CHAPTER 8

A FUCKING BLOODBATH

As the sun sank behind the walls of King's Landing, night fell and shadows grew longer, blending in with the dense fog that shrouded the Blackwater. Draco's eyes flicked to Blaise, his voice low but commanding. "Once the bells toll make your way to the area we agreed on, shoot the arrow once they are far enough in. Then apparate back here immediately."

Blaise nodded, his voice deep filled with loyalty. "I won't let you down my lord," he assured his hand firmly gripped onto his bow that was slung over his shoulder.

The silence was thick in the air only disturbed by a huff from Theo as he leaned against the pillar. His eyes scanned the surroundings, he was ready for something to happen. "I'm bloody bored." He groaned in annoyance as he crossed his arms. "I want to kill someone already."

"We're here on a mission to get potter, not to satisfy your destructive urges." Draco protested, his voice tinged with concern he knew Theodore's anger was going to get the best of him today.

Theo's lips turned into a mischievous grin as he pulled his sword out and swung it around playfully. He pretended to jab it into the side of the archer that stood beside him, he laughed as Dolohov's throat bobbed nervously. "Ha! I got you." He chuckled, sarcasm laced in his tone. "Don't worry Dolohov, I won't kill you."

Blaise and Draco couldn't help but break into laughter at the sight of Theodore twirling around with a sword instead of his wand. Shocked at his surprising level of skill using the thing. "You're a real arse you know that right." Draco laughed watching Theo play with his sword.

Blaise smirked, raising his brow looking at the sword. "Is that Valyrian steel? Where in the seven hells did you get that?"

Theo shot them a mischievous grin, a glint of adrenaline in his eyes. "Our little dragon princess. Stole it from her home in Dragonstone," he pulled out a second curved blade. "This one I kept from the Dothraki, fun to kill with." He replied casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

She's not our Princess Nott!" Draco demanded, before raising a brow. "So no more wands?" he wondered if he had really changed that much over time. Theo let out an audible gasp, holding his hand to his chest as if it had offended him.

"Never, I will never give up my wand." Theo chuckled back.

Their banter had been cut short as the bells began to ring, Draco looked towards the blackwater, the moon casted a glow onto the choppy waters. Draco's jaw tensed, his hand held tightly around his wand as he watched The Order's ships slowly approach the beating drums filled the silenced air.

Blaise gave Draco a nod, his expression serious. Without a word he apparated out, leaving Draco behind. It was time, he felt the dread and excitement fill his stomach.

"ARCHERS TO YOUR MARK!" Draco commanded, his voice carried the weight of determination. His fellow death eaters and golden cloaks scrambled to their positions, arrows notched on their bows.

Theo chuckled loudly, an evil grin forming at his lips "Seven hells finally, I'm ready to kill." The madness in Theodore's face sent a chill down Draco's spine.

Drums resonated in the distance, their rhythmic beets growing louder and more pronounced as the fleet grew closer, the Banners had become slightly visible, the banner donned with a wolf on the front. Mingling with the drums the bells of King's landing rang their melodious chimes intermingling with the rising tension as the Banners stood high above the walls.

"Nott, don't die." Draco said, his voice filled with concern and hope as he firmly placed a firm hand on Theodore's shoulder.

Theo reciprocated the gestures, giving him a faint smile. "They won't get me, stay safe up here." Nothing more was said as Theo turned, joining the rest of the city watch at the gate.

The thunderous beats of the drums reverberated throughout the air. Draco raised his voice, commanding his archers. "NOCK YOUR ARROWS!"

Archers sprang into action, quickly arming their bows. Draco moved to a high point on the wall watching the now distinguishable ships ahead, his brows furrowed waiting for the perfect time.

With one final call, he commanded, "HOLD FAST!"

Standing at the high point of the wall Draco's heart pounded in his chest, the night was cloaked with darkness and symphonies of beating drums. The crisp breeze swept across Draco's face, sending a shiver down his spine. Yaxley approached handing him a Molotov cocktail, its warmth seeping to his fingers as he tightened his grip.

Draco watched as the single King's landing ship cut through the bay's black surface, approaching The Order's fleet quickly. With a bated breath Draco hurled the bottle off the side of the wall, his signal to Blaise.

His eyes stayed on the sky watching as a single fiery arrow soar through the sky, in mere seconds an explosion erupted Blackwater Bay into chaos. Screams and smoke filled the air as the wildfire illuminated the bay with green fires. The wildfire spread rapidly, consuming the king's landing decoy fleet as well The Order's fleet with an insatiable hunger.

Draco's eyes darted around as he watched the green fires dance around the bay, casting an eerie glow through the walls of King's Landing. Lost in trance from the screams of burning men as the fleet engulfed in flames, men jumping ship falling victim to the burning waters, burnt flesh filled the air. He hadn't noticed Blaise had returned.

"My lord." Blaise called out as Draco stood entranced by the green flames that colored his face, "Lord Malfoy!" Blaise said loudly, commanding his attention.

Draco blinked, his focus snapping back to the present as he noticed Blaise. "Aye?"

Blaise looked to the vast expanse of the bay, listening as the waves crashed against shore. Turning back to Draco, "their fleet has fallen." Blaise said, urgency laced his voice. "Their sail boats will be here soon."

Draco's eyes narrowed, contemplating strategies in his mind. Looking to Blaise he made a decision. "Command the Archers." He ordered, his voice steady. "I'm going to the gate."

He worried about Blaise but he knew he'd be good for this, he was a skilled death eater, he understood war and could even command if needed. "Yes my lord" Blaise replied, as he watched Draco's cape billow behind him.

Approaching the gate of the castle, Draco stood with the men of the city watch. His face turned to a scowl as the air was thick with the stench of blood and decay. He wanted to be on the battlefield today not commanding archers, he wanted to look out for Theodore.

Theodore hadn't been the same since Pansy's return, she hadn't remembered him anymore, it had been unbearable for him. His pain soon turned to anger, his angry outburst turned towards the mud blood who'd been held at the manor, growing more violent by the day.

Blaise and Draco had been deadly on the battlefield; their body counts proved it. Theodore on the other hand was ruthless, he reveled in torturous deaths, relishing in the screams of agony. This anger and pain made him all the more dangerous, he'd be reckless now. There was no time for that shit now.

"Nott, you alright?" He said concerned yet keeping the conversation quick to the point, There hadn't been much time.

"Aye, moral is low bc voldie isn't here fighting Let's kill some bloody cunts!" He yelled, his eyes looked murderous and deranged. The death eaters all cheered in response. Draco hadn't seen him this far gone in a long time.

"If Potter is found Bring him to me!" Draco commanded, Potter was wanted alive not dead "don't fight for your king Defend your kingdom! KIll the rest of the bloody bastards."

Battle cries began filling the air as they finally made shore, burnt men wielding swords screaming as their charcoaled skin fell to the ground. The arrows swished through the air impaling the enemies.

With their chosen weapons, Draco and Theo stood side by side. Draco held his wand tightly in his hands, while Theo gracefully drew his Dothraki sword. A slight nod was given before the duo went into battle.

Draco was quick and nimble in his movements as the chaos of the battle unfolded around him. Screams of agony rang through his ears as he sent blood boiling hexes to his enemies, watching as their bodies burst with each wave of his wand. Blood splatter coated his face, the tang of blood filled his senses.

Theo fought alongside Draco, his sword thrashing against others, deflecting each blow. He was reckless and uncaring as he took his time slowly slicing through men, the blood curdling screams of the men crumpling to the ground excited Theo even more.

"NOTT MOVE!" Draco yelled to Theo who was slowly peeling the skin off of one of the enemies.

Theo quickly moved, watching as a slicing curse cut through the men in one swift motion. Bodies had been split in halves no man was left with legs, Theo bursted into laughter as he stepped over the bodies, his boots squishing beneath the bloodbath.

Enemies slowly began making their way to the wall, Drawing his wand Blaise continued commanding the archer "NOCK YOUR ARROWS." He commanded as he sent killing curses to the men coming his way watching as their bodies dropped to the ground. "LOOSE" he commanded, the smell of death was palpable. He watched from above as the arrows hurtled into men's bodies.

The battle intensifies as the streets of King's Landing run red with blood. Draco and Theodore danced with death as they slaughtered men, their moves were swift and deadly. The clash of swords, cries of pain, and the metallic tang of blood filled the air as their enemies fell like leaves.

Deadly cascade of spells unleashed on the battlefield, red and green streaks of magic filled the air from Draco's wand. A sudden movement behind him almost caught Draco off guard. With quick reflexes, he drew his knife from his boot. With a swift flick of his wrist the blade embedded into Dean Thomas's skull with a sickening thud.

Dean slumped to the ground, Draco wrapped his hand around the base of his knife. Crouching down Draco let his eyes meet Dean's, "WHERE IS POTTER!?" He demanded, only to be met with silence. In one quick motion Draco sliced his knife across Dean's throat, the sound of the blade meeting flesh sent a shiver down his spine. "Bloody cunt."

Men were falling victim to Theodore's sword, each swing cutting down his enemies. Bodies crumpled to the ground, his attention diverted for a split second across the battlefield, his blood went cold. "DRACO!" Theodore's voice urged thundering across the field.

Draco, caught off guard, turned around his eyes locking on the axe descending on his face. Shit he had been too slow, the deafening sound of steel meeting his flesh filled the air. A battle cry erupted from Theodore, something in him snapped, fury manifested in every swing of his blade. He sliced anyone in his way down, Theodore had carved a path of destruction. His only goal was to get to Draco.

Pain seared through Draco's face as he walked on the battlefield, his knees felt weak; he could feel himself stumble with each step.

Drip, Drip.

Blood trickled down his face, the metallic crimson coating his lips. Was this his blood?

Drip, Drip

The metallic tang of blood coated his lips

Drip, Drip

Fuck something was wrong, dread twisted in his stomach. His vision blurred and swam before him.

Drip, Drip

His knees gave way, as he crumpled to the ground lying in the bloodbath from the war.

What the fuck was happening to him? His breaths went ragged, he couldn't call for help.

In the haze of his pain, the sound of hooves reached his ears, the ground rumbled beneath the weight of the approaching horses. Mounted men sat atop swinging their swords into enemies, bodies dropping beside him.

Draco's eyes strained to focus through the red haze only to surrender and close.

Hermione crept through the manor to the library, she'd begun sitting in the very room for hours throughout the day. The library slowly became her solace in the hell she'd been bound to, the room was rather grand, one of the biggest she'd seen or heard of aside from the Citadel.

The bookshelves towered, reaching the ceiling, she guided her fingers over the ancient tomes, leather books, and scrolls filled the shelves. The smell of old parchment and leather bound books filled her senses.

The room had been dimly lit by a single candle, casting a warm glow on the plush armchairs that surround the room. The floor to ceiling window had been her favorite spot to sit. A loveseat had been pressed against the window. she'd love sitting here to read, look out at the gardens, the moonlight illuminated a silvery sheen over them. It was the most beautiful thing.

She had hoped to see seraphus, it pained her each time because she had been nowhere to be found, she'd hear the dragon's piercing cries, she wanted nothing more than to run her hand down her golden yellow scales and comfort her.

If she hadn't heard Seraphus' cries the room was always quiet, as if the world stood still, waiting for a dragon's cry. Silence engulfed Hermione, broken only by the soft cackles of the candle and the pages of her book rustling with each turn.

Hermione left the library, her mind a buzz with every detail on her mind. She had been so engrossed in her books she hadn't realized the commotion in Pansy's room. Walking by the room Hermione stopped for a moment watching as Luna held Pansy's hand, the little elf Geeney had been at Luna's side weeping while the Maester examined her. As she stepped forward to go to her "room" a loud creak came from the floor board, a wave of embarrassment washed over Hermione's face, her cheeks flushed red.

Hermione hesitated at the threshold of the door where Luna sat with her hand intertwined with Pansy's and her other soothing the crying elf. "Oh do come Hermione, you're welcome to come sit with us." Luna smiled, her voice gentle and inviting.

Hermione hesitated at the sight of Pansy, her heart aching for someone who was supposed to be her enemy, for someone whose home she was prisoner in. Luna's smile was like a warm embrace, with a gentle nod Luna reassured her that it was okay. Tears welled in Hermione's eyes as she took a spot beside Luna and Geeney. The three sat in silence for a while, words hadn't been needed to comfort each other.

The silence had only been disturbed by Maester Tarly's words. "Yes, well her clouded memory should only return with time. Her speech is due to her clouded mind and that will take time too." Tarly cleared his throat, "the injuries should heal very soon. I will leave salves that can be applied with your magic along with milk of the poppy her body will be healed shortly."

The pair watched as Maester Tarly applied salves and bandages to Pansy's wound, Luna stood to escort Maester Tarly out, leaving Hermione with Pansy. Hermione had the urge to reach out and hold her hand, in hope to comfort her possibly? She didn't know, it felt right it had been what she'd hope for in her time of need.

Hermione hesitated as she reached her hand out placing on top of pansy's, she held it there for a while staring at her for a while, Luna slowly entered the room her eyes fixated on the loving gesture Hermione showed her friend.

"You remind me of myself, when I laid in the Dothraki huts beaten and broken." Hermione murmured, her voice tinged with vulnerability as memories flooded her mind, letting out an audible sigh. "You're the enemy, I shouldn't be telling you this." The creak in the floorboard from Luna's footstep caused Hermione to quickly pull her hand back.

Luna looked into her eyes in awe at Hermione's confession. "No, no Hermione you didn't have to pull away." Luna moved sitting beside Hermione and Pansy, "I had no clue that you had been through such things as Pansy, it's very brave of you to share." Luna's hand met Hermione's, offering a silent gesture of comfort.

"Thank you, May I ask you a question?" Hermione said, her voice filled with curiosity as Luna nodded. "How did you come to marry a death eater, to marry Blaise?" Hermione blurted, unable to contain her curiosity.

"Blaise may be a death eater but he is kind, he has his limits. Our paths crossed in the sun-kissed lands of Dorne amidst the clash of swords and the scent of battle. His movements on the battlefield were a dance of elegance and skill, which captivated my gaze." A smile crept onto Luna's lips. "The death eaters began attacking the healing ward one day. The maesters, women, and child were being injured, that day Blaise showed mercy to myself and the child I had been healing. He bore the consequences of that from a fellow death eater injuring him, he came to me to be healed and healing turned into love."

Hermione noticed the sparkle that glinted in Luna's eyes as she talked of Blaise, Luna continued speaking of how he had changed yet Hermione couldn't grasp it.

"He is our enemy." Hermione pointed out, frowning slightly.

"Yes he may be to you but not to me. I don't think he is much of an enemy to you either though Hermione." Luna sighs "although he is an enemy we shouldn't judge each other from our families sins, your mother burned down King's Landing and you are not my enemy." Luna offers a smile

Slight anger built within Hermione's chest hearing someone talk of her mother as well as talking highly of someone who serves the wrong king. Yet it was almost adoring how two enemies could find love amongst a war fought against each other. It was almost poetic, hauntingly beautiful.

She missed her mother; she wanted nothing more than to take back her birthright and have her enemies bend the knee for her in the new world.

She and Luna sat in silence for a while holding Pansy's hand. Only to be interrupted by a loud crack, Theo's loud cursing filled the silence.

Hermione and Luna jolted up from their seats running to the stairs as Geeney followed behind. Shock overcame their faces, Luna quickly ran down to her husband. Hermione stilled in place, her mouth dropped open at the sight of the boys. They had been covered in thick red crimson, goops of blood and skin matted their hair.

"FUCK, DRACO." Theo panicked, trying to hold Draco's left side up right while Blaise held the right. Luna helped as they propped him on the couch.

"Oh God, what happened?" Luna gasped, her voice filled with horror. Draco had been covered in so much blood, his once blonde hair stained red clung to his skin. Hermione watched as Luna's shaky hands moved Draco's hair from his face. Revealing a scar that slashed down from his temple to his lips.

Hermione hadn't heard Theo and Blaise yelling at her about the Maester; she was entranced by how calm Draco looked unconscious, she had only been upset that it was her who caused it. She knew they had been in a battle with her allies so it hadn't pained her one bit seeing him this way.

"Maester Tarly is gone, Hermione and I will help him tonight." Luna panicked, bringing Hermione from her thoughts.

Hermione didn't want to help him, she wanted to kill him but she couldn't so she gave a soft nod in agreement. "What happened?" she questioned. Her gaze locked on the three blood soaked death eaters.

"It was a fucking bloodbath." Theo laughed.