Dancing With Dragons

CHAPTER 15: Save the Tears For Someone Who Cares


“No, oh Merlin no. I mean I guess I am just… it did hurt but it, you, it was amazing. I’ve never felt that way.” They started at each other, but as the moment ended, Hermione felt awkwardness start to swell up in the unspoken words. Or maybe it was the words they had spoken just minutes before that lead to the uneasy feeling. How could two people, who did not even like each other at times, have created that perfect moment in time?

“I, well we…” Her mind became the organized, reasoning organ again. But this time it was split into two paths. One part of her mind was lulled and happy. It was telling her that her and Draco Malfoy had just made love. How two people who did not love each other could make love wasn’t for sure, but it was undoubtedly the truth. This part of her mind was completely satisfied and found no regrets in that truth. It wanted nothing more than to do it again, and do have Malfoy in all the ways she could want a man.

The other and louder part of her mind screamed in horror. She just gave her virginity to MALFOY. She had let him have something he didn’t deserve.

‘But he did deserve it,’ her other mind reasoned, ‘though his past acts didn’t or maybe neither his future ones, he had, in that moment, been the one.’ She didn’t really regret it did she? Neither part of her argued that fact. But the horrified part of her told her she should.

She was starting feel panicked. She could not believe she had allowed herself to be so stupid. She had been unarmed and on top of a dame owlrey having sex on the day of her most important mission to date. She had given her virginity to a death eater want to be because of a few choice words on a cheaply made, barley cleared poop ridden owlrey roof! She felt like crying. She didn’t though because the other part of her mind knew that it had been perfect. Perfect not because of its location, but because of the emotions and unending need to smile.

Malfoy seemed to notice her stuttering words and blushed cheeks and was back to his smirk. It was almost like she saw his walls go up and hers did the same thing. She could not be here another moment. Everywhere she looked forced images of Malfoy fucking her, so good, into her mind. She got up and started to put on her clothes. She could feel Malfoy’s eyes boring into her.

“Didn’t take you for a hit and run Granger.” She heard the coldness in his voice and it hurt and surprised her. Did Dra…Malfoy realized what just happened between them was wrong too? She also realized they were back to last names.

“Just assumed you were one, Malfoy.”

“Won’t even let me revel in how well I just fucked you.”

“No that is the last…”

“How loud you were to scream by name.” He was putting his pants back on. “How good it was to feel that tight little pussy around me, watching my cock…”

“Stop it!” She felt tear of joy and angry come out. She closed her eyes but snapped them back open because all she could see was Malfoy hard, naked, lean body and heavenly handsome face. “I was there,” she whispered.

Malfoy’s smirk became a hideous thing. “Don’t want to remember it?”

She realized in that moment he was hurt. “NO! I just I cant, I don’t…”

“Spit it out Granger.”

She let it all out, both her thought paths realizing there was nothing else to lose. “I don’t want to forget in Malfoy. It was perfect in every way. More than I could have ever envisioned it could be. My body and mind have felt nothing like it before and I fear I wont feel anything like it again.”

“Fear?”

“Yes. I gave you the one thing I can never take back. I can give my soul, my mind, my love to as many people as I want. Over and over again until I find the right person but I can nerve give that again. It will be locked in that one moment for ever.”

“So you regret it than! I guess you shouldn’t have opened you legs for me than if you were so worried about you little virginity.” He was starting to turn cool and ugly.

“Don’t you ever speak to me that way. I am not saying I regret it and I would never take it back. Though the way you’re going I just might change my mind about that! I just meant it is a lot to process and I just don’t know how to right now.”

“Well you can’t take it back. What is there to process?” Though it was obvious his angry was subsiding he didn’t seem to be getting.

“I DON’T WANT TO take it back! I just want to understand why you were the one. I don’t love you so why did out bodies just MAKE LOVE TO EACH OTHER?!”

Malfoy’s eyes widened and she realized that maybe she could say too much. She grabbed her bag. “Running away?”

She just could not take him seeming so hurt and yet so cold and closed. She ran to him and kissed his lips lingering for a moment. “Yes.”

She jumped through the hole scaring all the owls and ran. She ran out of the building and towards the lake. She turned once, and only once, when she was far enough away from the owlry to see its top. Malfoy was a small fully dressed figure now. Even though she could hardly see him she was positive he was watching her. She ran again.

She sat behind a leafless tree and shivered from the cold. She didn’t want to put a warming spell on. She decided she wasn’t worth it. She had run like a coward. But what else was there to say or do? She allowed her mind to wonder changing between joy and madness. She even allowed herself to cry hard and ranting to get it all out. When she was finally done she felt empty. Empty of all emotions. And maybe it was a good thing she told herself, because to night she had to feel nor fear anything.

She realized that now her plans for tonight were being used to forget her confusion about Malfoy instead of visa versa. When finally the sun had gone down for some time she wondered to the castle.


Malfoy watched her run, run away from him. He hated that she had reacted that way. Why couldn’t she just be fine and thank him for the best orgasm of her life. But he also hated himself for not realizing that she had given him a gift.

He knew deep with himself he had not deserved what she had given him. He replayed the tears rolling down her cheek and the way she smiled and moaned. The beauty of her innocence and willingness to take him into her. It had been so incredibly beauty and Draco had never felt like he could create such beauty in his life. Why had he thrown that in her face when she had acted like a normal person.

Had he not even felt some how changed and confused the first time he had given himself to Pansy. His mind took on two thoughts at once. One, that their bodies had made love and he wanted to do it again. He wanted to take her in every position he could. Want to bring her again and again. That he had something to which no one could have again. Hermione Granger’s, the Gryffindor’s Gold Girl, virginity.

Second, that he had actually take the plunge and slept with a mudblood and had liked it. He was traitor to his family and blood. He didn’t regret it, but he should. That she didn’t see it as the gift and was and pushed that fact into his face was beyond his comprehension. That fact that he allowed himself to sleep with a mudblood was like giving away a piece of himself he couldn’t get back either. If his father knew he would most certainly be dead. Most importantly sleeping with her had not quelled his desire for her at all. In fact it had increased it into a roaring, untamable fire. One of which Draco Malfoy was actually afraid of.

He knew he had more important things to worry about. He had been gone at least an hour now and he had to get back. He watched Granger until she was un-seeable and than he too ran. He ran to Kamilla and hoped this wasn’t the last time he got to feel Granger’s hot, wet, pulsing body around him and then cursed that as he ran to save one person’s life he was thinking about his position in another’s person life.

She took the back entrance into the castle and wondered the halls until she found Luna.

“Oh Hermione.” She sighed that that sing song voice. “I hope you are having a good day.”

“Oh yea sure.”

“Are you okay you seemed flushed?”

Take it that Luna would notice what she was trying remarkably well to hide. This was why she always felt a slight unease around the girl. She always seemed to know things others didn’t. “Fine. As fine as I can be.”

“Yes. Don’t worry Hermione I feel positive about to night. What were are doing is important and that will see us through.” Hermione didn’t feel so sure, but she didn’t say so.

“The halls, how have they been?”

“Very quite, which is good I suppose. I was actually heading down to meet Ginny. Professor Snape should be leaving soon. It is almost seven.”

“Yes,” she sighed, “lets do get this over with.” Fear was rising in her. She pushed it down as they walked in silence hoping that today would not be the last time she saw her friends faces and that included Malfoy’s. She cursed that as they walked to possible doom she was thinking about the one boy that would probably bring nothing else.
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“They should be here soon.” Kamilla snapped.

“Please try to relax.”

“Vhat took you so long?” He didn’t entire like to lie to her.

“I saw Granger there. We got into a kind of altercation.”

“Vhat is it vith the two of you?”
=========================

The group was all hiding a couple yards from the headmaster’s office door. Dean and Seamus were both holding a stack of the papers. Finally at seven, on the dot, Snape and both the Carrows left.

“Maybe there all going to the meeting?” Ginny whispered hopefully as they threesome walked around the corner and was gone.

“Who knows? Okay, give me some.” Seamus handed her the stack and she handed some to Neville. “Okay Seamus follow them as far as you can and then patrol the halls. Ginny and Luna stay here and if anyone comes to the office…well you know use the coins to let us know. Ready?” Her stomach was in knots.

Dean and Seamus had a quick hug. “Be good on the other side,” Seamus said trying to sound unaffected.

“See you there soon.” Hermione wanted to cry at their goodbyes but instead she pulled at Dean’s arm.

“Lets go.”

They got through the door and up the staircase with surprising ease. It was almost to too easy and it made her feel unnerved.
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There came aloud knock on the portrait door and Kamilla jumped squeezing Malfoy's hand. He led her to the desk where it looked like they were doing homework or even maybe some planning. Her features hardened than softened and she insistently looked clam.

He opened the door and feigned surprise well. “Headmaster, professors is everything quite well. I would have assumed you all to be off to see our Lord. I didn’t hear word from father that I should attend…” He was cut off.

“Though it would delight our Lord to see you young Malfoy it is the girl we have come for.” Amycus’ sinister looking sister said. Malfoy looked over his shoulder at Kamilla who turned in surprise. She played her part well. She bowed her head a little at the threesome.

She stood and walked closer to the group. “His Lord could not possible want to see me as of yet?”

“No it is I that wants to see you.” Snape ordered. “Have you heard from your father as of late and don’t lie.” She didn’t bat an eye.

“No headmaster. I have not heard from him since he begged me to come vith him. You obviously know of my answer to his cowardice.”

The Carrows smiled and Amycus said, “Yes, we were pleased that at least one in the family sees their place. You would have made a fine pureblood.” Technically Kamilla was one, but she was first generation witch.

“Thank vou professor. Though I don’t dare to put myself in so high a position I do feel strongly for pure blood. I do hope vne day my family can retrieve its good name, of course vithout my father in the vay.” Malfoy could have hugged her for her wit and how she played them into her hands.

“I am glad you feel that way,” the Carrows both laughed that horrible giggle.

“May I inquire headmaster why you are here?” Malfoy asked.

“Though it is none of your business Draco I found you capable of being a character witness to Kamilla. I have noticed her on your arm as of late. No marriage in the works I hope.” He knew it must be bothering Kamilla to hear their distain for her blood, which besides her mother, who was a witch, was in good standing.

“I find her a beautiful and loyal women to have on my arm, but I dare say there are no plans for marriage and certainly not children. There is Pansy’s good blood and family name for that.” He hated even saying it, but he smirked nonetheless.

“Good. Now Draco has Kamilla here received letters from her family?”

“None that I am aware of. I do believe I would be aware as I keep a watchful eyes over the Slytherins and she spends a lot of time here with me.” He did not even try to hide the insinuation.

“Well, than I feel it proper to tell you my office has retrieved a letter from your father.” Kamilla looked up in surprise and mock disgust.

“Itz not possible. I told my father I vould like to never see him or hear from him again.”

“Well my dear it seems he is in the hospital some where out of England. It is your mother.” She did a good job between looking concerned, but not to distraught.

“It is regrettable if my mother is sick or hurt, but also it is regrettable zhe path they have choicen. I am not so heartless, but I don’t exactly feel pity. Vhy tell me of this headmaster. I know vhat vould happen to my parents if they vere caught and vile I have no wish to seem them dead I have no desire to see them if that act of charity is vhat you are offering.”

“I offer none of the kind. To be seen with them would mean you allegiance has been indeed with them. That certainly is not what I am offering.”

“Of course not, my apologizes, I vas simply curious. I have shown my true allegiances, but still I must implore without disrespect of why you have bothered to tell me?”

“Well there is apparently a code, which he has used to hide his current position. He seems to assume that you would wish to see him.”

“Hmmm my father has not used that family code in some time. Vhat a fool to use it now.” Kamilla seemed to say this to herself, slightly under her breath.

“It could appear that you are not all you seem when your father is sending you coded messages.”

“Vhat can I do to prove that I have no other agenda?”

Malfoy spoke, “Headmaster if I may, Kamilla said it was a family code then she certainly must know what it says. I have faith that she will give it to you.” He grabbed her arm and pulled her.

“I had not doubt she would. I just doubted if she would come freely. Now I see she will.” He turned and started to leave, the Carrows, then Kamilla and Malfoy followed.
================================

“Okay.” Neville and Hermione walked to sword. She reached up to grab it and was meet with a horrible shock. She yelped.

“Shut up.” Dean hissed.

“Are you okay?”

“Darn. I am fine. I just didn’t think it would have a bloody protection on it when Snape seems so ambivalent on other precautions.”

“Well! Figure it out!”

Neville and Hermione threw several charms and spells at it but they all hissed and fizzled.

“Shit, shit, shit.” Dean hissed.

“Just shut up, Hermione will get it.”

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. The protection was dark and it was painful to touch. But it didn’t set off alarms, that she knew of, and it didn’t physically throw it a person back. So what could it be…

“Clatinamous.” She shouted, but all it did was make an exploded that made her stumble.

“Why don’t you just alert the whole school?”

“Well you try.” They all stood staring at the sword trying a variety of spells but nothing worked.

“Oh Merlin.” She started to pace. She tired out of desperation to grab at the sword and hold on to it but all it did was burn.

“Stop it Mione you’re hurting yourself.”

Then Dean cried out. “The coin! It just turned hot. Someone is coming.”

“How can that be possible?” She groaned.

“Lets Go!” Dean hissed.
================================

“The letter is in my office. When you have decoded the message I will send Amycus here with you to retrieve your father.” They were walking the halls in a brisk manner. Malfoy was thankful that the Head’s dorm was far way from Snape’s office because it gave him time to digest and prepare.

“Of course sir, but vhy must I go?”

“Incase we need to use you to get your father. I have no disillusionment of your father’s abilities.”

“Of course. Once he sees me he vill give up. Sentimental and veak. I don’t think there will be a need to harm him he will give the Lord what he wishes.” She was trying to find a perfect balance between loyalty and family. It was making Malfoy nervous, forcing his cold exterior harder into place

Amycus laughed, “A women after my own heart.” His sister gave him a cold glare. The message behind it gave Malfoy and Kamilla shivers of revulsion.

They reached the gargoyle and Snape waved his hand without a word. Malfoy’s gripped tightened on her arm and she looked up at him letting just a sliver of her true feeling shine through.

As they walked up the stairs Malfoy knew he must ask, “Headmaster my I beg of you a favor.”

Snape turned looking down at him on the top step, “Many of mine you already have, but ask.”

“I have been wanting to show our Lord my loyalty on a much grander scale, but my father seems in no rush. I would like to join Amycus tonight. It could only add to the threat level.”

“Yes Draco I do feel it is time you pull you weight around here even if your mother and father feel it fit to keep babying you.” Sometimes he hated Snape, but he would forever be grateful for what Snape had done for him.
===============================================================

“NO!” Neville hissed back.

“He is right we have to get the sword!” And brilliance hit her. She ripped the sheet from Dumbledore’s portrait. “Dean, Neville get ready this isn’t going to turn out quite as planned. Starting put up those papers now!” They started without being asked again. She had made a decision and it pained her to put them in this position, but it was done.

“HEADMASTER!?”

He awoke and smiled a smile full of surprise down at her, “Hermione dear in trouble again?”

“HURRY! The coin keeps getting hotter!”

“Sort of. Headmaster do you know the spell to get the sword down.”

“Of course dear. It my own special spell. It’s a combination of a password and a spell motion…”

“Headmaster please?” She pleaded.

“Of course dear.” He told her how to move her wand and say “Barticulous Martarium.”

She tired and it failed. “Flick harder Miss. Granger.” She suddenly could hear the bottom office door open. “Barticulous Martarium!” She flicked the wand with all she had and sword flew at her. It was heavier and warmer than she had supposed. She spelled it to a much smaller size and replaced it with the fake one she had been working on for a month. She ran to Dean shoving it in his pocket and closing it with a sealing charm just as she heard.

‘Many of mine you already have, but ask.’

‘I have been wanting to show our Lord my loyalty on a much grander scale, but my father seems in no rush. I would like to join Amycus tonight. It could only add to the threat level.’

What the fuck was Malfoy doing here? This could not be good. She didn’t want to see him for so many reasons, but it was nothing compared to how badly this was all about to get. She pushed Dean to the fireplace grabbing a handful of flew powder

‘Yes Draco I do feel it time you pull you weight around here even if your mother and father feel it fit to keep babying you.’ Than the door was being pushed open.

She hissed, “Hagrid’s cabin,” the flew network still hooked up to Hargid’s large hearth, and she pushed Dean in. His yell was lost as a spell was thrown. It smashed just above her head shattering pieces all over her. She ducked and spun, wand out. Neville was already being kicked; he was lying on the floor. Instead of pointing her wand at Snape she did the last thing she could do to protect Dean. “Network Clear,” she yelled clearing the memory of the Snape’s particular flew network. She rolled on the ground behind Snape’s desk just as she finished, knowing her stationary position had been a dangerous one.

“What do you think you are doing?" Snape roared. He threw another spell that flew the desk away as Neville was kicked in the face.

“Stop. We surrender!” She could see that Malfoy was holding Kamilla. Though both their wands were pointed both looked too shocked to do anything. Snape throw another spell but it was only to retrieve Hermione’s wand. She gave it freely because in less they were all willing to leave via fighting there way out, which had never been an option, she couldn’t really use it.

Amycus unceremoniously kicked Neville in the gut one last time while he giggled, “I don’t think out Lord will mind if we are a little late to punish such bad children.” Hermione didn’t yell out because she knew it would make it worse, but she hated to see his bleeding face.

‘Run Dean, Run. Make this worth it.’ Her mind screamed. Snape stalked towards her and her whole body shook from fear. He grabbed her hair and pulled it to the side while dragging her up.

“I want to know what you were doing Miss. Granger and every lie I hear I will personally give you a bruise to match it.”

Neville spoke first, “Joke,” he spit out blood. “Just a particle joke to get back at you Death Eaters.” He got kicked again.

She ground her teeth and pointed to the paper. “He is telling the truth. We’ve been scouting out and waiting for a perfect time and prank to play. The paper,” Snape yanked her hair and she whimpered, “it was perfect.”

“Do you think me a fool?”

“No, headmaster.” His hand let go of her hair as the other one back hand slapped her across her face. She stumbled back.

“I told you not to lie to me Miss. Granger.” Hermione did not respond because she was both into much pain and did not believe Snape to be a fool. A conniving, evil bastard yes, but never stupid.

“Now I want to know what you were going.”

“Paper.” She would not cry. She would not fear him. She stared behind him to meet Malfoy’s eyes, but she couldn’t read them.
====================

Dean fell into the large hearth coughing, the end of a scream still hanging on his mouth. A large hand picked him up and roughly pushed him to the door.

“Alright Mr. Thomas?”

“I…didn’t go right,” he panted like he had been running. Every part of him wanted to run back and save Hermione and Neville and he hated that he couldn’t. “Shit, we have to go then.” Dean didn’t move so Hagrid rough, large hand pulled him further towards the door. Hagrid already had a large pack on.

“I, just, Snape found them…I cant just.”

“You’ll being doin just that. Mione warned me this might happened and I promised to get you safety if I could. I keep my promises. Got your wand?”

“Yes, will I need it?”

“Well seein as I don’ have one, but lets just hope it’s just the creatures who will be unhappy with our appearance.”

And than Dean and Hagrid were running through the woods. Well Dean was running to keep up with the game keepers fast paste walking.

“What if they find out where I went? I think Snape came in just as Hermione threw me into the fire. What if they come looking for us in here or figure out your involved?” Dean panted.

“Yes well um Mione a smart girl, but I don’ plan on goin back anyhows. Not that I done told Mione that, sensitive girl you know.”
==========================


Snape grabbed her hands squeezing them hard. She cried as he dug into the blisters. “Burns on your hands Miss. Granger, I didn’t realize papers gave you burnt hands!”

“It wasn’t that,” She was trying to think on her feet why pain throbbed through her entire body, and her image was filled with half of Snape’s angry face and Neville’s bleeding form. “My hands got burnt while I was trying to get through the last defense.” Snape slapped her in the face again. She couldn’t help but cry out in pain, but she held onto her tears.

“I am not lying.”

“I don’t believe you Miss. Granger.” He pointed to Dumbledore’s uncovered portrait. “Why is Albus uncovered? Asking for his insight, for his help?”

“No, no...I knew it would piss you off because this should rightly be his office. Even now he looks down at you, a reminder of how you betrayed him.” She meant every word and she let it ring in her voice. She knew it would antagonize him, but if she made the paper story more believable they might just make this out alive, barely alive maybe, but alive.

She got a quick kick to the stomach. She went into the fetal position, grinding her teeth she hissed out, “telling the truth.”

“That, Miss. Granger, was for being a smarmy, self righteous little bitch. So, pray tell Miss. Granger if your telling the truth than why did you need to clear the flew network.”

“I don’t know…” She coughed feeling how much it hurt now that she could breath right. But she didn’t need to worry about that for long as another merciless kick made its way to her stomach. This time tears streamed out and she tried to force them back before more and more uncontrollable tears followed.

“ANSWER ME!”

She kept coughing and she physically couldn’t answer. Snape kicked her onto her back and stepped his foot onto her stomach supplying pressure. “Your answer?”

“I D-O-N-T know what your talking about.” He pressed down like he could step through her and she screamed. Then he suddenly stopped.

“I’ve forget myself. As much fun as it is to give you one bruise to match every one of you pathetic little lies I realize now how muggle and below this is of me. Magic will work much better.”

“NO!” Neville yelled. Amycus pointed his wand at Neville and he screamed.

“Amycus, come give Miss. Granger some of your world famous Circio.” She watched him come over, though one of her eyes was beginning to feel swollen. She tried to imagine she was somewhere else. She had known the danger and here it was sashaying towards her in a very creepy, evil way. He let Hermione really take him in before he raised his wand and screamed,

“Circio!” How he must hate her, was Hermione’s last coherent thought

The pain of the slaps and kicks she had received, not a minute prior, now seemed like child’s play. She screamed and screamed and screamed. Even if she wanted to tell them the truth words would have failed her. “ANSWER!” He let her go, but she said nothing tears and more tears come.

“Playing a dangerous game little girl.” Again he tortured her. It felt like knives aflame with fire were being stabbed through her entire body. This time it lasted longer and the pain took on another life, one where she could not think or even breathe, so that her screams morphed into hideous gargles and moans. She just writhed on the floor. She tried to think of something else and images of Malfoy smirkish smile busted through. Then Neville’s voice penetrated through the memories and pain.

“Stop,” His voice was horse and gargled, “I’ll tell you.” The curse ended, but the aftermath of the pain kept sending horrible shock waves through her body. She would have told him no if only her mouth would work. “It was Dean. You’re bound to notice he was gone…we promised him if he helped us we’d get him out of here. Knew your fireplace wouldn’t have protections on them. Get him to the outside.” The last statement came out like a whispered as if the pain was stealing Neville’s breath.

Snape stepped towards Hermione again this time he placed his foot on her neck putting just enough pressure that it was hard, but not impossible to breath. “Now telling the truth wasn’t so hard.” She just stared up into his cold eyes trying to give no emotion away. “I could crush your throat right now and no one would care.” She let her eyes laugh at the statement for her. She knew plenty of people who would care, and she was pretty sure now that Malfoy would be one of them. Snape supplied breathless pressuer for just a moment to combat her humored eyes before he retreated.

“Well we should not let this unfortunate event keep us from more important business.” Hermione could see with her good eye that Snape handed Kamilla a piece of paper. It was the first time that Malfoy let go of the girl’s arm. She stepped forward and examined the letter. Now that the pain was not immediate and mind-erasing Hermione started to wonder why Malfoy was here. What was he doing here with Kamilla? Why did she look so tense and why was Malfoy holding her arm like some sort of prisoner? And what the hell did that piece of paper say? She dragged herself trying not groan with the pain and leaned against the nearest wall. She didn’t dare try to get up or make any sudden movements. She just looked across at Neville and tried to smile.

“It’s in Germany, my father use to have an estate there many years ago. Maybe he has friends there because it not really an address.”

“What does it say?” Hermione could tell that Snape was thinking deeply about something and his patience was running low. Couldn’t have anything to do with catching his least favorite person, next to Harry Potter, rummaging through his office.

“It’s Dunkelheit Forsten. Means dark wood. I used to play there as a child during the summers before we moved to London. It is in Hanover.”

“We don’t need a trip down memory lane. Can you get there? ”

“I believe so.”

“Why do you think you father is leading you there?”

“I can’t really say headmaster. I am assuming he is staying vith friends or is at a German hospital. Neither of vitch I vould knov how to get to. I didn’t travel around zee country much vhen I was younger.”

“But you do know Dunkelheit Forsten.” He didn’t really ask it like it was a question, but like she better know. The way the German words slipped off his tongue made Hermione wonder if Snape hadn’t spent a good amount of time there. She left it as mental note and tried to concentrate on the more important things, but it was increasingly hard as her head was throbbing. The letter has some address the Snape didn’t know and it was Kamilla’s father. Hermione suddenly wished that she knew more about Kamilla and her family. It didn’t make any sense, wasn’t her father a Death Eater? More importantly how could she get them out of this?

She realized that she should count herself lucky that Dean had gotten away and Luna, Ginny, and Seamus weren’t up here with them. But feeling the pain sinking into her body and watching Neville’s shallow breathing form did make her feel so lucky. What happened if Snape started looking around? Would he realize the sword was a fake? Did he know about the Horcuxes?

“Amycus take Miss. Mihailvo here to Knockturn Alley and you know what to do from there.” Amycus and Malfoy both took a step closer to Kamilla and she realized something, this whole thing, whatever it was, was what Kamilla and Malfoy had been up to for weeks now. She cursed to herself.

“Not to night Mr. Malfoy,” Snape continued. “I want you to take Granger here to the personal dungeon. Alecto, take Mr. Longbottom to the north dungeon I’d like to see how well he heals muggle slow. Oh and no food or water for the night. Seems appropriate punishment. Then I will expect to see you at the meeting, explain to our Lord what has occurred to night.” Hermione tired to scowl, but it hurt too much. He didn’t even try to hide where they were going. She caught a look at Malfoy around Snape, and she couldn tell he was struggling. If she hadn’t spent a lot of time with him this last year she might not have noticed, but he looked like he wanted to be sick.

“Professor, you said that I could go.”

“You will have you chance to prove yourself Draco. For right now you are more well suited to take Granger here to the dungeon.”

“Sir…”

“Do you see anyone else here that has the time to do what I am asking?” She felt sick to her stomach as both her and Malfoy looked at Amycus, but Amycus’ eyes were all for Hermione.


“No, sir,” Malfoy finally exhaled. He looked like he was desperately trying to not look at anyone in the room. Amycus started to walk and at first she thought it was to the fireplace, but she realized he was coming for her. Her body reacted without thinking and she shuttered back from him.

“Such a shame I cannot stay and have a little fun with you Miss. Granger. I am sure there will be another chance.”

“Go to hell,” She spat and she could feel her lips were swollen.

He wiggled his hips at her and the giggle filled her ears making her gag reflects start up. Than suddenly his eye turned evil. There was no other name from it. She had never seen such malice shine through someone’s eyes. He kicked her swift into her side. She slide back down screaming. Pain exploded in waves and it was so intense for a moment she lost herself to it.

“Enough, we don’t have time for this. Go, the Lord will be most unhappy you two are late and you wont be given a pass just because of the good news.” Amycus turned from her and went to Kamilla. He grabbed her arm and Hermione could tell from the look on the other girl’s face that she was fighting the urge to wriggle free of his grip. Alecto took Neville and left the room. She wanted to call out to him, but she didn’t because it would have made her hysterical. She did say a silent prayer for him.

Right before Kamilla and Amycus vanished Snape said, “Do take care to bring Mr. Mihailvo and Miss. Mihailvo to the manor in one piece. If you do well Amycus I might reward you.” They all looked at Hermione. She would have given a lot to be anywhere else in the world than under the horrible, threatening, revolting stare of Carrow.

“Your are not my Lord Snape. Do try to remember that, but I will do my job and than there will be no complaints on taking what I deserve.” Her whole world swam for a second. How would she ever save herself from this? How was she going to message Harry and Ron where to meet Dean. She had two days tops before Dean and Hagrid reached the London Park that once held the Tri-Wizard Tournament, all those years ago when life was easier. Staying at the location to long would be dangerous, but it was the only place that all four of them knew well enough to get to.

She closed her eyes trying to calm down, but it was impossible. Though she had known how dangerous this had been, now that it was real, she was so frightened. Suddenly she felt her arms being pull up and she cried out and then bit into her lips hard to keep more cries of pain from coming out.

“I’ll be searching for your friend, Mr. Thomas, a mudblood right? Get her out of my sight before I decide her punishment is too lenient. Oh and do have fun with her while you can Malfoy. I do think our Lord will be interested in hearing about your close relationship when you happened to join us.” Hermione didn’t like the words that came out of Snape’s mouth.

Malfoy basically dragged her down the stairs and every movement hurt. When finally they reached the bottom of the stairs and out the door she pushed him back. “I am fine.”

“Be my guest Granger.” The anger and rage that came from his voice was shocking. She slowly stumbled after Malfoy who didn’t seem inclined to slow down nor help her again.

Her body was beaten. She had never felt so sore in her life even after sparring with the DA or the duels with the boys over the summer. She grabbed onto her stomach and was trying desperately to take shallow breaths as every one of them hurt. They finally reached the entrance and she couldn’t take it anymore, she collapsed. Tears spilled out and she felt so weak that she slammed her fists on the floor. The sudden pain in her fists took away from the pain in her body, for a second, and she did it again.

“Stop. Stop feeling sorry for yourself Granger.”

“Fuck you,” she spat. He heaved her up under her chest and she screamed out. She was positive than that one of her ribs was broken.

“Broken rip,” Malfoy said, echoing her thoughts, but not seeming to really care. He pulled her up while she cursed and cried, pulling her into the dungeon. Suddenly as the door closed and torches flared to life Malfoy rage twisted and became real.

He let her fall to the floor and she just let the tears flow from the pain. She knew he couldn’t save her from this, but why was being so cruel? She asked, “why?” It was all it took to make him lose it. He was on his knees squeezing her face in between his fingers under her chin.

“What the fuck were you doing Granger? WHAT THE FUCK!” He roared into her face.

“Paper.” It was really all she could get out because his fingers squeezed harder. She tried hard not to whimper. He was being cruel and it was building up all her walls. All the walls that she hadn’t realized Malfoy had gotten through were suddenly back in place.

“Don’t fucking insult me you little wench. Though you might be an immature little bitch your clever Granger. You wouldn’t just risk your precious little arse for no reason.”

“Why do you care,” she spat out through her clenched jaw. “Get your fucking hands off me.” He released her head quickly and was on his feet.

“Do you know what you have done? DO YOU!” She was really confused by his anger. It wasn’t the kind of anger he normally had for her when she did something risky. She didn’t let anything show in her eyes. She felt herself go cold.

“What were you doing Malfoy?”

“SOD off. If anything happens to her I’ll fucking kill you Granger.” She let his words sink in. Why would Kamilla, she knew that’s who he had to be talking about, be in danger.

“Empty threats Malfoy.” She pulled herself into a sitting position. Laying on her back while he stood over her was too déjà vu, even though this time instead of pleasure it was pain and terror.

“I am not bloody playing with you, you little slag. If she dies I’ll be after you blood.”

“Oh so now I am slag?”

“Well you did spread your legs for me and I didn’t even have to butter you up much.”

She didn't know why but this brought more tears to her eyes and it was the worse pain of the night. “Butter me up Malfoy. I was good enough for you this morning, but now I am just a little slut.”

“This is not what matters right now GRANGER!” He slammed his fist into stonewall.

“I don’t understand Malfoy. I don’t fucking know what happened tonight. It wasn’t suppose to be like this.”

“Wow, I didn’t notice. If you hadn’t fucking been in my bloody way like you always are it would have been just fine.” He started muttering to himself. She listened to his muttering for a while, while she pulled herself to the nearest wall. When he stopped making much sense she started to prod at her body. She knew her ribs were broken. Maybe two or three? Her lip was split and she knew her whole face was swollen. She was bound to have quite a nice shiner tomorrow. The ribs were the worst as far as she knew and that was pretty lucky. While she poked and prodded she let her mind wondered making connections. It helped to keep the pain at bay.

“Kamilla,” Hermione started, “wasn’t a real address was it?” He turned as if he just remembered where he was.

“I don’t know what your talking about Granger.”

“Fine play stupid Malfoy. Letter. It was the letter you didn't want me to see. That’s why you were really at the owlrey today. You were trying to get her off the campus. Something to do with her father. So her father isn’t a Death Eater, but she is?”

“Use your brain,” he scoffed but he seemed less pissed at her.

“Okay Malfoy there are two possible answers.” She was going to play this little game of what was Malfoy up, forget about her own problems for a moment. “Either Kamilla is a Death Eater or at least a wanna be, and she knows where her father is and you both made up a fake letter to get Snape’s attention or…”

“Or what?” So cold, so uncaring. His voice echoed harshly against the walls as if his voice was the stone itself.

“Or she’s not giving her family up she trying to get to them.” Then it dawned on her. “Fuck.” She remembered the look on Kamilla face as Amycus grabbed her. It hadn’t been revolution at all, it had been fear. Things started to make so much more sense. Kamilla hadn’t been what Hermione thought at all. She had been a good person. Hermione tears kept coming, harder now that she knew the truth.

“Safe your tears Granger for someone who care. It won’t save her now.”

“Does she have a chance?”

“If she can take him by surprise, maybe. She’s good. Maybe as good as you but she not a killer and Carrow is.”

“I am so sorry. I didn’t know.”

“I'm not buying the tears, drown in them for all I care. What were you doing up there?”

“I can’t tell you Malfoy.”

“Don’t give me that bullshit!”

“I am sorry about what happened but I didn’t know, and I wont tell you.”

“Fuck you. Her life could end to night. At least someone deserves to know why?”

“I wont tell you Malfoy. I’ll take her blood on my hands. I deserve that much, but I cannot tell you.” He stalked to her.

“Yess, you, will.” He raised his hand and she prepared herself for the strike.

“Fucking hit me,” she screamed with what she had left. Her voice was horse and she thought she tasted blood. “Go ahead if it will make it better. How was I suppose to know you were trying to save her life.” He bunched the wall over her head. She whispered, “I can’t believe you would do that for her. I…I wish it happened different, but I did what I had to do tonight.”

“Fuck your self righteous bull shit. What about her life?”

“What I did was to save a lot of lives tonight. Plus, don’t kill her before she even dead Malfoy.” But Hermione knew she said that more for herself than Malfoy.

“You light side people think that all your means justify the ends, well they don’t.”

“I did what I had to do.”

“Cold bitch.” She actually was really cold she thought.

“I don’t want to talk anymore Malfoy. You can hate me if you want, but go hate me somewhere else because kicking the shit out of me isn’t going to get me to talk and it wont change to night.”

He did just that. He left her in total darkness. She kept crying but it didn’t make her feel better. The tears poured down her cheeks for what seemed like hours until she was empty. Not just empty of tears but of all feeling. She had never felt so numb in her life. Every moment of her life until then seemed like it had destined her for this moment. It was a weird thought and it made her feel even more lost.

Malfoy. She had given her virginity to a boy. A silly, muggle born hating, little boy. He was putting Kamilla’s life in her hands but she gladly took it. She had been so wrong about the girl, and she might never get another chance to see her again and tell her how sorry she was.

Neville. How hurt was Neville? Would he make it though the night? Would they keep him for longer than a day?

Dean. Would Dean and Hagrid make it through the night too? Would they even make it out a live of the forbidden forest? Would the sword make it? Had she just put a death sentence on their heads for no reason?

Harry and Ron. Would Harry ever get the sword? What if he didn’t? Could Harry and Ron survive with all those Hurcuexs and no way to destroy them?

And then Malfoy again. Would Malfoy ever forgive her? Could she forgive him? So many questions and no answers. On top of it all she felt extremely cold. She slid to the ground and tried to huddle into herself. Stupid fucking dungeons. Her head swam as she closed her eyes. Every breath was more painful than the next. But must of all she was so tired. She coughed and she tasted blood. She seemed to think that she should be alarmed, but she wasn’t. She was just so cold and tried.

Hermione Granger had never felt so weak in her life and for the first time she felt like she could do nothing but lay down and die. She slipped into a comma like sleep where even her bloody, tortured, raped consumed dreams couldn’t wake her.
====================


Malfoy stalked the halls and for the first time in a year he felt a few tears slide down his cheeks and it made him hate himself worse. His thoughts we so conflicting it was like he was two beings in one. He suddenly hated Granger and her stupid self righteous, light side shit. How could she just except Kamilla’s blood on her hands, but not take back what she did to night.

‘But what had she really done tonight,’ his mind reminded him. She had been in the wrong place at the wrong time. She hadn’t known what Malfoy was up too, and he knew deep down in himself that if she had she would never wish Kamilla’s death.

He wished he hadn’t been so weak. So weak for stupid women. His father had always warned him about girls. He hated his father. He wished he hadn't helped Kamilla because then her blood wouldn’t be on his hands. He hated himself more for thinking that. What happened to the days when he could care about himself and himself only? That day had gone when he looked into to Albus Dumbledore’s eyes and really saw the life within them. Not the man who was an old tottering fool, but the life spark. He had never seen anything like that before. Or maybe he had just never noticed it before, and than to suddenly see it gone was mystifying and horrifying. So quickly the life force, good or bad, the grand life force of Albus Dumbledore had been extinguished.

Granger’s eyes shone like that to him. Even when she was beaten there was a light that shone so bright it hurt to see and yet it was hard to look away. The idea that, that light might not exist was too much for him to stand. So horrible an idea it was intangible. It wasn’t the idea that she wouldn’t just walk or talk, but that her strong will and good nature would be gone.

What had Snape meant that the Dark Lord would be interested in their close relationship? Did Snape know about how he had take Granger today? Did it read on his face when he watched him beat her? It had been horrible to see how scared, but defiant she was. What had she been doing? He couldn’t even begin to understand.

He prayed for Kamilla’s safety. Begged God, not for him, but for her that she would find away out. He hadn’t done this since he was a child with his mother. His father would laugh at them, but his mother always said faith would find them through the worst of situations. He had stopped believing that when his days become filled with darkness.

Granger wasn’t fill with darkness, yet. He wondered how long it would take until the shoe fell and she was consumed with the kind of darkness and hatred that eat away at him. Was that why he wanted to protect her, keep some form innocence alive? He couldn’t take anymore as he slipped into bed.
==============================================
Even in her dreams Hermione knew something wasn’t right. He body felt so wrong. Even when her back had been bruised from being thrown into a wall the pain hadn’t radiated into her dreams. But this pain was reaching even into her subconscious and yet it wasn’t enough to wake. It was like a slow excruciating pain coming for inside out. What was happening to her?
====================
Draco was holding Kamilla and she was bleeding everywhere. Why wouldn’t it stop? Then suddenly it wasn’t Kamilla anymore and they weren’t in an unnamed, undiscript wood. It was Granger bleeding from her mouth. Actually no, her blood was filling the whole dungeon. She was so cold, colder than the stone she laid on. It was too real, and when he realized that he sat up yelling.

His heart was drumming and something burned against his skin. He looked down and his eyes filled with the image of the necklace Granger had given him. It was hot against his chest and he realized it had a slight glow in the pitch darkness of his room. He still had sleep in his eyes, but his brain was working on primal instincts. He was suddenly running bare chested through the halls. His body moved with instinct and the years of knowledge of living in the castle. He was almost sure he could close his eyes and still reach her.

He skirted to a holt in front of door for the first time really taking in what he was doing. He was being ridiculous he just had a bad dream, but he couldn’t really make himself believe it. Plus, he was already here. He slid into the room and made the fire dance in the torches.

He saw Granger’s body lying there huddled into herself against the wall. At first it made him sigh with relieve until he got a better look. Something about the way she was laying was off. Not quite just a human-being sleeping. It gave him the creeps. Next he noticed that her breaths were shallow.

He ran to her slamming down onto his knees next to her. ‘Please let her be okay. Let him just be a stupid idiot.’ He didn’t want to think about why he wanted to her be fine. He just did.

He slid her up and she felt so lip in his arms barley even stirring. “Granger wake up.” She groaned as if the movement hurt but she didn’t open her eyes. “GRANGER!” nothing.

He pulled his wand from his back pocket and a stream of water hit her. “Wake up.” What was wrong with her? This time her eye opened, but they weren’t really alert. She was looking through him.

“Ginny…Harry….” She slurred and than coughed. He saw blood leak from her mouth. He did the only thing he knew. He slapped her face. Her eyes came into focus, but some how, even in the murky shadows, he could tell that the shine, the shine he was just imaging just hours ago, seemed to be dulled. It hit him, for some reason Granger was dying. How?

She seemed to realize that it was him, and she actually smiled. It hurt places that Draco didn’t even know could feel anymore. “Malfoy…”

“Shhh.”

“No,” she said and more blood trickled. He could tell it hurt her to talk. “Tell Ginny my dorm….journal. Tell her to write Bryant Park. Burn it, tell her burn it after.” Her eyes started to get that glazed look again. She must be loosing her mind. What was that suppose to mean? He went to pick her up.

“Tell her yourself.” He was feeling panic running through him. Granger wasn’t going to die. No more blood on his hands.

As he pulled her up and she screamed. Screamed like he had never heard before. It was blood curdling. She clawed at his face and it made him slid her back to the ground his body falling with her. She screamed again.

“WHAT HURTS!”

“Side. Oh god itttt hurts…cold. Malfoy I am so cold.” Her eyes were looking around the room, but it was like she was looking at things he couldn’t see.

Then he was running again through the halls. He was braking into a sweat but it was cold and clammy. He was running like it was his life on line, and all he could see was her dame eyes looking so dull. How could he have left her? How could he have left her without checking how hurt she was?

He slammed into the hospital wing door as he heard the bell toll. He took a guess some where in the back of his head that it was twelve. His fist made contact with the door that lead to the Pomfrey’s living space. He didn’t stop until she came down wand raised. Her eyes went from pissed to surprise. She hadn’t seen many Slytherins in her wing that often this year.

“Mr. Malfoy. I’ll assume it something important.” She pushed past him and lit the lights in the room.

“I need you in the southern dungeon now.” She didn’t turn to him.

“I believe that is Snape’s domain. I’ve been told to keep my distance Mr. Malfoy.”

He let a growl out. “I don’t care what Snape told you. It’s Granger.” She turned to face him eyes full of concern now.

“What happened?”

“She was caught in Snape’s office. I think she’s dying. We have to go now.”

“That’s not funny Mr. Malfoy. Surely Miss. Granger isn’t dying.” But Madam Pomfrey was bustling about.

“I AM NOT KIDDING!”

“Why didn’t you bring her here immediately?”

“I tried to move her, but she screamed. I couldn’t you don’t understand. I mean her eyes.” He wanted to grab her, force her to leave. Didn’t she understand!?

“Clam down. I need to know what her symptoms are if I have to go to her.”

“She was kicked in the ribs. I think just the ribs. I thought they might be broken.”

“AND you didn’t sent her immediately to me?” He ignored it being too ashamed to answer.

“Slapped around a lot. She was walking and talking coherently when I left her. Now she doesn’t seem to see me. Not really. She coughed up blood. Said her side hurt. She said she was cold. She felt cold.” He noticed in the back of his mind that Pomfrey started to pull vial after vial down from the cabinet, but all he could really see was his dream. See how the blood was filling the room, consuming them. Granger, Kamilla, Granger, Kamilla.

“MR. MALFOY!” He realized she was at the door. Her sack looked packed. “We don’t have much time. I insist that you come with me I will need the help.”

Then he was jogging through the halls with Pomfrey. They didn’t speak as they made their way through the halls. Malfoy couldn’t seem to get a hold of time. He was loosing his mind. It made him rage at himself. Granger needed him. He had to force his body out of shock and instinct mode. He had to start thinking with a clear head.

Once again he was lighting the torches and looking down at Granger’s body. He wanted to fall down beside her, but he knew Pomfrey would ask questions. Maybe even say something to Snape and it wouldn’t just be bad news for him. Now that he had collected himself he could feel his exterior go cold. Maybe Granger had been right that being practical wasn’t always that great.