Locked In

Hermione watched Daphne fidget for a while in the abandoned classroom she’d lead her to. She was leery, but it looked like the Slytherin was more nervous than plotting. Finally, she’d had enough.

“Did you want something Greengrass?”

Daphne sighed. “So, um, you and Draco, huh?”

Hermione nodded. Daphne ran her hand through her hair, a gesture so much like Harry’s that it made Hermione smile. “Is this some sort of joke? I mean, you and Draco have hated each other for six years.”

Hermione shrugged. “Hate is a strong word.”

“Be serious,” Daphne snapped. “Draco is pureblood and you are a muggleborn. That is not possible.”

Hermione crossed her arms and gave Daphne a pointed look. “Isn’t it?”

Daphne flushed. “No one will accept it.”

Hermione sighed and sat on a nearby desk. “Those who care already have. Why are you really here?”

“You look happy,” Daphne whispered. “I’ve… I’ve never seen Draco like that.”

“Like what?”

Daphne smiled. “Totally and completely head over heels in love. He’s normally so cold and distant, even with the girls he’s dated in the past.”

Hermione nodded. “It’s a mask loads of Slytherins wear.”

“Tell me about it,” Daphne muttered as she sat down heavily in a desk. “I hate it.”

“Why wear it?”

“Because,” Daphne sighed. “If you don’t, others exploit your weaknesses.”

“Doesn’t sound like a friendly bunch if you have to wear a mask all the time.”

Daphne shrugged. “There are some loyal friends in Slytherin. I mean, before Millicent… anyway, she would have taken my secrets to the grave… did actually.”

Hermione’s face softened. “So why are you so interested in Draco and me?”

“How did you do it?” Daphne looked despondent. “You’ve literally hexed each other to hell and back.”

Hermione chuckled. “Well, being locked in a room together for nearly a month helped. There was no room for differences. We had to get along to survive. And then we… we realized there was more than meets the eye… for both of us.”

“But you’re still together. And it’s like Draco doesn’t give a fuck what anyone thinks.”

Hermione giggled. “He doesn’t, not when it comes to us. I really love him though.”

Daphne nodded. “He loves you too. He’d never, ever go against his father if he didn’t.”

“Daphne,” Hermione said, hoping she hadn’t overstepped her bounds by saying the girl’s first name. The hopeful look she gave was permission enough. “We just fought an entire war over blood purity. What good would it be to lose all those lives if nothing changed?”

Daphne shrugged.

“Look, couples from different stations and blood types have struggled through this for centuries. Aren’t you tired of hiding how you really feel?”

Daphne’s eyes narrowed. “How would you know how I really feel?”

Hermione bit her lip, trying to decide how much to divulge. It wouldn’t be wise to tell Daphne she’d seen it in the room, but then again, she’d seen it outside too. In fact, she was surprised others hadn’t.

“I’ve seen the way you look at Justin… when you think no one is watching.”

Daphne looked like she’d been slapped. “I-I…”

Hermione held a hand up. “No need to explain it to me. He looks at you the same way. And everyone knows you aren’t crazy for Nott. But he has his eyes on someone too. And she tears up every time he walks by. Tragic really.”

Daphne buried her head in her hands. “Is it that obvious?”

Hermione hummed. “I suppose I’m more observant than most. Draco has noticed it too. Actually, that’s what we were discussing this morning. You two looked so miserable. We were wondering if there was a way you would be happy.”

“Yeah,” Daphne huffed. “Not marrying Theo would make me very happy.”

Hermione took a chance and walked over to put a hand on Daphne’s shoulder. “What else?”

Daphne crumpled. “I want Justin.”

Hermione nodded. “Then you should go after him.”

Daphne shook her head. “It’s hopeless. The contract is iron clad.”

Hermione frowned. “Then we’ll find a way.”

After several more minutes of basic rambling to keep Daphne from breaking down, the girls parted ways. Hermione was determined to help her out. Not watching where she was going, she barreled right into a strong chest and almost fell backwards. She was caught as she bounced off.

“You’re making this a habit and I’m not fond of it,” Draco growled.

Hermione sighed in relief. “I’m sorry Draco. I wasn’t paying attention.”

“An interesting chat then?”

Hermione nodded. “We’ve got to help them Draco.”

Draco nodded and slung his arm around her shoulder, walking her up to the seventh floor. “I was worried sick at first, you going off with Greengrass. Then Nott cornered me in the Great Hall and asked if I knew how to break a marriage contract, since I was so cozy with you.”

Hermione frowned. “Did you have a marriage contract?”

Draco sighed. “I did, once upon a time. Father hadn’t accepted the dowry from the Parkinsons yet so it wasn’t official.”

Hermione gasped. “But you were engaged?”

“No,” Draco said firmly. “The engagement is only final once the dowry has been accepted. Father was imprisoned before that could happen.”

Hermione frowned. “But that was our fifth year.”

Draco nodded, a small smirk on his face. “Ironically enough, six year was a sort of free year for me.”

Hermione shook her head. “Well, has Nott accepted the Greengrass dowry yet?”

Draco sighed. “Theo thinks so. However, his dad is in Azkaban and he’s no longer head of the family.”

“Theo is,” she gasped.

Draco nodded. “He should be able to give the dowry back… but he doesn’t know what or how much it was and his family’s assets are frozen anyway.”

“Then we need to find out,” Hermione growled.

“You aren’t going anywhere near Azkaban! And I’m not allowed. Part of my probation.”

Hermione huffed. “Your probation is ridiculous. You are a hero for fucks sake.”

Draco chuckled. “I really do love it when you curse. But really, if I was anyone else, you wouldn’t think it was ridiculous. Actually, you probably didn’t think so before the room.”

Hermione sighed. “I did actually. I fought it with everything I had.”

Draco looked shocked. “Why?” She quirked an eyebrow and he sighed. “Fine. Keep your secrets. I’ll figure it out some other way, but for now, I believe I can pull a favor with a certain vampire…”

AN: It's not reaaaally a cliffhanger, is it? Well, the next installment isn't far if it is. Everyone enjoying this twist so far? The Revolution is afoot! As always, thanks to everyone who reviewed. They make my sinus infection/ cold/ wheverthehellthewindblewin feel much better. Keep them coming and let me know how I'm doing. Until next time... love you guys.