Circle of Love

Just want to thank my lovely beta, Mon for all the hard work she does to keep this fic readable and as close to canon as a Dramione can get. Hope you all enjoy this chapter.

****

Draco looked around the room at Hermione's books and his eyes stopped at the bed. The Gryffindor colors of the bedspread wanted to make him gag, but he held it back. The candlelight created shadows on the wall, and the full moon fell upon the bed, highlighting its very existence.

“Hermione it's late and both of us should really get some sleep,” Draco said, running his hand through his hair. Being in her room – alone and unsupervised - with as much as he desired her right now was not a good idea. Unless that was what she wanted and he was pretty sure that it wasn’t.

“I'm really not tired enough to sleep and I thought maybe...” Hermione's words trailed off as she suddenly turned shy and realized what pulling him into her room might mean to him. It had been a long evening for all of them, and while she may have napped in his room earlier, he hadn't. “I'm sorry, your right. We've talked enough today, I'll just read a bit until I fall asleep.”

Hermione walked over to the door, opened it and peeked out to see if the hall was clear. Somehow having Molly Weasley in the house made it seem as if Draco being in her room was a wrong thing.

“Coast is clear-” She said and turned around to find Draco standing very close to her. He wordlessly reached up a hand to run through her hair and drew her face closer to him, kissing her. Hermione's hand released the knob, and it closed with a soft click. He ran his tongue against her lips till they opened, and let their tongues duel. Holding her close, he walked backwards until his legs touched the bed, pulling her along with him.

Draco let his hands run down her arms before breaking away. Hermione looked at him, confused over why they had stopped kissing.

“I don't want to leave you yet. Trust me not to go to far?” Draco asked her, his grey searching her brown ones for an answer. He memorized every freckle on her nose while he waited. But did he trust himself?

“Trust a Slytherin?” Hermione countered. He felt the small movements her chuckle caused as he held her close. He loved the way she fit into his arms, and the feeling of her hands when they wound round around his neck to pull him closer.

“Strange concept I know, kitten. We could invoke a Wizard's Oath,” Draco suggested, deciding not to feel hurt by her remark. It was going to be an issue between them for a while, and both would have to learn it by deeds not empty words.

“Hm,” Hermione murmured while she thought. Her eyes strayed towards where she had hid the vial. Its very existence made her want things she hadn't desired before. If anyone had told her a few short months ago she'd be kissing – let alone wanting more than kissing from Draco Malfoy, she'd have slapped them and probably made canaries sing around their heads for days to come. But here they were, in her room and quite frankly she wanted him to stay. To hold him close and never let go.

“Okay, I guess it was a bad idea.” Draco started to pull away, misunderstanding her hesitance for distrust. He wanted to punch the wall in frustration because he had just given her more of himself than he had given anyone else and he felt utterly rejected.

“Draco!” she called out softly just as he reached the door. He paused and she walked over to him, placing her hand in his, craving to keep him with her for a bit longer.


“What?” Draco spat out and looked at her with the sneer of old times forming to mask his hurt.

“It's not you I don't trust, it's myself.” Hermione admitted finally. “You make me want things- things that... Oh I don't know! Just please stay – if that's what you still want.” She turned her head away slightly, blushing and suddenly afraid her words would make him laugh at her. The gentle touch of his hand turned her face back to his, and their eyes met.

“We are not doing that with Mum Weasley in the house.” Draco smiled at her, enjoying her confusion and understanding her fears. “She does not approve of us, and her eyes glared at me all evening.”

“Well I approve of you, and that's all that matters. We could talk if you want, or just cuddle,” Hermione pulled him back towards the bed and sat down. Draco saw the trust in her eyes, and it made his heart melt more. The bed creaked a little when she scooted back to lay down and rest her head on the pillow. He lay down beside her and touched her cheek. He kissed her again, letting his body curve around hers.

“I've been meaning to ask you something,” Hermione asked between a nibble on her neck and a kiss. Draco paused and looked at her questioningly and she continued. “Who are the other Death Eaters at school?”Draco lay back on the pillow next to her and groaned. He really didn't want to talk about them right now, and after being grilled by the Order over the matter he was sick of the thought of them.

“You really want to know now?” Draco asked her. He was disappointed at the interruption, yet somehow glad of it at the same time. He hated the lack of control he was beginning to have towards her. It's probably for the best, but Hermione has the timing of a hippogriff, he decided. And for some reason, that was part of his attraction to her.

“It just popped in my head. I guess I don't need to know.” Hermione conceded, and felt foolish for even bringing it up now. She could tell he was reluctant to talk about it, and she wanted to knock herself over the head for even bringing it up- she knew she had ruined the mood with her bad timing.

“Who do you think they are?” Draco asked first, wondering how much she knew and how much the Order had still kept them in the dark. It wouldn't hurt to tell her, and maybe even blow some of her assumptions out of the water.

“Crabbe, Goyle, Parkinson, Zabini...” Hermione started to list off a bunch of Slytherins' names, her obvious first choices for being Death Eaters.

“Okay- correct on the first two. Pansy is not and neither is Blaise.” He wanted to laugh at her incredulous look, but held it back.

“Pansy is- she has to be, she kept throwing around how proud she was you were working for You-know-who.” Hermione sat up and looked at him.

“Pansy is actually involved with a non-Slytherin, and he's opened her eyes as to how wrong the Dark Lord's ideas are. Hopefully the two of them keep it secret, for her parents will kill them both for it.” Draco chose his words carefully, he was still bound by his promise to Pansy not to reveal her boyfriend's name to anyone. Just because he didn't like her Hufflepuff git didn't mean his old girlfriend shouldn't.

“So Zabini?” Hermione's words broke him from his thoughts.

“His parents have been involved with the Dark Arts for years, and his father taught at Dumstrang for a few years. But his parents don't believe in the bull crap of the Dark Lord, and they are now in hiding because of it. Neither of them wear the Dark Mark.”

Draco pulled up his left sleeve, exposing his Mark to her eyes, and they widened. He was tired of trying to always hid it. The reasons for taking it weren't shameful. “Like I do.”

He took her hand and placed it on the Mark, and was more then slightly pleased when she did not pull away. “Blaise doesn't follow that crap either, but is playing along till he can get out. He and Pansy both are not Death Eaters. The others you named- yes, not all have the Mark yet though, but most likely will soon. But why don't you think beyond Slytherin.”

“Beyond Slytherin? No one else seems the Death Eater type.” Hermione said.

“You'd be surprised, kitten. There is one family deeply involved, but secretly. You know her very well, and she's betrayed you all once already. She's his contact now that Crabbe and Goyle are gone.”

“Who?”

“Marietta Edgecombe.” Draco watched the look of shock that passed over Hermione's face.

“We need to tell Harry, oh Merlin. Draco!” Hermione jumped off the bed and ran to the door. Draco leaped after her and grabbed her, the small sound of ripping cloth filling the room. Draco felt horrified and let go of her sleeve, which now hung loosely down her arm.

“Now is not the time, in the morning.” Draco said and watched Hermione tug up her now ripped sleeve. He pulled his wand from his pocket and repaired it with a swift flick.

“But-” She tried to protest but Draco gathered her in his arms and kissed her.

“The professors already know, and she's being watched.” He explained.

“She knows all of the names of those that had been in Dumbledore's Army- They are in danger.”

“They have moved most of the families into hiding, remember? Your parents' death helped in giving a reason for it.” Draco reminded her.

“I know- I know, but we all forgave her and trusted her!” Hermione exclaimed and threw her hands up in frustration.

“Hermione- she's under control. Exposing her now would just have the Dark Lord picking another to take her place. It's better this way.” Draco said and watched her walk back to the bed and sit down. He went and sat down beside her, taking her hand in his.

“It's going to happen soon, isn't it?” Hermione looked him in the eyes, and he could see her fear in them.

“The Dark Lord is almost ready to attack yes, and hopefully when he does we are all prepared. That’s why the Order has us here-- all together. Whether Potter likes it or not – you, me and the little Weaselette are his support group. I didn't ask to be here, but I am. I don't like Potter and if he wasn't who he was I would just have walked out. Potter cannot achieve it alone.”

“Why are you here? Of all wizards, I mean? Why not another?”

“I am here because of Professor Snape, and because of you.”

“Why me? I can understand because of Professor Snape-- but me?”

“This,” Draco took Hermione's hand and placed it on his heart, and she felt it beat- could almost hear the pounding.

“I don't understand...”

“I am not Weasley, but I care for you- about you. I protect those I care about.”

“Draco-”

“It's time to sleep kitten.” He placed a finger on her lips, his other hand still holding hers to his chest. He'd already admitted more then he had wanted to. He smiled when she bit his finger, and pulled it back.

“I care for you too,” Hermione told him.

“Good, now sleep.” Draco stood up and pulled her with him and then drew back the covers.

“Stay with me?” She yawned, suddenly tired.

“I will stay until you are asleep,” He watched as she slid under the bedspread, and then tucked it up beneath her chin. He laid down beside her and cuddled close.

“With me?” She looked up at him, and watched his eyes travel over their bodies, separated by her cover.

“Trust me-- it's safer this way,” Draco answered and buried his face in her neck, breathing warmly on her skin. He listened to her breathing slow down and before she fully fell asleep he joined her in slumber.

****

Remus woke up with a start, his body transforming from his werewolf state back to his human form. His mind barely grasped the fact that last night he felt Tonks get hurt, and had no clue how to get to her. He looked at the shackles on his wrists, saw the white bandages covering them and cringed. What could possibly have interfered with his potion? He hadn't been that deep into the werewolf emotions since before he had begun taking it. He prayed to Merlin he wasn't developing a tolerance to it.

Remus wanted- no needed Snape to arrive and unlock the door and remove his chains. Somewhere in St Mungo's laid the love of his life, and again he prayed to Merlin; this time for her safety.

He loved her- her pink hair, her purple hair, her natural mousy brown hair, her clumsiness and the beauty of her name as he breathed it out when they made love; the only time she didn't dislike hearing it- Nymphadora. She completed him, he finally admitted this to himself, and without her his life had no meaning.

Remus had meant to wait, to see how the War went, to see if she could truly deal with his 'furry' problem for a time; but now he knew the depth of his love. In his room, in a drawer, a small box held his mother's rings his own father had lovingly bestowed so long ago upon his wife. Before his death he had given them to Remus and had told him one day he would have use of them. One day love would smack him in the face like it had him so long ago. Remus remembered his bittersweet laughter as he held them, and then the bittersweet tears as he held his father a few days later when he breathed his last breath.

“Dad you were right.” Remus said and he pinched the flesh above his nose; grimacing at the sound the chains made when he moved.

Remus rolled over and faced the door when he heard it open, and looked at Snape in shock when he entered. He could see the bruises on his face and he walked with limp, his leg looking like it was held straight because his knee wasn't bending like the other.

Just what had happened last night? Was his first thought as his momentary shock wore off.

“Good morning Lupin,” Snape said. “You look like hell.”

“You don't look much better- what happened?”

“The Dark Lord was not appreciative of my leaving three of his Death Eaters with the Order when I escaped last night. Stand please so I can unlock the shackles, bending is impossible for me this morning.” Snape instructed and watched Remus stand, pale and shaky from the effects of last night.

“So they fell into the trap last night?” Remus asked.

“Yes, Lady Longbottom was just too attractive to them to pass up.” As Severus unlocked the shackles, the room sensed the lack of need for them now and they disappeared for another month. He carefully unrolled the bandages, their whiteness a contrast to the blood that had seeped through in parts.

“So, who played Augusta?” Remus asked, fearing he already knew the answer.

“Tonks of course. She has the perfect skills for it.”

“I was supposed to be there- damn the full moon.”

“Tonks is an Auror and has gone through scenarios like this before.” Severus reminded him while wrapping new bandages around the healing wrists.

“What happened?”

“She was hit by a cutting spell, that is all I know.” Severus winced at the howl of pain Remus let out.

“She is at St Mungo's?” Remus asked.

“Yes- Wait-” Severus watched as Remus ran from the room. The sound of his pounding steps up the stairs reverberated through the house.

****

Tonks opened her eyes blearily, the face of the medi-witch holding another bottle of blood replenisher to pour down her throat slowly coming into focus. It seemed like every hour she had been awakened for one potion or another – which, upon reflection, probably had been the case. She could see Arthur Weasley standing in a corner, not far from her.

“Now Auror Tonks this should be the last of the potions for the day until Healer London arrives to check you over. You look so much better already.” Medi-witch Thomas said.

“I need to get home- so I can sleep,” Tonks muttered irritably.

“Now now- all you Aurors act alike, always in a hurry. Even magical healing takes time,” clucked the medi-witch before nodding at Arthur. “Your friend here has been extremely worried about you. Be glad he's a member of the Ministry or we would have had to kick him out long ago.”

The medi-witch smoothed down Tonks's sheets and turned to leave the room.

“My shift is over, so Medi-witch Minster will be taking over, she'll be in with the Healer soon. You feel better and make sure you rest. Don't go back to work too soon.” Thomas nodded at her and Arthur.

“Thank you,” Tonks said, just wanting to get out of the bed, back to Grimmauld Place and her Remy. He had to be worried as hell over this.

They both watched the medi-witch leave before Arthur spoke. His kind eyes looked her over for any signs of pain.

“You had us all worried,” Arthur said, his anxious look finally relaxing.

“We get them all?” Tonks asked, wincing while she shifted beneath the bright white sheet that lay over her. The antiseptic smell of the room made her nose crinkle in disgust.

“We got three- Snape escaped once again. I wonder about his luck sometimes.” Arthur shook his head regretfully at Tonks- and then winked.

“Good, three less to worry about for a while. I am so ready to go home.” Tonks leaned her back into the hard hospital pillow and groaned. “It was full moon last night!”

An owl chose that time to fly gracefully through the window and she landed on the metal post of the bed. It hooted reproachfully at Arthur before sticking a leg out for him to retrieve the note. Hedwig had been all over London looking for Mr Weasley and her wings were tired enough to fall off.

“Hedwig!” Arthur said, the sight of the bird bringing a note of concern to his voice. He gently took the letter off her leg, and the owl preened her feathers before closing her eyes for a moment's rest.

“Something wrong Arthur?” Tonks asked from her bed with worry.

“No, don't think so. Seems Harry wants to talk to me.” Arthur chuckled. “So Tonks, what's been going on in that house?”

“You'll see for your-” Tonks began to reply, but the door to her room opened and a disheveled and weary looking Remus Lupin stood in the frame. He walked slowly over to the bed, his eyes checking her over for her injuries.

“Nymphadora Tonks, never scare me like this again!” Lupin whispered as he gathered her gently in arms.

“Oh Remy- I had the best of bodyguards! I'm all right.” Tonks replied, her small grimace of pain belying her words. She ran her hands through his hair trying to make it lie down. But gave up and pulled his face closer for a kiss.

Arthur watched the two of them and felt happiness for them both. They had been alone for so long and both deserved the joy each other had brought into their lives. Even in the midst of war, life goes on and so does love. Now if only Remus would admit to it instead of worrying about what his problem could cause them, Arthur thought. He coughed to remind the lovers of his presence in the room.

“Oh hello Arthur, didn't notice you standing there,” Remus said, breaking away from Tonks.

“Well now that you are here Remus, I'm off to see Harry. I'll see you both later.” Arthur said.

“Thanks for getting her here so quickly,” Remus said.

“Yes Arthur- you have a good talk with Harry,” Tonks smiled at him and both watched as he walked out the door.

“How are you feeling?” Remus sat down in the chair next to the bed and took her hand. He thought it looked so small and fragile compared to his, and tightened his hold on it for a second.

“Honestly Remus, I'm fine. I'm more tired from being woken up all night for potions than I am from the curses. I was more worried about how last night went for you,” Tonks said, finally noticing the white bandages around his wrists that peeked out from the sleeves of his brown tweed jacket.

“I believe last night brought me to a revelation, Nymphadora,” Remus said quietly, choosing his words carefully.

“Remus John Lupin, you know not to call me that- ever.”

“Nymphadora,” Remus repeated, “Last night showed me how deeply carved into my heart you are, whether the timing is right or not. I love you and can't live without you.”

“Remy?”

“Shh love, let me have my say. I have always felt you were too young for this old wizard, and in some ways maybe you are.” Remus pulled a small box from his pocket, and began to form the right question in oh such a wrong place. He decided he couldn't wait any longer.

“Remus-” Tonks eyes widened and recognized the box for what it was. Could it be? She thought and her heart leapt with hope.

“I was wondering if you would do me the honor of becoming my-” The door opened at that moment, interrupting them.

“Hello I am Healer London,” Said the rather brisk healer, “You will have to leave the room sir, while I examine Auror Tonks to determine if she is ready to be released.”

Remus looked at Tonks before starting to tuck the box in his pocket again.

“I guess this can wait,” Remus smiled at Tonks.

“Oh no it can not.” Tonks said determinedly.

Remus looked between the healer and Tonks before shrugging his shoulders, and opened the box to reveal a small diamond ring inside.

“She's the boss,” Remus joked before turning serious again.

“Most witches are,” The healer replied.

“Nymphadora Tonks will you marry me?” Remus asked, lowering himself to one knee by the bed, his eyes shining with love.

****

Arthur Weasley arrived at number 12, Grimmauld Place and opened the door. He could hear his wife humming and followed the sound to the kitchen. He silently watched for a moment while she prepared the breakfast and ordered the two small elves around like they were her army. Twinky was busy setting the table and Dobby was helping by buttering what looked to be a whole loaf of bread. Molly was standing at the stove magically cooking up a big platter of eggs, bacon, sausages and big pot of porridge.

“Hello dear.” Arthur greeted, stepping up behind her and kissing her cheek.

“Just in time Arthur, breakfast is almost ready!” Molly exclaimed, waved her wand and the levitated the food to the table. Footsteps could be heard bounding down the stairs and soon they were joined by Harry and Ginny.

“Good morning you two, come in.” Molly waved her hand towards the table. “Dig in.”

“Morning Mum and Dad,” Ginny said and gave them both hugs before sitting down.

“Morning Mr and Mrs Weasley, breakfast looks lovely,” Harry said and took a seat by Ginny. He was anxious to know if Mr Weasley had received his owl, but began to worry about what he might say.

“Where is Hermione?” Wondered Molly.

“Probably sleeping late,” Ginny commented. Last night she had opened her door and saw Hermione pull Draco into her room and wasn't sure if he had left at all. Somehow she didn't think her mum was going to be happy if he was in there.

“I'll be right back, I'm going to go see where she is,” Molly said.

“Mum really-” Ginny tried to say, but her mother was out of the kitchen and up the stairs before she got it out. Ginny started to get up to stop her but Harry laid a hand on her arm and shook his head.

“So what's been going on?” Arthur asking him while he filled his plate.

“We've been learning how to brew some potions, and some Muggle fighting techniques,” Harry answered, his eyes straying to the door. Ginny had told him what she had seen last night and he hoped it would get Malfoy in enough trouble so he'd have to leave.

“The usual stuff Dad,” Ginny answered, waiting for her mother's return to the kitchen.

“Harry if you have the time, could I possibly speak to you alone after breakfast?” Arthur asked.

“Sure Mr Weasley,” Harry smiled and let go of Ginny's arm.

“Be right back!” Ginny said, while quickly getting up and avoiding Harry's warning hand this time. She flew up the stairs herself in a run, reaching the top of the flight just in time to see her mother open Hermione's door.

“Mum!” Ginny said and watched with relief as her mother turned to look at her and not inside the room.

“One second Ginny.” Molly Weasley pushed open the door and walked in. She'd been worried when Hermione didn't answer her knock, so decided to check on her.

“Hermione Granger! Draco Malfoy! What are you doing in bed together? What kind of shenanigans are going on here?” Molly Weasley shouted when she saw the two of them lying on the bed, her eyes not registering the fact Draco lay on top of the covers while Hermione was beneath.