The Fealty of Draco Malfoy

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Thank you for reading this so far. I have most of the story worked out and will continue to post chapters through the week. Please feel free to leave reviews!

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Hermione woke with a start. In a seat beside her reading a book was Draco Malfoy. She jolted away from him.

“You're awake,” he greeted, closing his book and looked at her, “You've been asleep for a few hours,” He was exhausted himself.

“Why didn't you…” she asked warily.

“I’m not fond of rape. I was trying to explain earlier. “ he looked at his hands in his lap, “I convinced the Dark Lord that you were a stubborn one to crack. And that I would have you... broken soon.” He turned green at the statement.

She watched him suspiciously.

“Look, I convinced him that I had already done things to you. That I pushed you utter exhaustion.” She furrowed her brow.

“You lied to him?”

“I'm excellent at occulumency.”

“So let me go. If you aren't going to hurt me you can let me go.” She sat on the chaise facing him.

“It's not that simple,” Draco replied. I wish it were so simple.

“Sure it is. Let me escape,” Hermione stated.

“If I do that I will be tortured and killed.” He replied solemnly, “If there was a way to get you out without getting us both killed I'd do it.”

She stared at him for a long moment.

“I really don't know where they are,” she whispered. He stared back.

“I know,”

“So what do we do now?” She asked standing.

“You can clean up if you want.” He stood too, “I healed your arm as much as I could. And the house elves made sure you were sanitary.”

“Thanks,” she looked around, “Where's the washroom?” He walked her to another doorway. He gestured her in. She gave him a wary glance. He had to figure out how to get her out. Potter needs her. I have to get her out of here. He repeated this to himself like a mantra. He was risking everything. Forgive me mother. He pleaded silently as he set to writing.

Draco was writing at his desk when she entered, he didn't look up.

“Where is my wand?” She asked with a hint of defiance.

“Right here.” He pulled her wand out of his front robe pocket. He looked up at her, “Do you want it back?”

“Yes,” she answered simply stepping forward.

“One condition. Don't hex or curse me,” he met her gaze, “I don't want to hurt you.”

She looked at him seriously, “I'm getting out of here as soon as I can.” She reached for her wand. When he didn't pull away he saw the relief on her face.

“Mother sent food,” he waved to the side table between two armchairs, “Help yourself,” she sat down and buttered a piece of toast. They sat quietly for a few moments. Draco finished his letter and sent an owl. Draco returned and took the seat next to her.

“Who was that to?” Hermione asked. He plucked a few grapes before answering.

“Someone who will help,” he replied quietly, “Tomorrow the Dark Lord will return here and demand to see you.” He glanced at her. She stared at him in disbelief.

“I have to leave before he does.” She stood and paced, “Who did you contact?” she asked more urgently.

Draco picked up his tea, “Harry Potter.” Taking a sip he watched her stop pacing and gawk at him.

“Harry…”

“Yes, he will know the letter is from me but I told him it was urgent that he get here before you're killed.” He sipped his tea again.

“He'll think it's a trap.” She stated.

“He'll treat it seriously and show up.”

“You played him.” she stood.

“I'm helping you.” he set his cup down.

“Not at the cost of Harry! It's too dangerous!” She rushed to the table and grabbed parchment and a quill.

“What are you doing?” He asked standing too.

“Warning Harry.” She furiously inked the quill and started writing.

“I can't let you do that.” He pulled the quill from her hand.

“Give it back!” She yelled.

“No.”

“You'll get him killed.” She stopped for a moment, “That's your plan.” she moved away from him, “You're going to use me as bait. It's all been a ruse.”

“I don't want him killed.” He said quietly. She snorted in reply crossing her arms. He pushed the sleeve of his robe up to reveal the Dark Mark, “I've been forced into this. I'm just as ruined as you are,” he gestured to her scar. “But I'm trapped. I can't leave. I can get you out. And you can go on to help Potter. He won't survive without you. You can't let Potter die.” He was anguished. She had to understand.

“You really think I'd let Harry walk into a trap?” She snarled, “if you don't want him dead you wouldn't have told him to come!”

“If he doesn't, we will both be dead!” He yelled, “It's better if it’s just me that's dead.”

They both stood in silence for an uncomfortable moment.

“Come with me.” She said suddenly, “You don't have to be a part of it anymore.”

“I'm marked, Granger. Don't you understand?!” He ran his hands through his hair messing the platinum strands, “He calls and my arm burns. The longer I stay away the more excruciating the pain.” He shuddered.

“We can help you through it. We can-”

“Protect me? From the Dark Lord and his followers?” He scoffed.

“We've protected Harry.” She said determinedly.

“I wouldn't be protected.” He turned from her, “You can't trust me. I wouldn't trust me in your position.” He had to leave the room for a moment. He was overwhelmed by his decision. Tomorrow he would die.