Anmarie Island

Snape's wand rolled slowly across the silent room, but no one paid it any heed. The shocked looks on every face were slowly replaced by other expressions: confusion, disbelief, jealousy, and two faces were twisted in rage. Harry, whose face changed quickly from a pale white to a furious red, attempted to speak, but no words came. He instead turned his back on the pair and slammed through the doors. Snape also looked as though there were no words strong enough to express his anger, and stalked over to his wand. He waved it briskly and the room was suddenly emptied of all decoration.

Draco let out a loud "oof" as Hermione shoved him away from her. She then reached a trembling hand to her face, half-heartedly expecting to feel the faux butterfly wings that had served as her mask. The only mask she wore now was one of fear.

The two stood in the center of every other student and teacher. Hermione looked around frantically for anyone willing to help her out of her current situation. She scanned the circle twice for the absent Harry. Unconsciously, she began to bite her lower lip and breathe heavily. This was one of the worst moments of her life.

Draco appeared much more calm and collected, though panic hid behind his gray eyes. He cleared his throat and his appearance grew cold. "Well," he chuckled, "so much for this little dance promoting unity. If anything, I feel more disgusted with Gryffindors than ever." He cast a glance at Hermione. "Had I known it was Granger here I was dancing with, I would have feigned a twisted ankle to get away from her." The other Slytherins laughed.

Hermione grew cold, fear replaced with anger. How could he?

"I'm glad it worked out this way," Draco smirked, "because look at the embarrassment on her face! Priceless!"

Every eye was on Hermione now. Draco had escaped. He had used her to escape. "I'll never forgive you for this," Hermione warned. "And you know why."

All eyes shot to Draco, who offered no expression whatsoever.

"Go to hell, Malfoy," Hermione said fiercely, storming from the ballroom.

All were silent. No one dared speak. It was then that Draco realized the mistake he had made.

Hermione flung open the door to her bedroom and slammed it so hard that the entire hut shook. "That stupid prat," she mumbled. "I hate him. I hate that damn..." She let out a slight shriek at the sight of Harry sitting on her bed.

"Harry?" she breathed a sigh of relief. "What are you doing here? And how did you get in?"

He pointed to a broken window and followed up with, "What the hell is going on? And don't skate around the answer. Tell me the truth."

"Harry," she began, "...it's complicated. You don't even want to know."

"Yes I do!" he stood up. "Are you in love with him or something? Tell me!"

"Harry..."

"YES or NO, Hermione?"

"I don't know!" she yelled, breaking into tears. "I just don't know anymore." She sat on her bed and put her head in her hands. "He's different, Harry. He's different once you get to know him. I had that opportunity and I saw something that you've never seen before. But tonight, tonight at that dance, he threw it all away again," she sobbed.

"What did he do?" Harry clenched his fist.

"Oh, you know, embarrassed me in front of everyone so that he could escape humiliation."

"Bastard," Harry shook his head. "See? That's why you need to get away from him!"

"Leave me alone," Hermione stood up. "Let me solve my own problems."

"He's a bad person, Hermione. He's just like his father."

Hermione stared Harry in the eye. "Don't say that."

"What? That Malfoy is exactly like his father? It's the truth! Lucius and Draco are the same person!"

"Get out. You don't know anything, Harry," Hermione said, opening up her bedroom door.

"I'm right and you know it," Harry mumbled, leaving her room.

"Goodnight," Hermione slammed her door and threw herself onto her bed. She had lost Draco and Harry in the same night. "Great," she sighed, "Ron will probably turn against me as soon as I get back to Hogwarts."

There was a soft knock on her door. Hermione walked hurriedly to it and flung it open. "Look, Harry..." She stopped as soon as she met Draco's gaze.

He looked exhausted and bore a slight expression of regret. "Can I come in?" he asked softly.

"Why on earth would you want to be in the same room as a bloody Gryffindor?" she scoffed. "I'm below you, Malfoy. I'm a lower human being, remember? You're too good to be in my presence."

He nodded. "I deserve that," he admitted.

"You deserve a lot more than that," Hermione said, beginning to shut her door. Draco stuck his foot in the way.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled.

"You're sorry? Oh, well that just fixes everything. That even fixes the humiliation you caused me today! Thank goodness for those two magical words!" Hermione said sarcastically. "Goodnight and goodbye, Malfoy." She succeeded in shutting her door this time.

"I have some things to tell you," Draco spoke loudly through the door. "Meet me before sunrise at the cave if you'd like to hear what I have to say. 'Night."

Hermione considered his words. "Fine," she grumbled to herself, lying down in bed. She sighed loudly. It's almost over, she consoled herself. Only one week left on Anmarie Island.

Hermione's biological clock awoke her at 5:30 in the morning. She yawned loudly and rubbed her eyes, staring out her broken window into complete darkness. A soft breeze filtered into her room, alleviating some of the humidity. For a brief second, she considered not even going, but forced herself to get up and throw her robes on.

She walked slowly to the water, listening to the smooth rustling of trees all around her. The tide washed gently over her feet. The water looked like oil in the blackness of early morning. Once again, she almost backed down and went back to her hut. But curiosity compelled her forward.

The water was warm this time, not the chilly death trap she had once witnessed. She swam slowly to the large boulder that she had become so familiar with. Hoisting herself up and into the cave, Hermione caught a glimpse of blonde hair and knew she hadn't been tricked. Relief washed over her.

She walked quietly toward Draco, still angry about the previous night's events.

"Lumos," he muttered, and light filled the cave.

"So?" Hermione asked impatiently.

"So what?" Draco replied.

Hermione sighed. "So what is it that you want to tell me? I certainly hope you didn't drag me out here before dawn for nothing."

"I didn't," he insisted. "I want to fill you in a little about myself. Things that you don't know about me."

Hermione smirked. "Oh? Are we losing the air of mystery now?"

Draco laughed. "If you don't want to know, then you can leave. I don't care."

"I'm not bickering with you. Just tell me what you want to tell me so I can leave."

"You're the only one I can talk to," Draco admitted. "You're the only one I feel I can trust."

Hermione looked at him again, dropping her vengeful attitude. "Tell me."

He paused, unsure of how to begin.

Hermione sat next to him and stared out at the water. She felt compelled to speak in the uncomfortable silence. "It's beautiful isn't it?" she murmured. "The way the moon glistens off of the water."

Draco caught her allusion to the boat ride to Anmarie Island so long ago. He couldn't help but smile. "Who would have known what awaited us here?" he asked rhetorically.

Hermione shrugged. "Fate works in strange ways, Draco."

"Did you ever wonder why I hate my father so much?" he asked suddenly.

"Sure," she admitted, "but I didn't feel it was my place to ask too many questions about it."

"Well, you deserve to know," Draco said. "But please, don't breathe a word to anyone."

Hermione nodded, solemnly awaiting his words.

"Potter isn't the only one with scars to bear," Draco hissed, clutching his chest. "I'm Lucius' target practice whenever I wrong him in some way. In some God-awful way like breathing too heavily or refusing to harm an innocent mudblood." He glanced tenderly at Hermione. "No offense."

She shook her head. "None taken."

"And," Draco winced as though this particular memory caused him great agony, "I want you to see something."

Hermione waited silently while Draco pulled off his robe.

He sat in front of her, chest and soul bared. "This one," he pointed to a small scar on his right side, "is particularly painful."

"Oh my God," Hermione gasped loudly.

She reached a trembling hand down to it. Her fingers brushed gently over his thin, lightning bolt scar. Hermione couldn't believe her eyes. "Is it...real? I mean, did...did...who did this to you?"

Draco laughed. "I don't care to say the name."

Hermione was speechless.

"It happened in the summer before our third year at Hogwarts. He-who-must-not-be-named wasn't powerful enough to kill me, but I was at death's door for a solid month. And then I received this beauty," he motioned to his scar. "The curse was performed at my father's wish. I had disobeyed him in some way. I don't remember what exactly happened."

Hermione had never seen him so vulnerable. Remembering the events brought out Draco's scared inner child. He wore a façade of bravery and arrogance to hide the fear that nested inside.

"I--I didn't realize your father was so...so," Hermione paused, "horrible."

"Yeah, well, he is," Draco replied, throwing his robes back on. "Please," he looked her in the eye, "please don't tell anyone about this. I'd like for it to remain a secret."

Hermione nodded, and then suddenly remembered the sight of Lucius' face in Bargs' fireplace. She let out a gasp.

"What?" Draco asked, a bit nervous at her sudden awe.

"Listen," she started frantically, "I saw something a while back that you can't tell a soul about."

Draco nodded, his attention devoted solely to her.

But she stopped suddenly and paused, unsure as to if she should continue. "Can I trust you with this?" she asked. "Can I trust that you won't tell a single person what I'm about to tell you? I don't want to send the island into a frenzy and I don't want rumors started that I'm crazy."

He stared at her honestly. "You can trust me. I swear upon my life that you can."

"I trusted you yesterday at that dance, Draco. You let me down then and I'm afraid that you'll let me down again. So don't tell me to trust you until you prove that I can."

"I'm sorry," he admitted. "I used you as an escape route and I'm sorry for it. I know that what I did was wrong. But you don't understand the repercussions I face from my father if word gets out!"

She considered his words. "Don't do it again," she demanded softly. "Because if you use me like that one more time, or if you let what I'm about to tell you get out somehow, consider my trust in you permanently gone."

He nodded solemnly. "Now tell me, please."

"Back when we were working on our gardens, the same night of that terrible storm," a silent understanding of that meaningful night passed between them, "I saw something very strange in Madame Bargs' hut. I was chasing that gnome when I ran right up to some secret hut of hers. It blended in perfectly with the trees. Anyway, I saw green smoke coming from her chimney, so I took a look in through one of her windows. Then," she paused, "then I heard her talking with your father."

"It's never good when someone is in contact with my father," Draco groaned.

"I know," she said, "and it gets worse. Bargs was saying that something is almost complete and that Seedly has no chance of being taken back to Hogwarts and then Lucius said something about the Dark Lord not being happy with you because you're a traitor."

Draco's eyes widened in horror.

Hermione continued. "And then Bargs said that you could be taken care of when she is secured a position at Hogwarts. That's all I heard because then I took off running."

Draco stood up angrily. "Why didn't you tell me about this sooner?"

Hermione followed his lead and rose. "Would it have made much of a difference? We can't do anything about it until we can talk one-on-one with Dumbledore anyway."

Draco ran his hand through his hair fervently. "So what? Is she going to come teach at Hogwarts now?"

"I don't know," Hermione sighed. "I hope they don't offer her a Defense Against the Dark Arts position."

"Damn it!" Draco yelled in frustration. "Nothing is ever easy! I can't be with the girl I want, my father is a maniac, and now I have to worry about Bargs killing me!"

"Calm down," Hermione placed a hand on his shoulder. "We leave here on Friday and we'll be back at Hogwarts before you know it. Then you can talk to Dumbledore about everything and he'll take care of you."

Draco laughed. "You think it's that easy? I'm sure my father knows that that's what I'd do. He's probably planned on having me axed before I get the chance to talk to Dumbledore."

Hermione thought this over. "We can go to Snape," she suggested meekly.

Draco shook his head. "I don't think it's safe to mention anything while we're here. I'd feel safer at school."

"I think so too," Hermione agreed. "So we'll plan on going to Dumbledore, no matter what your father has planned. I think that Dumbledore's our only hope."

They stood in silence for a moment, both frightened about the future that awaited them; about the power Lucius had and that he would willingly inflict upon them. Neither had a word to say.

Hermione felt an overwhelming pity for Draco. She had never seen him look so delicate and fearful.

He sat down slowly, deep in thought and scared. Hermione sat as well, and gently embraced him. He felt so weak in her arms; like a powerless child. He rested his head on her chest and, for a moment, he felt safe. He felt like nothing else in the world mattered except this instant; except himself and Hermione. She bent her head down and whispered, "It's all going to be fine" and Draco closed his eyes, letting her words sink in.

"As long as you don't get hurt," he whispered back, "everything will be fine."

Hermione rested her head on his. "Ditto."

Upon sunrise, both had made it back to their huts without anyone noticing anything suspicious. That day was more than a little awkward, though.

Draco and Hermione had to avoid one another all day, feigning hatred from the previous night's dance. Every student had questions for them, yearning for any amount of gossip to add to the rumor mill. By the end of the day, however, nobody really cared. They all passed off the situation as a poor coincidence and truly believed that the pair still hated each other.

I hate having to hate someone I don't hate, Draco thought that night, confused by his own overuse of the term. What the hell did I just say? he thought afterwards.

The next 5 days dragged by slowly, final exams practically making time stand still. And everyone was feeling anxious to leave Anmarie Island behind.

It was a gorgeously ornate place, filled forever with the memories of 12 Hogwarts students. But even still, everyone longed for their homes, for their real school, and for their other friends and family. Anmarie Island, with its crystal blue water and emerald green plants, was about to become history; a few pages in one's memory scrapbook. No one had any regrets.

Even Harry, who spent much of his trip wallowing in anger, would never forget swimming in his favorite chilly cove or nearly being killed by a murderous throcean. The island had offered so much adventure and so many new things. Too many new things, he thought, remembering the newfound fondness between Hermione and Malfoy.

As Friday approached, everyone was prepared to bid farewell to their summer haven. Some took last minute walks along the sandy beach, others sat under their favorite shady trees, embracing the soothing rustle of leaves overhead. It would be bittersweet to leave the island.

Hermione stood in her room alone, packing up her things. Her mind was adrift, thinking solely of Draco's safety. The idea that she was leaving this place for good and that she would probably never see it again had barely entered her mind. She was relieved that Anmarie Island would soon be replaced by the safety of Hogwarts.

A soft knock at her door pulled Hermione from her reverie. She opened it to reveal Harry, who was toting a large suitcase of his own.

"It's time to head to the boat," he said. "Snape sent me to get you."

"Thank you," Hermione smiled. She hated the fact that being around her best friend made her uncomfortable.

"No problem," he smiled back weakly before leaving Hermione's hut.

She walked out slowly and took a deep breath, inhaling the island one last time. She glanced around her, taking in ever aspect of her summer home. Despite the turbulence, the past two months had been a fun ride. And with that, Hermione turned her back on Anmarie Island.

The day was hazy and gray, thunderclouds ready to let loose rain torrents at any moment. As Hermione boarded the boat, Snape cleared his throat and spoke loudly to the students.

"Now that we are all here," he cast a sneer at Hermione, "I have a rather important announcement to make."

Hermione, Draco, and Harry were completely uninterested. No other students wanted out of Anmarie Island more than those three.

Snape continued. "Our top two students from this summer course will receive a special surprise today. Madame Bargs has determined who these two students are and she is waiting in the teachers' hut to deliver them their prizes. These students will go and collect their gifts and leave Anmarie Island later today."

Seedly interjected. "Yes, and I can assure all of you that this 'special surprise' is quite desirable." He smiled warmly.

Snape rolled his eyes and continued on in his uninterested voice. "Congratulations to Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy. You will now be given the opportunity to study abroad in France over this upcoming Christmas season. Please report to Madame Bargs for further information."

Everyone was silent. Hermione bore no expression and Draco appeared heavily unenthused. There were one or two groans from students who actually wanted to win, but other than that no one cared.

Great, Draco thought. Time to fuel more rumors that Hermione and I are involved. He sighed and left the boat quietly. Hermione followed.

"Normally I would be thrilled to receive such a great opportunity," Hermione said to Draco once they were back on the island, "but for some reason I just don't care right now."

Draco nodded. "I understand. I just want out of here."

"And I don't want to meet with Bargs," Hermione said in fear. "Let's just hope she doesn't know that I heard her and your father that day."

Draco nearly shuddered. "Let's do more than hope, Hermione. Let's pray."

Harry peered out into the island from his nook on the boat. Something seemed strange to him. In all honesty, the entire "special prize" deal made him uneasy.

"Two students alone on a deserted island with Madame Bargs," he mumbled to himself. "That just doesn't sound right."

"Harry, you've finally gone mad, eh?" Seamus piped up from Harry's open doorframe. "In here talking to yourself." The boy laughed, but Harry was quite grave.

"Seamus," Harry began, "does any of this seem weird to you?"

Seamus, who had just stuffed a large pumpkin pastry into his mouth, replied, "Any of what?"

"Madame Bargs makes me uneasy and I don't trust her," he admitted suddenly. "Why would she be the one to tell the two 'winners' about their 'special prize?' It should be Snape, if anybody. I mean we're leaving two students on a strange island alone with a teacher we barely even know! Don't you see what I'm saying?"

Seamus thought all this over. "I think you're paranoid, mate," he shrugged.

Harry nodded. "Maybe I am, but you would be too if you've been through all the hell I have."

"Good point," Seamus admitted. "Why don't you talk to Professor Snape about it?"

Harry shook his head. "Trust me when I say that that's a bad idea."

"Well then I don't have any other suggestions. I mean, you could jump off the boat and go find them," he laughed, "but maybe that's not the best advice."

"Maybe it is," Harry mumbled, ideas brewing in his skull. He ran over to one of his suitcases and threw it open, searching frantically for a particular item. "Here it is," he said to himself as he pulled it out.

"What? Harry, you're not serious."

Shoving past the boy in his doorway, invisibility cloak in hand, Harry replied with, "Don't tell anyone where I am!"

Draco and Hermione stood side by side in from of the teachers' hut. The large wooden doors in front of them were intimidating and neither wanted to see what lurked beyond them.

"Everything is going to be fine," Draco attempted to sooth their fears.

Hermione nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I think we're overreacting."

"So let's just get this done and over with," Draco sighed as he reached toward one of the doorknobs. He wrapped his fingers around one of the cool brass handles and glanced at Hermione for reassurance.

"Done and over with," she reminded him.

He nodded and, before he could make another move, both doors slammed open. "I'm tired of waiting!" a man's voice boomed.

Hermione squealed and jumped back, covering her face. Draco quickly stepped back and pulled out his wand.

"Oh, they're already here," the man smiled. "Draco, you make me laugh. Give me that silly little thing." He reached out and yanked Draco's wand from his grip.

Hermione quickly reached for hers, but with a casual, "Expelliarmus," the man disarmed her. He snapped both wands in half and threw them to the side.

Draco glanced at Hermione in panic before the two took off running.

The man sighed. "Petrificus Totalus!" he shouted. Both students fell to the ground. He walked slowly toward them.

Draco lay writhing on the ground as the man neared him. He reached down and rolled the boy over. "Draco, Draco, Draco," the man shook his head. "Forever the victim. What a disappointment."

The boy stopped struggling as fear gave way to hatred. He stared fiercely at the man, his heart filled with venom. "Take me, then," he gritted his teeth, "and leave Hermione alone. Your issues are with me, Father, not her."

Lucius shook his head. "Now where's the fun in that?"

A rustling behind Lucius made him turn around quickly, wand drawn.

Bargs floated up to him, putting her hand gently on his to lower his wand. He smiled and tenderly cupped her face. "Bring the children inside," she cooed, before Lucius locked her in a passionate kiss.

Draco cringed at the image in front of him, and cast a quick glance over to Hermione. "Are you all right?" he mouthed to her.

Hermione nodded, trying her best to not let her fear show.

Draco felt the slightest bit of relief that she was okay, but it was a feeling that didn't last long. His father grabbed him roughly and began to drag him toward the hut. Bargs had a hold of Hermione. Both students dreaded whatever awaited them inside the darkened teachers' quarters.