Once they had adequate time to get away, Draco stopped his assault on the opposing side. "Alright. The others have gotten away. That means when we let down our barrier, we go. We won't be stopping for a while. Are you good with that?"

Scuffing at the girl, adjusting himself on the saddle. "I was born ready, it's in my blood."

Refusing to take the bait, returning to the priority at hand. "Okay, on three. One."

"Two."

"Three." Having turned the horse around, pushing it into a sprint.

They had kept at this pace on and off for nearly three hours, finally slowing to a trot. It seemed the horse appreciated that notion. Finally letting herself relax some, she could feel the boy behind her do the same. Yet, she noticed his hands were still clasped on the reins. Neither spoke, both on high alert. This reminded her of past times, not offering any comfort. Wondering if Draco felt the same.

"Can you hold the reins for a little bit? My hands need a break."

"I could take over for more than a little, I'm not as inexperienced as some may think." Taking the reins

Feeling him sit back, hearing him sigh. "You can ride?"

"Yeah, I've taken lessons since I was six and did some horse shows and courses through the summers. It's been a couple of years since I've been on one or rode that hard. When did you learn?"

"Like you since I was a kid. It was a must; it shows the prestige and old-fashioned ways." Draco spoke but one could tell there was an underlying mocking to it

"You don't like to?"

Unknowing to her, he shook his head. "I did grow to enjoy it. I enjoy broom flying better."

"Of course you do," Hermione stated that was one of the least favorite thing to do on planet earth. If it could be avoided, it was. "Want to look at the map and see where we are? I'm starting to get hungry and tired."

"Please tell me it's magical," Draco whined

Rolling her eyes at him, she grabbed it from her purse. "Yes, it is."

Draco took the offered map, opened it laid it on her back. Moving it around looking at it, had Hermione growing impatient with the boy. "Well, looks like we missed the first checkpoint. We're close to the second point; we'll make it mid-afternoon now."

Nodding noticing how she no longer felt the pressure of the map on her back. Hearing him moving around, then felt his bag between them. Remaining quiet for some time, their guard finally falling.

"In that bag of yours, do you have something to eat?"

"No. It's something that would weigh my bag down, so I never got into that habit."

Hearing Draco huff, resulting in a void of conversation. Continuing their journey to the second checkpoint. Once they arrived there, it was just a small hut. It didn't have food, but it did have cots and some blankets that would be useful. Using the bucket they'd found outside, they were able to get water for the horse, who gladly accepted it. Refraining from using magic, wanting to avoid any chance encounters.

This time allowed Hermione plenty of time to sit and think about all their problems. There wasn't anything else she could do; Draco wasn't up to talking. Not that she tried, assuming since their conversations typically turned vicious. It was safer to avoid those outcomes, no one would be happy if they met up at the next checkpoint and Draco was tied up. Sitting outside, it finally occurred to Hermione what they could do to put extra protection on the object while keeping it out of other hands.

"What now?" Draco came out, looking annoyed

Peering up to her counterpart confused at his exit, "What?"

"You went, ah-ha! So, I'm trying to figure out what you figured out." He drawled

"I've had some time to think. So, going through everything I've read I remember a book that was in the restricted section at school."

"How did you get to go in there."

Hermione smiled, "Just because I thought things through, does not mean that I was the angel everyone thought I was. I had my ways."

"You seduced- what was their name again."

Grimacing, with puke threatening to come out. "No! None of that. I just went in after it closed, ugh that's just gross."

Watching him laugh at her statement, sending a dirty look to him. "Alright, sorry Granger. I forgot that you're a prude."

"Anyway." Hermione spoke, revisiting the topic Malfoy changed. "It's old and only used a couple of times before this time. So, when we make it to wherever we're going I'll need to get to a library. Look it over and get some second opinions on using it."

"What does it consist of?"

"Well, that's the thing. There has to be two people that are willing to give some of their blood, there needs to be a phrase that is not easily thought of and then it is sealed with wand movements."

"It's something. I'm not sure that is going to be strong enough."

"What are you thinking?"

Draco came and sat beside her, "Find two sets of binds that can work together and make our own binding. We've created potions and charms and hexes. Maybe if we work together, we can make something. It would be beneficial for everyone. That way this can never get into the hands of someone that can hurt people like Voldemort did."

"It's at least like you said something to think of. Even if it is temporary and, in the end, we put something else that we as a group feel is more effective."

"Well, we leave in the morning to our next hell hole. I mean next checkpoint." Draco stood, moving back inside

Before leaving the next morning, Hermione was looking at the map. Knowing they needed a couple of supplies and some food. Feeling Draco move up behind her, peering over her shoulder.

"What are you looking for?"

Pointing to a small town just out of the way, "That looks like a place we can grab some stuff to make dinners and a couple of supplies."

"That sounds good to me."

"Alright, that's the plan. Let's get going." Hermione said folding up the map and picking up her bag

Draco bowed, "Of course, ladies first." Holding his hand out to help her get on the horse

"You are enjoying yourself way too much."

"I take all my jobs very seriously; I was told to protect the Gryffindor princess."

Running her hand through her hair, "I can protect myself just fine." Her tone ending anymore sarcastic remarks from the ferret

Hope you enjoyed it! Please leave it lots of love if you did but this is just the start of the crazy story. Until next time, stay safe and love yourself 3 ~DQ

P.S. It seems like people are not able to see my stories here lately... Let me know if you can or not.