A/n: Thanks to my beta Hunter's Heir!

Note: To those of you who received a PM from me saying that the next chapter would be out on the 21, it was a mistake. I should've typed in the 26. I realized that about halfway through and I apologize for the confusion.

No matter how dark the moment, love and hope are always possible.

~George Chakiris

"It's revolting," I say later, standing in his room. After discovering that someone almost attacked me, we spent the better part of a half hour going through my room to see if anything was amiss, and we fixed the window. He was tense the entire time, and I've been wondering since exactly what went through his head when he found out.

We didn't look at the thrown item, not immediately. I tucked it away in my robes while doing our patrols, arguing against the notion that we should rush up and tell Dumbledore what was happening. I didn't want to trouble him, not until after we'd looked inside the small box.

I'm picky. I wanted to do our patrols before looking through the box. Draco thought I was nuts and completely argued against the idea, but I wanted to take a breather. He was tenser than I was, and anger was his main drive at the time. I thought if we briefly took a break and did something else he might cool down.

I was wrong. Apparently being the mate to a Siren is serious business. He didn't calm down until we opened the box, and now he's literally on the edge.

I don't really blame him. I'm a bit freaked out too.

"It's a threat Hermione," he said, pacing. "It's from Nott- obviously. We need to take it to Dumbledore, now. This is fucking ridiculous."

Nodding my agreement, I continue to stare down inside the box. A little doll sits in there, with brunette curly hair and brown eyes. The torso is cut open, and fake blood is splattered across the stuffing. I have an uneasy feeling in my stomach.

It makes me sick.

"I guess Nott heard more about our conversation than we thought," I say, brushing my fingers over the doll. The fake blood remains sticky, probably charmed to be that way, and my fingers come back red. Clenching my hand into a fist, I take a breath. It's more than a little disturbing.

"Don't touch it," he says, coming to my side. In one swift motion Draco has the box moving away from me, the lid raising to cover the terribly torn up doll. He's going to put it into one of his drawers to hide. I try to stop him, and on the way to put it up something falls out of the box distracting both of us. He drops the object on the bed as I move and pick a note up.

I meet his eyes. "A calling card?"

"It's a fucking threat," he says, as though he already knows what the letter says. Pulling it from my hands he opens the note, and I don't argue, peering over his shoulder we stare at the note.

Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can never hurt me.

I've seen into the future and let me tell you your path is quite daunting.

Don't be shy now Miss Granger, as you've already met me.

And don't be alarmed when I say that I need you to strip me.

If it's your life or my sanity, I'll give you up readily.

Even a protective mate cannot save you from me.

I read the note twice, feeling jitters racing down my spine, but even after I've finished Draco is still reading. Minutes pass by as he stares at the note, and eventually I pry it from his fingers. I set it down nearby on the table, grasping his hands.

Now I feel nervous. My life's being threatened. It's like the war all over again.

"Draco…" I say after a moment, searching his eyes. He's staring blankly off into space, and I'm not entirely sure he even realizes I'm there.

He doesn't respond immediately, but when he does it causes shivers to shoot up my spine. "That's not Nott's handwriting."

I freeze. "It has to be," I say, searching his face again. "No one else knows."

"No… it's not his. That script is elegant… readable. Nott writes like a child. An uneducated one at that."

"No one else knows," I say again, gripping his hands tighter. "You made a mistake-"

"I know his handwriting," he snaps, glaring at me now. "He spent enough time paying me to copy my notes when we were younger for me to know. It's not his handwriting. It's someone else's."

My mouths gone dry. "So he told others?"

The blond in front of me purses his lips, then shakes my grip off of his hands. He turns away, stomping back towards his bed, where he momentarily stares at the doll. Then he swipes at it with enough force to throw the box and doll against the wall. It's hard enough that the box splinters and breaks.

"Cheap box," he mutters. "Nott doesn't buy anything cheap."

I sink into his couch, hands firmly gripping my knees. "Who would he tell?" I ask in a shaky voice, staring into the fire. I don't even know what Draco's doing at this moment.

"The fuck if I know. Blaise and I have always been his best friends. Pansy doesn't know how to be malicious like this, and Crabbe couldn't come up with something this underhanded, unless Nott lead him of course. Then again Daphne and Astoria do have a rather dark side about them…"

I zone out what he's saying. He's thinking out loud, looking for someone that Theo could tell who would go to such lengths, such sinister actions, to make a statement. Whether there's any truth in that note is still a mystery, but it's certainly a threat. And a dangerous one at that. The person is more or less talking about cutting me open in order to rid themselves of all the bad inside them.

Just like the myths…

I shudder. The myths were rather graphic about what was done to victims of these acts, and I don't plan on experiencing what I read. It's a gruesome, merciless way to die.

But who would actually be insane enough to believe something like that? It's far-fetched and sounds pretty irrational to me. Even if I was desperate, I still don't think I'd believe something like this. This person has to be pretty messed up in the head to be believing this.

Then again, they sent me a foreshadow of what they would do to me. Sanity probably isn't a quality of the person in question. The biggest question though is who. Who did Nott tell, and who's going to try to end my life? Until we know that, pretty much anyone could be an enemy.

Hell, Ron could be an enemy, although I don't believe that in any case. That's neither Ron nor Lavender's handwriting, and I know he would never go to such lengths as this. But I'm sure the idea will appear in Draco's head, and I best have a counter argument ready.

I'm really not thinking straight right now. I think the little box just put me into shock. It's like nothing I expected and to be honest I don't know how I should react. I'm not sure if I should be scared or alarmed or angry or offended. I don't know what to make of things.

A hand comes to rest on my shoulder, and I swivel my head to look up into clear silver eyes. Without asking permission Draco sits on the couch beside me, and I find myself leaning into him.

I really just need a wall right now. A wall that won't tumble over until after I've got my head sorted out. He's not shaking like I am, but then again he's not doing much of anything in this moment. His body's tense again.

"Sleep here tonight," he says, catching me off guard. Despite my surprise, I don't pull away from him or even jump at the unexpected offer. I think I'm temporarily numb.

"We need to tell Dumbledore," I say, continuing to stare ahead of me. "This is dangerous territory."

"It's almost two," he remarks, surprising me. I can't believe how quickly time passed. We do patrols at ten. "It could be more dangerous to be wandering around at this hour. I don't have windows in this room, and there's no way you're going back to yours tonight."

"Draco-"

"The castle's supposed to be safe," he mutters, cutting me off. An arm slinks around my shoulders and I don't shrug it off. In fact, his fingers are tracing calming little circles on my skin. "I suppose that's not completely true."

"The windows could've been weakened at any point in time. Someone could've forgotten to enchant them, or someone spent the time to weaken the magic around then. Don't be so tense. I wasn't planning on returning there tonight."

He shifts ever so slightly at that. "And where exactly were you planning on staying then?"

I shrug, content against him. "Well, I was kind of hoping that you'd offer for me to stay."

We're silent for a long time after that, lost in our own thoughts. I know it's silly that I want to stay here in his room, but I can't help myself. If it's between the comfortable, warm room with Malfoy or my own that I could possibly be killed in, I'm certainly not going to go for the latter. Besides, it's not like this will be our first night sleeping in the same place together.

It's a precaution. That's all it is. And I'm sure if I offered up that answer to our behavior, Draco would agree.

I've been calling him by his first name all night since opening my door after discovering the box. Maybe it's a sign that we're growing closer. He's been doing the same.

"Tomorrow we can't go to class," he says, eventually breaking the silence. "We have to go see Dumbledore, and the sooner the better."

"We can go before breakfast," I reply. "Most everyone will still be asleep or waiting for food at that time. And then we'll get to talk to him first thing."

He nods, glancing over the back of the couch. "I wonder where that fucking doll went. We'll probably need to bring it along for proof."

"Dumbledore would believe us anyway. But once we've told our story we're going to have to figure things out." I shake my head against his chest. "I thought Hogwarts was safe."

"So did I," he mutters, and I can hear something in his voice. I hold my tongue, waiting to see if he had more to say, but nothing ever comes. He's holding something back, but I don't bother asking right now. I have a feeling I'll find out soon enough.

We sit for a few minutes longer, before I feel sleep creeping up. I'm surprised I'm able to feel tired at all after the threat. A yawn escapes my lips, and a half second later Draco's shifting.

"Get in bed Granger. I'll be along in a minute."

There goes that last name nonsense again. I have half a mind to tell him that at this point it's useless to continue on with this, but instead keep my mouth shut. I'll argue with him in the morning when I'm not so disoriented.

I get to the bed first, throwing back the covers as I sit and remove my shoes and socks. He's walking around the room now, picking up the note as he looks around.

"What are you doing?"

"Nothing," he says quickly, almost too quickly. "Have you seen the doll?"

I shrug, not too interested in seeing it again. He seems to sense my discomfort and stops looking all together, pulling out his wand and casting a spell quietly. Immediately the doll flies up from the other side of the bed, followed by the broken box, and then both land in his hands. He sighs, looking down at it.

"I suppose I should probably put the bloody box back together," he grumbles as I undo my tie. "I'm not putting this thing in anything of mine."

Nodding I slip beneath the covers, scooting down under the warmth. Instantly I remember that I'm wearing a skirt and blush. Well, he'll be staying on top of the sheets apparently. We need one layer between us.

I'm almost asleep by the time he sets the doll and note aside, moving to change. Despite having pajamas in his room he doesn't change into any, and instead simply sheds his shirt and shoes before climbing into bed. I forget to mention keeping a layer of sheets between us as his warm body presses against mine, an arm locking around my waist.

It's protective, yet sweet. I kind of like this hold.

"Sleep Granger," he mutters, sinking into the bed. I'm content lying here against him, untroubled by the doll at the moment.

So I listen to him, and sleep takes its hold. Only it's a sleep haunted by nightmares instead of dreams.

Dumbledore doesn't have to ask us if something is wrong when we stumble in the following morning. The fact that I'm wearing rumpled clothing and we are both bleary eyed and half-awake speaks wonders. He's already fully dressed for the day, looking up at us over an age-old parchment when we enter.

When Draco pulls out the doll his expression darkens. We re-account what happened the night before, cleverly leaving out the fact that we shared a bed and that this morning was rather awkward while trying to get ready.

We won't even talk about how high up my skirt was when I stood. I'm pretty sure my cheeks turned redder than the color of my house.

It doesn't take long for him to agree with Draco that Hogwarts may not be the safest place. While I totally disagree with this notion, Dumbledore is rather unsettled by the entire event, almost as much as we were last night. I'm actually still rather unnerved.

"The book I gave you is very old Hermione," he says, looking at me, the doll sitting in the middle of his desk. "Although some things have been added, not everything about Siren's is well known. Indeed, there could be some newfound potion or spell that could do great harm to you if given the opportunity. If Draco so thoroughly believes that it's not Mr. Nott who sent the note, when we cannot truly be aware of who's threatening you. And to make an announcement to the entire school would be foolish. I will be making one, mind you, but since I can't delve into details the entire thing will be rather bland. Whoever threw the box has to be a Hogwarts student. If an outsider did this, we would've been alerted. While Mr. Nott may have thrown the box, he apparently did not write it. And I don't know when we'll be able to prove anything against him."

"Just give him some Veritaserum," Draco mutters, shaking his head. "Then he can tell us who he's working with and everything will be fine."

"We can't give just anyone Veritaserum Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore says, getting professional with the blond again. "Although our dear potions professor might be able to whip a batch up, it's foolish to do so right now, especially when the two of you will be gone for a week."

I tense at that, not entirely sure what the Headmaster is talking about. I glance towards Draco to see if he's in on this, but he looks just as puzzled as I feel. Clearing my throat, I voice my confusion.

"What do you mean we'll be away?"

Dumbledore shifts in his seat, lifting a hand. Immediately a piece of parchment flies off from a high window, drifting down into his hand. He grasps the page firmly before setting it in front of us. Curiously, we both lean forward and inspect it. It's short, and I have it done in a minute.

"You owled my parents? They're going to think something is seriously wrong!"

"I merely alerted them of your arrival Miss Granger," he responds, that familiar twinkle in his eye. "I did not go into the details of anything, as I do not feel that it's my place. I merely said that a few students are having a break from school and will be returning home to visit. You don't want to alarm them with your arrival."

"How did you know we would even need to get out of here?" I ask, staring at him. He smiles, gently grabbing the paper as he pulls it away.

"I didn't. I've had this written since you first came to me about this Siren business. I knew eventually you would need to go home with your mate and talk things through with your parents, bringing your mate along. If you feel that the time is right, I'll send the letter off once you leave here. I'll even date it."

I glance at Draco, uncertain about what to say. "What about our classes? Our Head duties?"

"There are Prefects to take care of those in your absence. I won't be explaining anything, as its best that those who don't need to know anything are left in the shadows. The more people know, the more danger you will be in. And it seems that enough people know already."

Beside me Draco shifts in his chair, and I look over at him again. I know he's uncomfortable being up here and present for this conversation, but he's dealing with the ordeal rather well. "It might actually be a good idea. If we only tell a few select people, then no one will know where we went. It could take the heat off of you for a bit."

"Until we return and everyone will want to know why we were gone at the same time," I counter, crossing my arms. I don't really think that the idea of getting out of Hogwarts for a bit is a bad one, considering all the things I still need to tell my parents. Plus, if it means nothing else will be thrown through my windows for a few days I'll take it. The thing I really don't want to do is face my parents. I don't even know where I would begin trying to explain everything. And I'm sure dragging Draco along won't make things any easier. My father will be less than thrilled to meet my mate.

"Well you're not going out alone," he responds, rolling his eyes. "That's like asking for something bad to happen. If you're leaving the castle to see your parents then, regrettably, I'm going with you."

I arch an eyebrow at that. Protective Malfoy is really going to take some getting used to. "And what do we tell the entire student body when we return?"

"We'll cross that bridge when we get there. Right now we need to focus on the present. And I think getting out of the castle for a week or so is a good idea. Maybe your parents are hiding something helpful at their house."

As if I haven't thought about that possibility enough times. Sighing I turn back to face Dumbledore, resting my elbows on the desk. "So when should we plan on leaving?"

"That depends on when you would like to leave," he responds, looking between the two of us. "You could leave now without a word to anyone, or you could leave tonight after you've gotten a chance to talk to your friends. It's entirely up to you. I would suggest, however, that you leave before nightfall. If you're going to bring an unexpected guest home to meet your parents you should do so before bedtime. Adult or not, I doubt they're going to be very open to the idea of Mr. Malfoy sleeping in your home."

As long as we aren't telling them that he has to sleep with me, we're probably still doing decently well. "I suppose you're right," I sigh, rubbing my temples. "I suppose I should start packing."

"I will owl your parents," he says, watching the two of us stand. "If you're going to be delayed more than a week though, please owl me. And you best have an understandable explanation as to why you can't return sooner."

"Oh, we'll be back in a week," I say, letting Draco step away first. The very notion of missing so many classes was already making me sick. "Trust me."

We ultimately decide to leave at noon. It gives me time to pack, and ensures that most everyone will be in their classes. But I don't want to leave any sooner because Harry and Ron have a free period in the morning, and it would be best to inform them of what's going on when they don't need to be in class.

I know Ron isn't being very understanding right now, but he is my friend. I want him to be aware of what I'm doing. And I don't want Lavender around during my explanation. She will just get snappy and bitchy again.

In this way, I'm able to convince Draco that I can go up to my room alone (he's being a hair too worrisome). I'm not used to all this attention, and need some time to myself. Overtime I might get used to his uncharacteristic worrying, but for right now it's still too new to me.

By the time Harry and Ron come and visit, my suitcases are already packed. They sit on my bed, waiting to be shrunk and taken with me. My friends immediately notice them, and shoot me worried glances.

"Hermione… is Malfoy forcing you to move in with him?" Ron asks, eyeing the bags suspiciously. I roll my eyes, thinking that the statement is rather obscure.

"No Ron, he isn't. I have to go away for a bit."

Harry frowns. "What exactly are you talking about?"

I sigh, gesturing to the sofa. They sit side by side, facing off against me with stern expressions. Even if Ron's being a jerk lately, I can still tell he's worried. No matter what situation the three of us get into, we always care about each other. I sit in a chair opposite them taking a breath.

"I received a threatening note last night."

"Why are we just now being informed of this then?!" Ron asked, standing. Already he's losing his temper this morning. How lovely.

"Calm down," I say, uninterested in a fight so early in the morning. "I got it right before patrols. It's a little doll that bleeds from the chest. That myth I told you guys about Siren's being able to remove the negativity from a person's soul? That's what Draco and I think it implies."

They exchange a glance, plenty of thoughts surely going through their minds.

"He's Draco now?" Ron asks again.

I place my hands on my hips, standing as well. "Ronald is that really the only thing you heard me say! There were plenty of other things in that sentence!"

"It's just something that caught our attention," Harry says evenly, pulling the ginger back down onto the sofa. "Hermione, when did you receive this threat? And why haven't you told Dumbledore yet?"

I'm getting agitated now by all of their questions. "I did inform Dumbledore. Draco came with me. Now are you going to let me tell the story or not?"

They press their lips together, finally sitting quietly while I re-account what vaguely happened the night before. I leave out the fact that Draco and I shared a bed again, as well as the fact that he's been so sweet. I don't make him out to be a jerk, but I don't delve into details. Even with my friends, I don't want to reveal too much. Not until I know what all is going on. They don't need to get all worked up while Draco already is.

When I finish, they both stare at me with wide eyes. Silence fills the air, and I try to read the expressions on their faces. They change between stunned, horrified, angry and concerned, before cycling through the sequence again. At length, Harry finally speaks.

"You have no leads?"

I shake my head. "No. If you guys could keep an eye on Theo and some of his friends for me while I'm away, that would be great. Or anyone else suspicious. I need you two to be my lookouts while I'm away."

"Take us with you," Ron continues, leaning forward in his seat. "We'll help you."

Again, I shake my head. "No. This is something that I have to do alone Ron."

"No, it's something you have to drag Malfoy along for instead of your friends," he replies sourly. Harry elbows him for that.

"Ron, I have to bring Draco," I say, brushing back my hair. "You might not like it, you might not even accept it, but we're mated. You need to get over your hostility towards him. Harry learned to accept it. Your sister is trying to accept it. Why can't you? Why can't you at least try for me? Because frankly Ron, I'm sick of your attitude. Your girlfriend might dislike me, but she isn't you. You don't need to be so uptight with me all of the time. So if you want to continue being a jerk, then you may as well leave. I'll have nothing more to say to you if that's the case."

That shuts him up fast enough. Our friendship is worth more than his disdain for Draco.

"When will you be back?" Harry continues when Ron has nothing left to say.

"I'm hoping in about a week. I wouldn't want to be gone longer than that. But it will depend what happens when I get to my parents. I'm sure there will be a lot of conflicts to begin with since I'm bringing a guest, but there's also all of my hopeful Siren heritage to go through. There has to be something there that can help me understand what's happening to me."

"And Malfoy will be away just as long?"

"Yes."

"Don't you think that might look a bit suspicious? Whoever's coming after you might figure out who your mate is if you're both gone for the same amount of time."

"Nott already knows, so whoever else is involved probably knows too. I'll take my chances."

My friend nods, standing. He moves away from Ron to where I'm standing, wrapping his arms tightly around me. I return the hug.

"Be careful Hermione, please. I might not trust Ferret Boy to take care of you, but I know you can take care of yourself."

I grip him tighter. It's fantastic to see Harry being so compassionate again. A moment later another set of arms encircles me, and I'm happy to see some ginger locks in my vision. Looks like Ron softened up and decided to hug me too. It's about time.

"I promise, I will be." Snuggled between my two friends, I sigh. I'm really going to miss their companionship, especially now that we've just made up.

A/n: And chapter twelve! It's a bit dark. Do you have any guesses as to who this new threat might be? Let me know! Don't worry, there will be hints in the future! Any thoughts on Draco and Hermione going to visit her parents, or the chapter overall?

Just a heads up guys- this was one of my very favorite chapters to write! Shoot me a review if you'd be so kind :D