

Hermione knew wandless magic and attempted to unlock the door without much hope. As expected, the door remained sealed shut after several strenuous attempts. Hermione sat down again exhausted from the effort of wandless magic on a hungry stomach. Her head hurt from the screaming music and she begun to feel faint. She prayed people were on their way because she didn't know how long she could stay in here without food or water. Her baby's health was in jeopardy too.

She hoped Draco was okay after whatever had happened while he went in search of Krum. She highly doubted he found nothing for he had taken a great deal of time up there. The worst was imaginable but something she couldn't bear to even consider. Draco would be alright, he would be perfectly fine at home safe. She could only picture the state he was in when he discovered her missing.

For the sake of their child, Draco, Harry and the damn ministry needed to be quick. If Lestrange's method of killing her was starvation, it was working. She felt hunger scratch on her insides making loud growling sounds.

Hermione envisioned other ways in which Lestrange might try and kill her. Torture was definitely something death eaters seemed keen on doing before they killed their prey. But the actual death would be something painful, tragic and horrid. It was likely be as tedious as one could dream up. Starvation was painful but there were much worse ways to die and she was sure Lestrange had a whole list of ones he wanted to try.

Hermione hated feeling defenseless and felt obliged to create a weapon of some sort to protect herself and her unborn child. There was nothing in the room to wield a weapon so she would have to improvise.

As the music continued loudly playing Hermione focused her attention on the wood forming the walls that were caging her in. If she could just get a piece out, that could help her break the rest and give her a form of protection too. Although there wasn't much wood would do against a fully grown wizard with a wand, she had to try.

She began scooching along the ground using her foot to kick against the boards on the wall, hoping to find a loose one. After what seemed like hours, she had crossed an entire wall, kicking each part. Hunger was a gnawing throb now, but she felt faint as the music seemed to continue drilling sharp needles of agony in her head. She knew every word of the creepy, disturbing song line by line now, she could sing along with the song if she wanted to.

The first day had passed in a blur of tears and pain as she had attempted in vain to escape. Unsuccessful she had succumbed to the tears that had always been threatening to spill for the longest time. Once she had started crying out of frustration of the entire situation, she had cried for everything that seemed to be wrong.

One of the things, Hermione had always believed strongly in, is that you should not show weakness to your enemies. That reacting drastically to the pain they inflicted on you would only make it worse. It meant that they won. Although, she had failed in that by cracking under the frustration of the music….ding dong ding dong ding dong ding dong NO.

She could not let the torturous music control her. Or suck her into a state of no return. She would not let Lestrange have the satisfaction of breaking her again. She would force herself to stay perfectly impassive to every bit of misery and torment Lestrange had for her. The music was just music and as irritating and crazy it made her feel, he didn't have to know that.

Draco was excellent at this, masking one's emotion so no one could see through the barriers you protected yourself with. She had been the one to finally break through his, she should have payed attention to how well he had held his mask.

Hermione felt her resolve settle in as she scooted against the wall leaning against it with her shoulders but not her wrists to avoid putting pressure on it. She closed her eyes and pictured what their beautiful child might look like if she could just pull through, Draco waiting for her...looking for her and she reopened her eyes staring challengingly at the door her face a perfect epitome of defiance.

He watched in absolute terror as Lestrange had Hermione roughly shoved against a wooden board strapped down tightly. Hermione screamed and begged as Lestrange grinned manically approaching her with a long sharp blade.

Draco was screaming for mercy and for Hermione. He felt anger and despair as he watched Lestrange lift Hermione's shirt. Draco very much wanted to bash Lestrange repeatedly over the head with something hard but he also wanted to tear Hermione as quickly as possible away from the table and just run. If that made him a coward for not standing and facing Lestrange who the hell cared? He was no idiotic gallant Gryffindor. He just wanted to run far far away Hermione by his side and leave behind the pain and burden that had been forced upon them for most of their lives.

Draco's nails dug painfully into the flesh of his palm as he watched Lestrange bring the knife closer to Hermione's stomach. Draco continued to scream as he dropped to his knees reaching for her, knowing that the next few minutes of her life would be the most painful not because of the literal pain she would endure, because damn that girl was strong but because she would be forced to watch her child be cut out of her stomach.

He also felt the pain Hermione was experiencing as he was glued to the wall, forced to sit and watch the bloodbath of his own daughter…..

Anger surged through him as Lestrange smade the deep searing cut on Hermione's soft skin. Hermione's tormented screams mingled with Draco's as they watched their child brought two months too early into the world at the hands of a psychotic murderer. Lestrange's grin only widened as he backed up holding the still child who did not move as it lay in his talon like claws.

He seemed to be taunting Hermione and Draco as they watched their daughter in Lestrange's hands. Draco felt tears stream down his face as he watched Lestrange walk with the child to the centre of the room, in between Ara's equally anguished and heartbroken parents.

Hermione's scream was as excruciating as a death blow as they watched Lestrange place his wand under their daughter, lighting her up in flames.

Draco woke with a start, jerking upwards his heart racing at inhuman speeds as he breathed hard. He felt a sob threatening to burst from the back of his throat as he wiped the sweat from his brow. The hairs all over him were still standing on end as he forced himself to remember that it was a nightmare. All fake not real.

Although it may not have actually happened, for all he knew, it could still possibly be the future fate of their family if he didn't find Hermione soon.

He leaned forwards kneading his forehead, his elbows resting on his knees. He closed his eyes as he tried to calm his heart rate.

There was a sudden loud banging on the door, as a fist hammered against the wood. Draco felt no motivation to answer as his thoughts were distracted elsewhere with bigger problems than whatever was standing behind the door.

Blaise grumbled and cursed as he stumbled down the stairs groggily glaring at the door. "Who the ruddy hell is awake at 9 in the morning?" he cursed as he opened the door. "What?"

Harry looked disdainfully at him as he shoved his way into the house staring around. "Is Draco here?"

"Sure! Sure! Why not, just burst into Blaise's home at 9 in the fucking morning and barge through! Oh yeah okay I see how it is." he said sarcastically crossing his arms and shooting nasty looks at Harry who expertly ignored them, moving to stand in front of Draco.

"Look, don't pay me I honestly don't care, I'm taking some time off to find Hermione. So no offence but I really don't give a shit about Thalia being bloody mental or London officially missing or any damn coincidences the ministry has concluded." Draco said finally raising his head.

Harry looked severely annoyed and a bit offended as he frowned at Draco. "Wow you think highly of me Draco. I'm not completely insensitive. I'm not here to badger you with ministry news, we got an offer from Lestrange. A deal rather."

Draco's head swiveled upwards as his eyes widened. "What deal?" Draco demanded staring at Harry.

Harry sighed and sat next to Draco. "Do you know what happened to Voldemort's body after I killed him?"

"Harry I don't give a crap where his body rots! What is the damn deal?" Draco said desperately. "Money?"
"Merlin Draco, not every answer is money. And I know just shut up and listen. Voldemort's body was burned after he died. No one wanted to have his body laying around for observance and he didn't deserve a funeral and proper grave so we burned him. Besides, it signified that he was finally destroyed and fallen. And the ashes, are under very high protection at the ministry as like a reminder of everything we lost to get what we wanted back, the life we wanted." Harry explained.

"Damn it Harry get to the point!" Draco exclaimed standing up in impatience.

"Lestrange wants us to hand over Voldemort's ashes in return for Hermione." Harry said quietly avoiding looking at Draco.

Draco was silent as the thought sunk in. Trade in the most prized and memorable (not good memories) possession of the ministry and get Hermione back. Draco thought it was the easiest trade in the world and would have shaken the devil's hand right there and then. But when he thought deeper into it, giving Lestrange the ashes would be wrong in so many ways as if it resembled handing over their master once more, like forfeiting their hard earned and love lost battle.

They couldn't give the ashes but then they had to get Hermione.

"What have you decided?" Draco asked even quieter as he sank back down feeling his heart sink. He couldn't bare to look at Harry as he waited for the answer.

"Draco, we haven't rejected the offer." Harry said uncomfortably. Draco's head shot up. "But we haven't said yes either." Draco's head bowed once more.

"What's the bloody issue?" Blaise asked in confusion as he leaned against the wall.

"Having the ashes of Voldemort is very….momentous. It just shows how far it took to get to where we are now, how much war and violence and death the wizarding world faced. Having his ashes is like a very harsh reminder of what the wizarding world had once fallen into. To remind us to be kinder, more loving people because we don't want to repeat history. Trading them into one of Voldemort's death eaters is just wrong." Harry said seriously.

"Man, you already sound like the old crackpot." Blaise snorted laughing.

Harry scowled at him and was about to rudely snap back when Draco interrupted.

"What are we going to do? Because if I don't find Hermione soon, I don't know what I'll do." Draco said tersely.

"I have a plan." Harry said grimly. "It's not a pleasant one and it's very risky but it could work if Lestrange is not as bright as Voldemort was."

With that the three men apparated to the ministry and began listening intently to Harry's plan. Other aurors and swat team members payed close attention as Harry explained the entire operation they were going in for.

"Are you barking mad?!" Ernie Macmillan, a member of Hermione's investigation team cried his eyes popping out of his head. "And if Lestrange finds out?"

"We'll have to hope that he doesn't." Harry said simply. "It's the only option. Lestrange gave us until sunset today to give an answer."

"You can't!" Ernie said incredulously staring shocked at Harry. Many others shared nervous, uncomfortable looks too as they listened to the Boy who lived's latest plan. "That's like gambling with Hermione's life on a chance!"

"It's a chance we'll have to take." Harry said firmly drawing himself up. "We need to act fast. Lestrange will be expecting a fast trade because he knows we want our Hermione back as soon as possible."

Ernie turned to stare at Draco, much to his annoyance. "How are you fine with letting them gamble with her life? She's your wife!"

"No shit Macmillan." Draco snarled feeling irritation boil. "Her life was being gambled with the minute she was kidnapped so yes, I am fine with doing whatever it takes to get Hermione back as fast as possible. Even if it means sacrificing some stupid ashes."

Ernie looked slightly angry and anxious as he silently crossed his arms and pursed his lips together in extreme dislike.

"Draco, Ron and a few others we need to meet Lestrange behind Borgin and Burkes in 10 minutes. We really shouldn't be late, Lestrange won't be forgiving." Harry said as they hurriedly made their way to the apparition point.

Draco felt his heart pounding in his chest as he anxiously followed Harry outside the ministry. I'm coming Hermione, I'm coming he thought fiercely just hold on.

"Where the hell is Terry Boot?" Harry all but growled when they were outside. "We need some members of the Hermione's team to come!"

"Sick," Ernie grumbled as he caught up to them. "I'll go."

"Damn it I don't care who the hell comes! I'm going whether you people are or not." Draco snarled as he turned on the spot, feeling the uneasy squeezing sensation as he reappeared behind Borgin and Burke.

The rest of them arrived right behind him, eyes darting around for signs of Lestrange. Some began moving to surround the area but Harry raised his hand.

"It's not a capture, it's a meeting and we ought not to approach like that."

"Wise man. Just like Dumbledore eh?" a deep voiced drawled from above where they stood. The reaction was instantaneous as the entire group turned in fright to stare at Lestrange who was standing on the ledge of the roof of Borgin and Burke. He had a careless air about him as he smirked down at them as if they were mere obstacles in his path.

"I refuse to make deals with you up there like that." Harry said confidently, his wand raising slightly. "We are just here to talk."

"I take it you have an answer." Lestrange said airily leaping down and landing gracefully on the ground.

"We do." Harry said tersely. "We shall bring the ashes of Voldemort to you and you will hand over Hermione."

Lestrange studied Harry for a moment, his eyes narrowing as his chin jut out. "Then I suppose I'll see you tomorrow at midnight with the Dark Lord's ashes."

"Fuck no!" Draco thundered as he shoved poor Ernie out of the way and elbowing Harry aside to face his uncle. "Today, we meet today to make the trade."

Lestrange tossed his head backwards cackling nastily as he considered Draco, mirth written in his expression. "I hardly think you're in a position to call the shots my nephew. No, no I think you can wait till tomorrow."

"Do you want to know what I think?" Draco asked drawing his wand like and whip and shoving it hard against his temple, no fear of the consequences just pure hate for the man before him. Draco hadn't had the courage to stand up to Voldemort but things had changed greatly.

Lestrange smiled cocking his head to the side. "I shall let Ms. Granger know that you said hello." Lestrange said flippantly before turning and disappearing.

Draco let loose a string of inappropriate swear words that echoed in the dark murky alley behind Borgin and Burke. The hours of another day and then some, were absolutely torturous for Draco as the anticipation and fear drove him mad.

The entire auror department was frantically preparing for the hostage trade with much panic and hysteria. The entire situation was too familiar for many people at the ministry, making them all the more terrified. Draco couldn't stand to see them panicking when they weren't the ones who could lose the person they loved most in the world. So Draco spent the entire time Hermione's office walking around and preparing himself to see Hermione again.

11:30 pm, Harry gathered everyone in the atrium of the ministry dressed in dark robes his wand drawn. "Lestrange has sent an owl telling us to meet him at the shrieking shack."

The group of aurors/swat team began fidgeting as the minutes ticked by. Draco felt like time was working against them as he watched Harry walk out of a room carrying a black plain box tightly in his grip. He walked over to Draco and took a deep breath.

"It's time." Harry said scanning the room.

"Let's go." Draco replied.

Author's Note

I do apologize for the wait. But I hope you liked the chapter and sorry too for the cliffhanger.

Lemme know what you thought of the chapter and the song :)