The Night It All Began | Draco x Hermione [On Going]

Chapter 1: Escape from Malfoy Manor

DRACO felt his feet land on solid ground. He always hated apparating. For one, it makes him dizzy, not to mention the added weight he had to carry in his arms. It's enough to knock his breath out had it only lasted for 10 minutes more. He blinked rapidly trying to regain his focus then turned his gaze towards the unconscious bushy-haired witch. He recounted the events that happened from when he took Hermione until he left, noting that nothing's amiss. It's already bad enough that he can't retrieve her wand. The least he wants to happen is to leave traces of him indirectly going against Voldemort's entire organization.

He looked around to check if he's being followed. When he was sure it's safe to move, he took long skillful strides towards the foot of the mountain and into the deep forest using only the light coming from his own wand. The forest is dense with tall, lush trees, making it impossible even for the moonlight to peak through. Every time he disappeared to recover from injuries, to train with magic, or to just get away from the chaotic world that he lives in, this is where he would go. No one has successfully found nor gotten close to the area as it was laced with layers of protective charms designed to keep the mountain invisible and inaccessible. Although, that's possibly because the usual people he works with are not skilled enough for such matters. It took him years of practice, thousand trips to Hogwarts Library's forbidden section, endless trial and experiments, until he had perfected it. He could pride himself for all the work he's done for his own place of retreat. The thought of getting away from his own residence felt like a temporary freedom and he welcomed it with open arms. At least for the time being, he could breathe without worry again.

His body hurt. He cursed under his breath when he realized just how far his house is, located at the top of the cliff. It never bothered him before. But now that the exhaustion from the day's mission is catching up to him, he didn't contain his annoyance.

Bellatrix Lestrange, Draco thought, one of the Dark Lord's best servants. He never liked her in the first place. Just the sound of her voice sends shiver down his spine. She is wicked. And he knew his own aunt long enough to know that she would stop at nothing to find Hermione Granger, and the traitor that helped her escape. Sooner or later, they'll have to move. But for now, they have time to spare.

An elegant house can be seen in the distance, and with Draco's remaining power, he apparated one more time to its doorstep. Hermione remained still in his arms, still unconscious from all the beating his aunt did. He had in his mind to use the house as a family home in the future, if circumstances lean towards the better, or a safe place to hide in case the worst thing happens. Looking at the bigger picture, Draco realized it was the latter as he crossed the entrance and into the stairs that lead to a master bedroom. He closed his eyes and focused on an unspoken spell. The door unlocked with a click and hang itself wide open, revealing the unmistakably fancy room. It is beautifully furnished with vintage pieces, along with artifacts that resembled those in the Slytherin's quarters and Ministry of Magic, some of which are forbidden for public use.

Draco laid Hermione on the four-poster bed. He stretched his arms in an attempt to relieve the soreness, then went to scavenge for the medical supplies he had stored in the bathroom. Upon returning, he fixed his eyes on her face. He never wanted to admit how charming she is. The charm that had caught his attention since his first year in Hogwarts. He didn't entertain the idea of being her acquaintance. There was far too much gap between their statuses to even attempt it. The reputation and the image that he must upkeep weighed heavily on his shoulders. And before he knows it, their sides have already drifted in opposite directions. And then the Yule ball came. It was the first time he felt his breath catch on his throat.

Draco shook his head to remove the image Hermione has imprinted on his mind. Since that day, everything has become difficult for him. He couldn't quite understand it himself, but he knows something deep in his subconscious has changed. He just couldn't point out what it is.

What is it that you have, Granger? What is it that you possess that keeps me holding onto hope? Draco thought. Whatever it is, I will use it.

Just when he's about to leave, he had a glimpse of Hermione's left forearm. Blood. Draco reached for his wand and pointed it on the wound. "Episkey," he muttered.

The blood on Hermione's forearm cleared, but a scar remained. Draco was stunned. Mudblood. It was what's carved on her skin. Such a despicable word. He can still remember the first time he called her that, and her hurt expression. He regretted it just as instantly, but as he was about to apologize, Potter and the ginger head has spoiled his chance. He thought about sending an anonymous letter through owl, but decided against it at the last minute.

Draco took vials of healing potions he concocted in advance and stuffed it on a small tray. Hermione might need a lot, considering the amount of torture she endured. He also took virgere potion out of a shelf. Any internal bleedings would be treated and that would help her wake up. If things go as planned, she'll be better by the morning. He carefully took Hermione's head on his arms and opened a vial. He drained its contents on her mouth. Then, he proceeded to tend to her other wounds, some of which needed herbs and a few days to fully recover.

"There, Granger," he whispered, "now you look decent again." He paused for a moment. "I wonder how things will go in the morning," he chuckled on himself. "I guess I'll find out."

Draco collapsed to a nearby couch in exhaustion. Not caring anymore about changing into cleaner clothes. In a few minutes, he fell into a deep, and hellish, slumber.