A new dawn was breaking; the golden light filtering in through the high windows casting heavy shadows over the chaos inside. Books, ancient scrolls, transfigured tables in every available space. In the center of the hurricane, laid over one another, were the cause of such disorganization.

Hermione had fallen asleep on her back, her legs still under the small floor table she'd been working at, while her arms laying in her lap, her head laying on the legs of the man who had joined her in the search for answers. Severus was sat in a chair at a higher table, his legs stretched out in front of him while his own head rested on his palm, held up in place over the book he'd been hunched over reading.

A small sliver of light cut across Hermione's face causing her to groan deeply and roll her head away. The awkward position of their sleeping arrangement aggravating more than her present injury. It had been a long while since she'd woken up and felt as though even the hair on her head hurt. All she wanted at that moment was to curl into a deep warm bath and never come out. She had no idea when she'd fallen asleep but she could tell by the weight in her limbs that it wasn't nearly enough.

"Sev...verus?" Her tongue was sticky on her pallet as she rolled her head along his shin to try and blink the dark clothed man into focus. From her angle, he still appeared to be reading but her lack of response told her otherwise. A deep groan pushed her wild hair back from her face and she pulled herself off of his leg where she was sure the seam of his slacks had left an imprint on her face.

For two days they'd been looking into anything and everything they could in regards to the creation, protection, and design of Gringotts. Trying to find a way that was even somewhat possible for getting inside and out without being detected. Thus far, they'd only managed to lose sleep and forget meals.

Another deep groan pulled her up to her feet but the stitch in her side kept her from standing fully. The awkward way she'd fallen asleep had not been kind to her in the slightest and she used the table he was sitting at to brace herself as her sleep-fogged mind came into focus.

"Severus?" Her hand moved to his arm and he jumped, sitting straight-backed though his eyes didn't open straight away, "It's just me..."

Severus sneered but not at her, his own body was strongly protesting his lack of care in the time that had passed. When his eyes managed to open they were heavily reddened and shadowed, "What time is it?"

"Early? I don't know...we need a bath..." Hermione let her hand drag back down onto the table, "I'll run it...you want to clear me a path?"

A low groan brought his hand up to his eyes, rubbing away the thick sleep that sat in the corners. His free hand waved blindly at the mess around them sending it all into neat stacks. Another soft noise pulled his hand from his eyes and he opened them just in time to see her retreating towards the bathroom.

Today was the day that Draco was set to go on his first hunt. His first chance to draw real blood. He had no idea why they had chosen the Lovegoods, perhaps the Dark Lord saw them as an easy target, perhaps Mr. Lovegood had broken his promise to stop printing positive things about Harry Poter. He didn't know.

All he did know was that he had to do something on both sides. He knew Granger would easily best all those in the hunting party, possibly even take their lives. An action, a path that would fully cement her onto the Dark Lord's watch list and raise even more questions on his loyalty.

He believed he had a plan, for both of them. He just hoped it wouldn't kill him before it was time.

A slow breath brought him up to his feet and towards the bathroom. As much as he didn't want to share the bath he knew that even a cauldron filled with potions wouldn't get him moving without it. It also saw to serve him for another purpose. His need to get Granger out of the way for the day. His heart was still torn on the proper path but time had run out and he had to do something.

The warm moist air of the bathroom helped to clear his dry sinus' and he let his head roll on his shoulders trying to make them loose enough to reach his buttons, "May I join you?"

Hermione turned away from the bath where she'd been checking the water temperature, her brows high into her hairline but a soft hidden smile on her lips, "Of course." Her smile grew when he came in further, closing the door to keep the warmth in.

"Thank you." Severus lowered his head with his words, he could feel her curiosity at his seemingly sudden amicable stance. He'd have to tread carefully to not arouse suspicion.

Hermione let herself fall down to the small bench beside the bath, her hands coming up to remove her shirt, "I think my side is irritated again...is not healing properly?"

"I can take a look, though I suspect our sleeping arrangments were mostly the cause." Severus let his jacket fall heavily into the hamper before coming just a bit closer. When she pulled her shirt from her shoulders he forced his eyes to wander over her chest, trying to give the appearance of need though he just looked to be in pain.

"Are you alright?" Hermione did, in fact, notice the lingering glance, though it only worried her brow.

"Yes, just very stiff." Severus' knees popped loud enough for her to hear as he bent down to look at her side. She shifted more so that he could get a clear look, "The cut has closed but the area around it is still very red. I imagine you'll be sore for a while. It was a very deep gash."

Hermione nodded her head and let out a heavy breath when he gently pressed his fingers to the warm flesh, "How long do you think it'll take?"

"It's hard to tell, the poison did a lot of damage to the muscle beneath, it might not heal back properly," Severus spoke the truth with a heavy heart, he could feel an absence of muscle beneath the skin, a small Achilles heel if you will.

"The water's ready..." Hermione let her shirt fall completely to the floor, her eyes following him up when he came to his feet, "Do you want some help?"

Severus had tried to suppress his wince but his discomfort was not so easy to hide from her anymore. Not trusting his tongue, he gave her only a small nod. Another personal sacrifice to put his plan into motion.

Hermione suppressed the smile that threatened her lips with the corner of her teeth. While she was curious about his new attitude to her she didn't want to break the mood by questioning him over it. Perhaps he was merely too exhausted to push her away or perhaps he'd finally come to understand that she meant him no harm. Either way, she was going to take the chance to show him how much he meant to her.

"I have to go out today." Severus lowered his chin to watch her fingers expertly slip his buttons from their catch, "I think it would be best if you...take some time to train inside the trunk. I don't know who may show up in my absence."

"I understand." Hermione let the backs of her fingers glide over his warm skin as she moved, her eyes lidding as she took in the texture she'd already memorized, " Do you know when you might return?"

"I have no idea."

"Can you tell me where you're going? Or will you leave me to worry?" Her hands came up pushing the shirt from his shoulders and down his arms.

"I'm afraid for your safety as well as my own, that it must be the latter."

Hermione smirked, letting her fingers tuck into the band of his belt, "I suppose a few grey hairs won't make me look any worse than I already do."

Severus shook his head and reached up to gently pull her hands free from his belt. "I think gravity can handle the rest."

"Or magic." Hermione's eye gleamed before she turned away. She called her wand from the bench she'd been sitting on before banishing away the rest of her clothes. She was sure she heard his breath hitch at her sudden nudity but didn't have the courage to turn and see the look on his face for herself.

Severus grunted before shaking his head, "You do know where you banished those don't you?"

"The hamper." Hermione braced herself on the edge of the tub before slowly taking the first glorious step into the warmth inside, "I'm not a first-year."

"Certainly not." Severus banished away his own layers, using her momentary blindness to take the other end of the tub. By the time she'd opened her eyes again, he'd concealed himself below the mirky lotion infused waters.

"This is amazing...How do you get your taps to know exactly what your body needs when it draws?"

"I don't, the castle just knows." Severus let himself fall back against the edge of the tub, lowering himself down to his throat. His long legs stretching outside of her own.

"Bless this castle..." Hermione let herself fall completely into the warm embrace, her legs stretching out as well. She could feel his thighs lightly brushing against her toes but did her best not to let them wander. It had taken so much to get them where they were, she couldn't let her hormonal urges ruin the moment.

oOOo

Severus clenched his jaw tight as he secured the latches on the trunk. His heart was near his feet as he felt the wards falling into place. Locking Granger inside. He hadn't been able to go through with his original plan to try and use her desire to touch him as a means of distraction. He hadn't been able to bring himself that low so as to use her desire against her.

Instead, he'd spiked her lunch-time tea with a mild sleeping draught. Something that he'd waited to take hold before laying her to rest inside the chest. Her body had been so heavy in his arms. A very vivid reminder of where they'd come. How much they'd gone through in such a short time. He wouldn't say he was completely content with his choice but he was assured that it was the better of the choices to be had.

They had spent the better part of the morning cleaning up their mess from the past two days and moving it down into the trunk for safekeeping before it had been time for Severus to leave. Granger had asked him when he was expected to return but he hadn't been able to give her an answer before the potion had taken hold. He had seen the look of betrayal in her eyes when they had started to grow heavy, however, and knew that when he was to return there would be hell to pay.

"Malfoy Manor." The green flames took him away from his misgivings. His mind forcing all the memories into the very darkest parts of his soul. He was about to attempt something that many would never do. Challenge the Dark Lord's decision.

His steps were hard on the cold stone as he moved through the dark halls. Though the scones were lit an ominous energy had begun to take hold over the house, chilling the air and growing shadows. It was no feat to follow the path of energy towards the drawing room—where when he neared— he could begin to hear low voices.

His eyes shot to the corner where Narcissa was looming just beside the door, no doubt listening in on what task the Dark Lord had in store for her son. When he caught her eyes he could see a small spark of hope inside them. No words between them needed to be spoken, and so, he raised his hand to the handle and pushed open the door without warning.

The entire room went silent and Severus could feel a dangerous weight coming down onto his shoulders. With all the confidence he was known for, he calmly closed the door behind him before walking towards the center where the Dark Lord himself stood surrounded by his hunting party. Four of whom Severus knew to be low-grade snatchers, all of which were kneeling down to show their respect. While Draco and Dolohov stood with bowed heads showing their marked status.

"Severussss, why have you disturbed us?"

"I thought perhaps you would like an update on the mysterious woman who attacked us." Severus could see Bellatrix laying on a lounge chair beside the fireplace, still grounded from her fight. To say he was pleased would have been an understatement.

"You've brought me her head?" Bellatrix's shrill voice made the room echo but Severus didn't give her the attention she craved.

The Dark Lord threw a warning glare to the wench before turning his red eyes back towards Severus. He took a slow step closer while his fingers ran down the length of the elder wand, "What news?"

"I have put my ear to the ground, My Lord. I fear, that she might be rogue. Not standing on either side of this war, but rather...trying to make a name for herself in the event of your victory."

Voldemort's eyes narrowed as he considered the man's words carefully, "And why have you seen to tell me now?"

"I fear she may have overheard of your plans, My Lord. Not sure from whom, " Severus looked rather pointedly at one of the snatchers who looked to be the most vulnerable, "I would like to offer my services, to ensure that your plan is completed."

The room was silent, the heavy ticking of the clock on the mantel like a stone dropping. No one dared to breathe as they waited for the Dark Lord's decision. Severus knew it was a daring and bold lie something to which he would most certainly lose his head for if it was ever found out.

"You may take Dolohov's spot."

"You are most gracious, My Lord." Severus lowered his head, moving to stand beside Draco while Dolohov backed himself out of the circle. The tension wafting from the young man was not so easy to ignore and as much as he wanted to give him a look of confidence he kept his eyes straight forward and his chin strict.

"Now then, you know of my mercy to the Lovegoods, pureblood as they are—they are still traitors to our cause. I believe it is time to weed out the garden, and lay a new seed. The girl is pure, her ideals are not our own but our lines are thin, bring her to me—alive. Her father is of no consequence." The Dark Lord turned away from them all, taking three steps before disappearing into a thick black smoke.

Draco turned slowly towards the men who were coming to their feet, having been given command over the mission to prove his loyalties and capabilities, "We shall strike at dusk, come out of the shadows." Draco turned his glance towards Severus praying that he had a better plan but the man kept his silence.

"What shall we do in the meantime?" Albrut, the leader of the small band that had been summoned wiped a bit of sweat from his brow.

"You are to remain here. In this room. I shall come when we are ready." Draco tried to make himself sound strong and it worked for those who did not know him, "Godfather? A word?"

"Of course."

Draco gave only a small glance at the men before moving towards the far end of the room that led down to the dungeons, he could feel his aunt's glare at his back but did his best to ignore it. She hadn't much moved from that spot since her injury and he was quite certain she didn't much like sharing the grand space with men whom she believed to be well below her.

As soon as they'd made it to the lower level Draco rounded on Severus, "I can do this alone."

"You don't want my help? Were you not just a day ago asking for my assistance?"

"Assistance yes! Not to hold my hand! Did my Mum do this? Did she make you come to babysit me?"

Severus ground his teeth, why were teenagers so full of themselves? Was it a genetic thing? "I chose to come on my own. Though I'm sure your mother will find some relief that her son will not become like her sister."

"You really think this...rogue—is a threat?"

Severus lowered his head to match the blond's own, "Not many people are capable of besting your aunt, you would do well to remember that." His voice was low, a bit a pride hidden in the sharpness of his tone.

Draco had the sense to look properly chastised, his chest deflating as he fell back against the wall, "When will all this be over?"

"When it is time."

Draco just shook his head and crossed his arms tight over his chest, they had just an hour to kill before dusk would be upon them. He had decided that he would be the one to take Luna. It had come as a relief that the Dark Lord had wanted her alive but it had been a short-lived feeling. He could only imagine what more nefarious plans were in motion.

"Do you...do you think he'll make me...you know...?"

"Rape, Ms. Lovegood?"

Draco winced at the word and turned his head away, "Yeah..."

"Doubtful. She is...somewhat related to you. Not directly but...enough."

"She is?"

Severus pursed his lips, "Did you not notice how your fair hair is a rather rare and envious trait? That she, also carries?"

"I guess I never noticed..."

"Clearly. No, I suspect such an honor will be given to another."

Draco shook his head with disgust.

oOo

Hermione woke with an odd cottony feeling in her mouth. Her brows furrowed tightly as she pushed herself up and the blanket that had covered her away. Her internal clock told her she'd slept for some time but it hadn't been a needed rest. As her brain reignited the pieces of why she felt so disoriented slowly came together and her eyes snapped open with a dangerous glint.

"Severus."