February 16th, 2003
Draco's POV
The warmth that normally cloaks Pansy's home is noticeably absent as Draco makes his way from the fireplace in search of the witch in question.
"Draco!" Pansy's tone holds a note of fear as she rushes from the kitchen to meet him with a hug that conveys her desperation. "Thank you for coming so soon."
"No thanks are needed Pansy; you should know this. Now, I have a few questions for you, where would you like to talk?"
"Take a seat in the sunroom and I'll prepare the tea."
Draco withdraws his recording device, parchment, and quill in preparation.
The sound of a rattling tea tray draws Draco's attention to the doorway where Pansy is stepping into the room. He watches the tremble in her hands as she pours the tea for the both of them. He knows any offer of help will be rebuked; she needs any distraction from her worries right now.
"Thank you, Pansy. So, Neville received an impromptu invitation, do you know who the sender was?" Draco asks, after pressing the record button.
Pansy pulls a worn parchment from her pocket before handing it to him. "I don't know the man that sent it, but he signed his name and included the address of the conference center where Neville was to meet him."
Draco reads the letter over, observing the oddness of the man's name. "What makes you think Neville's missing? Maybe he drank a bit too much and decided to stay the night, sleep off the drink."
"I did think about that. That is why I hesitated to reach out until this morning. I went to the conference center listed on the letter this morning and I was informed no such lecture was held there. They had never spoken to Neville, nor did he check into any of the rooms available for speakers." Draco absorbs Pansy's words while reading through the letter again, a niggling feeling pulling his focus back to the signer's name.
Dear Mr. Longbottom,
We at the National Association of Herbologists are pleased to extend an invitation to our event this Saturday, February 16th. Many of our members have followed your research and would be grateful if you'd agree to speak on your current findings.
If you agree to attend, please check in at the Hotel Varley located in London by 11:00 AM the day of.
Sincerely,
Tanonin Loodhov
Grabbing his quill and parchment, he writes the signer's name.
Tanonin Loodhov
Ninaton Holdovo
Tianono Voldhoo
Antonin Dolohov
Despite the feeling of worry plaguing him, Draco manages to keep a straight face, not wanting to scare Pansy any further but knowing he needs to be honest with her all the same. She was a witch who would not stand to be lied to, especially by a friend.
"So, what happens next? Did you find anything helpful?" Pansy asks.
"I believe Neville was abducted and I have a strong guess as to who did it. Before I tell you, I need you to understand that this information has to stay between us."
"So, you agree he was abducted." She says more to herself than in question to him. "I will keep anything you divulge to myself. You have my word."
He feels a hitch of anxiety in his stomach at the thought of revealing Dolohov's resurrection to Pansy, but he has to tell her. She'd been there for him more times than he could count over the years.
"The wizard responsible for my injuries last week, Ronald Weasley's disappearance, and now Neville's is someone we have all thought long dead." Draco steels himself for Pansy's reaction. "The wizard behind all of this is Antonin Dolohov." The name spoken aloud feels like slick oil on his tongue. Unnatural.
Pansy lets out a humorless laugh. "You must be joking Draco." Her fair skin pales further in her disbelief.
"I wish I were. I saw him myself, Pansy. He is back." He allows her to process his words for a few moments.
"But-, Oh Merlin, Hermione-, Neville" She struggles to form a coherent sentence.
"You're telling me that my Neville is currently under the care of that sadistic bastard? What the fuck Draco! Why hasn't this information been released to the public? What about Hermione, was she okay after you told her?" Pansy rapidly fires questions at him.
"The public will not be made aware because this is an open investigation, and it would only cause undue panic. Dolohov seems to have a goal and I will figure out what that is."
"You don't understand Draco. There are things you don't know about her; she deserves to know."
"I know more than you think Pansy. She doesn't know and that is how it will stay." He gives her his most hardened glare, letting her know how little he cares about her opinion on the matter.
"What do you mean you know more than I think?" She asks suspiciously.
"You'll need to speak to Granger about that. It's not my place."
He's surprised to hear a harsh laugh pass between her lips. "Fine. But you are a bloody moron; you know that right? Hermione has just as much right if not more to this information than I do. That disgusting excuse for a wizard raped her and she deserves to know that he is wreaking havoc across wizarding Britain. He is probably the one tracking her for Merlin's sake!"
"Don't you think I know that, Pansy? Why do you think I have her holed up in my flat? It is the safest place for her and telling her would only provide undo stress when there is nothing she can do."
"She doesn't need you to be a champion for her Draco. She needs you to stand by her side and trust that she isn't going to break. If you don't tell her, you will regret it." Pansy's stubbornness rivals his own and he knows he should consider her words, but he can't right now.
"I hear what you are saying Pans, but my regrets are and will always be my own. Just add this one to the list." He has to believe that Hermione will forgive him once this is done.
"You're a fool Draco Malfoy."
"So, you've said before. I am going to the Department of Mysteries today and I will need to take this letter with me. Will you spend some time with Granger today? I have opened the floo connection only to you for the foreseeable future."
A sharp "yes" Is all he's awarded.
"I will update you as soon as I have more information. We have an advantage this time that we didn't with Weasley. It's been less than twenty-four hours since his disappearance and we know who took him. I'll bring your husband back to you, I promise." Draco knew promises like that were not wise in his line of work, but he refused to accept anything less.
Draco's POV
Later that day
The faceless witches and wizards that worked in the DOM had always made him feel ill at ease. He wasn't sure why as they had never done anything to him directly, but he preferred to avoid the department and its odd inhabitants as often as he could. Unfortunately, that was not possible today.
The faceless person before him is obviously a wizard based on their height and baritone voice but that is all that was distinguishable about the man. All employee's appearances were blurred to hide their identities and their voices altered when communicating with anyone outside the department.
"Mr. Malfoy, it took some time, but we finally discovered some helpful information as to the issue with Mr. Dolohov's resurrection. The only resurrection we are aware of in recent history is that of Lord Voldemort." Draco internally winces at the bold mention of his prior master. "We believe the same spell that was used to resurrect Lord Voldemort may have been altered to serve the purpose of resurrecting Mr. Dolohov. This is dark magic to be sure, a sacrifice would have been required to achieve such a feat, amongst other things."
The spell would not have been common knowledge, but he is certain that any number of the Dark Lord's most loyal followers would have access to such a spell through their family grimoires. The Ministry had done a very thorough job of raiding Death Eater homes after the war but obviously some things were missed.
The other question is why Dolohov? Why would the ramshackle remains of the Dark Lord's followers choose to resurrect him over any other Death Eater?
Then it hits Draco, he feels quite idiotic for not remembering, that Dolohov was a master potioneer. He had created some of the nastiest and most volatile spells under his master's tutelage. He'd taken a special and sickening interest in testing such spells on muggles and muggleborns alike. But what were they planning that required Dolohov?
"Thank you for your assistance, sir. If I should require anything further, I will reach out." Armed with the new knowledge of how Dolohov may have been resurrected, Draco decides to pay Potter a visit.
Draco's POV
The silver dragon pounces playfully around Draco's ankles before standing tall, awaiting his command. Take this message to Hermione, he instructs the little dragon. "I won't be back until this evening; I am going to ask Pansy to keep you company and provide an update while I am out. I'll see you this evening Darling." He watches as the silvery form disappears before marching into Potter's office.
"Draco, to what do I owe the pleasure? Are you finally here to do some work on the case you insisted I assign to you? I've been keeping Skeeter off your back by the way. Something you also promised to handle yourself." He knows Potter's jabs hold more bark than bite.
"I did have an unexpected situation come up; I am sure you are familiar with it. Keeping your best friend safe."
"I am sure that has been such a hardship for you too. I have also had to endure Ron's complaints about it daily." Harry rubs his eyes in exasperation.
"How is the Weasel coming along?" He is sure Hermione would appreciate an update, even if the man in question was a complete prat who deserved none of her concern.
"As well as could be expected. He has been discharged and he's staying with Ginny and me for the time being. I have a bit more sympathy as to why Hermione left him, apart from the romantic reasons, he is a complete pig. I suppose I had forgotten about that since we've not lived together since Hogwarts and even then, the house elves kept things somewhat tidy."
"You have my sympathies, Potter. I do suppose my house guest is more appealing than your own. Definitely more attractive." Draco gives Harry a smirk, conjuring a picture of Hermione from that morning. Her hair splayed across her pillow and invaded his own. Her body curled tightly against his, her own warmth seeping into his bones.
"Whatever is going through your mind right now, just stop. I don't want to hear it unless, of course, you plan on obliviating me right after. Make sure I don't remember that disturbing look on your face as well." Potter visibly cringes.
"And here I thought you'd be happy for Granger." He counters.
"I am but I don't need to know the details. What I do need to know the details on is what is happening with the case."
Draco's light mood sobers at the reminder that Neville is missing. He feels a ball of guilt tighten in his abdomen that he had been so callous as to joke about his relationship with Granger while one of his closest friends was in immeasurable pain at this very moment.
"Pansy owled me this morning. Neville is missing. The convention he was invited to speak at was a ruse to abduct him by Dolohov. I don't know where he is keeping him, but I am going out into the field today to see what I can find. I also spoke with the DOM, and we have a lead as to how Dolohov is alive. It doesn't change that it's done but at least we have an idea how it happened."
"Fucking hell, why didn't you start with Neville's abduction? How is Pansy handling it?"
"I am on top of it Potter, I will find him. Pansy is handling it as well as can be expected; she is one of the strongest witches I know, and she will be okay. Especially once I eviscerate that fucker and bring her husband home."
"What do you need from me?" He appreciates that when it comes down to it, Potter is quick to the point.
"Keep Skeeter and Fletchey off my back, I'll handle the rest."
"Consider it done."
Hermione's POV
Draco's Patronus provided a modicum of relief, knowing that Pansy would be visiting worked to calm her anxiety. Having already readied herself for the day, she set to prepare lunch for when Pansy arrived. She was sure if she was in the other woman's shoes, eating would be the last thing on her mind.
"Hermione." The familiar voice of her friend called from the sitting room.
"In the kitchen Pansy." She called back, setting the tray of sandwiches down before rushing to meet Pansy in a firm embrace.
"Hush now." Hermione runs a hand soothingly through Pansy's hair, knowing that it is the only solace she can provide at the moment. A cry of devastation was easy to distinguish between others. Many of their generation had lost loved ones in either of the wizarding wars and had become familiar with the sound of heart splitting in two. Her friend's shoulders shook with the release of anguish, heaving sobs displaying the depth of her devastation.
"I can't lose him, Hermione." Pansy's sobs have begun to quiet into broken sniffles.
"Draco won't let that happen." In her heart, she truly believes that Draco will bring Neville home. When the man sets his mind to something, there aren't many things that can stop him.
"I know that Draco will do everything he can, but I can't help but think of the worst." The two women move to the couch to continue their conversation, never breaking contact. Pansy takes comfort in her friend's touch. Hermione's small fingers run nimbly through the raven hair. "Neville saved me in a time that I didn't know I needed saving. When the Carrows were torturing the younger students and forcing us to participate, Neville always refused, opting to take the punishment for himself. I had never witnessed such an act of selflessness before, and I found myself drawn to him. Over the course of the year, I continuously made-up reasons to talk to him, still, I knew I had to be careful since we were all being watched. Even the faintest whiff of sympathy would have put me in the same place as Neville and my parents would have been informed." Hermione had heard bits and pieces of how Pansy and Neville had met but never in so much detail. She could tell this served as a form of catharsis for Pansy, retelling the story of how her love for Neville came to be.
"The last few months before the battle I had finally worked up the courage to tell Neville of my feelings for him and how I admired him. I was shocked to learn that he felt the same. He understood how I struggled with my parent's expectations and was far more patient than I deserved. Still, over time he showed me how wrong the beliefs were that I was brought up with. So, I joined him, in a more subdued manner but I helped where I could. Lying to the Carrows about punishing students, healing those that needed it, and helping the severely injured to the Room of Requirement." Hermione only listens, knowing it's what her friend needs.
"This is how I found my passion for therapy or mind healing. Seeing those around me who were not only traumatized physically but mentally, I decided that I would learn to listen instead of talk. The culmination of my hurtful words over the years, to you and others I saw as less than had led me to nothing but pain so I would learn to heal instead of break. Neville was the tipping point in making me who I am today. If I lose him, I can't imagine how I will go on." Pansy says, the soft sound of their mixed inhales and exhales the only sound permeating the room.
"Do you think a heart can still beat once it's shattered?" Hermione feels the heat of tears trailing over her skin at Pansy's question.
"Listen to me," Hermione says while tipping Pansy's chin towards her. "You will see Neville again. Draco will bring him home to you. The best thing we can do right now is focus our energy on positive thoughts. I know I'm not the one who usually says that, but I am taking the words from a brilliant witch."
"You're right. I've gotten everything out and now I need to focus on clean energy, and positivity that Draco will find him soon. Speaking of Draco, he said something earlier that I need to ask you about. Did you tell Draco about Dolohov?"
Hermoine decides to finally divulge Draco's involvement that day. "No, I didn't tell him. He was there Pansy. Draco saved me that day." Pansy is quiet for some time before speaking.
"Why didn't you tell me this Hermione?" She asks gently.
"I wanted to forget his involvement. I knew if I told you that you would want to talk about it, and I just wanted to forget it happened. I know how idiotic that was, this isn't something you can just bury and forget."
"No, it isn't. Do you want to talk about it?"
"Not now Pansy. Maybe someday." She offers. Pansy nods in understanding.
The two friends spend the rest of the afternoon discussing the details of Neville's abduction and where he may have been taken.
Draco's POV
Draco experiences a mixture of feelings at the sound of quiet chatter emitting from Hermione's room. He felt a soft happiness settle in his heart at the sound of the two women. Knowing with certainty that this is what he wants for the rest of his days. To hear the sound of her voice floating through his home, working like a balm to his chaotic emotions. He also felt a deep sense of fury towards Dolohov for taking the same thing away from Pansy. He'd spent the majority of the day apparating from one warehouse to the next, looking for any sign of recent activity. Unfortunately, there was none, he knew he'd be at the same thing tomorrow. Having no other clues as to the dark wizard's whereabouts this was the most effective method at the moment. He would also hit Knockturn Alley before his day of searching started, to see if there were any new rumors, he wasn't aware of.
"Pardon the interruption ladies but can I steal Pansy for a moment?" Draco assesses Pansy's condition from the doorway. Noting that her eyes were notably redder and more swollen since he'd seen her that morning.
"Draco!" Hermione jumps from her spot on the bed and collides with his chest, wrapping her arms firmly around his neck. He can't say he's unhappy with the unexpected affection because the exact opposite is true, but he is slightly taken aback by her lack of hesitancy with physical touch.
He had been mostly strategic in his physical affection with Hermoine. Knowing that taking the route of rushed intimacy like as he craved would most likely result in more harm than good. He had decided to take his time, letting her body and mind learn him, and grow comfortable with him so they might achieve a level of comfortability where acts such as this might become a regular occurrence with no negative repercussions on her side. It seemed that things were moving faster than he anticipated.
Draco wraps his arms firmly around her waist, lifting her against his chest in an enveloping embrace, burying his nose in her curls to take comfort from the increasingly familiar smell of vanilla and lavender.
"There will be plenty of time for us to catch up this evening Granger. I need to speak with Pansy for a few moments alone." He can tell it takes every bit of willpower she has not to argue but eventually, she relents. "I'll prepare some tea and coffee and meet you both downstairs when you're ready."
She gives Draco a quick peck on the lips before making her way downstairs. The small act was so simple but spoke to the ease of their growing connection.
"Did you find anything?" Pansy jumps in as soon as Hermione is out of sight.
"I checked multiple warehouses but no sign of Dolohov or Neville. I am going to Knockturn tomorrow morning. I'm hoping word has started to spread about his return and we might catch some new information."
"I'm coming with you then. I can't sit idly by while Merlin knows what is happening to my husband."
"You know I can't allow you to come Pans. It's one thing to tell you what is happening during an active investigation, but I refuse to put you in danger by bringing you into the field, and I could lose my job."
A suspicious look passes over Pansy's features, just a flicker and it is gone. "Of course, Draco. It was thoughtless of me to suggest it."
He releases a heavy sigh, knowing Pansy. This wasn't the end of her talk of involvement with the case. She never gave in this easily.
"You need to stay out of it Pans. I will keep you as involved as I safely can. That has to be enough for now." He reiterates to let her know the seriousness of the circumstances.
"I will let you do your job. Now, it's been a long day and I think I will head home. I'd like to be alone for a while."
"I am leaving the floo connection open for you so you can come and visit Hermione as much as you'd like."
"Thank you." She gives him a quick hug followed by her quick departure.
Hermione's POV
"There you are." Draco's arms wrap around her waist from behind, prompting her to run her own hands down his arms to tangle her fingers with his own.
"I take it from your somber mood that you didn't have much success today?"
"Not as much as I'd hoped. This maniac is an elusive bastard, but I have a full day planned tomorrow and I am determined to make headway on this case."
"I'm so worried for Neville, Draco. Not to mention if something happens to him, I don't know what will happen to Pansy, but I know it won't be good."
Draco takes hold of her waist and turns her to face him, tipping her chin to meet his intense stare. "I will do everything in my power to make sure that doesn't happen. One thing this situation has taught me is that I don't want to take the good things I do have for granted. With that being said, I'd like you to come to bed with me now Granger." Draco says, not really asking a question but more of a demand. She knows that he struggles with his more dominant side, tempering it for her sake so she will bend to his will tonight. Offer him a level of comfort that he obviously needs.
"Okay, Draco." She says, taking his offered hand, following his lead up the stairs and to his bedroom, the tea and coffee all but forgotten.
Draco starts off as gently just as he's done previously. Taking his time kissing her, his hands roaming lightly over her body, gentle words spoken to keep her from falling into the web of discomfort that would ultimately drag her under, into a pit of shame and disgust.
"Are you with me Granger?" He pants between harsh kisses and nips to the sensitive skin of her neck. When she doesn't respond right away, he pulls back.
"I'm going to need you to be a good girl if you want to continue. The more vocal you are the more fun we get to have. Understood?" She trembles at the dominance leaking through his tone. She knows he is holding back for her. She desperately wishes she could tell him to let go, to not hold back but she's terrified at the reaction she may have.
"I understand." She agrees demurely.
"Draco." He adds.
"I'm sorry?" She asks.
"I understand Draco. That is what you meant to say I believe. Are my desires clear Pet?"
"Yes, Draco. Your desires are clear. Will you kiss me please?" His term of endearment causing her brain to short-circuit. She'd of course heard of dominant and submissive relationships but had never considered it for herself. She thinks that she might like to test the waters, even if it's only light play.
"Good girl. Now, I want you to disrobe for me and then lay in the center of the bed where you are to await further instruction."
"Yes, Draco." She nods softly.
She takes the hem of her shirt between her trembling fingers, reveling in the excited flutters sitting low in her abdomen. She's never felt like a woman quite this much, in his commandment he had also given her control. Lifting the light fabric over her head, and shaking out her curls, she tosses the top on the floor. A trail of goosebumps follows her fingertips that flow lightly over her breasts, down to the button of her jeans.
She tosses her head back and lets out a deep moan at the sound of Draco's possessive growl.
"Fuck Pet, you are doing so well. Keep touching yourself like that and I won't be able to control myself."
"What if I want you to lose control?" She asks, fingers hovering over the metal clip.
"Don't tempt me, Granger. We both know you're not ready for that yet. Now, remove your pants. I want to see that delectable arse as you crawl to my bed."
Removing the snap, she bends to push her jeans down her legs, leaving her standing in her black bra and knicker set.
She moves to unsnap her bra, but Draco's words stop her. "Leave that for me Pet. Bed. Now." He demands.
"Yes, Draco." She finds the feeling of submission to Draco has ripped away her fears, replacing them with a confidence she didn't know she possessed. The ache between her thighs proves that point well enough.
Dropping to her hands and knees gently she tries to add an extra sway to her hips as she crawls the distance to his bed.
The only response from Draco is a harsh grunt and a look of deep determination. She pulls herself onto the mattress, arching her back to display the deep curves of her body just for him.
"Good girl." He says from his new spot beside her. Running his hand lightly over the back of her thigh, over a round globe before resting against the line of her knickers at the small of her back. One hand digs into her curls while the other slides her knickers down her thighs. She feels sure fingers pull the snap of her bra before it slides down her arms, leaving her breasts swaying slightly from the lack of constraint.
"Sit back for me Pet." He gently leads her to sit with her bottom resting against her haunches, leaving her breasts and cunt on display for him.
His eyes roam over her nakedness as he walks backward toward the chair in the corner of his room.
"Say something Draco." She feels her skin prickle when he remains silent, only staring.
"What words can I offer that will ever do justice to describe your beauty? I can think of none. So, I offer this instead. In my silence you will see my hunger for you, you will feel my desperation to have you, in my silence, you will taste my absolute devotion to you."
His words burn through her, serving to heat every part of her body, she can feel her breasts heaving and the warmth spread between her legs. She has no words to describe the avalanche of emotion tearing through her.
"Touch yourself, Love." He commands from his spot in the corner, still completely clothed.
She starts to close her eyes, but his voice breaks through. "Look at me, Granger. You will not look away."
"Yes, Draco." Meeting his gaze, she wraps a delicate hand around her throat, squeezing lightly before raking her fingers over her chest, one hand teasing her nipples while the other trails down her stomach, hovering over her sensitive bud. At his nod to continue she gently teases at the ache, working herself up in the way she knows will work. Slowing increasing the speed of her slick fingers over her clit, she brings her other hand down to tease her entrance. Imagining larger and stronger fingers were in their place.
"Draco. Please" She begs.
"That's it Pet, you are so perfect. You're almost there Love." She feels herself ripping apart at the seams as a torrent of pleasure pulses through her body, leaving her lightheaded and limp when the last dredges of ecstasy leave her.
Draco's hands are on her instantly, molding his body around hers as he lays her against the mattress. She catches incoherent words of praise as she flutters in and out of consciousness before she succumbs to sleep altogether.
She's not quite certain if it's reality or a dream when she hears Draco say, "You are mine and I am yours, Granger, he will never take you from me."
February 17th, 2003
Hermione's POV
Hermione wakes with a start, hands searching for Draco but only finding a cold mattress where he should be. Sitting up, she finds a note against his pillow.
Good morning, Granger,
I had an early start today and didn't want to wake you but I needed to tell you thank you. Thank you for sharing a part of yourself with me last night. The memory will haunt me until I have you in my arms again. Until I see you this evening.
-Draco
P.S.
I will be bringing takeout home tonight.
Hermione finds her lips stretched in a grin by the time she's finished the letter. She carries the feeling with her as she showers and dresses for the day, deciding to wand dry her hair for efficiency.
"Hermione!" She startles at the sound of Pansy's voice yelling up the stairs.
"Coming Pans!" She yells back before rushing down the stairs, glad she had opted for the quick dry method. "I didn't realize you were coming today, is there news of Neville?"
"No, that's what I am here about though. I need your help." Pansy says with a frantic energy.
"What do you need me to do?"
"I need you to come with me. I am not going to sit by while my husband is most likely being tortured. Draco won't let me help so I will do it myself."
"Oh, Pansy, I will help in any way I can, but don't you think it best if we let Draco do his job?" Hermione asks. Sympathy painting her words.
"I've never asked you for anything Hermione, but I am asking for this. I know that I am putting you in a tough position but there are things you don't know, and I can't sit here and wait any longer."
"What exactly don't I know?" A ball of anxiety builds in the pit of her stomach at Pansy's words.
"I promised Draco I wouldn't say anything, but I just don't think it's right. You have a right to know."
"You're scaring me, Pansy, what is it?" she asks, voice shaking slightly.
"Dolohov is alive. A group of Death Eaters figured out how to bring him back. He's the one behind all of this." Hermione feels as if she is floating above her body, unable to feel the full impact of the news that her rapist, once dead, has come back to haunt her.
In an altogether unsettling feeling, the world crashes back into place. She can hear herself gasping for breath, using the wall as a brace to keep herself from crumbling to the floor.
"Draco knew about this?" She asks between breaths.
"He did, he was trying to protect you. He didn't want you to worry." Pansy's flimsy defense of Draco does nothing to curb her building fury. Even if there wasn't much, she could do she resented the fact that Draco had kept such important information from her. Making a decision like this when she was fueled by her anger probably wasn't the wisest choice, but she didn't care right now.
"Draco, I need you, come home." She puts as much fear into her voice as she can manage when sending her silvery otter patronus off to deliver her message.
"What are you doing Hermione?" Pansy asks.
"Teaching a lesson." She responds coldly.
Hermione moves her wand in a whip-like movement at Draco as he steps through the floo, sending a storm of ropes to bind his body.
"What the fuck Granger. What are you bloody well doing?"
"Let me ask you something Malfoy. Were you planning on telling me about Dolohov's return before or after you had captured him?" Draco's face visibly pales at her inquiry.
"I was going to tell you, Granger. I was just trying to "
"Protect me. I'm getting sick of hearing that line." She cuts him off. Bending down, she takes one of his bound hands and slices a clean line, conjuring a vial she collects enough of the crimson liquid to fill the container. "I think we need some time apart Draco. I'll send Harry to check on you in a bit."
Pansy stood silent during the exchange, knowing that interfering would only cause more problems at this point.
"Granger, you can't leave. It's not safe." Draco pleads.
"At least I know what awaits me out there Malfoy, here all I get are pretty words and half-truths. Never knowing if you are keeping something from me."
"I'm sorry Granger. I am but please don't go. We can talk about this." His tone turned desperate.
"Let's go, Pansy. We can side-along apparate." Hermione says as she moves towards the front door. Knowing with Draco's blood she can easily walk through the wards.
"DO NOT FUCKING LEAVE THIS HOUSE GRANGER!" Draco yells while struggling against the ropes confining him.
Hermione steps through the door and takes her first breath of fresh air in weeks. Letting the cool air bathe over her skin. Taking Pansy's hand, they walk to the edge of the ward line. The sound of pounding footsteps alerts Hermione to Draco's release. He's running towards them, face red from exertion.
Just as they take the final step leading them through the wards, she feels a sharp jerking sensation before she and Pansy are torn through space in an involuntary apparition, landing hard against wet cement.
Hermione feels around in the darkness on her hands and knees, trying to find Pansy.
"Pansy, where are you?" She says she feels relief when an audible groan comes from somewhere in the room.
That relief evaporates at the new voice that echoes through the chamber followed by a sharp kick to her stomach, laying her out flat.
"Did you miss me Mudblood?" Dolohov's sadistic laugh rings through her skull.