A/N: Two updates in the same month! Boom! Thank you all for all of the love!

Bound to Him

Chapter 68

"Tonks is sitting at the Head Table," Harry mumbled.

Ron stuffed a spoonful of eggs into his mouth. "She's no' a professa."

"Oh, Ronnie," Lavender giggled, touching his face. "Don't talk with your mouth full."

Ginny snorted loudly, meeting her roommate's gaze. "Apparently, she doesn't find everything he does cute anymore."

"Thank the gods," Hermione mumbled, glancing over at the boy's embarrassed face and then up at the Head Table where she noticed the Auror settling into the seat beside Snape. "Technically, she's an invited guest of the school. The professors can allow whomever they want to eat with them."

"Poor Tonks," Harry sighed. "Stuck next to Snape."

"Professor Snape," she corrected with a roll of her eyes. "And she's not stuck there. There are a number of other empty seats she could have chosen."

Ginny waggled her eyebrows and leaned forward. "Maybe she fancies him."

"Oh, shut up, Ginny!"

"Don't be ridiculous!"

"Gross!"

"I'm trying to eat, you know."

The redhead giggled at all of the protests and noises of disgust emanating from those sitting near enough to hear her, and then shrugged. "It's just a theory."

"A stupid one," Ron stated.

"I'm not the one looking stupid," his sister muttered under her breath, referring to the fact that Lavender had just dabbed his chin with her napkin.

Hermione stifled a laugh and then shook her head. "I thought perhaps she fancies Remus. She always tried to talk to him."

"I thought so, too, but maybe… maybe she just has a thing for older men," Ginny replied. "Or maybe she's moved on?"

"Or maybe she just picked the closest open seat."

Harry nodded. "That is the closest open seat to Remus."

"Yes, I suppose," Ginny stated slowly while bearing a victorious grin, "but it isn't Remus who she's presently flirting with, is it?"

"What?" came the collective gasp as everyone's head snapped up at the comment.

"Merlin!"

"Gods!"

Hermione found herself as equally shocked as her friends while watching Tonks lean up against Severus. What the… she didn't seem anywhere near as friendly with him last night. But maybe it came on because he complimented her? Maybe she took it the wrong way, and now… Wait, what? What is he doing?

"Is he flirting back?"

"Surprised he knows how."

He is! He's… he's… She swallowed heavily and narrowed her eyes, continuing to stare at the Head Table. He's smiling. At her. In public.

"Don't suppose they've ever… you know, do ya?"

"Shut up, Seamus."

"Just sayin'. She looks like she could get a bit freaky. Probably his type."

"Shut up, Seamus!"

Her chest suddenly tightened, and Hermione returned her eyes to her plate. Her appetite had vanished in the past few seconds. He never smiles in public. Well, not genuine smiles. Not like that. He's smiled at me. I've made him smile like that. Last night, he… he was with me. He started it. He wanted me.

But she was there, wasn't she? He said himself that he had not actually planned on sleeping with me. Her heart did not want to believe any of it could be true, but her head would not stop suggesting things. What if he was only with me because he couldn't be with her?

No. No, stop this, Granger. You can't think like this. You can't. He wouldn't… There has to be another explanation.

The sound of laughter emanated from the front of the room, causing the young with to look up once more. Upon seeing Tonks cheerfully staring up at Severus and touching his arm, Hermione immediately averted her gaze.

"She's no stunner, but still prettier than anyone I could see him with."

"Being pretty doesn't stop you being a nutter."

"Seriously! Anyone willing to let Snape up their skirt has to be barkin' mad."

Tears stung at the back of her eyes as she listened to the students around her making snide comments and retching noises. Unable to take it any longer, she quietly mumbled that she was heading to the infirmary to get started on her tasks early and then slipped out from her seat.

Slinging her bag over her shoulder, she surreptitiously rubbed at her face to prevent tears from actually falling. When she had exited the Great Hall, she ran to the nearest staircase and quickly got out of sight. There was still an hour or so left until she needed to report to Madam Pomfrey, and she knew that she needed to get her emotions under control before she set to work.

You're imagining things; you must be. It's ridiculous to think that he and Tonks could… But he did compliment her. He never compliments people. I mean, he compliments me, but he thinks he's indebted to me. And we're sleeping together. They can't be sleeping together. I mean, I would know, right?

"How would I know?" she hissed, balling her hands into fists and wrapping them around her waist. It's not as though he's ever told me that there's no one else in his life. He loves Lily, but that doesn't mean he can't just have sex with someone else. It's not like he's on restrictions.

That's what Remus must have meant. Perhaps he saw them together. But what exactly did he see them doing? Hermione scowled and set off in the direction of the library. She needed time to be alone and brood. Frankly, she could not decide whether she was more upset about Severus giving friendly attention to Tonks or about the vile things her Housemates spewed regarding anyone who could be attracted to Snape.

"I'm not a nutter!" she growled.

"Could've fooled me," a nearby portrait mumbled.

XxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxX

"I'm not talking about the bloody curse, you blithering imbecile! I'm talking about Hermione! About her feelings! Remus isn't the only one who left the Great Hall after your little performance, but I'm fairly certain he didn't leave it in tears."

Severus felt his stomach twist into a knot. "What?"

"Didn't bother to think of that, did you?" Minerva stated coldly. "You deliberately manipulated the emotional attachment Remus has for Nymphadora without considering how it could affect someone with a similar attachment to you."

"She was in tears?" he repeated.

"Yes! She hid it well enough, I'll grant you, but it was more than obvious to me. It should have been more than obvious to you."

The wizard exhaled deeply and hung his head.

"It may have slipped your mind, Severus, because she has been dealing extraordinarily well while under unbelievable pressures, but beneath all of that… beneath all of those protective walls you've helped her build, she's still a seventeen-year-old girl scared out of her wits." The Deputy Headmistress took in a long breath and shook her head. "She would be self-conscious enough without all of the trials she's facing, but as it is… I honestly don't know how she manages to keep herself so well composed."

"Nor do I," he mumbled.

McGonagall eyed him for a moment before perching against her desk. "Look, I told you several months ago that you must not forget that you are the only man she will ever know. At the same time, though, she has undoubtedly recognized that the same cannot be said about you regarding her. You have experiences – and a certain sense of freedom – that has been denied her, and beyond all of that, she has expressed to both of us that she has feelings of inadequacies where you're concerned."

"She and I have discussed that, and I've explained –"

"It doesn't matter," she interrupted. "You may think everything between the two of you is fine and dandy, but I can guarantee that the moment she caught sight of you chatting up another witch – an older, more experienced witch – she began to have doubts. I don't need to be a Legilimens to understand the female brain."

"I assure you: Legilimency does not help in that regard," the man sighed.

Minerva fixed him with a dark glare and folded her arms. "I understand that you and Remus have a complicated history –"

He snorted disdainfully.

"—but you cannot let that cloud your judgment. I know I don't need to remind you we're at war, but do try to remember you're on the same side. I can't stop you from bickering or making snide comments, but the juvenile antics need to stop. The two of you are nearly forty. It's time to grow up! Your lives could very well depend on each other!"

Severus sighed, but sat up straight and focused his attentions on removing the silencing charm from their mental connection.

"Do you hear me?" the Gryffindor Head queried.

"Yes," he snapped.

'…don't know what he was doing, so just stop it! It's probably nothing… but then Remus said – No! Stop this, Granger. Just stop thinking about it. It isn't important, so…'

"Severus Snape."

The man opened his eyes and found his colleague watching him intently.

"You have half an hour or so before you're expected in your classroom," she explained. "Find her and apologize. It will mean far more to her if you do it in person instead of through whatever psychic thing you have."

With a nod, he rose from his seat and slipped out of her office. He kept the connection open just long enough to establish Hermione's location, and then quickly set off in the direction of the library. After giving a muffled word of greeting to Madam Pince, he walked to the farthest corner of the stacks where he knew she was hiding. He paused just long enough to cast a Notice-Me-Not charm, a misdirection spell, and a Muffliato before stepping fully into her line of sight.

"Miss Granger."

Her eyes slowly rose from the book lying on the table. "Professor?"

"I believe that you and I need to have a conversation."

Hermione narrowed her eyes and sat back in her chair. "Regarding?"

The wizard inhaled uncomfortably and crossed his arms. "An unfortunate misunderstanding… which is entirely my fault. I… about Miss Tonks…"

"So there is something," she muttered, standing up from her chair to return a book to the shelf behind her.

"No!" he exclaimed while rounding the table to reach her. "Despite what it may have looked like, I have no… connections with Miss Tonks. We were merely… torturing Lupin."

The girl glanced over her shoulder at him. "What?"

"Her words, I assure you," Severus stated. "Though, I did appreciate the sentiment."

"What do you mean torturing him?" she asked, staring at him in confusion.

He let out a shuddering sigh and leaned against the bookcase. "It appears Miss Tonks has abandoned all the sense she was given and has set her cap at a werewolf who is too stupid to realize what's in front of him."

Hermione tilted her head. "She's trying to make him jealous so he'll admit he fancies her?"

He gave a distressed grunt.

"And you're helping her?" she exclaimed in surprise. "You?"

A small smirk appeared on his face as he rolled his shoulders. "It was an opportunity to torture Lupin."

The witch snorted under her breath. "Well, that I can believe."

Snape turned slightly to watch as she re-shelved her book. He found it reassuring that she had visibly relaxed since he had first come upon her.

Clearing her throat, Hermione looked up at him once more. "So you and Tonks aren't sleeping together, then?"

"Christ, no," he replied, rubbing his face. "Merlin, even if I found her remotely attractive… when would I ever have the bloody time!?"

Raising one eyebrow, she folded her arms. "She is a Metamorphagus, you know. She could look like anything you wanted."

The man sighed. "Yes, but she's still a Hufflepuff. That cannot be altered."

The girl giggled as she placed her hands behind her back and leaned against the bookshelf. "I'm a Gryffindor."

"Of that, I am fully aware," he muttered with a roll of his eyes.

"Not worse than a Hufflepuff?"

"You? No."

She quirked a half smile. "Why did you come here?"

"I regret having not better considered the venue and the consequences of my actions," Severus explained. "It was… brought to my attention that you were upset, and I apologize for that."

"Oh," Hermione mumbled, flicking her gaze to the floor. "Erm, who… "

"Minerva was concerned. She said that you were in tears, and –"

"I wasn't in tears," she gasped, shaking her head. "I mean, I almost… I wanted to cry, but I didn't."

Minerva, exaggerating to make me feel guiltier? Of course she was. The wizard exhaled loudly. "Nevertheless, I apologize."

"Thank you. I… I feel rather silly now. It's just… "

When she trailed off with a shrug, he tilted her chin up with a finger. "Hermione, I swear to you: I am attracted to no one else. I have only been with you in the past year, and it shall remain that way."

"Just me?" she whispered.

"Just you," he confirmed. There was a slight flutter in his chest as he noticed the genuine smile that spread across her face. Without bothering to think, the wizard leaned down and gently pressed his lips against hers.

"Mmph," the girl grunted, pulling away to glance wide-eyed about the library and then up at him. "Severus! What if somebody comes –"

"They'll suddenly find themselves on the other side of the library, staring at a book on venereal diseases," he interrupted.

"Gods, don't remind me," she groaned. "Madam Pomfrey plans on covering those next week."

"Lucky you."

"Mmm-not really," Hermione giggled, resting one hand on his chest. She did not protest when he kissed her again, but instead opened her mouth to him. She let out an audible gasp when he pressed her into the bookcase and slipped his fingers into her hair. Though she fully trusted his charms would prevent them from being discovered, it still felt as though they could be spotted at any moment – snogging in the stacks, in broad daylight, during a school day.

She gave a sudden cry and pulled away once more. "Severus! You have class!"

"Shite," he grimaced, removing his hands from her and retreating a few steps. He ran a hand through his hair before straightening his robes. "Frankly, I'd rather avoid them. Half of them are panicking for their NEWTS, and the other half should be."

"You're going to be late."

Nodding, the wizard turned to leave. "Perhaps I'll catch McLaggen with his robes unfastened."

Hermione laughed and sank back against the books. She began to smooth out the front of her robes, but startled slightly when the man unexpectedly returned. "Sir?"

"That book, Granger," he said, eyes glinting, "the one on wandlore – can you show it to me quickly?"

"Yeah," she replied slowly. "Why?"

"I have an idea."

XxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxX

"Severus, my dear boy!" Albus smiled. "So good of you to visit. I was growing weary of the conversations in my head."

"You look as though you're feeling better," the Slytherin murmured, noting how the man had propped himself up against his pillows.

"Yes, I find myself much improved. Poppy has even agreed to release me from my restrictions starting tomorrow afternoon. I look forward to seeing the students once again."

"Whatever for?" Snape scoffed.

The Headmaster chuckled softly. "Minerva shall still run the staff meeting, but I shall return to preside over tomorrow's evening meal."

"I see."

"Did you stop by for a reason? A concern about the young Mr. Malfoy, perhaps?"

"Not really, no," Severus murmured. "Though, I cannot imagine he'll be terribly excited to see your shining face at the Head Table."

"I am certain not," the elder agreed. "Do you feel he may be in jeopardy?"

"Of course he is. We're all in bloody jeopardy," the spy sneered. "It is entirely possible that Narcissa Malfoy may not live to see Sunday morning, but I believe that I have done all that I can to prevent that outcome."

Dumbledore pinched his lips together and then cleared his throat. "I do not mean to be a bother..."

Hook. Line. Sinker. The Potions Master grinned inwardly, though he maintained a neutral expression.

"…but could I see your last summoning? Perhaps there may be something you missed. A second pair of eyes –"

"Of course, Headmaster," he interrupted, fighting the urge to roll his eyes at the familiar statement. Without waiting for instruction, he turned on his heel and made his way back down to the Headmaster's Office in order to retrieve the Pensieve. Upon his return, he placed the viewing bowl on the bed and then began the process of removing a copy of his memory – very slightly altered – to deposit in the bowl.

As Dumbledore entered the Pensieve, Snape crossed his arms behind his back and strode over toward the window. He had known that the Headmaster would eventually want to see the memories, and so he had taken the opportunity to enhance them in such a way as to convince Dumbledore that the Dark Lord was researching wands. It was not a full guarantee, but he was relatively certain that the elder wizard would notice the worn, purple book sitting upside down upon the armrest of the Dark Lord's chair.

It had taken the better part of the day to manufacture the image in such a way that the copy of the book Hermione had been reading was conspicuous enough for the Headmaster's eagle eyes, but only just so.

"Severus," Albus stated upon returning to the present, "thank you."

"Of course," the Slytherin nodded, eyeing him carefully.

The Headmaster appeared somewhat paler than before and the steely gaze in his eyes indicated that he was thinking through something. Coughing quietly, he leaned back against his pillows. "I find myself quite tired now. Thank you for stopping, Severus. I shall see you tomorrow."

With a nod, the dark-haired man swept out of the room, through the office, and down the spiral staircase. Once he was past the gargoyle, he briefly allowed himself a grin for he damn well knew that Dumbledore had not dismissed him in order to rest, but rather to scheme.

"Severus."

Snape arched an eyebrow at Lupin's clipped greeting as he passed by him in the corridor. He continued walking, however, until Minerva's words began to ring in his head. Pausing mid-step, he turned around and cleared his throat. "Lupin."

Halting suddenly, the werewolf slowly turned to look at him. "Yes?"

"About Miss Tonks…"

A scowl settled onto the man's face.

The Slytherin sighed dramatically and folded his arms. "You should probably know that she and I are not actually involved in any relationship beyond that of occasional colleagues."

"What?"

Rolling his eyes, Severus strode towards him. "Miss Tonks is currently suffering under the delusion that she fancies you, and was merely attempting to make you jealous enough to actually do something about it."

The werewolf's mouth hung open, and his eyes flicked around the darkened corridor as if he might find answers hidden amongst the shadows. "And you were, what, helping her with that?"

"Who be I to turn down an opportunity to rankle your cage?" the man asked with a shrug.

"I can believe that, at least." Remus rubbed his face and shook his head. After a moment, he adjusted his stance and narrowed his eyes. "So you and she never…"

Potter and I aren't the only ones apparently sharing a brain. He snorted under his breath before shaking his head. "Never. Last night, Miss Tonks was on duty, and before that, she spent an hour and a half assisting me with Miss Granger's instruction. I assure you that nothing untoward occurred between Nymphadora and myself, last night or any time prior."

The Defense instructor sagged in relief. "Merlin. She was just… Wait. Why are you telling me this?"

"Minerva deemed it necessary to instruct me on suitable Head Table behavior," he muttered, glaring at the floor.

"Gave you a bollocking, did she?" Lupin smirked.

"One could say that."

A handful of seconds passed in uncomfortable silence. As Snape made to turn away, the other man cleared his throat. "I only turned her down because… well, I don't think she ought to be involved… I –"

"Forgive me for interrupting," the Slytherin murmured, "but I truly have no interest in your love life. I assure you, dispensing relationship advice is not a hobby of mine."

Remus grimaced as he watched the spy pivot away. "Good night, Severus."

Slowing his gait momentarily, Snape tilted his head. "Good night."

XxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxX

"Hermione, you're here rather early."

The witch swallowed a bite of food as she looked up to see her friends filing in to take their seats at the Gryffindor table. "I have a lot of brewing to do tonight, so I wanted to start early."

"Ah," Ginny murmured, giving a weak smile to Dean as he strode past them to sit with Seamus and some of the seventh years.

"Has Madam Pomfrey said anything about Dumbledore?" Harry asked in a low voice.

Hermione hesitated slightly as she considered her response. The matron nurse had not discussed anything with her, though Snape had communicated with her that the Headmaster would be returning to his post that evening. Truly, that was why she had decided to come to supper ahead of everyone else. While she knew the majority of students would be pleased by the wizard's return, she had a sinking feeling about Draco. Severus had to pretend that he knew nothing of Dumbledore's condition, so it was too dangerous to give Draco advanced warning. He would discover his failure shortly, and she wanted to be ready to react if things went poorly.

"Well, she hasn't said anything," the girl shrugged, "but she has seemed to be in good spirits the last few days."

"That must be a good sign, right?"

She opened her mouth to speak, but was prevented from doing so as a loud cheer sounded. Raising her eyes to the front of the Great Hall, she smiled at seeing Dumbledore making his way to his seat ahead of McGonagall. As the Headmaster gave a little wave to the student body, she quickly glanced toward Slytherin table, but found no trace of the Malfoy heir.

"He's back, Harry!" Ron exclaimed, patting his friend on the shoulder. "He's back!"

They, along with a number of other Gryffindor students, rose from their seats to continue their applause, and Hermione followed suit. Her eyes continued to sweep the room, meeting Snape's gaze briefly, before settling in the direction of the main entrance.

"Tut, tut!" Dumbledore stated loudly with a smile. "Mustn't let supper grow cold!"

Students chuckled as they made motions to return to their seats. Having caught sight of a flash of pale blonde hair through the doorway, however, Hermione bid good-bye to her friends and tried to exit the Hall as inconspicuously as possible. Once free of their sight, she looked in both directions before following the echoes of footsteps on the staircase.

Hoping not to get too far behind him, the witch broke into a run. She nearly fell after tripping over a moving step, but caught hold of the banister in time. Spotting sight of the boy a flight above her, she renewed her speed and tore up the stairs. She had begun to ascend another staircase, but realized that he had fled down the corridor instead. Cursing under her breath, she turned back around and sprinted after him, rounding a corner in time to see him disappear through a door.

Hermione slowed to a more respectable pace before pushing open the door to reveal a boys' lavatory. As the door swung shut behind her, she looked to her left to see Draco hunched over one of the sinks. His knuckles had gone white with the force he used to grip the edge of the porcelain basin.

Uncertain as what to say, she took a hesitant step forward. When he suddenly swung around with his wand extended, she automatically drew hers. His face bore a nasty scowl, and his hand shook slightly as he kept his wand trained on her chest.

"Well," she mumbled, "are you going to hex me, or not?"

He stared at her in silence with a hard look in his eyes for several long seconds before dropping his hands to his sides. Appearing to crumple in on himself, he sagged back against the sink and pressed the butt of his hands into his eyes. "He's going to kill her."

Swallowing heavily, the girl turned to cast a locking ward upon the door along with a Muffliato. Having finished that, she cautiously crept toward him. "You don't know that."

"I do!" he shrieked, dropping his hands again. "I fucking do!"

"Draco –"

"He fucking told me that if Dumbledore lives, she dies… and he looked pretty fucking alive to me!" Malfoy hissed, gesturing angrily towards the door.

Hermione took in a deep breath and held up her hands in what she hoped was a non-threatening manner. "It's not the end of the year, though. You still have months before –"

"I'm not going to get anywhere near him now, am I?" he shouted, shaking his head. "He knows that, and he'll… Oh, gods! It's all my fault! I was so stupid! So fucking stupid to trust her!"

The witch jumped when he suddenly slammed his fist into a mirror. Seeing the blood dripping down his hands as he continued to punch the glass, she rushed forward and threw her arms about his torso. She could feel him struggling – whether against her or himself, she could not be sure – but she solely focused upon pulling him away from the broken mirror.

Eventually, he gave way with a giant sob, causing them both to sink down to the floor. His entire body shook with his weeping, and Hermione could not keep herself from tearing up in empathy. Though he leaned away from her, she tightened her grip against his chest and gently rested her cheek against his back.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, pulling away from her. He pressed his forehead against the stone floor and covered his head with his hands. "I'm so sorry, Mummy. It's all my fault… all my fault… sorry…"

Tears streamed down the girl's face as she watched and listened to him grieve. She remembered collapsing into a similar position several months prior and knew exactly the amount of pain he was enduring. Wishing to comfort him somehow, she placed her left hand against his back and slowly stroked along his spine.

'Granger?'

She took in a sudden breath at the voice. 'Severus! What do I do?'

'I do not know, but… it would probably be best if you could keep him hidden while I'm away.'

'Away? Where are you going?'

'I have to report it.'

She grimaced and covered her face with her right hand. 'Please be careful.'

'I will try.'

Hermione inhaled deeply before squeezing the boy's shoulder. "Professor Snape has gone to him. He's going to do what he said."

Draco snorted disdainfully through his tears and began to fist his hands in his hair.

"Give him a chance," she whispered, resuming her attempts at soothing him. "He'll do everything he can."

XxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxX

As he waited for the response to his request for summons, Severus closed his eyes and took in a steadying breath. He was relatively certain that he could hang Bellatrix with her own rope, but there was always uncertainty when the Dark Lord was involved. He could still order Narcissa's execution if he so chose.

The familiar burn flared on his forearm, and the wizard calmly pressed the tip of his wand to the Dark Mark, disappearing in a swirl of black smoke.

"Severus," Voldemort cooed from his chair. "You have news?"

Donning an expression of regret, the newcomer dropped to his knees and ducked his head. "My Lord, I apologize to inform you that Dumbledore has managed to survive his –"

"What?" Bellatrix howled, launching from where she had been perched on the Dark Lord's armrest.

"Silence, Bella," the tyrant hissed while slowly standing from his chair. "Severus, rise."

Snape did as commanded and did not flinch when the harsh, red eyes bore into his own. He pushed his fabricated memories to the front of his mind in preparation for an entry, which never came. Instead, the reptilian wizard swung away to face the small crowd gathered in the parlor.

"Dumbledore lives," Voldemort exclaimed almost pleasantly, spreading his arms wide. His countenance suddenly became horrifically dark as he shouted, "The old fool lives!"

The Lestrange brothers jumped, as did Narcissa. Lucius merely closed his eyes in despair while Bellatrix leveled hers accusingly at Snape.

"This is your fault!" she hissed. "You did something!"

"A heavy accusation you levy, Bella," the Dark Lord murmured, returning his gaze to the Potions Master. "And how do you respond?"

"I did nothing, my Lord," Severus stated calmly. "The Headmaster was under constant surveillance by the Aurors, and I was not to be allowed entrance to his quarters as per Mad-Eye Moody's instructions. No word was spoken of his condition beyond those walls until he appeared at this evening's meal. I did not wish to jeopardize –"

"Of course not," Voldemort interrupted.

"But Angel's Trumpet is lethal!" Bella argued. "He shouldn't have survived unless someone interfered."

"Severus?"

The professor cleared his throat. "I was informed by one of the Aurors responsible for compiling the report that the poison was not in great enough concentration to cause death in someone who has developed tolerance to –"

"Bullshit!" Bellatrix hissed, striding forward with her eyes blazing. "I was assured that the poison was of lethal concentration! I tested it myself!"

Snape huffed in annoyance as she pushed her bony finger into his chest. "And exactly what sort of stringent test did you run?"

"I fed it to one of the children!"

His stomach twisted violently for he had not known that any of the Jiggers children were missing.

"It was strong enough that the little brat succumbed to symptoms within two days!" she screeched.

"And where is this dead child?" Voldemort asked.

Bellatrix shrugged casually. "I had no use for her corpse. I gave it to Greyback."

Severus forced down the bile rising in his throat and ground out his question. "You are absolutely certain the child was deceased? Lesser doses of Angel's Trumpet can cause prolonged unconsciousness."

The witch raised her chin haughtily and looked away. "Well, Greyback certainly claimed she was dead."

You heartless bitch! The Potions Master balled one hand into a fist and pressed it into his side. "You thought that a child would serve as an adequate measure of the effect of the poison against a full-grown, powerful wizard?"

"Well—"

"And did you account for the fact that the poison would need to be diluted in either food or drink?" he pressed.

Bellatrix fell silent as she twirled away, only to be caught by the arm by her husband at the silent instruction of their Master.

"Severus," Voldemort stated coldly, "since you are an expert in poisons, why did you not verify the lethality of the draught yourself?"

Hearing the muffled giggle of the deranged witch, Snape drew in a steadying breath and hoped that Draco would escape blame. "As I am certain your Lordship is aware, the boy did not come to me for any advice or assistance prior to acting. I did take the liberty of consulting with him after being made of his involvement so as to ensure that no evidence remained in the castle. I was informed by the young Malfoy that he was explicitly instructed not to approach me… as you did not wish it."

"Instructed by whom?" the tyrant snarled.

The spy did not verbalize his accusation, but tilted his head and pointed his gaze at Bellatrix. Following his eyes, Voldemort hissed under his breath and immediately stalked across the room to seize the offending witch by the throat.

"Is what he says true, Bella?"

"N-n-n…"

He tightened his grip. "You didn't advise your nephew against consulting the most knowledgeable potioneer in my employ?"

"I… I… d-don't t-trust h-him, m-my L-lord"

Growling in disgust, Voldemort threw her to the ground and cast the Cruciatus. "YOU could have cost me Dumbledore's DEATH!"

Snape averted his eyes as the witch screamed and thrashed upon the ground. He instead looked past the Dark Lord's shoulder to see that Narcissa stood steady, though she bore an unmistakable look of fear. He stared at her until her blue eyes met his, and then gave her the smallest of nods. A tear trickled down her cheek, and she pressed a hand against her stomach, but she returned the action before dropping her gaze to the floor.

Eventually, the tyrant let up his assault and stumbled backwards from the twitching witch. Collapsing into his chair, he raised his head to look at his spy. "Severus… I expect you will inform… the young Master Malfoy that he is to seek your guidance in his task. Should another failure arise, you will both pay for my displeasure!"

"Yes, my Lord," he nodded.

"Get out of my sight," Voldemort demanded, resting his head in one of his hands. "All of you! GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!"

Immediately, the small crowd jerked to attention and headed toward the nearest exit. Severus briefly glanced behind him to see Rodolphus dragging his wife from the room by her ankles, and could not fight the smug upturn of his lips. Once they were all free of the parlor, the doors slammed shut behind them.

As he turned to leave, the professor felt something pressed into his palm, and he looked up to see Narcissa beside him. He enclosed his hand around the note, and she pulled away after mouthing a silent word of gratitude to follow her husband up the staircase.

XxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxX

Closing her eyes, Hermione leaned her head against the stone wall of the bathroom and said another prayer for the continued safety of both Severus and Narcissa Malfoy. Upon finishing, she looked again to the boy who was sniffling beside her. After he had cried himself dry, she had healed his torn hands and cleaned away the broken glass. For what seemed like hours since then, they had sat shoulder to shoulder upon the floor, waiting for any news.

"How is your hand?" she whispered.

"Fine," Draco grimaced.

The witch eyed him carefully before shifting slightly to relieve the numbness in her hip. "You look like you're in pain."

"It isn't my hand," he muttered, clutching his left arm to his stomach.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Do you have any of the salve with you?"

After a moment, he nodded and dug into one of his pockets to produce the tin. His hands were shaking terribly, however, and he could not manage to pry it open. Gasping in frustration, he threw it across the room and buried his face in his hands.

Hermione waited a few seconds before summoning the tin back to her and opened it with relative ease. Scooping out a glob of the orange ointment, she cleared her throat. "Hold out your arm."

"What?" the boy snapped, glancing at her from beneath his thumb. Realizing what she meant, he begrudgingly undid his cuffs and rolled back his sleeves enough to bare the inflamed Mark.

Without wincing at the sight of it, she began dabbing the salve onto his arm and then gently smoothed it into the angry flesh. Once she had finished covering the wound, she wiped her hands on her jeans and closed up the tin.

"Thanks," Malfoy muttered as he took the tin from her and shoved it back into his robes. After pulling down his sleeve, he fished out a crumpled piece of parchment and then took great care in straightening out its creases.

The witch kept silent for a while as she watched him, but frowned when noticing his lip beginning to tremble. "What is that?"

Draco briefly glared at her and then returned his eyes to the paper. Another minute passed before he replied, "A letter… from my mother."

"Oh."

Eventually the boy sighed and held it out to her. Hermione stared at him in surprise and cautiously accepted the parchment. As she moved to read it, he wrapped his arms about his shins and buried his face against his knees.

My darling baby boy,

I have made many mistakes in my life, but you, my child, are my greatest accomplishment. Despite what anyone says to the contrary – for no one can know you as I do – you are an intelligent, compassionate, resilient soul. You have always been the brightest joy in my life, and no matter what you do or choose, your light will never diminish in my eyes.

Dark times and trials are upon us, my son, but I ask that you never give up hope. I will do everything I possibly can to keep you safe. I would give my last breath to see you happy, and I would suffer every pain imaginable just to spare you one. If I should die tomorrow, know that I will always be with you. You will never be alone. You must trust in that.

Words could never express how deeply my love for you runs, Draco. I could write of it every minute for the remainder of my life, and it would not capture the extent of it. If I can leave you with nothing else on this earth, then at least you shall know you are loved.

I am, and will always be, proud of you.

With all my heart,

Narcissa Kerensa Malfoy

Hermione wiped tears from her eyes as she returned the letter. "She really loves you."

He nodded slowly and stretched out his legs. After reading through it once more, he ran his thumb across his mother's signature. "The night I was… Marked… afterwards, she took me upstairs to her rooms… it hurt so much, I don't remember everything, but I remember her slapping my father, screaming at him… She threw him out of her rooms, and she… h-held me f-for hours."

Closing her eyes, the witch instinctively slipped her hand into his.

"I couldn't sleep because of the pain," he continued, "so she sat up with me all night, re-applying wraps of murtlap every so often just so… so I could sleep. She's done that every night I've been home."

"Wow," Hermione whispered, squeezing his hand. "She sounds like an amazing person."

Draco nodded as tears again dripped down his cheeks. "I don't want her to die."

"She's going to be okay," the girl reassured. "You just have to have faith. She'll be alright. Severus is doing everything he can to protect her."

"Has he said anything?"

She shook her head. "It's… it's rather distracting having the connection between us. He needs to be able to concentrate as much as possible, so I know he must have it silenced until it's safer."

The boy sniffed loudly, pulling his hand away from her to wipe his face. "How distracting?"

"Well, I only hear what he wants me to hear, but he can hear every thought I have."

"Fucking hell," Draco groaned. "Talk about torture."

The witch snorted and returned her hand to her lap. "Right. Because I'm sure your head would be a walk in the park."

"You trust him?" he asked suddenly. "I mean, not just because he told you to, but because you really do?"

Hermione nodded her head against the wall. "Yeah, I really do."

"More than you do Potter?"

Her eyes widened as she considered the question. "Honestly?"

"No, I asked because I wanted you to lie, Granger."

"Just checking," she smirked before letting out a sigh. "Honestly, yes. I trust him more than Harry."

Malfoy snorted in shock. "Well, fuck."

The witch giggled, but froze when she heard Snape's voice in her head. 'Severus, are you alright?'

'I am fine.'

'And Narcissa?'

'She is unharmed. Everything went according to plan. Is Draco still with you?'

'He is here, yes.'

'Please tell him that the fault was placed with his aunt. He has been given another chance, but I shall need to speak with him before he does anything.'

'Tonight?'

'No. I must report to Dumbledore. I shall send word to him when I am ready.'

Hermione gasped in relief and covered her face. 'I'm so glad you're alright.'

'As am I. I shall speak with you when I can.'

"Okay," she replied aloud.

Draco's eyes snapped to her face and he immediately grabbed her by the shoulders. "You're speaking with him? What is it? What happened?"

The witch met his panicked questions with a reassuring smile. "They're alright! She wasn't harmed! He's given you another chance!"

"Oh my gods," he whispered, collapsing back to the floor in relief. "My mother is safe?"

"Yes," she nodded. "Bellatrix took the blame."

The pureblood blew out a deep breath and picked himself up from the floor. He walked over to the sink and turned on the faucet.

"Professor Snape asks that you not do anything until he has a chance to speak with you," she added while standing up from the floor. "He'll send word for you."

"Yes, fine."

As he washed his face with cold water, Hermione gently placed her hand on his shoulder. "I really am glad that she's okay."

With that, she made her way toward the exit.

"Good night, Granger."

A smile spread across her face in response to his muffled word of farewell. "Good night, Draco."

Leaving the Slytherin prefect to put himself back together, the witch cancelled the charms she had cast on the door. She slipped out into the corridor only to startle at the sight of Ron and Harry standing with their wands drawn.

"Hermione!" Ron shouted. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine," she replied. Feeling incredibly uneasy about the upcoming situation, she swiftly sent a mental Patronus and hoped Snape was not already too involved with the Headmaster to advise her. "What –"

Her words died in her throat when Harry seized her arm and attempted to yank her to the side. She pulled out of his grasp, however, and determinedly placed herself in front of the door.

'What's wrong?'

"What are you doing with him?" Harry snapped.

"What?" she gasped. "Who?"

"Don't play dumb, Hermione!" he growled. "Malfoy! You've been in there with Draco fucking Malfoy for god only knows how long!"

'Fucking hell!'

'I don't know how to explain!'

'That idiot boy is going to be the death of me.'

"Harry –"

"What are you doing with him, Hermione?" he repeated angrily.

The witch bit down on her bottom lip as she flicked her eyes between an irate Harry and a thoroughly confused Ronald. 'Severus! How do I handle this?'

'If the Dark Lord sees or hears any of this, we can explain it as the cover story it is.'

'Okay.'

'We can deal with the outcome. Whatever happens.'

Okay, okay.'

"Tell me!"

The door behind her suddenly opened to reveal a moderately disheveled Draco. His eyes initially widened at the sight before him, and he was about to sneer when Hermione quickly grabbed hold of his arm. She all but pushed him down the hallway, shouting, "Not now! Just go!"

Malfoy stared at her with an uncertain expression, but finally relented and quickly walked away. Catching sight of motion in her peripheral vision, Hermione immediately drew her wand and cast a partner shield on the blonde just in time to block a hex. Before anyone else could react, she turned back to face Harry and disarmed him.

"Leave!" she screeched at Draco when he spun around with his wand drawn.

As he did as she instructed, she grabbed hold of Harry's robes and dragged him into the boys' lavatory. She gestured angrily to the dumbfounded redhead to join them, and then slammed the door shut behind him.

"Hexing an unarmed student in the back?" the girl hissed, throwing Harry's wand across the room.

"Drop the prefect act, Hermione!"

"The prefect act? Here I thought I was just being a decent human being!"

Ron cleared his throat as he glanced between his two angry friends. "Mione, we went to the infirmary to see you, but when you weren't there, we checked the map. We saw you together and thought he was hurting you!"

"Well, he wasn't," the witch snapped. "Draco and I are friends."

"Friends?" Harry spit. "How the hell can you and that fucking ferret be friends?"

"The same way that you and I could be friends!"

"Hardly! Have you forgotten everything he's done to you?" he hissed. "Everything he's said about you?"

"Oh, because you and Ronald are perfectly innocent in that regard?" she growled, folding her arms to her chest. "Please! The two of you have treated me like shit plenty of times, and I'm still friends with you!"

Ron winced and dropped his gaze to the floor, but Harry's scowl only deepened. "He's the enemy, Hermione!"

"No, he isn't! The world isn't black and white!"

"He's a fucking Death Eater!"

Hermione shook her head angrily. "He doesn't want to be one!"

"Oh, is that what he told you?" the boy scoffed. "And you believed him?"

"I'm not an idiot, Harry! He doesn't need to tell me for me to see something! I know him far better than you do!"

"Oh, you know him? You do recall that his dear, old daddy is a –"

"And yours was a malicious, arrogant bully! Shall I judge you accordingly?"

His face twisted into a sneer. "Is that what your new pal Snape told you?"

"No!" she argued. "That's what you told me!"

The sudden stillness of the room was punctuated only by their heavy breathing. Finally, Harry dropped his voice to a more appropriate level. "You can't possibly trust him."

"I do," she stated confidently.

"How could you?" Harry protested. "How could you possibly trust him? How can you not see that he's using you?"

"He isn't!"

"He has to be!"

Her glare was dark as she ground out, "No."

"Hermione, he nearly drowned you last term."

"The five of you nearly drowned me," she corrected, "but he didn't… intend to nearly kill me. He apologized for it, and… we understand each other. He trusts me, and so I trust him."

"If you trust him so much… if you're friends," Harry sneered, "how come you didn't know who he was meeting before the murders?"

Hermione drew in a sharp breath and fixed him with a cold stare.

Ron's eyes were wide as he stepped forward. "You do know, don't you? It was you. You were the one he met. Remus was right, wasn't he?"

Harry's expression morphed into one of disgust and shock. "Hermione!"

Tears formed in her eyes as she felt their revulsion increase.

"Oh shite," Weasley gasped, coming to a sudden realization. "I called you an ugly tramp. I didn't mean that!"

Ignoring his friend's comments, the other boy spoke. "So he's not exactly a friend, now is he?"

"Harry, don't –"

"I can't believe you! I defended you to Remus because I didn't think you could ever sink that low, but I guess I was wrong. Remus had you pegged all along, but he was just mistaken as to which Death Eater you were fucking!"

"Stop it!"

"But you've denied it! Hid it from everyone… so how can I even know that this isn't just him playing you? How can I know that he isn't the one who –"

Without thinking, she slapped him across the face and then held up her finger in warning. "One more word about that, Harry James Potter, and I will never speak to you again."

"Who says that would be a bad thing?" he spat.

Swallowing back a sob, Hermione turned to flee, but was prevented from doing so when Ron grabbed hold of her wrist.

"Harry!" he exclaimed in disbelief. "She's Hermione! She's our friend."

"She used to be."

The girl inhaled shakily and tried to extricate her hand. "Don't bother, Ronald. He doesn't want to hear it."

"Well, he's going to hear it!" the redhead argued. "I just fixed things with you, and I'm not going to let him tear it apart again!"

She looked at him in suspicion. "What? You're not going to jump on me about becoming a traitor?"

Ron sighed deeply, and his shoulders sagged. "I don't like you spending time with the ferret. I don't trust him… but I trust you, Hermione. You forgave me for treating you like shite, and you're my friend. Look, I don't know what Harry's talking about, but you're the smartest person I know. You're always right, so if you don't think Malfoy is playing you, then I think I ought to believe you."

As Hermione continued to stare at him in surprise, Harry's jaw dropped. "Ron, are you honestly taking her side? This is Malfoy we're talking about!"

"Yes, I am," he nodded. "Because it's Hermione we're talking about, and she's always had our back even when we completely fuck things up. Think about everything she's done for us… for you."

Feeling exceptionally grateful to him for offering support, she tightened her hold on Ron and then returned her gaze to Harry. "Whether or not you care, I have been doing everything I can to help you. Yes, I want to help Draco as well, but you are my priority. And, for your information, I haven't hidden it from everyone."

The boy narrowed his eyes. "Who knows?"

"Remus, for one," she intoned haughtily. "As well as Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Tonks, Kingsley, and Professor Snape."

Harry snorted under his breath. "Oh, I'm sure Snape is over the moon about that."

"Actually, he tried to convince me to break up with him," Hermione explained. "And I did, for a while, but… I could see that he needed someone, and no one else cared to be there. Professor Snape isn't exactly thrilled about it, but he's keeping our secret. They all are… because if it gets out that Draco and I are seeing each other, they'll kill him. As much as you dislike Draco, you cannot tell me that he deserves death."

The dark-haired wizard only squared his jaw.

"You don't mean that," she whispered. When he said nothing to either confirm or deny it, she closed her eyes and shook her head. "Thanks anyway, Ron."

"Hermione, don't –"

"I'll just…" She pulled her hand out of his and began to back away. "I'll see you later."

"Hermione!"

Ignoring Ron's attempts to call her back, the girl rushed out of the room.