The barn was quiet save for the occasional creak of the old wooden beams and the soft rustling of the wind outside. Everyone had settled into their makeshift sleeping arrangements, but Hermione was still wide awake. Her mind buzzed with plans, strategies, and an undercurrent of worry she couldn't shake.

She turned her head slightly, noticing that Draco was also awake, sitting near the entrance with his back against the wall, his wand loosely held in his hand. He seemed lost in thought, his normally sharp features softened in the dim firelight.

Hermione pushed herself up and walked over, sitting beside him. He glanced at her but didn't say anything, waiting for her to speak first.

"I keep thinking about the sword," Hermione said quietly. "How do we even begin to find it? It could be anywhere."

Draco nodded slowly. "It's not going to be easy. But we've faced worse." He gave her a small, wry smile. "Besides, if anyone can figure it out, it's you."

Hermione felt a flush rise to her cheeks but ignored it. "Thanks," she murmured. "But I can't do this alone."

"You're not alone," Draco said firmly. "You have us."

Hermione looked at him, really looked at him, and saw the truth in his eyes. Whatever their past had been, it didn't matter now. They were in this together, and Draco was just as committed to the fight as she was.

"I'm glad you're here," she admitted softly. "All of you. I don't think we'd have made it this far without you."

Draco's expression softened further, and for a moment, the weight of the war seemed to lift, just a little. "We're glad we're here too," he said, his voice low but sincere. "Even if we had to put up with Weasley's constant glares."

Hermione couldn't help but laugh quietly. "He'll come around. Eventually."

"Better be sooner rather than later," Draco muttered, though his tone was more amused than annoyed.

The next morning, the group gathered around a makeshift map Harry had conjured, discussing their next steps. They agreed that finding the Sword of Gryffindor was their top priority, but they needed more information about where it might be.

"We can't go back to Hogwarts," Harry said, frowning. "Not yet. It's too dangerous."

"But the sword was last seen there," Hermione pointed out. "It's possible the Headmaster—or Snape—might have hidden it somewhere."

"Snape," Ron spat the name like it was poison. "He's probably handed it straight to You-Know-Who."

"Or he's hidden it," Theo interjected calmly. "Snape's always been one for secrets."

"Then we need to figure out where he might have hidden it," Pansy said. "We can't just wander around hoping we'll stumble across it."

Harry looked thoughtful. "Dumbledore must have left some clue about where the sword could be. Maybe there's something in the places he frequented."

"Or," Draco added, "we could use someone who knows how Snape thinks."

Hermione caught on immediately. "Someone like Slughorn."

Harry nodded. "It's worth a shot."

"Great," Ron said, rolling his eyes. "Another Slytherin."

"At least this one has a penchant for collecting things," Blaise remarked dryly. "He might be useful."