A Past Bond - On Hiatus

Chapter 1

“Granger!”

Hermione turned around and saw Draco Malfoy approaching her. They got on better than when they were in school, however it would still be a stretch to call them friends. They have a past that could not be erased no matter how hard one of them tried.

“Yes?” 

“I know what you have been researching.” She paled. No one was supposed to know what she had been researching, planning. “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. In fact, I want to help.”

“Help? I’m not sure what you are on about, Draco. My research is classified, certainly not something about which I may speak with you. I couldn’t have you help even if I nee-”

“I’m not talking about your work as an Unspeakable. Though considering you work with timelines and altered events in both the Time Room and the Death Chamber,” he paused to give her a knowing smirk as a response to her look of surprise, “your personal research seems to be encroaching on your professional work as well. Which begs the question, are you breaking ministry policy by conducting research outside the walls of the Department of Mysteries, or taking advantage of the Ministry payroll by utilizing your time at work for your personal gains?”

“It is not for personal gains!” Even though she was whispering to avoid anyone else catching on to their, now very, private conversation, her exasperation at his knowledge was not hidden in the least. Others do not simply stumble upon that which Unspeakables do at work. They were not even allowed to divulge the vast majority to their partners, which makes finding someone who is comfortable not knowing what their spouse does very difficult. Hermione was lonely, but she was on the cusp of a breakthrough that might change everything, and that was well worth the sacrifice she made by not exploring serious romantic relationships.

She pulled him into a room nearby and casted various charms to ensure no one would find them.

“I know. I want to help you.”

“How?” She eyed him warily. She trusted him, as much as she could, but this was a completely different territory than any they had traversed in the past.

“I have the means to bring us back.” She froze at his words. There were still a few missing pieces before she could go back. A few more theories she needed to play out before determining which to implement. A few more bits of information she needed before she could attempt to save everyone and everything she lost. The means of traveling back safely was still uncertain as well, though she suspected she was close to cracking that within a few months. If he was serious, if he was being honest with her, this would change everything. Expedite everything. She would be able to go in a matter of weeks.

"Us?"

"You think I'm going to let you go back by yourself? Definitely not."

It was dangerous. It was highly illegal, not to mention unethical and immoral - depending how one looked at it. It was also necessary.

"Am I to assume you suddenly care about my well-being?" She almost scoffed at the thought.

"Am I to assume then that you do not care about mine?" She wasn't sure how to respond to him. Of course she cared, and the hurt in his eyes showed that perhaps he did care as well, more than she estimated before. "Merlin, Granger. Of course, I care! You were there when I needed you. I tried to be there when you needed someone too, but you make it so bloody difficult." He was frustrated, she could almost understand why, but it was still hard for her to believe him at times. "I care, Hermione. I care a great deal, in fact, and I refuse to send you back not knowing if I will ever see you again. We have both lost too many people for me to risk it."