Dancing With Dragons

FINALLY HERE IS CHAPTER 13: Plots Day by Day....

Thank you everyone who had to wait hopefully this long enough to keep you going for a bit. darklingwater I would really love that. I am not sure how to really go about that that is why I have been lazy and haven't done it. But if you would like too I think I would be into that. Thanks I am glad you like and I tired to look over this more, but I am sure I've missed some stuff...
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“I don’t do that anymore either. I can sleep when I am dead.” She meant it as a joke but it sounded horribly morbid considering their situation. There was silence for awhile and Hermione was having trouble keeping her eye’s open

“What are you up to all the time Granger.”

She really didn’t want to talk about this. She didn’t want to open up to Malfoy because she as afraid to let him in. She wasn’t sure she could trust him, but even more she was afraid it would make her want him more. It didn’t matter that she rarely slept because when she did he filled her every dream. She really needed help.

“With head girl duties, detentions, and having to help the young students because no one else cares about them.” She made the comment for him because he only paid attention to students when they got in his way. She had to admit she really hated him when he hurt her students. “On top of homework and I don’t have a lot of time to relax.”

She was looking at him sitting across from her on one of the plush chairs. She really wanted to snuggle deep into one and wake up when this was all over. That’s why she was sitting, back straight, in a hard wooden chair.

“When is the last time you’ve touched yourself Granger?”

She was too use to him by now to get worked up, or maybe she was just tired. “Since Amycus Carrow walked through the door.”

Malfoy laughed darkly. “Well maybe you should go up stairs and do that. I heard it’s good on the nerves. I could help you.”
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“Please Malfoy. I really don’t have time for this.”

“I can tell your really busy sitting on that stiff chair like you have a wooden pole up your ass.” Malfoy got up and started walking around the room. She eyed him suspiciously at first but when he didn’t come for her she relaxed just letting her eyes follow him. Even her tired body responded to him, in his tight black shit and expensive looking jeans. Robe hanging open as if he were on display.

“So Granger, you never really answered. Where do you go at night coming back looking freshly fucked, fucked so good you can’t walk?” She knew what he was talking about and she tried to not let the surprise show that Malfoy had noticed her?

“Oh yes Granger I’ve noticed. I watch you.” Then his long legs and feline grace brought him fast into her personal space, not enough time to react. He grabbed the chair’s armrests and pulled her closer to him. He was leaning down into her face. “What have you been doing Granger? My little Gryffindor virgin, have you found another boy?”

She looked into his stormy summer eyes and couldn’t even laugh at his accusation. Didn’t he know that until she had him or till she was far enough away from him that she couldn’t seek him out he’d be the only boy she’d noticed? “Another boy? I didn’t realize I had one already lined up. If you haven’t noticed I on the wrong side of the brooms these days. I don’t really have time to sneak out and get my rocks off.”

“Getting your rocks off Granger?” He laughed at her words but not in funny way. Then he bend down and locked his lips onto her neck. She couldn’t help it she gasped. It had been so long, well in her mind it was a long time, since she felt the pleasure, the kind of pleasure only Malfoy could bring, rush through her body. “Now Granger, were do you go where I can’t see you, can’t find you.”

She was suddenly so happy that she varied her route to the room of requirements, as she told the others to do, and often did a disillusionment charm. He bit into her neck and for the first time in weeks her body relaxed. She was putty in his hands, well sexually at least.

“I’ve been hanginggg out with…emm, Neville and Ginny. Ohh, it only seems right to spend as much time with them as possible.” Every word came out chocked but plausible. It wasn’t completely a lie either. And though she knew it was stupid to feel this way she still felt bad about lying to him. Especially when she so desperately wanted to share her body with him, in everyway. It went against everything she’d grown to believe to lie, so hugely, to some one she wanted to make love too. Than her mind snapped, she didn’t want to make love to Malfoy. She didn’t know much but that she was sure of. She wanted him to fuck her. She cringed as those words raced hungrily across her mind. It wasn’t helping that Malfoy’s hands were under her shirt pressing against her stomach.

Knowing that she just wanted to be fucked made it worse, made it worse how she over looked his wrong doings. How she could more easily forgive his sins than other’s? Like Ron’s sins. Compared to what Malfoy had done to her didn’t Ron deserve another chance? But she knew why the answer was no. The main reason was because her body was in love with Malfoy and her mind was trying to catch up. Because as much as she didn’t believe in happily ever after she still wanted to feel something for the person who would take her in a way no one had or ever could again. And if this kept happening Malfoy would have her.

He pushed his hands up to her breasts; he was now kneeling on the floor. Even kneeling he was still face to face with her. He found her nipples through the fabric of her bra and pinched. She groaned and her head went back. She wasn’t sure if most women enjoyed being fondled as much as she did, but the second Malfoy touched her pink numbs she started to grow wet and needy. Then again most women didn’t have Draco Malfoy pinching and rubbing them through thin soft material.

“I don’t think I entirely believe you Granger, but that’s okay I’ll find out.”

She tried to shake her head as another assault on her neck was made. This time it was mixed with the pleasure of Malfoy massaging her tits. “Neville, Ginny…I said we just…”

He bit into her neck hard and at the same time her pinched her left nipple, pinching with the same harshness. She gasped from the pain. “I didn’t say you could talk Granger.”

She was liking this way to much, and, even though her voice was still soft and breathless, she put her hands on his chest pushing him away just a couple inches. “You don’t own me. I speak when I want to.”

His eyes looked dark. She wasn’t sure if it was from pleasure or anger. He pulled his hands from her breast and it took all she had not whimper. He placed them on her thighs and she instantly remembered that she’d dressed in a skirt to day. She hadn’t dressed up since the Death Eaters arrived and she had secretly wanted to make Malfoy notice her. Now she cursed herself. She also realized that her legs weren’t crossed anymore. When had that happened?

She was about to tell him to stop when he ran his warm hands up her thighs pushing them more apart. She felt the first breeze of cool air between her legs. She shivered, “Malfoy…”

“Shut the fuck up Granger.” Oh and how she was going to punch him in his smug face. Really she was. Her head snapped back up, her mouth half opened ready for a fight but he was quicker. He slipped her panties to the side and was already coaxing juices around her clit.

The yell that was at the back of her throat came out, but now it was a howl of pleasure. Her eyes met Malfoy but instead of anger they held shocked desire. He was smirking but his eyes held darker, heavier things. He circled her clit again and she moaned.

“Good thing to know, all I have to do it this,” He circled her clit this time hard and quick, “to get you to stop talking.”

“Fuck you,” she panted but there was something about the whole situation that just did it for her.

“Not yet Granger. Trust me you’ll know when I do.” She shuddered thinking about him inside her, and how close she had been. She wanted him! Get him out of your system her body screamed. Wetness was pooling in her panties and covering Malfoy’s fingers. Her hips arched forward.

“I love how weak you are for me Granger.” Her body stopped moving. Those words cut through the pleasure but some how brought a version of their own. Malfoy’s other hand tightened on her thigh and he didn’t stop circling her very sensitive nub. Though it was soft this time.

“I am, I am not a weak person.”

“I didn’t say you were a weak person. I said you were weak for me.” His finger traveled down as he spoke, finding her opening, and as he purred his last word ‘me’ he shoved a finger roughly into her.

Stars. She saw stars and she couldn’t argue with him anymore. She was weak for him, especially has he pumped hard and fast into her causing the most wonderful friction. “I knew this would make you feel less tense Granger. I love loosening you up.” She just purred and made non-sensical noises. Than suddenly he stopped. Pulled out her without a warning.

He was still kneeling but not a single part of him touched her. She wasn’t going to beg but she wanted to. She wanted to so bad she didn’t even dare open her mouth. She just sat there in the same position; legs spread, slumped, panties wet, cheeks flushed.

“There is something about you Granger.” He reached out and creased down her thigh with the tips of his fingers. She didn’t buck her hips, with a lot of effort. “Something that makes me want to seduce you. Funny the predicament we find ourselves in. Maybe that’s what attracts each other to one other? The game of cat and mouse.”

She didn’t know what to say. Why was Malfoy talking about this? She didn’t want to talk about them. They, the two of them, didn’t make any sense. So what was the point of discussing it? She wasn’t searching for truth. Or at least not with Malfoy.

She was too afraid of what she would find. She already had to force her mind to slow down and stop trying to see good where there was none. Stop it from trying to rationalize her body’s actions with logical thoughts. She didn’t want to like Malfoy. NOT EVER. Never again!

She had always relied on his supposed inability to take emotions seriously. Let alone feel them and than want to discuss them like they were in some stupid class discussion. ‘What’s day’s lesson? Oh yes, how and why do Malfoys and Grangers attract?’
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He didn’t know why he was talking to her, but the idea of getting her, no forcing her, to talk about them was an undeniable compulsion. These days she always shut down the moment he asked her anything too deep, too personal, too them. She didn’t want to talk about them. Than again, he understood because they, the two of them, didn’t make any sense.

At first it hadn’t bothered him (normally he didn’t care what was on a girl’s mind emotional. He didn’t have time for emotions.), but now he couldn’t get her out of his head. He hated bullying her but that hatred seemed to come out in waves of more anger and revolution towards Granger. He hated even more the way Amycus’s eyes wondered her body. How he watched her cross a room. And though he understood her allure it still sickened him. Worse he could do almost nothing.

He was constantly walking a paper-thin line. Trying to work in Granger’s favor while appearing unconcerned and even malevolent to her situation. Zabini was constantly questioning but he didn’t know yet! He didn’t know where he belonged. Well. it was more like he didn’t know what he should choose. He wanted to live through this. He wanted Zabini and yes even Granger to live through it too. But he didn’t think it was possible to have one with the other. It was beginning to ware him down but he refused to show it.

And didn’t he still hate her? He just wanted to fuck her. So why was he fucking talking instead of bangging the shit out of her on the floor, this very moment. He hated the way she pretended to be optimistic when everyone else was around. The way she fought every little battle. Why couldn’t she just save herself? Instead she’d taken on the whole school as her responsibility! He hated how he knew she wasn’t telling him something, well many somethings, and she wasn’t going do.

But he didn’t hate her. No not her. And in some ways the things he hated about her the most were the things he liked the most. Yet he still found it hard to understand them. Well except for the lying thing. He just didn’t like not knowing her every thought.

Normally he would have been too uncomfortable to talk. You weren’t supposed to feel confusion, unhappiness, or weakness and if you did you certainly didn’t share them. Maybe he hated her a little because she made him want to feel. It made him want to punish her. Not with his fists but with his cock. How sad was it that he couldn’t even talk without sex being involved!

And he would have been to proud or maybe to scared to talk if Granger didn’t look even more venerable that he felt. She was flushed and slumped. Her breath was evening out but was still raged. From his view he could see her light blue panties, which now had a dark spot where her wetness had found them. He couldn’t keep his eye from them. He loved that he caused her to be so wet.

Then suddenly he really took her in and it was impossible not to see how tragically beautiful she was. Not just because she was physically perfect, but also because she was Granger. Because she was still thick in her waist and thighs even after all the weight she lost, her large breast heaving with her ragged breaths. Because her freckles stood out more when she was red, red with passion. Because she was some how the weakest and the strongest person he knew.

Some how the dark circles, sunken in eyes, ragged hair and thinning legs and arm made her more beautiful than she had been three weeks ago. She was a sacrificial beauty. She suddenly reminded him of what a young, beautiful virgin on the eve of being sacrificed to the gods would look like. She was so giving that she would lie on the stone table with out being chained, maybe even beg to be taken! And some how her tired willingness to fight made her more beautiful. Not hot. Not beautiful in the lustful way but the kind that made him want to take her face into his hands, lightly, and kiss her forever.

Than he realized her lips were moving.
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“Malfoy are you even listening?”

“No.”

“Figures…”

“I couldn’t help it I was memorized by your breath taking beauty.”

For a second she couldn’t breath. Not just because he complimented her but because he seemed so sincere. “A second ago you said I looked like shit because I can’t cant eat or sleep.”

“Yes and it’s true, a little, but it also makes you incredibly beautiful. For a muggle born anyway.” He was back to looking smug.

She sat straight up. “Well of course. You couldn’t just leave the compliment well enough alone. And are you saying that you like that I lost weight. That you think I needed to?!”

Malfoy looked confused and than angry. Getting up in a quick motion he pulled himself to the other side of the room. She felt stupid when she saw his reaction. Why had she asked Malfoy if she needed to loose weight? She liked who she was and why did she care what he thought? But OH she did.

“That’s not what I fucking meant. God why do girls always twist your words around like that. I try to bloody compliment you and you throw it back in my face.”

“Well, what did you mean?”

“Nothing. This isn’t even important. I should have never expressed an interest in your insight into why the hell we are attracted to each other.”

“Ha. You would have known my answer if you had been listening.” Her voice quitted not nearly as confident as she’d been before. “ Maybe it’s just the whole opposite attracts. We are so different on almost ever level that maybe we balance each other out.”

Malfoy looked as if he was truly thinking. “Okay, but you certainly don’t balance me out.” He made a face and she tried not to look hurt. Was she so fucked up that Draco Malfoy actually balanced her?! Did his stone cold interior some how make her less afraid? She felt like he gave her a coolness and calmness. “And we aren’t really that opposite.”

She laughed and he looked down at her, from across the room. It made her feel like a child so she stood up. “How do you figure that Malfoy?” she asked as she leaned against the bookshelf.

“Well, we are both heads of our school, smart, cool under pressure, ambitious, and people look up to us. We are leaders Granger.”

“Some how you make those things sound dirty, but I agree. It’s more than I thought but not enough. But maybe it’s forbidden lust. We cant really have each other. Just being here talking about it is beyond not right.”

“Please Granger just talking about it? I had the tip of my cock inside you before the she devil came pounding on your door.” He took a step close to her.

She blushed and hated that he always said the most vulgar of things when she wanted him to take her seriously. She just pretended he hadn’t talked. “And if our friends and family found out the consequences would be horrible.”

“For me! I am suppose to hate you, you being a mudblood and all. But no one could blame you for wanting to fuck me. I mean there is nothing socially wrong with my blood.”

Not only did she blush from anger she took a step forward pointing her finger at him. “Your right, nothing is wrong with your blood it’s your big fat head full of prejudice notations that make you so disgusting. And there is nothing wrong with my blood either.”

“Ugg there you go again assuming things about how I feel. I merely pointing out that realistically, because of the view of most pure bloods, you have less to fear from the repercussions than I do.”

She kicked the wooden chair to the side and made a beeline for him stopping only a few feet. “I would loose all my friends. My status as a trust worthy person gone. I’d would be ruined. I’d be a traitor.”

“Please Granger traitors in my world don’t just loose their friends. And lossing your status in my world doesn’t mean you get shunned. You become everyone’s bunching bag. That’s of course if you live!”

“And yet you’re still here, which further proves my point that we just want each other because this is forbidden.”

“You don’t give a shit about me at all Granger?” This was really starting to scare her. She didn’t want it to mean more than forbidden lust. Couldn’t he just leave it at that and kiss her. But instead he looked into her eyes and asked that. Stepped closer to her and made her think about how much she might actually care.

“No!” But it wasn’t true. “No that isn’t true I am sorry. I don’t know what I feel for you and I don’t want to know. But I still think it just the whole idea that I can’t have you that keeps me here.” She wanted him to shut her up again. ‘Just close the distance between us Malfoy! I don’t want to talk anymore,’ her mind screamed. The desire pressed against her lips.

He reached out and creased his hands down her throat and chest. She shivered. “I love the way you react to me.”

“I can’t help it. The touch of your hand on my skin makes my body react.”

“But it’s only the thrill of passion. Forbidden lust, right?”

She shook her head in agreement. “It’s only physical.”

“Completely illogical.” He’d pulled her in running his hands down her back. His eyes locked on her’s.

“We must always know it doesn’t mean more than this. Love has nothing to do with this.” A part of her was relieved that they understood each other. But a small part of her felt broken. Almost like she wanted to cry.

“Who said anything about love Granger.” The last thought in her head before Malfoy kissed her was, ‘that’s the closest my name and love will be in the same sentence. At least coming from Malfoy’s mouth.’ And she simply couldn’t understand why that hurt.

They crashed into each other. They tore at each others clothing and Hermione was pretty sure most of her outfit was now laying in shreds and she didn’t give a fuck.

He bit and licked his way down her neck and she was burning alive. If it wasn’t the heat from his hands and mouth engulfing her body it was the heat of having him, half naked, so close. When had she stopped wearing a bra? Wait where was her skirt? Then it didn’t matter because Malfoy was pulling them into a chair. Her legs wrapped around his waist her groined pressed against his.

Her head felt faint as he ground himself up into her. She growled into his mouth and didn’t even recognize the noise as her own voice. But oh his lips were so perfect. She nibbled on the bottom before he swallowed her again with another round of passionate kisses. She couldn’t barely breath and finally she pulled back. She pressed her hands to his chest sliding them down as she pulled herself away. Her breath ragged, eyes still closed. She could feel the cool hardness of him under her hands and it made her want to snuggle her head against him. She resisted the urge but slid her hands up his body agonizingly slow, grazing his nipples. She felt them grow harder and his body shivered. She liked the way his body reacted, she wanted more. She brushed her fingers tips lightly again and Malfoy bucked his hips.

She slid down Malfoy’s lap slowly. She bent, eye looking up into his while she kissed his lean, cool chest. He started down at her like a predator and she so badly wanted to be his pray. She kissed her way down flicking her tongue over his nipples. She’d been so nervous last time she had Malfoy in her hands she hadn’t noticed the delicious noises he made in the back of his throat. How could she have missed the low moaning it was so hypnotic? She wanted hear him moan louder, and she bit roughly into his stomach.

“Mmmm Granger.” Oh yes she must defiantly like the way her named sounded poured from pleasured lips on ragged breath. She kissed the rest of way down till she hit the line of his pants. Oh was she going to make him moan.

She slid down and off Malfoy. She took a moment to take him in before he opened his eyes in surprise. She knew she shouldn’t feel this way, because Malfoy was such an awful person, but she couldn’t believe she had managed a front row seat into this gorgeous boy’s bed. Hell, she was becoming the main attraction.

“Don’t be a fucking tease Granger,” He growled. She sighed, once a Malfoy always a Malfoy. She turned ignoring him. She gripped at her robes and pulled her light, thin wand from its pocket. She smiled to herself. What was happening to her? It, this whole messy thing, scared a part of her. How did he bring out this sexual confidence, she was animalist. It was only times like these that she felt completely comfortable with herself. She was some how more vulnerable and more protected, even if it was Malfoy who was providing these tantalizing side effects.

Plus, she just wanted a few minutes where her world revolved around something else than war, and death, and plots. “As much as I like looking at your tight little arse Granger, what are you doing?” She could hear the bored drawl to it. She was going to make him scream her name for that!

She pointed her wand and him. “Pultract Decumbo zipper.” She heard the soft sounds of Malfoy’s jeans unzip. She could feel her lips curled in a smile as Malfoy looked down at his pants in surprise before bringing his perfect face back to her, an eager smile played along his lips.

“So the virgin has little tricks up her sleeves.” She pointed her wand and aimed another spell at Malfoy. This time his pants dematerialized around him and reformed at the fireplace. His tight black boxer clung to his hardened length. She threw the wand behind her back and crawled on her hands and knees to him.

She wasn’t sure if she was being too whorish, or too dramatic but it felt good. It felt freeing to be a little naughty. She didn’t want to be studious, or caring, or righteous, or even good right now. She wanted to be different and she wanted to be different with Malfoy.

“I wouldn’t say I have tricks,” Malfoy was watching her body as she crawled to him. Taking in the curves of her hips, the way her breast hung sensually, and the way her hair came down in soft, unruly streams down her face. “I have ideas, desires and I want explore everyone of them with you.”

She didn’t waste time. She didn’t linger with any more words or worries. She pulled Malfoy through the slit in his black boxers and licked the tip of his cock. She worked the top of him for a few moments getting use to the feeling of him in her mouth. She swirled her tongue in hot wet patterns along his shaft and listened to the soft moans.

“More, I want more of you in my mouth,” she panted lightly as she pulled back. Malfoy’s dick was now fully hard and pressed slightly down by his boxers. She didn’t need to explain any further. Malfoy stood up and removed his boxers. She took him in for a moment. Now that her vision wasn’t marred with embracement she could take him all in. The smooth reddish skin of his cock and the way he was pressed against himself.

Malfoy made to sit back down but she gripped his legs and let him know with her eyes that she wanted to take him in her mouth while he stood. There was something more erotic about sucking Malfoy on her knees while he stood over her. A part of her knew that taking him this way allowed for less intimacy and more erotic pleasure. It helped to push back the part of her that wanted to care about Malfoy. The part of her the wanted to force him to acknowledge he wasn’t all hatred and stone.

She gripped the base and stroked him a couple times with her hand. Than she took him in and, for lack of better words, made love to him with her mouth. Starting off slow, reviling in the feel of his soft skin and listing to his hard breathing and soft murmurs. She used his hitched breath to learn what he liked.
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He pulled her long curly hair out of her face to watch. Granger was not an expert like Pancy, but some how it was better. She didn’t just do it because she felt she had too. She actually tried to find out what felt best. More than that it was Granger, innocent Granger, on her knees sucking his cock. That alone made it one of the most erotic and pleasurable sexual experience he had ever had.

But when he had watched Granger stroke him with her hand he thoughts were on more than just her small gentle hand touching him, on more than her curved body knelt in front of him looking like a goddess, he thoughts were on the look in her eyes. The way she made him feel like he was incomplete control of her, dominating her, but that she held the ultimate control. He felt that she was taking him like this because she wanted erotic pleasure but not the soft intimacy they had just talked about. She was trying to prove to him that it was nothing but frustrated, forbidden, passion.

And that was the reason he why he let her make him cum instead of stopping so that he could take her. And he could have, he knew it in everything part of him. But he realized, as he came hard in her mouth and the orgasm washed anything but Granger from his mind, he wanted a little intimacy.
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She swallowed his cum down her throat, trying to relax but couldn’t help but cough a little as he finished pulling out. He laughed darkly looking down at her. Even so when Malfoy laughed darkly and looked down at her so couldn't help but laugh as well. She couldn’t help it because even though it was a laugh of pleasure it reached his eyes. She realized that her pussy was wet, her legs a little spread, and she could felt cool air brush against her and she shivered.

Then he was pulling up pressing her close. He slid his hands down her body to rest on her ass. Something about them both naked just pressed together was startlingly pleasant and she pushed back slightly. She didn’t want to hurt his feeling, which she realized was stupid, but she didn’t like the feeling of happiness that welled up inside her. He kept his hands where they were not letting for much distance between them.

“I think it’s your turn Miss. Granger.”

“No…” but he smirked in her face and spun her around slowly until her back was flushed with him, his hands rested on her hips. She immediately realized why he had done it. They were facing the down stairs mirror. It was a large square ornate walling hanging mirror. It wasn’t meant to be a full body mirror like the ones upstairs, but they were at such as distance that she could almost see her full body. She was staring at her own nakedness pressed against him, but she could see nothing but Malfoy’s face and hands on her hips. Why did he always make her realize herself so intensely?

“I get it Granger, you don’t like me. Were just lovers…for lack of a better word. But don’t think for a second you have control.” The sound of his voice was so close but she was watching his mouth move through the mirror and the sensation of the combination was intense but dream like. “I’ve never left a girl unsatisfied.”

“ I doubt that.” She actually didn’t, but he seemed to know what she didn't meant and he laughed into her ear.

“Maybe they haven’t gotten all they wanted from me, or what they thought they wanted,” he started to massage her leg with one of his hands. Her breath caught because not only was she feeling the sensation she was seeing the exoticness of it played out in front of her. It tapped into all her senses. “But I’ve never left a girl’s body unsatisfied.”

He lightly kicked her legs farther a part. She let out a small shriek, but he held her safely. ‘So strong,’ her mind moaned. He slipped a finger into her wetness and messaged her already swollen clit. Pleasure threw her; her head slipped back and her eyes closed. She should have known she wouldn’t get out so easily.

He slid his un busy hand up her body and pulled her head down. It wasn’t rough but it was stern. “Look, watch me make you cum, like you watched you self.” She gasped from the warmth growing and his words.

“How…” She couldn’t get anymore out because he worked her clit harder and faster.

“I heard you Granger, I want to hear you now. Open your eyes.” He stopped for just a second and loss of him was too much. She snapped opened her eyes. His large hand cupped her pussy, and then she was feeling and watching him working her. His other hand was still at her neck though not hurting. And it was too much.

Her legs started to shake and much too pleasurable warmth was spreading. It wasn’t just warm she realized it was burning in the most excruciating pleasure. She couldn’t hold herself. “My legsss. Too much.”

Finally he released her neck and held her steady. She watched as long as she could. Looked at his reflective eyes, but the intimacy was still the same. “You bastard,” she cursed. And her body spammed, her head feel back, and she did the unthinkable. She screamed, “Malfoy.”

He let their bodies slid to the ground. He was half sitting and she was laying on him. Her head against his now warm chest and she didn’t the only thing her body wanted to do, sleep. She slipped into a coma and the last she remembered was Malfoy wandlessly calling for a blanket. ‘Show off,’ her mind laughed and she was gone.

Her sleep was bombarded with images of death wrapped with sex. Though her body had finally allowed itself relaxation her mind was relentless with terror. Than suddenly there was loud knocking. At first her sleep blended the reality into her dreams, but movement beneath her woke her, startled.

“What,” her breath came out horse and she realized it because she had used it so furiously. The memories flooded her and now that she was looking back she realized how demonstrative she’d been with her pleasure. She blushed and her embracement increased when she realized the top half of her body was still wrapped around Malfoy. She quickly pulled back when another loud knock and a very famine voice caught her attention.

“Draco. I vas vating for you in the Library! Draco you there, did you forget?” Hermione’s blood rushed to her head. It was Kamilla. Not only had she ignored her since she found out how Kamilla tried to humiliate her she certainly didn’t want the other girl to find her here naked with Malfoy! She wasn’t sure if anything was going on with her and Malfoy anymore, and as she thought about it she didn’t want to know. She tried to brush the suddenly jealousy aside.

“You had a date?” She whispered, and her eye narrowed at Malfoy. So much for pushing the jealously aside. She watched his eyes play over her body before he answered.

“A study date. I’ve been helping Kamilla with Potions homework.” Something told her he was lying and if felt weird. She wasn’t sure if Malfoy had ever lied to her and she wasn’t sure why she was so certain he was doing it now.

“Right,” she whispered harshly. Another knock. She pulled the blanket off Malfoy and got up.

“Stick around if you don’t believe me. Kamilla has been asking for you.” This made her stop.

“What to humiliate me again?”

“What?”

“Draco?!”

“She knows what.”

“Do you always talk crazy after sex?” Another loud knock. It was making her extremely uptight for some reason.

“We didn’t have sex!” She hissed.

“Oral sex is sex Granger.” She looked out the window trying to clam down and realized the sun was going down. ‘SHIT the meeting,’ her mind raced.

“Whatever I don’t have time for this. Get the dame door.”

He looked like he didn’t want to let it go, but he yelled “Coming Kamilla!” He got up and started putting his pants on. She let herself watch his body as she rushed to get her fallen clothing. Than as he reached the door she raced up stairs.
---------------

Malfoy wanted to scowl and smile. The way Granger had taken him in her mouth was amazing. His body was more relaxed than it had been since when the Death Eaters had taken over, which was funny but not in a ha-ha why. But he was pissed he’d allowed himself to be distracted. To actually sleep with her. He had never done that with any other girl. AND it had felt nice. ‘nice, blah,’ he thought. Also, he had important business with Kamilla. Business more important than BJs. He swung the door open and a pissed Kamilla stared back and him.

“Vho is here? Vho more important than shoving up to our meeting?”

“No one,” he replied cooling slipping on her unconcerned face. And really it wasn’t a lie.

“Your chest is bare Draco. And remember I knov you vell.” She hissed.

“I am sorry Kay I feel asleep. It’s been rather trying around here lately.” Her face softened a bit but she pushed past him in a no bullshit way, and sat in the chair.

“They’re hidden,” she sighed, “but it doesn’t make me anymore safe Draco. What’s the plan?”
-----------------------------
All Hermione wanted to do was take a second to think. To think about what she had just done, but if she didn’t take a quick shower now and get dressed she would be really late to their meeting. Really, if she didn’t take a shower she could make it on time, but she was deathly afraid that she smelled of sex and Malfoy. And that some how they would know.

Her mind raced as she poured shampoo and conditioner in her hand at once, but her body was in nirvana. She realized she had to calm. The thing with Malfoy, which wasn’t really a thing she reminded herself, was insignificant to what they were doing to night. She steadied and let the water pour over her trying to take the clam from her body into her brain. It worked enough for her to stop feeling like she was going to cry.

Nothing, she reminded herself, was ever going to prepare them for the final plans they would design tonight. She would never be ready to be a leader. She would never be ready for war, or death, or lives in her hands, or swords, or fucking Merlin dame Hurcruxes! You didn’t really prepare for things like this you just did.

She finished, got dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, threw on her robes and quietly maneuvered down the stairs. She put a silence charm around her hoping against hope she wouldn’t be heard. For one, she didn’t want Malfoy to know that she was sneaking off again. She didn’t like that he had noticed at all, she have to be more careful. Also, she desperately wanted Kmailla to not notice her. She knew it was stupid to care about that with everything going on.

She made it to the door, but she could help but stop and look at the two who hadn’t noticed her. They were now sitting at Malfoy’s desk, head together but not in a sexual way. Books were open but it didn’t look like they were doing homework. Something was going on here, and she knew she had been right, Malfoy had lied to her. But why? What?

It hit her; Malfoy and Kamilla were probably working on something for Snape. Normally when people lied, and they were good at it, they chose to keep it as close to the truth as possible, that’s why he said potions. She’d hadn’t trust Kamilla after that night, but she realized she never envisioned the other girl as a Death Eater supporter. How stupid Kamilla was a Slytherin!

She left knowing more important questions were out there that needed to be answered. She ran through the halls with her invisibility spell. It wasn’t like the one Dumbledore could do, or use to do. Those were done by only the most talented and experienced wizard. Instead her was more like camouflage. She took the shortest way possible knowing it was more dangerous that way, but she wanted to get there. She climbed the stairs, pushed the door open and looked at all their bruised, worried, and excited faces. It all made her want to do was run, run far away.
---------------------

“House Prince and you faithful follovers,” Kamilla laughed but it didn’t reach her eyes, “it vill only work for so long vith out a mark.” She rubbed her own arm absentmindedly.

“I know. That will come soon.” He said it like it meant nothing, but really, for once, Draco was truly scared. Kamilla was not a pure blood, unlike most in his house. Her mother was actually only first generation witch, though her father came from a long and powerful line of pure bloods. It had given her a lot of leeway, but it wouldn’t now. Kamilla family had stayed natural in the last war and the Dark Lord had neither forgotten nor forgiven. Kamilla’s father had a lot of power in the Ministries around the world and a lot of money, which the Dark Lord desperately wanted. They had made plans to leave with Kamilla, but she’d been forced to stay when the “ministry” passed that law that no student was to leave Hogwarts.

Her parents were forced to go without her when they had been tipped off that the Death Eaters were coming for them. He was sure it had been his mother, who had taken a liking to Kamilla’s family. Though Draco’s father had always insisted that he would marry Pansy his mother always promised Kamilla would suit as a fine bride. At one point that made him exceedingly happy. Now, he wasn’t so sure but not because he didn’t love her. He just wasn’t in love with her.

Kamilla, who, as far as the Death Eaters knew, was the only remaining link to her family’s power and money. She was beautiful, alone, and not a pure blood. That put her in great danger. Draco had said he would help her. She didn’t know that he wasn’t sure what side he was on. He said he was just doing it because he was her friend.

His plan was to get her out of here, but he had to make sure that it didn’t look like he or any of his friends had helped. They had been endlessly discussing ways to do this, but Draco knew that he would need support. Unknowing support of course. Not so much that he need numbers for his plan, but he need to seem reliable and powerful. If his faithfulness were in question it would never work.

That’s what they were discussing now, discussing his reestablished control of his house. He had been slacking since the blunder last year. He had known it was important to keep himself in control for his own safety, but now it was Kamilla’s life. When he wasn’t studying, teasing Granger, or pretending to care about head duties he was sealing his control. He used fear, his experience, and reputation to control the students. He started to reconnect with old friends, though he didn’t really consider them friends, to gain their respect and allegiance. He started on his old propaganda as the most pure and the most hatful of mudblood. But now it felt like acting instead of before when he felt like he was preaching for the greater good.

He sucked up; there were no better words for it, to the Death Eater. He did their pet projects and helped recruit other students. Being the middleman meant he knew what was going on at all times. That and he was the barrier between other students and their power, and he could manipulate them. The problem was keeping enough distance to avoid the Dark Mark, as of yet. But he and Kamilla knew that it would end soon, all his power, if he didn’t have the mark to prove his loyalty. Already students, some younger than he, were taking the mark. Though he knew, because of there lack of powerbase in Slytherin, they would start off as low ranking. When Draco, if he had to, took the mark his ties, family, and allies would allow him to take a much more powerful position. Which was both important and horrifying.

Kamilla looked at him as if she wanted nothing else than to beg him to reconsider but didn’t, she just shook her head. A selfish part of him wanted to keep her here. To tell her how he wanted nothing more than refuse the mark and have her and Zabini as allies. But he knew that three would never be enough to keep them alive. It was a selfish dream. Draco was a fairly selfish person, and he was okay with that, but looking into her eyes he couldn’t do that to her. When had he become so weak? But was it weak? Friends and especially pure blood families should always stick together, that was code. That was more important than some insane power hungry monster.

As Malfoy had worked his way back up, in the last three weeks, he had taken Kamilla with him, as his queen. Not only did it protect her somewhat it made people believe she was on their side. They had gone so far as to make it seem that Kamilla had refused to leave with her parents, and that her loyalties lie with the Dark Lord.

“Do vou think they vill really believe that I vould turn my own father in? Vhat if they sent a lot of them with us?” ‘The plan. Ahh the shaky, needs a lot of luck plan,’ Draco thought, was to send a fake letter to Kamilla from her father. It was to say that her mother was hurt and they were in a remote hospital. The letter would contain a fake code that would hold an address, an address that didn’t exist of course. When, and they would, read her letter the Death Eaters would immediacy call for Kamilla. The code was complete shit so they would need her to “figure” it out. At least Malfoy was hoping thats what would happen. Hoped they would think it was secret family code. Kamilla would give it to them acting as if she wanted nothing more than to give her family in.

From there Malfoy would ask, pretending to want to prove himself further, to go with Kamilla and hopefully only one other Death Eater would accompanying them. Kamilla would fight with them when they showed up to the address, and hopefully if all went to plan, Draco would confuse the Death Eater and knock him out, inflict fake injuries, and head back. The older more experienced Death Eater would most likely get the brunt of the punishment. A lot was hanging on ifs and he didn’t like it.

“It will be okay Kamilla. You’ll be okay.” Same cool, unbothered face.

“Ve have to make it look convincing, but iyou I am vorried about if this all goes to plan.”

He shrugged. “The plan stands. Next Sunday Kamilla you leave.” Sunday was important because it was when a large number of Death Eater grouped to discus the week’s events. Though Snape and few others stayed at Hogwarts it made it more likely he would be chosen to go and that only one other Death Eater would go with.

Kamilla had a good idea where he parents might be. That’s where she would start. It worried Draco that she would be alone searching but he could only take her so far. Kamilla hinted at him running off with her, but something was keeping him here.

-------------------
Ginny, Seamus, Dean, Luna, and Nev all stared up at her. Tonight was there final night of planning. Really, the plan was set but Hermione was so concerned she insisted them met on more night. Maps of Hogwarts were strung about a large table. A spreadsheet of hours and dates were being held in Ginny’s hands.

“Thank God you’re okay,” Ginny leaped up. “I though maybe someone caught you in the halls.”

She tried not to look sheepish. “Sorry, I feel asleep,” it was true, “and I just got up. You know it has been hard to sleep lately with this plan looming over me.” She tried to make it sound light, but she was tired and felt like a complete conartist.

“ We should being doing it to night,” Seamus complained, “than we could get this over with.” She hadn’t wanted to include him she sighed, but for some reason him and Dean were good at being allusive. It made her wonder where they had learned that, and what they really got up too.

“No, this is too important to rush.” She sighed. “Lets just get down to business.” Whenever they met like this they discussed what was going on with the school. Keeping up with disappearances, rumors, and any intell they could get their hands on. That kept a detailed recorded of disappearances trying to connect them to each other or potential plots. Nev knew a few Huffelpuffs, which had turned out to be useful. Because the house tended to be considered caring but not so intelligent they weren’t seen as a threat. This meant they heard and saw a lot. Ginny and Luna (Luna sadly to a lesser extent) were friends with a lot of Ravenclaws. They tended to be aware of laws and going ons in the ministry as many of their family memebers were connected with the government. Dean and Seamus were still some of the most popular boys in Gryffindor so students who weren’t in DA and under the DA’s watchful eyes still gravitated towards them. Talked more openly to the two social butterflies than Hermione. And, well, Hermione was there fearless leader.

“A couple more disappearances,” Nev stated. “But as far as I can tell nobody that is high ranking in the Ministry so their disappearances probably aren’t connected to anything.” Ginny went next.

“Nothing concert, but a few bad rumors.” When were they ever good? “It seems as if they ministry is trying to establish a law that makes all nonwizards, muggle borns, and half bloods registered. I believe it is in its infancy because there are still few good people left in the ministry that are trying to halt it. You know it being technically illegal and all.”

“How did you find out?”

“At lunch. I over heard a few seventh years’ debating about weather it was true, and if so weather it was legal. I think it was Drake Devinsons and Grace Fullentire. I believe Grace’s mother is in the Wizarding Legal Council, or was at one point.” This news was terrible. The Dark Lord and his dark minions having a list of all muggle borns. She shuddered.

“It’s odd that he hadn’t really shown himself. I mean everyone knows he taken over so if he really wanted to he could have all the power he needed,” said Luna wistfully. This had been bothering Hermione as well, but she had a theory.

“He is planning something, something big, and whatever it is if he comes out of the wood works to soon it wont work. There still enough wizards who are staying netural not sure what is going on. If HE just walks down the hall of the ministry that might sway more people to the light side. And obviously he doesn’t have everything he needs or thinks he need or his powerbase would be solidified.” It made her wondered if he knew that some of his Hurcruxes were missing. The thought sent intense fear through her, but she knew if Harry and Ron had been caught that she would know about it by now. She didn’t share these thoughts with the group. She couldn’t explain to them why they needed the sword. They followed her in good faith, and she loved them all more for that.

“Some good news,” Dean said. “Apparently the news letter that’s been rumored is true. It’s going to be all about the true going ons of this school. It’s going to be called Truthful Light.” Hermione made a face. “Hey I didn’t pick the name,” he laughed.

“Why is this good news? It just more student putting themselves in danger.”

“The good news is that I got the publisher to print the first edition on Sunday.” Everyone stared at him. She knew what they were all thinking; if this was good news they were all fucked.

Dean sighed, “When it’s printed all hell is going to brake out. The Death Eaters are going to be on the hunt to find out who did it. Less attention on us.” That was good, for them at least.

“ I don’t know if I like putting other people in danger for us.”

“They were already going to put themselves in danger Mione. I am just using it to our benefit.”

“Well it is good news, but I don’t like. Who is stupid enough to make a news letter right under their noses?” She waved her hand around door in excitement.

“Who would be stupid enough to steal something out Snape’s, the most evil murdering bastard we know, office!” Seamus answered.

She had to laugh a little, “True, but still”

“I am sworn to secrecy, even Seamus doesn’t know.” Seamus didn’t look happy about this so she assumed it was true. “But I can tell you I think they know where they’re doing, it’s not going to be easy to find them Mione.”

They talked deep into the night. Really, it as just Hermione harping on ever detail. Since they started Luna, Ginny, Nev, Dean and Seamus had been scoping out the headmasters office. Taking turns and keeping watch all night. They watched who came and went during the nights. Hermione had taken extra patrols of the halls to get an idea of when and where teachers were, especially Death Eaters. It turned out that Sunday’s a lot of the Death Eaters were not around. At least not in open. They didn’t do their regular schedules. Hermione was positive that it must be regular scheduled meeting for the Death Eaters. What was odd was that Snape never went on those days, but he did leave his office early those nights, and so far had not come back. Hermione too theorized that Snape, with lesser available “teachers”, kept an eye on things. Hermione though it was stupid to have such regular meeting, but she figured they felt so secure they didn’t need to keep switching it up. Humans, of all kinds, were creatures of habit.

It was the best night to get into the office and they knew it. What they really needed was a good reason to get one of them up to the office with Snape. They need to know if there were any protections that might get in their way. And they need to catch Snape out of the office so that he would be forced to revel the password them when he took them up. That was where Hermione came in. She had to come up with a reason, having to do with head girl duties, to get up to the dame office. It was the last place she wanted to be. Alone with Snape, but it was a must.

Luna and Ginny were to keep watch on the office. Seamus was to patrol the halls that night. Nev, Dean, and her were going up. Things got a little more complicated from there. Dean, who was muggle born like Hermione, was planning on leaving. His parents were in potentially great danger, and besides Nev and her he was getting the worst beating of any of the Gryffindors. They had to get him off the grounds and hopefully to Harry and Ron. She still had no idea how to do that. She was hoping to get Hagrad to get Dean through the forbidden forest from there Dean would go to woods where the quidditch world cup had taken a place. It was an area both Harry, Ron, and Dean all knew. She would message the boys for the first time in three weeks to tell them to meet him there. There were a lot of ifs in this plan and she didn’t like it.

She wished them all a good night. Knowing that it would be another night of sleeplessness. She had to go talk to Hagrid and some how get his help without giving the true meaning away. She knew there probably were a lot of barriers around the school, but she was going to have to hope that there weren’t that many in the woods. The Death Eaters despised the non-wizarding creatures in the forbidden forest. They had been trying for weeks to rid them of the forest, but Hagrid said a lot of them were still deep in the woods trying to fight.

She knocked on the door of hut. She hadn’t seen Hagrid in a week. Since the Death Eaters had arrived they’d done as much as they could to humilate him, and than eventually forbid him to even come to the castle. She had tried to beg him to leave, she feared so greatly for his life, but Hargid said this was his only home.

“Hermione,” he boomed. “You shouldn’t been here!” He let her in though looking rather pleased that she was there. He looked worse for ware. His hair was more tangled, his clothing ripped, and he had a large black eye.

“Oh Merlin, which one of them did that to you?”

“It won’t one of those plastid Death Eaters Mione. You okay, you don lookin great either.”

She smiled and hugged him tightly. “I am okay. I’ve just been missing Harry and Ron.”

“Mes too.” They sat for a while drinking tea that tasted like green sludge, but she enjoyed it more than she ever had. It was a little slice of normalcy that she craved. But she knew she couldn’t stay long. She only had an hour to get to her next class.

“Hagrid, I have a favor.”

“Anything for you Mione.” She smiled and it was genuine, but it suddenly faded. She was asking Hagrid to put himself in live altering danger.

“What wrong?”

“Hagrid I have to ask you for a really huge favor. You know Dean Thomas.”

“Aye, good boy.”

“Yes, well he is having a lot of trouble and he really needs to get out of here. Hagrid I need you to sneak him off the grounds through the forbidden forest.” She just blurted the last part out fast.

He started to busy himself with cleaning up looking grim. “Oy Mione that’s impossible.”

She felt like she wanted to cry. “ I know it’s really dangerous. I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t really, really important.”

“It’s not cause its dangerous. I, I am not allowed in the forest anymore.” It looked liked tears were going to spill from his large, brown colored eyes. “Since those bastards took over they pushed back all the creatures, including the centaurs, deep into the woods. The centaurs are in an uproar. They wont even let me in anymore, and I was their closed ally besides Dumbledore and they never liked wizards much.” He pulled up the sleeves of his arm showing her deep gashes and more bruises. “The centaur leader gave this to me as a warning. It would a suicide to go in them deep woods.”

She was most certainly going to cry. “I, Hagrid, its more important than you could ever know to get him out of here. Please, please help. Help Harry, and Ron, and Dean, and me”

“I can’t promise anything, but all do anything I can for you and Ron and of course for Harry.” His promise didn’t make her feel better, because now their situation was even more desperate. She wasn’t sure that Hagrid and Dean could get through alone, let alone alive. What was she asking him to do? But thinking about Harry and Ron and their impossible task made it impossible to take the favor back. What kind of person was she?

“Thanks Hagrid. It’s happening Sunday night. But listen I am not sure when we can get here so if we don’t show up don’t worry. Okay?” He didn’t look like it soothed him. “I’ll make sure that I get in contact with you by Monday morning if we cant get out. If you don’t hear from me by than you can be worried.”

“Alright.” She didn’t wait for anymore. She just left. As she walked to her class she felt anguish spread through her, normally she would have cry but her eyes stayed dry. She felt so cold. When had she become so empty? Because when you have ask your friends to risk their lives for the greater good you have to be cold. She knew suddenly why she craved Malfoy. Not only did he let her forget, but he put fire back into her soul.

As she walked into Muggle History she shut down even more. The coldness became numbness, which she needed to keep sane. To keep from losing herself to the humiliation and brutality.

She gave the news of Hagrid to the group in low whispers at lunch. They set a meeting for Thursday with a promise she would have entered the headmasters office before then. She ate two bites, and than set up prefects meeting for tomorrow. She had a plan, and this plan made her smile.

The library was her only sanctuary. It was like the Death Eaters knew that logic was poison to them. She finished most of her homework with satisfaction. Ginny didn’t understand why she even bothered, but Hermione refused to give in shooty work just because of her situation. She was doing well in transfiguration, and surprisingly in potions. Maybe under all that hatred and cruelty Snape still respected good work. Not that he respected her personally. He sure stated his loathing for her in class. However, she was doing miserable in Muggle History and DADA, which was no surprise. She failed every homework, test, and paper, but she be dammed if it was because she gave in crappy work.

She had almost finished a paper on the Salem witch trails. She didn’t lean her paper towards any side. Logic, facts, and research wasn’t about sides. She knew that they would have failed her regardless if she wrote what they wanted, so why give in?

She was just finishing her reading for Charms when she heard footsteps behind her. Being head girl gave her accesses to the restricted area, where she was now, so the footsteps startled her. She turned wand slightly pointed incase it was just a professor. She should have known…

“Should have looked here first.” Malfoy’s typical smirk was all over his face.

“Home away from home.” She turned back around.

Malfoy sat on the table looking across from her. “There was a time Granger when you wouldn’t have turned your back to me.”

“Should I start looking over my shoulder again Malfoy? I can add you to my list.”

“Back on your list again you mean.”

“Bigger fish to fry now.” He laughed.

“So when were you going to tell me that you were setting up a prefects meeting?”

“Figured you hear it through the grape vine.”

He scowled. “I don’t like to be made a fool of.” She really didn’t need this right now.

“I was going to tell you when I saw you at the dorm. It’s not big deal just some adjustments for the schedule.”

“Haven’t heard anything.” He could tell she was lying.

“Alright Lavender made me call one because she wants another ball.” Malfoy sighed and put him in a chair closer to her.

“You have to bloody kidding me.” She tried not to laugh. She had actually planted the seed in Lavenders head knowing it would never pass. She just needed a reason to have a meeting. She tried to make it seem like she supported the idea. She couldn’t let Malfoy know anything was up, he was too shrewd.

“Though I agree with you I have to say it would help to lift morale. The last three weeks have seemed like three years in hell. Well for most of us.”

“I’ve been having a great time.”

“Yes I’ve noticed your little fan club growing Malfoy. I hope you are proud of yourself.” He ignored her.

“It won’t pass.” That exactly want she hopped.

“You never know.”

“Lets hope not.” Malfoy got up and left. After that she couldn’t concentrate. The conversation had been so natural and not sexual. Were Malfoy and her kind of friends? It was so wrong but she felt like the answer was yes. It was like the two them found common ground where there was none. They understood each other out side of their obligations and values system. How it was possible was not something Hermione could explain.

She quickly gathered her things hoping she could get a hold of Malfoy. As she went to leave the library she saw Malfoy picking at books on a shelf near the door, in the romance section. It was almost cute.

“I did realize you were such a romantic.” Malfoy spun.

“I am not.” She laughed. “Actually, I was looking for the sequel for Gallant’s Romantic Affair, for you.”

She felt dizzy. “There is sequel?” She whispered.

“Wow calm down it’s just a book. Plus, I don’t think they even have it here Granger.”

“It’s not that. Malfoy?”

“Hmm?” He went back to looking at the books.

“Malfoy you remember when you said you wouldn’t let anything bad happen to me? Why? Why did you say that?”

“I meant I wouldn't let Carrow touch you I just…”

“Are we friends?” She blurted.

“What? No, no I don’t think so.”

“Oh.”

“Maybe in a different world Granger.”

“Hermione.” She really needed to leave now.

“What?”

“I think we are friends, and it’s Hermione.”

“Hermione.” He smirked. Her name on his lips sent shivers down her spine. It was like his voice gave her name true meaning. “Maybe in another time in another place. In a different situation I could be friend with you Hermione.” She could listen to him say her name forever.

“But this situation is why we even know what lies beneath each others stereotypes.”

“Maybe Granger but we can’t have friends.”

“Why not?” Her voice was almost inaudible. She felt pathetic but she had to know.

“We are leaders Granger, for the time being, and leader don’t have friends they have followers.”

“I am not the leader or at least not the real leader. Harry’s their leader.”

“Please fucking wonder boy,” She let that go. “He is the symbol, he is the ends to the means, supposedly. But you are a leader. You are their leader right here, right now.”

“He is not just a symbol, I am just a substitute.”

“Maybe he’s not just a symbol, but the point still stands.” They were starting to argue in harsh whispers. “Harry was thrown into this, but you were born to lead.”

“Not if it means not having friends, not loving people and caring for them.”

“I didn’t say anything about not having compassion. Leaders should love those who follow them. They should lead them because they care. You might not agree with the causes but at the end of the day good leaders love those they lead, those they protect.”

“The Dark Lord doesn’t.” She hissed.

“That why he isn’t a good leader. He is power hungry monster.” Hermione gasped.

“Are you a good leader?” She asked. He pushed a book into her chest and shrugged.

“For some. Happy readings Granger.” She watched him leave and wished she hadn’t brought it up. She was more confused than ever. Malfoy didn’t like the Dark Lord, but he loved being a pure blood. He didn’t want to be a slave, but that meant not being a slave to the light side either. What was worse she knew that Malfoy was picking the path the kept him safe in the now. How could she blame him?

But he was a leader to all in his house, but he only loved a few? Would he turn out just as power hungry and bad as his father, as the Dark Lord? She was sleeping with the enemy, she as friends with a leader of the Dark Side, but she cared for a boy. Just Malfoy the boy.

She looked down and saw the books title was The Return. The same author’s name as Gallant’s Romantic Affair was printed on cover in large gold letters. In the first time in so many weeks a few tears spilled.
==================================================================
He, Draco Malfoy, had been caught doing something nice! He’d meant to leave the book on her bed. Even though she would have know who’d gotten for her there was something about being caught that made him feel vulnerable.

And what had he been thinking? He didn’t like how Granger always made him say just exactly what he was feeling, especially when he hadn’t know he felt that way. He couldn’t believe that he’d told her leaders loved those they lead, but when he thought about it he believed it to his core. You might not always like them, but you loved them as a group. Wanted to protect them. So what kind of leader did that really make him? He wanted the best for the select view that needed him, and he was willing to sacrifice others, in a sense, to give them what they needed. That sounded like love to him, in a twisted fucked up way.

MONDAY
Hermione was certain that her arms would burse from where Amycus Carrow and held her. He’d shaken her with terrifying strength, because she wouldn’t hex a fellow classmate. She would just have to add it to her collection.

The injustice of it all was poring molten hot anger through her veins as she walked to the prefects meeting. Lavender was babbling not even noticing that Hermione wasn’t listening. Her fists tightened at her side. She was pretty sure she was going to really enjoy this.

The meeting went perfectly to plan. Snape showed up like was mandatory when votes were taken about school going ons as the headmaster had to approve as well. Snape was obviously pissed he had been sent down for such a stupid reason. Lavender did present a fairly good argument and it surprised Hermione that Lavender’s ball was turned down by a slime margin. She almost felt bad at Lavender’s crushed look. Almost. She’d eyed Sam during the whole meeting. He was a mini Malfoy, well Malfoy a year ago. She was almost certain that he had gotten the Dark Mark.

As the meeting ended everyone gravitated towards the food table. Hermione had set up food because she had made the meeting during dinner. A rather well planned way to keep everyone there. She watched Sam and a small group of boys walk off to talk in a corner. She would get no better opportunity. She walked smoothly to the group of boys looking unconcerned but really she knew where everyone was and what they were doing. She slid her wand out leaving it low at her side, but pointed it at the gang of troublemakers. She whispered the words to a confusion spell with all the power she could. She needed them all in state of confusion, but not for too long or it would be obvious that she used magic on them.

She reached the group just as the boys went blank and their conversation stopped. She stepped in between Sam and his friend Collins and pretended to stumble back screaming.

“Don’t you ever put your hands on me,” she yelled. She had meant to slap Sam but what happened was her small fist impacted with his face. She pulled all the way back letting all her anger fill the space between his stupid, Death Eater wanna be face and her righteous fist. His face swung back and the spell was completely broken.

“What the fuck you stupid mudblood bitch.” He came back at her. She hadn’t exactly expecting that he would hit her. She figured he’d have enough respect to not hit a girl or at least not hit his superior, but she should have known that in his eyes she wasn’t even human.

He took his fist and punched her in the face with as much anger as she had used. She stumbled back into the other two boys who pushed her forward. At first no noise was enough to express her pain, but as initial shock passed the pain became more real and she screamed, “FUCK.”

She pulled out her wand for a duel, which was what she’d been expecting in the first place, but tears were streaming down her face and she couldn’t really see. If she weren’t so scared suddenly she would have heard the up roar behind her of the few ally’s she had in this room. She realized how stupid this plan might be. She was hoping that Snape would want to keep order and take both her and Sam to the office. What if he was fine with letting all the pure blood prefects handle her. She was pretty sure she could take Sam alone but all of them no way. He threw a spell at her, which she manages to dodge. Luckily he was emotional and threw the spell wide.

There was loud band and Snape screamed, “ENOUGH.” He grabbed Hermione wrist and pulled her. “You’ll pay for that Granger. YOU and SAM with me now.”

“What did I do?” Sam asked trying with all his might not to yell at Snape. “That bitch punch me for no reason. Filth.” He spat.

“You pushed her first.” Lavender yelled. Lavender was, if nothing else, loyal and Hermione almost felt bad for setting her up, but this was too important.

“I don’t care you’re all a pack of animals. Now with me to my office. The rest get the hell out of my sight.”

Snape pulled her through the halls roughly. Sam was trailing behind them smiling, and the smile was terrifying. She hadn’t thought about the punishment either. If Sam had gotten the mark he would be in Snape’s favor even more than before. How had she expected to get out of this? She tried to calm. What mattered was that Snape was leading them to the office and she needed to be aware.

She tried to keep up with Snape, but his stride was longer and faster than her’s and she kept stumbling, which only pissed Snape off more.

“Do try to keep up Miss. Granger.” Even his voice seemed to scowl at her. She heard laughter behind her and she turned once more to say something nasty, but she noticed that Malfoy was walking with Sam as well now. He was smirking at her and laughing with Sam in low whispers, but seeing him there helped her to calm.

They reached the large gargoyle and Snape waved his hand, “Gingystavar.” The name was that of a dangerous sleeping poison. It was good to know, but Snape changed the password sporadically, and now that she’d heard him it would probably change again. But that’s not why she was here when Ginny and Luna scouted Sunday night they would find out the password.

The gargoyle pulled to the side and the stone stepped came into view. Snape still hadn’t let her go, which turned out to be perfect because she would hear his whispers as he glided up the stairs. He disarmed a few protection spells, but the last was a charm she hadn’t heard before. She memorized the words saying the phrase several times in her head before the drama started. She would have to look it up later.

He shoved her into a chair. “What the hell happened?” He didn’t even yell he just looked at her coolly as he slide behind the desk. She took a quick look around the office and shuttered. She’d only been in Dumbledore’s office twice, but she could tell how Snape had sucked all of Dumbledore’s life out of it. It was full of darkness and potion equipment.

“I love what you’ve don’t with the place.” It slipped out of her mouth before she knew her mind had formed the thought. She just couldn’t stand that Snape was sitting in the position of the man he had killed, and how he look at home there.

“Being a smarmy little bitch isn’t going to help your cause,” Snape snapped, but she also heard a soft chuckle. The noise brought emotions to the surface and she turned to the source. It was the portrait of Dumbledore. How could she have forgotten that Dumbledore’s likeness would have been hanging on the wall? She felt ashamed that she hadn’t visited him while the school wasn’t over run with Death Eaters, but she couldn’t help but smile up at him.

“Violence Miss. Granger? So unlike you, wouldn’t you say Severous?” She actually looked down in shame.

“Enough.” Snape slammed his fist on the table. “I am head master here and Miss. Granger here is not the saint you think. What happened tonight?” She opened her mouth to tell the story she had been going over in her mind for a week, but someone talked before she could.

“I talked to Sam here,” Malfoy started. “Turns out that Granger here was threatening him while he was having a civil conversation with his friends.” Hermione couldn’t help but snort and than wince. The pain in her eye was horrible. No amount of fighting and sparring with Harry and Ron prepared her for taking a hit to the face

“What I am asking Mr. Malfoy is who threw the first punch?”

“It was me,” Sam said. She turned around in shock. Why the fuck would he say that? “I am sorry sir but it’s too much that I even have to be in this filth’s presence let alone let her threaten me because she thinks that she is superior. She is scum sir I don’t understand why you allow her any authority?” Her whole face reddened but that fact that Sam was taking the blame was enough to keep her quite.

“While I agree with you characterization of Miss. Granger my authority is not to questioned. Now is that what happened Miss. Granger?”

“Yes.”

“Well than fifty points for Slytherian. There will be a time and place for this and it wasn’t to night. Now leave.” Sam squared his jaw and left. “As for you Miss. Granger I find your mere presence in Hogwarts unbearable, and your position as Head Girl an abomination for everything this school now stands for. I would watch yourself carefully because your position is not solid and you have many enemies. I would sooner see you gone from here, but for the time being I must sustain your annoyance. However, as you are Head Girl I will expect better behavior, as you are unfortunately a representation of this school. Next wrong move and I will have you removed. For now I agree with Mr. Malfoy that having you under his watchful eye is of up most importance, but another stunt like that I will find a place for you where I will personally keep an eye on you.” There was moment of silence.

“Thank you sir.” She went to get up. Snape whipped his wand and pulled Hermione’s chair up knocking her back into it.

“I am not quite finished with you. You will be punished severely for this, as you as a superior; you should have known better regardless of others actions. Therefore you will be spending the night in the dungeon. Who is watching the dungeon to night Mr. Malfoy?” She wanted to punch the smirks off both their faces. Snape knew dame well who was “watching” the dungeon to night, and he just wanted to see her reaction

“I believe its Amycus Carrow Head Master.” His face was so cold, but that didn’t matter because uncontrollable fear shot through her. She flung up.

“Sir you cant possibly do this. I did nothing but protect myself.”

“I can certainly do what I please. Now Mr. Malfoy will you escort her and do let Amycus know I wish things not to get to out of hand, and if I hear another word for you I will be forced to extent your punishment.” She stuttered knowing she would make it worse if she said anything, but knowing if she didn’t get out of it she would not come out the same. Fear like she had ever known was pumping through her veins and she knew she was panicking.

“That is certainly a rather harsh punishment.” Came Dumbledore’s portrait.

“Certainly not and don’t question my authority you old fool.”

Malfoy picked up Hermione’s bag and threw it in her chest. She stumbled trying to catch it, but her mind was too frozen with fear to notice. Malfoy came behind her and shoved her towards the door.

“Good night Miss. Granger.” Said the sad singsong voice of the portrait.

“Head Master,” she managed to mumbled. Malfoy pushed her harder down the stairs just as she heard hush angry voices and assumed it was Dumbledore’s likeness and Snape arguing.

They reached the bottom and Hermione’s mind was racing but not a thing made much sense. She had to get out of her. Malfoy grabbed her upper arm. “Don’t run.”

“I can’t go Malfoy you know what he’ll do to me.” Her voice was priced with horror. If her mind were clear she would have been ashamed how frightened she was allowing herself to be in front of Malfoy. They weren’t friends remember.

“Don’t talk just walk.” He pulled her looking at his watch. “Shit.”

“Malfoy…”

“Shut up we have to beat him”

He pulled her fast and it was the second time to night she as being dragged. She had heard the horror stories of the dungeon, but she had the worst feeling she was about to become the worse of those horror stories, but she stopped her mind before it took her to even darker place.

Malfoy pushed her into the dark room. “Malfoy…” She whispered. Was he really going to do this to her. Was he serious that they weren’t friends? Not even civil enough to save her. But how could he safe her? He had picked his path and now, no matter their situation, she was going to be another of his causalities. He slammed the door and they were in complete darkness. Her breath started to come out in short shallow huffs. It was becoming too real.

Malfoy lit his wand and pointed it at her. “Give me your wand.”

“Fuck no.”

“Listen to me give me your wand. I don’t have time to explain.” He was too fast and he snatched her wand stashing it in his robes. He pushed her towards the wall. Her back hit hard and she felt chain. She cried out.

“You’re scaring me.”

“Good I don’t know what you were thinking tonight.”

“No tyou too,” she yelled.

“Granger please! Now let me lock you up.” She shook her head. “You’ll have to trust me I don’t have much time to explain right now, but I am going to get you through this.” It was all the hope she had and she let him lock up all her limbs. Still she couldn’t help but struggle.

Malfoy ran around the room lighting a few torches and she wished he hadn’t. There was a few other chains hanging on the walls, and she as sure there was blood on the floors. “Oh Merlin,” she moaned.

“This isn’t going to feel good.” He whipped his wand in a fast movement and pain ripped through stomach. She bit her lip but mumbled cries still came out. She looked down and saw shallow cuts along her stomach. They had even ripped through her shirt and blood was starting to form.

“What the fuck.” She cried catching her breath struggling again harder.

“Sorry, this has to look real. Ready?”

“NO!” She screamed but she felt another rip in her right arm and tears spilled. “Stop.” This time the cuts felt deeper.

“Sorry I didn’t mean them to be that deep I am just a little rushed.”

“Oh well than you’re excused,” she hissed in pain.

“You’ll thank me later.”

“I doubt that.” Than the doors blew open and her worst nightmare walked through. She pulled her body against the wall as if she could melt through. It took Amycus a second to take the scene in, but he smiled as he took Hermione’s bleeding form in.

“I see you’ve started without me young Malfoy…”

Malfoy bowed slightly. “I am sorry Carrow she is just so…”

“Irresistible. Yes I am very excited for tonight.” Carrow walked over and caressed Hermione’s face. It was all Hermione had not to scream. It left a trail of disgust and dread. ‘Don’t cry,’ she yelled at herself in her mind.

“Not the words I would have used, but I actually wished to talk to you about that.” The two men walked to the corner of the room near the door. They talked in a few harsh but not unfriendly whispered. She could only hear a few words such as “young Malfoy,” “prove myself.” Finally they split.

“I’ll expect a favor for this young Malfoy. I have been looking forward to this dearly.” He giggled that disgusting, body shivering giggle. He turned on her. “You have such a sprit I’d love to crush, a sprit I feel Malfoy’s inexperience will be unable to handle. You’ll expected to be in class and we’ll see you at Sunday I hope?” He said this to Malfoy, but didn’t take his eyes off her.

“I do hope so Sir, I have heard nothing from my father, but I’ve been continuing to prove myself. I hope my Lord will think on that and call me when a proper position is opened.”

“Ambitious. I think our Lord has already seen your potential, but don’t be too ambitious young Malfoy I wouldn’t like to have to knock you back down.” But he seemed he would love nothing more, than Amycus was gone.

Hermione’s whole body relaxed, but the wounds she had sustained to night radiated in pain. She was really tired too. Malfoy came to her, but didn't release her. He started her in eyes like he had never seen her before. Those stormy gray eyes pulled her. It was like they were telling her a secret that she wasn’t capable of understanding yet, like it was in another language, but more than that.

“How can I ever thank you?”

“I can think of a something.” He suddenly grabbed her face and kissed her deeply. She took him into her mouth with passion, but tear flowed more and more steadily down her face. His hands reached to slid up the side of her body, but he hit the slices in her stomach. She hissed.

“Stop.” He pulled his hand away, but he didn’t step away from her, eyes still boring into her.

“Hmmm Granger I think I like you like this. I can have my way with you.”

“Well I don’t like it!” She screamed. “Get me down! How can you think this is sexy when I was heart beat away from being tortured and rapped.” She struggled violently against the chains.

“Clam down.”

“NO!” Malfoy pulled her down gently and she slid to the ground. She pulled her legs up and wrapped her arms around her knees taking deep breaths. She was okay, she was really okay.

“You were right clam down.”

She laughed bitterly, “Did you just admit you were wrong?”

“No I just said you were right.”

“Hmm, circular logic at it’s best. Sorry Malfoy maybe being chained might be sexy in any other setting.”

“I’ll remember that.” He tried to make it sound light.

“Please don’t. Thank Merlin for you Malfoy. I don’t understand, but I won’t question it tonight.”

“Yes well I have questions, a lot of them, but first let me stop the bleeding.” He pulled her apart softly. He made her lay on the cold stone floor and she shivered. He pulled up the tatters of her shirt and ran his hands over her cuts. She pushed his hands away cursing. “Sorry, just wanted to see how bad.” He took his wand and brushed it against her skin. The bleeding stopped.

“Just get rid of it,” she moaned.

“No. It has to look real just incase anyone comes back, or if Snape wants to see the damage later. I got Carrow to agree to leave this room empty tonight but I don’t trust him” She nodded.

“Okay, I’d take ten times more than this from you than the other potential.” He worked on her arm and even released some of the pain in her eye. When he was done she just lay there.

“I’ll just lay here and if anyone comes in you can pretend you’re kicking me while I am down.”

“You’re sick Granger.”

“Aye.’ Malfoy rubbed the bare part of her leg but he didn’t seem like he knew he was doing it. She didn’t stop him because it was nice. Now that mortal danger wasn’t laughing in her face thoughts and questioned piled up. “Malfoy why the hell did Sam say he hit me first?”

“So he didn’t hit you first?”

“I didn’t say that I am just wondering why he would throw himself under the bus.”

“Sure Granger. I was talking to him in the halls and he said he wasn’t sure what happened. I happened to mention him how bad it would look if he let a mudblood get one up on him, and suddenly he was telling me the truth about how he planned on hitting you the whole time.”

“Bastard.” She tired to sound indigent.

“Don’t bother Granger, Sam isn’t a master mind. Emotional and passionate yes, but it will get in his way.”

“Is he one of your followers?”

“Hmm in away, but Sam is out for power and he would love to see me gone.”

“How do you live that way?”

“Back to you Granger. What the fuck are you up too?”

“Nothing Malfoy. If I was up to something don’t you think that I would be more clever than getting me ass locked in here all night.” She actually was bothered that she hadn’t thought about her punishment at all. Getting the sword had become her only obsession and she was getting sloppy.

“Some things are worth the sacrifice?”

She counteracted. “What are you and Kamilla up too?”

“Merlin are you really jealous. Is that what matters right now? Kamilla and I are not having sex anymore. She has some crush but she won’t tell me who.”

“Kamilla actually has crush on a man and wants to be, be with him?”

“Tell me about it.”

“Yes, I mean…wait don’t distract me. I didn’t say that because I care if you and her are still having intercourse, though that’s good to know. I know you and Kamilla are not studying.”

“Yes we are.”

“Bullshit.”

“You’re wrong, but I guess we each have our secrets.”

“What a fucked up team we are.”

“We are not a team.”

“Yes well for a lack of a better phrase were are a fucked up team. This is all fucked up.”

“Hmmm yes well I’ll figure out what your up too.”

“Stay out of my business Malfoy because if you don’t I’ll figure out what you sneaky ass it up to and I know it’s no good.”

“How can I stay out of your business when I want to fuck you so bad Granger.”

“Romantic.”

“Not about romance last time I checked.” He looked down at his watch again. “Listen, I have to go.”

She sat straight up. “No, no you can’t leave me here all night. What if he comes back?”

“Relax most likely he wont, but if you hear anyone just chain yourself back up and moan a lot. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He kissed her deeply as if the kiss was a promise that he would come back. Then he grabbed her bag and ran.

She lay there for a while battling the exhaustion, but it was too much for her. It swept over her and she was out. She was awoken with a door slamming. She realized it must have been a couple of hours because the torches had gone out. She knew it was stupid but she could tell it was Malfoy by the way he walked.

“Granger you okay?”

“Oh yea just great, what took you so long?”

“Stuff.”

“Oh yea stuff. Can you please put the torches back on the dark is freaking me out.” He did what she asked without talking.

When her eyes finally adjusted to the light she realized that Malfoy had The Return in his hands. “Not in the mood,” she said eyes lingering on the book.

“ I always am, but I brought it to read or it would be a really boring night.”

“You’re going to stay all night?”

“I could leave if you want to be alone.” He wiggled his eyebrows

She slapped the ground next to her. “I hope you have a good reading voice. You know someone who actually has character, with inflection, and doesn’t stutter over words like the.”

“You’re a snob.” Malfoy didn’t stutter and he had beautiful rhythm. He made all the words sound like pottery and the sex scene were made more sensual because he spoke them. She fell slowly and peacefully into a few hours sleep.

TUESDAY
She awoke feel cramped and cold. It took a second to realize why and where she was. When she did emotions of all kind welled up; tiredness, weakness, excitement, gratitude, guilt, confusion, and the most profound was sadness. Her life had come to this, thankful that the worse that had happened to her was a scare and bad nights sleep on a cold, blood stained dungeon floor.

She was back to the cold exterior. She cursed herself for the tears and weakness she had shown yesterday. It was her own poor planning that had led her to this state and, whether she like to admit it or not, Malfoy was her savior, again. She was sick of being saved. She had always been able to take care of herself. Hell, she had taken care of Harry and Ron for most of their friendship and now suddenly she was incapable? That must change because Malfoy had chosen his side, and even if it wasn’t completely with the DARK ASHOLE, it wasn’t her side either. He wouldn’t be there forever to help her, and she needed to stay alive for those who counted on her.

As she checked her emotions at the front door of ‘No Body Gives a Shit Because They Have Problems of Their Own, You Weak Little Girl,’ she stirred and found Malfoy a few inches away from her. She wanted nothing more than to be free of the hellhole so she pushed Malfoy awake. It was surprisingly easy but than it had become surprisingly easy for her too. She was never sure of when she would be needed and that thought was always at the back of her mind.

“You so owe me Granger, I have never in my life slept on a dirty, cold floor. It’s so common.”

“I am not even sure how to respond to such a condescending, pretty boy comment like that. But lets get the heck out of here.” Malfoy looked at her with disapproval.

“What? You don’t want to leave?”

“It’s just no one is going to believe that you spent the night in here. I’ve seen Death Eaters come out of here looking more wrecked.”

“Yea well I feel like shit thank you very much.”

“Shit. Dame they are not going to be happy when they see you. They are going to think I went easy on you.”

She suddenly felt guilty. She had never considered the sacrifice and potential danger Malfoy put himself in to save her skin. “Well let’s make it look like you had a bloody blast in here last night. Do more of the slashy think you did.”

“You want me to cut you up. No, it was dangerous to do it last night, because I don’t have the perfect control over it yet and they can be extremely deep. The counter curse is even harder to stop the bleeding.”

“I believe in you, plus I have an idea.” Hermione explained to Malfoy about this spell she had learned that numbed the body. It was originally formed during the Muggle’s civil war when medicine wasn’t available on the battlefield operating areas, but wizard had started using it in duels to help them ignore the pain and continuing fighting.

“It’s extremely difficult, it’s one of those spells that it connected to the mind and takes a lot of concentration, strength, and energy. But I started messing around with it this summer and found, what some other people have found, that you can concentrate towards specific body parts. I’ll have you do it areas that have less potential to bleed incase you cut to deep. If it looks good enough no one who doesn’t have a trained eye will even noticed you didn't curse me in the more messy areas. You know that spell is extremely dangerous though. Your body is naturally set up to receive pain so you know your limits, when its used to long wizards and witches can die for bleeding.”

“Than why did you learn it?” He questioned it eyebrows raised. She just shrugged. It wouldn’t be good to tell him that she learned it to be able to keep her, Harry, and Ron going if it came to that. They had been experimenting to see if one could push the numbness to others. She hadn’t liked it, but Harry said that for him the most important part was to keep going as long as he could. Malfoy let the shrug go. “Okay. But I warned you.”

Hermione concentrated with all her will. They made the cuts along her legs, arms, and even a few on her back. There was something horrible fascinating about seeing the slashes and blood but without the physical feeling of pain. Her eyes told her how much it should hurt, but her brain registered nothing. She hissed everyone now and again with disgust, which kept making Malfoy nervous and eventually pissed. Malfoy even bruised her lips to give the beating a feeling of intimacy and difference. It took more energy than Hermione would have liked, considering she didn’t have much left these days. When they were done Hermione looked as if a lion had attacked her, and she was as tired as if she hadn’t slept at all.

“You look horrible.” Malfoy looked as if he wanted to wince. She wondered if a part of his was horrified or shamed that he had inflicted these injuries, even if they hadn’t hurt.

“Perfect.” She tied to smile. But she was growing increasingly tired, and now that she wasn’t numbed the cuts throbbed.

“You didn’t have to do that. We probably could have found another way.”

“Yes, yes I did. And this was the fastest way possible that we know. Now lets go give them a show!” She laughed bitterly. It was horrible that she felt gitty but she loved that she was getting one up on them; tricking them.

“You’re sick Granger.”

She walked into breakfast and silence erupted. The air seemed to still around them all. Obviously news of her punishment had gotten around. The dungeons were the most fearful of all the punishments, and here she was as proof. Most of those who sustained it weren’t seen the next day, seems as if McGonagall had forced, with what little power she had left, that student were given over to the hospital wing after such treatment.

Malfoy was already sitting at the table plastering that smirk across his face. She purposefully took the route that would lead her past his table. Suddenly the silence was crushed by Malfoy’s voice.

“Looking good Granger.” The Slytherin table burst into jeers and laughter and it didn’t take much acting skills to look pissed. The whole room became a buzzed. And she realized something, her injuries and ability to stand in this room across from her captor might gives those who felt down trodden a reason to keep going, to fight back. She almost felt guilty because as much as she had been through this was a lie. But she didn’t let it stop her because if she could instill hope, real and truthful hope, she would lie until the end of time.

“Can’t say as much for you Malfoy.” She turned head held high and walked to her table. The room didn’t settle until breakfast arrived, and her friends were no exception.

“Merlin,” Ginny hissed a whisper. “We heard this morning. Why the hell didn’t you tell us what you were planning?” All the group nodded. Ginny sounded so much like her mother that it made Hermione smile.

“You would have stopped me.”

“Bloody fucking right.” Dean snapped.

“Language. This isn’t the time nor the place for this. Tonight at ten we talk.” The group kept harassing her through the meal if she was okay, but she didn’t say much. After awhile she noticed that Neville hadn’t said a word. He seemed to be thinking about something, or remembering. And it hit her that Neville had been one of the first to be tortured. She instantly wanted to do the whole night again. If Neville could take it she certainly should have. She was a charlatan. Neville hadn’t received the kindness and compassion she had, and Hermione was the one who should take the blows from all of them.

She left early, feeling tired, weak, and pathetic. Homework was the only thing that kept her mind off the guilt that night but it was worse she’d done in her whole Hogwart’s career because her mind simply wouldn’t work.

The meeting went quickly. Hermione had taken a detour to the library before heading to see them, and had found the curse she had heard Snape mutter. It was a dark one of course that she found in the restricted area. She torn the page out and ran to the astronomy tower to her awaiting followers.

WEDNESDAY

Wednesday was shit.

THURSDAY
Thursday was worse. Rumors of muggle born listing flew around the school. Terror was increasing as the Death Eater’s hold on Hogwarts increased as well. DA was becoming more important and there for brutal, the students more tired and less hopeful. AND it was the second night in row she found Kamilla leaving her dorm, late in the night, as Hermione watched in the shadows. She was curious what they were up too, and wondered if Kamilla’s crush and new position on Malfoy’s arm might just have something to do with it. Though she had tried to catch them alone so she could use her exendo ear they were always parting ways when she found them.

FRIDAY

Friday brought joy, but not the kind it use too. It meant the days of reprieve from the violence, hatred, and compassionless horror that filled their everyday lives was coming. Of course there was always the potential to hear that your family had been taken, or imprisoned. There was always potential for beating in the halls or mope spent days stuck inside the dorms. Depression and anguish were contagious. Anger and hatred heaping fuel to their utter helplessness.

Worse, people were wondering where Harry Potter ways. Hermione stopped going two weeks ago to the Gryffindor tower because she couldn’t take the questions and accusing stares when she simply told the truth that she didn’t know. She hadn’t heard from them and had only written one message that said ‘Soon.’ Her weekends had lost even the little bit of happiness they once had, her friends. AND she didn’t dare bring them to her dorm, wasn’t safe.

“Should you be off fucking Neville some where,” Malfoy’s cold voice, the one he reserved for her when others where around, hit her. She was on the floor homework sprawled out. She turned knowing someone else must be in the room.

It was really going to be a bad night. Malfoy, Sam, Zabini, Pansy, Goyle, Crabbe, Greengrass, Kamilla, and Nott (Who had had until now, though just as hateful as Malfoy, ever taken a liking to Malfoy’s gang.) Her mind told her to fear, but she was out numbered like this everyday. Fear gave her nothing but she knew this was a very bad situation. Normally Malfoy gave her notice of his meetings or else wise had them to the Slytherin dungeons. Tonight it seemed her luck had run out. She gathered her belongs incase she needed an easy flight but she restored calmly, “You know perfectly I am not having relations with Neville.”

Zabini, who was standing next to Malfoy (Kamilla on Malfoy’s arm on the other side), had a twinkle in his eye. The twinkle wasn’t hatful just knowing and it was the only sign of kindness she had, and so she smiled a female version of Malfoy’s smirk at him.

Pansy was immediately mocking Hermione’s statement in a very childish voice; unlike Hermione’s at all “I am not having sexual relations. I am such a ugly mudblood I can’t even get Neville Nowits to fuck me.”

“Seems to me I recall a very different situations a month ago.” Everyone but Malfoy, Pansy, and Zabini looked confused though Nott looked rather uninterested in his confusion, and Goyle and Crabbe always looked that way.

Pansy raised her wand, but Hermione already had her’s pointed at the stupid pig faced girl. “I will murder you one day mudblood. I’ll find you when you are alone one day you filth. You can’t always be surrounded,” the group was all laughing and agreeing, “and when you’re not I’ll cut your throat, and no one will care. Just one more Potter supporter out of the way. Actually I think my Lord will be very happy with me.”

Though she doubted Pansy’s abilities against her own the girl’s passion for her blood was horrifying. But she could expect no less. Pansy, who had finally started talking to Malfoy again, because of the power he held, was a scorned woman. Rumors, of which she heard all about Tuesday, had it the Pansy was more than upset that Kamilla was now Malfoy’s queen and wasn’t making it easy for him. Hermione wasn’t buying the whole queen thing, but that was for another time.

Malfoy pulled Pansy’s wand down. “I am sure Our Lord will be, but there is nothing you can do to her in this room, shame though it is. I’ve been trying for months.”

“Strangle the bitch,” Crabbe said. Nott snorted at his stupidity, and Malfoy yelled.

“You think it that easy. That she does not guard her doors at night or that she has not allies. We have discussed this many of a time and I will not be undermined. When the times come we will have all their blood.” This Malfoy as scary, scarier than he had ever been before. This Malfoy had taken complete control of what he had always had at his fingertips. Hermione wanted to get out of here.

“As much as I am enjoying this….”

“Don’t you fucking talk to any of us bitch. You will be down on your knees to us soon enough.” Pansy turned to Malfoy with smile. “Can I show her?” But she didn’t wait for his approval. Pansy whisked towards her throwing the chair that was the only boundary between them out of the way with her wand. She stopped short a few feet and pulled up her sleeve up. There it was in all its twisting, dark glory, the Dark Mark. Hermione wand was pointed but her thoughts blank for a moment. It was the first time she’d seen one this close, this clear, and it stuck horror into her.

“You should fear me mudblood. I am his now and I am coming for you.” Pansy’s words and actions left her wand in no potion for power. Hermione’s anger peeked. If this stupid girl though the Mark was enough to protect her she as wrong. Hermione kicked, with all the practice she had learned, the wand from Pansy’s hand flew and had Hermione her own wand was at Pansy’s neck before the lot of them knew what to do.

She could see that they all had their wand pointed at her now, but she didn’t take her attention off Pansy. She knew that this was the stupidest thing she had done yet, but she was about to see if they would sacrifice one of their own when they couldn’t strike a killing blow.

“Are all Death Eater so stupid that they believe their Mark protects them?” She was looking at Pansy but she was talking to Malfoy. None of them seemed willing to take a shout with Pansy standing in front of her “Do you believe for a second that you scare me? That Mark doesn’t make you more powerful than I, and your arrogance will find you alone Pansy, and I will be there to cut your throat.” She couldn’t believe what she was saying. It most certainly was a lie, but the tone left no hint of that to Pansy.


“Get out!” Malfoy yelled. Hermione didn’t need another warning. She gathered her stuff never keeping her eyes off the group and ran out of the room. She made a few loud steps away from portrait and than grabbed an extendo ear from her bag. She knew keeping one on her would come in handy eventually. She threw it at the door. It was about time to get some inside dirt.

Malfoy shout, “And this is why we do not battle them yet, because you are too stupid and unprepared. How could you let that mudblood better you Pansy! YOU WILL PAY.”

Pansy was crying a little, but this time around Hermione didn’t feel bad for her. “I am sorry Draco. Please that stupid mudblood bitch tricked me.”

“Exactly she tricked you,” He boomed, “How do we expect to beat them when the time comes if they can so easily take you? They might not have the dark skills on their side or the right blood, but don’t underestimate them. And if I ever see you flaunt your Mark like that again you’ll wish you hadn’t.”

“What are you ashamed? Why don’t you have a Mark yet?” Pansy was so stupid Hermione thought, but it was a good question. For another time of course.

She heard movement, but had to make the best assumption that Malfoy had Pansy at wand point. There were a couple agreements on Pansy’s side, but she didn’t hear anyone come to Pansy’s rescue either. What Malfoy said next was important. Not just to her, but him. She realized that whether or not Malfoy wanted to be on the Dark Side to keep himself safe he had to maintain power.

“Listen to me you little hussy.” It made Hermione wince. As much as she disliked Pansy she didn’t agree with ruling by making others seem less than. “Don’t you ever question my loyalty to my family, to my blood, and the Dark Lord. Just because I haven’t run off like a silly little girl to join the ranks at some low ranking, shitting eating position doesn’t make me untrustworthy. My Lord had personally asked for my appearance in the coming weeks to get the Mark.” She really wanted that to be a lie.

“I am sorry Draco. I was unaware.”

“Of course you are Pansy or do you believe you our Lord trust you that much. Don’t ever assume that I am ashamed, because I wouldn’t thrash my Mark around. Although we are at a greater advantage than the Light Side they still roam these halls, and now that Granger knows you are a Death Eater so will the Order. You have made yourself un safe Pansy.”

“As if they didn’t know.” Nott said, unconcern filling his voice.

“Of course they will assume, but without prove they would not willing target a student. Now we have more important things to discus than Pansy’s stupidity. Kamilla go out and make sure that no one is listening.”

Hermione heard the warning and cursed that he knew her so well. She realized that she had to go see professor McGonagall, but some how keep Malfoy out of it. She rolled the ear and ran as quietly as she could. She knew it was stupid to want to keep Malfoy safe when he hadn’t seen it in him self to do the same for her. But than she knew that wasn’t completely true. He was doing the best he could to straddle both lives it seemed. He had let her go when he should have kept her there as an example. Instead he had used his brain to make Pansy the subject of his wrath. But he still didn’t want her to hear what he they were up too and that made him a treat regardless of the good qualities.

After she talked to McGonagall, who didn’t seem to completely buy her story that Malfoy had just brought Pansy to the room alone and Pansy had just attacked her, she went to the Gryffindor Tower. It was nice to have her friends gather around her and be glad to see her, but it was over shadowed by the up coming event. She explained her story in the corner of room, and there were whispers of “oh Merlin you could have been hurt,” and “Your bloody amazing.”

Ginny told Hermione to spend the night in her bed because her and Luna had to go on the watch for the password that night. It was weird and oddly lonely to sleep in the dorms again. She realized that it had been the first time since the beginning of the year that she hadn’t slept across the way from Malfoy’s room. She was disturbed by that thought. She felt Ginny’s tiny body slid next to her at three in morning and it was only than she fell asleep.

SATURDAY –

Saturday would have been great if tomorrow wasn’t the day of reckoning. While the boys seemed to have a nervous excitement about them the girls were just plain nervous. She wasn’t sure what made her more uptight the feeling of pessimism or the stupid excitement of putting their lives at risk.

However, it was nice to all have breakfast together in the dorm. Even though she didn’t like that Dean had gotten the house elves to bring it to them, but they seemed overjoyed to take orders from someone who wasn’t going to beat them. It was horrible to see how more sever and beaten down they had become. It would have worsened her mood if it hadn’t all ready been shit.

Hermione even spent the afternoon doing homework in the dorm and helping her classmates. Apparently the story of her supposed heroism from the night before combined with her supposed torture in the dungeon had given her a brake from hearing about Harry and Ron, and why they had done nothing but run. Which was actually lucky for everyone else, because if Hermione had to hear one more accusation while the boys were risking their lives she would lose her cool. For a few hours it felt like it use to, but there was a sadness in the DA members faces that Harry and Ron where not there. Though it was the closest to normal they had all felt in so long it was like a reminder of how horrible things had gotten. A reminder of what was missing.

Worse yet she felt like Malfoy was missing. She knew he didn’t belong in this little slice of normalcy, but she still missed him. And suddenly she wished that he did belong. She knew for sure that Malfoy would have fit in here if it weren’t for his past. She had learned that a part of Malfoy was compassionate, loyal. He was smart and funny even if he was cocky. He was brave though he was misjudged as being a whip that let others fight his battles. That sounded so much like a Gryffindor to her. Though she knew his past would always haunt him and it shouldn’t be forgotten she knew that she had more then Malfoy ever had. She had friends and family and it made her want to fight more. It made her realize that she could help turn the whole thing around for the boys if she got that sword tomorrow and it renewed her sense of what she was fighting for.

Though her thoughts didn’t exactly make her mood improve it made her feel more solid, and she felt like she needed to get out and walk. When was finished her work she excused herself. She roamed the halls for a while reflecting on certain memories as she saw places that reminded her of her past laughs, fights, love, and friendships. Though they were edged in darkness she promised that one-day they would shine as bright as they once had. That the places that meant she much to her would give the same joy to students in the future.

She realized that as she walked the halls she wanted to bump into Malfoy, but she met with someone to whom she hadn’t talked to in months. “Hermione.”

She turned and sighed, it was Tom. “Tom.” She said he voice flat and emotionless. And maybe if her whole world wasn’t crashing in on her everyday she might actually have emotion for him, the man had put his hands on her.

“I wanted to say something.”

“Well I don’t want to hear it Tom, and just so you know we’re not in my dorm so I can hex you.”

He laughed nervously. “I know I don’t deserve it, but for my own selfishness can you let me talk to you?”

Well he was admitting he was a selfish ass and she was curious. “Okay…”

“Okay. Oh geez I wasn’t really expecting you to day yes. Thank you Hermione.”

“You’re loosing my interest Tom.”

“Umm okay. I know I don’t deserve you forgiveness, and I am not asking for it.” He said before she interrupted. “I wanted to say I am so sorry for what I did. All of it, but especially for putting my hands on you. I really did like you a lot Hermione and I put my dick before my feeling.”

“Articulate.” He blushed but kept going.

“Anyway, there is not excuse for what I did, but I was drunk and so angry that I had been so stupid that I took it out on you. I’ll never forgive myself for hurting you Hermione. I couldn’t stand to look at myself in the mirror for the longest time. I realized that I was trying to hard to be this image of a stud and I didn’t even know myself. I really wanted to thank you for not telling everyone though I deserved it.”

“You did, but I am sorry for putting my hands on you first.”

“Oh please Merlin don’t you apologize after what I did and than I had the cruelty call you a…well you know. I am not like that Hermione. I don’t believe in that pure blood shit.”

“Than why did you say it Tom. That was the worst thing a friend has ever done to me.”

He took a couple breaths looking like he was so ashamed he wanted to run. She felt herself opening up to him because he seemed so genuine, but she squashed the feeling. “I guess because I wanted to hurt you. But more than ever I have realized how much I don’t care about sex and blood. Hermione they took my sister.”

She stared at him for few heartbeats not knowing what to say. Why would he tell her? It wasn’t that she didn’t feel pity but she still didn’t like him still. “I am sorry Tom. Why? You’re are pure blood.”

“Please, I know now that it really doesn’t have anything to do with that, but she was married to a muggle.”

“Oh.” She said lamely.

“I am not asking for you to pity me or forgive me, but I know you still have the DA going and I want to be apart again.”

“No. I don’t trust you.”

“I never told anyone even when I stopped going.”

“Because you knew I hexed you into silence.”

“No because I care about the cause. I care about my sister about her son and husband. I still care about showing you I am not horrible person and this is all I can do.”

“Fine, but one false move and you’ll wish you never fucked with me.” She said coldly trying to push back her feeling of sadness for his family.

“This has really changed you hasn’t it?”

“Hasn’t it changed us all, but don’t try to talk about my feelings Tom. You had your chance with me and you blew it. Though that is understatement.”

He suddenly grabbed her and she thought he was attacking her, but he was hugging her. She realized he was crying and she gave in and hugged him back. She couldn’t help but feel for him. “I think they might be dead Hermione. Oh Merlin I think Grace is dead.”

She rubbed his back and felt so much pity. She would never deny him the chance for revenge and she hoped against hope that his sister was still alive. “I am sorry this is all I have to offer you Tom.”

“You’ve offered us all more than we could hope for. You’re our backbone Mione and I give you all my loyalty even if isn’t much to you yet.” His words were meant to be nice, but they were actually taunting. She pulled back and gave him a forced smile and walked off. She would offer him the chance to do something productive. She would offer him a chance to show he was loyal, but wasn’t going to be his rock. She realized what Malfoy had said about leaders was true. They loved their followers. She loved Tom, but she disliked him too. She wanted the best for him, but she didn’t want to be close with him because it would get in way. She was taking him in, but she was pushing back her feeling of betray and caring from him. The brief moment of feeling closed up and she felt so cold again.

She walked into the dorm and saw Malfoy and Kamilla. Malfoy was sitting topless and at first she though she caught him in lie. But she realized they were not doing anything sexual but were once again leaned over the desk. And something struck her. He was wearing her necklace. She hadn’t noticed it on before the other day when she had him naked, but than she hadn’t been looking for it. Something about it called her and she started walking toward Malfoy before she knew what he was doing.

Kamilla turned hearing Hermione’s footsteps. The girl didn’t frown at her like Hermione had assumed she would, but it wasn’t the open face the girl had once given her. She turned back. But all of this was over shadowed by the necklace “Draco I just don’t get this. I need lunch anyway ve can finish later, no?”

“No. You don’t have to leave just because Granger came.” He said her name with loathing and didn’t turn. Finally hearing his voice completely snapped her out the spell.

She frowned. “Yea it’s just me. Plus last night you all seemed so thrilled to have me around.” Kamilla’s face-hardened like she wanted to say something. “Actually please stay I still have that dress.”

“I told you keep it.” Hermione whipped her wand and accioed the black dress to her. She dropped it in Kamilla lap.

“No, it’s you’re dress I don’t think it would be right to keep something so lovely.” She made it sound like she didn’t find it so lovely though.

“Draco you can finish studying by yourself. I need food.” Kamilla pulled herself up with a grace Hermione still envied and left the room.

Finally Malfoy put the pen down and folded the paper putting it in his pocket. “What the hell was that?”

Hermione shrugged. “I don’t know I was just trying to give back her dress.”

“Really, I didn’t notice that. I mean you snotty little attidude.” He made a disapproving face.

“I was not being snotty, and sorry that I am not fan of the new queen bee of your dark little fan club.”

“Please don’t say queen, and you seem to be fan of the king.” He got up from his seat and put himself in her space.

“That because…” but she really could find a reason and this made Malfoy laugh. He grabbed her around the waist and kissed her neck.

“Cause I am irresistible?”

“Hmm yes…NO!” She pushed him back. “It just this fatal attraction thing but I don’t trust you.”

“Yes you do.”

“Oh yea especially after last night. Thank for bring your little fan club in here to try and make a spectacled of me.”

“So sorry that my business is getting in your way. You don’t rule the school anymore Granger and if it wasn’t for me you’d be in really bad place right now.”

She pulled herself back further so Malfoy wasn’t touching her. “You are going to throw that in my face. I don’t need you Malfoy so lets get that straight.” But he stepped into her again. He grabbed her face.

“But you want me.” He kissed her and she could help but fall into him. She was so stressed out and she didn’t need to think with his lips on her. She pulled him in, her hands roaming. She slid her hands down and felt his jeans. And suddenly her mind made her hands work without thought. She went into his pocket and plucked the letter out.

She quickly pulled back and held the letter in front of his face. “This is why I don’t trust you Malfoy. Whats on this?” Malfoy whole body went ridged and his wand was at her throat. She realized her own wand was in her bag. How stupid.

“Give me the letter.”

“Or what?”

“Don’t mistake me for a fool Granger. I want to fuck you and a part of me even feels protective of you, but don’t fuck with me. Don’t meddle in my business Granger because there are things going on here that you can’t understand.”

“I am trying.”

“Well stop.” He voice was so threatening but cool. “I might like you Granger but don’t get in my way.”

She threw the letter on to the floor. “The same goes here Malfoy.” She felt so betrayed.

“Don’t give me that oh how could you look. I try to kiss you and use that as an opportunity to play me!” His voice was rising. “I’ve done nothing from day one but try to watch your back for some unknown reason. I can’t stand that you’ve infected me this way, this fatal attraction. But don’t think for a moment that clouds my goals.”

“Or mine Malfoy. Don’t watch my back. I don’t need it.” She actually did feel a little bad for being sneaky but she wasn’t going to tell him that.

“The message is loud and clear. Granger is on her own from now on.”

“Don’t threaten me you little shit. I’ve seen how pathetic you all are. Pansy doesn’t even have enough…”

“Don’t judge me or the others on Pansy. She might be stupid and irrational but she has a whole group of people who hate you at her back. Don’t underestimate us.”

“I’ve never underestimated their ability to hate and their cruelty, but I know that you guys are weak because of it.” She grabbed her bag and turned her back. “Don’t try and scare me because Malfoy if you were going to use that wand you would have.”

“Don’t push me.”

“Ditto.” She walked up stairs and cried. Every time she felt something for Malfoy he ruined it, but maybe this time she had helped in the ruining as well.

SUNDAY-