Circle of Love

Harry lay back on the bed, and watched as Ginny dressed in a simple t-shirt and jeans. He loved how her red hair flowed down her back, and swung slightly as she moved. He grinned when his ring glimmered in the room's light as she turned to look at him.

“It's breakfast time Harry,” Ginny reminded him, “Stop being a laze-a-bed and get ready.”

Harry nodded, and threw back the blanket. Ginny blushed slightly, and laughed. “Well? Last night you didn't laugh,” He reminded her, and a mock frown plastered his face. He walked over to her, and wrapped his arms around her. His fingers tangled into her hair as he drew her close for a kiss, and she leaned into him to return it. He looked down into her eyes, and saw the love the they shared shining back at him. What ever would come, he knew they both had these moments to remember. He buried his face into her hair for a moment, and sighed when she pulled away.

“Just hurry,” Ginny said with a grin, and left the room. Harry grabbed his glasses, and rubbed his hair with one hand after putting them on.

Last night had been wonderful, and Harry was glad they had decided to wait for their first time until they had been ready. He had watched her as she slept afterwards, and had enjoyed the feel of her skin against his. He had a lot to think of while he lay sleepless, tired but his mind had raced.

Dumbledore had left the Horcrux task to him, Hermione and Ron. With Ron being dead, Ginny had filled the spot, but he still missed Ron. He had been amazed when Draco had offered to come with them. Not knowing what they were doing had made him suspicious first, but his worry more for the girls had him swaying towards letting him go. Dumbledore not objecting but leaving that decision up to him also had made him realize that maybe he was being too stubborn.

But Harry felt the decision really wasn't up to just him, it was also Ginny's and Hermione's. If he was wrong about Draco and allowed him to come, he put them in more danger. It would have to be unanimous in it though, and he still wanted to hear what they had to say before casting a firm yes on this.

Hermione and Ginny were already in the kitchen when Harry arrived. He kissed the top of Hermione's head, and took a seat next to Ginny. He rubbed his hands together before grabbing a plate and filling it.

“Good morning Harry.” Hermione smiled at him, and shifted her fork through some eggs on her plate.

“Where's Malfoy?” Harry asked her before digging into his own eggs and the pile of bacon beside it.

“He was in the shower when I came down,” Hermione told him, “Why?” She stilled, and waited for Harry to begin another diatribe on Draco.

“We have to talk- about him,” Harry began to say, but stopped at the look of exasperation that went across her face briefly.

“Now Harry we've been through this before,” Hermione sighed. Was this ever going to end? She felt pulled in two sometimes by the both. One she loved like a brother, the other as a lover. Neither will you give up, or give up on, a small voice reminded her.

“No this is different Hermione. It's about-” Harry said, and broke off when he heard footsteps nearing the kitchen. His words stopped as he turned his head to look towards the archway into the kitchen.

“Good morning all,” Draco said as he entered the kitchen, and sat beside Hermione. He leaned slightly to kiss Hermione's cheek. The look that passed over Harry's face made him grin as he sat down next to her.

“Morning Malfoy,” Harry replied, and nodded at the girls and mouthed the word 'later' to them. They nodded back, with a puzzled look from Hermione. Ginny rolled her eyes at Hermione and shrugged her shoulders.

“Good morning Draco,” Ginny told him, and wondered just what was up with Harry. Her hand reached beneath the table, and gently squeezed Harry's knee. Her smiled at her with reassurance, and her head leaned gently against his shoulder.

Draco watched the three of them, slightly mystified by it all. To him it was like a secret code of some sort, but he just arched an eyebrow and began to eat. He looked up from his plate when he heard steps near the kitchen.

“Morning Mariah,” Hermione told the girl when she entered, and the others echoed it. The older girl paused at the doorway. She looked at them hesitantly, and entered.

“Good morning,” Mariah smiled and yawned. She went to the cooling cupboard and poured herself a glass of milk before sitting down. She preferred it to the pumpkin juice the others were drinking with their meals.

The kitchen fell silent, and only the sounds of forks scratching at plates and the small chatter of the house elves could be heard. Draco watched as if they were one, the three of them stand up. He touched Hermione's hand, and she bent down and kissed him.

They're going off again, was Draco's immediate thought, and felt his heart stop in fear. He returned his kiss, and wanted to hold her back from walking out. “Be back in a bit love,” She whispered against his lips. Instead he just let his hand trail down her arm as she walked away.

“Hope so,” Draco muttered as the three left the kitchen. Potter didn't hear a word I said the other day, he thought and set his fork down. He looked over at Mariah, and watched her frown at the now empty door way.

“Potter ever win at chess after Hermione and I left?” Draco asked her, trying to fill in the silence the three's leaving caused.

“No,” Mariah shook her head, and looked back at him. “It was rather funny though. He's not bad at chess. It's just he was trying too hard.”

“That's what I told Hermione last night before bed. If he just relaxed, and let his brain work, he'd have won one at least.” Draco chuckled, and picked his fork to twirl it on the table.

Mariah frowned, and looked down at her plate. Her finger tapped against the wood of the table, and finally she looked up again. “Draco, can I ask you a question?” She looked at him.

“Sure- fire away.” Draco said, and placed his fork down next to his plate.

“Why did you let the Death Eaters into Hogwarts?” Mariah asked him, and her eyes reflected her sad confusion.

Draco looked at her in shock. He gulped and his Adam's apple bobbed in its rhythm. “The Dark Lord used my love for my parents to get me to do it. If I didn't find a way for the Death Eaters to get in, and kill Professor Dumbledore, he would have killed them.” He told her in simple words, and then sat up straighter in his chair. “I felt like I had no one to turn to, and I followed blindly in hopes of saving my mom.” Draco sighed, and rubbed a hand across his face, and then back around his neck. “I could have turned to your grandfather, and he could have protected us all.” His fist clenched in anger, and he looked down.

“It was all for naught though. I didn't complete the mission by killing Dumbledore myself- Professor Snape did it. My father got released, and the Dark Lord had my mother killed anyhow cause I 'botched' it all.” Draco's face turned bitter, and he tugged at his left sleeve as if the Mark beneath it burned.

“I'm sorry,” Mariah murmured softly, and reached a comforting hand out to touch his arm. He jerked it back and then relaxed again. He stood and picked up his plate, and he placed it into the sink with a loud clink of china against ceramic.

“Why did you take the Dark Mark then?” Mariah asked him after he paced the room like a caged lion. She had seen it a couple of times, and every time she had shuddered and turned away.

“To avenge my mother,” Draco turned and looked at her again, and gray eyes met gray eyes in understanding. “I was going to work with Snape and spy on him and the Death Eaters. I was going to beat the monster at his own game by telling the Order what I could. I never realized up until then just what Snape went through to walk that fine line.”

Mariah arched an eyebrow in question, “Then why are you here and not there?”

“Hermione,” Draco answered her simply, “I was raised to hate Muggleborns by my father and his friends. So during school I was quite the spoiled bastard to her. When Ron Weasley died, Snape had me take her away to keep her safe for a couple of days. She was almost captured by Death Eaters, and I joined with Remus Lupin to save her. In that- I exposed my side.”

Draco sat back down beside her, “My mum had tried to teach me that their were no differences, and that blood had no bearing on magical abilities. Hermione finished that lesson.” He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “Mum told me it was okay to be proud of my heritage, but that others had the same rights.”

“Your mom sounds like she was a wonderful woman,” Mariah said, and heard a rustling of robes at the door. Her gray eyes met the pained black eyes of Severus Snape. He nodded his head and walked away. “But it doesn't explain why he did what he did.” She herself heard the venom in her voice, and she stood up. “Grandpa didn't have to die to make his position anymore secure. You yourself just said it was your job not his!.” She stood up, and slammed her milk glass in the sink. The sound of breaking glass made her wince, and the two house elves looked over at them.

“Lilmiss being okay?” Twinky asked with concern. His eyes looked up at her, but she kept her eyes on the broken shards of glass in the sink.

“Snape was under an Unbreakable Vow to complete what I could not.” Draco told her, and stepped behind her. He waved Twinky away, and the elf grumbled before he took Dobby's hand and they winked out of the room. “Breaking that Vow would have meant his death-”

“So? He should have died then!” Mariah turned to look at Draco again. “He isn't anymore important than anyone else in the scheme of things!” Her eyes held unshed tears, and she raised a hand to wipe at them.

“Dumbledore wouldn't let him break it Mariah,” Draco's hand touched Mariah's shoulder, and he pulled her into a hug when she began to finally cry. He felt the wetness on his shoulder, and he tightened his arms a bit. “Don't hate Snape for things he couldn't control. He loved Dumbledore like he was his own father, and it killed him a little to follow through, and continue as planned with the Dark Lord.”

Mariah raised her face to look at Draco, “Grandpa was a wonderful wizard, and I miss him.” Her hand raised up, and she wiped at her cheeks.

“Professor Dumbledore's words the day he died led me here,” Draco told Mariah, and loosened his hold a bit. “He didn't want me to be the one to end it, but Severus Snape. You're grandfather was slowly dying, you know? From something that was wasting him away.”

“I saw his hand the last time he visited, when he brought Grandma to change my Secret Keeper,” Mariah admitted, and moved away from Draco to sit down. She tried hard to comprehend all that he told her, and she frowned as she looked at her hands.

“Snape brewed potions to keep him alive for months, and tried to find something that would cure what ever dark magic that caused it.” Draco sat back down next to Mariah, and looked at her.

“I still hate him!” Mariah said, and looked towards the door as if she could see the black robed wizard spying on them again. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw the doorway empty.

Harry and the two girls entered his bedroom, and he quickly set up silencing charms before sitting down on the bed. He looked up at the two of them, “Malfoy has approached me again about joining us on our mission the next time we leave. He gave some good arguments about the fact he could keep both of you safe while I concentrate on the Horcruxes.”

“What did Dumbledore say?” Ginny asked him, and sat down next to him on the bed.

“He said it was my decision, and with that I'm making it a three way decision. It's your safety I worry about most.” Harry held up his hand, “There is still the matter of his Dark Mark, and the possibilities of it exposing us to nearby Death Eaters as we hunt.” Harry turned to look at Hermione. “I don't think he'll betray us purposely- anymore. Happy?”

Hermione grinned at her best friend, “Finally!” She commented, and wrapped her arms around his neck. “The Dark Mark hasn't led any Death Eaters here.”

“No it hasn't,” Ginny nodded her head in agreement, “But the wards around the Headquarters may prevent that,” she added, and bit her lip in thought.

“He could be a big help,” Hermione said, and sat down on the other side of Harry, “He's got a lot of knowledge about dark magic, and his wand could only add to our defenses.”

“So- yes or no?” Harry asked both girls, and set aside his hatred of the Slytherin. Hermione's head nodded, and Ginny's “Yes,” settled it. “Be warned- I'll send him back here faster than a Erumpant on a hot bed of coals if his Mark draws attention. His help is not worth dying for.”

“So- can we tell him?” Hermione asked and stood up to head to the door. Her hand touched the knob, and she looked back at the other two.

“He's going to have to do a Wizard's oath to not reveal anything before we tell him anything,” Harry told her, and winced at Hermione's expression. “He suggested it himself, and I agree with him.”

Severus Snape opened the door to his potions room, and controlled the slam he wanted to make. He hadn't planned on eavesdropping, but when he had heard Draco telling Mariah about Narcissa, he couldn't move away. “At least she and Draco are talking civilly now,” He commented, and sat down behind his desk. “Will she accept that he's her brother though?” He knew he didn't have a chance in her accepting him, but the two of them were innocents in all of this. Her eyes had shown every ounce of hatred she held for him when she caught him at the door. Turning away had been the hardest thing he had done, but he had.

Snape's hand flipped open the music box, and pulled out the picture. “She'll know soon,” His finger traced Cissa's face once more, and felt the love he had held for the witch snuggled in his arms well up once more. “We did the correct thing love. She's grown up strong, and away from the prejudges here. She'll go far- and she'll have Draco through this.” And Draco will have her, a voice reminded him. “Draco will make you live for her Cissa,” He placed the picture back in the box and closed it slowly.

Harry. Hermione and Ginny returned to the kitchen, and saw Draco place his hand on Mariah's shoulder. “We're back,” Hermione said quietly, and watched the two. Draco looked up at her, and smiled slightly. She walked over to him, and leaned into him when his arm slipped around her waist.

Ginny went over to Mariah, and placed an arm around her shoulder when she saw the dried tears on her face. “What happened?” She looked at Malfoy, and he shrugged his shoulders. Her foot tapped soundlessly on the floor.

“He told me about his mom, and stuff.” Mariah said in a hushed tone. “It all made me think of Grandpa, and I cried.” She looked at Draco, and a small smile flickered across her face. “I understand a lot better now. Thank you.”

Harry still stood at the door, and watched them all. “Malfoy, can I speak to please?” His arms were crossed over his chest, but he had relaxed at Mariah's words. Taking him with them would get Malfoy out her hair maybe. Though it seemed like they were getting on better terms.

Draco looked over at Harry, and nodded. “Sure, the sitting room?” He asked, and stood up. He nodded towards the girls, and bent towards Mariah, “It does get easier,” He promised her, and followed Potter out the door.

Harry entered the sitting room, and turned to look at Malfoy when he entered. Draco slid the doors shut behind them, and arched an eyebrow. “If this is about Mariah, I assure you I didn't do anything to hurt her.”

“No actually- it concerns the fact the girls and I have come to an agreement about you joining us when we go back out again.” Harry told him, “But if you had hurt Mariah, I wouldn't be near the girls- Hermione and Ginny would hex you to death. Those two are dangerous together.”

“I would say add Mariah to the mix- she flipped Professor Snape without a problem.” Draco added, and then tapped his finger against his arm. “So what was the verdict?”

“As long as you agree to the Oath, you're allowed to come. All three of us agreed.” Harry nodded, and pulled out his wand.

Draco nodded, and pulled his wand out. They touched the tips, and Draco began to speak. “I, Draco Malfoy, agree to keep secret what Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ginevra Weasley have invited me into. I also promise to protect the three, with my life if necessary,” A swirl of blue enveloped the wand tips. Harry's eyebrow raised at the last part, “So be it. I also agree to protect the other three to the best of my capabilities.” The swirl enclosed around them, and dissipated back into the wands.

Mariah stood up from the table and walked over to the sink. With a sigh she gathered up the broken glass, and gasped when she cut the palm of her hand. The pieces dropped back into the sink, and Hermione came over. “Here,” She took Mariah's hand in hers, and gently wrapped a teacloth around it.. She took out her wand, “Reparo,” She pointed it at the pieces of glass and the reformed into the tumbler.

“Let me see it,” Ginny said and came over.

“It's alright,” Mariah began to protest, but Ginny gently but firmly grasped the cloth covered hand and unwrapped it.

“You'll need to have Snape bind this, it's kind of deep.” Ginny said, and pointed towards the door. She knew the girl would rather have had Remus or Tonks do it, but both were still away on their impromptu honeymoon. Hermione almost offered to do it, but pressed her lips together in thought.

“Come with me?” Mariah looked at Hermione and Ginny, and bit her lip. The cloth turned redder, and Hermione pointed her towards the door.

“I'll go,” Hermione told Ginny, “You tell the boys what happened when they get back.” Ginny nodded and watched the other two leave.

The two girls walked down the hall to where Snape's door lay, and Hermione raised her hand to knock. A growl issued from behind it, and Mariah turned to head back away. Hermione placed a hand on Mariah's shoulder, “Stay,” She whispered, “Professor? There's been an accident,” Hermione called through the door.

The door opened quickly, and Snape peered out. “What?” He saw the reddened cloth, and open the door completely. “Come in,” He said tersely.

“Mariah's cut her hand, and it looks like it needs attention,” Hermione told Severus, and she saw the look of concern that briefly passed on his face before his facade dropped again.

“If you're busy...” Mariah said quietly, and looked at him. The hesitation he saw in her eyes made him sigh inwardly, and he moved so that they could enter.

“Nonsense!” Snape said, and pointed to a chair by the desk. He went to the medicinal cabinet and pulled a couple of vials out of it. “If not treated, it could become infected or cause a scar. Wouldn't want that now, would we?” He turned and saw the girl still standing in the middle of the room. “Sit, Miss Sanders.” He saw Hermione's raised eyebrow, “Please.” He added, and Hermione smiled encouragingly.

Mariah turned to look at Hermione, and hesitantly walked over to the chair. 'Please don't leave,' She mouthed at the other girl, and Hermione nodded. She moved to stand next to the injured girl, and placed her hand on Mariah's shoulder.

Severus place the vials on the desk, and took Mariah's hand with a touch far gentler than she would have expected. He unwrapped the hand, and let the bloody cloth drop to the floor. “How did this happen?” He asked as he inspected the cut for deepness and to see if anything major was cut. He slowly breathed a sigh of relief to see that though it was deep, it hadn't touched bone.

“I broke a glass in the sink and I was cleaning it up,” Mariah told him, and winced when he touched it.

“We'll have to use an antibacterial potion on it as well as the binding.” Severus nodded, and picked up a vial, opened it and held it out to her. “Drink this please, it'll ease the pain also.” He nodded, and watched her grimace when she finished it.

“These are as horrible as Caleb's,” Mariah said, and licked her lips and swallowed to try and get rid of the taste. The pain from her palm eased though, and she watched Snape as he tended her hand. He poured a vial over it, and the initial sting had her biting her lip before it subsided. The bleeding slowed, and Snape brought out a small thin needle with a thread attached. He put a few stitches in, and then poured the binding potion over it.

“Interesting,” Mariah murmured, “You use a mix of Muggle and Magic healing.” Just like Caleb, she added in her head.

“Your hand will be fully healed in a few days, so come back for me to remove the stitches to make sure.” Snape continued, and bound her hand in a white bandage. “Do not do any potions work while it is open,” He added, and looked up into her eyes. “If infection should set in, come to me immediately. Don't let your hatred of me cause any problems. Day or night, Miss Sanders.”

“Yes sir,” Mariah answered him, and felt a bit of shame over her words earlier. He hadn't left like I thought, she thought. Caleb always said I would have to eat my words one day.

“You're grandfather was just as stubborn, and allowed things to fester until it became almost impossible to heal. Albus was a great wizard, and could do many things. Healing wasn't one of his greatest skills though.” Severus said, and handed Hermione a few bottles. “You'll need to take these for the pain and to prevent infection. Once daily for three days. After that, barring any complications, come back to me.” He told them, but held his gaze with Hermione.

Mariah heard the caring Snape felt for her grandfather in his words, and looked at Hermione. Draco was right maybe... She thought with a sigh. She had allowed her anger to blind her to a lot it seemed.

“Thank you sir,” Mariah said and smiled at him. Snape's eyebrow arched in confusion, and he looked back at Hermione who smiled at him. You little meddler, he thought. He lips formed a small smile of understanding.

“You're welcome Miss Sanders,” Snape replied, and looked at her. The eyes that haunted him for months looked back at him. Not in love, but with a small measure of compassion. You've done me a great service Albus Dumbledore, his eyes strayed to the small music box.

“It's time, isn't it Miss Granger?” Severus Snape looked at Hermione, and she smiled softly.

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I want to thank you all for faithfully reading. Any feedback is totally appreciated. (Plz... for my sanity review.)
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