Dancing With Dragons

Thank you for the few reviews that I got. I love them...so please keep them coming. Things are going to get darker...i keep promising that but I think its already getting there. I know there hasn't been to much Hermione Malfoy love...or lust... lately, but it coming next chapter and just you wait and see...or should I say read/imagine. Anydoodels...I have all this great plot shit that I can wait to write. I will be going away from a few weeks thou so I probably wont post chapters 20 or 21 until August. It's okay dont cry.

CHAPTER 18: "I Told You It Was a Long Story"


Malfoy tucked the paper away into his pants pocket and claimed into to bed. It would be interesting to have a Wesley at his peck and call even if it was only a one-time deal. He wanted to be angry at her self-righteous spew but he couldn’t. It was the image he had set forth for himself and who gave a shit what that poor little do gooder thought. And honestly he was just fucking tired. He creased the necklace a few time before slipping off to sleep. It gave him an odd feeling of happiness and he knew that was the first sign of insanity for a Malfoy.
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Hermione dreams were filled with blood and oddly enough Draco Malfoy. She awoke in silent darkness with his face and those dame eyes still lingering in her mind. She thought about all that had happened just a day before. She remembered the sweet gentle creases of his hand and than his dangerious anger. It the only time she had been truly scared of Malfoy, but all the same he had technically saved her life. She thought back to her parents and Harry and Ron. But all of it, even losing her virginity, seemed like a lifetime ago. Especially happiness. She couldn’t believe she ever felt that emotion; it had been so long since she genuinely felt it. Her mind rebelled against that thought. ‘Weren’t there times with Malfoy that you felt happy,’ her mind urged. She pushed that thought away because really it didn’t matter.

She stood gingerly wishing she had her wand for some light. She felt sore but relatively good, well physically anyway. She wondered what time it was. How long had she slept? Was she missing classes? Did it really matter because if Snape realized what she had stolen she would never go to another class again?

She sighed, she had a Prefects meeting tonight. She started to feel anxious that she would miss it. Than she insistently felt stupid, there were bigger matters to deal with right now. Oh, like a plausible lie for why she had stolen the sword and furthermore why she couldn’t give it back. She paced in small circles her mind racing from Snape, to Harry, to Malfoy, to Kamilla, to Neville, and stupidly the Prefect meeting. She realized she just needed something solid, something unrelated to Voldemort, Horcurxes, and death to hold on to.

She was so lost in thought that she didn’t hear the footsteps coming closer to the dungeon until they were almost at the door. Once she heard them she scolded herself for not being vigilant, especially when the footsteps were loud and angry. They almost shook the floor in intense invisible waves, and she suddenly realized it wasn’t the footsteps it was the person’s magic and anger. Whatever person was coming was livid, so shaken with rage that it literally forcing their magic out in hot waves.

She backed up until she felt the solidness of a stonewall. Her first thoughts raced to Voldemort. He was coming to torture her until he found out why she had stolen the Gryffindor sword. She leaned over to retch, but realized she was letting fear over come her sensibility. Even if Snape had figured it out and told Voldemort there couldn’t be anyway the evil bastard had put two and two together, right? She still felt like retching because it had to be Snape than. He knew she had stolen something. She instinctively reached for her wand, but remembered that Snape had it. She whimpered from her vulnerability, pressing further into the wall like she could sink through.

The footsteps slowed coming to a stop on the other side of the door. The sudden silence was deafening and she could hear her blood rushing to her ears. She tried to regain control of her breath; it was coming out harsh and short when the door burst open.

Burst wasn’t even that right word she thought as she screamed and threw she arms to cover her face. The door literally exploded into wooden bits that showered down around the dungeon. Light flooded through and she realized if she had stood against the wall opposite of the door she would must certainly have been injured, but it also meant she was as far back in the room as she could get and had little chance of running for it.

The light filtered in and it took a moment to adjust, but the figure didn’t take this as an opportunity to surprise Hermione. Instead the man, she assumed man from his bulky build, stood silhouetted by the light taking loud ragged breaths.

“Proo Professor Snape…” Than she heard that horrible wheezing giggle twisted by the harsh tones of his ragged breath, and vomit rose in her throat as she desperately pushed it down. The voice changed the silhouette of the man before her; she recognized the outline of the body, the slight bend because of Carrow’s limp. She shook from fear as she remembered the look in his eyes as he had delivered that last kick. It also made rage boil up inside her. Her instincts told her he had wanted to kill her or at least leave permanent damage, and she was right.

“Snape would be a dream compared to me Miss. Granger. Actually, I can call you Hermione right? I mean seeing as how we are going to become very closely acquainted.” She felt her body become ice, but she found her voice.

“No.”

“No what, Hermione.” Her voice sounded off from his lips leaving a bad taste on her ears.

“No you can’t call me Hermione that’s reserved for friends.” She didn’t really think she could piss this man off anymore so bantering with him might keep her whole a little while longer. She didn’t have a faintest why his anger rolled off him in waves, but it didn’t matter because it was aimed all at her.

“Or lovers, right? I bet your lovers scream out your name, but its fine I think a little game of professor and bad student will work for me. That means you have to call me professor Carrow.” She didn’t have words because she mind caught up with her body’s realization of just what he meant.

“Oh doesn’t that sound fun Miss. Granger. I see the way you look at me in class. Is that why you’re so naughty? So bad so you can catch my attention.” He sounded insane as he took a step closer into the room. She pressed harder into the walls until the unsmoothed pieces of stone pierced her.

“Trust me I wasn’t trying to catch your attention.”

“Ohhh you want to play hard to get. My sister is never this much fun.” This time she did heave over gagging and Carrow laughed. “Yes, never this fun. Never so much fear rolling off any other women.” He brought up his hand as if to waft her scented fear to him and laughed widely.

“You’re fucking sick.” He stilled and that frightened her more than his small but deliberate steps towards her. His wand appeared and her senses became hyper aware.

“What did you say?”

“I said you’re fucking sick.” Before the last slayable left her mouth a curse was shot hurdling towards her, she dodged and the stone shattered around her. She tired to heave herself up quickly but shooting pain brought her back down on her knees and Carrow was there. He grabbed her by her hair and pulled her. She tried to kick and pull back letting out a gut retching scream. But the kicking tore a pain through her body and the scream turned from terror to pain. She let herself become limp knowing fighting might cause the magic stitches to rib, if they hadn’t already. She was going to die here. She was sure of it. She was going to fuck die here but first he would rape her and no one come from help. Tears slid down her cheeks as Carrow let her head down harshly, it bounced on the stone floor and she cursed.

‘Fuck that,’ she though, ‘I am was okay with dying, but not without a fight.’ “Fuck you,” she spat and tasted blood. Yes, she was dying, the internal bleeding starting again. ‘Fine,’ she thought, ‘but it happens my way. Him inside me will not be my last image of life.’

He grabbed her face tightly and it reminded her of the way Malfoy had last night. She wished desperately he were there, but pushed that away. He wasn’t going to rescue her this time.

“You know that’s what my Dark Lord said to me last night. Over and over again as he cursed me for letting that Kamilla whore leave with her traitorous life.” Hermione eyes opened wide in surprise. And for a brief moment understanding and relief flooded through her. At least she hadn’t gotten someone else killed last night, but the look in her eyes must have shown to Carrow.

He slapped her hard and it took all she had not to whimper. “So you do know about that? I should have known Miss. Granger!” He screamed and spittle latched on to her face touching her lips and she squirmed. “I am going to make you pay and get what I always wanted. Though imagine my surprise when I found out you were still alive.”

He slid down her body his hips grinding into her painfully. She could feel his erections against her, she screamed trying to buck her hip. He held her wrist down her bones crunching against one another and the floor. “Buck your hips for me more Miss. Granger, I like it.” She screamed again and again. Carrow removed one hand and punched her square in the jaw. The angle made it so that the force wasn’t enough to knock her out, but she was disoriented enough that he grabbed his wand and bound her hands.

He ground into her once more and Hermione pulled her legs together as much as she could, feeling tears, and fear, and rage grow and flow as she struggled helplessly. Than she stilled feeling him grow harder at her screams and twisting hips. She was going to be sick. Maybe if she kept him talking someone would happen by. Doubtful and if someone happened to come across them it would probably be a Slytherin.

“You wanted me dead, I saw it in your eyes when you kicked me, but why?”

“WHY? I’d be rewarded for taking your life, but Snape’s been doing all he can to stop that. I think he has a little soft stop for you Mudblood,” he pushed his hips up and her skirt moved with him so she could feel him hard through her panties. “Do I feel soft to you?”

“If you wanted me dead why not make it simple, fast?” She gritted through her teeth trying desperately to make as little contact with him as possible.

“I wanted to have a little fun first. I knew the kick would most likely damage your organs, but slowly.” She could only see half his smile because of the odd shadow pattern, light working it’s way in from the hall. His words brought attention back to her side, which was bursting with pain again. She tried to drown the pain out with her rage, because she didn’t want Carrow to know she was struggling for her life again. “Miss. Granger you’re smart don’t you understand.” He had taken her pain filled eyes as confusion, but she understood just fine.

“You hurt me just enough to kill me slowly,” disgust radiated through her voice, but as if the emotion was for someone else, she couldn’t really be talking to someone about her own attempted murder. “You were going to come back for me while I was dying. Internal bleeding can take hours or days, you’d know I be just about dead when you came back, but enough to know…” She couldn’t help it more tears flowed.

“Very good. You can imagine my surprise when I found out you were alive. Who would save you Miss. Granger? Though I must say I am glad you were alive. I was so disappointed I was unavailable…” He voice turned horse and far way. For a second she almost felt bad for what he must have gone through. He deserved it yes, and she would have done nothing to stop it, but it must have been hell.

Than he savagely slid his body on top of her and pressed right onto her stomach and she screamed out, she couldn’t help it. She was blinded by pain. Carrow swallowed it by kissing her, well more like trying to capture her lips but it was a hard mashing. It was almost like he was trying to take the pain and eat it. For a moment she let him lap at her lips because the pain was all she knew.

Then she came to and bit down hard on his lower lip. She bit with all she had and tasted blood before she felt him rip back. She watched him move away from her body in slow motion. His lip was dripping blood, small droplets flying from his moving lips but she wasn’t really listening. She realized that as he rose up this was her only change. Hermione threw her legs up using the upper half of her body pressed to the floor to kick a powerful blow to Amycus’ lower stomach. It threw him back slightly and he bent over. As he bent she kicked up into his face and he hit the floor.

She suddenly realized she was screaming. Pain was bursting inside of her and she knew if she didn’t get out of there now she was going to pay for her little move, and not just because she had official ripped all the stitches. She wanted to lie there and scream from the pain, wanted to cry. But she had to keep moving and the will to survive was the only reason she hoisted herself up.

She had to move quickly, but one never knew how hard it was to balance let alone get up while your hands were bound together. She managed, but it coasted her time. She wanted to watch him, but she knew that she would must likely trip if she ran backwards, but the fear of putting him at her back was almost paralyzing. She struggled; body bend almost in half because stretching her body upright would have sent her back to her knees. She headed to the doors when she heard him scream Petrificus Totalus. She weaved to her right, closer to the door. The move made her trip on a large chuck of charred wood from the door, and she fell hard on her knees the radiation from the fall swam up her body, but the spell missed her.

‘Keep moving Hermione. Keep FUCKING MOVING!’ Her mind screamed to the same rhythm her body did, and it was sheer willpower that the voice in her head was an octave louder. She struggled to her feet screaming, “Help me! GOD please someone help.”
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Draco had slept little more than a few hours and when he woke at seven he didn’t fight it. Who wanted to continually “relive” saving Granger’s life over and over again in a dream? He was hoping stupidly that he would see Granger sitting at lunch today, but of course he hadn’t. The She-Weasel didn’t like it much that he kept looking over, and she finally shouted, “See something you like Malfoy?” The snickering and large questioning eyes ended his staring but not his slight fear.

Malfoy had also notice Finnigan and Weasel putting there heads together and probably whispering about last night’s events. They both looked horrible and ragged. Than again must Gryffindor didn’t take nearly enough time on their appearance. Just another reason why they were annoying. But their worried looks and Ginny’s obvious lack of patience made Draco’s fear spike. Could more have happened to Granger? It’s not like anyone would have told him. He wanted to go down to see her, but knew it was too dangerous so he decided on the next best thing.

Seeing Madam Pomfrey hadn’t started off well, hell it hadn’t ended well either. She had all but out right accused him of trying to kill Granger. However, he did get the answer he was looking for, Hermione was well, physically anyway. Madam Pomfrey had informed him that she’d personally checked on Hermione early that morning but left her sleeping. She checked her vitals, all was well.

So now Malfoy was heading towards potions class taking the long way so no one, especially Snape, would see where he was just headed from. He slipped through the door still early and placed himself in the back of the class. He pulled out the ingredients he would need as Snape had already written the potion that needed brewing on the board. It was a rather simple one, and Malfoy knew that Snape had put up a back up lesson plan. Snape only used those when he was busy and had a lot on his mind. That didn’t do anything to sooth Malfoy’s nerves. Though he felt relieved that Hermione was doing well he wasn’t so sure that would last.

Zabini slid next to Malfoy a minute later. “Oy, what are you doing here early Zabini?” He didn’t look up from his ingredients thinking he knew full well what Zabini wanted.

“Been a lot of rumors about Granger missing. Funny thing, she’s not the only one mate. Seems that half-breed Thomas and Kamilla are gone too.” Well he was right to the point.

“Hmp, yea I heard.”

Zabini forced his head to the side so that Malfoy was forced to look at him. “Come on mate. You’re telling me you don’t know what happened to your counter part- the mudblood Head Girl and your new girlfriend.”

“Kamilla wasn’t my girlfriend.” He saw anger flick in Zabini’s eyes. Kamilla and Zabini had dated for a year and half, starting at beginning of their fifth year. Actually, Kamilla and Zabini were each other’s first. It had all seemed great and than Zabini’s mother found out that her son was dating a witch who wasn’t technically a pure blood and insisted he break it off. Though Zabini and his family didn’t have nearly as many ties to the Dark Lord as Malfoy’s it was still a rule that he marry and breed with only powerful, elite purebloods.

Zabini had been stupid enough to brake up with her and even stupider to tell her why. That was when Kamilla started sleeping around. It hadn’t been one of Malfoy’s finer moments when he’d slept with her over the summer or continued during the beginning of the year. He knew Zabini still held a flame for her, but she refused to ever date him again after he broke her heart. That and he, a person she trusted and cared about, had actually rubbed it in her face that she was once again just not good enough.

Kamilla and Zabini had slept together once earlier this year, but afterwards she just left, no words. He knew without being told that it killed apart of Zabini. Still Zabini had watched out for her, cared for her. Malfoy had thought him weak, but still he tried to convince Kamilla to let Zabini in on their plan, but she refused. She wouldn’t trust him again. Malfoy didn’t have the heart to tell Zabini she found someone new, especially when Malfoy still didn’t know who it was. Malfoy had been so wrapped up in his own drama that he hadn’t thought too much on how Zabini would react to her lose. Than again a blokes feelings weren’t high up on the list of things to worry about now, hell it never had been.

“Oh I am sorry she was just your latest fuck.” The words struck hard but Malfoy didn’t let it show. He promised to keep Kamilla’s secret to the grave. “You know something you’re their little wonder boy.”

“That sounded like something close to jealousy. I don’t know much but she is still alive Blaise.” Zabini became less tense. “All I can tell you is that Kamilla was over last night. Snape and the Carrows came by my dorm looking for her, claiming they had a letter from her father.”

“What? Was is real?” Zabini was well aware of Kamilla’s situation.

Malfoy shrugged. “I don’t know, but she was smart. She knew she was at risk and we were only going to keep up her image for so long. I don’t know if she got her father to sent a letter or if she made it up, but it worked. Snape told Carrow and me to go with her to gather her father.”

“So you went you bastard and didn’t see fit to tell me, not even this morning. Fuck, I could have helped her.”

“Let me finish,” He whispered because students were filing in. “I was suppose to go. I was hoping to help her and boast my status. But,” Malfoy interrupted Zabini whose mouth was widening to ask a question, “but when we got to the office we found Longbottom and Granger smuggling Thomas out. There was a struggle and I had to take Granger into to holding, you know try to find out what she was doing there.”

“Merlin,” But there wasn’t more that could be said because just than Snape came in, his robes billowing out behind him. Zabini looked like he wanted to say more but Malfoy gave him eyes, ‘not in front of Snape.’

Class was relatively boring until about forty-five minutes in there was a loud rumble that shook the classroom then a few moments after that there was smaller shake. The second rumble stopped the whole class because it was just this side of odd, even for Hogwarts. Such sounds normally come from the potions room, when a student was stupid enough to blow something up in Snape’s class. Suddenly Snape stood. “Everyone, I would like to…please wave your wands over your caldrons and get rid of it. We will continue later this week.” No one moved at first. “Class dismissed you nimrods!” No one dared defy him this time.

Snape waited to see everyone vanish their potions and then headed into the back of his office. Zabini and Malfoy looked at each other as they left the room.
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“That was really odd,” Zabini said more to himself.

“Has been around here lately.”

“Hey talking about odd did you see Amycus this morning?”

“He’s back?”

“Yea, looked crazed. I guess you wouldn’t have seen him. I keep forgetting your living in the Head Dorms. Rambling and given students, and I mean Slytherins mate, detentions left and right.” And Malfoy was running.

“MALFOY, wait up.” But he suddenly understood and Zabini would just have to keep running after him; he didn’t care. He knew that the dungeon where Granger was being held was right bellow the potion’s room. ‘Shit.’

He slide to halt and saw the door had been blasted open. He raised his wand but didn’t walk in right away because he couldn’t hear anything. If Amycus were in there he wouldn’t be happy to see Malfoy. Zabini stopped short of bumping into him.

“What the fuck Malfo…” his words died when he saw the door, his eye’s widened. “I don’t think you should go in there. What ever is going on isn’t your business.”

“What if it’s someone braking Granger out?” He knew it was stupid as soon as it left his mouth.

“That’s Granger’s holding place. What the fuck Malfoy? I doubt someone would try to break her out and if they did they surly wouldn’t have alerted the whole school. What really going on here? How did you know? I mean…” Zabini was hissing in low whispers.

“Yes well…” nothing plausible came to mind but he wasn’t going to leave. He eased around the corner.

“Malfoy you’re being stupid.”

“Either help or fucking leave.” True to their friendship, even if Zabini though he was crazy, he stayed.

Just as Malfoy was easing his way around the corner to look in he heard hideous screaming and his body froze. It was Granger screams, there were loud and ferocious. He about to push his way in when Zabini pulled him back. “Don’t do this. She’s just a mudblood and is probably getting what she deserves.” The sentiment didn’t really reach Zabini’s eyes, but for a moment Malfoy wanted to believe. He wanted so badly not to care about Granger. It wasn’t even ‘care’ it was pure possessiveness.

Than he heard running and a spell whizzed by the door and crashed into one of the stonewall. He recognized the spell from is rich, blazing red color. Granger’s hunter was trying to keep her still and quite. He felt his stomach protest. Suddenly, as if his mind had hit a switch to start working again, he heard gut-wrenching pleas, “God please someone Help me!”

Malfoy pulled out of Zabini’s grip and hurled himself into the room. He saw Hermione on the ground trying to struggle to regain her footing. It happened so fast yet the moment seemed to slow down. He had enough to categorize that Granger was dirty, shirt ripped, and face bruised as she looked up at him, but didn’t really see him. He saw Amycus raising his wand for another strike. His mind knew that Granger’s hands were bound and blood trickled down her lips, it probably meant she been punched or she was internally bleeding again, or, hell both.

It all happened in a second, but it was enough time for Malfoy to shield Granger from the second spell hurtling her way. Granger tried to roll and screamed in pain and anguish. She hadn’t realized yet that anyone was there. She lay still for a moment until she realized she could move. She looked up at Malfoy and relief, relief that Malfoy had never seen because of his mere presence before, flooded in Hermione’s eyes. If Malfoys cried he would have. She was so terrible scared and hurt and yet he could see that fire burring in her eyes to survive. He loved that fire.

He smiled down at her and one almost mirrored his when she spotted Zabini. She screamed and he realized how traumatized she was. She tried to grab at her clothing.

“Zabini get Snape.”

“WHAT?”

“Professor Carrow isn’t allowed near the mudblood till Snape gets what he wanted, now please go fucking get Professor Snape.” Granger was whimpering pulling her self inside the door away. Zabini ran off.

Amycus took a step closer. “Don’t Professor.”

“Oh titles when you show such a LACK OF RESPECT.”

“I am just doing what I was told by Headmaster Snape.”

“Please Mr. Malfoy, you want the girl. YOU want the girl all for your self.” He raised his wand and screamed a dark curse, which Malfoy barley managed to block. He really didn’t want to have to duel with Amycus. He wasn’t always the fastest or cleverest, but he was down right ruthless and, obviously, up to this point impossible to kill. Luckily, or unluckily Snape came in a moment later. Zabini was still trailing behind him.

“What is going on here?”

“I want my WAND.” It was the first thing Granger had said since she pleaded for her life.

Snape looked down at her with a look of disgust and confusion. “You’re in no room to demand.”

“Screw you Headmaster,” She spat. Zabini and Malfoy exchanged looks and might have laughed if the situation wasn’t so horrifying. “Have you found anything Snape? Hmmm…what nothing? Oh because I sunk into the headmaster’s office you put this monster in here to rape me.” He could tell she was trying to keep in her tears as her words shuttered over the word rape. The idea roared in his head. And he wondered just what Amycus had done and before he had thought about it his wand was raised.

“Put it down Draco,” Snape demanded but Malfoy ignored him.

“No, he is a fucking liability Snape. He storms in her planning on raping a mudblood and putting it on display for the whole school none-the-less.”

“SHUT UP. I am sitting right here!” Malfoy didn’t spare Granger a glace because he couldn’t take his face away from the man in front of him. He should just kill him now.

“Enough, first of all Miss. Granger I don’t care what you’ve just been through I wont deal with your insubordination. You’re right I didn’t find anything, yet, but you none-the-less trespassed into my office and aid and abided a student in fleeing the school grounds. So your punishment will be what I want. However, I never gave Amycus here permission to punish you.” His eyes moved from Granger to Amycus making it clear these words were for Amycus and not Granger.

“I don’t need your permission Snape. You are not above me.”

“WHEN you are on my school grounds I am! Our Lord has given the school to me. I am the only one he trusts to be his leader, his eyes and ears, while he is away.” Hermione sunk into herself. She was shaking and her bravery was starting to wane.

“We will see about that Snape. Our Lord might not like how you pamper your mudbloods around here. As for Mr. Malfoy he is defiantly not above me. He had NO right to come in her and interrupt a professor while they were punishing a student.”

Malfoy was shacking. “You’re disgusting, trying to take what you can get for free and furthermore from a mudblood.”

“She not yours.” Amycus hissed.

“Or yours,” Snape replied.

“Headmaster, he puts his own needs in front of that of the cause. Did you ever think Amycus that our Lord might want her later, alive!” He was spitting mad.

“What would you know about out Lord? You, like your father, are weak.”

Malfoy pointed his wand, “Reducto.” Snape pushed a shield in front of Amycus and it blasted away stone instead of Amycus head. Hermione yelped and started to crawl.

“MALFOY, that will cost you for holding your wand against a professor and a fellow member. As for you Amycus you will pay for going against my wishes.” Granger was crawling past Snape but he bend down and placed a hand on her arm. She tried to swat him away.

“Calm down Miss. Granger before I make you. Zabini take Miss. Granger here to hospital wing. Make no stops. I want her alive.”

Zabini went to pick Granger up but she screamed. “NO, no!” At the same time Amycus took the distraction as an opportunity to throw a curse at Malfoy that just missed.

“He is not a member Snape! PROVE yourself to me Malfoy.”

Malfoy got back up on his feet fuming. This man was trying to ruin his life. He wanted his girl, his power, and money. He continually threatened and insulted his family. Malfoy had enough. He wanted to beat Amycus one why or another. “Like I need to prove myself to the likes of you. Malfoys have always been better than Carrows. You really think you deserve the job of braking the Golden Trio.” He laughed at the man’s anger. He felt dark and murderous. “But just to show you I will take the Mark this Sunday. I’ve already proven that I can learn for my mistakes and be a loyal servant.”

“NO, no Malfoy no. DON’T do it…Malfoy?” He looked at her than and even through her own trauma she cared about his safety. Stupid, beautiful twat. She coughed and spat blood, and it was bad, but not as bad as watching tears slide down her cheeks. It was almost like he could watch their short but incredible time together in her face, each memory trapped in her small pear shaped tears. She was shacking her head hard and fast. It didn’t matter. He knew this is where his life was headed so why not do something worthy with it. He didn’t care if Potter and the Weasel died, but he wanted Hermione to live. He knew if he didn’t mark her as his now than Amycus would.

“I take the mark and you leave her alone. I take the mark and prove myself and she’s mine to destroy.”

“You won’t last through the entrance ceremony,” He whizzed a giggle and than chocked. Draco was proud to see the Hermione had done a nice number on his face.

Snape looked up at Malfoy, eyes calm and distant, but Malfoy knew this was just the calm before the storm. Than he looked down at Granger, “Sleep Miss. Granger,” and Granger’s eyes rolled back into her head. “Zabini please be careful she had internal bleeding and I think the wound has reopened. I want her whole for questioning. Hurry!”

Zabini scooped her up like she was a doll and left. Snape grabbed Malfoy’s arm. “You’re coming with me and as for you Carrow go back to your office when you’ve calmed down be sure to seek me out.”

“Will do Headmaster.” His tone was daunting and erry. “See you in class Mr. Malfoy”
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Hermione awake to an odd feeling of floating before she realized someone was carrying her. She looked up into hazel eyes and she knew instantly that it wasn’t Malfoy. She started to squirm, images of Amycus floating through her mind, but her energy just wasn’t in it.

“Chill out Granger I am taking you to the hospital wing.” It took her a second to place his voice.

“Zabini?”

“The one and only.”

“Let me go.” She struggled against him. She struggled against his warmth, and smell, and vaguely Malfoy smile. She struggled against his solid arms that reminded her of just how male he was. She struggled because no matter how hard he tired he wasn’t Malfoy and Malfoy was the only boy she might be willing to touch.

She started to panic, struggling harder until Zabini fell to his knees to just keep her in his arms. They both cursed as they crash. Well Hermione more liked screamed because her side gave another rip.

“FUCK Granger I am trying to help.”

“Slytherins don’t help they ruin,” and she was going to say more. She was going to beat and scream but suddenly she was coughing hard. Blood splat out on the ancient stone floor. She had a moment to stare down at it, seeping into the stone as if it had pours, and wonder how much blood had Hogwart's stones drank? How much would they?

“Oh Bollocks,” Zabini whispered, “You are not dying on me Granger, Snape will kill me.”

“Good.” But she was too scared to really argue and let Zabini scope her back up.

“We are almost there Granger, please don’t fucking die.” It was sort of sweet, for a Slytherin.

“Thanks,” She suddenly slurred.

“What the bloody hell for,” His voice was harsh with the strain of carrying her. She could have told him that he could just use a spell to float her along, but she liked the idea of floating in mid-air even less than being carried.

“For helping save my life.”

“Don’t thank me Granger. I didn’t do anything that was all Malfoy.” She didn’t have words. Malfoy, OH God Malfoy had saved her again. “You sure done a number on him.”

She laughed half-heartily, “I haven’t done a thing to Draco Malfoy. Yea we like each other so much that he wants to keep me alive so he can kill me.” She tried to hold back tears because not all of her believed it. Yet, yet it had still been terrible to hear. “And he is even willing to get the Dark Mark just to do.”

“Don’t put yourself on too high a horse Granger, Malfoy was destined for the Mark.” Tear definitely came this time. She would miss him. There would never be another chance for Malfoy once he took the mark.

“Are you?” Hermione asked. Zabini just shrugged, she couldn’t see but rather felt it. They reached the hospital wing and Zabini placed her on the first bed. He was about to find Madam Pomfrey when she grabbed his arm.

“Don’t take the Mark Zabini.” He looked incredulous for a moment and than pulled out her grasp.

“Why do you care so much mudblood?” She wasn’t even sure why she cared. Maybe because it was the second time in a day and half she were more dead than alive. Maybe it was because Malfoy cared for this boy in some twisted way and she cared for Malfoy, again in some twisted way. Maybe more than either of those two was the fact that it was becoming real that her fellow schoolmates were becoming Death Eaters. These kids she had grown up with were turning their selves over to a life of murder and hatred and she wanted to stop it!

She shrugged painfully, “I am just saying Zabini you don’t have too.”

“Mind your own business.”

She reached out for him again anger giving her a seconds relief from her tormenting pain. “Do you know what they say, huh? Not all Deatheaters are Slytherins but all Slytherins are Deatheaters. That doesn’t have to be true.” Hermione whipped the blood from her mouth harshly on the sleeve of her torn long sleeve shirt and pushed it in to Zabini’s face. “This is why it’s my fucking business Zabini. One day you’ll hunt my kind. Oh not just hate us and wish we were your slaves. You will have to hunt and murder us.”

Zabini stood abruptly and stormed off but she swore she heard, “Next time I am sewing the bitch’s mouth shut.” It was nice that he thought she had a next time and then Hermione passed out. The pain made her vision black until she knew no more.
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‘The talk with Snape could have gone better,’ Malfoy thought touching his tender lip, which was now swollen to at least two times its size. Snape had hit him only once before as a child. He realized now Snape had gone easy on him, but it was no matter for Malfoy was use to such beating from his father. And his father never much cared for his age.

Malfoy didn’t bother to show up to Transfiguration. It wasn’t like he could get in any more trouble. He threw himself on the long couch, sinking into its rich colors and pleasant warmth, but it ceased to comfort him. He wanted to see Granger. He wanted to know what Amycus had done to her and if…if she was alive. ‘Of course she was alive,’ he scolded himself, ‘Granger would survive this.’ He hated himself suddenly. Hated her more because she had bewitched him. He would seek her out later tonight, if she didn’t find him first, when he was sure Snape wasn’t around. But he had things he needed to put into action first. He hosted himself up; he could sleep when he was dead. And with the path his was choosing that might be soon.
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Ginny had found the journal just as Malfoy had promised. Her mind reeled from the hours that had unraveled before her. What had happened to her life? She had seen them take Hermione and Neville before Thomas had pulled her away whispering, “You’re no good to them dead.” He was right, but she stilled cried and fought him as he dragged her to the dorm. She screamed and cried as he rocked her and told her it would be okay.


She left Malfoy’s wand on the table so tempted to break it in two, but he had kept his word and now she owed him. She scrawled the noted in a vain attempt to salvage the good moment she had seen in Malfoy. Was this what Hermione felt when she looked into his eyes? Was this why Hermione had said less than two ill words of the boy since the summer?

She had snuck her way into the dark grounds that held the lavish Hogwart’s garden the bloomed all year. That's where she found herself looking at the black velvet journal that held, to her surprise, nothing at all. She had cast every spell, every counter course, and spoken every word she could think of but nothing happened. She would have to just trust Hermione as she always had. She pulled the quill from her pocket that she had taken from Hermione’s room and scrawled Malfoy’s word. She watched them disappear into the off white pages and something struck her; on the other end of this book was a link to Harry. That had to be it!

Tears slid down her face and she grasped the book, hugging it tightly. She didn’t want to burn it. She wanted to steal it and write to him, but she would never betray Hermione’s trust so instead she wrote, “Things haven’t gone quite to plan, but all should be well. I must burn the book to be safe, but know I am looking out for everyone. I love you Harry with all my heart and wish for the day I will see you again. Give all my love to Ron, Gin.”

Broken hearted and embarrassed by her strong words to the boy who had pushed her way she quickly burned the book. The fire crackled odd, brilliant colors for a while and she wondered if it was the magic that burned as well as journal. When the fire had cooled she scooped the ashes and dusted them along the dirt of the high foliage.

Finding herself all ready on her feet and not at all tired she wondered the garden with small, silent steps. She use to come here at night when she needed to think, but since the Deatheaters had arrived she had felt it unsafe, but tonight she didn’t care. The moon shown down making the flower’s normally bright colors dull and shinny. Her robes followed behind her, billowing. Her cold bare feet absorbing the witching hour dew. She hadn’t felt so free in weeks and yet she had ever been so consumed, so chained in all her life.

It was than that, when she had finally turned to head back into the castle, she heard low whispering. She realized it was two female voices and she followed the noise silently; grabbing her robes tightly and twisting herself among the high Moon Shine flowers to take a direct and hidden route. She finally came to a stop when she could hear the voices clearly; they were just on the other side of tall hedges.

The instant she stopped to listen she recognized the high pitched, smug, female voice as Pansy. Her first thought was run. She didn’t want to be found by Slytherins. Not when she had the image of the journal and meeting place so fresh in her mind. She turned when she heard Hermione’s name.

“The Mudblood bitch Granger has done something to him.”

“I don’t understand Pansy, Malfoy hates that bitch.” Ginny’s blood ran hot and cold.

“I thought so too. I mean he does, but I don’t know. I think she used a spell on him!”

“I doubt it. Why would Granger want Malfoy to want her?” Hermione want Malfoy? What the bloody hell were these girls talking about. Ginny crept closer.

“Oh shut up you cow. Why wouldn’t she is the question. He is powerful, rich, and handsome. Not to mention well endowed.” The girls both giggled for a moment and Ginny felt like retching. The idea of Hermione and Malfoy would have been funny if it wasn’t so disgusting. Ginny was certain that Pansy had defiantly lost her mind.

“Pansy I wouldn’t worry about it. Malfoy has done this before. You know go off with other birds, but he always comes back to you.”

“I know. I know. I mean of course he would I am the prettiest girl at Hogwarts. Besides I am the best lay. But, well, once when I was giving Draco head I could have sworn the he mumbled Granger’s name.” There was a deafening silence for a moment where Ginny couldn’t breath, couldn’t think. ‘It couldn’t be true. Malfoy’s hated muggle borns, and Hermione hated Malfoy. Didn’t she?’

“You must have been hearing things Pans. There is no way she is better than you. Plus, you told me about the bet he had with Zabini. That’s all she ever was to him and you ruined that anyway. Saved him really. He’ll thank you one day.” ‘What bloody bet?’ But Ginny was feeling sicker and sicker by the moment. Had she really trusted Malfoy’s word? Had she just don’t something horrible? Was Hermione is more danger from Malfoy than even Hermione knew? Even more than Ginny herself could have ever guessed.

“Of course I am better than her.” But she could tell from Pansy’s voice that she was having a hard time believing it. “But Malfoy, that arrogant shit, still hasn’t thanked me once from saving him from shagging the mudblood Granger. I mean he has been ignoring me even more since than.”

“Forget about him Pans. If he wants to fuck a mudblood for money let him. Youre better than him anyway.” For once Ginny couldn’t agree that someone was better than Malfoy. That didn’t really matter though because she had defiantly heard the words shag, Granger, money, and Malfoy all in the same sentence.

“No I will not forget about it! If I can’t have him she certainly can’t. Malfoy just can’t see what’s good for him right now. I mean what if he has gone soft for the mudblood.” Ginny was getting tired of hearing that words, her wand clenched in her fist.

“Now you’ve really lost it Pans. Malfoy? Soft? Never. At the very least it’s a novelty fuck. Just to say he took the virginity of Gryffindor’s Golden Girl. I mean how humiliating for her.” The second girl whooped loudly, but Pansy didn’t part take.

“I don’t care. I am going to get her for this.”

“How?”

“I don’t know yet.” The conversation lulled for few moments, but Ginny stayed wanting to hear if they said more. After a half hour of hearing about nothing but Zabini and Nott she finally left. If she had to hear one more time about how big Zabini’s ding-dang was, even bigger than Malfoy’s, or how Nott’s tongue was like a gift from Merlin she would have to Adavcan herself.

The next morning was hell. She had gotten less than two hours sleep and hadn’t wanted to move from her bed, but she was afraid she might miss something in her absence. She noticed the Seamus was looking just as well rested as she when she reached the table. She didn’t mention the journal or Malfoy. She had a feeling that Hermione had wanted to keep the journal a secret. Though Ginny had to admit her feeling were hurt by Hermione’s lack of trust. She also didn’t know how to explain Malfoy to Seamus with out explaining the journal so both subjects were mute, well until she found Hermione. Every time she thought about Hermione that morning her throat closed up.

To her huge surprise no word about last night’s events got leaked. Well everyone noticed that Hermione, Neville, and Dean were missing but not why. On top off all the madness Seamus was in a particularly bad mood. Ginny knew it could have been because of last night, but she had a feeling it was something more. She couldn’t place her finger on what it was though, which left her mood worsening and worsening. It was probably why she had yelled at Malfoy at lunch, but she didn’t like how he glared at their table. How his eyes had this glazed over look as if he was thinking about something far way.

It wasn’t until after five that she worked her way back to her dorm. Her body ached, but nearly as much as her soul. She hadn’t heard a true word about Hermione’s or Neville’s well-being and she was too afraid to ask. She didn’t feel like dinner so instead she stomped her way up the shifting stairs to her dorm like a child. She was so angry and lost. Suddenly she heard footsteps behind her. She whipped around her wand ready half expecting to see Malfoy.

“Relax Gin, it just me,” Seamus said. His words were slow from lack of sleep. His eyes burned, blood shot.

“You look like shit,” she said lowering her wand.

“Why thank you. I came to tell you that I heard from a reliable source that something crazy happened in the dungeons today and than they moved Hermione to the hospital wing. I don’t know if the two are connected but I wanted to tell you earlier but you just stormed out to Muggle History and then didn’t come to dinner.”

“I am sorry it just you know…I mean what? Is Hermione okay? Oh shit, what happened in the dungeon?”

“Clam down I heard she was okay. I dunno exactly what happened, but I was told that during Advanced Double Potions that there were two loud shacks. Like maybe explosions? Snape dismissed the class early and than my source says they went to the hospital wing and saw Granger.”

“We have to go.”

“Are you sure it’s a good idea. I mean I want to go. I hoping Neville got removed from the dungeons too, but what if Snape is there? What if it’s a trap?”

“I don’t care Seamus. I need to know she is okay. That Neville is okay. I mean shit, that Dean got out like planned. Isn’t that worth the fucking risk!”

“You’re right. I mean of course you’re right.” Ginny’s anger subsided. She really couldn’t be mad at him. He was risking himself and he knew less than her probably. She hated how scared and confused everyone was theses days. How scared and confused she was.

She grabbed Seamus’ hand and smiled up at him. She loved her friends and she couldn’t bare that sadness that had taken over in their eyes, in their lives. “It will be okay Seamus. I promise.”

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep Gin.” But he smiled warmly at her. If she could just erase the edge of lostness around his mouth and eyes it might even be that young boyish grin it had always been. And suddenly she saw Harry staring down through his eyes. She missed the days when she would sit around the dorm and watch her stupid boys, yes her and Hermione’s boys, making jokes and playing wizarding chest. They would all laugh that free caring laugh of youth. Well only Harry had, had that tired look about him. The look that said he had seen too much at too young an age. Some how Ginny had loved that about him. Understood in some way what it was like to face Voldemort and live. She shuttered and pushed the memory away. Something she couldn’t talk about yet, but it had been unspoken bound between her and Harry. She squeezed Thomas’ hand.

“I never do.”

“Shouldn’t I be telling you this not the other away around.” His eyes become consumed again with that tired sadness. She pushed his towards the stairs.

“Oh please Mr. Finnigan don’t go all macho on me.”

“I am not,” even his words sounding pouty and defensive.

“Oh yes you are. I grew up in a house of boy I would certainly know.” That made him laugh and it was nice to hear. Some how she had almost forgotten what the sound felt like.
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Hermione woke up and snuggled into the warmth. 'Wait, that wasn’t right,’ she told her self and with that thought she remembered. She was so sick of waking up feeling save just to have her mind remind her it wasn’t true. Or maybe she was just sick of waking up. She cursed at herself for thinking that and it gave her the motivation to push herself up.

She took in the sterile, plain sight of the hospital wing. She sighed; it was funny how the hospital wings in the muggle world and wizarding world were exactly the same. Death was death. Sickness was sickness. And violence was violence no matter where you went. It made her tired. She as going to just close her eyes and sleep more when she eyes caught the clock. Five-thirty. She had to get up and leave. She had to get to her dorm and find the journal. She tired not to let fear pulse through her veins at the idea that Dean and Hagrid might have missed Harry and Ron. There was still time she told herself. That and she needed to get herself to the prefects’ meeting. She just needed that solidness.

She hosted herself up and groaned. Her side didn’t hurt but she felt bruised and sore on her whole body. “Ahh Miss. Granger good to see you awake but I will just have you lay yourself right back down.”

“Madam Pomfrey thank you so much for saving my life. Twice I might add, but I really must be going.” She tried to sound light and awake.

“Child I said sit back down!” Hermione placed her ass back on the bed but didn’t lie down. She would throw a hissy fit before she was kept here. “You are quite welcome for the live saving, it is my job. And being in debt to me you will not fight me on this Miss. Granger.”

“But really I feel fine.”

“NO. Now that I could take care of you properly your internal wounds are completely healed, but I wanted your body’s full attention on the internal wound so I haven’t healed your bruises. You have some nasty ones.”

“That’s okay,” Hermione waved her hand as if to push the comment away. Really she just didn’t want to talk about how she gotten the most recent bruises.

Madam Pomfrey’s face turned ugly. “OKAY, you are okay with almost dying twice Miss. Granger. Not only do I find that hard to believe, but you may be in shock.”

“I am not in shock…” but the medi-witch didn’t let her finish.

“What were you and Mister Longbottom thinking ransacking Snape’s office like that? What were you thinking about letting Mr. Thomas leave the school grounds?”

“Oh Merlin is Neville here. Is he okay?” She suddenly felt sheepish for not thinking of her friends first. It must have shown her on her face.

“Mister Longbottom is sleeping soundly. Beside a few bruised ribs, scratches, and lack of food he is quite fine. But do think of that next time before you go off gallivanting about like that.” Hermione started to grow angry. What did this witch know about her problems? She was going to say so when Ginny and Seamus appeared around the corner.

“HERMIONE!” The girl screeched and ran over to her. They hugged so tightly that Hermione couldn’t breath, but she didn’t care. As Ginny hugged her she could feel every brusied part of her body and she eat at it. She was alive and having her friends here to see her made her cherish that again. She was so happy that Seamus, Luna, Ginny, and Neville were alive she cried.

“I hope that you two didn’t have anything to do with last night or were any part of why Miss. Granger here has needed my medical attention twice.” Than she hump and turned. “I will give you fifteen minutes and then I will insist Miss. Granger get more rest. Mr. Longbottom is fine and you may see him when I release him early tomorrow.”

Ginny grabbed her face and kissed her cheek. Seamus was smiling behind her. “I am so glad you're okay Hermione. Oh god when Malfoy said you were in the dungeons I almost lost it.” Ginny stopped suddenly and pulled back. There were weird looks all around.

“What? Why would Malfoy tell you where I was last night? I mean how?”

“Probably to gloat,” Seamus growled.

“Well no, actually.” Ginny looked suddenly uncomfortable.

“Ginny hand me my clothes.” She wanted to hear everything, but she needed to get dressed and out before the medi-witch returned.

“What? No you have to stay here and rest.”

“I can’t I have something important to do and then we have a lot to talk about.” Ginny went to argue again but Seamus threw Hermione all her clothes. Ginny have him a scathing look.

“She is the boss,” he laughed.

“Thanks Seam. Now turn around.” Seamus was a gentleman and already had his back turned to her.

“Okay now don’t think I didn’t hear Malfoy just come out of your mouth. What gives.”

“It's a long story.”

“I’ll just bet it is,” Seamus growled again.

“Fine, fine. Just help me out of here and we’ll talk about it later I need to go to my dorm and then prefects meeting.”

“Hermione, about that important thing you need to do…” Ginny whispered. Seamus snapped his head around when he realized Ginny was whispering.

“SEAM!” Hermione hissed and she quickly pulled her shirt on. It was tattered and ruined. Blood filled but she didn’t care.

“SORRY!”

“Hermione you don’t have to worry about the journal. I took care of it.”

“WHAT?”

“Shhh or you will alert The Madam.” Ginny hissed.

“I don’t care Ginny how in all of Merlin’s good graces did you know about the journal.”

“Well I should have known from the start.”

Hermione realized the Ginny’s feeling were hurt and she wanted to feel bad but her head hurt too much. Too much information at one time, even for a Granger. “Listen Ginny I am sorry, but I don’t need this right now. Its not that I didn’t trust you, all of you, but I didn’t even like having the book. If it got into the wrong hands it could have gotten Ron and Harry killed.”

“You’re right Hermione I am sorry I got pissy.”

“I understand. Oh Merlin did you burn it?”

“Yes, I knew you wanted me too. It’s taken care of. So why don’t you just rest.”

“How would you know?” She started pulling on her dirty Mary Janes and scoping her wand up. ‘Wait, why do I have my wand.’ Snape must have left it for her after Zabini had dropped her off. Why? One problem at time. “How Ginny May Wesley? How?”

“Well that sort of why Malfoy searched me out?”

“What?” Her and Seamus both cried at the same time. Ginny looked down at the floor.

“I told you it was a long story.”