Hey Guys! Here is the next chapter! I really hope you like it! Please leave a review!
November 7, 1998
After dinner on Tuesday evening, Draco had gone to his usual brewing room to work on his Healing Magic Project for the Autumn Term, which was due later in the month. He was so drawn into the work that the time simply flew by. The next time he happened to glance at his wristwatch, he realized that he was fifteen minutes late for Astronomy.
"Shite." He huffed before cleaning up with a wave of his wand. He grabbed his satchel and ran out of the room, locking the door before taking off down the corridor.
As he ran, he swung his satchel over his head before attempting to unroll his sleeves and cover his dark mark. He heard some girls laughing and glanced around the next corner.
Astoria Greengrass was talking Cordelia. Draco felt this sudden surge of brotherly protection and rounded the corner, completely setting aside the fact that he was late to class. "Greengrass, what are you doing?" he asked with edge in his tone.
Astoria turned, smirking at Draco in a way that dangerously resembled her older sister. "Just chatting with your sister, Draco."
Draco shook his head, "Leave her alone."
Cordelia watched the scene, confused by Draco's behavior since Astoria had seemed perfectly nice. She noticed the edge of his dark mark, peeking out from under his partially rolled left sleeve.
"Astoria," Draco said in an even tone that sounded even angrier than shouting, "for once in your wretched life stop acting like your slag of a sister. Use your own bloody mind and tell me what the bloody hell you're doing with my sister."
Astoria looked thoughtful before clenching her jaw and huffing dramatically.
Draco took the lack of verbal response as an opening and spoke up, "What did Daphne and Goyle tell you to do?" he asked, getting straight to the point.
Astoria sighed, "It was some order directly from Carter." She replied, "I'm supposed to get this potion in her drink tonight." She said, pulling a small vial from her satchel.
Draco clenched his jaw and took the vial, "And you don't know what it is?" he asked, examining the vial before looking back at Astoria.
"No, but I doubt it's Felix Felicis." She huffed sarcastically.
He glared at her before looking at vial again, infuriated that Wolfe was going after his sister.
Cordelia watched in shock before speaking up, "You were going to do that?" She asked Astoria with an expression of disbelief.
Astoria sighed, "At first, yes but then..." She huffed and looked at Cordelia, "you're so bloody nice, so I wasn't sure anymore. I wasn't expecting you to be so kind to me. I figured your brother had told you about us." She said.
Cordelia shook her head, unable to speak.
Draco glared at Astoria, "Leave, before I change my mind." Astoria left and Draco turned to Cordelia, "Hey, I apologize for that."
"Why would she do that? What did I do?" Cordelia asked, confused.
Shaking his head, the wizard replied, "It honestly has nothing to do with you Cordelia. They simply want to hurt me and Hermione."
Cordelia sighed, "I should get back to my dorm. I have assignments to do."
Draco nodded, "Okay. I'm…I'm so sorry, Cordelia." He said, feeling terrible about his personal drama affecting her.
She smiled at him and nodded, "It's okay, big brother." She said, "I know it's not your fault."
He nodded, still feeling awful.
"Just buy me a Butterbeer soon. I have yet to try one and everyone talks about it like it's the best thing ever." She said, turning to leave before turning back and smirking, "Just make sure no one's spiked it."
He chuckled and nodded "Deal."
As she left, he suddenly remembered his class and turned in the opposite direction. He ran to the Astronomy Tower just as the class was coming down the steps.
"Damnit." He sighed.
"Where the bloody hell were you?" Blaise exclaimed.
Draco huffed, "Rather long story, mate. I'll tell you later." He replied, looking around for Hermione.
When he spotted her, she was talking to Pansy and Hannah. He walked over to them and placed his hand on her waist, while pressing a kiss to the top of her shoulder.
She turned to face him, "Where were you?" she asked with a smile but clear concern in her tone.
He cleared his throat, "Erm…I had a few…issues occur." He said, "Can I speak with you for a moment? Alone."
She nodded and together they took the long route back to the dorms.
"What happened, Draco?" She asked, concerned.
He frowned, "Well, I lost track of time while working on my project and then…bloody hell. Well, Wolfe is now trying to hurt my sister."
Hermione stopped walking and looked at Draco in shock, "What? How? What did he do? Is she okay?"
He sighed and pulled out the vial before explaining, "Wolfe had Goyle, and Daphne get Astoria to chat with Cordelia. She was supposed to befriend her and slip this into her drink. I'm not sure what it is. Astoria wasn't sure either."
"How did you get it?"
He explained the entire interaction with Astoria and Hermione huffed, "Well she's a spineless little git."
He huffed a small laugh and smirked, "I love you."
She rolled her eyes but smiled, "I love you too. Now, how are you going to figure out what that is?"
Draco looked thoughtful and sighed, "I suppose I'll have to brew the Revelation Potion."
"Have you ever seen the directions for that potion? It's more complicated than your mother's curse cure potion was." Hermione sighed.
He nodded, "I know, but I need to know what this is."
Hermione looked at the vial thoughtfully, "There may be another way. It's not exactly simpler but you won't have to spend twelve hours over a cauldron. Though we may have to spend a couple hours over a cauldron."
"I'm listening." He replied.
When they arrived back at the dorms, Hermione went up to Draco's dorm with him. Blaise was in there with Theo, playing a game of chess.
"Good." Hermione said as she sat on Draco's bed, "You're both here."
Theo and Blaise looked at her with confusion covering their faces.
"Why?" Theo asked.
"We need some help and you two are just the troublemakers that I know will pull it off." Draco answered as he sat on his bed next to her.
The two other blokes looked intrigued as Draco and Hermione began to explain everything to them. By the time they finished the story, both blokes were ready to assist in any way.
"So, Granger, what's the plan then?" Blaise smirked.
She met his mischievous eyes and replied, "We're going to brew some Veritaserum."
November 8, 1998
The four of them had stayed up most of the night arranging how they were going to pull off their plan.
It was nearly five in the morning when Hermione stretched and sighed, "We've been up all night. I think this will actually work but I'm too exhausted to be certain."
Draco nodded, "It'll work."
The other two blokes nodded.
"Alright then." Draco yawned, "Tonight…after dinner. Theo, don't muck it up."
Theo huffed, "Like I would."
During lunch, Hermione and Draco went to his usual brewing room and made a batch of Veritaserum before handing the vial off to Theo at dinner.
After dinner, Theo immediately headed down to the kitchens and spiked the hidden batch of Firewhiskey that Wolfe had stored for his private use. Wolfe kept it out of his room so as not to be blamed if it were discovered.
As Theo turned to leave, he heard Wolfe and Goyle coming down the corridor and snuck behind a shelf of produce. He could see them perfectly through the shelves, but they could not see him in the shadows.
"So, Astoria couldn't spike the sister's drink. We'll have to find another way."
"What are you even looking for, Carter? I don't understand why we need to go after Draco's sister." Goyle asked.
"Greg, just shut up and grab the bloody Firewhiskey." Wolfe scowled.
Theo watched as Goyle huffed but did as told before following Wolfe out of the kitchens.
"Arsehole", he muttered to himself, startling one of the house elves who was grabbing some apples from the shelf he was hiding behind.
Draco and Blaise waited patiently and silently. They couldn't see each other but they knew where the other was.
The door opened and in strutted Wolfe and Goyle, who was carrying the Firewhiskey.
Wolfe grabbed the bottle and opened it, taking a large swig before turning to Goyle. "Once we get that bloody sister of Malfoy's taken care of, he'll be so distracted, he'll never see the other coming."
Goyle huffed, "Why won't you tell me any of the details?"
Wolfe rolled his eyes and the Veritaserum seemed to take effect. "That bloody Mudblood has something that belongs to my family. I need to kill the Veela so that Malfoy won't be able to stop me from killing his Mudblood."
Goyle furrowed his brow, "So you're leaving Draco alive?"
"Yea" Wolfe smirked. "Let him live his life knowing it's his fault that their dead."
"So then, what was in the vial I gave Astoria?" Goyle asked.
Wolfe smirked, "I actually went rather old school and a bit muggle with some Arsenic. I didn't feel like brewing something up."
Goyle nodded but didn't reply.
Blaise and Draco had to remain silent and still until both Wolfe and Goyle passed out.
When they got back to their dorm, Hermione was waiting impatiently with Theo.
"There you are! What'd you find out?" she asked.
Draco felt an immense amount of rage coursing through his body. He couldn't speak, he couldn't think, and he could barely breathe. All he did was pace while Blaise explained everything they heard.
Hermione nodded when Blaise finished the story.
She looked at her boyfriend and licked her lips, "Draco…" She said quietly.
He shook his head, still pacing.
"Draco." She repeated a bit firmer.
He stopped pacing and met her eyes.
"Everything will be fine. We'll talk to Cordelia and tell her who to stay away from." She said.
"And you?" He asked. "He plans to kill you, Hermione!" he exclaimed, infuriated.
"I'll be fine." She replied, "I'll keep an eye out."
He sighed, "I couldn't bear it if anything happened to you."
"I'll be fine." She repeated.
He sighed, shaking his head, unsure of whether to believe that or not.
November 10, 1998
The next few days had passed without any issues. No one bothered them and though they didn't let their guards down, they decided to have a bit of fun.
"So, it's your birthday and it's a Friday." Draco smirked, glancing over at Blaise as they made their way to the Great Hall for lunch. Draco glanced around the corridor, half expecting to spot Hermione making her own way to lunch, but he didn't.
Blaise grinned and nodded, "And I plan to take full advantage of that. Tonight, if my friends haven't already made plans, mind you…" he said pointedly, "I'd like to bum around in our dorm with everyone."
Draco nodded, "That sounds like a good plan."
"You seriously didn't make any plans?" Blaise asked, stopping in the middle of the corridor.
Draco chuckled, "Blaise, mate, come on." He said, feeling a bit concerned but not sure why. "I'm famished." He murmured.
Blaise huffed but nodded and they continued their way to the Great Hall.
When they arrived, they sat with their friends at the Gryffindor table. Most of their group was there and the others were arriving one by one.
"I've been thinking…" Ron said, "we ought to go to Hogsmeade this weekend."
Theo nodded, "We could see what that new Quidditch shop is like."
"Quidditch shop?" Pansy asked, surprised.
"In Hogsmeade?" Hannah added.
"Yea. It's called Quidditch Essentials. It supposedly has not only professional Quidditch gear but also Hogwarts Quidditch gear." Ginny grinned eagerly.
Draco looked around the Great Hall. His mind was focused on one thing, and it had nothing to do with their conversation. He sighed, "Have any of you lot seen Hermione?"
The others shook their heads.
Draco furrowed his brow and looked around again before grabbing his satchel and standing up. He had this nagging feeling that something was wrong. He couldn't explain it, but he knew that he didn't like it. And even though Wolfe hadn't bothered them in a few days, Draco wasn't taking any chances. He slipped the satchel over his head but didn't make a move to leave…yet.
"I'm sure she's fine." Ron said.
Draco shook his head, "I'll see you lot later." He said before leaving the Great Hall.
As he walked quickly down the corridor, the unnerving feeling grew, and he picked up the pace even more. He wasn't sure where he was going until he arrived at the entrance to the hospital wing. He pushed the doors open and saw McGonagall, O'Conner and some of the Wardens including Ashford in there.
McGonagall saw him and her eyes widened the slightest bit, "Mr. Malfoy. How did you…"
"Where is she?" He asked, not letting her finish. He wasn't sure how he knew, but he had no doubts that Hermione was hurt. He looked around until he spotted Hermione lying in one of the beds, unconscious. He pushed past the Headmistress and tried to push past the Wardens, but they ganged up on him, blocking his passage.
"Let me through, dammit!" He shouted.
McGonagall nodded to the Wardens, and they let go of him.
He rushed over to her. He looked down at her and reached out but stopped, unsure. She looked so fragile and injured. He swallowed and shook his head.
Hermione head a black eye and a few scratches. She was unconscious and pale. He spun around and looked at the Professors and Wardens, "What happened?" he asked, in a tone that sounded nothing like a student speaking to his elders.
McGonagall walked over to him and sighed, "Draco, we aren't exactly sure. Hermione was found by one of the Wardens during last period. She was unconscious, in an alcove off the main corridor."
Draco clenched his jaw, his chest heaved with rage. "Where's Wolfe?" he asked.
McGonagall nodded, "I've sent a few of the Wardens to fetch him and bring him here." She said just as the doors opened and in walked Carter Wolfe with four Wardens.
Draco stepped towards him, but McGonagall spoke, "No, Draco. Let me speak with him."
Taking a deep breath, Draco remained still while McGonagall made her way over and spoke, "Mr. Wolfe, where were you during the previous class period?"
Wolfe inhaled deeply and pretended to think for a moment before smirking with a glance at Draco, "I was in Defense Against the Dark Arts, Headmistress." He replied, looking back at McGonagall.
It took all of Draco's strength to not brandish his wand in that moment and use some of the nastiest curses he had learned during his time as a Death Eater.
"I've spoken with Professor Davies, and he said that you were not in class, so would you care to try that once more?" McGonagall said with fire in her voice.
Wolfe shrugged all the while still smirking.
"Take his wand." McGonagall ordered, causing the smirk to vanish.
Wolfe tried to grab his wand, but a Warden grabbed his arms while Warden Ashford confiscated his wand.
McGonagall took it and pulled her own wand out before performing a spell test on it to see the last magic it was used to perform. Her already stern features turned fearsome when she looked at him again, "Carter Wolfe, you are going to be held here by the Wardens until Aurors come to take custody of you."
"What? Why?" He exclaimed, fighting against the Wardens' grips on him. "I didn't do anything!"
"Because the spells you last cast with this wand were used to torture Hermione Granger. You used the Cruciatus Curse as well as a Stunning spell and then the Cruciatus Curse again. There are also a few spells on here that I can't quite make out and it will take a bit more digging to see what they are, but I assure you they will not help your case."
"You son of bitch! First you go after my sister, now my girlfriend! I should kill you!" Draco shouted as he ran over and punched Carter in the face before any of the Wardens could do anything to stop him. He hit him twice more in the eye and as he pulled his arm back to hit Wolfe a fourth time, Deputy Headmaster O'Conner dragged Draco away, shouting.
"You piece of shite!" Draco shouted. "I should kill you! I should kill you!"
Wolfe was screaming in agony and when they all looked over, his left eye was bleeding, bulging from the socket that appeared to have been crushed by the impact of Draco's fist.
McGonagall, in shock of the damage Draco had caused, looked at Draco's hand and saw that it too was undoubtedly broken. Draco, however, didn't appear to care about his hand at all as he fought against O'Conner's grasp, trying to get back Wolfe to cause further damage.
Draco himself only saw red. All he could think about was hurting Carter Wolfe…the bastard that hurt Hermione. His rage echoed in his ears like a million bees buzzing around his head, consuming his mind until finally another sound broke through.
"Draco, you must calm down."
He could hear it, but he wasn't sure who was saying it.
"Draco, calm down." McGonagall said repeatedly as the loud screams coming from Carter echoed in the space.
Draco took a deep breath.
"If you don't, then we can't allow you to stay here, by her side." Deputy Headmaster O'Conner added pointedly.
Draco tried to gain control of himself. As he did so, the pain in his hand became obvious and overpowering.
Madam Pomfrey rushed over and looked at the two injured wizards.
"I've got Malfoy." McGonagall told Poppy who nodded and walked over to Carter.
"Oh, calm down, Mr. Wolfe." She said, having overheard his earlier actions and not feeling much pity for him.
McGonagall told Draco to sit down on a bed but instead he sat in the chair by Hermione's bed, grimacing in horrible pain.
The Headmistress sighed and went to work on healing his hand.
While she did that, O'Conner contacted the Auror office at the Ministry and had them send some Aurors to the school.
Draco looked over at Hermione. He reached out with his left hand and held her right hand, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles in a soothing manner.
He winced as he felt the bones of his right-hand snap back into place and begin to heal. However, he never took his eyes off of the brunette.
Madam Pomfrey made her way over and began to perform certain healing spells on Hermione. "When we attempted to use diagnostic spells on her, we couldn't tell what was wrong but now that we know, we can help her." Madam Pomfrey explained to him, seeing him watching her actions.
He nodded, "Will she be okay?" he asked weakly.
Madam Pomfrey nodded, "Oh yes. She'll be just fine, Draco. She'll need to stay here for a while though."
Draco swallowed and looked at the Headmistress, "He's going to be arrested, correct? He must be arrested."
McGonagall nodded, "Yes. He used an Unforgivable Curse. He may even spend some time in Azkaban." She said, as she wrapped his hand in a supportive bandage.
"Good." Draco muttered. "I hope they take his magic and suck his soul out." He added.
McGonagall didn't reply to the comment but changed the topic instead. "Draco, how did you know to come here?" She asked.
He shook his head and sighed, "I'm not sure. I just had a horrible feeling and my…my feet basically just brought me here."
She nodded thoughtfully, "I suppose the connection you two have, along with the prophecy, makes that possible. What I mean to say is that it may make it possible to know if something is wrong even if you don't know what it is that is wrong."
He nodded and looked back at the brunette lying in bed. "I'm not going to my last class of the day. I'm not leaving her side." He said in a tone that even the Headmistress of the school knew not the argue with.
McGonagall nodded. "I need to contact her parents, or would you prefer to do that?"
"I can send my mother a letter and she'll tell them."
"I'll get you some writing implements." McGonagall said before summoning some parchment, a quill, and some ink.
Draco's hand, though healed and wrapped, still hurt a bit but he ignored the pain and wrote a letter explaining everything that had happened as best he could.
"Draco?" He heard and dropped the quill before turning to her.
Hermione squinted her eyes in pain and looked over at him, "Draco?" she said again.
"I'm here." He said, grabbing her hand, "I'm here, love."
"What happened?" She croaked.
He swallowed, "What…what do you remember?"
She cleared her dry throat and Draco grabbed a cup of water from beside the bed and carefully placed it at her lips, "Here. Take a sip."
Once she had swallowed a bit of water, he asked her again what she remembered.
She licked her lips and spoke, "I was leaving Transfiguration and you kissed me. We…we agreed to meet up at lunch." She said before thinking and shaking her head. "Then all I can remember is this bright flash of…of red light and then…and then…" she swallowed, and he knew that she realized what the red light had been, "Then I felt horrible pain…everywhere." She said in a broken voice. "Who did it?" She asked, turning her head to look at him with tears in her eyes, "Who used the Cruciatus curse on me?" she asked, "Was it Wolfe?"
He gently brushed some hair off her face and licked his lips, nodding, "It was."
She clenched her jaw and shook her head. "I never saw him coming. He must have attacked me from behind. I'm so sorry Draco. I told you not to worry and now…"
"Hey, this is not your fault, love." He said pointedly, "That bastard…he…he's the only one to blame." He said, his voice breaking a bit from emotion.
The doors to the hospital wing opened and two men and one woman dressed in all black marched in. Draco knew they were the Aurors.
He noticed that McGonagall had been listening to his and Hermione's conversation but left them at that moment to go speak with the three Aurors.
Draco turned back to Hermione and realized that she had spotted Wolfe in the bed on the other end of the room.
"Did I attack him?" She asked, seeing his rather gruesome injury.
Draco cleared his throat, "Erm…no." He replied, "I did."
She met his eyes and reached up, cupping his jaw as she shook her head, "Are you okay?"
The wizard huffed and kissed her palm before replying, "Love, you're the one in the hospital bed. Don't worry about me." He said before glancing over his shoulder to see them magically place shackles on Wolfe's wrists and ankles while he fought them with all his strength.
"No! Take these off now! I swear, next time, I'll kill the cunt!"
Draco stood up and stormed over, prepared to punch him again but the female Auror stepped in the way, "Mr. Malfoy, I understand your desire to hurt this piece of shite, but I cannot allow you to do that again. Please, just go back and sit with Ms. Granger." She said.
He clenched his jaw and glared at Wolfe, "Wolfe, stay to hell away from her, and stay the hell away from my sister. Leave all of us alone or I will kill you." He glared.
Wolfe sneered at him but didn't reply. He continued to struggle against the Aurors and the shackles while shouting obscenities at everyone involved as they escorted him out of the hospital wing.
Draco inhaled deeply and turned to go back to Hermione. Madam Pomfrey was helping her to sit up in bed and he rushed over to assist.
Hermione cringed in pain.
Madam Pomfrey noticed and grabbed a vial from her cupboard before locking the cupboard back up. "Here you are dear. This is a rather strong pain potion." She said, handing over the vial of orange liquid. "You may drink the whole contents or only half. Some people don't need all of it, but you can if you need to."
Hermione nodded and uncorked the vial before drinking half of the contents and recorking it.
Draco frowned, "Love, just take it all. You're in so much pain."
Hermione shook her head, "No, I remember taking some of this after…" she paused, and he knew she meant after being tortured at the Manor by his aunt. He nodded and she continued, "and erm…I didn't care for the feeling even though it truly does help with the pain."
He sighed and nodded, "Are you hungry? I can get you some food or anything. I'll get you anything you want."
She shook her head, "I'm not hungry, but thank you."
He held her hand, rubbing his thumb across her knuckles.
"I suppose I'll miss the bash tonight." She said quietly.
"We both will." He replied.
"No, Draco." Hermione said, shaking her head. "It's a surprise birthday bash for your best friend. You need to be there."
"I'm not leaving you, Hermione." He said.
She sighed, "Love, I'm okay. I want you to go and have fun with our friends."
He huffed, "I wouldn't have any fun at all. Knowing that you're here and in pain and…" he shook his head.
Hermione's eyelids began to get heavy, and Draco noticed, "Love, lie down and sleep a bit. I'll be right here."
She sighed, too sleepy to argue, so she scooted down the bed a bit and rested her head on the pillow before quickly falling asleep.
Draco did as he said, and never left. It wasn't until dinner that they had guests come by.
"Draco!" Ginny said, rushing into the hospital wing with the others all close behind. "Is she okay?"
"What the bloody hell happened?" Ron asked, looking at Hermione with terribly concerned eyes.
Draco swallowed and stood up, "Let's go over there so we don't wake her." He whispered and they all went to the other side of the room.
The group gathered on two beds and listened as Draco explained everything.
"I'll bloody kill him." Harry said, looking angrier than Draco had ever seen him.
Draco nodded, "Believe me, I tried." He muttered, his inner stress relieving just the slightest bit when he noticed that the group had taken Cordelia under their wing and kept her with them.
Knowing that his friends were keeping her close, helped ease his mind a bit.
"Did you inform her parents?" Luna asked, glancing over at the still sleeping witch.
He nodded, looking away from his sister and replied, "I sent them a letter."
"What can we do to help?" Pansy asked, knowing Draco was stressed and horribly concerned about his girlfriend.
He shook his head in response and inhaled shakily, "I erm…" He swallowed, and glanced over at Hermione, shaking his head once more.
Pansy knew that look and she knew that he was about to break down. Throughout their friendship, he rarely cried but she could tell that was desperately overwhelmed and needed a moment to himself.
Pansy turned to group, "You lot stay here with Hermione for a bit. We'll be right back."
She pulled Draco out of the room, down the side corridor, and into one of the empty brewing rooms.
"Let it out." She said as soon as the door shut behind them.
He looked at her for a moment as his chest heaved with emotion until finally the tears began to flow and he crouched down, sobbing into his hands.
He could've lost her, and he knew that. Wolfe clearly had no qualms about performing an unforgivable curse. Had he used the worst one, Draco's heart would be irreparably shattered.
Wolfe had already attempted to kill Cordelia and now Hermione.
Did he try to kill her and just fail?
Draco couldn't handle seeing his strong, independent, beautiful, and smart girlfriend lying in bed looking fragile, broken and in pain. The image was a shock to his system that he was not prepared to handle.
After a few minutes, Draco began to calm a bit and finally he stopped crying. He stood up and walked over to the sink that each brewing room had and washed his face before turning back to Pansy.
"Did that help?" She asked kindly.
He nodded and cleared his throat, "Yes. Thank you." He sighed, "I can't stand to cry in front of…in front of many people. I appreciate you for understanding that." He said, clearing his throat once more.
She nodded, "You're one of my very best friends, Draco. I'm here for you, as well as Hermione. And remember that you're a strong man. Even strong men need to cry sometimes." She said, wanting him to know that he should not feel ashamed.
He nodded, knowing that if Lucius ever knew he cried, he'd have beaten Draco senseless.
"Let's get back in there." Pansy said.
They went back to the hospital wing where their friends were talking quietly, and Hermione was still sleeping.
"I'm going to be sleeping here tonight." He told the group and they all nodded, having figured that already.
"Is there anything you need?" Blaise asked.
Draco nodded, "If you could bring some clothes for me, that'd be helpful."
Blaise nodded.
Ginny noticed Hermione stirring a bit and spoke up, "Draco, she's awake."
He turned around and walked over to her with Ginny and the others right behind him.
"Hey." He said quietly as he sat down in the chair next to her bed.
She smiled at him; her eyes struggled to focus which left him a bit blurry, but she could still see that there was a crowd behind him. She closed her eyes and shook her head before opening them once more, grateful to see the clear faces of her friends.
"Hey." She said.
"You alright, Mione?" Harry asked, concerned as he walked around to the other side of her bed.
Ginny joined him with the same expression.
"I am." She replied truthfully but in a weak voice.
Draco held her hand, rubbing her knuckles lightly with his thumb as the others spoke with her.
"Okay, you lot." Madam Pomfrey said, "Ms. Granger needs her rest. She needs to heal properly."
Neville nodded, "Thanks for letting us visit with her, Madam Pomfrey."
While they all bid Hermione goodnight, Draco pulled Cordelia aside.
"How are you?" He asked.
She nodded, "I'm fine, Draco. You need to focus on Hermione."
He sighed, "You're still my sister so, I'm afraid my focus may be split."
"Draco, you said they arrested Wolfe."
"Yes, but his lackeys are still around. Please just be cautious." He said and she nodded.
The entire group left except for Draco.
Madam Pomfrey put her hands on her hips in an intimidatingly accurate interpretation of Molly Weasley's signature pose.
Draco however stood his ground and shook his head, "I'm not leaving her. I'll sleep in the chair, and I won't be in the way, but I'm not leaving her."
Madam Pomfrey looked at him contemplatively for a moment before sighing and saying, "You may sleep in the next bed. I have but only one other patient however they sleep in the private chamber. Are either of you hungry?"
Hermione nodded, "I am actually."
Draco sighed and nodded, "Yes Ma'am. I can go to the Great Hall and get us some food."
The matron shook her head, "No need. Toddy will bring some food here. He's wonderful." She said before turning to go alert the head house elf of their need for some food.
Draco looked at Hermione who returned a look he couldn't quite place.
"What is it?" he asked quietly.
"There's no need for you to stay here overnight with me."
Draco sighed and met her eyes, "Hermione, my love, I'm not leaving you tonight." He said before lifting her hand and placing a firm kiss to her back of it. "I'm not, so please don't waist the energy you should be using to heal, on arguing with me."
She furrowed her brow but simply nodded and squeezed his hand.
When Madam Pomfrey brought them dinner, she handed Draco a letter, "I've just received this from Aberforth Dumbledore. He asked me to give it to you." She said, a light blush tinting her cheeks.
Draco nodded and thanked her while Hermione smiled, knowing the matron was blushing because of her relationship with the Aberforth.
After reading it, Draco handed it to Hermione.
Draco and Hermione,
Your group of troublemaking friends is here for the surprise bash and informed me of what happened today. I wanted to let you know that I am here to help, should you need anything.
Aberforth
Hermione smiled, "That is quite sweet of him."
Draco nodded, "I think out friend Aberforth might just be in love." He said with a chuckle.
Hermione smiled, "He might be. Why do you think so?"
Draco met her eyes and smiled. He had been wanting to say these words for a while and felt the weight of their significance. "I can say from personal experience that love changes a man. It made me see the world differently. I feel as though I am nothing like I used to be and that's a good thing. And I know I owe it to you, Hermione. You make me want to be a better person every day. Because…because my ambition is to make you proud." He swallowed and inhaled before adding, "I never want to fail you."
Hermione blinked, trying to keep the tears from overflowing and streaming down her cheeks. She shook her head and squeezed his hand tightly, "Draco, listen to me." She said and waited for him to meet her eyes and nod. "You do make me proud. You make me proud in many different ways." She paused and wiped a tear away that slipped out from her eye.
"One is that I am so very proud of you. You are so strong and passionate and seeing the way you treat Teddy and your other cousins and Cordelia." She shook her head, "I'm so proud of who you are, Draco." She said pointedly.
"I'm also exceedingly proud to call you mine. Any chance I get, I tell people that you're my boyfriend." She said with a smirk before adding in a serious tone, "Draco, you do make me proud. Please…please don't forget that."
He smiled and stood up, leaning over, and kissed her softly on the lips before hearing her stomach growl.
He chuckled, "Here, love. Eat something."
They ate dinner before Draco worked on some of his assignments while Hermione rested.
Later in the night, Headmistress McGonagall came to visit Hermione and found Draco, sound asleep with a book lying open on his chest.
Hermione smiled and noticed that the Headmistress also curled her lips into a small, genuine smile.
"I see that he has refused to leave." She remarked.
Hermione nodded, "He's rather stubborn."
McGonagall nodded and walked around Hermione's bed before sitting in a chair on the opposite side from Draco's bed.
"How are you feeling, Ms. Granger?" She asked.
"I'm feeling a bit better, though I couldn't feel much worse than I felt earlier."
"I'm glad you're doing better." McGonagall said before going on, "I came here to inform you that Mr. Malfoy seems to have gained some sort of connection to you. Today, no one told him that you were attacked. He simply knew something was wrong and went looking for you. He informed me that his feet simply brought him to the hospital wing."
Hermione furrowed her brow and turned her head to look at Draco, who was still sound asleep.
McGonagall smiled to herself before saying, "I am not sure why he has suddenly gained this…connection but I assume that it is just another piece of proof of the love that you two share."
Hermione smiled, blushing slightly as she attempted to hold back a yawn.
The Headmistress noticed and nodded, "Get some more rest, Ms. Granger."
After the Headmistress left, Hermione sat and pondered for a moment.
She had held back from telling McGonagall about her own experiences over the past week. Occasionally, she would have a feeling that Draco was near and then there he would be, right next to her. Other times, she would feel elation and Draco would come back from Quidditch practice in a great mood from coming up with a new 'brilliant' play.
She hadn't mentioned it to Draco but now she wondered if she should.
She began to feel some more pain and took a sip of the pain potion before lying down and falling asleep.
November 11, 1998
It was about five in the morning when Draco woke up. He rubbed his face before sitting up, letting the book that had been on his chest, fall to his lap. He closed it and set it to the side before looking over at Hermione.
She was asleep, glowing in the moonlight. He sighed and stood up before walking toward the back of the room where the hospital wing loo was located.
When he got back to Hermione's bed, she was awake, trying to sit up in bed.
"Hey hey hey, let me help you." He said, rushing over to her. He stuffed her pillow, as well as the one he had been sleeping on, behind her back to give her support. "How's that?" he asked.
She smiled, "Thank you, darling."
He nodded and sat in the chair by her bed, "Why are you awake so early, love?"
She shook her head, "Bad dreams."
"Would you like to talk about them? Or we could change the topic…"
She sighed, "Well, actually, there's something that you and I need to talk about."
He nodded and leaned in closer, resting his elbows on his knees, "What is it?"
She looked at him thoughtfully before asking, "How did you know I was injured?"
Draco licked his lips and sighed, "Well, erm…honestly, I'm not quite sure. I was at lunch, and you hadn't shown up. I had this terrible feeling, so I left and went searching for you. My erm…this might sound strange, but my feet, sort of just brought me here."
She frowned and Draco was worried that she thought he was making it up but then she smiled.
"Draco, for the past week or so I've had these…feelings. I don't know any other word to use without sounding completely barmy. I'd feel like you were near and then I'd turn around and you'd be coming down the stairs. Or I'd have this sudden sensation of elation and you'd come bursting through the portrait hole, beaming, talking about how well practice went." She paused, shaking her head, "I've been thinking about this, and I think…" she paused, blushing slightly before continuing, "I think, that day at the Manor, I think we may have started to bring the prophecy to fruition." She looked around and sighed.
"What I'm saying is that in the prophecy, it mentions powers that were once thought to be long gone." She said, "Well, one power that couples who were absolutely meant to be once had was called 'Cor Nexum'."
Draco furrowed his brow, "Cor Nexum…" he repeated, "Heart Connection?"
She nodded, "Marriage became such an unmeaningful action that the power vanished ages ago."
"Marriage." He said, "But then why would what happened at the Manor cause this 'Cor Nexum' to occur?"
Blushing slightly, Hermione replied, "Well, one thing muggle and magical traditions have in common is that it is 'traditional' to wait until marriage. So, the action of…" She glanced around before meeting his eyes, "making love would usually occur after marriage and ignite the power known as Cor Nexum."
Draco couldn't help but smile and reach out to take her hand, "It's rather uplifting that our love is so strong and pure that we have a new power."
She nodded, "Yes, it is." She smiled.
"How'd you know to ask me?" He asked.
Hermione smirked, "McGonagall said that you somehow just knew to come here. She didn't mention the Cor Nexum but I gathered from the small smile and words she used that she knew enough."
"Mr. Malfoy." They heard and Draco turned to see Madam Pomfrey walking towards them with a letter, "This arrived for you."
He thanked her and opened the letter.
Draco,
Brodrick, Baylor, and I are coming to the castle today to make a surprise visit for Blaise's birthday. We could use a little help by you to ease our way in, seeing as McGonagall never really cared for any of us. Write back quickly.
Braiden Zabini
Draco chuckled to himself, "Today should be an interesting day."
"Why's that?" Hermione asked.
Draco handed her the letter and grabbed a piece of parchment, a quill and some ink before writing a reply.
"So Blaise has three older brothers?" Hermione asked after Draco finished his reply.
Draco nodded, "Baylor is the oldest. Braiden and Brodrick are twins and then there's Blaise." He explained while he sealed the letter. "I'll be right back." He said before standing up and leaving the hospital wing. He went to the nearest open section of the castle and whistled.
A few moments later, Athena came soaring over, landing on his arm, "Hello Athena." He smiled, "Please take this to the Zabini Estate. It needs to go to Braiden Zabini."
She blinked at him before taking off.
He made his way back down the corridor and into the hospital wing.
It was nearly ten in the morning when Draco left the hospital wing again. He met the three older Zabini brothers in the Headmistress' office and thanked McGonagall before leading them to the eighth-year dormitories.
"How's your relationship going with Hermione Granger?" Baylor, the oldest of the brothers asked.
"Really well. She's wonderful." Draco replied before the portrait opened and they walked in.
He was surprised to find Blaise sitting on the sofa, talking to Cordelia. He didn't mind Cordelia being in the eighth-year dorms, or her talking to Blaise. It was the distance they sat from each other that bothered Draco, or rather, lack of distance.
Blaise's eyes nearly bulged out of the sockets. Whether it was because Draco had caught him with Cordelia or because his three brothers were there, Draco wasn't sure.
"Wow, Blaise, you've got a new girl?" Brodrick asked with a grin.
"No!" Blaise exclaimed, standing up. "No! No! No! This is simply me chatting with Draco's younger sister. There's nothing off about it at all, so everyone just needs to cool off."
Draco looked between his best friend and sister before shaking his head, "I've got to get back to the hospital wing." He turned and left.
"Bloody hell." Blaise groaned after the portrait shut.
Cordelia stood up, "I'll just go."
Blaise sighed, "Cordelia, I didn't mean to…"
"It's okay, Blaise." She said, though he could see that it wasn't. "I'll see you later."
When Draco arrived back in the hospital wing, he found Hermione, talking to two Aurors about what had happened with Wolfe.
"He must have attacked me from behind because I never saw him. All I remember is the flash of red light and this excruciating pain all over my body." She said, having not noticed Draco yet.
"And what do you remember next?" one of the Aurors asked.
"I remember waking up in here and seeing my boyfriend sitting by the bed, holding my hand." She replied.
"And your boyfriend, do you know his whereabouts at the time of your attack?"
Hermione furrowed her brow, "He didn't attack me. It was Carter Wolfe."
"But you said that you never actually saw Mr. Wolfe, just a flash of red light." The Auror said, looking back through his notes.
Hermione clenched her jaw, "Carter Wolfe is the person that attacked me."
"Ms. Granger, who is your boyfriend?"
Draco clenched his jaw and stepped forward, "I am." He said.
The Aurors raised their brows.
"Mr. Malfoy." One of them said, "Where were you when she was attacked?"
"I was in my Muggle Studies class and then I was at Lunch."
"Do you have anyone who can account for your whereabouts?" the Auror asked him with a doubtful look.
"Blaise Zabini." Draco said, trying to contain his anger, "He was with me the entire time."
The Aurors nodded but neither spoke up until they looked at each other.
"I think we have all we need for now." He said, "Oh, except, I need to see your wand, Mr. Malfoy?"
"Why?" Draco asked as the Headmistress walked in.
"We need to run a spell test on it. Is that a problem?" the Auror said with a small scowl.
"No." He said, pulling out his wand and handing it over.
The Auror did the test and raised his brow, "There are a number of spells you've used that raise no alarm however, there is a contraception spell that you used not too long ago."
"And?" Draco said through clenched teeth, "I don't see why that is any of your concern."
The Auror raised his brow and handed the wand back to him, "We'll be in touch if there are more questions." He said before leaving with his partner.
Hermione noticed McGonagall's concerned expression.
"Headmistress, is everything okay?"
McGonagall sighed and walked over to them before speaking quietly, "I am a bit concerned that they may not keep Wolfe in custody."
"Why wouldn't they?" Draco asked, "His wand had those spells on it, and he claimed that next time he'd kill her."
"I know, Mr. Malfoy but Ms. Granger did not see him and…" She sighed and Hermione knew it was bad.
"What is it?" Hermione asked.
"The Aurors…" McGonagall said, "they claim to have lost evidence."
"What evidence did they lose?" Draco asked.
"His…wand."
"What?!" Draco shouted, "They did they on purpose! Those bloody cowards!"
McGonagall sighed, "I…well, yes, I do believe they are being paid off by the Wolfe family, but I have no proof and I have no connections in the Auror department."
"Potter does." Draco said, remembering that Harry knew the Head Auror.
"I'll speak with Mr. Potter. For now, however, I don't think either of you should be alone. I'm not sure if or when they'll release Wolfe and even with the Wardens on guard, he knows the castle well. So, should you need to leave, Mr. Malfoy, I except you to have someone with you and Ms. Granger to have someone with her. I give you permission to pull a friend out of class if needed."
Draco nodded, "I do need to work on my Healing Magic Course Project." He said, looking at Hermione, "Love, can you get Ginny here?"
She nodded and grabbed the journal Ginny had brought her. It was the journal from when she and Draco had gone to Australia and Ginny had wanted to keep in touch.
Hermione wrote a message in it and waited for a response.
"Why don't you get Theo, since Blaise is busy?" Hermione suggested.
Draco nodded and sent Theo a Patronus with a message to come to the hospital wing.
McGonagall smiled, "Mr. Malfoy, your Corporeal Patronus is impressive."
He smiled, "Thank you. Hermione is an excellent tutor and muse."
McGonagall nodded with the hint of a smile on her lips as Theo entered the hospital wing.
"I've got to tell you, mate." He said, "A bloody dragon chasing a bloke down a corridor can make him appear unmanly."
"Were you screaming like a girl?" Draco smirked.
"It was a bloody dragon!" Theo exclaimed, waving his arms in the air dramatically, "I nearly died."
Draco sighed, "Theodore, listen, I need a favor."
Theo sighed and nodded, "Yea?"
McGonagall explained everything and Theo immediately agreed to stay with Draco.
When Ginny entered the hospital wing, McGonagall explained it to her before leaving to find and speak with Harry.
Draco turned to Hermione, "I'll be back as soon as I can. I've got a bit more to do on this project." He said before leaning down and kissing her lips softly, "I love you." He said as they separated.
"I love you. Come back here." She said, pulling him back down into one more kiss before smiling and saying, "Okay, now you may leave."
He grinned and nodded, high-fiving Ginny before leaving with Theo.
Ginny sat down on the bed Draco had slept on and grinned at Hermione.
"What?" Hermione asked.
Ginny nodded, "Tell me everything."
Hermione laughed, cringing in pain a bit before saying, "Like what?"
The redhead shook her head, "You are holding back on me, Hermione Jean Granger and I would smack you, but you're injured so just tell me already!"
With a sigh, the brunette nodded, "Fine. It's happened twice."
Ginny squealed so loudly that Madam Pomfrey came rushing over, concerned Hermione was having a fit of some sort.
Once the matron saw that she was fine and walked away, Hermione looked at Ginny and smiled, "Would you hush?"
Ginny beamed, "Tell me everything!"
While blushing a bit, the older witch sighed and thought for a moment about where to start and what she wanted to keep to herself.
"Well, when he found out he had a sister, we went to the Manor to speak with his mother. When we arrived, Pippy told us that Narcissa was out and wouldn't be back for about three hours."
Ginny nearly squealed but contained herself and nodded, "Go on."
Hermione laughed and continued with her story. She felt grateful that her friend was keeping her mind off of Wolfe.
Meanwhile, Draco and Theo were in Draco's usual brewing room.
"So what's this potion for?" Theo asked while looking at all the ingredients without touching anything.
Draco hadn't told anyone except the Professors of his Healing Magic course what his project was and felt a little nervous but turned to his friend.
"Can you keep a secret?" He asked.
Theo nodded, "Yea."
Draco inhaled and nodded, "I'm working on a potion that will permanently counteract the physical pain and other aftereffects of the Cruciatus Curse." He said.
Theo looked at his friend in shock, "Are you serious?"
The blonde nodded, "Yes."
Theo chuckled, "That's bloody brilliant, mate! What made you think of that?"
"Well, so many people are suffering from the aftereffects of it, and I wanted to help." He said, "You know, Longbottom's parents have been permanently placed in St. Mungo's since he was a child because they were tortured. If I can get this to work, they should be able to go home and actually get to know their son."
Shaking his head, Theo chuckled, "You're going to be a brilliant healer, Draco."
Draco sighed, "I hope so."
Theo nodded, "So how close are you to having it figured out?"
"I'm rather close. I just wanted to get someone who is good with potions to look it over."
"Well, why haven't you gotten Blaise? You know how skilled he is in potions." Theo asked.
Draco clenched his jaw and shook his head but didn't respond.
Theo furrowed his brow, "What happened?"
With a sigh, Draco looked at his friend and said, "He was chatting up Cordelia in the common room this morning. Which means that he let her in the common room. Bloody hell! He could have had her sleep over since I was in the hospital wing all night."
"Draco, you've gone barmy, mate." Theo said, shaking his head.
"I've never had a little sister before." Draco replied, "I feel this urge to protect her."
Theo nodded, "Drake, you've got to know that Blaise would never hurt your sister. If he's chatting her up, then he truly fancies her."
Draco sighed but didn't reply.
Just as Theo was about to speak up again, the door to the brewing room opened and Blaise walked in.
Draco furrowed his brow, "Where are your brothers?" he asked in an even tone.
"There was some sort of blow up at the lounge, so the twins had to go, and Baylor went to assist." Blaise replied before sighing, "Can we talk?"
Draco huffed and nodded, "Yea."
Blaise stepped closer, "Listen, Draco, what you saw today…it wasn't nothing."
"You speak terrible English, mate. That was two negatives in one sentence." Theo remarked, shaking his head.
Blaise turned to Theo, "Theodore, do me a favor, and don't speak for a little while."
Theo nodded and sat back, watching.
Blaise sighed and turned back to Draco, "I told you it was nothing, but it wasn't. I fancy Cordelia and she fancies me…I think."
Draco ruffled his hair frustratedly and said, "Okay, what? You think you fancy her?"
"No, no, no! I know I fancy her. I think she fancies me." Blaise replied quickly.
Draco huffed and nodded.
Blaise nodded and continued, "I'd like to ask her to the Yuletide Ball. I know this is a bit awkward but seeing as you two have a bastard for a father, I thought I should check with you." He inhaled shakily, "Are you okay with me asking her?"
Draco opened his mouth to say 'no' but paused when he truly saw the expression on Blaise's face. He closed his mouth and cleared his throat before nodding, "Sure. Go ahead. But Blaise, if you dare try anything with her…" Draco paused, unable to fully express what he would do to his best friend.
The other wizard nodded, "I know, she's in sixth year. She young. I wouldn't do that."
Draco shook his head, "You forget how well I know you, mate." He said with a pointed look. "You were fourteen, your first time. I simply mean, show my sister the respect she deserves."
Blaise nodded, "I will." He said before turning to Theo, "Sorry about that, Theo."
The sandy-haired wizard shook his head, "No problem. Before you leave, check out Draco's potion here."
While Draco explained to Blaise about his potion and they worked together to make sure it was correct, Hermione and Ginny were talking in the hospital wing.
"I cannot believe it." Ginny said when Hermione finished giving her some of the details about her times with Draco. "But you never said the most important part."
"Which is?" Hermione asked.
"Does he have a big…"
"Hey Hermione!" Pansy smiled as she entered the hospital wing with a small vase of flowers, "How are you feeling?"
"Much better, Pansy. Thank you."
Pansy looked at Ginny who was currently giving her a death glare.
"What's wrong with her?" Pansy asked Hermione.
Hermione shook her head, "For one, she grew up in house full of boys."
Pansy nodded and looked at Ginny, "I do feel terrible that you weren't around more girls."
Hermione laughed before cringing slightly in pain.
"Are you alright, Mione?" Ginny asked, concerned as she stood up and stepped closer to the bed.
Hermione nodded, "I'm fine." She replied, though still cringing in pain.
"Hermione." Pansy said, also concerned.
Hermione cleared her throat and nodded, opening her eyes, "I'm fine." She said, though her voice was a bit hoarse.
The other girls looked at her for a moment before shaking their heads and getting Madam Pomfrey all while Hermione insisted that she was fine.
While Madam Pomfrey ran a couple tests, Ginny quietly told Pansy that Draco was in a brewing room and that she might ought to get him.
Hermione began to struggle to breath, catching the attention of the matron and both of her friends.
Pansy nodded and was just about to leave to get him when the Draco came rushing into the hospital wing, looking concerned, "What's wrong?" he asked, seeing a curtain set up around Hermione's bed.
He had sensed that something was wrong and rushed back to the hospital wing.
Ginny who was pacing impatiently replied, "She was in a lot of pain and then she couldn't breathe." she muttered.
Draco's eyes widened as he stepped closer to the curtain, listening.
"There you are, Hermione." Madam Pomfrey could be heard saying in a soothing voice, "You passed out for a moment. I'm going to run a few more tests, okay, deary?"
"Okay." Hermione replied before the matron stepped out from behind the curtain, looking concerned.
Draco walked over to her, "What is it?" he asked.
"Mr. Malfoy, you're not family. It isn't proper for me to speak with you about her care."
"Fuck proper!" He said though trying to keep his voice somewhat low, "I love her! Tell me, so I can help!" he pushed, looking at the matron with pleading eyes.
Madam Pomfrey nodded, "She's been victim of the Cruciatus curse more than once. The very fact that she was conscious and making sense for so long is shocking. But there is a multitude of other…effects that still have no treatment and they tend to appear a few days after later. Which is why we are seeing her suffering worse now."
Draco swallowed and nodded, "I know what I can do." He said, "I need to speak with Professor Jennings and Professor Bachmann now!"
She nodded, "I was going to alert them anyhow, so I'll send them a Patronus and ask them to come here immediately."
He nodded and walked over to Hermione's bed where the curtain remained. He stepped behind the curtain and found her resting.
She opened her eyes when she sensed him near and smiled slightly, "Hey you."
"Hey" He replied, concern evident in his expression. "I erm…I've got to speak with my professors about something. Don't do anything else that scares me, yea?"
She smiled and nodded, "Okay." She replied as Draco heard his two Healing professor voices speaking with Madam Pomfrey. He leaned down and kissed her lips softly, "I love you." He whispered.
"I love you." She replied with her eyes closed.
Draco swallowed and stepped out from behind the curtain. He nodded to his professors before speaking to Ginny, "Stay by her side, okay? I have to do something, but I'll be back soon."
Ginny nodded and went to sit beside the bed while Draco asked his professors to follow him.
Both wizards did as asked and followed him to the brewing room.
When he finished explaining the potion to his professors, while Theo and Blaise listened in, both older wizards nodded and looked over the work before looking at the potion in the cauldron.
"We'll make a batch, following your instructions and see how it comes out. If it comes out the same, then, yes, I think you are correct in assuming that it could be the Antidote to the Cruciatus Curse." Professor Bachmann said, thoughtfully.
"We could run a few fast trials on patients in the Janus Thickey Ward at St, Mungos." Professor Jennings remarked, "To be sure, that is. Though the calculations you've done and the work you've put in appears to all be accurate."
Draco nodded, "I did it about ten times to be sure." He replied, "Will you be able to brew it today and begin the trials soon?"
"Quite soon. I think, with the shape most of those patients are in, any improvement will be appreciated. Due to the circumstances, we could begin the trial tomorrow." Professor Jennings replied.
Draco nodded, "Good."
"We'll go brew this now. I suppose we'll be able to locate you in the hospital wing?" Bachmann asked.
Draco nodded, "I'll be there."
It was nearly three hours later that Professor Bachmann came to the hospital wing to retrieve Draco. Draco was able to leave due to Harry being there as well.
"Draco, you've done phenomenal work." Professor Jennings said as Draco and Bachmann entered the brewing room.
Draco nodded, "Will it work?" he asked.
That's all that mattered to him anymore. He didn't care about his grade or even if his name was mentioned with the potion. All that mattered was that it worked and healed Hermione.
Jennings nodded, "We still need to do the trials, but I will be utterly shocked if it doesn't."
Draco let out a sigh of relief.
"We'll alert St. Mungo's of the trials and begin tomorrow." Bachmann said.
With a nod, Draco said, "How long will they take?"
"Well usually we'd want to take our time but due to the circumstances of this situation, give it one week and we'll see where we are." Bachmann replied.
Draco nodded, afraid that they may have to give Hermione a dreamless sleep potion for an entire week to keep her unconscious for her own well-being.
"We'll keep you updated." Jennings said, with a knowing look.
"Thank you." The blonde wizard nodded.
November 13, 1998
Draco was taking a shower in the hospital wing loo while Harry and Ron sat with Hermione. He had pulled Harry from class before finding out that Ron had a study hall during that period.
He felt the heat from the water, pelting his back and sighed. He hadn't left Hermione's side except to use the loo or take a shower and despite his refusal to admit it, the situation was wearing on him.
He felt helpless and impatient. He wanted to do more but knew there was nothing he could do but wait for the results of the trials.
He finished up in the shower and got dressed before going back out to Hermione's bed. Harry and Ron were talking and looked up to see Draco.
"You alright, Malfoy?" Harry asked.
Draco shrugged, "As good as I can be, I suppose."
Harry frowned and said, "Look, Ron and I will stay here. Why don't you go out to the pitch and fly a bit?"
Draco looked at Hermione, unsure.
"We'll let you know if anything should change." Harry said.
Ron nodded, "And we won't leave her side."
Draco nodded and walked over, pressing a kiss to her forehead before reaching into his satchel. He grabbed the miniaturized broom from its box and nodded to the two blokes before leaving.
He used his wand to return the broom to its proper size before walking out to the pitch. Most of the students were in classes so he had the pitch to himself and immediately kicked off the ground.
He felt the air rush past his ears and for the first time in nearly a week, he felt a moment of happiness and freedom; guilt was soon to follow. He sighed and simply hovered in the air.
"You bloody coward. She's in there in bloody agony every moment she's awake and you're the one that feels miserable?" He muttered to himself.
He shook his head and flew back towards the castle. He landed near the front entrance and walked inside. He re-miniaturized his broom and made his way back to the hospital wing.
When he arrived, he was displeased to find the two rude Aurors had returned.
"We're not waking her up!" Ron said angrily, "She's in agony when she's awake."
"We need to speak with her now, Mr. Weasley." One Auror said.
Harry shook his head, "No, I've already spoken with Harland Mintz." He said, speaking of the Head Auror. "If you want to wake her up, then I want him here to tell me that there is no other choice."
"If you two keep hindering the law, we'll need to take you into custody." The other Auror said.
"Stop it." Draco said, storming over, "I know that you tossers 'lost' Wolfe's bloody wand. There's no way I'll allow you to wake her up."
"Mr. Malfoy." The first Auror said, "I suggest you back away now or we will take you into custody, seeing as you are a suspect in this case."
"What?" Ron exclaimed, "How can you two wankers call yourself Aurors if you think Malfoy did this? He'd never hurt Hermione. Bloody hell! How dimwitted can you get?"
"Sir, one more remark like that and we will take you into custody." The second Auror said.
The doors to the hospital wing opened and in walked Headmistress McGonagall and two men. Both men were wearing all black. One was older than the other and looked at the two Aurors with a frighteningly angry expression. The younger one, Draco recognized.
"Johnson. McKenzie. Come here. Now!" The older man said, sternly.
Draco stepped towards Harry and Ron while still listening.
"You two should know better. You're both coming back to the headquarters with me." The older man, who Draco assumed was Head Auror Harland Mintz, said before turning to the younger man Draco recognized, "Godfrey, you are here to guard Ms. Granger." He nodded to McGonagall, "Are these three lads authorized to be in here?"
She nodded, "Yes. This is Draco Malfoy. He is Ms. Granger's boyfriend, and these are two of her closest friends, Harry Potter, and Ronald Weasley." She turned to the younger Auror, "Auror Godfrey, Draco will be here quite a bit. Draco…" She said, catching his attention, "this is Auror Flynn Godfrey."
"We've met." Draco said, remembering Godfrey as the Auror who had guarded the brewing room his mother's cure potion was in at St. Mungo's.
Godfrey nodded, "Hello Mr. Malfoy. I'm sorry to hear about Ms. Granger. If you'll give me a list of people allowed in here, I'll be sure no one else bothers her."
"I'll get that for you." McGonagall said. "Draco, your mother and the Grangers will be here soon."
Draco furrowed his brow, surprised that the Grangers were going to be able to come to the castle, but he nodded.
She noticed his confusion and waited until Harland had taken Johnson and McKenzie out before explaining, "I've spoke with the Minister, and due to the circumstances surrounding this situation, he has helped me in making it possible for them to arrive via Apparition with your mother." She explained, "They will be arriving in my office in five minutes."
Draco nodded and looked at Godfrey.
"She's safe." Godfrey said and Draco nodded before going to the McGonagall's office with her.
They arrived in the office just as the three adults arrived.
"Bloody hell, that was no fun at all." Hayden said.
Jane looked ill but didn't bother caring about herself, "Where's Minnie?"
Draco nodded, "I'll take you to her."
Draco led them through the castle. The Grangers couldn't help but look around, awestruck by their magical surroundings.
They arrived in the hospital wing and Godfrey looked at them before nodding and letting them pass.
Harry and Ron were still by Hermione's bed when they walked in.
"Oh Minnie!" Jean said, rushing to her side, along with Hayden.
"Why is she unconscious?" Hayden asked Draco.
Draco sighed and went on to explain everything. He explained the attack, the aftereffects and unbearable pain she felt while awake, the antidote and trials as well as the likelihood of the antidote working.
Hayden sighed and looked at his little girl, "What can we do to help?"
Draco shook his head, "Right now, all we can do is wait until the trials are complete. Madam Pomfrey is keeping her comfortable."
Jean sighed and kissed her daughter's cheek, "How long can we stay?"
"I'm afraid that due to magical law, you two aren't supposed to be here at all except for the graduation ceremony. However, I've spoken with the Minister of Magic, and you can stay for a up to three hours, so long as you remain in here and don't wander about the castle."
Hayden nodded, "Thank you. You're Headmistress McGonagall."
"Yes, Mr. Granger. I am."
He nodded, "Minnie speaks very highly of you."
McGonagall nodded with a small smile, "Hermione is a wonderful student, witch, and person. I truly believe that she will pull through this."
"Draco." Madam Pomfrey said, "Professors Jennings and Bachmann have sent you a letter."
Draco immediately took the letter and opened it.
Draco,
Please send the directions for the potion once more and be sure to include the measurements. We seem to have an inconsistency between our copies and need to be sure which is correct.
Professor Bachmann
Draco was quick to nod to the others and leave. He went to the brewing room and wrote down the instructions, making sure to put every detail in it.
Professors,
Here are the directions.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
· Standard Size 2 Copper Cauldron
· Pour in part of Honeywater (200ml)
· Turn heat on Medium
· Bring to boil
· Let boil for 10 minutes
· Add African Sea Salt (1g)
· Stir Counterclockwise 5 times
· Add Poppy Head (1, whole)
· Add Cinnamon (3g)
· Stir Clockwise 7 times
· Let rise back to boil
· Let boil for 30 minutes
· The color should be bright pink
· Add Bananas (2, mashed)
· Add Vodka 96% Alcohol (120ml)
· The color should change to a teal blue and stay that color until final step
· Stir clockwise 3 times
· Stir Counterclockwise 9 times
· Add Liquified Butterscotch (30ml)
· Add Castor Oil (30ml)
· Add rest of Honeywater (50ml)
· Add Ashwinder Egg (1, frozen whole)
· Let simmer for 4 minutes
· Add Porcupine Quill (1, ground)
· Stir clockwise 12 times
· Add Mandrake Root (1, dried and diced)
· Add half of Phoenix Tears (6 drops)
· Add Dragon Liver (1, chopped)
· Add rest of Phoenix Tears (6 drops)
· Stir counterclockwise 2 times
· Cast Spell – 'Finis Cruciate'
· Color should change to emerald green
· Separate into doses of 30 ml each
Batch creates 24 doses
Let me know if I can assist in any way.
Draco Malfoy
He finished writing it out and sealed it into an envelope.
He made his way back to the hospital wing and found that the Grangers were looking at him oddly as he handed Madam Pomfrey the letter to send to St. Mungo's.
"What's wrong?" He asked, concerned that something had happened with Hermione.
"You created this antidote?" Jean asked, her face holding an expression of shock and an emotion he couldn't place.
Draco inhaled and nodded, "Yes, I did."
Jean walked over and hugged him as Narcissa watched with pride on her face.
"Draco, you take such wonderful care of her." Jean said, pulling back from the hug.
Draco swallowed and looked down, unsure of how to reply when he completely disagreed.
Jean frowned, "Draco, you do know that we trust you, right?" She asked. "Hayden and I…we know how much you love Minnie, and we know you'd do anything to keep her safe."
"I…" His voice broke, "I should have been there to stop him from attacking her in the first place."
Jean shook her head, "You cannot blame yourself for this. You are doing everything you can to help her. We see that."
He nodded but didn't reply, unable to speak as he looked over at the woman he loved lying in the hospital bed.
The Grangers stayed as long as they were allowed.
After they had to leave, Draco, once again, took his spot beside her bed.
November 15, 1998
It was Wednesday when Draco heard from his professors again.
He was sitting in the hospital wing, having not gone to a single class all week. He refused to leave Hermione's side, even though she remained in her unconscious state.
Draco was sitting by her bed, reading a book when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned his head to see his two Healing Magic professors standing there. He glanced at Godfrey, and nodded.
He stood up, dropping the book, "And?" he asked, knowing it was either wonderful news or terrible.
"We don't need to wait any longer for the results." Jennings said.
Draco nodded.
Bachmann smiled, "We will be able to send Frank and Alice Longbottom home within a few days. They have made full recoveries and are quite eager to see their son. We thought since you are friends with their son, you ought to tell him. As for Ms. Granger…" His smile widened, "Professor Jennings and I are about to brew a fresh batch and we will give her a dose as soon as it is ready."
Draco felt a bit lightheaded. He had been secretly working on that potion for the past month and to know that people were healed because of it brought a relief that felt a bit overwhelming.
The professors left to go to brew the potion.
Draco sat in silence, holding her head, silently pleading with her to hold a bit longer.
It was an hour later that their group of friends came by for their regular visit.
"How's she doing today?" Harry asked.
Draco stood up and inhaled deeply before looking at Neville, "Longbottom." He said.
Neville furrowed his brow, "Yea?"
"Your parents will be home in a few days. They have erm…fully recovered and are eager to see you."
Neville furrowed his brow as tears brimmed his eyes, "What?" his voice was breathless, in shock of the unexpected news.
"The erm…the potion, it worked." Draco said, swallowing before continuing, "They're brewing a fresh batch and will be giving Hermione a dose soon."
Neville shook his head, "I erm…" he shook his head again and stepped forward, looking at Draco with a look Draco had never seen. "Thank you, Draco." He said, using his first name. "Thank you." He said again, shaking the blonde's hand vigorously.
Neville had been sixteen months old when his parents were tortured. He barely remembered them as the people they once were.
"You…" Neville said, his voice breaking, "You are going to make a brilliant healer, Draco."
Draco attempted to smile but couldn't. The multitude of emotions and lack of rest all weighed down on him.
Just then, his two professors came in with a vial of emerald-green liquid.
Draco sat down as Madam Pomfrey used a spell to wake Hermione up. He felt someone's hand on his shoulder but wasn't sure which one of their friends it was. At that point, it didn't matter, he simply needed support.
As she woke, the brunette immediately cringed, feeling pain course through her body.
"Ms. Granger, I need you to sit up and take this potion, dear." The matron said gently.
Hermione groaned but did as asked. Draco helped her sit up and watching nervously as she swallowed the emerald-green contents of the vial.
"How long?" He quietly asked the professors.
"The effects are rather immediate, but she'll need to remain here for a couple days to be observed." Jennings said.
Hermione's eyes seemed to clear a bit and the pain felt as if it was melting from her body.
She shook her head, and looked at Draco with confusion, "I don't…I don't feel any pain."
He felt overwhelming emotion as he looked at her. He smiled, "That's wonderful, love." He said, his voice shaking a bit.
She looked at him, for the first time seeing just how exhausted he looked. She didn't look at the others in the room, as her concern was completely focused on her boyfriend.
"Draco…" She said, "Love, are you okay?" she asked, reaching over to gently cup his jaw.
He felt tears brimming at his eyes and nodded, leaning his head into her hand a bit as he exhaled and replied, "I am now."