Eyes Wide Open - Sa16+
 

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e2...-Wide-Open.jpg
Hi! This is my first ff, and I'm so nervous! This character story is about Draco Malfoy, and his life behind the doors of Malfoy Manor. It gives a glimpse into his dysfunctional relationships with an abusive father and an over-indulgent mother; we can see how his family has molded him.
The story is set in Draco's (and trio, etc.) 6th year, but he's also beginning his training during school holidays to become a Death Eater. Draco is torn between his loyalty to his family and his growing unease at joining Voldemort's followers.
His choices become more difficult when Hermione Granger is kidnapped by snatchers and brought to Malfoy Manor. Draco's encounter with Hermione opens his eyes to just how dangerous the Dark side can be, and forces him to make the most difficult decision of his life: to continue in his family's footsteps or to risk his life by walking away from it all.
I hope you enjoy it and tell me what you think! :)

Disclaimer: The characters in this story belong to the great J.K. Rowling, not me. :)


Chapter One: Always the Same

28 Dec.

Draco Malfoy was tired of it. Tired of listening to them fight downstairs; it was the same argument nearly every time.

“Stop babying that boy!” snapped Lucius. “Then stop bullying him!” shouted Narcissa.

“The boy is soft. If he is to be prepared for the destiny that awaits him, he needs to be strong, unbreakable. And you are coddling him right into failure!”

“The boy, you say- that’s right, Lucius- he is still a boy! Barely 16! I will not allow my son to be forced into a life that he’s not ready for. You push him too hard, you always have. And if you keep pushing, keep demanding too much of him, he’s going to break!”

“Exactly my point, Narcissa! He’ll break, but not because of me. It’s because you’ve made him weak! You undermine my authority at every turn. I tell him no, you find a way to say yes. I demand perfection, and you tell him he doesn’t have to try that hard. I discipline him, and you clean him up”.

“Yes, let’s talk about your ‘discipline’. (“Oh, here we go again!” growled Lucius) You know how I feel about the way you treat him. Discipline does not involve making him practice spells 8 hours a day with no break, or berating him, or beating him. It does not involve slapping him across the face anytime you don’t like what he has to say. It does not involve drawing blood from your own son!”

“I will discipline him the way I see fit until he proves he no longer needs it”, Lucius spat. “He is a Malfoy, and he will live up to Malfoy standards. He will be raised high in the service of the Dark Lord, admired and envied by those who did not have the power to achieve what he will achieve. But he must be strong enough to wield that power, and I will make sure he is prepared for it. By any means I feel are necessary”, he said coldly.

“Lucius, please! Listen to reason! If you-

Draco tuned them out, blasting the volume on the new Weird Sisters’ album. They fight about me like I’m not even here, he thought. Do they honestly think I can’t hear them? I’m so sick of this crap. He fired a well-aimed kick at his mahogany desk, cursing when he hurt his toe. He flopped onto the silk duvet on his bed, lying on his back with one arm bent over his eyes. He was getting a massive headache.

Try as he might, he couldn’t stop some of the images that invaded his mind- painful memories he wished he could forget. Like the time he was 5 and lied about breaking a vase in the house: his father had struck him hard with the back of his hand, his ring cutting open Draco’s lip; he cried when he saw the blood and ran to his mother. He could see that she was terribly angry, and at first he thought she was angry with him. “I’m-I’m s-s-sorry,” he stammered between sobs. She swept him into her arms and held him close while a house elf brought over a towel and some dittany to heal the cut. His mother stroked his soft, white-blonde hair and rocked him: “No, my darling- you haven’t done anything wrong at all. It’s okay now. Mummy will make it better, sweetheart. Let’s go out, shall we? You’ve been wanting that beginner’s potions kit- why don’t we go get it right now?” His mother always made things better.

Draco couldn’t count the times his father had hit him with that wretched cane of his. “Don’t touch that, Draco!” Whack. “What is the matter with you, boy?!” Whack. “Don’t be so stupid, Draco!” Whack. “Do it again and do it RIGHT!” Whack, whack. As the memories faded he realized he had curled up on the bed in a fetal position. Angrily he pushed himself off the bed-he wasn’t that little boy anymore. Why then in seven hells he wondered, after all his father had done, did he still try to please him?

Draco was pulled from his reverie by the sound of something breakable hitting the wall downstairs. “Which one of them’s throwing things this time?” he muttered to no one in particular. He sighed heavily and pressed his forehead to the cold glass of his windowpane. “To hell with this-I’m out of here.” He shoved the window open and donned his cloak. Grabbing his new Firebolt he climbed onto the windowsill, kicked off hard, and escaped into the night.
Chapter 2: Plans For the Night
Chapter 3: Father's Orders
Chapter 4: Aunt Bella
Chapter 5: The First Training
Chapter 6: Good Friends
Chapter 7: The End of Term
Chapter 8: Christmas
Chapter 9: The Second Training
Chapter 10: Growing Pains
Chapter 11: The Trip to Diagon Alley
Chapter 12: The Snatchers
Chapter 13: A Mother's Worst Nightmare
Chapter 14: Abducted
Chapter 15: Malfoy Manor
Chapter 16: Hermione
Chapter 17: Interrogation
Chapter 18: Fall From Grace
Chapter 19: The Ministry of Magic
Chapter 20: The Order of the Phoenix
Chapter 21: Pride and Purpose
Chapter 22: A Crack in the Wall
Chapter 23: Turning Point
Chapter 24: A Plan of Action
Chapter 25: Taking a Stand
Chapter 26: Aftermath
Chapter 27: A Way Out
Chapter 28: The Final Betrayal
Chapter 29: Escape
Chapter 30: The Road to Safety
Chapter 31: Sanctuary
Chapter 32: Actions and Reactions
Chapter 33: Taking Sides
Chapter 34: The Rise and Fall of Relationships
Chapter 35: Teenage Troubles
Chapter 36: The Rise and Fall of Relationships Part II
Chapter 37: Repurcussions

I think it is getting good.

:) hi
I really like your FF... mmm Malfoy :P
PAMS!

Thanks, Chris! It's got a loooooong way to go as far as plot, but I don't like to rush my chapters just to get to the heavy action stuff.

I'm glad you're my first reader! You rock!!!:couchbana

Thank you sooooo much! *squee*

My first PAMS is from you... I'll always remember it!

I'll post more soon- feel free to give feedback, and tell your friends to read it too.

And I totally agree....Draco is yummy. :drool:

it is getting interesting so far.

:D hehe its my pleasure!
Really good I like your new chapter... poor Draco.
I hope things get better for him.
*drumroll*........................................ .............PAMS! :P

I know, Draco's got it tough. :console:

Eventually things may get better, but not for a while. Oh, and he'll be getting less worthy of sympathy soon *heh, heh*- at least for a little bit.

BTW, your siggie is gorgeous!

Thanks for your encouragement. Will post in a day or so.

Oh, and I've gone back and added dates at the beginning of some of the chapters; soon we go back about a week before the first chapter occurrs, and I didn't want anyone to be confused! :)

Thanks, Ruby- so excited you're reading it!! :couchbana

Our poor Draco. :console: I just want to kiss him and make it all better, and hug him and squeeze him and... *shakes head, wakes from daydream*...I'm sorry, where was I? :drool:

I'll probably post the next chappie either tonight or tomorrow- hope you like it! :love:

Yay, new chapter- hope you all like it!

Chapter 4: Aunt Bella

“Are we bringing my sweet little nephew to the meeting today? Going to be one of us soon, aren’t we Draco?”

Bellatrix put her hands on either side of his face. Draco’s heart contracted tightly at the mention of exactly what it was he would soon become. “You’ll make us so proud, darling- you will do great things,” she whispered, leaning her forehead against his, her hands still holding his face. With that, she patted his cheek (a little too hard), smiled at him, and walked over to the chaise in the foyer.

He swallowed hard, not wanting to look at her forearm but grimacing as his eyes betrayed him. The Dark Mark seemed more prominent with every passing day.

“Bella! Do you mind?” snapped her sister. Bella was standing on the chaise and casting a spell on the chandelier above, making the crystals vibrate so strongly that some had begun to crack. “You’re no fun at all Cissy,” Bellatrix scowled, leaping off the chaise and pouting. She turned her attention to the elegant fountain across the hall and caused the water to swirl violently, like a liquid tornado. She cackled wildly, her eyes lighting up as water splashed across the oil paintings on the wall. Narcissa closed her eyes, barely controlling her temper. “Just clean it up, Bella.”

Draco did his best to avoid his aunt. He had no cheerful memories of her visits when he was a child. He was always scared of her; he once watched her capture a fox in the backyard, torture the wailing creature, petrify it and drown it in the pond. Just for fun. He had been only seven, but the gleeful dance she did after killing the fox made his blood run cold. And then she caught him watching; he ran for his life but she only laughed and fired a leg-locker jinx at him. He lay there on the ground, terrified, as she towered over him. “Don’t go running to tell Mummy,” she teased, “or you can be my next fox, sweetie.” She gave him a menacing glare and then a wicked smile and walked away, chuckling.

Draco still shuddered at the memory.

Since she was freed from Azkaban, she’d been a hundred times worse; she was now crazy as well as cruel. She was like a ticking time bomb, and no one knew when (or how often) she would blow up. Sometimes, when dark clouds passed over the moon, she would see visions of her captors in prison. She would scream at the moon, cowering in terror, crying “NO! Please, don’t!! Leave my soul alone!!!!” It made the hairs stand up on Draco’s neck.

Lucius appeared in the foyer, took out his wand and instantly stopped the fountain’s wild water show and dried the walls and floor. “Shall we?” he said crisply, and led Draco and Bellatrix out the door.

He grabbed Draco’s arm and they shot up into the air, leaving an ominous trail of black smoke behind them. Draco could feel the air whipping him and could see nothing but the dark wind, swirling around him like a violent tangle of black silk scarves. He felt his stomach drop as they ascended and struggled to breathe. The trip took less than a minute and they arrived at the home of Orin McClellan, another high-ranking Death Eater. Draco closed his eyes and steadied himself against a hedge, his head still spinning.

“Ah, Lucius! You’ve arrived. And you’ve brought the heir to your throne, I see.” McClellan fixed his gaze on Draco, who bowed courteously as he had been taught. Lucius put a hand on Draco’s shoulder. “I have, Orin. After all, my son is nearly of age and I feel that it’s time for him to…shall we say, gain some experience?” McClellan smiled knowingly.

Draco felt his pulse quicken at his father’s cryptic statement. He suddenly felt very uneasy, and had to force himself through the doorway of the McClellan Manor.

:D very exciting!
Great post!
PAMS

great post.

I read the whole thing in one sitting. I love it!

Thank you thank you thank you for your wonderful posts- it totally makes my day when I hear from you guys! *blushes, does happy dance*

So glad you like the story! I'll get another chappie up tomorrow, most likely.

Yeah- mean, mean Bellatrix- maybe I'll kill her off in a later chapter.
*heh-heh*

Always open to comments, critiques, and suggestions!

MY READERS ARE THE GREATEST!!! :couchbana

NEW CHAPTER---YAY!! :couchbana

Disclaimer: all characters and some concepts belong to J.K. Rowling (cause she's awesome)


Chapter Five: The First Training

He looked around the grand foyer. Ornate sconces flanked the huge, gilt-edged mirror on the right side; to the left was a magnificent display cabinet filled with precious antiques and artifacts. Some of them had been passed down the McClellan family tree, but most had been stolen from the homes of the Death Eater’s victims. Past the foyer was an expansive dining room where three more Death Eaters sat at a long, intricately carved table. Orin led Lucius, Bellatrix, and Draco to their seats. A house elf appeared with a vintage bottle of Merlot, pouring a glass for each of them. Draco tried not to focus on the fact that the dark red liquid looked nauseatingly like something else.

“Raoul, Dolohov, Yaxley- today we begin young Draco’s training into the ranks of The Dark Lord’s army,” announced Orin. The three Death Eaters smiled broadly at him, and everyone raised their glasses. Lucius stood up, glass in hand: “To my son Draco, the first of a new generation to join our Noble Order”. Draco looked quizzically at his father: he looks…sort of…proud of me. He felt a stirring in his heart, but kept it subdued. Bellatrix completed the toast: “And to the Dark Lord, in whose service we bind our lives”. “To the Dark Lord!” they all replied, including Draco.

Afterward, he was led to an enormous hidden room. Tall shelves lined three of the walls containing collections of books on the Dark Arts and various weapons, as well as equipment to hinder an attack. Draco noticed swords of all shape and sizes, vials of potions, blindfolds, handcuffs. He struggled to control his nerves, anxiously wondering what to expect from this “training”. Orin broke the silence: “Draco, today we will begin with simple dueling. Though I hear you have been quite adept at besting your classmates, you will find your opponents today a bit more challenging.” The Death Eaters chuckled as Draco took a step backward, the anxiety clear on his face. He looked over at his father for reassurance. Lucius gave him a small nod but it was clear that he was as nervous as his son. Draco swallowed hard: thanks for the vote of confidence, Dad.

Bellatrix took her nephew by the arm and pulled him to the center of the room. “All right then, Draco, let’s see what you’ve got!” Draco fumbled for his wand; drawing a few deep breaths he managed to pull it from his pocket. Great, I already look like an idiot. His aunt stood across from him, smirking at him. They readied themselves, chose their dueling stances, and raised their wands. Draco had hardly spoken the beginning of his first spell when Bellatrix silently cast a Levicorpus jinx. Draco was suddenly suspended in midair, hanging by his ankle. He felt incredibly stupid, even more so when Bellatrix lifted the spell and he crashed to the ground. He heard them chuckling again, all except his father.

“Up! Try again!” commanded Lucius. Draco scrambled to his feet and faced off with McClellan. He spoke faster this time and cast a stunning spell. Orin simply blocked the spell with a Protego counter-curse. Draco’s spell rebounded and he was thrown back, landing on his rear end and smacking his head on one of the bookshelves. Pain reverberated in his skull but he could still manage to think clearly about his performance. I suck! His father grabbed his arm again and stood him up. His head was throbbing but he made himself stand at the ready.

Lucius faced him this time. “Don’t choose weak spells, Draco-think about shielding yourself and attacking your enemy. There is no mercy in dueling”. Draco nodded and set his jaw, choosing his spell carefully. I’ve got to impress him. He shouted "Obscuro!" to blind his father but forgot to shield himself. His father shouted a curse he’d never heard before: “Sectumsempra!” Searing pain slashed across his chest and he fell to the ground. He watched in horror as blood soaked through his shirt and began to pool around him. He felt ripped open; the pain took his breath away and the rapid blood loss was quickly sapping his strength. For a moment he actually wondered if he was going to die. But then his father was kneeling over him, drawing his wand across the gashes. “Vulnera Senentur,” he murmured repeatedly, closing Draco’s wounds and drawing the pain from his body. He pulled his shaken, terrified son to his feet. Draco stared at his father in shock and disbelief. “That is what I mean by no mercy,” Lucius said softly. Draco sank into the nearest chair, still shaking visibly. They allowed him a short break and then resumed his training before he lost his nerve completely.

The Death Eaters put Draco through his paces. Though he was no match for his father or his aunt at all, by the end of the session Draco had effectively used a shield charm against Raoul and managed to stupefy Dolohov. He was covered in cuts and bruises from slamming into the walls or other furniture when hit by their spells. His left leg hurt so badly that he could barely walk on it. He knew he had performed terribly and cringed as his father approached him. Here it comes. He hung his head and braced himself for the verbal blows. To his utter shock, Lucius clapped him on the back and smiled at him. “Excellent work, son. Not many apprentices can cast even one successful spell against us on their first day.” The others agreed, congratulating him. Draco’s mouth fell open. Funny-I know I must be dreaming, but I don’t remember going to bed. “Your son is exceptionally talented, Lucius,” remarked Orin. Still in a daze, Draco played their words over and over in his mind. He felt a thousand feet tall.

Once they returned home, Draco rested as Mimsy practically bathed him in Dittany. He hardly felt any pain as he listened to Lucius and Bellatrix recount his first day to his mother. His mind embraced every word they said. Remarks like “outstanding work” and “potential to be a great wizard” floated through the air like sweet music. The praise, especially from his father, was intoxicating. He drank it up, capturing it in his heart. He thought he didn’t care that much, thought he’d shut down the need for his father’s approval long ago. But he discovered in that moment that the father-shaped hole in his heart still existed, and Lucius’s emerging respect had begun to fill it.

AAAAaaawww thats... kind of sweet it a weird and twisted sort of way.
Can't wait for more!
PAMS :D

New Post! Short and fluffy, but I have to intro the other characters in the story. Longer post next time!:)

Chapter Six: Good Friends

17 Dec. (2 weeks earlier)

“…We are so proud of your hard work and we love you with all our hearts. Counting the days until you are home for Christmas! Love, Mummy and Daddy.” Hermione Granger held the letter to her chest and smiled warmly. She was sitting by the fire in the Gryffindor Common Room enjoying a rare moment to herself. She read the letter once more and began writing up a list of presents she wanted to bring them from Hogsmeade. “Chocolate frogs for Dad, Madame Puddifoot’s raspberry tea for Mum, something foolish from Zonko’s for cousin Will…” “And box seats for the Quidditch Semi-finals for your dearest friend Ron!” interjected the ginger-haired Gryffindor.

Hermione turned around and laughed, glad to see her good friends. Harry and Ron plopped onto the couch beside her and Ginny sat cross-legged on the floor next to the fire. “How was Quidditch practice?” asked Hermione. “Bloody cold, if you ask me!” complained Ron. “That’s because you’re a sissy, Ronald,” teased his sister. “Am not!” he said, flinging a pillow at her. Harry intercepted the throw and tossed the pillow on the floor.

“Practice was great,” he replied. “We're going to kill Ravenclaw on Thursday!” he grinned. Ginny stretched out on the floor-Harry secretly enjoyed the view-and scooted closer to the fire. “See, see! Admit it- you’re just as cold as I am!” cried Ron. He ducked just in time for the pillow to miss his head.

“What are you writing?” asked Harry. “Just a list of Christmas presents I need to get at Hogsmeade before I leave,” replied Hermione. “When are you going to have time to do that?” Ginny asked, “The train leaves only half an hour after the end-of-term feast.” “True, but Fred and George have kindly agreed to accompany me to Hogsmeade and then take me to my house by side-along apparation”. “Oi! Why didn’t you ask me to do it?” Ron argued. “Because you haven’t passed your Apparation test yet- eyebrow, remember?” Hermione tapped her own eyebrow. “It was just a bloody eyebrow,” Ron muttered under his breath.

“Thank Merlin, just five more days of class.” Harry stretched and relaxed with his hands behind his head. “One more day of Snape, one more nap in Binns’ class (Hermione shot him a look), and one more Quidditch victory for Gryffindor!” The four friends cheered, laughing, and headed off to bed.

:D yay Harry Ron Hermione and Ginny!
Can't wait for more!
PAMS! :)

New Chapter! We've felt sorry for Draco so far, so let's remember why we don't like him as well... :tongue:

Chapter 7: The End of Term

22 Dec.

The Great Hall was bustling with joyful, frenzied activity. The students were thrilled to be done with the term and on their way home to celebrate the holidays with their families. There were hugs, kisses, presents being exchanged, and lots of “Happy Christmas” wishes by students, teachers, and ghosts.

Hermione, Ron, Harry, Ginny, Neville, and Luna headed down together toward the Hogwarts Express. Harry would be spending Christmas with the Weasleys, Hermione was excited to be with her parents, and Luna’s father was taking her to Ireland for the holiday. Luna noticed that Neville was quietly shuffling along, not looking up. “I’m sorry that your parents are in the hospital; it must be difficult for you and your grandmother during the holidays”, she said softly. “Um, yeah,” he replied awkwardly. “W-We’ll go to see them of course- we always do.” After another awkward pause he looked at her, gratitude shining in his deep brown eyes. “Thanks, Luna.”

Hermione boarded the train first, squeezing herself past several other students to find a compartment. She spied one and, keeping her eyes on it, neglected to see the student standing a few feet in front of her. “Oof!”-she ran into his back. “Watch where you’re go- ugh, Granger! You smeared your filthy mudblood on my coat. Now I’ll have to take it off and burn it.” "Charming as usual, Malfoy. Move out of my way!” Hermione spat, attempting to push her way past him. He blocked her path with his arm. “Sorry- these are the first-class compartments. No filth allowed,” he sneered. The other Slytherin boys around him snickered and called out a few nasty comments of their own. Hermione’s eyes filled with angry tears, and she turned away. She didn’t want to give them the satisfaction of seeing her cry. She was too late. “Aww, are you going to cry now, mud-baby?” Draco jeered. The Slytherins cackled, mocking her with “Waah, waah” sounds like a crying baby. It was just too much for her. She burst into tears and pushed her way back through the students, shoving her way past her friends.

“Hermione, what happened?” said Harry. He and Ron looked in the direction she’d just come from. It was easy to piece together what happened since they were staring at a group of hi-fiving Slytherins. “Alright Malfoy, what did you do to her?” Harry shouted, barging his way forward with his wand drawn. Instantly, five Slytherin wands were pointed back at him. Malfoy stood in front of them, wand at the ready. “I’d back off if I were you, Potter! Go back and wipe the crybaby’s nose for her”. “You shut the hell up, Malfoy!” Ron’s voice bellowed from behind Harry. He aimed a spell at Draco, shooting over Harry’s shoulder, but it ricocheted off the ceiling and cracked the glass door to one of the compartments. Students close by jumped at the sound and began pushing their way away from the fight. Draco fired a stunning spell that hit Harry right in the chest, knocking him, Ron, and three other students down like dominos. Now there were more wands drawn from both sides, each shouting threats at the other. The first-years panicked and either hid in the compartments or fled from the train.

“WHAT IS GOING ON HERE??!!” Every student on the train froze in their tracks. Severus Snape was standing in the doorway, his eyes flashing and his face livid. “Put. Your. Wands. Away. NOW!” Everyone quickly pocketed their wands and suddenly looked very busy finding their seats. Harry, Ron, and the Slytherins glared at each other once more, and stormed away.

Harry and Ron found Ginny with her arm around Hermione, comforting her. “Why do they have to be so mean?” gasped Hermione, her breaths shaky from crying. She was forcefully wiping her eyes with her sleeves, determined to stop her tears. “I don’t know,” said Ginny, “I think they’re just born foul, loathsome, evil little cockroaches. Nasty pureblood bullies. It’s their blood that should be called filthy!” she spat.

Harry sat down next to her. “Hermione, you can't let Malfoy and his gang of idiots get to you like that; they’re never going to change. I know it’s hard- you've seen them get to me too. But my Uncle Vernon used to say: ‘Never expect anything from a pig but a grunt’. Half a minute- did I just quote my Uncle?!” Harry shook the bizarre thought out of his head. “But the point is: never expect anything better from Malfoy, or any of them. They could never be anything but the scum they are.”

“At least you won’t have to deal with any of them for 3 weeks,” Ron encouraged her. “That’s a Christmas present right there!” Hermione managed a small but grateful smile. “You’re the best presents I could ever have.”

Thanks, hon- always great to get your feedback! :love:

New chappie! Oh and a HUGE thank-you to whoever rated my ff 5-stars!!! I am so touched. Thanks to everyone who's been reading my story; I really appreciate it! :love:


Chapter Eight: Christmas

25 Dec.

The Weasley home was littered with boxes, wrapping paper, and knitted sweaters. It was also packed with happy friends and family: eight Weasleys (minus Percy), Harry, Tonks and Remus Lupin. Laughter filled the home and drifted out the window, mingled with the delicious aroma of Christmas dinner. “Happy Christmas to you all, the family I have and the family I’ve gained,” smiled Arthur, looking first to his own family and then gesturing to Harry, Remus, and Tonks. “Happy Christmas!” they all said in unison.

Hermione snuggled up with Crookshanks next to the fire in her home. Her parents and extended family were relaxing in the family room. “That was a lovely church service, don’t you think?” commented her mother, Jean. Presents were passed around, and Hermione opened a small red box. Inside was a beautiful gold locket, delicate designs painted on the front and an inscription on the back: “Hermione, you are our greatest gift. Love, Mum and Dad”. Hermione opened the locket and found a tiny picture of herself as a newborn on one side and her parents on the other. “Mum, Dad,” she began, tears sparkling in her warm brown eyes, “it’s so beautiful! Thank you so much!”

Luna and her father sat cross-legged on the beach at Inis Meian in the Aran Islands, looking out at the deep blue water. “Your mother and I came here often; do you remember when we brought you here?” asked Xenophilius softly. “I remember, Dad,” Luna smiled. “I was four, and we decorated half of the beach with shells and rocks and Mum made them change their colors and patterns. It was quite beautiful”. “She was quite beautiful,” Xenophilius smiled, “and so are you, my Luna”.

The terminal ward at St. Mungo’s hospital was decorated cheerfully, with enchanted ornaments changing places on the Christmas tree and real snow falling upon it. Frank and Alice Longbottom were in the back of the room near the tree. Frank was staring at the ornaments, his partially-focused gaze following their movements. Alice sat on the side of her bed, repeatedly saying, “Oh yes, it’s a good day. Lovely, isn’t it?” Neville held his mother’s hand and patiently responded “Yes, it’s lovely, Mum” each time she said it. His grandmother sat stiffly behind him; she never let on that her heart broke every time they visited. They stood to leave. “Oh wait! Wait!” called his mother. “I have a present for you!” Neville paused and opened his hand, waiting for the bubblegum wrapper she would give him as she did each time he visited her. He hugged her close. “Happy Christmas, Mum”.

The dinner was exquisite. Exotic foods and drinks were served to the guests by an army of house elves. There was light chatter and bursts of well-cultured laughter, and the atmosphere itself exuded elegance and grandeur. The Malfoys were gracefully entertaining about 70 of their closest friends. Pansy, Blaise, Crabbe and Goyle-along with fellow Slytherins Millicent Bulstrode, Violet Downing, and Duncan Burke- were lounging in a room just off the dining hall. They were a fashionable group to look at, the girls wearing chic jewel-colored dresses and the boys in their tuxedos and dress robes. They sat around the room, really having nothing to do except demand that the house elves bring more firewhiskey while their parents weren’t looking.

None of them, save for Draco, even saw their parents for more than a few minutes once dinner had finished. But Lucius practically paraded Draco around, showing off his son and accepting congratulations for raising such a talented young man. “It’s in his blood,” Lucius boasted, “He is living up to the Malfoy lineage”. Draco basked in the praise that came from his parents and the guests; he felt important, admired, even envied. The feeling was positively addictive. He rejoined his classmates, sauntering in as though he owned the world. “Well-the crowned prince has finally graced us with his presence. Should we be bowing to you?” cracked Duncan. Draco smirked. “Shouldn’t you have been doing that all along?” They all laughed- Blaise rolled his eyes. Millicent gave Draco an alluring smile and questioned him with her eyes. His angelic-looking face broke into a wicked grin and he mouthed back to her “Two hours. My room.” She understood and nodded, looking pleased with herself. Pansy, always a little slow on the uptake, noticed her.“What are you nodding for, Millie?” “Oh, nothing,” she replied with a sugar-sweet smile.

Two hours later, the Imperturbable charm kept the noise contained in Draco’s room. Millicent’s hair was plastered to her forehead and Draco’s skin was slick with sweat. “My my,” Millicent giggled, “What would your dear Pansy say?” Draco snorted. “Please, you know she’s my girlfriend for our parents’ sake. She's my trophy, but you are my jewel.” He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her. And I’m much more creative in bed, she thought smugly. Draco and I have done things that would blow prissy Pansy’s mind. He pulled her closer, his hands lazily caressing her curves. She snuggled into his warm, bare chest and wrapped herself around him. She didn’t mind being his “mistress”; their year-long affair behind Pansy’s back had to mean she was special to him, didn’t it? She knew that as long as she played it cool and never let on how much she really loved him, she could keep him from pushing her away. Commitment wasn’t exactly his style. For now, she was content with her fantasy. “Happy Christmas, Draco.” “You too, love."

:D ok..................... BRILLIANT POST!...
I love this post! seeing all the characters and how they celebrate Christmas differently.
Draco and Milicent.... interesting :) I always imagined her as rather large and macho though... so I'll have to adjust to that.
PAMS!!!

Thanks, hon! I actually had a hard time writing the part about Neville and his parents. :console:

As for Millicent- I think her last name sounds kinda manly; but I've always pictured her as this fiesty little redhead with green eyes who's slept with half of Slytherin but has an unspoken soft spot for Draco. Isn't the imagination great? :)

Glad you liked the chapter- it's been one of my favorites to write. More coming soon!

P.S. I'm keeping an eye on your ff- PAMS there too! :couchbana

Here's another chapter- I can't stop writing, it seems! This one's definitely darker than the previous few.


Chapter Nine: The Second Training

31 Dec.

His tousled, white-blonde hair was barely visible under the covers. “Young Master,” spoke Mimsy tentatively, “You must wake up”. A muffled “Mmmhmmhm” came from the bed, the head of hair disappearing completely. “Begging your pardon, but Mimsy must wake Young Master up- his father is expecting him downstairs”. Draco groaned and pulled the covers off his face. “What time is it?” he asked, his voice thick with sleep. “5 o’clock in the morning”, she replied. “Ugh- you’ve got to be kidding me,” Draco sighed irritably. “Mimsy is not kidding the Young Master.” “I know, Mimsy, it’s just a figure of- never mind. Tell him I’ll be down as soon as I’m dressed”.

Draco yawned widely and forced himself out of bed. He stripped off his boxers and turned on the shower. He let the hot water run down his body to wake up his muscles, and worked to shake the sleep from his head. Just before he finished, he muttered “Algesco” and immediately the water turned ice-cold. The shock of it made him gasp, but now he was definitely wide awake.

Groomed and dressed, Draco met his father in the dining hall. “Good morning, Draco,” Lucius said pleasantly, “We have an early start to your training today- a blood traitor by the name of Caverty has been captured and is being held at McClellan Manor. You’ll have a prisoner on which to practice your new skills.” Eager as he was to impress his father again, Draco was taken aback by the news. It was one thing to practice dueling, quite another to use what he’d learned on a real person. He took a deep breath and swallowed hard; “O-of course, father. I’m ready.”
*******************************

McClellan, Yaxley, and Bellatrix were already waiting for them in the training room. Draco looked around, his gaze stopping on the center of the room. A man was there, bound hand and foot to a chair. His face was already bruised, dried blood caked to the side of his head. He looked exhausted and terrified. “Please,” he croaked, “I’m no traitor! I’ve been telling you-” he was cut off by a sharp slap to his face. “I told you to keep your lying mouth shut! Do I have to cut out your tongue to keep you quiet?” barked Bellatrix. The man whimpered and kept silent. Draco felt his body go numb and his heart start to pound. I can’t do this, I can’t do this!

Lucius took him by the arm. Draco’s legs felt rooted to the spot, but he forced himself to walk over to the man. “How fortunate that you should join us today, Caverty,” mocked Lucius, “You’ve made yourself an excellent target for my son’s training”. Caverty’s eyes grew wide, his gaze shifting from Lucius to Draco. Their eyes met and Draco felt his resolve crumbling rapidly. Beads of perspiration blossomed on his forehead and he began to feel very, very sick. He struggled not to show it, but when Lucius ordered him to take out his wand he couldn’t keep his hand from shaking violently. He was breathing heavily, on the verge of hyperventilating. He looked down at his feet, ashamed of his weakness.

Bellatrix moved behind him and placed her hands on his shoulders. “I know, Draco, it feels… uncomfortable at first, but think of the power you hold this very moment. This is not a man to feel sorry for; he’s a traitorous coward who gave damaging information about our cause to the Ministry of Magic. He could have brought danger to our family- to you, to your mother. He deserves to be punished, the lying scum,” she murmered.

As she continued to speak, her voice became softer and softer until it was just a whisper in his ear. He closed his eyes and felt his mind give way to her words. Her silky voice was hypnotic, kindling a fire of hatred within him that rose closer to the surface with every word she spoke. He could sense a wall being built around his heart, and all his fear subsided. All he could feel now was the burning desire to make this man hurt.

Draco pointed his wand at the cowering man. “Apnea!” he shouted. Immediately, Caverty’s airway constricted and he couldn’t breathe. He flailed wildly against the ropes in his chair, his face turning ghastly shades of purple. Draco watched him coldly, and only lifted the spell when his father touched his wand arm. He was drunk with the power he’d just felt, the power of holding Caverty’s very life in his hands. “Excellent,” crooned Lucius. “Shall we try another one?”

“Please! NO!” begged Caverty, his voice hoarse. Lucius whispered a curse in Draco’s ear. “Doloviscum!” commanded Draco as he pointed his wand at Caverty’s chest. Intense pain shot through the man, mimicking a crushing heart attack. His screams filled the room and shattered Draco’s concentration; immediately the spell lost its strength.

“Focus, focus,” whispered Lucius. “Ignore the sounds you hear. Channel your hate, your strength, your power, straight through your wand. Make him pay for betraying our family.”

Draco felt the wall around his heart become solid, impenetrable, and he sharpened his focus. He pointed his wand at Caverty’s ribs and hissed, “Affligossis!” There was a cracking sound as several bones in Caverty’s ribs snapped, and he howled in pain. This time, however, his screams had no effect on Draco. He pointed his wand at his victim’s knee- Caverty’s kneecap splintered and he bawled in agony. Lucius stepped back and let his son continue the torture, breaking Caverty’s wrist, right arm, and collarbone. Then he halted Draco’s attack.

“Enough, Draco. Back away now. You aren’t quite ready yet for this.” With that, Lucius pointed his wand at Caverty. “Avada Kedavra!”

Short one this time- Draco is just a poor, hot mess... back to Hermione in the next chappie!

Chapter Ten: Growing Pains

2 Jan.

He hadn’t been the same since the training. The rage, the coldness, the malice he felt would not subside. Adrenaline pounded through his body at an uncontrollable rate. “This is a normal reaction to the first use of your powers at this level of intensity- it will pass,” Lucius assured him. “In time, you will be able to control your feelings and access them only when you need them.”

Draco nodded, but his muscles remained tense and his fists were clenched. It was a horrible feeling, but he was completely at its mercy. He’d spent the last few days suffering through uncontrollable bursts of anger; the knuckles of his hands were bruised and bloodied from punching the walls repeatedly. Even his mother couldn’t get near him to try to calm him down. He couldn’t eat, he couldn’t sleep. His mind was tortured with frightening images of violent acts, ones he knew he was now capable of. He lay on his bed when he could force himself to do so, his breathing rapid and shallow and his heart slamming painfully in his chest. Make it stop, he pleaded with himself, please make it stop. It hurts so much.

Lucius knew that he couldn’t endure much more. He restrained him when he lashed out again, cursing and fighting to break his father’s hold. Bellatrix cast a calming spell. “Mollio mentis, sereno” she chanted over him, quieting him long enough for his mother to administer a sedating potion. Narcissa felt his muscles finally relax and he went limp in her arms, falling at once into a deep, dreamless sleep.

Next post! :)

Chapter Eleven: The Trip to Diagon Alley

3 Jan. (morning)

Hermione’s eyes fluttered open as she woke up from a restful night’s sleep. The Christmas holiday had been wonderful so far; she couldn’t believe nearly two weeks had already gone by. She padded down the stairs in her fluffy pink robe and slippers and went into the kitchen. Her father was getting ready to leave for work and her mother was filling his thermos with coffee.

“Hey, sweetie,” he said, “Gotta go- I love you!” He grabbed his coffee, kissed his wife and daughter and headed out the door to the garage. “Morning, honey,” said her mother. “Hungry?” “Just tea and oatmeal with strawberries,” Hermione replied. “Do we have strawberries?” “Yes hon," smiled Jean, "go get dressed while I fix it”.

Hermione ambled up the stairs and pulled on a burgundy sweater, jeans, and black, calf-high boots. She put on her locket and ran a brush through her tangled hair. Frowning in the mirror, she pulled her hair back into a low ponytail and decided that was the best it was going to get today. “Breakfast is ready,” called her mother. “Coming!” she answered and ran down to the kitchen table.

“Were you planning to go to Diagon Alley today?” asked her mother. Hermione sighed, “Yes. I need more ink and another quill, and possibly some more potions ingredients. I don’t want to wait until the last day before we go back; it’ll be so crowded.” “Would you like me to come along?” smiled her mother. “Oh yes, Mum- could you?” Hermione said excitedly. She nodded. “I can rearrange a few things on my schedule; we can have a girl’s outing and go to lunch!”

They bundled up and left the house around eleven-thirty, arriving at Diagon Alley shortly before noon. Breakfast had worn off so they enjoyed some delicious potato soup and warm butterbeer at the Leaky Cauldron. “Ok,” said Hermione, scanning her list. “First, to Scribbulus Writing Instruments and then Slug and Jiggers Apothecary. Ooh, and maybe we can stop at Flourish and Blott’s? I might want to pick up a book or two. And we must visit Fred and George at their shop and of course we should also pop into-” “We can do all of those things,” her mother laughed, “But how about one thing at a time?” Hermione smiled bashfully. “Sorry- just excited. Let’s start at Scribbulus, okay?”

They purchased Hermione’s writing supplies and then replaced her stale potions ingredients with fresh ones. Flourish and Blott’s was nearby and Hermione pulled her mother toward the bookshop. “You’re going to get lost in there, aren’t you?” her mother teased. “Only for an hour or two,” Hermione kidded back. “Tell you what,” said her mother, “I’m in the mood for some nice hot tea. I’ll go back down to the Leaky Cauldron and get us some and bring it back here. That way you’ll have to come out quickly or it will get cold!” “Okay, okay!” laughed Hermione. “Can you get me mint tea?” “Sure thing- I’ll be back in a few minutes,” she called as she walked off.

If Hermione’s mother had any idea what was about to happen, she would never have left her daughter’s side.

EEEeeekkk! just caught up....
1) poor Draco... again...
2) poor Hermione! hope she doesn't get kidnapped!... and taken to McClellan's... but... if she does maybe Draco will protect her?? fall in love with her??...
oh dear.

PAMS PAMS PAMS PAMS! :D

Eeeekk! Nasty snatchers!!!!
PAMS PAMS PAMS PAMS PAMS x10000000000000000000000000000000!
:D

Brilliant post btw.

:) yay Hagrid to the rescue! Great post!
Can't wait to read more.
Pams!

Short New Chapter- Warning!! There is a serious "Ewwwww!" moment in here, but it's necessary.

Chapter Fourteen: Abducted

Rough hands continued pushing her down a dark path off the main street in Knockturn Alley. “Hermione! Can you hear me? Hermione!” She heard her mother’s voice from not far away. She fought with new strength, trying to free her mouth so she could scream. The hand clamped tighter on her face and a rasping voice whispered “Shut up, girl!” She was sobbing, terror exploding in her mind. This was her last hope, she knew it. Mummy, please! I’m here; help me, find me!! The men moved more quickly now, dragging her down the path; she couldn’t even get a foothold in the snow to slow them down.

They pulled her into a small, dingy shop that sold the mummified remains of animals and humans. She nearly gagged at the smell; a sickly-sweet incense permeated the room, unsuccessfully masking the stench of rot and formaldehyde. A house-elf tottered toward them, gnarled and bad-tempered. “What do the snatchers want this time?” he remarked with a scowl. “Watch your mouth!” warned Scabior. At that, an old man appeared in the doorway. “Rancor! Hold your tongue!” he snapped. “Ah, Scabior. What may I do for you today” he said politely, though his undertone hinted at a wary distaste for the man. “We need your elf to apparate us to Malfoy Manor. Got a little present to deliver.” Scabior gestured to Hermione.

The old man moved closer to her, inspecting her as if she was fascinating exhibit. “A pretty thing,” he remarked, “very pretty. Is Master Lucius in need of a special companion tonight? My, he does like them young, doesn’t he?” Hermione’s stomach turned over and she started to shake. Oh God, please no, this isn’t happening! I’ll kill myself! “Not this time, “replied Scabior. “It's official business for the Dark Lord.” Her heart stopped. If anything could have been worse than what was said about Lucius, this was it. She felt herself start to faint; what…would…he…want…with…me? A thought dawned on her. Oh my God, this must be about Harry! They must know I’m his best friend! Oh God, what if I’m questioned? They could all be killed.

She tried to scream, but the horror of her thought had left her incapable of speech. She felt her legs buckling and willed herself to stay conscious. “Very well,” said the old man, shuffling behind his desk. “You know the price”. Scabior stepped forward and tossed 10 galleons on the desk. The old man turned to his elf. “Rancor, take them now.” Rancor held onto Scabior’s arm, and the group disapparated with a pop.

Here's the next one!

Chapter Fifteen: Malfoy Manor

3 Jan. (evening)

Draco had slept for 32 hours. When he finally woke the following evening, he felt as though he’d broken through a high fever. He pulled himself slowly out of bed, gripping the headboard for balance, and realized he was still wearing his clothes from the day before. He didn’t even bother looking in the mirror; he was sure he looked like hell.

He moved gingerly down the stairs and entered the dining hall looking pale and disheveled. “Draco!” cried Narcissa, “Oh sweetheart!” She ran to him and embraced him fiercely. “I was so worried about you. Sit down! Don’t stay standing for Merlin’s sake! You need something to eat. Mimsy!” she called loudly. Draco winced. Through a hoarse voice he answered, “I’m okay mum- could you please stop yelling?” A hangover-like headache was throbbing in his skull and the sound of his mother’s voice felt like an ice pick in his temple.

Mimsy appeared with a tray of Draco’s favorite breakfast that Narcissa had prearranged for whenever he woke up. The elf placed the tray in front of him; appetizing smells of a vegetable omelet and toast with blueberry-pomegranate jam greeted him. A glass of fresh orange juice and some ice water stood beside the food. Inhaling the aroma, Draco's stomach growled with hunger. He took a huge gulp of his orange juice- and promptly spit it all over the table.

“Augghh! What is that?!” he exclaimed, shuddering at the nasty surprise. “It’s a potion to counteract the effects of the sedating draught I gave you yesterday. It will give you a clear head and bring back your strength.” “It’s disgusting!” moaned Draco. “I’d rather keep the headache and the weakness, if it’s all the same to you!” He downed his glass of water, hoping to wash away the vile flavor, and took a huge bite of his toast. Mimsy was busy cleaning up the mess on the table. Narcissa sighed. “I’m sorry sweetheart, but you really should try to drink the rest of it; you’ll feel much better, I promise.” “Not bloody likely!” scowled Draco.

“Draco, don’t speak to your mother like that.” Lucius entered the room and walked briskly over to his son. “How are we feeling?” he asked. “Aside from the fact that I nearly died from that poison Mum gave me, I feel fantastic,” Draco answered sarcastically. His father ignored the comment. “Eat your food and then go upstairs and put yourself together. You look a mess.”

Draco showered and shaved after finishing his food (he refused to take another sip of that horrible potion) and was getting dressed when he heard a commotion from downstairs. Raised voices- men’s voices, his aunt’s voice, the voices of his parents- and a girl’s voice that sounded hysterical. What in the hell? He quickly finished dressing and headed downstairs toward the noise. He recognized the Snatchers immediately; they’d been to his home many times. Bellatrix appeared to be arguing with them about who would take the credit for capturing “her”. His parents had their wands drawn and pointed at the floor. Draco came round the side of them to see who was screaming at their feet and gasped, his eyes wide with shock. Hermione Granger?! he exclaimed in his head while his mouth hung open.

:D ooohhh here it comes!!!
DRAMA!
Great posts your FF is Fantastic! ... pun very much intended.
PAMS!

Short new chappie, but I'll have a longer one ready tomorrow. :)

Chapter Sixteen: Hermione

She didn’t appear to be hurt, but she was clearly terrified beyond reason. Draco tried without success to understand what he was seeing. “You’ll get your pitiful reward, you slimy insects,” Bellatrix hissed, “but it is our privilege to call the Dark Lord. Now get out!” She brandished her wand at them and they all hot-footed it to the door.

She leaned over the cowering form on the floor in front of her. “Look, it's Harry Potter’s little girlfriend! You’re going to be very useful to us. We’re going to have us a little chat, aren’t we?” Hermione went white as a sheet: “Please, no, please-I don’t know anything! Please just let me go!” She was crying uncontrollably, looking up at Bellatrix with eyes full of horror.

“Let you go?” repeated Bellatrix with mocking laughter. “Oh no, sweetie, I wouldn’t dream of it! You’ve just gotten here, and I have so much planned for you. Surely you won’t spoil my fun, will you?” Hermione could barely breathe between sobs; she closed her eyes and shook her her head, muttering “Please, please,” over and over.

“Take her to the interrogation room,” instructed Bellatrix. Lucius bent down and grabbed her by the arm, pulling her to her feet. She couldn’t stand; her legs were too weak from fear. “Draco, take her other arm,” ordered Lucius.

He complied almost robotically, his mind still absorbing all that was happening. He put his hand on Hermione's arm. “Draco, please! Don’t do this! Please, Draco!” She gripped his arm, pleading with him as he and his father began dragging her away. He couldn’t look at her; he kept his focus straight ahead as he pulled her along. She was struggling frantically. He heard her shrieks of protest, felt her pulling and thrashing under his grip.

Draco suddenly became very afraid, and he didn’t know why.

:) I know why!!!...... *drumroll*.......... because he loves her!!! :D
Looking forward to your next post!

Next Chapter- a dark one.....Bellatrix is a meanie.


Chapter 17: Interrogation

They dragged her down the stairs, past the dungeons, and threw her on the floor of the interrogation room. When he was 13, Draco had snuck into the room when it was unoccupied, out of curiosity and the fact that he’d been forbidden to go in there. It unnerved him then, and the feeling was just as fresh as he stood there now.

It was a small, square room with dark stone walls and a stone floor. There were sconces placed evenly around the room; the candles within them provided the only source of light. Various types of restraints were bolted to the wall, chains and shackles and leather straps. There was a crude sort of table in the middle of the room with restraints built at its four corners. The table, as well as several spots on the walls and floor were stained a deep brownish-red. The room itself oozed fear from every crack and crevice.

Draco took several steps back. He wanted to move as far away from Hermione but was careful not to let his back touch the filthy wall. Bellatrix addressed Hermione. “This is a fairly simple interrogation, and I’m sure you’ve figured out the most obvious question: Where, my dear, is Harry Potter? The Dark Lord would love to know.”

Hermione’s heart went into her throat. What am I going to say?! “I don’t know; h-he won’t tell any of us!” she lied quickly. Bellatrix didn’t buy it. “Oh I’m sure he would have told his girlfriend where she could find him,” she said with a menacing sweetness.

“I’m not his girlfriend! I swear I don’t know where he is!” cried Hermione. “Please, I really don’t know anything!!” Bellatrix glared at her. “You know, I’m getting a little irritated with you. I don’t like having to repeat myself, so I’ll ask you just one more time: Where is Harry Bloody Potter?!” Terror seized Hermione; she knew she would never reveal his whereabouts. She uttered a desperate prayer in her head and braced herself. “I…don’t…know.”

“You stupid girl,” she hissed, and grabbed Hermione by the hair. Hermione cried out in pain, grabbing Bellatrix’s hands as she was dragged over to the wall. Bellatrix pulled her up by her hair and used her free hand to thrust one of Hermione’s wrists into a shackle. She cast a silent spell to close the shackle tightly. She did the same to Hermione’s other wrist. Hermione was hysterical as she struggled helplessly against her restraints.

“It seems you need a little motivation to loosen your tongue,” spat Bellatrix. She pointed her wand at Hermione. “Crucio!”
Instantly, Hermione let out a blood-curdling scream and doubled over. She thrashed against the shackles, kicking and twisting and shrieking all the while. The pain was indescribable- she couldn’t think, couldn’t cry, couldn’t even hear her own screams. She could only feel, and every nerve ending in her body was on fire.

Draco looked on in shock. His aunt’s eyes were shining with malice. He turned to his father; Lucius was simply observing the torture, his face completely impassive. How?! He turned back to Hermione, stunned by what he was seeing. Bellatrix lifted the curse and Hermione slumped against the wall, her arms suspended by the shackles. Her body still twitched and she was crying softly. Why is she putting herself through this?! God, Granger, just tell them where he is! Are you insane?!

“Was that enough persuasion?” growled Bellatrix. Now, you filthy Mudblood child, WHERE THE HELL IS HARRY POTTER?!” Hermione lifted her pale, tear-stained face. “I…DON’T…KNOW.”

Bellatrix gave her a hard slap to the face. “You’re going to be stubborn? You don't want to screw with me, little girl- I will cut you to pieces!!” She slapped Hermione again, leaving behind a bright red handprint. “I’m going to let you think about your attitude for a few moments; try to imagine the amount of suffering that’s in store for you if you don’t start cooperating. You’d better have a change of heart before I get back. Otherwise, you’re going to see just how many creative ways I have to make you talk.”

With that, she turned on her heel and marched down the hall, leaving a sobbing, terror-stricken Hermione chained to the wall. Lucius gestured to his son and Draco followed him, confusion and distress etched in his pale face.

:( Hermione is a brave brave woman.... and Bellatrix is psychotic...

Come on Draco! save her! He knows its wrong!

PAMS :D

We WANT Draco to save her!!! But Draco has been known to be a coward in the past...hmmm......


Keep in mind: Hermione's "night" has just begun. And it's always darkest before dawn.

All will be revealed in time. Hang in there!!!


xoxoxoxo :D

Very Very Evil!!!!!

More evil to come, I'm afraid, but as I used to work for Disney I like happy endings. Hopefully the happy endings in this story will not be what you expect at all- that's the fun of it!!

So great to hear from you, Ruby85! I can't describe how good it feels to read my fellow SS's comments. Thank you!!

Tell your friends to come read and post what they think too!
Next chapter coming up!!!

:love:

Next chapter- long and dark. But, as I said, it always gets darker before dawn.

Let me know what you think!


Chapter Eighteen: Fall from Grace

He didn’t understand her, couldn’t comprehend why she would willingly suffer so much for someone else. Was she suicidal? But he'd known her for years, known she was smart and strong and fiercely loyal. He couldn’t stand her, but he at least had to admit she had those qualities. The ones he secretly envied. The ones that made him hate her more because he didn't possess them. Watching her under the Cruciatus Curse, though, he was surprised at how disturbed he'd felt. He’d seen it used before on prisoners in the dungeon; of course that was only because he’d snuck down to watch. His mother was very adamant about sheltering him from the uglier side of the business.

Why did he care? Was it because he knew her? Because she was a girl? Because she was the same age as he was? He didn’t know but his insides screamed that what was happening to Hermione was wrong, terribly wrong. He sat at the table, tormented by the conflict that threatened his comfortable indifference to the world.

But she’s a Mudblood, he said to himself, and Mudbloods should be wiped off the face of this earth- they poison our pure blood lines and ruin the gift meant only for us. He believed the party line- after all, it was what he’d been taught his entire life. However, he was hit by the disconcerting fact that he was merely repeating his father’s words, as if he wasn’t capable of his own thoughts.

“All right,” said Bellatrix, “She should have had enough time to come to her senses. Draco, let’s go.” His head snapped up. “Me?” “Yes you,” she said, rolling her eyes. “No, absolutely not you!” It was his mother’s voice.

She strode into the room with anger and determination. “Narcissa-” his father began. “No Lucius, I’m putting my foot down! There is no way I will allow my child to witness an interrogation. He isn’t old enough and he’s not prepared for what he’ll see. I absolutely forbid it!”

Bellatrix intervened: “Cissy, you didn’t see how well he handled himself with that blood traitor Caverty. And I think he deserves to watch the little Mudblood suffer; she’s the one who causes him so much trouble at school. He should be allowed some revenge.” “I don’t care who she is, Bella!” Narcissa shouted.

Draco just sat there, wishing with all his might that he could be anywhere but where he was. His father stood up and moved quickly to his mother. “Narcissa- No, don’t interrupt me! Draco has already started his training and is more than ready to take the next step. War is coming and he needs to be capable of the activities that war requires. He will be accompanying Bellatrix downstairs, and he will get his hands dirty! That is my final word on the subject.”

Narcissa was furious. “No! I won’t let you do this! Draco is just-" “THAT’S ENOUGH, NARCISSA!” Lucius roared. Draco jumped in his seat; he’d never heard his father dominate his mother that way. Narcissa blanched, stunned and speechless. Her eyes darted to Draco, who returned her frightened gaze with his own. He knew she wouldn’t go against his father-she never had before. In his whole life she’d never actually stepped in and protected him; she just showed up afterward to pick up the pieces.

Narcissa’s eyes filled with tears as she stared at her little boy. Then, her face hardened and she turned to her husband and sister; “Remember one thing,” she said, her voice deadly cold. “If anything happens to my son, I will kill you both. Don’t think for a moment that I wouldn’t.” With that, she marched out of the room. Draco heard her start to cry as she went up the stairs.

“Well, that was pleasant,” quipped Bellatrix. “Draco-come with me.” Draco stood up with his heart in his feet and reluctantly began to follow her. “Today, Draco!” Lucius followed behind his son with a firm hand on his back. They walked down through the dungeons again and Bellatrix opened the door to the room. Hermione’s head snapped up and she pushed herself back against the wall, as though she could pass through it and come out safe on the other side. “Have you had time to think? Decide to be a good girl and cooperate?” taunted Bellatrix, “or do you need another lesson in good manners?”

Hermione had been thinking; she’d been thinking up a more convincing lie to tell. “Look, I-I’ll tell you what I know,” she stammered. “When we all g-go home for holiday, H-Harry never lets us know where he’s staying. He feels that by doing so he keeps us out of danger. That way w-we can’t give out his location because we don’t know it ourselves. Even if we send him an owl, he won’t respond. He does it every time to protect us. Please, you must believe me! I truly don’t know where he is!!”

Bellatrix paced slowly around Hermione, her eyes narrowed. She seemed to be pondering the truth of Hermione’s statement. “Hmm- but it didn’t keep you out of danger, did it?” she mused. “Well, not to worry- I have lots of other questions for you. Here's one: you were there the night that Harry Potter discovered his prophecy in the Department of Mysteries. You heard the prophecy yourself. What did it say? Tell me exactly what it said! If you answer my questions well, you may actually leave here with all your limbs intact. If you don’t-you’ll beg for death before I’m through with you.” she said matter-of-factly. “Oh, and keep in mind that I already know parts of the truth, so I wouldn’t try to lie if I were you.”

Hermione didn’t have time to craft a compelling lie for the question anyway. Hermione tried to look indignant “I'm not going to lie! I didn't hear what it said. I couldn't. The voice was… rather soft and I wasn’t standing near enough to Harry. I certainly couldn’t make it out from where I was.” She forced herself to look Bellatrix confidently in the eyes and prayed couldn’t see through the lie.

Bellatrix frowned. “Oh dear, you’re not very much help at all,” she mock-pouted. “But I have to hand it to you- your performance was compelling. I’ve heard you're one of the cleverest witches of your year,” she said acidly, “but not quite clever enough.” She thrust her face just inches away from Hermione’s and replied in a voice both soft and deadly, “Want me to tell you how I know you just lied to me?” She watched the blood drain from Hermione’s face.

“Don’t you remember? Lucius and I were there at the Department of Mysteries that night. Your little group didn’t realize how long we’d been watching you before we made our presence known. From our distance we couldn't hear the prophecy, but we did see you. Standing right next to Harry Potter. Paying very close attention to that little globe. Now, call me crazy, but I’d bet my right arm that you heard every single word. Isn’t that right you LYING LITTLE TRAMP!!” She shook Hermione like a rag doll then struck her repeatedly, using punches to accentuate her words: “HOW DARE YOU LIE TO ME?!!” Bellatrix began to laugh, a psychotically gleeful laugh. “Oh, you’ve done it now, Mudblood! I’m going to ENJOY punishing you!” She kicked Hermione in the knee with her steel-tipped boot, causing her to cry out in pain.

“Bella,” floated Lucius’s sing-song voice, “shouldn’t we let Draco have some of the fun? You are supposed to share, are you not?” Bellatrix calmed her laughter down. “Oh of course I am! Draco, darling, come over here please, and take out your wand.” Draco felt his heart start pounding as fear gripped him like a vice. “N-no…um…that’s ok…I’m not ready… I-I-I don’t want to.” His father took his arm: “You are ready, and you are going to, so get up there.” He gave his son a rough shove forward.

Draco slowly moved toward his aunt, taking as long as he could to close the small gap between them. “You’ve never cast the Cruciatus Curse before, have you?” she asked. His eyes grew wide. “N-no,” he managed to say, “But Auntie, please, I-” “Well then, you’re in luck!” replied Bellatrix as cheerfully as if she’d told him he won the last ticket to the Quidditch World Cup. Her eyes glowed with maniacal delight. “Point your wand, dear- I believe you know the word.”

Draco slowly, unwillingly raised his wand to Hermione’s chest. He couldn't look her in the eye. He tried in vain to block out the sound of her cries. “Please, Draco! For God’s sake, please don’t do this to me!” His wand arm was shaking too violently to cast the curse, and he felt his knees threatening to buckle under him. He couldn’t breathe, he couldn’t escape- he couldn’t do anything but stand there frozen in fear. “Damn it, Draco, cast the curse!” shouted his father, “Do it!” He recoiled at his father’s words but just couldn’t force himself to comply.

But again, as she did with Caverty, Bellatrix put her arms around her nephew and began whispering in his ear. “It’s alright, darling. You can do this. She deserves it,” she murmered. She spoke each word slowly and deliberately.

“All those times she outdid you in class and made your father ashamed of you? All the condescending comments, the self-righteous glares, the audacious insults she’s thrown at you? She’s humiliated you; she punched you in the face while her friends looked on and laughed. Laughed at you, Draco Malfoy! That filthy little Mudblood, who isn’t fit to lick the dirt off your shoes, speaks to you as if you were beneath her! Are you going to allow that? Are you going to let her, of all people, disgrace the noble name of Malfoy because you were too cowardly to put her in her place? Maybe you’re afraid of her- how pitiful that would be. Maybe you belong beneath her.”

He felt his mind twist hard at his aunt’s voice; he felt the heat rising inside him again, boiling pure hatred in his veins. Beneath her?! Like hell!! In that moment he despised Hermione; he wanted to hurt her, to make her pay. He was no damned coward! He was ready to shut that big mouth of hers for good.

His wand was raised, his face stony. Now he looked her in the eyes. Hers were pleading and tearful; his were cold and merciless. He could see her mouth moving but couldn’t hear her begging him. Summoning all the strength he had, he channeled it straight down his arm and into his wand. “CRUCIO!!” he roared, throwing every ounce of his hatred into the word. He felt an explosion of pure power blow through him, charged with electricity. It was the most intense feeling he’d ever experienced.

The curse hit her so hard, Hermione couldn’t even scream. She felt as though she’d lost consciousness, except for the fact that her body was overloaded with agony. There was no sense of time or space; there was only pain- relentless, searing, white-hot pain. She was unaware of when she found her voice again and began screaming at the top of her lungs. She wasn’t even aware that she was slamming her head over and over into the stone wall as she convulsed from the pain. Blood was flowing from the back of her head and down her neck; she hit her head a final time and knocked herself unconscious.

Still, Draco didn’t stop. The power was too strong; he ceased to control it and it began to control him. He kept his wand aimed at her and continued to focus on the curse. Lucius grabbed him from behind, wrenching his wand arm back and breaking his connection to Hermione. Draco felt the power abandon him in a rush, driving the air out of his lungs. He collapsed on the ground, panting and light-headed. Bellatrix stared at him with an ecstatic sense of awe. Lucius sat behind him, took the wand from his hand and leaned his son back against his chest. “That’s enough for now,” he breathed.

:( that was..... horrible... but your writing is good :)
this is so intence... I hope the guilt will eat him up. Once he realises what Hermione means to him.

Pams!

How are Hermione's parents handling her abduction? Hagrid seeks help.


Chapter Nineteen: The Ministry of Magic

Same day(several hours earlier)

It was killing Jean to wait outside; she knew every moment they lost was precious. She stood with Hagrid outside the Ministry and waited for Tom to arrive- come on, come on! While she stood there, she prayed. She begged God to save her little girl, to comfort her, to send angels to create a heavenly hedge of protection around her. A screech of tires caused her to look up. Tom’s silver Jaguar was racing toward them; it slid into a nearby parking space and barely missed the back end of another car. He hurried across the street and caught Jean as she flung herself into his arms. Fresh tears spilled from her eyes as she quickly explained everything she knew.

Hagrid politely interrupted them: “Mr. n’ Mrs. Granger, we’d best be goin’ in now- let’s see what we can find out.” He took them around the back of the building to a rusty, paint-spattered wall. Most Ministry workers didn’t even know that an enchanted door existed there, but Dumbledore had created it long ago. He loved to say, “One can find his way into any place so long as there are enough doors." It was a good thing, too, for Hagrid couldn’t fit into the telephone box visitor’s entrance.

He pulled out his pink umbrella and, using the tip, tapped repeatedly on the wall in the pattern of a capital letter D. Tom and Jean stepped back in amazement as three cracks appeared in the wall which looked very much like the outline of a door. Hagrid pushed and the door appeared. “Here we are,” he said, and led them through the back hallway leading to the Ministry Atrium.

Even in their haste, Jean and Tom gazed at the magnificence of the Atrium-the beautiful ceiling, the lines of workers appearing in the green fire of the floo’s, the glorious gilt statues surrounding an enormous fountain. Hagrid led them over to the security desk where a serious-looking wizard was depositing the wand of a young witch into his drawer. “He took her wand?” Tom asked. “Normal procedure fer visitors to the Ministry; she’ll get it back when ‘er business ‘ere is done,” replied Hagrid.

They arrived at the desk; “State your business and present your wands,” said the security wizard. Hagrid cleared his throat: “Uh, hullo. Rubeus Hagrid, and these are Mr. an' Mrs. Tom an' Jean Granger.” “We’re here to find out where my-” began Tom when Hagrid clamped his hand on Tom’s shoulder. “Here to find out where 'is, um, Muggle…things are bein' held. We’re here tah see Arthur Weasley in the Department for the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts.”

The security wizard eyed them skeptically. “Wands?” he repeated, gesturing to his desk. “Oh we don’ have wands; they’re Muggles and I’m just the groundskeeper at Hogwart’s.” The wizard snorted a “Hmph,” and led them to the side of the desk. A second wizard ran his wand around each of them and uttered “SpeRevelio”, looking for recent activity of any concealed wand. “They’re clean” he said, and the security wizard handed each of them a silver badge. “Department for the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts is part of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Level 2. Elevators are through those gates.”

Hagrid, Tom, and Jean walked quickly toward the golden gates. Hagrid paused for only a moment to retrieve the pink umbrella he’d hidden behind a bench. He ushered them into the first elevator: “Ya might wan’ tah hold on- the first dip’s a doozy!” Tom and Jean grabbed the overhead handles just before the elevator plummeted six floors.

Looking unnerved and slightly green, the Grangers stepped off the elevator and followed Hagrid down the hall to the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office. They entered the door and were greeted by a stumpy old witch with a bad temper. “What do you want?” she scowled. Tom and Jean looked at each other, a thousand questions between them. “We’re here tah see Arthur Weasley- he’s expectin’ us; tell ‘im Rubeus Hagrid is here.”

With a grunt and considerable effort, the old witch toddled over to the door behind her. “WEASLEY!” she bellowed, “Man named Ruby Haggis is here!” “WHO?!” Hagrid rolled his eyes and shouted “Arthur, it’s me. Hagrid. Need tah see ya right away!” Arthur appeared in the doorway, holding the dismantled pieces of a kitchen timer. He ushered them in immediately. “Please forgive my secretary- she’s the only temp we could find while my actual one is at St. Mungo’s, healing from a bad experience with a bubotuber.”

“Hagrid, shouldn’t we be where they hold…prisoners?” Tom asked impatiently. “Oh, I’m so sorry!” Arthur exclaimed, “Hello again Mr. and Mrs. Granger, lovely to- wait, holding prisoners?” Jean burst out, “Arthur, someone has abducted Hermione! We were told that perhaps those Snatcher people brought her here.” Arthur paled. “Hermione? Good Lord! Sit down and tell me everything.”

“Well, it certainly is a possibility,” remarked Arthur once he heard the whole story. Jean interrupted. “Please, I don’t mean to be rude, but how is it that you can help us, and why are we wasting time in this office when my baby could be somewhere…in this building…all alone,” Jean collapsed into heaving sobs. Tom held her tightly, throwing an anguished look at the two men.

Hagrid replied, “Ya see, Arthur knows everyone in the Ministry as well as wha’ goes on here, an’ he’s one o’ the few people here ya can truly trust.” “And I promise you that I’ll get to the bottom of this. I know the right people to talk to,” said Arthur. In a hushed tone he whispered to Hagrid, “We’d better alert the Order too- this may not be a simple case of snatching, I fear.” Hagrid nodded and excused himself from the group. “Arthur’ll take good care o’ ya from here- I’m goin’ tah pass the word along tah some other friends, alright?”

Arthur led them out of his office and down the hallway, stopping at the main office of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. “Let’s see who’s working today,” Arthur said brightly but quietly. He went up to the secretary’s desk. “Good morning, Virginia! Is Reggie in today?” “He’s in a meeting with Mr. Thicknesse at the moment, but they should be done in the next few minutes. You’re welcome to wait, Arthur. Oh, you have guests? Hello, I’m Virginia Cottonwood,” she replied sweetly. “Uh, Virginia, yes. These are my…cousins, from Surrey. Percy and Penelope Clearwater,” Arthur smiled nervously. “Pleasure to meet you,” chimed Virginia. Tom and Jean managed a week hello- “They’re just getting over the flu, poor things,” chuckled Arthur as sincerely as he could manage.

A far door opened and two men stepped out, obviously finishing their conversation. Sighing with relief, Arthur called out, “Reggie, old chap!” Reggie smiled broadly and strode over to his good friend. “Arthur! What brings you down the hall?” He looked past Arthur at the Grangers, and his smile faltered a little. “My cousins, yes, from Surrey- look, Reggie, can we find a place to all sit and chat a bit?” Arthur kept his tone light but Reggie caught the serious look in his eyes. Taking his cue, he replied brightly, “Of course, mate! Let’s all go and grab a bite to eat. Virginia, take messages for me, not sure when I’ll be back.”

He escorted Arthur and the Grangers out of the office. Tom opened his mouth to speak but Reggie quickly cut him off with a whispered “Not here, not yet” as he continued to smile at coworkers they passed. They followed him to a set of stairs in the back of the building. “Sorry about the climb, folks,” he said as he led them up six sizeable flights to the ground floor. They exited the Ministry and hurried down the street; across the way was a quiet lake lined with trees and park benches. “We can talk when we get there,” said Arthur.

Reggie listened intently at their story, his face grave. “Well, it should only take me a few minutes to find out if she’s been brought here yet.” “Yet, what do you mean ‘yet’? She was taken over three hours ago!” cried Jean. Reggie chose his words with care. “Sometimes, Snatchers will collect a few victims during the day and wait until the end of the day to turn them all in.” His words were true, but he couldn’t let on that the Snatchers may have other reasons for not immediately turning in a pretty teenage girl. He buried the thought quickly.

“Should you, or we, speak to your boss?” said Tom anxiously. Reggie and Arthur exchanged looks. “We have…reason to believe that Pius Thicknesse may not be a trustworthy source,” Arthur replied slowly. “In the last few months he’s been spending increasing amounts of time with Lucius Malfoy; in that time, we’ve noticed changes in his behavior, enough so that the Order is keeping a close watch on him now.”

“The Order?” said Tom, frowning. Arthur looked around and then leaned in close to the Grangers. “The Order of the Phoenix is a very special group of witches and wizards sworn to stop the advances of You-Know-Who and his followers. Dumbledore began it when You-Know-Who first came to power nearly 17 years ago.” Reggie reached over and clapped Arthur on the back. “If help is ever needed, there are no allies better to have on your side- Arthur and his wife Molly are members. That should tell you something about the character of the Order.”

Arthur smiled grimly: “Hagrid went to alert the Order about Hermione’s disappearance- finding her will be the top priority.” “But- finding her? Don’t you think she’s at the Ministry?” Jean asked, the pitch of her voice rising with fear. Reggie put his hand on hers. “She may very well be, and that’s the first place we’ll scour from top to bottom. But we’d like to set up a larger perimeter in which to search for her, just in case.” “You don’t really believe she’s here,” Tom said flatly. Arthur sighed heavily: “We can’t be sure, and we're taking no chances."

Hey, fabulous readers!!

I've made some changes to my previous chapters. First of all, I've changed the font and color- my friend said it was easier to read this way.

Second, I've done some re-writes. Some chapters have minor ones, but others (I think at least Chapters 2 and 5) have some major changes for clarity and just overall better storytelling. (Chapter 2 got a little steamier at the end as well- heh heh). :drool:

If you want to go back and check out the new stuff please do! Just look at the "reason for editing" footnote after each chapter: it will tell you if the chapter has a minor or major re-write.

As always, I am so grateful that all of you are taking this journey with me. It means the world. :love:

Feel free to post responses to the chapters at any time- Hera and Ruby85 know I do a huge happy dance when I read theirs! (thanks, you two!)

New chapter going up today, peeps!!

:couchbana:

The Order of the Phoenix meets at their headquarters to help the Grangers.

Back to Hermione and Draco in the next chapter.


Chapter Twenty: The Order of the Phoenix

An owl was sent immediately to Dumbledore. “Fly fast, Orion,” said Hagrid as he tied the parchment to its leg. He then promptly apparated to the Burrow. In his haste and preoccupation, he forgot to apparate onto the front yard and instead arrived with a loud pop in the middle of the Weasleys’ kitchen.

********

Molly was busy at the sink and jumped nearly a foot in the air. “FRED! GEORGE! That is the LAST time either of you- OH!!” She jumped again. “Sorry, Molly- didn’ mean tah land in the kitchen.” Molly expelled her breath in a great woosh. “Hagrid-goodness! It’s all right, all right. What’s the matter, dear? Can I get you something to eat?” Hagrid shook his head. “No thanks, Molly. I, uh, need tah talk to ya.” At that moment, the house shook as five pairs of feet thundered down the stairs. “Hagrid?” “Is that Hagrid?” Ron, the twins, Ginny and Harry rounded the corner into the kitchen. “Hagrid, what are you doing here?” said Harry, hugging him around the waist. His smile faded quickly when he saw the grave look on his friend’s face. “Hagrid,” he said slowly, “What’s the matter?”

*******

Albus Dumbledore stroked Orion’s feathers as he removed the parchment from the owl’s leg. The bird stumbled backward with a squawk as Dumbledore abruptly leapt from his desk and hurried to his fireplace. He grabbed a handful of floo powder and stepped inside. “Number Twelve Grimmauld Place!” he announced, and was gone in a flash of green fire.

*******

Molly and the children stared anxiously at Hagrid, who was now looking at his feet in an attempt to stall until he thought of something to say. “Hagrid,” Molly said softly, placing a hand on his forearm, “What’s happened? Is everyone all right?” She glanced quickly at the family clock- Arthur’s picture was under “Traveling”, not “Mortal Peril” to her great relief; Percy, Bill, and Charlie were safe as well. “Uh, Molly, we need tah discuss somethin’ in private- Order business.” At once, Harry and the Weasley children protested simultaneously. “Private?” “Why?” Tell us what’s happened!” “We want to know!” Molly silenced them, “Now now, that’s enough out of all of you. Out! Out!” She shooed them all outside. “And don’t try listening in, as I’ll have put up a silencing charm on the whole house!”

*******

Dumbledore sat at the table in the kitchen of the ancient house of the Black family. Within minutes, Remus Lupin, Tonks, Mad-Eye Moody and Kingsley Shacklebolt apparated or blazed into the floo. In their hands were the Protean-charmed coins that alerted them to Dumbledore’s call. Tonks stepped out of the fireplace with Lupin. “What’s happened?” she asked, concern coating her normally bright voice. As they all sat down, Dumbledore spoke: “I have serious news: earlier today, Hermione Granger was abducted by Snatchers in Diagon Alley.” Tonks gasped and her hand flew to her mouth; Lupin and Kingsley exchanged an alarmed look and Mad-Eye cursed loudly. “What else do we know?” he growled. “Very little yet, I’m afraid,” sighed Dumbledore. “Tom and Jean Granger are with Arthur at the Ministry hoping for more information, and Hagrid is currently informing Molly at the Burrow.” “This is no simple Snatcher case, we all know that much,” spat Moody. “We can set up a search immediately,” commented Lupin, “just tell us how you would like to divide the area.” “Let’s plan that approach while we wait for the rest to arrive,” the old wizard said in earnest.

About an hour later, Tom’s car arrived at 12 Grimmauld Place and he, Jean, and Arthur hurried inside the Order headquarters. “Molly darling,” said Arthur as he held his wife in a tight embrace. “Arthur-thank Merlin you’re all right! The children are all upstairs- we got here not much before you.” She kissed him quickly and hugged him again. She walked right over to Jean and put her arms around her. “Jean, we’ll find her- not to worry, we’ll have her back here in no time. And she’s a clever young lady; she’ll keep a cool head.” Jean sobbed in her arms. “I just want her back, Molly. I just want her safe.”

“Who’s that?” Ginny frowned, looking out the window at the silver Jaguar parked in front of the house. Harry pressed his face to the glass. “That looks like Hermione’s dad’s car,” said Harry, his brow furrowed in thought. “Hermione?” said Ron. “You think she’s here?”

He strode to the door and opened it, stealthily leading them all to the upstairs railing. Carefully, they peeked over. No one was in the hall and the door to the kitchen was already closed. They were just about to go back into the bedroom to puzzle out what was going on when a shrill beeping startled them. “What the bloody hell?” whispered Ron. “That’s a cell phone,” answered Harry, “a Muggle, uh- communication device.” “Muggle?” came the unified response of Fred and George.

They all ducked as the kitchen door opened. A woman walked quickly to her coat and retrieved the phone from its pocket. As she did, five heads slowly rose over the railing above her. The woman turned around and, for a moment, her tear-stained face was visible to them. Harry and Ron gave an audible gasp but the woman didn’t notice. She shut the kitchen door behind her and the others looked at Harry and Ron. “That was Hermione’s mum,” Harry whispered. “Well then, where’s Hermione?” replied Ginny. She realized the impact of her words as soon as they came out of her mouth . “Where is Hermione?” Ron spoke, his voice breaking on her name. They looked at each other, no one daring to say a word, and hurried back inside the bedroom to figure it out.

Eeep! I know, I'm horrible! *hangs head in shame, but cannot completely wipe smile off face*

I'm not trying to do it with every chappie, it just seems to keep happening!

I lurff your comments so much- you put me on the floor with your Bad, Bad Draco one. I laughed so hard! Thank you so much for encouraging me after each chapter; it totally makes my day!!! :love:

The next chapter will begin the build-up to the turning point in the following, very intense chapters to come. Keep traveling along!

:couchbana

Thanks, sweetie! Can I just say that I was blushing when I re-wrote Chapter 2?! *buries head in hands, blushing again*

Glad you went back and read them!

I've got a few more chappies already written; I'll post the next one today and then space out the others over the next several days. It's about to get really intense- keep your fingers crossed for Draco! And pray for Hermione. And Avada Kedavra Bellatrix.

Love you with lovely love. :love:

How does Draco handle his experience with the Cruciatus Curse? How is Hermione surviving? And why is Bellatrix so bleeping bizarre?

The chapter that starts off all the action to come!

Chapter Twenty-One: Pride and Purpose

Draco didn’t remember how he got back upstairs and into his bed. He grunted softly and tried to open his eyes but decided it wasn’t worth the effort. He felt his mother fussing over him, brushing the hair from his forehead and propping him up on his pillow. As the fog in his head started to lift, he listened to the harsh whispers exchanged between his mother and his aunt.

“He’ll be fine, Cissy! Stop babying him! He was magnificent down there; none of us realized the kind of power he has.”

“That’s all well and good, Bella, but he also fainted down there- I think that’s enough use of his power for tonight.”

“Do you know what this means, Cissy? Once we perfect his skills he will be an extraordinary wizard . He can restore the Dark Lord’s favor to your family, and Lucius’s failure can be forgiven!”

“I know what it could mean, but only if Draco is protected. It will not be at his expense!”

“Oh, cut the cord, Cissy! He’s not a little boy anymore. At this rate, the Dark Lord will brand him before the month is out!”

Draco eyes snapped open. What, that soon? Everything was happening so fast. Too fast! He realized his mother was talking to him. “-you feeling, darling? You look pale.” He frowned at her: “I’m always pale.” His aunt chuckled. “See, he’s fine! Draco, tell your mother you’re fine.” “I’m fine.”

He sat up, but immediately felt the room start spinning and, with a groan, flopped back down. “Oh yes, quite fine,” his mother replied scathingly, “Now not another word.” She picked up a vial of sleeping draught that lay on his nightstand. She uncorked the vial and put it to his lips. “I can do it myself,” he snapped, harsher than he meant to. He took the vial from her hand and drank it down. “Thanks mum,” he said gently as he handed it back to her. The hurt on her face softened into a smile and she leaned over to kiss his forehead. “Sleep well, darling. We’ll talk in the morning.” The edges of his vision were darkening already as the women left his room, and in moments he was sound asleep.

******

Sometime in the middle of the night, she came to. Her head throbbed terribly and she felt stickiness on her neck. Her arms ached more than her head, if that was possible. The weight of her unconscious body had pulled hard on them as the shackles held her wrists to the wall. They were stretched to their limit and felt agonizingly close to snapping. She was surprised that her shoulders hadn’t popped out of their sockets, but was afraid that that one wrong move would make it happen.

She worked slowly, inch by inch, to move her feet under her. She needed to support her body and take the strain off her arms. After what felt like hours, she managed to plant her feet on the floor and push herself upwards a few inches. The motion set off a chain reaction of sharp pains throughout her body and she let out a loud cry. Her voice echoed off the cold stone walls, and she realized how alone she was. Why? she thought, as bitter tears ran down her face. Why me? What have I done to deserve this?

She prayed, prayed with all her might- for strength, for protection, for deliverance from this nightmare. She thought of her parents, her friends, all the things that were dear to her, and wondered if she’d ever see them again. It made her cry all the harder , but it also strengthened her resolve. She vowed that she would keep fighting to survive and to find a way back to everything she loved. Her effort sapped what little strength she had left and she passed out, exhaustion claiming her again.

*******

Draco awoke the next morning to breakfast in bed. Mimsy had brought up a tray of crepes, poached eggs and fresh fruit. He ate heartily, refreshed from his deep sleep. He sat back in his bed with a full stomach, and replayed the events of the previous evening. He remembered the mind-blowing feel of the power within him; it was better than flying full speed on his broom or getting high off of euphoria potion, even better than the best climax he’d ever had during sex. What did Aunt Bella say? An extraordinary wizard? I can’t wait to hear what Dad has to say! Not once did his victim cross his mind, he was so wrapped up in his accomplishment.

As if granting his wish, his father appeared in the doorway. He looked as though he would burst with pride. Draco stared at him, determined to commit to memory the look on his dad’s face. He smiled triumphantly as Lucius approached him. “There he is, my tremendously talented son! I wish you could have seen yourself last night, Draco. I am so proud of you.” Draco’s heart stopped. There they were, the words he had waited to hear for 16 years. He felt involuntary tears spring to his eyes and quickly looked down. When he spoke, his voice was heavy with emotion. “Thank you, Dad- I’ve only ever wanted to make you proud.” “Well you have, son,” Lucius put a hand on Draco’s shoulder. “I always knew you would.” Draco wanted to put a bubble around this moment, to freeze time, to bask in the glow of his father’s approval. He had done it- he was everything his father ever wanted him to be. He was finally worth something.

“Come, get dressed- you have more to learn from your aunt today.” Lucius gave his son’s shoulder a squeeze and then stood up and left the room. Draco threw back the covers and practically leapt out of bed. He put himself together and came to the dining room, striding in with his head held high. His mother was there; she looked tired, as though she hadn’t really slept. But his aunt was full of energy, fidgeting in her seat and looking as though she could barely contain herself.

She jumped up from her seat and put out her arms. “Draco, Draco, Draco- the family’s new star,” she drawled. She embraced him and then, without warning, kissed him full on the lips. Draco jerked backward reflexively, but she held him firmly for another moment. Finally letting go, she grinned at him as he took several steps back from her. She giggled and licked her lips. “All grown up now, darling,” she sing-songed. “Come along- we’ve lots of fun in store today.” She turned on her heel and walked toward the dungeon steps, leaving Draco frozen in place. Um, what the hell just happened? He looked slowly at his parents; Lucius rolled his eyes and Narcissa put her head in her hands. Still in shock, and more than a little grossed out, Draco followed his aunt down the steps without a word.

Disclaimer: Some of the following themes in this chapter have been borrowed from her majesty JK Rowling and his royal highness David Yates.


Chapter Twenty-Two: A Crack in the Wall


4 Jan. (morning)

Bellatrix slammed open the interrogation room door, startling Hermione awake. “Good morning, Mudblood!” sang Bellatrix, “time to wake up! I have a full day planned! Let’s get started, shall we?” Hermione’s blood froze. “Please, please,” she begged, “I can’t do this. Please let me go.” She began to weep with the heartbreaking cry of a frightened little girl.

The crying grabbed Draco’s attention and darkened his otherwise sunny mood. Bellatrix had been standing between him and Hermione but now she moved, offering him his first glance at her. Her appearance stunned him: large purple bruises covered her cheeks and her lip was split in two places. The back of her hair was matted with dried blood, and blood had stained her neck. Her arms were twisted unnaturally and her face was a terrible mixture of fear and pain. He hardly recognized her. Merlin-did I do that? Her gaze met his and he felt his heart leap into his throat. The look in her eyes triggered a small tremor around his heart, loosening the stones in the wall that surrounded it. He tore his eyes away and looked around the room at anything except her.

Bellatrix pointed her wand at Hermione’s shackles and they sprang open, dropping her unexpectedly. Hermione cried out in pain as the muscles in her arms cramped sharply. “Get up, mudblood,” Bellatrix snarled. When Hermione was too weak to comply, she cast a spell that forced her into a standing position. “Our first game today is called: how many times can a Mudblood scream before she passes out?” She laughed wickedly as Hermione’s cries became ones of terror.

Bellatrix walked over and stood in front of her. Using her wand, she cut through Hermione’s sweater from neck to hem, splitting it open. She cut open the shoulders and sleeves as well and let the sweater fall to the floor. Hermione gasped in horror as she was exposed down to her bra. Bellatrix gave her an icy smile as she waved the wand again, pulling off her boots, socks, and jeans. Hermione stood there shaking, mortified, in only her underwear. She panicked, certain that Bellatrix meant to strip her completely. “No, no, PLEASE NO!!” she pleaded, the beginnings of hysteria seizing her. Bellatrix, however, left her in her underwear and levitated her over to the table in the middle of the room. She fastened her wrists and ankles to the corners of the table, and looked her over. “Sorry dear, but I need a little more flesh to work with,” she replied nonchalantly.

Bellatrix looked over at her nephew. Gesturing to Hermione, she said, “Before I begin, do you want a little piece of this? I’ll give you some privacy if you’d like.” She grinned wickedly. Hermione choked on her sobs- “Oh God, no…” Draco couldn’t help looking at her for the briefest of moments. He’d have been brain dead not to notice how lovely her body was.

But here, now, he was repulsed by the idea and was shocked that it wasn’t for any reason he’d have expected. It had nothing to do with the fact that she was a Mudblood, or even that she was Granger for God’s sake. It was because he could only imagine how humiliated she must feel. It was because she was so scared and he didn’t want to hurt her again. He shook his head, barely managing to blurt out a “no”. “Just as well,” replied his aunt, “I wouldn’t want to touch a mudblood either.”

He winced as a stronger tremor rocked the wall around his heart. The high he felt earlier was gone. The rose-colored fantasy he had enjoyed in the morning was shattered. He wanted to run back upstairs, back to the fantasy, away from the reality. But he knew he was as trapped there as the girl on the table.

Bellatrix unfastened the binding of Hermione’s left hand, holding her wrist tightly. “Come here, Draco- I need you to hold her arm still.” He stood, frozen to the floor. “Now, Draco!” Somehow he obeyed her; he was too afraid of what she’d do to him if he didn’t. His hands trembled as he took Hermione’s wrist and held it down on the surface of the table.

Hermione’s eyes had gone wild with fear- she was grunting hysterically as she tried to pull away from him. “Tightly, Draco!” commanded Bellatrix. He complied, pinning her arm firmly to the table and completely immobilizing it. He squeezed his eyes shut to hold back his own tears. He couldn’t watch.

Bellatrix held up a small, black and silver-handled dagger with a wickedly sharp blade. “You can tell a servant of the Dark Lord by the mark on his arm,” she said maliciously. “You’re going to have a mark to show the world just what you are.” She touched the tip of the blade to the inside of Hermione’s forearm, just below the crook of her elbow. Eyes gleaming with hate, she pushed the blade through Hermione’s skin. Blood immediately welled around the point of the knife, and Hermione screamed. Slowly Bellatrix began her work. Over and over she drew the knife through Hermione’s arm- a short cut here, a twist of the blade there, magically wiping the blood away when it obscured her view.

Hermione’s screams bounced off the walls; the knife burned like fire as it sliced through her skin and the relentless cutting tore at her sanity. But that wasn’t the worst part of the torture. No, the worst part was her utter helplessness. There was nothing she could do to stop it; she saw the knife coming at her and couldn’t move, couldn’t get away, couldn’t fight back. All she could do was lie there and take it.

While he restrained her, Draco tried desperately to block it all out, to pretend it wasn’t real. A warm, wet feeling against his hand wrenched him from his disbelief. Hermione’s blood had reached the side of his hand and was now dripping down his fingers. The feeling was a hard pinch back into reality, and Draco recoiled in horror. He stared at his hand and felt a pain in his chest as a hairline fracture appeared in the wall of his heart. Bellatrix finally lifted her knife and used her wand to siphon away the excess blood on Hermione’s arm. She grabbed the girl’s wrist and yanked up her arm, twisting it so that Hermione could see her forearm. “There, you filthy little tramp,” she spat, “now you’re properly branded!” Both Hermione and Draco gasped as they read the word carved into her flesh: Mudblood.

As Hermione wept bitterly, Draco backed away from the table. He knew his aunt was insane, criminally insane at that, but he’d never witnessed her torture a person, let alone participated in it. This is sick! he thought, She’s not even interrogating her! She’s just…torturing her.

His stomach turned over at the realization, and he suddenly imagined stupefying his aunt and shielding Hermione from any more attacks. The image stopped him in his tracks. What the hell?! He wasn’t making any sense: wasn’t he going to be an “extraordinary” dark wizard? Wasn’t he a hair’s breadth away from becoming a Death Eater? He couldn’t, absolutely couldn’t be this weak.

But as his gaze fell on Hermione, his humanity fought for control over his heart. She looks so vulnerable, so fragile. Why is she here? What did she do to deserve this? This is wrong, this is so wrong. I need to stop it! I need to…help her. A new feeling, one he’d never experienced before, hurtled at his wall like a bludger and left a sizeable crack. Empathy.

Draco finally gets a backbone and makes a decision for himself. But what exactly is that decision?


Chapter Twenty-Three: Turning Point

4 Jan. (evening)

The torture continued throughout the day, with Bellatrix only stopping for lunch. Draco’s fear, now mingled with anger, increased with each new wound she inflicted on Hermione; he also felt increasingly sickened each time he assisted her in doing so. When Bellatrix made a particularly gruesome cut across Hermione’s stomach he had to run out of the room and vomit.

At dinner, he sat at the table in the dining room and mindlessly pushed his food around his plate with his fork. His aunt sat across from him, contentedly munching on her salad. His mother’s face was strained and she looked as though she would burst if she didn’t say something soon. He was certain he looked like hell; though he had cleaned the blood off himself he still felt dirty. Not because of whose blood it was but because a second, new-found emotion had surfaced and pummeled him in the chest: shame. He was completely ashamed of what he’d done today.

Lucius was prattling on about “getting used to this sort of thing” and “necessary in times of war”, but Draco tuned him out. He didn’t want to hear a damned thing that justified what he’d done today.

Before today, activities like torture were just vague concepts to him; he knew that his family, and all Death Eaters, actively tortured and killed hundreds of people. But he’d never stopped to imagine their work in such disturbing detail, and it sent a shudder of revulsion down his spine. He was certain that what he saw with Hermione was barely the tip of the iceberg compared to their more extreme methods. He looked at his father and a thought occurred to him that nearly ripped him in two.

I finally have my father’s respect, what I’ve worked for my whole life. Becoming a Death Eater will finally bring him close to me- we’ll have the bond we should have always had. But, oh Merlin- I don’t think I can do it. I don’t…want it. Not this way. I can’t do what he does- I hate it, it makes me sick. But I can’t turn back now. Can I? If I do, I’ll lose him forever, maybe mum as well. I may not even survive; surely the Dark Lord won’t let a “traitorous” Malfoy live for long. What was it that Dumbledore used to say, something about choosing what is right vs. what is easy? Huh. Easy for him to say, the old prat. Merlin, please, what am I going to do? I’m so scared. And I’m so tired of being scared.

He lay in his bed that night, wide awake, after everyone else was asleep. An urge kept prickling in the back of his mind, nagging him like an irritating fly. He wanted to swat it away, but it was persistent. If he acted on it, he would no longer be straddling the choice between becoming a Death Eater and walking away. He would be making a definite move in one direction.

*******

Hermione lay bound to the table, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Earlier, Bellatrix had taken great pleasure in slowly snapping some of her ribs; she made Draco snap a few too. Her body was racked with pain, her mind traumatized. She started to believe she would not make it out alive. Her ribs tore painfully at her lungs as she broke down again in great, heaving sobs. She was amazed she still had any tears left.

She stifled a sob as the door to the room opened. She couldn’t make out who it was at first, but as he came nearer she realized it was Draco. She turned her head away from him, tears running down her face. “Please, no more,” she whispered pitifully. When he didn’t answer, she turned to face him. He was setting down some objects she couldn’t see, and when he turned around he had his wand in his hand. Her stomach clenched tightly. Has she sent him down to practice on me, or is he here on his own? She stared at him with weary eyes- she was too tired to beg for mercy. She shut her eyes and waited for the onslaught of pain.

She felt a sharp stab in her side and cried out, then another, and another. Tears leaked from her closed eyes; she didn’t even want to know what he was doing to her. More searing jolts of pain on her other side. Her hope was fading; there was no goodness left in the world, was there? But suddenly the pain stopped and she was surprised to find that she could breathe normally again. She opened her eyes, looking strangely at him, and slowly understood what had just happened. He had healed her ribs.

Her face was a mask of confusion as her eyes followed him to the foot of the table. He picked up a small bottle and opened it. He positioned the dropper over her deeper wounds and let a few drops of clear liquid fall. She winced as the liquid stung, but watched in disbelief as her wounds began to heal rapidly. Essence of Dittany, that’s what he’s using.

He set the bottle down and picked up a bowl of water and a small towel. He dipped the towel in the water and began to very gently wash the blood off her legs. He continued in the same manner with her hips and stomach, her arms and neck. He was extra careful not to touch her anywhere inappropriate. In all this time he didn’t say a word.

Silently, he brought the towel to her forehead and wiped away the dirt and blood. He carefully cleaned her face but never looked her in the eye. She lay there silently as well, too stunned by his simple act of…what was it…kindness? Malfoy? Kind? Those words didn’t fit in the same sentence. But as she watched his face, so concentrated on his task, and felt his hands tremble each time he touched the towel to her skin, she couldn’t deny that his actions were sincere and without a doubt… compassionate.

When he was finished, he quietly gathered up the supplies and headed for the door. She couldn’t let him leave like that. “Wait-Draco!” she managed to say. He stopped and cocked his head to the side, not turning around to face her. She suddenly realized she had no idea what to say and so she stammered a small, simple “Thank you.” He nodded his head almost imperceptibly and continued out the door.

HOOOOORAY!!! I'm in Ravenclaw, I'm in Ravenclaw!! *does super-energetic happy dance*

Glad you like these chapters! You know, I'm really a happy, bubbly person, so where all this dark stuff I'm writing about comes from is truly a mystery to me!
Hoping it's not too dark--- it's not, right? *shuts eyes and crosses fingers*

Yes, finally Draco mans up!! He'll continue to do so from now on, thank goodness. And holy cow, Hermione! She's a rock. I couldn't do it either.

The next three chapters get progressively more shocking and intense, but I felt it was necessary to give Draco a realistic process of discovering the really evil side of his family. It gives him the understandable motivation for the actions he takes. Does that make sense?

After those chappies the tone turns to just action and suspense- horrible dark stuff over! And after that, well, the end of the fic is just around the corner!

Hang in there with me for the next three chapters- it's going to be one nightmare of a journey! :0

Love you with lovingness that is lovely! :love:

What can the Order do to rescue Hermione? Who will get the closest to saving her?

Gimme some feedback, peeps! :D

Chapter Twenty-Four: A Plan of Action


4 Jan. (evening)

Jean Granger sat at the table, completely overcome. She cried as only a heartbroken mother can for her lost child. Tom sat next to her with his arms cradling her and his head on her shoulder; his grief was quieter but no less potent. Arthur addressed the members of the Order. “Our worst fear has been realized. Hermione is not at the Ministry. Having taken into account the fact that she was taken through Knockturn Alley, it is my belief that she has been taken instead to one of You-Know-Who’s strongholds.” At his words, a terrified sob escaped Jean’s lips. The Order members were momentarily silent, save for Molly who uttered a sorrowful groan and put her head in her hands. Arthur squeezed his wife’s hand lovingly.

Mad-Eye broke the silence with a sharp pound on the table from his fist. “We haven’t a moment to spare then,” he barked. “We have to act and act now!” “All right,” said Arthur, “let’s list potential locations she may have been taken.” One by one, the members offered suggestions. “The Shrieking Shack.” “The old Gaunt Residence.” “Malfoy Manor.” “McClellan Manor.” Remus Lupin nodded his head. “I think those are the most likely places for her to have been taken.” “We’ll send scouts to each location to hopefully ascertain her whereabouts,” added Kingsley Shackleton. “Who wants to go where?”

“Reggie and I can take the Shrieking Shack,” offered Arthur. Tonks and Lupin chose the Gaunt Residence. Kingsley and Dumbledore agreed to spy out McClellan Manor. The most recently-arrived Order member then spoke up. “I will go to Malfoy Manor and discover what I can,” said Severus Snape. Molly turned to the Grangers. “I’ll be staying here with you and wait for word from the members,” she said kindly. “No!” exclaimed Jean. “No, I’m not staying here! I’m going with you-she’s my baby!” Dumbledore spoke softly to her. “I can appreciate your need to search for Hermione yourself, but it is simply too dangerous. You and Tom would be too vulnerable without the protection of magic. And how tragic it would be if Hermione is rescued only to find that one or both of her parents were harmed or killed.” Jean sighed in frustration and weariness and let her head drop into her arms on the table. Tom held her and nodded in pained agreement.

The Order set out immediately for their destinations. Molly took the Grangers to the sitting room, poured them each a large glass of brandy, and headed upstairs to check on the children. As soon as she opened the door, they pounced on her. Desperate for information, they peppered her with questions simultaneously. She wished she didn’t have to tell them, but they had a right to know.

***************

Severus Snape marched up the walkway of Malfoy Manor, casting a spell to pass through the iron gates as if they were mist. He entered the dining room and realized he was interrupting the Malfoy’s dinner. “Forgive me, my visit is necessary,” he said as Narcissa gestured for him to sit. “That’s perfectly fine, Severus,” replied Lucius. “Mimsy- bring our guest dinner.” Snape accepted, though he wasn’t hungry at all; he had to maintain a casual enough appearance right now. He took notice of each member at the table. Lucius seemed in good enough spirits; Bellatrix was as well, even though she glowered at him from across the table. Draco looked positively ill- Severus wondered why he wasn’t in his room resting. Narcissa looked tired and strained, an unusual appearance for her. She maintained an indulgent disposition, though, when she spoke to him. “Severus, it’s so good to see you. What brings you here tonight?”

He got right to the point. "The Order has been informed that a close friend of Harry Potter’s, Hermione Granger, has been abducted. At this, Draco choked on the ice water he was drinking. Lucius glared at him and kicked him under the table. Snape looked at him and then swept his gaze across the three adults. Bellatrix’s smile said all he needed to know. He swallowed the bile that rose in his throat and directed his question to her. “You look like the cat that caught the canary, Bella. Might you know something about the young Miss Granger, then?”

Her grin widened. “The little Mudblood is my guest right now. She’s a stubborn little cow, but she’ll be giving up everything she knows very soon.” Snape’s heart faltered at this news, but he’d had years of practice maintaining his façade of indifference. “Did they send you here?” inquired Lucius a bit crossly. “No,” replied Snape cooly, “I offered to come here. In this manner I can keep this house and all its inhabitants (he shot a pointed look at Bellatrix) away from prying eyes. The other Order members are searching several other locations. I can report back to them that the Malfoys do not know the whereabouts of Miss Granger nor did they have any hand in her abduction.”

Lucius sat back in his chair, satisfied with the answer. Snape cast a glance at Draco- the boy looked absolutely miserable. Snape made a mental note to speak to him later. “Would you mind if I stayed the night? The Order wishes a thorough investigation and I’d rather them think I was doing my job.” “Of course, Severus,” replied Narcissa. “You know that you are always welcome here.” Bellatrix promptly rolled her eyes and made a small retching noise in her throat.

Once everyone had gone to bed, Snape stole silently out of the guest room and made his way into the dungeons. He knew his way around them better than he wished, but tonight that would be an advantage. He couldn’t free her- that would blow his cover permanently, but he needed to see if she was still alive and devise a plan to rescue her. As he came nearer to the interrogation room he noticed that the door was ajar.

He moved without a whisper of sound and peered through the opening. Confusion marked his features as he watched the youngest Malfoy attend to Hermione’s wounds with a gentleness he’d never witnessed in the boy. His eyes widened as the boy took a towel and washed the dirt and blood from her body with trembling hands. Snape drew back into the shadows as the boy exited the room and heard a small voice from inside the room call out, “Thank you.”

Well I certainly never saw this coming, he muttered to himself. He ghosted his way back to the guest room, carefully pondering this critical new piece of information.

oohhh another fantastic post! I love Snape's p.o.v .... well I just love Snape full stop :P
Can't wait to read more!
PAMS! :D

You know, Snape wasn't in my original plot line. But he works perfectly here, though I'm still trying to figure out exactly what he's going to do in the coming chapters. :D

And I knew he was your favorite- it's a little shout-out to you. :glomp:

The next chapter is yucky-hang in there with me!

Loooooong chapter, and a warning. If you're afraid of spiders, read on with caution! I'm like Ron X 1000 and yet I could write this yucky scene. Maybe it was cathartic?


Chapter Twenty-Five: Taking a Stand


5 Jan. (morning)

“Oh my God, what did I do?” he said out loud as he paced in his room. Draco was nervous, jumpy, as if he’d had a few too many caffeinated drinks. Surely his aunt would notice that Hermione had healed faster than nature allowed. She’d notice how clean she was, too. “What the was I thinking?!” he continued. Yes, he knew he’d done the right thing, but was he prepared for the repercussions? He threw himself in the shower, keeping the water uncomfortably cold just to ensure he didn’t hyperventilate and pass out.

Despite his panic, however, another feeling simmered just underneath. He couldn’t quite name it at first, but it felt good. Last night, he reclaimed something he hadn’t had for as long as he could remember. Control. Control of his own decisions, his own thoughts, his own convictions. His entire life had been controlled for him- by his family, his lineage, the Dark Lord, his blood status, by all the expectations placed on his overburdened young shoulders. It was why he bullied everyone at school; intimidating others was the only control he had. He didn’t want to be controlled anymore. Choosing his own path last night was oddly thrilling- amazing how fantastic it felt to make a stupid little decision like that, he mused. Of course he knew it wasn’t stupid at all, nor was it insignificant. He just wasn’t ready to admit how profoundly it had affected him.

He was also completely unprepared for the other feelings that were developing inside him. Caring for Hermione, building her up instead of tearing her down, wanting to protect her: so un-Malfoy, so very un-Death Eater. But it fulfilled a need within him he didn’t even know he had. Last night his heart had felt so warm, so big, as if it had grown a size larger. And he loved the feeling.

It was so strange; just the day before he had been blown away by the power he had summoned while casting the Cruciatus Curse. Now he felt a new kind of power growing, one he realized could actually surpass the other. For the first time, he understood how his mother could always make him feel safe even in the presence of his father. Her love was the most powerful thing he’d ever experienced, for it had kept him both sane and human through a childhood that could have, should have, destroyed him. And he knew without question- that was the kind of power he wanted. He wanted the power to shelter Hermione just as his mother did for him. He wasn’t going to participate in any more torture. Not on Hermione, not on anyone. He was done.

He found his father downstairs and pulled him aside. With more conviction than usual he said, “Dad, I’m not going to go down with Aunt Bella today. I’d rather work on my potions.” Lucius waved a dismissive hand. “You can do that anytime. You have more to learn from your aunt today.” OK, how to make this clearer? “No, Dad- I’m really not going down there today. I’ve seen enough and I don’t wish to see anymore.” There. Let’s see how this goes over.

Lucius’s face grew stern. “Has your mother been talking to you? This is not the time to crawl away like an infant because you’re not ‘comfortable’ with what you see. You’ll grow up and act like a man. Clearly you need more practice at getting your hands dirty. Now I suggest you get down those stairs; your aunt is already there.” Yep- about as well as I expected. OK, do I go suicidal and refuse one more time? “I’m not going.” He looked his father directly in the eye. Whoa- one pinch of control and I’m feelin’ reckless!

Lucius narrowed his eyes and leaned into Draco, planting his serpent cane in the familiar spot on his son’s chest. “Now you listen to me, boy,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “When you become a Death Eater, do you think you’ll be able to tell the Dark Lord ‘no’, that you ‘don’t want to’, when he gives you an order?” He pushed Draco back into the wall. “You have finally begun living up to your potential-don’t you dare disappoint me now! You’d better learn to obey commands immediately. Now get down those stairs before I take out my wand!”

With that, Lucius effectively shut down the argument. Frustrated and defeated, Draco turned around and marched down the stairs, punching the wall as he descended. Why does he have to be so hard? And I just keep letting him dictate every move I make. Scowling, he made his way to the interrogation room.

His heart constricted and he felt a cold, wet blanket of dread settle on top of him. He imagined just running away, down one of the hidden passages and outside where he could simply hide until it was all over. Why did he have to go in there if he didn’t want to?! But then, the crack in the wall of his heart let in a new thought. But I can’t hide. I can’t leave her in there, alone, with her. I have to be there for her. It made no sense, but he knew it was true. He chose his own path for the second time and opened the door.

Two heads snapped up at his arrival. Bellatrix turned and faced her nephew. “Did you know, Draco, that a miraculous healing event took place right here in this room last night?” He fought to maintain his composure, to keep his eyes unreadable. “Bones mended, bruises gone, skin all clean and shiny? How do you think that could have happened?” Her tone was light and innocent, but there was wrath in her eyes.

She stood up and stopped mere inches away from Draco. “Surely you didn’t help the Mudblood, did you?” Though he was skilled at Occlumency, he was no match for his aunt’s Legilimens. She saw everything within seconds. He held his breath as she stood there, silently examining him. Then her hand arced up toward him, and she struck him hard with the back of her hand. The rings on her hand sliced through his cheek and the force of the blow nearly knocked him off balance. “How DARE you undo my punishments?! Who do you THINK YOU ARE?!” She continued to rant. “Feeling sorry for the little Mudblood? Did you want to hold her hand and kiss her and make her all better? You disgust me!” She spat on the floor.

Draco didn’t dare to move- he’d seen her in these moods before. She put her face in his. “If you weren’t my nephew I’d curse you into oblivion right now,” she growled. Draco quickly fed her a speech that would hopefully keep his head attached to his body. “I’m sorry, Auntie! I was just freaked out by yesterday- I don’t know what came over me. I-I just lost my head. It had nothing to do with the Mudblood; I-I don’t care about her! It was all about…what I did in here; it made me sick and I wanted to erase it. I just didn’t have the stomach for it yesterday.” He prayed, ironically, that Bellatrix believed him and that Hermione did not.

His answer seemed to placate his aunt just enough to keep him alive. “Well, you’d better find the stomach today, got it?” she warned him. He nodded and put his hands up in surrender. Bellatrix relaxed and turned back to Hermione. “Now where was I, Mudblood?” Hermione’s chest started heaving and she looked at Draco. He caught her gaze and willed her to understand with his eyes. He couldn’t tell if she did, however, because her face contorted in pain and she shrieked so loud it hurt his ears. Hermione’s screams shook the wall around his heart violently, rending huge cracks in it. He never knew it could hurt so much to watch her in pain.

His aunt knew Hermione's body was near its breaking point, so Bellatrix gave her a break from her physical assaults and turned instead to psychological torture. She conjured up terrifying visions only Hermione could see, from thousands of ants crawling on her to her parents being murdered. Hermione thrashed and wailed as the visions seemed completely real to her. Draco felt that his sanity was being shredded as well; he could only take so much more of Hermione’s torture before he came out of his own skin.

Bellatrix halted her assault, leaving the room for a few minutes. Hermione lay panting in a pool of sweat as she looked about the room wildly, trying to discern reality from nightmare. For the first time, Draco spoke to her. “It’s not real, none of it was real,” he whispered soothingly. She locked eyes with him, still shaking, and started to cry. Draco felt a few stones come loose from his wall and fall away, and he did the only thing he knew to comfort her. He hesitantly put his hand on her head and stroked her hair gently; it was the same gesture his mother used to comfort him since he was a baby. He continued stroking her hair, quietly whispering “Shh” as his mum always did. He felt her relax a little under his touch and felt warmth spreading through his body. The wall lost a few more stones.

He quickly pulled away as he heard his aunt’s footsteps approaching. Hermione’s eyes snapped open at the absence of his touch and she looked fearfully at the door. Draco stood back, scared and frustrated by not knowing what to do. Bellatrix sauntered in, holding a bowl and a dark, medium-sized box. She looked too happy; Draco felt his whole body tense as he anticipated her next sick game.

Bellatrix dipped her hand in the bowl and sprinkled the liquid over Hermione. It looked and felt just like water, but had a slightly sweet aroma. Neither Hermione nor Draco knew what to make of it, which made it more unnerving. Bellatrix giggled as she held up the box, making Draco’s stomach drop into his feet. “It’s just a bit of sugar water, sweetie-it’s not going to burn you. But my pet is hungry, and now you taste like his favorite food.”

She removed the lid of the box and reached her hand inside. When she drew it out, the creature was sitting in her palm. It was a large black spider, though unlike any common variety. It took up most of her hand; coarse hair covered its body, and small spikes, like miniature thorns, protruded from its jointed legs. It sat completely still in Bellatrix’s hand, but its double set of pincers clicked audibly as tiny strands of saliva dripped from its mouth.

Draco’s eyes were as wide as saucers; Hermione let out a horrified shriek and drew back on the table, straining against her bindings with all her might. Bellatrix chuckled and wandlessly pulled Hermione flat and tightened the bindings. “Oh My God No Please Don’t Put It On Me!!!” she begged. But Bellatrix grinned a terrible grin and tipped her hand; the spider slid off and landed on Hermione’s belly. For a moment Hermione froze- no sound, no breathing, no movement- as the creature stood motionless.

But then it moved. Hermione let out a blood-curdling scream as the spider began to crawl across her body. Its spiky legs scraped her skin as it climbed up and over her bra. “GET IT OFF ME!!! GET IT OFF ME!!!!” she screamed like someone who’d gone mad. She screamed it over and over as the spider scuttled across her chest and onto her shoulder. Draco found his own sanity being torn to pieces; involuntarily he clapped his hands over his ears, unable to tolerate the screaming any longer. The hideous creature traveled up her arm all the way to her wrist and then crawled back down. It settled at the rounded top of her right breast, above her bra. Though it seemed veritably impossible, Hermione’s shrieks became louder and shriller. Her eyes widened with unmitigated terror and she screamed, “IT’S BITING ME!!! OH GOD IT’S BITING ME!!!!!" Draco heard her clearly despite his covered ears. He looked on in horror as the thing clamped down on her tender skin with its pincers, taking bite after bite. Hermione was bleeding where it sliced through her skin, her blood mixing grotesquely with its saliva. He couldn’t take another second, not one more second of this. Barely conscious of what he was doing, Draco whipped out his wand and pointed it at the monstrous animal. He shouted, “REDUCTO!” and, with perfect aim, blasted the creature into a thousand pieces.

Everyone in the room was motionless for a moment. Draco was frozen in position, panting, his wand still raised. Hermione was too stunned by the blast to move. Bellatrix stood with her mouth open, staring at the miniscule remains of her pet on the floor. She snapped out of it first. Draco’s wand flew out of his hand and into her own and, with a cry of rage, she swept her wand and threw him against the wall. His head hit the stone with a sickening smack and he slumped to the ground.

She levitated him, crashing him into the ceiling and letting him drop to the hard floor. He gave a loud moan of pain and she picked him up again, holding him aloft in front of her. “You insolent little brat!!” She threw him to the ground and kicked him hard in the ribs, twice. “You dare to use your wand against ME?! I’ll rip your head off, nephew or no nephew!!” She hit him with a powerful Cruciatus and he went rigid, his screams rivaling those of Hermione’s. She punished him for a full minute before she released the curse and stood over him.

“That’s the last straw, Draco,” she fumed. “You’ll never draw a wand on me again.” She cast an Ennervate spell that instantly brought him back to consciousness. She wanted his full attention before she continued. “I can’t kill you, I can’t permanently injure you, but I can hit you in another place that will hurt.” She held up his wand and placed one hand on either end. Draco sat up as straight as he could and looked at her in horror. “No, don’t, please Auntie-” SNAP!
His wand splintered in her hands as she broke it in half. He felt the break physically, as though something had also snapped in his spine, and a chill ran through him as the warmth of his magic evaporated from his body. He leaned forward on his hands, pale and shaken, and Bellatrix tossed the pieces of his wand in front of him. She walked out of the room, slamming the door behind her. He felt the tears come then, hot on his face, pouring like a river through a broken dam. He wept uncontrollably, not just for the loss of his wand, but for everything that was so very wrong- his aunt’s cruelty, Hermione’s torture, his utter helplessness to rescue her, to take control of his life, to get his father to listen to him just once, to refuse the death sentence that would soon be branded on his arm. There’s no escape, is there? he thought dejectedly.

He heard a small sound- a weak, whispery voice-float down from the table above him. “Draco…are you…alright?” He shook his head. She’s been through hell and back and she’s asking me if I’m alright. “Why do you care?” he said softly. “Because…you helped me… when I’ve needed it the most.” He forced himself to stand, balancing himself against the table and focusing his eyes on Hermione. He scowled at her. “What, I cleaned your face and patted your head? Big deal. I killed that ugly thing that was snacking on you? So what?! It’s not like it makes up for anything I’ve done to you in six bloody years!” As soon as he saw her face he realized what he’d said. He couldn’t take it back. He wanted to take it back…no, he didn’t want to take it back. What he said was true. Draco felt something break inside him and an unbelievable pain stabbed him straight through his heart. The wall came crumbling down.

His tears splashed on her arm and his body heaved with the strength of his sobs. “All the things I’ve said…I’ve done…to hurt you. I’ve…hated you. You’ve been…nothing…but a label…to me. A symbol of…of what I’m supposed to hate. But you’re not…you’re not! You’re a girl…a sweet…beautiful, scared girl…and I can’t help you…I can’t save you!” His body was wracked with grief as he poured out his heart to her. “I’m…so…sorry…H-Hermione. I’m so, so…sorry. I was wrong, I am wrong…all wrong. You can’t thank me…you can’t care about me…because…you just…can’t…” He fell to his knees and gripped the table, leaning his head against the edge. He couldn’t see the tears streaming down Hermione’s face.

“Draco, please…listen to me. I do care… I do. Your…kindness here, your comfort- it’s the only thing that’s keeping me going…it’s all I have. Please, don’t take it away. I…I need you.” Slowly, he stood up. He leaned in close to her and placed his hand on her arm. Eyes still shining with tears, he whispered, “I’m so sorry for everything.” She looked up at him. “I know you are. I believe you. And…I forgive you.” He shook his head incredulously. “You can’t!” She fixed a serious gaze at him. “I just did. What you’ve done for me these past two days means more than anything you did to me for six years. You gave me far more than a ‘pat on the head’ while I’ve been here- you’ve cared for me. You’ve given me hope. Forgiving you doesn’t excuse what you’ve done, but it gives you what everyone deserves- a second chance.”

A wellspring of resolve bubbled up inside of him at that moment. Taking her face in his hands, he fixed his eyes on hers, cool grey locking with deep brown. “I’m going to get you out of here, Hermione. I don’t know how, but I swear to you I’ll get you out.” He wiped the tears from her cheeks with his thumbs and then, instinctively, leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. He turned to go but she stopped him immediately. “Draco! Please…don’t go. Please stay with me. I’m so scared.” He turned back and nodded his head, too emotional to speak. He leaned over her and stroked her hair again, resting his forehead lightly on hers. They stayed there, eyes closed, and simply breathed together. It was the closest thing to peace she’d felt in days, and the closest he’d felt in years.

Thanks sweetie!!!

Yes, we're so proud of our little Draco-- better late than never. :lol:

I think I'm going to have to write something REALLLLLLLLLLLY horrible happen to Bellatrix. Maybe you'll make a cameo and go all ninja on her! :ninja:

I lurff your feedback very muchly a lot a lot- it keeps me going!! :glomp:

Look for the next installment in a few days! :D

Hey!... *late comment I know hehe*

FABULOUS!... (except the spider bit- that freaked me out)... But seriously brilliant, I love Draco and Hermione together. You will HAVE to write a sequal, no if's or but's about it :P

Oh and yes Bellatrix must be punished for her psychotic ways. :yes:

PAMS PAMS PAMS! :D

Piece by piece, person by person, the illusions Draco has always believed in are shattered...


Chapter 26: Aftermath

Neither of them heard the sound of footsteps coming toward the room. There were more than one pair; one was heavily stomping ahead. Lucius threw open the door, fuming at his son’s behavior with Bellatrix. His anger was replaced by disbelief as he caught Draco’s tender moment with Hermione. “What…is… this?” Draco straightened up but did not move away from Hermione. “Dad, you need to understand-”

With a roar of fury, Lucius launched himself at his son. Draco had no time to react. Lucius grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and whipped him around, slamming him against the wall. He shouted at Draco, pointing his wand at his son’s face and gripping the boy’s throat with his other hand. “I UNDERSTAND THAT MY SON IS A BLOOD TRAITOR!” He was crushing Draco’s windpipe with the force of his grasp; there was barely an opening in the boy’s airway. “I WILL KILL YOU MYSELF BEFORE I HAVE A BLOOD TRAITOR IN THIS FAMILY!!!” As his father continued to strangle him, Draco struggled wildly for air; his lungs were burning and dark spots were forming in his vision. He clawed desperately at his father’s arm as he began to lose consciousness.

“LET HIM GO!!! NOW!!!” Narcissa stood in the doorway with her wand pointed at her husband’s chest. She was shaking with rage. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Bellatrix slowly reaching for her wand. Without even a flicker of movement, Narcissa sent her sister’s wand flying to her and caught it in her hand. She stood now with two wands, one trained on Lucius and the other on Bellatrix. “I told you both what would happen if my son was harmed. Now let him go!!!” she commanded.

Lucius released his grasp on Draco’s throat and Draco slid to the ground, hoarsely gasping for air. “Narcissa,” Lucius began cautiously, “perhaps you should have all the information before you make any rash decisions. Do you know that our son has been helping this Mudblood?” Narcissa cut her eyes to her son and then looked back at Lucius. “It seems we just interrupted a rather touching moment between the two of them,” he went on, acid creeping into his voice. “Our son is becoming a blood traitor!”

Narcissa had not anticipated hearing something like that. Her face went a shade paler and she looked over at Hermione. She decided she would deal with that situation later; right now the only thing that mattered was saving her son. “I don’t give a damn if he is or not at this moment. The only thing I care about is getting him out of this place. He’s finished here, and you will both stay away from him!” Never taking her eyes from them, she called to him. “Draco sweetheart, come to me please.” Draco staggered over and stood beside her. Narcissa’s eyes darted back and forth between her husband and sister as she backed out of the room. She glared at her sister once more and hissed, “You had better pray I don’t sever your wand as well.” As she pushed him out of the room, Draco threw an anguished glance at Hermione. She looked back at him with the grief of seeing her only hope being ripped away from her.

With a gentle hand on his back, Narcissa led Draco back up to the dining room. She allowed him to simply fall into her arms and cry. “Oh, my darling,” she whispered as she stroked his hair. “I knew this would happen. I told them. You shouldn’t have been anywhere near that room. They will both pay for the pain they’ve caused you!” Before he could stop himself, Draco blurted out, “They need to pay for the pain they’ve caused her!”

He felt his mother’s body grow still. Too still. She slowly pulled him away from her so she could look at his face. She stared him directly in the eye, speaking slowly and deliberately as if she were addressing him as a child. “She is a dirty, polluting Mudblood. She deserves to be here. Surely you understand that, darling?”

Draco ran his hands roughly through his hair and dropped his head into them. I don’t understand anything anymore. Keeping his head in his hands, he replied. “I understand what they’re doing to her is wrong. It’s… sick, it’s cruel-it’s evil.” He looked up at his mother. “And, no, she doesn’t deserve to be here at all; she’s just a girl! A girl who’s always been brave, and smart, and kind. She’s never hurt anyone, and yet she’s being tortured in the most sadistic ways! This is wrong- how can you say it’s not wrong?”

Narcissa wrung her hands nervously, searching for the words to rationalize away what he’d just said. “Sweetheart,” she began, “You’re so tired. You’ve seen some terribly ugly things in the past two days and you weren’t ready to see them. I’m not surprised that you’re not thinking clearly right now. Let’s get you up to bed, and we’ll talk in the morning when you’re in a better frame of mind.” She took his arm but he snatched it away.

“I AM thinking clearly, Mother! Maybe for the first time in my life! Are you hearing a word I’m saying? I’ve seen what’s happening to Hermione and it’s wrong! IT’S WRONG!! Do you have any idea what my aunt has been doing to her down there?!” “No Draco, and I don’t care to.” Narcissa didn’t like the direction this conversation was taking. “What happens in that room does not concern me,” she said firmly. “That is your aunt’s charge. I have my own responsibilities to manage in this war.”

She turned to leave the room before the argument continued, but Draco followed her and stepped directly in her path. He placed his hands on her upper arms and held her as he spoke earnestly. “But it does concern you! It’s happening in your own house! That makes it your responsibility as well. Please, Mum, you’ve got to stop it, you’ve got to help her- she can’t survive like this much longer!”

Narcissa pulled her arms from her son’s grip. She took his hands in hers and held them to her heart. When she spoke, her voice was low and troubled. “Listen to me very carefully, Draco. The words you are saying come dangerously close to the speech of a blood traitor. You need to let this go; I won’t have anything happen to you. You saw how your father reacted just now. Can you imagine what the Dark Lord would do to you if he’d heard you sympathizing with a Mudblood? You are everything to me, and I will not lose you!” She spoke louder, with authority. “You will stop talking about this Mudblood trash. I don’t want to hear another word about her!”

She tried to walk away but Draco still blocked her path. “Stop calling her that, that’s not what she is! You have to hear it, you have to open your eyes! She’s being tortured and she hasn’t done anything wrong! You have to stop it, you have to care-” “Not another word, Draco!!” Narcissa shouted. “This is over, now!” Draco’s eyes flashed angrily and he grabbed her wrist as she pushed past him. “Then you’re no better than your sister!” he hissed.

She wheeled around and slapped him hard across the face. A bright red mark appeared on his pale cheek as he stared at her in hurt and disbelief. His mother had never hit him, not even once. That was his father’s job. Narcissa gasped as she stared back at him, horrified by what she’d done. She looked down when she saw the tears welling in his eyes; she couldn’t bear to see him cry. She spoke in a voice hardly above a whisper. “Don’t ever say that to me again.” Before she began crying as well, she strode quickly out of the room, leaving Draco standing there as his whole world spun off its axis.

Oh yay!!! I'm so glad you like it, hunny! You'll like Chapter 8- it's one of my favorites. I love writing Narcissa- I agree that she's such a small character in the books, and even the films. But I'm a mom and so I relate a lot to her and to Molly Weasley. Molly will figure in a lot in the sequal to this story.

Thanks for your sweet compliment- it means so much, especially since it's my first attempt at writing one of these. :glomp:

Love you muchly!!! :love:



Girl, if I can find a way I sooooo will add you! :woot: Wow, a black belt- that's totally amazing! :bow:

Believe me, Narcissa feels really bad about slapping him. It's just that she's utterly terrified about the feelings he has for Hermione, and her prejudices about Muggle-borns are practically hardwired into her. And she hates what her sister does- she can't stomach it, so Draco's comment hit a big ol' nerve.

Oh, and his wand is busted. It's not coming back. :cry:

Thanks again for your feedback- you know how much it means to me! :glomp:
And I PROMISE to get back to reading your fics too, I swear!!!!

It took me a good 10 years, I'm 14 now, I've been doing since I was 4

She better bloody had do! :P

Good! I can't stand what Bella does as well!

Oh nooo! I hope he get's a new one :cry:

No Problem :)

Tae your time! I've got about 6 active fic's :P

I love it i'm on chapter 13 brilliant :) I especialy love Draco good choice :D

I read chapter 8 right now, and it's my favourite up to now. I had a pretty bad day, but reading this made me think of Christmas and actually improved my mood. I can't wait to read more! :loved:

Severus Snape must walk very thin line between his loyalties.

Chapter 27: A Way Out

Draco didn’t leave his room for the rest of the day. He’d thrown himself on his bed and wept after the fight with his mother. After that he sat on the floor, playing the events of the day over and over in his mind. He couldn’t understand how everything was falling apart around him. The people he’d known all his life were becoming strangers to him.

Even his mother. He mourned the loss of who he believed she was. She was his comforter, soft and warm and gentle. She was his savior with a heart of gold. But today he didn’t even recognize her. It’s not that her prejudice against Muggle-borns was anything new. But her coldness toward what was happening toward an innocent human being, her heartlessness at Hermione’s suffering, altered him permanently. Did he even know her at all?

He was pulled from his thoughts by a knock at the door. “Leave me alone,” he called out weakly. “No. I believe we need to talk,” came the answer from the other side. When Draco didn’t protest, Severus entered his room and stood over him. “Stand up, Draco. You don’t belong on the floor,” he said calmly. Draco stood up slowly, as though he was lifting heavy iron weights. He sat tiredly on his bed and looked at his Professor and mentor. He wanted to scream at him, ask him a thousand questions, beg him to help- but all he could do was stare at the man wordlessly with an exhausted, pained expression on his face.

“I just came from speaking with your mother,” Severus began. He noticed that the pain in Draco’s face became more pronounced and the boy looked down, his hands gripping the side of the bed so hard his knuckles were white. “She was upset, Draco. This war has everyone on edge. You know how she feels about you.” Draco’s head snapped up and he looked at Severus in hurt and anger. “She sent you up here, didn’t she? She can’t even face me and apologize? I thought I knew how she felt about me, but I’m not really sure of anything anymore,” he spat.

Severus’s face became stern, but imploring. “You know that she loves you more than her very life. That has not nor will ever change. But you also know very well how she feels about your Aunt, and your callous choice of words wounded her too.” Before Draco could explode in angry protest, Severus held up his hand. “Draco, it seems as though Miss Granger has single-handedly shook the foundations of this very family. Everyone seems to be quite affected,” he said pointedly, his eyes boring into the boy.

Draco felt his insides begin to shake. He couldn’t take another member of his family (for that is what he considered Severus) telling him to leave her to her fate. He was also terrified to hear what Severus had to say about his new-found feelings for Hermione. Surely his mother had told him about Draco’s impassioned plea for her life. I don’t know if I have the strength to have this conversation again today.

Sighing, he spoke his case- not defensively, but rather resignedly, a statement of fact. “I won’t change how I feel about what’s happening to Hermione.” He’d never said her name in front of Severus before. He watched the man for a reaction, but Severus’s expression remained unchanged. “I don’t agree with the things I used to believe in. Well, not even believe, more like ‘question without a second thought’. She’s challenged everything I thought I was… what I thought I wanted to be. I can see what I’m on my way to becoming, and it makes me sick. If I’m going to become like my mother, my father, my Aunt, then I’d rather kill myself now on the spot.”

At that, Severus’s expression changed slightly. With one eyebrow raised he remarked dryly, “A bit dramatic, don’t you think?” He was utterly nonplussed by Draco’s threat. “You will do no such thing,” he stated matter-of-factly. “What you will do is listen to me.”

Severus’s voice dropped to just above a whisper. “It so happens that I agree with you about Miss Granger.” He paused only long enough for Draco to comprehend his words. As the boy looked on in shock, Severus continued. “The girl has no business here, and cannot possibly provide crucial enough information, no matter how close she is to Mr. Potter.” Leaning in close to Draco, Severus continued, “You know as well as I do that she will not survive if your Aunt Bella has her way; therefore, Miss Granger is in need of a way out.” For the first time in the past few days, Draco felt a rush of hope. He stared at Severus, ready to jump at any suggestion the man made.

“I trust that you know all the secret passages here in the Manor? Surely you’ve used them all at some point to leave the house…undetected?” he smirked. Draco felt a slight blush rise in his cheeks; sometimes the man really does know me better than my parents. Severus continued, “I will explain to your parents that for Miss Granger to be the most useful, she should be taken from here and placed at the Shrieking Shack in order to lay as bait for Potter. No doubt your mother would agree to remove the girl as far away from her son as possible,” he added sarcastically, enjoying the uncomfortable flush that rose to Draco’s face again. “Obviously this move would be a ruse, and in a ‘confused battle with some aurors’, Miss Granger would just happen to sneak away.”

Draco felt his heart beat at a frantically hopeful pace. Then a thought occurred to him. “But why? Why would you care what happens to her?” Having already rehearsed the answer to the boy’s inevitable question, Severus simply replied, “It is too soon in the Dark Lord’s plan to lose such a valuable resource as Miss Granger.” He cringed inwardly at the lie as he watched Draco cringe outwardly. “Regardless of the reason,” Severus continued quickly,” it is not Miss Granger’s time to die. He wished silently that Draco wouldn’t put the pieces together fast enough to question why his Aunt would disobey such a direct order from the Dark Lord if Hermione was not to be killed.

“I shall explain the circumstances to your parents this evening, away from Bella’s nosy little ears; I have found that it’s always better to leave your Aunt out of any plan if it can possibly be avoided,” he muttered deprecatingly. Merlin, he couldn’t stand that woman. “After nightfall, you will release Miss Granger and escort her through the South passageway out of the Manor where your broom will be waiting for you. I will watch from the first floor to ensure you are not interrupted. Take her to the Leaky Cauldron where I will have a room waiting for her. From there, she will be returned to safety.”

Draco nodded his head, still absorbing all he had heard his mentor tell him. Could this really work? It has to. As Severus stood to leave, Draco took his arm. With sincerity and gratitude shining in his eyes he said, “Thank you, Uncle Severus.” The professor looked at him and, with his characteristic sardonic tone, replied “Don’t thank me-I didn’t do it for you.” Smiling to himself, he left the room. Not for you, nephew. For the both of you.

Working on it, babe! :D

You may have to turn into a house elf or some wicked fierce owl or falcon or something that can claw out her eyes or something like that. :P

The inevitably intense showdown between Draco and his father ensues. Lucius is a word that I cannot say on a family-friendly website.

I'd REALLY like your opinion on this chapter- pretty please, peeps? :D



Chapter 28: The Final Betrayal


For the rest of the afternoon and evening, all his thoughts were of Hermione. What’s happening to her? Did they kill her because they saw us together? Please Hermione, stay strong. I’m not going to leave you there, I promise. Just hold on for me! His mind was in overdrive, rehearsing in his mind the plans to help her escape and then keep her safe. Before she can do anything, though, she needs to be stronger. Otherwise, she’ll never make it.

Draco waited as planned until everyone had gone to sleep and then quietly snuck out of his room. He crept down the hall, stepping nimbly over all the floorboards that creaked (those numerous episodes of sneaking out over the years had taught him well). Slowly, noiselessly, he opened the door to his parent’s bedroom.

He froze for a moment when he saw that only his mother was in the bed. Oh hell, where is he? If he comes out of the bathroom right now I’m a dead man. He waited, listening intently for any movement. When he was satisfied he was in the clear, he moved stealthily toward his mother’s side of the bed. He gazed at her as she slept and felt his heart break. This might be the last time he ever saw her, if things went badly. “I love you, Mum,” he whispered with a shaky breath. Planting the softest of kisses on her head, he silently wiped the tears from his eyes and took her wand from the nightstand beside the bed. Taking one last look at her, he stole silently out of the room.

He held his mother’s wand tightly in his hand and cautiously made his way down to the first floor. He kept a close eye out for his father. He headed first to his family’s extensive potions cabinet. He whispered Lumos Minimus, allowing himself just enough light to read the labels on the potion bottles. He rummaged through the cabinet as quietly as he could and quickly pocketed blood-replenishing, pepper-up, and pain-relieving potions. He also grabbed the Dittany and some Skele-Gro just in case. He whispered for Mimsy and she appeared. He ordered her to quietly bring him some chicken soup, bread, water and orange juice.

He picked up the tray of food and met Severus in the dining hall. The man nodded for him to proceed, only whispering , “Don’t take long.” Draco descended the stairs to the dungeons. His heart was racing as he neared the interrogation room, not knowing in what state he’d find Hermione. He prayed that he wasn’t too late, that she was still alive. He suddenly halted in his tracks when he heard his father’s voice.

Oh God.

He could almost see his chance to save Hermione slip through his fingers. Mustering up all the courage he could find, he slowly turned around to face his father. To his confusion, however, his father was not there. Get a grip, Malfoy- you’re imagining things! But he heard his father’s voice again. Only then did he realize that the voice was coming from inside the room.

He set the food down and moved closer to the door, hardly allowing himself to breathe. He came as close as he dared and then strained to hear what was happening inside. She was crying again, hard. He could hear the terror in her voice as she begged, “Please don’t do this. Please stop!” His chest tightened and he listened further. “Shhh, I promise I'll make it feel good. You want it, don’t you, my pretty girl?"

Draco froze. Time stopped. The entire universe was reduced to the space around that room. He couldn’t breathe, couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Who were the people in his family?!? His mind threatened to shut down because this was beyond his comprehension. His father was a hard man, cruel even, but this? No,no, no!! He willed it not to be. But he couldn’t erase what he’d just heard. His father was in that room about to betray Hermione's innocence in the most despicable way. He was in that room right now, about to betray his family. He was betraying his wife. He was betraying everything Draco believed about him, every reason he’d worked his whole life to make that man proud. In that instant, Draco felt his entire world come crashing down around him. Nothing inside him was left unbroken. Every shred of admiration and loyalty to his father vanished. He gripped his mother’s wand furiously and placed his hand on the door, hearing nothing but the blood pounding in his ears.

He threw open the door and his breath caught loudly in his chest. Hermione was still on the table; Lucius was leaning over her, drawing his tongue across her throat.They both looked up at the sound of the door. Draco stood there, looking dangerously unstable with a wand pointed at his father. Lucius’s eyes widened in alarm as his dirty little secret was discovered. He was quick to throw his fear aside, however. He narrowed his eyes at Draco and spoke threateningly. “Turn around and walk away, boy. This doesn’t concern you.” Hermione was gasping through her tears. “Draco-please-help me!”

“Get away from her.” His rage was so potent that the command he uttered was barely audible. He felt the familiar blaze of anger in his veins and his power began swelling inside him. It intensified as it spread throughout his body, extending all the way to his fingertips. Everything became clearer: his senses sharpened dramatically and he intuitively read his father’s mind. He knew that Lucius’s next move was to pull out his wand and hold it to Hermione’s head, using her life as leverage. He also knew he had no intention of letting his father get that far. As his father’s hand twitched ever so slightly by his wand, Draco silently cast a strong Expelliarmus charm. In an instant he had his father’s wand in his hand.

Lucius was stunned; his son had disarmed him! He stood beside Hermione and gaped at Draco. “Now, son-” he began, but was hurled into the wall with such force that it broke his left arm. He grunted in pain as Draco strode toward him with a murderous look in his eye. “I’m not your son.” Without breaking stride or looking away from Lucius, Draco swept the wand through the air toward Hermione. Her bindings broke instantly and she sat up, adrenaline keeping her pain at bay as she clamored off the table and hid behind it. Draco lifted Lucius in the air with his wand and held him there. His voice was low, perilous. “You make me sick.” He threw him to the far side of the room, slamming his head onto the floor.

Lucius cringed in the corner and pleaded with his son. “Draco, please- let me explain! Perhaps I went a bit too far-” Draco kicked him in the stomach as hard as he could. Lucius doubled over and collapsed face-down on the floor. “Don’t speak to me.” He pointed the wand at Lucius’s neck and instantly his father’s airway was shut off. He watched his father claw at his throat, his face turning purple. “You taught me this curse, remember?” he said softly. “You were so proud that I was such a fast learner. Well, I had the best teacher, didn’t I?”

He released the spell just before Lucius passed out. He stood over him and spoke once more, each word encased in ice. “A great teacher, but a pathetic excuse for a father and a husband. You’ve just disgraced my mother,” he hissed, “and I’ll never forgive you for that. I want nothing to do with you. I’m going to take Hermione with me and make sure that you’ll never find us. Keep your Death Eaters, keep your bloody Dark Lord, and keep your curse of a name. I am no longer a Malfoy.”

As he turned to walk away from his father Lucius spoke up, his words as bitterly cold as his son’s. “He’ll find you, you know- the Dark Lord. He won’t let such a crime as yours go unpunished. You’ll be marked for death now, you and your Mudblood. And you can’t run forever, Draco. You can’t escape him- you’ll never escape him.”

And his father began to laugh.

“I SAID SHUT UP!!!” Draco screamed, his composure breaking under Lucius’s chilling words. He kicked him in the face, feeling his father’s nose break under his shoe. He felt himself losing control of his emotions and, as a result, the power inside him. All the years he suffered at his father’s hands- all the beatings, the belittling, the all-too familiar taste of blood in his mouth, the chronic muscle pain from being hit with curses, that sneer always pasted on his father's face-it all came rushing out of him in a torrent of intense pain and hatred.

An eruption of raw power burst from him, forcing his head and arms back as it ripped from his chest. The sconces on the walls exploded and the door was nearly blown off its hinges. The very stones in the walls vibrated, loosing dirt and dust which drifted to the ground. Draco pointed his father’s wand at the corner of the room and blasted a great hole in it. The walls fell in and the ceiling gave way, burying Lucius in the rubble.

In the midst of the chaos, Draco heard Hermione scream his name. She called his name again, softer this time. Her voice washed over the fire in his veins and extinguished it. He felt his power draw itself back inside him and shut the door of the cage in which it lived. He ran to the table and found her on the floor, hugging her knees and trying to hide her body. She was still in her underwear and she had no idea what had happened to her regular clothes. He whipped off his long suit jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders, kneeling down in front of her. “Are you okay?” he asked her in an anxious voice, realizing what an insanely stupid question it was.

She looked up, into his eyes. Without answering, she lurched forward and clung to him like a drowning man clutching a life raft, knocking him off balance. She was shaking violently as he pulled her onto his lap, holding her close. “I’m here, I’m here,” he whispered over and over, rocking her slightly. She was absolutely traumatized. “Don’t go!” she cried out, sounding terrified at the idea that he might. “I’m not going anywhere, Hermione,” he promised, hugging her tightly. “I’m here, I’ll always… be here.” He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her forehead. Slowly he found his mouth moving toward hers, compelled as if the rest of his body was playing follow-the-leader with his heart. He saw her close her eyes. He closed his as their lips touched. It was a gentle, tender kiss, a single pink rose blooming in the midst of a devastated landscape.

He pulled back and gazed at her, this jewel of a girl who’d been right in front of him for six years. He felt that he was finally seeing her for the first time. She touched his cheek with her fingertips and the ghost of a smile floated across her face. Then she winced and fell against him. Oh Merlin, she's hurt badly. Draco handed Hermione his mother’s wand, wrapped his suit jacket around her like a robe, then whisked her into his arms and carried her out of the destruction.

Hi,

Just wanted to say that I'm really enjoying your tale soo far....looking forward to reading more (:¬)

YAY- Thank You!!! :woot:

I'm halfway through the next chapter and I hope to put it up by the end of the week.

I'm so glad you're enjoying it, and sooooo glad you posted a comment!! :D


Thanks, hunny! I'm so excited that you're reading it, and I can't wait to hear what you think of the rest! See you in the Ravvie Common Room, girl! :D

Draco and Hermione run for their lives- literally.

Sarah-Jane, THIS IS YOUR MOMENT!! :D


Chapter 29: Escape


The blast from the dungeon shook the floors above it, startling everyone. Severus ducked instinctively, grabbing onto the railing of the dungeon stairs. Bellatrix sprang from her bed, wand immediately at the ready, and waited to attack whatever it was that caused the uproar. Narcissa sat bolt upright and whipped her head sideways toward her husband. He was missing. A stifling sense of foreboding overtook her and she slid out of bed, her graceful fingers reaching for her wand. She felt nothing but the smooth polished wood of her nightstand. Her hand froze there as she gasped in understanding. Her heart began to race. Draco.

Narcissa almost collided with her sister as they both raced from their bedrooms to the stairs.

“What the bloody hell was that?” cried Bellatrix.

Narcissa never stopped moving but called back a simple “I don’t know,” over her shoulder. The first floor was chaotic as several house elves ran to and fro, trying to make sense of the commotion and fretting over what they should do to fix it.

“Where did that come from?!” demanded Bellatrix. The frightened elves pointed at the stairs leading to the dungeons. Bellatrix stopped in her tracks. “The Mudblood!” she growled as she looked over at her sister. “Where is Lucius?” Narcissa remained silent, but her heart sank as she saw a flash of comprehension cross her sister’s face. Bellatrix narrowed her eyes and glared at her. “Where is Draco, Cissy?” she hissed, her voice dripping with venom as she spoke his name.

Narcissa’s eyes widened slightly but she set her jaw in defiance and stared her sister down. “I will end your poisonous existence if you touch my son,” she hissed back with equal ferocity.

Simultaneously, both women bolted for the dungeon stairs, pushing and grabbing at each other in an attempt to get there first. Narcissa knew she was at a dangerous disadvantage without her wand, but she gambled on the hope that Bella hadn’t noticed its absence.

They reached the stairs at the same time. Narcissa paused just long enough to allow her sister to step in front of her. Then she gave Bellatrix a hard shove.

Bella lost her balance and tumbled down the stairs, her head smacking sharply against the stone as she crashed onto the floor below. Narcissa raced down the stairs and leapt nimbly over her sister’s body, her midnight blue robe fluttering over Bella’s face. She had only gone a few steps more when a jet of blue light hit her squarely in the back. She flew forward several feet and hit the floor hard, completely unconscious.

Bellatrix stood at the foot of the stairs, blood trickling down the side of her face. Her seething, hateful expression melted into an air of triumph as she lowered her wand. Satisfied that she had stupefied her sister hard enough, Bella marched down the hallway, making sure to step on Narcissa as she moved past.

She saw the interrogation room door hanging askew on its hinges. As she drew closer, she noticed broken glass and pieces of rock littering the floor. Stepping carefully inside, she shouted a litany of curses when she saw the empty table. She looked wildly around the room and assessed the damage. A large pile of stones was mounded in the far corner, obviously fallen from the wall and ceiling. Her traitor nephew and the Mudblood were nowhere to be seen.

Bellatrix was halfway out the door when she heard a soft moan. Quickly turning around, she followed the pitiful sound to the large pile of rubble.

She could just make out wisps of white-blonde hair and a hand with a large serpentine ring on it through the dust and rock. Her eyes widened when she saw who it was.

“Lucius! What the hell happened?!” she cried. His voice was too muffled to be understood, but his hand stretched out the inch or two the stones permitted and reached toward Bella. She waved her wand and the stones flew away from the pile, releasing Lucius from their trap.

He lay there, not getting up, covered with dust and bleeding in several places. “Draco…the girl…gone,” he wheezed. Bella growled and whipped her head toward the door.

“When?!” she commanded.

“Just a few moments ago,” he answered weakly.

Oh wait ‘til I get my hands on them, she thought as she stormed out of the room.

“Bella, wait!!” Lucius’s voice was stronger now as he watched her turn her back on him. “You can’t just leave me here!” he called. “Bellatrix!!!” But he would have to wait for another helping hand; his sister-in-law was already running down the corridor.

She tore down the hall until she reached a landing; four separate entrances made a half-circle around it, each with a hidden passage that snaked through the underground labyrinth of the manor. She paused and peered into each entrance, as if looking for a faint trace of the two runaways. Finding nothing obvious, she pointed her wand at the first entrance on the far right.

“Hominem Revelio!” she shouted into the darkness of the passage. Nothing happened. Narrowing her eyes impatiently, she repeated the spell into the second passage. Again, it gave up no information. Fuming, she shot the spell down the third passage. A faint glow emanated from deep inside. A wicked laugh burst from her lips.

“Ready or not, here I come,” she sang and launched herself down the passage.

*************

With only a few minutes’ lead, Draco hurried through the narrow, dimly lit passageway. He’d tried levitating Hermione both behind and in front of him, but that caused him to go slower around the twists and turns to keep from running her into the walls. In the end, he picked her back up and carried her in his arms. The distance of the passage, combined with the weight of Hermione’s nearly-unconscious body, was wearing him out quickly.

He’d run through his limited options quickly in his mind. We can’t apparate- neither of us knows how. I can’t take her on my broom now- I’d never be able to keep her on and balance at the same time. There are no fireplaces down here to Floo, it’s too far to go anywhere on foot, and she needs a healer NOW.

He didn’t panic; his brain was too used to calculating and re-calculating every move he made on a normal day. Today he just had to calculate as if his life depended on it. Literally. He subconsciously held Hermione a little tighter as his brain worked rapidly through several scenarios. He sighed with relief when the answer came to him.

He turned to go back up the passageway; for his plan to work, they’d need to back-track about an eighth of a mile. Changing direction was difficult with Hermione in his arms. There was barely enough room to turn 180 degrees without banging her head on the wall. He had to practically fold her in half to make the turn, causing her to whimper loudly.

“Sorry, sorry!” he whispered as he got them in the right direction and began trekking back the way they’d come.

Draco was panting with exertion; his back was strained and the muscles in his thighs were burning from their effort. But they were nearing their detour so he concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other. Up the incline, two more bends to the right and we’re there, he told himself. Over the sound of his own heavy breathing, however, he began to hear a rustling sound, and then a voice. Both were getting louder. Draco listened carefully and picked up his pace. His blood turned to ice when he heard the voice again.

“I’m going to get you,” it sang in a hauntingly childish tone. “You can’t hide from me-e!”

His heart failed him for a moment. Recalculate again. Can we make it to the door before she gets there, or are we running straight for her? Should I turn around and try to make it outside? He took the gamble that they could make it to the door, and so he ran for it. The jostling of her body sent Hermione into a fit of pain- she cried out loudly, and couldn’t stop.

“Shhhh, please, Hermione!!” he whispered as loudly as he dared. Still, it hurt her too much to hold back her cries.

“Is that you, Mudblood?” The gleeful, disembodied voice was much closer now.

Draco managed to angle his wand toward her and whisper, “I’m sorry, love- Silencio!”

*************

Severus Snape had been at the top of the dungeon’s stairs when he saw Bellatrix cast the stunning spell at her sister. He waited until she was out of sight, then hurried down the stairs to Narcissa. He swore silently as he stooped down, carefully rolling her over and gathering her in his arms. She was limp, unconscious, and her cheek was bruised and scraped from her fall.

“Ennervate,” he intoned wandlessly, and watched as Narcissa’s eyes fluttered open, a soft moan escaping her lips.

“Severus…?”

“Bella hit you from behind- she’s on her way to the room,” he responded.

“No!” she said, pushing herself from Severus’s hold and standing unsteadily for a moment. “Draco! He has my wand! We have to reach him before she does! And I don’t know where Lucius is!” she cried, panic supplying her with ample strength to pursue them. Severus put his hands on her shoulders.

“Don’t, Narcissa! As you said, you don’t have a wand. The danger is too great for you without one. Stay here- I’ll find Draco.”

“Like hell I will!” she retorted and started down the hall. Sighing, Severus followed closely behind her.

They looked into the remains of the interrogation room; Narcissa gasped when she saw her husband lying atop a mound of rocks, battered and broken. “Lucius!” she cried and rushed to him, kneeling down at his side. He was still too weak to move, but he painfully turned his head to face his wife.

“Our son…took the girl…did this to me,” he spoke acidly, but with great effort. “Bella…left me…went after them.”

Narcissa’s hand flew to her mouth; she was terrified and furious all at the same time. “Oh, my boy! She’ll kill him!” Without another thought for her husband, she sprang from his side and raced to the door. Lucius, increasingly frustrated at now being left behind by two women, called after her.

“Damn it, Narcissa! Come back here and help me!”

Narcissa’s path was blocked by Severus. He was standing in the doorway, an immovable object. Narcissa pounded on his chest with her petite fists, making no difference whatsoever in his stance.

“Severus! Move out of my way! He’s my son!!” she screamed, frantic tears spilling down her cheeks. He held fast.

“No. You will only get yourself killed,” he replied sternly. Taking out his wand, he looked at her, compassion softening his eyes. “I do hope you’ll forgive me for this someday, Narcissa,” he said remorsefully. Her eyes widened and she took a step backward as he pointed his wand at her.

“Severus- no! You wouldn’t!”

“Stupefy!” he commanded and watched her fall for the second time in as many minutes from the spell. It sickened him that he had to copy Bellatrix.

Without a word to Lucius- who was now demanding that he help him up- Severus raced down the hall, hoping against hope that he would reach the children before disaster struck.

*************

Draco was sucking air into his lungs, sweat running down his face and making his shirt cling to his back. He moved as fast as his burdened legs would carry him. Just one more turn. His aunt’s voice was terribly close now.

“I’m going to kill you slowly!”

Fifty feet from the door. Sheer will propelled Draco’s body forward. His strength was giving out; he could feel his legs beginning to buckle under him. He felt Hermione cling more tightly, certain that she knew he was barely staying upright.

Thirty feet. Bellatrix was right around the corner; he could already smell her cloying perfume, hear her raspy breathing. She was nearly on top of them. He was staggering now, unable to walk straight. He miss-stepped and hit the wall, ricocheting off the opposite one as he regained his balance. Hermione’s face was contorted with pain as she silently cried out from fear and hurt.

Twenty feet. He could see the door- he pointed his wand to open it. His aunt would meet them any second.

Ten feet. “Please, please, please!” he whispered in desperation. He looked up just as Bellatrix rounded the corner and stood before them.

“Don't you dare!” she cried and raised her wand. Draco dropped Hermione to her feet, keeping one arm under her arms, and launched them both at the door. With one hand he shoved Hermione through the doorway; with the other he swung his father’s wand wildly and cast a protective charm. He was certain it wouldn’t be nearly strong enough. He dove headfirst for the doorway, landing just outside of it and rolling through to the other side. A powerful jet of green light shot mere inches above his head as the Killing Curse reduced the stone wall beside him to rubble.

As soon as he cleared the doorway, the wall re-sealed itself behind him, charmed to close as soon as a Malfoy passed through it. He landed right on top of Hermione, who was lying on the stone floor and bleeding from her side and head. Her mouth opened in a yelp of pain, but no sound came out.
Remembering what he’d done, Draco immediately removed the silencing spell and heard her moan weakly.

He knelt beside her and took her face in his hands. “Stay with me, sweetheart, stay with me! Can you get up? Can you try?” As he spoke, another green streak of light soared past them. He could hear his aunt screaming at them in rage. The hole she had blasted in the wall from her first Killing Curse had afforded her enough space to continue her attack, and she wasn’t letting up.

Hermione raised herself up on her elbows, but she was visibly shaking from the exertion. She looked at him in horror and dismay. “I can’t- I’m so sorry!” she cried.

“It’s okay, please, you’re hurt!” Draco responded. He turned her body so that her head was facing the direction they were headed. Then he moved in front of her, grabbed her under the arms and began dragging her down the passage. She bit her lip to keep from crying out; being pulled like that was excruciating. She tried to help him by pushing off the floor with her feet.

Arcs of green light still shot perilously near them. A great blast stopped them in their tracks. Bellatrix was blasting a bigger hole in the wall in an attempt to get to them. Oh God, she just won’t stop! Draco’s mind shouted in despair. One more blast and she’d be inside.

*************

“Don't you dare!” Severus heard Bellatrix scream. He had nearly caught up with her. Brandishing his wand, he rushed forward in time to hear her roar “Avada Kedavra!!”

His heart stopped; he prayed to anyone who would listen that Draco and Hermione were still alive. When he heard Bella’s subsequent cry of rage, he exhaled in great relief. He peered around the corner and saw the woman blasting holes in the wall, and reckoned that the children must be on the other side. He flattened himself against the wall. He couldn’t go out and stop her. He couldn’t blow the cover he’d painstakingly built for years. Damn this double-agent rubbish to hell! But he was the only one who stood between the two fleeing teens and their relentless assassin.

He uttered a silent incantation and gave an animal-like call down the corridor. And then he waited.

A moment later, the shrill cry of a hawk echoed down the passageway. His hawk. He’d called Sarah-Jane to him, knowing that she would have been circling the Manor since his arrival. She never strayed far from him. She flew through the hidden exit on the grounds of the Manor and down into the passage to find her master. As she drew nearer, Severus transferred a telepathic instruction to her. She zeroed in on her victim as she came into view.

Bellatrix’s right hand was raised to fire another blasting curse at the wall when she felt something painfully sharp rake the back of her hand. Before she could understand what was happening, her wand was wrenched out of her hand by a pair of powerfully sharp talons. The hawk flew in an arc, depositing Bella’s wand well out of her reach and, before the woman could summon it back, turned and hurtled straight for her.

Bellatrix moved her hands in front of her face only a second before Sarah-Jane’s talons dug themselves into her flesh. Screaming in surprise and pain, Bella tried desperately to shake the attacking bird off her forearms, but to no avail. Sarah-Jane’s strong wings flapped wildly as she removed her talons from Bella’s arms and immediately tangled them in her hair. She flew back and forth, dragging Bella with her as the woman shrieked and grabbed at her head.

The hawk pulled her off balance and sent her flailing onto the floor. Bella kicked and punched wildly as her attacker bore down on her; tufts of feathers and curly black hair wafted in the air, and the duet of screeches from woman and bird reverberated off the walls in a deafening cacophony. Bella realized she was going to lose the fight and curled up in a ball as she was attacked from all sides. Sarah-Jane dove and clawed, pecked and bit, gouging flesh from the woman’s arms, neck, and scalp and shredding the fabric of her clothes.

Finally, Severus sent her the mental signal to stop. The hawk floated gracefully to the floor and preened her amber-colored feathers, highlighted with streaks of ruby red. When she finished her cleaning, she rose from the floor, gliding silently around the corner of the passage and settling lightly on Severus’s arm. She nuzzled his cheek affectionately and he stroked her feathers, thanking her for a job well done.

“Now go and find yourself a nice, juicy rabbit,” he whispered, and Sarah-Jane took off down the corridor, flying over the motionless, bleeding form of Bellatrix.

Severus strode briskly back up the passageway, smirking that, though still annoyingly alive, Bellatrix wouldn’t be bothering anyone for quite a while. He reentered the decimated interrogation room to revive Narcissa and once again ask her forgiveness. And then maybe, if he felt like it, he would give Lucius a hand too.

*************

Draco assumed that the screech he heard was just another one of his aunt’s murderous cries. But the curses suddenly stopped flying, and the screeches separated into two distinct voices. Knowing he shouldn’t stop for even a moment, Draco paused anyway and craned his neck to see what was going on. What looked like a very large bird seemed to be attacking his aunt, pulling her away from the wall. He stared dumbly at the bizarre scene for a moment. Well that’s something I didn’t expect to see.

“Draco, what is it?” called Hermione from the floor. Her voice brought him back to their current situation and he knelt down beside her.

“I don’t know, but whatever it is, it’s getting in the way of my aunt’s pursuit.” He smoothed the hair from her face and made another quick assessment of her wounds. He was worried about the two biggest, the one on her side and the one on her head. They still hadn’t stopped bleeding. He placed his hand on her ribcage and probed each rib with his fingers. Good, none of them were broken, so the wound on her side was fairly superficial.

He bent down and kissed her forehead, her cheeks, her lips; then he held out his temporary wand and closed up the two large wounds. Pulling two phials from his pocket, he cradled her head and opened the first one. He tipped the Blood Replenishing Potion back against her mouth, and she drank it down. Then he unstoppered the Pain Potion and held it to her lips as she tried to force it down.

“We’re going to make it, love- I promise you,” he said with fierce conviction as he held her gently on the floor.

“I believe you,” she replied. “Now let’s stop talking and get going!”

HOORAY!!! I'm SOOO glad you liked your part! You are VERY welcome!!! :glomp:

I think it worked very well into the story. You were brilliant- and you kicked Bella' butt!! :woot: I'm so proud of you. *sniffs, wipes eyes*

Yeah...isn't it despicable interesting how Lucius left out that little piece of information. He sucks. But now he's lying on a pile of rubble and no one will help him. That makes me happy. :mwaha:

Only a few more chappies- thank you so much for taking this journey with me, hunny!:love:

Yay I'm finally caught up!!! Absolutely amazing!!!
Who'd have though Draco could be so heroic! :loved:

... and poo poo to Lucius and Bella... gggrrrr if only I could :hack: them
:P

As usual... PAMS!!!! Can't wait for more!

That's AWESOME!!!!!

I can't tell you how happy I am that a) you're back and b) you caught up and responded! I have the biggest smile on my face right now- I think I'll do a happy dance!

I'll add more soon,I promise!

I saw that you added a chappie to yours as well- going there to check it out!

Love you with lovely love!! :glomp:

Oh, and I'm so proud of our little Draco. *sniff, wipes eyes*

i`m only on chapter 8 but i LOVE IT! i can't believe you like my dumb little story after writing this!! it`s fantastic :)

I am still behind with reading, but I'm catching up, I got to chapter 20. I think you wrote Hermione's mum's reactions perfectly, and I love the way you describe Draco's contradictory personality. Fabulous fic :loved:

EDIT: Now I've read till 26, I'm catching up! I loved how you fitted in one of my favourite Dumbledore quotes, choosing between what is right and what is easy. I feel very sorry for Hermione, but good thing Draco manned up! And it was a lovely surprise to see Snape in the story, I adore him :loved:

Thanks, sweetie! So glad you're reading it!! :glomp:

You know, Snape was not in my original concept of the story, but my friend Emily loves him and I added him in for her. He actually worked out perfectly and has become a very important character in the plot!

Keep reading, mama! It's almost finished! :woot:

Finally caught up :woot: It's fantastic that Severus was there for the rescue, I love him, and I love the way you write him, very in character :loved: And yeeey, they're free! Don't let anything bad happen till Grimmauld Place, please :P I hate Bella, and Lucius for that matter, but it was funny how everyone just let Lucius lie there without giving him a hand :lol: PAMS! :glomp:

Ooohhh Grimmauld Place!!!!! *dances circles around you* great post sweetie! Loved it!

I wonder how everyone else is going to react to Draco :erm: ...

PAMS!

I love me some Snape as well!! :love:

This whole chapter practically wrote itself. I swear, it was like the plot and the characters knew what they were doing and just held my hand and pulled me along. It was so wierd, like I was reporting what I was seeing rather than creating it. Or maybe I just had too much caffeine that night. :P

I never planned on the whole thing with Lucius being ignored on the rocks; it just unfolded as I was writing. But everytime one of my charrie left him there, I would laugh harder! :lol:

Thank you SOOOO much- you know how much I appreciate your words!! :glomp:


I know, Headquarters!!! * joins your dance*

The next two chappies will deal with everyone's "welcome".:worried:

Love you as always for your reviews! And just for you, ya know! :glomp:

:faint:

...........

GAH THAT WAS BRILLIANT!!!!

Thank you thank you thank you thank you for that chapter!!!!

Draco... and Hermione!! :loved: ... though I hope nobody tries to kill him now :erm: