On the Way to the End - Dramione

Chapter 3

(A/N: This chapter contains slight mentions of sexual abuse and language, proceed with caution if that bothers you.)

Draco took a deep breath and sat down on his couch. His heart pounded through his ears and felt a massive headache coming on. He shook it off and looked up to Blaise, "again." He told him. 

"You sure? Your Occlumency is strong and-"

"And your legilimency is strong." Draco finished for him. 

"Yes, but don't you think you've had enough for tonight? We've gone over a dozen times now." Blaise looked at him with a frown, knowing his friend won't stop until he's on his knees. Draco looked at the ground with frustration, his elbows resting on his knees. "We'll work more tomorrow okay?" Blaise finished and glanced to the kitchen in Draco's apartment. 

He walked over to the sink and grabbed a glass, running the tap he filled it up and brought it to the young man who sat on the couch. Draco sighed, narrowing his eyes at Blaise. 

"Just take the damn glass, Draco." He told him. Draco made a face before accepting the water and taking a sip. "Merlin you're difficult." Blaise reminded him. 

"It's a special talent of mine." Draco quipped, a cheeky smile flashing on his face for a moment, before going back to his usual emotionless front. 

Blaise went to reply but the fireplace came to life, showing Narissa's face. "Draco?" His mother's voice called out. Draco stood and walked over to the flames. 

"Yes, what is it?" He asked with a glint of concern. 

"You should come back, there are a bunch of Death Eaters around, in and out of the Dungeons, you shouldn't be missing right now." She told him, "same to you Blaise." 

"We'll be back in a minute." Draco nodded and the fire went out. "Let's go." 

Draco and Blaise apparated. Draco felt his feet lift and then place down inside his room in Malfoy Manor. Home again, home again. 

-*-

Hermione heard the door to her cell open and her body went rigid. She felt the hood over her head be pulled off and her eyes quickly adjusted to the dim lighting of the dungeons. She looked up to see Macnair looming above her. 

"The Dark Lord won't be returning until tomorrow night, probably very late. We've got all the time in the world." She heard Dolohov sneer from being Macnair. 

Hermione felt her heart pick up. Options she needed options. She noticed Dolohov going to the Padma's cell, but Macnair continued standing above her. She refused to show her nerves and glared up at him. 

"Oh, confidence aren't we Mudblood?" He lowered his face to her level, "we'll see how long that lasts." 

Hermione spat in his face at that. 

"You filthy little-" Macnair stood up, wiping her spit off his face, "Cruico!" 

Hermione felt knives in her skin, repeated stabbing, hot flames, maybe even hot flaming knives. Pins and needles in every limb. It's never-ending. Her head was fuzzy. Just kill me. Rocks being thrown at her body all at once. Make it end. Beestings everywhere. She cried out in pain, crumpling in a ball, just waiting for the pain to end. Slowly it faded and she opened her eyes, that she didn't even realize she had clenched shut. 

"How's that for your bloody confidence?" 

-*-

"Goodnight mate," Blaise nodded and exited Draco's room. The blonde nodded at him as he left and once he was gone he sat down on his bed. He ran a hand through his hair and looked around his room. Granger and the others had been down there for a day, having arrived the night before.