Draco watched the door listening to the shuffling on the other side. His legs stretched out in front of him as he leaned against the wall next to the window he had only an hour before tried to break open. Of course all that had done was cause the broken couch leg he was using to come rebounding off the impervious charm with enough force to crack in his hand. The window remained perfectly in tack and Draco had dropped to the ground in frustration tossing the broken couch leg away. Now he sat listening to the steady pacing back and forth of someone on the other side of the attic door.

Frustrated and hungry Draco jumped to his feet, crossing the room in quick angry strides he banged his fist on the door, "I can bloody well hear you, so if you are going to persist on being outside my door I need some food and to use the loo."

The pacing stopped immediately, Draco strained to hear the soft curse directed at him through the door. Staring at the wood he listened as the person took what sounded like another step towards him. Draco smirked as he bellowed through the door once more, "GO!"

The shuffling of retreating feet followed a muffled shriek that his unwanted stalker let out when he surprised them. Leaning his head against the wood Draco soaked in the coolness of the smooth grain, for a drafty looking room the attic was unbearably stuffy. Hitting his fist against the door he let out a sigh before pushing himself away from the door and back to the only part of the room that offered anything to look at. He was just getting settled when the door was shoved open. Keeping his eyes firmly on the dirty window scene that only offered an impressive view of the smoke blackened brick work of the building next door.

"Soup and some bread," a familiar voice called out, turning Draco raised his eyebrows in mock surprise at his visitor. Hermione Granger set the tray she was caring down on the dirty floor trying not to stir up the feathers, "If you behave I can take you to the bathroom before eating."

"I was wondering who was lurking around out there," Draco turned to glare at her, "Still as pathetic as always Granger. What were you hoping for a chance to hex me? Or perhaps you finally grew a pair and have it in you to Avada me?"

"For someone in your situation you should behave a little more civilly," her hand tightening noticeably on her wand, "I was hoping that perhaps you would have changed but you are still the same prat as always."

"And you are still the same mudblood," Draco bit out, "Why don't you go find Potter or the male Weasel and leave me to my oh so enjoyable view. And send someone tolerable next time to bring my food; I won't be able to stomach that now that you have touched it."

She opened her mouth to say something else but snapped it shut as she thought better. Turning on her heel she slammed out of the door leaving Draco to face the uninteresting attic and equally unappetizing meal. Slumping against the wall he let out a sigh of relief at the silence that surrounded him. A small smile played at his lips as he realized that for the most part he was finally free. His mind began to wander into lazy circles as he watched the clouds that were barely visible in between the two buildings.

"You should eat," Draco resisted the urge to jump at the voice. Tearing his eyes away from the window he watched as his wife close the door behind herself before coming further into the room. A wand dangling lazily from her fingertips Draco felt his stomach roll with unease, if anyone was to curse him it would be the little red head before him now.

"What do you want?" Draco ground out his shoulders tensing as she played with the wand, one he now recognized as his own.

"Conjugal visits," she snapped out her eyes flashing, "You stupid, egotistical prat-."

Draco was across the room and reaching for her before she could get out her anger any further only to be stopped by the tip of his own wand in his chest, "You will not take another step Malfoy. You will not tell anyone about the wedding or else I will make sure that if you ever wanted to procreate the needed equipment would not be there. Do you understand?"

"Not much of a choice you're giving me is there?" Draco backed away his hands up in mock surrender though his jaw was set in a way that demonstrated his lack there of, "Tell me though how are you going to keep a thing like this hidden?"

"You could just die and make me a widow," eyeing him up and down in a way that made him think she was inventing ways to pass his death off as accidental. Draco lowered his hands slowly taking a slow breath when she didn't press forward with the wand but continued, "Or I can get this farce annulled before it gets out."

"Didn't pay attention to the ceremony did you?" Draco laughed, taking a step forward he pressed his chest into the wand tip when she raised it menacingly, "I forgot for a moment how poor your family really is they apparently didn't educate you properly enough. Probably had to re-use the tea leaves too?"

"And what does that have to do with anything," jabbing the wand against his sternum Ginny pushed forward, "And for someone with everything given to him you are pushing to die slow and painfully."

He bent down so that they were eye level, "Let me spell this out slowly, so that you can understand Weaslette. We are bound, permanently and irrevocably. You can not annul or divorce me, nasty little part of those vows they made us repeat."

Her face whitened as she stared at him and Draco gave into the temptation and attempted to pluck the wand from her hand, "Thanks for returning this-."

His head snapped back as her fist connected solidly with his cheekbone. Staggering back a step Draco reached up to check to see if his skin was broken. Eyes narrowing he blocked her next hit before it could land on his stomach, "Like it rough do you?"

Lashing out he backhanded her across the cheek, hard enough to knock her back a step. He had to give it to the girl she could take a hit; she only took a moment to recover before she had bent her knees and raised her hands in an obviously practiced stance. Shock made him loose his concentration for a minute and his breath went out as her fist shot out to catch him in the gut. Giving her a grin he danced out of her reach to strike out with his longer arms when he chose. Circling each other Draco eyes lit over the easy way she moved and the quickness of her hits. She was decent he would give her that, but she was still a girl and he had her on muscle mass. Giving up with the dance he took the momentum she used to strike at him to get under her arm and tackle her to the floor.

Straddling her waist Draco knotted his hand in her hair, wrapping it around his wrist to the point where he could see her scalp pulling. Pinning one arm between their bodies and the other below one of his knees Draco gave her a careful look watching Ginny struggle beneath him. Her pained whimpers dieing before they broke from her throat. Blue eyes shooting daggers at him she stopped her thrashing when she realized he was simply toying with her. Pushing his weight down on her chest Draco enjoyed the sound of her breathing stuttering as her chest struggled to rise, "Quite a little tigress aren't you Weasley? I mean Malfoy."

"Fuck…you," Ginny gasped out her face red with exertion and lack of oxygen. Draco pressed his knee down further on her right arm watching the redhead grimace before snapping her mouth closed.

"Now," letting up Draco reached down with his free hand to feel for his wand in the pocket of her jeans, his other hand shifting so that her neck was straining trying to relieve the pressure that he was creating on her scalp. Finding the wand Draco drew it out quickly pointing it at her lazily, "Interesting fighting technique always picked you for the hex first before resorting to the use of fists."

Ginny let out a pained grunt, "Mind letting up on the hair, it is still attached mostly."

Draco tugged it harder just to prove his dominance, "I would say that I trust you enough to do so but I don't. Grimmuald Place? You people couldn't think of a more appealing place to keep me?"

Ginny glared up at him wheezing out painfully, "Wouldn't want you to get the impression that we liked you."

Draco smiled as he flicked his wrist and ropes shot out of his wand to tie around her awkwardly contorted body. Once she was properly secured he stood up and leisurely stepped over her body, making sure to kick her in the side as he did. Waving the wand the feathers and hay disappeared with a slight puff leaving behind a spotless attic, sneering at the still dismal surroundings Draco turned to the couch. A few quick looks and a muttered spell later the couch was transformed into a very large and comfortable looking bed. His head spinning from lack of food Draco walked over to give it a good test before feeling satisfied. The spread was in the same tattered fabric that had covered the couch but it was sturdy and looked warm enough.

"Now where was it," conscious that the girl tied on the floor eyes were on him Draco ran his hand along the wall nearest the door, "Ah, here it is."

His forehead furrowing he pointed the wand at the wall, a blast of blue followed by smoke and dust filled the room. Waving his hand in front of his eyes he grinned at the hole in the wall leading to a dingy looking bathroom that had been on the other side. Stepping forward he examined the still smoking wood, putting out the only section that was actually smoldering with a flick of the ebony in his hand.

He could hear the shouts coming up the stairs, the pounding of feet that was echoed by cries of worry. Turning to look at the frowning red head he leaned against his handiwork, "The cavalry cometh."

The door bounced off the wall with the force that it was opened with red heads pouring in like water wands at the ready. Draco eyes still on the girl bound on the floor barely registered the anger and bafflement coming from the brothers. Ginny struggled against the ropes making Draco wish he had made them tighter, but had to satisfy him self with watching her skin chafe while her brothers gaped.

"Stop standing there like idiots," Ginny growled making Draco's smirk widen just enough to almost be considered a grin. Ron was the first to move shoving himself past the twins to throw himself at Draco.

Draco had his wand pointed at the red head's throat his eyes glowing with the chance at his fingertips, "Give me a reason Weaseley."

Ron stopped just short of him, the twins moving to help Ginny to her feet while Charlie kept his wand pointed at Draco from a safe distance. Draco twirled his wand in his hand sending the tip directed towards him self and holding the handle to the red head in front of him, "Good choice."

"Ginny are you alright," Charlie asked his eyes flickering to his sister as she rubbed her wrists.

"I'm alright," Ginny muttered her expression darkening as she glared at the surrendering blonde who gave her a blank look before turning away from her. Giving a snort Ginny marched from the room without another word.

Fred looked at George, "Think we missed something?"

"I'm guessing a lot," George nudged him before looking around the room, "Strange isn't it that he gets a wand and cleans his room instead of trying to escape. Must be another Percy."

"Scary thought that," Fred shuddered for effect, "Slimy little Slytherin want to explain himself?"

Draco still holding his wand out to Ron gave the twins a look of disdain, "I hope you two buffoons have been sterilized. The world is full of enough Weasley's as it is, and any more like the two of you is more than my stomach can handle as it is."

George laughed outright as Fred clapped Ron on the back forcing him to jolt forward knocking into the wand that Draco was offering him. Snatching the wood from Draco Ron stepped back quickly before the blonde could change his mind. Rolling his shoulders Draco pushed off from the wall, "If you would excuse me I am going to get some much needed sleep."

The brothers watched as Draco dismissed them as he climbed into his new bed. The twins still sniggering left pulling Ron with them. Charlie gave them a nod as they passed eyes focusing on the blonde he frowned, "Why didn't you escape?"

"What's the point? I would have just been dragged back here," rolling onto his back Draco laced his hands behind his head, "The accommodations left something to be desired, don't worry the hole isn't in a load bearing wall."

Charlie shook his head, "And Ginny? Care to explain that?"

His face falling into a silent mask Charlie watched in fascination as the blonde deliberately cut off the small emotions he was showing with the practiced efficiency of an actor. Putting his wand away he backed out the door way, "Might want to think about some answers before they come to question you."

Millicent wiped the sweaty brow of her last patient, "It's alright Pansy, give us one more push and then it will be over."

Dark eyes flashing up at her from a strained face Millicent gave the woman a reassuring smile as she moved back into her position between her former classmates legs. A basin beneath to catch the fluids, Millicent draped a blanket over her arms to catch the small form being ejected. Pansy grunted as she strained to finish what she had started three hours ago, tears streaming down her face she clutched her knees as a wet plop filled the room after the grunting that had transpired before. Pansy fell back on the bed with a sigh of relief while Millicent very carefully wrapped the still bundle as she straightened.

"Do you want to see her," Millicent asked knowing the answer before she had even finished the question. The tired glare that met her impassive gaze was a clear answer to the question. Nodding Millicent snapped her fingers for a house elf, "Help Miss Parkinson."

The elf bowed low to the ground, sweeping by him Millicent left the stuffy room the small bundle cradled in her arms. The castle was quiet, Voldemort having ordered a lock down after the disappearance of Draco Malfoy and his new bride the night before. Millicent though set her jaw and walked determinedly through the abandoned hallways her hands clutching the silent bundle of blankets in her arms. Shoving the door open to what had once been the small flower garden of a past owners' mistress Millicent gulped in the fresh air. Making her way through the tangled briars that had once been beautiful roses, she sank to her knees beside a broken fountain. Gently placing the bundle next to her Millicent let her eyes wander over the perfectly formed features of the still form, blood still clinging to its little cheeks. Closing her eyes Millicent turned her face up to the cloudless sky, the blue brightness bleaker in her mind than any dreary storm filled day. Ripping off her heavy robes she began to claw at the loose soil next to the fountain, cupping her hands and ignoring the pain of twigs and rocks as she dug. Dirt began to pile up at her knees as she created a lopsided hole. Grabbing her wand out of her robe pocket she blasted the dirt out of her way, creating a deep precisely cornered pit. Wiping her hands against the wetness on her cheeks Millicent carefully cleaned the tiny little girl. Wrapping her up in the once rich cloak, she gently lowered her into the small grave. Carefully Millicent used her hands to pack the dirt back into place, her fingers patting the dirt lovingly when she was finished with the burial.

Leaning back on her heels Millicent closed her eyes, her hands still lingering on the small mound, "Réquiem æternam dona ei."

"Et lux perpétua lúceat ei," breath catching at the back of her throat Millicent brushed hastily at the tears burning her eyes, "Requiéscat in pace."

The little grave was nothing more than a bump next to the broken fountain in a forgotten part of a decrepit castle. Rubbing her arms in the suddenly frigid air Millicent pushed open the unused door that led into the larger courtyard. A few heads turned at the sound of the creaking hinges, but upon seeing her dark expression they turned away. She ran past the abandoned stables to the small door on the right side of the portcullis. Banging on the door till it opened she fell into the miniscule hallway, rushing past the guard she was out the door into the fresh air beyond the castle walls. The guard yelling after her till she was too far out of ear shot to hear him anymore. Millicent knew she was going to get in trouble when she got back, but that was if she got back.

"Here," Bill took the book from the dark haired wizard's hand, "Something to stimulate your mind with."

Sitting in the living room of his captor's house a blanket thrown over his legs, Bill turned the text over studying the dog eared pages before flipping it to read the spine, "Locke?"

"What were you expecting," Severus sank into the chair across from the red head's, "Your body is healing, might as well exercise your mind till you are fully recuperated."

Bill shrugged tossing the book to his lap, "You know that besides Voldemort you are on the top of every ones list of priorities. Have a nice little cell picked out for you in Azkaban."

"I imagine I would be lucky to see the inside of the cell," Severus surmised a small playing of his lips hinted at his amusement at the thought. Shrugging his shoulders he picked up another tome, "Did you know that Dumbledore was the most infuriating man I ever knew? He knew things before anyone else and would hold it over your head till you were lucky enough to stumble upon it."

Bill snorted his fingers flipping the pages of the book in his lap idly, "He always gave you this smug ass smile instead of telling you outright that he knew what you were up to."

Severus gave him a sympathetic look, "And never came right out and told you that you that he knew what you were doing. He started doing that when I was a student."

Raising curious eyes to the pale man Bill cautiously set the book down on the table next to him, "Why did you do it? He trusted you, we all trusted you."

Dark hair swept forward to shield his face as Severus leaned forward to look at the crackling fire place. His expression cold as if he was trying to separate himself from what he was remembering, Bill couldn't help himself as he leaned forward to see his former Order member's face clearer, "Tell me, why?"

"He asked me to," the whisper was ragged as if it was torn from somewhere deep inside of the Potions Master. Bill could feel the rage and sorrow rolling off the man as he tried to control himself, "He was a father to me and he asked me to kill him. He knew he was dieing before the night on the tower ever happened he knew he was dieing. It wasn't something he could stop and he thought that if he could give Draco enough chances that maybe he would make one more difference before the inevitable. I knew though that Draco would be forced to end it or else he would die himself. That stubborn old fool wouldn't listen to reason, but he also wouldn't let that boy taint himself with the dirt of death. So he asked me to, a last favor for a dieing man."

Silent throughout the choked out speech Bill could picture the daffy headmaster asking his trusted confidant to end his pain before it was left to a seventeen year old boy. Leaning away from the haggard man Bill stared into the fireplace, "Life never turns out like you want it to."

"This isn't life this is hell."

"Ginny, is this yours," Ginny looked up at the dark wool coat her mother was inspecting. Sitting at the kitchen table she couldn't resist glaring at the garment like it was a piece of trash Ginny shook her head, "No, it's Malfoy's."

"Well it's too nice to throw away," throwing the coat onto the already overflowing coat rack Molly Weasley sat down next to her daughter her hand already flying out to pat her daughter reassuringly, "If you need to talk about what happened-."

"Mum, I don't want to talk about it," giving her mother's hand a firm squeeze she smiled to lessen the harsh tone she used with the matriarch, "Not now nor ever. I just want to go on as before."

"Well then," giving Ginny a bright smile Molly got to her feet, "You can help me sort out the pantry. I think that elf has been hoarding rotten food."

"I think Mum I am going to go have a look in on Harry," Ginny blurted out hurrying out the door as quickly as she could not wanting to being roped into doing housework anymore than her brothers ever did. Her mother's laughter trailed after her as she ran out the kitchen and took the stairs two at a time. Holding her side Ginny leaned against the wall catching her breath a real smile stretching her lips she jumped when someone nudged her shoulder.

"Your Mum is cackling something fierce about you being back to normal," Oliver Wood grinned at her his dark hair falling haphazardly in his face like he had just come from the pitch.

Smiling at the man who she now owed so much to Ginny resumed her position against the wall, "She's easy enough to please. All I have to do is run away from chores and she thinks all is right in the world."

His smile slightly crooked Oliver leaned his own shoulder against the wall in copy of her pose. Crossing his arms over his chest he studied her with smiling hazel eyes, "You have grown up to be a very pretty woman, if you don't mind me saying so."

She could feel the blush starting to spread like wildfire across her face. Her head tilting to the side Ginny brushed a strand of hair out of her face, "Well you didn't turn out so bad yourself."

His grin deepened, displaying a dimple that made her finger tips itch to touch. Her breath catching Ginny forced herself to look away from him. Clearing her throat she mirrored his stance, "What have you been up to lately? The last thing I heard of you was that you were trying to keep Puddlemere United afloat."

"I wouldn't go that far," Oliver shifted his stance bringing him closer to her without crowding her, "But between you and me…"

Ginny giggled, she couldn't help it. His serious expression combined with the conspiratorial way he spoke was beyond amusing. Leaning closer she waited as he leaned down to tell her.

His breath warm on her ear Ginny couldn't help the shiver that ran down her back as he whispered, "They are shite without me."

Her laugh was bright and sudden at his declaration. Her hand shooting out to push him back Ginny was taken by surprise when Oliver caught her hand in his and used her momentum to pull her against him. But the kiss that was expected from such a move never came. Instead Oliver simply held her; cupping her face in his large hands he studied her with kind eyes, "What are you hiding Ginny Weasley?"

Ginny gulped, her face tingling at his touch. Giving him a haphazard grin, "Wouldn't you like to know."

"Don't be like that," Oliver whispered his fingers tightening a fraction before he pulled back and dropped his hands, "Don't worry I plan on learning all your secrets."

"Oy, Ginny," both Oliver and Ginny turned to watch George striding purposefully down the hallway, "Been looking for you. Remus and the others wanted to go over the layout of the castle with you before questioning Malfoy."

Ginny nodded her eyes flickering to Oliver she stepped away from him and followed her brother down the hall. Glancing over her shoulder she gave Oliver a half smile, "See you around Oliver."

He gave her a cheeky wink in return before he sauntered down the hallway and out of her sight. Shaking her head Ginny stumbled along behind her brother, "George."

"Hmm," his eyes focusing on her with amused curiosity he grinned. Slowly his grin faded and his face broke into mock severity, "Oh no, you have the same look as when you asked me about babies. I thought that book I gave you explained everything-."

"Oh stuff it you twit," Ginny shoved him before stomping down the stairs, "I was seven when I asked you about babies. And you gave me a Playwizard not a book."

Yanking the door open to the study Ginny stifled the urge to duck her head like a little girl in trouble at the group assembled. Alastor Moody gave her a careful look before turning back to Kingsley Shacklebot and Remus Lupin. Closing the door behind herself Ginny shuffled her feet for a second before pride made her backbone stiffen and she forced herself to cross the room and take a seat at the table where her father was currently looking over scrolls.

Arthur glanced up, giving his youngest a short smile before turning back to his reading, "Ginny dear, do you remember if the castle had any werewolfs?"

"Umm," her mind flashed to the predatory gaze of Fenrir Greyback, "Greyback was there for the feast. But there was no mention that it was permanent."

"Voldemort despises Greyback and his pack," Remus called out coming to stand over Arthur's shoulder he studied what the other man was looking at, "No, Greyback would be in the woods close to the castle but not a part of it. Voldemort considers him beneath even his lowest Death Eaters but still wants him to think he is important."

"A contradiction," Kingsley sighed, "But does he trust him enough to put his wolves on guard?"

"Doubtful," Remus stroked his chin, "Only near the full moon would they be of any use. And he must keep them truly separate during the moon. No, werewolves won't be an issue."

"You are planning an attack?" Ginny whispered, "But won't Voldemort be expecting that? He has to know that someone broke in to get me out. Won't his defenses be up?"

Moody snorted, "No, we have it from an inside source that he thinks the young Malfoy ran away with you."

Her heart flipped in her chest as Ginny's eyes flew to the grizzled ex-Auror. Throat closing up on her Ginny choked out, "Ran away with me?"

Arthur glanced up from his papers, "The rumor is that he has turned traitor like his former professor."

Not trusting herself to speak Ginny just nodded as the conversation began to swirl around her. Her mind flying on the fact that someone in Voldemort's circle of followers knew the truth of her and Malfoy and they were feeding information to the Order. Biting her lip Ginny struggled to pay attention to the discussion that was exploding around her.

"I think that a morning attack is the best," Remus argued, "Right after a full moon. The wolves would still be occupied recovering from the transformation and all we need is an opening."

"That would leave you out of the game," Arthur pointed out his quill wavering, "And this was riding on Madele and Gerald's work. Which has been compromised-."

"No," Ginny broke in, "They don't have the book. Voldemort doesn't know."

"How you can know that," Moody barked, his eyes going crazy as it whirled around in his head, "You were in the dungeon. Maybe they got the notebook and were tearing it apart when you were under-."

"I know because," Ginny struggled to find the words to say what she wanted without giving away too much, "Because they would have questioned me."

"We got you out before they could question you," he countered making Ginny's teeth grind in her effort to keep from yelling that instead of having a wedding she would have been tortured to find out about the book. Instead she sent pleading looks to Remus who remained quiet in his place by the fireplace.

"Enough Alastor," Ginny snapped her attention to her Father. Arthur was pale with outrage, "My daughter has been through enough and doesn't need you to remind her of what she went through. Now, what can you tell us of the dungeons Ginny?"

"It isn't a maze," Ginny whispered, "It was a straight shot from the banquet room to the cell. The cells were mostly empty; the doors were opened so I could see in."

"The guards will be doubled now," Kingsley sank down into a threadbare arm chair. His ear ring gleaming against his dark skin, "We will need to question the Malfoy boy for a layout of the rest of the castle. It was by pure luck alone that he knew where Ginny was being held and the boys didn't have to risk getting caught when they went in."

Eyes narrowing Moody thumped his cane on the floor, "Very lucky."

"Umm, Dad," Ginny began carefully, "The elves might be able to help you."

"The elves are loyal to the master of the house and last time I checked that was Voldemort," a new voice offered. Ginny turned to glare at her brother Ron who was standing at the door with Harry.

Snapping back around Ginny focused on her father, the only one seeming to pay attention to her, "The master of the house isn't Voldemort, it's Malfoy."

"Oh that's just perfect," Ron snorted, "Let's go beg the great bouncing ferret for a favor. I can just see how that will go, 'Malfoy, I know we have tried to kill each other over the years but do you think you could forget about that for a while and help us betray your cause."

Remus gave him a glare with enough force to make him duck his head as he took a seat on the couch. Turning back to Ginny, Remus cleared his throat, "Ginny, it is doubtful that Malfoy would be willing to help us any more than he has to."

"Perhaps you should go rest dear," Arthur reached over to pat her hand, "Thank you though."

Back stiffening at the dismissal Ginny got to her feet stiffly. She couldn't look at the others, but she could feel their eyes on her back. Harry made a move towards her but Ginny shook her head before slowly pulling the door closed.

"Have any of you seen my copy of dragon lore," Charlie asked the room at large as he shook his head free of the water clinging to it after his shower. Rubbing a towel into his hair he began looking through the shelves of books, "I wanted something to read before dinner."

"I think it's next to my copy of Bedlam Buggers," Fred called out his feet thrown over the back of the couch so that his head was pointed to the floor. George lounging next to him was making cards dance through the air around the couch.

Charlie shook his head at them, "The joke business slow or are you two plotting something."

"We were forced to close shop early due to the lack of customers," George pouted for a moment before a mischievous grin spread across his face, "Though, given that I am all for skiving off work it wasn't that much of a trial."

"George, did you ever think that maybe we haven't been working hard enough," Fred pondered. Charlie made no move to stifle his laughter at the serious expression on the man hanging upside down.

"I'm ashamed of you brother," George scoffed the cards falling into a perfect pile in his outstretched hand, "We have been working hard all our lives perfecting our craft. How dare, you say otherwise."

"Please, could you two try to be serious just for once," Hermione shut her book with a snap. Stretching she plucked a book off the shelf, "Here Charlie."

"What is the point of being serious Hermy," Fred flipped his feet over his head to land in a crouch on the floor, "All seriousness ever got anyone was a receding hairline and an ulcer."

"Exactly look at Percy," George ended with a snigger.

"Thanks Hermione," Charlie took the book from her with a smile before plopping down in the seat Fred had vacated.

"Don't call me Hermy," Hermione snapped turning back to her book.

"Hermione, you know what your problem is," Fred stood up stretching to his full height he gave her a calculated look, "You are uptight. If good ole Harry isn't doing it for you then I could always offer my services."

Hermione laughed a smile spreading across her face as she tried to focus on her book, "Really Fred? You dear boy aren't man enough to handle me."

George and Charlie both let out barks of laughter at the look of disbelief on Fred's face. Hermione sent them a triumphant look before going back to her book. Fred though scoffed sending his brothers a cocky grin.

"Hermione, boys," Molly entered the room a basket full of clothes on her hip, she gave them a long look, "What is all that noise about?"

"Hermione was just setting Freddy boy in his place," Charlie said, getting up he gave his mother a peck on the cheek, "I think I am going to go see if Luna is up from her nap."

Molly sighed depositing the laundry on the couch she turned to the twins, "You two be useful and stop bothering Hermione."

"Do we have to do the socks?" George asked picking up what was undoubtedly his own shirt and wadding it in a ball.

"Just use the spell I showed you," Molly huffed turning she gave Hermione a cherry smile, "There's an owl in the kitchen for you dear."

Hermione put her book away as she left the room the twins arguing with about who owned the bludger decorated boxer shorts. Opening the kitchen door Hermione's eyes widened at the owl sitting on the table. It's feathers were missing in some places and it's beak was cracked, carefully she held her hand out to take the missive from its claw. The bird snapped at her hand but pulled back before it could make contact, giving a screech it disappeared out the window the second the roll was clear of its claw. Hermione wasn't surprised that it could fly, the desperate look it had was a dead give away of who the letter was from. Tucking the scroll into her sleeve Hermione ducked out of the kitchen and up to her room avoiding Molly's eyes as she passed the study. Sitting down on the bed Hermione gave a sigh of relief that Harry was out of the house for the afternoon. The seal broke at a touch of her wand.

Greetings,

It is most important that you do not let anything stop you from your first priority. I have sent along an envelope of my latest trial, tell me of the results. In answer of the predicament of my former pupil he has found himself a bride, one of which you are quite familiar with. It is not well known as it was a sudden affair that left everyone quite speechless. I have taken under my wing a nuisance but a tolerable one; though the dogs have been lurking in the shadows it is better than the alternative for the poor creature. Give my best to all, and watch out for the wayward traveler.

Your faithful correspondent.

Hermione took the small envelope from the bedspread, giving it a cautious sniff she set it in the bed side table. Aiming her wand at the letter she watched it disappear with a small flame and a puff of smoke. Leaning back against the headboard she reread the letter in her mind picturing the writer of the neat bold script sitting at his desk his quill scratching at the paper with the same ease at which he did all things. It wasn't often that he sent her such a short scroll, but it was better than nothing. Life was funny, Hermione thought, never would she have though on the first day of school all those years ago she would meet the man who would was her other half. Now separated by miles and the war they could only get letters to one another once a month. For Hermione she lived for the letters, and the fact that they insured her that what she was fighting for was still alive.

"Hermione," Harry said in surprise as he walked into the bedroom, "I didn't know you were in here."

"I came up here to get away from the twins," Hermione stood up giving him a peck on the lips. She had never thought of Harry as more than a friend but someone had to get close to him to protect him from himself. It seemed like there had never been a time when she hadn't been with him, helping him in the mornings when his bones felt like they were on fire or at night when he couldn't hold himself up anymore. Hermione watched as Harry sank down on the bed stretching his body out like a tired old man. The Cruciatus curse left some people mad after prolonged exposure, the mind and body unable to cope with that much pain. In Harry's case though a genetic abnormality that would have never given him any problems until he was well into retirement made it so that after prolonged exposure to the curse had left him unable to function properly. His bones had become weak as a ninety year old man; despite the potions the healers forced down his throat Hermione knew he was becoming weaker. Slipping him the remedies that were sent to her had become easier over the months that since she had moved into his bed. Laying down beside him Hermione shifted so that he could lay his head on breast, "Where did you disappear to today?"

"Ron and I had to talk to Moody about the plans for Malfoy," Harry whispered his voice groggy with sleep, "Got anymore of that tea? It always helps me with the pain."

Hermione smiled at the top of his head, reaching for her wand she waved it at the teapot in the corner. Her hand flicking and the pot and cup coming closer, deftly she emptied the packet into the tea. Handing him the cup Hermione helped him sit up, "Here you go."

Harry sipped it cautiously, his hands only trembling a bit, "Did you see what Malfoy did to his room?"

"I heard," Hermione's thoughts flew to the letter and what had been said about Malfoy. Her eyes widening she stiffened at her own realization, "Merlin."

A.N.: So it seems that I have not fallen off the face of the earth, just out of internet contact. Anyways here is hopefully something to tide you over- those of you who read our stuff and not just the slash stuff my counterparts come up with. Love to T and K by the way!