Requital by Msscribe
Rating: R- (edited version). Full NC17 version on www.portkey.org.
Ships: H/Hr
Type: Angst\ Romance\ Action Adventure
Summary: A story of Hermione Granger coming to terms with her greatest loss, finding her own voice and strength, and coming of age in a world battered by a never-ending war.
Disclaimer: No profits are being made off the fiction on these pages. Harry Potter, associated characters and the associated Harry Potter universe is © J. K. Rowling and respective publishers. Fanfiction is fiction-it's not meant to be taken seriously in the least.
Chapter 13- Hours in Between
It didn't take an Auror to figure out that something major was afoot.
"Police don't have any suspects just yet, and they are asking anyone who was a witness to the events of yesterday morning to …" the downstairs radio blared.
Hermione could hear the wind screaming against her window, and the shuffling and whispering of Ginny and Cho as they woke from their much-needed rest. She had awakened earlier, and was taking the time to memorize the rhyme that her Aunt had managed to send to Arthur Weasley.
"I hope maiden doesn't mean virgin," Ginny Weasley said, who had been listening to Hermione's whispered words.
"Well, if it does, we'll have to take a little field trip to find one," said Cho, already busy transfiguring yesterday's soot filled clothes into something slightly cleaner and less covered in blood.
With despairing eyes, Hermione looked up from the paper. "I'm not sure exactly, but it would probably be better to be safe than sorry."
There were noises coming from next door. Harry or Draco must be awake. Hermione missed the feel of Harry next to her that morning. When she had reached out for him instinctively; her hands had ended up clinging to nothing but the sheets.
"I want to go with you tomorrow. I want to help," Ginny said.
There was an awkward pause, in which Hermione sighed quietly. Ginny's belly shrank, and she contemplated dropping the subject, but her words and feelings just kept on coming.
"I can do this. If I fuck it up, it's my fault, " she stuttered.
Cho looked over at Ginny with something similar to condolence on her face. "If you fuck it up you die, plain and simple. Besides, Arthur will never let you go."
But Ginny had made up her mind already, especially after realizing she'd be the only one left behind.
"You need my help. I know you do…"
"You'd end up getting yourself killed!" Hermione snapped, instantly sorry for the firmness in her voice.
Ginny moved her attention from her hands to Hermione, meeting her stare.
"I'm stronger than I look Hermione, and I'm not afraid," she said, "plus I know the secret entrance to Malfoy Manor…to Draco's room."
Hermione bit her tongue, fixing her gaze on Ginny. Cho stopped transfiguring her ripped blouse and sat beside Hermione.
"She could be useful," Cho said softly, "And she's got a point about knowing Malfoy Manor."
Hermione said nothing, leaning her back against the wall.
She'll be killed if we don't win anyhow.
#
Lucius Malfoy awoke the next morning, unable to stop himself from smiling. His houseguest's voices drifted up to his bedroom, laughing and bantering. They had tasted long awaited success, and for the first time since the rise of Tom Riddle, they were once again rising to power. He felt fresh and whole again. A whim of fate had brought him to this state and he meant to keep it.
"Ah, good! You're up."
Locust stood in the doorway neatly dressed in a brown and gray suit.
Lucius had gone to bed wearing nothing, and in the moment he realized Locust was staring, he slipped a black robe over his shoulders.
"Good Morning," he said smoothly, "I hope you've found that the servants have prepared a suitable breakfast."
Lucius crossed room, his brief moment of euphoria slipping away as he thought of the task ahead. He lifted a glass of brandy to his lips, first taste of the morning, and wished he were like other men to the extent that a strong drink would ease his tension.
"Satisfactory, although the meat wasn't as fresh as I'd like. I must say that my partner finds you very distasteful. Most likely jealousy of her fondness for you," Locust said.
Lucius turned his eyes full up the round man. Locust smiled.
"He would prefer we no longer use a human as a Dark Lord, he'd much prefer he and I remain her most loyal servants. He suggested last night that we eliminate you all together, but she wouldn't hear of it. She speaks your name quite a bit, and no doubt your rewards will be great after she comes to full power."
Agitated, Lucius paced the room, trying to keep his composure from faltering.
"Tell her I will be down once I've taken care of some business for the estate. Are all of my guests ready to leave?" he said, pulling his silver hair back.
"All but a few stragglers. They are packing now, and will return tomorrow evening. She was very satisfied with their emotional responses…very much indeed."
Lucius nearly laughed at the thought. She had feasted upon the emotions of the darkest and most ruthless beings around. The taste must have been heaven for her after all of those Muggles she had sustained herself on previously.
#
It was Ron's turn to lose control. "You are pretty bold Malfoy, pretending that you're on our side. I don't trust you, and if you so much as take a step in the wrong direction, I'll kill you myself."
Draco smirked and continued searching the woods behind their temporary home for anything that could be easily transfigured into a weapon. He stopped to pick up a large stick that could be made into a flack.
"Got nothing to say for once?" Ron began again, ignoring Harry's protests and temporarily forgetting his hasty promise to Cho. Ron's eyes were filled with contempt. Draco met them with a cool gaze.
"Cool it Ron! Christ, why can't you just let things go?" Harry yelled, standing between them now.
"I was thinking last night…and I think that this piece of shit could be leading us all right to the slaughter! He could be part of some elaborate scheme Lucius has cooked up and here we are, stupid enough to trust him! I mean, why the hell would he show up at my house looking for help? Has anyone thought of that?" Ron said not letting his eyes look away from Draco's.
"Ginny...because Ginny was there... he went to her for help," Harry said, looking at Malfoy who had now turned away from Ron's gaze.
Ron drew his breath and closed his hands tightly on nothing.
"What do you mean Ginny? What do you mean?"
Harry grabbed Ron by his shoulders, restraining him and trying to get him to look away from Draco.
"Ginny and I are together Weasel. We have been for a while now, but everyone thought you were too much of a baby to handle that so they kept it from you."
"You're …not…helping …Malfoy!" Harry said through set teeth, now struggling to keep Ron from lunging at the blonde boy. Neville ran over to help him in the knick of time.
"GOD DAMN LIAR!!" Ron screamed.
Malfoy stepped closer, pulling his wand from his pocket and dropping it on the ground nearby, egging Ron on.
"Let him go. It's time we settled this, " Malfoy said calmly.
Neville opened his mouth, closed it, then wet his lips and said, "Maybe Malfoy's right. I say we let them fight it out." Neville released Ron, leaving Harry still struggling against him.
Harry sighed, and let Ron go. Ron charged towards Draco like a wild rhinoceros, winding him and knocking him to the ground. Draco, not one to simply take a beating, landed a solid punch to Ron's face and rolled him over onto his back. Then he stood above him.
"You're right, I could give a shit about you, or Potter, or any of you poor excuses for Wizards!" Malfoy said bitterly, kicking Ron in his stomach.
The red head spat on the ground and stood up, landing a punch to Malfoy's grimacing mouth.
"So you admit it! Your nothing but a fucking traitor! I'll kill you!"
Harry and Neville stood in the shadows watching them exchange blows. Sirius and Cho saw the commotion and ran over. Neville put his hand on Sirius' chest before he could break up their rumble.
"I think they might need to do this," Harry said, noting the anxious look on his godfather's face.
Malfoy returned Ron's shot, knocking him up against an oak tree.
"I'm a traitor only to my family name you obnoxious… ill mannered ass, and I'll probably die tomorrow too!" Malfoy said right before he pummeled Ron in the stomach again.
Ron was undeterred. He grabbed Malfoy by the shoulders and struggled to pin him to the ground.
"Why should we believe that? I don't believe a word you say!"
Ron began to wrap his hands around Malfoy's throat. Harry and Neville began to move, thinking they may have to stop the fight after all. Cho looked on, entranced, having never seen Ron this violent before.
"Because…I…would…die…for …her," Draco stammered.
Both of their breathing was labored. Ron's face washed blue, like someone who was recently deceased. Draco wrenched himself from Ron's grasp, rolling out from under him.
Ron stood slowly, Cho rushing over to help him. His mind was somewhere else now. Harry went over to them.
"Ron…"
"Just leave me alone, Harry," Ron said, walking silently back towards the house with Cho.
Neville went to help Malfoy, who pushed him away proudly. Sirius stood firm, thinking maybe they could finally move on.
"Malfoy…think you can manage to have that map by tonight?"
Malfoy spit a large wad of saliva and blood onto the ground. Then he dusted himself off, recovering his dignity.
" I'll start on it now."
#
Hermione sat in the Muggle beauty salon listening to the non-stop chatter.
"And can you believe they have no idea who's bombing these places? It makes you afraid to leave your house at night!" a stylist said to her client, who was too busy reading the magazine on her lap to respond with more than an "uh huh".
Hermione wished she could have added, during the day too to that declaration.
She was trying to remain patient as the woman worked the strong smelling dye remover through her hair. She kept eyeing the little girl in the corner, who was waiting for a haircut. She was so young, most definitely a virgin.
All I need is one lock, she thought hoping they didn't throw away the clippings immediately.
#
When Lucius' eyes met hers again, she had aged some. She stood before him now, fully grown. He found her appearance shocking, to say the least.
"I am quite fond of the form I keep, but I sensed it was making you uncomfortable," she said, stepping closer to him.
"There was no discomfort as I hardly know you, although I serve you now most loyally," he answered, bowing before her.
"You are very skilled with your words."
She crossed the room, taking a deep breath and exhaling loudly.
"Tom knew me. He preferred the form I have now, but I prefer the child. That form is small and disarming to most, giving me an advantage over those who wish to harm me," she said, walking back to him.
Lucius let his eyes wander to her new flesh. She reveled in his longing gaze.
"You say you do not know me?"
He brought his eyes to meet hers. She let the simple garment she wore fall to the floor.
"Come…. know me then," she hissed
#
"This could be our last night on earth Ginny, and I don't want you hating me," Arthur said, sitting down next to his only daughter, "I stand by what I say but I should have never hit you."
Ginny nodded thoughtfully. "I know, but please trust me. I know him Dad…better than anyone ever has."
His daughter was strong, alive and determined. He had raised her to be all of those things.
"I trust you," he said, feeling slightly indulgent because of his actions that previous night.
Ginny smiled. "I'm coming tomorrow." She waited for his reaction, surprised when it wasn't immediate.
"I was expecting you to say that, although I hoped you wouldn't. You're like your mother, once you've made up your mind…"
She cut him off with a hug. He held onto her, remembering the first time he held her in his arms and hoping it wouldn't be the last.
#
"So you say the ministry in France is sending some help?" Harry asked Sirius as they looked over the map that Malfoy had drawn. It was highly detailed, and Draco had carefully labeled it with the various security mechanisms that were being used.
"They are reluctant, but they will send some Aurors. They are sending four."
Harry wasn't surprised. He had hoped for more support, but he wasn't surprised at all.
"Well, I guess that means a long night tonight."
Sirius shook his head. "No, I don't think that's what we need. I think whatever happens will happen and frankly I'm not anxious to spend what could be my last evening locked in a room with all of you. I suggest you catch up on some sleep, or , if you're anxious...alter your appearance and go into Hogsmeade."
Harry lay his head back onto the chair. "You're probably right, but Hogsmeade doesn't have the appeal it once did."
Hermione walked in, looking like a stranger from the past. "It's shorter, but it looks more like me don't you think?"
Sirius eyed her suspiciously, "You went and got your hair done?"
She passed him a resentful look, pulling a snippet of blonde hair from her pocket. "It's from a little girl…a virgin, or maiden. I went to the salon to collect it and thought they would grow suspicious if I were just hanging around."
"I'm glad. I missed your hair that way," Harry said.
Sirius stood to leave, "I'm gone, I guess I'll see you in the morning."
"Where are you going?" Harry said.
"To Calypso. I have an old friend I never got to spend enough time with."
#
When Hermione opened her eyes in the middle of the night, Draco Malfoy was standing over her. She was about to let out an instinctive scream until she saw Ginny standing close behind him, smirking. She looked over at Cho's bed, which was empty.
"Longbottom took off to be with that Muggle woman, and Cho is a fairly smart girl…so how about we play a game of musical beds, Granger?" he said.
"Beautiful music to be made in private of course…C'mon Hermione…last night on earth, lets make it count," she said, throwing her arms around Draco's shoulders.
Hermione sat up, letting her eyes focus in the darkened room. "What about the Weasley's?"
"Mom and Dad are fast asleep…along with Harry, but we have a feeling you can wake him up without a complaint," Ginny giggled.
Hermione thought, why not?
She threw on her robe and tiptoed out, checking the hall for any signs of movement. She thought she could hear a bed squeaking in Ron and Neville's room.
Cho Chang, no doubt.
When she opened the door to Harry and Draco's room, Harry was fast asleep, a tiny trail of dribble coming from his mouth. She giggled, and he woke with a start, reaching for his wand.
"Good reflexes," she said, sitting on his bed next to him.
"What? Where's Malfoy?" he said sleepily, "Is everything alright?"
Hermione could make out his expression in the semi-darkness. He was awfully slow to catch on, but once he did, he smiled.
"Malfoy and I are playing musical beds," Hermione whispered, removing her robe.
He took his wand and whispered a silencing and locking charm. Then he reached up for her, pulling her down on top of him. They became entangled in a kiss with their tongues probing, pushing, exploring and Hermione scratching her cheek against his rough, stubbled one.
She became restless in his arms, but her lips stayed on him. He moved his hands down from her back and begun rocking her hips as he moved his thigh between her legs. He put his hand on the nape of her neck, feeling the soft down that grew there, and pulled her lips even tighter to his. A hot little quiver of anticipation ran through her body as she let her hand reach down to find him already rigid. When she did this, his fingers pressed into her hips, grinding her onto him.
Her hand groped his penis again, and he stroked her hair, which was soft and full of curl now… as he wriggled out of his boxers. Hermione's trembling fingers traced his length. Harry caressed her narrow shoulders, then her slim body, which tensed momentarily as his hands slid down to her thighs, and up under her nightgown.
"I want to make you come..." he whispered, fixing his eyes onto hers.
When he found her, she moaned under her breath, raising herself so she could pull her nightgown over her head. She closed her thighs around his hand, rocking above him, his thumb pressed firmly against the bundle of nerves between her folds.
"Oh God Harry!"
She cried out in pleasure at her own release as she pressed herself fiercely against him, her body grasping him, pulling him inside. Despite their urgency, each movement became longer and slower. Her arms began to tremble with supporting her weight above him, and he rolled her over, plunging himself as deep inside of her as he could.
When he came, it seemed to last forever. There was a sense of all encompassing peace as Hermione lay under him, shivering. He could see the lines of her face in the moonlight that seeped into the room. He stroked her affectionately, breathing hot breath onto her neck.
"I think it'll be alright if I stay until morning…before the Weasley's notice we've switched things around," she said.
Harry let his fingers remove a curl from her forehead, now moist with perspiration. "Good," he said cupping her breast, "I'm not ready to let you go just yet…"
#
"Molly…Molly…are you still up?"
The sleepy Mrs. Weasley rolled over to face her husband again. "Alright honey…once more," she mumbled reaching for the buttons on her sleep shirt.
"No…although," he paused contemplating her offer, "no…no…what I mean is it's way too quiet out there. Usually I have to throw a silencing charm on Ron's room to stop the sound of his snoring at this point."
Mrs. Weasley sighed. "They're probably having a hard time sleeping. I know I am," yawning in contradiction to her previous statement.
"There better not be any funny business going on there…I know Harry's seeing Hermione now, and it seems to me Ms. Chang has taken a liking to our son."
"Give it a rest Arthur, they aren't children anymore," she moaned, rolling over onto her side.
"I swear it, Molly," he said pulling the covers up around him again, "If Draco Malfoy is out there fooling around with my daughter, this will be his last night on earth whether we are successful tomorrow or not."
"Whatever you say dear. Whatever you say."