Devil Doesn't Bargain

The Diadem

Duck!

Malfoy dropped to the ground beside Hermione and glanced at her in alarm. A colony of bats swooped over their heads and flew out of the darkened tunnel.

How the hell did you know that would happen?

She shrugged. I remember this tunnel. The map marked it as the Furry Footpath. Although I didn't know they meant bats. I'm still not a fan of those after the Tower.

The map?

She tapped her head. The map we used to sneak around the castle. It was originally made by Remus, actually, back when he was at Hogwarts. He noted all sorts of secret passageways, and I committed it to memory back in fifth year, just in case the map was confiscated.

Blimey, Granger.

She smirked and jumped to her feet. Follow me. This leads into the kitchens. You're sure Wiggy contacted the elves?

Yes.

Perfect. Then hurry up.

He grumbled something under his breath but jogged behind her. It was up to her to get them into the school undetected. They'd debated sending Snape a message, but ultimately it was too risky. Better if no one knew they were there. Other than the house elves, of course.

They made it to a brick wall, covered in cobwebs. With a flick of his wrist, Draco cleared a large segment, wide enough for them to pass through. Hermione stepped forward, pressed the tip of her wand against the brick, and spoke.

"Pseudothyrum." The bricks shivered, and the entire wall rolled to the left without a groan. Hermione grinned. Magic really never ceased to amaze her. Malfoy stepped through the opening, wand raised; she shadowed him, covering him from behind. Even though Wiggy had confirmed the elves would clear out from the kitchens when they arrived, Draco's first rule reverberated down the bond.

Never assume you are safe.

Hermione shot a detection spell across the room. Nothing. They quietly made their way to the exit. It was almost midnight; the chances of running into any students were extremely low. They'd decided against disillusionment charms to leave their magic ready for offensive spells, which meant stealth was imperative. Luckily, she'd been trained by the best.

Malfoy took the lead and guided them through the dungeons. After a series of dizzying turns, he pulled aside a tapestry and ushered her into a narrow opening that led to a small spiral staircase. It would take them to the fourth floor, where they'd pop out from behind a portrait of a grindylow.

The twenty-second step creaks.

Got it.

The ascent was quick. They pushed aside the portrait and pressed themselves against the wall. The corridor was perfectly silent. With a quick nod at Draco, Hermione began leading him past classrooms and up another set of stairs, mentally warning him of disappearing steps she'd memorized from the map. They made it to the fifth floor.

Just when Hermione was beginning to relax, she heard a distinct meow. Her eyes widened and Draco immediately understood. With a glance to each side, he grabbed her by the waist and yanked her into a broom closet. The door shut with a click, throwing them into complete darkness. Hermione strained her ears for Filch's customary shuffle.

Meowwww. That wretched cat always showed up at the worst moments. Sure enough, when she made it to the count of ten, a set of footsteps echoed outside the door, directly where they'd just been standing. She held her breath.