Draco Malfoy and the Seven

Horcruxes, Whores, and Snakes, Oh My!

March 2, 2003

Hermione's POV

After enjoying a light breakfast with Harry, Ginny, and Theo, they promise to set a date to visit. Harry makes Draco promise to be on his best behavior if he's going to visit the Burrow with Hermione.

"Have you spoken with either Pansy or Neville yet?" Having helped clean up most of the mess from breakfast, she watches Draco prepare a tray of food for their guests.

"Only for a moment. Healer Thomas did say Longbottom would have a long recovery ahead of him, even with magic to help with the healing process. Pansy seems to have come away mostly unscathed. He said she showed signs of malnourishment and dehydration; the majority of her healing will focus on the psychological damage she experienced." Pulling up the sleeves of his jumper, he turns to face her. "Why didn't Pansy have any signs of physical torture, Granger?" He doesn't seem angry when he asks the question, but there is a definite undertone of frustration.

"I did what I had to do to keep my friend safe, Draco."

"What exactly does that mean? Because if my assumption is correct, you most likely did your best to piss Dolohov off to take the brunt of the torture. Am I right so far?"

"You're not wrong. I've done the torture thing, and I know that I can handle it. I've lived through starvation, torture, rape, and the weight of helping keep Harry alive for years. I can handle someone like Dolohov. I know that now. Pansy's never had to live through any of that. So, yes, if I could spare my friend from those same experiences, I am going to do it."

Pinching the bridge of his nose, he curses. "Bloody Gryffindors, your bravery will get you killed one of these days, Granger."

"Good thing I have a big, strong Auror around then, isn't it?" She teases, pulling the drawstring of his joggers loose, slowly stroking his already thickening cock.

"Oh, for the love of Merlin! Can you two keep your hands off each other for more than five minutes?!" Harry shouts from the doorway, clapping his hands over his eyes.

"What the bloody hell is that in your hand?" Draco asks, tightening the band at his waist.

"Crooks!" Hermione exclaims.

"What's a Crooks?" Draco asks, perplexed.

"Hermione's cat. We've been watching him while she's been here. It doesn't look like she's going home any time soon, and he's getting restless without her." Harry opens the front of the carrier, releasing the thoroughly upset half-kneezle.

"Oh, Crooksy, I've missed you, boy. Thank you so much for bringing him, Harry."

"That thing is still alive?" Draco asks incredulously.

"Kneezles, even half-kneezles, have very long-life expectancies. Crookshanks has a lot of life left. Don't you, boy?" She explained. Crookshanks purrs as he nuzzles her neck.

"I was going to bring him earlier but forgot to grab his carrier. I'm sure he'll hold that against me." Harry says, scratching the back of his neck like he always did when nervous.

"Hold it against you? He's a cat, Potter." Draco quips.

"A bloody smart cat, Malfoy. A friendly warning, you'd be wise to watch what you say around him. He's brilliant and doesn't forgive easily."

"Right. Well, thank you for bringing the beast. You can be on your way now." Draco waves Harry away in dismissal.

"Bugger off, Malfoy. I'll see you later, Hermione." He gives the two a wave before leaving through the floo.