Hello readers!
I want to thank OxfordElise (link to her AO3 page: /users/OxfordElise/pseuds/OxfordElise) for helping me on this chapter as a beta reader. She is a fantastic writer and has an ongoing Dramione fanfic being posted on AO3 (link: /works/16995036/chapters/39951819 ) called "Better than Revenge" that I recommend you check out!
Otherwise, I also want to thank you all for reading and supporting my story!
And now, enjoy :)
Chapter 13 - Bitter Accusations
The ticking of the grandfather clock in the living room seemed to match the rhythm of Hermione's heartbeat as she anxiously awaited Draco's return. Their New Year's Eve celebration had taken an unexpected turn, and now, with every passing minute, her worry grew. The warmth of the fireplace that had once felt so comforting now seemed insufficient to chase away the chill that settled over her.
As the seconds stretched into what felt like an eternity, Hermione couldn't shake the unease that gnawed at her. She paced around the room, her thoughts racing faster than her footsteps. The champagne flutes and remnants of their celebration stood as silent witnesses to the abrupt shift in the night's atmosphere. She busied herself with meaningless tasks: cleaning and then re-cleaning the kitchen, alphabetizing the the books on Draco's shelves, and picking up and putting down Pride and Prejudice more times that she could count. So, when the familiar pop of Apparition shattered the heavy silence, Hermione whirled around to find him with desperate speed.
Draco entered the cottage; his usually composed demeanor replaced by visible signs of distress. His silver eyes held a haunted look that sent a chill down Hermione's spine as she rushed towards him. She instinctively reached out, her hands hovering over his form as she carefully checked for any signs of harm, fussing over him with genuine concern.
"Draco, what happened? Are you okay?" she exclaimed, her voice laden with concern.
Draco's gaze met hers, and for a moment, he seemed lost, as if grappling with the aftermath of an ordeal too intense to comprehend. Hermione reached out to him, her fingers brushing against his arm, seeking reassurance.
The wizard finally spoke, his voice low and strained. "The Dark Lord... he was furious. Summoned us in a fit of rage. Screaming about Dumbledore needing to die."
Hermione's eyes widened, a mixture of fear and dread settling in her chest. "What happened? Are you alright?"
Draco took a deep breath, the memory of the recent events etched on his face. "He singled me out…screeching about wanting to remind me of the importance of my mission." he whispered, as if reliving the pain. "He crucio-ed me in front of everyone as he yelled incoherently. Something about a destroyed ring."
Hermione's hand flew to her mouth, her eyes filling with horror. The implications of Voldemort's rage, the mention of a destroyed ring, and the pain Draco endured painted a grim picture. "Destroyed ring? Draco, does it mean-"
Draco cut her off, his voice shaky. "I don't know, Hermione. It was madness. He then asked Bellatrix to go check something for him. I can't say for sure if it's what we're both thinking of…but he was unhinged, and he will stop at nothing until Dumbledore is dead."
Hermione felt a cold shiver run down her spine. The urgency of their mission became even more apparent. The mention of a destroyed ring hinted at the possibility of a Horcrux being eliminated, and Voldemort's heightened rage certainly supports that theory, as well as the likelihood that Dumbledore had something to do with it.
"I'm so sorry, Draco," Hermione said, her voice trembling with empathy. She pulled him into a tight embrace, wanting to provide comfort in the face of the darkness that loomed over them. "You shouldn't have to go through this."
Draco, though visibly shaken, wrapped his arms around her, finding solace in her warmth. "I couldn't stop him Hermione…Had I shielded myself or attenuated the level of pain, he would have noticed. He can't see me as a threat…I had to take it...all of it."
Hermione's eyes burned with hot tears as she tried not to picture the horrifying ordeal, squeezing her arms tighter around his waist as she buried her face into his chest.
They held each other for what felt like hours, until he stepped back from her embrace and led them to their armchairs by the fire.
He looked at her with tired eyes as he said "I have to go back to Hogwarts the day after" he looked at the clock realizing it was past 2 AM, "I have to head back tomorrow actually."
Hermione's heart sank at Draco's words. The realization that their time together was once again limited weighed heavily on her. The warmth of the fire seemed to wane again as the specter of loneliness loomed over her. She tried to hide the sadness in her eyes, but Draco, ever perceptive, noticed the shift in her demeanor.
"I don't want to leave you alone, Hermione," Draco confessed, his voice a mixture of regret and concern. "But I have to go back. We'll use our journals to talk everyday, I promise."
Hermione nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation, yet unable to suppress the melancholy that settled within her. "I know, Draco. It's just... the idea of being alone again feels daunting."
He reached out, gently taking her hand into his. "I wish I could stay longer. I hate the thought of leaving you like this. But I promise, we'll get through this."
Hermione managed a small smile, appreciating the reassurance in Draco's words.
"The Gaunt shack will have to wait" Draco declared, the intensity in his gaze unwavering despite his fatigue "I will spend the day tomorrow reinforcing the wards and making sure you have everything you need before I go."
"We also need to talk about your mission Draco." Hermione said firmly. "I won't let you kill Professor Dumbledore."
Draco withdrew his hand, a flicker of frustration crossing his face. "Granger, it's not up to you to decide what I have to do. This is bigger than the both of us."
Hermione's eyes flashed with determination, her worry giving way to a resolute stance. "I understand the implications of the Draco, but there has to be another way. Killing Dumbledore won't solve anything. We need to find a solution that doesn't involve taking a life."
Draco sighed, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "You don't get it, Granger. The Dark Lord is unraveling, and I can't afford to be seen as wavering in my loyalty. If I don't do this - I've seen what he's capable of. I can't risk it."
"And I've seen what you're capable of!" Hermione exclaimed, her voice rising "You don't get to act like his faithful puppet!"
Draco's eyes narrowed, a spark of irritation igniting in his gaze. "This is not about me being his puppet. This is about survival. You saw what happened tonight. I can't just defy him without consequences."
Hermione's resolve remained steadfast, her frustration mirroring Draco's. "I refuse to believe that the only way for you and your family to survive is by becoming a killer. There must be a way to protect yourself without compromising your soul. You can run away."
Draco's jaw tightened, his anger bubbling to the surface. "You think I want to do this? You think I enjoy the idea of taking a life? But my mother will die if I don't follow through!"
"You can run away with her-
"No, I can't!" Draco roared, his gray eyes almost black.
"Why not?!"
"Because that monster confined her to the manor!" He bellowed, his shoulders shaking "He…He cast a curse on her…if she steps out of the manor's borders, she will immediately collapse and die."
Hermione's eyes widened in shock and terror at Draco's revelation. The weight of the situation pressed down on her, the reality of the curse painting a bleak picture for Narcissa Malfoy. Draco, though enraged, seemed on the verge of breaking under the burden of his responsibilities.
"I didn't know, Draco," Hermione whispered, her voice filled with regret. "I'm so sorry. We'll find a way to break the curse. There must be a solution."
His eyes reflected a mixture of desperation and defeat "You think I haven't tried, Granger? The Dark Lord ensured that only he could lift the curse. It's a cruel form of control. I can't run away, and I can't defy him. If I do, my family pays the price."
Hermione took a step closer, a mix of compassion and determination etched across her face. "We can't let him continue to control you, Draco. We need to find a way to break free from his grasp, to protect those we love without resorting to darkness."
Draco's gaze met hers, defeated and exhausted. "I want that more than anything, Hermione. But it's not that simple. The Dark Lord is not someone you can just outsmart or defy without consequences."
Hermione cupped Draco's face in her hands, forcing him to look directly into her eyes. "We'll figure this out together, Draco. There has to be a way, and I won't let you face this alone. But killing Dumbledore isn't the solution. We need to find another path."
Draco sighed, his shoulders slumping under the stress of the choices before him. "I don't want to be a killer, Hermione. But I don't see any other way to protect my family. It's a vicious cycle, and I'm trapped."
Hermione's eyes bore into his, unwavering. "Then we break the cycle! We'll find a way to protect your family and end this nightmare. But not with murder!"
The room was filled with a heavy silence, the reality of their circumstances settling around them like a suffocating fog.
Draco broke the uncomfortable silence "It's late Granger. Let's head to bed."
"But-
"I'll talk to Snape about it. Killing the headmaster is not my first option, I hoped you'd know that by now, regardless of how little hope I have of there being any other option. Good night." And with that, his cape swooshed as he turned and left the room, leaving Hermione to her thoughts.
The next morning, Hermione found Draco in the kitchen, his eyes tired and distant as he ate breakfast, one he probably asked his house elf to come prepare. The air was thick with unresolved tension, and neither of them spoke as they ate in somber silence. Hermione stole glances at Draco, his features etched with a weariness that seemed to surpass physical exhaustion.
When they finished, Draco spoke, breaking the heavy silence. "I'll need to leave soon to get back to Hogwarts. I will head outside to reinforce the wards now."
Hermione nodded sadly. As he stood up from the table, she couldn't help but join him, wanting to offer support even if it meant just being by his side.
Together, they walked to the door, the morning light filtering through the windows, casting a soft glow on the room. Draco's demeanor remained distant as his hand reached out towards the doorhandle, but then Hermione gently touched his arm.
"Draco," she said softly, "I know this is difficult, but we'll find a way. I apologize for being insensitive yesterday."
Draco met her gaze, the exhaustion in his eyes giving way to a glimmer of gratitude. "I appreciate your optimism, Hermione. And your apology. But it's just hard to see a way out of this mess."
"We'll find it together," Hermione insisted. "Breaking the curse on your mother, finding an alternative to killing Dumbledore – there must be a solution, and we'll discover it."
Draco managed a faint smile. "Let's focus on reinforcing the wards first."
As they stepped outside, the crisp morning air greeted them, the snow soft underneath their feet. The wards around the cottage shimmered faintly, reacting to Draco's presence. He raised his wand, casting a plethora of protective spells and strengthening the magical barriers that shielded the small haven they had created.
Hermione observed him, her eyes wide with awe. Watching him perform magic could be comparable to watching a ballet dancer, or a samurai, each flick of his wand deliberate, controlled, yet also so incredibly elegant. There was a fluidity to his movements, a dance with the arcane forces that Hermione found utterly captivating. Draco's magic wasn't just a tool; it was an extension of him.
As he wove intricate patterns in the air, Hermione couldn't help but marvel at the grace with which he manipulated his magic. It was a stark contrast to her own, more pragmatic style. She realized that she had always noticed and even secretly admired the finesse in Draco's spellcasting during their time at Hogwarts, but it was always overshadowed by his sneer or his haughty demeanor. Now, amid their tumultuous circumstances, that admiration took on a new significance. Magic was a force both beautiful and formidable, and Draco wielded it with a mastery that Hermione thought extraordinary.
Her mind then began churning with different thoughts. Breaking the curse on Narcissa and finding an alternative to Draco's dangerous mission were daunting tasks, but she refused to let despair take hold. There had to be a way, and she was determined to uncover it.
After Draco finished reinforcing the wards, he then spent an ample amount of time meticulously testing and checking them. Once satisfied, he turned to Hermione. "I have to go now, Hermione. I checked on supplies, and everything seems to be well stocked. In case of any emergency, you can call for Tilly, she can come to me if needs be. I'll write you as soon as I reach Hogwarts. We can continue our discussions through the journals."
Hermione nodded, her eyes filled with a mixture of concern and sadness. "Take care, Draco."
His eyes softened at the sight of her looking so unhappy, imagining how daunting the prospect of months of solitude can be. And so, he leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead, a brief moment of solace in the midst of sorrow. Without another word, Draco disapparated, leaving Hermione standing in the quiet morning, still staring at where he had stood.
On the Hogwarts Express, Draco found solace in the rhythmic clatter of the train wheels against the tracks. The compartment was empty, save for his thoughts that swirled like the snowflakes outside the window. The events of the past night replayed in his mind like a haunting melody, each note carrying the weight of their shared burden.
He couldn't shake the image of Hermione's worried eyes, the warmth of her embrace, and the unwavering determination in her voice. The promise they made to face their challenges together echoed in his ears. Draco grappled with conflicting emotions, torn between the duty he owed to his family and the witch staying at his Transylvanian cottage.
As the train sped towards Hogwarts, Draco gazed out of the window, watching the winter landscape blur into streaks of white. His mind wandered to the moments he and Hermione shared in the cottage, the flickering firelight casting shadows on their faces before their intimate encounter was so cruelly interrupted.
Lost in his musings, Draco was abruptly pulled back to reality as the compartment door slid open. Theo Nott, Draco's longtime friend, entered with a nonchalant grin that barely masked the weariness in his eyes.
"Draco, my man, how was your New Year's Eve?" Theo slumped into the seat across from Draco, his usual dark humor tinged with a hint of sourness.
Draco sighed, realizing that his own troubles were not unique. He cast a silent muffliato around them to make sure they were not heard. "Awful, to say the least. The Dark Lord's fury knows no bounds."
Theo raised an eyebrow, a sardonic smirk playing on his lips. "Ah, the joys of hosting the Dark Lord. I can't imagine the holiday cheer he spread."
Draco managed a half-hearted chuckle, appreciating Theo's attempt to inject a bit of levity into their somber conversation. They began to exchange tales of the holidays, with Theo describing the increasingly erratic behavior of his father, Nott Sr., who had become a nightmare to be around.
"When he's not drunk out of his mind, he's having a hissy fit about you and your father," Theo explained with a dark grin. "He's furious that the dark lord requested you as a death eater but not me. The man has lost his mind."
Draco couldn't help but find a twisted humor in Theo's words. Their shared laughter, though laced with bitterness, provided a momentary respite from the heavy burdens they carried. He knew Theo knew of him being a death eater by now, what with Nott Sr.'s loose tongue.
"You should've told me yourself you know. I'm still pissed about that." Theo said, his blue eyes narrowing.
Draco sighed "I never wanted to talk about it, I still don't."
Theo leaned back in his seat, eyeing Draco with a mix of curiosity and concern. "You never wanted to talk about it, or you were too scared to admit it? Come on, Draco, we've been through thick and thin together. Secrets like that shouldn't be kept between us."
Draco's jaw tensed; his gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window. "It's not as simple as you think, Theo. Being chosen by the Dark Lord is not an honor. It's a curse. You should know that."
"Oh I don't disagree. But sometimes I wish I was marked just to get daddy dearest off my back about 'being less remarkable than the Malfoy prat'" Theo said, his dark brown hair slightly covering his lashes as he leaned forward, shooting his best friend a smirk.
Draco cracked a small smile at Theo's attempt to lighten the mood. "Trust me, you're better off without the 'honors' that come with being a Death Eater. Your father's already a menace, you want the Dark Lord on your case too?"
Theo leaned back, crossing his arms, his smirk fading into a more serious expression. "True, I'll give you that. But Draco, seriously, if you need to vent or anything, you know I'm here mate."
"I appreciate it. But honestly, the less I talk about it the better." Draco replied, his eyes turning back towards the window, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as Theo went on another twisted rant about how deranged his father was.
As the train approached Hogwarts, Draco stood up, preparing to disembark and face the challenges that awaited him. He knew he had to speak with his godfather about it all before getting another earful from a certain Hermione Granger.
He waited until Theo left the compartment, turning around to grab his bag, thinking about everything he had been through during the holidays, images replaying in his mind. As he stepped out of the cabin, closing the door behind him, he sensed a suspicious shuffle of fabric a few feet in the corridor behind him, despite there being no one around. Without looking, he cast a wandless and wordless detection spell and sighed as the culprit's identity flashed in his mind.
"Nice try Potter." He said, leaving that section of the train before Harry could retort.
As he made his way through the corridors of the castle, Draco's steps were guided by a mixture of determination and trepidation. He was on his way to Snape's office, however, fate had other plans for him as he stumbled upon someone sitting on the secluded staircase. There, he found Ron Weasley, a figure of grief, sitting with his head in his hands, crying. Draco's instinct was to pass by without acknowledging the distraught Gryffindor, but Ron had seen him, and immediately drew his wand while sloppily trying to wipe his face with his sleeve.
"What's your problem, Weasley?" Draco asked, a cold edge to his voice. He had no patience for this right now.
Ron looked up, his eyes red and filled with anger. "Your bloody family, Malfoy! You, your Death Eater father and his lot! You all killed Hermione!"
Draco's heart skipped a beat, but he maintained a facade of indifference. "Weasley, I don't have time for your delusional accusations. Go cry about it somewhere else."
Ron's fists clenched, his grief transforming into rage. "Rubbish, Malfoy! We know what your lot is capable of. Hermione is dead because of you know who and your twisted family."
Draco met Ron's accusatory gaze with a steely resolve. "Believe what you want, Weasley. I have more important matters to attend to." As he turned to leave, his teeth clenched as he heard the redhead yell.
"Malfoy!" Ron spat, his hand already on his wand. "You think you can just walk around here like nothing happened? Like you had nothing to do with Hermione's death?"
Draco's jaw tensed, but he kept his composure. "Weasley, for the last time, I had nothing to do with it."
Ron's eyes blazed with anger, and without warning, he shot a hex at Draco, one he easily deflected. "Liar! I know you Death Eaters are all the same—deceitful and dangerous. I'll make you pay for what happened to Hermione."
Draco's patience was teetering at the edge. "You've lost your mind, Weasel. Stop attacking me before I make you regret it."
But Ron seemed beyond reason. "Expelliarmus!" he shouted, sending a disarming spell directly at Draco, who once again deflected it like it was nothing. At this point, a bunch of students had already gathered around them.
"You're asking for trouble, Weasley. I don't want to fight you."
But Ron, consumed by grief and anger, launched another spell, this time with even more determination. "Flippindo!"
Draco dodged the spell, frustration evident in his eyes. "I'm warning you, Weasley! Stop this before it gets out of hand."
But Ron was relentless, a mixture of sorrow and rage distorting his features. "Diffindo!"
The cutting curse lashed out, and while Draco repelled it easily once again, it did manage to infuriate him. The space echoed with gasps and whispers at their confrontation.
"Are you mad?!" Draco snapped; his own wand now pointed at Ron. "Expelliarmus!"
Draco's disarming spell sent the redhead flying backwards while his wand landed in the blonde's hand.
Ron struggled to his feet, a mix of anger and embarrassment on his face. "Damn you, Malfoy. I know the truth, and I won't let you get away with it."
Before Draco could retort, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed in the corridor. Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall appeared, wands drawn, their expressions stern.
"What is the meaning of this?" Professor McGonagall demanded, her eyes flickering between Draco and Ron.
"He attacked me!" Ron pointed accusingly at Draco; his wand still gripped tightly in the Slytherin's hand.
Snape raised an eyebrow, his black eyes assessing the situation. "Explain, Mr. Weasley."
"He's one of them!" Ron shouted, pointing at Draco. "He and his Death Eater family killed Hermione!"
Draco rolled his eyes, a surge of frustration coursing through him. "Professor, I did not attack him."
Snape's gaze lingered on Draco for a moment before turning to Ron. "Accusations without evidence are futile and dangerous, Mr. Weasley."
The rage in Ron's eyes remained unabated. "He's lying! I know he's involved!"
McGonnagal's stern expression deepened. "We will not tolerate duels in the corridors. Mr. Malfoy, return Mr. Weasley's wand to him at once. Mr. Weasley, my office, now."
Draco threw Ron's wand at him as Snape ushered for him to follow him to his office, the tension in the air was palpable. Draco exchanged a glance with Snape, who remained unreadable.
Inside Snape's office, the professor took his seat as he fixed his piercing gaze on Draco. "Explain the situation, Mr. Malfoy."
"I was on my way to your office, Sir," Draco began, his tone composed. "Weasley confronted me, accusing me of Hermione Granger's death, and proceeded to attack me. I defended myself and disarmed him."
Snape leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "The situation is delicate, Draco. We cannot afford any more disruptions, especially in the current climate. The loss of Miss Granger has already left a significant impact on the school, yet no one must know the truth about her predicament. I trust your occlumency walls remain intact?"
Draco nodded. "Yes, Professor, they are. But being accused falsely does not help, on top of all my other concerns."
Snape's eyes remained fixated on the teenager. "Your concerns, Draco, I presume, relate to your mission."
Draco's eyes met Snape's, and he could see a subtle understanding there. "Yes, Sir. The Dark Lord is growing increasingly erratic, and my family is at risk. I need to find a solution, but it seems like every path is fraught with danger."
Snape exhaled, the weight of their shared burden evident in the lines on his face. "I've tried to ask you multiple times about what the Dark Lord has tasked you with, but you kept disappearing from the manor. Will you tell me now, Draco?"
Draco hesitated, but then reluctantly nodded. "I didn't want to worry you, godfather. You've already done so much, covering for me whenever I left the manor."
Snape's gaze softened, and for a moment, Draco saw a flicker of genuine concern. "You have to tell me, Draco. Your poor mother has been through enough."
Draco took a deep breath, the weight of his secret pressing down on him. "The Dark Lord wants me to fix the Vanishing Cabinet in the room of requirement. He intends to use it to allow Death Eaters to enter the school. And... he wants me to kill Dumbledore. I have until June."
Snape's expression remained stoic, but Draco could sense the gravity of the revelation sinking in. " This is more dire than I anticipated. We need to tread carefully."
"I know, Professor," Draco replied, the reality of the situation settling heavily on his shoulders. "But I can't let my family suffer, and I can't let the Dark Lord harm them. I don't know what to do."
Snape leaned forward, placing a hand on Draco's shoulder. "For now, we must maintain appearances. No one can suspect a thing. You begin working on the cabinet and leave the rest to me."
Draco nodded, appreciating Snape's guidance. "What about Hermione, Professor? I can't leave her alone in the cottage for all of term, I need to be able to check on her."
Snape's eyes flickered with a hint of annoyance. "Surely she can tolerate a few months." But before Draco could retort, he sighed "I will make up some excuses for you to head 'home' once in a while."
As Draco left Snape's office, he felt a mixture of gratitude and apprehension. The road ahead was laden with trials, and he couldn't shake the worry about Hermione and the growing danger surrounding his family.
As he made his way to the Slytherin common room, he noticed a familiar figure waiting for him near the entrance. It was Pansy Parkinson, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity.
"Draco, what's going on?" Pansy asked, her voice hushed. "People are saying you were attacked by Weasley, or that you attacked him? And there are rumors about you killing Hermione Granger?"
Draco sighed, realizing that the web of rumors was spreading fast. "It's complicated, Pansy. I can't get into the details, but I need you to trust me. I'll handle things."
Pansy raised an eyebrow, her eyes searching his for answers. "Draco. If you're in trouble, I want to help."
Draco appreciated Pansy's loyalty, but he couldn't risk involving her further. "I appreciate your concern, Pansy, but this is something I have to deal with on my own. Just be cautious, and don't let anyone rile you up."
Pansy nodded reluctantly, still looking worried. "Fine but promise me you'll tell me what's going on when you're ready. I'm worried about you, Draco."
"I can't promise that it will be any time soon Pansy, but it's not because I don't trust you. It's just too dangerous." Draco replied, giving her a small, grateful smile as he entered the Slytherin common room, heading to the boy's dormitory, with little hope that he will manage any sleep that night.
Here it is! What did you all think? Let me know with your reviews!
Until next time.
Cleo26