A Brand New Life

"So if I did believe what you have told me, what would happen now?" Hermione looked her in the eyes when she asked this question, sure of herself. She knew this woman was honest.

"I will take you to the Malfoy Manor, straight away. You don't have a choice, anyways. I am your legal guardian. But I can keep you safe there." Narcissa said this without taking her eyes off of Hermione.

This caught Hermione off guard. She did not like the sound of this. She was not going to go against her will. She squeezed her hand around her wand.

Narcissa looked at Hermione. She seemed deep in thought. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Hermione's hand twitch around her wand. She was glad she had put up a shield earlier. She didn't know how Hermione would take being ordered to go somewhere she didn't want to go. She could tell nothing by looking at Hermione. If Hermione didn't like this idea, she definitely wouldn't like what she had to say next..

Hermione didn't like this at all. She wasn't going to spend her holidays in the Malfoy Manor with Draco and his death eater father. Harry and Ron would never allow this to happen if they found out. But the more curious side of Hermione wanted to know what her life would have been like. She was in danger. She did know that. But could Narcissa really help her? Hermione knew she had great powers. But were they as great as she spoke of? Would Voldemort single her out because of them? She knew being in the golden trio put her in danger. But because of Harry being the one the prophecy spoke of. Not because of her own ability. Could she really trust her? Hermione still felt like she wasn't getting the whole story.

"What if I refuse?" Hermione broke the silence.

"I've spoken to Dumbledore, need I remind you. He told me to do anything I saw fit," Narcissa said, not taking her eyes off Hermione. "I will keep you safe, Hermione. No matter if you want my help or not. I made a promise to your parents a long time ago."

Hermione still looked at Narcissa quizzical. Narcissa couldn't waste anymore time here. She had to get her there and hidden before Lucius was home. She grabbed Hermione's arm and they were gone.

XXX

Hermione looked around. She had just apparated. She didn't know where she was but she had a good idea. She looked straight ahead and saw a huge black house. House could not describe this, mansion? Castle? She knew it was the Malfoy Manor. She felt sick. Who knows who was waiting for her on the other side of the doors of the manor. A group of death eaters? Voldemort himself? Narcissa had already opened the gate and was several steps ahead, walking fastly.

"Hurry up," Narcissa sounded worried. "We haven't much time."

Hermione started towards Narcissa. She shot her a look back that told her to walk faster. She started walking faster but cautiously. When they reached the front door, Hermione raised her wand, ready to face whatever lay on the other side. But when she opened the doors nothing lay on the other side. When they walked in, Hermione was still on the edge, ready to defend herself if she needed to. She jumped when she heard the voice of a house elf.

"Go fetch Draco please," Narcissa told the elf, without looking at him. She was looking around the room nervously. Hermione met her eyes, seeing what almost looked like, fear? Narcissa looked away. It seemed like they stood there for an eternity. She had so many questions. She couldn't bring herself to form them though. They just raced in her mind. Lost in thought, she heard someone approaching. She had her wand in her hand, held tight. Ready to fight. She looked up as they rounded the corner.

"What is she doing here?" Draco looked suggestively at Hermione, with a disgusted look on his face.

"There is no time Draco. I need you and Ms. Granger to do exactly as I say. There are no time for questions. This is extremely important Draco." Narcissa said in a hushed voice. She sounded so worried.

"Draco I'm going to give you a port key. You and Ms. Granger are going to use it. When you get to the place, you must not leave, no matter what. I cannot stress this enough. I will send an owl with more information as soon as I can."

Draco looked at his mom. He knew she was worried. She hardly ever showed fear. She was one of the bravest women he had ever met. Before he could question her, she shoved a glowing port key into his hand.

"Hermione, grab ahold. I will be in touch." Narcissa said grabbing her hand and placing it on the port key. They disappeared as quickly as she could blink her eyes. She could feel Lucius approaching. She smoothed her robes and waited at the door for him. Calming herself, knowing Draco and Hermione were safe for now.

She heard the door opening and Lucius entered the manor.

"Where is the boy?" He said, looking around. She looked to the ground.

"Where is Draco, Narcissa?" the panic present in his voice. He walked up to her and grabbed her face hard, forcing her to look to his eyes. She didnt have to answer him out loud. He knew what she had done when he looked into her eyes.

"Damn it!" he yelled while pushing her away from him. He stormed out of the room and Narcissa composed herself. They were safe now. That is all that mattered.