She nodded. "And the steam rising in characteristic spirals.

And it's supposed to

smell differently to each of us, according to what attracts us, and I can smell freshly
mown grass and new parchment and — "
Honey. Honey dripping into a teacup.
Her jaw snapped shut.
It was innocuous, really. Just honey. Her eyes drifted to a pale blond, wondering if
he would have even associated her almost-confession with his morning tea.
Draco was staring past her, glaring at Ron.
No. He probably wasn’t paying an ounce of attention to her.
Never in the way she wanted.

$
They put her in a room all by herself. It could have been an old
meeting room. Large enough for a table and twelve chairs. It was empty
now. The shadows of where portraits used to hang on the walls,
rectangles of unblemished wallpaper.
They left her petrified. Face up. It was a blessing actually. She couldn't
hyperventilate when all she could physically do was breathe.
Luna had been able to walk by herself when they locked the door,
stumbling along behind Yaxley. She gave Hermione a small smile as the
door closed, and Hermione spent the first ten minutes of her isolation
trying to decipher it.
Was it a thank you? Was it meant to say, it's alright that you didn't
listen to me?
Hermione stared at the ceiling, waiting for what came next.
So, Pansy was right. An Auction of sorts. Yaxley mentioned the cost of
the bodies he'd killed, and Dolohov was under the impression that the
signature on her arm would change to his, probably with an exchange of
Galleons.
It explained why Yaxley had bothered to heal Luna. They were more
valuable alive.
How valuable, she wondered.
Pansy said 5,000 Galleons for virgins. That sounded like an awful lot
for a one-time experience.
It took a while for Hermione to realize that the curse Dolohov hit her
with was still bleeding. She’d stopped the spread of the razor blade nicks
with her Finite Incatatem, but did not heal the skin. She lay there, feeling a
slow seeping wetness across her back, cold in the marble room.
18 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES
 3
o far, she was quite pleased with Professor Slughorn. All in all, he was a much

S friendlier presence than their previous Potions instructor.

He’d welcomed them into the classroom, and she and her classmates had
gravitated towards four cauldrons bubbling in the center of the room. Polyjuice was
clearly boiling in one. She peered into another and found Veritaserum, without a doubt.
She scrunched her nose in disapproval that he would allow such dangerous potions
within clear reach of students .
She inched closer as Slughorn gave Harry and Ron spare copies of the textbook,
standing on her tiptoes to inspect the swirling silver potion in the cauldron closest to her.
She gasped. Amortentia.
Slughorn asked for each of the potions to be identified, and her hand rocketed into
the air every time.
"It's the most powerful love potion in the world!" she said, bouncing on her toes
when Slughorn asked her.
"Quite right! You recognized it, I suppose, by its distinctive mother-of-pearl sheen?"

THE AUCTION ● 17
 "Petrificus Totalus," from Dolohov.
Her arms snapped to her sides, and her body lengthened, bringing her
face-first along the stone floor, smashing her nose. Dolohov kicked her
over. He leaned over her, smiled, and spit on her face.
"You're not so smart after all, are you, you little swot?" Dolohov aimed
his wand at her head. "Feisty though. I'll enjoy that once you're mine."
He reached down, grabbed a fist full of her hair, and dragged her
frozen body down the stones.

THE AUCTION
THE RIGHTS & WRONGS SERIES

16 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES

 "Let's try this again," Yaxley panted against Luna's hair. "I already owe
Ted Nott and Walden Macnair a few thousand Galleons for your little
stunt, Miss Granger." He grinned. "Antonin won't mind this one going to
waste, I'm sure."
Hermione watched Luna's ribs drag in air, thinking.
Baxter was dead, and now he was saying Parvati was too. The fifth girl
possibly dead. Luna here, about to die. Fifty unarmed girls locked in a
room several hallways back.
Harry wasn't here. Or McGonagall or Kingsley. Or Lupin. Or
Dumbledore.
"Drop the wand, Miss Granger." Yaxley raised his bloody knife to
Luna's chin.
She could kill them both. It may take some fighting but she could do
it. And grab up Dolohov's wand and go back for the girls. Or push
through the halls without them, looking for an exit.
And then what? Who was left?
"Miss Granger?"
She could conjure that hate. Take out Dolohov. But not before Yaxley's
knife ended Luna.
She could kill Dolohov, then Yaxley as Luna's body dropped.
And then she'd be alone.
"It's okay, Hermione."
She looked back to Luna. The girl smiled and there was blood on her
teeth. She nodded her head, like telling her she could step in front of her
at the drinking fountain. The movement pushed the blade into her skin.
"It's okay," Luna said. "Don't think of me. I don't mind." Yaxley
squeezed her, and the blade cut her just enough. "Remember? He said it
would be better this way."
Draco.
Draco told her it would be better to die.
But despite her attachments, she still had no reason to trust him over
her instincts. And her instincts started to scream as the blade moved
across Luna's throat.
Hermione dropped to her knees, skidded the wand down the stones,
and moved her hands to her head.
She watched as Yaxley scooped up his wand, as Luna's hands
scrambled for her throat. Dolohov moved toward Hermione, and Yaxley
turned his wand on Luna's neck, knitting the skin back together.

THE AUCTION ● 15
 She let the jet graze her ear so she could send a Stupefy. He blocked,
and she aimed at the wall next to him.
"Aguamenti!"
A solid stream of water hit the marble wall, bouncing and spraying
against his face, into his eyes and ears. Dolohov stumbled and just when
Hermione had a clear shot to disarm him, a small body with wild blonde
curls crashed into Yaxley, disappearing them both around the corner.
Luna.
"Expelliarmus!" she cast, but the momentary distraction was enough
time for Dolohov to block her.
Dolohov used her technique against her, and ricocheted a spell off the
wall behind her. It struck her right between the shoulder blades, and she
screamed as what felt like small razor blade cuts spread across her skin,
dancing down her back and curving around her ribs.
Mustering something within she howled a jinx at him before swiping
her wand to end the nicking spell on her back.
A scream from around the corner that she recognized as Luna. And
THE
then Parvati's dark figure sprinted past Hermione's hallway, raven hair
flowing behind her, yelling over the sound of Luna's whimpers.
Dolohov had recovered. He pulled himself up, slashing his wand
through the air, and something cracked inside of her as Luna screamed
AUCTION
again, voice breaking and fluttering over Parvati's shouting. LOVESBITCA8
"Avada Kedavra."
It left her lips like a kiss. A green jet of light pouring from the wand in
her hand, but stopping short, just a foot before Dolohov's tense face.
They stared at each other, listening to their breath and the grunting
from the hallway. Neither she nor Dolohov had expected her to cast it.
And that's why she hadn't meant it.
She summoned the image of Harry in Hagrid's arms. Ron's face as he
looked upon Fred for the last time, the sound of her mother calling her
downstairs, Sirius's warm brown eyes, and she aimed her wand and
opened her lips.
Yaxley appeared in the hallway, dragging Luna by the neck. He
propped her up in front of him, just like with the Baxter girl. Who was
now gone.
Hermione kept the wand on Dolohov, and watched Luna lift her head
and meet her eyes. Blood dripped over her left brow, and her lip was
swollen. A red stain was spreading between her ribs.

14 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES

 Her heartbeat in her fingertips. Sweat dripping down her spine.
"Drop the wand," Yaxley hissed.
Hermione turned to hold defense against Dolohov. Luna's body on the
ground behind him, slowly coming back to consciousness. The fifth girl
was out cold.
A whimper, gurgling.
She turned, and Yaxley's blade had pulled across Baxter's throat.
Blood sprayed as her fingers scrambled to staunch its flow. Hermione's
jaw dropped and a small scream popped through her lips, her skin
buzzing.
Yaxley grinned at her. "Now, if only I had my wand to heal her."
Baxter fell to her knees, holding the slice across her neck. Hermione
met her eyes as they dimmed.
Hermione shot a hex at Yaxley, now without a human shield. He
jumped out of the way just in time, but a Disarming Spell from Dolohov
hit the wall behind her head.
"Hermione! Run!" Parvati screamed.
THE AUCTION She turned back and ran down the hallway toward the exam rooms.
by L OVES B ITCA 8 Heavy footfalls thudded behind her, and she turned and shot curses over
her shoulder. A head poked out of a brightly lit room, a mediwitch hat on.
RATING : Explicit Hermione sprinted past, turning right at the end of the hall. It was at least
FANDOM : Harry Potter the same direction as the main door they had wanted to exit through. She
RELATIONSHIP : Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy heard the Death Eaters follow her around the corner, and she blasted a
door open.
PUBLISHED : 2019-06-05 COMPLETED : 2020-12-07 Supply cupboard.
WORD COUNT : 325702 She kept running, heading toward the end of the hall. It was a maze.
$ She had no idea anymore which way was out. Curses and hexes smashed
through the corners she wound around.
In the wake of the Dark Lord’s triumph over Harry Potter, the She skidded down a hall to her left. And it was empty. A dead end. No
defeated must learn their new place. Hermione Granger, former Golden doors to disappear into.
Girl, has been captured and reduced to human chattel. Sold to the highest She spun on her heel just as Yaxley slid into the hall, Dolohov behind him.
bidder as the top prize at an auction of Order members and "Crucio!"
sympathizers, she is thrust into the rabid, waiting hands of the Death She jumped out of the way of Dolohov's curse.
Eaters. But despite the horrors of Voldemort’s new world, help—and "Expelliarmus!" she bellowed. He blocked her.
hope—seem to arise from the most unlikely of places. She needed to disarm Dolohov first. Then focus on Yaxley.
"I thought she was supposed to be clever," Dolohov hissed. "The
Mudblood's got herself backed into a corner." He smiled, lips peeling
— TYPESET FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY — away from yellow teeth. "Flipendo!"

THE AUCTION ● 13
lock it. Another Death Eater waited in the hallway, and gestured for
Parvati to follow. Hermione eyed Yaxley as he locked the door and turned
to bring up the rear.
Her heart thudded a dull beat.
They turned left.
She stared at the back of Baxter's head. She didn't know her. As her
arm swung back she could just make out the word Nott.
They turned left again. A long hallway with a door at the end.

1
Midway was a door on the right, which according to Ginny would lead to
the showers. A hallway sprouting to the left to take them to the medical
exam room.
She focused in on the hum of magic in her blood. And she spun and
reached out, focusing on the spell, and pushed Yaxley through the air.
She opened her eyes when she heard a shout. Yaxley's body hung by
his ankle. Baxter joined her, hands outstretched. Their magic synced, a
force of wind and desperation. Yaxley's wand flew from his hand. Her
eyes followed, heart hammering. Without the grace and delicacy of
wandwork on the Expelliarmus, the stick just zoomed across the hall.
A commotion from behind them, possibly the other three attacking the
first Death Eater, and she felt the power slipping from her fingers,
distractions everywhere and her mind spinning circles. Yaxley dropped,
falling in a heap.
Get the wand. Get the wand.
A scream behind her. arry Potter is dead. He was killed as he ran away, trying to save himself while
She spun, and Parvati was on the floor, writhing.
The Death Eater's mask had slipped off in the attack. It was Dolohov.
His wand trained on Parvati in what must be the Cruciatus Curse.
H you lay down your lives for him. We bring you his body as proof that your hero
is gone.
The battle is won. You have lost half of your fighters. My Death Eaters outnumber
you, and the Boy Who Lived is finished. There must be no more war. Anyone who
Hermione gasped for air, searching for the wand as Luna jumped on his
continues to resist, man, woman or child, will be slaughtered, as will every member of
back. He swatted her away with his wand, her little body flying backward. their family. Come out of the castle now, kneel before me, and you shall be spared. Your
Hermione was useless in a duel without a wand. Her eyes darted, parents and children, your brothers and sisters will live and be forgiven, and you will
searching. There, in the corner that lead to the exam room: Yaxley's join me in the new world we shall build together.
wand. She dove for it, as a fresh round of screams from Parvati poured Hermione fell to her knees.
into the hallway. Her fingers plucked it from the ground. Harry Potter is dead.
"STOP!" She was cold. There was blood on her face, stiffening her skin. She
She spun. Yaxley was up. He had a knife at Baxter's neck, poking into didn't remember if it was hers. There was dirt beneath her nails and bile
the flesh. Parvati was silent behind her, and she chanced a look. Dolohov in her throat.
pulled her up by the scalp, holding her to his chest as a shield, wand She heard Ron speaking to her, some nonsense. Something about
continuing to fight.
trained on Hermione.
If Harry was dead…
12 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 1
 She'd had nightmares about this moment for the past seven years. "I think the Ministry."
About what she would have to do next. She'd run through the chain of The black marble floors. Of course.
command. First McGonagall. When McGonagall fell, then Kingsley. When Ginny came back, she pulled a group to the corner, taking
Then Remus. But behind them all, she and Ron would need to be the Hermione and Luna. She explained the hallways, the showers. The
new faces of the revolution. number of Death Eaters guarding them.
Your hero is gone.
"Is anyone good with wandless magic?" Ginny looked around. A few
She staggered to her feet. Ron helped her up.
She shouldn't have kissed him. She shouldn't have pretended there was of the older girls nodded. "Whoever is in Hermione's group should try to
normalcy in her life. The world was ending. overpower the guards before reaching the showers. This may be our only
McGonagall screamed. Hermione turned toward the entrance to the chance. They take you left around two corners, and then there is a door at
castle, and saw Hagrid carrying a body. the end of the hall before they take you right and into the showers."
He looked so small, his hair still sticking out in all directions. Ginny drew imaginary lines on the wall for a visual aid, and Hermione
She felt a yell from her own lips as Ginny ran forward, screaming his was reminded of Ron, and the way he strategized Wizard's Chess. "I
name. think I've been in these halls before with my father. I think those are the
She watched Ginny's face, wondering at the feeling of seeing your love main doors."
lying dead before you. And her eyes turned to the faces of the "They lead to the courtrooms," a black-haired girl said. "My father
approaching Death Eaters, searching…
was on the Wizengamot. I think I know where we are."
A blond head moved quickly amongst them. Hermione's heart
pounded, following the figure. The blond slid through the ranks, until Ginny nodded. "Yaxley and another guard led us to the showers. I'm
finally breaking away and heading to a side entry. It was Narcissa Malfoy. thinking Levicorpus and Expelliarmus." The girls agreed. The others who
Hermione looked around and found all eyes on Hagrid laying Harry's had not yet gone for exams had gathered too. "Just get Hermione a wand.
body down at Voldemort's feet. Don't come back for us."
No one saw the willowy woman dart away through the castle. No one More than thirty heads nodded.
but Hermione. "What?" Hermione frowned. "No, we'll come back, get you all out,
She turned. Ron held onto Ginny, tears streaming down his face. and then all fifty of us will storm through that door—"
McGonagall stood tall, wand at the ready. The remaining Weasleys were "Don't be an idiot, Granger," Pansy said from her corner.
behind her. Kingsley's eyes roved over the Death Eaters, counting, it seemed. Ginny pressed her lips together. "Hermione, you have to get through
If Narcissa Malfoy was planning something, she needed to be
that door as quickly and silently as possible. The mediwitches will be
followed. Hermione couldn't let her get away.
Voldemort was still gloating, preaching to his gathered crowd. She waiting on the next group."
slipped to her left behind several students, creeping toward the stone wall. "Why would five witches with a maximum of two wands be better
One last look at Harry's body. She looked to Ron and Ginny, preparing to chances than fifty?" she argued. "We're ten floors deep underground."
fight. "Fifty unarmed witches fitting in the lifts is better?" Pansy sneered.
Just as she was about to make a break for it down the hall, Neville ran The bang of the doors unlocking again. The girls scattered, looking
forward. Voldemort stunned him backward with a bang. innocent.
All attention on Neville, and Hermione made her escape. Yaxley returned the five freshly bathed girls.
She tucked herself back into the crowd, tracking the silky blonde hair "Baxter, Lovegood, Patil, Mortensen, and Granger."
as it swayed through the Death Eaters to the side door. Hermione She stood. And wondered for the first time where the other Patil was.
watched the door close behind Narcissa.
Parvati moved quickly to be at the front of the line of girls, giving
Screaming from behind her. She hated that she could identify the
sound of Neville's crying. Her own memories wrapping around the Hermione a nod. Luna stood behind her. The other girls filed in and
familiar rhythm of Bellatrix's cackle. Hermione stood at the back. Yaxley led them out, holding the door to

2 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 1 1

 Hermione swallowed. Draco Malfoy being kind – compassionate. Hermione slipped into the empty Entrance Hall, and looked into the
She'd always thought she was the only one who'd seen it. She'd heard a void of white sheets in the Great Hall. Madame Pomfrey looked up at her,
bit from Harry last year, about Myrtle in the girls' bathroom just before the only living soul amongst the bodies.
he'd sliced him open. "What's happening out there, Granger?" Her voice shook.
Hermione looked across the room again. "Pansy," she said. Cho "Harry is dead." She heard her voice leave her lips.
Pomfrey paled.
turned to look at Pansy, and Ginny's eyes followed. Hermione watched the
"I believe we are about to fight," she continued. She watched as the
dark haired girl close her eyes and lean back against the wall in her mediwitch's lips shivered.
solitary corner, secluded away from everyone else. "He knew Pansy would Hermione blinked. And turned around, walking in the direction
end up here. Months ago." Narcissa Malfoy had slipped inside.
Hermione turned to Ginny and Luna. "Whose names are on your It must be shock. She let her mind turn this over—Harry was dead,
arms?" and she was chasing Narcissa Malfoy around the empty castle.
Luna pulled up her sleeve, and Ginny turned her wrist. Both of them Hermione turned down an empty corridor, rubble pushed into the
had the same signature. corners. She'd never seen the castle this ghostly.
Antonin Dolohov. Dead.
A loud bang from outside the room. All fifty girls jumped, some Voices down a side hall. Hermione pressed herself against the wall,
cold stones against her back, and peeked around the corner.
standing, some shrinking back.
Two blond heads.
Another bang, this one Hermione recognized as doors opening. She snapped back, her skull hitting the wall behind her in her haste to
"It could just be food. Or another girl dropped off," Ginny whispered. hide. She pulled her eyes tight and listened through the pounding in her
Hermione stood, leaning heavily against the wall, regretting her empty head.
stomach. "...time to go. We'll meet your father... to France with ..." Narcissa's
A lock clicked, and a masked Death Eater entered the room. He was quick whispering floated short phrases to her.
without food and without a new girl. "I'm not leaving." Draco's voice was strong.
"Medical examinations today." A soft warmth intruded Hermione's panic as she realized that Narcissa
It was Yaxley. She looked down at her arm, expecting... something. A Malfoy had no master plan. She was simply risking her life to look for her son.
tingle or burn? Or the letters glittering when he was near. Nothing. "Where are you going?"
"You didn't see her in the courtyard?"
"Five at a time," he said. "Parkinson, Abbott, Clearwater, Forbes, and
"I was looking for you." Heavy footfalls. "Did you hear me?" Narcissa
Harding. Follow me." asked. "Potter is dead."
No one moved. "Yes, I heard you." Draco's voice was closer. He was coming her way.
"Now," Yaxley said. Hermione darted back the way she came, finding a small broom closet to
Penelope Clearwater was the first to separate herself and move to the duck into.
front. Pansy stood and followed. The five exited the room. Yaxley looked She couldn't hear much more of what the Malfoys said over the sound
around, promising pain behind the mask, and closed the door as he left. of her heartbeat. Draco's quick legs carried him past her door, Narcissa
An hour later, they were returned. The gash across Hannah's head right on his heels. Hermione peeked out of the closet, watching him walk
had been healed. And they smelled better. away.
He took Ginny this time, and four others. The rest gathered around Things were about to get exponentially more difficult. She would have
to return to the Entrance Hall now. She would have to take stock of who
the five that returned and hounded them for answers.
had survived while she'd run after the Malfoys, pretending it was for the
"Where are we?" Hermione asked Hannah as Penelope answered cause. She would have to comfort Ginny and Ron, and attempt to let
questions about the showers and the medical exam. them comfort her – that is, if she could find them.
10 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 3
 What if she'd missed it? Missed it all. What if she returned to the Hermione nodded, already wishing she was asleep again. The girls
Entrance Hall and the bodies of her friends lay there, waiting for her to gave them some space, Parvati and Cho creating a bit of privacy around
join them. them.
Maybe she didn't return. She could meet up with the students who "Is this what you were wearing during the Battle?" Ginny asked.
had been forced from the school before all of this began. Try to get as Hermione looked down at herself. Same clothes, but they were clean.
much information as possible, and if they were all that was left, she would
Scourgified.
have to organize them. And if, miraculously, some of her friends survived
what was happening, they'd meet somewhere in the middle. "Er, yes."
She stared down the hallway Draco Malfoy had disappeared, heading "Good."
back toward the courtyard probably, looking for whoever had made him They unzipped her jacket, checking her neck and shoulders before
disobey not only his mother, but also his Dark Lord. She pressed her lips helping her take off her shirt. When they confirmed she had no markings
together. on her back, Hermione finally asked, "Where's Ron?"
He'd spared her at Malfoy Manor, spared all three of them. Of course Ginny's eyes looked to her, then away. "He was alive, last I saw. Same
he'd recognized them. Just as she could pick him out of a crowd of with Neville. Kingsley and McGonagall were killed in the courtyard."
hundreds, she knew he could do the same. She had her hair and her Hermione thought maybe she should have gasped. Should have
"snotty" posture. started crying.
She knew the length of his strides. How stunned she'd been in fifth
"Pansy thinks there are males to be Auctioned too, so maybe Ron and
year when he had grown, almost as tall as Snape. It was like memorizing
him again. Neville will be there," Luna whispered melodically.
She knew the shade of his blond, of course. A beacon in darkness, but "There is no Auction, Luna." Ginny hissed through her teeth. "It's just
after seeing him with his parents, at the Quidditch World Cup and a Parkinson playing games with us." She ran her fingers across Hermione's
handful of other times, she could choose his colors from between the scalp, pressing for injuries.
three of them. He'd gotten the exact shade of blond from Narcissa, but "I don't know," Luna said. "Draco mentioned it to me, too."
the quality of Lucius's. Hermione looked at her, and the fingers in her hair stopped.
The quirk of his eyebrow, just before he delivered a fatal, witty blow "An Auction?" Ginny said.
was written across her veins. The slant of his lips before he smirked "Draco?" Hermione asked.
haunted a dark corner of her mind. The lifeless quality in his eyes, only "Mm-hmm." Luna rolled up Hermione's jeans, looking at her ankles
recently developed, was sketched into her subconscious. Like he didn't
and calves. "When I was staying in his dungeons." She mentioned it like it
have a soul. At least not one she was allowed to see.
And then only a handful of smiles. True smiles. Opening packages was a holiday she'd taken last year. "He would come and talk to me. Tell
from his mother at the breakfast table. A truly divine Quidditch play. me what was going on at school. And a few days before I left —before you
Something Blaise Zabini whispered into his ear during Potions class. She and Harry and Ron came, Hermione — he told me there might be
felt like it had been years since she'd seen one of those. something like this."
For her own sake, she hoped that he and his family would run to "What did he say?"
France. If she found his boxy shoulders beneath Death Eater robes, "Just that should I survive the war, and should the Dark Lord win, I
casting curses against her and her army, she wasn't sure if she would be should try to kill myself if I couldn't escape." Luna rolled Hermione's
able to— pant legs down.
"Stupefy!" Cho Chang turned around, eyes wide on Luna.
And her final thought, before crumpling to the familiar stones of her
"Because of an Auction?" Ginny asked.
old school, was that she should have known caring for him would end
here. Distracted, disarmed, and destroyed. "Something like that," Luna shrugged. "All he said was that he
wouldn't be able to buy me. He had to save for someone else."

4 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 9

her. She steadied her voice and said, "I don't remember anything after I got
stunned."
"Hermione," Ginny said carefully, eyes wide and searching. "We
should check you out. See if you have any markings. See if you feel
anything... between your legs."
Hermione looked at the fifty or so girls around her. She could only
watch as they scanned her intently, already searching her skin for
markings. All but Parvati, whose eyes had drifted away, looking at the

2
marble floors as if she would give Hermione privacy. As if she already
knew how intrusive this was.
Hermione's eyes drifted back to Macnair's signature on her arm.
"There's no need," Pansy scoffed. Heads turned to glare. Pansy kept her
stare in front of her, bored. "She's too valuable. No one would touch her."
Ginny looked like she was actively biting her tongue to keep from
mouthing back at her.
"Besides," Pansy said, twisting her head to smirk. "You're a virgin,
aren't you, Granger?"
Hermione felt a stab to her chest as half the girls turned to look at her
with eager eyes and the other half started cursing at Pansy.
"What?" Pansy laughed. "I'm just saying it would be a waste of 5,000
Galleons. No need to check her out."
"Shut up about that damn Auction, Pansy," Ginny snarled. "No one
believes you—"
"What Auction?" Hermione looked to the Slytherin girl. She supposed ermione woke to the sound of crying.
houses didn't matter much anymore, did they? "What are you talking
about?"
Pansy smiled. "Just what it sounds like, Granger. The pure-blood elite
H Her eyes snapped open, and it was like her heart turned on,
fluttering viciously in her chest. Her lungs grabbed for the stale air,
tasting fear on the back of her tongue.
are going to put a price tag on us, strut us about, and bid." She bit her lip, There were bodies all around her. The sounds of sniffling and crying.
lifting a joyful brow. "And if you've been saving yourself for Weasley all A warm light kept the room from total darkness. A cold marble floor
these years, they'll give Yaxley another 5,000." beneath her she almost recognized.
The smell of the banana and the oranges… ripe as the bodies "Hermione!"
sweating nervously around her. She could taste it all in the back of her She looked up. The room was moving. And she realized the bodies
throat. Hermione was going to be sick. around her weren't soulless. The entire room — fifty people began crawling
"And how did you find yourself on the wrong side of all this, Pansy?" to her. Her lungs cramped, and she pressed back into the wall she woke up
she asked. against.
Pansy looked away. "Wrong place, wrong time." "Hermione," said a familiar voice. She turned and Ginny was there,
"Don't listen to her," Ginny said. "Let's just check you out right quick. climbing over the people, grabbing her shoulders, tucking her into her
Just me and Luna, okay?" chest, and saying, "You're awake."

8 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 5

 Hermione looked past her red curls. The room was full of familiar Pansy Parkinson glanced over at them all. Hermione shivered at the
faces. She could see Luna and Parvati. The bodies that had slithered to intense eyes boring directly into her.
her were her friends, eager to hold her, not to attack. "It's for the Auction."
Ginny pulled back, her hands on her Hermione's face. "Where did you Ginny rolled her eyes.
go? Where were you captured?" Hermione couldn't look away from Pansy. Couldn't understand her
Captured. It came down to that word. Hermione opened her lips, presence. There were other pure-bloods here, but they were blood
cracking skin, and coughed at the sandpaper feeling in her throat. traitors.
"Water!" Ginny called. Four or five girls scrambled. "Are you hungry?" Why keep them all alive? The room spun as Hermione calculated the
Ginny asked. possibilities, all boiling down to only a few likely scenarios that made her
Hermione frowned. Food? Water? ribs cave in, crunching and gnawing at her lungs.
A paper water cup forced its way to her lips. Hermione sipped, and She drew in a rattling breath. "The Auction?"
looked up to thank the person there. It was Cho Chang. Ginny glared at Pansy before stepping in front of her, blocking her
Everyone was alive. Had they surrendered? Where were Ron and Neville? She from view. "You need to eat." She started pulling fruit together for her,
blinked. peeling a banana. "Where were you captured, Hermione? I didn't see you
Only girls. Young girls. She looked at each of their faces. When her at the battle in the courtyard."
eyes landed on Luna, the blonde girl smiled gently and said, "They're What did they need a room full of young girls for? Where were the
keeping us separate." boys?
"Separate and unharmed?" Hermione rasped. A plate of fruit passed "Ron—" she croaked.
over heads and appeared in front of her face. "And fed?" "Hermione." Ginny's voice was firm. "Tell me where you were
"It's not poisoned. We've all been eating," Ginny supplied. Hermione captured."
just sipped her water. "I— I was in the castle. I thought I saw..." She drifted, not sure what
"How long have we been here?" she asked. she should discuss with Pansy Parkinson there. "... someone worth
"Four days," several voices chorused. following. But I got stunned in the back."
"You arrived yesterday." "Did you see anyone? Or anything useful?" Cho asked.
Hermione snapped her head to look at Ginny. She scanned herself. No Hermione looked over at Pansy. Would she care to know that she'd
injuries. But there was something on her arm. seen Draco? Was she worried about him at all? Hermione wondered
C. Yaxley. A tattoo of sorts. Magical. It was his signature. whose name was tattooed on her arm.
She felt the blood drain from her head. "No one on our side, no."
"That's who captured you." Parvati nodded at the tattoo. Hermione's "And then where were you taken?" Hannah Abbott asked.
eyes drifted down to Parvati's arm and saw W. Macnair. "Here?" Hermione supplied. "I guess."
She swallowed. "Is that who owns us now?" A collective gasp.
Ginny pursed her lips and several girls looked away. "We're not sure," "You've been unconscious? Or you don't remember?"
Ginny said. "They haven't said much to us, just kept us fed and kept "You haven't had water in four days?"
bringing girls in." She took deep breath. "It's possible that—" "Where were they keeping you?"
"I've already told you stupid chits," came a sour voice from the corner. "We need to check her body—"
Hermione craned her neck, and found the one body that had not "Yaxley. I wouldn't put it past him—"
clambered to greet her when she woke. Sitting against the corner wall, "Stop." Hermione nearly shouted it. The room went quiet. A few girls
knees to her chest in a lazy way, not a hair out of place. who were gathering water cups and spare pieces of bread turned to look at

6 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 7

 He said this last part directly to her. She tried not to mourn Parvati or the Baxter girl. She didn't know the
"Once you are secured backstage, you will follow instructions from the fate of the fifth one. Just like how she tried not to mourn Harry or
handlers. Disobedience will result in punishment. For example—" McGonagall. None of it had to be real yet. She just needed to survive the
Quick as lightning, his wand turned on her. A screaming pain rocketed Ministry holding cells, and then take it a step at a time.
through her blood, boiling and coursing through her muscles, shaking her She remembered the plans she made as soon as Harry's body
nerves and pulling her ligaments apart one by one. appeared in the courtyard. Leave the castle, find the younger students and
And then it was gone. And Ginny's hands were on her shoulders, anyone who hadn't joined the battle, and then hope to find everyone else.
holding her, screaming for her. That felt like years ago. She could have done something similar if she had
She stared up at the black tile ceiling, breathing hard. She'd let Luna die. If she had found something dark inside of her, connected to
been Crucio'd before, but this was strong. Like a concentrated force of that green light.
lightning sizzling her. It took her a few minutes to sit up. Harry had never fired a Killing Curse once, always content to disarm.
By the time she focused her eyes again, Macnair was finishing his Harry was dead.
speech, and asking for his Lots to join him. He searched the room as four The thought crawled over her still skin like ivy. Harry was dead. He’d
girls stepped forward. The two in white were scared, but the two in grey failed. And what chance would she have against Lord Voldemort, even if
were shaking. she could get free?
He'd already raped them. Before bringing them here. Like Parvati. Harry had warred with himself: Hallows or Horcruxes – which was
"Parkinson," he hissed. "Come with me, too." more important? Perhaps he’d chosen wrong?
Pansy stepped out from her spot behind a tall girl and pasted on a She heard footsteps, loud clopping sounds of a man who wanted
smirk. "Long time, no see, Walden." She strutted to the group. "You everyone to know he was coming.
gonna drop a few Galleons on me tonight?" They paused in front of her door. She stared at the tiles on the ceiling,
He looked her up and down and said, "Why would I pay for waiting for the door handle to turn.
something I already got for free?" She counted to ten, breathing slowly. Then to twenty.
Pansy's smile fractured, still on her face, but broken now. The footsteps moved down the hall, quieter as he left.
Pansy and the four other Lots followed Macnair's instructions and She knew Yaxley's quick pace, like a shark in a small pond, ready to
gripped his arm. He produced the portkey and they disappeared. dart, ready to swerve. Dolohov rested his weight on his heels, making him
Mulciber entered the room next. He called for his Lots and they a clumsy runner. She didn't know Macnair. He wasn't at the Department
disappeared. She recognized a few Snatchers come in gleefully, grabbing of Mysteries, and her interactions with him were sparse.
up eight or so girls before swirling away. Who else was involved in this? What other names were scrawled with
Dolohov and Yaxley came in last. Dolohov called for his Lots, and ink across those girls' arms? Who was in charge of this Auction?
Luna and Ginny left her side. Lucius Malfoy's smug grin flashed in her mind. When the Snatchers
When it was just her and Yaxley left in the room, she wandered over to grabbed them, they had been taken to Malfoy Manor. Luna had been
him without being summoned. It was clearly a type of Stockholm kept there for months before that. Was Lucius Malfoy in charge of this
Syndrome, but she was certain Yaxley wouldn't hurt her. He hadn't shown prisoner project? And what did that mean for Draco?
the slightest bit of sexual interest in her, going so far as to keep Dolohov He hadn't identified them that night. Recognized them, certainly, but
from molesting her further. was reluctant. Not that Hermione remembered much. She'd been
He grinned at her and pulled his wand. Hermione blinked, feeling like preoccupied with Bellatrix's blade.
she'd just walked into a trap. "Bit of a costume change, love," he said, Did they write Yaxley's name over her scar? She made to lift her arm
smirking. "Turns out, you'll be top prize tonight. Best for last." to look, and remembered she was petrified.

42 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 19

 Footsteps. And this time she did recognize Dolohov's heavy, flat feet. his face. "But I've heard she and Miss Weasley will be starting at 10,000
The door crunched open, and she counted her heartbeats. Dolohov regardless."
moved slowly into the room, crafty enough to stay out of her sightline as Hermione blinked. More Galleons than she'd seen in her life.
he walked to the other side of the conference table she lay on. "Apologies," he continued, squinting at his numbers again. "With the
"I told them you were special," he muttered. "Said from the beginning virginity, they will be starting at 15,000."
you should be kept separate." He growled a laugh. "They're listening to Pansy chuckled and crossed her arms over her grey dress.
me now though." "And what's your estimation?" Yaxley asked, Sickles in his eyes.
He stood somewhere near her feet, her eyes strained to find him. She "Estimating 33,000 Galleons."
counted five of her own quick exhales before he spoke again. Hermione felt like she was swallowing sand. Even Pansy, who was used
"Didn't know you had Wandless like that though. That'll be fixed to that kind of money, went still.
soon." That was the yearly salary for the Undersecretary to the Minister.
Before she could ruminate over the possibilities of what he could The four-year tuition for one of the prestigious universities that she
mean, a light pressure appeared over her right ankle, freezing her brain. considered applying to after the war ended.
A finger dragging up the inner seam of her jeans, over her calf. She realized she would not be killed. No one would be idiotic enough
Her throat contracted with nerves, and she felt herself drowning, to buy her and then kill her off. No, it would be a slow death for her.
choking. Maybe years. She wondered how Dolohov thought he could afford this.
"You Obliviated me. You remember?" The old man duplicated his notes with a tap of his wand and handed
The ceiling blurred, and he reached her knee, passing it. the copies to Yaxley. Yaxley grinned, eyes sparkling, and escorted the two
"I don't, of course." He chuckled. "I was told later about what of them out and back to the holding room.
happened. The Dark Lord had the whelp torture me for it." She spent the rest of the day sitting near Ginny and Luna. The energy
Up the inside of her thigh, wedging between her two locked legs. And of the room was like a cold breeze, starting at one end and rolling over
his chest and face came into focus, looking down at her from where he them individually, forcing them to tuck into each other. At some point,
stood tall next to her shoulders. one of the girls started dreaming aloud about what she wanted to do after
"I'm thinking about returning the favor, Mudblood." His finger at the Hogwarts. Hermione thought she was maybe a fifth year. Several others
top of her thighs. "After the first time I fuck you, maybe I'll erase it, so followed her, voicing aloud the things they wanted to do. Like they had
every time will be the first time for you." His full hand slithered between choices still.
her thighs, cupping her, pressing against her. "Warm already." There were no windows, so it was hard to tell when the day began to
"I expect you'll be paying me for this, Dolohov?" another person inch toward evening, but hours later, Walden Macnair walked into the
asked. And Hermione had never known relief like the warm joy of room, several other Death Eaters waiting in the doorway behind him.
hearing Yaxley's voice. Hermione watched Pansy tuck herself behind another girl, spine
"Just getting a taste," Dolohov replied. curving to become smaller.
"Seeing as that's my name on her arm, I'd suggest you release her. I Macnair looked around the room with a careful intensity. His eyes
could decide not to sell her at all." stopped on Hermione and Ginny, smirking.
Dolohov removed his hand, stepping back and muttering. Yaxley "Ladies," he announced, and Hermione wondered if it was to be the
moved into her sightline. last time she would be addressed with such formality. "We'll begin
"Miss Granger," Yaxley hissed. "Lydia Baxter is dead. Parvati Patil is transporting you now. Your Holder will be in charge of you while you
dead. Gwen Mortensen is still with the Healers." He leaned down on his travel by portkey. Anyone who tries to fight or run or disobey orders
elbows, bringing his face closer, adopting a conversational tone. "That was during this process will be killed promptly."

20 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 41

Galleons"—he marked this on his page—"and you can expect bidding to a very expensive coup you just staged. As I am your current Holder, I now
escalate to 12,000, based on her physical appearance and blood status. have the great pleasure of paying for your sins." He nodded over his
She was not sterilized, so she might be seen as valuable for certain shoulder. " Ted Nott may waive the Baxter girl's fee for me. But I'm sure
families." Macnair will not be as understanding.
Hermione pressed her lips together, breathing slow. Pansy, on the "But I do find it interesting that the Lovegood girl is still alive," Yaxley
other hand, turned to Yaxley and said, "Not bad, Yax," with a sly smile. said, voice catching at the end in a strange imitation of Lucius Malfoy. "I
"We can bump that starting bid up, though, can't we? Trust me," she said, guess the others' lives were not as valuable to you."
leaning toward him conspiratorially. "I'm worth at least as much as one of Like Yaxley had timed it, a tear slipped from the corner of her left eye,
the virgins. Much more useful." She winked. sliding down toward her ear.
Yaxley glared at her and threatened to silence her as well. "Oh, don't cry, Miss Granger." He chuckled, and her skin shivered
Hermione frowned, watching Pansy smile and flirt. Defense when he brushed his finger across her cheek to wipe the tear away. "No
mechanism. one else will be hurt due to your incompetence. You just need to behave
She'd probably been raped last night. Or tortured, or both. And now, until this Friday evening."
instead of sitting quietly in a corner like Penelope Clearwater, Pansy He whispered a Finite Incantatem and she gulped air like a vacuum, her
Parkinson was weaponizing herself. Her body. Her wit. Her charm. All so lungs pressing into her ribs until they felt like they cracked. The muscles
she wouldn't break down. in her arms and legs shaking from fighting the petrifying curse. Her lip
Hermione didn't know how to do that. And she wasn't sure she trembled.
wanted to learn. "How does that sound, Miss Granger?" Yaxley whispered into her ear.
"Next," the old man said. She refused to turn to face him, still staring up at the ceiling like she was
Hermione stepped forward, and the measuring tape wound around still petrified. "I need a verbal response. Or I'll need to just leave you here
her. until Friday."
"Name." "Yes." She didn't recognize her voice.
"Hermione Granger," Yaxley replied for her. "Wonderful." Yaxley stood tall and pointed his wand at her. "That's
The older man snapped his eyes up to her, taking her in. He blinked the last word I ever want to hear from you. Silencio."
several times before returning to his paper. She was grateful. Now she could scream.
"Blood status: Muggle-born," he said.
"Mudblood is the term now," Yaxley corrected, and the older man $
nodded. Yaxley and Dolohov escorted her to the showers. She didn't know how
"Age?" long she'd been in the conference room on the table, but there was no one
"Seventeen," Yaxley replied, and she turned to correct him. else in the showers when she arrived. The other girls from her group were
"Eighteen. She's eighteen," Pansy said. gone by now.
Hermione blinked down at the tape circling her chest. What other girls. She chuckled darkly. Half of them were dead.
The old man pulled her medical form. He shook his head slightly, Yaxley left to prep the medical team, and once the door was closed,
clenching his jaw, and Hermione saw him make a mark in the top right Dolohov leered at her again, letting his eyes slide down her body. He
corner of his notes page: V handed her a towel. She waited. Praying he would turn and leave her.
He copied down her measurements, did some calculations, and said in He gestured to the showers. Tile boxes without doors or curtains. She
a hollow voice, "Starting bid for Miss Granger should be no lower than didn't remember the other girls talking about a lack of privacy during the
7,500 Galleons based on your grading system." He pulled his glasses from showers. Just that they were too brief.
40 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 21
 She looked back at Dolohov, then to the door, raising her brows. Dolohov led them away with two other girls, and returned them fifteen
"Can't leave you alone, love." He winked at her. minutes later. Ginny looked a little green.
She swallowed. She looked to the shower, and then handed the towel Luna plopped down beside her and said, "We saw Neville." Hermione
back to him. She would choose not to. He didn't take it. snapped her head to her, waiting for more. Luna just smiled and said,
"Oh, you'll wash," he said. He stepped closer to her, and she lifted her "They aren't feeding or bathing them much."
chin. "Or I'll do it for you." "Granger and Parkinson," Yaxley called from the doorway. "Let's go."
He lifted a hand to touch her, maybe her hair or her shoulder. She She stood. These pairings... Not ideal for them. When Pansy met her
jumped away and moved to the shower, starting the spray. at the door, Hermione finally caught a glance at the tattoo on her arm,
She kicked off her trainers. Slid down the zipper on her hoodie. now without her school clothes in the way.
Peeled the jacket and jumper off. The razorblade spell he’d hit her with C. Yaxley
had sliced through her layers, leaving little nicks in all her clothing. She Just like hers.
faced the spray, watching the steam rise, twisting like fire. Yaxley was taking his Lots to be appraised. She wondered again how
She popped the button on her jeans. Tugged down the zipper. She Pansy had gotten here. Was she held in the same location Hermione was
shucked her knickers and jeans together, stepping out of them quickly. before being dropped off at the Ministry? Had she been captured at the
Ripped her shirt over her head, tugging the dried blood off her back. Battle of Hogwarts? Or later?
Clicked open her bra. Yaxley took them down the corridor and into a completely new room
She stepped under the water and imagined her shower at home in where the older man with kind eyes sat at a desk, piles of paperwork
Hampstead. Her mother's shampoo on the corner of the tub. Her father's around him.
razor in the soap dish. "Who's next," he hummed, voice tired and thin.
She pulled her hair over her shoulder, keeping her back towards the Yaxley pushed Pansy forward. She stood tall. A measuring tape floated
door. Stinging pricks against her back as the water hit the wounds. up and began taking her height while an enchanted quill worked beside it.
Opening her eyes to the tiles, she found a little bottle of wash on a ledge. It nudged her to raise her arms, measuring her waist, hips, chest.
Her mother used to sing in the shower. And it smelled like raspberries. "Name," he said.
The body wash in her palms, and she pushed it around her skin. "Pansy Parkinson," she stated proudly.
They had a dog when she was younger. And they always washed the dog He looked up quickly, then looked away, pressing his lips together.
in the tub, making a mess. The dog had run away or gotten lost when she was "Blood status: pure-blood," he muttered. "Age?"
nine. Smart dog. "Seventeen."
"You cleaning everything?" He wrote that down, and took the measurement page from the air,
She was back in the Ministry showers, with Antonin Dolohov copying down that information as well. He shuffled through a pile and
watching her under the water. The first man to see her naked. found another parchment, frowning down at it. "Anything in your
She knew what he meant. How was she supposed to... with him here. medical history we should know about?"
Her shoulders were tight, up to her ears. Pansy scoffed. "Will it really matter if I broke my leg when I was nine?"
"Clean that pretty cunt, Granger, or I'll do it myself." He grimaced down at the page. "No, I guess not." He reviewed what
She closed her eyes again. And reached down between her legs to seemed to be the medical page the mediwitches had scribbled up for each
scrub quickly. She wished the water was hotter. Burning. of them a few days before. He dragged his eyes back to Pansy, and peered
She turned the tap, and stepped out, trying to keep her back to him at her over his spectacles, making note of her eye, hair, and skin color.
still. She took the towel from the hook, and wrapped herself tight. She He sighed, rubbed the bridge of his nose, and said, "Alright, based on
heard Dolohov walking toward her, and she concentrated on the floor. the scale you've provided me with, starting bid should be 4,000

22 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 39

drying charm on Hermione's wet hair. The girl's eyes bugged out of her Something was thrust in her face. A hospital gown. She frowned at it
head at the sheer volume of Hermione's dried, frizzy hair, and Hermione and took it from him.
couldn't help but laugh. "Don't have all day."
The hair girl charmed her wand to blow hot air, trying to tame down She pulled the gown on over the towel, and let it drop to the floor.
Hermione's curls, fixing her mistake. Dolohov scourgified her clothing, charmed it to fold and jump into his
A third Lot was brought in, and then only the French girl messing with hands, her knickers landing on top. He plucked them up, swung them
her hair stayed with her. She kept frowning and huffing, and Hermione around his finger, and smirked at her.
smiled at her knees. Her hairless knees. He led her down the hall, still dripping. She thought she maybe should
I like 'em bare. try running again. A wandless shove, maybe disarm him.
They'd be taking the hair from between her legs next. Barefoot and wet. Silenced. Running through the Ministry in a
Hermione picked at her chipped nails while the girl fought her hair, hospital gown.
trying to remember the way she'd gotten ready for the Yule Ball. She'd Hermione kept her eyes on the ground.
bought that sweet-smelling potion and spent hours on her hair. She'd He brought her into the room she'd ran past before, the one the
been about to jump in the shower to wash it all away when Lavender and mediwitch had peeked out from.
Parvati had come back to the dormitory and squealed at the sight of her, An exam table and two mediwitches. He shoved her inside. Her heart
telling her she looked stunning. beat fiercely, but she tried to remember that none of the others were
They were both dead now. worse for wear after their medical exams.
The French girl had her lay back, open her legs, and remain still while One of the women in white turned to greet them, and she paled as her
she removed the hair from her sex. eyes landed on Hermione.
"Come in," she squeaked.
$ Hermione shuffled toward the exam table, dripping still. The witch
They were returned in small dresses and Mary Jane shoes. Half of cast a drying charm on her, and Hermione nodded in thanks. The other
them in white, half in grey. She could guess what the white meant. witch blinked several times when she turned and saw Hermione. She was
The girls who could still speak started informing the rest of the room older with greying hair, a plump figure. She quickly returned to what she
what was happening. About an hour later, Dolohov and the young Death was doing.
Eater started taking a few at a time to a separate room. The Appraisal, "The full work-up. Detailed." Dolohov crossed his arms, standing in
one of the returning girls said. front of the door.
"It's 5,000 galleons more if you're a virgin," Mortensen murmured Hermione slid up onto the exam table, holding her gown closed.
from the corner, in a grey dress. "Parkinson was right." "Any chance you're pregnant?" the younger witch asked.
Pansy looked stunning in her slate grey dress when they returned her. Hermione swallowed and shook her head "no."
Hair thick and sharp. She might have even conned them into swiping The mediwitch cast a diagnostic over her. Hermione read the results
mascara on her eyes. She stood in her corner, arms crossed, lips pressed backwards, finding no fresh scaring or bruising, internal or external.
together. As cool and collected as ever—and it made Hermione wonder There was something glowing red, like a blinking stoplight. The girl
what it was they did to her. What they kept her for. She wished she frowned, and moved to open the back of her gown. A soft exhale against
could ask her, but even if she had a voice she didn't think she'd have the Hermione’s neck as she saw the nicks across her skin. An incantation, and
courage to. then they were healed.
They took Ginny and Luna together, which she thought was a mistake, The young witch picked up her left arm carefully and examined
but she wasn't about to protest. Bellatrix Lestrange's handiwork. She looked up at Hermione, making

38 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 23

quick eye contact before looking away. She paused over a few of the scars One of them with bright orange hair gasped when she saw Hermione,
she'd obtained in the past year on the run. bringing her fingers to her lips. Hermione didn't recognize her.
Remembering her question from earlier, Hermione checked her arm. "Is there a problem?" Yaxley hissed.
Yaxley’s signature was placed just above her Mudblood scar. They had The girl responded in a French accent, "No, monsieur." The other two
made sure the scar was still visible. looked down, one of them wringing her hands.
"When was the last time you ate?" "Do not communicate with her." He yanked a curtain around the
Hermione shook her head. table and chair, standing on the outside of it.
The witch blinked at her. "A lot of your nutrition levels are low. She The girls started speaking lowly in French, eyes wide and jumping to
should—” The girl looked quickly to Dolohov, then snapped her jaw shut. her. Hermione just stared back.
"My recommendation is that she eat more. Proteins especially." "You better be discussing curling irons," Yaxley bellowed.
Dolohov rolled his eyes. “Yes, you say that every time.” He stepped off The girls quieted and indicated that Hermione should sit on the first
the wall, and came closer to the table. "And the other spell?" table. The orange-haired girl touched Hermione's shoulder and gestured
The older mediwitch frowned, and the younger one's eye twitched. for her to remove the robe.
She turned back to Hermione and said, "Lie back, please." Hermione frowned and shrugged. Why the hell not. They peeled the robe
Hermione took a deep, silent breath, and scooted until she laid back. from her, and immediately started pressing lotion into her skin. She tensed
Staring at a ceiling again. under their hands. One of them lifted her arm above her head and pressed
She tilted her head up to watch as the younger one muttered a spell their wand to her armpit. Hermione twitched as the skin went numb,
that Hermione didn't recognize. A warm feeling, at the top of her head looking down anxiously. The witch muttered another spell and Hermione
and at her toes, then scanning downward and upward. It was like a scan. watched the hair burn away, sizzling down to the roots under the skin.
The warm waves met in the middle of her, and low in her belly she felt a Inventive. She'd heard Lavender talking about this process, but she
quick pressure. herself had never needed it. She would have liked it on the road with
And then her stomach glowed. Like a ball of light had pushed out of Harry and Ron though.
her bellybutton. She watched it, glowing so white, it looked blue. The memory pulled at something in her, and she looked straight
A chuckle from the corner of the room, and Hermione turned to see ahead at the closed curtain, watching as the colors blurred.
Dolohov grinning at her. The repeated the process under her other arm. Then removed hair
"You better make this worth my money, Mudblood." from the tops of her forearms. Hermione frowned, her remaining vanity
She scowled at him, and turned to see the plump mediwitch frown and spiking. She didn't consider herself hairy.
then turn away to scribble something on a chart. The younger one When one girl started on her legs, the door opened behind the curtain.
scratched her face, hiding the way she wiped away a tear. Yaxley led in one of the captured girls, fresh from her shower. One of the
Hermione's throat closed. She wasn't sure what the spell meant, but Lots.
she could take a guess. Hermione snorted soundlessly. The Lots. Well done, gentlemen.
An extra 5,000. Isn't that what Pansy said? The sensation of her entire leg being numbed for the hair removal
"Suppressants for this one, too." had her feeling a bit weightless, like her limbs did belong to her. She
The ball of light faded and vanished. The young witch sighed. swung her legs, not feeling the air swish by. The girl rubbed lotion onto
"Do you have a problem with that?" Dolohov sneered at her. her hairless skin, and Hermione couldn't help but feel like she was being
"No, sir." prepared for slaughter.
“Give her two doses.” The skin of her underarm started pricking back to life. One of the
The plump one turned over her shoulder, but said nothing. French girls started in on the new Lot while the other one cast a hair-

24 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 37

out of time. Proceedings start at eight?" He pushed his glasses back on his “Two? Sir, that’s unnecessary—”
nose, and Hermione realized he refused to make eye contact with any of “Two,” he hissed.
them. Refused to acknowledge them. Hermione sat up, watching the plump witch pour one vial into
"Eight sharp." another, filling to the brim. She handed the younger one the potion.
He nodded. "Then let's get the women cleaned up while I start Hermione shook her head no.
appraisals on the men. We might need to do groups." He stared at his "It's a temporary suppressant,” the girl whispered. “Should only last
shoes and swept out. three days—”
Yaxley turned to her. "Mudblood. You're up." "Don't talk to her. If there's a question or direction, talk to me,"
There were probably twenty Muggle-born girls in the room, but still Dolohov said darkly.
everyone understood he was addressing Hermione. She stood, wobbling The girl pressed her lips together and nodded.
to the door, and followed him to the showers. He didn't stay in the room Suppressant. Some kind of inhibitor for her magic? When had that
like Dolohov did. Didn't watch her undress. She supposed if he wanted been developed?
her, he wouldn't be selling her. "You gonna take it, or do I need to pry your jaw open?" he asked her.
She stood under the water, enjoying what was probably to be her last The young witch squeezed her arm when she handed it to her.
moments of privacy and relative safety in her life. Hermione looked at her with wide eyes.
She wondered if Ron was down the hall somewhere. Or if he'd fought "Three days," the girl said.
them. If he'd thrown himself into the fire like a true Gryffindor and "What did I just tell you," Dolohov snarled.
attempted to smother the flames from within. Hermione looked to Dolohov, large and in the only doorway, wand
What would Harry say, if he could see her now? drawn. The young witch bit her lip. The older witch kept her back to the
Yaxley banged on the door after two minutes, and she quickly ran the room.
shampoo through her hair, washed between her legs, and toweled off. The Three days. And then what?
door opened as soon as she covered herself, and Yaxley and a second Hermione swallowed it. Two large gulps. Minty.
Death Eater lead in five girls for their showers. She reached for her As the girl took the bottle back from her, Dolohov said, "And the
clothes on the floor, and Yaxley stopped her. other. The spell." The girl's fingers shook.
"Ah," he chided. He vanished her garments and held a robe out to "For her?" The young witch turned over her shoulder to stare wide-
her. She took it carefully, draped it over herself, and let the towel drop eyed at Dolohov.
once she was covered. The five girls stood against the wall, waiting He raised a brow. "She's a Mudblood, isn't she?"
patiently. As if this was routine now. "But..." The girl looked at her.
He vanished the towel and grabbed her elbow, leading her out of the Hermione watched her struggle, unable to ask what was happening as
room. Dolohov was standing guard outside the showers and sent her a they talked about her.
wink. "Make sure they take all of it, Corban. I like 'em bare." "Is there a problem?"
"Yeah, yeah," Yaxley griped. "Wouldn't that be... a huge waste, sir?"
He turned her away from the usual path back to the holding room, The older witch didn't turn around but continued to write on her chart.
and brought her down a new hallway. One Death Eater stood guarding "Under what circumstances could you see us needing her to be fertile?"
the door. A young one Hermione recognized from Hogwarts. Maybe he'd A heavy rock dropped in her stomach. She looked down at her hands.
been Slytherin's Seeker before Draco. They were sterilizing all the Muggleborns.
He opened the door for Yaxley, and Hermione found three witches in "She's supposed to be quite bright. Very talented. Those genes
bright blue robes hovering around three padded tables and three chairs. would —”

36 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 25

 "She's dirty. Perform the spell," Dolohov said with finality. was a strange thing to say to an eleven-year-old, but..." Pansy swallowed.
A churning in her stomach. She didn't want children. Not like this. Hermione held her breath, watching Pansy's perfect bow lips and dark
Not with one of them. lashes. "When he saw my marks at the end of third year, he told me he
"I'd like to speak to Mr. Yaxley about this. He is her Holder and I think expected me to be the top girl in my class by the end of fourth, and I said,
he—” 'That's impossible. There's a Mudblood girl who can't be beat. But don't
"Are you disobeying direct orders?" Dolohov advanced. worry, Daddy. I can catch a husband just fine. I have the Malfoy boy
Hermione closed her eyes. She didn't want to bear Dolohov's children. wrapped around my little finger.'"
She should be glad he was on the same page. But to be sterilized was so She broke into a laugh. Something low and self-deprecating. She tilted
permanent. Like the future was set. Like there was no way to reverse her head back against the wall and stared at the ceiling, shaking her head
anything about to happen to them. as if a toddler had just said something incredibly sweet and incredibly
"Yes, sir. I am." foolish.
Her eyes snapped open to see the young mediwitch standing between Hermione stared, unable to speak, unable to move.
herself and Dolohov. The older woman turned, pressing her lips together. "And here we are," Pansy continued, "at the end of days, waiting in a
Dolohov laughed. And then quickly, "Crucio." line to be sold and raped and used. And still, I can't sleep with envy of
Hermione flinched when the girl dropped. The room was too small for you. Of what your life will be."
her screams. Pansy's head rolled against the wall to look at her again. Hermione
"I'll do it." The other woman stepped forward, pulling her wand. stared with wide eyes, wishing more than anything that she could speak,
Dolohov released the other girl, and she panted below Hermione's feet. could ask her what she meant.
The older witch stepped over her partner, standing in front of Hermione watched as Pansy's eyes dripped over her face, slanting
Hermione with a firm expression. "Lie back." across Hermione's lips and cheeks, rounding at her temples and taking in
Hermione didn't fight her. She needed to save her energy for battles her wild hair. Pansy's lips parted, took a breath in to speak again—
that mattered. She couldn't use wandless magic for three days. She "What are you doing? Get away from her!"
couldn't physically best anyone. And without either of those options, she Ginny was awake, tugging at Hermione's shoulders to put herself
couldn't outthink them either. between her and Pansy.
She leaned back, and watched as the mediwitch hovered her wand over Pansy rolled her eyes. "Calm your tits, Weasley. We were just having
Hermione's stomach, placing a hand on her waist to hold her to the table. some girl talk." Her sneer was back in place.
Hermione swallowed. The wand twisted over her left side, and a spell She drew herself up and paced back to the other side of the room,
was muttered. facing the wall.
She thought of small fingers and toes. A boy with shaggy brown hair Hermione watched her until the door opened.
in her lap, pouting over a book. A frail old man entered the room. He reminded her of Ollivander.
Something wrenched inside of her. Severing her. Her legs jerked, Especially his eyes. His brows twitched as he took in the room of girls.
throat clicking on a silent gasp of pain. She stared at the ceiling as the He cleared his throat and looked at his shoes, and then turned back to
older witch moved to her right side. Yaxley in the doorway. "Is this all of them, Mr. Yaxley?"
Her fallopian tubes were being severed. "There's about twenty males down the hall," Yaxley replied.
The wand tapped at her right hip as the older witch leaned over her, Ginny shifted next to her, probably wondering how many of her
obstructing Dolohov from view. And she thought she could see a bright brothers were footsteps away.
bow balanced on twisting curls. "Well," the man replied, taking his glasses off to clean them, brows
The wand twisted again. A tear dripped out of her lashes. narrowing at his fingers. "The best way is individually, but I fear we'll run

26 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 35

 "Huh." Flint smirked. "I thought you'd never give it up." He walked And then the hand on Hermione's stomach pinched the flesh on her
around her in a circle, and to her credit, Penelope didn't flinch. "Oi, hip between two nails.
remember when I invited you to the Yule Ball, and you choose that Poncy She jumped, legs spasming. If she had her voice she would have
Weasley instead?" yelped. Hermione looked to the older witch, confused. What was that for?
Her jaw ticked. The woman pulled away, smoothing her hand down Hermione's
"Are you done yet?" Yaxley asked. Flint's eyes never left Penelope's. stomach and turned to Dolohov. "It's done."
"Yes. I'll take Clearwater, and bring Parkinson for Macnair. He'll But there was no internal cut. Not on the right side.
probably prefer a pure-blood whore." Dolohov grinned, and the older woman pulled the young girl off the
Penelope and Pansy were marched out. The door slammed and floor. Dolohov held Hermione’s clean clothes out to her, barking at her to
Ginny's body dropped from the wall. dress quickly. The mediwitches made notes on their papers, keeping their
Two hours later, they returned Penelope. She kept her eyes down, not eyes down.
speaking, and laid in the corner facing the wall. Hermione didn't even worry about Dolohov's eyes as she redressed.
Several girls tried to feed her, make her drink water, get her to talk She watched the women.
about it. She didn't move. They left a pile of grapes for her in hopes she Stepping in front of a Death Eater to give Hermione Granger a
would eat when she was ready. chance at a future. The older woman met her eyes as Dolohov hauled her
As Hermione added a grape to Penelope's pile, she looked toward the out the door. He whispered something into her ear about mourning the
door, wondering why Pansy hadn't been returned. mutts they would have had.
He returned her to the holding room, and Hermione didn’t even
$ flinch as his hand passed over her backside. Her mind was spinning. The
When she woke on Friday morning, Pansy Parkinson was sitting next only weapon she had left.
to her, staring down at her face with an open expression, like she'd fallen “Hermione!”
asleep with her eyelids open, watching her. Her deep eyes blinked at The door clanged closed. And fifty girls came to their feet. Even Pansy
seeing Hermione awake, and the familiar sneer and pout returned to her looked on with curiosity.
lips. Hermione sat up slowly, heart beating fast like it did while they were Ginny pushed her way forward, holding her, touching her, asking her
on the run, always looking for enemies. questions she couldn’t answer.
No one else was awake except a few girls in the far corner who were “Hermione?” Ginny prompted when she hadn’t spoken.
known to stay awake in misery. She raised her fingers to her throat and shook her head. She watched
Hermione looked back to Pansy, and the girl flicked her limp hair over Ginny’s eyes flatten. Watched Cho frown at the ground. Watched a room
her shoulder in a way that reminded Hermione of Charms class. She'd full of girls realize Hermione Granger’s swotty voice had been taken away.
never been this close to her. If she concentrated, she could still smell her Luna stepped forward. “Are you hurt, Hermione?”
perfume. Something floral that used to stick to Draco's robes. She looked at the small smile on Luna’s lips. She shook her head no.
Pansy lifted a still-perfect brow and looked out over the room of She didn’t need them to know any more than that.
sleeping girls. Had half of these girls been sterilized? Did the mediwitches spare
"I used to envy you." others?
Hermione waited. Waited for the proof that someone else had spoken. And what purpose did that serve if she was just going to be sold and
Waited for her mind to conjure the meaning behind the words. raped? Why would the older witch save fifty percent of her chances?
"On the day I left for Hogwarts, my father told me to concentrate on A gasping from the corner. Several of them turned to see a young girl
my studies because I wasn't pretty enough to catch a husband. I thought it no more than fourteen starting to cry. Starting to hyperventilate. Penelope

34 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 27

Clearwater came to her side, and wrapped her arms around her, at the list and called out for a Nelson, and when a pale, thin-faced girl
demanding that she breathe. wobbled forward, he dismissed her before she even got in line.
“What… what are we— are we going to do?” the girl cried. “She "Jimenez step back. Let's see Sandhu?" A tall raven-haired girl with a
couldn’t— She didn’t get out.” thin waist and long legs stepped forward. Flint appraised her and smirked.
Hermione took a slow inhale, looking away. She found Sally Fawcett in He looked down at the list again, "Let's see, let's see."
the crowd, silent tears streaming down her face. "What's the list for?" Pansy repeated.
Pansy closed her eyes, leaned her head back on the wall, and took a Flint grinned at her. "I'm allowed to take my pick of any of the Lots
deep breath in. on this list. The rest of them would cost me 5,000 galleons up front."
Ginny spun around the room. “Hey. It’s— this isn’t the end. We have Hermione paled. He had a list of the non-virgins. So, whatever this
time.” was, it was sexual.
Someone else began to sniffle. A wail from the young girl in Penelope’s "Lots?" Ginny spoke up. Flint's eyes swiveled to her.
arms. "Lots for sale. That's what you are now."
And Hermione realized they needed to know. She needed to tell them. A wave of silence, crashing like water in the bottom of a deep well.
She looked around for something she could write with. Nothing sharp The first time anyone had mentioned the Auction to them. Confirmed it.
to carve. Nothing like chalk. Flint looked Ginny up and down, checked his list, and frowned.
The only thing they had was fruit. "Really Weasley? Don't tell me poor Potter had to die a virgin." He looked
She moved to the basket. A huge bowl of grapes. It would take time, up at her. "Couldn't take one for the team?"
but it would do. Even without magic, Hermione felt the air around Ginny crack.
She pulled the bowl to the center of the room, and started plucking Ginny launched herself forward with a holler, latching on to Flint and
them off the vine. scratching at his face, reaching for his throat.
She thought of the small mediwitch’s screams. The way she’d stepped BANG!
in front of her before she’d dropped to the floor. Ginny flew back, body smacking into the dark tile wall opposite the
Hermione spelled it as best as she could. door, held up by Yaxley's wand.
The plump woman’s eyes — cold and distant even as she helped her. Flint righted himself, grinning.
Not betraying anything. Her calculating gaze when she and Dolohov left Girls scurried away from Ginny's dangling body like roaches in the
the room. light. Her legs kicked.
Luna came to her side, standing next to her and watching. "Oh, I like her." Flint cooed. "She's Dolohov's? I'm sure he wouldn't
She saw more feet come close to the grapes, waiting for her to be mind if we played with her for a bit—"
finished. "The Dark Lord wants her intact," Yaxley commanded.
The vine was almost bare, and Hermione thought of Lydia Baxter, Hermione braced herself against the wall, next to Luna again. The
who she’d never met before today. She thought of Parvati and the way the first time anyone had mentioned Voldemort to them.
dark-haired girl would copy her notes in Charms class. Ginny chuckled, a manic sound. "Tom misses me?"
She finished spelling. One grape left and she gave it a final period at Yaxley rolled his eyes and held her there while Marcus Flint returned
the end. Like it was fact. to his floor show.
She stood, staring down, letting fifty girls swarm her to read what the "Alright, who else." Flint looked over the list again, pacing the room.
Golden Girl had to say to them. He stopped. "Penelope Clearwater."
Not alone. A shuffling from a corner, and Penelope stepped forward with her chin
up.

28 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 33

 Grapes again. In a bowl near her feet. Hermione reached down,
plucked one from the vine, and looked directly into Ginny's red eyes and
extended it to her.
Not alone.
Ginny nodded, and took the grape from her fingers.
She felt the room breathe, drinking in the peace.
The door banged open.
She sprang away from Ginny, grabbing more grapes, like it was her

4
intention for being in the center of the room.
She listened for Dolohov's heavy boots, but they didn't come. She
looked to the door.
"Well, hello everyone." A tall young man sending them a dazzling
grin.
Marcus Flint. He'd gotten his teeth fixed.
"Granger," he nodded at her. "Lovely to see you again." He let his eyes
trail down her torso, tilting his head as he took in her hips and legs. He
looked down at a piece of paper in his hand, eyes running down the page.
He frowned. "Ah. Of course not." He looked up at her again, sighing
dramatically. "It would have been too good to be true." A smile.
Hermione stared at him, moving slowly back to her side of the room.
Raising his voice, he announced, "Let me see Mortensen, Fawcett,
Jimenez, and..." His brow lifted. "Parkinson."
Two girls slowly stepped forward. Hermione eyed the open door, just
making out Yaxley's boots beyond the frame. n a day she assumed was Thursday, they showered them again.
"For what?" Pansy snapped.
Flint searched the room for her, finding her in her normal corner. He
smirked. "Oh, how the mighty have fallen..." he murmured. "I have a new
O She was taken first, alone. Dolohov watched her undress again,
watched her under the spray. He scourgified her clothing and
handed each item back to her, one at a time. Starting with her knickers.
potion to test out," he announced. He gazed around the room, eyes He smiled and ran his fingers across the cotton as she stood in front of
landing on Hermione again. "Something that could be quite lucrative in him, dripping in her towel.
this current... market. I needed some test subjects. And here you all are." "Cherish these moments, Mudblood," he said. "You won't need little
He grinned. knickers any longer after tomorrow."
Hermione shuddered from her shoulders down to her fingertips. She gave him no reaction.
"So those four girls please line up—" Unable to speak, she concentrated on becoming expressionless. She
"What kind of potion?" Pansy pried. She had the most history with tugged the knickers on under the towel, and struggled the rest of the
Marcus Flint and it showed in the way he glared back at her. clothing on her still wet body.
Yaxley turned the corner, standing in the doorway and hissed, "Do it." When they returned her and took five girls, then five more, none of
Mortensen joined the other two, Pansy drifting in line last. Flint them complained about the lack of privacy in the showers. So, she
looked Mortensen up and down, and told her to leave the line. He looked assumed it was a special circumstance for her.

32 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 29

 Word got around among the girls that the Auction would take place "Nothing?" Ginny scowled. "Just"—she shrugged, an imitation of her
that Friday night. Enough whispers had been overheard to take a solid —"Just nothing?" She laughed, a hollow sound. "Merlin, Hermione!
guess. Ginny began to pace around the room, trying to figure out as Think! Give an opinion! Isn't that what you're good at?"
many details as she could. Hermione sat in the corner with Luna while Ginny's eyes were wide and on fire. Several girls shifted and stared
the blonde played with her hair, braiding it and unbraiding it with rapt attention.
absentmindedly. "Ginny—" Cho started.
"Should we try again to attack?" Ginny asked the room. "We don't "No! She's always thinking. Always with the plan and always two steps
have magic, but we have numbers. Instead of five against two, we could ahead of everyone else, planning adventures no one else is invited on, and
be fifty against a handful." saving the world whenever Harry asks, but now Harry's dead and she
There was a thick silence, and someone said, "After what happened... can't be bothered to care?" Ginny sucked in air, voice quivering.
with Parvati and Lydia... I just—" Hermione felt her cheeks flush and tears spring to her eyes. "She's not
"I'd be more afraid of living than dying, if I were you," Pansy said, fighting!"
staring at her nails. "She did fight! She lost!" Mortensen yelled.
"Are you volunteering with me, Parkinson?" Ginny asked. "Then she fights again!" Ginny snapped back. "If she doesn't—" Ginny
Pansy smirked. "I don't volunteer." turned to face her, addressing her again. "If you don't fight then what the
Ginny looked over at her. "Hermione? What do you think? They fuck are the rest of us supposed to do?!" She gestured to the room of
haven't upped the number of guards. It's still just Dolohov and at least them. Hermione felt a buzzing in her ears. "Kingsley and McGonagall
one more. The next time they come into the room, we could... I don't are gone. So, there's just you, Hermione! If Harry were here, he'd—"
know." Ginny let her arms drop to her side. Her voice cracked, like it had been cut in half. She moved her lips
Ginny stared at her, hopeful, excited. Hermione stared back. wordlessly, squeaking.
Ginny had private showers for five days now. She hadn't watched "If Harry..." she tried, breaking. Ginny clapped a hand over her
Lydia Baxter bleed to death in front of her. She hadn't listened to Luna's mouth, eyes wide and watering.
screaming. She hadn't felt the heat of Dolohov's hand between her legs, Luna released Hermione's hand, nudging her to move, and Hermione
hadn't felt his foul breath as he talked in slow whispers about what he was up, crossing to Ginny, pulling her into her arms, and holding her as
wanted to do to her body. she broke into pieces, voice echoing against the tiles in strange patterns.
Ginny had a voice. She mouthed words against her ear, telling her how sorry she was and
And it was brilliant that she still wanted to use it. Truly. But Hermione how much she wanted things to be different. All the clichés that sounded
was already having trouble making eye contact with people. And she knew awful when said aloud, but when breathed into Ginny's fiery hair, they
enough about shock, and submission, and torture to know that she was made sense. She told Ginny about Dolohov, about his hands and his eyes
not in the right state of mind to discuss this right now. That people would and how she wished she had killed him when she had the chance.
die, and it would live on Hermione's soul like a fungus. Ginny quieted, and Hermione pulled back to hold her face between her
Ginny was waiting for an answer. The entire room was. fingers looking into her eyes and breathed, We will survive this. I will find you.
Hermione still had no voice. Instead, she shrugged. Ginny nodded.
Then, watched Ginny blink at her. Watched several of the younger Hermione stepped away, feeling every eye on them. She turned in a
girls look away, eyes wet. Watched Pansy's eyes narrow and Penelope circle, meeting the stare of each girl, reading the fear and the exhaustion.
Clearwater's gaze drop. She ended on Pansy Parkinson, who held her eyes.
Luna took her hand, laced their fingers together and hummed a small She couldn't speak for herself. Couldn't give voice to what she wanted
song. to say to them. She looked down, maybe she could spell it again.

30 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 31

 "This is going to hurt," he said to her. Pansy's eyes grew wide. His wand tapped her shoulder strap, and she watched as the dress
Daphne started pouring the contents of the bottle over Pansy's arm. pulled closer to her skin, curving at her hips and rounding her breasts. No
Acid. Bubbling and boiling and sizzling at her skin. Pansy's screams undergarments in the way.
stretched out over the wind, echoing down to the hills in the distance. He smiled and flicked his wand again, and she watched as the fabric
Hermione hung on the bars, watching with wide eyes as Blaise pulled his shimmered gold.
wand and hissed a dark spell. "Golden Girl, indeed," he said.
Black ink bled out of her arm and onto the grass. It thinned, turning And then grabbed her arm and whisked her off.
to red. Turning to blood. And he stopped.
Pansy whimpered, tears running down her face. Daphne pressed a
cloth to the blistered skin of her arm and pulled off her own cloak,
tossing it over Pansy's shoulders. She linked their arms and readied them
for Disapparating.
Hermione banged on the bars, rattling them.
Blaise turned around, seeing her like a ghost. She extended her
tattooed arm as far as it would go, asking Blaise with her eyes.
He looked at her, then at the Manor. "This is the safest place for you,
Granger."
Her lips parted, forming a plea she couldn't hear. Blaise gave her one
last look and then took Daphne's other arm.
And they were gone. All she heard was the wind.
Hermione turned, leaning back on the iron bars.
A long stone path, cutting through hedges and leading to a grand
manor, devastatingly beautiful in the moonlight despite its sordid history.
A small elf stood framed in the doorway.
Was this her home? Her prison?
She looked at her arm again.
D.M.
Not L.M. Draco himself had purchased her.
What did he want with her? What had he given up to obtain her?
She couldn't imagine that Dolohov would have parted with her for
anything less than an astronomical sum.
The Malfoys were rich; that much had been clear even without the
evidence of it staring down at her.
But why spend so much on her?
She couldn't stand here all night. She assumed she would either be
forced inside by elf magic, or worse. By one of the residents of Malfoy
Manor.
She stepped forward, and began her long walk.
64 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 43
whipped into her eyes and when she pushed it back, the tall gates of
Malfoy Manor pressed down upon her. A chill danced along her flesh,
and she felt the pierce of thousands of eyes on her.
Mippy waved the gates open and gestured to come in. The dark
hedges beckoned her, ready to swallow her whole. She turned to Pansy –
staring at the Manor like she couldn't believe her eyes – then to the hills in
the distance. How far would she get if she ran?
"Miss?" Mippy called over the wind.
Hermione stepped through the gates and her arm tingled. She looked
down, and saw the tattoo sparkle before returning to normal. She
assumed there was a barrier at the gates. She was locked in now.
The gates began to close. Hermione spun to see Pansy, arms wrapped
around herself, watching the iron block her out.
Hermione turned to Mippy, pointing to Pansy outside of the gates.
"Miss Pansy stays," Mippy said helpfully. "We go now, Miss."
Mippy tottered up the drive, expecting Hermione to follow. Hermione
stood frozen, watching the distance between her and the tiny house elf
grow.
They wouldn't let Pansy in? Was she outcast? Banished? Hermione
sprinted for the gates, meeting Pansy as she did the same. They pulled
and tugged at the iron just as it finished closing. After, Pansy stared at her,
then at the sky, as if waiting for lightning.
A whipping pop followed by another. Both girls turned to see two
figures in cloaks ten feet away. Pansy scrambled back, grabbing for the
iron.
"No!" one of the figures yelled.
Blaise Zabini pulled off his hood; Daphne Greengrass appeared next
to him. "Don't cross the threshold," he instructed.
Pansy sobbed, throwing herself into their waiting embrace. Hermione
blinked, watching as Pansy was reunited with her friends. She wondered
where Ron had ended up.
"We have to be quick," Daphne said. Hermione could barely hear
them over the wind. None of them spared her a second glance.
Blaise grabbed Pansy's arm, the one with the tattoo, stretching it out
away from her body. Daphne uncorked a bottle and laced her fingers
through Pansy's, pulling her hand tight. Blaise pulled from his pocket a
scrap of leather, and pushed it into Pansy's mouth. She fought, confused,
until Blaise had it between her teeth.

THE AUCTION ● 63
 "Ha!"
The sound jarred her. Pansy had been silenced the last time she'd seen
her. Hermione was on day four.
Pansy turned away, running her nails through her hair. The mirrors
allowed Hermione to see that she'd pressed her eyes closed, squeezing her
lips together.
"Wow." She spun around to face her. "How much?"
Hermione shook her head, deciding that Pansy didn't need to know.

5
"Thirty-three thousand?" Pansy guessed, stalking toward her slowly.
"Thirty-five thousand?" she said when Hermione didn't answer. "Come
on, now. I'm curious. Forty?"
Hermione turned away but was unable to find a wall in which Pansy's
face did not reflect back at her. Her own face was almost unrecognizable.
Deep circles under her eyes and dry skin. Her jawline stuck out
unpleasantly.
"Tell me, Granger," Pansy hissed over her shoulder. Hermione met her
eyes and something stormed inside of them, like the moment before
thunder cracks. She watched Pansy's blue eyes flood, and she took a slow
breath before asking, "More than forty thousand?"
Hermione looked away, shivering.
She caught sight of the ink on Pansy's arm. A matching D.M.
A crack outside their door. The two of them jumped, and Hermione's
fingers twitched for a wand that wasn't there.
hen they spun into their destination, Hermione had two
A squeaky girl elf said, "Mippy is here for Misses Pansy and
Hermione."
The door swung open. Yaxley stood guard while a tiny elf in a pink
pillowcase looked up at them with bright green eyes.
W seconds to let her eyes adjust to the dark before she was forced
onto a chair, arms behind her. They affixed her hands to the
back of the chair with a Sticking Charm. Because he'd tightened and
"Misses! I take you now!" shortened her dress, she struggled to press her knees together, the wooden
She smiled and held out her two hands. Like they were going on a seat pressed against her bare backside.
pleasant adventure together. Yaxley moved away from her, speaking with the guards in low voices,
Pansy sniffed, blinking her eyes dry, and saluted Yaxley. "Later, Yax." and Hermione looked around her to find chairs with restrained Lots
She took Mippy's hand. lining the entire room.
Hermione blinked down at Mippy's outstretched hand, and glanced at Not a room. She looked up to a tall ceiling, maybe three stories high,
Yaxley. It wasn't a trick. She was leaving it all behind. dizzying her. Catwalks and ropes, but also strange things hanging from
Her concussion was going to be a mess to handle after Apparition, but pulleys. Velvet curtains dropping down from above.
hopefully the elf magic would make it better. She took Mippy's hand, and Backstage, Macnair had said. They rented out a theatre for this.
the vision of Yaxley in the doorway vanished with a squeeze. No, of course not. Hermione shook her head. No one rented anything.
A heavy May wind assaulted them upon landing. Hermione's hair She looked to her right and found Ginny sitting next to her, staring down

62 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 44

at her knees. It looked as if Dolohov had the same idea as Yaxley and had Strange, because others had been collected as soon as the Auction had
shortened and tightened Ginny's white dress. Ginny looked up at her, eyes ended.
wet, and mouthed, Hi. The door wrenched open, blinding her with the light from the hallway.
She looked around. One of the Snatchers was still restraining and She threw her arm up, shielding her eyes and her body.
silencing his many charges. Her eyes drifted toward the source of light. "Up."
The stage. They'd decorated it. She squinted at the tall pieces, trying to She crawled to her feet, staring at the outline of Yaxley in the
figure out what they were. doorway. He stepped aside for her to exit. No house elf in the hallway.
Movement across the stage, and Hermione found herself staring into Yaxley scowled at her and led her down the hall, the way she came.
the other wing, directly at Ron Weasley, struggling against his chair. She wasn't sure what he had to scowl about. He was 65,000 Galleons
She gasped, soundlessly. richer. Not including whatever price Pansy fetched.
Ron was screaming in silence, and she saw his lips form her name. The image of Pansy piercing the belly of that guard floated up. His
She could just make out twenty other chairs, lined up just like theirs. strangled yell as she bared her teeth at him.
Neville sat slumped over in one. She thought she could make out Oliver She hadn't seen that guard later either.
Wood in another. They climbed the stairs she'd just descended, and her pounding head
Hermione turned to Ginny, wiggling to get her attention, but Ginny and burning shoulder made her wish an elf had appeared to relocate her.
was already staring across the stage, smiling softly, cheeks wet with slow It hurt to breathe.
tears. She heard a crack from down a hallway. The elves were still appearing.
The buzzing she'd associated with portkey travel ebbed and grew, and There were still Lots behind these doors.
Hermione realized she was hearing an audience, just beyond the curtains. Yaxley stopped in front of a door and turned to her. "If I ever see you
Hermione whipped her head around, trying to take in as much as she again, it will be too soon, Mudblood."
could. Exits, hiding places, weapons. She raised a brow at him and gave him a look that said, The feeling is
There were about seventy prisoners according to Yaxley's count mutual.
yesterday. There were fourteen Death Eaters on this side of the stage, and He pushed the door open and shoved her inside.
half of them were planning to bid. They couldn't do that from back here. She expected to find Dolohov. Maybe a cot or a chair where he'd force
Seven guards for fifty girls. Possibly similar ratios on the other side. her down and push up her dress.
She looked up and found Pansy staring directly at her, twenty feet She didn't expect to find Pansy Parkinson. She hadn't expected to find
away. Her eyes abruptly flicked to one of the guards and then back to her ever again.
Hermione. Pansy seemed to feel the same as she sat up tall from the counter she'd
Hermione looked and found a dark-featured twenty-something bloke. been leaning on, eyes wide and hungry. They were in a dressing room
He was thin with dark brows that made him look more menacing than his with mirrors on the walls and large bulbs flickering.
size suggested. As she looked at him, his eyes drifted to her thighs. Yaxley shut the door, locking them in.
A chill raced along her skin, and she watched as he blinked away. She A sharp burning on her left arm. Hermione's mouth opened in a silent
looked back at Pansy, not knowing what she wanted. Was she warning hiss of pain. She looked down to where Antonin Dolohov had been inked
her? into her skin. The letters sizzled. She squeezed her fist and watched as the
Before she could think on it, a man swept in through a door, Macnair ink lifted, rearranging until a different signature formed on her skin.
trailing behind him. Ludo Bagman. His eyes traveled over the chairs,
stopping briefly over the faces he knew. He looked down at his shoes and
D.M.
fiddled with the papers in his hands. She blinked down at the letters, her vision swimming. It couldn't be...
Pansy was at her side, grabbing her arm.
45 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 61
 They shut the door and left her in darkness. She tried the door handle, "The Death Eaters thank you for your services, Mr. Bagman,"
unsurprised when it didn't budge. Macnair hissed, clapping him on the shoulder.
She sat in the middle of the floor, hugging her knees to her chest, and "Yes, Macnair. I am... glad to be of service." He shuffled the papers,
waited. and Hermione recognized them as the notes the appraiser had taken.
She wanted to scream. He could stop this. He could try. He wasn't like
$ the rest of them.
"Are there any boys at school you like?" But people like the appraiser, Bagman, even the mediwitches and
Hermione snapped her eyes to her mother, staring at her over the bowl of cookie French girls... they were doing their best, Hermione concluded. Too
dough. "Mum!" powerless to fight, but against joining. When contracted, they obeyed.
Her mother laughed. "Just asking! What about Harry?" Bagman looked down at one of the pages and turned to Macnair. "Is
"Oh, mother, no." Hermione rolled her eyes and grabbed a handful of dough from this an error? This number?"
the bowl. "Harry's… no." Macnair looked and smiled. "No error. Potter's Princess. If you think
"Or Ron? You spend more time with his family than your own, you know." She that's good, take a look at the Golden Girl."
bumped Hermione's hip as she placed the ball of dough on the baking sheet. Bagman flipped to the next page and she watched his face pale. He
Hermione frowned. "Ron is infuriating. He's lazy and sleeps too much and he's met her eyes instantly, like he already knew her place in the room.
always late." She huffed and pushed her hair away from her face. "He was so rude to "We need to take our seats, Mr. Bagman," Macnair announced,
me this past Christmas. I almost didn't forgive him. He's such a child." earning the attention of the other Death Eaters. He offered his hand and
Her mother chuckled and opened the oven door. "He'll grow up. I'm sure you'll turn Ludo took it. "The Palace is yours."
around one day and find he's quite changed." She placed the baking sheet on the rack. The Palace Theatre in London. Her parents had taken her here three
"And no one else? Didn't you leave things a bit unfinished with that Vincent?" summers ago. She'd sat in the front row of the first balcony, entranced by
"Viktor," Hermione corrected. "Viktor Krum. Yes, we still write but…" Hermione the 19th century French story she'd read in Hugo's book years before,
washed her hands. "I guess he wasn't quite my type. He's very handsome. But… I gasping as the barricade rose, and sobbing as each life was ended.
think I like…" Hermione looked onstage again. She recognized the set pieces now. It
She stopped herself, frowning down at the suds. was eight o'clock on a Friday night. There should have been a show. She
"Yes?" shivered to think that in one week, the Death Eaters had infiltrated
"Lighter hair," she settled on. Muggle London.
Her mother pushed Hermione's curls over her ear. "And is there anyone who does She met Ron's eyes across a stage set for revolution, memorizing the
have light hair?" She could hear the smile in her voice. features she could just make out. Perhaps this was the last time she would
"There is." Hermione reached for the dish towel and wrenched the material over her see him.
hands. "But he's cruel, and poncy, and arrogant." She tossed the towel down. "And I'm Yaxley and the others followed Macnair out, slipping their masks on.
a fool." Dolohov made sure to sweep by her, trailing his fingertips across one
Her mother kissed her temple. "That handsome, huh?" shoulder, dipping below her collarbone and across.
Hermione groaned. "His hair is so beautiful, Mum." When she could bring her eyes off the floor she looked up to see the
Her mother laughed. heavy-browed guard looking at her chest. These guards were not Death
Eaters. They weren't wearing the robes and masks, and the forearms she
$ could see did not bear the Dark Mark. Aspiring Death Eaters, maybe? She
She had no way to count time, but she suspected she'd been locked in wondered what were the politics of Voldemort's inner circle now that the
the closet for two hours. war was won. Those who did not fight were probably not granted status.

60 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 46

 She made a mental list of Death Eaters she last knew to be alive. She'd
seen most of them in the last week.
Hermione frowned. Lucius Malfoy had not come to collect his Lots.
Was it possible he hadn't captured any? Or that he'd only taken males?
There was little doubt in her mind that he was out in the crowd
tonight. Voldemort too, probably.
Was Draco?
She looked to Pansy, still staring back at her. He probably was. He

6
needed to come claim her.
Ludo Bagman cleared his throat, checked his timepiece, and moved to
the edge of the curtain. He seemed focused on ignoring the presence of
the fifty of them. The hum of the crowd swelled.
Hermione turned to Ginny, silenced and tied. She had her knees
pressed together tightly, her eyes on the floor. It was like she was
experiencing the full range of Hermione's shame, only a few days after.
The shame that had killed the fire in her.
Ludo Bagman stepped on stage and a light hit him, igniting his smile
and jaunty step. The theatre roared, and Hermione jumped with the
pressure of it. Hundreds.
Ginny flinched next to her.
Hermione's eyes found several props and costumes tossed in the
corner behind them. A long blonde wig and locket. A blue scullery factory
dress. They should have been gathered and hung at the end of the
performance. he guards dragged her through the hallways of the Palace Theatre,
What happened to the actors?
"Welcome!" Ludo's amplified voice spun over the crowd. "Welcome.
Find your seats, gentlemen." He stepped up to a podium. Hermione felt
T taking stairs and turning corners that she couldn't possibly
memorize even if she was trying.
They turned a corner and found a guard in front of a door. They
her heart thunder in time with the applause. passed him, and just before turning another corner and taking stairs
One of the girls a few chairs away started to hyperventilate. Or at least down, she heard a loud crack and whipped her head around to see a small
that's what it looked like. She dipped her head between her knees, tears elf standing in the middle of the hall.
tracking down her cheeks, mouth open wide. One of the guards went to "Cuppy is here for three Lots," he squeaked.
check on her, wrenching her up, and Hermione noticed that all of the They dragged her around the corner before she could hear any more.
guards were young, eager boys. One or two might have been at Hogwarts The further down they went, the more often she heard a crack followed
with her, but most looked in their twenties. by a small voice. Using elves to transport the Lots.
She glanced at Pansy again. It was like the dark-haired girl had never She supposed they weren't "Lots" anymore. Slaves? Concubines?
taken her eyes off of her from the moment she sat down. Pansy's eyes They pushed her into an empty broom closet. She watched as they
flipped to the brooding guard again, and back. murmured the room number to each other, one of them writing it down
What? What did she want? and tapping his wand on the parchment.

47 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 59

 She didn't recognize him. Didn't know how she could work this.
Ludo was beginning some kind of opening remarks. They sounded
rehearsed. Some propaganda about the days to come.
Hermione looked at the guard. His gaze on her knees again.
She felt like she should have been disgusted, but Pansy wanted her to
pay attention. To see something else.
Two of the young guards moved to the curtains, watching and
listening to Ludo.
They weren't bidding.
Hermione looked to Pansy, mind working.
They were not initiated, and they did not have the funds to actually
secure a Lot.
His eyes on her legs again.
And this one was greedy.
Pansy locked eyes with her and slouched down in her chair, opening
her knees. Hermione blinked when her dress rode up with the movement.
Pansy stretched her legs out, crossing them at the ankles, and
straightening her spine until her chest stood out, thin slate dress pulling
down.
Hermione felt like she was being seduced. Pansy lowered her lashes at
her, and then looked to the dark guard.
Hermione looked up and found his pacing slowing whenever he
crossed in front of her, his eyes at the hem of her dress every time.
"We have seventy-seven Lots for auction tonight," Ludo announced
magnanimously. The crowd erupted. Ginny pulled against the chair,
hands stuck to it. Her teeth bared and her shoulders tight.
"Gentlemen, we'll bring each Lot onstage, one at a time. I have here
their grading, important facts, and blood status. All Lots sold as is. The
winning bidders will coordinate with Walden Macnair at the end to
arrange payment."
Hermione let the words wash over her. She watched Pansy's dress rise
higher, watched her gaze drift over to one of the guards - a pale boy who
Hermione recognized from Hogwarts. His eyes had landed on Pansy's
thighs. Pansy smiled at him.
Another weak link.
Hermione took a deep breath, and looked up at her guard. He met
her eyes. She watched his face as she slouched in her chair, opened her
knees, and let Pansy Parkinson teach her how to survive.

THE AUCTION ● 48
 His eyes skimmed down her body as her dress slid up. Or the way he'd stare at the chalkboard in Potions, tilting his head to
"Let's start off the evening right," Ludo crowed. "With a Weasley." the side until suddenly grabbing for his quill, jotting his thoughts onto the
The audience screamed, and Ginny thrashed. parchment as if they'd disappear if he wasn't quick.
"Not that Weasley!" Ludo teased. The crowd cackled. "Not that "Sixty-five thousand going twice."
Weasley, either!" They hissed. "Let's start off with one of those other Or in sixth year, when he'd been removed and sullen, strained to figure
gingers." out a solution, and his eyes had been distant, cold and grey. Lifeless. His
He gestured to the other side of the stage, and George was dragged posture hunched and small.
out, hands stuck together behind his back. He had a black eye and a limp. A gavel banged.
It seemed that the Healers were only called for the girls. Or maybe the The world cracked open, and a violent sound poured into her ears like
damage was done today. lava.
Ludo Bagman laughed and beckoned George to his side, but Her eyes on the "x" beneath her feet as Dolohov jogged up onstage
Hermione could see he was grey. He knew the Weasley twins. Even if they and met Macnair in the middle. The scroll. A burning on her left arm.
had their disagreements, he knew them. And then a fist in her hair, dragging her head back. Dolohov was there,
The guard who favored Hermione inched closer to her. The two who grinning down at her. He licked her face and the balconies went wild.
stood watching the first bidding were joined by two more. Only three She shoved at him. And they loved that.
guards on them and one was focused on her, one focused on Pansy. He laughed, grabbing her head to push her down to the floor. When
Hermione straightened her spine like Pansy had, watching as his eyes she looked up from her knees, Dolohov was waving at the audience,
darkened. Ludo read George Weasley's catalog. basking in his victory, and unbuckling his belt.
"Twenty-years-old. Pure-blood. So, if anyone is looking for a blood She crawled back, shaking her head, rattling her bruised brain.
traitor to play with..." Yaxley was smiling in the front row, screaming, "Not until I get my
Ludo chuckled and the crowd hissed. money!"
Her guard knelt down, pretending to tie his shoe. She checked with She couldn't make out sounds anymore. Too much in her ears.
Pansy, seeing her pale-faced guard trailing fingers across her collarbone As Macnair wrenched her up, throwing her to the backstage guards,
while she licked her lips. He started peeling down her shoulder strap. she chanced one last look to see the crowd on its feet, one seat in the
"Fine muscle mass, as you can see on your parchments. If you need fourth row empty.
another house elf, this might be your lucky day."
Fingers on her ankle, and she was reminded of Dolohov. The guard
slid his hand up her calf, pushing her knees further apart. She bit her lip
like Pansy, and heard Ginny struggling next to her, realizing what was
happening to her.
"Let's start the bidding at 2,000 Galleons."
She leaned her face down towards him, and he had his eyes on her lips
when she reeled her head back and slammed her forehead into his.
He yelled and her head spun. She heard a crash from Pansy's
direction, and a splintering from her right where Ginny sat.
She tried to open her eyes but her skull ached. A splintering from
somewhere else, a scrambling. Grunting and yelling.
The distracted guards cursing and running away from the curtains.

49 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 58

 "Thirty-five thousand," he said, crossing his legs again. She opened her eyes and made out several bodies, thrashing on the
"Getting a bit steep for you, whelp?" Dolohov stood and faced the ground. Ginny had thrown herself, breaking her chair. The pieces of
fourth row, removing his mask. "Hesitating?" wood her hands stuck to were firm in her fists, beating against the dark-
"Steep for me?" Draco laughed. "I'm surprised you can count this featured guard.
high." She blinked slowly and looked over to find Pansy raising a splintered
Dolohov turned to the stage again. "Forty-five thousand Galleons." chair back, and impaling her guard in the stomach with a silent scream.
Hermione swallowed as she listened to the hissing. She looked to Penelope Clearwater had most of her chair still put together, and swung it
Draco, still and silent. at the head of a running guard, knocking him back and climbing on top
"How much of that inheritance did daddy give you to play with, boy?" of him, slamming the wood against him.
Dolohov smirked back at him. "Some kind of... commotion. Nothing to worry about—"
Ludo cleared his throat and said, "I hear forty-five thousand. Do I All fifty girls had just figured out how to get out of their chairs. And
hear forty-six?" there were only seven guards. The sound of breaking wood and
Draco's wand lifted. Orange sparks. splintering chair legs was everywhere.
"I can go all night, Malfoy," Dolohov said, throwing his arms out wide. "Stay in your seats, gentlemen!"
"I've been saving up for this for a while now, and I just made fifty-two Curses started flying. Hermione stood hunching, the back of her chair
thousand off my Lots for this evening." stuck to her palms. She twisted and threw herself onto the floor, feeling
"Fifty-three thousand," Draco spat. the chair break under her. A pop as her shoulder dislocated, and she
Dolohov laughed and turned back to Ludo. "Fifty-five." yelped with no sound. She sat up, looking for an exit, but blood dripped
"Sixty." Draco's voice cracked. into her eyes from where she'd head-butted the guard.
"Sixty-one." Dolohov grinned, yellow crooked teeth shining at her. Running footsteps, thundering from the stage, and the Death Eaters
She wasn't sure if it was the concussion, or the stage lights, or the were there, casting stunning spells and kicking girls aside to beat through
future bearing down on her, but she felt her lungs begging for air. the crowd. She recognized Dolohov's boots.
She'd known that this would happen. That she'd be leaving with She wobbled to her knees and crawled back, hugging the walls. She
Dolohov. She'd been mentally preparing for a week. Even so, her hope found a few scared girls there, but she pushed through, moving around
hadn't died. the scrambling bodies.
She'd felt a spark of possibility when Draco Malfoy started bidding. She heard Macnair screaming orders, and Yaxley organizing the
She didn't know if she would truly be better off with him. But now, as he stunned bodies, yelling for them to get to her.
hesitated before yelling, "sixty-two," she wished he'd never jumped in at A pair of arms from behind her, wrapping around her waist, tugging
all. Now she would always wonder. her back. She kicked, and he dropped her, her elbow slamming into the
"Sixty-five thousand," said Dolohov, chuckled. ground. Arms around her again, and she wasn't sure if they were the
Ludo was white next to her as he waited. "I hear sixty-five thousand," same.
he said at last. The crowd started twisting, buzzing with whispers. "Do I She was pulled up, held against a man's chest with his arms wrapped
hear sixty-six?" around her shoulders and wound against her hips. She screamed silently,
She didn't dare look to him. Couldn't bear the idea that if she looked, kicking the air. He moved with her, dragging her away.
she might see indecision in the way he held his shoulders. Maybe she Was he stealing her or bringing her back?
could pinpoint his thoughts like in Arithmancy, when he'd roll his The air smelled of blood and pine. And she wondered where the
shoulders back and reset his posture before diving back into a problem. revolutionaries were.
"Sixty-five thousand going once." She was concussed, she could tell.

57 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 50

 She heard Yaxley's voice close by, and the man turned with her. Dolohov hesitated, looking up to Ludo. "Twenty-nine."
Yaxley was blurry with the blood in her eyes, but he held his wand out "Twenty-nine-five."
in front of him. And the thought floated through her consciousness that there was an
"Good work, Malfoy." auction, and she would belong to someone in a few short minutes.
She had just enough time to wonder if it was Draco or Lucius before And Draco Malfoy was bidding.
Yaxley stunned her. The theatre was buzzing. Most of the crowd had figured out that the
Malfoy boy was throwing his money against Antonin Dolohov.
$ "Thirty," Dolohov stated firmly, like he'd ended a game of cards.
Her head burst apart, and she gasped noiselessly against the pain. "Thirty thousand, five hundred," Draco hummed.
Thunder rolling through her, rattling her head. She blinked her eyes A crashing wave of whispers. Hermione looked down at her feet,
open, and found herself backstage of the Palace Theatre again, the stage finding specks of blood on her Mary Janes that they'd forgotten to clean.
lights burning into her irises. Ginny was left bloody and wild, Hermione cleaned and groomed. Like
The sound of a gavel, and she knew where she was. the prized mare.
Raucous yelling. Cheering and jeering. She blinked against the lights, "Do I hear thirty-one thousand?" Ludo asked, speaking up again.
feeling the pounding in her forehead, and focused on the figure in white Dolohov's wand shot in the air. Draco's followed.
onstage standing next to Ludo Bagman. Dolohov had been so arrogant, so firm in his beliefs that he could
Red hair and freckled skin. Ginny stuck her nose in the air, ignoring afford her. But he didn't have the gold to back this up. So why was he—
the taunting. Her blood ran cold.
There were two guards on either side of Hermione, holding her up Ginny. Ginny's twenty-eight thousand Galleons now belonged to
until she stood on her own. She'd been Rennervated by one of them. She Dolohov.
turned to look at the girls, but all she found was broken chair legs and And Luna's. And the other girls' he'd caught.
drying blood. Assuming he had four virgins, he now had a lot of money to bet.
And a blonde wig and locket. A blue dress. Yaxley and Dolohov had been in charge of the Lots. Their main
Twisting to look around pulled at her shoulder, recently reset. She guards. Why had they left them backstage in the hands of randy young
found a backstage mirror, cracked down the middle, and saw that they boys who hadn't even taken the mark yet?
had banished the blood from her face. She couldn't tell if the concussion "Thirty-two thousand," one of them yelled, but Hermione was
had been healed. She was nauseous and spinning, but it might have been concentrating on her head pounding, her shoulder aching.
the symptom of a handful of other things. Did they want a riot? Seven guards against fifty girls? It certainly
Neither of the guards holding her was the one she'd seduced. She seemed lazy.
faintly remembered Ginny pressing a chair leg into his windpipe. A howling in the balcony.
Had Ginny... "Thirty-three thousand," Draco stated.
She turned back to look at the dried blood on the black floors. Ginny Lust and bloodlust. It probably increased their bets.
stood onstage in her white dress, splattered with red. She turned her "Thirty-three-five," Dolohov hissed.
spotlit face to look at Hermione, and dried blood trailed down from her "Thirty-four." Draco's voice, lazy and familiar, lulled her.
temple. Her hair wild. Her eyes dead. They'd left her bloody. Like a What did he want from her? Revenge? Status?
gladiator. Forced to entertain. Had she killed that guard? "Thirty-four-five."
Hermione watched as Ginny turned back to the howling crowd, The devil you know. She stared at Draco's mask, drilling her eyes into
setting her face against the harsh lights. him, begging him to win.

51 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 56

 "So, gentlemen... we start the bidding at fifteen thousand Galleons." "Mulciber, we all know you don't have that kind of gold!" Bagman's
Fifty wands shot into the air, orange sparks calling Ludo's attention. voice cut through the pounding in her ears. The Death Eaters laughed.
She swallowed and looked down to find Dolohov raising a lazy hand. "Only serious bets here, gentlemen!"
Wands were only raised on the ground floor, she realized. Perhaps Ginny was being auctioned. Then her.
they'd sold spectator tickets for the balconies. She'd missed it. She'd missed the entire Auction. She wouldn't know
"Let's weed you out a bit, shall we?" Ludo quipped. "Sixteen where everyone ended up. Where Luna was sent, or Ron and Neville.
thousand." She'd have to gather the information as best she could, and hope for a
Only about five wands dropped. rebellion.
"Sixteen-five. Jumping up to sixteen-five, gentleman," Ludo began. She turned back to the stage as the gavel banged.
She watched as wand hands slowly descended, Dolohov and Mulciber "Sold!" The audience erupted. "Ginevra Weasley, love of the late
keeping up with each other, laughing at their little game. Harry Potter, sold to Aron Avery for 28,550 Galleons!"
Her knees felt shaky, and she wondered if she would be seeing food Her stomach heaved, and the guard at her right propped her up.
again anytime soon. Perhaps never. Such a lot of money. An insane amount. She wondered if she'd really
"Eighteen thousand Galleons. Do I hear—Yes, sir, eighteen thousand. fetch her appraised price—33,000 Galleons.
What about eighteen-five?" He pointed to Dolohov. "Eighteen-five to The noise from the crowd deafened her momentarily, and then
Dolohov. Several others still in. Nineteen?" she knew her concussion wasn't healed. She watched with a spinning head
She let her eyes glaze over, watching the unmoving Death Eater. He as several guards marched onstage – none of them her guard – and
sat still, wand in his lap, head supported in his hand. He looked young. secured Ginny's wrists. Ginny kept her head up, eyes high on the balcony
Thin shoulders. Tall. as Macnair and Avery came forward.
"Nineteen-five? Yes, nineteen-five to Mulciber. Do we have—?" Avery's smug thin lips smirked at the crowd. Macnair produced a scroll
"Twenty-five thousand." A tense voice. Hermione blinked as every from his robes, and the yelling intensified as Avery took the offered quill.
person in the first three rows turned to look at her solitary masked man. Ginny jerked her arm, wincing as Avery signed his name on the scroll.
He'd raised his wand, orange sparks. Had she summoned his voice by The brand on their forearms must change to reflect ownership.
staring at him? Avery turned to the crowd, grinning wide with crooked teeth. He
Whispers and shuffling. She knew that Ginny had just sold for a bit slapped Ginny's backside, and Hermione watched her teeth clench.
more than that. Her head pounded as Macnair escorted Avery back offstage to settle
"Er, yes. Twenty-five thousand to..." his debts. As the guards turned Ginny and forced her offstage, Hermione
"Twenty-six," Dolohov snarled, sending a glare back at the younger wondered if there was something she'd missed. If there was something
man. she could have done differently.
"Twenty-six-five," from the fourth row. Maybe they shouldn't have ceased fighting in the courtyard once
"Twenty-seven." Hagrid appeared with Harry's body. Shouldn't have given Voldemort an
"Twenty-seven-five." audience. Shouldn't have put all their faith in Harry.
"Twenty-eight!" Dolohov yelled, irritated with the boy in the fourth row. Maybe she shouldn't have followed Narcissa Malfoy around the castle.
The boy whose voice drawled out "Twenty-eight-five," like money was She should have stayed and taken cues from McGonagall. Maybe they
no object to him. The boy whose eyes she knew to be cold behind the would have been able to attack again.
mask. Whose long fingers twirled his sparking wand. And Hermione They escorted Ginny toward her, and as her bottom lip trembled
noticed it was hawthorn again. She wondered if he'd stolen it back from beneath somebody's dried blood, Hermione decided her only true mistake
Harry's dead body. had been not killing Dolohov in the Ministry corridors.

55 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 52

 She should have killed Dolohov, and then Yaxley, and then taken "Our final Lot of the evening," he announced theatrically. He read off
whoever was still alive and escaped. She should have let Luna die. It was her appraisal notes. "Hermione Granger." Hissing. "Mudblood." Booing.
probably for the best. "'Golden Girl.'" Jeering. "Friend to Harry Potter, Gryffindor, and enemy
She looked over Ginny's face for the last time, and watched her lips of the Dark Lord."
mouth, I will find you. They were on their feet again, screaming. She heard the words
Hermione whispered back, Not alone. Mudblood and Bitch and Kill the slut.
Ginny disappeared through the backstage door. String her up!
"And now... our grand finale." —deserves this, the dirty—
It sounded like Ludo Bagman was announcing the Seeker entering the Show us her quim!
stadium. Perhaps he had? It could be if she just closed her eyes. The Have a bit of fun with her, you will!
theatre thundered. Make an example out of her.
She blinked, trying to focus. She needed to be present. Maybe once Bend over, sweetheart! Let's take a look at ya!
this day was over, she would fall asleep with her concussion and never Mudblood whore. I'd love to break her in.
wake up. She let it wash over her, like a cool bath.
They pushed her forward, escorting her onstage. Bagman was yelling Only one masked Death Eater sat perfectly still throughout. Four rows
something over the crowd, but she just squinted against the lights. back on the left aisle.
Someone was operating the theatre spotlight, and Hermione almost "Gentlemen, gentlemen," Bagman crooned. He raised his hands to
laughed at that image. call for peace. "I've not yet begun the bidding."
She looked down at her feet as they placed her on a red "X" next to Laughter. A howl from the top balcony. Hermione looked up and
Bagman. Her gold dress shimmered. found the shadows in the top tier pacing, prowling out of their chairs.
She looked up, remembering Ginny's lifted chin. The theatre was full. The werewolves were invited. Separate and not-so-equal.
Balcony after balcony. Must have been over a thousand people, and "Don't you want to know more about Miss Granger's medical exam?"
Hermione despaired at the thought that Voldemort had this many Bagman sang. And the theatre exploded again.
followers already. How many of these people had been lying in wait, She could hear them like a whisper. Talking about her virginity.
biding their time until the end of the war? And now here they were. Hypothesizing about if she'd used her mouth before.
The noise continued for ages. Her eyes landed on the masked Death The lights were hot.
Eaters on the ground level, filling up the majority of the front rows. Some She focused on the lone Death Eater, still not socializing. Maybe he'd
of them on their feet, screaming and taunting and punching their fists in already bid on his Lot, and now was just enjoying a night at the theatre.
the air. Some of them seated, whispering to each other and pointing to Ludo read out her measurements. They cackled when he suggested
the stage. that she'd do fine in the kitchen, and whooped when he mentioned her
She scanned the crowd, looking for Bellatrix, for Greyback, for the muscle mass would be handy in the gardens. They crowed at the thought
Dark Lord himself. She recognized Yaxley in the front, Dolohov by his of her dusting their manors.
side. Mulciber and Nott Sr. She couldn't find the blond locks of Lucius Ludo danced around the truth of the matter, teasing them, until
Malfoy, or the raven curls of Bellatrix. finally:
"Alright! Alright!" Bagman laughed, sounding like his old self again. "I "And gentlemen..." His voice dropped low. "In case you were curious...
know we're excited. Some of us have special toys to go home to..." It will be an extra five thousand for this one."
Hermione slid her eyes to Ludo as the men cackled. He'd been Thunder. The acoustics shivering with the applause and screaming.
seduced by it all. Infected. He met her eyes and quickly looked away. The lonely Death Eater did nothing but cross his leg.

53 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 54

 Her cheeks heated and she narrowed her eyes at him. "No," she Scabior had been eager the last time she'd made this walk. He'd
snapped. dragged her behind him like a disobedient dog. She hadn't been able to
"You want to pick up after the peacocks? Make my meals?" think, hadn't been able to breathe.
She huffed. "No. I want to throw the covers over my head and pretend She followed her feet, the doors growing larger in front of her. The
I'm not living this nightmare, but—" tiny elf in the pink pillowcase blinked down at her as she climbed the
"Great," he said. "Do that." And without another glance at her, he stone steps, then turned and moved into the house.
swiveled and left. Hermione paused at the top and looked back at the gates. Was she
She watched him take the stairs in two long strides, cutting sharply for going to be punished for Pansy's disappearance? No, she assured herself.
the door, and yanking it open before vanishing. It had been by design. The elf said Pansy had to stay, and Hermione was
Of all the idiotic—! Hermione huffed. Picking up after the peacocks? Really? to come inside.
She took a deep breath, coming back to herself, coming back to her But perhaps she would be punished in other ways. Without Pansy's
situation. It wouldn't do to rile herself up over such a small annoyance. charms, and legs, and sultry eyes to distract, Hermione was vulnerable.
Given her circumstances, her first interaction with her new master could The only choice. She yanked the flimsy gold dress higher up her neckline.
have been much different. She should count herself lucky. She wondered what it meant that Pansy's tattoo had been removed.
But what was the point of buying her if he had no opinion on how she Was she free?
spent her days? Would no one tell her why she was here? Each Malfoy "Miss Hermione?"
had a different agenda it seemed, and her mind groaned under the She looked back down at the elf — Mippy, and stepped inside.
pressure of these riddles. Several large fireplaces to her left. She remembered wondering how
About half an hour of agitated wandering later, Narcissa came to quickly she could find the Floo powder two months ago as Harry yelped
check on her, teased her lightly for only having three books, and offered to under Greyback's grip. And just across the entrance hall, there was a
show Hermione the way back upstairs. closed door that she knew led to a drawing room.
She really should have paid attention to memorize the path. She was "Miss?"
allowed to visit the library again on her own, but her stomach twisted at Hermione turned to see Mippy on the first stair of a massive marble
the idea of running into Draco again. staircase. Grand paintings of the Renaissance stretched to the ceiling,
Narcissa told her she would have the elves send up dinner in a few dappling the grey walls with golds and reds and blues.
hours. There was a question Narcissa asked, but she didn't concentrate on She'd woken up in her first cell, been dragged by the hair to her
it, instead, letting her mind drift over something Draco said. second, and strong-armed into her third. And now she was being asked to
Narcissa closed the door, and Hermione looked to the bookshelves. climb the stairs and walk to her final one.
Your books. Mippy's bright eyes blinked at her. Hermione followed the elf up the
She ran her fingers over the spines. stairs. They climbed to the third floor, and Hermione's head started to
Your room. pound again, breathing more difficult after the week in captivity.
She looked at the bedroom suite. At the deeply comfortable bed. At Her skin twitched as they passed statues and suits of armor, feeling like
the bookshelves. At the closet full of clothes exactly in her size. eyes were on her. The paintings glared and raised their brows. She
Hermione felt foolish now for thinking this room would be taken from swallowed and kept her eyes on the elf until she passed through a stream
her at some point. For thinking someone else's clothes just happened to fit of moonlight.
her nicely. There was so much she still didn't know, but at least she'd Hermione stopped, finding a large window to her right. A pond near
solved one problem. She moved to the bathroom and stared at the tub. the hedges. And white peacocks sleeping on the bank. She'd read about
Her tub. Malfoy Manor before in a book on the Sacred Twenty-Eight. The white

88 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 65

peacocks were a favorite of Draco's grandfather, their care passed down the book finder to glow. A book on a shelf three feet from her slowly
the line. The view would be lovely in the daylight. Spring flowers on the pulled into the aisle, hovering, waiting to be plucked. Hermione watched
bank of the pond, a gazebo to the right. between the stacks as Draco turned towards the upper-landing, long legs
"Miss?" carrying him quickly in her direction.
She shook her head clear and continued behind Mippy. She clutched her books to her chest, waiting, breathing. It was like a
The hall was darker now. And she realized if they were on the third car crash. A flying accident waiting to happen. She should say something.
floor, she wasn't being taken to her cell yet. Announce her presence. Maybe drop something—
She was being delivered straight to the bedroom. He turned the corner, swiveling toward her, and she saw the exact
Her pace slowed, and the elf stopped and came back to her. "Miss is moment he registered her presence. Like an electric shock, seizing all of
okay?" his muscles. Her tongue was dry as his mouth opened in a silent gasp. He
Hermione looked down at the sweet little thing. She wondered if braced himself on the bookcase nearest him.
Lucius hurt this one too. She probably knew Dobby at one point. And she And then very quickly it all went away. His mouth closed, his
wondered if Mippy had any idea what was about to happen to "Miss." shoulders dropped, and his eyes shut off. He stared at her.
Hermione grabbed the side of a credenza, steadying herself. She She felt her chest begging for air, the covers of the books pressing into
swallowed the bile as it crawled its way up her throat. her fingers.
Would it be Draco or Lucius? And which was better? Draco wouldn't be "Your mother brought me here," her voice breathed, barely audible.
as cruel as his father for certain. He didn't have it in him. But to be treated He took in her white jumper and denims, then back to her eyes.
as his property, as his slave, when she had a history of feelings for him... "Have you finished with all of your other books?" he asked, voice
She dug her fingernails into her palm, banishing the thought. Why had hollow and low. He lifted a taunting brow.
he bought her in the first place if not to own her as his slave. His whore. She didn't know what he meant for a moment. She brought no
The concussion wasn't healing. She felt small waxy hands on her wrist, possessions with her. Clearly he remembered this.
and startled at the soft contact. "The books in your room," he clarified, sending her a look that she
"Is Miss well?" recalled from Hogwarts whenever he needed to explain something to
She laughed silently, pressing her eyes closed. No, Mippy. Miss is not well. Crabbe or Goyle.
Her eyes drifted open, landing on a portrait of a Malfoy ancestor, "N-no." That was all she said, watching him scowl at her. He shifted,
possibly two hundred years ago. Lucius Malfoy's eyes stared down at her, like he was ready to run. He moved swiftly to the center aisle, grabbed his
the corner of his lips lifting in a snarl. book from the air, and pivoted away to the landing stairs. Before he
And suddenly she remembered how important Lucius's approval was disappeared, she burst out, "What am I expected to do?"
to Draco. How much he idolized his father. He turned around to face her. His fingers twitched. "Do?"
Perhaps she was a gift. "Yes," she said tightly, feeling a familiar headache behind her eye that
She heaved, vomit splashing down on the stone. The sound loud in the only Draco Malfoy could bring on. "Should I... join the elves in the
hallway. The first sound she'd made in days. kitchen? Work the grounds? Or maybe assist your mother with... whatever
Mippy had a towel at her mouth, a damp cloth at her forehead. And it is she does?"
vanished the sick from the Manor floor. The elf conjured a water glass She listed all the things she hoped for. The things that she could
and begged Hermione to sip. She did, and then left it on the credenza. stomach doing for the rest of her life. He continued to stare at her, and
She heard the portraits hissing, bickering amongst each other about she wondered if she was supposed to suggest other tasks she could be
the proper place for her, about her blood. She concentrated on their doing.
voices as Mippy trotted down the hall, beckoning her to follow. "You want homework, Granger?"

66 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 87

selections, afraid of imposing, and despite what Mippy said, she assumed A Mudblood, sullying our sheets.
"as much books as Miss wants" was not the proper thing to do. She would Such a foul ending—
probably ask for a bed to be installed in this corner if she was really to —said it before, and I'll say it again: that Black girl was the downfall of our
take as many as she wanted. entire line.
She plucked a strawberry tart, nibbling on the end carefully, Lucius was always weak. His son would be, too.
wondering what Madam Pince would think of serving tarts and biscuits —should be on the ground floor with the elves. Or outside with the garden gnomes.
and tea around the books. She completed the journey, and stood in front of a carved wooden
Madam Pince was probably dead. And Hermione was living in a small door. Mippy was saying something about quickly getting her into bed.
fantasy. Hermione laughed. Yes, please. As quick as possible. Let's get this over with.
The scone suddenly tasted like ash. She placed it down on a saucer. Mippy pushed open the door. And Hermione was met with a lush
What was she doing? Sifting through priceless first editions and suite. Cream walls lined with gold. Deep carpets. A sitting area across
turning the pages of long lost copies when her friends and Order from the door with a lit fireplace. Two deep wingback chairs in front of
members were dead or dying. Hermione looked down at her teacup. the fire. To the right, an arched opening in the wall led to the largest bed
Maybe there was something in the tea after all. Some kind of she'd ever seen. Cream canopy curtains with flecks of gold hung down
complacency drug. from the posts, and more pillows than she could count littered the
Hermione turned to the shelves, her source of comfort and truth, and headboard.
dove in, pulling down dark tomes that she'd never seen in her life – each She stepped into the suite, and found bookshelves lining the wall to
one humming against her fingers, trying to get her filthy hands off of her right. She didn't let her eyes linger on the texts. They weren't for her.
them. None of it was for her.
She found chapters on Horcruxes in record time. The first book she She wondered whose room this was? Perhaps it was just a spare
grabbed was cited as a source in much of her Horcrux research. She wished bedroom so she wouldn't defile the sheets in the master suite.
she could cross reference with the book finder, but she didn't want a trail of Mippy was speaking to her, but she couldn't hear. The sound of wind
Horcrux research leading back to her. She didn't know exactly where the rushing between her ears. The elf closed the door. And then Hermione
Malfoys stood. How much did they know about Voldemort's plans – his was alone.
power? And how could she find out if Nagini was still alive? The bed looked decadent. And she was so tired. But she refused to
Hermione had just turned to explore the back wall when she heard the sleep in it, to get comfortable in the bed she'd be attacked in.
doors to the library open. Narcissa must be back. She wondered what time it She moved into the bedroom, running her fingers over the curtains
was. and bedposts. Turning to the bookshelves, she found fiction and non-
She reshelved the three dark books she'd pulled down, memorizing fiction. Muggle and Wizard. Classics and Modern. Testing a theory, she
their locations, and went to her teacup, flipping back through her reached out, placing one finger on the spine of Huckleberry Finn.
wizarding fiction books and peering between the bookshelves to the Nothing. So she was allowed to touch the books. She ran her fingers
library doors. over every spine, waiting for something to happen. Nothing.
A pair of shoulders and a trim waist under a black jumper, black Her shoulder ached. She held her arm in front of her chest,
trousers and boots, and short blond locks that did not belong to Narcissa supporting the weight, and continued through the bedroom suite. On the
Malfoy. She slapped her hand over her mouth, watching as Draco far side of the bed there was a door. To the bathroom probably. She
hummed something to the book finder. inched her way toward it, keeping her eyes on the bedroom door.
She hadn't seen him this close since the Room of Requirement. Since She pushed open the wood door and gasped, pain squeezing through
the hallways after Harry died. His hair fell over his eyes as he waited for her shoulder.

86 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 67

 Marble and brass everywhere. A clawfoot bathtub in the middle of the Undesirable No. 1
room. Lush towels and delicate lighting. She turned and jumped at the by Lance Gainsworth
sight of her own reflection. She eyed herself critically, pale and thin, still
in the gold shift dress Yaxley had put her in. She gasped. She turned the other books to her and found the rest of
Her diet of fruit and bread had not been kind to her. her favorite modern magical book series. The red spines were from the
She turned away, leaving the luscious bathroom. The bed called to her collector's edition. She ran her fingers down the first, and pulled the cover
again, but she still resisted. Moving back to sitting room, she examined open. There, on the first page, was a personal note.
the far wall of windows, light curtains draped over every frame. She Draco Malfoy,
pulled one back and found that she had the same view as the window
they'd passed. The gazebo and the pond. Thank you very much for your letter. It m eans so
The bookshelf puzzled her. She traced the spines until she plucked a much to m e to h ear from you. Please accept th e first
book from the shelves, checking the antique clock on the middle shelf.
Nearing midnight. five, with a promise to deliver th e last two upon
She took A Tale of Two Cities to the chairs near the fireplace, choosing
completion.
the one facing the door, and she sat, flipping pages, eyes scanning between
the words and the door handle. Keep figh ting,
Madame Defarge was knitting by the time a knock rapped on her
door. Lance Gainsworth
Hermione froze. She watched the door handle, waiting for it to turn. She carefully closed the book, and replaced it on the shelf before her
Another knock. This time louder. shaking fingers dropped it.
She shut her book and stood, moving behind her chair, squeezing the Draco Malfoy was a fan of her favorite book series. A very large fan, if
wingback. he'd written mail to the author. This didn't shock her too greatly; she'd
The door open swiftly, and Narcissa Malfoy stepped through. Her eyes found his name in more than a few of the fiction books she'd check out of
landed on Hermione, and she stopped. the library. But this was...
Hermione's heart beat in her fingertips. She was wandless. And in this She was now itching to read them again. But she couldn't take the red
woman's home. Her throat choked on the dry air leaving her lungs, and copies. They were too precious. She could break the spines and smudge
she took a slow breath, ready for whatever this woman wanted to do to the lacquered covers...
her. She stepped back, turning to the upper landing. She couldn't even see
Narcissa Malfoy's lips turned up in a gentle smile. "Hello, Miss the back wall of the library, but there was a large sunny window to the
Granger." right, warming the entire room. Hermione climbed the six stairs and
Hermione waited. And Narcissa stared at her, eyes taking in her short turned around a stack to find rows and rows of books. She gasped, loud in
dress, her thin skin. the quiet hum.
"Please excuse me for barging in." Narcissa gestured to the door. "You It must have been hours that she browsed. Mippy popped back with a
did not answer when I knocked and I was concerned that..." She trailed tray of tea, sandwiches, and biscuits. She conjured a table and placed the
off. "Well, Mippy told me you were ill on your way in." tray down in the middle of the stacks. "Mistress tells Mippy to tell Miss
Hermione took measured breaths, waiting. Hermione to take as much books as Miss wants."
Narcissa tilted her head, seeing the book in the chair. Mippy left. She had only pulled down two books, so she set them on
"Dickens is one of my favorites too." the little table next to the biscuits. Hermione had been trying to limit her
68 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 85
 "Mippy," Narcissa's voice chimed, "bring biscuits and more jam tarts Hermione blinked at her, her stomach twisting in knots. Perhaps she'd
for Miss Granger." And then in a theatrical whisper: "Not the poisoned be punished for touching the books.
ones." "I apologize I wasn't here to greet you. I had no idea you were on your
Hermione blushed as the little elf shrieked and babbled, "Poisoned? way until a few hours ago. And I had some business to take care of."
Missus? Poisoned?" Narcissa folded her hands in front of her, examining her. And then her
"Shall I leave you to browse?" Narcissa asked. eyes were on the room, taking in the bookshelves like she'd never seen
Leave her? In freedom? them before.
"I would like that very much. If you'll allow it." She looked back to Hermione. "Are you alright, Miss Granger? Are
"Miss Granger, I've already told you," she said kindly. "You are free to you harmed?"
move through the Manor." Hermione took a sharp breath, feeling the air sting her lungs. Her eyes
Hermione nodded. "Thank you, Mrs. Malfoy." watered with tears she promised herself she wouldn't cry in front of this
"Please, dear, you may call me Narcissa." woman just because she was being kind. She still might take it all back.
Hermione watched Narcissa Malfoy sweep to the library doors, face Narcissa Malfoy waited. Patient and calm. Hermione swallowed and
tingling with surprise. brought her hand to her throat, tapping a finger against her larynx. She
"Er, you may call me Hermione. If you like." shook her head and turned her eyes down on the carpet.
Narcissa smiled, a gentle quirk of her lips. The doors shut behind her A moment passed, and then—"Finite Incantatem."
with a click. Hermione startled and looked up. Narcissa was replacing her wand
She stood in the center of the lower section and spun in slow circles into her robes, pressing her lips tight in a way that was so familiar. In a
for several minutes, waiting for something to jump out at her. Waiting for way that Draco did whenever he found fault.
the books to rebel at her presence and begin a nightmare crawl towards Narcissa took a deep breath and said, "Let's start again? Hello, Miss
her to eat the Mudblood alive. Granger. I am Mrs. Malfoy. You may call me Narcissa."
She took a deep breath, inhaling the smell of books, of Hermione swallowed painfully, lubricating her unused throat. "Hello,"
resourcefulness, usefulness. she croaked.
Narcissa made it sound like she could return here again, but still Narcissa stepped forward, coming to the other wingback chair. "Are
Hermione wanted to zoom through the stacks, and bleed the Malfoy you injured, Miss Granger?"
library dry of information. "I have..." Her voice pulled thin, like strings about to snap. "I have a
There was a catalogue in the corner of the room where one could ask dislocated shoulder that they reset. And I have a concussion."
for a subject or a title and the books would organize themselves, either by Narcissa stared at her for a moment, and then: "Mippy!"
guiding you with fairy lights or bringing the books directly to you. Hermione jumped. The girl elf popped through.
Hogwarts had a similar system but Pince disabled it years ago when she "Missus!"
realized students were using it to smack each other in the head with a "Miss Granger has an injured shoulder and a concussion. Please tend
well-timed request for a zooming book. to it."
She steered clear of the catalogue, not wanting any traces left of what "Oh!" Mippy turned to face her. "Hermione Miss! Tell Mippy you is
she was researching. sick! Tell Mippy and she will fix it!"
Before she could tumble into the stacks towards the Dark Arts, she Hermione nodded, not bothering telling the elf about her voice.
found a shelf that contained only seven books, organized together in the "And Mippy, have Plumb fix some tea, if you please."
center. Red spines glinted at her, and she reached forward, pulling the first Mippy popped away, returning three seconds later with potions and a
to her. drawstring pouch. She directed Hermione to sit in the chair she was

84 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 69

gripping with her nails. Narcissa floated into the second chair. An older "I do." Narcissa smiled. "The Manor's library is too large to only
elf popped in and delivered tea service while Mippy handed Hermione a house wizarding books."
potion for the concussion, and started spreading a healing paste on her Narcissa walked on. Hermione's heart lifted for the first time since
shoulder. As she scurried to place a Dreamless Sleep potion on the someone else's name had been tattooed on her arm.
bedside table, Hermione glanced at Narcissa, who was sipping her tea "That's right," she said, like it was detail she'd forgotten. "The Manor
patiently. Watching her. has a library."
"Would you like some tea, Miss Granger?"
Hermione stared darkly at the teapot, imagining all sorts of dark $
potions inside. Perhaps Narcissa had already ingested the antidote. Hermione wasn't sure she had smiled once in the past year. Not a
Hermione shook her head. "No, thank you, Mrs. Malfoy." Her voice smile from her heart. Not a grin that began inside of her, like a star
scratched along her tongue, begging for something warm to soothe itself. bursting apart.
Narcissa seemed to follow her thoughts. Her lips turned down. "I The library at Malfoy Manor was the size of a small bookshop.
suppose you won't accept any biscuits either?" She sent her a smirk. "Even Perhaps a large bookshop, as Hermione couldn't see to the back wall. Tall
if I assure you that I have far more interesting methods of dealing with an as a grand ballroom with stacks reaching high to the ceiling, Hermione
enemy?" couldn't breathe for the love she felt for one room. How long had it been
Hermione flushed and looked down at her lap. Her dress was all the since she'd set foot in a library?
way to the tops of her thighs, and she pressed her legs together, pulling at "Oh dear. It seems I've lost you."
the fabric. She turned from running her fingers across a shelf to see Narcissa
Narcissa stood. "Night clothes, yes?" She moved to the wardrobe smiling at her. "I'm sorry. I do like books very much."
inside the bedroom area, and muttered to herself, "If I'm not mistaken..." "Yes, I've heard." Narcissa tilted her head. Hermione was surprised that
She opened the wardrobe. Hermione watched her face and detected a this detail stuck out to her after what she assumed were years of moaning
resigned sadness. Narcissa reached into the closet, then paused and and complaining from her son. Before she could consider further, Narcissa
glanced at Hermione. She reached a different direction and pulled out a continued, "Can I bring you anything while you browse? Tea?"
matching pajama set. Satin, it seemed. She laid the satin trousers and A crack and Mippy was there at her hip.
long-sleeved button-up pajamas across the bed. "Mippy brings Miss tea and biscuits. What does Miss want for tea?"
"Get some rest, Miss Granger," Narcissa said. "If you do find yourself Mippy twirled her ear around her waxy finger, in a way Dobby used to.
hungry, or in need of any more medications, please call for Mippy." Hermione smiled in spite of herself. "Milk and honey please."
The little elf nodded her head vigorously next to the tea service, ears "Does Miss want three honey spoons?" Mippy's eyes blinked, lashes
flopping dangerously close to the sugar bowl. bouncing.
She would not sleep in that bed. Not until she knew what was "Yes, that's perfect. Thank you, Mippy." Hermione turned back to the
expected of her. With her concussion gone, all thoughts were supposed to shelf.
be rational now. "Mippy knows how to make that. That is how Master Draco takes tea
Mippy cleared the tea as Narcissa moved to the doorway. too!"
"Mrs. Malfoy," said Hermione, her heart thundering. "When am I to Hermione's fingers slipped on the book she was replacing.
expect a visitor?" Fuck.
Blunt. To the point. Perhaps Narcissa would appreciate that, despite "Is it? How strange."
the fact that Hermione may be asking about her own husband. She felt Narcissa's eyes on the back of her neck. And she wished a
Narcissa's blue eyes hardened into ice, much closer to her son's hue. book would just open and swallow her.
70 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 83
 Narcissa Malfoy pressed her lips together, looking out past the hedges, She folded her hands delicately in front of her waist.
and Hermione felt a cold wind inside of her, settling around her ribs. "Let me be quite clear, Miss Granger." Hermione felt a chill dance
"So," Narcissa sighed, standing tall. "We will keep you under our care, down her spine, bracing herself for some kind of harsh fact, something
and we will keep you comfortable. I am sorry for all that you've lost, but I about her place in this world now. "You are now under the protection of
cannot offer you more than the assurance that Malfoy Manor is the safest Narcissa Malfoy. No one will lay a finger on you in this house."
place for you." And with a stern lift of her brow, Narcissa Malfoy swept from the
It wasn't the first time she'd heard those words, and she understood room, taking her doting house elf with her.
them no better the second time. Hermione remained frozen for a minute before collapsing in her chair,
Even if she were to believe that, why was she the one to be safe? Why mind racing. Absorbing.
was she special? It could be lies, of course. Something to make her trust the Malfoy
She took a deep breath, heart hammering in her ears. "How is that?" matriarch. Something to settle her into security before the attack.
Narcissa looked at her, blue eyes piercing. "Because I've had those But there were biscuits on the end table. Pajamas that seemed to be
animals in my house, snarling and pissing and prowling. I know what they hers. A miniature library at her disposal. And a bed. A bed that she was
do, I know how they think." She sniffed, and Hermione was reminded of not meant to share.
the Narcissa Malfoy she'd met before, nose in the air, above everyone else. Hermione stood. Looking around the room again. It was palatial,
"You're in no such danger here, I assure you. The Malfoy men may not be really. A guest suite meant for someone to be more than comfortable.
saints, but they worship their women fervently." Meant for someone to find no reason to leave, she realized.
Hermione fought the urge to scoff. His woman? Was that what she was Books, a private bath, a sitting area, and an attentive elf.
now? It was the nicest cell she could have hoped for.
Perhaps Narcissa misunderstood this situation. Perhaps Narcissa She peeled the gold dress off, letting it pool on the floor. Slipping into
thought there was more to this than… whatever there was to this. But she the nightclothes was like cutting through butter, the satin warming to her
seemed to genuinely believe that Hermione was not in danger here, that skin with some kind of charm. She plucked the gold dress off the ground
she was not purchased with the intention of defiling and debasing her. and paced to the fireplace, tossing the fabric inside and watching it burn
Lucius on the other hand… Her earlier conversation with him gave away.
her no answers either, and left her feeling more like a bought whore than She approached the bed and paused. Fourteen pillows. That's what it
she had the entire week prior. looked like. Creams and golds. She peeled back the sheets, expecting to
Hermione stopped in front of a rose bush blooming the most perfect find a horse's head or some Muggle nonsense. Just a fluffy, welcoming
white roses. She bit her lip, debating whether to tell Narcissa the truth: mattress.
that she had no idea why Draco had bought her. But Narcissa spoke She stretched up on her tiptoes, folding herself into the bed, and still
before she could pluck up the courage. "You are welcome to come out nothing happened. The mattress and pillows accepted her weight, like
here any time you like. You needn't have a chaperone in this house." they had been waiting for her for some time.
Hermione swiveled her head to her. "That's... That's very kind, Mrs. She looked to the door, almost two room's lengths from the bed. She
Malfoy. Is there anywhere I should steer clear of ?" had a perfect view of it here, against the pillows. She lifted the Dreamless
"Besides the common decency of staying out of other's private Sleep potion Mippy had left her, uncorked it and sniffed. It smelled like
quarters – of which I am positive you possess – nowhere is barred to you. the real thing.
We have no mad ex-wives in our attics." Under the protection of Narcissa Malfoy.
Hermione tripped on a pebble, or something else imaginary. "You The same Narcissa Malfoy who had snuck into the castle to find her
know Brontë?" son as the Dark Lord boasted his victory from the courtyard. The same

82 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 71

woman who'd talked of escaping, even as her side's army killed the Narcissa pointed. "The gazebo was built for her wedding day. She took
generals from Hermione's. extra care to keep the surrounding plots as beautiful as possible – tending to
This is the safest place for you, Granger. the pond, caring for the peacocks. She was very set on having all future
Perhaps Zabini was right. Perhaps all wasn't lost. Only time would tell. Malfoy weddings on the grounds in the gazebo, carrying on the tradition."
Hermione drank the potion. She set the vial down on the bedside Hermione swallowed, choosing her words carefully. "I'm sure your
table and lay on her side, eyes catching on a jewelry box lined in brass. wedding was beautiful, Mrs. Malfoy."
Her eyes began to fall shut as she reached out, opening the lid, finding its Narcissa stared out the window. "It was," she hummed. "It was at the
blue velvet interior empty. Chateau de Chambord." Her lips quirked and her eyebrow lifted.
"My family has traditions, as well."
A shocked breath pushed from her lungs as the words sunk in. The
older woman sent a satisfied smirk towards the gazebo, and gestured for
Hermione to continue on with her. As they descended the stairs,
Hermione meditated on whether Lucius Malfoy had met his match.
Perhaps Lucius didn't hold as much power as he liked to believe.
Narcissa led her out the front doors into the May morning. They
turned right at the bottom of the steps, winding around the perimeter of
the Manor while Narcissa showed her the flowers she'd brought over from
Norway, the tree that had survived the battle on the Manor in 1643, the
seam in the exterior wall where the expansion had begun.
They stumbled across an old hunched elf weeding the bluebells on the
north side of the Manor, and Narcissa stopped. "Hix, dear. This is Miss
Granger. She will be staying with us." Hix nodded a greeting. "Anything
we can do to make her stay more comfortable, we will endeavor to do it."
Hermione's brows drew together, lips pursed. Perhaps Narcissa meant
to lull her into complacency as she joked about wedding plans, crooned
about shrubbery, and offered her tea in comfortable chairs. But there was
an echo of "indefinite" in her words, and a shiver of "custody" in her
tone. Reminding her of exactly where she was. Who she was.
They moved away from Hix and the bluebells and Hermione scowled
at her feet. She need to focus. She needed to find a way for Narcissa to
show her the perimeter. They arrived at the bank of the lake in a tight
silence. And just as she opened her mouth to question Narcissa, she spoke.
"Europe is a catastrophe at the moment."
She looked up at the blonde woman, startled. Narcissa glanced around
for eavesdroppers before continuing.
"I cannot free you, Miss Granger." Hermione's breath caught. "Even
if I thought it would be safe for you on the run, I could not. If you were
to... 'escape,' Draco would be punished for it."

72 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 81

all. Whatever game Narcissa was playing, Hermione was ten paces
behind. She'd have to change that.
She ran to look for socks and shoes, before Narcissa could change her
mind. The trainers in the closet were just her size, which was lucky.
Months on the run had taught her how to pull on and lace trainers in
under five seconds, and she thanked Merlin for it today while Narcissa
Malfoy waited in the doorway like she was a guest in her own home.
Narcissa smiled when she reappeared, but before they could depart,

7
her eyes caught on the tray of food. She pressed her lips together, and
after a pause, said, "Are you finished with your tray, Miss Granger?"
Hermione swallowed and nodded. "I don't have much of an appetite."
Her stomach growled on cue.
Narcissa tilted her head at the tray. "Would you mind if we took some
of those jam tarts with us? They're my favorite."
Hermione shook her head and went to retrieve several tarts from the
bowl, wrapping a napkin around them. Narcissa took them from her,
saying something about the recipe, but Hermione was staring at the
sugary morsels, trying to keep her knees from giving out. She was so
hungry.
Hermione watched as Narcissa chewed, wondering if this was some
kind of trick. Some way to get her trust. Narcissa pointed out one of her
favorite paintings, and then suddenly the tarts were extended to
Hermione.
"Take one, dear." Hermione reached for a strawberry tart, fingers he woke slowly, her body trying to drag her mind back into sleep for
shaking. She had no intention of eating it – just being polite. But then
Narcissa said, "Excellent choice. Not a drop of poison in that one."
Her eyes snapped up to find Narcissa smirking at her before popping a
S a few minutes. She couldn't remember the last time she'd slept in a
real bed. The cots in the tent weren't as comfortable as this, and
Harry snored so loud she was afraid he'd rupture the Protection Spells—
raspberry tart between her lips. And maybe it was the satisfied hum from Her eyes snapped open, staring at an unfamiliar wall in an unfamiliar
her lips around the crunching, or perhaps the clever way she had tricked bed. She hadn't moved in the night, and she still lay on her side, facing
Hermione into taking food from her, or maybe it was because she was just the empty potion bottle. She bolted upright, searching the room. She was
so hungry. But Hermione bit into the corner of the tart, knowing that she alone. Daylight streaming in through the large windows and cream
shouldn't. But also knowing that she wouldn't survive long if she couldn't curtains.
trust the food. She slipped out of bed, peeking around corners to make sure there
The sugar danced across her tongue as they passed the large window was no one hiding. Slithering into the bathroom, she used the toilet,
overlooking the pond in silence, and even though Hermione had a similar splashed water on her face. The large clawfoot tub in the center of the
view from the guest room, she still couldn't take her eyes off the sight. marble floor called her to slip into the suds and drift away.
"Lucius's mother cultivated the gardens." Hermione turned to see She shook her head, blinking away the elegance of the suite and
Narcissa following her gaze. They paused in front of the window, and refocusing. Weapons. Exits.

80 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 73

 The drawers in the vanity held lush towels and hair potions. She found Battle. Closing her eyes and breathing in the outdoors, she enjoyed the
a tail comb with a sharp end for styling and pocketed it. daylight.
Still, no one intruding upon her space when she exited the bathroom. Several house elves watered the hedges that lined the lawn. She
She checked the clock on the bookshelf. Barely 7AM. thought of Dobby and how his life would have been here. Leaning her
The wardrobe called to her as she remembered Narcissa's expression arms on the balcony, she wondered if any of the other elves wanted to be
upon opening it. Some kind of displeased acceptance. Hermione pulled free. Maybe she could use that.
the doors open, finding hangers upon hangers of clothing — an extension To her left, another rounded balcony. Separated, but close. She tilted
charm widening and deepening the space. To the left, a second pair of over the railing, looking at what would break her fall should she try to tie
pajamas like the ones she had on, only in flannel. A few long nightdresses, her bedsheets together. Some unforgiving-looking bushes and decorative
followed by shorter ones. None too flashy. Then robes upon robes upon stones. If it was necessary, she could make the drop.
robes of varying colors, lengths, and fabrics. At the end, jumpers and She stood in the doorway, facing the suite, enjoying the sun on the
other informal wear. She pulled the drawers at the base of the wardrobe back of her neck. Ignoring the plate of food again, she stared at the walls.
and found jeans. And she realized there wasn't a single portrait in the guest room. A few
Hermione frowned. What kind of guests did the Malfoys usually have landscapes and artistic swirls, but no immortalized tattletale to watch her
in this room? Surely no one who needed denims. She opened the top every move.
drawer on the right. Cotton knickers in pale shades. A few bras in the Privacy.
same. A few sports bras. She wondered how long that would last.
Whoever it was who usually stayed here was prepared for everything. Two swift knocks on the door. She waited, hands braced on the
The bottom drawer held shoes for all weather; trainers and boots. doorframe. No elf voice announcing itself.
She let her fingers drift across the fabric of the robes as she pushed the Hermione shut the doors to the balcony, and moved quickly to the
drawers back in, and she jumped when a thought crossed her mind. door, heart pounding, pulling it open.
Was this Pansy's room? Narcissa Malfoy in flowing blue robes, like water in a lake, and a smile
She glanced at the bed with its creams and golds. She looked to the on her lips.
bookcase with its Muggle books. She took in the fabrics in front of her, "Good morning, Miss Granger."
and cataloged the knickers. She stared at her. "Hello."
None of this screamed Pansy Parkinson. Pansy wore red lipstick to the Narcissa swept her gaze down her body, eyeing her denims and bare
breakfast table, and never needed to reapply throughout the day. Pansy feet. Hermione blushed.
would never be caught dead in pale colors, especially her knickers. And "I was wondering if you would fancy a walk. Perhaps a tour of the
Pansy once asked Daphne Greengrass in third year if Muggles knew how Manor?"
to read. Hermione knew she wasn't joking. No, this wasn't Pansy's space. Hermione blinked. In her twelve hours in this room, she had not once
She shut the drawers, memorizing the placement of the belts, and considered that she would be permitted out of it. The suite had
moved to the windows, finally pushing aside the soft material and peering everything she needed. A gilded cage.
out into the grounds. Like she'd guessed, the pond sparkled from this view. "A tour? I... er, yes," she stammered under Narcissa's shrewd gaze. A
The gazebo attracted the early morning fog like bubbles in a glass, and just tour could be useful. Perhaps she could scour the grounds for
beyond the gates that encompassed the Manor, she could see the sun vulnerabilities. "Shall I change into something more suitable?"
dappling the ground. Just to her left, a balcony attached to her sitting room. A flicker of something flashed in Narcissa's eyes, and the corner of her
Hermione blinked. There must be a door. How far was the drop? How lips twitched. "No, dear. Please be comfortable." Hermione blinked again.
much length would the curtains and bedsheets give her? It felt like she'd done something right, when in fact, she'd done nothing at

74 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 79

and scents. The tub was deep and wide, and much more luxurious than The door handle rattled, and Hermione spun as Lucius Malfoy
Hermione had seen in the last year. Her last decent bath had been last entered her suite, eyes landing on her at the window. She clutched the
summer, before Bill and Fleur's wedding. curtains in her fingers, one hand sliding slowly to the comb in her pocket.
But she thought of the way Lucius Malfoy had swept into the suite, Lucius's eyes were abruptly pulled from her as he looked around the
like her privacy meant nothing to him. room, gaze landing on the bookshelves, the sitting area. He paused on the
She quickly turned to the large shower, draped a towel over the side, bed, sheets twisted from her sleep. His grey eyes snapped to her again.
and stripped. The water hit the perfect temperature, and she spent thirty His lips pulled up into an echo of a smirk. "Welcome to Malfoy
seconds inside, scrubbing and washing only the essential areas, skipping Manor, Miss Granger."
her hair. She turned off the water, grabbed the towel, and wrapped She felt her heartbeat pressing into the gauzy curtains, her fingers
herself tightly. She stood, dripping on the bathmat, waiting for something curled. He stood between herself and the door. And if there was a way
to happen. onto this balcony, how quickly could she sprint out and hurtle over the
She poked her head into the bedroom, seeing she had no visitors. She edge. Grass or stones below?
dried off, twisted the towel around her again, and waddled to the He tilted his head, examining her, waiting for a response that didn't
wardrobe. She assumed the owner of the robes and jumpers and denims come. His eyes flicked over her satin pajamas, over the rumpled bedding.
wouldn't mind her borrowing a few things until... "I see you've made yourself quite at home."
Until... she didn't know what. Until her new clothing was provided? He moved into the room, strolling between the wingback chairs,
Perhaps a uniform, so she could join the elves in the kitchens? examining the carpets, moving to the drapes.
That's if Narcissa's protection against "visitors" was to be believed. Where Narcissa was cautious and warm, Lucius was decisive and cold,
She plucked a pair of light-colored jeans from the drawer, and dragged inscrutable. He slithered into the sleeping space, eyes turning over the bed
her fingers across the jumpers until she found a fabric that sung "comfort" curtains and landing on the wardrobe, still open from her investigations.
to her. White, soft, and fuzzy. She considered for a moment, and then He pulled the doors open wide and just like his wife, an impossible
snatched up a pair of cotton knickers from the drawer on the right. expression spread across his lips. She'd never seen someone frown a smile.
Tucking herself behind the wardrobe door, she dropped the towel, "All the correct size, I presume," he muttered.
shimmied into the knickers, dragged the fuzzy jumper over her head, and Hermione guessed that Lucius Malfoy was not the kind of man who
scrambled into the jeans. She was pleased when the zip and button closed muttered things aloud by accident.
perfectly around her hips. He shut the wardrobe with a click. And turned to her, standing
She twisted to look into a mirror on the opposite wall, finding a between her and the bed. The comb teeth clicked between her fingertips.
scrappy young woman with dirty hair in somebody else's jeans and "Sixty-five thousand Galleons," he said, drawing the number out like a
jumper. It would do. question. But she knew it wasn't. "My, my, Miss Granger. What a
She bent to put away her towel, but it disappeared, like they used to at handsome prize you make."
Hogwarts. Elf magic. He wanted her to interact with him. She swallowed her terror, and
Hermione made her bed, washed the empty potion vial from the night decided to play his game. "Were you in attendance last night, Mr.
before, folded and rehung her nightclothes, and reshelved the books she Malfoy?"
had taken down. Studying the balcony doors again, she tried the handle He pulled a deep breath through his nostrils, the hint of a sneer on his
tentatively. It turned. The doors swept open, out to the world, and she put lips. "I have no interest in slave-trading. I have enough house elves."
one foot out, testing. He clasped his hands behind his back and looked out the window at
She stepped through with no issues. And when the light greeted her the view she had been enjoying. She remembered strong arms, grabbing
skin, she realized she had not seen the sun since the day before the Final her around the waist and lifting her, taking her somewhere. If Lucius

78 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 75

hadn't been there, it had been Draco. Where would he have taken her? Her eyes burned into his back, and she thought of Parvati and the
And why did he want her in the first place? And how had he obtained Baxter girl. Penelope Clearwater curled in a corner refusing to eat. The
her? slice to her abdomen. The last glimpse of Ginny as she was dragged away.
She looked up from the thoughtful gaze she had been sending the She couldn't stop the words. Like bile creeping up. "My gratitude?"
carpets to find Lucius Malfoy still before her, watching her. His eyes swept He paused with one hand on the door. "Of course, Miss Granger." A
over her body, and she shivered, glad to be rid of the gold dress and in raised brow. "You have been saved."
sexless nightclothes. He exited, shutting the door behind him.
"How do you like your accommodations, Miss Granger?" His eyes
pierced her, his words digging into her skin. $
She wondered if he wanted her to misbehave. If he wanted her to spit Relying on Narcissa Malfoy's supposed protection wasn't going to get
at him and tell him she'd prefer a cell. To act like a Mudblood beast. She her anywhere. It wasn't protection she needed—it was a way out.
looked into his grey eyes, the same grey eyes that had sneered at her for After she was sure Lucius wouldn't be returning, she pulled Hogwarts, A
seven years. History off the shelves, and sat in the chair facing the door, reading
She may be under Narcissa Malfoy's protection, but she was also absently while keeping an eye on the entrance.
under Lucius Malfoy's roof. At 8AM on the dot, a knock sounded from the door. Before Hermione
"It's lovely, Mr. Malfoy," she responded icily. "Thank you for having could release her tense shoulders or contemplate what horrors could await
me for a visit." She lifted a brow at him. her, a treble voice said, "Remmy is here for breakfast!"
He returned the expression, a slow curl to his lips. "Any time, Miss Hermione blinked. She stood, placing the book delicately on the chair.
Granger. The weather is lovely in the autumn," he said, voice lilting, "Come in?" It sounded more like a question than she liked.
teasing. A pause, and then his features hardened. "I do hope you'll still be The door pushed open, and an older female elf tottered in, a tray
here then." hovering behind her. The elf — Remmy — frowned. "Mistress says
A chill crossed her skin, but she was careful not to blink. She burned to Remmy must knock."
ask him questions. Why am I here? Why did Dolohov give me up? What am I Hermione stared at her, wondering how she was to reply. Remmy
expected to do? But she knew she wouldn't get the answers she wanted. Just scowled and sent the tray barreling toward the end table near her
more games. wingback chair. She spun and wobbled out the door. Before she could
He stepped toward her, now only several paces away, and extended his close it, Hermione said, "Thank you, Remmy."
hand. "Might I have whatever's in your pocket?" Remmy turned, eyes squinted, and nodded once before shutting the
She swallowed, and he saw it. He smiled. door behind her.
She withdrew the comb and placed it into his waiting hand. He Beans and toast. Eggs, juice, bacon, grilled tomatoes. Pastries and
grinned, and then broke the sharp tail off. He handed her back the tarts. And tea service.
benign piece, looked to her hair, and said, "You'll need this." Hermione's stomach twisted and rumbled. She hadn't eaten since
She scowled at him. Such strong resemblance to his son and the easy yesterday — an apple slice Luna had handed her in the morning. Narcissa
way his insults would flow. Her fingers curled around the comb, teeth had claimed she wouldn't poison her last night, but Hermione knew of at
cutting into her palm. least seven potions that could be baked into the pastries or stirred in with
"My son paid a heavy price to obtain you, Miss Granger." His eyes the tea that could alter her perceptions, relax her mind or muscles, or leave
traveled down her jaw, down her neck. She shivered. "Do try to show blank spots in her memories — all of which were tasteless and odorless.
your... gratitude." He whispered the word across the air like a kiss against She wandered into the bathroom suite to hide from the delicious scent
her skin. He smirked at her, and swept to the door. of the food and stared at the tub. It had several magical taps for bubbles
76 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 77
 He narrowed his eyes at her and paced across the carpets once before She had at least two hours before Narcissa said dinner would arrive.
coming back to the same spot in front of the windows, his lips tight. Hermione took off the jeans, folding them nicely over the counter,
"I should have given you a tour of the perimeter upon your arrival pulled off the jumper, and brought a towel over to the edge of the tub.
and cautioned you of the consequences," he said. "Tomorrow, when you She started the taps. She turned on the bubbles.
can walk again, we'll do that." And she washed it all away in her bathtub, in her suite in Malfoy
She gave a sharp laugh, and her stomach muscles protested. "There's Manor.
no need to walk me. I'm a slave, not a dog. I think I have the idea now."
She hissed through her teeth as she shifted her legs, hating the way she lay
prone before him like a ragdoll. "Why is this recovery worse than the
Cruciatus Curse?"
"I believe the barrier was created with Cruciatus in mind. You may
not have been subjected to Cruciatus in extreme lengths of time." His
eyes drifted away from her, and she had the distinct impression that he
had suffered these exact symptoms before. "Crossing the barrier should
shock the tattooed person and give them a chance to withdraw themselves
from the perimeter. Father said you jumped through the barrier, your
entire body beyond it. You landed and rolled down the hill."
She swallowed. Yes, that seemed right. At least she'd learned
something. Weaknesses in the wards were irrelevant as long as she had
that tattoo on her arm. Lucius had been telling the truth.
"By the time he recovered you," he continued, "you'd been outside of
the barrier for two minutes."
She frowned. "Certainly took him long enough."
His face turned back to her, lifting a brow. "Lucius doesn't have his
wand at the moment. He's having it replaced."
She blinked at him. This knowledge was startling. The possibilities
swirled in her mind, and she tried to find the advantage.
Draco read her face easily. "The Dark Lord requested his wand last
year, for reasons of his own. He's been using a replacement, but during
the Battle of Hogwarts, it finally gave up on him. Cracked."
"Oh," was all she could say. She stared at the curtains behind him as
she realized Lucius Malfoy had followed her down a hill, lifted her into his
arms, and carried her back to her bedroom.
She wondered if he'd run, or if he'd just let her body writhe and sizzle
at the bottom of the hill.
Nothing this family did made any sense.
She caught Draco's eye. He'd been staring at her, she realized. She was
weak, immobile, and in bed before him. He could do anything he wanted

1 1 1 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 89

 She could see the low sunlight from her windows bouncing against the
ceiling.
Turning her neck in a slow rotation, she found a figure standing
against her windows, staring at the grounds. Draco. He held a cup and
saucer in one hand – tea gone cold, she could guess, with the lack of
rising steam. His other hand in his pocket. Dark trousers, but a cobalt
blue jumper. Out of uniform.
She stared at his back as she tested her muscles, curling her toes and
shifting her arms. He was almost as tall as Ron now. Always taller than
Harry. His shoulders had broadened with maturity or with muscle-
training, she didn't know, but even through his jumper she could see the
shape of him. Draco's clothes were always perfectly fitted. Probably had
the jumper handmade, just for him.
The thumb holding onto his saucer bore the Slytherin class ring that
had cut her lip the night before. The emerald stone winked at her, teasing
her.
Her eyes dropped down, taking in his legs and backside. Perfectly
tailored there as well. He stood tall on both legs, never one to lean on a
hip unless provided with a wall or a pillar to rest on purposefully.
She used to watch Pansy's hands drift to his hips, either in class with a
quick pinch to his thigh, or in dark corridors past curfew where Hermione
would either interrupt the couple and take house points or walk away
briskly with the image of green-painted fingernails sliding down his back
to squeeze at him.
Like summoning his eyes, he turned to look at her just as her gaze
moved to more acceptable locations.
His eyes were soft and distant. And then a flicker. And then grey and
absent. Like a reptilian blink.
He faced her fully, vanished the teacup and saucer, and slid his other
hand into his pocket. "Can you move?"
"Barely." Her voice was ragged, like it had been grinded down.
Perhaps she had screamed.
Behind him she could make out the sun setting. She'd lost the entire
day. He scowled at her, and before she could wonder why, he asked, "Were
you trying to kill yourself ?"
She blinked, laying useless on the pillows.
"No. But now that you mention it, I'd appreciate my belts and scarves
back."

THE AUCTION ● 1 10
 Wrapped in a blanket, pressed against his chest.
Her mind floated up, thoughts attaching to memories.
She'd been outside. She'd been beneath a canopy of branches.
She'd wanted to follow a rabbit down, down, until she found her
haven.
Lucius Malfoy had stopped her.
Her eyes fluttered. And she remembered the pain. Her body quaked,
and her father's arms pulled her closer.

8
No, not her father.
Someone held her to their chest, walking, swaying, rocking her back to
sleep. Her skin hurt.
Footsteps echoing off marble.
She fell back into the blackness, like blinking.

$
"What happened?" A panicked voice burst into her mind, waking her.
She swayed, rocking, walking.
Still in her father's arms.
Her eyelids fought against the paste that closed them together.
"Father! What happened?!"
"Your Mudblood decided to take a walk, Draco." The voice rumbled
from the furnace against her ear. A low vibration, lulling her back.
"Perhaps you should explain to her—"
reakfast appeared the next morning along with Narcissa Malfoy.
She drifted out to sea again.

$
A hedge maze, several stories high. A rabbit in front of her, hopping
B She escorted Hermione out to the balcony while Remmy set up the
breakfast tray and the tea service. She eyed the grounds, looking
for weaknesses as Narcissa talked.
After a lull, Hermione thought she'd take a chance.
away, looking back at her with Harry's emerald green eyes.
"I... I'm not sure you can answer this request," Hermione started, "but
He disappeared around the corner hedge, and when she followed, he
I was wondering about my friends."
was gone.
Narcissa turned to her. "Yes?"
$ "Where are they?" She hesitated before asking, "What state are they in?"
Hermione sat still as stone as Narcissa Malfoy lifted a brow, opened
Her body ached. She felt every limb spark to life, but they only her mouth, and stopped herself. "Hmm. Yes, I see..." she muttered.
twitched when she tried to move them. "I only ask because I was unconscious for the Auction," Hermione
Her eyes snapped open, and she stared at the canopy of her bed, the said. "Up until my... bid." She looked down at the wide lawn.
cream curtains draped so elegantly. "Yes, of course." Narcissa's eyes slid over her. "Naturally, you would be
It was like she'd been immobilized. Her muscles were weighed down, curious. I will do my best to get that information."
and even her eyelashes worked too hard.
109 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 90
 Hermione smiled in thanks, and when her eyes returned to her "Why?" she asked. "What's beyond this?"
cranberry scone and tea, she felt nauseous with guilt. "Nothing much of anything, really." He stepped forward, and she was
What was Ginny having for breakfast today? When was the last time reminded of the way her aunt would try to corner one of her playful cats.
Luna had a cup of tea? "The grounds extend another few acres, but it's mostly fields."
Where was Ron? "I like fields." She wondered if she'd pay for the insolence in her tone.
She spent the rest of her Sunday afternoon reading, looking out the The corner of his mouth twitched, like his son's whenever he hid a
window, in the bathtub. Just after Remmy arrived with her dinner tray, a smile in class. "Yes, don't we all," he hummed in a condescending growl.
knock rapped on her door. "But I'm afraid you've reached the line you cannot cross, Miss Granger."
"Come in," she said, standing for Narcissa like her mother taught her to. She stared back at him, examining him. He leaned forward on his
Draco Malfoy opened the door. toes, ready to pounce. She wouldn't notice it if she didn't already know
Her heart stuttered against her ribs as his eyes skated across her face that Malfoys lean back on their heels, waiting for the world to come to
and shoulders. them. His hands behind his back – perhaps his wand between his fingers.
So much taller than she remembered him. His skin was still pale and Following her.
thin like sixth year, like he'd still not gotten a decent night's sleep. He wore Lucius Malfoy didn't want her crossing this line.
black. Not his Death Eater uniform, but another black jumper. Black Her skin pricked. Perhaps the weakness was here.
trousers and large boots. It was so similar to the outfit he wore in the "I assure you, there's nothing but plains of grass," he said, reading her
library, as if this was his off-duty uniform. distrust. "A few excellent spots for Quidditch"—he nodded over her
His eyes roved over her room, landing on things she'd disturbed. The shoulder—"if such a thing interests you." He frowned at her when she
pile of books at the base of her bookshelves, waiting to be reshelved. The didn't move and sighed. "The Manor grounds stop here for the purposes
shoes she'd worn yesterday on her walk with Narcissa, now sitting next to of that ink on your arm. If you cross the line, you will be grievously
her armoire. The rumpled way she'd left her bedsheets, even after trying to harmed, Miss Granger."
make the bed. She blinked at him. He was nervous—she was certain of it. And what
Hermione stood, hand on the back of her wingback chair, dinner half- else could be the cause but the thought of her escaping?
eaten on the end table. His eyes finally landed on her again. She watched A breeze rustled the tree branches above them, and sunlight freckled
the quickest of flickers down to her Muggle denims and socks, fast as a his face, reflecting off his eyes.
blink. The birds had stopped singing.
"Mother says you have questions." It was worth a try.
No. No, no, no, Narcissa. This was not what she wanted. If she was wrong, she'd be with Luna again. Harry. Draco couldn't
She swallowed, and the first question poured from her without stop her this time.
thought. "Where is Pansy?" With an agility she'd learned from a year on the run, Hermione spun
He looked about as surprised as she felt. She wished she had a plan. on her heel and leapt out of the lane, into the field.
Some way to ask the right questions. A spark of fire in her arm, burning, crackling, sizzling up her nerve
He looked at the fire, slowly dwindling. "I gave Parkinson to Blaise endings. She crumpled to the soft grass as the fire spread into her entire
Zabini. As a token of thanks and loyalty. She is in Italy now, under his body, frying her from the inside. An echo of a yell behind her as the pain
watch." surrounded her mind and plunged her into a spinning darkness.
His inflections and dead eyes meant to suggest that Blaise was the one
receiving a gift for his loyalty. But maybe he didn't know Hermione had $
witnessed Pansy's rescue. She nodded. One off the list. Rocking. Swaying. Like her father used to do when she injured herself.
91 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 108
 Did the Malfoys even have family friends anymore? Or were they just "Ginny Weasley went to Avery?"
all Death Eaters. Who did Narcissa Malfoy entertain? His eyes returned to hers, and he nodded.
She reached the edge of the rounded hedges, facing a pathway cutting "And Ron?"
down a dark lane lined with trees with delicate branches, leaning over to He stared at her, unblinking. "Macnair purchased him. And shortly
touch each other. A sparrow sang to her children. after, the Dark Lord requested him."
It was idyllic. Too idyllic. Distractingly so. Perhaps the weakness was She took a slow breath. "And is he alive?"
somewhere down this lane. It extended forever, disappearing into "For now."
morning mist and the shadows of the trees. He watched it land on her, shivering her skin. She clenched her jaw
She stepped through, feeling much like Alice in her looking glass, and nodded. She wanted to ask more, to feel out how many of them had
waiting for another world to morph before her eyes. Nothing. No tingle fallen in the courtyard. To maybe ask about Nagini in some way.
on her arm. She continued her walk, eager to find the end of the Malfoy He began, "If that's all—"
property. "What about Arthur and Molly Weasley?"
Something the birds sang echoed in her head, a kind of melody that He blinked at her. "Dead."
sounded familiar. A few notes that strung together and reminded her of a She suspected this. It didn't bring her peace, but at least she could nod,
song her mother used to sing in the mornings. She wondered if Monica accept it, and deal with it later.
Wilkins remembered that song. If some mornings she woke up humming "Neville?"
it, trying to place a melody she'd long forgotten. He rolled his eyes in that very put-upon way he used for effect when
She'd never been so thankful for her foresight than her choice to he was younger. "Do you want me to make you a list, Granger?"
Obliviate her mother and father. If she had to add her parents to her "Yes," she answered immediately, disregarding his sarcasm. "If you
growing list of worries in this new world, it would be unbearable. please."
Hermione stretched her arms out wide, fingertips barely grazing the He glared at her for a heartbeat, and then conjured a scroll and quill.
leaves on several unruly hedges on either side. Perhaps Hix was shirking She watched him perform a very complex spell to send his thoughts
his duties. Her robe opened in the wind, air rushing to meet her warm directly onto the page – the spell that had inspired the Quick-Quotes
skin. She threw her head back and stared at the splatches of sky through Quill. It required a trained mind whose thoughts could be directed and
the tree branches. reduced to only one thing, instead of the extraneous thoughts one's brain
The lane ended. It opened wide into another field. floats to them. She'd only seen Snape use it before.
Hermione stopped, staring at the sloping hill, a childish impulse telling She studied him while his eyes concentrated on the page—exhausted,
her to run and tumble down. with dark circles and dry skin. The angles of his jaw and chin cut through
A different, darker impulse telling her to run as well. his cheeks and neck, sharpening him like a blade. The lips she'd
She stepped forward. memorized were dry and cracked, but pulled into the contemplative pout
"I would stop there, Miss Granger." she'd seen in class. He still held his shoulders back, arrogance and good
She spun. Lucius Malfoy – impeccably dressed for the hour in the posture slithering through all the cracks in his facade.
morning – stood with his hands clasped behind his back, staring at her Her mind warred with itself, one half pitying him and looking for a
with grey eyes. way to comfort him, and the other wondering if his fatigue would give her
Had he Apparated to her? She hadn't heard him approach in the an advantage.
narrow lane. Was she past the Apparition line? The quill disappeared. He grabbed the scroll from the air and held it
She remembered herself, quickly closing the robe and pulling it tight out to her. And it all came back to her. He was handing her a list of her
to cover her modest nightclothes. No sash to tie it closed. friends' fates.

107 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 92

 Neville went to the Carrows. Cho Chang and Seamus Finnigan to Brushing away her tears, she stared at the sunrise, and then shoved her
Mulciber. Oliver Wood to the Notts. Ron and Angelina Johnson to feet into boots, tossed open the bedroom door, and then took off in her
Macnair. robe.
Her eyes skipped over the page, feeling there was something missing. She marched down the hall, wondering if anyone slept in these rooms.
She looked up at him. "Luna Lovegood isn't on this list." If she happened upon Draco she would give him a piece of her mind,
He stood frozen, no expression crossing his face. that was certain. She clambered down the marble stairs and out into the
"Lovegood is dead." chilly morning air, breathing in the freedom.
Hermione felt her heartbeat in her fingertips. A pair of pale blue eyes The other side of the Manor was the unexplored land. Staying close
behind her lids every time she blinked. Blood-soaked teeth smiling at her, to the walls, she walked the edges, taking in the morning fog. Rounding
telling her to make the sacrifice. the corner, the gazebo rose from the mists, sunlight bouncing off its
She swallowed. "How?" Her voice cracked. elegant roof, casting patterned shadows on the grass before it. The waters
Draco looked over her shoulder, out the window behind her at the shuffled on the lake, trembling as the fowl landed and bobbed.
sunset. "She jumped from the roof of Macnair's estate. They found her A warming charm would be helpful about now. Hermione frowned,
body yesterday morning." hoping that she'd acclimate to being non-magical soon. Then she'd
Her mind tumbled and swirled. remember to put on a jumper the next time she went for an angry
Macnair. She went to Macnair. morning stroll.
Luna was dead. The lawns spread out for acres, and she considered how far the
She should have let her die in the Ministry. property went. Perhaps they had even more than this, but the Manor's
Remember? He said it would be better this way. grounds stopped at a certain point. She looked down at her arm,
She looked back to Draco. His eyes were distant, staring out her wondering at what point the estate would bar her exit. The two letters
window to the pond. inked into her skin caught the morning light, a hint of gold shown
"She jumped because you told her to," Hermione hissed. through, just over the top of the white lettering Bellatrix had given her.
He turned back to her, his gaze cold. He didn't deny it. She peered back at the windows, checking the third floor for her room
"You told her that if there was an Auction, she should kill herself," she and finding the door to the balcony thrown wide. She counted. She was the
snarled. "Kill herself instead of fight." second balcony in on the right, facing northeast according to the rising sun.
His lips pressed together. "You seem to forget that Lovegood was a Handy details, if she could ever find someone who could use them.
Ravenclaw, not a reckless Gryffindor." His eyes withered her. "She A short walk through the countryside. That's what it could have been,
couldn't be talked into anything that didn't make absolute sense to her." in another life. She faced the sunrise, now dappling the trees along the
"Absolute sense?" Hermione repeated, feeling tears of grief threatening edges of the lawn, and began to wander.
to spring. "So should I take myself to the tallest tower in Malfoy Manor as Cutting across the grass like a lone sailboat on a lake, she headed
well? Maybe twist my sheets into a noose? Or I could always refuse to eat. northeast. Find the chinks in the armor. There was a faint hum of the grounds
Refuse food and water until I wither away—" waking, birds stretching their voices wide, the hedges bowing to the sky.
He stepped toward her. "I dare you to try." He sneered at her. "If It was startling to be surrounded by beauty again. Scenery had been
you're really so miserable in your private suite, in your Muggle denims the last thing on her mind when choosing the locations she'd dragged
and jumpers, with your meals delivered three times a day—" Harry and Ron for the last year. And yet, these grounds were clearly
"Oh, thank you, Malfoy. For rescuing me—" made to be seen. Admired. It almost felt mocking, given her
"Then be my fucking guest, Granger." He stepped into her again, and circumstances. She imagined this field was quite useful for garden parties
she felt the back of the tall chair pressing into her spine. "I have it on and large receptions.

93 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 106

together, hardening to the memory of his healing hands at the gates last good authority that Macnair didn't brutalize Lovegood before she
night. jumped. Better take your chances now before your circumstances change
If he thought Hermione Granger was going to go quietly, she had a —"
surprise for him. Her hand was up, poised to strike before she stopped herself. Hitting
The sunlight popped over a tree, the first rays intruding upon her him would be the most ill-advised action she could possibly take in her
space, lighting up her walls. She stood, wrapping her robe tightly around situation. His eyes glittered, scanning from her hand to her face, sizzling
herself and moved to the window, watching the grounds light up. into her eyes and dropping down over her lips before sliding back.
There were no gates on this side of the estate, just large hedges and "Are you stupid enough to do it, Granger?" His eyes flashed at her,
ponds. And with the daylight, she could finally make out the gardens in something warm and daring.
the distance. Her fingers curled slowly, and she dropped her arm. She glared at his
I'll get out, she told herself. There was always a weakness somewhere. A smug face, his eyes dripping over her and his lips pulling a slow grin.
pressure point she could exploit. She tore her gaze from his lips and said, "And will my circumstances
Pulling open the balcony doors, intent to peer around the sides of the change?"
Manor and below, she moved to step out, but something stopped her. She watched his eyes freeze over, like a glaze in a kiln, something
She looked down at her feet, planted close to the doorway. She opaque. A smirk that didn't reach his expressionless eyes.
couldn't lift them. She stepped backwards just fine. A barrier spell of "Play your cards right, Granger…"
sorts. And then his fingers drifted mockingly across her ribs.
She'd been able to sit on the balcony yesterday, having tea with She jerked and slithered away from him. "Get out."
Narcissa in the morning. What had changed? A low chuckle as she turned to face the windows, dismissing him,
A chill from the morning breeze wound its way around her skin. smoothing out the wrinkled scroll held tight in her left hand.
Luna. "The Dark Lord requests an audience with you this evening."
She stared at the horizon as the sun's half-circle rose over the trees. A chill trickled down her spine, like ice water dumped over her head.
So should I take myself to the tallest tower in Malfoy Manor as well? "Tell him I decline. But thanks." She spoke to the windows so he
She'd goaded him. And while they were gone last night, he had wards wouldn't see the way her eye twitched.
set. She heard a short breath of a laugh, and then, "I'll expect you
Curiously, she reached her hand out. The wards stopped her before downstairs in half an hour."
her fingers could cross the doorway. Her cheeks heated. How dare he. He He didn't make a sound as he crossed the carpets, and it wasn't until
was carving away her options, narrowing the walls of her pretty little the door clicked that she even knew he left.
cage. Half an hour. That's all she had.
Hermione spun, thoughts crashing around her mind like waves in a She memorized the scroll of her friends' names as the sun set on the
storm. She ran for the curtains hanging from the canopy and tugged them Manor.
into knots, but a noose wouldn't hold. The fireplace burned low, and she How does one prepare for an audience with the Dark Lord?
stomped over to test another theory. Her question was answered twenty-five minutes after Draco left when
Like warm water as she plunged her hand into the flames. Mippy knocked on her door.
She threw open the wardrobe, and found that all of her belts and "Master Draco says you is to wear this."
sashes had been removed. Mippy held a scrap of black silk over her outstretched arms. It looked
I dare you to try, he'd said. Reminding her that her life wasn't hers to like a négligée. Lace across the bottom and top, short and low with thin
take anymore. straps.

105 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 94

 When Hermione pulled the silk from the elf's fingers, Mippy twirled
her ear and waited by the door.
"Thank you, Mippy." She didn't recognize the sound of her own voice.
The elf stayed in the doorway, shifting from foot to foot. "Mippy is to
stay until Miss is changed. Then we is to go downstairs."
And just when Hermione thought she could get away with being
obstinate.
Hermione marched into the bathroom, shucked her jeans, ripped her

9
jumper off, and slid the silk over herself. It was as short as her gold shift
dress, if not shorter. So, she was his whore. The mirror reflected the scowl
and narrowed eyes of a sex slave. Her eyes caught on a fluffy robe
hanging from a hook, and she considered flouncing downstairs completely
covered. Or perhaps not going at all. Make him come back and drag her.
"Miss!" The elf was knocking, her voice plaintive.
Hermione frowned. Would Mippy be punished? Simply because she
tried to delay the inevitable.
She took one last glance in the mirror to make sure she was covered,
and then followed Mippy out of the room, fuming, down the stairs and
into the Malfoy entryway.
Draco waited at the fireplaces for her. His eyes took in her attire as she
descended—a quick glance at her bare legs, and then back to her face.
Perhaps he did want her. Perhaps something about her had attracted
him.
He pulled at his sleeves, concentrating on the cuffs, and said, "You'll o, George was on the run.
need to remove your bra."
Clinical. Like a doctor would.
She felt the blush rise in her cheeks. Her teeth parted to bite back, but
S It must have been during the Auction itself. He was onstage with
Ludo when the girls began to fight. At least they'd won something
during that moment. She sat in her wingback chair, watching the sun rise
she saw he was in his Death Eater robes. And just as he had changed into through her windows. It was her third morning in Malfoy Manor, though
his uniform—his costume—it seemed she must as well. she hadn't slept the night before, content to stare at the walls while her
She reached behind herself and struggled to unclasp and remove the brain mended itself.
bra under the silk. He concentrated on the stones below his feet as she Several times she thought she should call for an elf to grab her a
handed it to Mippy. potion, but the headache kept her focused. She wouldn't be complacent in
The elf disappeared, and then it was just them again. But instead of whatever they'd planned for her.
feeling exposed, she felt ignored. Her cheek throbbed, a bluish bruise blossoming over her the corner of
He moved to the front doors, not waiting for her to follow. She trudged her mouth where she'd bled. She could have sworn she'd felt the outline of
behind him like a petulant child, down the steps, into the brisk air, and a gemstone against her cheek last night, but it was nowhere to be found this
down the stone path as the cold pricked her skin, pulling her breasts into morning. Perhaps he'd only struck her face to save his own. Surely one of
peaks. She glared at the back of him, covered in thick robes while she was them needed to be punished for her smart mouth. She pressed her lips

95 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 104

looked at the hedges to her right, blinking as the fury in her chest gave way forced into a scrap of silk. Holding onto that irritation, holding onto the
to despair. cold so she wouldn't think about what was going to happen next.
A warm hand on her cheek. She snapped her head back to him to find He stood at the gates while she caught up, and then said, "Your left
him staring down at her lips. Hermione's eyes widened, lips parting. arm."
A whispered spell. His wand at the corner of her mouth, sewing the She held it out to him, and he wrapped his fingers around his
skin back together from where his ring had split her lip. signature. They walked through the gates, and she felt a burst of heat
She calmed her thundering heart, waiting for his hand to drop from through her arm. And then it was over.
her jaw. Instead he said, "Were you relieved when you learned you were They walked to the top of a hill, his hand still on her arm, and then he
coming here? Is that what it was? Do you think of me as the lesser of two Apparated them.
evils?" The gates of Hogsmeade popped into view first. A chilling cold
She searched his eyes, wondering which memories and thoughts crawled through her throat, clawing across her ribs and seizing her
Voldemort shuffled through if Draco was this intent on finding out. muscles.
"No, not really," she answered truthfully, remembering the long walk Dementors.
down these hedges just a few nights ago. "I thought I might be a gift for She looked up, and found thousands.
your father." She could just make out the moon past them, but they occluded the
His hand twitched against her face, like he'd been electrified. It light, casting the grounds in darkness.
dropped, hanging down by his side. Draco held her elbow, gripping painfully as one Dementor swept
"Then what was it? Tell me what he found." He swallowed as the wind down, dropping like a weight over her.
slashed across them. "Stay still," Draco demanded.
There was something Draco Malfoy wanted that she could refuse to The Dementor swallowed the air around her, sucking at her essence. It
give. The small shift in power buzzed through her. turned to Draco, reaching a bony hand out for him.
She slipped away from him, moving toward the Manor, and tossed He stared up into its hood, immovable.
over her shoulder, "Anticipation is the sweetest torture, isn't it?" With one last tug at her soul, the Dementor wafted away, joining its
Marching away down the stone path, shivering in her négligée, she companions. Draco guided her forward, and she guessed the Dementors
almost smiled. had cleared them.
A dozen of them hovered as they walked through the gates and turned
onto the Hogwarts grounds.
The Forbidden Forest had grown outwards, creeping towards the
castle as if the magic holding it back had died when they lost. The grass
was dry and some places were still burning. It wasn't until they passed the
fires that Hermione recognized the smell.
Burning bodies.
The corpses were unrecognizable, and she thanked Merlin for that.
She shook the image loose from her head, the smell sticking to her like
smoke.
Death Eaters in pairs of two walked broad circles around the forest
edge, some of them nodding to Draco. He kept his eyes straight forward,
hand wrapped around her arm.

103 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 96

 As they walked the grounds, closer and closer to the castle, she felt her reason to squash those doubts. He didn't feel anything for her. If he had,
pulse spinning, pushing back any happy memories she had of the Voldemort surely would have found it.
different landmarks. She tore her eyes from the red ones, and he laughed again.
A pair of two hooded robes stood at the entry steps. She turned her "Take your time with this one, Malfoy," Voldemort said. "You can
eyes down. torture her for years without lifting a wand to her."
The sound of lips puckering. Kissing noises, and it took a moment to A shaking voice to her left whispered, "Yes, my Lord."
realize they were directed at her. Voldemort chuckled. Not even with Harry dead at his feet did she
"Nice legs, Mudblood." hear him this gleeful.
She didn't look up. So, that's all she was now. A pair of legs. Draco yanked her up by her elbow, bowing to the Dark Lord, and
The doors to the Entrance Hall peeled open, and Draco pulled her dragging her along behind him.
inside behind him. They passed the guards at the doors, still sucking their teeth at her.
They marched into the Great Hall, and she was thankful that it looked They moved through the lawn of Dementors, and Hermione felt no
nothing like it did in her happiest memories. change inside her chest. They cleared the gates, and a sharp tug
It seemed like Voldemort had torn apart every piece of the castle that Disapparated them back to the hills of Malfoy Manor.
would interest him, and redeposited it here. She kept her eyes on the ground as if Voldemort was still there,
The remains of the basilisk swept in a broad circle around the walls, bearing down on her. And maybe he was — inside her mind. Crawling
serving as seating for the Death Eaters in attendance. Nagini hissed at her and feeding on her. Perhaps he'd never leave.
ankles as they passed, and Hermione tried not to let her mind linger on The gates opened for them, and before Hermione could sludge
how to kill her. through them, Draco's hand on her elbow pulled her back.
Lord Voldemort himself sat in a throne of bones, carefully collected His grey eyes searched hers, frantic movements across her face. "What
and magicked into structure. He twirled the Elder Wand between his did he find?"
fingers, red eyes glittering at her and Draco's approach like rubies. She looked away from him and shook her head, her eyes stinging. "It
Draco walked her to a spot on the floor dark with dried blood and doesn't matter. He was pleased. That's all that matters." She turned to
dropped to his knee, dragging her down with him. He bowed his head, move away before he pulled her back — his grip firm, but nonviolent.
but Hermione defiantly stared the Dark Lord in the eye, the darkness "Whatever it is, he thinks I'm complicit," Draco said, voice barely loud
drawing her in. She could feel the stain of it on the stones, and she enough over the wind. "Tell me."
pushed back, refusing to bow to him. The wind wove through them, casting his cloak in twisting patterns
"Hermione Granger." The sound of her name sliding over his tongue and dancing along her bare skin.
shivered her skin. "Welcome to my castle." He chuckled. Maybe she could tell him. It was nothing really. I had a crush on you at
She breathed deep, the rotting air thick in her throat. When she gave Hogwarts. It would be simple, and there would be no weight to it any
no greeting, he continued. longer. She could shrug and laugh.
"You fetched quite a price at the sale. The... Auction. Yes, that was it. Anticipation is the sweetest torture.
But I see now you are no great beauty." But this wasn't Hogwarts. This was a hellfire of distrust and danger,
Hermione nearly sneered. Of all the things she thought Lord laced with her impending rape and sprinkled with moments of hollow
Voldemort would have to say to her, insulting her looks never made the kindness. She couldn't tell him the truth.
list. She couldn't tell him anything.
"And still my followers jockeyed for you." He titled his pale hairless "Don't worry, Malfoy. Voldemort didn't find anything in your head to
head at her. "How grand it must be to have befriended Harry Potter." incriminate you. Feel free to proceed with your plans to break me." She

97 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 102

 And then a waltz played across her ears, and she spun in a circle to A deep rumbling chuckle chorused through the room. The Death
find him in front of her. The memory slowed, and Voldemort watched Eaters chortled.
her curtsey in her periwinkle dress, watched her hand raise to Draco's. "Stand," he commanded, and then Draco was dragging her to her
And like his face was resting just over her shoulder, the Dark Lord turned feet. "Young Malfoy."
with them as they danced at the Yule Ball. "My Lord."
Voldemort could hear her heartbeat, feel the shiver across her skin, "You gave up quite a lot to obtain her."
and watched as Draco scowled down at her— "Yes, my Lord."
And with an abruptness that echoed of breathing air after drowning, "Why?"
she was alone in her mind. And Voldemort was before her in the Great "We were adversaries at school," Draco said, eyes still downcast. "She
Hall, the bones of her comrades scattered around them. He tilted his never quite learned her place. And also"—he lifted his eyes to Lord
head, slanting eyes examining her like she'd presented an unexpected Voldemort, a small smirk pulling at his lips—"I'm always drawn toward
problem. the most valuable possessions."
Her head felt the absence of his like a brain freeze, something so The Dark Lord grinned. "And is she everything you paid for and
chilling filling the plates of her skull. more? I heard she was untouched. I assume you've taken her."
He released his magical hold on her, and her body crumpled to the "Not yet, my Lord."
ground, legs bending in odd directions. It hurt to keep her eyes open, but The Death Eaters shifted, whispering. She felt a dozen eyes turn on
she stared up at him as a slow idea formed in his eyes, a realization. her.
He knew that she fancied Draco Malfoy. Lord Voldemort's brow lifted. "And why is that?"
His hand shot out and Hermione could only catch her breath as Draco She looked to Draco. Why was that?
gasped and zoomed forward like a puppet on a string. His jaw stretched into He glanced at her, his eyes slid over her neck, down to her breasts.
Voldemort's hand. His legs lengthened to stand on the stones. "Anticipation is the sweetest torture, is it not?"
Voldemort turned his red eyes on Draco's, and suddenly it was very Hermione swallowed. Voldemort laughed. A high cackling of glee.
quiet while Voldemort searched Draco's memories and thoughts for her. "Your father was too soft, Young Malfoy. But you're learning."
A drop of sweat rolled down Draco's jaw, as Voldemort performed a Hermione felt her blood screaming. He was playing with her. Maybe
thorough examination. they all were. A beautiful suite with a bed and bath of her very own. Tea
She didn't know how long she had been examined, but this felt longer. with Narcissa. Access to the library of her dreams. Even Lucius was civil.
Draco grunted, breath shallow. It would all come to an end soon.
And then Voldemort released him, dropping him to the floor next to "Tell me, Mudblood Granger," Voldemort's crooning voice interrupted
her. Draco caught himself on his knees and stared up at the Dark Lord. her spiral. "What do you know of George Weasley?"
Voldemort smiled. Pleased. She blinked. She couldn't hold back her surprise before Voldemort
He turned his gaze back on her prone body. And he cackled. She saw it.
flinched as the sound of it bounced around the Great Hall. "What?"
She fancied her captor and soon-to-be-rapist. A familiar boiling in her Draco's head snapped to her. "You will address him as My Lord," he
gut rose up and choked her—the same feeling she used to have in fourth hissed, eyes burning into her.
year whenever she'd have to tear her eyes off of him. It was disgusting "George Weasley. His safe houses. His distant family." Voldemort
really. To want him. leaned forward in his throne. "What does he care about?"
And a thought drifted through her: if she had any doubts about how Hermione stared into the glittering eyes searching her. And then she
Draco saw her, how he felt about her, at least Voldemort had given her understood.

101 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 98

 George had escaped. Hermione turned her mind to Harry, watching his easy smile from years
And for some reason, Voldemort was threatened by that. ago—
A fire burned in her gut, something that she'd thought had been Wrenched through waves of memories and images, and then
extinguished the moment she spotted a small body in Hagrid's arms. Hermione was in the Quidditch pitch at Hogwarts, running down to the
"George Weasley was one half of the cleverest, trickiest pair I'd ever stands as Harry held George Weasley back from launching at someone.
encountered," she said. "Even if I had an idea of where he'd go, I'd be She saw Draco, sneering and laughing on the field. And then he was
wrong." A slow smile spread up her lips. "I'm quite pleased to inform you tackled to the ground as George and Harry dove for him. A tangle of
that if George Weasley escaped, you'll never see him again." limbs, and Hermione ran down the stairs, cringing at the sound of
Red eyes narrowed at her. She anticipated the Cruciatus Curse. knuckles against jaws and eyes.
Something slammed into her face, stinging her cheek and snapping She felt a dark joy swimming next to her as Voldemort watched
her neck to the side. She stumbled, gaining balance and pressing her hand Draco, Harry, and George scuffle. As Madam Hooch separated them,
to her face. Her eyes rocked in their sockets. Hermione remembered checking Harry and George for injuries first, and
She looked back, searching for the weapon, preparing for another then her eyes sliding to Draco, curled in on himself, fighting for air.
strike. Her eyes refocused as Draco lowered his hand, a ring on his thumb And even knowing that Draco had purposefully provoked the fight
glinting at her. Her lip wet with blood. had not squashed Hermione's interest in his well-being. She watched as
He'd backhanded her. He'd hit her, and she was bleeding. Harry and George were carted off the field, and lingered to see if
"Watch your mouth. You are addressing your Lord." someone was checking on the bloodied body on the grass.
His voice shivered her, and she looked away from his icy eyes. He looked so small. Still trying to crow at Harry's back as they left.
Voldemort chuckled, a sound like stinging knives. "I'll just take a look And when the back of his hand swiped his brow, wiping blood from his
for myself, Mudblood." eye, Hermione had gasped before looking away and running after the
He stood and slithered toward her. She stood frozen as he circled her, Gryffindors.
coming around to her front again and leaning into her face. She looked Before looking away —
into his red eyes, pulled to them almost inexorably. — running after the Gryffindors —
And then there were daggers in her brain, sinking into her eyes and But she stayed. Frozen. Like someone had paused the film.
twisting deep. She couldn't breathe as memories floated through her head, She stared down at the Quidditch pitch, hands squeezing the railing,
yanked forward and pushed back. and looked down on a pink-faced blond cradling his arm.
She saw George with a sharp stinging pain. His head bleeding where She should be turning and leaving.
his ear had been, smiling up at his twin. A cold breeze settled across her, like a snake's tongue slipping in
Like a rubber band snapped inside of her, and then George was through one ear and out the other. And it almost felt as if Voldemort
thirteen, smacking Bludgers with his brother on the Quidditch field. stood next to her at the railing.
A ricochet to the Burrow, and Molly Weasley stood before her, If she could turn her head, maybe she would see him there. Watching
washing dishes. her… watching Draco Malfoy.
"My Aunt Muriel—" Like a hook around her waist, and then she was on the Quidditch
And like a whip cracking across her mind, she jerked to see Ludo pitch again, staring at a twelve-year-old Draco, sneering at her—
Bagman speaking to the twins at the Quidditch World Cup. Hermione sat "Filthy little Mudblood."
with Harry, staring around at the other tents and parties. And later that night as she cried in her dormitory—
A moment of stillness as Voldemort's consciousness slithered through In the library, glaring at him as he read her favorite book. He smiled at
the moment, twisting around Ludo Bagman and examining him. In pause, all the best parts—

99 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 100

 Draco cleared his throat and took a deep sip from his goblet. to her. Swallowing, she tested her arm muscles, trying to flex them. Barely
Thankfully, the first course arrived filling the soup bowls, and Mippy responsive. The movement caught his eye and he looked away. "Mippy,"
appeared at Hermione's elbow again. he called out.
"This is Mippy's favorite! Pumpkin soup! Mippy makes it special for Miss—" The elf popped into the room. "Miss is awake!"
"Do you plan on announcing every course?" came Lucius's steely voice. "She needs food and water," Draco stated, moving toward the door.
"Lucius," Narcissa warned. She turned to her elf. "Thank you, Mippy." Her head was too heavy to follow him. "And another muscle relaxing
Mippy twirled her ear and vanished. potion in an hour. Please tend to her."
Hermione took a deep breath through her lungs. The more she bit The door closed, and she stared at the spot in front of the windows
back, the more difficult he could make it for her. She shoved her anger where he'd stood as Mippy bounced around her.
aside and documented which spoon Narcissa chose, picking up the same.
She tried the soup with as much grace as she could muster, noticing that $
each Malfoy sat ramrod straight, dipping their spoons with the same Narcissa helped her out of bed the next day and assisted her with
elegance and balance. stretching her tight muscles. Hermione pressed her lips together and let
The soup vanished her sour mood, at least temporarily. It was… to die her, wondering if she knew what her son had planned for her. They made
for. it down the stairs for a stroll along the Manor's ground floor.
Narcissa held conversation quite well for someone who could talk She didn't see Draco or Lucius for the day. Narcissa apologized for not
about nothing going on outside the Manor itself. She found ways to showing her the boundary, offering to take her on a walk, but Hermione
include all three reluctant parties at the table, asking questions or declined. Her muscles still ached. And she didn't need a reminder that she
commenting upon their daily activities. was bound here.
But no matter what Narcissa did, she could not get Draco to engage. Narcissa was the most observant person Hermione had ever met. By
Whereas Lucius had a sarcastic comment at every turn, Draco seemed as midafternoon, when she came to escort her downstairs for lunch, she had
distant as possible. deduced that Hermione’s skin was as sensitive as her muscles, and
"Well, I happen to love walking around the estate in the mornings," therefore stopped looping their arms together. She cast Cushioning
Narcissa said to Hermione, after failing yet again to engage her son. "It's Charms on the wingback chairs before they sat to take their dinner. When
so tranquil. The grounds truly wake with you." Narcissa asked Mippy to draw a room temperature bath, Hermione
"Granger's already gone on a morning walk, Mother," came a caustic almost smiled at her.
voice. "You can stop selling it to her. She was almost killed last time." It was as if she had a particularly nasty sunburn over every inch of her
Hermione looked up at Draco. His hand was frozen on his soup spoon skin, and any extra contact sent her shivering.
as he stared at Narcissa, his features clouded with irritation. Hermione Once she had toweled off, she pulled on the soft silk nightdress that
narrowed her eyes. Narcissa had left for her on the bed. She fell asleep that night wrapped in
It wouldn't have happened if he'd been more open with her. If he silk, with a cooling charm on her sheets.
hadn't kept her in the dark since the moment she'd set foot on the
Manor's marbled floors. $
"I don't regret that 'walk' one bit. In fact, it was quite informative," she Her consciousness lifted from her dreams in slow waves, a weightless
said sharply. Draco's eyes snapped up to her. "I'd like access to my balcony floating back to the surface. Every time she dipped back into dreaming,
back, by the way." Harry was there.
Lucius muttered, "Your balcony…" Untwining her wishes and memories, Hermione felt a pricking across
Narcissa swept up her wine glass and vanished behind the brim. her skin, her body dragging her back into her bed at Malfoy Manor,
134 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 1 12
where Harry was dead. Her arms shivered, and that familiar sensation of Lucius lifted a brow and pulled the chair at the other head of the
eyes on her washed over her. table. "She is a slave, not a house guest, Narcissa."
A tug at her hair, a curl twisting softly away, tickling at her neck. "I truly don't see the difference." Narcissa flicked her napkin and laid
Her lashes fluttered, and she opened her eyes to her dark bedroom. it across her lap. "As long as she's here, there's no reason why she must
She tilted her head to the door, certain for a moment that she hadn't been remain locked in her room with only books for company."
alone. That fingers had threaded through her hair, a gaze steadily "Father," Draco cut in. A warning in his tone.
watching over her. Lucius gave his son a sardonic half bow before taking his seat. "How
Maybe Narcissa had come to check on her. Or maybe… good of you to join us, Draco."
She blinked away her silly thoughts, twisting her legs in the sheets, and Hermione stared between them, her mind racing. Bellatrix had resented
turning over to her other side to snuggle in. their treatment of her, and it seemed Lucius disapproved of it as well. It
A shadow in the darkness. And fingers twisting her curls. And eyes like wasn't a stretch to imagine that he hadn't wanted her there in the first place.
the devil looking down on her, resting behind her on the bed. She jumped when Mippy appeared at her elbow with a decanter.
"Hello, darling," Bellatrix hummed. "Wine, Miss?"
Her heart stuttered in her chest, freezing her veins and tightening her "Mippy," Lucius hummed, scowling. "You will serve the Lord of the
muscles. Her legs thrashed, kicking to get away, but Bellatrix cackled and Manor first."
slithered over her. She sat on her hips, pinning her elbows to the bed, Mippy lowered her eyes and bounced over to Lucius with the wine.
grinning down at her. Hermione looked to see Narcissa smiling into her water glass and Draco
Hermione's throat caught around the word, "help," choking in her rubbing his brow, like a headache was forthcoming.
chest. They sat in thick silence as Mippy poured wine for each of them. It
"Ah, ah, ah!" Bellatrix clucked. "That won't do. It's just us girls." Her had been ages since Hermione had last had a glass of wine. While reason
nails cut into Hermione's arms until she whimpered. "Such a pretty little dictated that she shouldn't drink around people she couldn't trust, it also
prize you make, Mudblood. And expensive, too." told her she might not survive an hour of Lucius' presence without it.
One hand grabbed her jaw, bony fingers turning her face to look her "Hermione, dear," Narcissa said, once Mippy vanished. "Have you
over. Hermione thrashed, her free arm fighting to push and roll out from had a chance to visit the conservatory off the western wing? It's lovely this
under her. Bellatrix's hand dipped down and tightened, pressing heavy on time of year."
her throat. Hermione scratched at her, pushing up on the weight against She fidgeted in her seat. "Er… No, I haven't had the opportunity yet."
her neck as spots clouded her vision. She concentrated on her breath, "Too busy exploring the perimeter, I expect," Lucius said, smiling
coming in slow, measured rattles. coolly in her direction.
"So expensive, makes me wonder if your cunt is golden, too." Her hot Her cheeks flushed as she glared at him. "Yes, well, I suppose you
breath hit Hermione's face, the putrid stench suffocating her as much as could call me more of a hands-on learner. I'm not one to take things I'm
the grip on her throat. "Not that anyone's found out yet, isn't that right?" told at face value."
The mocking lilt to her voice shot straight down Hermione's spine. Lucius leaned forward slowly, his eyes fixed on hers. Hermione lifted
"Do you want to know why the Dark Lord values me, Mudblood? her chin. "Do you find your situation terribly confining, Miss Granger?" He
Why I am permitted at his right side after all these years?" She smiled tilted his head. "Having your own living quarters, and free range of the
down at her, her eyes glittering black. "Because I don't let my cock get in Manor? Does it make you feel a bit feverish to experience the world
the way of what's truly important." outside?"
She cackled, and Hermione shuddered. Bellatrix swiped one of "That's enough, Lucius," said Narcissa sternly. He relented after a
Hermione's curls away as her face twisted, dark and petulant. "Like father moment, lounging back in his chair, a smirk curving his lips.

1 13 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 133

 "Of course you do," she muttered. "I always carry a spare as well." like son." She scowled down at her, and Hermione watched her eyes burn.
His eyes glimmered, the corner of his mouth twitched. "The smaller Bellatrix sat tall suddenly, her hand lifting from Hermione's throat.
dining room is this way." He gestured for her to follow, but she remained "That's the problem with men," she hissed. "No fucking loyalty. No
frozen. sense of duty!" Bella twirled her wand in her fingers as she looked over
She had to ask before leaving. The smell of this darkness would stick Hermione's head at some far distant memory. "Can't see the larger
to her clothing like smoke. picture. They just want to dip their wicks."
"What happened in here?" she said, staring into the long room, Hermione felt like maybe she was missing some kind of opening here.
waiting for an answer. "There's dark magic here." Some way to sympathize with her, gain her trust, and then run. Before
She glanced back at him. He was looking into the walls of the room Hermione could think of a possibility, Bellatrix pounced. She clawed at her
like he could see inside. Like he could see a scene play out in front of his scalp, pulling her hair back into the pillow, yanking her chin to the ceiling.
eyes. His eyes flickered to meet hers. "We don't use that room anymore." "But you… still untouched. What an embarrassment." Something wet
And she knew the conversation was done. Or at least paused for now. and warm on her – Bella licking her face from jaw to temple. "You don't
He quirked his head for her to follow him and disappeared around the taste expensive." She cackled. "Do you think you're safe, Mudblood?"
corner. Hermione's eyes could only see the headboard, her lungs dragging in
She followed him to another room on the first floor, past the library air through a crooked windpipe.
and past a beautiful view of the pond and the gazebo. They must have "I don't want you getting a big head about this. You know your place,
been under her bedroom. don't you?"
He stopped at the doorway and gestured for her to lead in. She turned And then Bella wrenched her left arm away from her body, pushing
and found Narcissa at the head of a much smaller, but no less grand, dining her wrist into the mattress so she could read her scar properly.
table. "Don't you?!" she screeched.
"Hermione, dear," she said warmly. "I'm so glad you've joined us for "Yes," Hermione wheezed, fingers scrabbling at her throat.
dinner." She waved at the chair closest to her on her left. "Do you need to be reminded?"
Hermione nodded and forced herself to smile. She made her way to "N-no!"
the specified chair and sat, watching Draco mirror her across the table. A cackle. "Ohh… I think you do."
Wonderful. She'd face him for all of dinner then. The edge of a blade caught the moonlight, and Hermione's chest
"We're thrilled you felt well enough to join us. We've all been terribly locked in horror as the tip pressed against her skin.
worried, of course. Some of us even more than others." Hermione thrashed wildly. Bellatrix laughed and moved one knee onto
Hermione dragged her eyes from Draco's scowl to find Narcissa her chest, the other pressing her upper arm into the mattress as her blade
beaming at her, a knowing look in her eye. dug into her arm.
"Thank you for having me," she offered weakly, wondering what kind She couldn't breathe. She screamed, knowing no one would hear her.
of societal niceties she'd need to adopt for the next hour. No one—
No sooner had Narcissa reached over to pat her hand, than Lucius "Aunt Bella," said a calm voice. "What are you doing?"
entered the room, stopping cold at the sight of her. He blinked slowly and A wave of Bellatrix's hand, and the candles lit in her bedroom. She
said, "Are you lost?" turned over her shoulder and smiled. "Draco, darling. Come to play?"
Hermione shot daggers at him as Draco stiffened in his seat. Hermione felt her pulse in the wound, her blood gathering.
"Hush," Narcissa snapped. "I invited her." She turned to Hermione. Bellatrix dismounted, and Hermione scrambled to the side, stumbling
"You'll have to pardon Lucius. I'm afraid he's been under a lot of stress into the wall. Her eyes darted to the bathroom with the door that she
lately." She shot him a frosty look. could barricade, but it was on the other side of the bed.

132 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 1 14

 She held her arm close to her chest and looked up to see Draco in the could be cold and closed; surely he must know some. But was he skilled
center of the room, watching his aunt. He wore his trunks and a vacant enough to keep the Dark Lord from shredding his thoughts and
expression. His eyes didn't search for her, he didn't move toward her. He memories?
just smirked at his aunt. He turned to face her, breaking her stream of consciousness. "Dinner
"Bella, you of all people know the importance of breaking in a toy. is at six."
You'll ruin my process." She lifted a brow. "I've already said I'm not coming."
Hermione swallowed, her breath coming in sharp gasps, dizzying her. He narrowed his eyes at her. "If you don't join Mother and me
The wound… There was something wrong with her. downstairs, she will have my head."
Bellatrix slid off the bed. "It's for your own good, Draco. She's She snorted, turning back to her tea service. "I'm not sure how that's
poisoned the Malfoy name enough." my problem."
He stared back at her coolly. "The Dark Lord isn't finished with her." A pause. "I can't get you your books if I don't have a head."
Bellatrix pouted and whispered something against Draco's ear. "I'm positive Mippy would be just as useful in that department. I
Hermione felt like she couldn't hear normally; maybe her blood was wouldn't need you at all." She tilted her chin up, challenging him to
pounding too loud. Draco said something in return, and Hermione continue as spots of pink speckled his cheeks.
watched as Bellatrix's palm slithered across his bare chest, dragging her He swaggered to the doorway, and said, "Well, seeing as Mippy is
nails over the skin. She slipped past him and hummed a happy little tune preparing dinner this evening, I'm sure she would be less inclined to obey
as she danced to the door. you if you offend her."
The room spun, and Hermione braced herself on the wall. "Mippy is a kitchen elf ?" she asked, startled.
Bellatrix said something to him in the doorway. Some mumbled "No," he said, reaching for the door handle. "She just loves to cook."
melody. But Hermione stared down at her arm, blood starting to bead. She caught the beginnings of a grin on his lips as he left. Turning to
There was a squiggle and a dash. And she wished Bellatrix had her wardrobe, she wondered what one should wear to dinner with the
thought of something important to carve. She had to look at it forever Malfoys.
now. Just like the other marks Bella had made.
The wall behind her zoomed forward, smacking her in the head, her $
back solid against it. At 5:57PM, she descended the marble stairs and headed to where she
She looked up to tell Bellatrix to come back and finish it. It wasn't fair assumed the dining room was. Narcissa had waved her hand towards it on
to her to leave her with just a squiggle. But she was shutting the door her first day at the Manor, and she had tucked it away, like she did all the
behind her, and then Draco's bare skin was all around her. other details of the Manor's layout.
Warm. The candles were burning low in the long room. A deep black dining
"Granger!" Sound floated into focus. Not the first time he'd called her table spread down the narrow dining hall without any table settings or
name. She could hear the echoes of it now. centerpieces. There was a hum of dark magic, like it had dissolved into
Draco was so warm. His hand held her wrist, blood starting to drip, the walls.
and his other arm held her body up, wrapping around her waist. She Had she been tricked? Was there no dinner after all?
pressed her head into his shoulder. Like they were dancing. She shivered as her eyes roved the ceiling. She didn't like this room. It
She smiled, feeling her lips pull across his skin, dizzy with the melody. felt like death.
Something was wrong with her. "We have two dining rooms."
Heat over her wound. And maybe he was healing it. Maybe he would She turned to see Draco ten paces from her, standing at the corner of
fix it so it meant something. Not just a curving line and a snag. the corridor leading elsewhere.
1 15 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 131
 He waited for her reply, and she looked around the room, searching She looked over at it, and found Draco's lips on her arm.
for something to ask for. She followed his gaze to the books as he dipped That would heal it. She was sure of it. Her mother used to do the
his head and fingered the cuff of his sleeve. same.
"Actually," she began. "There is… The Undesirable series." He turned his face away, lips stained red, and spat her blood onto her
His eyes turned on her, grey and warm. They urged her to continue. cream carpets.
"I found the collector's copies in the library. But I wondered if there He reattached his mouth, sucking hard, and she felt her head float
were others I could take to reread?" back down when he spit again.
"You can take those," he said, eyes searching her. Sucking something out of her. She blinked at him. Watching Draco
"Oh, but those are..." She reached for words, trying to skate over the Malfoy fill his mouth with her muddy blood, watching the carpets bleed.
fact that she'd read his note from Lance Gainsworth. "They seemed… She gasped, knees buckling, lungs filling again. He looked at her, his
personal." mouth still wrapped around her skin, eyes pale. His arm clutching her
His eyes flickered, brows lifting, as he realized. He swallowed and body close to him, sweeping her up against him. A waltz was playing
looked away. somewhere.
"I have another set. I'll have them delivered to your room." He turned and spit. "Accio." His voice cracked on the one word.
"Thank you," she whispered, and she wondered if the deep inhale he His wand flew from somewhere. Somewhere outside of the room.
took had anything to do with the reminder of the last time she'd thanked Because he'd come running when she screamed, leaving his wand
him—with her hand on his bare shoulder and her blood staining his lips. behind.
"Are there other books you're enjoying?" he asked, eyes glazed over, Like father like son.
focusing away from her. She frowned at his attempt at small talk, but then He gripped the wrist of her injured hand and turned his wand on the
he continued. "Learning anything new?" cuts, siphoning blood into the air, and whispering a spell to pull something
She felt her skin tighten. dark out of it. Smoke, curling out of her arm and hanging in the air
MIND TRICKS FOR BEGINNERS. around them like mist.
They were all in on it. Together. At some point during her episode, she had grabbed his shoulder, and
But, of course they were. Hermione swallowed. They would be her hand felt completely frozen now, even as he worked on curing her
punished far more severely than her if the wrong people heard about her blood, fingers curled over his neck. She stared at his bare shoulders, the
treatment. She wondered if Bellatrix could be trusted to keep her skin of his arms.
observations to herself. Draco Malfoy slept in only trunks and socks. He also had a singular
She took a deep breath and said, "I've found several new things to beauty mark on top of his left shoulder. The edges of her vision blurred
read up on. But it seems as if I'm lacking the tools for a true education." as she studied his lips. Lips that could suck the life out of her.
Surely they knew she couldn't accomplish much without magic. His "It's a goblin blade," he whispered.
brows pulled together. His gaze turned to the floor, thinking, like he She blinked at the sound of his voice this close to her. They shared the
always did in Arithmancy when the equations became tedious. same air. She blinked again. Clearer now.
"I can look into that as well," he said. And she knew they were dancing "It's viper venom. And other things," he said, separating the smoke
awfully close to the edge. If he felt he could have come right out and said from her blood again.
it, he would have already spoken to her about Occlumency. She nodded dumbly. Highly poisonous, and he'd sucked it out. Saved
She watched him, eyes sliding over her bookcase, hands clasped her. He met her eyes for what felt like the first time since yesterday. He
behind his back. The grey shirt pulled taut across his clavicles. And she was so tall. Her neck lengthened, and her hand slipped over his shoulder
wondered how much Occlumency Draco Malfoy knew. She knew he on accident.

130 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 1 16

 Gooseflesh beneath her fingers. She clenched her jaw, disappointment twisting in her gut. "And why is
"It will scar too, unfortunately." He turned back to her arm, and cast a she not here then?"
spell to weave the skin back together. He blinked, and looked down to the carpets. "My mother would like
She drew a rattling breath and gave another nod. Her head felt clear for me to ask you to dinner in the dining room tonight."
again, though it stung around the edges. She wondered again what "Tell her thank you, but no." She turned back to her tea service. "I will
Bellatrix had intended. be perfectly happy taking dinner in my room tonight."
His eyes followed the line of her arm, onto her shoulder, up her neck She took her teacup to her bathroom and shut the door behind her,
to her eyes. He held her stare, deep and purposeful. "It doesn't mean dismissing him. If he wanted to her to have dinner or talk with him or...
anything. The marks." anything else, then he'd have to force her.
Of course it didn't, she thought. It's just a squiggle. She stared at her pale reflection in the mirror and willed heart and
Her eyes drifted down to his lips, still stained pink with her blood. temper to calm. It was already clear that he didn't care for her. Why did
"Thank you," she whispered. she have to create delusions for herself ?
He swallowed. And then he was sliding his hand away, peeling his When she emerged after a few minutes, she expected him to be gone,
body back from her. He steadied her against the wall. "Mippy!" A crack not examining her bookshelves. But there he was. She watched as his
and the elf was there, bouncing and asking if something was wrong with fingers ran over a spine.
Miss. "Blood replenishing potion. Water. And another serving of dinner if "You reorganized them." He glanced at her.
Miss Granger wishes." "Yes." She cleared her throat, ignoring the fluttering in her stomach.
His eyes never left hers as Mippy popped away. "They were organized by Muggle and Magical, then by genre, then some
"I'll have the wards reset. When I chose a Blood Boundary, I thought it strange system I hadn't deciphered—"
would only allow my parents. I didn't think..." He turned his face away. "By publish date," he offered.
His eyes landed on her blood on the carpets and he waved his wand to She blinked at his profile. "Brontë was filed after Joyce."
vanish it. "I had no idea she would want you again." He frowned. His head swiveled to a top shelf where she'd replaced
Hermione flinched. "Want her" was not her favorite choice of words. Brontë into alphabetical order by author's name. He plucked the forest
"Why did she then?" she rasped. She'd have bruising on her neck in the green spine off the shelf and flipped open to the first pages.
morning. "It's a reprint. 1931." His brows drew together. "The original must be
His eyes grew cold. "She… disapproves. Of the way we're handling in the library. I thought it was in here."
you." His gaze slid down her body, stopping at the bottom of her Leave it to Draco Malfoy to distract her by waxing eloquent about
nightdress, across the tops of her thighs, and quickly set back on her face. books. She stood next to her bed as his fingers ran down the front page of
Hermione shivered. "I need to speak to my father. If you need anything, Jane Eyre. "That's what you get for filing things with magic," she said
please utilize Mippy." primly.
She nodded, feeling warm from his wandering eyes. He turned and The corner of his mouth twitched. And she wondered if she'd just
exited the room through the door while she stared at her feet, refusing to made Draco Malfoy smile.
look at his naked back. "I'll have the original brought to you."
Mippy returned. She changed the sheets for her, cooled the bed, and She snorted. "I don't need the original."
stayed with her until she had a few bites off the plate. His jaw tightened, and he nodded. Gaze on the bookshelves, he said,
Hermione lay awake, letting the Blood Replenishing Potion hum "Anything that you do need?"
through her, running her fingers over the new markings on her left arm as She sighed. She didn't need anything besides his honesty, but she
she stared blankly at the ceiling. Only when the marks had faded into the supposed she could indulge him for now. He'd stayed.

1 17 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 129

catalogue that called the book for her. Sighing, she settled into the same white scarring as the other word on her arm did Hermione see it.
wingback chair that faced the windows and opened the thin book. Bellatrix had finished after all. Not a squiggle and a dash.
C H A PT E R O N E : M ED ITAT IO N . There, just next to the ink of Draco's signature, she'd carved an
apostrophe and an "s."
$
D.M. ’
S MUDBLOOD
Three days later, she was on her sixth reread of Mind Tricks for Beginners,
finding it very difficult to read theories and techniques without the
practical application. It felt like her year before Hogwarts when she had
gobbled up all of the magical books she could get her hands on, but
hadn't been able to practice anything without a wand.
Perhaps she wasn't cut out for Occlumency, and she'd been too harsh
on Harry. Clearing her mind was not a strong suit of hers. Her constantly
running questions and curiosities were a detriment to meditation.
There were certain techniques that were interesting enough. A cool
blue lake with calm waters, stretching out past the horizon. Depths below,
but a still and tranquil surface. Or sometimes focusing on a moving target,
and blurring the edges of everything else.
She was staring out the window at the grounds, trying to focus only on a
lone peacock making its way across the lawn, when there came a knock at
her door. She blinked. The intrusion bringing her mind back to the present.
Setting down her teacup, she took a breath and said, "Come in."
Draco pushed open the door, and her breath caught in her throat. She
hadn't seen him in nearly two weeks. She'd stopped needing the potions
several days ago, so there had been no tangible reminder of him for some
time. Besides his lovely home and lovely mother and lovely sheets.
He was out of uniform again. Grey button-down shirt and black
trousers. She flushed at the memory of the last time she'd seen him, when
he hadn't been wearing any clothing. She hadn't forgotten about the
beauty mark on his left shoulder, or the way his skin shivered against hers.
He stood in the doorway like there was a spell keeping him out. She
watched his eyes drift down to the corner of her mouth where her bruise
had healed.
"My mother would like to invite you to dinner in the dining room
tonight."
She stared at him, waiting for him to say more. To explain why he'd
saved her that night, and kept away ever since. She searched his face, but
his features gave away nothing. Still hiding, then. After frantically pulling
poison from her veins with his lips.
128 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 1 18
 "Thank you, I will," she replied.
He looked away, breaking her gaze. "Could you close the door before
you go?" She narrowed her eyes at him. The door handle was past the
barrier she couldn't pass. His lips quirked. "Oh yes, of course."
And with a wave of his hand the door slammed in her face.
She frowned at the wood, inches from her nose. No doubt that
conversation would take her weeks to untangle.
Wandering back to her room, taking the stairs slowly for her aching
muscles, Hermione started with item number one.
Goyle's father was missing. She didn't know anything else, except that
Voldemort was sending Lucius Malfoy to investigate. Perhaps he had been
murdered and Lucius was headed to find his body.
Second item: Walden Macnair was dead. And a singular prisoner had
escaped. Last she'd heard, Ron had been summoned by Voldemort, so it
was possible that it was Angelina who had gotten out. Was it George?
Had he come for his brother?
And why was Lucius Malfoy telling her all of this? What could he gain
from passing information to her? Was it even the truth? What game was
he playing?
She reached the top of the stairs, her book pressing into her ribs, and
wondered about the Occlumency book that had hovered for her to find.
Did Lucius plant it there for her? What possible benefit could
Occlumency give her if she didn't have magic?
Pausing in front of her doorway, Hermione breathed deep with the
exertion.
Did she have magic?
Was the minty potion truly being served?
She pushed open the door, and stood in the middle of her room.
Turning to her bookshelf, she reached an arm out, focusing her energy on
bringing a blue spine to her.
Nothing.
Visualizing her wand in her hand, she concentrated on the magic she
was born with. The magic that made her float the neighbor's cat when
she was seven. The magic that set Becky Tracker's hair on fire when she
was ten.
She thought she felt something fighting in her veins. But nothing.
She dropped her arm. It seemed the Malfoys followed some of the
rules on slaves after all. Perhaps it had been the enchanted library

THE AUCTION ● 127

 "Heavens, no." He lifted a brow at her. "I grabbed your arm and
pulled you behind me like a dog."
She glared at him, knowing that wasn't true. But he was purposefully
distracting her. She wondered how far she could push him.
"Who is missing?"
He tilted his head at her, and she expected silence, or another insult,
or a taunting "come again?"
"Gregory Goyle," he said, adding, "Senior."

10
She blinked at him, surprised by an honest answer. Or
a supposedly honest answer.
If he was telling the truth, why would Goyle disobey Voldemort? He
was one of the ones who had returned immediately. He was in the
graveyard in Little Hangleton. Were they sure he was alive?
Looking up at him again, Hermione knew Lucius was reading her
face, knew her mind was whirring.
"I'll give you one more question," he said, eyes glittering. "Better make
it worthwhile."
She felt her heart stutter in her chest. He wanted to play a game?
Waiting for the right question to come to her, Hermione stood frozen,
rooted to the floor,
Why did Draco purchase me?
Who has access to Nagini?
What has George done to anger Voldemort?
"Why are the Death Eaters gathered at the Macnair estate?" Her voice he poison worked its way through her system overnight, leaving a
clicked, and she didn't know if she'd chosen the right question out of the
thousands in her mind.
He steepled his fingers, and gazed at her over the tops of them. "To
T lethargic hum in her veins the next morning. Once the adrenalin of
the initial shock had seeped from her, her body felt the aftermath
like a lead weight for the next few days.
investigate the recent murder of Walden Macnair, and subsequent escape Mippy continued to pop in with potions without labels. She asked the
of his prisoner." elf what was inside the small vial, but all she would reply was, "For Miss!
Her eyes widened. Ron. Or… prisoner, singular? For Miss to heal!"
She opened her lips— On the third day of her subdued and woozy recovery, she refused the
"Ask and you will receive within reason, Miss Granger," he cut in, potion. It was possible the slow climb back to health was not due to the
effectively silencing her. "Creeping about like a mouse is unbecoming." poison, but to the antidotes she was taking. Mippy bounced from toe to
His eyes dug into her, flickering down to the book in her arms and back. toe, spinning reasons to take it at her like a broken record.
"Do enjoy your reading. Hopefully it's something… instructive." "But Miss! Miss was hurt! The potion makes Miss better!"
She stared at him, her skin feeling too tight. His face was impassive. "But Miss is weak! This makes her strong!"
Her fingers curled tighter around the Occlumency book, tucked into "Miss wants to feel good? Drink!"
the larger fiction book. Did he know? Did he…? "Master Draco makes it special for Miss. To make her better!"

126 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 1 19

 That one caught Hermione's attention. She looked to the small girl elf, Lucius hissed at her. "None of that. We are in no position to think
holding a purple swirling potion out to her. Draco made this potion? Or those thoughts."
Draco doctored the potion somehow? A long pause. Then Narcissa sighed. "How long will you be gone?"
"No. Thank you." She turned her head from the elf's wide eyes and "Just overnight."
thought about how easy it would be to drop a sprig of asphodel into "Can't you take someone with you? Yaxley?"
almost any potion. Or… "Everyone else is concerned with the Macnair estate."
The minty magic suppressant that the nurses gave her in the Ministry Hermione's mind spun. The Macnair estate was where Ron had been
holding cells. The ones they'd been ordered to give all slaves. at one point. Macnair had bought Ron, Angelina Johnson, and Luna.
The Malfoys must be dosing her, but… perhaps they'd enhanced the If all Death Eaters were concentrating their attention to the Macnair
suppressant to be tasteless? She tried to remember if anything she'd eaten estate… If someone else had disappeared completely… Something was
had a strange peppermint aftertaste. unraveling.
Perhaps that was why her recovery had been so difficult. Healing "I need"—Narcissa cleared her throat—"I need to see about lunch." A
potions mixed with a heavy dose of magic suppressants. scraping of furniture legs. "You'll join me for tea before you leave?"
Mippy disappeared with the undrunk potion, and Hermione decided "I… I have several things—"
against dinner that evening. "I don't care. I'll see you for tea."
She woke up in the middle of the night, clutching her arm, sweating, There was a flurry of footsteps and Hermione ducked behind a bust
head pounding. She'd been through worse. She knew she could survive it. of Lucius Malfoy I just as the door flew open, squeezing herself tight so
Her blood began to boil after ten minutes, sweat blooming from her skin she wouldn't be seen.
and sinking into the sheets. Whatever Draco's potion was, it was clearly Narcissa's heels clicked away down the stones, and once she'd rounded
better than this. She suffered two hours before whispering a shaky, the corner leading to the kitchens, Hermione stood tall again and spun
"Mippy," into the quiet room. The elf appeared and helped her drink. silently on her heel to run back to her room.
"Miss Granger," Lucius called out from inside the room.
$ Hermione froze, heart pounding. How had she given herself away? She
Lying boneless all day and night as a toxin washed its way through her forced herself to move, stepping into the doorway to find Lucius scribbling
blood was all too freeing for her mind. She stared off for hours, with a quill at a desk in an impressive study. He didn't look up at her.
reimagining Bellatrix's breath on her face, her high laugh. And then "I take it that you have a habit of listening at doors like a child, then?"
piecing together what she remembered of Draco. Seemingly appearing His tone was lyrical.
from nowhere. Still as stone as his aunt left the room, and then jerky, The tension in her shoulders melted. He wasn't going to kill her for
hurried movements as he healed her. what she heard. Just mock her to death. She braced herself, assuming the
He healed her. polite thing to do would be to enter the room and—
It was important to him that he heal her. She stumbled backward. There was a barrier in the doorway. Similar
In ways that the Dark Lord couldn't possibly condone. to the one on her patio. She couldn't lift her foot to step through.
In ways that made her think she was worth more than sixty-five "Oh, no," he said, leaning back in his leather chair. "That wasn't an
thousand Galleons. invitation." He pulled the feather of the quill between his fingertips and
He'd cleaned her blood with his lips, spitting onto the plush carpets stared at her. "I suppose you've come to thank me for pulling your shaking
like he could buy new ones. Sucking poison from his whore, as if he and drooling body up the hill and back inside the barrier."
couldn't buy another one of those. She narrowed her eyes, her temper sharpening like a knife against the
His untouched whore. In her elegant suite. stone. "Yes, I was surprised to find that you'd carried me—"

120 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 125

 Occlumency would be the best protection from Voldemort's probing, Her eyes closed, drifting off, remembering his skin surrounding her.
but it was a magical ability. And she didn't have magic. Nor did she have
the time for the years of study it would take to keep Voldemort out of her $
mind entirely. Narcissa visited often. She offered to retrieve books from the shelves,
She read the chapter titles: bring fresh sleeping clothes, take dinner requests.
M ED ITAT IO N On the fourth day, she turned from her bedside and said, "It's such a
C LEAR IN G Y O U R M IND beautiful day out. Perhaps in the afternoon, we could take a stroll."
W ALLS AND D O O RWAYS Her eyes drifted down to Hermione's arm and back, where twice her
From the little she knew of Occlumency from her own reading and own sister had cut into her.
Harry's lessons, it required a focused mind. She used to bite back a remark "No," Hermione tested. "I don't really fancy a walk. Thank you,
whenever Harry moaned about Snape's methods, certain that her mind— though." She watched, waiting. Wondering how far her illicit freedom
her disciplined mind—could have succeeded with far less whinging. stretched.
She looked around the library again for other hovering books, half Narcissa smiled pleasantly. "I'll leave you to rest then."
expecting Harry to emerge from his Invisibility Cloak, teasing her about She gathered the books Hermione had finished, floated them to the
spending all day amongst the books. bookshelves, and moved toward the door. She paused with her hand on
The space behind her eyes burned and she swallowed, blinking the doorknob.
rapidly. She looked down again with blurry eyes. The first chapters "My sister… cannot be excused. But she is my blood, so I feel I always
sounded simple enough, possibly non-magical meditation. must excuse her." Narcissa turned back to her. "I stopped approving of
Hermione slid the thin book into a large fiction, and began her slow her actions a long time ago. And she stopped approving of mine. But her
journey back to her room. behavior is not a reflection of this house, or its inhabitants."
She was just passing several doors that she knew lead to private studies Narcissa nodded to her, and left.
and lounges when she heard voices. Narcissa's melodic hum pierced the Somehow, incredibly, Hermione was struggling less and less with that
cracks in the door and Hermione stilled, listening with held breath. concept.
"Why does it have to be you?" Narcissa said sharply.
"Why does it have to be any of us?" Lucius replied. "He's probably $
fallen asleep in his dinner somewhere. Or had a heart attack while with She started rising from bed and moving around her room in the
one of his paid Muggle whores." mornings. Her muscles ached, but every day became easier.
"Lucius, this could be serious." It had been ten days since she was electrocuted and poisoned, and ten
Hermione pressed closer, her ears straining as Lucius mumbled days since she'd seen either of the Malfoy men. She dressed slowly, intent
something low and placating. to get out of bed and leave her room. The portraits hissed at her as she
"How long?" Narcissa asked. passed, muttering things about her dirty blood. An older man with the
"A week," Lucius said, his voice closer to the door. Hermione jumped same long blond hair as Lucius but a rounder face and stomach humphed
back, frozen in horror— but it seemed that Lucius was pacing. His voice at her as she passed his portrait and said, "Shameful. We would have
distant again as he said, "He's ignored three summons." locked her away in the dungeons in my day."
Hermione's eyes widened at her shoes, books pressed tight to her She sneered back at him, dragging her fingers across his ornate frame
chest. A Death Eater had been ignoring Voldemort? as he gasped in indignation.
"Something's happened to him, Lucius. He would never defy the Dark It was difficult for her to have no purpose. Ever since she was eleven,
Lord." And then under her breath: "He doesn't have the brains for that." Harry had needed her. She knew things. She had answers. And if she
124 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 121
didn't have the answer, she could look it up. But she was incapable of And snapped the book closed. Her mind… the images she saw… the
answering certain questions with books now. She had survived and was things she read…
being protected for reasons that were impossible to understand. All her Voldemort could see them all.
captors seemed to ask of her was to merely exist. She'd turned over a It wasn't just her important memories he had access to. He could see
dozen possible motives in her mind over the last few days, each more anything she did, no matter how mundane. Pages and words and
preposterous than the last. They were Order sympathizers. Double agents. Saving information. Her favorite things.
her as a bargaining chip in the event that Voldemort was defeated. She put back the book with shaking fingers, knowing that researching
Whatever their reasons for keeping her safe, one thing was certain: Horcruxes was enough to incriminate her. She'd never been afraid of her
people were dying. Her friends were dying. She'd already lost too much own mind before. But her knowledge would betray her if Voldemort
time. performed Legilimency on her again.
Pushing open the library doors, she shuffled to the texts on dark Staring at the books, staring at the shelves of a library so dark and
magic. It seemed that she had several problems. powerful that it could defeat Voldemort and his Elder Wand with only its
Firstly, Voldemort had the Elder Wand — something she had never pages wielded by the right person, Hermione realized she couldn't use any
put as much faith into as Harry had. She was always more interested in of it.
the Horcruxes. They were tangible, and weren't rooted in fables. She stepped back, breathing hard. There was nothing she could
Which brought her to her second problem: Nagini. There were only research. Nothing was safe. She blinked quickly at the stacks, focusing on
two people alive who knew about Voldemort's last Horcrux: her and Ron. her breath, feeling a sharp pain in her ribs.
She remembered Neville running for the snake in the courtyard, but she Her mind wasn't her own. She felt his presence inside, slick like oil. It
couldn't be sure he knew the importance of it. If someone was able to had been almost two weeks since he had invaded her consciousness.
defeat Voldemort, she or Ron would have to make sure the snake was Perhaps he wouldn't again. But could she count on it?
dead. That seemed like such a far off problem. She leaned back on the shelves, closing her eyes, trying to find a way
The locket, cup, tiara, ring, and diary were all gone. A surge of out. The sound of shuffling to her left snapped her eyes open. A book
memories rose through her consciousness, unbidden. Parseltongue, shared slithered from a shelf down an aisle and hovered, as if it had been called.
dreams, mind connections. Where she'd thought that maybe Harry was… Blinking, she turned to see if anyone was at the catalogue at the front.
She wiped her clammy hands on her trousers and forced the thought No one.
aside. None of that mattered anymore. The book hovered. Hermione moved down the aisle, walking carefully
Was Nagini really the last one? Or had he made more? Was his soul toward the text. Close enough to grasp it, and she read the spine.
stable enough for more?
Mind Tricks for Beginners.
Hermione reached for a text, her bandaged left arm stretching high,
reminding her of her third problem. The tattoos. She wouldn't be able to Her heart stuttered in her chest as she reached for the thin book. It fell
leave the estate without Draco. She could do all the research in the world, into her hands like an apple from a tree. She stared at the cover blankly
answer all the questions, and still it would be pointless if she couldn't leave for a minute before darting her head around the corner—perhaps a
and tell someone about it. member of the family was playing tricks on her? But there was no one
If only she could get in touch with George. Figure out some way of there. Hermione retreated from view and flipped to the table of contents,
communicating to him, even if she couldn't leave. But if Voldemort fingers trembling.
looked into her mind again… O C C LU M EN C Y A ND L E G IL I M E NC Y .
She flipped open the book on Horcruxes she'd been looking at last A book on shielding one's thoughts. Hermione frowned, wondering if
week, searching for the passage on Fiendfyre she'd wanted to reread— the library catalogue provided help without prompting.
122 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 123
 Draco screamed beyond the cracked door, and she shuddered, craning "And why would I do that, if you're so fond of injuring yourself ?"
her neck to see into the room. Lucius slid in front of her and shoved his Draco said, patting his mouth with his napkin.
finger in her face. Hermione squared her shoulders. "The likelihood of dying from a
"You hurt my son again, and I'll drag you to the dungeons myself." He three-story fall is so low—"
drew himself up, towering over her. "Control your magic," he hissed. "Or His gaze hardened. "If I know you, you'll accomplish it."
I'll take it from you." "Well, I hardly see the difference," she said, feeling her blood pulsing.
He spun on his heel and disappeared into Draco's bedroom. The door "I'm just as likely to be injured in my room as out of it."
slammed, and she listened to the echo of it bounce amongst the portraits, She felt the air in the room pull tight, like a string, vibrating. Draco's
their whispers and sobs slithering through her mind. eye twitched. He took a deep breath, but nothing came from his lips.
She walked back to her room, closed the door, and slid down to the She looked to Lucius, raising a brow over his wine glass, and then to
floor. Deep breaths, one after another, until her shoulders stopped shaking Narcissa, staring down into her empty soup bowl, looking strangely lost at
and the image of Draco behind her eyelids vanished. She uncurled her the reminder of her sister's sudden appearance in Manor.
fingers, the nails digging into her palms. There was a new puzzle to solve. "That won't happen again," Draco whispered. He stared at her, eyes
She had magic. hot and intense. "She's been barred from the estate."
And the Malfoys knew she did. And they didn't care. Hermione blinked, stunned. Draco parted his lips to continue—
How did that factor into her latest theories? He jerked, a gasp of pain. The spoon clattered in the empty bowl. He
She stared blankly at the wall that connected her room to Draco's, the stood, chair pushing back from the table with a racket.
fireplace burning merrily, and wondered if her circumstances were better Lucius was on his feet too, rubbing his forearm.
or worse with the Malfoys' return. "We have to go."
He walked quickly to Narcissa's side, placing a kiss on her cheekbone
before sweeping from the room. Draco kissed his mother, slid his eyes to
Hermione, and followed his father out.
They'd been called. Abruptly. Possibly a reflection of Voldemort's
mood.
They were gone for several long moments before Hermione
remembered to breathe again. Her stomach twisted, even though she felt
like she should rejoice if something was wrong.
Narcissa folded her hands on the table, pressing her lips together.
Hermione waited, not daring to speak.
"It was like this before," Narcissa said, voice low and somber. "He'd
leave, and I'd wonder when I'd see him again." She pressed her fingers to
her mouth and said, "And now it's both of them."
Hermione sat still as a statue. She stared at Draco's empty chair,
thinking of her missing friends.
Narcissa turned to her. "Are your parents safe?" She reached out and
took Hermione's hand. "I never knew how to ask about them."
Hermione swallowed, tears pricking behind her eyes. "Yes," she
managed. "They're safe. They're away."

157 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 135

 Narcissa nodded, and turned her eyes back to Draco's soup bowl. A wet chuckle turned her back to his ashen face. His glazed eyes were
They stayed like that until Mippy came to announce the next course. on hers, and he smiled ruefully.
"I always knew you'd kill me one day, Granger," he rasped.
$ His voice was hollow. And his head lolled as he smiled at her again.
Before bed, Hermione found all seven Gainsworth books placed on She pressed her hand to support his jaw and screamed, "MIPPY!"
her bedside table. She felt something like guilt when she first saw them, A pop behind her. "Master Draco!"
but she set it aside and allowed herself to get lost in the pages. She read "I-it was an accident, I—" she couldn't breathe, she couldn't breathe— "I
the first before falling asleep. That night, she dreamed of her favorite think his new bones are broken. His—his lungs are punctured, and—"
story instead of her usual nightmare, where Harry or Luna slipped A small hand reached for Draco's sleeve, and suddenly he was gone,
through her fingers and fell somewhere far beyond her reach. only the drops of his blood left behind.
She woke late the next morning. It was past nine when she finally She was alone in the gazebo. She was alone, and she'd hurt him.
tested, "Mippy?" Spinning, she looked to his bedroom window—the corner bedroom on
Nothing happened. She frowned. the third floor.
At 9:20, a knock came from the door. She opened it to find a scowling The candles were lit inside.
Remmy with the breakfast tray. She grabbed up the books she'd dropped and ran. Her legs carried her
"Hello." through the gardens and up the stairs to the entrance. The marble stairs
Remmy said nothing, but sent the tray to her side table. clicked under her feet as she ran up the stairs to their shared wing,
"Will Mrs. Malfoy be joining me today?" Hermione asked. barrelling toward the door with the dragon carving. The door handle
"Mistress is gone." didn't turn. She had to see him. Fix what she'd done.
She blinked. "Oh. Gone?" She stood there, panting, staring at the emerald eye. Reaching her arm
Remmy nodded, face scrunching into a tight sorrow—the most out, she imitated the Alohomora wand movements and whispered the spell.
emotion Hermione had seen from the elf yet. Nothing.
"Master Malfoy is hurt." The clicking of footsteps on marble, and she turned to see a harried
Hermione felt her blood rushing in her ears. Narcissa rushing towards her.
"Which Master Malfoy?" she asked. "Hello, dear," she clipped. "We'll have tea later, yes?" And then
Remmy frowned with watery eyes. "Master Draco." Narcissa was opening the door and slipping inside with a hissed,
She swallowed and looked down at her arm, expecting… something. "I told you it was too soon, Draco," before Hermione could blink.
"Thank you, Remmy." The door shut, and Hermione startled. She tried the handle again.
Remmy left the room. And Hermione stared at the closed door. Locked. Of course they wouldn't want her inside. She was dangerous.
Draco was injured. And it was serious enough that Narcissa left to be Unstable.
with him. She blinked, vision blurring, pressing her ear against the door and
She stared down at her breakfast tray, wondering what would happen waiting for some kind of sound, an indication of what was going on
to her if Draco died. Surely if he had, the tattoo would have alerted her? inside. Some kind of reassurance.
A sudden, inexplicable terror seized her ribs, the pressure so The door opened, and she almost fell into the chest of Lucius Malfoy.
overwhelming she found herself gasping for air. She screwed her eyes shut She scrambled back, looking up into the face of the man that had killed
and drew on the meditation she'd been practicing until it passed. Charlie Weasley and countless others, feeling like a guilty child. "You
She leaned against the bookshelves, savoring the feeling of the wood stupid girl," he snarled at her.
pressing into her spine, and stared out her windows. His anger froze her, and she breathed, "It was an accident. I—"

136 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 156

 "It'd be a fucking start." If Draco died, would she go back to Dolohov?
She felt his breath on her face. He glared down at her, his eyes She forced herself to breathe.
flashing. Her fingers itched to hit him, to push him back. She was shaking She tried, but failed, to find a scrap of joy that there had been some
with it. kind of victory for the rebellion. The guilt twisted heavy in her gut while
"I won't say thank you for something so selfishly motivated. Clearly, she waited for news of Draco's health, watching as the sun rose higher in
nothing you've done has been for the greater good if you the sky, and began to fall again.
need validation for it." A chill passed through her at the realization that she was alone at
"You wanna see 'selfishly motivated?'" His eyes dragged cruelly over Malfoy Manor for the indefinite future, wandless, with only the elves for
her lips and shoulders, down to her chest. "We could always take that company.
suite away from you. I heard you found my bedroom, Granger. Want to
spend more time there?"
She vibrated with the need to hurt him. It shook her every muscle
until her hands fisted, determined not to raise a hand to her captor, and
the energy punched its way down her legs. Ready to snap back at him, she
stomped her foot on the ground, freeing the electricity—
Draco jerked back, flying through the air as if on a string, his lips
parted in a silent gasp. His body slammed against the wall of the gazebo
with a crunch, and he crumpled to the ground.
Hermione stood, mouth wide and eyes popping, looking for the source
of the magic. Looking for the reason…
Her fingers shook, life sparking in them.
Her magic.
She wasn't suppressed. Never? Or just since the Malfoys left?
Her eyes snapped back to Draco, curled in on himself, wheezing.
"Draco, I…" she stammered, "I didn't mean to—"
He gasped a rattle. His eyes pale, and his skin grey. His injured arm
still held across his chest, leaning back against the wall, but his entire left
shoulder seemed disfigured.
My bones needed to be regrown, he'd said.
She was running to his side before she could command her feet.
Dropping to her knees, her hands reached for him, stopping short when
she didn't know where to touch him.
His head turned away from her, eyes squeezing shut. A tear dripping
out of his closed eye. He wheezed.
"Draco, can you"—her voice shook and fingers trembled—"Can you
stand?"
He coughed, and blood sprayed from his lips onto the gazebo floor.
Her head whipped to the Manor. "Help!"

155 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 137

 He took a breath, and she prepared herself for the range of answers
he could give. She thought of her face in his drawer, her bedroom close to
his, the way he sucked poison out of her arm. She thought of the esteem
she brought the Malfoy family, the way Voldemort had cackled when
Draco boasted about the money spent to obtain her.
But she thought about the answer she most hoped to hear, even for all
of her logic, as his eyes turned to a spot over her shoulder and his lips
pressed tight together.
"It was the right thing to do," he said.
His grey eyes slid over to her, and she studied them as the words swirled
inside her ears and her chest. That wasn't an answer. Another evasion.
She clenched her jaw. "When have you ever been concerned with
doing the right thing?"
His left eye twitched, but the rest of him was still. "What kind of
answer would you prefer, Granger?"
"I'd prefer the truth, but I don't assume I'll get that from you anytime
soon." She grabbed for her extra books on the bench, and marched past
him.
She was boiling, just reaching the steps of the gazebo before she
heard, "Granger—"
Spinning back to him, she growled, "Doing the right thing, Malfoy,
would have been coming to the Order in sixth year." His jaw snapped
shut, and his eyes turned to stone. "Doing the right thing would have been
standing up to your father at any of the millions of times he's done evil in
the name of that monster." She felt a crackling through her veins. She
stepped toward him again, watching him breathe deeply through his nose.
"The right thing would have been stopping the Auction from taking place
altogether, or helping us escape, or buying Luna—"
Her voice cracked, and she swallowed. He lifted a brow, and the
haughty look he sent her sizzled her nerve endings, firing up her blood.
"But if I'd fallen on my sword, Granger," he mocked, "who would
have set you up in a private suite?" He prowled forward, his injured arm
hanging uselessly across his chest. She felt her skin buzzing. "Who would
allow you privacy, and fetch your books, and feed you pumpkin soup—"
"I didn't ask for any of this, Malfoy—"
"—certainly not Dolohov."
Her lips curled back, baring her teeth at him. "Is it gratitude, you're
looking for? You want me to say 'thank you?'"

THE AUCTION ● 154

 The heat unfurling from him was palpable, and she could taste the
darkness he spat at her.
"Why?" Her voice cracked.
He wet his lips, and his eyes cast about her face before he replied, "He
posed a threat to me."
Her mind spun with the possibilities. If he had been willing to kill a
fellow Death Eater, what did that mean? Was he not as entrenched as
she'd assumed—or was he more ruthless than she'd allowed herself to
imagine? Or had it simply been self-preservation, an infamous Malfoy

11
trait?
"Any other questions, Granger?" he said sarcastically, but it was a
whisper in the space between them.
Millions, actually.
"What would have happened to me if you died?" she asked, watching
his brows furrow, and his eyes clear. "Would I have gone back to
Auction?"
His face twitched violently, like he'd been slapped. He stepped back
from her, eyes tracing her from top to bottom, and he exhaled sharply.
Blinking, his mask fell back into place.
"My mother would have taken care of you—"
"Why would your grieving mother spare a thought for me?" She lifted
a brow at him, waiting for him to confirm her best theory. To admit that
she was a pawn. Insurance.
He swallowed. "She wouldn't have let you go back to Auction." But he t had been almost a week since Hermione had been left alone in the
didn't sound convinced. He looked over her shoulder at the pond, and her
confidence faltered.
"Would I have been returned to Dolohov?"
I Manor, and she thought she'd explored every inch of it by now. She
kept her mind occupied by cataloging each room, searching for clues
or possible weapons. As the days passed, she realized she couldn't hold out
His head snapped back to her, and his eyes turned hard as stone. "No. hope that the Malfoys would be the next faces she saw.
He has no claim on you any longer." She felt a chill across her shoulders, Hermione took the Occlumency book to the conservatory every
and the same darkness rolled off of him again. "You don't need to worry morning, breathing in the plants and honing her meditation skills. At
about Dolohov." night, the corridors seemed to creak with the Manor's heavy years, so
She looked up into his dark eyes, searching for the source of it all. Hermione stayed inside her bedroom once the sun set. She kept meals in
"What did you give him in exchange for me?" her room, and no one was happier about that than Remmy, who seemed
His jaw tightened. The pull she felt for him, like a string vibrating, quite pleased to see as little of Hermione as possible.
tugged as she waited for him to tell her the truth or a lie. On the second day of her solitude, Hermione discovered the kitchens.
"The one thing he wanted more than you." Three elves worked alongside Remmy, cleaning and making dinner for no
Her heart pounded and her breath left her as her mind worked one.
through all the possibilities. "Why? Why buy me? Why bid on me?" "Hello."

153 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 138

 Four pairs of hands paused, and four pairs of eyes turned to her in "The war is won," she hissed. "You won. But of course, you won't stop
varying shades of violet and green. until every last one of us is dead or in chains."
She cleared her throat. "I'm Hermione." "Right. Let me just call off my armies, Granger." He shook his head at
Remmy waddled to her, scowling. "Miss is hungry? Already?" her, scowling. "Did you really think the Dark Lord was going to allow
"Er, no." She tried a smile. "I just wanted to introduce myself. And anyone to escape the U.K.?"
meet you all." Surely the elves had the most information about the Malfoy "Yes, how silly of me," she mocked. "You're not in charge of anything.
family secrets. Never a bad idea to befriend an elf. Least of all your own actions."
They stared at her. It was silent except for the sound of chopping "How in Merlin's name is this my fault? It was my father who sent the
vegetables from the enchanted knives. Closest to her was the elf that Killing Curse—"
delivered tea on her first night. "Just because a few people were trying to escape—"
"Hello again," Hermione chirped. "Peach, isn't it?" "No, to kill the man who'd tried to murder his son."
The older elf frowned and said, "Plumb." Hermione's lips opened. And closed.
"Ah. Yes." She felt heat climbing her neck. Charlie Weasley had sent a deadly Acid Curse?
They all stared at each other. "He wouldn't do that," she said, but she could hear her voice tremble.
"Miss wants dinner now?" Remmy glared. "You don't know him anymore." Draco sneered at her. "You don't
"No, no." She tried resting casually on the back of a small elf chair. It know any of them. I've never seen so much dark magic. Not even at the
teetered, and she straightened again. "Er, how long have you been Battle of Hogwarts."
working for the Malfoys?" She swallowed, feeling her stomach churn and tumble as her fingers
"Plumb was born here." dug into the spine of her book. She felt a desperate need to turn the
"Oh?" Her brows jumped, and she faced Plumb. "So a very long time! conversation away.
I have read that house-elves can live to two hundred." "And how many people did you kill at Dover Castle?"
Plumb scowled at her. "Plumb is forty-six." "You'll be glad to hear that I only sent off a Jelly-Legs Jinx before I
"Right." Her face flushed. "Well then, you all must remember Dobby! was hit." He frowned at her and shifted on his feet.
He was a dear friend of mine." "I'll be glad that you didn't have the chance to increase your death
The elf in the back let out a tutting sound, and Remmy's expression toll?" she said. "Like that's some kind of accomplishment?"
didn't change. It seemed she gained no clout by mentioning that name here. "I've only killed one person," he snarled. "It was at the Final Battle."
"Please, do go on." She gestured vaguely at their work. "I just wanted She blinked at him, taking in the information before hardening again.
to visit. Perhaps chat a bit." "And how did it feel? Throwing Killing Curses at your classmates and
They stared at her. The knives had ceased their chopping. She opened teachers?"
her mouth. And closed it. He sneered at her. "I'm surprised your lips are moving at all, Granger,
"Yes, alright. I'll take dinner now." when it's clear you're talking out of your arse."
So she ate at 2pm that day. His eyes burned into her, and she huffed in frustration. “Please
Later, she'd retraced her steps towards Lucius's study, positive it would enlighten me, Malfoy. If there are so many things I'm unaware of—"
still bar her, but content to try regardless. The door handle turned under He stepped into her, eyes flashing, breath puffing on her face.
her fingers, and to her surprise, she could push the door open fully with a "I sliced Thorfinn Rowle in half and watched him bleed out at my
shove. Her hand pressed against the barrier — still blocked out. feet. I made sure my face was the last thing he saw." His chest heaved, and
She stared into the dim room, the window behind the desk casting late a breeze whipped between them. Her eyes locked onto his, unblinking.
afternoon shadows forward. Spying a Foe Glass on a shelf, Hermione "And I'd do it again," he said.

139 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 152

 "You've mastered meditation, I see." eyed it, waiting to see if her face clarified and formed in the fog.
She blinked at the pond, the voice beckoning her mind forward. Silhouettes shifted, passing in the void, but the Glass didn't recognize her
Turning, she found Draco standing in the middle of the gazebo staring at as an enemy. Interesting, considering that she was here to snoop.
her. She stumbled to her feet, the Gainsworth book falling from her lap. A Her head pressed against the invisible barrier, tilting to the side to view
flurry of movement as she retrieved it and he stepped forward. the interior walls. A series of bookshelves that had her fingers itching
Standing tall again, the book held tightly in her hands, she met his lined the left wall. Wouldn't it be interesting to see what books Lucius
eyes. Malfoy kept at his disposal? Kept out of the library?
"You're back." After ten minutes of squinting at the titles on his shelf, she wandered to
"Yes, just twenty minutes ago." the library, ready to tackle one of her many problems. She ran through the
Her eyes scanned him. Not in his Death Eater robes. Comfortable questions she had, prioritized them, and tried to find workable solutions.
trousers and a buttoned shirt. Not a hair out of place. Not a scratch or The most pressing question was contingent on Draco's health. If he
tremor or bloody stain. But his left arm—he held it across his stomach as died, what would become of her? She trusted Narcissa's kindness in her
if it was in a sling. current circumstances, but she wasn't certain how far it would extend. If
"Your arm." She stepped toward him and stopped. She watched his she could no longer reside at Malfoy Manor, where would they send her?
throat bob. "What happened to it?" Would she go back to Auction?
"An injury," he said quickly. "I apologize you were left alone—" Pushing open the library doors, she brushed aside the fleeting, wistful
"What kind of injury." hope that she'd find Draco at the stacks, turning to her and lifting a brow.
He looked down at his shoulder. "An Acid Hex that turned inward. Hands on her hips, standing before a vast library entirely at her
My bones needed to be regrown. I'm almost healed. I just shouldn't use disposal, Hermione prioritized.
my arm for a few more days." There was no precedent for the Auction that she was aware of, which
An Acid Hex. Hermione swallowed, visualizing how close it might meant it would be futile to research the kinds of rules they made for the
have come to his heart. And then she remembered Dover. And the people death of a buyer. She filed that question away, unable to answer it.
his father had killed. Horcruxes, tattoos, or suppressants. Which should she focus on today?
She closed down her concern and joy at seeing him alive. "Did it A dark thought pressed over her as her eyes skimmed the stacks. Did any of
happen at Dover?" this matter? They lost. You lost.
His eyes snapped up from the path they were taking over her clavicles. Her lips pressed together. She took a deep breath.
He examined her, and then it seemed to dawn on him. Magic suppression. That's what she'd look into today.
"Is Miss Skeeter printing again?" Throwing caution to the wind, she turned to the library catalog and
"Yes," she snapped. "It was the most information I've received in said, "Show me books on magic suppression." And then as an
weeks." afterthought, "Please."
He lifted a brow at her. "I'm sure half of it was true. Probably only a An eerie shuffling sound from the stacks, and she eyed several books
quarter now that the Dark Lord is breathing down her neck." pulled from their homes and hovering in the aisles.
"So is it true that Charlie Weasley is dead?" She could hear the blood "Right," she said. "Back to work."
rushing through her ears. "Or is that a lie too?"
"He's dead." The answer was swift and merciless. His eyes were cold. $
A heavy weight settled in her chest. "And your father killed him?" She studied well into the evening, spreading texts across the large table
"This is a war, Granger." He stepped closer to her, and she noticed that and scribbling notes. It might be the only time at the Manor she didn't
he wobbled on his left leg. "Or have you forgotten?" have to worry about being caught, with all three Malfoys away. Figuring
151 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 140
out the suppressant potion was an obvious choice for her. Having her for Lucius and Narcissa's bedroom in the other wing, but she felt less
magic back would make it easier to escape, once she'd found a way inclined to intrude upon Narcissa's personal space.
around the tattoos. And if she was caught, an academic curiosity about She threw caution to the wind on the seventh day of their absence and
the suppressant potion wasn't something she would be killed over. began to reread the Horcrux book. There was nothing new. She now
Hopefully. knew all the facets of making Horcruxes, but destroying them still yielded
There were several herbs and crushed stones that could ward off evil the same answers. At night, when her thoughts would drift to Charlie or
spirits, but she wouldn't know the exact combinations unless she could Draco, she'd recite the steps in her mind until she fell asleep.
break it down in a potions laboratory. She'd need a vial of the minty The water imagery in the Occlumency book encouraged her to
potion. And a cauldron. Hermione wrote down and pocketed her list of examine the pond on the Malfoy estate more.
ingredients. Think of a lake with still waters.
In the morning, she strode back to the kitchens. The elves looked up After a week of standing at her windows staring down at the pond, she
from their washing. Remmy almost rolled her eyes. finally wrapped herself against the afternoon wind, and crossed the
"Miss is hungry?" grounds to the grassy shore. She plopped herself down in the grass,
"No, thank you." She smiled. "I was just hoping for a cup of tea?" dropping several books next to her.
Plumb jumped off of her stool wringing her hands. "Miss calls for Gazing at the water's surface, Hermione blocked the sounds and
Plumb? Plumb did not hear!" smells around her, focusing on her sight only.
"No, no. I didn't call." She waved her hands, hoping to keep Plumb The peacocks broke her concentration as they cawed for her attention.
from banging the kettle over her head. "I was just going to visit, and ask She jumped, turning to see one several paces from her, eyeing her with a
for you to make it here." twitching head.
Where I can watch you. "Am I on your turf ?" she said with a smile.
Plumb leapt to work, setting a fire under the kettle. He tilted his head at her and then wandered down to the water,
"I'll just grab the sugar for you," she said, starting for the shelves. dipping his head to drink. She watched the two others slip down the bank,
Wrenching the cabinets open, she searched for potion vials kept in handy shuffling closer to her.
locations for pouring into tea. Just like a Malfoy man, she thought. Ruining her concentration and drawing her
"Miss not like how Plumb makes?" focus to him.
She turned to see a watery-eyed forty-six-year-old elf clasping her She took her books, leaving the shore for the peacocks, and circled the
hands together. perimeter of the gazebo. It was as large as her childhood bedroom, if not
"Er, no. I was just going to help you!" She opened another cabinet, larger. Roman marble pillars supported a dome of intricately designed
finding nothing incriminating. glass and iron, magic-made if she had to guess.
"Miss wants sugar? Not honey spoons?" Ascending the stairs, she perched on a bench looking out over the
Her hands froze. The honey. water and opened Undesirable No. 3, the third in the series. She'd decided
She turned to Plumb. Remmy stood right behind her with a shrewd to give herself a break from her usual reading today. The pages fell open
twist to her lips. to her bookmark, but she stared out at the pond.
"I was thinking I might not have honey any longer," she tested, Think of a lake with still waters.
watching Remmy's expression. If they were instructed to give her honey, A breeze kissed the surface, rippling the water. Hermione focused on
laced with the suppressant, then they might panic. the depths below, still not visible even after the intrusion.
"Miss hates honey?!" A tear fell down Plumb's trembling cheeks. "But The sun dipped lower as she meditated, her fingers tucked in the
Plumb is giving Miss honey for weeks!" pages, and her thoughts far away.

141 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 150

caught snooping. She pushed aside the concern over a door beyond which Hermione's eyes widened, unprepared for house-elf dramatics. "No!
Narcissa and Lucius were standing guard over their son. No, I like honey. I like it very much!"
She pushed aside the feeling of familiarity. The memory of cutting out Two more tears dropped from Plumb's violet eyes. "I makes honey tea
an article in the Prophet featuring his smirk and grey eyes, bright in the for Miss and for Master Draco. Does Master Draco hate it too?"
black and white print, and tucking it into her Hogwarts trunk. Hermione frowned. Draco. Yes. The suppressant wouldn't be in the
Because this was war. And war had no room for her childish fantasies. honey. Unless there was a special jar just for her...
So, what would the Malfoys gain by buying her at the Auction? She "Might you have a different honey?" Hermione asked, mind working.
was valuable, of course. To both sides and for different reasons. Her "THE HONEY IS GONE BAD?"
purpose had been served for the Death Eaters: entertainment, Remmy huffed and stepped forward, placing a calming hand on
humiliation, a symbol of hope reduced to a whore. But to the Order… Plumb's heaving shoulder. "We has one honey. Plumb is giving three
she still was incredibly valuable. Was it possible the Malfoys were prepared honey spoons to Miss and Master Draco. Does Miss want different?"
to play both sides of this war? Plumb was now sobbing uncontrollably into her hands. Guilt sank
Narcissa's kindness, Lucius's information, Draco's concern for her. heavily in Hermione's stomach. She just couldn't win. She knelt down in
They wanted her to learn Occlumency. They wanted her alive, front of the violet-eyed elf and gently pulled her waxy hands away from her
unharmed, and untouched. They wanted her to play a part when blubbering face.
Voldemort visited. "Plumb? I would very much like a cup of tea with three honey spoons.
But they weren't playing both sides, she reminded herself. Lucius Might you be able to help me with that?"
Malfoy had just killed dozens at Dover Castle, including Charlie. Shaking Plumb nodded so violently, her little ears flopped into Hermione's face.
her head, and knocking her skull back against the door, she refocused. She She ran for the kettle, and Hermione turned to a frowning Remmy.
tried to think how Lucius Malfoy thinks. "Has there been any news on Master Dra— er, on Draco? Any word
If the Death Eaters fell, and the Order rose up again, would she be on when they are returning?"
expected to testify to their treatment of her? The frown melted off Remmy's face, and she too began to tremble
Her face in print, tucked away into a drawer, like it was a prized with unshed tears. "No. Master Draco is very hurt."
possession. Even now, she was tucked away in a suite in a fortress, safe as a Hermione swallowed, feeling her pulse in her ears. "What happened?
picture in a drawer. Did they say?"
She settled on one thought, boiling away all other concerns about "No," Remmy said sadly, shaking her head. "We is just hearing from
magical suppressants and tattoos and Horcruxes until the crucible this." She gestured to the short counter, where Hermione was shocked to
bubbled, and the new questions wafted up from the cauldron of her find a Daily Prophet. She approached, looking down on a picture of Dover
mind. Castle, burning to the ground.
How long had the Malfoys been planning for her? And what did they
expect her to do for them?
REBELLION SQUASHED AT DOVER
BY RITA SKEETER
$ She snatched up the paper, eyes scanning, heart pounding.
The next morning, Draco's door was locked. She rolled her eyes. The Dark Lord is victorious again!
"Of course," she whispered to herself. A small rebellion broke out at Dover Castle on Monday evening
She wondered if Boppy even needed to bring fresh linens. led by insurgents and Old Order sympathizers. The rocky beach
Every day for the rest of the week, she tried Draco's door. When it
at Dover provided minor cover for the rebels as the Dark Lord's
didn't budge, she wandered downstairs to try Lucius's study. She looked
forces gathered and vanquished their foes.
149 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 142
 Hermione stumbled out of the kitchens, swallowing the information, see a portly male elf in the closet doorway holding linens.
and running for fresh air. She pushed through the front doors of the "Er, no, I was just…" she stammered, swiftly closing the box and
Manor, gasping at the morning breeze, and leaned back against the drawer. The elf stared at her, waiting for an answer. Hermione focused on
exterior wall. Her chest was tight, and her fingers trembled as she read the bedsheets. "Are they home?"
on. The chubby little elf looked down sadly. "No. Mippy asks Boppy to
bring fresh sheets."
There were limited casualties for the Death Eaters at Monday's
She stood. "Is Mippy here?"
skirmish, but considerable losses for the rebels who scrambled
Boppy shook his head again. "Just calls for Boppy."
back to their hole in the ground, their tails between their legs. "Did you see them?" she asked, suddenly desperate. "Was he
In the wake of the new Apparition/Land-Locked Legislation, the recovering? Or—?"
rebels — led by Undesirable No. 1, George Weasley — "Boppy only sees Mippy. Master and Missus is behind a door."
attempted to cross the Strait of Dover by boat, bypassing the "What door? Where?"
Apparition line by non-magical means. Recently promoted He stared up at her, eyes watering. "Boppy is not to say. Boppy is just
General Lucius Malfoy was first on the scene, ruthlessly cutting to change sheets." Shifting on his feet in his little pillowcase, he said, "Miss
off the boat supply and taking out several essential faces of the needs help with something?"
rebellion in the process, including elder brother to the Hermione pressed her lips together, mind spinning with all the new
rebellion leader, Charlie Weasley. information. "No, no. I'll just… head back to mine. My room, that is."
She forced a smile at Boppy as she exited, turning left and falling into
Hermione tore her eyes off the words, her fingers crumpling the her bedroom to lean back on the door. It was larger than Draco's. She
pages, trying to piece together her spiraling thoughts. followed the frame separating her sleeping area from her living space.
Charlie was dead. These had been two rooms, and someone had knocked down the wall
Lucius had killed him. between.
There were Apparition boundaries, limiting Apparition to inside the She blinked, rearranging the ideas in her mind.
U.K. only. Although it was rare to Apparate across countries and large There was a drawer in Draco Malfoy's bedroom that contained a shoebox. Inside
bodies of water, it wasn't unheard of. People with exceptionally powerful that shoebox was a picture of her.
magic could manage it. But if there were actual magical limitations, that A newspaper article, she corrected. From almost a year ago. Marking
would make it incredibly difficult for people to get out. her as a wanted woman.
Was escape the plan for the remaining tatters of the Order? Not Combing her mind for what she remembered of that article, she
fighting? Were the other magical governments accepting refugees? What looked out the large windows to the pond. Lupin had told them about the
did M.A.C.U.S.A. have to say about all of this? They always had Muggle-Born Registration Commission last year, before they went
something to say… Horcrux hunting. This article had announced her importance. It had told
If Voldemort had landlocked the U.K., did that mean he had not the world that she was wanted — that whoever procured her would be
branched out his rule? held in high regard, possibly even paid handsomely.
Recently promoted General Lucius Malfoy. And Draco Malfoy had a copy of it hidden away in his room, in a
George was Undesirable No. 1, and Lucius had killed Charlie Weasley. location one would keep trinkets or fond old memories.
She braced her hand on the Manor's exterior wall, feeling breath pull She felt the cool wood of the door against her back, her heated skin
sharply at her lungs. calming. Counting her fingers, counting her breaths, counting the trees
She'd had dinner with him only days ago. He'd followed her down a she could see in the distance. She pushed aside the anxiety of being
hill, and carried her in his arms like a child, back to safety.
143 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 148
 The flames burned low in his fireplace, and she spent a few moments Charlie's handsome face beamed at her in her memories. She'd knelt
looking for the Floo Powder before giving up, not sure if her tattoo would to the ground at some point, her knees digging into the rough pebbles and
even let her leave by fireplace. stones. Focusing on the pain, she forced herself to breathe.
She pulled open the closet doors, finding a vast space for all of Draco How many others had died? The article only mentioned Charlie.
Malfoy's blacks, greys, and cobalts. A smirk pulled at her lips as she ran And through it all, the words "limited casualties for the Death Eaters"
her fingers over the shirts, wondering what he'd look like in pink and ran across her eyes like a snagged film strip. Was Draco one of the
orange. He had spare Death Eater robes hung across from his old "limited casualties?"
Hogwarts uniform. She checked the pockets for anything interesting and She took a ragged breath and pressed her face to the sky, letting the
found nothing. sun's rays melt through her cold panic. A few moments later, a cup of tea
Although rifling through his drawers was a clear breach of privacy, appeared next to her, steaming. She sat and sipped, fingers trembling,
and expressly against what Narcissa had requested of her, she had bigger watching the sun crawl toward the treetops. Beneath her shock and pain,
issues to worry about. She shoved aside her guilt and pulled open the next beyond her fear and uncertainty, she pulled one thought forward and
drawer. focused her anger towards it.
Laid on top of other greys and blacks was the blue jumper he'd worn Rita Fucking Skeeter was alive and well and writing for the Prophet.
weeks ago while sipping on cold tea in her bedroom, as she recovered
from her electrocution. It was soft. $
She pulled open the drawers against the wall and blushed to find his She explored the grounds for the rest of the day. Pacing and
trunks. Black. Of course. The next drawer was filled with socks. An meditation failed to banish the horrified dread in her stomach, so she
inordinate amount of socks. She rolled her eyes. found the boundary again, reaching her arm out to test the tattoo. It
The bottom drawer had extra blankets and a black shoebox. She pried shocked her—unpleasant but not truly painful. Walking the perimeter, she
the top open and found her own face staring back at her. kept trying her arm on different spots until her fingers went numb, and all
Her fingers froze. Her heart seized. A cold chill ran across her her racing thoughts were forgotten. The same barrier she'd fallen through
shoulders and down her back. weeks ago had permitted her legs, head, and other arm, but not her
MUGGLE-BORNS WANTED FOR INTERROGATION tattooed arm.
It was safe to say that she could cut off her arm and probably make it
It was the article printed when she was on the run last year, marking out alive. Not that the Malfoys had any instrument that could help her
her as a priority for the Muggle-Born Registration Commission. with that.
She watched her image turn, an old picture they'd used from the night It was evening when she finally retired to the east wing, tiptoeing
at the Department of Mysteries once the press had arrived. She was around corners, always keeping an eye out for intruders or residents.
covered in blood, sweat, and dirt. She looked feral. They had told her that Bellatrix was barred from the estate, but what
Her head spun, and she centered herself. did that mean exactly? Was she verbally barred? Or magically? Without a
There was a drawer in Draco Malfoy's bedroom that contained a shoebox. Inside Malfoy on the grounds, would she have access?
that shoebox was a picture of her. The thought of Bellatrix returning for her froze her in her tracks.
She squeezed the lid of the box between her fingers, trying to make Draco wouldn't come running for her this time.
sense of it. In his trunks and socks, she smiled, and the knot in her stomach loosened.
Other scraps of paper lay beneath. Her shaking hand reached. She paused, looking to the door at the top of the stairs in her hallway.
"Miss needs something?" She'd never considered where Draco's bedroom was, simply happy to not
Jumping, smacking her head on the top of the dresser, she turned to be dragged into it and pinned to the bed for her first weeks. But if he'd
147 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 144
been ready for bed when he heard her scream, certainly his room was No barrier.
nearby. Not that it mattered. She wouldn't throw herself off a three-story balcony,
She'd already searched the rooms on this floor and hadn't found one and she didn't need to climb down to escape — she could walk out the front
that looked like it belonged to Draco Malfoy. Maybe she had to be looking door.
for it. She moved to the edge of the balcony, hands on the stone railing, and
Her hand reached for the first door handle, but she paused. leaned over to see the grass and greenery in the moonlight. When he
Narcissa had told her that the Manor was open to her; she just needed returned, she would ask him nicely about the access to her balcony. It was
to be respectful of the personal quarters. lovely in the moonlight.
But Narcissa wasn't here. And Hermione needed to remember that If he returned.
she was a prisoner of war in a house guest's clothing. Her chest tightened, and she swallowed.
She tried the door, the knob turning under her fingers. A clean and Turning to look at her own balcony, she realized just how close the
uninhabited guest room, smaller than her own. She'd found this one railing was to her own. Just how close his bedroom was to her own. That
already, and had already inspected for weapons and exits. Draco Malfoy had set her up in a suite as close as physically possible to
She checked every room on the floor, finding nothing. Frowning at her him, and yet had not laid a finger on her in malice.
own door several paces away, she considered if Draco had just been Why?
passing through that night. If perhaps he'd thought to come to check on She moved into the bedroom again, turning her attention to the
her. shelves, to the trinkets, searching for answers.
Sighing and resigning herself to searching the other wings of the There was a carved statue of a dragon next to a framed photograph
Manor in the morning, she turned to go to bed, passing a carved of Draco with Crabbe and Goyle. Neither item gave her any information.
wooden door next to hers. Something flashed, catching the light, and Sliding closer to the bed curtains, she gave in to the urge to drag her
she stumbled to a halt, turning to see a dragon with an emerald eye fingers across the fabric. The bed was made, but something told her that
winking at her. it wasn't the elves who took care of the tidiness. She pulled open the
She blinked back at it. That door hadn't been there yesterday when drawers in his bedside table, finding nothing but chocolates, spare
she'd looked. And she had been positive she'd checked the rooms next to parchment, a handkerchief, and a few trinkets. The bookshelf near his
hers just minutes ago. bed was filled with familiar titles, and she let her hands drift along the
A Notice-Me-Not Charm. She wouldn't have found this door unless books he kept close to him, noticing a conspicuous hole where seven
she was looking for it, or already knew where it was. books would fit perfectly…
Her fingers found the cool brass doorknob, turning. The dragon stared at The bathroom had a similar tub to her own, tidy counters, and a
her. mirror she could imagine him in, sweeping his hair back with gel or
This was undoubtedly Draco Malfoy's bedroom. There would be no deciding to let it loose.
arguing that. Greens and greys and silvers. A Slytherin crest on the wall After half a second's hesitation, she opened the drawers, finding that
across from her. A dark-wooden four-poster bed with green canopy exact gel and the comb to go with it. She examined his products, some
curtains hanging down. Bookshelves, though not as many as in her room. with expensive-sounding French names. She could imagine him here,
Staring from the doorway, Hermione realized that her room was stepping out of the tub, wrapped up in luscious towels, taking care of his
larger than this. Although Draco's room was the corner suite, hers seemed fair skin with the creams and products in the drawers. Her smile faded in
like two smaller rooms had been combined. the mirror as she wondered if he would ever complete those rituals again.
The doors to his balcony beckoned her, and she crossed in long strides, Stumbling from the bathroom, she shook her head, choking back the fear
pushing the doors open and stepping into the cool night air. and uncertainty.

145 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 146

The Gazebo; Strong Lips on My Arm; Happy Birthday, Draco; A Cobalt
Jumper, Standing Watch at My Window; We're Quite a Pair, Aren't We?
She separated the copies, sending each of them to bottom shelves,
tucking them into other books, tearing the covers off of them and sending
their pages over the top of the bookshelf.
Standing by the door to the drawing room, his eyes were off in the
distance like one of the Malfoy statues lining the corridors. When she
reached him, he grabbed her arm and pressed her against the wall. She
didn't flinch when he took her chin in his firm grip. Any memories of

12
softer touches had been buried.
In place of the glossy red spines, there were inky, leathery copies filled
with hair tugging, pale fingers on her ribs, electrocution, a week's
isolation, the sharp pang of his ring as he backhanded her, and take my cock
so good, don't you.
He shook her jaw, jarring her back to him. "You won't embarrass me,
will you Mudblood?"
She startled at the word on his tongue. It had been years.
His eyes were like ice as his fingers dug into her jaw. "You know how to
behave, don't you?"
She let the tension melt from her muscles and sagged against his grip.
Like a ragdoll.
"Yes." Her voice cracked, and she felt the word float between the two
of them.
"Yes, what?" aiting for Draco to recover from his injuries was somehow even
Pull forward only your chosen memory. Let the rest drift back.
Indentations on her jaw as his fingers curled. She let all memories of
his warm eyes drift back.
W more agonizing when they were only separated by a wall. She
suspected his condition was serious, but not critical. Narcissa and
Mippy kept a near-constant vigil in his room, but Lucius was nowhere to be
"Yes, Master." found, apparently traveling again. Hermione left the door to her suite
A flicker in his grey eyes. A curl of his lips that felt familiar and cruel. cracked so she could hear the comings and goings in their shared hallways.
He moved to the drawing room. Whenever Narcissa's delicate footsteps clicked toward his room, she'd place
She dragged her feet through the entryway and felt the Dark Lord her ear to her door and hope to hear some muttered conversation as she
before she saw him. The darkness hung off of him like a cloak, dripping entered. Once the footsteps trailed away from Draco's room and down the
onto the floors and sinking into the stones. He stood in the center of the stairs, she'd creep to his door and stand there until the dragon's mocking
room, fingers trailing over the back of an antique armchair, turning to green eye forced her hand. But every time she tried the door herself, it
bare his teeth to her in a grin. wouldn't budge. She attempted to open it with magic on several occasions,
"Mudblood Granger. Thank you for entertaining." but without success. She wasn't sure if it was because she was wandless or
Lucius stood with him, holding a glass. He spared her one glance if there was more than a simple locking charm, in which
before swirling his wine and taking a deep swig. case Alohomora wouldn't work even if she had a wand.

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 One the second day, she snuck down to the kitchens and shuffled Her legs gave out after just a few steps. She pushed herself to her
around until she located several old Daily Prophets stacked in the corner. knees, eyes screwed shut to block everything out. Heat crackling beneath
Snatching a few with recent dates, she rushed upstairs, tucking the papers her skin. The smell of something burning. Maybe it was her.
under her jumper and running back to her room. Once she'd locked the Her chest seized as she was hauled roughly to her feet.
door behind her, she sunk to the floor and began to read. "Get it together, Granger," hissed in her ear. And then he was
Headline after headline of rebellions being squashed by the Great dragging her out the door.
Order — the name given to the new regime. It felt like a slap in the face The Dark Lord was here. And she was appearing before him.
to the Order of the Phoenix, to be erased in such a way and written over. She felt tender fingerprints on her skin, left by bruising hands. Marked
Rita Skeeter certainly had a way with words. Hermione knew this in more ways than one, like a whore. Voldemort would be thrilled.
from growing up with the woman "buzzing" around her, but it was only With a gasp, her mind sharpened, whirring.
her familiarity with Skeeter that allowed her to read between the lines. She was being brought to Voldemort.
The words "small rebellion" and "dozens of casualties" appeared The back of Draco's head bobbed down the stairs as she followed
together several times, making Hermione question the actual numbers dutifully.
Skeeter was reporting. Also, she found several articles that referenced back Voldemort would be reading her mind.
to the Dover Castle Massacre instead of focusing on the details of the She had no shoes on. The Manor's marble stairs were cold on her
skirmishes published, as if the outcomes were never as positive for the arches and toes.
Great Order as they were at Dover. Think of a lake with still waters. A bookshelf with leather tomes.
The most interesting piece of information she was able to glean from Draco's hand slid down the banister, long fingers that had grabbed at
the articles came in a brief mention of an attack in London three days her hair, held her down, pinched at her skin. Her vision blurred with
before the Malfoys returned: unshed tears.
He pinched her instead of penetrating her. Her mind was flooded with images of an
A Muggle cafe was brutally attacked last night by Undesirable No.
attack, of a rape, but that's not what had happened.
1 and 2, George Weasley and Angelina Johnson. The Dark Lord's
His feet were heavy on the stairs as they turned the final staircase. His
forces were drawn to the cafe from a sighting report, and boots. His Death Eater boots.
proceeded to engage in combat with the two criminals. The That's not what had been happening at Malfoy Manor. Even though it should have
skirmish left several Muggles dead or wounded, proving once been.
again that the rebels care little about the lives of the very She paused on the final steps, feeling her entire body tremble.
population they claim to be defending. (Turn to pg. 3 for a full Think of a lake with still waters. A bookshelf with leather tomes.
listing of the Undesirables.) She opened a book. Tea with Narcissa Malfoy—her soft hands on her
shoulder, her wrist. She snapped it closed and tucked it at the far edge of
Hermione's eyes narrowed at the words on the page, taking note of
the shelf.
the obvious lies and omissions to suss out the truth. The article didn't
Another book: Lucius Malfoy's Secrets. Standing at the edge of a
mention anything about George and Angelina's capture or death. And
study, "Gregory Goyle. Senior," the playful lift of his brow as he baited her. A
there was no way they had purposefully killed Muggles at the cafe. Her
key turned, locking the pages of the book like an old diary, and the text
breath hitched at the reference to a list of wanted rebels.
pushed back into a forgotten shelf in the corner.
She flipped to page three, and found half the page taken up by George
Draco walked to a door and waited for her. Fitting that it was the
Weasley's face, grinning in a flamboyant suit, the sign for Weasleys' Wizard
drawing room again. Seven beautiful red spines, the collector's editions: A
Wheezes dipping into the top of the frame. Below the fold, Angelina
Hand on My Jaw—Healing the Cut; You Don't Drink Coffee Anymore?;
Johnson stared up at her, wearing her Gryffindor Quidditch uniform.
159 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 179
 "I thought I got rid of this," he growled, and then his hands were on Taking a deep breath, she realized that if Angelina was on the run,
her satin slip, ripping the fabric down the middle, and tearing her bra then she was the prisoner that had escaped Macnair's estate, not Ron.
apart. "Much better." Hermione dropped her eyes to Angelina's description, and saw "Wanted
She was exposed. Her breasts heaving under his gaze, a sob choking in for the Murder of Walden Macnair" among her list of crimes, confirming
her throat. Naked for the first time. She watched one hand return to her suspicions.
stroking himself, the other against her stomach, pressing down. So where was Ron? Had he not been at the Macnair estate when
His eyes were hungry, drinking in her naked chest. Something George came for Angelina? She remembered what Draco had said about
flickered behind the grey, and he wet his lips. Voldemort "requesting" him shortly after the Auction. A pale chill of dread
The hand on her stomach slipped against the rumpled satin, and then shuddered her.
his fingers were under the swell of her breast, hot on her skin. She forced herself to focus and continue reading Angelina's physical
He grunted, his hips thrusting into his hand. She watched his features description. Under her height and skin color, it said, "missing left
glaze over briefly before turning icy again, his gaze back to her face. forearm."
"Gonna paint my name on your tits, Granger." She pressed her eyes closed, sucking in a short breath. She had been
She could do nothing but exist underneath him as he jerked his hand. right. If she cut off her arm, she could get around the tattoo.
When a slow tear trailed out of her left eye, he reached forward and Hermione tried to imagine it. Tried to think of George and Angelina
turned her face to the side. at the boundary line of some gothic structure, staring at each other until
She stared at the wall, concentrating on the colors there. Angelina gave him the go ahead to mutilate her. They would have killed
Her bedside table with a hair tie. Macnair first, thinking that would do it—that Angelina would be free if
An empty jewelry box. her master was dead.
She heard his breath catch. She assumed he was close to being done. They at least had wands. Hermione considered her own options. Steal
The hand pressing her face away slipped, his fingers tumbling into her a kitchen knife and hack her way through her own flesh and bone. Or
hair, grabbing the curls. steal a wand from one of her three jailors, and slice it off with a firm
A strangled moan. And then something wet hitting her chest. voice.
He stayed like that, his hand clutching her hair, catching his breath. Either of these options were possible—horrible, but possible. But were
He sat up. A Vanishing Charm to her bra, and a Repairing Charm to they necessary? More importantly, were they wise?
her satin slip. Where would she go—armless and bleeding? She could look it up, of
He dismounted, unstuck her hands, and stood by the bed. "Get up. course, but she had no training on how to treat an amputated limb, and it
The Dark Lord is here." could be risky with an unfamiliar wand. If it got infected, she might not
She stared at the ceiling, how the bedposts stretched towards it. be in a state to heal herself. The Order likely had a safehouse and supplies
She heard him button his trousers. somewhere, but how would she find them? Surely there had to be another
"Get moving, or I'll drag you." His voice broke on the word 'drag.' She way around the tattoos that didn't involve putting herself in such a
heard a click from his throat, an infinitesimal swallow, pushing something vulnerable position.
back down. Hermione placed the information on a shelf in her mind — an
Her chest was shaking and still tacky with his spend. Occlumency trick briefly mentioned in her textbook.
You know how I feel about these tits, Granger. Ever since learning that she had her magic flowing through her veins,
She blinked, like a twitch. Hermione had begun pushing the boundaries of her Occlumency skills.
The Dark Lord was here. (She suspected that was the point of them letting her keep her magic in
She dragged herself off the bed, creeping towards the wall. the first place.) The more she experimented, the more it felt as though

178 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 160

there were shelves now in her mind—places she could put things, and not faced the bed, and he dropped her down into her comfortable mattress
think about again until she chose to. and pillows, where she'd found sanctuary for the past few months.
She was practicing the technique in her armchair one afternoon when She tried to turn around to use her arms and legs on him, but he was
a knock rapped on her door. She stood, stuffing the advanced book under quickly behind her with a swift slap to her backside that had her yelping.
the cushion, and rushed for her door. Narcissa stood on the other side He shoved her shoulders into the mattress, pulled her hips up, and
with a soft smile and folded hands. Hermione forced a polite smile, pushed against her again. And from here it was like she could feel every
pushing away her disappointment. inch of him. Her dress yanked up, her knickers and his trousers the only
Of course. It was unlikely he would be standing, much less visiting. thing between them. If he even still had his trousers closed. She couldn't
"Hello, dear," Narcissa said. "It's certainly been a while since I've come be sure.
to see you. I apologize that you were left—" She panted into the comforter, fingers scrambling for something.
"I'm so sorry, Narcissa," Hermione said, words pouring out of her. "I Anything. She tossed a pillow over her shoulder at him, knowing it didn't
swear I didn't mean to cause him any harm. I had—I had no idea that… hit its mark.
that I had magic, and I was angry and—and it just happened. Believe me She struggled against the hand on her spine as he rutted against her,
—I wish I could take it back." pressing the most intimate parts of themselves together.
Narcissa blinked down at her, lips twitching. "Thank you, Hermione. "You know how I like it when you fight."
But I think you are apologizing to the wrong person." Tears pushed against her eyelids. Her body sagged into the mattress,
"His door is locked." She shut her jaw with a click, regretting speaking exhausted.
so quickly. "I mean to say, he… he doesn't want to see me." Something Was he going to penetrate her?
sparkled in Narcissa's eyes, and Hermione felt her face heat. "Or, he's Her nails cut through the sheets. He groaned, one hand squeezing her
resting, I'm sure." hip, pressing deep bruises.
"Resting, certainly. It's been a trying few weeks for him. For the whole And then the pressure let up. Before she could scramble away, he
family, really." flipped her onto her back. She reached to claw at his face, his throat, her
Hermione nodded at her feet. "Er—would you like to come in?" heartbeat in her stomach.
"That would be lovely," said Narcissa. They struggled with each other's arms until he grabbed both of her
She stumbled into her chair, fidgeting as Narcissa fluttered into hers. hands, pinning them to the mattress and whispering a Sticking Charm.
"How is he? What—" He climbed over her hips, holding her legs down with his weight.
She jumped, distracted by the two teacups that had just appeared at She jerked her torso and caught sight of his eyes.
the small table between them. Dead.
Narcissa gave her a tense smile and hummed into her teacup. "His Irises black with arousal.
ribcage needed to be regrown, but aside from that, he's been in good But there was no glint of enjoyment.
condition." When he caught her staring, he smirked down at her, grabbed her jaw,
Hermione felt her tongue stick to the roof of her mouth. Her vision and said, "You want me to fuck your mouth again, Granger?"
blurred, and she blinked away the shapes. Remembering his body on the Her eyes went wide. She sucked in air. "Draco—"
gazebo floor, the way his torso had slammed against the pillar… He pushed his palm against her mouth, silencing her. "Not interested
She'd done that. She'd broken countless bones in his body, puncturing in your opinion."
his lungs. And then she'd fumbled over him for what felt like hours instead With his hand covering her lips, he reached with his other to below his
of calling for Mippy immediately. Hermione's lip trembled. A cool hand waist. Her eyes followed, and she found him stroking himself.
with soft skin dropped over hers, and she looked up to see Narcissa She choked, blinking away quickly.

161 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 177

 Both his hands came to cover hers on the wall. leaning close to her. "Don't fret, dear. He's healing as we speak." She
"You like this, Granger?" His voice lilted. "You like it when I fuck settled back in her chair and said, "And if I know my son, I know he
you?" probably deserved at least a slap across his mouth." She smiled at
She swallowed, brain spinning. Hermione and sipped her tea.
His fingers laced between hers, pressing her down. They found conversation to steer away from Draco's health or the
"You're so wet for me." Battle at Dover that had injured him originally. All Narcissa revealed
That couldn't possibly be. He wasn't… he didn't have access to… about the incident was that they had stayed in a cottage on the outskirts
She braced herself against the wall, trying to gather her wits as his hips of the remains of the castle while Draco recovered, and that Lucius was
rolled into her. Her gaze landed on the ring on his thumb, pressing over her traveling, as she'd suspected.
own. Hermione had no desire to press her on either topic. She hadn't seen
The ring that had sliced her lip open when he'd hit her. Not because Lucius since he'd wagged his finger in her face and threatened her, and
he'd wanted to, but... she was glad for it.
Why had he pinched her? Recently promoted General Lucius Malfoy.
He grunted into her ear. She swallowed her fears about what his absence might mean for her
This simulation served a purpose. She just had to figure out what it friends.
was. As Narcissa stood to leave, she said, "I heard you've taken an interest
One hand on her hip, tugging her backward, pulling her feet back a in the papers."
step with him while his other hand held her upper body to the wall. He Heat bloomed in her cheeks. Hermione held her breath, waiting to be
kicked her ankle out, widening her stance. The angle brought his hard chastised. Instead Narcissa produced a copy of that day's Prophet from her
length closer to her center, and she gasped. robes, with a smile.
His hand pinched her again, harder. She jerked, rubbing herself on Hermione couldn't help but return it. "Thank you, Narcissa."
him accidentally. Once she was alone, she flipped open the pages, finding another small
"You like that?" he hummed behind her. He slammed his hips to hers, attack in York the day before. The author claimed George and Angelina
shaking her. had been involved again. Hermione frowned, trying to piece together the
She looked down, trying to figure out what was happening between places they were supposedly choosing, but couldn't find any
them. What it was she was supposed to like— commonalities. She turned to page three for the list of Undesirables, and
His hand in her hair, twisting her head before she could look. Her was shocked to see Katie Bell added to the list, just underneath Bill and
neck twinged, and she winced at the pain. His fingers tugged her locks, Fleur Weasley. Hermione tried to remember Katie from the Ministry
and the dam inside her burst. holding cells. She hadn't been there.
Adrenaline skyrocketed through her veins. Her hands reached back, Had Katie gotten away at the Final Battle? Who else had escaped?
scratching at the hand in her hair, slapping at any inch of him she could She pondered the information, rereading the front page article for
reach. She heard a few hits connect. Her legs twisted to kick at him. hints and subtext. Her eyes blinked quickly at the date. It had already
He chuckled and grabbed her around the waist, lifting her off the been one month since the Battle of Hogwarts.
ground and carrying her back as she thrashed. A weight dropped over her as she realized that today was June 4. She
Her world widened. The whole room visible, instead of just the wall. burrowed even further into her chair, awash with shame that Draco would
She saw every weapon she could use if only she could reach them. be still mending broken bones on his birthday.
Her legs kicked at him, grunting and panting. She connected with the
corner of the wingback chair, and it tumbled to the ground. And then she $

176 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 162

 The next day, she wandered the library, bravely pulling the Horcrux
text down and reading it for the thousandth time. She looked up
Fiendfyre again. She looked into Basilisk venom.
She found nothing else useful.
When she climbed the stairs back to her room, she thought she'd try
Draco's door again. She'd forgotten to try it on her way down to the
library, even though it was a force of habit by now—
The handle turned. She pushed open the door and entered the room
before it barred her.

13
Knocking hadn't even occurred to her. She shut the door swiftly once
she was through.
"Granger?"
He laid against his pillows looking deathly pale. When her eyes met
his, he began shifting, attempting to sit up, possibly saving his dignity.
"Don't," she cautioned, moving toward the bed. "Don't injure yourself
further. I'll be quick." She wrung her hands. "I'm sorry. I'm very, very
sorry, Malfoy."
His eyes grew wide, and the color returned to his cheeks as she came
closer.
"I had no idea that my magic wasn't being suppressed. I thought—I
thought I was being given the potion—which, actually, I'd like to ask
about, but—no, another time."
She was stammering and she felt a blush rise from her chest. He
pushed his limp hair off of his forehead, raking his fingers through it. is hips rolled against her, pressing her into the wall. Her breath
"I would never have—have injured you further on purpose. I promise
that wasn't my—" She swallowed. "I mean to say, I was just very angry,
and I felt out of control—"
H hitched, waking her brain. She pushed back again, struggling
against his chest, twisting her body away from the wall.
He held her still, breathing hard into her hair. One hand held her arm
"Granger—" against the wall, the other quickly slithered down her stomach, and as his
"Please let me finish." She stepped forward again, and for a wild hips canted into her again, he pinched the skin on her hip so sharply she
moment she thought about taking his hand, sitting at the edge of his bed yelped.
— "It was unintentional. And—and of course I don't blame you for what A dreamy sigh against her neck, like something divine had happened.
happened at Dover. I disapprove of your fath—your family's position in She blinked quickly, wondering what the pinch was for. He rolled his hips
the war, but I'm aware that things could be much worse for me. I know again, his erection pressing harder into her. He pinched her again.
you're just doing your best—" She squeaked.
"Granger, we have company." "Malfoy," she begged, "what are you—"
She froze, heart stopping. Spinning to the other side of the room, she "Take my cock so good, don't you."
found Blaise Zabini reclining comfortably in Draco's wingback chair, Her body froze. He pushed against her again, groaning, like he…
sipping merrily from a glass and smirking. Like they…

163 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 175

 "Granger. So good of you to drop by."
Her lips parted uselessly, staring into Zabini's dark eyes as he smacked
his lips, drinking in the brandy and the show.
"Zabini," she said cautiously. She calculated all the words she'd just
said aloud, combing them for mistakes and terms too intimate.
Of course he was here. It was Draco's birthday, wasn't it? She looked
back to him, a strained look on his pale features, and she felt so foolish for
rushing in here, for forgetting everything she'd worked so hard to
compartmentalize and hide. The anticipation of seeing him again had
been too great, and the need to apologize had overwhelmed her logic.
A noisy sipping from the armchair, and Blaise smiled at her over his
glass once her attention returned to him.
"Granger, pull up a chair. Let's catch up." He crossed one leg over the
other, and his eyes sparkled.
She gaped at him, blinking quickly before closing down her features
and centering her mind.
"I've just come to... to clear the air. About… something." She glanced
to Draco quickly, seeing him sitting up in bed as much as he could,
leaning slightly to his right. "And—and I have… so… Enjoy your visit,"
she said, nodding to Zabini. She hurried to the door, pulling it open, and
in a moment of sheer impulse, tossed back over her shoulder, "Happy
birthday, Draco," before sliding through and shutting the door behind her.
Her fingers shook.
She'd called him Draco. She'd wished him a happy birthday.
Which implied that she knew his birthday.
Hermione groaned, running her fingers through her hair and tugging
at the roots as she stomped back to her own room.

$
She was still blushing when she got out of the shower an hour later,
having allowed her mind to concoct all the different ways Blaise Zabini
and Draco Malfoy might have reacted to her flustered intrusion and
intimate birthday sentiments. Sighing, she placed her embarrassment
onto a shelf in her mind, putting it away for now. She slipped on her
bathrobe and tossed her wet hair up in a knot, exiting to her bedroom.
Blaise Zabini sat in her armchair, flipping through one of her books,
sipping on her afternoon tea. He smiled at her from across the room, eyes
slipping down to her bare legs before returning to her face.
THE AUCTION ● 164
 "The water temperature is decadent, isn't it?" "You know how I feel about these tits, Granger." His voice rumbled
Hermione pulled tightly at her bathrobe, feeling her heart pound in her behind her, shaking her ribs.
fingertips. She knew little of Zabini at school, only that he had been an Her heart stuttered, and her breath caught. No… she didn't.
absolute cad from fifth year onwards. She hadn't seen him at the Battle of His fingers traced down her arm, curling around her elbow. His hand
Hogwarts — something that neither earned nor lost him points in her book. on her ribs, fingers reaching for her breast.
"How did you get in here?" Her voice was stronger than she felt. This wasn't right.
He waved his hand. "Yes, it was quite difficult to find, actually. Notice- Something was wrong with him.
Me-Nots and the like." He crossed his legs and smirked. "But I knew it She pushed away from the wall with all her strength, jerking her hips
would be close." back and twisting her body.
"No. How did you get in?" she demanded. "There are supposed to His hands snapped to her hips, holding her against the wall while his
be… Blood Boundaries, or…" She didn't know. She just knew that Draco chest pressed to her back. She felt his breath heavy on her neck.
changed the spells after Bellatrix. "Frisky today."
"Ah, yes," he said, placing his teacup — her teacup, really — on the She panted, her forehead pressing into the wall and her palms still
side table. "That did take a few tries. I had to convince the room that I pushing her as far back as she could.
wasn't here to cause harm to the occupant." Could she call for help? Would Narcissa hear?
Her relief sharpened into irritation when his eyes dripped down to her He pressed his hips forward, and she felt him hard against her
legs again. "If you keep looking at me like that, hopefully the room will backside.
see fit to eject you. Violently." Her mind blanked. A white slate where once she had a brain.
His eyes sparkled. "Oh, no, no. My thoughts are of nothing but Draco was touching her. And he was aroused. And he was dangerous.
mutual pleasure, Granger. Rest assured."
She bristled, then rolled her eyes.
"Wonderful. I'll sleep easier now. Look, Zabini, thanks for dropping by,
but—"
"This doesn't look like a sex dungeon at all, really." He stood,
straightening his unwrinkled robes, and taking in the suite. "I'm quite
disappointed."
She stared at him incredulously. "A sex dungeon," she snorted. "And
where did you get that idea?"
He turned to look at her from where he'd just parted her curtains to
examine the grounds. "Draco."
She blinked, mind twisting to work through it. But of course Draco
would be keeping up the ruse around his friends. She could only hope she
hadn't ruined everything earlier.
He continued, "He's been quite cagey about you, but he managed to
tell us a bit about how you've been occupied."
"My ropes and chains are in the closet," she deadpanned. "Who is 'us,'
exactly?"
Blaise wandered towards her bookshelves.

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 "Excuse me?" She glared at the back of his head. How dare he— "The boys." His fingers drifted over the titles. "At our gatherings." He
"Take them off." eyed her, his features giving away nothing.
He turned to scowl at her lazily, his eyes flinty and dangerous. She felt "Gatherings." She tested the word on her tongue. "Death Eater
a chill down her spine. He'd made her remove her bra the last time they meetings, you mean?"
left the Manor, but what possible reason could there be for wanting her "Not all of us are Death Eaters."
knickers off ? They stared at each other. And Hermione considered her next move
He prowled towards her like a jungle cat, and she stood still as he drew carefully.
closer, aware of the growing pounding in her chest. If she hadn't "Where is Pansy," she asked.
recognized his movements, his carriage, the deft way his fingers twirled his His dark eyes danced over her face, pausing and thinking. "Dead."
wand, she would assume someone had polyjuiced themselves as Draco Hermione felt the wind knocked out of her. She resisted the need to
Malfoy. lean on something. Her fingers tightened in her robe.
But she remembered these eyes from sixth year. Different from his Her mind worked. The last time she'd seen Pansy, she'd been running
own. Something sharp and merciless in them. into Blaise's waiting arms… as he rescued her.
He stopped before her, his chest barely an inch from hers, forcing her Her eyes dug into him. "Why?"
head to tilt back. "For disloyalty to the Dark Lord," he responded smoothly. Too
"Or do I need to take them off myself," he whispered, his breath smoothly.
disturbing the curls on top of her head. "You're lying."
A tingling terror rocketed through her veins. She'd never been truly Blaise paused. Then shrugged, and said, "Ask Draco." He sauntered
afraid of him before. Not when he'd captured her in Umbridge's office into her sleeping area, drawing closer to her and the bed. "He'd be more
with his hand low on her stomach, not when his friends had been casting than—"
killing curses at her in the Room of Requirement. He cut off sharply as his eyes caught on something. She followed his
She searched his eyes. gaze to her bedside table, searching for what he saw. The book she'd fallen
His hands shot out, gripping her elbows and spinning her swiftly, her asleep reading last night, the empty jewelry box, and a candlestick. The
feet tangling with each other. Her chest slammed into the wall, her head book title wasn't anything intriguing — she made sure to always hide the
turning just in time to keep from breaking her nose. The air left her lungs, Occlumency book within another on her shelf. She glanced back at him.
and she struggled to press back. Her hands flat on the wall, but he pressed He frowned, and then turned to her, falling back into his swagger.
one palm to the center of her shoulder blades. "More than happy to give you more information," he finished.
She gasped, mind working quickly over her options. "Wonderful. Anything else? Or can I get dressed now"—he opened his
He was proving a point. mouth—"in privacy."
Or she'd angered him beyond anything she'd experienced. He grinned. "I was just interested in seeing the sex dungeon, but…"
Or this was some kind of dark magic, seducing him and twisting him. he sighed dramatically. "I'm afraid you've let me down."
His fingers on her low back, plucking at the satin slip, pulling it up, up. "Apologies." She moved to her wardrobe, dismissing him.
Her eyes wide, staring at her cream colored wall. "It does tickle me to see how close you and Draco have gotten."
The slip pulled up over her backside, and then his hand was She froze in the middle of shuffling through her clean jumpers. Blaise
underneath, smoothing his fingers up her spine until he found the clasp of leaned against her bedpost, watching her closely.
her bra. A swift twist, and the clasp was undone. "We're not close."
He dragged the strap down one shoulder, his other hand still pressing "Yeah?" He lifted a brow at her. "When's my birthday, Granger?"
her firm against the wall. She pressed her lips together, fighting the blush creeping up her neck.

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 He smirked and sauntered to the door, turned over his shoulder, and $
said, "Or should I call you Hermione? Since we're all on a first-name
basis in this house." She didn't see Draco in person for several days. By the third day, it
With a wink, he disappeared. grimly occurred to her that he might have joined Lucius, wherever he
Hermione closed her eyes and filed away the embarrassment. She was. She concentrated on her Occlumency to keep herself busy, steadily
moved an armchair in front of the door before changing out of her robe increasing her endurance and trying out other techniques as well. When
and into proper clothing. she exhausted herself after a day of practicing, she'd curl up with one of
her fiction books, allowing herself an hour or two of peace and rest.
$ She was in the middle of reading her second favorite Dickens on the
All further news of Draco was passed on from Narcissa. He'd finally fourth day of Draco's absence when her bedroom door opened. She
left his room for the first time a day later. He'd walked by himself through looked up from her wingback chair, startled to see him in the doorway.
the Manor's gardens on the next, and finally on Monday, he'd left the He usually knocked.
Manor for the first time. "Yes?"
Hermione kept her curiosity to herself, wondering where Draco went, He stared down at her, his mouth in a hard line. "Get changed.
how he spent his free time—afraid to hear that it was official Death Eater Something presentable."
business that had called him away. She blinked down at herself. She was in leggings and a jumper. She
She looked for him in the mornings from her window, hoping to glimpse supposed she wasn't quite prepared for company, but she didn't expect to
him walking through the grounds, testing his new ribs, but she never spotted have any.
him. On Tuesday she decided to resume her daily library visits. After a late She stood, closing her book. "Where are we going?"
breakfast, she pushed open the doors, intent to dive deeper into Occlumency He was silent. She rolled her eyes and headed to her wardrobe. She
after her routine sweep of the Horcrux information. looked at him as she pulled open the doors, lifting a brow. "Any requests?"
She followed her normal path straight to where the book mentioning A flick of his fingers and something satin barreled forward into her
Horcruxes lay, tucked between two large, leather-bound tomes in the face. She plucked it off of her head and glared at him. It was a slip.
Dark Arts section. Practically a négligée.
It wasn't there. Hermione blinked, checking the surrounding shelves. "Be quick about it," he said, words short and chilled. She closed her
The misplaced book was nowhere to be found. mouth, biting back her retort. He turned to eye her bookshelves as she
Her heart pounded as she weighed her options. After a minute or two, exited to the bathroom.
she cleared her throat and chanced asking the catalog. But the book finder Something was wrong. He was under some kind of stress or… She
glowed a dim red, indicating the absence of such a book in the library. shook her head, swallowing her apprehension. He'd gotten her this far,
Someone else was reading the only book in the vast Malfoy library hadn't he? So what if he was in a bad mood. She'd seen worse.
containing information on Horcruxes. She shucked her leggings and jumper, pulling the satin over herself.
Vibrating with anxiety and indecision, Hermione paced. Had Lucius She grimaced at her reflection, looking much more like a whore –
tracked what she'd been reading, pulling it to stop her research—or to reminding her of her place outside of the Manor. She pulled the slip up,
better understand her interest? Did the Malfoys even know about the tightening the straps over her bra, smoothing the fabric over her knickers.
Horcruxes? Lucius had Tom Riddle's diary for years before ensuring its When she came out of the bathroom, he was still staring at the
delivery to Hogwarts, but hadn't Harry told her that Dumbledore bookshelf, unblinking. She moved to the door, ready to follow him.
doubted he even knew what it truly was? "Who gave you permission to wear those undergarments?"
Without a way to deduce the answers to her building questions, she She tripped over the carpets, stopping and staring back at him.

167 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 172

the world." She shifted in her seat, lifting a brow at Draco's dark decided she had even more reason now to focus her attention on
expression. "How did you adjust the wards after your aunt's visit?" Occlumency.
His jaw clenched. "It's based on intent to harm." She was able to find several other books in the library to help with
"And you still won't tell me why it is that the Malfoy family has no some of the more advanced practices, including how to fend off an attack
intent to harm me?" of Legilimency. The first Occlumency book she'd taken from the library
His lips pressed together, refusing to answer. She sighed, shoulders only covered the basics, such as concentration and meditation. One of the
sagging. advanced techniques that had resonated with her was thinking of her
"Well, if you could also include 'intent to pester,' that would be much mind as a bookcase or a series of shelves. Her introductory textbook had
appreciated." a short summary on it, and she'd experimented with it before using pure
The blood rushed to her head as she moved to stand. The intuition. But now she had pages of detail and theory at her fingertips.
Occlumency had drained her far more than she'd thought, and she There were ideas of bringing other memories forward—or, in her
stumbled back against the arm of the chair. case, displaying a memory on an easily reachable shelf. Although the
A hand on her elbow. Her head pounded as she squeezed her eyes techniques were incredibly advanced, Hermione couldn't help but soak in
shut, registering that Draco was touching her. When she opened her eyes the information, always seduced by the most challenging ideas.
and righted herself, he said, "You should be careful next time. It can be Hours later, Hermione sat in one of the grand armchairs, facing a
very draining." large window that overlooked the pond as she focused her mind on still
She blinked to find him staring down at her, body close and fingers still waters and hidden shelves. She tried to bring forward only memories of
light on her arm. He wobbled on his feet, looking pale. her parents, a process that involved the effort to push things onto different
"You're still injured," she said. "You should be careful as well." shelves. She thought less and less of her parents as she stared at the pond
His eyes danced over her face, a hint of a smirk on his lips. "We're from the window, and focused on the memories that were always at the
quite a pair, aren't we?" forefront of her mind.
Her skin tingled even after his fingers lifted from her arm. He offered Draco's bare shoulders as he sucked the poison from her.
to accompany her back to her room so she could rest. She could feel the The silence of Ron's scream for her from across the stage at the Palace.
air between them as they walked, every sound of footsteps on the marble A body flying backwards, hitting the pillar of a gazebo.
echoing in her mind. They were slow to climb the stairs, his ribs still Harry's small frame in Hagrid's arms.
healing and her head still throbbing, but at every corner they turned she Hissing lips, spitting acid at her from the audience of a grand theatre.
could have sworn she felt the ghost of a hand on her back, guiding her, The dried blood on Ginny's temple as she turned to her, pale skin
steadying her. translucent in the spotlight.
He walked her to her door, and perhaps it was her pounding head that Hermione took each of them, holding them like books, and placed
made her dizzy with the ludicrous comparison that he'd just walked her them on tall shelves, or shoved their thin spines inside of larger ones,
back to her flat at the end of a date. His eyes drifted over her as she hiding them on bottom shelves. She pulled forward the memory of her
nodded at him in thanks, and when she shut her door, she leaned up parents taking her to the circus. Her mother's perfume bottle as it was
against the cool wood, listening for his delayed footsteps back to his own replaced on the vanity. Her father's easy laugh at unfunny jokes. An entire
room, trying not to think about how his lips might have felt against hers if shelf was open at eye-level, now that she'd replaced the other thoughts.
he'd claimed them in a goodnight kiss. She filled it with happy memories of her parents.
She woke the next morning to a large pot of coffee at her bedside When she brought forward the memory of her mother's hand
table. clutching hers in the balcony of the Palace Theatre as the first of them
died on the barricade, she heard an echo of dark voices. Voices that

171 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 168

screamed for her to bend over and strip. Voices that shouted her worth in She sucked in a deep breath, and his bare chest, his broken ribs, his
Galleons. bloody lips, his cool eyes — they all fell off the shelf.
A book on the bottom shelf of her mind slid forward, begging to be Her eyes stung, as if she'd looked directly into the sun. She pinched
opened. them closed and pressed her hand over her forehead, blocking out the
She focused on pushing it away again. light.
"Granger." She felt the advanced Occlumency book slither away from her lap,
Her eyes blinked. She was staring at the pond from a deep armchair in lifted away from her.
the Manor's library. "You're too expressive for this specific technique," he muttered. "It will
The books inside her mind shivered, thrumming with the energy it be obvious that something is wrong with you." She listened to him turn
took for her to contain them—to keep them in place. Only happy the page, and then close the book with a snap. "You skipped intermediate
memories of her parents. studies?"
"Granger," someone said again. "Of course," she said, her lips pulling in the ghost of a smirk. Her
She swam back to herself. There was someone next to her. But if she head spun. She felt like she'd been awake for days. "Did you expect
looked at him, the books would fall off their shelves and she'd be left only anything less of me?"
with bare shoulders and crumpled bodies and silky voices— Her eyes slipped open, staring at the pond through the window again.
"You're feeling better?" she asked, drawing breath from her lungs and She tried to grasp onto the idea of still waters, calming her racing mind,
preparing to look away from the pond and the still waters. "How are your but her energy was depleted.
ribs?" "It can be exhausting," he said, barely a whisper.
She focused her mind, called upon her strength to keep her shields up. She nodded, drowsiness in her veins. "I'll just ask the kitchens for tea."
Her heart pounded with an excitement to see him again. And she quieted A pause. And then: "You don't drink coffee anymore?"
that book, pushing it away. Her mind startled to attention. She looked up at him. He was flipping
"Better," his voice rumbled. through the pages of another advanced Occlumency book, his question
Breathing deep, she turned her eyes to him, taking in a tall body floating innocently between them.
leaning slightly to the right, and curious eyes gazing down at her. She did prefer coffee. In fact, she only drank tea with honey because
Only happy memories of her parents. she'd seen him drinking it for the past seven years. Some insane notion to
Her gaze flitted away, her energy focused on the bookshelves in her feel closer to him.
mind. "We have coffee," he offered softly, eyes still on the book.
"How was your birthday?" She knew her own lips had asked the "Thank you. I'll… I'll ask for coffee next time." She wanted to pry, to
question, but the voice was unfamiliar to her. "Were you able to enjoy it—?" dig into this observation. But she had more pressing questions while she
"Look at me." had him here. "How is Pansy?"
She felt the command in her bones. Turning her head to him, finding She watched his eyes harden. A swift close of the book. "She's dead."
his grey eyes, she saw him twitch at the sight of her. He looked down at "How?"
the book in her lap, then back up at her. "She was killed for her disloyalty to the Dark Lord."
Hermione saw him through a haze, recognizing him, but also failing to She frowned, watching him closely. "Those were Zabini's exact words
place him. Her body filled with cotton, her head filled with dust. as well. Curious."
She blinked, and it was like he swam back into focus. Draco Malfoy His eyes snapped to her. "When did you speak to Blaise?" There was a
stood next to her, staring down at her with concern. bite in his words, and she felt the ice from his eyes.
Her bookshelf cracked, and the texts fell open at her feet. "He stopped by. Entered my room and drank my tea without a care in

169 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 170

 "Where will he be seeing 'more of me,'" she said, repeating Nott's A hand between her shoulders – just like earlier – shoved her sharply
words from earlier. until she fell to her knees. Draco's shoes in her eye line.
Draco pressed his lips together in a fine line, and glared at the stone Hadn't taken his shoes off. Wasn't that a phrase? She tried to remember.
floor. "We'll be going out on Friday." "How are you enjoying your accommodations?" Voldemort's voice slid
Her pulse pounded. The only other time she'd gone "out," they'd over her skin, his meaning not lost on her. "Everything you'd hoped it
visited Hogwarts. "What does that mean?" would be and more?"
"There is a party every weekend. You've had Dragon Pox for four He cackled. She kept her eyes cast down. The slip hung forward off
weeks, too ill to attend." His voice dripped with cold irritation. "And now, her body. Her chest still sticky.
you are no longer ill." She re-lived the entire experience from moments ago. She pulled the
"What kind of party?" Her voice cracked. shelf towards her, letting those images flutter in front of her mind. Her
His eyes drilled into her with a look that said, You know. cream-colored walls. The sound of his grunting.
Trying to keep her breath steady under the weight of her ribs, she "Let's have her out and about more, Draco. It would be good for
realized something. "Are there other Lots there?" morale to see her like this, maybe teach a few others about their place."
When he nodded, her heart skipped a beat, her mind running wild The words bubbled beneath her skin. She blinked, drawing a shallow
with the opportunities— breath. Think of a lake with still waters.
"The Weasleys are never in attendance," he said, clearly reading her. A "I assume you've broken her in?"
heavy silence. "They don't tend to play nice with others." "She's a work in progress, my Lord. But I am enjoying the challenge."
She stared up at him, feeling a familiar irritation surge through her. The voice echoed, slipping into her mind.
"And will I be expected to 'play nice?'" "So you've finally taken her?" came Voldemort's low timbre.
His eyes flashed at her, and he said, "You're too smart not to." "Yes, my Lord. Several times now." A low chuckle. "In fact, I must
He was right. She'd been looking for a way out of the Manor. And apologize for our tardiness."
now that she'd gotten it, she wouldn't spoil it. She felt her body being lifted, like a hook in her back, pulling her up to
Turning on his heel, much like Snape used to, he swept to the stairs face Voldemort.
and paused at the first step, inviting her to follow. They wound up the A lake that stretches into the sunset. Waters still. Depths below them.
back staircase in silence, avoiding the route that passed the library, and She breathed deep into her tight chest, but it was like a shark fin
arrived in their shared hallway with a series of twists and turns that cutting through the waters—
Hermione hadn't been able to memorize yet. Voldemort was in her mind again.
He paused outside her door, and she turned to him. "Friday?" The cream walls in her bedroom.
"At ten." Her gasp of pain.
Her mouth fell open. "In the evening?" "Take my cock so good, don't you."
He lifted a brow and deadpanned, "Do you have an early exam in the Her fingers scratching at his face blindly—
morning, Granger?" Draco above her, eyes vacant as he stroked himself.
And it was so familiar, and so dramatic, and so normal… Her lips The sound of her clothes ripping.
twitched, and she had to tilt her chin away to keep from smiling at him. The grunt from his throat as his hand twisted in her hair, the sound of
She pushed open her bedroom door and saw him step back in the his come hitting her chest—
corner of her eye, giving her a wide berth of space to enter her room She was alone.
unimpeded. Casting one last glance at him, she asked, "Are you expected On the floor of the drawing room. Staring at Draco's shoes. Listening
to join them now? The Notts?" to Voldemort cackle.

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 There were still knives in her mind, slowly sliding their serrated edges Possibly twenty minutes later, she heard the grate at the top of the
through her. The spines of her books were sawed in half. She felt the slow stairs creak open. Scrambling to a pillar out of instinct, her blood was still
seeping of her energy leaving her. pumping furiously when recognizable boots stomped down the stone
Her eyes refocused. She'd missed something along the lines of "Was it steps, followed by thin legs she knew.
good for you, Mudblood Granger?" And a hissing laugh. Then silence; "What the fuck, Granger?" he hissed before he even fully appeared in
long enough for her ears to stop ringing. the opening of the stairs.
"Your aunt intimated that your treatment of the Mudblood was "There are people getting out?" Her skin tingled with the questions
somewhat… 'unique,' Draco. I would have come sooner to see for myself, she needed answered.
had I not been preoccupied. But I can see now that she was mistaken." "What don't you understand about 'stay in your room—'"
Footsteps, pausing in front of her bowed head. "Yes," he purred, voice "Who? How many?"
low and soft. "You're no more than a common, filthy whore, are you, "—fucking idiot sometimes, you know that?"
Mudblood? You should consider yourself lucky to be covered in a "Answer the damn question!"
Pureblood's seed." "I don't know!" The shout silenced them both. He swallowed, the
Her fingers pressed into the marble. Her nails breaking, pulling tension thick and heavy around them. And then, more quietly: "It's just
backwards. She held the pain close to her. whispers and gossip at this point—"
"... some information from you, Mudblood. Thank you for obliging." "Could Harry have gotten out?" As soon as the words left her lips, she
And then the hook pulled at her ribs again, drawing her limp body knew it was absurd — even before she saw the expression on Draco's face.
upwards. He was about to look into her again. There were cool waters Still, she whispered, "Is Harry alive?"
somewhere, hidden behind a mountain range. If only she could see them. He stared at her as if she were a ghost. "Granger," he said slowly, like
There were books. Somewhere there were books she had to close— she could break. "I have no reason to believe that Potter is alive." He tilted
Her head tilted back. Eyes opening, focusing. Lucius stood ten paces his head at her. "Do you?"
behind Voldemort, his gaze intense on her. Voldemort's long fingers She considered the information that Voldemort had been looking for.
pressed under her chin until she met his eyes. The possibility that Harry had two souls inside of himself…
Red fire dissolved to emerald green. She blinked, and Harry was Draco stepped forward, still watching her warily. "Do you really
before her listening to her babble excitedly. believe that if Potter were alive, he would have allowed the Auction to
"It must have been Fiendfyre!" she said, chest heaving with exertion, take place? That he wouldn't have been storming the gates every day
staring down at the broken pieces of Ravenclaw's Diadem. you've been here?"
"Sorry?" Harry's face was stained with dirt, his glasses foggy with heat. Looking up at him, blinking quickly, she felt her heart breaking again,
"Fiendfyre – cursed fire – it's one of the substances that destroy just as it had in the courtyard when she'd seen his small body in Hagrid's
Horcruxes, but I would never, ever have dared use it, it's so dangerous—" arms.
And then they were younger. Ron stood next to her in Grimmauld She turned away, her fingers playing with a thread on her jumper.
Place, whispering to her behind a Christmas wreath. "No. No, I suppose you're right. It was an unfounded theory." She closed
"He said he was the snake. He said he attacked my dad." her eyes, struggling to collect herself. She took a deep breath. "Nott is
"But Ron, that's impossible—" here to use the library?"
"I know, I know." Running his fingers through his messy hair, Ron "Yes."
looked for eavesdroppers over her head—right where Voldemort's "And why did I have Dragon Pox?"
consciousness hung, like a cape on her shoulders. "Dumbledore seemed His tired eyes sharpened as they ran across her face, remembering his
like he knew it. Like he guessed it. That Harry saw it from the snake. And irritation with her. "It doesn't matter now."

182 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 202

in the dungeons before. Only Harry and Ron had been dragged down then he started lying. Said he saw it from above. Why would he lie,
here while Bellatrix kept her upstairs. The air was thick and moist, and Hermione—"
there seemed to be a draft coming from somewhere. A squeezing twist, and she was in Charms class turning vinegar into
Moving to the stairs, she found her feet couldn't climb. Mippy had cast wine, straining to hear Flitwick's instructions from across the room. Harry
a ward against her leaving the dungeon. She huffed and leaned against cast a Muffliato Charm and whispered to her and Ron about his meeting
the stones. Perhaps she'd regret vexing Mippy later, but the information with Dumbledore the night before.
she'd learned had been worth it. "The diary's gone, the ring's gone. The cup, the locket, and the snake
People were successfully getting out. She considered Liverpool — at are still intact. And there's a sixth that was either Ravenclaw's or
first glance, not a particularly important location. But it was close to the Gryffindor's," Harry said.
water. The Apparition Line. "Are you sure there's only six?" she asked.
Her mind whirred. George and Angelina's attacks had been "Dumbledore was sure. Said he made six, with his own soul as the
deliberately planned away from Liverpool. Diversions. seventh piece."
She desperately wanted to know who had escaped. Was it anyone she Her mind whipped around, and she found herself standing next to
knew? Any of the Lots? Had Ron or Ginny gotten out? Ron in a sea of students, watching Harry and Draco duel in their second
A cold shiver passed over her. year. She flinched when Draco produced a snake from his wand, her
If Voldemort was looking for Harry in her mind… stomach roiling as Harry hissed at it. She felt her world slow, and then
If there was any chance that Harry had survived the Final Battle… almost rewind.
She chewed on her lip, thinking. Voldemort stood over her as she helplessly watched Harry spit
Perhaps he'd gotten out somehow, preparing to regroup… Parseltongue at the snake again. There was a pause as Voldemort
Her eyes drifted up, catching on the dark corners of the dungeon. examined the memory for a third time.
There was no way for her to know. Not right now, anyway. Hermione felt her mind screaming. She needed to get him out, to slam
Hermione stepped forward into the shadows and examined the space. these books shut. But she hadn't been prepared.
She hadn't considered that the dungeons would be worth looking into There was a slippery sensation inside of her consciousness. Something
before — there would be no way out down here for certain. far gentler in her mind. Instead of sharp blades, it was like a table knife
One torch lit the room, flickering near the stairs. There were shackles slipping through butter.
and chains mounted to the walls and an ominous table with cuffs, A jerk in her mind, and the knives cut through other spines, looking,
something dating back centuries. searching.
A small blanket folded carefully lay next to a stone pillar. Beside it, a She stood over Harry's sleeping form. In the tent. Just months ago.
game of jacks and a few cards belonging to an Exploding Snap set. Hermione watched with shallow breaths as he thrashed in his sleep,
Luna. snarling words from dreams that clearly weren't his.
Hermione swallowed. Luna had been kept here. And according to her, "Stand aside, you silly girl. . . stand aside now. This is my last warning—"
Draco had visited with her. Kept her company and told her about what Hermione reached down to wake him, fingers shaking. "Avada Kedavra!"
was happening at school. he hissed. She stumbled back, mouth open in silent horror. But the green
This is where prisoners were kept. This should have been light never came.
where she was kept. A wave of grief crashed over her, knowing that She stared down at his shaggy hair, sticking to his forehead with cold
countless friends and classmates had been kept in similar locations for the sweat. She held the chain of the locket in one hand, having severed it
past few months. She simmered in her own thoughts, staving off tears by from his chest earlier. She felt Voldemort hovering over Harry, and she
focusing on what she'd just heard about Liverpool. tried to move—tried to shield Harry from his vicious eyes.

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 But the other presence in her mind, calmer and less violent, stood Narcissa stood, and the icy look she concentrated on Hermione froze
behind her. Almost as if he was a passenger, just flitting through wherever her heart.
Voldemort took him. "What have I told you about wandering the Manor?" Narcissa hissed.
The pounding in her head was rocking her, the vision of Harry Hermione's mouth gaped open, and she scrambled for a role to play.
starting to blur with black spots. "Please—it's not what you think. I'm sorry—"
Still, Voldemort slithered over him on the bunk, watching as he "Not nearly as sorry as you will be," said Narcissa, her voice soft and
thrashed and hissed in Parseltongue. She felt the panic in her lungs, venomous.
seizing her ribs. She couldn't breathe any longer. "Hmm," said Nott. "She doesn't look like she has Dragon Pox to me."
And then she was alone. Her body collapsed to the stones on the The room took a breath. She looked up to Nott Sr.'s withered face
drawing room floor, her head lolling to the side as she panted. A blur of from her place at his feet. He leered down at her.
images, focusing and refocusing. "Of course she doesn't. Draco just doesn't like to share," Theo said
Draco's shoes still next to her. Unmoving. with a chuckle. Hermione flicked her eyes over to where Theo grinned at
Her vision refocused, and she saw Voldemort looming above her, red her.
eyes narrowed down at her in thought. Behind him, Lucius took a sip "Not at all, I assure you," Draco said casually. "But you're right about
from his glass. Smooth movements. Like a knife through butter. the Dragon Pox. It turned out to be some Muggle disease. Something
There was no cackle of victory. No savage revenge for her knowledge filthy that she brought in with her."
about his most precious secret. "We're very careful with Dragon Pox in this family," Narcissa said to
Just a sizzling silence. Nott. "Lucius' father died from it, you remember."
Darkness. Nott lifted the tip of his cane to her chin, tilting her face back with the
She blinked, re-waking, drifting in and out of consciousness. cold end. Hermione swallowed and met his eyes. "So, we'll be seeing more
When she focused, Draco's shoes were still there. Lucius hadn't moved. of her then?" His double meaning wasn't lost on her as the end of his
But Voldemort was walking to the windows, looking out over the gardens. cane trailed down her neck and tugged at the collar of her jumper.
"My Lord?" Lucius offered. "Are you finished with the Mudblood? "I expect so," Draco grit out.
She's drooling on my marble." "Good. We purchased a male slave, you know. Excellent for labor, but
Hermione tried to close her mouth, but her body was boneless. obviously limited in other uses." He laughed, and Hermione's stomach
Voldemort didn't respond. Hermione drifted into the darkness again, roiled.
and when she reappeared, no one had moved. "Mippy!" Narcissa called. The pop of the elf appearing. "Take the
And then, "Take her out," hissed from the windows. "I don't need Mudblood back to the dungeons. Make sure she stays there."
anything else from her." Like a slice to her stomach, hearing Narcissa use that word. She
A cold hand on her elbow, yanking her. Sweaty palms on her blinked away her fuzzy vision as the end of Nott's cane began to dip
shoulders, and pale arms around her waist. below her collar. Mippy's hand wrapped around her wrist, and then she
As Draco dragged her out, she heard a murmur across the room was squeezed through, arriving…
—"My Lord. I would like to be of assistance." In the dungeons.
The drawing room door shut. She turned on her knees to face the little elf.
More hands, cool and soft. Holding her face, tipping potions into her "Mippy is sorry! Mippy tells Miss to stay upstairs!" Mippy's lips
mouth. Long blonde hair brushing her temple as she sagged into willowy trembled, and then she Disapparated.
shoulders. She gagged, turning to spew on the stones. A whispered Hermione stood, spinning in a circle as she took in her surroundings,
cleaning spell. Another potion poured into her mouth, drowning her. expecting a dragon to emerge from the shadows. She'd never been down

184 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 200

back to Narcissa, as if Draco hadn't spoken at all. "Wherever has Lucius Temporary relief from the daggers and butter knives in her mind.
run off to?" Her mind…
A tense pause before Draco's voice lilted, "A confidential request from She focused.
the Dark Lord." Her books… Her shelves of memories and spines of purple and gold
Hermione watched Nott smile slowly. and periwinkle. They were ruined. Shredded open and destroyed.
"Our family is honored to serve him," Narcissa said. She swayed. A lighter grip on her shoulders, supporting her. A vice
Theo waved his glass carelessly. "Does it have anything to do with around her right wrist.
what's happening in France?" "Collect yourself," a woman hissed near her ear. But it wasn't directed
Three heads turned to face him. Mistaking their reactions as at her. "You might be needed back inside."
impressed, he continued, "We're in his confidence as well, you know. No The blonde woman turned her around, and she caught a glimpse of a
use in putting on airs around us." Hermione watched as Nott Sr. frowned pale, thin boy just inches away, panting with his forehead against the wall,
at his son. choking sounds coming from his throat.
Narcissa took the lead and spoke softly. "I'm sure I don't know, Theo. She felt a pressure ease on her wrist as the woman steered her toward
The mission was between Lucius and the Dark Lord." the stairs, a sweaty hand releasing its grip on her.
Theo nodded and sipped from his glass, oblivious to his father's The woman helped her up the steps, one at a time, brushing a hand
exasperated glare across the room. through her curls like her mother used to.
"As your husband has sensitive orders from the Dark Lord, so do I," At the top of the staircase came a pop!
Nott said smoothly. "I appreciate your graciousness as always, Narcissa." "Missus is needed!"
"Be that as it may, sir, my father's not at home. Nor is he asking for The sound grated against Hermione's fragile mind.
assistance in yours." A delicate pause. "How can we be of service to you in "I will be right there—"
your research?" Draco spoke with the elegant disdain of the upper class. He "Master says now! Master is going with Dark Lord!"
looked better, healthier. His hair was clean, and his skin clear again. A pause. A curse against her shoulder.
A prolonged silence. And then: "It concerns the Apparition line. And "Hermione, dear. It's just a few more steps to your room. I will send
the incident in Liverpool last week." the elves in with more potions."
Hermione's heart pounded. The last time she'd heard of the Apparition She barely registered the words. Her mind felt raw, flayed open.
line had been at Dover Castle, where people were trying to get out. Something whispered soothingly against her temple, and then she was
"We're looking for texts on obscure wards, ones they're less likely to—" standing alone at the top of a staircase.
Nott Sr. cut off. She heard him mutter something, and just as she The portraits were silent. The hallway felt thick as she moved towards
leaned in closer to hear better, the door banged open, revealing her there her door, but her head began clearing.
in the doorway. There was a moment—years ago, it felt like—when she had trudged
Four pairs of eyes turned to her as her blood ran cold. Draco shifted this hallway, feeling her imminent rape and torture pressing down on her,
on his feet, one hand putting down his drink while his other reached for before she'd seen the suite, before she'd met Narcissa, before she'd had
his wand. His eyes were murderous. warm lips suck poison from her.
"Ah-ha!" Nott said. "The little filth just triggered my Eavesdropping Hermione stood at her bedroom door now. She hadn't been raped in
Charm." this room.
Hermione was deciding if running would even be an option as Nott's She'd been violated, but not raped.
wand flicked, and her body was brought into the room, zooming through Draco had violated her today, because he should have been doing
furniture to tumble at their feet. much worse for the past month.

199 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 185

 He'd been clever and cunning. He'd found a way to keep her And if someone was downstairs discussing Death Eater business…
untouched, to keep from taking the one thing she had left to give. He'd Perhaps Lucius was back?
played his role well—as had she. The need for answers, the need to be useful, the need to not just sit
But at what cost? here and wait for something else awful to happen to her — those needs
She pushed open her bedroom door and found a catastrophe. won out.
Coughing, she waded through the heavy smoke. Her chairs knocked She slipped through her door, looking both ways as if she was about to
over and cushions exploded. The curtains on her windows were burning, cross a dangerous street. Her feet were soft on the marble as she
still sizzling in some places, the fire contained by the room's wards. Harsh descended the stairs, stopping at the bottom to stare at the fireplaces,
sunlight pierced through the haze. To her right, the bookcase smoked, expecting an entire dinner party to pour through the fire at any moment.
pages fluttering to the ground still. Copies destroyed, spines burst apart, The drawing room door was closed. She suspected that was where
covers burning. Narcissa Malfoy entertained guests. But she was sure to be caught if she
Feathers covered her mattress. Her bedposts had cracked, and canopy stood in the doorway with her ear pressed to the wood. She tried to think.
tilted to the side. There was a rarely used ballroom attached to the drawing room. She
She tried to rationalize. She tried to find the cause. suspected it was for parties and grand affairs. There was little chance
And a chilling dread sunk into her as she realized she did this. anyone would be walking that direction if they were leaving the drawing
Her magic. room.
She'd been attacked, and her magic had responded. Hermione hurried through the corridor, sweeping past the kitchens
As they'd left, he'd dragged her from the room, putting out flames as and all the little hiding spots she'd memorized in the past two months.
she focused on his come on her chest. Pushing open the backdoor to the ballroom as slowly as she could, she
She turned to her bookcase, staring at her companions over the past saw there was no one inside and dashed to the door leading to the
weeks. Burnt. Flayed. Gone. drawing room. It was cracked open.
The bookcase in her mind shivered. She'd been so careful to save the Peeking through the door, she found Narcissa seated in an armchair,
Malfoys today that she'd forgotten to save Harry. an untouched glass of brandy next to her. Draco stood to her side,
A sob shook her, and she found wet tears already on her cheeks. She holding a Firewhisky. A thin older man paced in front of them, using a
leaned forward on the broken shelves. cane but still moving deftly through the room. When he turned,
Her priorities had shifted somewhere. She'd thought Harry was safe, Hermione saw his face.
dead in the ground. But she'd betrayed him. Nott, Sr.
Her knees ached. She'd fallen onto them. She searched the rest of the room and found a thin boy examining the
Harry was dead. Ron was lost. And she was playing house with the paintings on the wall. Theodore. She watched him sip his Firewhisky and
Malfoys. sneer at the taste while his back was turned to the room.
She'd failed. Her ears honed in.
Her vision spotted as she sucked in air, head pounding, heart breaking. "...project that needs quite a bit of research. Theo and I were hoping
Harry was dead. He wasn't coming back. to spend the day in your library. Privately, if we may."
And she'd just told Voldemort that he was a Horcrux. "I see," Narcissa said. "I do wish Lucius was here to assist you, but of
She couldn't fathom why Voldemort wanted that information. But course you're welcome to—"
she'd betrayed the entire last year of her life by offering it to him. "May I ask what kind of project?" Draco cut in coolly.
If only she'd thought to protect what was most important, instead of Theo turned to look at him. Nott took a long sip from his glass. "A
what was convenient. confidential request from the Dark Lord," he said with a smirk. And then

186 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 198

 It had been ten days since the incident in the hallway, and Hermione A wailing sob shook her, breaking her eardrums as her fingers clawed
was halfway through the first volume of Medieval Magical Europe. She at the bookshelf. She sat like that for what felt like hours.
sighed and snapped it closed, having finished another useless chapter. A waxy hand on her shoulder. A whispered, "Miss?"
Considering Blaise again and his rescue of Pansy, she realized that She shook her head, heaving for air. She didn't want to be treated this
Draco surely knew of his plans. Had he not bought her? Was he not way. Like she was something precious.
shocked to hear that only one slave arrived that night? Hermione "Mippy will fix?"
hummed into her coffee cup, and thought of what information she could She choked, panting and sobbing. She shook her head. "I can't stay
pry from Draco if only they could talk again, like they used to. Thinking here. I can't—I can't sleep here."
back to the gazebo, she knew he was open to giving her information. Little fingers wrapped around her arm, and with a squeeze, she was in
What did Draco know about the tattoos and their removal? a different guest room, smaller and darker.
She sipped her coffee, breathing in the moist air between the vines. Mippy guided her to bed, pressing potions to her lips.
The conservatory windows stretched to the ceiling in a wide dome, She took them without question, begging the world to release her.
allowing all the sunlight in. She sometimes saw Hix, the grounds elf,
trimming and watering the trees and plants, but there was no movement
except the gentle rustle of branches stretching toward the light.
So when the pop of apparition cracked across the leaves and flowers,
Hermione dropped her coffee cup, shattering it when Mippy arrived in
front of her.
"Miss!"
Her hand flew to her chest, calming her own heartbeat. Her blood ran
cold at the elf's terrified eyes.
"Miss has to go to her room!" Mippy extended a hand. "Mippy takes
you now!"
She gathered her books with fumbling fingers, remembering the
daggers of red eyes and the burning books—
With a squeeze, Mippy popped them away and into her bedroom.
"Is it the Dark Lord?" Hermione asked, voice trembling.
"No, Miss. Missus and Master Draco has visitors! It's not being safe for
Miss downstairs." Mippy wrung her hands and disappeared with
another pop!
Hermione stared at the spot where the little girl elf had been, feeling
her fear shift to curiosity.
Visitors. She'd never known the Malfoys to have friends to drop by for a
friendly chat.
A small war raged inside her chest. Mippy had made it seem urgent
that she was not found downstairs. But this safety — this complacency,
waiting for other people to control what happened to her — it would get
her nowhere.

197 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 187

 Stopping in front of him, she waited. His eyes didn't flicker upward.
He stared off, across the floor, glazed eyes and held breath.
"Thank you for my books," she whispered.
She watched his throat swallow. Her chest was tight with the desire for
normalcy, for where they had been before. Her hand lifted, fingers
stretched to touch—
His grey eyes flickered to meet hers. Hollow. Her hand dropped. She
continued moving through the corridor, pushing aside her thundering heart
and her aching chest — her desire to comfort and bring color back to his
skin.
When she reached the end of the hallway, she looked back and found
a thin figure still leaning against the wall, bleeding into the background of
his own manor.

$
Lucius Malfoy still had not returned. It had been two weeks since he'd
left with Voldemort, and still the questions swirled in her mind. He'd
offered "assistance" — whatever that meant. She remembered the feeling
of two presences in her mind in the drawing room, one smoother and
dull. She was fairly certain that Lucius had seen what Voldemort did in
her mind, but she hadn't the faintest idea what he'd chosen to do what
that information.
She sat in the Conservatory, staring out at the July day with a book in
her lap. It was the closest she'd gotten to the outdoors. At first, after
running into Draco, she'd been hesitant to leave her routine of library to
conservatory to library to bed. But as the days passed, she grew anxious to
see him. If she was going to help the Order, she needed to be on good
terms with him. She needed his access, his information. Knowingly or
unknowingly.
She began seeing Narcissa again. Reading and taking long walks
through the Manor, in places she could easily be seen. If Draco realized
that she was letting things return to "normal," then perhaps so could he.
Narcissa tried to make up for the absence of the others by meeting
Hermione in the mornings for tea (and coffee) and chatting about novels
and holidays and other things normal people discussed. When the guilt
gnawed at her insides, Hermione reminded herself that their
conversations might make it back to Draco. She tried not to let herself
think about whether he was sleeping, or whether he'd put on any weight.
THE AUCTION ● 196
 D.M.
She wondered what Blaise knew about the tattoos. Though Pansy’s
tattoo hadn't been activated by the estate, he must have known
something about them in order to remove hers. She could have asked him
weeks ago if her head had been in the right place.
A new book arrived on her bedroom shelf every morning. In the
evenings, after a long day's work in the library, she'd reward herself by
perusing its hundred-year-old pages, willing herself not to think about

14
how the book had gotten there.
After a frustrating day of making little progress, she decided on a
change of scenery. Hermione took several history books and headed
toward the Conservatory. The air there was clear and easy on her mind.
Passing the kitchens and the dining room, she wound her way toward the
western wing of the Manor.
She heard his footsteps before she saw him.
Her steps faltered, and she squeezed the books into her chest. Not his
Death Eater boots. They made a harsher sound against the marble.
She stood in the middle of the corridor leading to the western wing,
like a broomstick accident waiting to happen.
He turned the corner, twenty paces away, eyes fixed on a stack of
parchment in his hand. He looked thinner, if possible. Bones protruding
from his face and chest like knives.
His eyes glanced up at her when he was halfway down the corridor. he slept for three days.
His body jolted, dropping half his paperwork. She could see the violet
bruises of exhaustion under his eyes from halfway across the room.
Sucking in a rattling breath, she watched as his gaze dropped to the
marble, his knees shaky as he bent to pick up the papers he'd fumbled. He
S Mippy kept the room dark for her, mindful of her pounding head.
The elf woke her once every morning to pour a potion down her
throat, and to ask if "miss wants to walk."
Miss did not want to walk.
stood and pressed back against the wall, eyes cast down. Apart from forcing a few bites of food down when the trays would
And she was reminded of the first years that would jump out of the appear and dragging herself to the toilet once or twice, Hermione lay in
Slytherin King's path whenever he swept down the Hogwarts corridors. bed all day, waiting for her next dosage.
But to look at him now... Hermione had disjointed dreams while she was under the pain
He waited, allowing her to pass with as little disturbance of the air she potions. In some dreams, Draco's hand would hover on her lower back as
breathed as possible. She propelled her feet forward, feeling like she was they walked the grounds, and then he'd turn and abruptly slam her
passing through another cloud of grief, just aching to find the clean air against a tree, ripping at her clothing and jerking his hips against her
and light again. while she struggled and scratched at him. Other dreams started with him
She thought of her bookcase, a slow-growing apology, a rebuilding of over her, pushing her face into the mattress, and then evolved into
sorts. She thought of pale fingers on her wrist, breaking the capillaries something softer, slower, a breathtaking rhythm while he kissed her deeply.
and bruising the bones, unable to let go.
195 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 188
 Draco didn't appear outside of her subconscious, and she didn't All three leatherbound copies had lived through terrible things.
expect him to. She could still hear the choking, gagging sounds he'd made She could do the same.
outside the drawing room. On the second night, she stared for what felt
like hours at the round bruises on her wrist, not remembering when he'd $
made them. She was half asleep when she finally remembered the vice- After a full afternoon of research, she slept for the first time without a
like grip from a sweaty palm as Narcissa had turned her toward the stairs. potion. When she woke in the morning, gold-tinted sunlight shimmering
Narcissa visited the smaller, darker suite on her third day, but Hermione across her walls, there were two new books on her shelves. She pulled
couldn't find the energy to pull herself up in bed. So she lay on her side and herself from the bed, and examined them.
listened to Narcissa move about the room, opening curtains and fluffing
pillows. Hogwarts: A History
"Hermione, dear," she finally whispered. "I need for you to come with Bathilda Bagshot
me back to your suite. There are protective wards and enchantments on Printed London, 1984
that room for you. It's safer there."
Hogwarts: A History - Revised
Her dry lips parted uselessly. Safer. She jerked a half nod.
Narcissa helped her up, helped her dress, helped her take a few shaky Bathilda Bagshot
steps across the room. And at every instance, she asked Hermione's Printed London, 1996
permission to touch her. "May I assist?" Her eyes widened and her fingers itched. Comparing two editions
She knew, of course. They all did. side-by-side? Her skin tingled with the desire. She reshelved them, and
Shock pierced the fog in her head once Narcissa opened the door to promised she'd wait until the end of the day to crack them open. Her
her original room. The curtains had been replaced. A deeper color, a traitorous heart fluttered on her way to the library that day, as she let her
more vibrant gold shining with the sun. Her bed curtains were red now. mind briefly wonder where Draco was finding these books.
Her armchairs a deep mahogany. Everything she'd destroyed had been She spent a week looking into magical slavery. The catalog returned
replaced with something richer, warmer. Much more like Gryffindor's an assortment of books on the history of enslavement in Europe, Asia, the
common room. Americas, and of course the Roman Empire. To her chagrin, no charms
She felt Narcissa watching her closely, so she managed another nod, or potions books turned up. But at least it was a start.
and once she was alone in her room again, Hermione turned to her She started with the more recent European history books. The
bookshelf. There were five or six books there, two unfamiliar to her. She problem was that there was no modern precedent for magical
saw the crisped spine of one, and deduced that these were the only enslavement in Europe—apart from house-elves, of course, but their
volumes left untouched by the chaos. She felt her heart ache with the loss. magic worked quite differently. Any magical enslavement in recent
The fire had burned away the spine of a thick forest green cover, but she centuries was taboo, so there were no records. There were rumors of
knew without confirming that it was the Brontë. Jane Eyre had survived. magical slavery in more shadowy parts of the continent, but it was hard to
With a jolt, she turned to the bedside table, searching for seven books find research on spellwork that no one admitted to doing. But she was
stacked in a pile… certain that magic as powerful and quickly developed as the tattoos had
Nothing. A new table with just the brass-lined jewelry box still sitting been inspired by something. She only had to find the seeds.
proudly, winking at her. Draco's personal copies of the Gainsworth books Looking into the significance of tattoos and skin branding in ancient
were gone now. cultures like the Celts had taken her down a rabbit hole that she never
Acid rose from her stomach, choking her, burning her throat. Tears saw the bottom of, so she stopped there, letting her mind wander as she
pricked her eyes again. She'd destroyed it all. She couldn't be trusted with ran her fingers over her own tattoo.
189 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 194
 Her heart thumped with the possibilities, but her mind forced them precious things. Harry had always trusted her with crucial information
aside. and keys to puzzles, but perhaps he shouldn't have. Now she wondered if
She tried to put herself in Draco's position and found little fault in his she might have cracked under Bellatrix's knife if Dobby hadn't saved
logic. He'd made the safest choice that night. If he'd cued her in them. Perhaps she was weak — good for her mind, but once her heart
somehow, she might not have managed to convince Voldemort that she became involved, she was useless.
was being routinely attacked. Her knees trembled, and she sank to the floor and wept heaving sobs
Her mind moved to the next point: Draco was actively absent — not that made her lungs spasm and stung the skin on her face until nothing
visiting, not entering rooms she was in. existed but her grief and shame. Once she'd finally exhausted herself, she
Not apologizing. lay on her side, fingers curled in the carpet. Watching through swollen
She stopped herself. Too close to her heart. Reeling back, her mind eyes as a sliver of sunlight inched across the room.
fought for logic. At some point, a tray of food appeared on her new coffee table. She
Draco was either convinced she didn't want to see him, or he didn't want to see her. ignored it.
That was fine. Either of those were acceptable, logical answers. What would her friends think of her now? What would Harry think,
She stared down at her books, and another thought struck her. after she'd betrayed his deepest secrets?
Her greatest chance of exiting the property was under Draco Malfoy's watch. His green eyes flashed in her mind, imploring her to find the right
Until she found a way around the tattoos, Hermione needed him. answers, to come up with the solutions, to save them—
They couldn't keep running away from each other. Eventually, she would To save them.
have to seek him out, and hope he would allow it. Her breath caught, and she blinked back the tears. Slowly, she pushed
Turning to her measly book collection, she grimaced at the burned titles. herself up. It wasn't too late for her to fix the mess she'd made. She could
She set down the books from the downstairs library, and ran her fingers still do what Harry needed from her.
across the two new books. They weren't new, per se, but they hadn't been She'd been meandering for months, waiting for someone to clearly
there a week ago. Solidly bound but withering with the years, they felt older delineate the next problem, to ask the question so she could concentrate
than her by several lifetimes. She checked the copyright pages. on the answer. But she'd posed the right questions months ago, all on her
own. It was just her now. Surely she had more freedom than any of the
Great Expectations
other slaves. Perhaps she even had more resources at her disposal than
by Charles Dickens what was left of the Order. She'd just been too complacent with the
Printed London, 1861 Malfoys to work the problem as she ought to have been.
Les Miserables With a new burst of passion, Hermione stood. She took a deep breath
and marched out of her bedroom, and down the hallway.
by Victor Hugo
She needed to kill Nagini. She needed to work on the tattoos. She
Printed London, 1862 needed to get them out. All of them. They were counting on her, and she
The heartbeat that she'd suppressed earlier thundered. First editions. knew it.
As she brought her face close to the pages, inhaling the musk of aged Having now experienced only a fraction of what her friends had been
parchment and letterpress ink that had survived over a hundred years, she going through for months, she felt the guilt weighing heavy on her as she
thought back to her earlier assessment. hurried down the stairs.
Perhaps he was apologizing. She pushed open the library doors and froze, heart pounding in her
She placed them next to Jane Eyre, the only hundred-year-old text that chest. Thankfully, it was safe. Empty. She took a shaky breath and stepped
had survived the fire. inside. Forcing herself to set aside thoughts of the last time she'd been

193 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 190

here, she crossed to where the Horcrux book had been a week ago. She remembered the urgency in Snape's voice as he wheezed blood
Finding it still absent amongst the other Dark texts, she wondered which and begged Harry to take his memories. She’d suspected then that he
Malfoy had stolen it. Would she find it in Lucius' study? Perhaps it had wasn't loyal to Voldemort, though it was impossible to confirm now.
been destroyed if they'd known Voldemort was coming for the Perhaps he'd known about the Horcrux. Found a way for Harry to fake
information in her mind. his own death, while killing the piece of Voldemort inside of him.
Her addled mind spun around the possibilities. The questions she'd Skepticism warred with the burning hope in her ribs. It was highly
buried for days underneath sleeping potions and grief. She blinked at the unlikely — and yet, why would Voldemort care about Harry if he was
empty shelf, fighting off the headache she could feel coming on. dead?
Did the Malfoys know more about Horcruxes than Hermione had The headache was returning. Hermione rubbed her temples, knowing
assumed? And why had Voldemort been interested in Harry again? it was no use guessing about what was in Snape's memories. She would
She shivered, the cool air in the library not the cause. never see them.
Why look for the Horcruxes? The library doors creaked.
She swallowed, knowing the answer required her to look inside her She whipped around and stepped to the side, peering through the
own mind. To work through the purpose of Voldemort's visit. stacks towards the entrance, heartbeat thundering.
She pressed her hands on the shelf in front of her, closing her eyes and His cheekbones cut through his skin; even in the distance, she could
trying to remember through the terror and the closed doors in her own see that. He was hunched, his shoulders folded over on top of his ribs, his
consciousness. hair thin and greasy. His skin seemed grey.
Some information from you, Mudblood. Thank you for obliging. Take my cock so good, don't you.
Her lower lip trembled, and she bit it closed. He'd been there specifically She felt her body tremble. Her lungs refused to fill.
to look for Horcruxes. That's why the Malfoys hadn't been prepared for his You want me to fuck your mouth again, Granger?
visit. What Draco had chosen to do — to do to her — had turned out to be Standing in the open doorway, he pulled his wand. She watched him
a necessary precaution. Voldemort had decided to check on her treatment mutter, "Homenem Revelio," and the wand sparked blue, indicating there
as a secondary motive, but he was there for the Horcruxes. was someone in the room. Her.
Hermione blinked, staring at the spot where the Horcrux book should She dug her nails into her palms, preparing herself, when his eyes
be filed, as if she could will it into existence. It wouldn't tell her anything flicked over the shelves, and he stepped back, quietly closing the doors
she didn't already know, but it would be a comfort of sorts. behind him. As if he'd never been there at all.
She tried to think. She had been right — Harry had likely been an It was ten minutes before she could trust her legs to move again. She
unintentional Horcrux. A part of Voldemort's soul had split from him the grabbed several texts on Celtic magic, chest seizing, and sprinted back to
night the Killing Curse had rebounded, and attached itself to Harry. the safety of her room, all earlier bravery forgotten.
Voldemort had filtered through the only memories she had that could Taking calming breaths, she leaned her head back on the closed door,
possibly prove that theory. So she wasn't alone in her hypothesis. But what staring at her new room. She hadn't let herself think about Draco since
had tipped Voldemort off ? that night. But she had to think this through. They couldn't avoid each
A sliver of hope tugged at her ribs — was Harry alive? other forever.
She'd seen his body in the courtyard, but had he survived after all? She Her chest twinged painfully at the thought of his pinched skin. He'd
hadn't known he was going into the Forest to meet Voldemort, or she looked even worse than he did sixth year. She screwed her eyes shut, willing
would have stopped him. The last time she'd seen him, he'd been the image away. She had to use her brain, as her heart had failed before.
clutching Snape's memories, racing for Dumbledore's Pensieve. What had Draco did not want to harm her. In fact, it was quite clear that hurting her was one
he discovered that made him surrender himself ? of the most traumatic things he'd ever gone through—

191 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 192

 Her hand met another under the table. She looked up and found nine "Yes."
girls staring at her with weary eyes, holding hands with each other. Her She paused, and said, "You should mess your hair."
breath rattled as the strawberry-blonde grabbed her other hand. Barely a His eyes, which had been solidly fixed on her knees, snapped up.
heartbeat passed before the nine of them continued moving, gathering "If you've been 'dealing with your Mudblood.'" His eye twitched, as if
food and pulling glass out of their knees. she'd hissed it at him. "In your sex dungeon," she clarified. The corner of
These girls had survived the past two months and would continue to her mouth pulled upwards.
survive. She could survive one night and a fraction of the horror. Putting He stared at her for a moment and then nodded at the ground,
a stopper on the overflowing bottle of her emotions, she came to her feet running a hand through his hair absently. Smoothing it — the exact
and stood next to Draco's chair. She focused on a bookshelf, and opposite of what was necessary.
imagined the pages filling with the images of this evening until they She gave an exasperated sigh and found herself stepping forward,
snapped shut and slid into forgotten dusty shelf. reaching up, and dragging her fingers through his fringe, pulling it forward
It wasn't long before Flint stood and said, "Shall we move to the over his eyes, separating the oily strands and rustling the top where she
Lounge, gentlemen?" could reach.
Pucey and Montague quickly rose from their chairs, taking their girls Suddenly his head jerked back, his body following, stumbling to the
by the waist. Goyle was jostled from where he was falling asleep against opposite wall.
Susan's shoulder. She jumped, pulling her hand back as if she'd burned him.
Hermione remembered what Flint said earlier. That's for the other room. "Sorry," he gasped, as if he'd been the one touching without permission,
What Goyle did to Susan was acceptable in the next room. and then he was racing through the hall and down the stairs before she
Surely Draco wouldn't take her there. The other room was clearly could blink.
intended for much more than "minor contact." She read the revised Hogwarts: A History from front to back that night to
Her heart started to pound again, and she breathed in, searching for a keep herself from thinking about it.
lake with still waters.
One by one, the boys gradually led their girls from the room. Draco $
hung back, taking his time with draining his second glass of wine. Relief Friday evening arrived, and with it, a green silk slip, a pair of low
began seeping into Hermione's veins. He was stalling so they could make black heels, and a thin gold choker necklace that she could only assume
an easy escape. She stood silently by his side, eyes fixed on the floor as was meant to be a collar of sorts.
Zabini murmured to his girl on their way past. A concubine, to be paraded around, gawked at and leered over.
"Draco." Hermione looked up to find Flint stopped in the doorway At a quarter past ten, he knocked on her door. He didn't look at her
with Penelope, Pucey and Mortensen behind them. "You're coming, of when she opened it. He didn't respond to her comment about being
course?" fashionably late.
Hermione's breath hitched. Draco passed a hand through his hair and She cleared her throat and extended the gold necklace. "It won't close.
said, "I'm afraid not. I have an important call with my father this evening." I assume you need to do something?"
His hand drifted to the small of her back, ready to guide her out. He finally looked up at her. He'd washed his hair, and his skin was
"I knew he wouldn't," Pucey slurred in Flint's ear. back to pale white instead of grey. But he was in his Death Eater boots
"Come now, Draco!" Flint gestured dramatically. "I've already won ten and trousers. They were both in uniform tonight.
Galleons from Montague. He bet you'd never bring her to dinner." He Taking the necklace from her extended fingers, he played with the
smiled and pointed his thumb to Pucey. "This one says we couldn't get her clasp while she turned around and lifted her hair off her shoulders. Once
into the Lounge." fastened, the gold shrunk to her neck, and she gasped at the feeling of
226 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 204
confinement. She turned around. "Do these have magical properties?" she Marcus Flint was the first to start laughing. "Merlin, Goyle! Don't
asked, fingering the edge of the thin gold. get too excited!"
He jerked his gaze from her neck to her eyes, a tinge of pink in his Pucey and Montague joined, jostling Goyle — ribbing him for
cheeks. "It's a class system, barring certain collars from certain rooms." squeezing his glass so hard that it shattered.
Where were they headed? "You'd think he'd never been sucked off before!"
"I suppose I have an all-access pass, then?" The sharp humor was "Serves you right for starting the fun too soon."
coming swiftly, covering the bubble of her nerves. Goyle smiled as he adjusted his trousers, assuming responsibility. Blaise
"Of sorts." reentered with arms full of bottles, and laughed as he took in the scene.
He led the way downstairs, and when he turned left toward the front Flint, with a smarmy grin, turned to the girls around the table and said,
door instead of the fireplaces, she was reminded of when they'd gone to "Ladies. On all fours."
Hogwarts. Draco's fingers twitched on her ribs, and he glared at Flint.
She froze. "Will the Dark Lord be there?" she asked as he stepped "I want every piece of glass picked up, every bit of food gathered, and
through the door. every boot kissed," Flint said, grinning at Draco. Several of the girls had
"No. He rarely is." A pause, and then over his shoulder: "Neither is my already dropped to their knees, gathering glass.
aunt." Hermione tried to calm her racing heart. Losing control like she just
She followed behind him down the path as the tightness in her chest had was too dangerous. She pushed away all thoughts of Ginny and
loosened. "And why is that?" tucked them into a corner of her bookshelf. Standing to start cleaning up,
He didn't respond for a moment. When they'd finally gotten to the she was stopped by Draco's hand on her wrist.
gates, he said, "The parties are rather specific… for specific tastes. Neither "Think your Mudblood is too good to do our cleaning, Draco?"
the Dark Lord nor my aunt have a desire for these affairs. Though Death "I do, actually. I don't usually let 65,000 Galleons drop on the floor."
Eaters are generally encouraged to attend." Hermione looked back and forth between them. Every other girl had
She nodded, willing her nerves to calm. She extended her arm to him, gone to their knees, beginning to clean while the boys watched and started
and he stared down at it before gingerly wrapping his fingers around the drinking again.
tattoo and walking them through the barrier. "She's still just a Mudblood," Flint said slowly, a smirk parting his lips
He walked them to the top of the hill for Apparition, and as he drew to reveal his perfect, new teeth. "Right, Draco?"
his wand, her anxiety tumbled over. "Will something similar happen There was a challenge in his voice, and Draco stared him down. She
tonight?" watched Blaise pop a bottle of champagne with ease, his eyes on Flint and
His eyes were cold and dead as he looked at her, questioning. Draco with an air of indifference.
"S-similar to my room. Will you need to—" Draco released her wrist. She quickly fell to her knees, relishing the
"No." It was harsh against the wind. "You will stay close to me, and we first time in hours that there weren't thousands of eyes on her. She
will let everyone see you so that we don't have to return for several weeks. crawled forward, feeling glass digging into her palms and knees, and
That's all." savored the pain of it. She had to be strong — for Ginny, for Ron. For
She swallowed, shivering. Harry. For all of the slaves who were suffering horrors and fighting battles
"There will be minor contact," he said, clarifying her question. His Hermione could only imagine.
eyes were on the sky, and she wondered much minor contact he could stand. But while plucking up pieces of cheese and bread and siphoning out
As if he'd been the one assaulted. the glass, the laughter started again, threatening her resolve.
Then again, they'd both been violated. In different kinds of ways. Tears filled her eyes once more, and she sniffed, barely holding them
She offered him her elbow. He took it in a firm grip, and they slipped at bay.

205 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 225

unbuckling Goyle's trousers, her face pale but resigned. She couldn't away and appeared at the edge of a small town, dark and quiet. The
breathe. This was their fate now — reduced to whores at a pure-blood cobblestone streets led up a long hill, and at the top, a looming castle
party, serving their food and wine and smiling while they were groped and looked down on them, the Dark Mark slithering in the sky above it.
raped. Her eyes blurred as tears sprung. She understood now why Ginny He led them forward toward the gates, and just before following him,
couldn't "play nice," despite what it must have cost her. she caught sight of an old sign hanging off a dead street lamp.
Draco's hand moved to the back of her neck, sensing the tension in
her body, the change in her breathing. Disgust and guilt dripped into her E DINBURGH C ASTLE
veins like poison, sickened to think that she felt safe with him while the THIS WAY
rest of them were forced into this.
She felt him freeze the moment he discovered what had disturbed her.
"Really, Goyle?" Draco hissed, cutting through the noise and laughter.
Hermione jumped with the sound of it against her ear. "Not at the dinner
table."
Several of the boys chuckled as realization dawned, leaning over the
table to watch.
"Wanted dessert," Goyle muttered, head tilting and eyes rolling back,
his wine glass clutched in his hand.
"You know that's for the other room, Greg," Flint said disapprovingly.
His free hand reached down, grabbing Susan's hair. "Almost done."
Hermione bit back the bile rising, shaking her skin and twisting
around her like ink. She still couldn't breathe. Even with Draco's hand on
her neck, telling her to be calm, she couldn't drown out the sounds as
Susan gurgled and choked.
"Wonder if Bones gives it as good as Weasley did."
Her eye twitched. Her shallow breath felt like ice in her chest.
"Now there was a pair of lips I'd like around my cock," Montague
continued. "Wish Avery would have given me a turn when he was done
with her—"
Goyle's glass shattered — a spray of crystal shards across the dinner
table. Fruit and cheese exploding outwards and bouncing away. The boys
scattered to their feet, and a pressure released in her chest as Draco spun
her body away, his wand already in his hand.
Looking down at his hand in amazement, Goyle flexed his fingers,
glass and blood in his palm. Susan crawled out from under the table.
Hermione breathed deep.
Her magic.
Draco looked down at her in shock, his chin bumping her nose. He sat
her upright, his arms releasing their grip.

224 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 206

Flint—"I do appreciate that potion some days." Zabini raised his glass.
"To Marcus' ingenuity."
They toasted, and Flint grinned. "I'll have a fresh batch next week."
He turned a calculated smirk on Draco and said, "I'd be honored if Miss
Granger would partake. On the house, of course."
A tense pause. Eyes on her, eyes flickering between Draco and Flint.
Draco tilted his head, and she could feel the breath he drew before
replying, "You're too kind."
Marcus Flint winked at him, and drained the rest of his wine glass.
"I find that once they've had the potion, they're more amenable the
next time," one of them said.
Another agreed.
And she listened to them trade stories about the girls in their laps or
girls in the past, as if they were all back in the Slytherin Quidditch
changing rooms. The laughter started again. Montague told a particularly
nasty story about a girl he'd been with at Hogwarts and he bounced the
girl on his lap in a crude imitation of it, jostling her until she spilled her
champagne glass.
Hermione tried to focus on the girls, the exits, the sharp cutlery —
anything but the horrendous display of masculinity and sexuality. Or the
way Draco's hand stayed in her curls, threading and twisting softly.
Warrington had begun to run his hands over his girl's hips and stomach,
and Hermione saw a sliver of her knickers as her dress slid up. One of the
girls passing out fruit and sweets smiled demurely every time a wandering
hand squeezed her backside or drifted up the side of her thigh. Marcus
Flint's lips traveled along Penelope's neck in between conversation with his
friends, and Susan Bones looked as if she might be sick as Goyle turned
her to straddle him in the chair.
Hermione felt acid in her throat, burning away at her lungs. If this is
what happened in public, she couldn't even imagine what the private
affairs consisted of. Not even the slow rub of Draco's thumb behind her
ear could distract her from the tightness in her chest.
The boys were talking over each other, louder and louder. She felt
Draco laugh when Nott made a joke, bellow when Pucey dared Flint to
chug the rest of his bottle, chuckle when Blaise went to grab more wine.
As her eyes followed Blaise out, they landed on Goyle pushing on Susan's
shoulders, urging her down to her knees. She gasped, choking on the air.
No one batted an eye. One more glance showed Susan's shaking fingers

THE AUCTION ● 223

 She felt a shiver at her shoulder blades, spreading outwards and
sinking into her skin.
"What's her cunt like?" Montague asked, biting back a smirk.
"Delicious."
There was stillness, and Hermione thought perhaps Draco had said
the wrong thing. Because it wouldn't be necessary to… it wouldn't be
something that he'd… that they'd—
"You make her come?" Goyle asked, voicing her concerns with a
grimace.

15
"Usually more than once," he said, as if he'd been asked about the
weather. "Not in the beginning of course. And if she's misbehaving I don't
bother."
Hermione chanced a glance up and caught the eyes of another Lot
before the girl looked down shamefully, as if Hermione had just
discovered her own secret. Perhaps it wasn't as unheard of to make their
partners orgasm.
"With the potion or without?" one of them asked dubiously.
Her eyes flicked up to Penelope. The potion — the one Marcus Flint
had administered to Pansy and Penelope. Before tonight, Hermione only
had an idea of what it did. Now she understood.
"Without," Draco sneered. "It's so much more satisfying — no offense,
Marcus — to have them moaning and begging for it all by themselves,
don't you think?" His hand lifted off her ribs and reached for a curl,
twisting it lightly. "And the sounds she makes," he hummed. She could dinburgh Castle loomed over them as they approached on the
feel his breath on her cheek. Her ribs refused to expand, holding to hear
what he had to say. "When she's close, it's just like she's back in class,
anxious to get an answer right. Can't stop moving, can't shut her mouth."
E cobblestones, devoid of the usual tourists or families. Devoid of the
Muggle military guards at the gates. Instead they passed cloaked
Death Eaters and seedy Dark object dealers begging for Draco Malfoy's
She stared down at the tablecloth, struggling to breathe. Her stomach was gold like paupers.
tight as his fingers threaded in the hair behind her ear, tilting her face to How far had Voldemort spread his reach? Surely the Muggle
him. "I'd rather slide into her when she's wet, and hating herself for it." governments were now aware of him, if a popular tourist site had been
She kept her eyes on his collar, unable to meet his eyes. It's just a game, seized. What did the Muggle papers say?
she told herself. He doesn't mean any of it. The wine brought a flush to his She shoved her questions aside, focusing on the familiar silhouette in
neck, the pink splotches attached to his throat as he swallowed. the distance. A wind howled across the stone path, and Hermione
He'd played his role well. It wasn't until Zabini spoke that she realized shivered in her négligée, her ankles twisting in the heels. She looked up at
the boys were deathly quiet. the castle now, and a different howl grated with the wind.
"I have to say, I'm the same," he said, an air of levity in his tone, as if Werewolves.
he was politely changing the subject from something particularly nasty. Their lethal bodies prowled through the turrets over the arched
"Never been one to use sex for punishment, myself. But"—he nodded to entryway. A jolt of terror shot down her spine. The last time she'd been

222 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 207

this close to a werewolf had been in the Great Hall, watching in horror as Two of the girls began clearing plates, and Hermione watched the
it hunched over Lavender's body. table settings disappear entirely once they were taken to the credenza. Elf
Draco grabbed her arm and strode forward. She focused on the magic here as well, but she wondered at the distinctly Muggle task of
pressure of his fingers as they drew closer, her heart pounding in her ears, clearing dishes, something no wizarding family did without magic. When
as if trying to drown out the sounds of their sniffing and panting. Once one of them reached for Montague's plate, he stabbed at them sharply
they reached the end of the path, he placed his fingers directly over the with the tines of his fork, and then made a show about eating one last
tattoo and gave her a yank forward, over the threshold. bite. The intricacies of the power dynamics stunned her.
Goosebumps prickled on her flesh. A magical barrier. "Am I locked in From the boisterous conversations in the middle of the table, she
now?" she asked, rubbing the skin where he'd gripped her. He paused, started to place the other three boys. Cassius Warrington, Terrence Higgs,
turning to look at her with a cruel expression, a flash of warning in his eyes. and Miles Bletchley. The entire Slytherin Quidditch team, spanning over
He couldn't answer her. Not here. several years. The rings made more sense to her. Higgs seemed the least
He jerked his head and continued towards the gate. She followed, her entertained with the evening, barely enjoying the blonde that had
eyes shifting in every direction, trying to take in the eyes and ears that dropped into his lap.
could be on them. A pair of Death Eaters stood inside the gates, more The girls started reaching for their own cheese and fruit as the boys
lounging and laughing than guarding. got drunker, several of them smiling and pretending to enjoy themselves.
"Alright there, Malfoy?" one of them called. She caught snippets of conversation, something about Pucey's aunt in
"Evening, Relkin. I take it your leg's still healing, if you can't be Liverpool, Bletchley's second home in Germany, Nott's injury last month.
bothered to stand and greet us?" But nothing stood out as particularly important.
A grumble and a distant reply as they continued up the path to a Draco kept to one glass of wine, but she watched the other girls drain
second archway, a tighter entrance with tall walls of stone on one side and the decanters into their masters' glasses.
a steep grassy hill on the other. The moon shone bright and over them as Hermione kept her hands folded in her lap and her eyes down, finding
they pushed forward. that when she looked around the table she would always catch the eyes of
Two more Death Eaters at the second entrance, standing a little one of them.
straighter than the first two. They nodded to Draco as he walked through. "Draco," Flint called across the table, his cheeks flushed with the wine
He ignored them and Hermione followed, eyes fixed on the cobblestones. and his fingers playing with Penelope's curls. "Since we won't be getting a
A low whistle once she passed. She glanced up to find an older man she taste, tell us a bit about Granger. Is she just as fiery in the bedroom?"
didn't recognize, leering at her from a set of steep stone stairs leading up A guffaw or two, then the table went silent. And Draco's fingertips
the hill. twitched against her ribs. She felt the press of them as her breath exhaled
"You bring her to play, Malfoy?" slowly. She heard his throat click as he swallowed.
"She's playing with me tonight." Draco steered her towards the steps, "What do you want to know?" He lifted his wine glass, draining it.
and they started to climb. "I don't share, Morrison," he said, with a wink Hermione felt her heartbeat against the champagne glass she held tightly
and a handshake as they passed. Morrison chuckled, looking her over between fingers.
before Draco nudged her to continue ahead of him. As they ascended, "She just as swotty in bed?"
her cheeks burned at the sudden realization that he had a full view of her Laughter clattered against the spoons, and she lifted her head to find
legs and backside. She shoved her embarrassment aside, allowing her every eye on her, hungry with lust or cruel amusement. She blinked down
mind to wander. again, her cheeks burning.
She had questions. Questions about the guards, the number of Death "In the beginning," Draco said finally, a low hum through her back.
Eaters moving in and out, the rankings… "Now she knows how to relax — to avoid punishment."

208 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 221

is mine, her cunt is mine, her skin is mine." His teeth bit through the After mentally reciting a list to ask once they were home again,
words, and he met eyes with every person at the table before saying, "You Hermione finally reached the top of the stairs, turning once to look out
will not touch her, under any circumstances. I purchased her. I do what I over Edinburgh's skyline. It was a clear night, and they were hundreds of
please with her." feet above sea level.
Her skin tingled where she could still feel the ghost of Pucey's knife. Dark windows and empty streets as far as the eye could see. Had
Her breath was shallow as she watched Draco glare at them, still a statue Edinburgh been massacred? Or evacuated?
until he was satisfied that he was heard. A faint sensation of fingers on her lower back, and she shivered as
"Now bring me a bloody plate. I said I was hungry." Draco brushed past her. After a moment, she followed, struggling to keep
A grumbled sigh, and then Pucey was piling a plate with food and up with his long strides.
handing it to her. She moved back to the head of the table on jerky legs, She could hear the growing noise of a party as they walked closer to
and Draco took his seat as she set his plate before him. Before she could the grey structures jutting into the night sky. He finally turned a corner
move back to the windowsill, his arm wrapped around her waist and and led her into a large courtyard, where about fifty men were socializing.
dragged her down to his lap. She struggled not to squeak as she landed She swallowed, trying to conceal her shock as she considered the
oddly across his thighs. His hand pressed on her stomach to keep her numbers. It had to be a gathering of Voldemort's elite, but she'd never
close, and he picked up with fork with a sophisticated twirl. known him to have such a large inner circle. Were all of these men truly
"Now, what were you saying about the Chudley Cannons, Death Eaters? Or were they simply revelers, delving into their darker
Warrington?" impulses now that the Order was gone? She opened her mouth to ask,
The air was still dense in the room as the boys around the table drifted and realized again that she couldn't.
back into friendly conversation, but Hermione wished they could prop They moved toward the tall buildings to the left, away from the crowd
open a window. The heat from Draco's chest and thighs, the feeling of his outside, but his feet turned abruptly, as if he'd just remembered
ribs rumbling into her own whenever he spoke, the puff of hot air across something. She stumbled to keep up with him as he took her elbow and
her neck whenever he laughed were inescapable. She tried to concentrate, dragged her to the solitary lamp still flickering in this part of the
tried to listen in for clues about the world outside, but she was distracted courtyard. Once he was illuminated with ambers and golds, she watched
by Draco's hand on her stomach, stiff and warm. She tried to shift away him breathe deep and stare at her with cold, dead eyes.
from him, to make herself more comfortable, but his hand jumped to her "I'm showing you how to behave," he murmured. His eyes dipped
ribs, holding her, keeping her from twisting about. towards her chest. "Nod your head."
The other girls stood by the walls, stepping forward to fill the empty Her heart thundered, and she refrained from looking over to the
glasses. Ten minutes after conversation resumed, Penelope Clearwater crowd they were playing for. She nodded at his shoes. "How am I to
stepped forward and reached for Flint's wine. He caught her wrist behave?"
smoothly and pulled her down to his lap as well, and she stumbled as Flint One hand reached up, and she held her breath when he tucked a curl
pulled her blonde curls to the side. behind her ear, tilting her face up with his hand on her jaw. A different
Hermione felt guilt boiling in her gut when Goyle tugged down Susan mask had clicked into place. His eyes flickered with heat as he breathed
Bones to his lap, wondering if she and Draco had started this trend, or if over her, dancing along her clavicles and neck.
the girls normally fell into their laps after dinner. Theo Nott was the first "Obedient, but not broken."
one to offer his girl a bite of his cheese. And when she smiled at him in She blinked quickly at him, feeling the warmth of his fingers behind her
thanks, Hermione wondered if this was simply the second part of the ear, watching his eyes storm, and the Malfoy smirk slowly return over his
evening. features.
When the slaves ate the scraps from their masters' tables. "Oi! Malfoy!"

220 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 209

 The call from across the courtyard startled her. She tried to turn Blaise spit up his wine, laughing into his sleeve. Flint and Pucey
around but Draco's hand on her face held her firmly in place. giggled drunkenly. Theo glared at Draco. "What the fuck is that supposed
He lifted his head and called out, "Evening, Bole," before dropping his —"
hand to her elbow and dragging her to the buildings they were headed for. Draco stood suddenly, cutting him off. "Pucey? Will you do the
She heard a faint smattering of "Is that her?" and "Finally!" behind honors?" He nodded to the pig in the middle of the table. "I'm starving."
her shoulder as his pace quickened. Adrian Pucey stood with a smirk, and produced a carving knife.
The gap in the buildings led to another large, dimly-lit courtyard. Four Hermione listened to the boys chat while each girl approached Pucey to
blocky buildings bordered the area, a clock tower climbing high from the take a plate to their escort. Susan Bones retrieved Goyle two servings, and
one to their left. It was eerily quiet in the summer air, but she still felt like he thanked her with a tweak to her nipple through her thin dress.
hundreds of eyes were on her. Hermione moved around the table to Pucey's side when it was her turn;
His hand rose to her lower back as he pushed them onwards, and she she could feel him watching her as the conversation continued, eyes
jumped at the contact before settling into the warmth of his hand. He raking her body.
steered them towards one of the blocky buildings, about three stories tall "She looks pampered, Malfoy," Pucey said, twirling his knife,
and as long as the entire courtyard. Hermione's heartbeat quickened as he began spinning the blade on his
She wondered what kind of sordid debauchery awaited her inside the thumb. "Do you have any fun with her at all?"
walls. How many of her friends would she find in chains, beaten and They laughed. And she glanced to Mortensen, who stood behind
broken? How many familiar faces would she find abusing and raping the Pucey's chair peeling an orange for him with her eyes glued to his knife as
innocent? The courtyard answered her in silence. it spun.
They reached the entrance, the wooden doors heavy and foreboding. "You know how much I paid for her, Adrian," Draco drawled. "Of
A pause, and then Draco pushed open the door for her. course I bathe her in milk and lavender every night."
Music, lifting above the stone floors and into the wooden arches Flint laughed. But Pucey's eyes were darting across her skin. Hermione
overhead A soft jazzy tune she remembered from her Muggle life. A drew in a slow breath, trying to think about how she should react. It was
bustling of laughter and clinking glasses. true that she was at a healthy weight. She had limited sunlight these days;
She tried to peer around the edge of the entryway to see more, but a all freckles from her year on the run had vanished—
girl appeared, blocking her view. She held a tray of champagne glasses Quick as lightning, a glint of metal, and then Pucey was a breath
and wore a short slip that shimmered like the bubbles in the flutes. She away, his knife between her skin and the strap of her slip. He tugged on it.
wore a silver collar around her thin neck. "She's a Mudblood, Draco. She only needs to lay on her back." His crisp
The girl looked up at them, eyes landing on Hermione with a flicker, white teeth flashed at her, his breath hot on her face. "Besides, I always
before turning a coquettish smile on Draco. heal them afterwards."
"Good evening, Master Malfoy." She froze in horror as the knife cut through the strap, her heart
"Charlotte," he greeted, lifting two champagne glasses off the tray. He fluttering wildly and her eyes bulging to the only exit — her dress slipping
silently offered Hermione one, and she stared down at it until he pushed it down her chest—
into her chest. The knife zoomed away from her skin, spinning through the air to
She clutched the crystal between her fingers as Charlotte stepped aside pierce the wallpaper as Pucey jumped backward. Her strap repaired itself,
for them, and Draco guided her into the room. and she turned to see Draco pocketing his wand, hot rage simmering
It was a hall, maybe half the size of Hogwarts' Great Hall. People beneath his cool facade.
mingled, glasses sparkled, and conversation bubbled up to the arched "I'm not sure how many more times I need to say it," he whispered,
ceiling. Her eyes struggled to capture everything. Chandeliers hung over and the room was barely breathing. "That Mudblood is mine. Her mouth

210 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 219

of them at once. Or was it what existed in the silence, in the glances and the room, burning low and casting shadows over the suits of armor and
bullying? She glanced at the other Lots for cues, but they were staring coat of arms lining the walls. Her eyes flew to a looming fireplace across
fixedly at their heels. Except for the strawberry-blonde girl, who looked the room, its pale stone reaching high towards the vaulted beams. Perhaps
more attentive than the rest. What was she staring at? an escape route if she could find Floo powder, assuming it wasn't
And through it all, Marcus Flint kept grinning at her. charmed against her tattoo.
"Malfoy," Flint called across the table, and the room dipped into The men standing about sipping champagne or swirling tumblers of
silence. "Dragon Pox?" He gestured to her with his soup spoon. scotch weren't in Death Eater robes, but still had a stiff uniformity about
"Not Dragon Pox after all. But she was disgusting. Pocks and puss." them, as if they could be called away at any moment. She scanned,
Draco made a face, and when he turned over his shoulder, he glared at recognizing Jugson, Crabbe Sr., Runcorn from the Ministry, and Rabastan
her. "You tired? Can't stand straight?" and Rodolphus Lestrange. And just after she caught sight of Mulciber, she
Every eye turned on her. And she realized that every girl was standing found Cho Chang looking at her from where she dripped off of his arm
tall, waiting to be called upon. She pushed up from the windowsill. like wax.
"No, sir." Hermione's breath caught, and she heard sound in a vacuum as Cho
A chorus of chuckling trembled the room. And she remembered what turned away, sipping her champagne as if they didn't know each other.
he'd said. Cho smiled sweetly at something Mulciber said, leaning in and looking up
Obedient, but not broken. at him through her lashes, her long hair swaying down her back. She
"I'm just not used to wearing heels. Sir." didn't flinch as his hand slipped down to rub her backside.
The room held its breath. And then Draco's eyes flashed at her while A chill pressed over her. "Dolohov?" she whispered.
the table erupted with laughter. A quick shake of Draco's head, and Hermione felt the knot in her
"Have quite a handful with her, don't you?" stomach unwind.
"Pour her a glass of wine!" Her eyes flitted through the rest of the room, desperate to discover
"You gonna tell the Headmaster on us, Granger?" more of them. Sally Fawcett in a corner with a much older man, her neck
"Tell you what, Granger," Blaise Zabini said with a smirk. "You can tilted to the side as he brushed his lips across her skin. Hannah Abbott in
have a break from your footwear if Draco allows you to sit on my lap for a slip even shorter than the others', her limbs skinny and pale, holding a
the rest of the night." full glass of champagne with haunted eyes. Alicia Spinnet with her arms
The boys howled, and Blaise winked at her. slung around the shoulders of an unfamiliar man, swaying to the music
Draco cleared his throat, scowling. "She will do no such thing." The with a listless smile on her face. Some stood tall and proud at their
laughter petered out, though the corners of Blaise's mouth twitched captors' sides like a treasured concubine, whereas others shrunk into
behind his glass. themselves, like used and beaten toys their owners would one day tire of.
"Merlin's sack, Malfoy," Theo Nott murmured. "Why bring her?" He Draco sipped his champagne as they moved forward, his arm
leered at her and chuckled. "Oh, how the mighty have fallen. I was so slithering around her back, his hand landing on her opposite hip. She
looking forward to Granger being Head Girl last year." His innuendo landed leaned into the embrace for the benefit of any watchful eyes, a shiver
on her skin like ice water. "We should give her a chance to earn her title." passing over her skin.
Montague snorted into his wine, and Flint's fingers danced along the "Malfoy!" Blaise Zabini swaggered toward them with Theo Nott on
rim of his glass. his heels. Blaise smirked and slid his eyes over her. "Finally let her out of
"A shame indeed, Theo," Draco said smoothly, "seeing as I've heard her cage, I see."
rumors that you were a shoe-in for Head Boy. You could have shared the "Of course," Draco's voice lilted. He threw back the rest of his
'head' duties quite nicely." champagne glass. "She's been ill. Disgusting to look at, really."

218 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 21 1

 Blaise's lips twitched, but he said nothing. Theo snorted and sipped his greeted his friends. A girl with strawberry-blonde hair looked up at her
champagne. from across the room, and the calculated interest in her eyes made
Hermione looked past them, trying to catch a glimpse of Cho again, Hermione look away, ashamed. She could only imagine what they must
then froze — aware of a drop in the room's volume. They had caught the think of her. The privileged Lot.
attention of half the hall. Eyes turned to her, Lots and Death Eaters alike. She turned her gaze back to the table and found several bottles of
They murmured in low voices to each other, whispering and nodding wine decanting, some already half-drunk. A pig roast lay in the center of
toward them, and she felt her cheeks burn as unfamiliar gazes traced her the table, an apple in its mouth, looking like he had been caught on the
knees, her chest, Draco's hand on her hip. A slight squeeze, and she looked wrong side of all this as well.
up, refocusing on what Zabini and Theo were saying, as if nothing was out Gregory Goyle hadn't taken his eyes off her legs since the moment she
of the ordinary. walked in, so she felt the pit in her stomach loosen when Draco guided
"We're already set up in the suite," Theo said, a casual insolence in his her to the other side of the table to stand behind the only empty chair —
tone. "You're almost late." the head, across from Flint.
"But I'm not, am I?" Draco snapped with a quick smile. Hermione felt Draco took his seat, the conversation easy and boisterous again. The
her skin prickle at the mention of a suite. "Collect your girls. I'll meet you moment he sat, the nine girls around the table stepped forward, reaching
there." for the wine bottles. She watched as they poured the russet wine into the
"For someone so concerned with timeliness—" glass of the boy in front of them. Several eyes turned on her as she stared
"Do fuck off, Theo," Draco cooed. He grinned at Zabini as Theo at them, doing nothing. Were they expected to play their parts as menial
glared and steered Hermione between them, making sure to knock Theo's servants as the boys had their fun? Even though all ten of them had full
shoulder on his way. use of their wands?
Hermione felt her legs turn to jelly as they swept through the crowd of "Come on, Granger," Draco taunted. "Do keep up."
people staring at them. Stepping forward on trembling legs, she reached around Draco's
"Suite?" she whispered. shoulder for the decanter of wine next to his glass, filling it. The girls had
He waited until they passed a pair of older men sipping scotch before stepped back, blending in with the wallpaper, and Hermione quickly
answering, "Do not speak to me in this room." followed their lead. She let out a shaky breath as she leaned into the
She flinched when he said it, like a slap against her skin. But her logic windowsill behind her, letting the cool glass press against her shoulder
whispered that she should hear something else. You may speak in a different blades.
room. Draco lifted his glass. "To the Dark Lord's power. May he reign
Perhaps the "suite." forevermore."
Her control slipped, mind running wild with thoughts of a hotel suite The boys chorused his toast, and Hermione saw Penelope
with a luxurious bed where she and other girls would be forced to do Clearwater's lip tremble out of the corner of her eye.
unspeakable things— The clamor of ten boys chatting and drinking washed over her, and
She blinked, zeroing on in her new focus. Cho. she tried catching onto snippets of conversation where she could.
The dark-haired girl didn't look in her direction as they approached. "Cass, what did your father say about—"
Draco took the lead, nodding at unfamiliar faces while Hermione's eyes "—hear about the incident at the Bastille?"
kept darting back to Cho as covertly as possible. Her chest stung with the "What did I tell you! It was a two laceflies, not three—"
desire to call to her. To rip out of Draco's hold and run to embrace her. "Think they'll still play this year? I missed the last World Cup."
Instead she dug her nails into her palms, forcing a look of neutral Hermione reeled, her dizzy mind trying to narrow down what she
disinterest at everything she saw. should be focusing on. Which of the conversations? She couldn't follow all

212 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 217

 A boy she recognized from the year below them stood at the top of the Perhaps Cho felt the same. Maybe that's why she simply tilted her face
stairs. Harper, she thought his name was. He stood tall once Draco's head away from Mulciber as they passed, a deep swallow of her champagne,
bobbed up the steps. He greeted Draco and reached for the door. and a flicker of her fingers against the glass.
"Harper," Draco chastised, in the same tone he used for Crabbe and Draco led her towards the other side of the room near the fireplace,
Goyle when they were being terribly dense. and she scanned briefly for a vase of Floo powder before focusing on who
Harper jumped, as if his hand had been burned by the doorknob. they were headed towards.
"Right. Sorry. I just recognized you—" Avery.
"That doesn't matter," Draco sneered. He extended his left hand, and Hermione felt her heart in her throat. This man owned Ginny. She
Harper's wand tapped the emerald ring he wore on his thumb. A class was probably stashed away at his estate at this very moment.
ring of sorts — something she'd only seen on the Slytherin boys. The ring "Aron," Draco greeted. Avery turned from where he was laughing
that had cut her lip the night Draco slapped her. with a dark-haired woman. He held a cigar between his teeth, and
The end of Harper's wand turned green. With a nod to Draco, Hermione coughed lightly as they passed through a cloud. "My father
Harper turned to her next, and his eyes slid to her gold collar. He pressed sends his regrets that he missed your celebration last weekend."
the tip of his wand to the metal, and eyed the warm golden light now "Draco." Avery took Draco's offered hand in a firm shake, his gaze
emanating from it. Another nod before he turned the doorknob for them. quickly skimming over Hermione. "Of course, not a problem. I know he's
Uproarious laughter met her ears. Thick, deep voices — some familiar off… where is it again?" He leaned closer, eyes twinkling as he inhaled a
from her childhood — ricocheted through a small room decorated in deep puff of smoke.
lavish patterned wallpaper and dark woods. When the door opened, nine Hermione felt the hand on her back stiffen. "Unfortunately, I couldn't
heads turned to them from around a long table, their conversations say. The mission was between my father and the Dark Lord."
trailing off. Avery nodded, his smirk fading a bit around his cigar. He gestured to
She blinked, struggling to register every person in the room. The boy the woman to his right, and Hermione noticed she was not wearing a
at the end of the table stood, his chair knocking back, and smiled at her collar. Her dress was long and elegant, sweeping to the floor, her hair
with greedy black eyes. twisted in a low chignon unlike all the collared girls.
Marcus Flint. "Madame Minister, may I present Draco Malfoy."
"Miss Granger," he crooned. "We're delighted." Hermione eyed her carefully as Draco kissed her knuckles with a bow.
In a disturbing shadow of chivalry, every person at the table came to This woman was the Greek Minister for Magic — Eleni Cirillo. Her chest
their feet, all eyes still locked on her. She recognized Zabini, Nott, and tightened in anticipation. Minister Cirillo was a pureblood, the
Goyle. Adrian Pucey stood to Flint's right, and Montague on his left. prominence of her family lineage dating back for centuries in Greece and
Three boys in the center of the table she struggled to place. And lining Italy. Her policies and offhand comments had always carried a tinge of
the walls were nine girls in collars. blood supremacy — something she'd vehemently denied to the press in
One of them looked up to meet her eyes before blanching and dropping the years before Voldemort's rise.
her head down. Susan Bones. The rest of them kept their eyes down. "Malfoy?" she asked, arching one perfect brow. "Lucius's son?"
Penelope Clearwater stood behind Marcus Flint's chair. Mortensen from "Yes, Madame Minister. Please accept my apologies on his behalf that
the Ministry holding cells stood behind Pucey, and she thought she he couldn't escort you himself."
recognized one or two more classmates, but the rest were unfamiliar to her. Avery stared at Draco, eyes narrowing as he took a deep sip of his
"Sorry to keep you waiting, gentlemen," Draco said, stepping forward glass.
to shake Flint's hand. "The Greek Minister took an interest in my Lot." "Please send my regards to your father. It's been ages." Draco politely
Hermione waited in the doorway, pausing for instruction as Draco inclined his head while the Minister turned her eyes on Hermione. With a

216 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 213

sultry dip of her gaze to her chest, the Minister said, "And who do we another girl, pressing her hips into her side as Mulciber eyed them
have here?" lecherously. Hermione swallowed, quickly looking away.
"Hermione Granger," Draco said, and she could hear the smirk in his Her attention came back to Minister Cirillo as she stepped closer to
voice. "My Lot." Draco to whisper against his cheek, her clear blue eyes straying down
"Indeed?" Minister Cirillo's eyes glittered. "The Golden Girl I've heard Hermione's chest again. "No need to keep the girl so tightly wound."
so much about." She stepped forward and reached a delicate hand to twirl Hermione blinked and stared at the ground again, processing. Was she
one of Hermione's curls between her fingertips. "Well, isn't she stunning." doing so poorly already? Her chest flushed, suddenly angry at Draco for
She dropped her curl, brushing the backs of her fingers against not giving her the proper information to play this game.
Hermione's breast. Hermione gasped. "A fair point, Madame Minister," said Draco, and she knew a wink
"Young Malfoy has been rather ungenerous with her," Avery said, his had accompanied the lazy drawl.
smirk returning as he sucked on his cigar. "This is the Mudblood's first "She'll be around more often then?" Avery asked.
visit to Edinburgh." "When she's a good girl, she'll get to come out and play," Draco said
She felt Draco's fingers tighten against her hip. The Greek Minister smoothly.
tsked. His hand slithered across her back, dragging along the silk until his
"That won't do, Malfoy. Who would deprive such a pretty plaything warm palm ran up her ribs. Her breath caught as his fingers slid up her
from our festivities?" She gestured widely at the chandeliers and the jaw, and she turned her eyes to him when he tilted her head back, just as
champagne, the laughter and the lazy smiles. "I would love to escort her he had outside under the lamp.
this evening, if you'll allow it." "She's not always good, though," he said with a smile.
"An excellent idea," Avery leered. "What say you, Draco?" She heard chuckling, a shiver around the room. More eyes were on
Hermione's eyes snapped to Minister Cirillo, certain she'd be no safer them. Draco's gaze dipped to her mouth, and his thumb dragged across
on the Minister's arm than on any other Death Eater's. her bottom lip, opening her lips.
"My apologies, Minister, but I'm under strict orders not to let her leave A heartbeat when she thought he'd kiss her.
my side," Draco quickly replied. "Not after what happened with Avery's "When I'm back next month, I hope to see her again," Minister Cirillo
Lot last month." said.
Avery's eyes turned icy as Hermione's heart thumped wildly. Draco's hand dropped away.
Ginny didn't play nicely with others. Something had happened. He excused them, shook Minister Cirillo's hand again, and guided
Minister Cirillo gave a trilling laugh. "Ah, yes. I heard I missed quite Hermione back to the front of the room. They passed a young girl, no
the drama! I confess I'm disappointed I missed the chance to meet the more than fifteen, standing in the corner with Jugson while he socialized.
Dark Lord's favored pet. Perhaps in the future, Aron." The girl's olive skin was drained and pale, and her eyes were shining with
"Perhaps," Avery gritted out. tears when she looked at them. Hermione felt a fire burn in her belly as
The Minister turned to Draco. "Very well, then. But I do hope you Draco pushed her along, fingers itching to hex off the greedy hand that
reconsider at some point, Draco. The girl deserves a bit of the fun as stroked the girl's waist.
well." She paused, and Hermione could feel her appraising eyes on her Apprehension swallowed her anger when they turned the corner,
figure even as she stared at the floor. "Mulciber leant me his girl last meeting a dark corridor. Draco took her elbow and guided them through
weekend, and I can assure you that she had a splendid time. Another a carved door, opening to the clock tower building. Several people in
beauty, is she not?" corners speaking lowly with each other paid them no mind, and he
Hermione's breath caught and she glanced up, scanning the room for turned toward a winding stone staircase, not releasing her elbow. As if she
Cho again. She found her running her fingers through the long locks of would fly away with the breeze if he did.

214 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 215

 He swallowed and said, "I have. I was on a Mission from the Dark The way they grinned at her, the way "the Lounge" rolled off Flint's
Lord." tongue — it made Hermione's stomach churn. Draco forced a smile and
"Then why do you smell like cigars and Firewhisky," she hissed. fiddled with the ring on his thumb.
She would have this out with him. She would demand that he take her "Perhaps another time."
next week. Flint sauntered towards them. "What time is your Floo call?" His tone
Hermione stepped forward to push past him into his bedroom, but was deceptively casual.
Draco stood in the way, blocking her. She blinked up at him, scowling. A quick pause, and Hermione wondered if he was trying to figure out
After lying egregiously to her, the least he could do was let her in his the time. "Half-past twelve. So we—"
damn room. "Plenty of time!" Flint clapped Draco on the shoulder, as if the deed
She stepped to the side and he moved with her, obscuring her vision. was done. "Just a little tour." His eyes raked over Hermione's chest and
She stared up at him, a pale horror cracking over her skin. shoulders. "I want to see what the Golden Girl thinks of our little club."
He had a guest. His hand was tight on her back, sending tension up her spine. "I
Her mind conjured a rapid-fire sequence of images of a Carrow Girl suppose we have twenty minutes."
sprawled across his sheets — the activities she'd just interrupted. "Twenty minutes is plenty of time for me," Pucey said with a wink. A
"Is there someone here?" she gasped. laugh burst from his chest as he dragged Mortensen out the door. A gentle
He stared down at her, jerked his head once, and said, "No. Just in the push on her lower back, and she was propelled forward.
middle of something." Hermione memorized the path they took back down the stairs, trying
"Oh, come on, Draco," a familiar voice called from inside the room. to quell the growing panic in her ribs. Harper followed after her and
"Give it up. She's caught you." Draco as they fell into step with Flint and Penelope, his hand on her
Hermione's mind whirred, struggling to place the voice that sounded backside as he chatted with Draco about his recent trip to Brazil. They
like — that sounded like… retraced their steps back through the hall past several people still mingling
She watched Draco close his eyes in resignation. in corners, having hushed conversations over sloshing drinks.
A girlish chuckle from inside the bedroom. And though the tone was Pushing through a door on the other side, Hermione felt the low
all wrong, Hermione recognized the sound of that voice. thrumming of a bass drum, the music rhythmic and sultry. She closed her
She pushed through him, sliding under his arm and found Hermione eyes as they waited, summoning what was left of her control. Think of a
Granger sitting in his armchair, legs crossed and sipping a glass of scotch lake with still waters.
with a smile. Her lips were redder than Charlotte's had been, lashes The curtains parted, revealing the girl from the beginning of the night
darkened and lids smoky, her black slip sliding up her thigh. — Charlotte — with a tray of champagne and scotch. "Gentlemen," she
Hermione's heart skipped and stuttered as her stunned mind tried to greeted with a wide smile. Her lips were still violently red, her hair still
place the smirk on her face. The smirk on her own face, worn by someone falling in perfect waves. Probably glamoured to stay that way.
else. And when she watched her own brow lift into a perfect arch, the Flint plucked a scotch from her tray. "Charlotte, dear," he cooed. "You
realization dawned on her. look ravishing. When are you finally going to come home with me?" He
"Pansy?" pouted and stroked her arm.
The girl in Hermione's body smiled brightly, and toasted her. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Marcus." Charlotte winked at him
"Brightest Witch of Her Age." and turned to offer the tray to Draco. "And you know the Carrows
The puzzle fell into place in her mind as her eyes turned to Draco's wouldn't allow it."
carpets. He'd gone to Edinburgh after all. And instead of taking her, he'd Hermione stared at her, filing that information away as Draco pressed
taken Pansy Parkinson in her body. another glass of champagne into her hands. The Carrows were involved

249 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 227

here. And in charge of some of the girls. Her eyes fell on Charlotte's silver "Did you hear a word I just said? It's not happening tonight." He
collar as the pretty girl batted her lashes at Draco, then Blaise, as she brushed past her without another word.
glided down the line with her tray. Hermione huffed at the empty kitchen, fists clenched. He was clearly
The music swelled when they finally passed through the curtains, lying.
entering a large room with deep blue walls and dark woods. Dozens of So at ten o'clock that night, she cracked her door open, waiting to
couches and armchairs facing each other in intimate seating areas, hear the sounds of him leaving the Manor. After half an hour with her
stretching in every direction. Low candlelight and thick clouds of smoke eye on the door, she moved to her balcony windows, wondering if he'd left
overhead. Hermione's eyes widened, darting around the room. through his own fireplace. While she still didn't have access to her balcony,
Men on couches with girls in their laps. Silver-collared girls walking she could press her face to the glass and look for the light coming from his
around with crystal platters of cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, heels higher bedroom.
and slips shorter than hers. A door flung open to their left and Hermione It was dark.
jumped as a man stumbled out, buckling his trousers. Staring into the She glared and stomped into her bathroom, deciding on a bath while
small room, she could see a girl standing next to an armchair, she waited for him to return. As she relaxed into the warm water and
straightening her dress with a practiced smile before Draco pushed her bubbles, she tried to think of ways to convince Draco to bring her back to
onwards. Edinburgh. He didn't think she was capable of the sexual challenges they
She swallowed the acid in her throat, eyes struggling to take in every would face, but she could convince him. She had to.
corner. A gambling table to the right with several men gathered, a few She had to get back to Cho. She needed to figure out who Charlotte
girls on their arms cheering them on. Nott Sr. at the head, tossing dice was and whether that grape had meant what she thought it did. She'd
with a leggy blonde at his elbow. Hermione jerked her head in the been stuck inside of Malfoy Manor for two months now, and Edinburgh
opposite direction, afraid to catch his eye. was the closest she'd gotten to the remains of the Order.
On one couch she thought she saw a man sleeping peacefully, but then Let pragmatism be the death of principles.
realized his head was thrown back in bliss, a girl on the ground between Hermione had to prove to him that she could handle herself.
his legs with her mouth on him. She quickly averted her gaze, throat Whatever it took.
burning again, but it was like she'd opened Pandora's box. No matter After midnight, she dragged an armchair to her balcony window and
where her eyes darted, she found others in similar positions — out in the read a book with one eye on Draco's balcony, waiting for a sign of life
open like that. from inside the room.
A blonde girl in only knickers and a bra passed in front of them, At a quarter past two, her bleary eyes drifted up from her pages. Light
leading an older man towards a wall of doors on the left. He was already was pouring from inside his room onto his balcony. She jumped up, wide
unbuttoning as he followed her into a small booth. awake, the book tumbling on the carpet. Yanking a jumper over her
It was like a brothel with elements of a Muggle strip club. Transactions pajamas, she marched out her door and to his.
were either out in the open or hidden away in private stalls; it seemed to She rapped on his door and waited, anger unfurling in her belly.
depend on the man's preference. Hermione saw a girl bouncing on top of a When no response came, she knocked louder, more insistently.
young man in a way that was clearly penetrative. Her cheeks burned as they She was just raising her fist to pound against the wood when it swung
passed the couple, acutely aware of Draco's presence next to her, the girl's open. Draco stared down at her, leaning forward on the doorframe with
pants and breathy moans echoing in her ears. one hand still on the door.
Flint led them deeper into the room, and Draco's hand on her back "Why are you still up?" he demanded.
pressed her close to his side. She knew he'd done his best to avoid She glared at him, lifting her chin. "I should be asking you the same
bringing her here, to "The Lounge." They had barely been able to look at thing. You haven't been out, have you, Malfoy?"

228 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 248

 Her chest fell against him as her lips slid from his mouth with their each other for the past few weeks — ending up here tonight was probably
tumbling feet. He righted them, holding her arms up, but she focused on the last thing he wanted. There was no easy way to manage the situation.
the feeling of connecting her skin to his. How dizzying it would be to not They'd simply have to survive it.
touch him. How right it was to kiss his jaw. They turned a corner through a large archway and into another room,
He grabbed her shoulders and shoved her back, her hips slamming the left half obscured by private booths. Several more doors on the
into the table edge. His eyes were wide and hot, almost scared. farthest wall; the other side filled with plush velvet couches and chairs. A
"What are you doing?" roaring fireplace on the right wall, sending ambers across the room, and a
She panted and let her eyes glaze over. "Draco, please." blue sphere of light overhead, casting shadows on familiar faces. Two girls
His eyes widened, and she caught a glimpse of black pupils before he in silver collars danced on a cleared platform near the center of the
backed away. She stumbled forward, reaching up to pull his head down to seating area, similar to a stage at a club, while men lounged and chatted
her, but before she could connect their lips he pushed away again. in chairs facing them.
"Granger, stop—" Her lungs filled with air, steadying her. Apart from the dancing, there
"I need you. Please, Draco." Her fingers wound into his hair, and she was nothing she hadn't seen in the other room.
rose up on her toes again, aiming for his lips, and murmuring, "Touch me." She found Charlotte moving through the crowd with a tray of hors
Quick as lightning, her hands were off of him and her body was d'oeuvres and fruit, another girl following her with drinks. The men's
pushed into the table. He was across the room in three strides. hands would pass over their backsides and up their thighs as they served,
"I told you I could do it," she panted, and he froze in the doorway. and Charlotte sent each a wink and a smile.
His shoulder twitched, and then he was gone. The olive-skinned teenager was being dragged by the arm into a
She tried to catch her breath, her skin humming and lips tingling from private booth as they passed, her eyes red and her cheeks streaming with
where she'd touched him. tears. Hermione blinked, looking away. Somewhere in her mind's eye,
there was a lake. A clear lake, the water still and unmoving—
$ The party halted, shattering her concentration. Marcus plopped onto
Draco diligently ignored her for the next six days. The first few days, a couch facing Theo and his date, and dragged Penelope down to his side.
she told herself that it was a good thing, but by Wednesday night, she Penelope looked like she'd finally arrived at the moment she'd been
started to get nervous. She had to go back. Regardless of how they might dreading all night as Marcus slung his arm around her shoulders and
feel about one another at the moment. played with her curls.
She finally sought him out on Friday morning, finding him in the Draco started to direct her towards a different set of couches, but Flint
kitchens taking an apple from the elves' basket. grabbed the arm of a large chair and dragged it closer, gesturing for
She placed her hands on her hips and said, "I assume we'll be leaving Draco to sit. Draco smiled thinly and folded himself into the cushions,
at ten tonight?" pushing Hermione to sit on the arm of the chair instead of his lap. She
He turned, and his eyes scanned her before replying, "No. No party wasn't sure it was any better — from this perch, she had a vantage point
tonight." of the entire room.
She lifted a doubtful brow. "Why?" "Miss Granger," Flint lilted over the thrumming music. "How do you
"It's been postponed." He tossed the apple between his hands, keeping like The Lounge? Is it everything you dreamed of and more?" He
his eyes away from her. "A mission from the Dark Lord has taken smirked into his glass, his eyes locked on her.
precedence." Hermione tore her eyes away and stared at her lap, pressing her lips
"You can't avoid me forever, Malfoy. We're in this together whether closed. Afraid of opening her mouth, like the anger and bile would come
you like it or not, and the sooner you—" tumbling out of her in waves if she did.

247 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 229

 "I'd say they really should be thanking us," Warrington called to Flint She felt a blush rise in her neck and watched the same flush spread
from the next couch over, his Lot in his lap, her lips on his neck. over his cheekbones.
"Thanking you?" The scornful reply left her throat before she could "I see," she said, throat tight. "Have you had penetrative sex in the
catch herself. Draco went very still next to her. Her heartbeat fluttered Lounge before?"
amidst her growing sense of panic. His eye twitched and he shook his head, still focused on the floor.
Warrington leveled his gaze on her. "That's right, Mudblood. "Then perhaps it's your preference to stick to more minor acts while in
Thanking us for giving you such a fine hall. For inviting you to dinner and public. That's something you can sell, right?"
pouring you champagne." He took a deep breath, and the frustrated sigh on his exhale prickled
She looked down in a show of obedience, heart thumping madly. the back of her neck.
"You Muggles are all the same," Pucey drawled. "It's in your true "And what 'minor acts' are you suggesting we engage in, Granger?"
nature. You don't have to deny it any longer, Granger." He leered at her, She swallowed, listening to her throat click loudly in the small room.
and she felt her skin crawl. "Look how much they all enjoy it!" He turned She searched for the words to articulate—
and gestured to the slaves — the dancing two giggled, another moaned as He grabbed the honey paste and distilled water from the table and
she ground her hips on a man in a chair. And on another couch, Cho capped them. "I've let you break down the potion. I 'owed you' that." He
Chang kissed another girl slowly as Mulciber watched, rubbing himself turned from her, putting away the ingredients on the shelf. "But you've
through his trousers. never seen girls on this potion. It's humiliating. Degrading. You have no
"Come on, Granger," Flint crooned. "Don't be such a spoilsport." His idea what it does—"
fingers started unbuckling his belt, and Penelope set down her champagne "I do, actually. I just broke it down—"
glass, crawling to the floor between his knees with a blank expression. "Let "And is research also how you've prepared for the practical application
Draco know just how much you appreciate him." of this deception, Granger?" His back to her. A jar slammed down onto a
Hermione jerked her eyes away, her breath tight in her chest as she shelf.
found Warrington's girl turning to straddle his lap. Her stomach squeezed, Her mouth fell open, indignation burning in her gut.
and vomit pumped into her throat. She swallowed it down and stared at a "Are you suggesting that because I'm a virgin that I've never lusted
wall. after someone? That I wouldn't understand those urges?"
Draco dropped a hand on her knee — a quiet warning not to move. "I She lifted a brow and watched his fingers shake over the beakers on
prefer my appreciation in private. Besides, I'd hate to distract your birds the shelf, glass clicking.
with the size of my cock." "I'm sure you have an idea of it, but you've seen the ingredients. This
She listened to Flint laugh, his breath thin with excitement from the Potion is no joke, Granger."
things Penelope was doing to him. He swallowed, turning back to the table and pressing his lips together
She watched Charlotte offer fruit to the boys that weren't currently as Hermione glared daggers at him.
forcing oral sex on their slaves. She remembered the simpering smiles Cho would give Mulciber. The
She smelled the cigar smoke and heard the sound of laughter and flirty laugh from Charlotte to Flint. And Narcissa's reminder about when
clinking glasses and gasping and moaning. to strike.
Her true nature, he'd said. As a Muggle. His hands reached for the empty cauldron to shelve it and she lurched
Draco whispered to her that they would leave shortly, and she blinked forward, grabbing the collar of his shirt. His quick reflexes caught her,
slowly at the carpets, eyes glued to the knees of a brunette she hardly hands coming up to her elbows, head turning to her, and she caught sight
knew as the girl sat before a pure-blood boy who believed she should of his shocked expression as they stumbled backwards to the shelves, her
thank him for the opportunity. mouth landing on the corner of his.

230 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 246

 She drizzled the acid, added the distilled water, and prepared the A pair of champagne heels attached to tan legs crossed into her view.
second cauldron with honey paste. She felt his eyes on her hands as she Charlotte with the tray. She offered to fetch Draco a drink, and he
worked, though she refused to look up to confirm. The steam rose as the declined, saying they were leaving soon.
cauldron bubbled, and she wondered why Slytherins always brewed their Hermione barely heard them, slightly swaying on her perch. An
potions in the most ill-conceived underground locations. Sweat rolled overwhelming exhaustion pushed at her eyelids.
down the back of her neck, and she pushed her hair over her shoulder as "Miss Granger?"
her curls expanded. Looking up to find Charlotte still hovering, her vision clearing when
He stood by her side, stepping in silently when it was time for she blinked. She frowned, confused to be directly addressed.
wandwork. She scribbled her findings into an empty notebook nearby. "Anything to eat?" Charlotte asked, long lashes batting slowly at her,
Ashwinder eggs, rose petals, and moonstone for the obsessive her arm lowering to offer Hermione the basket of fruit. "Grapes,
euphoria. He was right about the asphodel, possibly for a bit of perhaps?"
drowsiness. Porcupine quills to add enhance the euphoria. Sneezewort for Hermione stared down, finding a vine of thick, burgundy grapes —
confusion and a bit of recklessness. calling to her from another lifetime — something that used to mean
Mixed with the hair of the intended partner, the drinker would something.
become dizzy and confused until their skin touched their partner's. The Her mind cleared like a shock. She looked up with wide eyes.
confusion would fade and the obsession would begin, euphoria spiking. Charlotte plucked one and extended it to her with a soft smile.
Pulling away from the partner would bring back the confusion and Hermione took it, tucking it away quickly in her hand, as though
dizziness. hiding a stolen good. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a memory of
Hermione frowned down at her notes. It would wear off eventually, her shaking fingers spelling out with grapes against the Ministry floors
but it could take hours. what her voice couldn't express.
"Have you ever used this potion at the parties? On a Carrow Girl?" She searched for Charlotte again, but she'd moved away.
she asked, breaking the hour-long silence. Across the room, Cho Chang met her gaze for the first time, her arms
"No. But I've seen it." wound around Mulciber's shoulders as he kissed her collarbones. Cho
She stared down at the ingredients list. "We should be able to make an pushed a plump, ripe grape between her painted lips, her eyes burning
antidote fairly easily. I can take it before the party on Friday, and then with the fire of a revolution.
when I'm given the potion, I can mimic its effects."
When no response came, she looked up to find him facing her, leaning
one hip on the lab table, his lips pursed and eyes fixed on the floor.
"Malfoy?"
He didn't look up. "Granger, every eye will be on you next week. Not
just Montague and Pucey and the others. Flint is planning quite the
spectacle, and most of the guests are interested in you already. Even
without the potion."
His jaw clenched, like he was stopping himself from saying more.
She crossed her arms. "You're suggesting that I wouldn't be
convincing?"
He paused, and tilted his head. "How do you suggest we steer clear of
penetrative sex while your… obsessive lust drives you?"

245 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 231

 He swept from the Conservatory, already halfway down the corridor
by the time she caught up to him. Following him down hallways she had
yet to memorize and turning down another staircase to a lower floor, she
struggled to keep up with his long legs.
A door at the end of the hallway appeared, and Hermione's brows
jumped when she recognized the Notice-Me-Not Charm. No wonder she
hadn't spent time down here yet.
He pushed open the door and lit the candles with a wave. She stepped
into a potions laboratory lined with beakers and cauldrons and
ingredients. Her eyes scanned the walls greedily, searching for secrets and
rare finds.
"Is this your father's laboratory?"
He looked over his shoulder at her. "It's mine." He pulled his eyes from
hers. "You are welcome to it, now that you know the way."
Her eyes widened. The Suppressant Potion. She could break it down
here if only she had a vial. She tucked away her excitement at the
possibilities, and returned to the present, where Draco was lighting the
fires.
He retrieved an elm spoon and pulled the vial from his pocket, placing
it next to the heating pot. Then he stepped aside. She blinked at him,
realizing that he was allowing her to do the work.
She stared at the lab table. She hadn't thought she'd ever be allowed
near magical ingredients again.
She stepped forward, eyeing the cauldron. Her fingers pried the cork
from the vial, and she tipped two drops into the bottom.
"Where did you get it?" she asked.
"Blaise. He has a few vials, but he doesn't like to use them."
She looked up at him, finding his eyes on the cauldron, and quickly
turned away.
The shelves were impeccably organized. She read each label until she
found an acid that would work. She pulled down distilled water and a
honey paste for thickening. She searched for an oil, perhaps beaver oil
or —
Long fingers next to hers, tilting behind a tall bottle to pluck out a jar
labeled Niffler Saliva. Her eyes grew wide. Snape would never let them use
such expensive products in school. She glanced up at Draco, taking the jar
from his fingertips. He was standing as far away as possible while still
being able to reach the shelves. He looked away.

THE AUCTION ● 244

 Hermione darted a sideways glance to find Narcissa's lips curling into
her tea. "Yes," she managed.
"I haven't had the pleasure of attending a gathering there. Nor do I
have any intention to." She took a long sip.
Hermione swallowed, wondering how much Narcissa knew about her
son's activities there. The things he witnessed. Turned a blind eye to.
"It wasn't to my liking either." Hermione stared into her teacup.
Narcissa patted her lips and placed her teacup on the end table.
"When they were in my house, there was little I could do about that kind

16
of behavior. It was… a powerless feeling, Hermione."
Hermione blinked up at her, hardly daring to breathe.
"And even then I wondered, 'How can I not stop this? How can I
possibly stand by and allow this to happen?'" She shook her head. "But I
had little choice in the matter. My principles were overruled by the need
to keep my family safe." Narcissa pushed a lock of blonde hair behind her
ear. "I think it's a common philosophy amongst us Malfoys," she said with
a smile. "Survive. In dangerous times, let pragmatism be the death of
principles."
Narcissa turned her eyes on Hermione for the first time, a fire in them
that Hermione had seen the night before in a different pair of eyes. "And
once they've underestimated you — strike."
Hermione was still, waiting for her breath to return. Waiting for
Narcissa to smile and return to discussing the weather.
It didn't come. here was a ringing in her ears as Draco stood from the armchair,
Hermione's lips parted, skin tingling with adrenaline.
The doors flung open, and she jumped. Draco was stopped in the
doorway, staring at the sight of his mother sitting with her. She watched
T taking her elbow and muttering his goodbyes. The boys were heavily
distracted by now, and let them go without too much of a fuss.
Hermione popped the grape into her mouth as Draco turned her around,
him push a hand into his pocket, a vial disappearing. suddenly terrified that someone might see and discover her secret.
"Mother," he greeted. "I have to borrow Granger, I'm afraid." She allowed him to drag her through the room, her eyes darting wildly
Hermione stood, placing her teacup down. Her heart pounded with to take in every girl on a lap, every girl on their knees, every girl laughing
the fire ignited in her. and drinking. Cho didn't glance at her again. Charlotte had moved on.
She had to break down the potion. She had to learn how to mimic it. She swept the room looking for more eyes, more fire, more grapes.
She had to go back to Edinburgh. Not alone.
"Of course, dear," Narcissa said. She gave a quick nod to Hermione, She'd used grapes to spell out those words on the Ministry floors once.
her face as serene and unassuming as ever. "I'll see you for breakfast To give a shred of hope to the fifty terrified, bruised girls that had
tomorrow, Hermione." crowded around her, preparing to live out their worst nightmares. But had
Hermione nodded back, and moved quickly to the doorway, following it been a coincidence? Cho knew what the grapes meant, but how could
Draco out. Charlotte? Had Charlotte truly meant to offer her a symbol of hope?

243 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 232

 Hermione didn't remember her from the Ministry. Who was she? She circled one possibility, but she needed more information.
Draco led her to a large fireplace, and a jar of Floo powder "I'd like to see that potion," she said.
materialized before them. The flames turned green as he announced, He narrowed his eyes at her. "For what purpose?"
"Malfoy Manor," and with a yank on her arm, the noise from the Lounge "I'd like to see it broken down. I'd like to know the ingredients and
snapped out of existence, and she was in the cool, moonlit entryway of effects."
Malfoy Manor, with nothing but her heartbeat in her ears. His jaw tightened. "Granger, if you mean to mimic this potion—"
She breathed heavily, her mind spinning with the questions she needed "Do you have a vial of it? I assume you have a potions kit. Perhaps a
to ask, the images she wanted to forget. laboratory?"
Draco dropped her arm softly. It fell limply to her side. She screwed "—I've already said we're not going back—"
her eyes shut, struggling to calm her breathing. She could feel his eyes on "Draco. You owe me this."
her, waiting, but the questions she needed answered felt too intimate and She watched it land on him, the words dying on his lips before they
still too large for the Malfoy Manor entryway. could be uttered. She tightened her fingers around the sleeves of her
The faintest of touches on her lower back, and he wordlessly led her cardigan, and tilted her chin up in defiance.
up the stairs. His eyes lingered on her face before looking away. "I don't have a vial.
The horrors of the evening floated up as they ascended. She shoved I would need to procure one."
the disturbing images aside, forcing away all the questions that felt "Excellent. I'll wait here." She returned to her bench, plucked up her
unimportant and too personal. book, and opened to the page she was last on.
How could you just look the other way? She pretended to read innocently until she finally heard his shoes
So you just sit there while your friends force those girls to open their mouths and shuffle toward the doors, disappearing. Her shelves trembled, begging her
thighs for them? to think about sliced throats, a tight fist of red hair and jeering men—
And the most shameful one, tugging at her chest — A lake with still waters. She breathed deep, tasting blood from where
Who was in your lap before me? she'd bitten the inside of her cheek. She tucked Ginny away onto a top
They'd reached her bedroom. Hermione pushed the door open with shelf next to Harry.
her fingertips and paused, turning around. Draco stood a few long paces Some time later, just as her book on the history of magical Asia had
away, staring at his shoes. The carpet. Anywhere but her. She took a deep taken her interest again, the Conservatory doors opened. She looked up,
breath and steeled herself, closing the doorway from her heart to her lips, and her breath caught to find Narcissa looking for her amongst the leaves.
focusing only on the cold questions in her mind. When her blue eyes landed on her, Narcissa smiled, folded her hands,
"Who were all of those girls? I didn't recognize all of them from and said, "Tea?"
Hogwarts or the Auction." Hermione felt a warmth return to her body that had been absent for
Draco tucked his hands in his pockets, and she watched them shake hours. Followed by a stab of guilt that she had someone who sat with her
once before stilling. He seemed resigned to answering her questions. for tea. With a quick smile, Hermione nodded and shifted her discarded
"Some are Muggles from Edinburgh. Some are from prominent books off the second seat.
families who have challenged the Dark Lord's rule. Some are young Narcissa did what she did best — distracted from the horrors outside
witches who were found assisting George Weasley." Hermione's gilded cage with her truly pleasant company. Hermione felt
Her eyes widened, but she soldiered on. "And they belong to the her body urging her to relax into the familiar comfort of it, but she
Carrows?" resisted. After a pause where they both turned to a book in their laps, a
"The Carrows have been assigned as the keepers of Edinburgh Castle. cup of tea on each side table, Narcissa said, "I heard you went to
They maintain the grounds and host any gatherings like tonight. The girls Edinburgh Castle last night."

233 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 242

 "Now that I know what to expect," she said, her voice clear and strong, in silver collars are Carrow Girls. They host the Lounge and are available
"I will play my part better. The next time we go, I will be better prepared for… entertainment."
to—" She swayed on her feet, the memories of the 'entertainment' still fresh
"We're not going again." in her mind.
It took a moment for the words to sink in. She spun to him, eyes wide. "And the girls in gold collars," she said, feeling the weight of it on her
"What?" neck. "They are owned by Death Eaters," she inferred, leaning a hand on
He stood with his hands in his trouser pockets, eyes dead and empty. the doorway.
"We've made our appearances. You've been seen." He swallowed. Draco's eyes flickered over her. "You should sleep."
"You won't go again. Not for a long time, at least." "I will. Later. Gold collars?" She began to take off her shoes. His eyes
Her heart pounded. Edinburgh was her only chance to communicate caught on the movement.
with her friends — her only connection to what was happening outside of "Yes, they are owned. Generally, they were the ones Auctioned. But
Malfoy Manor. some Gold Collars were caught later and sold to private buyers. The less
"So I'll just contract Dragon Pox again?" she sniped. valuable ones became Carrow Girls."
"I'll speak to my father, and we'll come up with something—" Hermione sucked in a breath. She needed to keep her mind focused
"They'll see through you in an instant. It will be far too suspicious—" — ignore the rage she could feel brewing beneath her skin. If she lingered
"What's suspicious, Granger," he hissed, his eyes hot, "is that my Lot too long on her emotions, she would lose this opportunity to squeeze
and I can barely stand being in the same room, much less touching each answers from him like a sponge.
other—" "Every one of those boys owns a Lot? At the dinner table?" The colors
Her mouth fell open in a snarl. "Whose fault is that!" of the collars swirled and mixed in her mind until she couldn't remember
"—and although I've been fucking her daily, I still haven't been able to who wore what.
remove the stick from Hermione Granger's ass—" "Flint owns Clearwater, Pucey owns his girl. Bones belongs to Travers,
"How dare you." She stormed towards him until he was just a breath but Goyle has spent almost every Sickle in his vault to rent her every
away. "You gave me no information going into that castle. No way of Friday evening."
knowing what to expect or how to act. You gave me no indication of how "Rent her," she muttered to herself, shaking her head. The bile in her
I should touch you because I can't touch you without you running away throat bubbled again, and whenever she closed her eyes she saw Susan's
like a beaten dog—" hands shaking as she opened Goyle's trousers. A slow chill spread over her
He turned away from her with a choked sound, and the rest died in shoulders, like and ice cube sliding down her spine. She looked up to find
her throat. He rolled his shoulders back, and she watched his ribs move to Draco's eyes still fixed on the floor. Suddenly her blood felt white-hot
take a deep breath. again. "And how did you manage when your Lot had Dragon Pox? I
"Listen," he said quietly. "If we go back, Marcus will make you take assume you still had a girl on your arm?"
the potion." His throat clicked. And his eye twitched infinitesimally as he said, "I
She rolled her eyes, feeling the fire burn in her belly again. "Who do I used a Carrow Girl. Or I borrowed from someone."
belong to? You or Marcus?" The fire she wanted breathe onto the entire castle of Edinburgh
He turned back to her, gazing down at his ring. "Every girl has taken burned inside of her.
this potion at some point. And Flint is brewing an especially large batch "'Borrowed.' Like a cup of sugar," she hissed. She watched it land on
for next week's party. If I refuse, they will suspect something is off about him, like an arrow finding the center ring. His eyes jerked up to her, and
our relationship." His eyes flickered up to her. "Marcus already suspects." she continued. "And did you take them to the Lounge. Did they
Her brain moved quickly through the different options. properly thank you for giving them a place to 'be who they truly are?'"

241 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 234

 "No." His eyes were hard. "Things aren't usually so intense in the A deep breath. She crossed her arms, holding her cardigan closed.
Lounge, at least in our circle. I think your presence… excited them." He "And?" she prompted.
rolled his shoulders back, jaw tight. "When I've had a girl before, I've kept "She was disciplined. Publicly."
it limited." "Tell me what happened to her. I can handle it. I've seen what
She glared at him as the heat and anger unfurled in her chest. The boys happens at these parties—"
had acted out more than usual that evening simply because she was there. His face snapped back to her and he hissed, "You haven't seen anything,
And in the past, when she was hidden away in her ivory tower, Draco Granger."
had another girl on his at his side, forced into that room. Threading his Her blood froze in her veins, and she fought to appear calm as she
fingers through someone else's locks, rubbing another set of legs. It had to stared back at him. "I have a right to know. I'm not a child, Malfoy."
be her anger and disgust that made her demand, "Who?" A long pause. "She was taken into the Lounge." He ran a hand
He tilted his head. through his hair. "Where Avery made an example of her. In several ways,
"Who have you kept it 'limited' with?" The words boiled out of her, which I'm sure you can imagine."
like a sludging potion that couldn't be suppressed. "Which of my friends Somewhere, there was a lake with still waters. But a tempest was
— your classmates — have served your wine, and sat on your knee, and brewing over the one in her mind's eye.
listened to your disgusting friends boast about how their inaction won "Were there others?"
them a war?" she spat. "Just him, though there were spectators. She was in no shape
Draco stared at her, mouth open. A new feeling bubbled in her afterward to be shared. I was…" Draco cleared his throat. "I only saw the
stomach — shame. very end of it."
She was jealous. Of some poor, faceless, terrified girl. Her breath She spun to face the violet flowers she favored most in this greenhouse,
rattled in her chest and she felt black spots in her vision as his expression gasping silently. She couldn't let him see her lose control. Fighting to
cooled. steady her breathing and clear the images that flashed through her mind,
"It's late, Granger. I'll send up a Calming Draught—" she stood tall, blinking until her eyes stopped burning and she could see
"I don't need a Calming Draught—" clearly again.
"—and some Dreamless Sleep, and we can talk in the morning." There would be another time to process what had happened to Ginny.
"I want to know who you pulled in your lap and groped while I But for now she had a role to play. She'd convinced him she could handle
had Dragon Pox—" the truth, and that's exactly what she intended to do. Ignoring the buzzing
His eyes flashed. "You want an itemized list? What does it matter!" in her ears and the tightness in her chest, she forced her shoulders to
"It matters because you're telling me that my presence alone tonight relax. She thought of Ginny as she stared at the purple hues, suffering
made it worse for those girls. It matters because while I've been locked torture and rape daily at Avery's estate. Had it been worth it?
away in Malfoy Manor, other girls had to suffer through that — that vile Her own treatment at Edinburgh Castle had been tame. Draco had
display—" seen to that. But she'd still seen enough to enrage her. She could be like
She choked, her throat closing as a single tear betrayed her by rolling Ginny, finding the fire to slice at them, even if it meant her own death.
down her cheek. She slapped it away, furious with herself. Or she could give into her helplessness and behave like Draco asked
Silence for a few moments as he studied her. She glared back, lifting her to — push it all away at home and thank the gods that she didn't have
her chin. to suffer like the others. But she'd been given signs of hope by girls who
"You're letting your exhaustion and experiences this evening cloud had no business hoping. A grape. Her hand grabbed under the table by
your reasoning," he said simply, sounding like Snape, and she hated that nine others with glass in their knees.
he'd read her like a book. "You should sleep and regroup your thoughts." And Cho was waiting for her.

235 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 240

 "Longbottom was traded away. Given to Rookwood in exchange for Scanning his perfectly impassive features, she wondered for the first
the two girls he'd bought at the Auction." time where he'd learned Occlumency — wondering how strong it was.
Rookwood. She tried to remember if he had been there the night Fairly strong, if she had to guess. It was like looking at a mask.
before. "Does Rookwood keep a harem too?" she asked coolly. She pressed her lips together. "I have more questions."
His eyes landed on the vines over her shoulder. "Longbottom was "They can wait."
found to be lacking for the purposes of Edinburgh Castle. Very few Death She blinked up at him. "You'll answer any question I have tomorrow?"
Eaters and dignitaries found him acceptable for private uses. And he was He stared at her blankly, and said, "Yes."
deemed uninspiring in the other uses for male slaves." "Eight in the morning," she demanded.
She felt a spike of panic in her chest. "Noon."
A lake with still waters. "Nine."
"What other uses?" "Granger, it is after one. You will be up for another two to three hours
Draco pressed his lips together, and tightly said, "Arena fights. Slave writing a list of things to ask, and you will spend your morning Occluding
versus slave." and meditating," he said, his eyes grey and empty. "You will sleep."
Her body jerked away, turning to the windows. She breathed deep, She narrowed her eyes at him, feeling her heart pound with anger at
pushing away the images her mind conjured. his assumptions, and irritation that those assumptions were correct. He
"Arena fights," she repeated. was treating her like a child. Or a slave.
A thought dawned in her, and she spun back to him, finding him Her hands flew to her neck, yanking her hair to the side and turning
already watching her from his place near her bench. around to offer him the clasp of the collar. "Get this fucking thing off of
"Have you ever seen Ron at these parties?" me," she snarled.
She could see his jaw clench even from this far away. He replied with a He paused. "Now that I've activated it, you should be able to remove it
stilted, "No. I haven't seen him since he was requested by the Dark Lord, yourself—"
before Macnair's death." She scrambled for the clasp, feeling it fall away under her fingers, clear
She nodded, trying to stitch together the pieces and file them away for air returning to her lungs. She tossed the collar at his feet.
later. Taking a deep breath and centering herself, she prepared to ask the "You better clear your afternoon, Malfoy," she hissed, and slammed
one question she knew she didn't want to hear the answer to. the door behind her.
"And Ginny?" she said, and the words floated to him like a feather. Once the slip was off, she threw it on the floor, feeling like she could
"Why is she no longer at the parties?" breathe again. She turned the bathwater to scalding and dripped several
She watched him swallow, and turn his eyes over her shoulder again. potions in the tub, letting the aroma cleanse her head as her body sunk
"A few weeks ago, she broke a champagne glass and sliced the neck of into the burning waters.
a guard and the aide to the Hungarian Minister. Both are dead." She compiled her list. She simmered in the possibilities. She stared at
Hermione scarcely breathed, feelings the words like a bucket of water the bathroom wall until the waters were cool and still, both in her mind
over her head. She tried to imagine Ginny, running feral through the and against her skin.
Lounge with the jagged stem of a crystal glass in her hand. She pressed When she woke in the morning after only a few hours' rest, she
her eyes closed, and said, "And I assume she didn't get away with this?" entered the routine she'd established the week before — plucking books
When Draco did not respond, she looked to him and found him from the library and taking them to the Conservatory. Every hour or so,
staring out one of the Conservatory windows, eyes far away. she took a break to mediate. Tuck away the memories from last night, like
"Malfoy." books on a shelf. She couldn't let her emotions run away with her again.
"No, she did not get away with it." She'd been careless last night.

239 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 236

 As the clock ticked toward twelve, Hermione was certain Draco was after the Battle, and the Dark Lord installed a new Prime Minister, under
going to avoid her. Dolohov's Imperius Curse. We have it on good authority that the Queen
But at noon on the dot, the door to the Conservatory pulled open, and and young princes are either in Canada or Australia."
she looked up to find him strolling toward her, wearing a pale grey button Her eyes flickered once before she settled a mask over her face, a lake
up and dragon leather shoes — out of uniform. He looked as if the hours with still waters. Australia. Her parents.
of space between them hadn't done any favors for him either. Draco's gaze was on her, and he blinked once, eyes narrowing to
She stood from her bench and wrapped her cardigan tighter around examine the reaction she failed to hide.
herself in the humid chill of the morning. As she prepared to ask She needed to ask. She needed to know if the Death Eaters were
questions, she realized that Draco had managed to strengthen his mask searching for the Queen in Australia, but it would confirm whatever
overnight. He stared at her, a slight tilt to his head, with eyes cool and suspicions were in his mind. She couldn't trust the secret with anyone else.
grey. Her own mind was hardly safe from prying — she couldn't hand Draco
That's just fine, she thought. I've strengthened mine as well. Malfoy the key to her parents just by asking the question—
"What happened to Edinburgh?" He looked away from her. "The Dark Lord isn't interested in pursuing
A slight expansion of his ribs, like he was taking a deep breath but Muggles beyond the ones in Edinburgh. Politicians, royals… commoners.
trying not to show it. "The Death Eaters seized the castle two weeks after They hold no interest for him right now."
the Battle of Hogwarts. They took over the Muggle city of Edinburgh a Her heartbeat drummed in her fingertips. She could breathe again.
few hours later, but most of it had already been evacuated. The She could think clearly.
Scandinavian Ministry had an emissary there, and she acted quickly. This She wrote these answers down on her mental checklist, stowing them
was a few days before the Apparition Line was finished." into a tight corner of her library of shelves.
Hermione blinked, trying to keep her focus on getting all the answers "You touched my tattoo as we crossed the threshold. Does one need to
she needed. be escorted by a Death Eater to enter and exit Edinburgh?"
"And what's the fallout of this?" she said. "Surely the Muggle world He nodded, and she tucked the information away for a future escape
has noticed that Edinburgh has been extinguished from the map." plan.
"There was a confrontation once the Dark Lord's forces caught on. "What is the purpose of the collars?"
The papers reported a terrorist attack, a nuclear explosion. The Muggles "Aesthetic, ownership, and hierarchy," he replied. "The Gold Collars
aren't concerned with the comings and goings of Edinburgh any longer. have access to the entire castle, with the assumption that the Death Eater
Not until Muggle scientists have examined and decontaminated it. The is keeping a careful eye on his Lot. The Carrow Girls are allowed
Muggle government thinks it will be years before it's safe." everywhere except the private parlours in the west building. With the
She felt her heart in her throat as she asked, "And why the castle? exception of Charlotte, of course."
Does he have plans to seize other castles and estates?" Her ears perked up, and she tilted her head. "And what happens in the
"No. Edinburgh is his experiment." A pause as Hermione tried to private parlours?"
think about what he meant. "Official Death Eater business. Conversations with foreign dignitaries."
A memory of the Ministry's newest statue rose in her mind. Muggles, He glanced down at the floor, and twisted his ring around his thumb.
gnarled and twisted, their faces turned in blinding admiration towards the So that was the real purpose of these parties, then. Entertaining and
wizards above them. Magic is Might. seducing government officials.
A jolt down her spine that set every nerve ending on edge. "You said the silver collars are owned by the Carrows," she confirmed,
"But whatever's left of the Order didn't want to take any chances," and he nodded. "I thought Neville was bought by the Carrows. Where is
Draco was saying. "The Muggle Prime Minister escaped the U.K. shortly he?"

237 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 238

 She blinked, the spell broken the moment the words registered. She "Hmm. That look of furious disgust there?" Pansy said, pointing at
released his wrist, and he turned away as the cackling of hyenas Hermione's face. "I think I pulled that off quite nicely tonight."
ricocheted off the walls. Hermione couldn't find her voice. She could do nothing but watch as
"Too bad, she really does need that potion to loosen up—" Pansy stood from the chair, patting down her dress and brushing
Pansy had performed oral sex while in her body. Hermione's curls over her shoulder. Not only did she have on makeup,
"I'd give you an 'E,' Granger. Maybe an 'O,' but you'd have to let me judge she'd styled the unruly locks into something soft and lustrous. Even as she
firsthand—" walked, Hermione could see the telltale signs of Pansy— the confident
It had been her mouth, her tongue. strut and sway to her hips that she recognized from Hogwarts — but it
Her throat was dry as Draco brushed them off with a forced smile and looked wrong in Hermione's body. The artless grace and sensuality.
tossed the dice. She sat ramrod straight in his lap while the round was Hermione's cheeks burned, suddenly aware of her baggy pajama
played, pushing away the images until her heart stopped pounding in her bottoms and shapeless jumper.
ears and her breathing steadied. Pansy approached Draco, reached for the gold collar around her neck,
Hermione had never… she didn't know how. She could only assume and extended it to him. She'd painted her nails scarlet.
that Pansy Parkinson knew what she was doing, but hopefully she didn't "I'm going to get out of your hair." She turned to Hermione sharply.
make Hermione out to be some kind of expert. "Or, your hair, truly." She laughed at her joke, running her hand over
She shook off these questions. Draco had told her that things would be Hermione's curls. "I must apologize to you for ever making fun of your
much calmer — that he and Pansy had played their parts convincingly. She hair in school. It really is quite a hassle." She smiled. "I won't miss it. But
had to focus on the game and the secrets. She could deal with him later. your arse, Granger." Pansy ran her hands over her hips, rounding to
But a stray thought snuck through as the boys threw in their Galleons. Hermione's backside. "I much prefer this. I know Draco's preference is—"
What did Draco see when he looked at her now? Did he picture her on "That's enough, Pans." His voice was cold and cutting.
her knees, unbuckling him? His eyes had been on her mouth last Friday "Just trying to lighten the mood. Well, I guess I'll be going." Pansy
night, after Pansy left through the Floo. Was he remembering it? strolled to the fireplace. "Looks like you two have loads to talk about."
A hand pressed lightly between her shoulder blades. Her skin jumped, Pansy winked, tossed the Floo powder, and disappeared.
and she realized she was tense as a board and angrily staring off into The shock that had frozen her for the past few minutes was fading to a
space. She breathed deep, pushing away these worrisome thoughts and fiery churning in her stomach, spreading outward and lighting up every
refocusing. The boys were just offering their secrets as she relaxed back nerve ending on her skin. Hermione felt Draco's presence next to her, but
into Draco's hand. she refused to look up at him.
"I have something that has potential — now that we're in the final "You took Pansy Parkinson to Edinburgh. In my body."
round," Flint said with a smirk. His eyes locked on hers as he said, "I She heard his throat click.
happen to know the fate of one Ronald Weasley." "It was the easiest of options."
A cold wave of dread crashed through her. And she knew she hadn't She scoffed, whipping around to glare at him. "Easiest."
been able to temper her expression. Flint's eyes gleamed. She felt the "Yes, easiest. For both of us." He ran a hand through his hair. "Pansy
hand on her back tense as well. had experienced the effects of Flint's potion. She knew what it did. I
"And how would you know that?" Theo sneered. "No one's heard of brewed an antidote, like you suggested. And she mimicked the effects."
him for months." Fury burned in her bloodstream. "The point of breaking down the
Flint shrugged, still smirking. "My potion is no longer available at potion, was for me to take the antidote so I could return to Edinburgh—"
Edinburgh. I have to make house calls these days. You wouldn't believe the "And the point of me asking Pansy was to spare you from that." His
things I've learned in exchange for a small discount." eyes finally met hers. His mask perfectly in place except for the spots of

272 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 250

pink on his cheekbones. "We put on a convincing show. The boys should And Draco jerked his face back, the smallest movement of his neck,
be appeased for now." like he'd dodged the swing of a sword.
Rage choked her, her breath growing shallow as she thought about her She froze, feeling his entire body seize up, his ribs no longer moving
own body in Pansy Parkinson's hands, moving over him. against hers.
"What kind of 'convincing show," she hissed, stepping closer to Draco Embarrassment flooded her chest and neck, working its way to her
as he retreated. cheeks. She'd tried to kiss him, and he'd rejected her. She didn't dare look
"I did it for your own good, Granger." at him, staring at her lap as her face burned. He continued shuffling his
"You violated my body—" new hand as if nothing had happened.
"Your body was going to be violated either way," he snarled, holding Soon enough, her embarrassment gave way to a boiling fury. He was
his ground. "This way, you didn't have to be in it." going to jeopardize them. He couldn't accept a kiss from his Lot? What
Her arm moved quickly, slicing through the air and slapping him did that say?
across the face. His head scarcely moved despite the angry, red handprint Had anyone seen?
on his cheek. His eyes were hot on hers as they panted in each other's The sound in the room returned to her slowly as she lifted her head.
faces. The boys were chatting and passing cards. No eyes were on them, but
"Did you have sex with her in my body?" she demanded, hating the there was something malicious about the way Marcus Flint grinned at the
way her voice shook. table, his fancy teeth cutting into his lip.
His eyes dragged across her face, lips pressed together firmly until he She felt Draco's ribs moving again, and heard him swallow. Hermione
answered, "No." stiffened at the reminder that he was there.
She felt something untangle in her chest, loosening like a rope. She They needed to talk. They needed a discussion about what their
looked away. behavior was to consist of. He'd snarled at her last week, condescended
"If you put on such a 'convincing show,' then I assume they won't force at her ability to play-act, and then proceeded to sabotage her once she'd
you to use the potion again," she said, her voice deadly calm. actually tried to play the game. She breathed deep, reminding herself
"No. But you've been seen twice in a row now. I won't need to bring that she couldn't show how she felt with so many watchful eyes in the
you again—" room.
"You will bring me." She stared into his eyes, demanding to be heard. "Your roll, Malfoy."
"You said it yourself — they already suspect something is off. The other Higgs slid the dice over to Draco, and she felt his arm extend to reach
girls go every week with their masters, and so will you and I." She tilted for them.
her chin up and watched his gaze drop to her mouth and back up to her "You gonna let her wish you luck?" Pucey teased.
eyes. "We will continue to appear at Edinburgh Castle. And you'll stop She'd seen almost every girl blow on the dice before they were thrown.
treating me like a child who's unable to navigate this new world." A flirty smile and pursed lips before their heads bowed. And while she
The silence sent shivers down her spine. She summoned whatever wished for nothing more than the freedom to refuse another opportunity
confidence she had left and said, "Do I make myself clear?" to be humiliated, she knew she had to put on a show.
His eyes were dark, the grey fading into black dilated centers. She felt Draco held the dice in front of her. She laid delicate fingers on his
his breath on her cheek and the heat from his chest just inches from her wrist, holding him in place, and looked up to his eyes as she blew cool air
own. across his fingertips.
Dropping his eyes once more before finding her gaze again, he He swallowed. And his eyes flashed.
whispered, "Perfectly, Granger." A chuckle from across the table. "We all know how much Granger
"Good," she said, stepping back and reaching for the door. loves to 'blow.'"

251 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 271

 "What do you think, Granger?" he lilted. "Think my cards are good She disappeared back to her own room, letting her mind wander to
enough?" the 'convincing show' Pansy had put on in her own body, wondering if she
She blinked at his hand, not sure how to answer, but knowing it didn't would be able to replicate it the following week.
matter — he was only buying time. She thought of the other girls' hands
trailing through the boys' hair or sliding down collar bones — the ways in
which it was typical to flirt and touch and tease.
Hermione plucked a card from the middle of Draco's hand and
replaced it on the end. She leaned closer, and loudly whispered, "I think
Theo's about to spill all his secrets."
The boys burst into laughter — more raucous than the quip
warranted. It wasn't terribly witty, but perhaps they were amused that it
was said by her. That she was playing their game.
"Now the game can start!" Flint yelled over the din. "I wondered when
you'd show up, Granger!"
"About time. Not nearly as cozy as they were last week—"
"Finally warming up over there—"
"—back to that swotty posture again, probably aching for a shag with
Malfoy gone the last week—"
Hermione let the words wash over her, straining a tight-lipped smile
down at Draco's cards. Pansy had been doing something different.
Something cozier. And they'd noticed the difference.
She tried to relax back into Draco's arm and shoulder, tilting her body
towards him. He was still as stone again, no help at all. Fighting back her
irritation, she wiggled closer, trying to get as cozy as Pansy might have
been — only to be stopped by his hand squeezing her leg in warning. As
they tossed cards back and forth, she allowed the arm resting on the back
of his chair to drape across his shoulders.
She tried not to feel stung, knowing he hadn't been this cold with
Pansy last week. Perhaps she simply needed to try harder. Let him know
that she was comfortable.
Theo won his hand, allowed to keep his secrets for a bit longer. Draco
spread his cards on the table, and Hermione inferred that he had won as
well.
She felt her heart pounding in her chest as she decided to try
something else — celebrating his win. Pressing her forehead to his temple,
and painting on a coy smile, Hermione tilted her face up, reaching for his
mouth with hers.
The barest brush of her bottom lip across the corner of his mouth—

270 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 252

conjured millions of possibilities, but in the end, she knew that she
shouldn't read too much into it. After all, while she had been on the run,
she'd needed Dittany and Murtlap Essence more than anything else.
Theo didn't seem terribly put out when he folded, smugly announcing
that Edinburgh would be hosting the Undersecretary to the Korean
Minister.
Draco didn't lose, keeping his secret of who had escaped at Dover for
another round. Hermione shoved aside her irritation that he hadn't told
her before. She'd take it up with him later, but now was not the time.
By the end of the next, Pucey, having lost his gold and secrets several
rounds before, began kissing Mortensen's neck as he listened to the game,
only piping in every now and then. Goyle was doing something similar,
only it seemed he had completely disregarded the game to focus on
sloppily kissing Susan's mouth.
It was Warrington's turn to throw the dice. The Carrow Girl in his lap
giggled when he offered her the dice to blow on, and he caught her lips
with his as the dice tumbled across the table.
Hermione looked away from the scene as Theo called out the results
of the roll. They played their first hand, exchanging chips and cards. And
when it was time to bet their information, Theo offered another visitor to
Edinburgh in the next month.
"Don't waste our time with that," Draco drawled. "I want to know
what your father was researching in my library." Theo opened his mouth.
"And don't feed me any bollocks about the Apparition Line," Draco
continued, cutting over him. "I saw him lurking in the other sections."
A stillness swept over the table. Theo's face flushed at being put on the
spot, and clearly not in a way he enjoyed.
"I'll take that bet," Flint said with a glint in his eye. "Especially since
Theodore is panicking."
The table chuckled. The strawberry-blonde cooed into Theo's ear and
rubbed his shoulders as he scowled. Hermione felt her pulse spike, feeding
off the intrigue, and she quickly looked down at the table to hide her
eagerness.
Theo scowled, drumming his fingers on the table. "Well, I'm only in if
Draco tells us where Daddy Malfoy has been."
Draco's ribs expanded against hers, and she saw the corner of his
mouth lift. He made quite a show of looking down at his cards, weighing
the options.

THE AUCTION ● 269

 A charge pulsed through the table. Flint lifted a brow; Pucey leaned
closer. Warrington set down his glass with a clink. Theo, on the other
hand, stiffened.
"That's classified," he hissed from their left. "You can't give away that
kind of information."
"I'm not giving it away," Draco drawled. "I'm planning to win my
hand, thank you very much." He took a leisurely sip from his wine glass.
"And you, Theo? Do you have anything of value?"
Theo sat up straight in his chair, jostling the arms of the strawberry-

17
blonde hanging off of his shoulders. "I can tell you which major
government official plans to pay Edinburgh a visit next month," he
snarled.
"Cirillo already said she'd be back—"
"No," Theo snapped. He sneered at the interruption. "Not Cirillo."
A pause as the boys considered.
"Well, you have my interest," Flint said with a grin. "Shall we play,
boys?"
Flint whispered into Penelope's ear, and with some reluctance,
Penelope leaned forward and blew on the dice before Flint tossed them.
Hermione watched cards exchange hands — watched the dice roll —
watched the quick shuffling as the boys laughed and drank. She still
couldn't figure out how the game was played, but she was far more
invested in the conversation. One by one, the boys lost, spilling their
secrets, and afterward, their gold. By the time they were down to their last ermione woke up the next morning with her blood still boiling. She
few wine bottles, only Draco, Flint, and Theo had kept their secrets.
She'd learned that Mundungus Fletcher had been spotted outside the
Edinburgh gates attempting to sell a Time-Turner. He'd been stripped of
H rescheduled breakfast with Narcissa and locked herself away,
researching and reading in angry solitude. Every time she'd let her
mind wander, it would conjure images of Draco with Hermione's
all his possessions, tortured for a few hours, and set free. doppelgänger in his lap, moving as Pansy Parkinson moves and kissing like
Pucey's news on France — that the Dark Lord had lost several new Pansy Parkinson kisses. So she kept it occupied well past dinner time, until she
recruits during a battle near Normandy — had helped Hermione puzzle was too exhausted to think.
together two things. First, France was publicly against the Great Order — She woke early on Sunday morning, determined to speak to Draco
something she'd suspected, but hadn't confirmed until now. Second, the before breakfast. After compiling another list of questions for him —
Dark Lord was enraged about it enough to go on the offensive — none of which had to do with the "convincing show" he and Pansy had
something uncommon for him. She wondered why France mattered to him. put on two nights before — she finally left her room and rapped smartly
Another two hands, and she found out more. The name of a suspected on his door. She waited for a more than acceptable amount of time before
traitor in Cirillo's cabinet. How Jugson was missing more than a hand. rapping again. The door handle was immovable, as expected. She
Flint finally lost his secret to a round of jeers, revealing that Angelina frowned in frustration. After fifteen more minutes of aggravated pacing,
was spotted in Bristol at a closed-down Apothecary. Hermione's mind knocking, and waiting, she headed downstairs to meet Narcissa.

268 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 253

 Only Narcissa wasn't at the table. The dining room was set for two, shift herself until her legs crossed, her arm slung behind Draco's shoulder.
but it was empty. Draco provided no assistance.
Hermione had a brief flash of panic, remembering how all three Pucey started by rolling the dice, grinning down at the result. The
Malfoys had disappeared before, leaving her alone for weeks. glyphs on the sides were different than the ones she'd seen the Weasleys
"Mippy?" play with, so she gave up trying to summon the little she remembered.
A pop! sounded from behind her. After the first hand was swept away, Flint called for wagers.
"Miss!" "Let's make it good this time, gentlemen." He nodded at Montague.
"Good morning, Mippy," Hermione said, smiling down at her through "You first."
the tightness in her chest. "Where might I find Narcissa?" "I have the names of two defectors at the Ministry."
"Missus is in her study!" Flint rolled his eyes. "That's terribly dull, Graham."
Perhaps Narcissa had forgotten? "Thank you. I'll visit her there." She "Well, that's what I have," Montague grumbled.
hurried out of the room before Mippy could blink her overlarge eyes. "Then think of something better. I'm not risking what I know for
Hermione traveled down the corridor to Narcissa's private study. She something my grandmother could have told me."
needed to see for herself. She needed to know they hadn't left her alone He turned his eyes on Pucey, who cleared his throat. "I have news on
again. Lucius had been gone for weeks. Draco wasn't responding. If France."
Narcissa was gone too… "I'll take that," Flint said. "I'll raise you a sighting of Johnson."
She turned a corner and froze at the sound of a voice rising to biting Hermione's mouth felt dry, and she resisted the urge to lean forward.
tones, floating into the hallway from behind a cracked door. They were wagering secrets — sensitive topics about the war. The outside
Her pulse calmed when she recognized Narcissa's voice, then world.
quickened with her rising curiosity. She paused, debating. Spying on She chanced a look around the table and found the strawberry-blonde
Narcissa's private conversations felt like crossing a line. meeting eyes with another Carrow Girl before quickly glancing away,
Hermione took a quiet step backward, preparing to turn on her heel— reaching for a slice of cheese off Theo's plate.
"...our son. And now he's off… dangerous and... He's out of his depth "Intriguing, Flint. Who's your source?"
—" "Well, you'll have to beat my hand to find out, won't you Cass?"
Narcissa's voice cut out as she ranted. Hermione let the words wash "Goyle?" Montague asked. "Are you in? Anything new on your
over her, heart hammering in her ears. They were talking about Draco. father?"
A few more heartbeats, and her self-control shattered. She tiptoed But Goyle was nuzzling into Susan's neck, content to fold.
forward, ears straining for a response. "I have news on Dung. Spotted outside Edinburgh tonight," Derrick
Was Lucius home? said.
She wasn't eavesdropping, she told herself as she crept forward, guilt "That old pikey. What's he selling now?"
twisting in her gut. She was simply going to take her time before knocking. "You'll just have to beat my hand to find out."
"... becoming a liability," she heard Narcissa hiss. "Even the Dark Lord "Draco?" Flint asked. "Are you in?"
must see. Remind him why these revels exist in the first place… not just to Hermione felt every pair of eyes turn on them. She glanced down to
wet their cocks—" Draco's hand, unable to tell if what he had was sufficient to win. He
Hermione's brows jumped, and she stifled a gasp at hearing such plucked a card from the middle and replaced it on the end.
crude language from Narcissa Malfoy. She craned her neck to peek "I'm in." He tilted his head, and Hermione felt his hair tickle her neck.
through the crack in the door and found her pacing at the opposite side "Anyone interested to know who it was that skipped through the
of the room, in front of the fireplace. The Floo. boundary at Dover last month?"

254 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 267

Terrence Higgs without a fuss. As if he'd been waiting for the cue all A low baritone rumbling from behind a pair of chairs, where
evening, Goyle directed Susan to his lap, his arms wrapping around her Hermione couldn't see. She took a shaky breath and knocked faintly at
stomach and his face inhaling deeply at her neck as she grimaced. the door, praying Narcissa wouldn't hear her.
Hermione was listening to the conversations and watching the boys "I will not watch my language. Your friends are running wild here in
closely, so she saw the exact moment Flint pulled a small box out of his England without the Dark Lord's oversight. Do something about it before our
robes. son gets killed."
"What do we say, gentlemen," he called out over the noise. "Shall we She was talking about Edinburgh. Hermione's mind tumbled through
lose some Galleons tonight?" the ways that Draco could be harmed by the events that had taken place
The boys laughed and jeered, ribbing one another about who had there, but before she could process it—
won and lost last time. Flint's long fingers opened the box and plucked out "I have to go. Miss Granger is at my door, and I'm late for breakfast
a deck of cards and three dice. He began shuffling the deck as some boys with her. I'll send your regards."
groaned about the holes in the pockets, and others rubbed their greedy Hermione held her breath as Narcissa's heels clicked towards the door.
hands together in glee. "Good morning," Narcissa said. Her face was flushed, but not a hair
Hermione had seen the Weasleys play this game at the Burrow before was out of place. "I apologize for keeping you waiting."
(usually only betting Knuts). Her rudimentary understanding was that it "It's me who should be apologizing," Hermione rushed, heat creeping
was similar to Muggle poker. Ron had tried to teach her in sixth year, but up her neck. "I came looking for you, and then I — heard voices. I didn't
had gotten frustrated with her questions and gave up after only twenty want to interrupt, but I wasn't here for very long—"
minutes. "Of course, dear," said Narcissa smoothly, the anger of the previous
She felt a shard of ice in her chest at the memory. She'd buried Ron in conversation melting away. "Unfortunately, I'm afraid I can't take
a book next to Ginny weeks ago. breakfast with you. I have several urgent matters to attend to."
Pucey started divvying the chips, and the cards slid across the table Hermione nodded her acceptance and said in a small voice, "Draco is
with a magical push as Flint dealt them. She looked up and realized that gone?"
over half of the girls were otherwise occupied. Some sat in laps or draped Narcissa took a deep breath and nodded. "He is in Italy. Dealing with
over the shoulders of their "dates." The other half refilled glasses and an unexpected incident. I'm afraid I can't say much more than that." She
offered snacks. Only Hermione was left standing at attention. pulled a thin letter from her robes and extended it to Hermione. "He
She stepped forward as Draco plucked up his cards. Grabbing the asked me to give this to you."
decanter of wine, she refilled his almost full glass to look busy, and as he Hermione stared at the parchment. "For me?"
rearranged his cards, she brushed her fingers over his collar. "Do you have "Yes," Narcissa said. "He had to leave rather abruptly, and he wanted
a good hand?" she murmured, doing her best to imitate Pansy's purr. to put your mind at ease."
His jaw tightened for a split second. "Excellent," he said, with a Hermione blinked, gaping up at her. "He said that?"
confident flick of his eyes to meet Flint's. "Technically, I believe he said, 'that bloody witch will give me hell if I
Flint smirked, then turned his gaze on her. "How are those heels disappear.' But I'm sure those were his true sentiments."
tonight, Granger?" His gaze ran over her. "If you need to sit, you know Hermione's fingers paused in grasping the note, and she looked up to
my lap's always free." see Narcissa smirking. Her cheeks heated, and she ducked her head.
Before she could craft a response, Draco's hand was on her hip, pulling Narcissa left Hermione to take breakfast in the dining room alone.
her downward without even looking up from his cards. The boys laughed. Hermione managed to pour a cup of coffee from the carafe, add the
She landed across both his legs, the right side of her chest pressing sugar and milk, and stir before her curiosity won out and she ripped open
against his left. With how short and tight the dress was, she was forced to the wax seal.

266 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 255

 Hermione's eyes widened, and she heard Theo miss a step behind her.
Granger, He was sputtering and scrambling for a reply when Draco reached the
I have some important business in Italy. Allow landing, grabbing her elbow to guide her for the last two steps and
ignoring their companion.
me to head off your questions. Harper stood at the door again, and with him was the strawberry-
blonde girl from two weeks ago. Harper stood up straight, and the girl
No — I don't know for how long. batted her lashes demurely at them as they arrived.
No — I can't say why. Yet. Theo's protests died on his lips as the girl skipped to his side and
pressed a kiss to his cheek. His cheeks were bright red, and his jaw
Yes — if I am home by Friday, we will still be clenched as he slipped his arm around her back.
Harper did his security tests on their rings and collars, and then they
going to Edinburgh. were headed into the snake pit. Boisterous laughter and shouting
Yes — I've eaten breakfast. How kind of you to ask. assaulted her ears, and when the door swung open, the room cheered,
greeting Draco and Theo. Montague started a chant of "Fratelli
D.M. d'Italia!" and the boys shook Draco's hand with mocking greetings of
She glared down at the letter, as if it was Draco himself, lifting a brow "Buongiorno!" and "Ciao bello!"
at her and strutting away. Draco took it all in stride, shoving them off and joining their chanting
Italy. with an energy she knew was put upon. One look back at Theo showed a
She racked her memories for mentions of Italy. Coverage of the sour expression on his face as Draco took the praise and adulation. She
political climate there — or any other foreign country, for that matter — caught the eye of the girl on Theo's arm, and she winked at her.
had been scarce in the Prophet. She expected that would change once Hermione blinked, and turned around. Draco herded her to the head
Voldemort had more international support. of the table, and Hermione took her position behind Draco's chair. She
After breakfast, Hermione visited the kitchens and asked Remmy for found Susan behind Goyle, Mortensen behind Pucey, and Penelope
the Daily Prophet, like she did every morning. She blinked down at the behind Flint. A few new Carrow Girls behind the others. And as the
headline, not even bothering to thank a sour-faced Remmy before she strawberry-blonde took her place behind Theo as he sat, Hermione
huffed and waddled away. realized the chair to Draco's left was empty.
Blaise wasn't here. She was thankful that meant Giuliana was
ITALIAN MINISTER DEAD BY HEART ATTACK somewhere else as well.
BY RITA SKEETER As soon as the boys were seated, the girls stepped forward for the wine
Antonio Bravieri, Italian Minister for Magic, was found dead in bottles. Hermione followed, reaching beyond Draco's shoulder and pouring
wine into his glass. They repeated their toast — "To the Dark Lord's power.
his chambers Saturday evening, suffering from a fatal heart
May he reign forevermore" — and Hermione watched as eleven boys
attack.
drank deeply to his honor. There was less food on the table than two weeks
The Minister had paid a visit to the Dark Lord's castle earlier ago. No opulent pig roast or decadent side dishes. As the boys settled back
Saturday afternoon to pledge his government's support for the into conversation, the strawberry-blonde and two other girls started moving
Dark Lord and the Great Order. Tragically, it would be his last around with trays, serving light hors d'oeuvres and cheese.
official act as leader of the Italian Magical community. Without dinner in the way, it didn't take long for the first girl to drop
Constantine Romano, Head of the Transportation Department, into a lap — a giggly waif in a silver collar who draped herself over

256 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 265

 "Sir." Draco shook Nott's hand and gave Theo a careless nod. "We has vowed to carry out Bravieri's final vision for his country, and
were able to resolve the situation quickly. Yaxley is staying for another has been appointed to the title of Minister in Bravieri's place.
week, and Dolohov joined him as we were leaving." Emissaries to the Dark Lord are assisting with the transition this
"Good," Nott Sr. said. And though she was staring at the floor, she week, helping ensure the partnership between our two
could feel his eyes slither down her body.
countries.
"Hello, little dove." The handle of his cane pushed under her chin
until her face tilted back. She felt Draco's thumb twitch against her back. The lies jumped off the page, sticking out like thorns.
"I missed your little show last week. Perhaps you'll grace us with a repeat The Minister had been found dead the day after he visited Voldemort?
performance tonight." Not likely. And his last official act was to swear fealty to Voldemort?
Her blood froze, sound rushing in her ears. A snort from Theo as Hermione rolled her eyes, shaking her head at the paper. He'd clearly
Draco's hand pressed harder into her skin. "Not likely, Father. I'm sure gotten himself killed, and now Draco was part of the mission to replace
Draco is going to hoard her talents for at least another year or two." him with some kind of Voldemort puppet, like Pius Thicknesse.
"Is that so? How unfortunate." He tsked. "You know Draco, forbidding Hermione leaned back against the wall outside the kitchens, listening
the fruit only makes it more tempting." to the elves work.
Hermione kept her gaze steady on Nott's, holding her breath. His Unless she was very much mistaken, Voldemort had just carried out a
cane slipped down her neck, between her clavicles, and landed between major political coup. But why send Draco? Had he gained enough
her breasts. importance in the Death Eater's ranks that he was now replacing his
"Such a pretty dress," he crooned. And even with Draco standing so father in his absence? She shivered, dread twisting in her stomach.
close, with his hand tightening on her waist, Nott Sr. stepped even closer, She spent the rest of the day looking into the politics of the Italian
long fingers sliding low over her hip. She felt every muscle tighten. "It just Ministry and the Bravieri family, searching for clues on why Antonio
begs to be peeled off." Bravieri had dared to challenge Voldemort and paid for it with his life.
"Unfortunately, Ted," Draco's voice was smooth in her ear, like a warm
$
breeze. "I'll be the one doing the peeling."
Draco's fingers curled tightly on the curve of her waist, unsteadying By Friday morning, when Draco had still not returned, she had grimly
her until she had to step back. She found her breath, and Draco quickly come to terms with the fact that they would not be going to Edinburgh
excused them, taking Theo with them. that night. Narcissa had spent the week distracted, inviting her to tea only
Her talents. She imagined the other Hermione shifting sensuously on to drift off and then jump up, excusing herself. Hermione assumed Italy
Draco's lap, unbuckling his belt and unzipping his trousers while his hand had taken a turn for the worse, but the Prophet had been completely silent
wandered up her dress— on the situation.
She breathed deep and centered her mind, ignoring the anger and After two anxiety-filled days with no news of Italy or Draco, she had
disgust bubbling beneath her skin. Instead she let her eyes flit across the thrown herself back into her research to steer her mind firmly away from
room, searching for Cho. his absence. Only that topic was equally frustrating. She'd finished The
"Father's right, you know," Theo said as the three of them headed Mysteries of Magical Asia: Volumes 1, 2, and 3, and found only a handful of
through the passage to the other building. "You're only making things irrelevant, throwaway references to magical slavery. She was no closer to
worse. I heard that men in the other room have been talking about her—" finding the inspiration for the tattoos than she had been a month ago.
"And where's your whore tonight, Theo?" Draco drawled, leading She was headed to breakfast when she heard voices in the entry hall.
them up the winding stairs without a look backward. "Waiting for you on She froze at the top of the stairs, listening carefully to catch the mumbled
his knees in the men's room?" words and ascertain their owners. Peeking over the banister, she found the

264 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 257

top of Draco's blond head — a wave of relief through her veins — as He took her elbow and spun them to the signpost outside of
well as two others. Edinburgh Castle. She allowed the long walk up to the gates to center her
Zabini and a dark-haired girl. mind, the breeze to cool her emotions, and the sound of her footsteps to
Gasping, she moved forward until she could see her face, fingers confirm that it was truly happening again.
squeezing the polished wood. The werewolves howled, the guards smacked their lips, and the crowd
It was the olive-skinned girl from Edinburgh. The one who had been of Death Eaters in the courtyard whistled. She ignored them all, hardly
crying through the night, the one who looked too young for all of this. registering their jeers about her bare legs as she focused on a lake with still
She looked pale and dazed, her large eyes locked on Zabini. Thinner than waters.
the last time Hermione had seen her, she practically swam in the heavy Draco was putting on a show of being quite relaxed. During their first
black cloak around her shoulders. walk into Edinburgh, he was rushed and anxious. This time, he was
Zabini and Draco spoke in hushed tones as Zabini reached into the shouting back at the crowd with a laugh, stopping to chat with someone
bag of Floo powder, nodding his head at something Draco said. She at the top of the stairs, and teasing someone who was coughing on their
watched Zabini turn to the girl and hum something in a cadence she cigar. But when the spectators vanished and it was only the two of them,
recognized as Italian. They moved to the fireplace, and Blaise righted her she watched his face fall, an empty expression in his eyes.
when she stumbled in her heels. He led her through the doors to the Great Hall, and Hermione's
"Grazie," she croaked. breath caught to see Charlotte turning to them with a tray of champagne.
Blaise took her elbow, and Hermione caught the faintest glimpse of "Master Malfoy," she said with a flirty grin. "Good evening. And Miss
gold and black letters on her arm as they disappeared through the Floo. Granger."
Draco stared at the empty fireplace for several long moments after they Charlotte's eyes met hers briefly before offering her champagne.
vanished. Then he crossed the room and started to climb the stairs. Hermione reached for her own glass this time, hoping to draw Charlotte's
His body moved slowly, exhausted and thin. Purple-blue rings beneath eyes, but she was already reaching for the curtain and letting them into
his eyes. He didn't look as wasted as he had a month ago, but he clearly the Great Hall. The music and the chatter hit her like a wall, stirring her
hadn't slept or eaten much. It wasn't until he was steps away from the memories of two weeks ago. She was flooded with terror for a freezing
platform she was on that he finally looked up and paused. moment before feeling Draco's hand on her back, warm and steadying.
"Granger." He stood tall and took his hand off the railing, removing He stopped to talk with people as they sipped their champagne.
all weakness from his stance. Hermione tried to catalog the guests and conversations more fastidiously
She blinked at him, heart thrumming painfully with the weight of the this time. Two weeks ago, she was far more focused on the girls. This time
things she wouldn't let herself say. "Who was that?" she finally managed, she needed to listen to the whispered jokes and unspoken clues.
nodding her head down at the fireplaces below. Draco greeted Rabastan Lestrange while he was mid-conversation, a
His throat bobbed as his eyes took her in. "Giuliana Bravieri. She'll be quick tap on his shoulder and a few polite words while Lestrange's eyes
staying with Blaise from now on." wandered down Hermione's waist and hips. He led her to a quick
"Bravieri," she repeated. "She's the Minister's—" conversation with Mulciber, who did not have Cho hanging off of his
"Niece, yes. Excuse me, but I'm not in the mood for an inquisition elbow — Hermione's eyes scanned for her as inconspicuously as possible,
right now." but with no luck. She and Draco passed a pale-faced Jugson with a nod,
He started to climb again, moving past her as her mind whirred. and she noticed that he was missing a hand.
"Did you rescue her?" she asked. Her heart thudded dully in her chest, "Draco," a slimy voice called out behind them, Hermione felt a
and her lungs held tightly, waiting for his response. nauseous dread sliding through her veins. They turned and found Nott Sr.
He laughed — a dry, aged sound. "I'd hardly call it that." approaching with Theo at his side. "I didn't expect you back so soon."

258 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 263

 Draco pressed his lips together. No response. A strange hope fluttered in her chest.
"Malfoy—" She spun, taking a breath to ask —
"Do you really want to ruin your evening before it even begins, "Yes, Granger," he said flatly, walking away from her. "We'll go to
Granger?" Edinburgh tonight." And then under his breath, "Bloody woman…"
"Yes." She watched him trudge to his door, frowning at his retreating back.
He sighed deeply. A hand came up to rub his brow. "Jugson thought it Have you had breakfast, she'd been about to ask.
would be a bit of fun to put multiple hairs in her potion. Apparently he
was plucking them at random from around the room. Half of the men $
didn't even realize until… it began." At eight that evening, she did something for the second time since
She blinked up at him. "Oh." Bile crawled up the back of her throat as she'd taken up residence at Malfoy Manor — she examined her vanity
her imagination flickered through a series of disgusting and depraved dresser. She'd rummaged through it just once before, shortly after she
images of… multiple people… and— "How old is she?" she croaked. arrived, while looking for weapons.
Draco paused. "Fourteen." His reply wasn't surprising, but it still hit She pulled out the top drawer, finding basic makeup products and
her like a blow to the gut. She swayed her on her feet. He continued, "So brushes.
Flint's potion is no longer allowed—" Hermione didn't know much about applying powder and goo to her
"Was your hair mixed in?" she asked, her voice cracking. face, but she could remember a bit from fourth year. With Lavender
His face turned to her sharply. And the disgust on his features brought Brown's voice in her mind, she laid out the tubes and gels across her
her as much relief as the words from his mouth. counter and separated them by use. The eye makeup on her right, the lips
"No. We were at dinner when it happened." on her left, and the rouge and powders in the center.
His lip curled, and he turned away from her again as she nodded. After half a dozen frustrating attempts, she finally was staring at a
"And the Dark Lord was displeased?" she prompted, breathing easier shadow of what Pansy Parkinson had been able to do to her face. Her
now. eyes were dark, her lashes long. A dusty pink lipstick was all she could find
"The involved parties were punished. He reminded his followers of the in the drawer. She searched every drawer and cabinet for nail polish,
purpose of these revels. Not just a place to amuse ourselves. A place to thinking of Pansy's scarlet nails, but couldn't find any. She wasn't positive
serve him and his ambitions." she could pull off whatever act Pansy had played, but she could come
Something was familiar about his wording, and it was only a moment close to it.
before Hermione realized that they were Narcissa's words. As for her hair… Hermione had to leave it alone. She had no tools, no
A smirk curved her lips. It seemed that Narcissa Malfoy had pulled not wand, and even if she did have a curling iron, there was no electricity in
only her husband's strings, but the Dark Lord's as well. Malfoy Manor.
He held out a hand for her arm, and she gave it to him. His hand was Mippy knocked at quarter till ten, handing her the collar, the dress, and
warm over her tattoo as they moved through the gate. They walked to the the shoes. The elf wrung her hands and stared tremulously at the floor,
hill where they could Apparate from, and she felt relief thrumming clearly knowledgeable about the plans for the evening. Perhaps she'd heard
through her veins that he'd made it through the last week unscathed. Narcissa's rants as well. Hermione took pity on her and quickly dismissed
"Your mother was worried about you in Italy. Was it dangerous?" her, asking her to tell Draco that she'd be downstairs momentarily.
He looked around them, almost like searching for enemies in the wind, The slip dress was black lace with a low neck. It would be tight on her
and said, "The Italian Magical community knows exactly what happened body, leaving very little to the imagination. But perhaps the revelers at
to Bravieri, despite Skeeter's attempt to spin it differently. It wasn't a walk Edinburgh Castle no longer needed to imagine her in any way. It was
in the park." possible they'd seen quite a bit of her body already.
262 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 259
 Hermione pressed her lips together, and pushed away those thoughts. His jaw tensed. "There was an incident last week."
She went to the armoire, reaching into the drawer that held her Her eyebrows shot up as he turned on his heel and headed to the door,
knickers. She rummaged through them and decided on the pair that as if he could just end the conversation there. She hurried after him,
looked the most sensual. nearly jogging to catch up.
The dress slithered down her skin, needing to be tugged around her "'Incident?' Does this have to do with Italy?"
backside. She slipped the collar on, and the metal shrunk to her skin just He pushed through the Manor doors, and as he swept down the stairs,
as it had last time. She fidgeted with the chilly gold metal as she checked she could swear she heard him mumble, "Brightest Witch of Her Age."
the clock, testing to make sure it hadn't glued itself to her. It seemed to "Yes," he said. "The Dark Lord has forbidden the use of Flint's potion
shrink and tighten in response to her touch, attracting to her skin like a at Edinburgh. Last week, it was misused on the Italian Minister's niece."
magnet. She easily fit her finger between her neck and the collar. Hermione stumbled down the Manor steps, following behind him on
With shoes on and one last look in the mirror, Hermione headed down the stone path as her mind worked at breakneck speed.
the hallway to the stairs. The portraits took the opportunity to hiss and "Antonio Bravieri didn't support the Dark Lord, did he?" she asked as
call her names as she wobbled by, righting herself on the credenza. he moved briskly down the path. "That's why Giuliana was taken and
She'd found her footing by the time she descended the stairs, but the given to a Death Eater. To coerce him into changing his mind." Draco
sight of Draco watching her from the ground almost sent her stumbling didn't respond, but she didn't need him to. "Bravieri found out what
again. His eyes dripped over her face, dress, and legs before tearing away happened to Giuliana at the party, came to rage at the Dark Lord, and
and staring down at the marble. was killed for it."
He looked rested, and despite the way his gaze had lingered, he They were steps away from the gate. Draco's pace didn't falter until
seemed to have his mask in place. She clicked down the stairs in her heels, Hermione reached out and grabbed his arm, spinning him back. He met
awkwardly listening to every step until she reached the bottom. her with a lazy expression.
He didn't immediately lead her out, so she asked, "Is it the same entry Her brows furrowed, trying to work out a piece. "Why did you have to
every time? Through the main gates?" go to Italy? Are you… Have you been promoted?"
After a beat, he nodded at the floor, almost as if snapping out of a He smirked. "As Lucius Malfoy's son, I don't need a promotion. I
trance. volunteered, actually."
"What do I need to know about last week?" she asked tightly. "What Her lips parted in shock. "You—"
will come up?" "For Blaise," he said. "His mother was close friends with Bravieri — a
He swallowed and said, "Everything was the same until the Lounge. well-known bit of gossip. It was in his best interest to volunteer his
The Great Hall, the champagne, the dinner." assistance with the 'transition.'" He stared off over her shoulder at the
The images flashed up in front of her eyes again — red lips on his, Manor. "And it seems to have deflected any suspicion. The Dark Lord
painted nails running through his hair, Draco's fingers dipping gifted Giuliana to him as a token of gratitude for his service."
underneath her knickers— Hermione's lip curled. "So she'll have to pretend now, too. Only
"And the Lounge?" she asked as evenly as possible, shoving the it was real for her. I saw her there. That girl is a child. She isn't strong
pictures aside. "What do I need to know?" enough to act like Zabini's plaything—"
"You won't be asked to do anything… Anything more." He looked up at "Giuliana won't be attending any time soon," he cut her off. "She's
her for the first time since she landed at the bottom of the stairs, and his not... in any state for it. Blaise will make her excuses."
eyes flickered. She caught something almost guilty in them before his mask The summer wind brushed through them, and Hermione felt it dance
clicked back into place. "The Lounge will be infinitely tamer tonight." across her spine in a shiver.
"Why?" "What happened to her?"

260 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 261

 "No, no." Narcissa waved her hands. "Please finish your meal. I insist." Hermione's heart thrummed. It sounded like Ron was alive. And Flint
And with a sparkle in her eye, she said, "Is there anything I can bring knew where he was being kept.
you? More wine? Perhaps the elves can bring dessert?" "But it is a huge secret, you know," Flint said with a pout. "I feel like we
"Mother," Draco hissed in warning. should up the ante if I'm going to reveal this."
Hermione stared at her shoes, pulse pounding in her ears. Her skin felt Flint looked directly at Draco. Draco responded in a level voice, "I can
itchy with guilt and embarrassment in every place that had just been in reveal no more than the country my father is in, I'm afraid."
contact with Draco's body. "I don't care to know that. Truly." Flint shrugged, his eyes falling on
"Very well, then. Enjoy the rest of your dinner." Narcissa glided out of Hermione again. She had the sinking sensation that he was playing with
the room with a cheeky wink. them, like a cat batting a mouse. "But I will wager that secret against a
Hermione dropped her head into her hands as soon as she turned the kiss from the Golden Girl."
corner. Hermione held her breath. She heard Draco's jaw click, and the
"Oh god," she groaned. weight in her stomach dropped. He would decline. And then she would
Draco shifted on his feet before excusing himself with an unintelligible have no idea what had happened to Ron.
mumble, leaving her alone in the dining room with only her burning skin Her lips parted before Draco could take a breath. "One measly kiss?"
and guilty conscience. She lifted a brow imitating the boy beneath her and said, "That's an easy
bet to take. Hardly fair for you, though."
$ Flint winked at her. "You sell yourself short, Granger. Perhaps that's
On Friday, they followed the now-familiar path to the courtyard, just how madly I desire you."
though she fell in step with him easily this time. She refrained from Draco tensed, about to jump in, about to end this.
playing with her collar as best she could, but she felt the note burning her "How could my master refuse?" she quickly replied. "It costs him
skin. She'd debated about it all day Thursday, but still didn't feel like she nothing if he loses."
should tell Draco about the note yet. She could only pray that she'd have The hand on her back lifted, and she heard the arm of the chair creak
another opportune moment alone with the strawberry-blonde. under the strain of a hand squeezing it.
When Charlotte greeted them with champagne, Hermione studied her The boys were silent, watching the unspoken tennis match between
carefully. But the brunette simply smiled and toasted them as they passed, the two heads of the table. But the match was won, and Draco knew it.
her eyes quickly flitting away. Hermione tried to keep eye contact, tried to She could feel the anger radiating off of him even as he said, "Of course.
communicate with her, but the curtain closed on them while she turned to An excellent wager."
greet another guest. All eyes turned to the cards as Draco and Flint played, pulling new
She found Cho hanging off of Mulciber's arm across the Great Hall, hands and rolling the dice. She judged Draco's success off of Theo, who
smiling as his hand drifted lower on her back. But Hermione's interest had no poker face. The more disappointed he looked, the better Draco
was elsewhere, her eyes wide and alert for any sign of the strawberry- was doing.
blonde. Before she could get a decent look around the room, Draco was When they both finally laid out their cards, the entire table released a
leading her up the twisting steps, passing Harper's check, and through the breath. Hermione waited.
doors to the dining room. Hermione swallowed her disappointment, "Fuck," Montague whispered, running a hand through his hair.
wondering if she'd made a mistake by not telling him. "It's a draw, sweetheart," Flint said to her from across the table, his lips
The first thing she noticed was Blaise Zabini laughing jovially at twisted in an arrogant smile. "Such a shame. I would have liked to have
something Nott had said. Her eyes darted behind Nott's chair and found a tasted you just once." He made a show of licking his lips at her as the boys
different Carrow Girl waiting quietly to pour the wine. Her eyes scanned, laughed and Draco stoically cleaned up his cards. Flint leaned closer,

295 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 273

schooling his features in a mock pout. "And I'm sure you desperately "I've only been once." She took a deep sip from her wine glass. "You
wanted to know about your Weasley. Such a pity." said the atmosphere is calmer—?"
Flint tapped his chin, as if deep in thought. "This is fine," he cut her off. "What we're doing here"—his hand
"I'll tell you what," he said, shifting Penelope off his lap. "I'll still reveal gestured between them—"will be fine for Friday."
my secret if you give me that kiss. Good and proper, now." She lifted a brow, but kept her reservations to herself. They'd cross that
She felt her pulse in her fingertips. Then Draco scoffed and plucked bridge later, but for now, she didn't want to upset their progress. It was still
up his wine glass, draining the contents and preparing to excuse them too fragile.
from the room. As the week progressed, Draco began to distract her thoughts even
She thought of warm blue eyes crinkling at her. A booming laugh, more than usual. She had to increase the amount of time she spent
freckled skin, and the smell of fresh grass. She had barely seconds. But Occluding in the morning so she could stay on task the rest of the day
she had to know. while she scoured the Prophet and continued researching.
Hermione stood swiftly. The room was still. They watched her as she But at night, when it was just the two of them, she pulled his shelf
moved to Flint, who was smirking at her with hungry eyes. She didn't forward, letting his volumes flutter open to vibrant colors and patterns.
spare a glance at Draco as she sat in Flint's lap, draped across his knees, It was dangerous, she knew, given her history of feelings for him —
and pulled his neck down to kiss him squarely on the mouth. but she couldn't see a way around the need to build trust. A solid
She heard the table erupt in cheers and groans. She felt Flint smile connection with him, if not a friendship. She ignored the niggling voice in
against her lips before returning her kiss with a vengeance, his mouth cold her head that told her she didn't want to find another way.
and rubbery against hers. She was just pulling back when his hand slipped On Wednesday, she picked off his plate while sitting against his chest.
into her hair, and his other dropped to her thigh, rubbing the skin. His He fought her for the last of his potatoes, his fork jabbing at her fingers
lips moved under hers, his hand gripping her curls to hold her still, and when she reached for them. Her pulse thrummed as she smiled and tried
then his tongue was against her mouth, pressing forward to get inside. to offer him the potato, pressing it to his lips. He rolled his eyes and
He'd barely managed it when she pushed back with all her might, turned his face away.
breaking free of him and stumbling to her feet. The sound rushed back to That's how Narcissa Malfoy found the two of them — with Hermione
the room as Flint grinned up at her, his thumb brushing over his lips. The in her son's lap, his arm wrapped around her waist, and her trying to feed
boys pounded the table and howled. him as he dramatically twisted his head from side to side.
"Your secret, Flint?" Hermione yelled over the din, staring down at "Oh," Narcissa said.
him, resisting the urge to wipe her mouth. Hermione gasped, tumbling out of Draco's lap. Draco jumped up,
Flint raised his hand to quiet the room, his new teeth shining proudly. knocking over his wine glass.
"Your Weasley is alive, Granger. I saw him beaten and bloody at the "We weren't—"
Lestrange Estate last week, but he was still moaning when they kicked him." "This isn't what it looks—"
She felt the blood drain from her face. There was noise somewhere in "It's only that—"
the room, but she couldn't decipher the sounds. "Couldn't have knocked, Mother?"
Ron was alive, but barely. The Lestrange Estate. Which one? "My," Narcissa hummed, and Hermione felt her face turn beet red at
Rabastan's or Rodolphus and Bellatrix's? the barely concealed grin spreading across her features. "Don't let me
She tried to find the voice to ask, but her wrist was taken, an arm interrupt."
around her back, and then Draco was leading her out of the room. "You're not interrupting anything," Draco said quickly, almost
Pushing her, really. The game was over. Several others followed them out, shouting the words. He started to push in his chair, shoving it roughly
passing Harper, moving down the stairwell. after it skidded noisily on the floor.

274 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 294

 "I have another question," she said primly, breaking the silence. He Draco was silent. His hand on her hip was rigid as he guided her
didn't respond, ignoring her gaze boring into him as he drank deeply through the door, but she couldn't spare his temper a passing thought.
from his wine. "Where is your father?" Her mind was spinning with all the information she'd learned and the
That earned her a scowl, and he plunked his glass back on the table. images her imagination conjured of Ron hanging on by a thread,
"You know I can't tell you that." bleeding on some manor floor. She walked the corridor in a daze, shoving
"You were about to gamble that information away on Friday." her memories of Ron back into a closed book on the shelf, where he
"I knew I was going to win." belonged.
"You tied. That was hardly winning." She felt his ribs expand against Her mind tingled afterward, worn from the effort. She needed air. She
hers with a deep breath. "You were only going to name the country," she needed space. Her lips still felt strange and dry from Flint's, and her dress
continued, in a gentler tone. "You can't even give me that?" felt too tight.
The expression that flashed through his eyes momentarily stunned her. Draco steered her around another corner, and the sight of Charlotte
A softness that told her maybe she could ask anything of him. She blinked waiting with a tray of drinks snapped Hermione out of her exhaustion. She
at him over her wine glass, and it was gone. was going into the Lounge. She was going into the Lounge, and she needed
Perhaps she'd imagined it. her wits about her. She turned to Draco and said, "I need to use the loo."
"Romania." His long fingers toyed with the white tablecloth. "That's He glanced down at her sharply.
all I know." "I am allowed to relieve myself, yes?" she deadpanned.
"Romania," she repeated, willing her heartbeat to calm. "He's gone He glared at her and tugged her to the left, around the booths full of
indefinitely?" laughing men and painted girls, towards a hallway on the left.
Draco nodded. "He can make emergency Floo calls, but he's not to be "There are guards inside," Draco said, his voice clipped. He pointed
disturbed unless strictly necessary." towards a ladies' room at the end of the hall. "Be quick about it."
She frowned, knowing she had nothing but pure speculation. Hermione paused, regretting making the request if she wouldn't have
Not wanting to push him too much after the previous evening, she the proper space to be alone. Then she nodded and walked away without
refrained from asking more questions. She sat quietly in his lap as he sparing him a second glance. She pushed open the door, finding an old
finished his wine and ate his meal, her mind sorting through all she'd tiled room with three stall doors for tourists visiting Edinburgh. A male
learned. She was disappointed by how much he didn't know — how guard stood near the sinks, his eyes roving over her with interest.
much she still didn't know— but at least it was a start. She didn't have the Hermione blushed, embarrassed at the thought of using the toilet with
sense that he'd lied or withheld information from her. More importantly, an audience. She hesitated in the doorway for half a second, and
they seemed to be making progress on an interpersonal level. Despite the suddenly the door hit her as another person tried to enter. She moved
evening's rocky start, they hadn't fought, which was a significant aside, turning to apologize—
improvement. The strawberry-blonde smiled back at her.
The next night, she ate early and finished her wine quickly, giving her Hermione blinked at her as she passed. She swallowed and hurried to
the courage she needed to push their boundaries a bit farther. She spent a stall, feeling the attention of the guard still on her. She used the facilities
the meal curled into his side, running her fingers through his hair as he quickly — the strawberry-blonde taking the cubicle next to hers — and
poked at his vegetables. She noticed that he held her eye longer than once she was finished and washing her hands, a toilet flushed, and the girl
usual, and she tried her best to ignore the fluttering in her chest each time was exiting, joining her at the sinks.
it happened. They grabbed for a towel at the same time, and when Hermione
"What about the Lounge," she asked. turned to apologize, she saw the strawberry-blonde's eyes flick to the
She felt him breathe before saying, "What about it?" guard. "Your collar is askew," she said, in a thick Scottish accent.

293 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 275

 The guard was staring at them in the mirror as the strawberry-blonde "You can't just sit in a bloke's lap and kiss his neck, Granger!"
stepped forward, into Hermione's space. She cocked her head as she She blinked at him, breathing quickly as he dragged a hand through
reached up and began tugging at Hermione's collar. his hair.
"Oh, thank you," said Hermione, her voice thin. "And why not? That is precisely what happens at Edinburgh—"
"You're not supposed to talk to her," the guard barked. Hermione "That's Edinburgh!" he snapped. "This is here, in my house!"
jumped, and the Scottish girl's hands dropped quickly. Her eyes were wide as she watched him move toward the exit.
With a sway of her hips, the girl turned and smiled at him over her "What is your problem? We're practicing—!"
shoulder. "Mmm. We don't have to talk, I suppose." "You cannot be this daft," he muttered, striding out of the dining
And with a wink, the Scottish girl stepped forward, cupped her hands room.
on Hermione's face, and pressed her lips to Hermione's. She stormed after him, stopping at the doorway.
Hermione's brows shot up, eyes wide open. The girl's mouth moved "We're not done, Malfoy! I expect you at dinner tomorrow evening!"
over hers, her hands sliding around Hermione's neck as she pressed their He disappeared around a corner, and Hermione cursed under her
bodies together. breath, throwing her arms in the air.
Hermione couldn't move — couldn't think. This was… What was this? She stomped to the table, drained her glass of wine, and finished her
The girl brushed her fingers around Hermione's neck and let her plate — and his, too, in case he planned to summon it later.
tongue slide out, tasting Hermione's lips. She felt stiff and useless as the
girl tugged at her collar— $
Her collar. After sending an elf to Draco's room with a formal invitation to
Hermione gasped into the girl's mouth, granting her tongue entrance. supper, Hermione spent the rest of her Monday Occluding.
The girl was doing something to her collar. She could see the guard She was perfectly prepared to spend another meal in his lap again,
shifting out of the corner of her eye, starting to come closer to them. She and she'd work harder to convince him of the necessity. Pushing away her
felt her pulse spike, gaze darting to the door. stray thoughts about the scent of his skin and the warmth of his chest
The girl pulled back and turned to the guard. "No, no. Ya can't against her side, she focused on Ginny. She focused on how to stay in the
touch." game.
The guard leered at them with a mouth full of crooked teeth, and the At a quarter till eight, she made her way downstairs. She was still
Scottish girl giggled before taking her hand and pulling Hermione waiting for him to arrive at 8:05, glaring into her wine glass despite her
through the door behind her. Before she could catch her breath, she was self-assurance that she'd be less reactive this time.
pushed against the wall outside the restrooms — hands on her neck again, At 8:12, she finally heard footsteps dragging across the stones. When
soft lips against hers. she turned to lift a brow at him, he looked very much like a child that had
Hermione gasped as she felt the girl tug at her collar again. Was she been dragged with his parent to the office for the day — scowling with
pulling it off ? Wasn't Hermione able to take it off herself ? bored eyes, resigned to having a terrible time.
The girl pulled back, letting the collar rest on her neck again, the "Good evening," she lilted sarcastically.
metal stretching snug against her skin. Planting one last slow, deliberate He shuffled to his place at the table without a word. Once he was
kiss on Hermione's lips, the girl winked and waltzed down the corridor... seated, she stood, poured his wine, and sat determinedly in his lap, as if
...passing Draco. daring him to object.
He stood still as stone, his eyes tracking the strawberry-blonde girl as His expression didn't change as she tugged her plate of food closer,
she passed. His lips were parted in a strange way, as if he'd been about to sipped her wine, or munched on the finger food that Remmy had sent as
speak and abruptly stopped. their first course.
276 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 292
 "It's"—he cleared his throat—"it's not just that. Pansy and I were Hermione pressed her fingers to her lips, trying to make sense of the
close. I'm sure you'd be far more comfortable sitting in Weasley's lap—" last two minutes. She'd followed her in the restroom. She'd clearly wanted
Hermione snorted. "I have never done anything like this with Ron." something. Did she get it?
His lips pressed together tightly, and the hand holding his wine glass "The fuck was that?"
squeezed. Her eyes snapped up to find Draco scowling at her, apparently
"So what do I do?" she continued. "What did Pansy do differently?" recovered.
He heaved a great, laboring sigh. "Your behavior on Friday was fine. Hermione opened her mouth. Then closed it. "She was… very
We can keep doing that—" friendly," she finally landed on.
"Alright then." She reached up and ran through the hair on the back As she moved to join him in the main room, he grabbed her elbow
of his head. Brushing her fingers along his scalp, letting the smooth locks and spun them around. "Any other friends you'd like to make tonight,
thread through her knuckles. Granger?" he sneered.
His head jerked away. "What are you doing—?" And instead of leading to the couches in the Lounge, he dragged her
"Oh, you have a No Hair Touching Rule as well?" She rolled her eyes. straight to the fireplaces, calling out for Malfoy Manor and sweeping
"Relax." them back home.
He let out a ragged breath as her fingers dragged through the hair over Once they were in the entry hall, he dropped her arm and stomped
his ear. She saw him pick up his fork again, but do nothing with it. Brushing toward the stairs. Hermione blinked after him for a moment before her
through his hair like silk, she curved over his ear, her fingertips rounding the anger found her.
shell. "Why did we leave?" she demanded. "We weren't finished!"
As he shivered, she thought of the way Goyle and Pucey held their "I think you had enough fun for one night," he hissed, starting to climb.
girls close and just watched the card game. The way the strawberry- Her mouth fell open at his retreating back. "You're angry that I kissed
blonde had massaged Theo's neck and kissed his jaw for luck. The way Flint? You think that was fun for me?"
she'd seen other Carrow girls smile and whisper into boys' ears or nuzzle He spun back, several stairs higher than her. "I'm angry that you made
into their necks. me look weak."
"Relax," she repeated quietly. She brushed his hair over his ear again, She gaped at him. "Are you joking? Flint only made that bet
her fingers trailing around and down to his neck, flushed pink with the because you refused to kiss me! You made us both look like idiots!"
wine. She leaned forward and pressed her lips to the skin below his ear. His jaw snapped shut. Starting to ascend again, he bit out, "Kissing is
The earth ceased to spin in the heartbeat it took for his arm to curl too intimate."
around her waist, his hand splayed on her ribs. She parted her lips and Her temper boiled, bubbling over. Storming after him up the steps, she
kissed him again. His skin was clean and minty, and she felt his throat bob hissed, "Too intimate? Everyone else was kissing! I'm sure you kissed
under her mouth as he swallowed. Pansy last week, so don't even—"
And then in quick movements, she was pushed to her feet, and he was "I didn't," he spat back, half a staircase above her. "Stop talking out of
up out of his chair. your arse, Granger—"
"The fuck are you doing?" he hissed. "Oh, but you let her mouth on other places?" she shouted over him.
She steadied herself on the table and watched him touch his neck, "My mouth?!" Her voice echoed in the hall. She reached the second-floor
where her lips had just been. His mouth moved wordlessly as he stared at landing just as he started up the stairs to the third floor.
her. Maybe he felt like she'd contaminated him. "So tonight was revenge, then?" He laughed humorlessly. "You're
"I'm doing what I'm supposed to," she snarled. "If you'd just calm down going to go around snogging as many people as possible to get back at
—" me?"

291 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 277

 "Don't flatter yourself," Hermione snapped. "The girl in the bathroom Hermione refused to stare at her lap — too stiff. She had a few
was—" She didn't know if she should mention the way she'd fiddled with choices. She could awkwardly stare at his face. She could watch him play
her collar. "Strange," she finished, "but Flint was a calculated move. He with his food. Or, the safest option: she could stare at his neck, studying
had information about Ron—" the way the pink blush had spread under her gaze.
"Oh yes," he snarled, spinning back to her, his face pink. "Ron." He "How often do the boys play cards at dinner?" she asked softly, and she
dropped two steps, meeting her in the middle of the staircase. "I do watched his throat bob as he swallowed.
wonder what your boyfriend would have to say about your method of "They play maybe every other week. There's no schedule," he said.
information gathering, Granger." "And that's not dangerous? To have the girls as witnesses?"
She glowered at him, craning her neck up to meet his eyes. "My boy— "They removed their memories after the first two times, but there were
my boyfriend?" complaints that the girls were too addled afterwards. So everyone just...
"Yes," he hissed. "What if your precious Weasley knew that you risks it, I suppose. The girls have been instructed to be discreet."
dropped into any lap offering the smallest crumb of information—" Hermione frowned. Arrogant and barbaric. She thought of the
"You — utter arse!" she exploded. "I wouldn't have to kiss your strawberry-blonde and her intent eyes during the game, listening to every
disgusting friends if you would just tell me what the fuck is going on!" detail. The Carrow Girls may be under a tight leash, but they had access
His jaw clenched, and he spun around to storm up the rest of the to a wealth of knowledge.
staircase. She steadied her heartbeat and asked the question she'd been fearing.
"I answer every bloody question you ask me, Granger—" "Is there anything else I should know about the night Pansy went as
"Merlin forbid you offer anything else!" She sprinted after him in her me?"
heels. "Like any kind of game plan for these evenings. Or having the His jaw tightened as he chewed. He shook his head and reached for
decency to tell me about your stupid No Kissing Rule!" his wine glass.
She followed around the corner as he made for his bedroom door, "Are you positive?" she pressed. "I was caught off guard on Friday,
huffing and stomping in his wake. and it got us into a situation—"
"You want a rule, Granger?" he yelled down the hallway, shoving open "There's nothing else to know," he snapped. His wine glass clunked
his bedroom door. "Don't throw yourself at my friends!" down on the table.
"Fuck off, Malfoy!" She paused. "Pucey mentioned that we didn't look 'cozy.' He implied
He glared at her and disappeared into his room, slamming the door that Pansy looked more comfortable at dinner." She took a steadying
behind him. She followed suit, marching into her bedroom, fuming with breath, reminding herself why she had to ask. "In Edinburgh, being
the fire in her blood. discreet means being comfortable with each other. Tell me what that looks
She ripped off her heels, chucking them at the wall connecting their like?"
rooms, hoping he heard. Reaching up for the collar, her fingers pried His ribs stopped moving under hers. She felt his stomach muscles
open the clasp, and the metal fell away onto the floor — stiffen before he took a slow inhale and said, "Pansy and I will be more
A thin scrap of paper fluttering down with it. comfortable with each other by nature of our past relationship. So there
Hermione stared at it, her entire body frozen at the sight. was—"
A piece of parchment, torn off the edge of something, no wider than "You mean, because you've had sex."
her little finger. He exhaled sharply. "I guess, yeah."
She bent down slowly, thinking of the way the girl with strawberry- Her throat felt dry as she nodded. There was no logical reason for her
blonde hair had squeezed underneath her metal collar. To slide a thin to think they hadn't slept together at Hogwarts, so she wasn't sure why the
slice of paper beneath the gold. confirmation made her stomach turn.

278 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 290

 His eyes snapped to her. "What are you doing?" Her shaking fingers reached for the scrap, turning it over. Her breath
"I think"—she swallowed, hating the reedy sound in her voice—"I hitched.
think we should practice." A familiar handwriting from days at the Burrow spent giggling, notes
His fork and knife hovered over his plate. His eye twitched. "Practice." passed back and forth about Harry and Ron and kisses and wishes. A
"To get more comfortable around each other." She moved to the other hasty scribble in red lipstick that sent Hermione's mind reeling, her heart
side of him, reaching for the wine bottle. He didn't move an inch while beating out of its cage.
she filled his glass, like she usually did at Edinburgh. Standing just to his How do I kill him? — GW
side, she pressed her lips together when he didn't look up at her, still
frozen in his chair. "I think you should pull me into your lap now."
He placed his utensils down and sucked in a sharp breath. "This is
your master plan, Granger?"
"Yes. We need to be more comfortable to put on a convincing show."
She twisted her fingers around each other. "We could both use a bit of
rehearsal—"
"That won't be necessary."
"I disagree. You saw that stunt Flint pulled, and he'll try it again if we
keep giving him reasons to—"
"This whole idea is just childish—"
"What's childish is that you can't bear to touch me!"
"I touch you enough, it's absurd you're asking for more—"
"—and although it's quite obvious that I physically repulse you—"
A dry laugh burst from him.
Her nostrils flared. "I don't know how you behave towards girls you're
sleeping with, Malfoy, but if this is your idea of intimacy, then you clearly
need more help than I could ever offer—"
His hand darted out and grabbed her opposite hip, tugging her into
his lap. She swallowed her squeak and steadied herself on the table, heart
pounding. In an attempt to save her dignity, she lifted her chin, shifting
until she could sit properly. It seemed it was no less difficult to find a
balanced position in her jeans and trainers than it was in a short dress and
heels.
"What now, Granger?" he rumbled, and she felt it vibrate through her
ribcage.
The tips of her ears burned. "Just… behave normally. Like this is…
normal." She cleared her throat and reached for her wine, stretching back
to her table setting. "Eat dinner as if I'm not even here."
Draco seemed to take a long, slow breath before picking up his fork
again. He pushed his vegetables around, staring at his peas intently.

289 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 279

girl with a background like Charlotte's the keys to Edinburgh, allowing
her to move from room to room largely at will. Hermione stared at her
plate as a new thought occurred to her. Charlotte probably knew almost
every detail of the goings-on at the castle. Even the ones in the "other"
room that Hermione had not yet been allowed in.
She filed the information away and moved to her next question. "The
tattoos. How did you and Blaise find a way around them for Pansy?"
"We didn't." She narrowed her eyes at him, and he shrugged. "A blood
purifying spell and pure luck. We weren't sure if it would work. It's my
understanding that if Pansy had crossed the estate line, it would have
been all but impossible to remove it."
"And you have no idea how to find out a way around these tattoos."
"It's not exactly the kind of question I'd go around asking other Death
Eaters, no," he said dryly. "All official slave trades are supposed to go
through Yaxley or Dolohov."
"Hence why Pansy's 'dead.'"
"Yes." A muscle in his cheek twitched. "Making your grand escape
plan, Granger?"
"Hmm," she said innocently, ignoring his question. "You were willing
to divulge information on who escaped at Dover during the card game.
Care to share?"
She watched him chew, lips pressed tight with small bites, just like his
mother. An aristocratic jaw moving quickly.
"Bill and Fleur Weasley made it out."
Hermione blinked, gaze pulling from his lips. "They did?"
He nodded down at his plate. "And my aunt and her grandson."
Hermione squeezed her napkin in both palms, letting out a shaky
breath of relief. Bill, Fleur, and Tonks' mother and baby were safe. She
hadn't heard anything about them. Apparently Voldemort had been
censoring the Prophet's list of Undesirables as well.
"Do you know where they went?"
"France." He drank his wine, and she watched him swallow. "They're
causing quite a few problems for the Dark Lord there."
Hermione smirked into her napkin. Good. When she glanced back up
at him, a smile still fading on her lips, he was still looking away from her.
She took a deep breath and braced herself for the second half of her
plans for the evening. Grabbing her wine glass and taking two huge gulps,
she stood.

THE AUCTION ● 288

 She managed a quick nod. Retaking her seat, she focused on placing her
napkin across her lap as she asked, "How was your day?"
He cleared his throat. "Fine. And yours?"
"Lovely, thank you."
She reached for her wine glass and drank deeply, trying, but failing, to
think of something to break the silence. Draco filled his plate with food
before pushing the serving plate in her direction, his lips in a thin line.
Hermione played with her utensils, heat creeping up her neck.
They ate in silence for thirty-six seconds before she could bear it no

18
longer.
"Clearly neither of us are ones for small talk, but I don't intend to sit for
two hours in silence, Malfoy." He lifted a brow at her, and she felt the flush
spread to her cheeks. "I have more questions. But I know you hate questions
—"
"I don't hate questions—"
"They put you into a 'mood'—"
"They do not. You put me into a mood."
She scowled at him and speared her vegetables with a forceful clink.
He sipped his wine, studying her. She took a large, defiant bite of food,
and held his gaze.
"What are your questions, Granger?"
She swallowed thickly. "Who is Charlotte?"
"She's descended from the Selwyn family." He frowned in thought.
"Charlotte's mother was disowned for marrying a Muggle-born. The inny.
family is British, but Charlotte was raised in Germany. She lived there
until her father started organizing against the Dark Lord, at which time
she was taken and given to the Carrows."
G Hermione stared down at the piece of paper between her
fingertips.
Her bookshelves shuddered as a heavy tome pushed forward, opening
Hermione's mind whirred, taking it all in. "And why has she been to flashes of scarlet hair and mischievous eyes. Ginny was alive, and
given so much authority at Edinburgh? You said she has more freedom waiting for her help…
than any other Carrow Girl." How do I kill him? — GW
"I couldn't say, really." He sliced into his roast with small, precise cuts.
Her handwriting.
"I suppose it's because she's… quite good at what she does."
Her words.
A cold suspicion crashed over her. "And what exactly does she do?"
Her fire.
Draco's fork stopped halfway to his mouth. "Host. With a smile. Flirt
Hermione screwed her eyes shut. Either the strawberry-blonde girl knew
and joke. Be seen when she needs to be seen, be invisible when she needs
Ginny, or someone with access to both girls had served as the go-between.
to be invisible."
She took a shaky breath, stilling her trembling shelves. The note didn't
Hermione pursed her lips as she cut her roast. The arrogance of the
seem like a ruse. Polyjuice Potion wouldn't allow someone to replicate
Death Eaters was astounding. It seemed like an awful oversight to give a
Ginny's handwriting, and the note did fit with her theories about Cho and
287 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 280
Charlotte. Girls were quietly revolting against the Great Order, using notes Remmy had glared at her when she entered the kitchens and asked for
at the Lot parties to communicate. But Ginny had been locked away for a private dinner to be served for herself and Draco at 8PM. The elf had
over a month now. radiated sarcasm as she asked, "Does Miss want candles on the table too?"
A weight dropped in Hermione's stomach. How long had Ginny been "Only food and wine will be necessary, thank you," Hermione had
waiting for her response? Weeks? Or were there other methods of stammered, before tripping out of the room.
communication that she wasn't aware of ? She had afternoon tea with Narcissa, and though she mentioned
Hermione examined the paper over and over, looking for anything else nothing, she did ask if Hermione wanted to join her for dinner that
important, and then tossed it into the fire. She watched the parchment evening. Hermione had come up with a feeble excuse for taking dinner in
crackle and curl. her room, praying fervently that Narcissa would take her usual dinner on
How do I kill him? the veranda. Narcissa simply replied with "Certainly, dear," and took a
Ginny Weasley had direct access to Voldemort. "The Dark Lord's pet," delicate bite of her biscuit, smiling slyly into her teacup.
Cirillo had called her. She was close enough that she believed she could kill him. The word "date" stuck in her head like glue, flustering her as she tried
Hermione paced her room, thinking of how to answer. The problem to prepare for the evening. Hermione had to stop herself from changing
was that killing Voldemort wasn't even half of the battle. out of her denims several times. When her hands had reached for the
Nagini. makeup drawer in her vanity, she busied them with tying her hair into a
Nagini had to be first. If Voldemort died before Nagini, it wouldn't plait to rest on her shoulder instead, chastising herself for considering
be good enough. The night the Killing Curse had rebounded, when he something as silly as dressing up for Draco Malfoy.
first tried to kill Harry, he hadn't died because his Horcruxes kept him This wasn't "a date." This was preparation for another outing to
alive. Edinburgh. She needed to get back to Ginny, and he needed to ward off
As the final Horcrux, the snake had to go first. And there were only suspicion.
three ways to kill her. Fiendfyre, basilisk venom, or the Sword of Frowning, she studied her reflection in the mirror. She couldn't lose
Gryffindor. her head about tonight, despite the feelings she hadn't yet managed to
There were only two people alive that knew about the snake — her bury. She caught herself fixing her hair again, and rolled her eyes at her
and Ron. Ginny could be the third. Dumbledore had allowed three stupidity — Draco Malfoy would never take her on a date.
people to know after his death. At a quarter till eight, she headed down to the dining room to check
How long had the strawberry-blonde girl been holding onto Ginny's on preparations.
note, waiting for her moment with Hermione? Remmy had set two places, just as she'd asked — one at the head of
Hermione stopped her pacing, bracing herself on the fireplace mantle. the table, and one just to the left. A bottle of red wine had been decanted,
Who was she? Who was the strawberry-blonde? She didn't recognize her, and the serving dishes were full of vegetables and roast.
but that wasn't necessarily a cause for concern. Lots had been taken from She awkwardly took her seat at the side of the table, and only had to
multiple countries throughout Europe — some were even Muggles. And wait five minutes before Draco's footsteps drew her gaze to the door. She
being magic suppressed and under the Carrows' watch made it extremely stood swiftly as he entered, and she was glad to see his dragon leather
unlikely that any of the girls would have access to a bottomless supply of shoes instead of his Death Eater boots. His eyes skimmed the wine and
Polyjuice Potion. food on the table before landing back on her, quickly assessing her
She thought back to Charlotte. Cho. The girls taking hands under the braided hair and jeans.
table with glass in their knees. There was a system in place — a network. "Granger," he greeted before sweeping to his chair at the head of the
And the strawberry-blonde was just a cog in the machine. If they were table, with the confidence of someone who usually enjoyed dinner with his
going to survive this together, Hermione would have to trust her. slave.

281 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 286

 "I think we need to be more comfortable with each other," she said, She raced to her desk drawers, taking out spare parchment. She
jumping right to the point. ripped pieces and tested their size under the collar until she had a pile to
His eyes snapped to hers, unreadable. work with. After a few tries, with a sharp quill point, she figured out how
"I'm too stiff, you're too… skittish." He opened his mouth as if to to get the maximum number of words on the scrap. But as she looked
argue with her. "Against 'intimacy,' whatever," she said with a flippant down at her small print drying on the parchment with concise words, she
gesture. His mouth closed, and she looked away from his intense gaze. "I realized the implications of her words.
like to go into situations with all the necessary information. I didn't know Fiendfyre, basilisk venom, Gryff sword. Nagini first.
you had an aversion to kissing, nor did I know about the details of Pansy's If they were caught… she was handing over the keys to it all. Not even
trip to Edinburgh in my body" — she was quite proud of her voice for not Dumbledore had written it down.
cracking — "and both of those facts jarred me." She tore her gaze from Few people knew what Horcruxes were, but a catalog search of those
his desk and found his eyes staring at a point over her shoulder. She terms would lead them straight to the subject. The point of keeping them
swallowed. "I believe Flint read my discomfort." a forbidden topic was to discourage the power-hungry from weaponizing
"And capitalized on it," he finished. them. If the information fell into the wrong hands...
She nodded. Taking a deep breath and remembering Ginny — Could she trust that the information would get to the right people
remembering how she needed her — Hermione asked the question that without being discovered? How direct was the strawberry blonde's access
had brought her down here to begin with. to Ginny? How many hands would carry this information?
"Have dinner with me tonight," she said. "Just the two of us." And a dark thought as Hermione stared out her windows to the
His eyes jumped to her face. He was still, except for the muscle in his moonlit grounds — Would it matter? Could Ginny accomplish it on her own?
jaw. How could Ginny summon Fiendfyre, or find basilisk venom? Would
"Have…" the Sword of Gryffindor appear to her at the exact right moment?
"Dinner." She nodded. "I want to discuss what a successful evening in Hermione shook her head, banishing her concerns away. However
Edinburgh looks like to you. What it would take on my part to convince impossible her circumstances may have seemed, Ginny was resourceful.
your friends and the other Death Eaters of the kind of relationship we are Clever. Hermione had to trust her; had to get her the information she'd
supposed to have." asked for. But she'd have to find another way. A note was too risky.
He scratched his neck, and she saw pinpricks of pink under his collar. For now, the most helpful information Hermione could pass on was that
"I'm out this evening." Voldemort may be the King, but Nagini was the Queen. Take the Queen
The response was swift, and it made Hermione's eyes narrow. first.
"Tomorrow then," she said. He shifted on his feet, and she cut off the Ginny couldn't focus on Voldemort. She had to get close to Nagini. And
excuse she knew was coming. "Or any day, really. My schedule is wide Hermione would have to find a way to pass the rest of the information
open." without a note.
He stared a hole into his desk as he responded, "Tomorrow." The image of Voldemort's face after invading her mind swam up. The
"Wonderful. I'll arrange everything with the elves. Just the two of us." look of uncertain, complicated thought once he'd confirmed that Harry
He lifted a brow and, with a tinge of reluctance, said, "It's a date." had been an unintentional Horcrux. Hermione bit her lip, praying he
She felt her pulse pound and her cheeks heat. She mumbled hadn't created another. His soul was already unstable — hopefully he
something in the affirmative before disappearing from the doorway and wasn't unwise enough to split it further.
racing up the stairs back to her room. It was four in the morning by the time Hermione settled on two
words, clear and crisp in the quill's ink.
$ A hint, and a warning.

285 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 282

 A thought that neither Ginny nor George nor any other living person was no response after a few knocks, so she pushed the door open with her
besides Ron would think of. fingertips, holding her breath as it swung backward. He was bent over his
Snake first. desk, sealing an envelope with the Malfoy wax seal with an impassive
expression on his face. She stood in the doorway and waited for him to
$ acknowledge her. He finally glanced up at her, glaring before his eyes
She slept till one in the afternoon, letting the emotional whiplash of raked over her jeans and trainers. He always hated when she wore jeans,
the previous evening run its course through her. The full weight of her she'd noticed.
problems seemed to return to her as she lay in bed, blinking at the ceiling. She swallowed and lifted her chin. "Can we have a discussion?"
She grimaced and threw the covers off herself. "By all means, Granger." His tone was acerbic as he stood, replacing
She'd decided on how to respond to Ginny's note, but as she poured the seal and the wax in his desk drawer.
her coffee from the carafe that had appeared on her nightstand, she knew She felt the anger that only he stirred in her start to boil before she
she had a more immediate problem. It was critical for her to maintain refocused.
consistent appearances at Edinburgh, making herself available for any Staying put in the doorway, almost blocking his exit, she said, "I'd like
form of communication. And to do that, she and Draco needed to to talk about the fact that we haven't had a successful evening at
cooperate better. Their row last night had cut the evening short — Edinburgh yet."
something she couldn't afford in the future. His eyes flickered up to her. "Successful." She nodded, and the corner
Hermione took a long sip of coffee, considering. Three things had of his mouth twitched. "And what would that look like, Granger?"
seemed to anger him last night. Kissing Flint, trying to play the part in the "You tell me," she said quietly. "I've been twice, and both times I've felt
dining room, and letting the strawberry-blonde get close to her. Hermione like I'm drowning."
supposed she could see his perspective about Flint, but she'd do it again in A flash of something in his face — guilt, perhaps. She pushed forward,
a heartbeat. Surely he had to understand why. holding his gaze.
The rest of his anger made no sense. "I want to continue going to Edinburgh. I don't want you to take
She closed her eyes, fighting back her irritation at the impossible riddle someone else in my body again."
that was Draco Malfoy. Perhaps understanding the root cause of his anger He inhaled sharply. "Granger—"
wasn't as important as making sure it wouldn't happen again. She needed "As terrifying and disgusting as it is, Edinburgh is the one place I get to
to know what she could and couldn't do. Or else he might revert back to see my old friends," she rushed over him. "And hear a bit about the world
taking Pansy in her body. outside."
Hermione frowned into her coffee cup. She paused, biting her lip. She'd decided against telling him about the
That couldn't happen. It was her body — only she had the right to be note or the communication channels. Even though her heart told her that
in it. And the girls were counting on her to be there, petty squabbles aside. Draco could be trusted, her mind knew it was illogical. He'd kept her in
She needed to make amends with him. the dark about so many things.
Even though he was in the wrong. "What are you trying to say, Granger?" He stood next to his desk with
Scowling, she drained the rest of her coffee mug and went to her bath his hands in his pockets, staring at her with a tilted gaze.
to wash up. "We need to be on the same page at these parties. No more rows."
"And how do you propose that?"
$ "Well, for starters, if I must refrain from kissing Marcus Flint in the
future, I suppose I can make the sacrifice," she said dryly.
After collecting her thoughts, she searched the Manor for him. She
He rolled his eyes and sighed. "How magnanimous of you."
found him in his study on the first floor, the door slightly cracked. There
283 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 284
 "What kind of issues?" Narcissa asked. "What's wrong with the other but still not a trace of the strawberry-blonde. The disappointment in her
Lots?" stomach twisted more heavily.
The Mediwitches hovered over her, silently casting several scans. She "Be still my heart," a voice called out as the door shut behind them,
watched the familiar Virginity Detection scan wash over her, finding and Hermione turned to find Marcus Flint with bowing dramatically at
nothing. her. "My lady approaches."
"They weren't properly sterilized," Dolohov said. She cast her eyes down, ready to play her part.
And Hermione felt the room shake, quivering before her eyes. "Not your lady," Draco snapped, part warning, part playful edge to his
A thick silence as the Mediwitches tested her. voice.
The girls were becoming pregnant. She wasn't the only one whose "Oh, Love," Flint crooned, "did Draco whomp you good and proper
fertility had been spared. after last week? Never one to share, our boy. Why don't you bend over my
"This is unnecessary then," Narcissa said, voice slightly rising. "I can lap so I can kiss it better?"
tell you that she hasn't bled since she's been here." The boys laughed as Draco took his seat, his jaw barely tensing before
Hermione's eyes shut, and she felt her throat close. it loosened in a grin. More greetings and conversation as she assumed her
She'd stopped menstruating when she was on the run with Harry and position in front of the window. She took an inventory of the girls around
Ron. Her body had been too stressed, too underfed. Even now, with the the table, starting at her right: several Carrow Girls who usually rotated
comforts of Malfoy Manor and one working fallopian tube, she hadn't around Higgs, Derrick, and Warrington; Susan behind Goyle; and
begun to bleed again. Penelope behind Flint. But Mortensen was absent from her place behind
Her chest shook. Pucey's chair, replaced with a Carrow Girl.
She was going to have it ripped from her again. This possibility. This She cataloged the information and moved on before losing her breath at
small chance of a future. the sight of the Italian Minister's niece standing behind Zabini's chair.
"Let's see then." Giuliana Bravieri looked so small. Her eyes staring down at her shoes, her
Hermione felt the Mediwitch's wand tap against her left hipbone. A wrists thin and crossed submissively in front of her stomach. Hermione's
dim red light appeared from her wand. She switched to Hermione's other heart ached, bile rising in her throat at the reminder of what she'd been
side, and with a tap, a bright green illuminated the witch's face. through, followed by sharp anger. So much for her "not appearing anytime
A pause, like skipping a step on the stairs. She felt every eye in the soon." But then, perhaps Draco hadn't known she would be here tonight.
room on her waist. She didn't dare look to the Malfoys. Ten girls stepped forward, pouring wine into crystal glasses, and before
And then a sharp, "Ha!" cracked from Dolohov's throat. He chuckled, she could return to the wall, Draco's arm was around her waist, guiding
and the room shook with it. "Three months with a fertile slut and she's her to his lap. Other than Zabini lifting a theatrical brow at them, no one
not knocked up? You check to see if your boys swim, Malfoy? With me, else said a word about it. Hermione was quite pleased with their
Mudblood, you'd have triplets by now—" "practicing" paying off, but she did have a moment of guilt for the extra
"That's enough, Antonin," Narcissa hissed. "Please remember your minutes Susan had to spend against Goyle's chest when he quickly
manners while you're in my house." followed Draco's lead.
"Your house. The 'lord of the manor is gone, ain't he?" A stunned She crossed her legs in her little slip, tilting her knees toward Draco's
silence before Dolohov turned back to the Mediwitch. "Go on then." waist. His left arm slipped over her hip, holding her to him instead of
Hermione braced herself for the wrenching pain she'd felt the last clenching his fingers tight around the arm of the chair. When she shifted
time her tubes had been severed. She looked past the arm of the in his lap, nuzzling into his neck and letting her fingers play with the hair
Mediwitch toward the ceiling and took a shuddering breath, focusing on on the back of his head, he didn't flinch. She felt giddy with success.
anything but the image of children with her curls and grey eyes— Their time together had paid off, just like she'd predicted.

318 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 296

 He jostled her when he laughed at something Zabini said, and she Hermione's eyes turned down to the stone floor. Her skin was cold,
turned to the source, finding the Italian girl staring at her with deep and her breath was shallow.
brown eyes. She was sitting gingerly in Zabini's lap, as though he wasn't "What's this about?" Draco asked. He crossed his arms over his chest,
nearly as comfortably intimate with her as he'd been with the others. shifting in front of her.
Hermione felt examined, flayed open by her gaze. The girl quickly turned "Yaxley and I have been tasked to check in on the Lots. There've been
her eyes back to the tablecloth, a small smile pulling at her full lips, almost a few issues, and the Dark Lord has asked us to follow up." His voice
as if she'd been caught. Hermione swallowed and pushed her concerns scratched down her spine.
for the young girl aside, focusing on what information she could gather. One of the Mediwitches conjured an examination table. The other
Nothing noteworthy caught her ear in the table's conversation after approached her with a hospital gown and silently gestured toward a
the first half hour. But then Theo's voice rang out above the others. conjured privacy stall. They'd been silenced.
"There's a One O'Clock Gun tonight," he said, lazily twirling his fork Draco gripped her upper arm before she could step away from him.
in the air. "Is this really necessary?"
A collective murmur of interest swept through the table. All except "The Dark Lord wishes us to be thorough, Malfoy."
Draco, whose thighs tensed beneath hers. She dragged her fingers Hermione stared at her shoes as she followed the witch to the privacy
through his hair, rubbing circles in his scalp like he'd done for her their curtains. Before she could disappear behind them, Dolohov said, "No
first night here. need for all that, is there? Nothing I haven't seen before."
The phrase was familiar, but she couldn't place it. It seemed like a Her skin shivered and her mouth tried to swallow. Her eyes unfocused,
military expression. remembering the showers at the Ministry. She thought she'd closed that
"I love dinner and a show," Flint said, and the table erupted into book weeks ago, but it fluttered open at her feet. She summoned her
laughter. magic and focus to slam it closed.
Draco's hand squeezed her hip — shivering her skin pleasantly. She It was silent in the drawing room. She disappeared behind the curtain
caught herself, refocusing. She had more pressing concerns, like whether and listened to Narcissa start polite but stilted conversation. Her hands
this new event would cut into her time to find the strawberry-blonde. tugged her jumper up. Her fingers unbuttoned her trousers. And in a
Feeling eyes on her, she turned to find Giuliana Bravieri staring at distant memory, she heard the echo of water against tile. She felt his black
Draco's hand on her hip with gleeful curiosity. Hermione frowned at her, eyes on her naked body.
trying to decipher what the girl was thinking. Her brown eyes flickered up A pair of hands reached for her back, and she jumped, gasping. The
to hers, and just before the girl looked away to stare submissively down at hands pulled away as Hermione jerked. It was just the Mediwitch behind
the tablecloth again, she lifted her brow at Hermione — a perfect arch — her, trying to help her tie the laces of the gown.
and sent her a mischievous smirk — one born from years of practice, "Sorry," Hermione whispered.
years of superiority and status. She padded out to the table, thinking of cold black marble in the
Hermione felt her breath stutter in her chest. Ministry. Dolohov's eyes were on her as she slid up to the table.
Pansy. "Looks like you learned how to play nice after all, Mudblood."
Could it be? It was too much of a coincidence that this broken "I'll ask you not to speak to my Lot," said Draco coldly. "You may
fourteen-year-old could conjure a smile like that. address me if you have a direct order for her."
Hermione caught herself staring, and closed the book on Pansy, Hermione lay back, her mind numb. Instead of a high arched ceiling
shoving it away. She turned her eyes back to the table, and opened her with chandeliers, she could only see a low lamp, black ceilings.
ears again. It was a rather uneventful evening in the dining room, despite She breathed deep, pulling air into her empty lungs. A lake with still
the hours they sat there talking and laughing. Pucey was bringing up past waters.

297 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 317

that we might be able to come up with a solution together, but instead you memories of notable Quidditch games at Hogwarts. She heard Harry's
chose to surprise me—" name several times, and she felt the pages of his book shiver and rattle
"My family is in jeopardy, Granger—" until she forced them to settle in her mind.
"And you're blaming me for that—?" A chiming, amplified throughout the dining room, cutting off the
"Sometimes I have to act without your approval to do what's best for music playing and silencing the voices in surprise. Hermione looked up,
my family! All four of us!" searching for the source. The clock on the wall read quarter till one.
Her lips opened in a silent gasp. The boys cheered, grabbing their drinks and gripping their girls close,
His eyes widened as he seemed to realize what he'd just said. His jaw rubbing their hands together.
snapped shut, horror dawning over his features. Before she could press Draco peeled her off of him, all tension returning to his body. Zabini
him further, he turned on his heel, dashing for the door. shared a look with Giuliana — Pansy.
Hermione gaped at the empty doorway for several long moments "What is it?" Hermione whispered to Draco.
before sitting down on the corner of her bed. She stared at the fluttering He shook his head at her in warning and followed the others as they
light in a jar on her nightstand, listening to the echo in her ears of him descended the spiral staircase into the Great Hall. She kept her eyes open
calling her family. for the strawberry-blonde, searching the crowd of people as they headed
to the exits into the courtyard.
$ Her hand reached for her collar to adjust it, and she caught herself.
At seven, Draco knocked on her bedroom door. "She has to use the loo," Draco announced. "I'll join you at the Mills
"They've arrived." His voice was flat. And his eyes were cold. Mount."
She had been dressed for hours, unable to sleep. It seemed the same Pansy snapped her head to them, looking out from Giuliana's brown
for him. Both of them resigned to whatever fate awaited them. eyes. Hermione turned up to Draco as he steered them toward the
Pulling her bedroom door closed behind her, she followed him down hallway. Her mouth opened to ask—
the stairs and to the drawing room. "Don't," he hissed. "Just trust me on this."
Always the drawing room. She felt her heart pounding in her ears as Draco led them around the
As he pushed open the door, he took her elbow in a firm grip, tugging crowd, suddenly cutting left to the fireplaces.
her through the threshold behind him. "Not leaving already, Malfoy?" a gravelly voice sounded from behind
She cataloged the room quickly. Narcissa. Two women in Mediwitch her. "I haven't even had a chance to say hello."
robes she didn't recognize. And turning to greet them, a smug leer on his Hermione's chest rattled, hair standing on end from the memory of
face, was Dolohov. eyes on her naked body, a hand between her legs, a scratchy voice
Her feet stumbled, and her stomach tightened before she cast her gaze whispering filthy things into her ear. Draco held her in a punishing grip as
down to the floor. they turned to face Antonin Dolohov, his black eyes focused on her.
Draco's steps slowed, but he gave away no other reaction. "Dolohov," Draco greeted in a stilted voice. "Back from Italy so soon?"
"Dolohov," he greeted. "Just today." His gaze skated over her chest, her waist, her legs. "I'd
"Apologies for being so early, Malfoy," Dolohov said without a hint of heard you'd been letting her out of her cage. Had to come see for myself."
remorse. "But your mother tells me you're early risers here at the Manor." There was a pounding in her blood, but she focused on holding her
He smiled at her and Draco. "Thank you for your hospitality, Narcissa," head high, meeting his eyes.
he said with a wink. "And now you've seen," Draco replied curtly. "If you'll excuse us—"
Narcissa stepped forward. "Of course, Antonin." A thin smile pasted "Not sharing her either, I've heard," Dolohov said, stepping so subtly
on her face. "And I'd prefer if you called me Mrs. Malfoy." to the left, blocking the narrow path around him. "What a shame that is."

316 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 298

He took a small step forward, cocking his head. His eyes hadn't left her She took deep breaths, focusing on the words as they arranged
once. "With me, you would have been the Queen of Edinburgh, themselves. It was done. There was nothing she could do to change what
Mudblood. The grandest prize, presented and polished. You would have had happened or how it had happened. She just needed the specifics.
had your fill of pure-blood cock every Friday until you were overflowing It was a journal. A wizard's entry from the 1200s, detailing a ritual to
with it." save his daughter's "purity" from evil spirits.
A chill passed along her shoulders, but she didn't move a muscle. Two candles. Two parents. The mother cleanses, the father bleeds her.
Draco shifted, his shoulder passing into her sightline, putting himself in She slammed the book closed, cheeks burning in anger and
front of her. embarrassment. She pivoted to Draco, ready to release her pent up rage.
"Just to come home to your worthless half-blood prick?" Draco lilted, A warm hand dropped on her shoulder. She looked up and found him
and she could hear the nasty smirk in his voice, so reminiscent of their staring down at the blood dripping from the slice over her heart. His
school days. "I think she got the better deal, Antonin." wand raised, and he muttered a spell to sew the skin back together. His
Dolohov sneered and stepped into him, nose-to-nose. "Your daddy's eyes didn't leave her chest as she felt the cut heal.
not here, Malfoy. I'd be very careful what you say to me." His frown drew her eyes down. Just below his hand, a thin white scar
"Oh, I have nothing to say to you at all. We have a binding agreement, crossed her heart.
Antonin," Draco said lowly. "Now kindly step away from me and my Lot. "Magical wound," she whispered, temporarily distracted. "The scar
I'll only ask you once." will remain."
"You've been keeping her locked away for far too long, Malfoy. Careful," When she glanced back at him, his lips were pressed together,
he warned. "Or someone might figure out how to pick the lock." displeased. He looked away from her skin, and she remembered her anger.
Draco's left arm was still twisted behind himself, squeezing her wrist so "What if it didn't work," she asked, voice thin.
hard she knew it would bruise. He breathed a humorless laugh, and He stepped back from her and ran his hand through his hair. "Then
slapped Dolohov's upper arm. I'd think of something else. A different spell."
"Good to see you, Antonin. I'll give my father your regards." She wondered at what point he would have come to her room, held
With a sharp tug, he pulled her around him, passing Dolohov on the her down on the bed, and penetrated her.
right with a shove to his shoulder. Hermione didn't look back, only Minutes before the "visitors" arrived? Or perhaps he'd rather let them
focused on putting one foot in front of the other. all die instead.
They moved into the chill of the courtyard, and she chanced a look to "And if you couldn't find another spell? When would you have
Draco's face — stony, impassive. She realized they were following the consulted me and my opinion on the matter?"
crowd traipsing down a winding pathway, weaving through centuries-old He blinked at her before looking away to her bookshelves. "I was
buildings. The resignation in his face grew, and he kept glancing over his hoping I could find something like a glamor. Something cast to deceive
shoulder. Draco was no longer looking for a quick exit. the Detection Spell." He swallowed thickly. "I was hoping—"
She felt a cold horror build in her chest as they walked into the crowd "You were hoping I'd never have to know," she finished for him. Her
gathering at the base of the hill. A courtyard looking out over the horizon skin buzzed with anger. "To cast a spell and brush it under the rug."
of Edinburgh filled with black hoods and girls shivering in flimsy slips. His lips pressed together tightly. "Do you not understand that we could
Hermione took in the crowd. There was more than just the revelers be under investigation? By order of the Dark Lord, you are being examined
from the castle here. She spied a handful of shadows on top of the hill, tomorrow morning, and we have no idea why—"
prowling with canine movements, howling. At the edges of the crowd, "I understand perfectly, thank you," she spat. "I also understand that
smugglers and dealers from Edinburgh stalked, trying to entice the fringes you had twelve hours in which you could have told me what was going
of the masses into buying their wares. on"—he took a breath to interrupt—"to inform me of the problem so

299 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 315

 The light from the glass jar in Draco's palm cast eerie shadows across Draco walked her towards the middle to a cleared space. A pair of
Lucius's face, and she watched his throat move and his lips part in hooded figures shifted in front of her. Hermione's heart jumped in her
unspoken words. "You'll hear from me soon." He turned and exited throat. The strawberry-blonde stood at the front of the crowd, standing
through the fireplace without a backward glance. against the ledge overlooking the city.
With a wave, Narcissa lit the sconces low. She slid off the bed and She gasped breathlessly, stunned into silence. Sound disappeared in a
gathered the ritual candles. "I apologize for all this fuss, Hermione, dear," vacuum.
she said, still not looking at her. "Get some rest. We'll talk in the morning." The girl stood in a ragged slip, her hands magically bound in front of
She sent Draco a stern look before leaving, the door clicking softly. her. Her chin was lifted, and she was murmuring something, lips moving
Hermione took a few breaths before she jolted upright. She sat in a quickly. To her left, a boy with the same color of curls on top of his head
bed in a white gown, blood from her chest dripping on the sheets, and stood shaking. He couldn't have been more than fifteen.
stared at Draco Malfoy, who held her virginity in his hands. Hermione thought of the note stuck between her skin and the gold
The relief on his face dissipated, and he paled as looked at her. He collar. Had the girl been caught? Did someone know what she was doing
placed the jar delicately on her bedside table. with the collars? Hermione spun around — was someone coming for her
"This should stay here." He swallowed. "It would… it can catch quite as well? — and felt herself jerked backward by Draco's hand, squeezing
a price on the Black Market, so it's best to keep it hidden in your room." her tightly in warning.
She blinked at the light, still the brightest source in the room, even Amycus Carrow stepped into view, and the cheering hit her in full
with the sconces lit and the fireplace back to roaring. She wondered if she force. Amycus smiled toothily and amplified his voice, greeting the crowd.
should feel different. "To the Dark Lord's power," he boomed.
"I apologize for the suddenness," he said, shifting his weight. "I was And the crowd responded, "May he reign forevermore."
only notified yesterday afternoon. And the spell required my father, and I "A traitor to the Dark Lord's reign stands before you," Amycus hissed.
wasn't even sure if I could—" "She and her brother — two Muggles"—the masses snarled—"find
"I want to see your research." She tore her eyes from the ball of light themselves ungrateful for everything we've given them here, at the center
and looked up to him. "I want to read up on the spell." of the Dark Lord's power."
He nodded, eyes distant but directed at the jar. "Of course. Tomorrow, The booing and spitting rang in her ears. Draco stood behind her, a
after they—" hand still on her elbow.
She scowled. "Now. I'm awake. You're awake." She stumbled out of Hermione knew what was to come. The girl and her brother were
bed, the long silk nightdress twisting around her legs in an awkward standing at a firing squad. They were to be executed, here, in front of them
constriction. Unraveling it brought her close to him. all. Hermione searched the crowd for someone, anyone. Her knees buckled
He glanced quickly down to the cut on her chest and then at her face. as she tried to turn about, and Draco's hand tightened on her again.
"You should get your rest." Her eyes landed on Charlotte, still passing drinks around on a tray,
"Give me the book," she demanded. smiling tightly. She watched as Charlotte glanced to the front, a stab of
He was always keeping information from her, especially if it pertained sadness in her eyes that couldn't be masked quickly enough.
to her directly. Irritation sharpened and bubbled in her chest. Hermione looked back to the strawberry-blonde as Charlotte gazed
Extending the book to her, he watched as she grabbed it and flipped to on her. The Scottish girl in the front of the crowd was staring directly at
the marked pages. Hermione, an intensity electrifying the space between them. Hermione
It was still in German. felt her heart splintering at the edges.
"Translation Spell, please," she snapped. "This Muggle filth," Carrow continued, "showed no appreciation for
His wand tapped the pages, shifting the letters into English. what we've given her. We allowed her and her brother into

314 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 300

our world. Allowed them to serve us, as is their rightful place. And how positions that would alleviate the cramping, but it was like a wrenching
does she repay us?" low in her stomach.
She held her breath, watching the strawberry-blonde flicker her gaze She groaned, and she heard the floor creak near the windows.
between Hermione and Charlotte. A tight pop, as if something inside of her dislocated. She scrunched
"By attacking one of her superiors!" Amycus bellowed, his spittle flying her eyes shut in pain, blocking out the darkness.
into the crowd. "By forgetting her natural place. Her brother — a And a wash of peace. Like a Calming Draught. Like sunlight. Her
filthy groundskeeper"—he paused for emphasis, and the crowd jeered—"was stomach relaxed.
chosen to serve one of our guests. And this Muggle slut attacked the She opened her eyes, praying that it worked, and found Lucius
wizard that would have graciously bestowed his attention her brother!" Malfoy's face boring over her in the candlelight.
Hermione inhaled sharply. This girl's sentencing had nothing to do No. Not candlelight. A ball the size of her fist hovered over her
with Ginny Weasley or assisting with a plot to murder the Dark Lord. The stomach. Just like the spell the Mediwitches cast months ago, burning so
girl settled her gaze on her again, and Hermione's mouth dried, heartbeat white it looked blue.
quickening as her brain scrambled for a plan— It cast shadows across the pitch-black room, sparking warmth in
"Champagne, Master Malfoy?" Lucius's grey eyes.
Charlotte stood in front of her, blocking the girl and her brother from Narcissa's fingers threaded through her hair gently as every pair of
view. Hermione blinked at her, mouth gaping open. eyes stared at the ball of energy, symbolizing what hadn't yet been taken
"No, Charlotte," Draco clipped behind her. "Thank you." from her. She watched the light fluctuate like fairy wings held it afloat.
Charlotte turned her eyes on Hermione for the first time that evening. A glass jar pushed into view, scooping under slowly, capturing the orb,
"Poor dear," she said in a motherly tone so out of place with her scarlet and closing a lid over top. She looked up to see Draco screwing the lid on,
dress and cleavage. "You must be freezing." watching the light breathe. His eyes danced with its glow, and she watched
A hand against Hermione's cheek. his lips part in wonder.
"She's practically an icicle." Charlotte's hand drifted down her jaw, Victorious.
stretching to her collar. "You'll have to ask Master Malfoy nicely for a She tried to remember if she'd ever seen him catch the Snitch.
Warming Charm." She scratched the paper from under the metal, He held the jar in one hand, pulled his wand in the other, and cast the
slipping against Hermione's skin like rough sand. "I'm sure you could Virginity Detection spell. The scan hummed over her head and toes,
convince him." scanning towards center. When the magic reached her abdomen, the four
Charlotte winked at her, but there was something fiery in it. A tension of them watched with bated breath.
in her jaw that promised blood. And then she was gone, sauntering And nothing. The scan stopped.
through the crowd, one hand fisted at her side. She didn't know what was supposed to happen if she wasn't a virgin.
Hermione felt the world tilting on its axis, and it took her several long She hadn't seen it.
seconds to realize that Draco was steadying her lower back, pushing her No one moved. She heard Draco swallow.
upright. "Did it work?" she whispered.
She barely registered the Warming Charm he cast over her. She A pause. And then: "It seems so," Narcissa breathed into her hair.
stiffened and looked back to the Scottish girl and her brother, ears ringing. Lucius pulled his wand, cast the charm again, and watched as the
Amycus Carrow was recounting her sins, speaking in rousing tones same results happened.
about Muggle crimes befitting Muggle punishments. The strawberry- A buzz from Draco's wand. "2:10," he said.
blonde turned to her sobbing brother, speaking quickly, too low to Lucius stood abruptly from the bed, looking down at her, and then up
overhear. He nodded solemnly, his shiny eyes never leaving his sister's. to Draco. "You won't be able to contact me if there's an issue."

301 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 313

 The only light in the room was from the two candles, casting shadows They were Muggles. They had no business getting involved in any of
against their cheekbones and chins. this horror. And yet, this was the girl who'd grasped her hand under the
Narcissa crossed her legs and guided Hermione to lay with her head in table with glass digging into her knees. A girl who had risked everything
her lap. She stared at the canopy as her mind raced. to get Ginny's note to her. Just like she'd risked everything to protect her
Who was coming? What were they looking for? Why now? little brother.
And then all thoughts of possibilities swept from her mind as Lucius A noise to her left. Hermione glanced over to find a Silver Collar girl
Malfoy climbed into her bed. with silent tears trailing down her cheeks.
She jerked her legs, almost kicking him as his long limbs crawled like a A wild cheering brought her attention back to the front. A cannon
panther to sit beside her. Narcissa grabbed at her arms to calm her, to wheeled forward.
hold her still. The One O'Clock Gun.
"What does this spell entail?" she repeated, her voice cracking in Terror gripped her as the old war cannon spun slowly to face the two
her dry throat. siblings.
Lucius's calm features sharpened into a smirk. "Now, now. Don't fret, "No!" she choked, but it was too loud everywhere — inside her mind
Miss Granger. Just lie back and think of England." and out.
"Lucius," Narcissa warned. A pair of hands on her waist. A firm chest against her shoulder blades.
Hermione felt her heartbeat strain beneath Narcissa's fingers, Amycus called out that they would prove how foolish it was for
pounding to get out of her. And before she could ask another question, anyone, let alone a pair of filthy Muggles, to resist the Dark Lord's will.
Lucius was pulling a knife from his robes, his impassive mask on once They would take the boy first, and let his sister watch.
more. She gaped at the glint of the blade as he pressed one long hand Hermione turned, heaving for air. A hooded Death Eater on her right
firmly against her collarbone. The knife drew a quick, shallow slice turned to glare at her. The hands on her waist turned her back, forcing
against her heart, too quick for her to wince. She watched with wide eyes her to face ahead as they aimed the cannon.
as Lucius's lips formed a silent prayer, wisps of German brushing across A sharp jaw pressed to her temple. Warm breath fanning across her
her forehead. cheekbones.
She looked at Draco, bathed in moonlight near the windows, watching "There is a lake with still waters," he whispered. "A mountain range
with his hand clapped over his mouth. Their eyes met. surrounds it. The waters are deep with hidden secrets, but the water is still."
And the candles went out. She blinked, legs swaying, feeling her breathing even out as she let his
She felt the darkness like a cold plunge into water. If she didn't have words wash over her. His hands slipped around her stomach, pressing her
the pressure of Narcissa's fingers on her wrists, she'd have shrieked. close to him. They lit the cannon. And screamed and stomped while they
Lucius's cool tones dripped ancient words across her face. She felt him counted down.
shift back, hovering over her stomach and chanting. "Think of your mind as a library. Shelves upon shelves of novels and
Her limited German caught words like "devil" and "protection." journals and biographies," the voice lulled. "Find an empty shelf for this
She jerked her head over to where Draco stood in the corner, and her moment."
dizzy mind imagined she could see the whites of his eyes reflecting the An explosive boom, rocking the stones beneath her feet. Hermione
darkness back at her. watched with a slack jaw as the spot where the boy stood smoked and
A sharp pull from her belly, like the worst kind of menstrual cramps. crumbled, his sister speckled with his blood. The cannon was reloaded.
She gasped, jerking. Narcissa held her down, and Lucius raised his voice "An empty book in your hands. Its blank pages between your fingers.
as he continued chanting. It felt like her intestines were fighting to twist in Write this moment into the book. Give it a title."
opposing directions. She squirmed, trying to stretch her body into The One O'Clock Gun, her mind supplied.

312 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 302

 "Fill the pages, and close the book." "From the Germanic. I've checked the translation. It's accurate." He
The cannon aimed at the strawberry-blonde. She shed tears slowly, met his father at the fireplace. "I've outlined the steps. The candle, the
mixing with her brother's blood and dripping pink down her neck. blood, the incantation—"
"Close the book, and push it into a corner. Lose it within the piles and Lucius Malfoy raised a hand, halting his son. He took the book from
piles of texts and novels." him and peered down, turning the pages. The air around Draco seemed
A book's pages fluttered shut in her mind. It locked. And she breathed to buzz with a dark, twisting energy as he waited for permission to speak
deep, stretching to her tiptoes to push it onto a shelf that was just too tall for again.
her to reach. She imagined a hand with long fingers helping her reach the A page turned, and Lucius paused, his brow arched. Hermione
top. watched his eyes move quickly over the same passage until they lifted to
A cannon was lit. her.
There was a girl crying. The book snapped shut. Lucius assessed her and said, "And if it
A crowd cheered and counted the seconds. doesn't work?"
The girl tilted her head back to the sky and screamed. "It will." Draco's mouth was in a hard line.
She disappeared in a spray of smoke and blood and rage. "And if it doesn't?"
Hands around Hermione's waist, pulling her close. A sharp jaw "Then I'll think of something else."
cutting into her temple. But Lucius was staring at her. She blinked at him, feeling the question
Hands leading her backward, tugging her past the screaming fanatics under her skin.
and werewolves and other monsters. Pulling her to climb a cobblestone If this doesn't work, will you do this the easy way?
hill, moving into a courtyard, into a hall. She swallowed, and tilted her head into the tiniest of nods.
She found herself stepping through a fireplace and into a bedroom Lucius's eyes returned to the text, browsing the words lazily, casually, like
with green curtains and neatly organized trinkets. one might window shop at Diagon Alley. He was supposed to be in Romania.
She turned around, bookshelves swaying and buckling, and Draco He was only permitted emergency Floo calls. They'd brought him in for an
Malfoy stood before her in his bedroom. illicit dark ritual, and he had the nerve to act as if they had all the time in the
His hands came to rest on her jaw, examining her eyes. world.
"Look at me." As if all of their lives weren't at stake.
She blinked, and they crashed to the ground. Free. Draco's fingers twitched. Narcissa's breath stirred her hair.
Her senses were overwhelmed. Shivers over her skin, gasping breaths Lucius closed the book and handed it back to Draco. He looked at the
from her chest, a flood of tears down her cheeks. She sobbed, her hands mantle clock and turned to her. "Ready."
clutching his elbows, keeping him close. "Let me see the book," Hermione said, voice too loud for the quiet
And without knowing how, she pressed against his chest, her forehead room. "Let me read it first—"
pushing into his sternum. Her cries shook her body. He enclosed his arms "There's no time, Miss Granger," Lucius said, and she could hear the
around her back. sneer in his voice as he crossed to the unlit candle by her bed.
A hole in her stomach the shape of a cannonball. Filled with grief and "What does it do?" She turned her neck to look up at Narcissa, who
rage and despair. was pressing her lips together and fixing a disappointed glare across the
Draco didn't say a word, simply holding her. room. Hermione swiveled in the direction of her gaze to find Draco near
She pulled back when she'd finally exhausted herself, stepping away the windows, watching silently.
from him. She knew she was red and swollen and wet. But he looked "There's no need to worry, dear," Narcissa whispered into her ear.
down at her with a raw passion that she couldn't feel vulnerable. Lucius struck the match. And the flames hissed out in the fireplace.

303 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 31 1

 A rattling knock at the bathroom door. "1:59," Draco's clipped tone "They're going to pay for what they did," she vowed, her voice hollow
rang out. Her body jerked, and Narcissa gripped her arms to guide her and misshapen.
out. His grey eyes stared down at her. He moved a curl behind her ear. And
Draco stood aside to let them pass, his eyes firmly planted on the he nodded.
mantle clock above the fireplace. Narcissa guided her to the bed, pushing
her to sit.
Her mind caught up to her circumstances as Narcissa knelt before her,
produced a bowl of water, dipped her fingers, and brushed her fingertips
over Hermione's eyes and lips.
There was a ritual.
A ritual to trick the virginity spell. The one they'd cast on her to decide
her starting price at the Auction.
Narcissa whispered something into the water bowl — something in
German — before bringing it to her lips and swallowing half. She looked
to Draco. He stood rooted to the carpets, muscles moving in his jaw.
This is what he'd been researching. Finding this ritual. He hadn't let
her help him.
The small chime from the mantle clock, and he turned to them. "It's
time."
He faced her, his grey eyes dead in the moonlight. Narcissa pushed the
bowl to her, bringing it to Hermione's lips. Hermione drank the rest of
the water, watching Draco over the rim. He stared her down as she
swallowed.
He knew last night that they were coming. He knew they'd find her
untouched, and he'd ransacked the library for a solution to his problem.
Hermione's breath hitched at the realization that he'd skipped over the
easiest one.
Narcissa placed the bowl on the nightstand and crawled onto the bed,
her long limbs gracefully folding under herself. She guided Hermione to
sit in front of her, both facing the fireplace. Draco paced to the end of the
bed, hand against the bedpost, watching the clock.
She opened her mouth to break the silence, to ask about the spell, and
question the research, but the words died in her throat as the fireplace
burned green, and Lucius Malfoy stepped through.
And her heart thumped in her chest.
Lucius glanced at her, dressed in white silk, waiting for him on a bed.
Draco stepped forward, pulling a book from his robes and flipping it
open.

310 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 304

 "What's happened?" she asked.
"Come." Narcissa peeled back the sheets over her legs, reaching for
her. "Come with me."
Hermione scrambled out of bed, heart pounding in her ears. Narcissa
led her into the bathroom suite as Draco moved to the fireplace, wand
tracing a spell over the flames.
Opening the Floo.
Narcissa shut the door behind them, and Hermione blinked, taking in
the elegant Narcissa Malfoy in her dressing gown, sans makeup, sans
tailored robes. A white silk nightgown hanging limply from her elbow, and
a pale expression to match.
"Remove your nightclothes," Narcissa whispered.
Hermione swallowed, mind begging for answers. But something told
her to obey. "Are we going somewhere?" she squeaked. Her fingers moved
quickly over her buttons, cold and quivering.
"No, dear. There's… someone is—"
She watched Narcissa struggle for words. Hermione's eyes went wide
with rising terror, her breath coming quick. Voldemort?
"We're having visitors first thing in the morning," Narcissa finally
managed. "I don't know why. We were told they need to do a medical
examination."
Hermione pulled the opened shirt off her shoulders with shaking
fingers, fear overriding her modesty as Narcissa bunched up the white silk
and tossed it over her neck.
"Alright," she rasped. Chills bursting along her skin as the silk slipped
over her. Too long. Probably Narcissa's. "And what are we doing?"
"There's an old spell. Something that they used to use on their
daughters… A ritual."
Hermione stood frozen in terror as she let Narcissa's hands pull the
gown down her legs. Fingers push her hair to the side. A cool chain
draped over her shoulders as Narcissa placed a crystal necklace over her.
"What kind of ritual?" She didn't recognize the sound of her own
voice. The crystal hummed against her skin. Magical.
Narcissa's cool blue eyes met hers. They pierced her, studying her.
"They will be able to see that your virginity is intact," she said quietly.
"So, we're going to take it."
Hermione's skin tingled, feeling the weight of the silk gown on her
shoulders. Waiting for the words to make sense to her.

THE AUCTION ● 309

her as she sobbed. He'd pushed a curl over her ear and stared into her
watering eyes like he'd been entranced.
She pushed the memories away. "I am pretty good at research, if you'll
recall." She smiled, hoping he couldn't resist the chance to tease her. To
let her in.
Instead he jerked his head. "No. I'm almost there." He swallowed
tightly. "Thank you, though."
She blinked quickly, nodding her disappointment at her shoes. Maybe
when he was done with his "problem," they could finally talk. She lifted

19
her chin, took a deep breath, and said, "I find that in most cases, the
answer is right in front of you."
His lips parted on a silent inhale, as if her flippant remark had
disturbed him. Pink spots high on his cheeks as his eyes roved over her
before returning to her gaze.
"Thank you, Granger. I'll keep an eye out for that," he murmured.
Nodding one last time, she excused herself, heading to the doorway. As
she turned to close the library doors, she caught a glimpse of him sitting
at the table, beginning to organize whatever he was researching. She was
reminded of sixth year when he would sulk in corners and hunch over
books in the library, looking pale and thin.
She ate dinner alone in her bedroom, poring over a heavy book on the
history of South America that contained a reference to magical slavery
somewhere. She made it three chapters before an overwhelming
exhaustion pushed at her eyelids, beckoning her to sleep. aking on Saturday morning was like pulling herself from a

"Granger, wake up."

$ W thick bramble that had settled over her in the night. Fighting
her way back to consciousness, she struggled against aching
muscles and a pounding behind her left eye. She turned on her side and
Her eyes snapped open, her body jolting with the presence of willed her body out of bed. But she couldn't move.
someone else in her room. It was pitch black. And then she remembered.
A candle flamed next to her, revealing Narcissa leaning over her The Occlumency.
bedside table, shaking out a match. The One O'Clock Gun.
"It's alright, dear," she whispered, but there was a quiver to her voice. The strawberry-blonde's scream.
She pulled back the coverlet, refusing to make eye contact. "It's alright," Dolohov's eyes.
she said — more to herself. And Draco's voice in her ear, steadying her, guiding her through the
"What—" Hermione fell silent, lips parting at the sight of Draco night's horrors.
coming around the other side of her bed with another candle. His fingers He'd let her sob, let her lean on him, holding her close. And then he'd
fumbled a match out of a box, dropping it next to the candle without nodded. Agreeing with her? Agreeing to help her?
lighting it. He'd called for an elf to take her back to her room with a Dreamless

308 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 305

Sleep Potion, and her mind had shut down the moment her body slid in She blinked. She peered behind her shoulder to see if Mippy or
between the sheets. Narcissa were standing there with a tray. As she turned back to the stacks,
Her eyes fluttered open as her mind sputtered to life, remembering all Draco poked his head from around a shelf, glaring. When he saw it was
the things she needed to be doing. But such strong Occlumency had taken her, his frown vanished, and he snapped his book shut. He pulled a quill
a toll on her body and mind. In spite of her intentions, she found herself from behind his ear — a habit from school — and twisted it between his
drifting back out to sea. fingers.
"Granger," he said. "I thought you were Mother."
$ His eyes whipped around the room, as if just taking in the disarray
When she could finally sit up in bed, the clock next to bed read four in she'd walked into. She held her breath as she studied him, watching the
the afternoon. flush creep up his neck. He dropped the arm holding the book and tilted
Hermione groaned. She couldn't afford to lose any more time. She it so slightly behind him, and her eyes followed the movement.
needed to build up her Occlumency endurance. She needed to set an "What are you researching?"
alarm from now on. She needed the elves to splash her with pails of cold "Just looking for a solution to a problem," he clipped. He swallowed
water if she didn't move before nine. and ran a hand through his hair.
Dragging her legs from the covers, she sat on the edge of her bed until She nodded slowly, undeterred. She moved a few steps closer. "I
she could pull herself into the bathroom. When she returned from a cold wanted to thank you for your kindness last night."
shower, there was a pain relief potion on her nightstand. She sent a He stared at her stiffly as she gazed up at him. His eyes different from
prayer of thanks to the elves and downed the contents. the warm ones that had locked on hers last night, in his bedroom.
Once her head was clear again, Hermione focused her thoughts, "You're welcome."
closing the books in her mind that held the horrors of the One O'Clock She waited for more, but nothing came. "And I wanted to—"
Gun and the grief for the nameless Scottish girl and her brother. "Granger, I'm in the middle of something. Can this wait?"
A fresh memory fluttered to the surface. Arms holding her close, long She startled at the bite in his tone. There was a tension in his posture,
fingers tracing the shell of her ear. Grey eyes locked on hers as he'd a squaring of his shoulders that she recognized from Quidditch matches.
nodded. Determination.
Draco. He'd helped her last night. And maybe he'd help her again. Suddenly she felt very silly. Thanking him for taking care of her while
Her heart thumped with the possibilities. she cried. Thinking something had shifted. Her eyes prickled, and she
She threw on a jumper and denims and headed down the hall to Draco's snapped her mouth shut.
door. A few knocks and several long minutes of waiting — and nothing. She His eyes instantly softened. "How are you feeling?"
wasn't surprised to find him absent, as he was rarely where she needed him to "Fine," she replied, watching his shoulders release. The burning
be. behind her eyes faded into a slow throb. "Exhausted." She stood
His study was empty. The drawing room was empty. surrounded by all of his books and notes and messy piles. "Is this
But when she hurried down the stairs and pushed open the doors to 'problem' anything I could help with?"
the library, the sight stopped her in her tracks. Texts were strewn across She inched toward the table filled with notes, eyeing an open book on
the chairs, the floor, the small end tables. A dozen books hovered in front the edge. Draco was there in the blink of an eye, slamming it closed. She
of their shelves, waiting to be plucked by whoever had called upon them managed to catch a glimpse of runes and Germanic translations scribbled
from the book finder. on parchment before he swiftly stepped in front of her.
Hermione's lips parted at the sound of pages turning quickly from Her eyes flickered up to him, so close she had to tilt her head back.
deep in the stacks. And then— "Still not hungry." They'd been this close the night before, when he'd folded his arms around

306 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 307

 When it was time to transition into the Lounge, Hermione's heart "Don't—" A cleared throat. "She's my property. Don't I get a say
began thumping in anticipation. As they walked through the doors to the here?"
Lounge, Hermione found that little had changed. There were still Hermione swallowed, blinking rapidly. A thick silence fell like snow.
gambling tables, private booths, couches and plush armchairs, and "All Mudbloods are sterilized." A pause. "Why, Malfoy? You want
dancing girls near the music. But she noticed that things seemed to be pups?"
more discreet — no girls on their knees, no moaning from dark corners. "Of course not." Draco's voice was clipped. "I would just like all
If they wanted the evening to progress, the men would drag their girl into procedures cleared with me—"
a private booth, locking the door behind them. "By order of the Dark Lord, I am sterilizing the Mudblood in your
Draco settled into an armchair, dragging her down onto his knee. A possession, Malfoy."
Carrow Girl appeared with drinks before she'd even settled, and Draco Hermione could see the faint green light over her hip fading, winking
took a glass that she knew he wouldn't bother sipping. out of existence.
"Draco," Flint said, flopping down on the nearest couch. "I hear you Her limbs were heavy. She felt cold and useless. Pain pricked behind
have quite a night planned." her eyelids.
Draco looked over at him, lifting a brow. "Glad to hear Mulciber is It would all be over soon.
just as loose-lipped as ever." From the corner of her eye, the Mediwitch lifted her wand, grim
"You know," Flint began, draping an arm over Penelope, "the two of resignation in her face as she prepared to cast—
you can take Clearwater for a turn whenever you'd like. As long as you let BANG!
me watch." His gaze slid up to Hermione and he winked at her. Hermione jolted, springing to her side and curling away from the
"Your excuses to see my cock are getting lazier and lazier, Marcus," danger. She felt a hand on her waist, and she jerked. Turning to see
Draco hummed, and Flint laughed. Draco standing up against the table, neck craned behind him — staring at
"Oi, Granger. You ever been with a bird before?" He wiggled his Narcissa's smoking wand.
eyebrows at her. "Ever fumbled around in the Gryffindor dormitories?" With a flourish, the Mediwitches were disarmed, terror in their eyes.
Hermione's teeth clenched together, refusing to respond. Hermione sat up, looking around Draco's shoulders. Dolohov lay
Flint laughed. "It's very easy, Granger," he said, leaning in. "No work crumpled against the opposite wall, head lolling to the side.
at all really. Just let Chang do the heavy lifting, and you can just lie there." "Draco, dear," Narcissa hummed, voice low and dark. "Collect all
He ran his tongue across his shiny new teeth. "Play to both of your three wands." Narcissa's eyes were on fire, magic crackling from her skin.
strengths that way." In a flash, Draco was gone, following the sounds of clattering sticks
Before she could snap back, Draco's hand landed firmly on her waist, against stone.
pulling her to lean against him. She tried to relax, but she was too anxious "Hermione, please return to your room," she said with an air of cool
about her hemline. authority Hermione had never heard from her. "Your examination has
She turned to whisper into Draco's ear, "How long until our meeting?" concluded."
His jaw brushed hers accidentally. "About fifteen minutes." Narcissa held her wand on Dolohov's unconscious form, watching for
Hermione nodded, and turned back to inspect the room. Two Carrow movement. Draco returned to her side, looking pale.
Girls had come over and begun to dance in their section. Pucey and Hermione slid off the table onto shaking legs. "What are you going to
Montague were talking on the couch several yards away, their arms do?" she croaked.
around their dates. Goyle was already dragging Susan to a private booth. "A simple Memory Charm on all three should do the trick," Narcissa
Higgs' date was kissing his neck, her hand squeezing him over the front of said. "Mippy!"
his trousers as his eyes darted around nervously. And Theo Nott had his The elf snapped into existence. Hermione jumped at the sound.

342 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 319

 "Take Hermione to her room and then return." Draco, and found him studying Theo with narrowed eyes. He recovered
And before she could ask another question, the elf took her wrist, and and addressed the table.
she was in her room. Mippy was gone again before Hermione could form "Where's Charlotte tonight?" He brought his wine to his lips.
words. Theo was first to respond, pausing his mouth on his girl's neck.
She brought her hands to her stomach, the hospital gown scratchy "Minister Cirillo is here tonight. She requested Charlotte."
against her skin. "The fuck?" Marcus exclaimed, jostling Penelope. "Charlotte can't be
The terror that had frozen her upon seeing Dolohov's leer and the requested. I've been told explicitly—"
Mediwitch's wand drained from her veins until a slow dripping serenity "Well, you don't have Germany in your back pocket, do you?" Theo
surrounded her. smirked. "Minister Cirillo does."
Once more, she'd been saved. Narcissa Malfoy had attacked one of Draco set his glass down. "Well, aren't you the little social butterfly,
the Dark Lord's most trusted followers to protect her from being sterilized. Theo." Theo scowled, and Blaise hid his laugh in Giuliana's shoulder.
Hermione braced herself on the back of her armchair. "What other gossip have you learned listening at daddy's door?"
Mippy popped into her room again with wide eyes, carrying her "I don't need to be listening at doors," Theo snarled. "I know just as
discarded clothing. "Miss! I needs your gown!" much as you do, Draco. Maybe more."
She stripped, mind too numb to feel shame, and traded the gown for She felt Draco chuckle under her. And an idea struck in her mind,
her garments. Mippy disappeared. sharp as lightning: What did Theo know about his father's work with the tattoos?
She stood alone in her room, breathing in the silence before beginning Looking back to Theo, she found him glaring daggers at Draco before
to dress. As she pulled up her trousers and clasped her bra, her mind turning back to the table.
started to tumble. "The Dark Lord wants to hit France from all sides. Cirillo brought in
Her door slammed open, and she gripped her jumper to her chest. the German Minister. Practically handed Germany to the Dark Lord,"
Draco stepped in, eyes skating quickly across her skin, before turning Theo said. "So the Carrows have been instructed to be especially
abruptly to give her privacy. "Are you alright?" accommodating whenever Cirillo visits Edinburgh. And tonight she
She couldn't think of a suitable answer, so her mind jumped wanted Charlotte." Theo took a deep sip from his glass, looking pleased
elsewhere. "It will have to be a very strong Memory Charm," she said, with himself as the boys reacted to his information.
voice trembling as she pulled her jumper over her head. "Replacing the Draco was very stiff underneath her, and Hermione remembered the
memory with something different entirely." way Minister Cirillo had looked at her — had seemed disappointed that
"Mother has it under control." Draco wouldn't share her. She wasn't the Carrows' property, however. She
She nodded quickly, trying to focus. He checked to make sure she was could only pray that would be enough.
entirely decent before stepping into the room. Hermione must have gone still as well, because suddenly Draco's hand
"You're alright?" he asked again. was on her back, rubbing softly into her stiff shoulders. She jumped, and
"Why did she do that? That was… beyond stupid, really." relaxed again.
He swallowed and met her eyes. "She cares about you." The boys had transitioned into talking about Derrick's stepfather's new
A warmth spread over her, from her chest outwards. She felt the full manor in Germany. She listened for more details over the course of the
events of the day return to her. It seemed he was doing the same — his next hour, but as the wine bottles emptied, the room became less
eyes over her shoulder, caught on the glowing white light in a jar. concerned with the political climate. Montague and Pucey argued about
"I won't apologize for finding the ritual," he said, looking back at her. Quidditch while Flint whispered into Penelope's ear. Blaise, Draco, and
"But I will apologize for not telling you sooner." Theo reminisced together about something from fourth year, but Theo
"I could have helped you." kept getting distracted by the girl in his lap.

320 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 341

 A shiver danced up Hermione's shoulders. He was echoing Pansy's "I know."
words — it seemed she'd gotten to him as well. But in another life, if they "But you didn't want me to," she surmised.
were different people, it might have been a compliment. "I didn't want you worrying about Plan B."
Draco led her to their side of the table, interrupting her thoughts. Hermione swallowed. She wondered what she would have done. If she
Blaise entered next, "Giuliana" trailing behind him. The table greeted had hours and hours sitting next to him in the library researching ancient
them, but then Blaise caught sight of Hermione. spells, squirming at the thought of needing to do it the "easy" way…
"Well, fuck," he laughed, eyes drifting down her body. Would she have just turned to him at midnight and kissed him?
The boys laughed. Draco smirked. And before Hermione could take her Would he have let her?
position behind his chair, Draco was pulling her into his lap. She landed She cleared her throat. "You treat me like a child who needs
with a gasp. The conversation began, but most gazes were on them. protection," she said softly. "And I don't like it. It makes me feel even
She was supposed to serve the wine and wait behind him. more useless than I already do."
Draco was changing the rules. His jaw clenched. She continued, finding a fire inside of her that had
As Blaise took his chair next to Draco, Hermione glanced at Pansy. been born at Edinburgh as the cannons fired.
Her eyes ran approvingly over her hair and dress, but she was able to "We can help each other. Already, I am assisting you with any
mask it through Giuliana's eyes as earnest curiosity. suspicions of your behavior. I can help with other things if you just tell me
The dress, Hermione was realizing, was not made to be sat in. She what they are." She held his eyes, and she watched them flash quickly
wasn't afraid of seams ripping, but the back of her dress…was no longer before returning to grey. "And I need your help as well. But first, I need to
covering her backside. Thankfully, the front — while unnecessarily short know there will be no more secrets between us."
— was still covering her, so hopefully, no one would be the wiser about He was still. "No more secrets," he repeated, like testing the words in
the back. his mouth.
Except for Draco. Her backside was bare on his thigh, except for the "No more waking me at two in the morning with a ritual from the
lacy red knickers. Middle Ages. No more stealing my hair for Polyjuice potions. No more
Hermione tried not to squirm — she knew he hated it when she tugging me away from Edinburgh because there's a catastrophe in the
squirmed — but she shifted a bit, crossing and uncrossing her legs. A courtyard you forgot to inform me of."
quick narrowed glare from Giuliana Bravieri settled her. There was pink on his cheeks, and tension in his arms.
When it was time for the girls to pour the wine, Hermione simply "No more secrets," he said, almost daring her in his tone. He stepped
reached for Draco's bottle from her position on his lap. The sense of into her, eyes dark and dangerous. "Tell me what he did to you."
decorum that was usually maintained for the first thirty minutes of dinner She blinked, her mind crisscrossing in different directions. "Who?"
had dissolved completely, and the girls were sitting in laps as soon as the "Dolohov," he whispered, his eye twitching.
first wine glass was poured. Following her and Draco's lead. Hermione felt like a bucket of water had crashed down on her. "Oh."
Susan was accompanying Goyle again. Mortensen was back, looking She frowned, distracted from her purposes by his strange question. "Just
rather sickly. Penelope with Flint, Carrow Girls with the rest. Theo Nott, threats. He made it clear that he had a special interest in me."
who had been unusually silent thus far, was nuzzling the neck of a Draco's face was impassive. There was no need to tell him about the
brunette with silky long hair over her silver collar. She brought his wine showers, or his hand between her legs. Certain things couldn't be erased.
glass to his lips, and after he sipped deeply with eyes on her, he leaned in She stepped closer to him. He eyed her in acceptance, and she pushed
to kiss her, letting her taste the wine on his tongue. on, trying again to get an answer to the only question that mattered.
Hermione felt heat crawling up her neck at the display, suddenly "Why am I here?"
feeling like she was trespassing on their privacy. She turned to look at He blinked, looking away from her quickly. His lips pressed together.

340 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 321

 "No more secrets," he mumbled. "But anything but that." Hermione's skin was pricking. The exact information she needed...
Rooted to the floor in front of him, she felt the disappointment twist "Ah," said Minister Santos. "So these 'tattoos' cannot be broken, but
her stomach. She thought again to the picture of her in his closet drawers. the French Apparition Line can?" His eyes glinted cruelly as he watched
The possibility that she was being kept safe as a bargaining chip should the insult land.
the Order revive. "Precisely," Nott growled, displeasure with the turn of conversation
Narcissa's actions today could have multiple intentions… evident on his face. "The magic is impenetrable.".
We kept Hermione Granger alive and unharmed. "Indeed." Minister Santos hid a smirk behind a long swig of scotch.
She nodded, filing this away. Burying her irrational sadness. "I need to "We have gone further than anyone in history to secure our slaves!" Nott
speak to Cho." gestured to the whole room, sloshing his glass. "The Ancient Egyptians, the
He frowned. "Chang?" Portuguese. Not even the Scourers could succeed where we have!"
She lifted a brow like he did. "Do you know another Cho?" He was drawing attention, several nearby backs turned to see the
He narrowed his eyes at her in annoyance. commotion.
"At Edinburgh. Can you arrange it?" she asked. "Right you are, sir," Draco cut in, after giving Minister Santos a
He stared at her, taking in her face, her curls, her eyes. "Perhaps. meaningful look. "Please excuse us, but we're late for dinner. Enjoy your
Why?" visit, Minister." He quickly steered Hermione away.
She pressed her lips together. No more secrets. "I have something to tell And it all fell into place.
you about the Carrow Girls and their collars." Nott Sr. had created the tattoos.
Hermione looked down, mind working quickly.
The Scourers.
She'd seen the term before. She was burning to get back to her room
to investigate.
But one job at a time. She took a deep breath and turned her neck
slowly as Draco guided her, eyes flitting to Cho.
Before long, Draco was leading her to the dining room. She cursed
Pansy's name as she climbed the stairs ahead of him, wondering just how
much the dress covered from that angle.
Harper's eyes popped at the sight of her, and Hermione struggled with
the need to pull her dress up and down.
"Eyes up, Harper," Draco's voice snapped behind her.
They entered the dining room, and she heard the ambient noise cease
as all eyes turned on them. Marcus Flint stood from his chair, as he always
did when she entered the room — a display of mockery. But now his gaze
slid over her in intense silence, until—
"Merlin, you're trying to kill us, Draco."
Montague laughed, running a hand through his hair. Goyle was
turned to her with a wide, greedy expression on his face.
Draco slid behind her, his hands pressed lightly on her waist, his face
over her shoulder. "Just reminding everyone what she's worth."

322 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 339

cheeks match her dress. Her eyes caught Cho's from across the room. Cho
lifted a brow, looking her up and down. She smiled before turning back to
Mulciber.
That helped a little.
Draco chatted with several men throughout the room, stopping to ask
after their wives, their estates. He steered her along, his hand on her back
pulling her to his hip whenever a pair of wandering eyes got too close.
Nott Sr. stepped in their path just as Draco tried to guide her upstairs.
He was well on his way to drunkenness, and Hermione thought of his

20
failure in France.
"Ah, Draco. I have someone who wants to meet your Mudblood." He
slurred his words, righting himself on his cane as he stumbled. An older
gentleman with greying hair joined Nott at his side. "I believe you're
familiar with Armando Santos, the new Spanish Minister."
Draco shook his hand. "Minister Santos. A pleasure to see you again.
May I present to you Hermione Granger, my Lot," he said elegantly,
though he slightly tightened his grip.
Hermione did her best to make eye contact and not react as two pairs
of glazed eyes devoured her. Draco's hand on her hip steadied her.
"I'm quite impressed you were able to capture her," said Minister
Santos, in a surprisingly deep voice. "I heard she was a clever little
Mudblood."
"Not so clever after all," Nott Sr. said, chuckling into his scotch glass.
"Has she given you much trouble, young Malfoy?" ilence hung in the room, thick and heavy like a cloak. Draco's eyes
"In the beginning," Draco said smoothly. "Now she's learned a few
lessons about how to remain comfortable."
Nott Sr. snorted. "Yes, I've heard she's quite 'comfortable.' Theo
S flickered between Hermione's eyes and her lips, as though he
couldn't believe the words that had emerged from them over the
past hour. He'd been quiet as she spilled her secrets, one after another.
mentioned her private suite." The note from the strawberry-blonde. Charlotte. The grape between
Hermione felt her blood chill. Cho's painted lips, and what it meant.
"What can I say," Draco said with a smirk. "I like to be comfortable, Apart from a sharp breath or two, he'd done nothing but stare as she'd
too." listed the facts and shared her suspicions. But now that she'd finished, his
The men laughed. She felt Draco's chest rumble against hers, and her eyes on her felt even more intense, and her sense of calm logic was
heartbeat calmed. slipping away from her.
"Keep an eye on her, Malfoy," Santos said. "If any of these pets When she could bear it no longer, she cleared her throat. Loudly. He
managed to escape, I'd put my gold on her." blinked, as if snapping out of a trance.
Nott Sr. finished a large swig of scotch. "Not likely," he sang. "Well?"
Hermione's eyes snapped up to him. "The protections we have cannot be He scratched the back of his head. "Right. That was…a lot, Granger."
beat. These tattoos? Unbreakable." She glared at him. "'A lot?' That's all you have to say?" Draco opened

338 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 323

his mouth, but settled on a shrug. "Never mind," she huffed, crossing her slid them on and locked the collar around her neck. Before she could walk
arms. "Are you going to help me or not?" to the door, Pansy stopped her.
A pause as he frowned at her, mind working. "You want me to arrange She uncapped a lipstick, and held her jaw steady. Hermione jerked,
a private audience with Cho Chang." realizing it was the same color Pansy had worn when she'd gone to
"Yes." Edinburgh in her body.
"Knowing full well what the risks are if you're caught." "Is that really necessary—"
"Yes." "The lipstick is everything, Granger. Do you really think you can waltz
His scowl deepened. "And why can't you just pass her a bloody note?" out there in a red dress without red lips?" Pansy huffed. "Merlin, how
"It wouldn't fit. And it's far too dangerous." you've gotten this far without me…"
"Now you're worried about how dangerous this all is? Every note Hermione rolled her eyes and let Pansy apply the lipstick, blotting
you've passed would have gotten you killed—" when she demanded. She couldn't bear to look at herself in the mirror
"This is different." She took a deep breath. "If this falls into the wrong before the two of them moved downstairs. Pansy whispered instructions
hands, getting killed is the least of my concerns." about not watching her shoes or fixing her posture, but all Hermione
His eyes flashed as he took a step closer. "What is this information could focus on was the nervous energy buzzing in her veins — which
that's apparently worth more than your life, then?" promptly began to roar when she spotted Draco at the fireplaces.
Hermione blinked at him. "Well, I can't very well tell you that." His black robes, black trousers, black boots. His eyes trained on her
A muscle twitched in his jaw, and she watched his throat swallow. legs as she descended. Hermione looked away, feeling warm all over.
"Granger, just an hour ago you were spilling all your machinations and Pansy said her goodbyes and fixed a few of Hermione's stray curls. She'd
theories, begging for no secrets between us—" meet them there with Blaise once she was Polyjuiced.
"Begging?" With a flash of green flames, she and Draco were left alone. When she
"—and now we're back to it again?" looked at him again, she caught him staring at her face and hair before he
"Malfoy, you're in the Dark Lord's inner circle—" turned and began leading them out.
His expression made the words die in her throat. She felt like a different person as she wobbled behind him. He paused
"And?" His voice was low as he stepped closer, looming over her. for her at the bottom of the exterior stairs, and as she reached the last
"What of it?" steps, his hand reached for hers to steady her. She looked at him quickly
She swallowed thickly. "And if there's one secret I have to protect at all as her hand grasped his, and his gaze drifted across her neck before
costs, this is it." quickly looking away.
"We'll both be dead if it gets to that point, so I fail to see the His hand dropped hers and they continued down the path.
difference." They arrived to Edinburgh as they always did, through the gates and
"Is that all that matters to you?" She lifted her chin, meeting his eyes. up the stairs to the Great Hall. But when the curtain pulled back at the
"Surviving at any cost to those left behind?" entrance, it wasn't Charlotte's face that greeted them.
He scoffed, but said nothing. She could see his pupils blooming as he A tall girl with dark skin and a bright smile greeted them with
stared back at her, and her stomach flipped. "I have to get her this champagne. Draco took two glasses from her, and Hermione could see
information, Draco," she said softly. "I'm not asking you to agree with me, the slightest bit of surprise on his face.
but I am asking you to respect me on this. If your mind is read—" They entered the Great Hall. Hermione had never felt so exposed as
He huffed and turned away. "That won't be a problem." she did now, in Pansy's dress. Men's eyes on her at every turn, dripping
She scowled at his back. "Why? Because you're so advanced at across her chest and dragging up her legs. She was a beacon in red,
Occlumency?" drawing every gaze to her. She lifted her chin, determined not to let her

324 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 337

 The elf popped away with a grumble. Hermione stared at the space "Yes," he replied simply.
he used to fill. She hadn't expected to see him again. She bristled at his overconfidence. "Sorry, but even if you were
"But how did you—" She turned to Pansy to question it just as capable of fending off an attack from Voldemort himself, I wouldn't risk
a pop! sounded, making her jump. A pair of red lacy knickers and a it. Now, can you get me alone with Cho or not?"
matching bra lay across the bed. He sent her a glare — so reminiscent of how he would look at her
"Why is Kreacher obeying you? Where did you find him?" over his cauldron during Potions class when she beat him to an answer.
"That's enough questions for one day, Granger. Now, strip!" The "I can contact Mulciber about a Share."
undergarments were shoved into her arms, and then Pansy was standing Her lips parted, her heart pounding in her ears. He'd agreed. He was
there waiting. "Oh, please. I've seen your body. I've been your body. Just get going to help her, by— "A 'Share?'"
those on so we can fit this dress to you." "Yes. It's…" He looked away from her. "... Exactly what it sounds like,
Hermione pulled the knickers on under the robe. "Dress?" but with large sums of Galleons attached. Mulciber is liberal about
"I had the elves deliver it this morning." Sharing Chang. I've heard she's been lucrative for him."
Pansy reached inside the armoire and pulled out a silky red dress, Hermione's eyes pricked, and she blinked at the ceiling until the
short and low and tight. Hermione's hands paused in untying her sash. stinging passed. She glanced back down to see Draco looking at her
"I… I can't wear that." bedposts, calculating.
"And why the hell not?" Pansy snapped. "And you're infamously closed to Sharing, isn't that right?"
"Pansy, it's too much. The color is…and the cut…" She stammered His eyes snapped to her, a low-burning fire behind them. "Yes."
while Pansy glared at her. "It will attract so much attention—" "But will it be strange to them? If this is your first time requesting a
"Have you heard nothing of what I've said? You are the 'Golden Share?"
Girl.'" She lifted a brow. "You were deemed the most desirable. And now He seemed to consider for a moment. "No. Chang played Seeker
you're on the arm of the most important pure-blood heir — the youngest against me for several years. It could be said that I'd like a bit of revenge.
Death Eater." Pansy moved directly in front of her. "And you're telling me I'll ask Mulciber for a private booth for the three of us in the Lounge."
your place is in the background now?" "Excellent," said Hermione, wringing her hands while her brain
Hermione stared up at her, mouth slightly open, trying to form the whirred. "And then you'll excuse Cho and I to speak—"
words to explain her discomfort. "No," he cut in. "Granger, that won't be possible. I cannot leave either
"Enough. Stop whining and put on your Gryffindor red," Pansy said. of you unattended."
Hermione squeezed her eyes shut and drew a sharp breath. Pick your She spun to him. "Only for five minutes—"
battles, she reminded herself. She took off her robe, clasped the bra, and "No."
let Pansy slide the dress over her torso, avoiding her eyes. It was a tight "Three!"
squeeze around her hips, and Pansy grinned as they let out a few seams. "Absolutely not. The girls cannot be left alone at Edinburgh." He
"I meant what I said about your arse, Granger." Hermione blushed, rolled his jaw. "Look, if you're so worried about your bloody secret, I can
and Pansy chuckled. "I miss it. Draco's never been as attentive to my arse cast a soundproof barrier once we're inside—"
and hips as when I was in your body." "That's not what I'm worried about." Hermione bit her lip. "Cho can't
Hermione's breath caught as a pleasant yet embarrassing heat slid know that you're amenable to this. If she is caught, and her mind read,
through her veins. She looked down and met Pansy's smirk. you and your parents would be exposed. It's an unnecessary risk."
The clock chimed on her mantle, startling her. Ten o'clock already. Draco's eyes were hot on hers, and she felt her cheeks flush.
Pansy stood, grabbing a pair of golden heels. She cast a Comfort "I disagree," he said at last. "Violating protocol is an enormous risk. If
Charm on them that Hermione muttered a quiet "thanks" for. Hermione anyone catches us, I won't be able to talk my way out of it—"

336 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 325

 "Pretend it's part of your fantasy." stumble on Pansy and Draco in sixth year during Prefect rounds, pressing
"My — my what?" he sputtered. each other into corners or slipping behind statues — and the way Draco's
"Oh please, Malfoy." Hermione rolled her eyes at him. "You're an thigh pushed between Pansy's as he kissed her.
eighteen-year-old boy. I'm sure you can think of some reason you might Pansy started brushing dust over her face with a large brush. There
enjoy two scantily-clad girls being alone together for three minutes." were a million more questions she wanted to ask, and Hermione was
He opened his mouth to argue, but it seemed his throat had gone quite about to break the silence when Pansy reached into her pocket and pulled
dry. He coughed and looked away, blushing pink on his cheekbones. He out a wand. Hermione's eyes widened, watching as Pansy used it to set the
turned for the door, wishing her a good day and mumbling something powders on her face. "How did you get a wand?"
about checking on her that evening. "Just borrowing. Your hair needs magical assistance, Granger."
She watched the mirror in the corner of her eye as Pansy moved
$ around her, using the wand like a curling iron on Hermione's hair. When
But he wouldn't be able to check on her that evening. she was finally finished, she grabbed the back of Hermione's chair,
In the late afternoon, Narcissa brought by a hasty note scribbled on wrenching her toward the mirror so she could see herself.
the back of an envelope, stating that he'd been called away for an Hermione was a shadow. A figment of someone's imagination. Her
indefinite amount of time. He wasn't sure where yet, but he'd send an cheekbones shimmered and her eyes sunk back. Her brows were crisp and
update when he could. He mentioned he'd already sent off the request jaw sharp — just like Pansy's. Her curls danced around her face like a
they had discussed. lion's mane.
Narcissa eyed the unsealed (and therefore un-private) envelope with "You hate it, I know," Pansy said, putting her things away with a flick
feigned suspicion and said, "Did he mention anything about when he'd be of her wand. "But you'll have to bear it. Now let's take a look at your
back?" knickers." She waltzed out the bathroom door before Hermione's brain
"Er, no, he didn't." Hermione folded the envelope into quarters, caught up.
tucking it into her trouser pocket. She turned to Narcissa, and as their "My — my knickers?"
eyes met, the closed book on the shelf in her mind that contained the She ran after her, still only in her robe. Pansy had flung the armoire
events of the morning trembled. Hermione swallowed, fiddling with her doors open and was scrounging through its drawers.
sleeve. "Narcissa, I should have sought you out immediately after Dolohov "Merlin, are these McGonagall's underthings?" she murmured.
left. I don't know how I can ever repay you, but—" "Why do I need sexy knickers for tonight?" Hermione asked, an edge
"There is no debt, Hermione," she said firmly, but kindly. A soft smile of panic in her voice.
across her features. "I take care of my own." "You should have sexy knickers for all the nights, Granger," Pansy said,
Hermione stood stunned, watching as Narcissa took a turn about the holding up a pair to the light before scrunching her nose and tossing them
room, trailing her delicate fingers over the furniture. back in the drawer. "Never underestimate how much power you can wield
"I had difficulty bearing children myself," she said. Hermione blinked in a pair of sexy knickers." She blew out a frustrated breath before tilting
at her. "There was a time where Lucius and I…well, we thought there was her head back to the ceiling and calling, "Kreacher!"
a curse on us. Punishing us." Narcissa turned to her, her eyes drifting over Hermione's eyes popped when the crotchety old elf appeared in the
Hermione's shoulder. "Draco was a very difficult pregnancy. He was our middle of her bedroom.
fourth try — three stillbirths before him." Her eyes glazed with the "Miss Pansy," he croaked. His eyes roved over Hermione with a scowl.
memory before blinking it away. "I'd always wanted a large family, but Her mouth fell open.
once we were safe home with Draco, Lucius and I agreed that we would "I need the red knickers and bra in my drawers," said Pansy.
stop at one." "Quickly."

326 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 335

 And as that fire sparked in her, Hermione thought of the red nails and Narcissa Malfoy's eyes turned to her, something fierce burning there.
red lips her own body had worn while driven by Pansy. She'd clearly done "I hope one day you have children, Hermione, if that is what you
it as a favor to Draco, just like she was here now. He never should have want. I hope it is a choice you get to make."
asked her. Hermione nodded, a sudden burning in her throat. Her hand had
Pansy was shaping her brows when Hermione found her voice again. found its way inside her pocket, and her fingers tightly clutched the
"About the night you took my body to Edinburgh," she said. Pansy parchment there.
paused over her left brow. "I was quite shocked, and frankly felt quite She took in the gentle creases around Narcissa's eyes as she told her to
violated with that discovery. But I realize that you were just trying to help call if she needed anything, and quietly excused herself.
a friend." She dropped her eyes to her hands, her bare fingernails. "I want She cares for you, Draco had told her.
you to know that I don't hold it against you." Whatever had first brought her to Malfoy Manor — whatever schemes
Pansy was still. Hermione glanced up to see an arched brow directed or calculations — Hermione couldn't help but believe him in that.
down at her, and eyes as cold as ice.
"And what exactly am I apologizing for, Granger? For saving your $
arse? Both of yours?" Draco still wasn't home the following Friday, and Hermione told
Hermione's brow furrowed. "I don't expect an apology. I know that herself that her anxiety and disappointment were due to the delayed
you agreed when Draco asked you to go in my place—" meeting with Cho. He'd sent a letter addressed to Narcissa that morning,
"You think Draco had the sense to suggest it?" Pansy smiled, low and explaining that he was on Groix, an island just off the coast of
catlike. "It was my idea, Granger. I was sick of hearing Blaise moan about northwestern France. He expected to be sent elsewhere in Europe soon —
how Draco was going to get himself killed. Someone had to take matters "nowhere worse than Italy" — and wouldn't be back for another week at
into their own hands." least. A postscript at the end asked her to please "let the household know"
Hermione stared at her. Pansy turned away, flicking her fringe out of about his continued absence, as he "didn't want the elves to fuss."
her eyes and dabbing a sharp brush into a small jar. Hermione found herself with the letter around mid-day, tucked
"Sure, Granger. I accept your forgiveness. Please forgive me for seeing to it beneath the napkin on her lunch tray. It was one of three notes she'd
that you'll never have to experience that potion yourself. Or make a fool received when Draco had departed unexpectedly — the first from when
of yourself trying to handle a cock for the first time in your life with fifty he'd gone to Italy, the second from the day he'd left last week, and now
drooling men watching. Forgive me for getting my lips wet so you could this one. For reasons she allowed only herself, she folded each of them up,
continue playing house with the Malfoys for a little while longer." and set them close to her bedside in the empty jewelry box.
Pansy slammed the jar down on the counter and turned to her with
the brush. She twirled it between her fingers, her eyes locked on $
Hermione. Hermione simply stared, closing her mouth slowly from where It was three weeks until Draco returned. Three Fridays without
it had hung open. visiting Edinburgh. Three Fridays where anyone could be attempting to
"Do you still love him?" she finally whispered, breath tight in her chest. communicate with her.
Pansy's face broke into a sneer. "Don't be so sentimental, Granger." She read the Prophet obsessively, looking for anything in Skeeter's
She grabbed Hermione's jaw a bit too roughly and lowered her brush to propaganda that could be useful, as well as looking for any mention of
her eyelids. "There's no place for that here." France or another country that might hint at Draco's whereabouts. After
Hermione kept silent and still as Pansy finished her eyeshadow, and lunch, she'd head to the library to research, or bring one of her history
applied eyeliner and mascara. She examined Pansy's rounded nose and books to the observatory. In the evenings, she'd spend another hour or
sharp eyes, her creamy skin and long neck, remembering how she used to two on Occlumency.
334 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 327
 The tattoos were still eluding her. She was convinced that they were Pansy continued in silent concentration, dabbing at her face and
based on borrowed spells, but she'd had frustratingly little progress with smudging powders onto her cheeks. Hermione felt the same as she did in
the books selected by the library catalog. Her next and final book with fourth year, when Parvati and Lavender fussed over her before the Yule
reference to magical slavery was a volume on the history of magical Ball.
North America. And once she was through with it, she'd have to think of She heard an echo of a scream bouncing off black tile floors as Parvati was
another plan. strangled around a corner — Luna shouting—
Exactly seven days into August, Hermione realized she'd forgotten She blinked, refocusing and tuning back into Pansy, who was now
Harry's birthday. When she saw the date on the Prophet pages reading grumbling about how her pale complexion was eating up all her bronzer.
August 7th, she gasped, her hand clutching her heart as if a gunshot had "You said you envied me. In the Ministry."
gone off somewhere. She'd been too distracted on the 31st, focused on the Pansy didn't look up from her palette.
letter with Draco's updates. "You said you were envious of 'what my life would be,'" Hermione
She cried herself to sleep that night, and spent eight hours Occluding said. "What did you mean?"
the next day. Four days later, she crawled under the covers and let herself Pansy laughed, a bark of glee that made Hermione jump in her seat.
sing happy birthday to Ginny before succumbing to Mippy's Sleeping Pansy looked around the bathroom suite, gesturing with her brush.
Draught. "Do you think any other girl has any of this, Granger? Do you think
Draco finally returned on a Monday in mid-August, looking pale and the rest of them sleep soundly at night tucked between their twelve
weary. He walked straight into Hermione and Narcissa's breakfast, kissed pillows, unafraid of a visitor in the middle of the night?"
his mother's cheek, and sat with a flourish to his napkin as the two women A hot wave of guilt and sorrow bubbled in Hermione's belly, but she
sat stunned. shoved it aside.
Narcissa recovered quickly, asking him short, simple questions, to "You knew, even then, that Draco was going to buy me."
which he would nod or reply with a clipped sentence or two. Pansy stabbed a new brush into a powder and hummed in
But as he stirred the honey into his tea, his eyes drifted up to her, confirmation.
studying her face. Hermione took a breath, heart pounding. "Do you know why?"
And Hermione felt breathless as her pulse fluttered, realizing just how Pansy turned to her, fringe swaying delicately. Her eyes took in
much she'd missed him. Hermione's, studying her, before narrowing like a predator.
"I do," said Pansy, with a twist to her lips. And then, "Eyes closed,
$ Granger," ending the conversation.
She came to his bedroom that afternoon. He opened the door in the Hermione opened her mouth to protest, but Pansy was already
middle of her first knock. Hermione stared up at him, overwhelmed at coming at her with the brush. Hermione closed her eyes, puffing out her
being so close to him again. He was taller than she'd remembered, even breath in defeat.
leaning against the doorway. Her lips parted to ask what she'd come for, Once Pansy began attacking her eyelids, Hermione decided to try her
but her mind remained stubbornly blank. next line of questioning.
A ghost of a smirk crept over his face. "Come to gape at me, "Will you be at Edinburgh again? As Giuliana?"
Granger?" "I will. For the foreseeable future."
She snapped her mouth shut. "Hardly," she retorted, with a weak roll Hermione frowned, watching Pansy blend colors together in her
of her eyes. "I'm all business. I was just coming by to see—" palette. Would she always be forced into other girls' bodies, watching from
"I haven't forgotten about Cho, no. You'll see her this Friday. The the sidelines as somebody else? It was unfair to ask her to take Giuliana's
details have already been arranged." place. Unfair to both them.

328 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 333

 "It's alright." A cool smile. "That's why I'm here." Hermione blinked at him. "Good. Excellent." She squared her
She pulled a pouch off her shoulder and opened it on the vanity. shoulders. "I also wanted to see if—"
Creams, powders, gels, and brushes rolled out. "Seven o'clock." He raised a brow at her expression. "I assume you
"But why?" Hermione found her voice to ask. "Why would you come want to practice tonight?"
to help?" "I — Yes, I do." He'd already anticipated what she needed from him.
Pansy spun to her with a tube of something. "Because you looked The thought made her stomach flip.
atrocious the last time I saw you at Edinburgh, Granger," she replied "Alright then," he said, pushing off the doorway. "Meet me here a few
flatly. "Like a child had dipped their face in a clown's makeup bag. And as minutes before."
amusing as it is to see you make a fool of yourself, I'd rather Draco not She nodded and took a step backward. "Thank you," she said softly,
suffer the consequences of it." her eyes fixed on his collar.
Hermione frowned at her in the mirror. "Not every girl is done up and His throat bobbed as he nodded. "Anything else?"
dressed to the nines—" "It's… good to have you back, Draco." She rushed away before he
Pansy dragged the chair to face her with surprising strength. "Not could comment, and before she could say another stupid thing.
every girl fetched sixty-five thousand Galleons," she said, leaning down to That evening, he led her to a smaller sitting room, away from
meet Hermione levelly. "Not every girl is on the arm of the Malfoy heir. Narcissa's prying eyes. Hermione was still embarrassed from her outburst
Trust me when I say that you need to look and act the part. If you can't earlier, so she sat quietly on his lap for the most part, watching while he
maintain the lie, Granger," Pansy said, voice sharpening, "you'll endanger ate ravenously. The sight of him devouring his potatoes and roast was
the entire Malfoy family." oddly satisfying, so she didn't push for any questions that might disrupt his
Hermione pressed her lips together. "I'm well aware of that, thanks." appetite.
Pansy stood upright, a bright smile breaking across her lips. "Good." On Tuesday, she tried kissing his neck again. Besides a quick breath
She pushed a tube of something into Hermione's hands. "Now and a pause of his fork, he let her. She also learned why he'd been in
moisturize." Groix. The Order had been rebuilding in France and had constructed an
Brushing the cream over her skin, Hermione watched Pansy sort out Apparition Line of their own. Draco had been assigned to cut off
her makeup kit, her black bob swaying with every turn of her head. Her suppliers trying to pass the Line by water. Nott Sr. had been assigned to
eyes turned down to Pansy's left forearm. The flesh was mangled and break through the Line's defenses, but still hadn't managed it.
silver-white. From the acid that Zabini had used. On Wednesday, she pulled out of him that there had been rioting in
This was an opportune moment to ask her about the tattoo. Spain, which the Dark Lord had overtaken rather sloppily in his haste to
"Did it hurt?" she asked quietly. isolate France. Draco and a dozen others had been dispatched to control
"Don't be an idiot, Granger. You heard me screaming. Now go ahead the situation.
and ask the real question you want to ask. Don't pussyfoot around me." After dinner, she licked a stripe up his throat, beginning at his clavicle.
Pansy came at her with a large makeup brush at that point, promptly Her fingers carded through his hair as she worried his earlobe between
covering Hermione's embarrassed flush with a beige goo. her lips, embarrassed to catch her breath hitching right in his ear. She
"What do you know about the tattoos?" Hermione asked, once the listened to him swallow a large gulp of red wine, and when she wiggled
brush was away from her mouth. closer, he shifted beneath her with a "That's enough, Granger," before
"Absolutely nothing." Pansy dipped the brush again. "All I know is tossing back the rest of his wine and removing her from his lap.
that I can come and go as I please." On Thursday, she drained her wine, took a deep breath, and folded
"Because you're 'dead.'" herself against his body as close as space would allow. "Okay?" she
Pansy's lips twitched. "Well, yes. That does tend to be helpful." murmured. His arm wrapped around her back in reply, giving up the

332 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 329

pretense of eating altogether. She listened to his throat click as he A voice from behind Draco — "Everyone is so fucking polite in this
swallowed his wine, then tried turning her chest to face his, pressing house."
closer. And then Pansy Parkinson was shoving her way around his shoulder
"You should eat," she said quietly. "We're going to Edinburgh with, "Leave us alone for an hour" — a quick assessing glance to
tomorrow, and we have to act normally." A long pause before he nodded, Hermione — "or three."
picking up his fork and knife. She watched as he began cutting his steak, Hermione gaped at her as Pansy slammed the door in Draco's face
then slowly leaned forward to brush lazy kisses over his throat and jaw. and turned to her with a catlike smile.
A sharp intake of breath, and Draco dropped his cutlery. His hands "Pansy, you can't just—"
moved to her hips — still turned to the side — and slid her slightly away "Merlin, Granger. Your hair is outrageous."
from him. She bit her lip as she wobbled, feeling off-balance. She wound And then Pansy Parkinson's hands were in her hair, twisting her curls
her arms around his shoulders to steady herself, suppressing the urge to as she babbled about mousse and hydrating potions. She ran her fingers
squeak as her breasts grazed his chest through her thin shirt — and across Hermione's cheeks, tutting over her skin and brows.
another shift from under her, pushing her even further down his thighs. Hermione tried to protest amidst the onslaught. "Pansy—"
Hermione frowned, still unsteady and now irritated. She was just "You have excellent pores, but if you don't start moisturizing you'll
pressed up against him a minute ago, and now he was being stubborn. look ninety at your fortieth. I have Harper Hoddy's Hush cream — you'll
Determined, she scooted closer again, and his legs jumped under hers. A use it twice a day for the next—"
sharp exhale, a squeeze of his hands on her waist— "Pansy." Hermione stopped her with firm hands on Pansy's thin wrists.
And then she was promptly upended, falling over his knees in a heap "What are you doing here?"
on the floor. She yelped. Pansy tilted her head back at her. "Saving you from yourself, Granger."
"Fucking hell, Granger—" She lifted a brow. "Or from what you think qualifies as 'makeup and
"Ow! That hurt, Malfoy!" hair.'"
He glared down at her, furious and oddly hunched in his chair. "You're Hermione blinked at her, but before she could make total sense of it,
a bloody idiot," he growled, before racing out of the room and away from Pansy was dragging her into her bathroom suite and plopping her on the
her. chair in front of the mirror. She frowned at the mess Hermione had left
out. "You know, it never ceases to astonish me that you've made it this far
$ in life understanding nothing about makeup."
On Friday, after taking a light dinner in her room, Hermione washed Hermione snorted. "It's simple. I don't care."
and wrapped herself in a fluffy robe. She examined the utensils and Pansy froze, then spun around to face her. Something icy in her eyes.
brushes, trying to remember how she'd used them a month ago. "And how is that working out for you these days, Granger?" she asked
She sat at her vanity, preparing to apply something gooey to her sweetly. "Does that wonderful brain of yours get you everything you need
eyelids, when a tapping at her door paused her. Tugging at the tie to her in this new world?"
robe, Hermione padded across her room and cracked the door open. Hermione said nothing, the tips of her ears burning in irritation. She
Draco stood there with his hands in his pockets, an anxious expression was right. Her cleverness would only get her so far.
on his face. His eyes roved over her robe once. "Now we don't have much time, so listen carefully." Pansy snatched up a
"Are we leaving already?" thin makeup brush and waved it in her face. "This is not a shadow brush!" She
"No," he said, voice scratchy. He cleared his throat. "You have a slammed it down and picked up another brush. "This is a shadow brush."
visitor. If you'll allow it." Hermione stared at the two brushes — identical in her eyes — and
Hermione blinked at him. "A visitor?" then glanced to Pansy's irate face. Pansy took a deep, cleansing breath.

330 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 331

 A muscle twitched in his jaw. "And what about getting yourself Carrow Girl straddling his lap, his hands roving over her waist and thighs
killed?" as his kisses moved down her neck, starting to mouth at her breasts over
"Yes, yes, protecting your investment and all that." She blew out a the fabric of her dress.
quick breath. "I promise to try to avoid that, too. I'm not a big fan of the Fifteen minutes of this. Hermione took a deep breath. This is what
idea myself." they'd been practicing for, right?
"Then I expect you to act like it." He dropped down the first stair to She turned back towards Draco's neck, and he leaned in as if she was
meet her. "And I expect you to keep your word." going to whisper to him again. Her lips brushed softly over his pulse, and
She nodded. And when her stomach flipped at his gaze, she broke she felt his body tense before his muscles relaxed. The hand on her waist
away, stepping backward. felt as heavy as lead.
"Practice tomorrow, then?" she asked. Her hand came up to rest on his chest to steady herself, and she began
He made an impatient sound at the back of his throat. "I really don't to kiss his neck as she usually did during their practice sessions. She could
think—" feel his heartbeat pounding beneath her fingertips as she pressed soft
"And I really do. Edinburgh is five nights away, and we can barely kisses to his neck and jaw. Her tongue flicked out to taste him and she felt
stand to be in the same room as each other because—" Her cheeks his ribcage contract. His hand shifted to her hip as she leaned closer, and
burned, and she looked at her shoes. "Because you've been away so long." he adjusted her in his lap, pushing her off a bit.
Silence. And then: "You're a horrible liar, Granger." She pulled back to question him, but he was staring into his full glass
"Fine," she fumed. "Because we kissed. Because we both had a terrible of scotch. A quick look around confirmed that no one was watching
lapse in judgment and we kissed. But I'm trusting that we can both just them. Flint was focused on Penelope, kissing her slowly as he pressed their
buck up and behave like adults about this!" hips together. Montague had leaned his girl back across the arm of the
He lifted a brow at her. "Adults?" couch and was mouthing at her neck. Theo had disappeared into a
"Yes." She huffed and curled her fingers into fists. "Just because we private booth.
had a 'moment' doesn't mean we should throw away all our hard work." In fact, Draco seemed to be the only male in the room not touching or
His lips pressed together. "If you really think…" kissing his Lot. Hermione frowned. She'd been so focused on getting
"Wonderful. I'll see you at seven tomorrow." Draco comfortable around her, she'd forgotten that owners usually were
His mouth moved wordlessly before she rushed ahead of him, the ones to initiate contact. She needed to push him more next week.
practically bolting up the staircase. A shadow crossed over them, and Hermione looked up to see Cho
She didn't turn around, but she could feel him glowering at her back Chang smiling down demurely.
the whole way. "Master Malfoy," she said, her voice low and velvety. "Where do you
want me?"
$ Hermione blinked, feeling blood rush to her ears.
The small sitting room in the eastern wing had a variety of chairs and "We have a private booth," he said.
couches. The elves had conjured a small table at Hermione's request so Draco shifted them to standing, steadying her on her heels with a hand
they could simulate a dinner at Edinburgh as closely as possible. on her waist. It brought her face to face with Cho. Her dark eyes twinkled
On Monday evening, he sat in their usual chair and picked at his as they ran over Hermione's face and hair.
dinner while she grilled him on Italy. He'd spent the entire time in Rome, "She's stunning, Master Malfoy," Cho said, like she was appraising a
protecting the new minister. piece of art. "You dress her so beautifully."
"Like a bodyguard?" she asked. Hermione felt her face heat. Cho's purr was odd, so different from the
"I guess you could say that." He cut into his steak, one arm around her shy, tomboyish girl who used to outfly Harry on the Quidditch pitch with

366 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 343

a ringing laugh. The girl who struggled not to cry all of Hermione's fifth "What I mean to say is that I need to be at Edinburgh. I need to be
year over the loss of Cedric. able to move around there. I need to—" She swallowed. "…to play the
Draco muttered a "thanks" and wrapped one arm around Hermione's game a bit better." She thought of Cho and Charlotte. Of Pansy's
waist, taking Cho's hand in the other. He led them around the corner, insistence that she wasn't just another prize to bid on, but the prize. She
past the dancing girls and drinking men and couples on couches, to the tilted her chin up. "My place shouldn't be in the background."
last private booth on the left wall. They would have plenty of privacy in His eyes jerked up from her clavicles. "So what does that make me?
the corner, but this also meant every eye was on the three of them as they Your little pet who runs around cleaning up your messes?"
passed. "Don't be impossible," she snapped. "Clearly I'm the pet in this
They had a plan. Hermione would suggest some alone time with Cho situation, and both of our lives depend on people thinking that."
so they could "prepare" for him, Draco would agree, and he'd return two He said nothing, glaring at her.
minutes later with an emergency that would bring an end to their sordid She sighed and slowly uncrossed her arms. "Listen, Malfoy. You knew
threeway. who I was when you bought me." His throat bobbed. "The fact that I
But with every step they took, Hermione's heart beat more wildly, want to help the Order shouldn't surprise you."
scared about the amount of time she had and nervous about Cho's part in His gaze tumbled over her neck and shoulders again, before sliding
all this. What if Cho had too many questions? What if she was too back up her eyes.
suspicious or surprised to take her seriously? "You know who I am just as well," he said, and a hint of that old
They reached the corner booth. Draco pushed the door open, and Hogwarts arrogance slipped over him like a cloak. "It shouldn't surprise
Hermione was met with the sight of a large plush couch and low lit you if I stand in your path. We have opposing interests, after all."
candles. The booth was a bit smaller than her bedroom at home, with She blinked at him. A slight sneer on his face, as if he'd slithered back
deep red wallpaper and a low ceiling. She felt like she was entering a into the persona he tried to wear for so many years. It looked strange on
coffin. him now.
Cho's giggle from behind her pushed her forward, and Hermione "I'd like to think I know who you are." Her voice was soft, drifting over
moved to hover near the arm of the couch, standing awkwardly. Draco to him like a breeze across a field. Even at Hogwarts, she'd thought she
shut the door, and Cho walked around the other side. knew — thought she'd seen a piece of him he tried to keep buried. "I'd
"I'm honored that you chose me for your first Share, Master Malfoy." like to think…that our interests aren't as opposing as you'd let me believe.
Cho brushed her hand over the back of the couch, hips swaying as she Why else would you help me with Cho?"
moved. "What is it you'd like to do?" Hermione swallowed, glancing over She watched the slow movement of his ribs, watched his eyes skate
at where Draco still stood silently near the door. A pause, and then Cho over her face. He didn't deny it. He just stared back at her, his fingers
moved behind Hermione, her arm slithering around her waist. "Or paling as they gripped the marble banister. She thought she could maybe
perhaps you'd like to watch?" she breathed in her ear. survive the absence of his affections if he continued to help her and speak
In a blink, Cho had spun her around and was pressing her lips down openly with her about the war. She thought that maybe, if she could have
on Hermione's, slipping her tongue into her mouth. Hermione gasped as that from him… it could ease the ache.
she felt herself pressed against the wall, her mind trying to catch up as Her gaze slid back up, preparing to close the book that cataloged the
Cho's hands roved over her sides, sliding down to her hips. Hermione's softness of his eyes and the way his shirt hugged his torso. He might have
eyes shot open, her hands awkwardly grasping Cho's elbows. She needed been doing the same.
to stop this. Or start this. She wasn't sure. "I promise to keep you informed." She moved closer to the stairs. "I
Cho moved to her neck, and Hermione looked over at Draco, her promise to do everything in my power to not get you or your mother
mortification rising. He stood stiffly in the doorway, hands in his pockets, killed. Or your father, if I must." She chanced a half-smile.

344 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 365

 Draco returned on Sunday evening. Hermione had allowed herself a jaw clenched and eyes fixed on the two of them. Hermione drew in
long walk in the late summer air to organize her thoughts. She was just several gasps of air. She could do this. She needed to switch gears if this
coming in from the outdoors when the Floo burst to life. She yelped, was to be believable.
jumping as the fire roared, and a figure stepped through it. Hermione wrapped her arms around Cho's back and pulled her back
She stood frozen as he patted down his robes and ran a hand through to her lips. She kissed her with fervor, using her tongue this time, and Cho
his blond hair. Then his head turned. giggled against her lips. Cho's hands slid up her hemline to grip her arse,
"Granger." His hand dropped away. His fingers twitched. and Hermione abruptly pulled away, panting. She turned to Draco, and
She blinked back at him. "Malfoy." whispered, "Let us prepare for you."
He took a step towards her, his eyes running over her quickly, landing Draco's eyes snapped up to her from where they'd been tracking the
on the breezy knee-length skirt she was wearing. progression of Cho's hands. He lifted a brow at her.
"What's that?" She disentangled herself from Cho and moved silkily toward him.
She looked down at herself, fingers brushing the fabric. "A skirt." "The fantasy you told me about?" Hermione said. "Of finding the two
"Where did you get it?" of us in the library? 'Studying?'" His eyes flashed as she stopped in front
She arched a brow at him. "Pansy replaced my wardrobe. Against my of him, pressing her hands to his shoulders. She lifted onto her toes,
will." looked up from under her lashes, and said, "Let me give that to you."
His eyes popped. "All of it?" His eyes were dark on her. She leaned closer, and his hands snapped to
"Just about." Irritation pricked her skin as she watched him frown her hips, holding her still. He swallowed.
down at her. "Are you a purveyor of women's fashion, Draco? Should I "Three minutes alone." She pressed her lips to his jaw and whispered,
run my wardrobe choices by you?" "Please, sir?"
His eyes snapped to hers before looking away, a blush rising to his "Two," he responded, his voice cracking on the single word.
cheekbones. "Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." Her voice was low and breathy. She ran her
"Not at all. I was just..." He waved his hand. "Caught off guard." He lips along his ear and said, "I won't disappoint you."
looked around the entrance hall, searching for an escape. "I'm going to He pushed her back by her hips, and was out the door in seconds.
find Mother." Hermione spun as the door clicked closed. Within two steps she had
"You'll fill me in on Italy tomorrow, yes?" she called after him. He thrown her arms around Cho, hugging her close, the dark-haired girl
stopped on the first stair. returning her embrace with a tight squeeze.
"I'll find you after breakfast," he said, still not facing her. "Hermione—"
"I meant during our practice session." "Cho," Hermione breathed. "Are you alright? I've been dying to speak
An expansion of his ribs, then a slow turn back to her, as if meeting to you—"
the executioner. "Granger, you can't be serious about continuing—" "You genius!"
"Absolutely I am." She waited for his reply, folding her arms. His eyes "Listen — we don't have much time."
dropped to her skirt once. She pulled away and saw Cho staring wide-eyed at the closed door in
"Look," she said tightly. "I know going to Italy wasn't your choice, but amazement.
I've been locked away for months. I know you think I'm a stupid Gryffindor "I need to get information to Ginny, but it can't be written down."
with a hero complex—" Cho's blinked, and the eyes that snapped back to her hardened in
"Granger—" resolve. "Tell me."
"Please, let me finish." Hermione took a breath, feeling her entire world hang on the next
His gaze flickered, and he closed his mouth. words. "Fiendfyre, Basilisk Venom, Sword of Gryffindor."

364 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 345

 She watched Cho's mind spin before she pressed her lips together and she'd met Harry exactly seven years ago on a magical train that took them
nodded. "Alright." to a magical school where she'd finally found belonging.
Hermione blinked. "Is that it?"
"The less I know, the better. Consider it done." $
"How soon will you—" Hermione broke off, refocusing. Two minutes. Draco still wasn't back that Friday. But he had appeared in a picture in
That's all they had. "Who's going to tell her? Do you have contact with the paper that day, standing stoically behind the new Italian puppet
her?" minister as he gave a speech. Hermione's heart had skipped a beat, taking
"Charlotte," Cho said simply. "I can't tell you more than that, but if I in the sharpness in his jaw, the bags beneath his eyes. But even as she'd
get this to Charlotte, Ginny will know within a few weeks." blinked away, she kept seeing grey eyes instead of a lake with still waters.
Hermione drew a sharp breath and nodded. "Is she in contact with One morning, Hermione stepped out of her bath, wrapped a towel
the Order?" tightly around herself, and moved to her armoire. She opened it and
"I have my suspicions, but I couldn't say for sure." Hermione's face gasped.
fell. "Trust me," Cho continued, "the less we know, the safer it is. All I do An unfamiliar assortment of colors. Patterns. Silks. A quick pull to her
is get whispers and notes to Charlotte. The rest is in her hands." Cho drawer found that all her comfortable underthings had been replaced
looked to the door again and reached for the hemline of her short dress. with mere scraps of fabric. A small folded note lay on top, and she
She wiggled something from between the stitching: a small green pill the snatched it up.
size of a mint. "Take this. Charlotte and I each have one. This one's for
you." McGonagall requested her knickers back. There are
Hermione took it in her palm and stared down at it. "What is it?" some new additions I think you'll enjoy.
"A worst-case scenario. A suicide pill," Cho said. Hermione's eyes
— P.
widened and snapped up to her. "If you're caught, take it before they're
able to read your mind. If any of them find out, it's all over." Hermione flushed. Pansy was trying to kill her. She scrounged through
Hermione swallowed thickly, the saliva burning down her throat. Then her drawers to find any trace of pale cotton, but she'd replaced them all.
nodded. Cho reached up for the strap of Hermione's dress, turning it over Running a hand down her face, Hermione huffed loudly, and chose a pale
and tearing at a seam until she could push the pill through the small hole pink pair.
for her. There were still denims in the other drawer — thankfully — but her jaw
"Keep it in your hem at all times." dropped when she also found shorts. Hanging up in the closet were skirts
They had maybe a minute left. Hermione ran through the other shorter than her Hogwarts uniform, low-cut blouses, and a few dresses.
questions she thought she could get answered in a minute. Hermione scowled. Perhaps she could send Pansy a doll for Christmas.
"Is there anything the resistance needs? Any supplies? Anything that It would be the same principle.
needs researching?" She slid on her denims after staring too long at a pale blue dress, and
"No, Hermione," Cho warned fiercely. "It's too risky. Don't endanger chose a new grey t-shirt that seemed innocuous enough — until she
yourself by stealing or sneaking around." realized the neck dipped lower than she'd expected.
Hermione bit her tongue, nodding. There was no way she could reveal Rolling her eyes, Hermione stomped to her bathroom and began
more about her situation without jeopardizing the Malfoys. drying her hair. She spent the whole day in the library, yanking up her t-
"But it does seem like you have him wrapped around your little finger," shirt, though no one was looking.
said Cho, studying her. "I can't believe he left us alone."
$
Hermione let out a nervous scoff. "I mean…I suppose, but—"

346 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 363

Place. Her breath hitched — but still, something tugged at Hermione's "Is there anything you've seen or heard? Any meetings at the Manor
mind. that could help the resistance?"
Harry. Grimmauld Place had been his. Hermione paused. She thought of everything Draco had told her —
"And…and the goblins at Gringotts…" she stammered, searching for about France, and Italy, and Spain. Of Giuliana, and Pansy. Lucius' offer
the right words. "How did they decide to strip Harry of the property?" to Voldemort, whispered behind a closing door. There were loads of
Narcissa tilted her head, brows knitting in confusion. "When Potter things she could tell Cho.
died without a will, the property was left ownerless. The goblins have "No," she said softly, feeling the guilt weigh heavy in her chest. "But I'll
magic tracking these things." keep my ears open."
Hermione's face felt tight. Her skin was buzzing — she could hear it in Cho nodded, then glanced at the door. "We have less than a minute.
her ears. If she hadn't already been sitting, she would have needed a chair. Let's get undressed."
The goblins at Gringotts — the most by-the-book species in the Hermione froze, jolted back to the reality of their situation. Her
magical world — had approved paperwork declaring that the previous mouth felt dry. "Oh. I think kissing will be fine—"
owner of Grimmauld Place was dead. "You're joking, right?" Cho stared at her. "Hermione, we need to make
A hand touched her wrist. sure he gets his money's worth. I don't want to risk him getting suspicious.
"Hermione, are you alright? You're as pale as a sheet." Now tell me about this library fantasy." And Cho pulled her own silky
Narcissa's voice seemed far away. dress over her head, tossing it into the corner and standing before
Hermione focused on her breathing, pulling air deeply. She thought of Hermione in only her knickers and bra.
a lake with still waters until her heartbeat returned to normal, and her "It's… I…" Hermione stammered, glancing at the door.
breathing regulated. Cho's eyes flickered. She stepped forward and placed a reassuring
When she opened her eyes, Narcissa had pulled Hermione's chair out hand on her shoulder. "Have you ever had a third person before?"
and was kneeling in front of her. A cool hand was on her face, the other "Um, no. But I—"
squeezing her hand. Mippy hovered in the doorway, twirling her ear "It's really easy," Cho said, reaching for the zipper on the side of the
anxiously. red dress. "Just follow my lead." She began peeling Hermione's straps
"I'm very sorry, dear. I didn't realize that this would be a shock to you." down her shoulders, and Hermione gasped, trying to lift them back up.
Hermione shook her head, feeling her body sway slightly in her chair. "Cho, listen, I—"
"It's not. I just…" She swallowed and looked into Narcissa's warm "What's he like? Is he rough?"
blue eyes. "I had hope." The question caught her off guard. "Rough? Er, no, but…"
The pity in Narcissa's gaze was almost too much to bear. Narcissa took "The more you tell me about his tastes, the faster this will go," Cho said, and
her hands and brought them to her lips, kissing her knuckles. then she was tugging Hermione's dress down her hips to pool around her heels.
"I was the one to check the body, Hermione," she said softly. A flush licked up Hermione's chest, across her sternum. "I don't…
Hermione felt a tear plummet from her eyes to their joined hands. "He um." She cleared her throat. "He's normal."
wasn't breathing. There was no heartbeat." Narcissa slowly freed a hand Cho tilted her head. "Normal?"
to brush a curl behind Hermione's ear. "He walked into that forest Hermione winced. "Awful. Normal awful. Look, we don't really need to
bravely, and died just the same." —"
Her throat choked back a sob as she nodded. She squeezed Narcissa's Cho dragged her toward the couch, pushing her to sit. "We don't have
hands in thanks, and then used her napkin to dry her eyes. time, Hermione. I need you to trust me." She knelt on the couch next to
Narcissa understood when she excused herself to her room. Hermione her, and Hermione caught the slight panic in her features as she took her
buried herself in research and Occlumency that day, trying to forget that face in her hands and kissed her.

362 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 347

 Hermione squeaked. Cho's hands slid around her ribs for the clasp on Hermione's veins tingled with dread as she stared down at the
her bra. "No, no!" Hermione pulled her mouth away. "He… likes to do Hogwarts Express, thinking of how majestic it used to seem to her. Full of
that himself." promise and possibility. She'd met Ron and Harry for the first time on
The excuse was flimsy but Cho accepted it. She began kissing that train.
Hermione's neck, pushing her to lay back toward the arm of the couch. She'd met Draco on that train…though she couldn't be sure he
Hermione had never been this naked with another person in her life, remembered. He'd been quite rude to her when she asked about Neville's
but there was no way to push Cho back and say, "This isn't necessary. We toad.
aren't actually having a threeway this evening." And even if she did, she doubted She blinked and shook her head, refocusing. It was September the
Cho would listen. first, and the Hogwarts Express was taking children back to school. The
"What's this library fantasy?" Cho asked again, shifting down her world had continued spinning, although darker than before.
body, sliding her hands over Hermione's stomach. "He catches us in the "Is the Dark Lord still at the castle?"
Restricted Section?" Cho rolled her eyes and pried Hermione's stiff knees Narcissa nodded slowly. "There are far fewer students arriving, so
open. they're confining them to the towers and upper floors."
"Um, something like that." So any attack on Hogwarts would endanger the children inside.
Hermione was desperately trying to think of ways to slow things down Hermione sighed, rubbing her brow. It must be a waking nightmare for
when Cho dipped her head and kissed down her stomach. returning students. How many of the old staff and teachers were dead? She
"It's alright," Cho said softly, as Hermione jumped. "This is always a worried for the poor house-elves in the kitchens, too, but they at least were
good bet. Just close your eyes and try to relax." unlikely to be killed. Servants were still necessary for the school to operate.
She kissed her bellybutton, clearly heading south, and that's how A memory sparked in her. Kreacher.
Draco found them when the door banged open. Hermione's eyes slid to Narcissa as she took delicate bites from her
Hermione wished to evaporate on the spot. Draco's jaw dropped, his toast. Grimmauld Place had been a property of the Black family before it
eyes roving over her red knickers and bra. Hermione dimly registered had passed to Harry.
Cho's breathy claims that they were "only studying," and "please don't tell "Narcissa, I hope you don't mind me asking…" Hermione cleared her
Professor Snape!" throat. "But I wondered if you knew anything about the house-elf,
"Change of plans," he said roughly. "Granger and I have to go." Kreacher?"
Hermione scrambled up, rushing to find her dress. Narcissa blinked, caught off guard. Then her lips pulled into a tight
"Are you sure?" Cho pouted. "We were just getting started!" But she smile. "I seem to remember that he's a grumpy little thing. My sister used
too was already reaching for her dress. to chase him around when we would visit our cousins." She set her teacup
"Urgent business, I'm afraid. We'll reschedule." Draco's voice was down without a sound, and said, "Why? Has he been bothering you?"
clipped and cold. Hermione didn't dare look at him as she shimmied into "No. But I did see him last week." She fiddled with the napkin in her
her dress, silently cursing as she gracelessly tugged it up her hips. lap. "And I was just curious who his master is?"
A flurry of movement, and Cho's throaty voice said she looked Narcissa nodded. "Grimmauld Place is now in Draco's name," she said
forward to next time. Hermione was still trying to coax her tight zipper simply. "Once the dust settled at Hogwarts, I went to Gringotts and filed
up as Cho slipped from the booth, closing the door behind her. the paperwork. The property fell to the Black family, but as my eldest
Hermione's chest felt impossibly hot as she continued struggling with sister has no heirs, the estate passed to Draco, the only male heir in the
her dress, staunchly ignoring Draco in the doorway. She heard him step Black line."
closer to her, and when he moved her hands to the side to close the zipper, Hermione's mind spun on its axis. Grimmauld Place belonged to
her face started burning. Draco. Kreacher belonged to Draco. Pansy must be hiding at Grimmauld

348 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 361

foolish holding onto a few scraps of paper from before. She crossed the Once she was dressed, he took her arm and led her out of the booth,
room to the jewelry box on her bedside table and reached for the other past the boys whistling—
notes from him, ready to toss them all into the flames — but something "Couldn't make it last, Draco?"
paused her. She smoothed and tucked the latest letter in the jewelry box, "Emergency Floo call. Just notified," he responded curtly.
and then stared out her window for the next hour, watching the horizon. "Sure, sure," she heard Flint's voice ring out. "The spoiled prat just
likes to fuck on his own sheets."
$ "Oi! Is Chang still available then?" another called.
The weeks dragged on in Draco's absence, and Hermione threw Draco waved them off, setting a quick pace to the fireplaces. He tossed
herself into her research. The journals pulled by the catalog seemed the powder, and tugged her through with him into the silence of his
critical, but she'd mostly found fragments and riddles. Some spells were bedroom at the Manor.
clearly relevant — a "lightning barrier," for example— but its directions The whiplash of the past five minutes seemed to smack her upside the
listed strange ingredients and symbols that were clearly in code. head — the hurried and panicked encounter with Cho, the information
It would be so much easier if she had a hint or two. Someone to point she'd learned about Charlotte, the red lingerie he was never supposed to
her in one direction or another. In the evenings, as she applied the cream see —
Pansy had forced on her, she would consider Theo Nott, wondering how "I'm sorry you had to see that," she blurted out. "I tried to slow her
she could glean information from him about his father's work on the down, but she insisted."
tattoos. Draco was silent, and Hermione stared determinedly at the carpets,
As August stretched to a close, Hermione began seeing Narcissa for heart pounding in her ears.
daily meals again. Narcissa seemed to intuit that something had "Were you successful?" he finally asked.
happened, because she never mentioned Draco by name. Hermione was She looked up, and met his eyes for the first time since he'd left her
grateful for it, and for her company. They were welcome breaks from her alone with Cho in that booth. They were dark, but closed.
research and Occlumency. "Yes." She cleared her throat. "Cho will pass along the information.
One morning, they were having breakfast together when Hermione It's...it's Charlotte who is the hub." She turned to where he stood in front
looked down at the Daily Prophet and found a picture of the Hogwarts of the fireplace, watching her. "Charlotte controls the information and
Express. The date on the paper read 01 September. She gasped, her fork who gets messages to whom. If anything can get to the Order, it's through
clattering on the china. Charlotte."
Narcissa looked up from her plate with wide eyes, caught mid-bite. Draco hummed in thought. "She has access to every room in
"Hogwarts reopened?" Edinburgh," he said slowly. "She has ears on every conversation behind
A shadow flitted over Narcissa's face. She finished chewing and gave a closed doors."
single nod. "For pure-bloods, yes." Hermione nodded. She reached up to her shoulder where Cho had
Hermione's eyes sped through the article, snatching on words tucked the green pill into her seam.
like Headmistress Dolores Umbridge, Dark Magics, and Introduction to "Cho gave me this. It's in case suspicion is cast on them. If they are
Interrogation. Her stomach turned in disgust. ever in danger of having their memories searched."
"This is hardly an education. They're training child soldiers!" He stepped forward, staring down at the pill. "What is it?"
"Things have changed… significantly, Hermione." Narcissa set down "A suicide pill, of sorts," she said. She turned the pill over in her hand,
her cutlery and closed her eyes, exhaling. "Parents had the option to wondering who created it, how they got them to Charlotte.
educate their children at home, but all will be tested on the new It was a moment before Draco asked, "And why do you have one?"
curriculum at the end of the school year." She looked up at him. His eyes were tight.

360 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 349

 "Cho and Charlotte both have one. Cho gave one to me." She took a $
breath. "They wear them in their hems. So if I'm ever caught I'll have to—"
Quick as lightning, Draco snatched the pill from her hand and tossed The rest of her day was consumed by Occlumency. She tried
it into the fire. advanced techniques, finding ways to softly tear pages out of her mental
Hermione stared at the flames, dumbfounded, her heartbeat pounding books and let them gather and bind into a new text, tucking it away on a
beneath her skin. She whipped her head around. back shelf in the Restricted Section of her mental library.
"What—?" She severed pages: his darkened eyes, warm lips, and gifted tongue. A
"Like hell you will." firm thigh between her legs, long fingers gripping her wrists — all sealed
His gaze was murderous. and tucked away.
"Draco, you just—!" She jerked her head, her mind still not quite Added to the new restricted book were the images of her red lips, tight
processing. She rushed to the fire, reaching out to grab the pill before it curls, and lacy knickers. She didn't want to think about the costume that
was destroyed. had made him forget who they both were.
A vice on her other arm, yanking her back. There was an invitation to dinner at some point, a woman's voice
"Let go of me!" she cried, panic overtaking her. spoken softly through the door. By the time she noticed the cold plate on
His cold grey eyes were burning almost blue. "You got to play your her coffee table, six hours had passed, and the sky was black outside her
little game with Chang tonight. But you will under no circumstances end window. Even the moonlight was too bright for the pressure behind her
your life." eyes, so she drank her Sleeping Draughts and fell asleep before she'd fully
She gaped at him, breathing hard. He had his teeth bared at her. She slipped between the covers.
ripped her arm from his grip. Hermione woke up early on Sunday and spent the extra time
"Don't you dare command me like a slave." meditating and Occluding. There was research to do, and she couldn't
She huffed and spun back to the fireplace, spying a speck of green lose another day on silly distractions.
near the grate. She knelt quickly to retrieve it, but he yanked her back by She ran into him twice that day, staring sullen and blank-faced at her
her elbow as her fingers brushed the flames. She stumbled, and tried in the halls on her way to the conservatory, and then again when she was
stamping her heel into his foot. He hissed and grabbed her shoulders, just leaving her solitary dinner.
shoving her back into the wall, his face snarling down at her. By noon on Monday, she was almost done with her first book. She read
"Perhaps you didn't hear me, Granger—" the Prophet over lunch, catching a small article on Page 3 about rioting in
"Oh, I heard you, you prick!" She tried shaking him off, but his fingers Italy. And not an hour later, Mippy appeared with trembling eyes and her
dug into her shoulders. "It's a precaution. This is war—" afternoon coffee, telling her that Draco had been called away.
"Don't talk to me about war," he hissed. "Every day I'm brought to the Narcissa came to her two days later, gently inquiring about her well-
battle lines while you sit in here playing tea with my mother—" being and pressing a letter into her hands that updated the "household"
Her mouth fell open. "Don't you dare—" on the situation in Italy. Hermione cross-referenced the little information
"And now you want to lecture me on the cost of war? The things I've in Draco's note with what Skeeter had been printing, and deduced that
had to do — to sacrifice for you — and you want to end it all with one he'd been sent to control unrest fueled by the disappearances of Antonio
swallow." Bravieri's former council members. He wouldn't be able to write again
She struggled to breathe, watching his eyes burn into her. "Worried while he was away, but he claimed to be safe and begged his mother not
about protecting your investment? It's still my life—" to worry.
"I paid for your life," he snarled, shaking her shoulders. "It's mine. You Once she was finished with it, Hermione crumpled his note in her
will not end it without my permission." palm. There was nothing worth saving in those words, and she already felt

350 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 359

 Hermione swallowed, suddenly awash with guilt and shame. Not an She gasped, body stiffening. His breath panted over her face. She could
hour ago, she'd thought it was a memory she could hold and return to feel the rage bubbling inside of her, spinning low in her stomach. Two more
whenever she wanted. heartbeats, and it exploded. She tore his hands from her shoulders.
It won't happen again. "And what did your sixty-five thousand Galleons get you, Malfoy?"
She really was a stupid girl. She pushed his chest, but he didn't sway. "Am I everything you hoped for
Focusing on the numbness in her fingertips, she nodded, blinking at and more?"
him. "I see." She pushed at him again and his hands snapped up, grabbing her
A pause before he moved into the room, inching closer. Like a coiled wrists and pushing them back against the wall next to her face. He
spring begging to go the other direction. Looking over her texts on the stepped into her.
floor, he pressed his lips together before glancing up. "You wanna know what my Galleons bought me, Granger?"
"It was completely inappropriate of me." He cleared his throat. "I'd "Get off me—"
understand if you'd like to discontinue our practice sessions." "An ungrateful little shrew with a hero complex—"
Hermione narrowed her eyes, anger suddenly constricting her chest. "You arsehole—"
"That won't be necessary." She turned back to the bookshelf, plucking "—who only aims to make my life more complicated—"
out a volume at random and flipping through its pages. "We absolutely "You have no moral code, Malfoy—"
need to keep practicing. I'd say we're nowhere near as comfortable as we "—has given me nothing but torture for months—"
should be." "My apologies for being such a burden on you! If it's been such torture
An uneasy shuffling behind her. Before he could speak, she silenced having me here, then why do you care what I do with my life?"
him with a snap of the book's spine. His jaw dipped downward, as if he was about to reply. She waited,
"There's no need to fuss. I don't intend to draw suspicion on myself panting harshly, ribs expanding to brush his chest. When no answer came,
over a stupid mistake caused by one too many glasses of wine." she looked up, finding his gaze on her mouth, her parted lips.
She spun on her heel and walked out of his sight, back to her piles of Her stomach twisted and her heart pounded.
books. Nothing had changed between them. He'd made a mistake, and so He blinked once, eyes clearing as they locked on hers, looking like he'd
had she. Now that they'd both acknowledged it, they could continue as quite forgotten what they were talking about.
they were. But he didn't step back.
A sound of careful footsteps up to the landing as she methodically She looked at his mouth, hoping wildly, inexplicably.
collected her books into her arms. She whipped her head over her With just the smallest movement, she lifted her chin, and watched his
shoulder to glare at him. Draco stood hovering near a shelf, watching her eyes drop to her lips again. Her air left her in a puff, and he breathed her
silently. A flicker in his expression before his throat bobbed. "Are you sure in, like he'd finally found the surface after years of being underwater.
that's wise? To continue practicing?" he finally asked. His mouth tilted downwards, and with a final flicker up to her eyes, he
She stood straight and lifted a brow at him. "Why not? We both was pressing his mouth to hers softly, like one of them could break at any
agreed that it was a mistake and that it won't happen again. Pretty moment. She pushed her lips back, hearing her heartbeat in her ears.
straightforward, really." And like a slow-rolling wave growing larger and more dangerous, he
He blinked at her, his left eye twitching. kissed her — his lips closing over hers, his chest pushing forward until he
"Let me know when you're ready to pick back up again, Malfoy." She was surrounding her, his mouth opening when her lips parted and his
pushed around him, carrying her books with her back upstairs. tongue pressing forward like they'd been doing this for months. She sighed
She managed to make it behind the locked door of her bathroom into his mouth, and his hips rolled forward, pinning her to the wall. She
before she began crying, running the tap to drown out her sobs. rotated her wrists in his grasp, aching to touch him, but his fingers

358 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 351

tightened their hold. His head tilted to the side and his mouth devoured This was the key. Nott Sr. had been careless last night, and now all she
her, drugging her, dragging her down. His lips were quick and clever and had to do was follow the breadcrumbs. She sat down between the stacks,
his tongue was gifted. surrounded by piles of books, picking up one after another and skimming
Her head was spinning before she realized his knee was nudging hers as quickly as her exhausted brain would allow. It would take her weeks to
apart, slipping between her thighs— read them, but for now, she couldn't help but devour the pages like a
Just as she'd seen him do with Pansy in the corridors. starving man at a feast.
She gasped, dizzy with want as his body pressed up against her, his Her eyes widened and her stomach churned when she flipped to a
thigh pushing forward to be closer to her, slipping higher and higher to page halfway through Tobias Tolbrette's journal.
press against her core.
And each night before I take her in my chambers, I force
When she moaned a plea against his lips, his fingers dug into her
wrists and his mouth panted into hers.
her to stare down at my name burned into her skin. The brand
And like a rubber band snapping, he was gone. of me on her shoulder, like the brand on my oxen.
Her eyes fluttered open, and her body tried to follow him, magnetized. The tattoos. The Scourers had also used magical skin branding. But
He still held her wrists to the wall, but he'd pulled his chest and hips far Nott Sr. claimed to have made advances. If she could decipher what the
away. She caught her breath as he looked at her in shock. And she saw the Scourers had done with their brands, she'd be one step closer to knowing
panic color his eyes and shiver across his skin. what Nott Sr. had done.
"I'm sorry," he breathed. She uncurled her legs, standing to ask the catalog for a cross-reference
She tried to use her voice to reassure him, but he stepped away from of "brand" in the texts she already had.
her. The library doors creaked open.
"I'm s— I'm sorry. I'm—" She froze, then peered through the shelves to see Draco stepping
His eyes were wide and frightened. She started to reach for him, but slowly into the library. A wave of rapid emotions tumbled over her, and
he turned quickly, striding to the exit. she moved out from behind the stacks. The room was silent as their eyes
The door slammed behind him. locked. His gaze flickered down to her bare feet, and she shifted self-
She stood alone in his bedroom, her lips still warm and bruised from consciously until it returned to her eyes, her open mouth.
his mouth. Her mind was numb and her skin too warm. Moving briskly to A flash of heat seared through her at the memory of the night before.
the door, she threw it open to find an empty hallway — Draco already His lips and his chest and his thigh.
gone. She could tell him about what she'd just learned. They could go
She wandered back to her own room slowly, mind reeling. She kicked through the books together, and when she finally asked him about last
off her heels and put them away in the armoire, catching sight of herself night, he might silence her with a kiss—
in a mirror for the first time in hours. "I'd like to apologize for last night." He slipped his hands into his
A girl with smoky eyes, lustrous curls, scarlet lips, and a red dress pockets, and her breath left her. She squeezed the book closer to her
stared back at her. She'd almost forgotten what she looked like tonight. chest, pressing indents into her fingertips. "I quite forgot myself. I lost
She turned away and unzipped with shaking fingers, letting the dress control, and it won't happen again."
pool on the floor. And as she walked to the bathroom in just Pansy She blinked at him. He was stoic, with cold eyes and clipped sentences.
Parkinson's red lingerie, she wondered if maybe Draco had forgotten who With finality. Her heartbeat quickened as the words sunk into her skin,
she was tonight as well. chilling her blood.
If maybe he'd kissed the girl with the red lips and tight curls and lacy He regretted kissing her.
red knickers instead. Of course he did.
352 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 357
 “property." Slaves were sterilized and often sold to magical
families who had integrated into the Muggle colonies'
plantation economy.
Refusing to acknowledge the severe human rights
violations they inflicted on the men and women they forced
into slavery, the Scourers argued that their victims were not
fully human, referring to them as “acquisitions." More
informally, they called their male slaves “pigeons" and their

21
female slaves “doves."
Hermione braced herself on the bookshelf, her skin tingling all
over. "Hello, little dove," Nott Sr. had said to her, tilting her chin up with the
handle of his cane.
She sucked in air like it was disappearing. For weeks, she'd been
looking through the catalog's results for the word "slave" and its
variations. But the Scourers didn't call them slaves.
And from this bare minimum of information on these bloodthirsty
mercenaries, driven by prejudice and greed, it was so easy to see where
the Death Eaters might have taken their inspiration.
Hermione tugged on a pair of leggings and the first spare shirt she
could find, running down to the library barefoot. The doors groaned
open with her shove, and she stood at the library catalog, pulse racing.
"Show me all texts containing the phrase, 'the Scourers.' Cross- he woke up exhausted, limbs leaden, head groaning in protest.
reference with 'acquisition,' 'dove' and 'pigeon.'"
The book finder glowed. And ten, twelve...fifteen green lights drifted
out of the catalog, each leading to a text slowly pulling off the shelves,
S Watching the golden morning light creep up the walls, she lay in
bed, grogginess fading as her mind began cataloging the last
twenty-four hours.
suspended and waiting for her. He'd kissed her.
A laugh burst out of her throat — such sweet relief spreading through He'd kissed her, then ran, like he couldn't escape her fast enough.
her veins. She slapped a hand over her mouth and stared at the hovering Hermione took a shuddering breath and slapped both palms to her
books. The closest to her was a thin leather journal. She reached on her forehead, pressing her eyes together and banishing the images. Directing
tiptoes to pluck it from the air, and found the name Tobias Tolbrette her attention to where it should be.
inside the cover. It was from the 1600s. She'd gotten the information to Cho. The key to killing Nagini was in
Bounding to each row, up each ladder where they hovered, she pulled transit to Ginny — Ginny, who she could only pray would be able to do
all the books down, examining their covers, their years. So many something of value with it. And they hadn't been caught.
handwritten journals and history books that had been published hundreds Exhaling in relief, Hermione tried to celebrate her success.
of years ago. Her volume on the history of magical North America was — has given me nothing but torture for months—
only a decade old. She groaned and turned over under her covers, yanking the fluffy

356 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 353

comforter up to her ears. But her mind grew only more obstinate as she Her breath hitched. She rushed to the bathroom, splashing water on
burrowed deep in darkness. her face and tossing up her mangled hair.
The way he'd stared at her lips. The feeling of his chest against hers. Scrambling through her books, she pulled out the volume on magical
His tongue sweeping sinfully through her mouth, coaxing, then North America that she'd only just started. Her trembling fingers flipped
demanding. His knee slipping between hers, pressed against her core, to the index.
feeling his body surrounding her. Scourers, 240, 394-395
Hermione squirmed, a strained embarrassment flushing her. She Her heart pounded. Three pages. Only three. Hermione blew out an
rolled onto her back and ran her hand over her face. exasperated breath as she flipped to page 240. She could do this.
There had been something dark in him last night. A cord pulled taut Information on Horcruxes had been scarcer when she was on the run,
and dangerous. And instead of restraining herself, she'd tugged, tumbling and she'd still managed to crack them.
right over the edge with him when it broke.
Timothy Smithstone was later captured and executed by
She'd been too needy. She never should have tilted her face to his and
pushed her tongue into his mouth like she needed to breathe his air. the Scourers in Massachusetts before his request of copyright
Should have ignored his thigh and how she wanted to rub herself against could be answered by the Wizengamot in Britain.
it. Hermione blinked down at the page. Timothy Smithstone was a blip
His panic as he pulled away from her. Had she done something in the radar about the creation of the Calming Draught. She quickly
wrong? Perhaps her lips had been dry, or untrained. Or maybe he'd turned to page 394, praying she'd find something more helpful.
simply recovered, remembering himself, remembering her. Remembering
all they'd been through. The Scourers were a corrupt group of vigilantes and
He'd been so hesitant to touch or even look at her since the day he'd eugenicists operating in the New World in the absence of a
thrown her on this bed and ripped her slip open. It had taken months for magical government. They deemed themselves the enforcers
them to recover, but they'd finally reached an understanding — a of magical law in the colonies, and took on the role of bounty-
partnership, even. hunters, chasing down accused criminals and conducting their
And then all their careful control had melted away last night when she
own trials and executions.
let herself become the girl in the red dress with red lips and red knickers.
A wave of heat crept over her as the memories drifted to the surface. They were infamous for their systematic violence against
She tried to shove it all aside — the feeling of his lips on hers, her body the Native American magical community, and later the African
pinned to the wall, his groans into her mouth, continued to assault her American magical community. Indigenous and African
psyche. American peoples showing signs of magical ability were either
Would it be so bad for her to give in? If they both wanted the same killed or captured and enslaved by the Scourers, who believed
thing—
that European magical blood was the highest of purity and
Huffing loudly, Hermione rubbed her eyes, refocusing on her canopy.
She couldn't—wouldn't—forget herself. Today was no different than should remain untainted.
any other day, and she had research to do. Beginning with the tattoos. The Scourers flourished when the slave trade began in
She threw the covers off herself and stood. Frowning at her unmade North America in 1619, moving freely in Muggle circles to
bed, she wondered where to start today. And then Nott Sr.'s rant last night acquire largely Muggle-born African American witches and
slammed into her head like a punch. wizards. They experimented with and developed spells on their
Not even the Scourers could succeed where we have!
victims, going to great magical lengths to secure their
354 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 355
away. "I forgot about the curses on the silver to keep dirty little thieves waist. "More of a babysitter, really. Making sure Romano is following the
away." Bellatrix turned to Draco and whispered, "Can't have a Mudblood instructions the Dark Lord set for him."
mucking up our things, can we?" "What kind of instructions," she said, tearing her eyes away from the
Taking a shuddering breath, Hermione turned back to the sideboard, way his lips closed around his fork.
grabbed a spare serviette, and gingerly wrapped it around the tongs. She "Magical education reform. A Muggle-born registration."
moved back to Bellatrix and steadily plucked a piece of bread to set down She nodded, having expected both. She waited for him to be almost
on her small plate. done with his dinner before she said, "I need a favor."
Bellatrix gasped loudly, and Hermione's chest lurched. His jaw froze, mid-chew. He lifted a brow and shook his head at his
Every mouth and hand at the table froze. Even Rodolphus, who hadn't plate with a frustrated sigh. "Go right ahead, Granger."
spoken more than ten words, turned to stare at her. "I need your help getting time alone with Theo."
"You dare serve a guest before the lord of the manor?" Bellatrix He dropped his utensils, turning to look at her. "Why?"
breathed, placing her hand over her chest. "Where are "His father designed the tattoos, didn't he?"
your manners, Mudblood?" He glanced quickly down to his initials on her arm. "Yes—"
Hermione bowed her head and took a shaky step backward, chest still "Maybe he helped his father. Or maybe he knows something—"
thumping. She could vaguely hear Flint and Rabastan giggling into their "And how in Merlin's name are you going to find out? Ask him
napkins. nicely?"
"Pardon her ignorance," Narcissa clipped. "We've always found house "Not exactly." Hermione cleared her throat, suddenly feeling hot all
elves to be superior table servants." over. "I thought I might be able to flatter him a bit — cozy up to him.
Hermione walked the length of the table to where Rabastan sat, still Maybe wear something he'd find appealing. Nothing serious, of course.
chuckling. You could break it up like we did with Cho."
"How unfortunate," Bellatrix responded. "I'm sure she could learn Draco's barking laugh jostled her. She stared at him wide-eyed, feeling
quickly with the proper motivation." mortification creep up her neck as his chest rumbled.
Hermione swallowed, and served Rabastan, feeling his gaze slither "What's so funny?" she demanded.
down her body. Her dress was conservative, but the fabric was too thin, "As much as I would love to see you try, Granger," he said, still
catching her curves when she moved. smirking, "your charms won't work on him."
"I will discipline her as I see fit, Bella," Narcissa said, smoothing her "And why not?" The tips of her ears were burning. "I wore a tight red
napkin. dress last time, and my 'charms' seemed to work on someone we both know."
She stiffly moved counterclockwise, to Rodolphus next. His smile immediately died. His ribs were stiff and unmoving against
Bellatrix gave Flint an apologetic pout. "Unfortunately, my sister and I hers.
have always disagreed on the topic of 'discipline.'" She sighed. "It's the She scoffed and turned her face away, grabbing her wine glass.
same with my dear brother-in-law, I'm afraid." "Granger, you're not his type," Draco said softly, still a bit of
"Few can afford your methods of 'discipline,' Bellatrix," said Lucius. amusement in his voice.
"What elf are you on now? The eighth?" Hermione rolled her eyes. "Yes, I know you think he's gay. But clearly,
"Ninth," Rodolphus grunted. Bellatrix glared at him, but he didn't look your eyesight is failing you, because he was very intimate with his Carrow
up. Girl last time. It's called being bisexual, Malfoy. Surely you must have
"A terrible waste, if you ask me," Narcissa said primly, letting her heard of it?"
spoon drift through her soup. "Servants thrive under order and a certain His eyes snapped to hers, and his scowl deepened. "Regardless, the
degree of respect. Such draconian measures are unnecessary." answer is still no."

389 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 367

 Hermione's eyes narrowed. "And why not?" Flint's eyes glinted even in the distance. "Business with Rabs. Your
"Because he'd see right through you. It would never work." aunt was generous enough to invite me to stay for dinner."
"I disagree. Theo's desperate to prove himself. He loves attention and Narcissa smoothed her hair over her shoulder and offered a papery
praise. I think it would be easy if he was drunk enough—" smile. "Shall we sit?"
"I said no." Draco's eyes and mouth were hard. "Everyone would want Bellatrix gestured for Narcissa to sit next to her at the head of the
to know why I'm suddenly Sharing you. It would open the floodgates." table. Lucius approached Rabastan and Rodolphus, shaking their hands
The breath left Hermione's lungs. He had her there. with barely-concealed disdain. Hermione assumed a blank expression as
"That is a problem. But I still think we could find a way." she sidestepped against the wall, following Draco.
"What part about 'no' don't you understand, Granger?" And then she "Draco, darling," Bellatrix sang. They both froze. "Come sit next to
was pushed from his lap, and they both were standing upright as she your auntie." She patted the place setting to her left.
blinked up at him, stunned. "This idea is beyond stupid," he hissed. Draco's jaw ticked before he slowly pivoted and crossed the room to
"How is it any stupider than Cho?" she snarled, her anger flaring. take the chair across from his mother. Lucius sat to Narcissa's right.
"Theo is gay, which you refuse to let sink into that stubborn head of yours Hermione kept her eyes down as she moved toward the wall behind
—" Draco.
"Then let me get alone with him and be the judge! I fail to understand As soon as her gaze flicked up, she caught Narcissa's cold eyes.
why you care so much!" Narcissa looked away, turning to Rabastan's booming laugh, and
She spun on her heel and stormed out of the room, relishing how Hermione quickly did the same. But she could feel two black, predatory
good it felt to be the first one to leave for once. eyes boring into her even as she studied her shoes.
Hermione's stomach dropped at the sudden realization of the purpose
$ behind the night's twists. Bellatrix and her husband were aware of her
Hermione was in a foul mood into the next day. She considered treatment at the Manor, and had kept the information from Voldemort
slipping back into Pansy's costume for that evening's practice session, just for some reason. But with other witnesses — Flint, Rabastan Lestrange —
to prove a point — Remember the girl in the red dress? — but she refrained. the Malfoys couldn't protect her tonight.
She met him down in the sitting room at seven o'clock, determined to She quieted her fear with deep breaths, focusing on the dark wood.
set aside her simmering rage and embarrassment at the conversation the "Mudblood!" Hermione jumped.
previous evening. Letting him finish his dinner in relative silence except The first course had appeared on the table: a murky soup that Lucius
for a few questions about Italy, she sat and drank her wine as he spoke. was currently sniffing at with a curled upper lip.
When he was halfway through his meal, she leaned close to his body "Fetch the bread basket." Bellatrix didn't spare her a glance, but
again, tucking herself into his side. Her lips moved to his jaw, and she Hermione knew the command was for her.
trailed light kisses down to his shoulder as he swallowed his wine. Her Her eyes frantically scanned the table. When she found nothing, she
hand reached for his opposite shoulder, fingers gripping the fabric of his looked to Narcissa, but she was staring at her soup, her lips in a thin line
shirt. as her sister watched her. Then Lucius caught Hermione's eye, and looked
His throat bobbed. pointedly at the sideboard — where the bread basket sat.
One of her hands ran through the hair at the base of his neck, and Hermione scurried around the table and maneuvered the giant basket
she kissed just under his ear, letting her tongue gently glide along the skin. into her arms. Stepping carefully to Bellatrix's side, she reached for the
His fork clattered to the plate, and then his hands were on her hips, serving tongs. A sizzling pain shot up her fingers when she touched them.
pushing her away. She yelped before she could stop herself, nearly upending the basket.
"That's enough, Granger—" Bellatrix turned to glower at her, but quickly cackled, giving the game

368 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 388

Roman times with soldiers running through the field and slaughtering She scowled at him as she wobbled, bracing herself on his knees.
each other. "That was barely anything, Malfoy."
Narcissa moved first, followed by Lucius. Once Hermione's vision He glowered back, jaw tense. She finally broke their glaring contest
cleared, she found a large table set for a formal dinner. A branching with a belabored huff. "Just a few more minutes, and we'll call it a night,
candelabra lay in the center like an overturned Acromantula, its alright? Just think of — of something else."
candlelight illuminating the rest of the room. Hermione steadied her His nostrils flared — but then he blinked, and the eyes that opened
breathing as she skimmed the faces staring back at them — more than back at her were a cool grey. He jerked a nod.
she'd expected. Grumbling, she moved closer, and he steadied her on his lap, holding
Chairs scraped. her still while he sat stiffly. Slowly, gently, she let her fingers trail over his
"Ah," a sing-song voice called from the head of the table. "The collar as she kissed at his neck. Tracing a path through the opened top of
Malfoys, ladies and gents." his collar, she paused at his ear before cautiously running her teeth over
Bellatrix Lestrange stood in an opulent black ball gown, complete with his earlobe.
puffing sleeves and cinched waist. Her curls were carelessly pinned back, He hissed and tried to push her back again. And her blood erupted in
her arms opened wide in a mocking welcome. anger.
"Good evening, Bella," Narcissa said coolly. She looked her sister up "Stop acting like I repulse you—"
and down. "My. But it seems we are underdressed." "You bloody witch—"
Bellatrix's plum lips twisted in a tight smile. "Only full evening dress "—so stiff and uncomfortable, it's a miracle the entire room hasn't
for a dinner with the Malfoys." noticed! And if you keep pushing me, I'm going to fall off !"
"Dear me," said Lucius, stepping past his wife. "Is this your evening's She shifted onto his lap, pulling herself tight to his body, sitting
best? I didn't realize how much Twilfitt and Tattings is suffering." sideways across his groin. And she felt it at the same time Draco groaned.
Bellatrix's eyes narrowed dangerously before flashing a wolfish smile. He had an erection.
"Mind your manners, brother. We have a special guest tonight." Hermione's eyes popped wide, her face still buried in his neck. His
Hermione blinked, eyes flying over the room. fingers were digging into her hips, holding her very still.
The two Lestrange brothers sat across from Bellatrix — Rabastan at Her heart started racing, and the heat in her body boiled. Her fingers
the foot of the table, and Rodolphus to his right. A young girl in a thin were squeezing his shoulders before she could stop them. She begged
dress was against the wall behind them. And across the room, beneath the herself to use her brain.
Roman painting, Marcus Flint smirked at her from his position at the He was experiencing attraction of a…sexual nature. But she didn't
sideboard. Penelope stood next to him, her eyes downcast. have on Pansy's red dress or knickers. She was bare-faced and wild-
Draco's shoulders tensed from his position slightly in front of her. haired, in just a jumper and denims.
"Ah," Lucius drawled, his eyes on Flint. "How curious that you And suddenly she remembered every other time he'd pushed her off
described this as a 'family affair.'" his lap — even the first time she'd kissed his neck — weeks ago.
Bellatrix leered, her lips pulled taut. "Things change, Lucius." Mouth open, she pulled back to look at his face.
Abruptly, her features brightened, and she swept backward, inviting them His eyes were pressed closed, lips tight, breathing quickly through his
in. "Apologies for the change of location. Thankfully, Rabastan was nose. The blush on his neck had spread to his cheeks.
happy to oblige." Snapping open, his eyes locked on hers. Heated greys and bottomless
None of the Malfoys moved. pupils.
"Marcus," Draco said, a sharp edge to his voice. "What brings you "Satisfied, Granger?" he hissed. His fingers dug into her hips, pulling
here?" her tight against his crotch. "That makes one of us."

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 He swiftly removed her from his lap, placed her on her feet, and was chill of the entryway crept over her. They stood in a gothic manor house
out the door before Hermione could take a breath deep enough to clear — the hallway stretching before them narrower than Malfoy Manor's, but
her head. the ceilings still dizzyingly high. The smoke from the fireplace dissipated,
and the black walls closed in like a void swallowing her air. The paintings
$ on the wall started hissing at her, muttering about her dirty blood as
She laid in bed that night, staring up at her canopy with wide eyes. It Narcissa glared daggers at them.
was after midnight, and her mind was still racing. Draco dropped her arm and stepped slightly in front of her. Lucius
Perhaps Draco Malfoy was just very sensitive about his neck. Or he spared them a condescending sneer and continued inspecting his
had instant erections when his neck was kissed. fingernails.
Or maybe he was remembering their kiss as well. Maybe he couldn't Hermione's eyes roved the ceilings. Ron was in this house, somewhere
stop imagining the girl with the red lips in the red dress— beneath these black, deadened walls. She blinked and shook her head,
But no. He was shoving her off his lap well before she'd ever put on refocusing.
those knickers. Rabastan was the younger brother — possibly in his mid-thirties. All
Hermione huffed and rolled to her side. She thought of his eyes on Hermione knew about him was that he was an unmarried Death Eater —
her legs whenever they had left for Edinburgh. Even months ago, on the likely mediocre in rank, given how little she'd heard about him. Rabastan,
night he'd taken her to Hogwarts to stand before Voldemort, she'd been in Rodolphus, and Bellatrix. She'd face three enemies tonight.
a thin, short slip, and his eyes had dropped. Small, tittering footsteps grew nearer, and all four guests turned to see
A warmth in her chest blossomed. Perhaps he did find her attractive, a beaten little elf limping toward them.
even though he claimed he'd "forgotten himself" that night. Something "Jik takes you now. Dinner this way."
deep inside her, hidden away for years, preened. Like a flower feeling Hermione scowled as Jik turned in a circle, his right knee pivoting
sunlight again after a frozen winter. with difficulty, and limped toward a dark hallway. There was blood
Her mind drifted to the way he'd looked at her when she was only in trickling behind his ear, dripping down to his neck.
those red knickers and red bra, seemingly about to engage in lewd acts She felt her chest burn as she followed Lucius and Narcissa. Jik had
with another girl. She hadn't been able to meet his eyes, but she wondered clearly been freshly tortured, and then told to retrieve the guests. She'd
now if he'd even spared Cho a glance. never seen an elf in poorer shape, and that included the beheaded ones
The way his knuckles had brushed against her ribs as he helped her on the walls at Grimmauld Place—
zip her dress. Cold fingers tapped her wrist. She looked up to see Draco, fully
Hermione groaned into her pillow, chastising herself for letting her Occluded, staring off after his parents.
mind wander to places she couldn't follow. Because she could not. She "Focus, Granger." The only words he'd spoken to her in days.
ought not. She nodded, and his fingers drifted off her skin before he began
Has he ever thought of me while touching himself ? moving again. By the time they caught up to Lucius and Narcissa at two
Something spun low in her belly, begging her to continue. large doors, Hermione was thinking only of a lake with still waters, and a
His eyes hot as fire on hers in the seconds before he kissed her. book laid open on the shore titled, Afternoon Tea.
His lips, soft and hesitant at first, and then passionate and demanding. The doors pushed open with a tortured creak, and Jik stepped aside.
His knee opening her up, pressing between her legs… The party paused at the entrance. Hermione's eyes caught on a grand
Hermione turned on her back, parting her thighs. Her hand slipped chandelier with burnt-down candles and dripping wax. Similar sconces
down to cover herself, feeling through her knickers that she was already decorated the black walls, and there was a massive oil painting sprawling
turned on. the width of the far wall. The magical landscape depicted a battle from

370 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 386

platinum thread woven through, holding her thoughts together, keeping She groaned in embarrassment. And then bit her lip when she pushed
them safe. the lace to the side.
At ten till seven, she descended the stairs in a small, simple shift dress
with flat shoes. She was to be a slave tonight and nothing more. $
Draco and Lucius stood near the fireplace, speaking in low tones. Hermione sat ramrod straight at the breakfast table the following
They stopped when Lucius caught sight of her. He whispered one last morning. Draco hadn't joined them, but simply being in his mother's
thing to his son, and turned a lazy expression on her. presence made her feel awkward and guilty. She'd felt like every eye of
"Miss Granger," he greeted. every portrait was on her as she walked downstairs, all gossiping about the
She nodded to him, and glanced at Draco. His eyes were on the fire, harlot who'd touched herself in the Malfoy's guest room.
cold and distant. She couldn't meet Narcissa's eye for the entire morning, and dreaded
Clicking heels caught their attention, and Hermione turned to see a running into Draco in this condition.
very stern expression on Narcissa's face as she approached, wearing a When she got back to her room after breakfast, Hermione paced the
structured black dress. floor and considered.
"We're leaving after an hour," she clipped, raising a cool brow as Despite this mess, they had to continue practicing — for a variety of
Lucius appraised her. "We've survived worse." reasons, none of which included Draco's erection or Hermione's still
A pop sounded from behind Lucius. "Master!" a voice squeaked. "An buzzing skin. She just couldn't think of what those reasons were until she
urgent letter from Madam Lestrange!" sat and focused. So she did.
Lucius plucked up the note, and shook it open with a flourish. The Lounge wasn't just sitting on laps and watching the boys banter
Hermione held her breath as his eyes danced across the page. A snarl and drink. The Lounge was far more active — less than her first visit, of
pulled at his lips. course, but still a cesspool of lust. In the few times she'd been to the
"A change of plans," he said. "Your sister's manor is 'inhospitable' at Lounge, she'd sat in Draco's lap and—
the moment. She's asked us to meet her at Rabastan's estate for dinner." Did he have an erection then as well?
Narcissa snatched the letter, eyes narrowing as she read. "Absolutely Hermione stared out the window, drifting her fingers across her
ridiculous," she hissed. "If that's how she's going to play it—" She broke collarbone, thinking.
off, looking up at Hermione, her features clouding with concern. No! She needed to focus. She shook her head vigorously to clear it.
There was a ringing in her ears, her blood moving quickly. Ron. She'd sat in Draco's lap, and any touching had been initiated by her.
Hermione gave a shaky nod, then closed her eyes, pushing the earthy What she'd seen from the other couples in the Lounge was…far more
tome back even farther. involved. She remembered seeing Carrow Girls straddling laps, hands
The clock chimed seven. Lucius tossed the Floo powder and called out drifting to discreet places, and lips on girls' necks.
the destination. Narcissa stepped through, followed by her husband. And since kissing on the mouth was a strict boundary of Draco's —
Once the green flames had died, Draco moved for the first time. He one they had conveniently ignored last month — she would need to
reached into the bag, tossed the powder, and silently extended his hand. encourage him to put his lips…in other places.
Hermione moved beside him and presented her arm, his tattooed Hermione felt her neck heat, imagining all the other places he could—
signature glimmering in the firelight. His fingers were cold as they Jumping from her chair quickly, and giving her cheeks a few light
wrapped around her skin. He called out for Rabastan's estate, and they slaps, she called for a house-elf to tell Draco that she would meet him in
stepped through. their usual spot at seven that evening. And then drew herself a chilly bath
The first thing Hermione noticed was a lack of light or warmth. The that she would not enjoy herself in.
fire at their backs vanished with a hiss, and she shivered violently as the

385 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 371

 $ Narcissa settled her teacup silently on its saucer. "It runs in the family.
The Black-Rosiers are very strong with it."
She spent the better part of a half-hour braiding and unbraiding her A well of emotions bubbled in her chest. "Are you… Do you use it
hair into a single plait to lay over her shoulder. Approaching her armoire often?"
after finally deciding in favor of the plait, she roved her eyes through the "No. Very rarely, in fact," she said with a smile. "I try to afford people
dresses and skirts Pansy had added to her wardrobe. Hermione frowned their privacy." She paused halfway to her next sip. "I hope you don't mind
at herself. She was not about to wear a dress to her practice session with my assistance with… several of your more private memories."
Draco. Hermione's ears burned red-hot. Narcissa had seen her and
The pairs of shorts swayed on their hangers, begging her attention. Draco together… and… well…
Perhaps she could try something different. Her stomach flipped pleasantly She looked down at the carpets. "No, I understand why those
at the thought of her bare skin on him, but she shoved it aside. She was memories should be sewed in. That was… very helpful."
wearing shorts tonight because the fabric was flexible. And if she was There was a thick silence before Narcissa spoke again. "It will remain
going to end up on the floor this evening, at least she'd have a better between us, Hermione. I don't think any differently of you."
chance of catching herself. Hermione plucked a matching top from the A pause as Hermione tried to shove aside her burning embarrassment
wardrobe and finished getting ready. and say something in an intelligent language—
Draco had differing opinions about the shorts. "If you think there is a need, the elves can stock your cabinets with
"The hell are those?" he said when he entered the sitting room to find Contraceptive Potions."
her sitting on the chaise, waiting for him with her legs crossed. Hermione's eyes snapped up. "No! No, no. No. Um…" She swallowed
She looked down at herself. "Shorts?" as Narcissa looked at her innocently from behind her teacup. "I mean to
His lips curled. "And might I ask why you're wearing an over-large say, yes that would be necessary if we were… But we're not and…because I
pair of cotton knickers to dinner?" don't want to"—she gestured awkwardly to her stomach—"to become…
She lifted a brow. "Because it's warm outside. And these are easier to Of course."
move in." She followed his eyes as they ran down her legs. Narcissa's mouth twitched, and Hermione caught a glint in her eye
He glared at her, eyes flicking down to her knees before moving away. before she nodded. "Of course."
"Wait." She quickly stood. "I'm sorry about last night. About all the "Yes."
nights, really—" "If the need should ever arise, please don't hesitate to ask. Mippy will
He opened his mouth. Then snapped it closed. be happy to assist you."
"I had no clue that you were uncomfortable," she rushed out, blood Hermione tried to wave her off, but all she managed was a croak.
racing through her ears. "I wasn't aware of this issue." "Well, I didn't mean to fluster you, dear. Please forgive any
"Granger," he said dryly, "I will walk out of this room right now if you assumptions." Hermione flushed even brighter as Narcissa stood and
don't stop talking." looked at the clock. Her brow furrowed. "We leave in two hours. You
"Please. I just…" She took a deep breath. "I know this is hard for you should have some time alone to meditate."
—" She flushed at her poor choice of words. "But if there's a signal you The reminder made her stomach drop. Narcissa gently touched her
could give me — tugging your ear or something — then I'll stop. I only shoulder before slipping from the room. Hermione breathed deep, filing
ask that you try. I won't be upset if... if it happens. Alright?" away her mortification.
He'd shut his eyes during her speech. If it weren't for his pink She took a bath and stared at the water, clearing her mind. She focused
cheekbones, she'd have thought he hadn't heard her. on the book Afternoon Tea, letting everything else fade to the back of her
Then, after what felt like ages — a tip of his head. shelves. Whenever a memory inside shuddered her, she concentrated on the

372 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 384

 Hermione's entire body tensed as the thread slithered through the "Good." Her lungs dragged in air again.
pages of Draco pinning her hands to the wall, his thigh sliding between His eyes flew open, and he quickly moved towards his usual chair.
her legs. His hands on her hips as she straddled him on the chaise — her Swallowing, Hermione stopped him with, "I thought we'd try
gravity flipped, back thrown on the cushion as he slipped between her something different today."
legs. The platinum thread paused over his muttered, "Okay?" and as if on Draco paused and looked back at her like she was about to unleash a
a needle, it wove through the page — over, under, cross stitch, over, under, Blast-Ended Skrewt on him. She sat, patting the cushion next to her on
cross stitch — erasing the word from history until just a pattern of the chaise.
platinum remained. "What are we 'trying?'" he grumbled, coming to sit as far from her as
And finally, the thread zoomed through her shelves, turning pages, possible.
skimming words, before stopping over a memory. She pulled the table with the food and wine close to them. "I thought
Dolohov and the Mediwitches we'd start fresh. That chair has… history. Besides, I doubt we'll always sit
From far away, Hermione felt her legs jerk. in that armchair in the Lounge. There are couches as well."
The thread cut the page away from its book, letting the memory He rolled his eyes but said nothing as she moved closer. He seemed
tumble down to join the others. momentarily pleased that he could eat his potatoes without reaching
Hermione twitched in protest. Wouldn't it be dangerous to know what around her hip to do so. But that quickly vanished when she tucked her
Narcissa had done? If Bellatrix knew Narcissa had Obliviated a member legs up onto the chaise, tilting her knees toward his thigh. He glared down
of the Dark Lord's inner circle— at her bare legs once before continuing to chew.
The platinum thread shimmered through the memory, finding the Hermione watched him from the corner of her eye as he ate. His wrist
moment a green light rose from her fertile ovary. Hermione watched as was light but firm as he handled his knife. He always finished chewing one
the thread snaked forward, twisting around the green light, twirling tight bite before starting to cut the next piece of meat. She watched his pointed
like a ball of yarn, obscuring it — and then burning red. As if the test was jaw work, remembering the taste of him there.
negative. She drank deeply. And stared at her empty glass until he finished.
The thread fell away, and a red light remained. Setting his knife and fork down, he shifted the small table away from
The page sliced in half, and the moments following the reveal of the them and stared down at his hands, waiting. She put down her wine glass
green light fluttered away. The top half fell into the book. and offered him his full goblet. He declined.
Weaving the spine together, the thread pushed through the pages, She took a deep breath. "We should practice you initiating things."
cinching them tight. The book glued itself together, and closed with a soft He swallowed slowly. "Initiating."
snap. "Yes. You…kissing me instead." He opened his mouth, and she cut
The platinum thread tapped against the front cover, weaving a title him off. "Not on the mouth." She refrained from rolling her eyes. "But
into the leather: Afternoon Tea. other places."
She felt the thread unwind, slipping backwards, pulling away from her He cracked his neck. "What we do is enough, Granger."
shelves, sliding through her eyes and returning to a pale blue gaze. "No, it's not! Flint always touches Penelope. Pucey is practically
Hermione blinked, her lungs dragging in air. Narcissa Malfoy studied attached to Mortensen's neck. And don't get me started on Goyle." She
her, then brought her teacup to her lips, relaxing against the cushion. climbed to sit on her knees next to him, facing his profile. "None of the
Her eyes roved around the room. The walls were pink, the sun setting. other men seem afraid of their Lots but you—"
The clock indicated that it had been three hours since Narcissa entered her "Think I'm afraid, do you?" he growled, suddenly turning to face her.
room. She stared into his hot eyes, watching the way they flashed at her,
She turned back to her, mouth open. "You're a Legilimens." lazily tracing her eyes and lips. Her breath hitched, finding he was

383 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 373

hovering on the edge of something — the same cliff that beckoned her, both tea and took a seat across from her, perched on the edge of her
pulling her in. cushion.
Swallowing, heart beating loudly enough to drown out her screaming "So what am I supposed to do when she tries to read my mind?"
logic, she slowly arched a brow. "I don't know." Hermione set down her saucer and curled up in her chair, etiquette giving
Heat coursed through her, dizzy and overpowering, pushing her way to exhaustion.
forward as she slipped one leg out from underneath her and tossed it over Narcissa sipped her tea. "What technique are you using? A box? A
his lap. Slowly sinking to straddle him, holding his gaze. "Prove to me that drawer? Perhaps a sealed cave?"
you aren't." "A bookshelf." Hermione sighed, rubbing her temples. "Books of
She noticed how dark his eyes had become, almost black to the edges. memories. Pages of moments."
A sharp inhale, then he lifted his hands and placed them on her knees. "Very useful," she said. "And you are taking pages out?"
She felt her thighs tense. He slid his palms up, running over her exposed Hermione nodded.
skin, rounding her hips and holding her there. "I know a thing or two about that." Narcissa's voice was quiet and low,
She braced herself on the back of the chaise, and before she could lulling. "Would you like me to assist you?"
prepare, he was leaning forward, stretching to connect his lips to her jaw. The air left Hermione's lungs as she turned to look at her. Narcissa's
Her mind went blank. blue eyes were warm and open. Steadying. Slowly, Hermione nodded
His lips parted, and kissed her skin. again.
Viktor had kissed her jaw before. She hadn't liked it. His shaved beard Narcissa hovered her teacup and saucer over her lap, her spine held
had scratched at her, and she'd pulled away, claiming to be ticklish. straight. "Perhaps it is time to create a new book," she said on a low hum,
But Hermione's mouth fell open now, feeling a skilled pair of lips work the words carrying to Hermione on a platinum thread, looping through
their way over her jaw, towards her ear. Her eyes were glazed over, and her eyes and entering her mind like gossamer. "Perhaps," Narcissa said,
beginning to flutter closed. "you can visualize only the things you want to present."
She leaned forward into him, and felt him relax back against the The words whispered into her mind. A slow thread without a needle
couch, her torso gravitating towards him and her neck tilting open. wove through her bookshelves, tapping at covers and rustling pages.
The first scrape of his teeth against her neck had her hips shifting. Her Hermione breathed deeply, relaxing in her chair.
gasp was silent, but she knew he felt it because he did it again, and again, A leather cover appeared in front of her bookshelf, open and barren
and again— of pages. Untitled. Pages fluttered down to fill it, drifting slowly. The
Suddenly his hands held her hips in a punishing grip, and only then platinum thread curled through them, prodding some to the side,
did she realize she'd been rolling them against his thighs. She froze, beckoning others forward.
flushing with embarrassment, but then his tongue laved against the spot Nott Sr. catching her eavesdropping — his cane under her chin.
his teeth had abused, and she sighed into his ear. The One O'Clock Gun at Edinburgh.
His hands slid up to the dip in her waist. His mouth moved to her Voldemort hovering over her on the Malfoy's drawing room floor.
shoulder, kissing the open collar, moving his lips expertly over her skin. They all fluttered down, down, nestled into the leather cover.
Was she any good at this when she'd been the one mouthing at his The thread tumbled through the pages of Draco throwing her on her
skin? Did it feel like this for him every time? bed, ripping her slip open. Hermione tried to close the book, terror and
His face turned, and she heard a harsh exhale in her ear before his lips humiliation and pained sympathy flooding her library, but the thread
pulled her earlobe into his mouth— tugged more insistently, and the pages fell, joining the others.
She moaned, her thighs slipping open, sliding herself right up against More of Edinburgh. The dinner parties, the Lounge. Half a page of
his front. Cho kissing her while Draco watched.

374 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 382

 Narcissa moved through the sitting area, crossing to the windows. He was hard again. Hermione felt music in her veins.
"I always thought of my sister as eccentric," she said. "But most don't He tried to push her back, tried to create space between them, but it
have the luxury of seeing her that way." A long sigh. "These days, she is was too late. She already knew.
unpredictable and dangerous — even to me. But I do promise that I will She tilted her head back and found him grimacing, eyes screwed shut,
do everything in my power to manage the situation this evening." hands still squeezing her hips. Hermione waited. And then tentatively
A book shivered on a high shelf, and Hermione gasped as her pages wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
fluttered open to freckles and spearmint and the Gryffindor common "We're both adults here," she said. Their breath was hot, mixing
room. She screwed her eyes shut, breathing steadily until it closed. between their faces. "Adjust your trousers and get on with it."
Her eyelids flickered open, and she found Narcissa staring at her, her His eyes shot open, glaring at her. She looked down at his lips, and
expression soft and concerned. widened her thighs again, so his erection pressed against her core. He
"I've heard that Ron Weasley is being kept at the Lestrange Estate," gasped, and before he could move, she rolled her hips forward like she'd
Hermione said dully. seen the girls do.
Narcissa took a sharp breath. "Mr. Weasley is being held at Rabastan's Draco's head flew back, smacking into the back of the couch. "Fuck."
property. You won't see him tonight." She dipped her lips to his exposed neck, kissing along his throat, trying
She nodded and tucked the information away, staring out her to replicate what he'd done to her. Her teeth scraped against him, and his
windows. The heavy, earthy tome smelling of spearmint was still. arms slid around her waist, pulling her closer. Her hands sunk into his
"Hermione," Narcissa said gently. "Just try your best. My sister already hair. She tried rolling against him again, her tongue licking beneath his
has a sense of your accommodations and your treatment, and I'm sure ear, and a low groan rumbled from his chest, vibrating against her,
she's told her husband as well. If anything slips through, I will handle it." shivering her.
She nodded again, eyes fixed on the pond outside. The calm waters She tilted her lips to his ear. "Am I doing this right?" She rocked her
that rippled with the breeze. hips forward again, and a low sigh filled her ears. He was hard and
"In fact," Narcissa continued, "the one thing she cannot find out is twitching against her.
that you have learned Occlumency." She pulled back to look at his face, wondering what Draco Malfoy
Hermione blinked. A shelf collapsed in her mind, and she flinched looked like when she was grinding her body against his, debauching him,
when another nearly followed. drawing moans from his lips.
She turned to find Narcissa's shrewd eyes on her. Hermione rubbed He stared into her eyes, his hair falling over his forehead, rumpled
her temples, tumbling the idea around her sore mind. from her fingers. She bit her lip, keeping the millions of things she longed
"Because then she would know that my magic isn't suppressed," she for inside of her chest. She had to watch, had to see his face as she
surmised. "That you haven't been giving me the potions." moved. Had to know if his eyes rolled back or glazed over—
Narcissa nodded. "She's kept several things to herself, but her She brought their hips together again, and both of their mouths fell
willingness to look the other way depends on her believing you're under open, eyes wide and needy.
lock and key." He groaned, and she gazed down at his lips. She thought maybe if she
Narcissa broke off, asking her something, but Hermione couldn't could have this moment forever, it could make up for the thousands of
process the words. Her body felt flimsy and numb, her brain dizzy. Her missed kisses and lost opportunities and unfulfilled pleasure that—
knees began to buckle, and Narcissa flew to her side, helping her sit in a His lips pressed against hers.
chair. She called for Mippy, and Hermione pressed her eyes closed, her She moaned instantly, wiggling against his front, trying to press closer
head pounding. Mippy returned with a potion, and Narcissa helped her through their clothes. His tongue was in her mouth again, and she lost
drink it. Once Hermione's vision stopped blurring, Narcissa poured them control of her hands. They slipped down his chest, running across his ribs,

381 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 375

sliding down and around his waist. His hands grabbed her face, holding "Before?"
the hair behind her ears as his hips began to thrust up into hers. "No! This was the first!" Lucius's eyebrow raised even further, and
Something rolled against her just right, and she cried out into his Hermione groaned, shaking her head. "This hasn't ever! I swear it. It just —
mouth. He tried to recreate it as her hands squeezed his jumper in her no."
fists, and her eyelids fluttered, her breath panting into his mouth as his lips A long pause.
passed over her. "Excellent," Lucius said dryly. "Your eloquence continues to impress,
He found it a third time, and she gasped, "Draco," against his mouth, Miss Granger."
and then she was tilting sideways and dragged down by a current until her Hermione pressed her eyes closed as he brushed past her, wishing her
back slammed into the soft cushions of the chaise beneath her. embarrassment could swallow her whole.
Draco was above her, slipping between her legs so his hips could "One last thing." Hermione took a deep breath before turning to face
continue rolling against hers. His mouth dropped to her neck again, him. "I expect you to take preparation for Friday evening seriously. If my
moving quickly, roughly, claiming her skin as his own. His hips thrust son is unable to focus"—he looked her up and down, as if he couldn't find
against hers, and it was so much like how she thought sex could be, how that believable in the least—"I'll have your bedroom moved. Next to my
overwhelming, how it rocked her, that a high-pitched sigh left her throat. study."
One of his hands grabbed her knee, his fingers squeezing the bare skin She stood, dumbfounded by his meaning, until suddenly it dawned on
of her calf and thigh, running smoothly over her. His other had a fist full her. She jerked forward. "Of course we'll—
of her hair, ruining her plait, tilting her head to the side as he sucked at Lucius silenced her with a raised hand. She bit her lip, her cheeks
her neck. She could hear her heavy breathing in the room, accompanying burning impossibly hot. And then: "To your room, Miss Granger. I expect
the sound of the chaise squeaking, its wood groaning. to find you fully Occluded the next time I lay my eyes on you." His eyes
His tongue swirled on her neck. dropped to her bare knees. "And fully clothed."
"Draco… I—" Her face was on fire as she scurried through the door, relishing her
His hand lifted to her waist, bunching the fabric of her top and dismissal and longing for the days when Lucius Malfoy was in Romania.
tugging it out of her shorts.
"Okay?" he rasped against her throat. $
"Yes. Please—" The next morning, three new Occlumency books arrived on her
His hand was under her top, sliding along her ribs, his hips jumping breakfast tray. There wasn't a note. There didn't have to be one. She knew
against hers, thumping that spot she rubbed last night while thinking of better than to seek him out, so she locked herself away and studied. The
him, thinking of exactly this— only breaks she took were to force down a few bites of each meal, as
"Oh, dear," a silky voice cut through her haze, freezing her in its Mippy had charmed the tray to start nudging her if she ignored it for too
familiarity. "That chaise is from the 16th century." long.
Draco was off her faster than lightning, tumbling to the floor, hiding On Friday morning, after countless careful hours of meditation and
his groin behind his hands. Hermione bolted upright and met the amused mentally slicing pages out of books, Narcissa came to visit her when
gaze of Lucius Malfoy from where he stood in the doorway. Hermione was deep in her Occlumency.
"Father," Draco groaned. "It wasn't…We haven't—" "I know you must be nervous for this evening."
"It's practicing!" Hermione squeaked, yanking her top down, pulling Hermione nodded, her mind beginning to prick with reemerging
at her shorts. "For… for Edinburgh. It was my idea—" memories. Grey eyes and rolling hips, a silky voice and hot wave of
Lucius simply lifted a brow at the two of them as they attempted to embarrassment—
stutter their way through. She blinked, tucking them away.
376 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 380
 "Your mother and I have this under control. All four of us will be "Do spare me your flimsy excuses," he smirked. "From what my wife
attending, and I expect you both to be on your best behavior." Lucius has told me, it seems we need to get Miss Granger on some form of
looked from Draco to Hermione, his gaze catching on her rumpled top contraceptive." He glanced her over. "And soon."
and mussed hair. She felt her face heat as he studied her, his lip curling in Hermione's cheeks flamed, and she slapped a hand to her mouth.
amusement. "Well? Don't you two have Occlumency to be practicing?" "No. No, I promise we were just—"
Hermione blinked, then scrambled off the couch. She nearly collided "It's for Edinburgh," Draco repeated, having stood up and put as
with Draco as she rushed to the door, her mind racing with visions of much distance between himself and the chaise as possible.
sharp knives and echoes of cackling laughter — "Well, that won't be necessary," Lucius said, an unpleasant expression
"Miss Granger," Lucius drawled. "A word?" crossing his face. "You won't be visiting Edinburgh this Friday." Draco
Her hand froze on the doorknob. She turned slowly, seeing Draco do shot a look at her, panic in his eyes. But before Hermione's mind could
the same behind her. process, Lucius said, "We are to attend dinner at the Lestrange estate this
Lucius cocked his head, then an eyebrow. "You are dismissed, Draco." Friday."
She watched Draco swallow. "Anything you have to say, you can—" Lucius turned his eyes on Hermione, his eyes dangerously amused.
"Perhaps in my absence," Lucius cut in, clasping his hands behind his "All of us.”
back, "you've forgotten who is master of this house." His eyes glittered as
he watched his words land. "Run along."
Hermione's mouth went dry as she watched Draco clench and
unclench his fists, then finally turn to move slowly through the doorway.
He kept his eyes ahead of him, a muscle twitching in his jaw. She listened
to his footsteps disappear down the corridor.
Lucius watched her with a twist to his lips — like a hawk staring down
a field mouse.
"My wife tells me that you have a partially-functioning reproductive
system," he said, as if discussing the weather over tea. "I suppose
congratulations are in order."
Hermione felt her cheeks blush crimson as she tried to think of a
response.
"And might I ask, Miss Granger," he said, hands still behind his back
as he strolled towards her, "whether it was your intention to carry the
Malfoy heir by concealing this? Did you believe a pregnancy would bring
you additional protection?"
Her eyes popped, and her breath choked in her throat.
"N-no! No, not at all!" She gaped at him, trying to form coherent
words. "It was made perfectly clear from the beginning that I had no
cause for concern in… in that area. There was no need to mention it!"
"Hmm," he drawled. "And yet, my poor chaise begs to differ."
"No, we're not— This wasn't—" Hermione squeezed her face in her
hands. "This hasn't— before."

379 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 377

 22
ll of us.

A Hermione heard her heartbeat drum in her ears.

Bellatrix. She was going to see Bellatrix again.
"Father." She heard Draco's voice from far away. "You can't possibly
be suggesting—"
"Am I in the habit of making 'suggestions,' Draco?"
Silence.
Lucius rolled his shoulders — the smallest of movements. "The Dark
Lord has observed that your aunt and I seem… somewhat strained.
Appearances must be maintained. Your aunt and uncle have invited us to
dinner, and they insisted that Miss Granger be included."
Lucius turned his cold eyes on Hermione where she sat askew on the
chaise, her chest still pounding.
Draco shifted behind her. "Surely there's an excuse that can be made
—"

THE AUCTION ● 378

 He retched again. Hermione turned to stare at the cauldron, her hand "'Respect!'" Bella sneered. She turned back to Flint just as Hermione
pressing into her trembling lips as she listened to him heave. arrived at his elbow. "Marcus, dear. Tell me, how do you discipline your
She banished the mess again, and before she could say anything, he whore when she forgets her place?"
called out, "Mippy!" Hermione glanced at Penelope, whose eyes were fixed on the floor.
The elf popped into the laboratory. "Master Draco!" Flint chuckled. "An excellent question, Mrs. Lestrange. But she doesn't
"Take Granger to her room." forget. Not anymore."
She blinked at his back. He still leaned against the wall, facing away She moved to Draco next, who had been completely silent since he sat
from her. down. He'd had a few spoonfuls of soup, but his wine goblet remained
Mippy tottered over to her, and Hermione drew back her hand. "No. untouched. Hermione chanced a sideways glance and found him staring
Mippy. Take Master Draco to his room. He is unwell. He needs fluids and at his bowl, his eyes glazed over.
a quarter vial of this potion once he can keep anything down—" "And tell me," Bella said, "does your whore sleep in the dungeon?
"I'm fine, Mippy. I need her out of here." Perhaps your closet, like Rabastan's?"
"Well, I can walk on my own! Which is more than I can say for him!" A muscle in Draco's jaw pulsed as she set the bread on his plate.
Mippy's green eyes bounced between the two of them like tennis balls. "Well, she sleeps in my bed now. But in the beginning, when she
"Mippy is not knowing—" misbehaved, she had a cage down the hall." He smirked. "Close enough
"Get her to her room—" for convenience, but too far to hear her rattling it."
"Look at his diagnostic scan, Mippy. He's dehydrated and recovering Hermione gripped the basket tightly to her ribs.
from a dangerous fever—" "Of course," Bellatrix cooed. "And does she have her own room?"
"Mippy thinks maybe we all go upstairs?" the elf squeaked. "Not yet," said Flint, grinning, "but I've heard some inspiring stories
The door banged open, and Narcissa Malfoy flew into the room. about Draco's 'dungeon.'"
"There you are." She quickly halted, taking in the scene. "What Rabastan chuckled.
happened?" "I meant some place safe and warm," said Bellatrix, leaning forward.
"Draco is ill! He needs fluids and rest—" "Does your little Mudblood have her own four-poster and en-bathroom
"I need her out of here. I need to be away from her right now—" suite?” Hermione's feet stumbled.
"Mippy was called, Mippy waits for missus to tell her what to—" Flint laughed. "She's a slave, not a house guest."
"Look!" Hermione gestured to the diagnostic. "He was poisoned, and Bellatrix cackled, the sound shooting down Hermione's spine. Then
we managed to get him an antidote just in time." She took a rattling she snapped her fingers, pointing to her bread plate.
breath. "He Occluded himself into a coma, and his fever was life- Hermione slowly approached her left side and served her a piece of
threatening a few minutes ago. He needs rest and monitoring and he needs bread. Before she could retreat, Bellatrix seized her wrist. Hermione
to listen to me." gasped, dropping the tongs with a clatter.
She looked wildly between Narcissa and Draco. "Such pretty scars, Mudblood." She yanked her closer and ran her
"Mother—" fingers over the markings on Hermione's arm. Another tug, and her black
"Hush." Narcissa was pale, staring down at Hermione's hand. eyes locked on Hermione's. "I have more designs in mind. We could make
Hermione looked down. Draco's wand was still in her hand. The a work of art out of you."
hawthorn humming. Hermione stared blankly back at her, even as her heart pumped
"Did anyone see you used a wand this evening, Hermione?" furiously. Bellatrix's nails started curling, cutting into her skin.
She shook her head. "No. He dropped it, and I helped him through "I, too, would like some bread," Narcissa said icily. "Whenever you're
the Floo—" done playing with the help, Bella."

412 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 390

 One last dig, then Bellatrix released her. Hermione grabbed the tongs into his. He ground up against her, pressing himself against her core. Her
and scrambled away. eyelids fluttered closed, surrendering as he dragged her dress up her back,
Bellatrix raised a derisive brow. "Who are you fooling? You never ate his hands roaming her skin. He needed this, she told herself, as his tongue
bread in your life." She tore into her roll with the grace of a wild cat, tangled with hers, as his fingers found the clasp of her bra and opened it
dipped it into her soup, and chewed slowly, never breaking her sister's with a quick twist—
gaze. Hermione's eyes shot open, coming back into her body. She tried to sit
Narcissa's lips curled. up, to redirect his hands, but he was gripping her so tightly that the
"Unfortunately, the bread is the only edible thing on the table," Lucius movement only ground her hips onto him.
cut in. He turned to Flint before Bellatrix could reply. "So. Looking "Oh fuck." His head rolled back, his jaw hanging lax. "Just like that."
forward to the ceremony next week?" She tried to reign in her breathing as she shifted again, trying to move
"I am, sir," Flint replied. "It's a great honor." her hips away. His hands snapped down to her waist, sliding around to
Draco's head snapped up. "What's this?" her mostly bare backside and kneading the skin. Her breath hitched, and
Hermione placed bread on Narcissa's plate, her breath shallow. she flushed, embarrassed at the fire spreading through her.
"I'm receiving the Mark next week. Along with Theo and Greg." She finally managed to sit up, pulling his hands from her hips as he
"Congratulations," Draco said coldly. He turned back to his soup. started to thrust up against her. But he merely followed her, sliding her
"I'm surprised you didn't know," Flint said innocently. "Theo and Greg into his lap and holding her hips as his lips kissed her clavicles.
are such close friends of yours." She shivered and tilted her head back, looking up at his diagnostic
Draco's spoon paused above his bowl. "I've been a bit preoccupied scan. The dark green had faded. A natural, earthy green like leaves in the
with the efforts in France and Italy." He swirled his soup. "And there's no autumn covered his entire body.
newsletter between us all, as you'll come to find out." He was nuzzling against her breasts, kissing them through her dress.
Having placed bread on Lucius's plate, Hermione moved to return the His hands were stroking her hips, teasing circles into her backside with his
basket to the sideboard. long fingers.
"Mudblood!" Bellatrix called. "Refill the wine." She threaded her hands in his hair and tugged his head back to look
Hermione froze, fighting the urge to look at the two other slave girls into his eyes.
against the walls. She blinked, filing her emotions away as she exchanged Dark like slate. But she could see his irises.
the basket for the wine bottle. "How do you feel?"
"I think it's high time," said Bellatrix. "You'll make an excellent The hands on her hips froze.
addition to the Dark Lord's elite, Marcus. As for the Goyle whelp, well, His eyes blinked. Clearing into a cool grey.
that remains to be seen. I suppose he can't be worse than his father. I A gasping breath, and he was tearing away from her.
heard Gringotts finally declared him dead." "Draco—"
Rodolphus grunted in assent. He slid out from under her, crawling away, panting and heaving.
Bellatrix rolled her eyes and took a long dreg of wine. "And I know Hermione scrambled up, quickly clasping her bra and straightening her
Ted is anxious to see Theodore take the Mark. He thinks offering up a dress.
capable son might help the Dark Lord be more… patient with some of She turned back in time to see him vomiting onto the stones, his hand
his own shortcomings. But apparently his heart isn't in it at all." She braced on the wall. She started toward him, then froze.
smiled over at Lucius. "There's nothing quite like your only heir Reaching for his wand, she banished the sick without looking.
disgracing the family name. Isn't that right?" "You did so well, Draco." She bit her lip. "It was… I don't blame you
Hermione reached Rabastan at the head of the table again. for any of this—"

391 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 41 1

barrier between their skin as she pried open his jaw and poured the "It would be devastating, indeed," said Lucius, lazily reaching for his
potion into his mouth. wine. "Not that you or Rodolphus would know anything about heirs."
He coughed. It sprayed up and onto her face. Narcissa shot him a heated glare.
She screamed for another vial, and the magic shot through her fingers. "I suppose not." Bellatrix's smile widened as she leaned in. "You see, I
A second later, a full vial was in her hand. chose power over children. Infinitely more satisfying."
He was shaking, his eyes rolling back in his head. Hermione moved to refill Rodolphus's glass.
"Draco!" She kneeled on his chest to keep him still, grabbed his jaw, "We seem to have differing views on 'power,' Bella," Narcissa said
and poured the potion into his mouth, covering his lips with her palm to sharply. "The last time I checked, you still answer to a man."
force him to swallow. She watched his throat bob, his body shuddering Bellatrix's eyes whipped to her sister's. "The second you push a man's
beneath her. child out of you, you're his slave." She nodded at the two silent Lots on the
She looked up at the diagnostic spell still hovering overhead. His wall. "No better than any of these girls. My only master is the Dark
temperature was dropping rapidly, returning to normal. She hadn't Lord."
expected the potion to work so quickly— She drained her glass and slammed it on the table. Slowly, stomach
A moan from below her. And she looked down just as Draco covered twisting with dread, Hermione approached Bellatrix with the bottle.
his hand with hers and held her skin to his lips, kissing and sucking at her "Speaking of brats—" Bellatrix reached up, grabbed a fistful of
wrist. His other was on her knee, sliding up, up, up. Hermione's hair, and tugged her down. The bottle slipped from her
Relief washed over her as she checked the scan, her arm yielding to fingers and crashed to the floor, splattering blood red wine everywhere.
his demanding mouth. The dark green had replaced the angry orange "Bella—!"
and red. But she couldn't tell if this was the antidote working or the "You can't serve like an elf, you can't cook like an elf. But surely you're
contact with her skin— useful for some things," Bellatrix hissed in her face. "Looking forward to a
"Hermione." long life on your back, darling?"
Her eyes snapped down to him. He was kissing her arm, murmuring And then sharp claws dug into Hermione's mind. Black tunnels she
her given name against her skin. Her jaw went slack with the sound of the couldn't see the end of bore into her.
syllables from his lips. He was under the thrall of the lust potion now. The page of Afternoon Tea fluttered. But they were the only pages that
The hand crawling under her dress reached her hip, and he tugged did.
her to straddle him. He was still hard, twitching under her, his tongue Bellatrix flew through her memories. Dolohov and the Mediwitches,
laving against her wrist. the light turning red above her hip. Draco tearing her slip open.
She blinked, forcing herself to stay clinical as he groaned her name Trembling on the stones at Voldemort's feet. Draco pressing her against a
again. It was soft and needy. Nothing like the desperation at the fireplaces. wall, grinding against her on a chaise.
If she could keep him sated with this, maybe it would give enough time The claws in her mind threatened to shred the platinum string binding
for the antidote to begin working. If it would ever begin working. her together, but it held firm. Distantly, she heard a whimper she recognized
He pulled on her wrist. Her torso fell forward onto his with a squeak as her own; a spoon clattered into an empty soup bowl to her left.
from her throat, and his lips were on hers before she could draw breath. Bellatrix retracted, scratching on her way out, and Hermione's body
"I need you," he moaned, when he finally broke away. was dropped to the ground as a satisfied laugh grated her ears. The glass
She looked into his eyes. Not feverish anymore, but still wild. "I'm from the broken bottle was nothing to the shredding of her mind, the
here," she whispered. pages of Afternoon Tea bleeding through its spine.
Something flickered behind the grey, and he kissed her — slow and She tried to refocus, her eyes hazy and seeing red. The wine and her
deep, his arms wrapping around her waist, one hand pushing her hips own blood coiling together on the stone floor beneath her cut knees.

410 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 392

 A disgusted sound from above her. "Draco, come clean up after your "You certainly like to tease." The black fire in his eyes bloomed,
pet." expanding and collapsing like a supernova. "Do you want me to break,
Silence. Granger?" He smirked, the curve of his mouth cold and cutting. "I think
"What are you waiting for?" the voice hissed. it's my turn to play."
A cold hand on her arm shocked sensation into her. Draco hauled her "Draco—"
up and muttered a spell to banish the blood, wine, and glass. He roughly "Go on. Run. I'll give you a head start."
pushed her to lean against the wall when she couldn't stand on her own. She didn't move a muscle, even as her impulses screamed to do exactly
She felt the skin of her knees knitting back together. A slight brush of his what he'd told her and run. She gave up no ground as he leaned closer,
hand on her ribs when she swayed, steadying her — and then he was her blood pounding so frantically she could hear it rushing in her ears.
gone, taking his seat. Taking a deep breath and lifting her chin, she looked into his eyes.
"Speaking of pets," Bellatrix sang, "Rabastan, Marcus, why don't you "This isn't you. I know who you are, Draco." His eyes flickered, the
go check on yours? We need to have a little family chat." black fire wavering. "Look at me."
Hermione's eyes blinked open, the room still spinning, but coming A held breath — and the fire vanished. Draco flinched violently, like
back into focus. A throbbing pain behind her temples, but not nearly as she'd slapped him. A gasping breath crashed into his lungs, and he
bad as she'd expected. stumbled backward until his back slammed into the stone. His eyes were
It had worked. Bellatrix had fallen straight in their trap, and was none wide and horrified before he covered them with his hands, sinking to the
the wiser for it— ground and curling in on himself.
Chairs scraped backwards. "It's okay," she said, her voice shaky. "You're okay. Three minutes.
"Take the whores with you. I'm sure the Mudblood would delight in Count in your head."
seeing her old boyfriend again." She snatched his wand and set a timer on it, her fingers clutching the
"She stays." Hermione lifted her head to see Narcissa's cold blue eyes handle tightly as she slowly backed to her side of the table.
boring into her sister's, her posture rigid with anger. "She goes nowhere Draco breathed harshly, eyes still closed, his breath rattling on the
without Draco." exhale. He was shivering, his face ashen, and his collar drenched with
Bellatrix sneered and turned to her brother-in-law. "Go on, then. But sweat. After a second of debate, Hermione inched closer and cast a quick
be sure to let the ginger know who our dinner guests are." diagnostic over him. Orange and maroon throughout his chest, but a
Ron. disturbing deep green across his hips and thighs. Bright spots of red fired
Hermione listened to the shuffling of feet as her blood raced. She was through his brain. Pomfrey would have already sent him to St. Mungo's
so close to him, but so impossibly far away. based on his temperature and hydration levels.
The doors clicked closed. She was alone with the Malfoys, Bellatrix, She checked the timer on the wand, trying to focus amidst the panic in
and Rodolphus. There was a stilted silence before Bellatrix spoke. her chest. Two more minutes.
"I see Draco is finally enjoying his plaything. It's an improvement, I The potion was thickening like it should. The color dissolving from
suppose, but if you ask me, the boy is still far too soft." Bellatrix took a midnight blue to sky blue, which would then move to a clear—
deep sip from her wine, eyeing Lucius over the rim. Lucius stared back at A vicious thump sounded from her right, and she spun to find Draco
her impassively. "I must confess myself quite disappointed with his crumpled on the floor.
performance in Italy." Her legs raced to him before she could remember—
Time seemed to slow. The pain behind Hermione's eyes faded, and She stumbled back, filled a vial with the antidote, and ran to him,
she watched the entire family stare at each other as if wands had been praying it was ready. His eyes were fluttering under their lids, his fingers
drawn. twitching. She grabbed a handful of fabric from her dress and used it as a

393 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 409

 "Stop talking," he bit out. Her eyes darted to him. He stared at her Narcissa shifted, folding her hands beneath her chin and leaning on
darkly, sweat dripping from his temples. "Your voice—" her elbows. "I'm sure you wish for someone to ask, 'What went wrong in
He tore his gaze from her. She nodded, pointedly ignoring the way he Italy?' So I will ask it."
adjusted himself in his trousers. She continued easing the castor oil into Hermione could see Narcissa and Lucius plainly, Bellatrix's profile,
the cauldron, one teaspoon every ten stirs. and the back of Draco's head from this vantage point. She watched
"Stop biting your lip," his voice snarled. Draco's shoulder blades twitch before his ribs expanded.
She jumped. "Sorry. I didn't realize…" "I did my task. The Minister is alive. The insurgents were disabled—"
He dropped his head into his hands and groaned. "How much "Twenty rioters and would-be assassins Stunned, and not a single
longer?" Killing Curse cast." Bellatrix tutted mockingly. "I did show you how to cast
"Not long." one, didn't I? In the Manor basement on the rats and vermin?"
He stumbled out of the chair, standing to press his back against the A pause.
cool stones. He tugged at his shirt, fanning himself with the material, and "Of course, Aunt. I was being cautious. No need for a massacre in a
his eyes slid over to her again. volatile country—"
Her heartbeat fluttered as she blinked away, doubling her efforts. She "The Dark Lord approved any and all force necessary to protect
could feel him staring at her hands as she worked, making her fingers Minister Romano." Bellatrix's fingers circled the rim of her glass, like a
shake and the knife slippery in her grip. cat playing with dinner. "In fact, he would have been quite pleased to
The cauldron bubbled into a deep blue as soon as she added the learn that you disposed of a group of violent dissenters. Instead you left
crushed daisy roots, the consistency exactly right. She just needed to wait that honor to Dolohov." Hermione saw Draco's left fist clench in his lap.
five more minutes for it to simmer. "Of course, you're like your father in that regard," she continued lightly.
"You should Stun me." "Far more interested in elbow-rubbing and politics than in getting your
Her eyes jerked up to see him closer to the table, still pressed against hands dirty."
the wall. His gaze was on her neck and chest. Hermione dared to look up at Lucius. He was perfectly still, his eyes
She swallowed, her throat thick. "Just a little bit longer." flitting back and forth between his sister-in-law and his son. Only his lips
"Stun me." moved as he lilted, "We all have different strengths."
She focused back on the potion, wiping her brow again, trying to Bellatrix tilted her head. "Are you sure the Dark Lord would agree
ignore the way his eyes slid over her. "I don't think you should be that Draco's — timidness — is a strength?"
unconscious in this state. Putting you into a stasis could—" A scream from below their feet — somewhere in the bowels of the
"Then bind me," he growled. manor. Hermione's air constricted and she jumped violently. She knew
Hermione shivered. "Maybe four minutes—" Her voice caught when that scream. She looked up at the family — not a single brow arched in
she turned to address him again. He'd gotten even closer. interest. Not even Rodolphus took his eyes off his wine glass. She dug her
His expression darkened when their eyes met, and a slow, catlike grin fingers into her palms.
spread across his lips. He took a step closer to her, almost at the table, and Narcissa lifted her chin off her hands, stared her sister down, and said,
Hermione's eyes darted to his wand — now closer to his reach than hers. "Are you threatening my son?"
"Maybe you want me to lose control." He tilted his head at her. "Maybe Bellatrix scoffed. "Don't be absurd. He's the future of the Blacks." She
the little lioness wants to be hunted down, chased through the Manor." grabbed Narcissa's wrist, pulling her hand close and weaving their fingers
She stood frozen, unable to tear away from his obsidian eyes as he together. Then her anger seemed to vanish. She sent her sister a soft smile
leaned forward on his palms, shoulders curling like a predator. She willed that sent chills down Hermione's back. "I can protect him and his weak
her heart to slow its pounding. heart. And I'll do it for you, Cissy."

408 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 394

 She reached for Draco with her other hand, plucking up his limp wrist There was nothing to be done for it. She just had to hope for the best.
and clasping their fingers together. She tilted her head, pressing her cheek She flicked his wand and conjured a chair near the doorway. "Take a
to their clasped hands. "Until he's strong enough to kill it," she whispered. seat."
Bile crept up the back of Hermione's throat. She directed her The cauldron simmered into a bubblegum pink. She ran through the
attention to Lucius, watching carefully across the table, seething. ingredients in her head, trying to account for the color.
Another scream from below, choking off and then garbling into a wild "When you made this for Pansy, did you stir clockwise eleven times?
pitch. Hermione looked down, imagining Ron's bloody and beaten body Or thirteen times counterclockwise?"
thrashing in pain. Blinking rapidly, she breathed in and out. A lake, clear The texture evened out. The color shifted into a pale baby pink. So
and calm— close now. She picked up the Gurdyroot.
Narcissa peeled herself away from her sister. "We have very different "You can't use that."
ideas of what makes a weak heart, Bella." Her head snapped up. The doorframe was supporting him now, his
Bellatrix looked down at her empty right hand, like the sight of it back flush against it, and his knees weak underneath him. His eyes were
offended her. Her eyes turned to ice. "Perhaps we do. Your need for squeezed closed.
affection outweighed your sense of loyalty long ago. Now, you're no better "What?"
than our mother — a simpering housecat whose purpose is to host tea "The Gurdyroot will counteract the Ashwinder shells, negating—
during the day, spread your legs at night, and pop out children nine negating the effects." He took a shuddering breath. "You need to use
months later." She snatched her wine glass, lip curling as she brought it to willow bark."
her mouth. "And you weren't even particularly good at that, were you?" Her heart thrashed in her chest until her ribs hurt. Willow bark had to
"That's enough." Lucius's voice shook the room, his tone so low, be added at room temperature, and its effects only released properly if it
Hermione had to search for the source. The plates and glasses trembled was slowly, gradually brought to a boil. Another fifteen minutes, at least.
with his restrained magic. Steeling herself, she banished the flames, summoned the willow bark, and
"Ooo," Bellatrix giggled, stretching to whisper into Draco's ear, began cracking it into fingernail-sized pieces.
"Daddy's home." "I'm sorry," she said numbly. "I should have started with the bark. It's
Lucius pushed back his chair and rose to a looming height. "You have going to be a bit longer. You—you should sit."
threatened my son, insulted my wife, and, frankly, served the most She chanced a look up at him as he stiffly lowered himself into the
appalling soup I've ever had the displeasure of tasting. Excuse me, but it's chair she'd conjured. He was clammy and flushed, a bead of sweat
ten past the hour I agreed to suffer through." trickling down his temple. Unable to either look at him or stand still, she
Bellatrix cackled, still grasping Draco's hand. began clearing up her station, darting around the room and putting things
"Always so quick to get to it." She turned to Narcissa. "I knew he away by hand.
wasn't one for foreplay." Lucius stood stiffly, refusing to take the bait. Five excruciating minutes later, the potion was cool enough. She
Bellatrix's face fell into a mock pout. "All I wanted was to spend a little sprinkled the willow bark into the cauldron and lit the flames, chewing the
time as a family before Draco goes to Switzerland." inside of her cheek while she waited.
A thick silence settled over the room. Hermione could count the He was quiet and still for the next ten minutes while Hermione
heartbeats between them all, hardly daring to breathe. worked, adjusting the temperature as she peered into the cauldron. If she
"Switzerland," Lucius repeated incredulously. "I thought Switzerland hadn't seen his chest rising and falling out of the corner of her eye, she
was your project." would have assumed he was catatonic.
"Yes, well the Dark Lord thinks that a Malfoy's political cunning may "How are you feeling?" No response. She wiped her brow, then waved
be just what we need over there. And since you just returned from such a away the smoke. "I can brew you something for concentration—"

395 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 407

 The skin on the back of her neck prickled. "How do you feel, Draco? long assignment, Lucius, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity
What are your symptoms?" for Draco to rise to the challenge."
He was still, his hands buried in his pockets, his gaze locked on one of Narcissa stood, icy rage radiating off her shoulders. "So, because
the candles on the stone wall. "My symptoms..." he repeated. you've failed to infiltrate the Swiss Ministry, you're dragging my son into
Hermione nodded slowly, taking him in. Sweat was beading at his your mess? Holding him ransom for — for what?"
temples — she could see the perspiration on his black collared shirt. And "Failed is a strong word, love," Bellatrix cooed, flashing her teeth. "I'd
although his eyes were still vacant, she didn't miss the clench in his jaw. prefer to call it a little delay. And on the contrary, I'm taking your son
Silence. under my wing. We're going to strengthen him." She shook Draco's hand,
"Alright. I'll just get started, then." Squaring her shoulders, she and Hermione could see his white knuckles clenching hers.
stepped up to the cauldron, facing her first problem. She needed to light "This is preposterous—"
the fire— "I think we can all agree that the Dark Lord would be most pleased
There was a shuffle forward before she could ask. She kept her eyes with the Malfoy family if Draco helped secure Switzerland." Her voice
fixed on the cauldron as his long, pale fingers placed his wand delicately dropped. "Pleased enough to overlook certain weaknesses — which I'm
on the counter. A sharp intake of breath — and then he moved away, sure we all hope will remain a secret."
stepping back to the doorframe. Bellatrix's eyes suddenly slid to her, and Hermione shivered, her skin
"Thanks," she mumbled. The magic in his wand thrummed in her hot and itchy. She quickly turned her gaze to the floor.
veins as she quickly lit the fire, filled the cauldron, and charmed the elm "I'll help you, Draco," she heard Bellatrix hum. "Your father's blood
spoon to stir clockwise. She set to work, summoning tools and ingredients, may be weak, but you're still half a Black."
inspecting the color and texture as the mixture bubbled. After a few "Enough," Lucius snarled. He shifted to Narcissa. "I will speak to the
minutes, she glanced up to find him watching her, his eyes dark and glassy. Dark Lord. Switzerland is in a delicate situation after your sister's many
"Draco"—she cleared her throat—"I need to know what's different mistakes, and I will make it clear—"
about this potion. What's it doing to you?" "It's already settled, Lucius. The Dark Lord has agreed." A pause. "I'll
She began chopping the Wiggentree Twigs to avoid holding his eye. keep him under my protection, of course."
"Overheating, dizziness…" He trailed off. Before he could reply, the doors swung open, drawing Hermione's eyes
She darted a glance through her lashes and found him staring at her and startling the room. Rabastan, Flint, and the girls were back.
lips. She'd been biting them. Hermione hadn't even realized the screaming had stopped.
"And arousal, obviously," she muttered, tossing in the Wiggentree "It was quick this time," Rabastan said. "He passed out early."
Twigs. "Intense arousal, as it's been exacerbated by skin contact." Hermione swayed on her feet, bracing herself on the wall.
"It's…" Narcissa's face was pale with rage. "Gentlemen, you'll excuse my sister
She looked up when he didn't finish. "Yes?" and I, and our husbands. We have a private matter to discuss. Rabastan,
He shifted, leaning heavily on the doorframe. "It's getting worse the may we use your study?"
longer it goes on." His eyes dragged over her body before closing tightly. Rabastan nodded his acceptance and she moved briskly to the
"I didn't see that with the other potions. Before." doorway, Lucius just behind her. Rodolphus abruptly stood and followed,
Hermione jerked a nod and cast her eyes down on the potions grabbing his wine.
ingredients in front of her. She needed twenty minutes to cobble together Bellatrix pushed back from the table with a screech of wood. She
an antidote. And she could only hope that it worked properly. The dropped Draco's hand and patted his cheek. Hermione kept her eyes
Bulbadox juice and daisy roots were her best guesses to counteract the down as she passed, tucking the sound of fresh screaming into a heavy,
increasing intensity, but she couldn't be sure without a sample. earthy tome.

406 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 396

 Once the door closed behind the four of them, Flint said, "Well, I hate
to inform you Rabs, but your elf can't cook worth shit." He clapped
Rabastan on the back. "Shall we just pass through then?"
"I have a sitting room just across the hall," Rabstan said, grabbing
several empty wine glasses. "We can get comfortable." His hand slid
around the waist of his Lot.
Hermione's heart raced. She hadn't thought this evening would be
anything like the Lounge. Draco stood abruptly, straightening his collar. "I
should get going."

23
"You can't be serious." Flint shook his head. "Where do you have to be?"
Draco shrugged. "The night is young. Maybe we'll catch the end of
the Ring Match. I hear Finnigan is back."
"Draco, come catch up," Rabastan coaxed. "I never get to spend time
with you. And I haven't had a proper look at your Mudblood."
Flint wrapped his arms around Penelope's waist. "No one gets a proper
look." He grinned. "Come on, Draco. An hour at least. Don't tell me
you're as much of a prat at a family dinner as you are at Edinburgh."
She watched Draco's jaw tick before he smiled tightly. "Twist my arm,
why don't you?"
Rabastan laughed and jerked his head in the direction of the door.
Draco pushed in his chair methodically and grabbed her elbow to lead
her out. She brought her other hand up and squeezed his fingers, thinking
about the way Bellatrix had touched him. Her mind drifted to
Switzerland, but she forced it aside. very step on the stairs down to the laboratory echoed against the
They were led into a small sitting room, just as dark and ghostly as the
rest of the manor. Flint and Penelope dropped into an armchair while
Rabastan went to the drink cart. His Lot took a sofa, and Draco led
E stones, making it sound like a dozen people were at Hermione's
heels as she rushed down the twisting staircase.
Instead, there was just one. He moved slowly, but every time she
Hermione to the other matching sofa. She let him sit first, then tucked her paused to look back at him, he was three paces behind her, as if tied to a
legs on the couch and leaned into him, trying to look comfortable. string. His hand slid across the wall as he moved, his gaze always fixed at a
"Can I get Miss Granger anything to drink?" Rabastan turned a smile point over her head.
on her. "Perhaps some wine with a splash of something else?" She began running once he descended, following the memorized route
He pulled a small bottle of clear liquid from his inside pocket and to the laboratory and shoving open the door. There was no time to catch
shook it tantalizingly. her breath as she ran to the shelves, slamming jars onto the lab bench and
Flint laughed. "Draco doesn't need that potion, Rabs. His slut tearing leaves from potted plants.
is wild for him without it, isn't that right?" Her mind tumbled with the memory of decoding the previous lust
Hermione said nothing, feeling the hairs on the back of her neck potion. She needed Gurdyroot, and Wiggentree Twigs, and — her eyes
stand up. Draco made a noncommittal noise as Rabastan popped a bottle snapped up to the door. Draco hovered against the frame, every inch of
of champagne, poured two glasses, and split the potion between them. him coiled and tense.

397 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 405

Flint joined him at the cart, and they each added a hair to a glass before
offering them to the girls.
Draco stiffened besides her as Penelope and the other girl obediently
drank their champagne, tipping their glasses back and swallowing like
they'd done it a thousand times before.
Hermione tried to Occlude, but her mind groaned in protest, still
depleted from Bellatrix's attack. Her knee began to bounce, and Draco
placed his hand on her thigh, calming her.
"Well, gentlemen"—he quickly stood—"Never been much of voyeur
myself, so we'll just see ourselves out—"
"Relax," Rabastan smirked, pouring three tumblers of Firewhisky.
"This one's a new concoction I've been helping Marcus with. Takes some
time to kick in, but once it hits, it gets stronger until you scratch the itch,
if you catch my meaning. I like to watch her writhe a bit beforehand." He
strolled to Draco, offering him one of the glasses of Firewhisky. "Have a
drink, take that chip off your shoulder, and enjoy yourself." He shoved the
tumbler into Draco's hands and smiled, a crooked front tooth glinting in
the candlelight, before pushing him down on the couch. Flint laughed
and settled into his chair with Penelope.
Draco schooled the irritation from his features and settled next to her.
"Granger," Flint called out. "Your boyfriend's quite the screamer."
She felt her entire body grow cold. Her vision narrowed to Flint's
smug smile as he sipped from his glass. She tried to breathe deeply.
"Tell me. Did he scream like that when you used to suck his cock in
the Gryffindor common room?"
Rabastan laughed. She blinked, her shelf rattling and groaning.
"Draco, you should have seen him when I told him she was here,"
Rabastan crowed. "Screaming her name, throwing himself at the bars,
trying to Apparate without a wand or magic."
The taste of blood in her mouth. She'd bitten the inside of her cheek.
Draco's ribs barely moved next to hers as he took a sip of his Firewhisky
and said in an empty voice, "I'd love to see that one day."
She focused on her breathing, pushing through the pain until she
could see still water in a large lake. A mountain range surrounding it.
"No wonder he misses her." Rabastan chuckled, shaking his head.
"Merlin, I'll never forget that night. Back when we still could serve these."
He tapped his Lot's empty glass. "Never seen a girl drop to her knees so
quick. Getting fucking hard just thinking about it."

THE AUCTION ● 398

 "Well she's a professional, isn't she?" said Flint. "Perfectly." He reached for his discarded wand with long, elegant
They both laughed. Draco took a sip from his glass. fingers. He stared at a point over her ear and said, "Lead the way.”
"You know, Granger, I've always wondered," Flint's voice drifted to
her. "Do blow jobs get you wet? Certainly looked like it."
A lake with still waters. A sloping mountain range. Geese floating
across the water, creating ripples.
"I wouldn't mind seeing a bit more of her. Now that your father's
back, you might need some more privacy, eh, Draco?"
"Come off it, Rabastan. You know he doesn't fuck unless the curtains
are drawn around his four-poster. Or his Lot's. Isn't that right?"
Draco shook his head with a wry smile. He tugged at his collar a bit,
and sipped his drink.
Hermione looked over at Flint, and found Penelope starting to kiss his
neck, pressing her legs together. The other girl appeared dizzy and
flushed, sitting several feet away from Rabastan and staring at him
longingly.
Hermione let the chatter wash over her, glancing over at Draco to
gauge how much longer they would stay.
His face was tight and his cheeks were pink. She leaned into him to
whisper, "Should I sit in your lap or—"
The arm around her shoulder disappeared. He sat forward, drawing
away from her sharply and placing his hands on his knees. He pressed his
eyes closed, like he might be sick.
"Everything alright there, Draco?" Flint lilted.
Draco's eyes flew open to glare at him. In a heartbeat, he was standing
and moving to the doors.
"Granger. Come."
Hermione stared after him, stunned.
"Draco, come back! We'll miss the show!"
He wrenched open the door and stormed through. Hermione stood
and ran after him, ignoring Flint's protests as Penelope moved to straddle
him. Draco whipped around a corner as she stumbled out of the room,
and she darted after him.
"What in the world—?" She rounded the corner and found him at the
fireplace they'd come through, one hand bracing himself on the wall as he
hunched over, heaving. "Are you ill?"
No response, except for the rattle of his breathing. She approached
cautiously, reaching for his hand. A soft brush of her fingers over his wrist—

399 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 404

 Draco's hands snapped to her backside, squeezing her, lifting her up, And he jerked backward, his wand clattering to the stone floor.
causing her thighs to wrap around him on instinct. Her mind spun to Hermione gaped as it rolled away.
keep up, screaming at her to slow him down, but then her back slammed He groaned, sucking in a sharp breath. "We have to— You have to
against a wall and his hips rolled harshly against her core. Her eyes shot go."
open. "Draco. What's wrong?" She reached for his face—
"Draco—" "Don't touch me," he panted, pressing himself against the wall. There
He mumbled broken desires against her neck, hands roaming her was horror in his eyes. "You can't touch me."
thighs and slipping under her thin dress to cup her arse. "Alright." She raised her hands in surrender. "Just let me get a better
"Wanna taste you…" He breathed heavily on her skin, and when his look." She moved closer, frowning. His pupils were blown wide, his cheeks
hips pressed into her again, her hands gripped his hair, thighs tightening and neck flushed, his mouth panting with ragged breaths. His gaze
around him. "Fuck… Wanna fuck you. Want you to come… Wanna feel dropped from her face, skating over her exposed neck, fixating on the
it on my cock…" curve of her breasts, the dip of her waist, the swell of her hips.
Hermione shuddered at the images, the need, the rawness of it all — Hermione felt an iced chill run over her skin, freezing the air in her
and then reality crashed through her foggy consciousness. lungs. They'd dosed him. Rabastan and Flint. With the lust potion.
"Stop," she gasped. This one's a new concoction—
His body slowed. His lips paused. We'll miss the show!
"We have to stop," she panted. "You need the antidote." Her mind clicked into action. She flipped through her memories,
His forehead dropped against her shoulder, his entire body trembling. thinking back on the notes she'd made that day in Draco's laboratory.
She slowly let her legs drop to the floor. He exhaled shakily, and seemed But they would need her hair for that potion. A more general lust
to breathe her in one last time before pushing away from her and potion didn't necessarily mean he was dangerous to her—
stumbling backward. He pushed his hands into his eyes and hunched over, Draco's hands reached for her, eyes wild and starved, before he jerked
breathing deeply. them back to his sides. He slapped his hands on the wall behind him,
She took a cautious step forward, her pulse racing. "We have to act squeezing his eyes shut.
quickly. Do you have any more of the antidote? Or do we need to brew it?" The room spun as she stared at him, dread filling her veins. Somehow,
He was still, apart from the sharp rise and fall of his ribs. "Need to Flint or Rabastan had procured a strand of her hair.
brew it," he wheezed. "Not sure it works on this version." "We can make an antidote," she said, fighting to sound calm.
She nodded, ignoring the cold fear in her chest. "Let's go." He let out another moan, and Hermione jerked into action. She ran to
"I need a minute," he growled. the fireplace, searching for the Floo powder.
She bit her lip and dug her fingers into her palms, waiting. He "We have to get back to the Manor—"
breathed into his hands, his ribs expanding slower and slower as he "You need to leave. You go. I can't be with you—"
calmed himself. She was about to prod him again when he shot up tall, "Draco." She spun to him, holding out her tattooed forearm. "I
staring over her, his eyes dark and empty. His jaw was set and his cannot go anywhere without you."
expression dead. A whimper was wrenched from his chest. The heels of his hands
A chill ran down her shoulders as she took in his vacant eyes. "Are you pressed into his eyes as he slid down the wall to a crouch.
alright?" When he said nothing, simply gazing into the fireplace, she Hermione spied his wand against a far corner. She darted for it,
inched closer. "Do you have it under control?" snatched it up, and turned back to him.
His head turned, and when his eyes landed on her, they seemed to A quivering warmth spun up her arm, sliding into her veins and
flash with a black fire before it vanished — like a reptilian blink. igniting her soul. Hermione gasped and stared down at her hand,

403 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 400

vibrating with the sensation of holding a wand for the first time in "Stun me as soon as we're through."
months. The hawthorn hummed for her, ready to be useful. She swallowed at the threat in his words. "I know you won't hurt me
Her heartbeat echoed in her ears. —"
She could go. She could find Ron. She could fight her way out and "Stun me. Is that clear?" He stepped closer to her, and she could feel
run. There were four people to kill — and three Malfoys to Stun. She'd his breath on her face.
have to take Draco with her for the tattoo to let her leave. Ron must have She knew she wouldn't. She couldn't risk leaving him unconscious in
a tattoo as well. Perhaps if they took Rabastan's body— this state.
A thump drew her eyes up, and she caught sight of Draco on his Hermione tossed the Floo powder, stepped into the fire, and the
knees, bracing himself with his hands on the floor, panting. moment his fingers wrapped around her skin, she yelled, "Malfoy Manor!"
Her heart thundered even louder, her guilt and conscience tugging her The sound of his gasp as their skin connected was audible even in the
both ways. After another half-second's hesitation, she ran to him. She whoosh of the fire. His arm slipped around her waist in the transport,
pushed him up by the shoulders, careful not to touch him, and his eyes gripping her close to him. When she stumbled out of the fireplace into
fluttered open. His gaze was like black glass. the Manor's entryway, he stumbled with her, his face buried in her hair,
"Don't—" his arms clinging to her body.
"Let's go. Draco, we're going." He moaned against her ear, as if the most delicious meal had been
She stood swiftly and dragged him up by the collar. He stumbled served in front of him, and then a hand was sliding down her spine,
against the fireplace, tugging to undo his topmost buttons. roaming over her backside, and gripping her close.
"Accio Floo powder," she whispered, and magic sang in her blood as a She squeaked, grabbing his shoulders to steady herself, and his wand
small ornate jar shot into her hand. She grabbed a handful and turned to dropped from her fingertips. She whipped her head to watch it knock
him. against the floor just before he grabbed her face and kissed her.
He was sweating, his hair damp and his fingers scratching at the There was nothing hesitant, nothing gentle about it. His tongue was in
buttons of his shirt. her mouth and his hand twisting in her hair, as if he needed her like
Over-heating. Drowsiness. Dizziness. Obsessive euphoria at skin contact. oxygen. She could feel him hard against her stomach, and the hand on
And that was the old version. her arse was kneading her, filling his palm with her.
"You'll"—her voice shook—"you'll need to take my arm. To take us Hermione tore her mouth away, trying to breathe. "Draco—"
over the boundary." His lips attached to her neck as she squirmed, trying to put distance
He laughed, the sound as manic as his aunt's. "That's not an option, between them. "Need you," he groaned. "Please."
Granger." "Draco, listen—"
She wrung her hands. "Or you can summon your father. Conjure a "Please, Granger. Need you, I need—"
Patronus?" She winced at the glare he sent her. He didn't have one. "I Her hands faltered. He screwed his eyes shut, forehead pressed against
can't send mine. They'd— they'd know about my magic." Her teeth hers, drawing in ragged breaths. She felt him shaking, trying to reclaim
worried her bottom lip, and his eyes watched the movement with a thick some semblance of control.
hunger. She looked down the dark hallway. "I can go find them and tell And then he surged forward, overwhelming her senses, hands
them you're sick." Walking wandless through a Death Eater's manor— "Or I can skimming her and mouth devouring her like water in the desert. She
go back to Flint and Rabastan, and demand they—" parted her lips to reason with him as he broke away, his tongue and teeth
He pushed off the mantle of the fireplace, bracing himself as he stood following the path down her neck he'd mapped two days prior, but then
tall. He loomed over her with black, hooded eyes, and she resisted the he found the place beneath her ear that made her vision spot white and
urge to step backward. her protests vanished. Her fingers curled into his robes, knees buckling.

401 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 402

 Hermione stared after him. There was no way to know whether he'd "The same fireplace we arrived in?" asked Narcissa.
bought it — only time would tell. She sighed heavily and pushed through "Yes, but…" Hermione's eyes widened, and her hand slapped over her
the library doors. mouth. "The portraits," she whispered. "In the entry hall. I summoned
Draco's head snapped up from where he loomed over their research the Floo powder in front of them."
table. He didn't so much as blink as she made her way over to meet him. Hermione quickly dropped the wand on the table, her heart pounding
"Well?" wildly again. How could she have been so foolish?
She shrugged. "I don't know where to begin. The whole thing was "Don't fret, Hermione," said Narcissa quickly. "Rabastan and Marcus
just… odd, really." are preoccupied. I encountered them when I was looking for you two."
Relief flickered in his eyes. He moved quickly around the table and She looked nauseous at the memory.
placed his hands on her hips. "Start at the beginning." "But Bellatrix—"
She rose to her toes to place a kiss against his lips. His hands slid up to "Gone as well. Lucius left to speak with the Dark Lord, and my sister
her waist, and he kissed her slowly before pulling away. "What did my and her husband insisted on accompanying him." A shadow of fury
father want," he whispered. passed over her face.
And suddenly, the idea of telling Draco that she would soon be on a Draco took an unsteady step forward. "Mother, what—"
Contraceptive Potion was ten times as embarrassing as any discussion "Mippy," said Narcissa, her voice deadly calm, "take Draco upstairs.
she'd had with Lucius or Narcissa. She felt a blush spreading across her Check his vitals and begin any necessary treatment. I'll be there shortly."
cheekbones, and decided that with her body pressed to his — with his Mippy dropped the ear she was twirling and quickly tottered over to
hands rubbing sensuous circles on her waist — it wasn't the time to grab Draco's wrist. His eyes caught Hermione's just as they vanished, and
mention sex. the anguish in them hit her like a blow to the gut.
"He… he wanted to introduce me to the house-elves. And bore me Narcissa moved quickly to the cauldron, grabbing a vial.
with knowledge of the portrait curation in the west wing." She laughed. "What was he poisoned with?"
Draco's brows furrowed. "Really?" Hermione dragged in air, steadying herself. "A lust potion."
"Really. I think it was just an excuse to nag me about us snogging on Narcissa's eyes flickered back to her, scanning over her rumpled dress,
his chaise. Oh, and he asked what we were studying." skating up to her wild hair.
"Maybe he was trying to distract you." Draco looked over at the door, "I'm fine," Hermione managed. "Really."
as if he could suss out his father's intentions. "What did you tell him?" Narcissa pressed her lips together and filled a vial. "Who?"
"That you're helping me translate an ancient Egyptian scroll. Speaking "Rabastan and Flint. They drugged his drink."
of distractions," Hermione said, sliding out of his embrace and turning to Narcissa capped the vial, and Hermione saw her fingers shake only
the books. "I'd like to get some things done today." once. She swept from the room, and Hermione followed, rattling
He leaned over her, pressing his front to her backside and reaching for instructions as she strained to keep up.
a book in the center of the table. "How am I supposed to get anything "He should be monitored for at least twenty-four hours," Hermione
done when you're wearing these shorts," he whispered. wheezed as they strode through the entrance hall. "Flint said this was a
She shivered and suppressed a grin. "You could always transfigure new batch, something stronger. I believe the antidote worked, but there
them into something less distracting." might be complications from prolonged exposure. He had a fever of
His lips ran over her ear as he murmured, "Not a chance." almost thirty-nine degrees, and his hydration levels were dangerously low."
Apart from an occasional nod or hum of understanding, Narcissa was
$ silent.
Having Lucius home had renewed Hermione's sense of urgency. Once they reached Draco's bedroom door, she spun to her.

435 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 413

 "Hermione, thank you. For everything." She placed a hand on Hermione gaped at him. "Why?"
Hermione's elbow. "I know you've been through a lot this evening." "The Manor has many secrets. Some are known to the immediate
Hermione opened her mouth to say that she was fine, that she was family, some only by me. Others are still yet to be revealed, if and when
only concerned for Draco— the Manor deems it prudent."
"Please don't visit him tonight." Her voice was gentle, but firm. "I "But why are you telling me?"
don't think he can bear it." "Do you know the artist of this piece, Miss Granger?" He gestured to
Hermione blinked at Narcissa, then at the floor. Her eyes slid to his the tapestry, ignoring her question.
door, her throat thick and vision blurring. She took a breath, and nodded. She blinked at him. "No?"
Narcissa took her hands. "And we will keep this between the three of "The Manor has a vast collection of art and antiques." He eyed her
us." She glanced down the hall, as if her husband could appear at any coolly. "Though not all of the furniture is treated with the respect it
moment. "Lucius needs to focus on keeping Draco out of Switzerland, deserves."
and not murdering Rabastan Lestrange." Narcissa's lips tightened. "Keep She blushed.
this between us. And leave the portraits to me." She spent the next twenty minutes in a slow walk back to the library as
Hermione nodded again, her eyes wide. With a final squeeze of her Lucius Malfoy led her through the Manor, pointing out family heirlooms,
hands, Narcissa rushed into Draco's room, closing the door behind her. the architecture, even hidden corridors. Hermione felt a bit dizzy, her
Hermione stared at the emerald eye for several long moments before mind still trying to suss out his game. Perhaps forcing her to be his captive
slowly turning and trudging back to her room. As she kicked off her audience was some way of demonstrating control over her.
shoes, she caught sight of herself in her long mirror. Her hair was They stopped at the library doors. Lucius folded his hands behind his
mussed, her lips bee-stung. She slipped off her dress, and found a lovebite back and spun to face her. "And what, pray tell, are you researching so
just above her breast. Her cheeks flushed. diligently these days, Miss Granger?"
She ran her hands over her face, trying to force the tension of the Her heart pounded in its ribcage. If he knew, he'd certainly put a stop to
evening to melt from her skin. All things considered, the night had been a it. She cleared her throat, and closed the books in her mind. "I found a
success. Not the least of which was saving Draco from doing something scroll that I believe was written by one of the earliest magical communities
he never would have wanted to. in Egypt. I've dated it around the 8th century B.C., but I won't know for
Sighing, she began collecting her dirty clothes. She'd also survived certain until I can translate it."
dinner with the Lestranges. Her Occlumency had worked. Bellatrix had Lucius raised a brow. Her heartbeat quickened.
seen only what she wanted her to see, and she hadn't cracked when— "I know it sounds silly, but Ancient Runes was one of my favorite
Her hands seized, her shoes tumbling to the carpets. The memory of a subjects, and it's… it's nice to have some normalcy." She trailed off,
scream rising up from below her feet, rattling her, cutting through her blinking. Thinking about her old classes brought a genuine lump to her
mind, slicing her insides. Ron was still there. She sank to her knees, throat. "And this would be an incredible contribution if I succeed. It
breathing deeply until she managed to slam him back inside his book. might even be from one of the lost cities—"
When the shelves in her mind were finally still, Hermione crossed to her "Fascinating." His voice was thick with sarcasm. "And might I ask why
bathroom, turned on the taps, and sank into a warm bath until her my son is so eager to help with this little project?"
muscles relaxed and her mind was empty. "I asked him," said Hermione quickly. "He's a good study partner."
She flushed in spite of herself. "We may get distracted at times, but we've
$ made significant progress."
The next morning, Hermione was in the library, burying herself in Lucius slowly curled his lips. "Very well. Do remember to take that
research to keep from fixating on the fact that Draco was not at home. Potion, Miss Granger." He turned on his heel and left her at the doorway.

414 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 434

 Her stubborn streak begged her to demand whether he'd said anything She'd tried his door when she woke up, but he hadn't answered. The
against those laws. Or whether he'd simply helped spread them. In elves had told her he was out, and so was Narcissa. Lucius still hadn't
Switzerland, Romania, and all the other places he'd disappeared to on returned from the previous evening.
Voldemort's orders. But her rational mind knew he was right. She didn't Hermione had spent half an hour panicking about their absence, and
want a child. Not like this. Draco's health, until her guilt found her. Then she'd trudged down to the
As she nodded slowly, she wondered if Lucius would mourn the loss of library, reviewing all the reasons it would have been foolish to try to
an unborn, half-blood grandchild in the same way he thought his wife rescue Ron last night.
and son would. Or if his pure-blood ideologies would prevent him from Fifteen minutes of meditation later, and she was ready. In a firm voice,
thinking of a potential pregnancy as anything other than a disgraceful she asked the catalog to pull down all the books on Scourers. After some
inconvenience. debate, she'd decided to keep them in the library, or else she ran the risk
He examined her, seemingly satisfied that his demands had sunk in. of someone finding out what she was researching.
"Come with me." One of the Scourers, Jeremiah Jones, had written his entire journal in
Hermione's eyes widened as Lucius swept toward the small doorway, that code she'd found scattered in other journals, amidst torn-out pages.
ducking smoothly with a practiced ease, and paused just outside the They appeared to be like a cross between runes or hieroglyphics, but the
threshold. sheer variety of characters was like nothing Hermione had seen before.
"I won't ask twice, Miss Granger." She'd set Jeremiah Jones's journal aside weeks ago, focusing on the other
She stumbled to follow him, her mind reeling. He moved through the journals instead, as they at least contained entries in English. But she'd
corridor quickly, not bothering to spare her a backward glance. He finally carefully combed through the last of them, and was still no wiser about
stopped at a window overlooking the gardens. the magic leading to the tattoos.
"We have eleven elves in total at Malfoy Manor," he said So she reopened Jones's journal and studied the strange shapes and
conversationally, once she joined him at the window. "Four kitchen elves lines. Her fingers traced the remnants of a chunk of torn-out pages at the
for feasts. When the size of the family is small and there are no center of its spine, feeling the loss in her bones. It was like trying to
extravagant feasts, Tom-Tom and Havy double as tidy elves, along with translate Russian to English using a dictionary written in Mandarin. If
Boppy, Yipper, and Caf. Yipper is our youngest; he is Boppy's son." He only she could crack the cipher, she could translate the fragments of code
pointed out the window. "Hix, there, is our head grounds elf. He works in the Scourers' journals. And something told her that this journal was
alongside Jot and Mck. You may never catch sight of Mck. He's terribly key.
shy. Mippy, as you know, is something of a personal elf to my wife." She was so deeply entrenched in her study of the strange runes that
Hermione turned her gaze on Lucius, astounded. He was still moving she didn't hear the library doors open. A throat cleared near her table and
pieces on his chessboard, ten paces ahead of her. "Why are you telling me she jolted, nearly upending her inkpot over the centuries-old texts.
this?" Draco stood several feet away, his hands behind his back. She jumped
He kept his eyes out the window. "You like elves, do you not?" up from her chair to meet him, fingers curling into fists to keep from
"I—" reaching out.
He spun away from the window and moved briskly down the corridor. "How—how are you?"
"Do you know where the elves sleep, Miss Granger?" He was pale, his eyes rimmed with dark circles and his jaw tight.
She huffed and jogged to keep up with him. "No, but I still don't "Marcus Flint won't be bothering us again."
understand—" She felt a chill crest over her skin. "Why? What happened?"
"No one but the elves can find their bedrooms." He stopped in front of He rolled his shoulders, and she listened to his bones pop.
a tapestry and waited for her to catch up. "He enjoys being alive." He took a deep breath, looking at a point over

433 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 415

her ear. "I told him the next time he so much looks at me the wrong way, "If you still refuse, the elves are under instruction to dose your meals
I'll go straight to the Dark Lord and inform him that he and Rabastan are with it."
still dealing the potion at Edinburgh." Hermione narrowed her eyes, fury licking her veins. "Assuming I
Hermione gasped. "They've—?" ignore your wildly invasive accusation that I'm—I'm—"
"Yes. Since the beginning. The idiot thought I didn't know. Then he "Having sex with my son," he offered.
tried to insist I wouldn't betray my uncle's brother." He sneered. "He is "—might I ask what Draco's contraceptive responsibility is in all this?"
banned from Edinburgh for the next month." Lucius lifted a cool brow. "He has already been given instructions and is
"Banned? On whose orders?" blatantly disobeying them. I'm afraid I don't trust him to remember the
Draco looked at her, his eyes a deep, swirling grey. "Mine. Marcus has Contraception Charm every time you two happen to find yourselves alone."
forgotten his place since the fall of Potter. I'll endeavor to remind him of Hermione's ears burned. Lucius smirked at her before glancing at the
it." elves to his right, who quickly resumed their chopping.
He stood tall, arrogant and cold. It reminded her of Hogwarts. "My wife is opposed to my more... stringent suggestions, so my
She shook away her memories and wrung her hands together. "I take compromise was to come to you first. You cannot become pregnant."
it your temperature is normal this morning? Did you run any Something strange bubbled through her, closing her throat. "Of
diagnostics?" course, Mr. Malfoy." She felt her eye twitch. "I would hate for a
The look he gave her told her that asking about his health was futile. Mudblood to sully your pristine family line."
His eye twitched, and he took a deep breath. "We need to end our His lips twisted in a grin that didn't reach his eyes. He stepped toward
'practicing.'" her, and she fought the urge to retreat.
She heard her heartbeat in the silence. She'd suspected things would "Am I correct to assume you are acquainted with Miss Mortensen,
go this way. Adrian Pucey's Lot?" He tilted his head at her, and she blinked and
"I understand how you feel," she said slowly, "but I don't think nodded slowly. "The imbeciles who examined her before the Auction
returning to stiffness and visible discomfort is a good idea." decided to spare her from full sterilization, just as they did with you. She
"The practice sessions are a distraction. For both of us." He cleared became pregnant." He tapped his fingers on the table, watching her.
his throat. "I let my guard down around Marcus last night. I could have Hermione swallowed as blood pounded in her ears. "Miss Mortensen is a
seriously harmed you—" Muggleborn. Per our new laws, the fetus was removed. I'm told she was
"Last night wasn't your fault," she rushed out, stepping closer to him. fully conscious and forced to watch. Dolohov himself did the honors."
"You did everything within your power—" Bile rose in Hermione's throat. Lucius took a deep breath.
"Granger—" "You are under far more scrutiny than Miss Mortensen. In part due to
"—and you stopped yourself ! You had remarkable control over your your connection to Harry Potter"—his lip curled—"and in part due to the
mind, despite what it cost you, and—and I just want you to know that you foolish choices of my son. Hiding you away for nine months would be
don't have to avoid me, or stop the progress that we made, because I trust nigh impossible. If you were to become pregnant, we couldn't protect the
you, Draco. I truly do. And even if—" child. And I will do everything in my power to prevent inflicting that kind
"Granger." She paused her frantic pacing and met his eyes. He said of pain on my son. And my wife."
quietly, voice raw with exhaustion, "This is me tugging my ear." Hermione felt a spreading numbness splintering out from her chest,
She blinked at him. Tug your ear, or something. If he felt uncomfortable, running down her arms and into her fingertips.
or if she was asking too much. And she'd promised she would stop. "So," Lucius said, standing tall and seeming to brush away the
"I see." She turned her gaze on her shoes, feeling her ribs contract in conversation like lint from his cloak. "You will take the potion. Is that
towards her heart. "No, of course. That's your right." Her eyes slid up to clear?"

416 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 432

 She felt Draco simmering in front of her. He opened his mouth to him again. "But you should know that I'm not tugging mine. My ear, that
snap at his elf, but she placed her hand on his elbow. "It's alright." She is."
moved around him and looked up into his eyes. "I'll be back shortly." He swallowed, and his jaw tightened. His eyes drifted over her jaw and
He sighed an aggravated breath, and his jaw slowly relaxed. lips before dragging away. Nodding at her in goodbye, he turned on his
Hermione squeezed his arm and followed Boppy out the library doors. heel.
Her mind started spinning about Switzerland, and Naricssa, and why Her stomach twisted. If he left… if he walked away now, free to avoid
Lucius would first ask to see her after being gone for almost two weeks— her and wallow in self-loathing, she'd have to work twice as hard to win
She blinked, trying to suppress her thoughts. It was harder than usual him back. And a partnership with him was what the Order needed.
this time. She'd been neglecting her Occlumency practice lately, too It just happened to be what her heart wanted as well.
distracted by Draco and their research. "Was your father successful?" she called out. "In speaking with
The small elf shuffled down the hallway in front of her, and Voldemort about Switzerland?"
Hermione was surprised to see they were headed to the kitchens. Boppy He froze, then turned slowly, looking her over. Sighing, he ran a hand
led her down the short set of steps, and gestured for her to duck under the through his hair. "For now. Mother received an owl this morning. Father
tiny doorway and into the kitchen before he popped away. has convinced him that politics shouldn't be the top priority, given the
Lucius Malfoy towered over the elves chopping vegetables at their current state of the country."
tables, his head almost scraping the ceiling as he peered down at a long She nodded, something knotted unraveling inside of her chest. "And
scroll of parchment that looked like a menu for the week. Remmy stood where is he now?"
next to him on a stool, waiting for instructions or notes. He said nothing "Working on a new strategy for the Dark Lord's approval." He
as Hermione paused awkwardly in the doorway. He was wearing a thin- hesitated. "My aunt's not happy. Mother has gone to stay with her for a
rimmed pair of glasses, and the sight of them might have made few days."
Hermione giggle if she wasn't so nervous. "What?" Hermione blurted out. "Why?"
"Miss Granger," he said, whipping the glasses off his nose. He studied Draco shrugged. "To keep her distracted."
her briefly, letting his narrowed eyes drop to her bare legs. "I see you're "I see."
still having trouble fully clothing yourself." He glanced at the door, and she knew she had a handful of seconds
Her cheeks flushed. Remmy jutted her chin up in approval. before he disappeared.
"Since this appears to be a… difficult order for you to follow, one might "Wait—" She moved back to the table, shuffling papers and
hope you would at least take necessary precautions." He paused delicately. organizing books. "I'm looking into something that I would love a bit of
"However, my wife tells me that you declined a Contraceptive Potion." help with. It's… a lot of work, and I could use a—a partner."
Hermione blinked at him. The chopping knives ceased. Even Remmy She looked up to him again, and his eyes flashed. There was a thick
seemed surprised, before turning to glare at her like she was an idiot. silence. "If you're not too busy," she whispered, the words floating across
"The elves will be stocking your cabinets with the potion tonight. Each the distance to him.
dose is effective for exactly thirty days." He stared at the books, tilting his head to read a sideways title. Close
Outrage began prickling through her shock. She opened her mouth to enough to show interest, but too far to be hooked. She counted her
defend herself. heartbeats in the moments that followed, the brutal silence overwhelming.
"Let me be very clear, Miss Granger. I expect you to drink it whether If he walked away—
or not you are currently having intercourse with my son." He looked back "What are you working on?"
down at the week's menu, scribbled his name with a quill, and handed it A breeze of relief swept through her veins. She smiled nervously at
to Remmy with a careless flourish. him and began to explain the Scourers. Slow enough to not overwhelm

431 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 417

him, but quick enough to keep his interest. Her chest pounded faster as he His fingers slid an inch under her shorts. "Can I?"
moved toward the table, listening intently. She inched forward as well, still She tightened her arms around his shoulders and nodded. He pressed
rattling facts and history. their foreheads together and watched her face as he nudged one of her
"And when did you first learn about them?" he suddenly asked, thighs open.
turning to look at her. A pop! from a foot away.
"Um— the night with the Spanish Minister." He frowned at her, As she knew it would. As it had every day since her birthday whenever
watching her lips form the words. "Nott Sr. mentioned them." their snogging escalated.
His eyes dropped to the ink on her arm before he turned again, "Master is excusing Boppy, but—!"
stepping resolutely up to the table. He picked up the closest book, flipping "Go. Away," Draco gritted out, screwing his eyes shut.
through a few pages. Boppy gave a pitiful whine. "But—but—!"
"So you are researching how to escape. And you want my assistance "Boppy, I swear to Merlin—"
with that." He let the spine snap closed, tucked his hand in his pocket, Hermione giggled. The expression on Draco's face was achingly
and turned to look at her coolly. familiar. Like he'd been beaten to the Snitch or watched Crabbe steal his
Her brows knitted together, and she swallowed. "How to get around last treacle tart at dinner.
the boundary lines, yes, but—" She was beyond embarrassment at this point. Two days ago, Draco's
"What do you think happens to me if my Lot runs away? To my knee had just slipped between her thighs when Plumb popped in with tea
parents?" He leaned back on the table, feet crossed at the ankles. service, two hours early. Yesterday, as she'd sat on the table with Draco
Her jaw clicked closed. "It's not just me, Draco. I'm working to free all standing between her legs, she got as far as running her hands up under
of us. This is so much bigger than any one person—" his shirt as he palmed her breasts over her top. But just as he'd leaned her
"So you're going to take off — without a wand — and meet up with backwards across the table, Remmy appeared to list the dinner menu for
'the gang,' wherever they are — to attempt to destroy the most powerful Draco's approval.
wizard of our time, succeeding where Harry Potter failed." He crossed his "But Boppy comes to say that Master Lucius is home, and is wanting a
arms over his chest. "And you'd like my help in opening your shackles. word—"
Me. A Death Eater." Draco's eyes flew open. The heat that had been boiling inside of her
She glowered at him. "I know your family hates Voldemort." abruptly disappeared.
He stared at her lazily. "Dislike doesn't mean we're willing to get His throat bobbed as he stared down at her. "Tell my father I'll be
ourselves killed in a pointless attempt to overthrow him." there in thirty minutes—"
"The point is," she said calmly, as if she hadn't heard him, "I know "Not with Master Draco! With Miss Hermione!"
why I'm here, Draco." They both whipped their heads to look at Boppy, who was dancing
His ribs ceased moving, his eyes locked on hers. from foot to foot anxiously. Draco pulled away.
She took a deep, steadying breath. "I'm well aware that I'm... insurance "Regarding what?"
for the Malfoy family. A bargaining chip, if you will." She lifted her chin. "I "Master didn't say!" Boppy squeaked. "Master says to fetch Miss
don't hold it against you. It was a clever decision, and you've treated me far Hermione for talking."
better than I could have ever imagined. But don't act like it's foolish to try to Her mouth went dry. Hermione extricated her legs from underneath
defeat Voldemort when it's a possibility that you and your family prepared him, standing and smoothing down her clothes. Draco stood swiftly,
for." straightening his clothes as well, and stepped slightly in front of her before
He blinked, searching her face. His eyes slowly narrowed. "I suppose gesturing for Boppy to lead the way.
you have it all figured out, then." Boppy wrung his hands. "Master says only Miss Hermione."

418 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 430

 "What a shame." His hand slid up her thigh, warm against her skin. She ignored the bait. "Of course I can't say when it will happen. But
Hermione had chosen to wear the shorts again today. Yesterday she'd this regime isn't going to last. Nothing like it ever has in history." She took
worn one of the tighter, lower-cut tops in her new wardrobe, and it had a cautious step forward. "I know why you've protected me. Why you've
taken Draco thirty minutes of "reading" before he'd ripped the book from helped me. And although I'll tell anyone who will listen, I can't promise it
her hands and set her on the edge of the table, his hips slotting between will be enough."
her legs as his lips devoured her. He simply stared at her, his lips slightly parted.
The day before, he'd been fascinated with the Muggle denims she "It may not be good enough in the eyes of a war tribunal." She took a
wore, but she supposed that had something to do with all the excuses shuddering breath. "But help me do this, and when Voldemort falls and
she'd found to bend for books on bottom shelves. She'd found herself with the Order triumphs, I'll make sure they know you and your parents were
Draco Malfoy's hands on her arse as he pushed her back against the the reason why."
stacks, kissing her fiercely. A pause. Then he snapped to his full height. "How magnanimous of
But today she'd chosen the shorts again. And the way his eyes had you, Granger," he sneered. "Now if you'll excuse me—"
dropped to her legs when she entered the library had been worth it. But "Please." She bit her lip, holding his gaze. "I'm asking you to help me."
now, as his fingers rubbed circles into her inner thigh, his lips nipping The air between them crackled. She refused to back down even as she
against her throat, she thought maybe she was the one being seduced. flushed, embarrassed from his intense gaze. The silence stretched as she
The productive parts of their day seemed to be getting shorter and waited, hoping, praying—
shorter. "Draco—" And he abruptly turned back to the table. Flipping open the nearest
His mouth latched onto the dip below her jaw — his favorite spot. book with a lazy gesture, he cleared his throat. "What's the problem,
She'd been covering the bruises every day, and it seemed he was making it then?"
his mission to keep them there. Her eyes fluttered closed, and she sighed. Her heart leaped. She blinked at the floor, fighting the urge to cry, or
The Tolbrette journal dropped to the floor with a thud. laugh, or both. Slowly, she came to stand at the table next to him,
Draco's own book snapped shut, and then his hands were twisting her reaching for Jones's journal. "We should start here."
on the couch, coaxing her to recline against the armrest. His lips never Several hours later, she was watching him read an old journal with a
left her neck as the hand between her legs rose higher and higher, his quill bit between his lips, his eyes scrunched in disdain. The elves had
other palm running over her waist. brought the tea service with a fresh pot of coffee for her, and she was
He hovered over her, catching her lips and kissing her deeply as his nibbling on a biscuit as she watched him read.
fingers reached the hem of her shorts. She moaned low in her throat and She was working on listing every character of the foreign alphabet,
wrapped her arms around his shoulders. Draco slipped his palm under writing them out on her scroll as she happened upon them. She was up to
her lower back, pressing her close. twenty-nine. When Mippy came to force Draco to eat dinner, Hermione
They should be working. She should insist that they set some kind of agreed readily, insisting he stop for the evening.
boundaries, no snogging before three— "I'll… I'll be here tomorrow as well," she said, turning over her
His fingers slipped to the hemline of her shorts, and her mind went shoulder as she paused in the library doorway. "If you'd like to keep
blank as he played with the material. Like he knew she'd worn them to working with me."
test him. He teased the skin there, rubbing slow circles and inching under His throat bobbed, and he looked away. "Possibly. I'll have to see."
the fabric. His tongue dove into her mouth, dragging sighs from her chest. She nodded and retired to her room, spending the rest of her night
He released her lips, and she murmured his name, searching for him. Occluding and saying thanks for Draco's assistance while it had lasted.
When he wouldn't kiss her again, her eyes flickered open, and she saw The next morning, she was just settling into a Scourer journal when the
him staring down at her. library doors burst open. Draco flew in, his hair still wet from a shower.

429 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 419

 Her mouth fell open.
"I was thinking this morning," he said, pacing back and forth as she
tried not to stare. "What if it's not a Germanic root? What if it's Arabic?"
He disappeared into the stacks as she blinked after him, before returning
with a book of Arabic runes.
It turned out that Draco was partially right. Some of the characters
matched those of ancient Arabic runes, but others were distinct. They'd
also identified matches with ancient Egyptian, Sumerian, Sanskrit, and
Aramaic runes.

24
They continued much like this for the next several days. With Lucius
and Narcissa gone, there was nothing to interrupt them. Hermione didn't
know what part of her argument had convinced him to help her, but she
didn't dare question it, too content to have his company and help.
She learned that they worked well together, just as she'd expected. It
was nothing like working on a project with Ron and Harry. No need to
nag him or cross-check his work. Draco was usually at his brightest in the
mornings, so he would scribble furious notes until noon, letting his tea go
cold while he devoured the textbooks and journals. Hermione hit her
stride in the afternoons just as he settled into a chair and flipped idly,
staring off and thinking.
More often than not, she would look up to him with an idea or a
question, and find that he would already be watching her — staring at her
finger trailing over a page, gazing at her mouth as she sucked on the end
of a quill, watching as she stood and stretched. That was another raco's lips dropped kisses against her neck, his hand tracing
difference from her other study partners. How attentive he was.
She ran over to him one afternoon when she thought she'd narrowed
one of the symbols down to a Sumerian rune for captivity. Her hair fell
D circles on her knee as her eyes read the same sentence for the
sixth time. Something about Jeremiah Jones and his brother.
She should have known from the moment that he joined her on the
over his shoulder as she leaned over him, pointing to the rune to compare. loveseat, innocently flipping pages in a textbook, that she wasn't going to
Draco stood and moved away under the guise of reaching for other get any work done this afternoon.
books, and she realized with a wave of embarrassment that her breasts They'd made progress over the last three days, identifying seven
had been brushing his shoulder, her arm pressed against his. His cheeks clusters of characters and six ancient runic languages Jones had borrowed
were spotted pink when he came back to her, and she suspected hers with from. They were still looking for the source of the seventh cluster.
the same. But usually after lunch, Draco would decide he'd had enough studying.
She was tucked into the couch on Thursday evening, flipping through He sucked the soft skin below her jaw, and her eyes fluttered shut.
a text on ancient Latin, looking for any symbols in the pages that looked "Anything interesting, Granger?" he hummed into her throat.
like the ones in Jeremiah Jones's journal. About a quarter through, she "Huh?" Her fingers curled into the cover of her book. "Um, just
found a match. She sighed, rubbing her temples. It seemed the Scourers that… Jones's brother disapproved of his views. But there's nothing about
had borrowed from every ancient language of runes in existence. They'd his travels, or where else he might have—"

420 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 428

already identified over a thousand unique characters. At this rate, it might
take years to decipher.
She bit back her disappointment as she dutifully pulled out her
parchment, making a note about the translation. It would be so much
easier if they had a shortcut. A key of some sort. She let her mind wander
to Nott Sr. again.
She cleared her throat, the sound echoing in the silent room. Despite
spending the last five days together, they'd hardly spoken. "Are you close
with Theodore? It's hard to tell how much of the teasing is real."
His eyes slid to her from over the journal he was reading. "Not really."
"You used to be close, yes?"
He snapped the book closed, pressing his lips in a thin line. "What are
you getting at?"
She bit her lip and shook her head. "Nothing. Just… wondering about
the Initiation tomorrow evening."
She looked down at her notes again, feeling Draco's hot eyes on her.
Now was not the time.

$
He didn't come to the library on Friday. He'd told her as they were
turning in the night before that he would need to prepare for the
Initiation.
"What does it entail?" she'd asked, her hand on her door knob as he
hovered in the hallway.
His jaw had clenched. And he'd told her in sparse detail about a
ceremony that all the Dark Lord's servants attended. There was typically
a party afterward, followed by hours of debauchery and destruction.
She spent all day Friday writing out the code, burying herself in work
to forget. She and Draco had now translated fifty-four unique characters
within Jeremiah Jones's journal. Still at least a thousand to go.
When the clock chimed ten, Hermione returned to her room and
dragged her armchair over to the window so she could watch for Draco's
bedroom light. Something tugged deep in her conscience, but she brushed
it aside. His help was invaluable, and she needed him to be safe. She
stayed up until three in the morning, nodding off here and there before
giving up her watch, and tucking herself into bed.
She woke up the next day well after noon. Her body was sore from her
futile armchair vigil, and she took a hot shower before changing into some
THE AUCTION ● 421
comfortable clothes. Her breakfast tray was sitting on her coffee table, into her ear and whispered, "Stop your babbling, Granger."
magically still steaming. She plopped down into her chair and poured her He left a kiss there that made her eyes flutter, just before stepping
coffee. back.
She was halfway through munching on her piece of toast when she "Don't you have a book to read?"
noticed a thick pamphlet poking out from under the tray. Hermione Her eyelids shot open to find him smirking at her. "I shouldn't," she
frowned and pulled it free. muttered. "We have research to do…"
Unspeakable: The Hall of Prophecies He gave a lazy shrug. "Did you read the title?"
Her eyes widened, and her fingers itched. "I did."
Book One
"Hmm."
by Lance Gainsworth She cleared her throat. "Do you think it will be anything like
She stood, gaping at the words. Her fingers drifted through the pages, the Undesirable series? Did he say if there would be seven books again?"
flipping through what seemed to be a manuscript. It was coverless, simply She pulled away from the shelves and moved back through the stacks.
bound with a Sticking Charm. "The Hall of Prophecies. I wonder whether it's going to be focused on the
Turning over the first page, she gasped. Written in a messy blue ink on Ministry. Or if we'll see any of the Undesirable characters again—"
the second page, she found a dedication. "Granger, just read the bloody book."
She spun to him. He lifted a brow, grinning at her as he followed her
Miss Granger, down the steps from the landing. She blushed and picked up the
manuscript with gentle fingers. Her eyes caught on the books spread
Thank you for your support of my previous
across the table.
series, Undesirable . Th is, my first draft of book "Later. We should work. You mentioned that you'd found something
on Tolbrette's journal?"
one in my new series, will be pu blish ed next "Not later. Now," he said. Her eyes slid to him. "You can miss a day of
summ er, as long as th ere's no change in th e wind. research. It's your birthday."
Her mouth opened and closed before she settled on a smile. "It is.
Th e world changes, th e ligh t grows dim, but Thank you."
He jerked his head toward the exit. "Go read. I'll have Mippy bring
stories and characters are always th ere to h elp
lunch to your room. She made pumpkin soup for you."
illuminate th e way. Reaching up on her toes, she kissed his cheek before he could stop her.
She raced to her room with the memory of the blush on his cheek where
Keep figh ting,
her lips had been.
Lance Gainsworth

Her fingertips squeezed the pages, itching to flip through. To devour

the story and make sure she wasn't imagining the book in her hands. Her
mind swam with questions.
Sucking in a sharp breath, she spun and raced for the door. Running
the few paces to Draco's room, she banged on the door, pounding bruises
into her fist. No response.

422 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 427

deep and seductive kisses that spun her mind in circles. The hands at her She darted for the stairs, flying down to the library. Throwing the
waist were under her shirt, rubbing her sides and chastely brushing doors open, she found him standing over the long table, leaning onto his
thumbs over her hipbones. She ran her hands down his elbows, over his fists and staring down at one of the many books lying in a heap.
wrists, and to his hands, giving him permission to touch more of her. "Morning," he offered, before she could open her mouth. "One of
His knee pressed forward, slipping between her thighs. And the most these runes appears on the cover of Tolbrette's journal. Did you notice
embarrassing moan poured from her throat into his mouth. Before she that yet?"
could pull away, he angled her head back and kissed her like she was the She clutched the manuscript between her fingers, breathing hard, and
answer to his thirst. opening and closing her mouth.
His thigh connected to her core just as his hand reached her bra. Her "There's coffee there," he said, gesturing flippantly to the side table
hips rolled forward and he groaned, pressing his hardening length against between the couches. "I wasn't sure if you wanted to work today or not,
her hip. His fingers tightened in her hair, and his thumb rolled her nipple, so I told the elves to hold the extra scones. We can call them—"
squeezing her and flicking at her and slipping the lace down so he could "What is this?" she interrupted. She held the Gainsworth manuscript
feel her— out, shaking it at him like it had bitten her.
A pop! from right next to them. Hermione jerked. He looked up at her for the first time. His gaze traced her body before
"Remmy brought the scones." landing on the pages in her hand. Scratching his jaw absently, he turned
Draco's body — which had been deliciously pliant against her — to the shelves behind him, searching through the books there with
tensed. A frustrated sigh blew across her face. deliberation. She couldn't be sure what was fascinating him so much, as
"I told you we didn't want any." Hermione knew that section to contain information on the dung beetle.
"Remmy insists. Remmy brings anything else?" "Nothing, really."
"No." She blinked at him, watching the back of his neck turn pink. She
There was a pause. Hermione turned her face to the right, seeing the moved to the table and slapped the manuscript down. "It's… It's an
round, older elf standing there with her hands on her hips. unpublished draft. It's not nothing. How did you get it? Why is it… How
"Remmy asks again later." And she disappeared. did you—"
Hermione stared at the spot Remmy had stood until Draco's fingers He interrupted her stammering with a shrug, still facing the dung
curled against her skin. She jumped, pulling back, her mind crashing back beetle books with rapt interest. "I wrote to Gainsworth. Told him you
into its skull. were a fan."
"Your mother has her spies out. We should… we shouldn't be…" she Hermione moved toward him, begging him to face her. "But why
stammered. would he—"
"My father's spies, more like it." Draco turned away, his cheeks spotted pink, and his eyes cast down on
Draco looked down on her. His eyes were bright — an excited grey a book about dung beetle reproductive behaviors that he took over to
instead of the possessed black pupils from the incident last week — and their Scourer research table.
they roved over her features, skating across her jaw, curving across her "I just… I told him you were a fan. Asked if he had anything he could
cheeks, dancing with her own eyes. sign and send for Hermione Granger's birthday."
"I— I mean to say, I'm glad that we…" She gestured helplessly to their He flipped through a few texts as she stared at him, her lips parting
bodies, currently pressed up against each other. "But maybe we slowly.
shouldn't… That's not to say, 'not ever,' but—" She hadn't read the paper in days. Rationally, she knew it was
Draco smiled. And the sight of it took her breath away. He pulled his September, and that her birthday was coming up. Today was her birthday.
lip between his teeth, and she felt his fingers shift on her waist. He leaned She had forgotten it. But Draco hadn't.

426 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 423

 "I did nothing," he was mumbling. "Just wrote a letter really. You can pleasure that crashed through her. His tongue laved over the spot, and she
borrow my owl if you'd like to send a thank you—" quivered, arms shaking and core throbbing.
Hermione reached for his shoulders, turned him to her, and rose up His arm slipped lower around her back, dragging her forward to the
on her toes to press her lips to his. edge of the table and connecting their hips. She sighed and pulled his
He'd remembered her birthday. He'd known her birthday in the first head back to her mouth. He obliged, moving his lips over hers and
place. dragging her under in a current of ecstasy. She realized her breath was
Her fingers stretched to tangle in the hair behind his ears, her lips leaving her throat in a heady pattern of moaning sighs.
moving carefully over his, begging him to let her continue, to express her "Thank you," she murmured against his lips. "Thank you. I love it."
thanks, to express her affection— He squeezed her closer, breathing harshly in her ear. His hand moved
His lips pulled away. His hands landed lightly on her hips, shifting her to the back of her head, fingers twisting in her hair, and then he was
back. His eyes hot and dark and searching. tugging, pulling her neck open to him. His lips crashed against her throat,
She winced, remembering how he needed space, how he needed time. sucking and biting before they slid down, sucking on her collarbones.
"I'm sorry." She pressed her eyes closed. "I'm sorry, I know you don't One of his hands slithered over her shirt, rising up higher and higher
want to, but I—" until his palm covered her breast. Her thighs tightened around his waist,
His mouth found hers again, harder, softer. She gasped, and his tongue and her back arched, pressing her chest into his hand. His teeth nipped
was in her mouth quickly, searching and dancing and dragging surprised her clavicle as she moaned. His thumb passed over her nipple, and she felt
sighs from her lungs. her whole body respond.
The hands on her hips squeezed her close, fingertips digging into her A pop! from behind them made her jolt. And a high-pitched, bored
sides and pressing her to his front. voice said, "Miss wants scones?"
Her arms wrapped around his neck, pressing her chest close to his and Hermione slapped a hand over her mouth. Draco froze, his hand still
clinging to him as his breath turned heavy against her mouth. on her breast and his lips hovering above her chest.
One hand slipped down, rubbing lightly over her backside. He They tilted their heads to find Remmy glaring at them.
moaned against her lips and she gasped, eyes blinking quickly to stare up Hermione's thoughts were empty except for mortification.
at his dark gaze. "No," Draco said, point-blank.
"I'm sorry," she repeated. "We don't have to. I don't want to push you Remmy pouted her little lips together, narrowed her eyes, and said,
—" "Remmy maybe brings scones. For later."
"Stop talking, Granger." "That won't be—"
He spun them, lifting her swiftly from her ribs and setting her on the Remmy disappeared with a crack!
edge of the table. She squeaked, and he swallowed the sound, wrapping Hermione could breathe again, and let out a high-pitched, nervous
his arms around her back and curving his spine to lean down to kiss her. laugh. But Draco didn't join in. He pulled himself back, still panting, his
Her hands slid through his hair, threading her fingers and clutching his pupils black and intent. Her stomach barely had a moment to flutter
face close. His tongue slipped into her mouth, probing and tangling with before he grabbed her wrist and dragged her to her feet to follow him. He
hers. When she couldn't breathe any longer, she pulled away, gasping for tugged her up to the landing, twisting between the stacks and weaving
air, and he switched to her neck faster than she could offer it to him. them to a small alcove with a window seat overlooking the pond. She had
One of his hands slid down her ribs, tracing her hip and skating down half a second to enjoy the view before he pressed her against the shelves
her thigh. He gave a soft push to her knee, and she immediately obeyed, and devoured her again.
opening her legs and inviting him to step closer. His teeth scraped over He muffled her squeak of surprise, his fingers on her waist and his
her neck, and she squeezed her eyes closed with the sharp sting of body flush against hers. She grabbed his elbows as he kissed her slowly,

424 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 425

 Hermione threw herself into research for the next few days, burning There was no guarantee he wouldn't storm in at any moment and shut
through her disgust. Quincy Parkinson was simply another person to add to their research down in the blink of an eye. The thought terrified her.
her list of people who were going to pay. Draco met her every morning and Lucius had been unable to attend dinner last night, so Hermione and
left with her every evening. The first two days, they made excellent progress. Draco had worked late into the night — truly working. Draco had been
She was three-quarters of the way through Tolbrette's journal; he was two- particularly grumpy when they finally turned in, but agreed to meet her at
thirds through with his. But as the week dragged on, his attention became eight o'clock the next morning nonetheless.
less and less focused. She found his gaze on her often, trailing over her face Two hours into their morning, Hermione was curled up next to him
or dragging down her legs before flitting away. He asked her to repeat on the loveseat, halfway finished with skimming her eighth book, and still
questions, and she got the sense that he wasn't really listening when she no closer to finding the language source of the seventh cluster of runes.
spoke. He had to take more breaks, stretching and strolling through the She shifted and leaned forward, taking a long sip of coffee. Her
library stacks. Perhaps he'd grown sick of helping her. stomach twisted with anxiety. There had to be a shortcut. Even if she did
It wasn't until Tuesday, when Hermione woke from a very pleasant locate the source, they were still looking at months, if not years, to
dream, that she sharply realized the meaning behind the burning in his translate a single journal. The Order didn't have that luxury.
eyes. She pressed her lips together and set down her coffee cup. "How is
He was randy. Theo?"
She blinked at herself in the mirror several minutes later, toothbrush Draco looked up from the translation he had been working on for the
hanging out of her mouth. She'd been so preoccupied, so consumed by past week — still on the first paragraph of a Scourer journal — and
her research, that she hadn't thought once about what happened before rubbed his eyes in a bleary, kittenish way that made her stomach flip.
they went to Nott Manor. But maybe it wasn't far from his mind. She "You'll remember," his deep voice grumbled, "that I don't give a fuck
thought back to the way he would walk her back to her bedroom at the about Theo. How am I supposed to know?"
end of each day, the way he'd watch her lips close around the rim of her Hermione closed her book and turned to face him. There was no
coffee mug. The way he'd find little reasons to touch her — his hand on point in being coy. "I need to speak with him."
her waist as he moved around her in the stacks, his fingers against hers as He finished his yawn, ending in an indulgent stretch. "No."
he passed her his notes. "Draco, you know as well as I do that we're moving far too slowly. At
Abruptly, her body remembered his fingers in her knickers, her hand this rate…" She shook her head. "I know he knows something. I can feel it
against his erection, his breath in her ear, the sounds from his throat as he —"
came. "What do you want to know?" he said lazily, breaking off a corner of a
It wasn't that she didn't want to… again. She did. She'd just been… biscuit. "I'll ask."
busy. "And why would he tell you anything? You're terrible to him."
Hermione cleaned the toothpaste from her mouth, washed her flushed He scowled. "I take it you still think you can seduce the information
face, and opened the cabinets. The Contraceptive Potions stared back at out of him?"
her. One a month. She and Draco wouldn't be… Not yet. But there was She sighed heavily. "I think he needs flattery. A chance to brag. He sees
no reason to be stubborn about it. She drank a potion and dressed quickly you as a rival, and there's no way he'll—"
before hurrying to meet him downstairs. Draco abruptly stood, tossing his parchment on the cushion. "It's far too
He was wearing the cobalt jumper, and her eyes lingered on the way it early in the morning for you to be psychoanalyzing my friendships, Granger
stretched across his chest. —"
She joined him at the large table, pouring herself a cup of coffee from "It's half-past ten!"
the carafe. His long fingers flipped a page, and his eyebrows drew together "And how late did you keep me up last night?"

459 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 436

 "Tomorrow night at Edinburgh is the perfect opportunity. Flint won't A Carrow Girl brought by two new brandy glasses for Yaxley and
be there. I just need five minutes—" Parkinson, and Yaxley let his gaze travel down the girl's body as he
He cracked his neck and took a few steps away. "I'm not going to leave reached for a new drink. "I have to say I'm surprised by how much you
you alone in a booth with him—" enjoy these little parties, Quince. To think that your daughter could have
"I'm not asking you to!" She scrambled to her feet. "What about a Trade been one of these whores, should she not have—"
for the Lounge." It was a term she'd heard thrown around once or twice. By "She was no daughter of mine," Parkinson growled. He downed the
now she could guess what it meant. "Just the couches, not the booths." rest of his brandy and traded his empty glass for a full one. "I'm prouder
Draco glared at her. to have no heirs than to live with the disgrace of that slut. Draco and
"Hear me out," she said, approaching him carefully. "Theo has just Blaise did the honorable thing by killing her."
taken the Mark. He's working closely with his father and loves bragging Hermione felt her chest tightening, her ribs crushing her lungs.
about it to anyone who will listen. I think I could easily sway conversation Parkinson took a long swig of his second brandy, his eyes narrowed at
toward the tattoos." Draco, as if daring him to disagree.
"You really don't think he'd see through you?" "Indeed, sir," Draco said slowly. "She was a stain on all of us."
Hermione lifted a brow. "With a bit of alcohol? No. Besides, I think Hermione lifted her gaze and found Parkinson nodding at Draco and
he's been lacking an opportunity to talk about himself. For years, possibly." turning to Blaise. His eyes caught on Giuliana.
"How kind of you to take an interest in him." He sneered and dragged "Well, hello," he sang.
a hand over his face. "I cannot just make you available for Trades and And Hermione watched in disgust as Mr. Parkinson ran his eyes down
Shares. Word would spread—" the body his daughter was currently inhabiting. She chanced a look in her
"What about a one-time bet?" She took another step closer. "Perhaps direction, and found Giuliana Braveri's eyes were bright with a blaze of
another card game? You could wager a Trade for the Lounge." fury.
Draco rolled his eyes. "And you think Theo will win?" Mr. Parkinson laughed. "This one's got spirit left, Zabini. I thought we
"He doesn't have to. You just need to lose." She watched him frown all fucked that out of her."
and let his eyes drift out the window, as if searching for more reasons to Hermione's stomach roiled.
say no. An idea sparked, and her heart quickened as she closed the She watched Giuliana Bravieri's shoulders roll back and her nostrils
distance between them. "You're clearly the best card player there. I have flare. Blaise made some quip, standing to shake Mr. Parkinson's hand as
no doubt you can twist the game however you see fit." well, but Hermione could only hear the blood rushing in her ears.
His eyes flickered down at her. Draco grabbed her elbow, made some excuse, and walked them around
"I saw it the last time you played cards with them," she hummed, the room once before changing course toward the Floo. As soon as she
sliding her hands around his neck. "Did you play cards a lot in the stepped through, she stumbled to the nearest chair, bracing herself. She had
dormitories?" a faint memory of a conversation with Pansy in the Ministry, a hint at her
"A bit, yeah." His throat bobbed. strained relationship with her father — but to sell his own daughter into
"You probably won a lot of bets." Her lips tilted up to his jaw, and his slavery was unthinkable. She tried to put herself in Pansy's shoes. To
arms slid around her waist. "What was the best hand you ever played?" imagine her own father... Her throat closed, and she felt herself gagging.
He cleared his throat. "There was a tournament fifth year—" He went Draco was at her side in an instant. He ordered chamomile and a
still as stone beneath her hands. "Granger, are you seducing me?" sleeping draught to be brought to her room, and brushed off her
She grinned. "I was. Did it work?" questions with a "Not now, Granger." He walked her there with a hand on
He pushed her away, running a hand through his hair. "You're an her back and forced her to go to bed with the promise that they would
amateur. There's no way Theo will fall for that." work on the tattoos first thing in the morning.

437 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 458

 She blinked at him as the gates opened. Looking down at herself, she She gasped and hit his shoulder. "An amateur? I had you!"
didn't find anything objectionable. A short dress, tall heels, curled hair, Draco jerked away and strode to the table. He leaned back on it,
and hasty makeup. She was about to ask him to clarify when he took her glowering at her. Hermione frowned. Apparently she'd misfired.
arm and Disapparated them to Edinburgh. "Draco, I have to follow this lead. Do you really want to sit in this
Throughout dinner she found her mind wandering to the translation. library translating those symbols for the next two years?" She watched
It was easy to do, as the room was unusually muted tonight. Flint was still him deflate. "There has to be a better way. Any information Theo could
absent, and so was Theo. She tried not to worry about what it might give us might help." Slowly, cautiously, she approached him. "I know you
mean for him and Oliver. Susan Bones was missing, as Travers had can do your part, and I'll do mine." She bit her lip. "Please."
needed her that evening, so Goyle was sulky and silent. After a few Something flickered in the grey. He crossed his arms and clenched his
hushed remarks about the latest setbacks in France — apparently the jaw. "If this idea works — if he loses, and we do a Trade…" His eyes
Order had retaken Groix — the boys drifted to stilted pleasantries. By the hardened. "No kissing."
time they wandered down to the Lounge, she'd worked through several She blinked at him. "No. No, of course not."
possible meanings behind the Septagram she'd found in Tolbrette's "Not on the mouth, not on the face," he continued, like he had a list
journal. When Draco pulled her down next to him on the couches, she written up somewhere. "No groping, no skin-to-skin contact—"
curled her legs up onto the cushions, letting her knees fall against his. His "That might be a little extreme—"
arm fell over her shoulder, but he didn't push her to slide on top of him. "I don't want his hands on your body."
She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice the two shadows Hermione stared at him, watching a pink blush color his cheeks.
that fell over them until one spoke. Apparently his rivalry with Theo ran deeper than she'd thought. She
"Your kitten looks tired, Draco." nodded her acceptance, and the tension in his shoulders relaxed. His gaze
An older man with a broad torso and a balding head stared down at flickered down to her lips, and he reached for her arm to drag her closer.
her. He swirled a glass of brandy methodically. Just behind him, Yaxley She let herself be pulled between his legs, his hands dipping low on
sent her a smirk. her waist to run over her hips and round her backside with a squeeze.
Draco stood abruptly and shook his hand. "Well, I've been exhausting "So, what's the plan?" she asked breathlessly.
her, sir." "Blaise."
The bald man chuckled and ran his tongue over his teeth. Hermione "Blaise?" She tilted her chin to look up at him,
recognized him, but couldn't place him. "He's a shit Legilimens, but he'll do the trick."
"I hear you're territorial. That's a shame." Hermione thought of what Pansy had told her. How Blaise had
"Apologies, sir, but it's not a shame for me. I like knowing that she's moaned about Draco getting himself killed. "I'm sure he'll love that."
only had my cock inside her. Makes it worth the Galleons." Draco "Mmm." He pressed his lips softly against hers. "Now, tell me again
laughed, a tight sound that sent a chill down her spine. how good I am at cards."
"Come now, even for an old friend like me?" The bald man leered She smiled up at him, and they kissed each other until Plumb popped
down at her and adjusted himself in his trousers. "We were almost family, in to ask if they wanted more tea.
Draco."
"Almost," said Draco coolly. $
And it clicked. Mr. Parkinson. She could see Pansy's features in him By Friday afternoon, Pansy had delivered a silky black dress that
now clearly. Her lips parted in horror, and she quickly turned her eyes slithered down her thighs and cut low across her back. It had a modest
down, forcing herself not to glance to where "Giuliana Bravieri" sat with neckline, almost up to her collarbones, but the tag on the hanger in
Blaise. Pansy's scrawl read, Wear braless. There was also a tube of red lipstick.
457 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 438
 Hermione rolled her eyes, put on her bra, and slipped the dress over down at the journal. One page, one step at a time. After four hours, she
her shoulders. rubbed her eyes and finally called it a night, slumping up to her room and
Of course, the bra was glaringly visible across her back. There was no falling asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
hiding it. She didn't know of a spell to fix it, and there was no way she The next week was spent tackling the journals as ferociously as she'd
was going to ask Draco. tackled O.W.L.s. She spent long days holed up in the library, translating
She removed the bra and stared at herself. The silk clung to her body, side by side with Draco as they worked through their respective journals.
her nipples pebbling under the cold fabric. The curve of her breasts and Thankfully, she hadn't seen Lucius since her impromptu tour of the
the point of her nipples stood out perfectly under the silk. Manor. He'd left a note telling Draco he'd be away, so they didn't have to
She huffed and went to do her makeup and hair carefully, like Pansy worry about him stumbling across their research.
had taught her, certain that Draco would not stand for this dress once he The first thing Draco had tried once he'd joined her was a series of
saw it. unscrambling and translation spells. But the journals had resisted. So
they'd continued their routine of getting to the library early, sipping their
$ tea and coffee over the pages, and bouncing ideas back and forth about
When Draco saw her in the dress, he had very little to say. In fact, he the meanings behind the passages as they worked.
looked like his tongue was stuck to the roof of his mouth. Every evening around eleven, Draco would insist that they retire for
She felt the weight of his gaze on her as she descended the staircase in the night and walk with her back to their rooms. He would listen as she
her heels and gold collar. When she reached the bottom, he escorted her shared her theories about Tolbrette's "lightning barrier," explaining why
out with a hand on her bare back, and the warmth of his palm sent goose she thought he'd started with Celtic magic. He would stand with her
pimples over her skin. outside her door, patiently waiting as she worked through small ideas that
But she needed to focus. She had a mission this evening. And she and nagged her. He would ask questions or offer input in small ways, but truly,
Draco couldn't act like anything had changed between them. For all the simply having an intelligent sounding board was invaluable. She would
world knew, he had been pushing her against library stacks and grinding close her bedroom door once she'd exhausted herself, still ruminating
his body against hers for weeks. about the order of entries and what might have killed "Pigeon No. 5."
As he pushed his tongue into her mouth with a moan. And sought her When Friday rolled around and Draco reminded her that they had to
eyes whenever she started to move her hips back against him— appear at Edinburgh in two hours, she huffed in irritation that her
The burst of wind whipping around them as they stepped out of the research would be cut short that evening. For the first time, she had no
Manor doors made her shiver, and his hand pressed more firmly to her interest in going to Edinburgh. She stomped upstairs to get ready, finding
back as they moved down the drive. a short navy dress from Pansy in her closet. Putting in minimal effort
She looked up at him as they approached the iron gates. "So you and towards her hair and makeup, she finished getting ready with forty-five
Blaise are ready, then?" minutes to spare and ran back down to the library.
"I'm not concerned. We used to read Theo's mind in school. Take the Draco found her at ten minutes past the hour, pouring over the texts
piss out of him for his fantasies." and biting her lip in concentration. When he led her out the doors to the
"Is that what you told Blaise, then? That you just want to mess with drive, he noticed she was missing her gold collar and had to summon
him again?" Draco hesitated, and she froze just as the gate opened. "What Boppy to fetch it. Hermione snapped it on as they walked, her mind still
did you tell him, Draco?" lost among the journals. "Do you know if Ted Nott will be at Edinburgh
He ran a hand through his hair. "I… told him some of it, Granger." tonight?"
A sharp wariness spiked through her veins. "Draco—" "I'm not putting you in Ted Nott's path, Granger," Draco grumbled.
"It's fine." He grabbed her arm and dragged her through the barrier, "Not when you look like that."

439 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 456

 "You got him to hand that book over? If I didn't have the foresight to—" and before she could scold him, they were Disapparating to arrive on the
"—use truth serum on a defenseless girl?" She glowered at him. "Yes, cobblestones outside Edinburgh.
we mustn't forget that part." He walked her through the stone entrance and up the stairs to the
Draco scoffed. "An hour ago, you wouldn't have spit on her if she was courtyard. Hermione barely had a moment to blink at Charlotte before
on fire, but now you feel she's been unjustly treated—" Draco took her elbow and began dragging her through the Great Hall.
"I would have expected you to inform me of a plot like that—" His jaw was tight and his strides longer than usual, seemingly wanting
"It got you your bloody journal, didn't it?" nothing to do with the other guests. Hermione tried to glance around as
"No, it didn't! He invited us over because he was already planning to he hurried her through, but they were moving so quickly she couldn't
tell us—" single out any new guests. She did catch a glance of Dolohov and Yaxley
"He was eyeing the situation, and if I didn't have leverage he might schmoozing a pair of stiff and pale-faced men she hadn't seen before.
have used it against us—" Draco tugged her up the stairs and into the dining room. Her eyes
"You're wrong! He gave it to us because he cares about Oliver!" landed on Theo, who was kissing the neck of the same dark-haired
"It doesn't matter." Draco shoved his hand through his hair. "You have Carrow girl from weeks ago. Blaise lounged at the head of the table,
the journal now." where Flint usually sat. As the boys greeted Draco, Pansy gave her a cool,
She pursed her lips and ran her fingers over the pages again. Her approving look through Giuliana's eyes.
mind began whirring quickly, her irritation slipping away. "It's Gaulish," "Get a promotion, Blaise?" Draco lilted.
she said after a few moments. "The seventh cluster is based on Gaulish Blaise took a dramatic sip from his tumbler. "Heard Flint couldn't be
runes." Chewing her lip, she checked the clock on his mantle. It was 2:30 here tonight, so I took advantage. The early bird and all that."
in the morning, but she was wide awake. "What a shame." Draco moved to the other head of the table, tugging
"I'll send coffee to the library," he said with a roll of his eyes. "Go." her into his lap.
Offering him a quick smile, she ran out the door and down the stairs. The silk of her dress bunched around her hips, and she tugged it down
Within ten minutes, she had the library table scattered with journals, while situating herself.
parchment, and inkpots, sipping her first cup of coffee and munching on She had become far more comfortable in Draco's lap since their last
a biscuit. visit. She fought the blush rising in her cheeks, thinking of
She worked through the night, astonished at how the key worked. She just how comfortable she was as his arm wrapped around her waist, his
only had to visualize a rune and press her fingers to the parchment before hand sliding along the silk barely covering her back.
the letters and figures would rearrange themselves, bringing the character Certain formalities had started disappearing at the Edinburgh dinners.
in question to the top of the page. Scribbling furiously to untwine the The girls no longer stood by the wall. Instead, there was a relaxed
symbols she had been staring at for months, she felt her mind spinning socializing — girls instantly plopping into laps, eating freely. Her eyes
with the thrill of working on a problem, all thoughts and worries about flickered to Mortensen, who was accepting fruit from Pucey's fingers with a
Oliver and Theo slipping away. grimace, and to Susan, who was still wrapped tightly in Goyle's embrace.
Once the sun's rays began peeking through the large windows, she Theo's Carrow Girl was leaning over to pour herself a glass of wine and
checked her progress. She'd translated a full page of Tolbrette's journal, a giggling with another Carrow Girl on Bletchley's lap.
rate almost five times faster than her normal speed. Elation swelled Once they were settled, Draco's voice rose above the rest: "Anyone
through her — until her eyes caught the remaining journals. fancy a card game tonight?" He waved a hand, and the box with the cards
She was only inches closer to deciphering all of it. And there was still and dice appeared. The boys cheered and slapped the table.
the issue of all the missing pages. She'd have to fill in the blanks to "You ready to give away your secrets tonight, Draco?" Montague
reconstruct their spells. Shaking out her cramping hand, she frowned jeered.

455 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 440

 "We'll see, Graham. Try coming up with something worth knowing
this time."
Hermione twisted on Draco's lap to watch the whole table. Draco
dealt the cards, sliding them magically across the table to each player. The
game started with the seat to the right of the dealer, so Higgs rolled the
dice and the game began.
After two rounds, Goyle was out, happy to suck on Susan's neck
without interruptions. Blaise folded early, complaining about his cards.
Hermione watched him through her lashes, and caught the occasional

25
lingering glance with Draco. A subtle tilt of his head or drum of his
fingers. The first round of wagers began, and when Bletchley lost in the
next round, he revealed what he'd overheard from a guard at Hogwarts.
"I know the biggest thorn in Umbridge's side. The bloody house-
elves," he announced, to sounds of laughter and disbelief. "Slow to
answer summons, serving dreadful food. Just disobeying everything."
Draco reached for his wine glass and said, "Maybe Granger here had
the right idea trying to free the lot of them."
The table laughed, and she pressed her lips together as Draco started
dealing the next round. She noticed that Blaise was spending more time
holding Theo's eye.
Theo lost the next round. They learned that Yaxley and Dolohov were
entertaining Belgian dignitaries tonight, working on gaining their
allegiance to the Dark Lord.
Soon they'd have France surrounded on all sides. he flames licked her legs as they passed through the fire into
Hermione nibbled on a slice of cheese to keep her stomach at bay.
Finally the round came where Draco started bluffing. She wouldn't
have known from his cards, but she could feel the slightest of taps from his
T Draco's bedroom. Hermione looked down at the journal — the
leather cover scraped and worn, the parchment soft with age. Her
fingers gripped it tightly, and she blinked. She flipped to the pages she'd
right foot. Montague, Warrington, Higgs, and Bletchley all folded. Blaise never seen before, checking to make sure they were real.
kept raising with him, but when Pucey and Derrick folded, Blaise The key to the Scourers' code stared back up at her. She drew a shaky
followed. It was just Theo and Draco. breath, thumbing through the pages until her vision blurred. They'd done
"I'll wager a bit about Switzerland," Draco announced. it. They'd gotten the information she needed. It was more than she'd
"Everyone knows your aunt is fucking that up," said Pucey with a dared to hope for.
snort. "Is it anything we don't know?" She spun to Draco, feeling energy coursing through her. He stood with
"I'd say so." Draco ran his thumb across her bare back. "I'd like to his hands in his pockets, watching her.
know how poorly Ted Nott is doing in breaking the French Apparition "I knew it would work," she said breathlessly.
Line. He's been chained there for — what, two months now?" He lifted a brow. "But it didn't. You failed to seduce the information
"He still comes home," Theo snapped. "Just this week actually—" His out of him—"
cheeks heated instantly. "I can't share sensitive details about his mission." "I still got him to share what he knew—"

441 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 454

worse for him with my father's state of mind. His failures…" Theo "Oh?" Draco shrugged and sipped his wine. "Then I assume your
swallowed, and he blinked rapidly. "He takes it out on Oliver." cards aren't great."
"I swear it." She clutched the journal to her chest. "I'll make sure The boys tittered as Theo glared at him. "Your secret is shit, too. Why
Oliver is a priority." would I bet against you?"
Theo's eyes hardened as he finally looked to Draco. "You really shouldn't."
He gave a single nod. "I swear it." "Oi, Draco!" Blaise called out. "If you really want to know about the
Theo nodded back, clenching his jaw. "So you're helping her," he said, Apparition Line, you should give Theo a taste of Granger, like Flint got."
in confirmation. When Draco didn't respond, a flash of concern crossed Draco sneered at him. "Not happening."
his face. "Be careful. You're going to get yourself killed." "Live a little, mate. You're stricter than Umbridge." The table howled.
Draco tilted his head and gave him a wry smile. "Same as you, I "What about a Lap Warmer? Maybe Cassandra and Granger could swap
suppose." for a night in the Lounge." Blaise winked. "You could keep it mild, of
He took Hermione's arm and led them out, passing Oliver just outside course."
the door, his eyes downcast. She looked back as Draco tossed the Floo Hermione swallowed, turning to look up at Draco. Anger radiated
powder, and saw Theo lean against the doorway to watch them leave, his from him as he scowled at Blaise. He was an excellent actor, truly.
fingers reaching for Oliver's as they disappeared in the green flames. The boys were banging the table, egging him on. Draco waved them
off.
"I guess your cards aren't that good, huh, Draco?" Blaise wrapped his
arms around Giuliana's waist, and Hermione found Pansy's eyes watching
her.
"I have a great hand."
Blaise leaned forward. "Then prove it."
A thick silence. After several long moments, Draco sighed. "Fine."
The table erupted. Theo looked a bit shocked, but quickly recovered.
"A Lap Warming Trade it is," he said. "Alright with you, love?" His girl
laughed, tossing her hair over her shoulder. Hermione sipped her wine.
"No kissing on the mouth," said Draco sharply. "Or touching under
her clothes." The boys groaned, and Theo grinned. "Those are my terms.
I'm taking her when we get home, and I'd rather not have to wash her
mouth out first."
"Fine." Theo scooped up the dice and let the girl blow on his fingertips
before he rolled. They called the cards. And Draco's hand lost — just
barely.
The boys cheered and jumped up on their chairs, shaking Theo's
shoulders and toasting glasses. Draco cursed.
She could hardly believe how well their plan had worked even as she
was dragged off Draco's lap and tossed into Theo's arms. He cracked a
grin at her, victory dawning on him, and slipped his arm around her
waist.

453 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 442

 They made their way down the Lounge, the boys jostling Draco and a lovely conversation tonight about what goes on in the booths — or better
offering fake condolences. yet, what happens the next day, when you bribe the guards to bring her
"I'll keep her warm for you, Draco," said Theo, smirking as they home—"
passed. "She wouldn't."
Hermione looked back at Draco, and found Theo's girl slipping her "Amazing the things you can learn with a little truth serum."
hand around his elbow, batting her lashes. She tore her eyes away. Hermione whipped her head to look at Draco, and he smirked. "Always
They entered the Lounge, Theo striding over to the armchair Draco get leverage, Granger."
usually sat in with her and pulling her into his lap. Blaise and Pansy took "Wood!" Theo screamed. "Leave us."
the adjacent couch, with Pucey and Mortensen at the opposite end, and There was a cold silence in the room as Hermione tried to recover
she watched as Draco sat across from her and Theo, tugging the girl into from the whiplash of the last ten seconds. She watched as Oliver hobbled
his lap. The girl shimmied, moving closer. out and closed the door behind him. Theo and Draco held each other's
Theo's fingers skated across her back, and Hermione jumped, eyes in a fierce contest.
remembering herself. "Champagne?" Theo broke away first. He pursed his lips and took a deep breath,
Hermione smiled and nodded, tilting her head back as he tilted the pulling a book from the inside breast pocket of his jacket.
glass to her lips. She could use a bit of liquid courage. "The only thing I can say for sure," he said quietly, "is that my father
"Easy, Granger," Theo chuckled, snapping his fingers at a nearby was determined to get his hands on every copy of this book after he'd
Carrow Girl for another glass. "Since when do you drink so much?" created the tattoos. We traveled all throughout Europe tracking them
Hermione pouted. "Since when do you gamble so much?" down and either destroying them or removing sections." He moved closer
"Still feisty, I see." He took a long dreg, looking over her shoulder. to them, staring down at the book like it could hurt him. "I was supposed
"Want to get a bit more comfortable?" to destroy this one." His eyes locked on Hermione's. "He'll kill me if he
The music buzzed through her ears, and she swallowed. "Of course. finds out I gave it to you."
How should I—?" And in what seemed like slow motion, Theo stretched out his arm and
His free hand dropped to her thigh. "Why don't you turn to face me." offered her a familiar book with the name Jeremiah Jones on the cover.
She took a deep breath and shifted, preparing to straddle him. She She gasped and took it from him, flipping through the pages.
wouldn't let herself think about how her dress was riding up her backside, It was a complete copy. No torn-out pages. And at the center, thirty or
now directly in Draco's eyeline. so pages in gold. A key to deciphering the Scourers' code.
A trilling laugh as she moved. She glanced over her shoulder and "So you know what it is," Theo confirmed. "You know how to use it."
caught a glimpse of silky hair bent over a fringe of blonde. The Carrow Her eyes snapped up to him, and just as she opened her mouth to
Girl was straddling Draco, too. thank him, Draco plucked the book from her fingers. He scowled at Theo.
She turned back to Theo and slipped her arms around her neck. "Do "Why?" he asked.
you often win at cards?" she purred. Theo pressed his lips together and met Draco's gaze. "Granger's going
He looked at her, as if suddenly remembering she was there. "Uh, to break these tattoos. You know she is. She's probably the only one who
yes." His chest puffed. "I like strategy, that sort of thing." can."
Oh this was going to be easy. Hermione felt hope spark in her chest, thrumming and burning.
"Mmm." She leaned closer in his ear. "What kind of strategy?" "And when she does..." The lilt of conniving Slytherin shaded his tone
She spent the next fifteen minutes listening to Theo talk about as he turned back to her. "You have to promise me you'll get Oliver out."
Wizard's Chess and Quidditch betting. His hands were resting on her Her lips parted, sympathy sweeping through her veins.
hips, occasionally skating across her bare back, but she couldn't shake the "As soon as possible. The first wave," he clarified. "Things have been

443 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 452

 Oliver led them through the doors and moved to the wall beside the feeling that his touches were perfunctory. Once, she hesitantly tried
door as Draco and Hermione filed into the sitting room. A stone-faced moving her hips to the beat of the music, but he gave her an odd look
Theo stood from a large chair, a tumbler of scotch in one hand. that stopped her in her tracks. So she decided to up her game by
"So," Theo began coolly. "You and your whore want to know more increasing her flattery. She could see it land on him, with one boyish grin
about the tattoos, do you?" after another.
Hermione's breath hitched, and she felt Draco stiffen next to her. "You were always smart in school, too." She tucked her hair behind
A low scoff. "I have no idea what you're talking about. If she asked you her ear. "Do you help your father a lot with his missions? I hear he's
inappropriate questions tonight, I'm happy to discipline her." always working on terribly difficult projects."
"Discipline her," Theo muttered into his glass. "You don't let anyone "Yeah, a bit." Theo shifted to reach for his glass, wrapping his arm
come within a foot's radius of her, and now you expect me to believe that around her back to steady her. "I've been shadowing him. More than
you accidentally lost her in a bet tonight? I would have written it off if it Malfoy's allowed, I bet."
weren't for her clumsy probing—" Hermione laughed, turning to look at Draco, and found his eyes
Hermione opened her mouth, but Draco grabbed her wrist. glaring daggers at Theo's hand on her back. The girl redirected his
"And speaking of probing," Theo hissed. "I have a mother of a headache attention to her, rubbing his shoulders. Hermione scowled and turned
despite not drinking more than a glass or two." He pointed a finger at back to Theo.
Draco. "You and Blaise are fucking with me again, aren't you? Like you "Your father must really trust your skills then," she said, running her
used to with your fucking mind tricks—" hands over his shoulders.
"Theo, it's two in the morning." Draco let out a long-suffering sigh. "Yeah. Yeah, he does." He sipped his champagne.
“Did you have a point besides these wild accusations?" "Is the library at Nott Manor as grand as Malfoy Manor's?"
"I know you're up to something, Draco. If my father hears that you're "It's just as stocked and almost the same size." He sneered. "You know,
asking questions—" the only reason people wank over Malfoy Manor is the peacocks. Our
"Fine," Draco cut him off in a bored tone. "You're right. I'm looking acreage is just the same. I've checked."
into the tattoos." Hermione blinked up at him, stunned. He took a step "I can only imagine." Hermione bit her lip. "I wish I could see it
forward. "But only because I'm having trouble with hers. Last week, her someday, but"—she raised her left arm and gave a helpless shrug.
tattoo allowed her outside the boundary with hardly as much as a shock. Theo hummed, simply watching her.
I'm trying to fix your father's mistake so my 65,000 galleons doesn't run "They really are a brilliant bit of magic, you know," she continued
off in the middle of the night." lightly. "The tattoos. I've never seen anything like them."
Theo glared at him. Then he let out a loud snort. "Merlin. You're "They are." Theo smirked. "It's very dark magic, Granger. You
losing your touch. Haven't heard you lie that poorly since school." wouldn't have read about it at Hogwarts."
Theo downed his scotch and set the glass on the table. Oliver hobbled "No, I doubt that I would." A giggle caught her ear, and she glanced
across the room to clear it, and Hermione's heart cracked with every over her shoulder to find Draco whispering in the girl's ear, twisting a lock
stumbling step. of hair around his finger. Her chest boiled. She quickly looked back to
"I was trying to do you a favor by looking into it myself," Draco said Theo. "What do you know about them?"
coolly. "But if you'd rather I inform the Dark Lord that another one of The effect was instantaneous. Theo's body stiffened under her. His
your father's projects is failing—" gaze zipped to Draco and then back to her, his lips curling. He abruptly
"Are you blackmailing me?" Theo snarled. pushed her to her feet.
Draco smiled, low and cat-like. "That's a rather indelicate word, but I "Well, this has been fun," he sneered. "But I think I'll take my leave."
suppose I am. Speaking of blackmail, Cassandra and I had He turned to Draco. "Thanks for the Trade. Her arse is divine."

451 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 444

 Hermione blinked at his retreating back. He was onto them. She'd He looked her over. She must look a mess if his flushed cheeks and
failed. Before she could spiral further, Draco was beside her, reaching for open trousers were any indication. He nodded.
her arm. She ran her fingers through her hair, her heart pounding. "Draco, I'm
"It's time for us to retire as well." He turned to say goodnight to his sorry I—"
friends, his arrogant mask still in place. "I have it under control."
Dread prickled through her shock as Draco swept them from the "But—"
room. If Theo was onto them, things could get bad. Very bad. Draco "Trust me. Let's go contain this."
would never let her run her own missions ever again. Perhaps they should She fell silent. He muttered a spell to clean himself up, and when he
Obliviate him— adjusted his trousers, she was shocked to find him half hard again.
Draco's grip was tight on her arm as he moved them to the fireplaces. Blushing, she quickly turned away to slip on her shoes. She grimaced as
She swallowed and whispered, "Should we go after him?" soon as she smoothed out her dress. Her knickers felt like they'd been
"You've done enough for one night, Granger," he bit out. dunked in soapy water.
She glanced up at him, expecting his anger — and her eyes fell on a "Can I…" She cleared her throat. "Could you summon a clean pair of
lipstick stain on his collar. From the Carrow Girl. She saw red as they knickers for me?"
swept through the Floo. He blinked at her, and then his eyes darkened. He flicked his wand,
They arrived through the fireplace in his room, and he dropped her and a pair of black lace knickers appeared on the desk next to her.
arm and spun to her. "Well, was it worth it?" Turning her back to him, she shimmied out of her old pair and into the
"I don't want to hear it, Draco!" She kicked off her heels and tore her black ones. She balled up the dirty pair, unable to meet his eyes. "I'll
collar off. "I was this close, and I would have gotten something out of just… put these in my room—"
them if your girl hadn't been as loud as a banshee. If we arrange another His hand shot out, ripping the lace from her fingers and tossing them
Trade—" across his sheets. "I'll take them." He grabbed her arm and led her to the
"Not a fucking chance," he growled. "I have to clean up this mess, like fireplace.
I always knew I would—" "Oh," she squeaked. "I can wash them myself—"
"Oh, thank you for the vote of confidence!" She threw her arms in the "I'm not going to wash them, Granger."
air. "I knew you never trusted me—" His voice was low and dangerous, and then he yanked them through
"You should have stuck to talking. Trying to kiss his neck and play with the Floo.
his hair like some fucking—" A heat flashed through her body, but it was quickly extinguished by
"Oh, I'm sorry I don't have as much experience charming the knickers off apprehension as they stepped through the flames and into a grand hall.
of people like you do, Draco—" The smoke cleared, and she found Oliver Wood leaning to one side, one
He stepped into her and pointed a finger in her face. "You had plenty arm in a sling and his eye purpled and swollen shut.
of time, but instead you spent the entire night grinding all over him—" Hermione gasped.
She slapped his hand away. "I couldn't start with a damn interrogation, Oliver nodded, and gestured for them to follow — like a house-elf,
could I? Last time I checked you were busy running your hands all over Clara sent to retrieve visitors. She blinked, her emotions boiling and tumbling
—" over, struggling to get control.
"Cassandra," he corrected. And she felt her skin light on fire. They followed his limping form to a grand double-doorway. Oliver
"Oh, Cassandra," she hissed. "Of course. So glad you had a chance to had always been tall and muscular. She'd never seen him this thin and
learn her name while you were pawing her!" broken. Anger crowded her chest, suffocating her lungs. She hadn't
He stepped into her, crowding her against the wall. "Well, maybe if thought Theo capable of this kind of cruelty.

445 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 450

 "Look at me when you come." you had spent less time purring in his ear and letting his hands grope your
Her eyes fluttered open to find his gaze burning into her. "Please," he ass—"
mouthed, swirling her clit. "I did no such thing—"
Her eyes rolled back. "—then we wouldn't be in this situation—"
"You're a fucking dream, do you know that?" "I was close to winning him over, and it's your fault we were interrupted!
"Draco—" Maybe you can invite him by the Manor so I can finish the job—"
He swallowed the words, his mouth hot and sloppy. He gripped her upper arms, pressing her to the wall. "You're not going
He sped up his fingers, testing what worked for her, but it seemed like within a mile of him ever again." His eyes flashed, and she felt his breath
everything worked for her because she was coiling tighter and tighter to on her face.
the point where the string inside would snap and shatter her. "If you even look at that girl again, I'll—"
She sucked in a tight breath, and Draco pulled back to watch her face. He kissed her, fierce and biting. Her hands grabbed for his waist,
"Oh god oh god oh god—" digging her nails into his robes as his tongue pushed into her mouth. She
"Come on, Granger. Just like that." fought him back, gasping and diving between his lips.
The rhythm of his fingers didn't slow, jerking quickly over her clit, and Her arms were free for only a moment before his hands slid around
just as she started to moan she forced her eyes open like he'd asked. her back, dragging her closer. She rose on her toes and threaded her
She came with Draco's dark grey gaze burned into hers, memorizing fingers through his hair, using her teeth and tongue to pour her anger into
her like he'd never have the chance again. Her body snapped, her fingers his mouth.
tearing at his shirt, her knees buckling as he held her through it. Tearing his lips from hers, he grazed his teeth down her jaw, gasping
Her breath was hot against his lips as she gradually steadied herself. for air against her neck and sucking sin into her skin. She moaned as his
She took deep breaths as her legs returned to her, and he carefully kissed hands slid down over the silk, rucking it up her hips and cupping her
her once. backside. There was nothing between her skin and his greedy fingers but
"Has anyone else ever touched you like that?" he whispered. She the lace of her knickers — something that must have delighted him,
blinked at him, and he quickly shuttered, remembering himself. "Sorry. because he started kneading his fingers into her cheeks, groaning low in
That doesn't matter—" his throat.
"No," she said hoarsely. "Just you." She bit the lobe of his ear, and his hips snapped forward, pinning her
Draco swallowed. He slowly removed his hand from her knickers, and to the wall, his hands still on her arse. "Fuck." She could feel him hard and
held her hips, staring down at her like there was more to say. heavy on her stomach.
Tap, tap, tap. Her body was coiling, searching for something. Something he could
They both jumped. The rest of the world came back to her in a flash give her.
of light and color, unsteadying her. But he paused, ceasing all kneading and grinding. She dragged his
Draco turned to the window. A beautiful black owl was pecking at the face back to hers, kissing his jaw, his cheek, until she found his lips again.
glass. He glanced at her before moving to open the pane. He grabbed the He breathed harshly into her mouth, like he was trying to control himself,
letter and tossed a treat to the owl before ripping it open. to hold back.
Blood rushed through her ears as she watched him read, waiting. She didn't want him to.
"It's from Theo." His mouth pressed in a hard line. "He wants a chat Her fingers slid across his collar and pried the first button of his shirt
as soon as possible." He looked up at her. "With both of us." open. He pulled his face from her neck, his eyes black as they locked on
Hermione staggered, the full weight of the night's events returning to hers. She licked her lips and popped the second button open. His fingers
her. "Now?" she rasped. "Will we go now?" squeezed her backside again.

449 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 446

 He stared down at her, eyes curious and on fire. Studying her. "Granger. Fuck."
The jealousy that had fueled her seconds ago calmed, and she She slipped her hand between them, not entirely sure what to do, but
suddenly felt very aware of his body against hers, the closeness of his taking a few educated guesses. When her fingers slipped over his trunks
fingers to her core. He was asking her, waiting for her to tell him what she and cupped the bulge of him, his eyes fluttered closed.
wanted. "Fuck. Merlin, fuck me."
She bit her lip, and when she popped the next button, his breath He grabbed her wrist, holding her hand on himself as his hips jerked
caught, eyes flickering. She blushed. "Maybe not—not everything, but… against her. She held very still and watched in amazement as Draco
more?" Malfoy rode her palm like it was the most exquisite pleasure he'd had in
He nodded, mouth parted in awe, and bent to kiss her again. She his life.
wrapped her arms around his shoulders, pressing her chest to his. As he His lips covered hers, moaning long and low into her throat as he
kissed her — slower, with a simmering fire — his hands glided around her thrust against her and squeezed her breast. She whimpered, throbbing
backside to her hips, following the lace of her knickers. She sighed as his and aching and riding the high of his pleasure.
thumbs brushed her bare stomach. Just as she wondered if she should be doing more, his body seized, and
His tongue danced with hers, and his fingers inched upward, skating a sigh poured from his lips. His cock twitched under her hand, and she
toward her ribs. Her thighs pressed together, aching for his leg between felt his come seeping through the fabric of his trunks.
hers, but too afraid to ask. His warm hands sent shivers across her skin, She stared wide-eyed at him, her veins singing and her skin vibrating.
and her breasts pulled into peaks, begging. His eyes were screwed shut, his lips carved in a delicious "o." He slowly
The first brush of his fingers on the swell under her breasts had them caught his breath, and before he even opened his eyes, he was muttering,
both moaning. Both hands rounded her outer curves, slipping between "I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have…"
them under the silk of her dress. Her knees buckled when his thumbs He wasn't allowed to run away. Not this time. Not when she was still
found her nipples, brushing softly — as if something inside of her had suspended between his pleasure and hers.
melted and liquified, rushing south. His eyes flew open, and he released her wrist. "I'm sorry—"
His thumbs rolled and circled, his mouth moving to her neck, "Touch me," she begged. "Please."
groaning in time with the steady thrusts of his hips against hers. Her His gaze focused. He gaped at her, taking in her eyes, her lips, her
breath was ragged, panting quickly and gasping his name without her heaving chest.
permission. "Draco, please. Don't stop."
Firmer strokes from his thumbs. Her breasts filling his fingers. Harder His hand left her chest, sliding down to the lace around her hips,
pumps of his hips. dipping to her drenched center.
The entire world could burst in on them now, and she would ignore it. "Oh fuck," he moaned. He rubbed her just a little. Nowhere near
She needed this. He needed this. enough.
Her arms slid from his neck to his belt. He cursed into her neck when "Please—"
she unbuckled him, pulling his face back to press their foreheads together. His fingers slipped beneath the lace. Her hands jumped to his elbows,
"Granger…" Her shaking fingers unbuttoned him. He paused. "You don't clutching him as she swayed. He ran a long finger through her soaked folds,
—" and it was so much better than her own. She bit her lip to keep quiet, but
She grabbed his retreating hand and dragged it back to her breast. when he found her clit, her legs shook and she cried out his name.
"Don't stop." She buried her head in his shoulder, knowing her face was twisting
His pupils were bottomless, eyes glazing over as he palmed her. His and pinching in pained pleasure. His free hand took her chin and guided
other hand gripped her hip, and she continued to pull his buttons apart. it back up to him.

447 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 448

 Lucius waltzed over with her, and with a firm shove, she tumbled into in confusion. She watched him read for a few moments, feeling her blood
Draco's lap. She braced for a fall, but Draco caught her, tugging around her begin to hum with the caffeine and her own nerves.
ribs. "Anything interesting?" she said, echoing how he tried to draw her
"Your whore is mouthy," Lucius spat. "Take her home and discipline attention last week.
her. Or I will." He sighed, not looking up. "Just a bit about magic ink. I think. I can't
He smoothed his robes and lifted a meaningful brow. be sure yet."
"Yes, Father." She came around to his side of the table and peered over his shoulder
With a final haughty glare at her, Lucius spun on his heel and swept to read what he was reading. He pointed out the translation, but she
from the Lounge. couldn't concentrate, too dizzy from his scent. She hummed when she
Draco quickly made to stand, but Hermione slipped her hands around needed to, leaning closer, keenly aware of her chest brushing against his
his shoulders and buried her face into his neck. She kissed his skin over arm.
and over until she felt muscles relax. Her heart pounded as she nuzzled She heard his throat click as he swallowed. But then he was standing,
closer, making her way up to his earlobe. "Please," she whispered, offering her his chair and Jones's key in favor of moving across the room.
"Remember the note." She watched him settle into the couch and pick up the reading she'd
It had taken her a full day to tell him. She had worried he'd be too started yesterday on Celtic magic.
nervous to take her to Edinburgh if he knew. When she'd finally come Hermione bit her lip and tried to restructure her plans. She wanted
clean, he'd simply plucked the note from her with a scowl, dismissing her him to know she was still interested. Perhaps she needed to be blunt about
theories with a disinterested hum. it. She pretended to translate for five minutes before setting her journal
Perhaps he was still angry about it. Maybe that's why he'd gone so stiff. aside and walking to the couch.
After several more painful moments, he finally shifted. He curled an "Mm?" he hummed into his book when he felt her presence in front of
arm around her waist and pulled back to hold her chin with the other. him.
"You'll be good?" he said, loud enough for the boys to overhear. "No more Hermione bent at the waist, steadied her hands on his shoulders, and
misbehaving?" pressed her lips to his. His lips softened under hers, and his book snapped
She nodded eagerly and leaned forward to kiss him. He caught her closed. She pulled back and looked into his eyes as they flitted across her
jaw and lifted his brows. face.
"Will you?" he prompted. "Yes?" He smiled.
She cast her eyes down and licked her lips for the boys. "Yes, sir." "I was just thinking… we could use… a break?"
There was chuckling and catcalling, and then Draco brought her His grin widened. "Oh?"
mouth to his. She shifted in his lap as she kissed him, crossing her legs as "Um, yes." She took a deep breath and crawled into his lap, her legs
she scooted up his thighs. on either side of his thighs. His brows jumped, and the book was tossed
Her mind spun as his hand started to stroke her thigh. She needed to across the room as his hands landed on her hips. "We've both been
find a way to get back to Viktor. Perhaps she could ask Draco to— working rather hard, and I, um… I was thinking we could use… a little
"Ah! Some familiar faces." bit of… um…"
Draco froze underneath her, his tongue pausing in its exploration of She broke off, her cheeks heating, but he just smirked at her. She rolled
her mouth. She squeezed his shoulders and turned to see Viktor tipping her eyes and leaned in to kiss him again.
his head at the Slytherin boys. His arms wrapped around her back, dragging her closer. She'd worn
Pucey jumped up with a bright smile, shaking hands with him as her denims ever since Lucius had last scolded her, but now she was
Montague and Flint followed suit. She remembered how friendly the regretting that her legs couldn't widen like she wanted them to.

483 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 460

 Draco kissed her lazily, unhurried. His hands roamed over her back "As it is," Lucius said lightly, "she is my son's slave. You will have to
and slid down to her hips, gliding down her thighs and rounding her speak with him about any trading." He turned abruptly to Grubov.
knees before retracing his path up. She threaded her fingers into his hair, "Minister, I hear you have begun the process of a Muggle-Born
pushing her tongue into his mouth and relishing the surprised groan that Registration. How is that coming along?"
tore from his throat. He squeezed her hips and pulled her closer. Hermione tried to keep up with the political discussion through her
She let her hands float down, tracing over the jumper and down his attempts to keep an eye on Viktor. The only times he would glance in her
chest. He tangled his tongue with hers as her fingers tugged at the hem, direction would be to let his eyes linger over her body.
slipping under to touch his bare skin. He sighed, and she let her palms After ten or so minutes of conversation, Lucius excused them and
skate over his skin. brought her over to meet the Japanese Minister, who was using a
Running into his Sectumsempra scars, she traced the zigzag up, across Translation Charm to speak with Mulciber. Hermione glanced at Cho,
his ribs and over the sharp angle under his heart. She kissed him as her but she too was avoiding eye contact.
fingers pressed into his muscles, enjoying the firmness of his stomach and In the far corner, Minister Cirillo was chatting with Yaxley, one hand
the hard edges of his ribs. on her drink and the other on Anna's backside. Hermione tried to follow
She pulled her mouth off of his and watched his eyes flutter open the conversation with the Japanese Minister, but she was too distracted,
slowly. "Off ?" she asked, tugging at the jumper. watching the Swiss girl shiver and twitch out of the corner of her eye.
His eyes flashed, and then he was sitting forward to pull it over his That was supposed to be her. And Lucius had thrown that girl into
head. His alabaster skin was so bright under the morning light, and her Cirillo's path instead. Her stomach twisted with guilt and relief as Cirillo
fingers were immediately drawn to all of his scars — Sectumsempra, the finally ended the conversation, took Anna by the elbow, and escorted her
acid curse from Dover, and a few others she didn't recognize. She wanted to a side door. She hardly had a chance to steady herself before Lucius
to ask — to make him explain each of them. But then he was leaning was grasping her by the elbow and saying his goodbyes.
forward to kiss her neck, tugging her chest to his and sucking on her Hermione kept her eyes downcast as he tugged her to the exit. She tried
throat. to find Viktor just before the door closed, but his back was turned to them.
Her eyes fluttered closed as his hand ran into her curls, pulling her The two of them strode down the hallway, Hermione dragging in her
neck open for him, his other squeezing her hip, encouraging her to roll heels. She waited until they were a safe distance from the guard before she
forward into him. She shifted her legs, and suddenly they were slotted whispered, "Why did you bring me in there?"
together. She gasped, and he moaned. Even through her denims and his "You were requested, Miss Granger," he muttered out of the side of
trousers, she felt him growing harder. She tried rolling her hips, and his mouth. "I could only put off Eleni for so long." They were almost at
Draco's teeth scraped down her neck. the end of the hall when he yanked her even closer. "Have you spoken
He chuckled into her skin. "The house-elves will stop us soon." with Viktor Krum since Hogwarts?"
She bit her lip to keep from mentioning that they probably wouldn't, She felt her skin prick, her breath stop. She had half-a-second to
now that she'd taken the potion. decide—
"Until they stop us then," she whispered back. And he grunted and "No. Not since fourth year."
squeezed her backside. She glanced up at him and found his lips pressed together, displeased.
"Fuck." And she noticed their pace quicken.
He pulled her lips back to his, and she let him devour her as she sighed They re-entered the Lounge, passing the gambling tables and crossing
from the delicious feeling of their hips coming together. Her hands ran efficiently to the couches where Draco and the boys sat. Draco's eyes
over his chest, loving the vast amount of warm skin at her disposal. She locked on them from the moment they stepped through the door, but he
wanted more. made no move to greet them or retrieve her.

461 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 482

no?" He rumbled a warm chuckle. "The views are much nicer here," he She pulled at her shirt, gathering it to tug off. Draco pulled back to
said just as Charlotte returned, offering drinks with a flutter of her lashes. watch her with heavy breaths and wandering eyes. Her hair fell
Hermione watched him take a drink from her with an unfamiliar leer. awkwardly over her face as it came loose, but just as she'd cleared her
He turned back to Lucius, eyes still skimming over Hermione's head as if vision, she felt his skin against hers as he pulled her toward him and
she wasn't there. turned them to lay her down on the couch.
This was the reason she couldn't miss tonight's party. It had to be. "Okay?" he breathed. She nodded.
"And every girl here is free for a private audience?" She'd only been under him once — on the chaise when they were
"Ah, the Silver Collars," Minister Grubov said, giving a tap to his interrupted. But there hadn't been this much skin. Now she could run her
neck. "The Gold Collars are negotiable. Is that right, Lucius?" hands over his bare back. She could push her breasts up against his chest.
"Most of them," Lucius said, with a small squeeze of her wrist. He covered her, crawling on top of her and kissing her neck as he
Hermione watched Viktor's eyes flicker to her and waited, her breath slotted their hips together. His lips trailed lower, over her clavicles,
shallow and mind dizzy. His eyes widened as he pointed at her. dropping kisses across the tops of her breasts. He paused, and she looked
"Is this the Granger girl? I heard she vos caught, but I did not know down to see his gaze concentrated on the scar over her heart from the
who took her." ritual that removed her virginity. He kissed it gently, and Hermione's
The Granger girl. Hermione could feel her heart pounding. knees curled up around his waist as something warm swirled low in her
"Yes." Lucius swirled his glass lazily. "She is my son's property." And stomach.
with a lilt of his voice and a tilt of his head, Lucius focused like a shark. "I He looked up at her, his lips over her chest, and she watched as his
believe you were acquainted with her during your time at Hogwarts?" mouth dragged lower until he hovered over her bra. She could feel his
Viktor smiled thinly. "She vos my date to the Yule Ball. Good for warm breath on her. She nodded, and Draco kissed her breast, his lips
appearances, but she stepped on my toes all night." He looked down at brushing across the thin lace covering her nipple.
her, letting his eyes trail over her skin. "I have not seen her in four years, Her chest arched up into him, and a whine poured from her lips as his
but she has certainly grown more attractive." fingers cupped her other breast. Her eyes squeezed shut as pressure built
It hadn't been four years. It had been one year, at Bill and Fleur's in her hips, urging her to shift under him as his thumb grazed her. Her
wedding. They had talked. They had almost danced. They'd kept in legs locked around his waist, trying to rub herself on him.
regular contact before then. She remembered his long letters, the summer Draco shifted up, removing his lips from her chest and kissing her
invitation she'd declined due to O.W.L.s. mouth. He pushed his length against her core, and she hissed, "Yes."
Viktor was trivializing their relationship on purpose. He did it again and asked, "It feels good?"
"In fact, I vould very much like to… negotiate for her. Tonight." His "Don't stop. Please don't—"
eyes were liquid as they roved her body. "She vos, how do you say… a He kissed her and started grinding his body into hers. The hand on
good girl before. I vos not allowed to touch." her breast tugged down her bra cup and began rolling her nipple. She
Lucius paused, and Hermione held her breath as he calculated. "I'm gasped into his mouth, squeezing her knees around his waist.
afraid she's highly requested, Mr. Krum. You'd have to get in line." His hips found a pace that dragged the denim over her core just right,
Minister Grubov laughed, and Lucius joined him. and her hips jumped to meet his on every thrust.
Lucius's eyes flicked to the door, and Hermione followed them to see a "Want you to come, Granger," he panted against her lips. "Will you
Death Eater bringing in a thin brunette girl to Charlotte. The girl was come like this?"
shaking as Charlotte led her over to Minister Cirillo, her lips stretched in "I—I think so. Please—"
a strained smile. He pumped faster and faster, grinding his hips against her clit. Her
Anna. nails cut across his back, and her back arched, closer and closer.

481 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 462

 "What else?" he groaned. "What else do you need?"
"Just don't stop—"
"I can't—I'm gonna—Fuck—"
"Draco, please—"
His hand squeezed her breast, plucking at her nipple—
She listened to him grunt. Listened to the curses fall from his lips like
raindrops against her cheek. His hips grew erratic, grinding exactly where
she needed him. She was hovering over the edge of the cliff, just one
more step—

26
"Beautiful—fucking—fuck—"
His hips rolled into her once more. She shuddered, her jaw falling
open, her body coiling, her thighs shaking, and her cunt clenching. He
shivered and moaned, hips stilling as he came.
They caught their breaths. Hermione's fingers traced patterns into his
scalp, relishing the way his fine hair slipped through her fingertips. His
face was buried in her shoulder, panting into her skin. Letting her hands
drift down his neck and smooth over his back, she followed the curves of
his shoulder blades, mapping the knots in his spine and memorizing his
ribs as they expanded beneath her touch.
His hand was still on her breast, bare beneath his fingers from where
he'd pulled down her bra. And when his hand gave her an infinitesimal
squeeze — his thumb rolling over the peak of her — she was shocked to
learn that her body was still responding.

"V
He lifted his hand, pressing into the couch to hold himself up. He iktor!"
hovered over her, his eyes skating down her body, tracing her mouth, her Minister Grubov grabbed him by the shoulder. He was just as
exposed breast, her waist. She memorized him in return — the way his tall as she remembered, outfitted in smart, blood-red robes. He
hair fell forward over his forehead, the definition in his lean arms and kept the beard he'd grown when she'd seen him last. Adrenaline swept
chest, the color of his lips when they were kiss-bruised. through her veins as she took him in, her heart pumping so fast she was
Reaching up slowly, he pushed a curl away from her face. His fingers lightheaded.
ran down her neck and shoulder, and softly tugged her bra cup back into "Have you met Lucius Malfoy?"
place. He sat up, offering her his hands, and pulled her up. "No. I do not think I have had the pleasure to." Viktor extended his
They decided to freshen up, and meet back downstairs in an hour. The hand, and Hermione watched Lucius's shrewd eyes flicker over him
walk to their bedrooms was silent, but when he dropped her off at her door, before accepting his greeting.
she turned to him, wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pulled his "Mr. Krum." Lucius's other hand slithered around her ribs to grab her
lips to hers in a chaste kiss. She was pleasantly surprised to find how quickly opposite arm, keeping her tight to his side. "I was sorry to hear that the
his tongue slipped into her mouth and his hands grabbed her arse. international leagues have been suspended. My family and I so enjoyed
watching you play."
$ "So vos I. But I am thinking it vos the right time to turn to politics,

463 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 480

 Charlotte inclined her head in acceptance, and before she moved Kissing Draco Malfoy was like a drug — a potion to clear your mind
away, Dolohov slammed his glass down on her tray and grabbed a new and set fire to your skin. She thought maybe she could brew it, bottle it,
one. He sucked on his teeth. and keep it forever.
"So. I hear Lestrange keeps asking for reinforcements in Switzerland. He kissed her in the mornings before her first cup of coffee, doing
It's a shame she can't get that situation under control." He shook his head, more to her body than a full pot of caffeine.
then feigned a casual glance at Lucius. "Weren't you supposed to help her, He kissed her in the afternoons when he was bored with any
Lucius? With your golden 'political touch?'" translation that had no direct relation to the way her body moved or what
"Yes, well, unfortunately we can't all have your subtleties, Antonin. made her moan.
What was it that got you demoted back to checking on the Lots? Raping He kissed her in the evenings when they arrived at her bedroom door,
the Italian Secretary's wife?" Lucius sipped his scotch. pushing her up against the wall and letting his hands wander, sometimes
Dolohov sneered at him, lips parting— pulling her up to wind her legs around his hips.
"Now, is that Minister Grubov?" Lucius gestured to the man across the He liked her hair down, her jeans tight, and her bra blue lace.
room speaking to Yaxley. "I've been anxious to speak to him." He let her set their pace. The moment her fingers popped one of his
"Yes," Dolohov grumbled. "I'll introduce you—" buttons, her shirt was tugged off. If her hips rolled against his, suddenly
"I don't require an introduction from a half-blood. But thank you for the bulge in his trousers was grinding into her. But no matter what she
your generous offer." tried to communicate, her jeans stayed firmly on. She'd tried taking them
And without another glance in Dolohov's direction, Lucius was off herself once, but he'd stilled her hands. Before she could question it,
crossing the room with Hermione in tow. She was just recovering from the his tongue was back in her mouth, drawing moans from her lungs.
whiplash of the past few minutes when she was suddenly being They were running their hands over each other on Friday, her fingers
introduced to a new Minister. drifting to the front of his trousers, wondering if maybe she should try to
Her eyes cast around the room as Lucius spoke to Grubov. She unbutton him today, when a rap-rap-rap sounded from somewhere.
listened to conversations, watched interactions, but very little was useful, She pulled her mouth off his neck and looked around. Draco went still
as they all seemed determined to stick to pleasantries. She wondered who underneath her.
had slipped her the note, and for what purpose. Did they know she would Rap-rap-rap.
be requested in the Burgundy Room tonight? Or was she now missing out It sounded as if someone was knocking on the library doors.
on the important interaction in the Lounge because of Lucius? Hermione straightened her top and scrambled off the chair she'd been
"Ah! Here he is," Grubov said, clapping his hands together. "You straddling him in. Draco followed suit, smoothing out his shirt as he
found a fireplace?" quickly crossed to the door. She stood behind him as he pulled it open,
"I did," said a deep voice. "Many apologies for my lateness. I vuz and Narcissa Malfoy stood there patiently, a vision in lavender.
needing to make a call." "Mother," he croaked.
Hermione turned, following the sound of the familiar voice up to a "Hello, darling. Hermione." She nodded to both of them and stepped
broad chest, thick shoulders, and face of dark stubble. through the door. "You'll excuse my caution, but I've heard that it's best to
Viktor Krum clapped the shoulder of the Bulgarian Minister and knock before entering a closed-door room nowadays."
nodded at Lucius Malfoy, barely glancing at Hermione. Hermione's cheeks flamed. Draco coughed. "Er, I'm not sure why—"
"Vut did I miss?" "Oh, nonsense. I remember being your age and having the whole
Manor to ourselves." She smiled sweetly at her son. Draco swallowed,
looking quite grey.
"Mother, please don't—"

479 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 464

 "I came to invite you both to dinner tonight. I know you usually go to "Oh, I'm sure that's a possibility," he said lightly. "But I must warn
Edinburgh on Fridays, but perhaps I can tempt you to stay home and visit you,"—he chuckled—"she's awful with her mouth."
with your father and me?" Hermione blinked once. Twice. She flushed in embarrassment.
"Father is home as well?" Draco ran an anxious hand through his hair. "For all that talk, she's not a quick learner." Lucius looked her over
"I… yes I suppose—" disdainfully. "She may be pleasant to look at, but she's not my first
"Excellent," Narcissa said, her mouth twitching. "I'll see you both this choice."
evening then." Cirillo laughed and let her eyes wander down her body. "That's quite
She gave Draco a quick peck on the cheek and excused herself, alright. I prefer to use my own mouth. Isn't that right, Charlotte?"
bidding them goodbye. They moved to a table further inside the library Charlotte appeared just next to them with her tray. Her eyes flickered
and spent the rest of the day focusing on their translations, leaving the before her lips curved in a demure smile.
doors propped open wide. It was too risky to pick up where they'd left off "Well, the Mudblood might be good for something, then," Lucius
when his parents were both home, wandering the halls. lilted, grabbing the offered glass of scotch. "I'll talk to my son and see
Dinner was a strange affair. Narcissa deflected all questions about when is best for him."
her visit with Bellatrix, favoring small talk instead. Halfway through "Good luck with that, Eleni," a dark, raspy voice said. Hermione
their first course, Lucius decided to begin drilling Hermione on the looked up to see Dolohov strutting over to them. "You won't get the
cutlery on the table, quizzing her on their names and purpose as Malfoy heir to part with her for a night." He sipped from his glass and
Narcissa glared at him. Draco was mostly silent, apparently stared at her over the rim. "His son is quite… particular about the
preoccupied with drinking more wine than she'd ever seen him drink Mudblood."
before. At the end of dinner, Hermione excused herself back to her Lucius stood very still next to her.
room, casting a quick look in his direction. He glanced away, and she "Particular?" Cirillo asked.
supposed that meant that they wouldn't be snogging outside their "Mm. Perhaps I should say… taken with." Dolohov turned his eyes on
bedrooms anymore. Lucius.
They continued their translations over the next few days without any "I'd be careful about what you're implying, Antonin. My son has
incident. But the following Wednesday, there was a headline in the paper refused to Share her with you on my orders." His lips curled." I'd rather
about a military initiative in Switzerland. Bellatrix was on the front of not have her return to us diseased."
the Prophet in a black ensemble, looking quite the role of a murderous Dolohov looked like he wanted to respond, but bit his tongue.
general. Lucius had left the previous day. When Hermione asked Narcissa Lucius turned back to Cirillo. "I'll be happy to consult Draco. But in
about it over breakfast, she sipped her tea and said, "Lucius has it under the meantime, Eleni, have you met Anna?"
control." But her smile was tight. Hermione hoped to get answers from Cirillo raised a brow. "Anna?"
Draco later, but as soon as they reached the library, he pulled away. "I "A new Carrow Girl. Captured in Switzerland just last week. I'd
don't know any more than you do, Granger," he clipped, before turning to planned to ask for her myself tonight, but one mustn't be greedy around
his translations. their guests..." He chuckled, and the sound felt like knives in Hermione's
They went to Edinburgh that Friday, but Draco was distracted. Theo chest.
was back, his face pinched and pale. Cassandra sat quietly in his lap, "Hmm," said Cirillo, her interest clearly piqued. "I'd be interested to
unusually demure. At dinner, Draco snapped at anyone who tried to ask meet her."
about Switzerland. When they went downstairs to the Lounge, it was "Charlotte," Lucius called out, and she approached. "Be a dear and
practically empty — only a few Carrow Girls with trays serving a handful fetch Anna for the Minister this evening. I think she's precisely what Eleni
of men at the gambling tables. is looking for."

465 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 478

 Lucius turned down a long hallway to the left, and she walked quietly Draco tugged her out into the courtyard, following the other boys and
by his side, her heart hammering in her ears. They turned a corner into whispering an apology in her ear. Before she could ask what for, a wave of
another room where a small crowd was gathered, voices low and glasses sound hit her — a swell of jeering and yelling. Her heart seized with
clinking. Lucius stepped through them, greeting his friends and associates. terror at the thought of another One O'Clock Gun, but Draco gripped
Their gazes lingered over her body, but they made no mention of her. her elbow tightly as he led her forward, and a peek through the packed
They approached the wooden door, and Lucius turned to the guard. A crowd allowed her to take in her first view of Seamus Finnigan since the
quick Detection Spell, and the door opened for them. Auction. He was beaten and bloody, brawling with another male Lot. She
Hermione stepped into a dimly lit room filled with cozy fireplaces and tried to clear her mind, but she could only watch in horror as Seamus
low-lit sconces. There were twenty or so people in the room. She spied pounded his fist into the other person repeatedly, the crowd's cheers
Yaxley and Dolohov speaking to the Spanish Minister, Santos, and ringing in her ears. Seamus tugged the boy's head up by the hair, and
someone who must be his wife. Avery sat in a comfortable chair, speaking before he slammed his fist into his nose, Hermione recognized Justin
lowly with an Asian man. A bodyguard stood just to his side. Charlotte Finch-Fletchley beneath the blood. They left soon after, as the crowd
looked up from where she was exchanging empty glasses, her eyes quickly whooped at Seamus's victory.
passing over Hermione before looking away. And across the room, She managed to make it to the Apparition Point before she began
Minister Cirillo from Greece stood with Mulciber. Cho Chang hung off crying. Draco held her as the wind whipped around them, his knuckles
his arm with a light smile, not sparing her a glance. brushing her tear-stained cheeks. The next morning, he flatly refused to
Cirillo's eyes landed on them, and her lips split into a smile, revealing let her go to the library, insisting she had to spend the day practicing her
perfectly straight teeth. "Lucius, darling. I was hoping you'd come." Occlumency. To her annoyance, she agreed.
Lucius tugged her by the elbow to cross the room. Cirillo met them in The following week flew by. There was a triumphant, though
the middle. heavily censored, article about Switzerland in the Prophet on Monday.
"Eleni," he greeted. "I promised, didn't I?" They kissed cheeks. She and Draco worked in the library together most mornings after
"Still. Antonin tells me you do not visit often." she'd spent an hour Occluding. Both of them were almost through
"You must know how I loathe this castle. Built by Muggles." He their second journals. And though it was fewer and farther between,
sneered as he glanced around at the walls, then rolled his shoulders back. Draco still would find a reason to request her assistance in the back of
"But of course, when I'm not needed out of the country, I'm willing to the library, pulling her close to him and working his hands under her
stop by. Provided you're in town, Madam Minister." shirt.
Cirillo winked at him, and her eyes drifted over Hermione. "So you Lucius finally returned on Thursday, and it seemed like a weight had
brought her. Your son's prize." lifted from Narcissa's shoulders. Hermione took it as an encouraging sign.
Lucius laughed and stroked her cheek with a single finger. Hermione Unfortunately, Lucius' presence also meant that Draco stopped finding
froze, fighting the urge to jerk away. "She's more of a family prize, I'd excuses to touch her in the library or kiss her goodnight. By the time she
say." was getting ready for Edinburgh on Friday, Hermione was talking herself
"Precisely what I was hoping to hear," Cirillo purred. She stepped into out of taking a bath to… unwind.
Hermione without permission, tracing her lips with her fingertips, Pansy had sent her a champagne-colored slip dress with matching
touching her hair. As if she was inspecting cattle. heels that morning. The dress had thin straps and a short hem, and
"Truly exquisite," she murmured. She turned back to Lucius. "Surely sliding into the silky fabric didn't help her current state one bit. The dress
you can part with her for a few hours?" Hermione felt her chest grow was cool on her overheated body, and her breasts stood out plainly against
tight, suffocating her lungs. If it weren't for Lucius's grip on her elbow, she the draping silk. She carefully applied her makeup, snapped on her collar,
might have stumbled backward. and met Draco downstairs.

477 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 466

 As usual, his drifting eyes liquefied her, his gaze curving over her hips letting his fingers trail over her thighs. Hermione fought the urge to melt
and breasts, sliding down her legs, and trailing up to her collarbones and into him. She'd promised herself she wouldn't lose her head in the
neck. Lounge again. She could maintain appearances without winding herself
She sent him a smirk and said, "Shall we?" up. If she and Draco wanted to touch each other, they could do so at
He seemed to snap out of his trance, stepping forward to take her home. She needed to stay alert for whatever she could not miss at this
elbow and guide her out the front doors. They got down the front steps, party.
onto the drive, and out the gate before he tugged her to the side and Following the boys down to the Lounge, Hermione kept an eye out,
descended upon her lips. She squeaked as he pushed her against the stone not letting Draco's hand on her waist distract her from her mission. She
wall, his tongue in her mouth and his hands roving her back, her waist, sat in his lap, taking a glass of champagne offered by a Carrow Girl and
her hips. Her laughter died in her throat, and she kissed him back fiercely, searching the room. But alert as she was, she still was totally unprepared
throwing her arms around his neck. He groaned and squeezed her arse, for a shadow to cross over them, and a voice to lilt, "Come with me,
the silk riding up her cheeks. His fingers slid beneath to palm her Mudblood."
backside, and she gasped as his hard length ground against her. She looked up into a pair of grey eyes, and she blinked to realize that
"Been thinking about your arse all week, Granger." Lucius Malfoy was at Edinburgh. Draco stilled underneath her before
She shivered, not from the October wind dancing over them, but from helping her scramble off his lap. He quickly stood with her.
his words, spinning delicious melodies in her ear. "Father."
His hands glided over her hips, fingers running along her spine "Son." He eyed him coolly. "It's time for your pet to see the Burgundy
beneath the silk of her dress. Room, wouldn't you say?"
"Do you know what I love about this dress?" Hermione gaped at him. The Burgundy Room was where the
She panted into his ear as his hands skated around her ribs, coming important discussions happened — where the dignitaries were taken. The
forward to cup her breasts. "What?" "other room." And Lucius Malfoy wanted to take her there? She was still
He brushed his thumbs over her nipples, filling his palms with her. reeling from the image of him being at Edinburgh, much less speaking to
"That I get to take it off you later." her publicly.
She moaned, a high-pitched whine. He kissed her deeply, rubbing his Draco coughed and gestured for his father to lead the way. Lucius
thumbs in soft circles. lifted a brow before grabbing Hermione's elbow with firm fingers and
And just as quick as it started, he was pulling back, his hands sliding turning to escort her to the thick door in the corner of the room. Draco
down her stomach. She caught her breath as he took her hand, threaded took two steps to follow, and Lucius spun back.
their fingers together, and dragged her to the top of the hill, "Don't bother, Draco. I'll take good care of her." His eyes flitted
Disapparating them. disdainfully over the Slytherin boys who were watching with rapt
The shock of Apparition cooled her off a bit, but there was something attention. "Play with your little friends."
curling deep inside of her as they walked beneath the howling werewolves Hermione's eyes widened and snapped to Draco. He was mouthing
and passed the leering guards. It was a silly thought: inconsequential, if something wordlessly, his face as white as a sheet. Before he could argue,
not irresponsible, given the circumstances. But it sent a thrill through her Lucius spun on his heel and dragged her away.
veins just the same. "I trust you know how to behave, Miss Granger," Lucius drawled once
Draco Malfoy wanted something from her that only she could give the doors had closed behind them.
him. She nodded, opening her mouth—
And as they greeted Charlotte, as his hand pressed to her lower back "That includes holding your tongue."
— his fingers inching lower than before — she relished that kind of She snapped it closed.

467 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 476

 With a delicious sound, he grunted, stilling as he came, spurting up power. That intoxicating feeling of being desired. Not by someone who'd
over her fist. He dragged her lips back to his, and she continued to pump just take from her. Someone who wanted her to give herself freely.
him slowly, feeling him twitch and pulse, intrigued by the way he softened. They spent some time in the Great Hall, with Draco shaking hands
He grabbed his shirt and cleaned her hand. And she suddenly and dodging questions about Switzerland. His left hand pulled her so
remembered that she was completely naked in Draco's bedroom. close against him, she was practically straddling his hip. When they finally
"Um, thanks. Or… not 'thanks,' but…" made their way up to the dining room, she felt Draco's hand drift lower as
He grinned up at her, his eyes drifting over her skin. they climbed the stairs. She batted his hand away with a wink.
Hermione swallowed. "Um, I should… get cleaned up." Harper opened the door for them, and her stomach swooped when
He nodded slowly, staring at her. They sat up, and he handed her dress she saw Flint back at the head of the table. His eyes lifted to them, but
to her. Her knickers were missing again, but she was too embarrassed to there was no snarky comment, no lingering gaze on Hermione's legs or
linger. She kissed him quickly, and scurried back to her room, leaning chest. He almost looked nervous.
back against the door and reliving the past hour. Draco greeted the boys, even patting Theo on the back, and took his
Her hands ran over her face, sliding down her cheeks and neck— seat at the head of the table. Hermione wound herself into his lap while
The collar was still on. Hermione winced at the realization. She he laughed at something Pucey had just said. His hand was on her leg as
unclasped it, ready to toss it across the room, when a thin scrap of paper soon as she was settled, pulling her body closer, and sliding up her thigh to
fluttered down to her feet. rest just below the short hem of her dress. She felt her skin flush, and
Her breath caught. When had someone passed her a note? Bending every time he brushed his thumb across her inner thigh, she felt her
swiftly, she snatched it up. stomach tighten.
"Marcus," Draco called out. "How was your holiday?"
Don't miss next Friday. The table quieted, waiting with bated breath.
Her heart pounding, eyes widening. What was going to happen next Flint swallowed, and looked down at his wine glass. "Fine. Weather
Friday? She ran her hand through her hair, wondering at what point in was perfect." He rolled his shoulders back and sent Draco a smirk. "Hope
her distraction had someone gotten close enough to slip a note into her you didn't miss me too terribly."
collar without her noticing. At some point in the evening, she'd lost Draco tapped his fingers on the table. "We hardly noticed you were
herself. Lost track of the game. gone." He reached for his glass and drank deeply, staring at him over the
She sank against the door, staring at the note. Taking a shaky breath as rim. The table was silent. Several boys followed suit and grabbed their
guilt overshadowed her euphoria. wine glasses.
There had been a palpable shift in power. The boys who usually
$
clamored around Flint for his attention or guidance were shifting their
The following weekend was Halloween. Hermione made sure there focus to Draco. There was no talk of Sharing her, no ribbing Draco for
would be no special plans prohibiting them from attending. A batch of his behavior. As the night dragged on, Flint sunk further and further into
fresh makeup had appeared in her bathroom, and Hermione painted her the background, his eyes flickering anxiously around the table.
lips and applied the shadow dutifully. Pansy had her in a long-sleeve black And throughout dinner, Draco kept his hand on her thigh, moving
lace dress, skin-tight, the hemline barely covering her backside. But at infinitesimally higher and higher. But when she glanced down, he was
least her chest was covered. It didn't stop Draco's wandering eyes, though. only an inch under the hem of her dress. She took calming breaths once
Or hands. she noticed his erection against her hip.
Dinner was a rambunctious affair, with the boys drinking spirits and When it was time for the Lounge, Hermione felt like she was about to
singing songs. Draco ruled over them all, smirking and enjoying himself, combust. Draco kept her close to his side, his hand wrapping around her

475 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 468

hip as they passed through the hallway. The Lounge was packed this time. but she couldn't think, let alone move, while he played with her. Her head
Draco dropped into the large chair he usually sat in, and she settled fell back, arching her chest toward his canopy, her knees curling toward
against him, curling her legs up into his lap. He took two glasses of her chest.
champagne from an offered tray, and once he'd handed her one, his free He curled his finger, dragging against her inner wall, and she
hand rested on her knee. whimpered as her cunt clenched, squeezing him in place while his thumb
Graham Montague sat on his left, chatting sports and memories of worked her clit.
Hogwarts days. He usually followed Flint like a puppy. His Carrow Girl She cried out his name, and he pressed their mouths together as she
straddled him and began kissing his neck, putting an end to his one-sided rode out her climax on his fingers.
conversation. He slowly pumped his finger into her as she relaxed, and then finally
There was nothing to distract her now from the humming in her skin. pulled away from her. She caught her breath and remembered her hand
Hermione remembered the day in the Manor library, her thighs on either on him — the hand that had pulled away and curled into a tight fist
side of Draco's hips — the way he couldn't keep his hands off her arse, against his chest when she came.
the sound of him moaning in her ear. She could feel eyes flicker to her Draco rolled to the side, laying on his back. She turned to him and
and Draco, and then away. The boys watching, weighing. trailed her hand down his stomach.
After a few heartbeats, she leaned in, pulling his earlobe between her He took her wrist gently. "You don't have to—"
lips. His hand squeezed her leg. She pressed a kiss to his pulse point. She "I want you to feel good too." His eyes closed, and she watched him
heard his voice tremble. Her hand slithered down his chest, trailing over swallow. She propped herself up on her elbow and leaned in to kiss his
his shirt buttons to rest lightly on his belt buckle. She heard his throat neck as her hand dipped lower. "Just… teach me what to do."
swallow. The hand on her thigh began skating across her skin. He groaned, clenching his jaw.
Shifting on his lap, she moved to straddle him, kissing his neck and She wrapped her fingers around him and stroked slowly, tentatively,
steadying herself on his shoulders. His hands jumped to her hips — just watching his brows pull together. She looked down, and was momentarily
like she knew they would — and the soft gasp from his lips when she fascinated by the way her hand moved around him. And… it seemed he
settled her core against the bulge in his trousers made her head spin. She had nothing to be embarrassed about after all.
pushed her chest forward, letting her breasts graze him, and one of his "Is this—"
arms wrapped around her back. His hand pressed between her shoulder "Tighter."
blades, and his fingers twisted in the ends of her hair. She bit her lip and followed instructions. His eyes remained firmly
She could barely move like this — plastered to his front, the hand in closed, and his lips parted as he breathed harshly.
her hair tugging her head back. Her throat was open to him, and as his "Faster?"
hand glided down to her backside, his lips descended on her neck. She "Yes. Fuck."
moaned softly, and felt his cock twitch between her legs. She sped up her hand and pressed herself closer, kissing his
Her hands slid up to his hair, holding him close. He sucked at his collarbones like he'd done for her. His hips jumped, and she watched his
favorite spots, the places he'd discovered that made her groan and gasp. stomach muscles tense and release. He pressed a hand over his face.
The hand on her arse massaged her over her silk dress, pulling her hips "What's wrong?" she breathed into his shoulder.
into his as the other hand held her chest and neck close. His teeth grazed His chest heaved for air, and he licked his lips. "I'm gonna come."
her pulse, and she tried to shift her hips against his. She pushed forward to kiss his lips. One hand wrapped in her hair, the
She could hear the sounds of glasses clinking, of boisterous voices and other shifted down to cover her hand, showing her a pace he liked, and
low music. The purr of a Carrow Girl in her ear as fingers brushed across encouraging her to twist her wrist a certain way. He moaned when she did
her shoulders, offering more champagne. But it all vanished like sound in it on her own, and cursed while his hips jumped to meet her hand.

469 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 474

 "Does that feel 'small,' Granger?" a vacuum when Draco splayed his hand on the base of her spine, rolling
She shook, failing to keep her laughter at bay. "I don't really know. I her hips forward at his own pace.
haven't seen it yet—" A tight whine escaped her throat. And suddenly the hand tugging at
He sat up and ripped his belt from his trousers. Laughing, she tried the ends of her hair jumped to cup her jaw, sliding into the hair behind
helping him with his buttons, but he batted her hands away, still looking her ear, and pulling her face to his — kissing her.
murderous. Which made her laugh harder. Hermione gasped in surprise, her eyes shooting open to find Draco's
Once unbuttoned, he pressed himself back down on top of her and closed in bliss. Kissing her at Edinburgh.
kissed her breathless. She ran her hands over his ribs, drifting lower and Letting her lashes flutter shut, she sighed into his mouth as his tongue
lower until she was brushing her fingers against his trunks. He groaned dove into her. Her arms draped over his shoulders, and her hips began
and rolled his hips forward, sucking on her bottom lip. undulating against his. Her breasts brushed his chest softly with every roll
She pushed his trousers down past his hips and reached for the elastic of her body, and the cold silk teased her nipples.
of his trunks. He pulled his mouth from hers and dropped his forehead to He was fully hard in his trousers now, something she could feel with
her shoulder, breathing harshly against her skin. She reached inside and every snap of their hips. His mouth nipped at her, and his tongue pulled
lightly wrapped her fingers around him. moans from her throat.
He shivered and groaned tightly. She pulled back to catch her breath, and before her mind came back
The skin was warm and smooth. She tried trailing her fingertips along to her body, he was standing, saying his goodbyes, and dragging her
him softly, and Draco mumbled something into her neck. He drew a toward the fireplaces. She stumbled behind him in her heels, trying to
sharp breath, and then his hand returned to her core. steady herself.
Her head tilted back, shifting her hips against his hand. His fingers In a puff of green smoke, they stepped through to his bedroom, and
trailed down to her entrance, and slowly he pushed one finger inside. she reached for him at the same time his hands lifted her by the waist,
She gasped, her hand stilling and her leg curling up to his hip. "Oh—" carrying her to his bed. Her breath caught as he dropped her on the edge
He lifted his head and kissed her again, pushing further into her. of the mattress, her mind catching up. They were on a bed and he was
"Okay?" hard and she was wet and they were on a bed.
"Yes. Sure. I mean, it's good—" He took her face in his hands, bending down to kiss her quickly.
She stopped her stammering when he withdrew and pushed into her "Whatever you want. We'll do as much as you want."
again, slowly filling her. She nodded, relieved that he'd read her mind, and let him push her
He cursed, and started kissing her neck again. He twisted his hand, back on the mattress, shifting her across the middle of it. He crawled over
and then his thumb was at her clit. her, kissing her deeply and sliding his hand over her waist. Threading her
Hermione let her eyes flutter shut, brushing soft fingers across his cock fingers in his hair, she kissed him back, losing her breath in him.
and shifting her hips against him. His fingers picked up their pace, His hands started rucking up her dress, pushing the silk over her hips,
rubbing and thrusting faster and firmer. She could feel the strain that had making good on his promise from a few hours before. She kicked off her
been building since he kissed her outside the Manor gates swelling inside heels, and he met her eyes as he dragged the silk up over her breasts,
her. Her free hand twisted in the bedding, stretching out, reaching. gaining her permission with her short nod. She helped him pull it over
Her breath stuttered in her chest, her walls fluttering — so close. her head, and then she was down to her knickers on Draco Malfoy's bed.
"Fuck." Draco panted harshly against her jaw. "Felt that." She flushed. He shifted his knees to slot between hers, and then he was kissing her,
"Gonna make you come all over my sheets, Granger." sucking a path down her neck.
His thumb swirled her clit, working her higher and higher as his lips Her eyes fluttered closed, and his lips and tongue trailed down to her
sucked at her neck. She realized her hand was still wrapped around him, breasts, sucking and licking at her as his hand rubbed her hip. She arched

473 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 470

her chest forward, pushing her nipple into his mouth as he teased it with seconds. She tried to stifle her gasp, but she knew he'd heard it when he
soft rolls of his tongue. smirked against her collarbone.
"Don't tease," she moaned, twisting beneath him. Gently, he pushed her thigh open, bending her knee to the mattress.
And then he sucked on her, drawing a strangled gasp from her lips as When his hand returned to her center, she could feel everything. Every drag
he pinched her other breast between his fingers. of his fingertips. Every brush of his knuckle. His fingers slid down, and
He kissed each rib on his path down her stomach, over her she felt him pressing against her entrance.
bellybutton. His hand smoothed over her thighs, opening her wide even "Fuck."
as she ached to rub them together. Draco kissed the lace band of her She jumped. "What?"
knickers. He shook his head and kissed her ear, dragging his fingers up to her
Her eyes shot open. clit, swirling her. Her hips shifted. "Gonna make you come, Granger."
He kissed the inside of her thigh, and she bit her lip, her legs tensing She worried her bottom lip between her teeth and nodded her head.
and trying to close. And then he was kissing her mouth again, lips and tongue insistent,
Did he really want to… do that? She wasn't sure— distracting her. She sighed and arched her back when he found a rhythm
He looked up, his eyes black and locked on hers. And before she could she liked, increasing the pressure from his fingers. Her hips shifted, and
blink, he was moving back up, kissing her stomach and throat until his she felt his cock against her, still hard in his trousers.
mouth found hers again. Her eyes shot open as he groaned into her mouth and rolled his hips
She sighed and ran her hands down his shirt. She was halfway down forward again. She should be doing something, yes? She should be
his chest when his mouth pulled away. touching him back?
"Can I touch you again?" She turned on her side and reached up to wrap her arm around his
She nodded. "Yes." She tugged at his shirt. "Take this off." neck, kissing him back and pressing their bare chests together. He grunted
He sat up and fumbled with the buttons, his eyes drinking her in as she into her mouth and nipped her lip, adjusting his fingers between her legs.
lay prone on his mattress. Once his shirt was off, he lowered himself to Her hand slithered down his chest, and she hooked her fingers into his
her side and ran his hand down her stomach. belt.
"Can I take these off ?" His hand left her core and grabbed her wrist. She pulled back and
She bit her lip and nodded. His eyes darkened, and then he was rolling looked up at him.
her knickers down her thighs, helping her kick them off. Then his hand "It's okay, Granger," he breathed. "Just lay back—"
held her hip as he settled on her right side. "Draco." She frowned up at him. "Let me touch you."
He stared down at her body for a moment that lasted forever, and she He hesitated. And she quirked a brow, feeling devious.
felt her heart pound, her face flushed with embarrassment and arousal. "Are you embarrassed?" she asked innocently.
Then his hand moved to her center, and she turned her eyes on the His brows pulled together. "No, why would you—"
ceiling as his fingers dragged through her folds. He pressed his lips to her She opened her mouth, then closed it. She shrugged.
clavicle, kissing lightly as his fingers explored her. His eyes turned deadly. "What would I have to be embarrassed about,
She didn't know what to do with her hands. She let her left just lay at Granger?"
her side and her right slid under his waist, wrapping around his back. She chewed on her lip, biting back a grin. "I've heard boys can be
"Is this… am I alright?" she whispered. rather embarrassed about their… size. But I'm sure you're good at other
He hummed into her neck and dipped his fingers between her folds. things—"
"You're perfect." He tore her hands from his body and pinned them to the bed, rolling on
She bit her lip and closed her eyes, letting Draco find her clit within top of her. He growled and ground his hips into her, scowling down at her.

471 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 472

 "Nothing." Pansy shrugged. "It was blank." Slytherins had been with the Durmstrang students — it made sense that
Hermione spun around to her again — Pansy sighed — and lifted her they would greet each other warmly. The arm around her waist tightened.
tattoo to Pansy's eyes. "Was the ink he signed in like this? Black with gold Draco made no move to stand.
mixed in?" "Krum! About bloody time you joined us at Edinburgh," Flint said,
Pansy shook her head. "He signed in blood." with a clap to his shoulder. "Where the hell have you been?"
Like a clock striking midnight, the pieces clicked into place. Viktor's eyes flicked to the hand on him, and Flint quickly pulled it
Blood magic. away. "I am in government now. Undersecretary to Minister Grubov."
She stared off, letting her mind work. "And how do you like it?"
She'd need blood magic to lock the mouse in. That's why the tattoos Krum shrugged. "Vell enough, though the Mudbloods have been
hadn't bound properly to the barrier. But she'd missed more than that. troublesome. Evidently they do not like our new laws."
There was a potion component as well. Flint and Pucey chuckled, and Viktor smiled. Hermione could feel
"Oh goody," Pansy drawled. "Do I have the pleasure of watching the Draco's slow and steady breaths against her side, his ribs expanding and
brightest mind of my age work through a problem?" contracting in controlled movements. Her eyes slid to the side and found
Hermione grabbed her sleeve. "You're sure it was just the potion and both Blaise and Giuliana staring at her and Draco. They quickly glanced
the signature? There was no dark spell cast on your arm?" away.
Pansy shook her off with a scowl. "That's all." She forcibly turned "Speaking of Mudbloods!" Pucey clapped his hands together in glee.
Hermione's head to face the mirror again. "Did you see your old girlfriend is here?" He pointed to her and sat on the
"But—" Hermione furrowed her brow. "But I didn't drink a potion. I couch, scooping Mortensen into his lap to allow Viktor to sit beside him.
woke up in the Ministry and was already tattooed." Viktor took a seat, finally turning his eyes on the two of them. "I did.
"They injected you," Pansy said. And then: "Probably. I know a lot of She has grown up a lot."
the girls in the cell were knocked out when they brought them in, and "An improvement, I'd say." Pucey leered at her as he skimmed his
they were already tattooed as well." hand over Mortensen's thighs.
"But they kept you awake?" "Mmm." Viktor took a drink from a passing Carrow Girl. "Malfoy," he
Pansy met her eyes in the mirror and swiftly looked away. "They wanted greeted with a nod. "You are happy with her, no? She has learned tricks
me to watch as they took it all away. No magic, no bloodlines… Just since school days?"
property." "I'll say she has," Flint said under his breath. Montague laughed.
Pity pulled tightly at her ribs. She swallowed. "They?" "Krum," said Draco, a hard edge to his voice. "What brings you back
"Yaxley. And my father." to Britain?"
Pansy pocketed the wand, having finished with her curls, and reached "A few meetings vith your Minister Thicknesse. But ve are very glad to
into her other pocket for pins. Apart from her tightly-set jaw, there was no relax at Edinburgh for the night. Now." Viktor slapped his thighs. "Vere
indication that they were discussing anything unpleasant. do I get a girl to bounce on my knee?"
Hermione's voice was barely above a whisper as she asked, "Why were The boys laughed, and Pucey called over one of the waitresses to
you at the Auction, Pansy?" round up someone for Viktor Krum. Draco played with the ring on his
She twisted a section of her hair off her neck and gave a long- thumb, spinning circles. Hermione held very still, her brain working
suffering sigh. "One of life's great many questions." When Hermione furiously. Perhaps she could—
didn't respond, Pansy leaned forward to whisper into her ear. "You'll never "Malfoy." Viktor's eyes were intent as he leaned forward. Searching,
figure it out, Granger. I want you to go to your grave knowing that the almost, like they were when he played Quidditch. "I heard you bought
one riddle you couldn't crack was Pansy Parkinson." her for many Galleons."

506 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 484

 Hermione swallowed, and she heard Draco's jaw click. "I did." "Please. I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important. I answered your
"And? Vos she vorth the amount?" He chuckled as he reclined, and question."
the sound went through her like ice. Pressing her lips together, Pansy met her eyes in the mirror. After what
The question hung in the air as Draco leaned forward to grab his felt like a lifetime, she gave the slightest of nods.
drink, steadying her with his other hand. Resting his glass on his knee, he Hermione drew a slow breath. "I woke up with my tattoo already on
nodded. "Every Sickle." my arm. Did you? Or do you remember when it appeared?"
"Good, good." Viktor cleared his throat. "Vell, she vas not much of "Oh, I remember alright." Pansy's features darkened as she prodded at
anything four years ago. I vould like to see how she has changed." a finished curl.
A stilted silence amongst the boys. Hermione could only hear the Hermione's heartbeat quickened. "Do you remember anything about
thump of the music. the spell they used?"
Viktor's brow creased. "That is… I vould appreciate the chance to visit She twisted another wayward curl around the wand and frowned. "I
vith her privately." don't remember a spell. Just the potion and the parchment."
"That's out of the question," Draco drawled. Hermione felt her skin prick. Every hair on her arms stood on end.
She pinched the skin of his neck. She needed to speak to Viktor. "What kind of potion?"
He didn't flinch. "Well gee, Granger, when I was allowed to examine it, my findings
"Ah. I see I am being impolite." Viktor managed an unsettled smile. were inconclusive—"
"Of course if there is the question of price—" "You drank a potion?" Hermione turned to her, tugging her curls
Pucey leaned into Viktor's ear and loudly whispered, "He's not one to away from Pansy's fingertips. "You're sure?"
share, Krum." Flint snorted, then quickly stared into his drink. Pansy scowled at her. "Yes, Granger. I'm positive I remember having
"You let Theo use her as a Lap Warmer," Montague piped in. "Surely my jaw pried open."
Viktor Krum—" "No, I mean…" She tried to gather her racing thoughts. "Was it mint-
"I lost her in a bet. Fair and square." Draco's eyes were hard as he flavored? Did it suppress your magic?"
sipped his Firewhisky. "I felt my magic leave me, yes, but it wasn't minty like the Suppressant
"I am happy to bet my gold for a smaller prize. I vould very much like Potion. It tasted like ink."
it," he said, with another intent look at her, "to have Herm-own-ninny as
a Lap Varmer."
Hermione blinked at her, then looked down to the D.M. on her arm.
Ink.
There was a tingling certainty in her veins. This was it. He'd been sent
She'd thought that the tattoo was a spell cast upon a person, an
by the Order, and he needed to speak to her. Her mouth was dry as she
external charm. But maybe the key to the tattoos' magic was inside of
ran her fingers into Draco's hair, giving a gentle but urgent tug—
them.
"I'm not looking to Share tonight. You'll have to manage with one of
Directing Hermione firmly to turn back to the mirror, Pansy started in
the Carrow Girls."
on her curls again. Hermione blinked rapidly, her mind spinning at
Hermione inhaled sharply. Draco refused to meet her eyes, his gaze
breakneck speed.
intent on Viktor. Blaise shifted next to them.
"So you drank the potion, and the tattoo appeared on your skin?"
"Ah." Viktor's eyes were narrowed as she turned to look at him, her
"Not quite." Pansy tugged her hair a bit too harshly. "I don't know
pulse thrumming in her ears. "I forget Malfoy is the only child, yes? He
what the potion did, but when Yaxley signed the parchment, his signature
does not let others play with his toys." The boys laughed. Hermione
rose up on my skin."
tugged on Draco's hair again, trying to communicate with him.
"What parchment? What did it say?" Her heart was hammering, her
"Surely a famous Quidditch player like yourself could have any girl in
breath shallow in her lungs.
485 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 505
 Narcissa took one look at her and said, "No luck?" the room." Draco brought his glass to his lips. "Some of these whores
Hermione bit her lip and shook her head. "No, unfortunately. I, um… might even beg the Carrows for a chance at Viktor Krum."
I should probably leave it to Pansy. She might have to stay a while." The Slytherins were silent, watching the match.
Narcissa took her wand back and smiled. Viktor smiled at Draco, and his teeth gleamed white. "Yes,
perhaps I vould not need to buy a girl for company. I vonder if I could say
$ the same for you." There was a tense breath. Draco's thumb tapped his
Pansy stepped out of the flames of Draco's fireplace at five with a glass. "Perhaps ve should let Hermione choose—"
garment bag tucked under her arm, and a small case dangling from her "You'll excuse us"—Draco stood swiftly, putting her on her feet—"but
fingertips. listening to you butcher your consonants has given me a headache."
"Granger," she said flatly, looking Hermione over. "Merlin, you Her elbow was grabbed, her feet forced to move.
couldn't even wash your hair for me?" "Come on, Draco! Stay!" Pucey called out behind them.
She frowned. "I did wash my hair." Draco had dragged her across the length of the room before her brain
Pansy lifted a brow and pressed her ruby lips together. "With what? A caught up and she realized they were headed for the fireplaces.
bar of soap?" She spun on her heel and led Hermione back to her room. "Wait!" she hissed.
"I'll speak to Narcissa about your products. Clearly, Draco Malfoy — the His jaw was clenched, and his grip on her tight.
grand interior designer — couldn't be bothered to fill your closets or your "Draco—"
cabinets with anything useful." He tugged her roughly into his side and leaned in to whisper in her
Hermione rolled her eyes as Pansy threw open her wardrobe to hang ear, "If you fight me in public, I will have to discipline you in public."
up the garment bag before dragging her into the bathroom and shoving "But I need to—!"
her into the chair at her vanity. He snarled and jerked her forward through the green fire and into his
"Alright now," Pansy said, examining her closely. "What shall we do bedroom. She stared at the fireplace in shock, reeling from the speed at
with this…" which they had flown through the Lounge and into the flames.
Hermione scowled up at her as Pansy narrowed her eyes. Then she "Unbelievable. Should have listened to my father—"
forced her to wash her face again — And moisturize! Damn it, Granger, how "We have to go back." She spun to him. "Viktor was the person I
many times do I have to tell you! — before she started rubbing the goo on her needed to see tonight. The note—"
cheeks. "You must have gotten your wires crossed, Granger. There was only
When it was quiet, Pansy asked, "Have you heard from him?" one thing Krum was after." He paced the length of his room, tugging at
Hermione blinked open the eye Pansy wasn't jabbing with a brush. his collar.
She was stirring her concoction of colors together, frowning at her Her mouth opened and closed. They were wasting time. "He was
palettes. there tonight to speak to me! He's with the Order!"
"No." Hermione cleared her throat. "Narcissa told me that no owls are Draco halted to give a withering glare. "You think Viktor Krum is
permitted to travel in or out of Switzerland. But Lucius travels into infiltrating the Death Eaters' fortress?"
Germany often and sends updates." Her brain whirred, starting to work. "He probably has help. Maybe
She waited for Pansy to ask anything else, but she simply ordered Minister Grubov is in on it—"
Hermione to close her eyes. "Radomir Grubov was one of the first Ministers to subjugate his
When Pansy moved onto her hair, Hermione said, "I have a question government to the Great Order," Draco said flatly. "Don't be idiotic
about the day you were captured." simply because your ex showed up."
Pansy scoffed and slightly jerked the curl she was working on. She blinked at him, her mouth trying to form words. "My—my ex?"

504 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 486

Anger began burning in her chest, clouding her thoughts. "Draco, if your She needed a mouse, she needed to construct the barrier, she needed
jealousy just cost me the opportunity to communicate with the Order—" to charm that mouse with a tattoo and link it to the barrier.
"He's not with the Order," he snarled. "He's a Quidditch star looking for a She transfigured her coffee cup into a coffee-colored mouse, and
good time on a Friday night." quickly emptied a shoe box for him to run around in. She cast a spell to
"You weren't in the Burgundy Room." She breathed deep, trying to numb it to all pain, and another to view and monitor its vitals. It grew
remain calm. "He was giving me signals." slightly dazed inside the shoebox, having lost a bit of sensation, and
He scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Signals." Hermione watched bemusedly as it kept surprising itself with its own tail.
"Yes. Purposefully omitting details. Misremembering things—" With a deep breath, she drew a large circle with her wand in the
"One too many Bludgers to the head, Granger." middle of the floor, her arm extended to the ground, her body turning
Her nostrils flared. "He said the last time he'd seen me was four years clockwise with the sun. The room shivered as she whispered the words
ago, but we spoke just last year at Bill and Fleur Weasley's wedding—" she'd memorized from her notes, the air vibrating around the caim as it
"Bill and Fleur Weasley are enemies of the Great Order. Of course he sealed itself. She grabbed the shoebox and dropped the mouse inside,
wouldn't admit that he attended their wedding." sending a quick freezing spell to keep it in place. Concentrating all her
She clenched her fingers into fists as her emotions bubbled over. "You energy, she cast the tattoo spell, and watched a small black mark appear
should have let me talk to him alone for just a few minutes—" on the mouse's left foot. A quick glance at the nearest parchment before
"Are you insane?" He crossed to her. "You wanted me to send you off she muttered the runic charm that sealed the tattoo to the barrier.
to a private room with that mountain troll? Did you see the way he looked She wiped sweat from her brow, and carefully lowered the mouse into
at you?" the circle. She watched its vitals, and unfroze it.
"Viktor's not like that!" It scurried, darting left—
He narrowed his eyes as he loomed over her. "No?" And out of the circle.
"No! He's—he's very sweet and respectful. You don't know anything She gaped in horror as it raced under her bed and out of sight. She
about him—" quickly enlarged its vitals graph, her eyes darting from side to side. The
"I know he used to follow you around like a hound." lightning had worked. It had shocked the mouse's numbed system as it
"You're wrong!" Her magic was crackling now, and it took all of her crossed the line. It was continuing to deliver shocks. But they were
willpower not to stomp her foot. "It was all very innocent. He mostly decreasing in intensity.
watched me study in the library!" Draco turned away from her with a Hermione frowned down at her texts, summoning the mouse back to
mutter that sounded suspiciously like bloody sugar quills. "We did nothing her so it hovered mid-air. She'd created the barrier correctly — she was
more than kiss, and when we were together he never pushed me—" certain of it. Letting out a huff of air, she slowly lowered the mouse back
He spun back around. "He wanted to fuck you then, and he wants to into the circle… And it darted right, toward the fireplace this time.
fuck you now. Hate to break it to you, Granger, but it's true." Again, the lightning had worked. The mouse's vitals responded to the
Her eyes narrowed and her lips curled. "You have no idea what you're shock, but the shocks quickly wore off. Something about her tattoo or
talking about." binding spell was flawed. The barrier was properly shocking the mouse,
"I know men." His expression was split between a leer and a snarl. "I but only weakly, and then its effects vanished.
know what it's like to see you in these dresses." She spent the next forty minutes scowling down at her research and
She folded her arms across her chest. "Quit being crude. Viktor isn't a sprinkling toast crumbs into the shoe box. At the end of her hour, she
Voldemort supporter, and I know it because I know him." transfigured the mouse back into a coffee cup, cast a few curling charms
"So sure of yourself, aren't you?" He let out a scathing laugh as he ran that only managed to give off the impression that she'd been the one
his fingers through his hair. "This world is upside-down. Did you ever electrocuted, and trudged downstairs to find Narcissa.

487 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 503

Mippy served them coffee and tea. With a fierce blush, the elf dropped a dream five years ago that you'd see your classmates doing what they are
pair of hand-knit mittens on Hermione's lap and squeaked, "Happy today? People change—"
Christmas, Miss!" She threw up her hands. "No, they don't! Who they are inside is who
In the days following Christmas, Hermione began to feel guilty about they'll always be!"
asking for Narcissa's help. Narcissa clearly knew she was up to something, Her chest heaved as she glared at him, waiting for his retort. But his
but had chosen to never mention it. She didn't want to put Narcissa in a eye simply twitched. And he swallowed tightly. "I see," he finally said. He
position that required her to either interfere or keep a glaring secret from cracked his neck, stepped back, and disappeared into his bathroom.
Lucius. There had to be a subtler way of asking. A way that let Narcissa She fumed on the way back to her room, thinking about what Viktor
continue to look the other way. might have told her if Draco hadn't sabotaged them. News about Ginny,
An idea sparked one morning during breakfast. perhaps. Or Ron. Maybe even a plan to get them all out.
"Narcissa—" Hermione hastily finished swallowing her toast. "What It was only when she was in the bath, washing off the smoke of the
am I to wear Thursday evening? The clothes I wear to Edinburgh are… Burgundy Room, that she reviewed her accusation that people never
not really appropriate." change and winced at what she’d implied.
"I was wondering when you'd ask." Narcissa winked at her. "Miss No one.
Parkinson is already working on it. She'll bring your dress by at five Not even him.
o'clock."
Hermione opened her mouth, then closed it. She hadn't realized that $
Narcissa knew about Pansy's visits. She was in the library the following morning, picking up where her
There went her plan of transfiguring an old dress. research had left off, when the doors abruptly swung open. She eyed Draco
"Wonderful. Since that's sorted, I was also wondering… since I need over the top of her coffee cup before setting it down and flipping open a
to look my best…" She swallowed. "Might I borrow a wand? Just for an new journal.
hour in the morning to do my hair?" Her blood was still simmering, but she forced it to calm. While staring
Narcissa blinked at her, and Hermione Occluded. Tilting her head at her canopy last night, she'd arrived at the conclusion that Draco had
and considering, Narcissa finally said, "I suppose that would be alright." meant it when he said he didn't trust Viktor. After everything he'd seen,
She felt a pressure in her chest release. Adrenaline and possibility he had good reason not to trust anyone. Still, she trusted Viktor, and that
flooded her veins as she smiled. "Thank you, Narcissa. Only an hour." should have been enough for him.
On the morning of the 31st, Hermione met Narcissa for a quick It had been a serious setback, but she was willing to listen to an
breakfast. When they finished, Hermione didn't even need to ask — apology.
Narcissa simply handed over her ebony wand with a tight smile. He paused at the end of the table, not taking his usual seat. Her eyes
Hermione felt a twinge of guilt as she thanked her, but it vanished as she flickered up to him, and she found him fully Occluded, staring down at
raced up the stairs to her room. The wand hummed between her her with an empty gaze.
fingertips, and she felt the exhilaration of its magic in her blood. She "Tell me your plan for the tattoos."
spread her research on the floor of her room, and as easy as remembering She blinked at him. "My plan?"
to breathe, she cast a spell to spread out her notes. The ebony wand "Yes. We've been translating these journals. We've been piecing together
complied. how the tattoos were made. Once you have your answers, what is your next
Logically, she knew she had an hour, but it felt like she had only a step?"
matter of minutes to get this right. She took a deep breath, and gathered "I… to find out how to break their magic."
her thoughts. "And once you know how. Then what?"
502 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 488
 His face was closed, unexpressive. His hands were clasped behind his grandest society event of the season. This is no night in Edinburgh."
back like his father. "Oh." Hermione blinked and slowly set down her saucer. "What's so
She lifted her chin. "If they were made with a curse, then I'll create a grand about it? On a normal year, that is?"
counter-curse. If they were done with a potion, I'll create an antidote. I Narcissa's cheeks brightened to a lovely pink, and her eyes glinted in a
would think that would be fairly ob—" way they hadn't for two months. Hermione tucked her legs beneath her,
"And what will you do with this antidote?" He tilted his head in a swift, decorum forgotten as Narcissa launched into a twenty-year history of the
fluid motion. "Because surely you must know that we will not simply free New Year's Eve Gala.
you."
His words jolted her, as if she'd missed a step on the stairs. Swallowing, $
her heart pounding, she licked her lips. "What's the point of working on Finding a spell to cast a magical tattoo had been fairly straightforward.
this research with me if you have no intention of helping me?" After narrowing down potential options, she had chosen the one that
"You asked me to." His eyes flickered before returning to an icy slate. appeared the most flexible: a simple spell used on prisoners of war. There
She took a breath, pressing her lips together, and said, "Surely you are was no way to be sure if it was the same spell Nott Sr. had used, but it
aware that I was planning to get my findings to the Order." seemed receptive to a variety of enchantments.
"Through your spy network." By the third week of December, Hermione was ready to test a
"I wouldn't call it 'mine,' but yes." reconstructed version of the barrier and tattoos, but she needed a wand.
"And when you make your escape," he said slowly, "do you plan to do And it was unlikely that Draco would be home anytime soon. She'd
so in the middle of the night, without a word to us? Or will you be asking deduced that the situation in Switzerland had worsened, thanks to
for my wand before you go?" Skeeter's increasingly redacted reporting. Not to mention the strain
She felt the words crawl over her skin, like beetles. "Draco—" around Narcissa's eyes.
"Of course if it is a counter-curse, you'll be needing my wand to As the war raged for Switzerland, the rest of the world slipped further
perform it. So we'll have this conversation then, I suppose." into Voldemort's grip. Poland pledged support, followed by Austria. Two
It sounded so cold and calculated. Unfeeling. days later, the forty-three-year-old German Minister died of "natural
She stood, feeling the need to be on his level. "Where's this coming causes." The Prophet had published his obituary next to an article on the
from?" new German Minister — a dear friend of Eleni Cirillo's.
"I suppose I just want to know what my hours of research are building Hermione began having nightmares again. Sometimes it wasn't Harry
toward. What's your plan, Granger?" slipping from her fingers, but Draco or Ron. She resumed her
A scornful laugh escaped her. "My friends are being held captive, Occlumency practice in the mornings, and the nightmares vanished. The
raped, and tortured. And you want to know why you're helping them?" dread in her stomach grew as the last week of December neared, and she
"I wasn't helping them. I was helping you." His face was still a mask, began thinking of ways to ask Narcissa for her wand.
cool and unperturbed. "And what is your plan for yourself ? Assuming you On Christmas morning, Hermione snuck down to the Conservatory to
plan to seek out the Order once you escape — wherever they are — how clip a few lilies that magically grew year-round. She wandered down to
do you intend to avoid a world full of Death Eaters?" the freezing dungeons and tugged a few sprigs of lavender from a bundle,
"I—I don't know! If you're so worried that I'll be recaptured and and with some twine, she made a lousy bouquet. Hermione grimaced as
implicate your family, you shouldn't have destroyed that pill!" She snapped a she handed them to Narcissa over breakfast, apologizing for her lack of
book closed in frustration. "I'm thinking of how to help the hundreds of skill.
people that are in unthinkable circumstances right now. I'm not considering Narcissa swooped to kiss both cheeks, silencing her excuses. Hermione
myself. That seems to be the primary difference between us!" opened Narcissa's gift — an elegant blue organizer for her notes — as
489 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 501
 "Has something happened?" His clouded eyes looked straight through her.
Narcissa smiled wearily, crossing her ankles. "I haven't heard anything "Yes, I suppose you're right," he said. "I don't care about the rest of
new from Switzerland, no. But there is something that I came to talk with them. I never have."
you about." His words sunk into her chest like icicles. That wasn't true. She knew it
Hermione's mouth was dry as she watched Narcissa stir in her cream. wasn't. She opened her mouth to argue it.
"I had assumed it wouldn't be a priority this year, what with a war "I won't be able to assist you in your research anymore," he said. "Not
going on… but apparently the Dark Lord thinks his loyal followers until you've thought this through and decided what you want."
deserve some normalcy and amusement." Narcissa sighed into her teacup She blinked, dazed. "What I want?"
and turned her gaze on Hermione. "Every year, I host a New Year's Eve There were words caught in her throat, wedging there like a rock as he
Gala." Hermione's eyes widened. "It's very grand, and under normal nodded to her and swept from the library. The doors slammed closed, and
circumstances I take a lot of pride in it." she flopped back in her chair and glared at the books until she began
"I see." She chewed on her lower lip. "So you'll be hosting this year?" crying, her sobs echoing through the walls.
"Yes. Here. In the Manor."
Her heart squeezed inside her ribs. "Will Draco be expected to $
attend?" Narcissa shook her head, and the vice released, leaving imprints. Draco didn't come back to the library for the next six days. She didn't
"The Dark Lord anticipates an attack on Zurich in the new year. He's seek him out, too angry and sad, and confused above all. She buried
been asked to remain on guard with a select few. At least we can thank herself in translations during the day. But at night, she'd toss and turn,
Merlin for small miracles that my sister won't be in attendance, either." replaying their conversation. Wondering what he'd meant when he said
Narcissa brushed a stray strand of hair away from her temple, her long she had to decide what she wanted.
fingers turning over her ear and sloping down to her neck. "Lucius will The problem was that things had shifted between them, even though
attend, as it is quite impossible for a wife to host without her husband. But their own goals remained the same. Hermione wanted to free her friends
he will leave with the last guest." and help defeat Voldemort once and for all. Draco wanted to stay alive
Hermione's hands shook as she poured her coffee from the carafe. She and protect his family. But she cared for him — possibly more than she'd
imagined Draco staring out of a cold tower on New Year's Eve, waiting ever admit. And she knew he'd begun to care for her, too. Going to bed in
for fire to rain from the sky. the evenings with that familiar longing for him the next day was the worst
"The Manor will be quite busy for the next few weeks, and the library part.
will need to be… cleaned." The situation was impossible, and when she thought about it for too
Hermione started to find Narcissa's eyes on hers. "Of course. I will… long, the corners of her four-poster would start closing in on her until she
clear out." She took a sip of coffee, hoping it hid the flush in her cheeks. was gasping for air. She had to resume her Occlumency practice in the
"And I promise to stay in my room." morning to keep her mind clear and emotions calm.
"Actually," said Narcissa, and Hermione's eyes snapped back to her. Narcissa sat down to tea with her each afternoon. On Thursday, she
"Lucius thinks — and I agree — that the best place for you is out front tried to pry into her son's withdrawal. Hermione shrugged and said,
and center. Under my eye, and in plain view." "Perhaps he was bored of research. I like it quite a lot." She didn't ask
The warmth from her coffee drained from Hermione's veins. "But—" again.
She swallowed and drew a shaky breath. "I was under the impression that On Sunday, the front page of the Prophet covered an explosion at the
you didn't like the parties—" Swiss Ministry offices, leaving forty dead. According to Skeeter's skewed
Narcissa lifted a pale brow. "You misunderstand. I may be holding it commentary, the attackers were "insurgents," bent on destroying
against my will, but Narcissa Malfoy's New Year's Eve Gala is the Voldemort's foothold. Hermione rolled her eyes and turned the paper over.
500 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 490
 She saw Draco in the corridor later that day. He acknowledged her Progress began slowly, but grew quicker as the days passed. Hermione
with an "Afternoon, Granger," but it felt much like running into a hotel cracked the lightning barrier first. She got lucky with the two pages Nott
maid — stilted and polite. She bolted to her room afterward and Sr. had missed in Tolbrette's journal, which had almost all the steps to cast
Occluded until the stinging in her eyes passed. it. He'd also overlooked two pages in another journal belonging to Cephas
They'd been completely naked with each other only a week ago, but now Taylor, a Scourer who had documented his attempts to bind his livestock
they were back to acquaintances, it seemed. She had never… gone through a to the barrier. Between the two journals, Hermione had the completed
break-up. Was that what this was? Were they broken up before they'd even steps. She'd been right that they'd based the lightning barrier on Celtic
begun? magic. They'd altered the caim, a circular ring of protection, to keep the
She woke on Monday morning to a banging on her door. Hermione protected within instead of warding evil spirits out.
jerked up in bed, her hand reaching for a wand she no longer had. She explored the skin brands next. It took longer — Tolbrette had
"Granger!" Draco's voice bellowed. spent many of the intact pages discussing where to brand his "doves,"
She blearily checked the mantle — almost four in the morning. She given that they might be branded several times by different owners and
tossed off the covers and dashed for the door, wondering what could be should remain "pleasing to the eye." But she ultimately was able to string
the matter. together the steps using the same piecemeal strategy, using snippets from
She threw the door open and found him impeccably dressed in his several journals.
black trousers, black boots, and black robes. There was a flurry of activity The last step was uncovering the binding mechanism between the
in the hallway — elves racing by, a discarded coat on the floor. Lucius's brands and the barrier. This step was trickier. It wasn't until midnight on
voice calling from inside his bedroom. Suddenly, she was wide awake as her fourth straight day of research that she found a tiny but unmistakable
she took in his intent eyes with dark circles underneath, the tension in his Egyptian rune scribbled in the bottom right margin on a page in which
jaw. Tolbrette mentioned adding two new "pigeons" and three new "doves" to
"I'm needed in Switzerland." his "flock." The immediately subsequent pages had been torn out.
She stared at him, waiting for his words to make sense. A trunk She didn't sleep that night, tearing through the library until she
zoomed behind him, levitating down the hall. located a textbook on ancient Egyptian runic enchantments. The sun was
"Draco, there's no time!" Lucius's voice was a snarl. almost up when she finally located a match for the rune in Tolbrette's
"I need thirty seconds!" Draco turned back to her, running a hand journal. The textbook detailed how an enchantment using that rune had
through his hair as Hermione's mouth fell open in horrified been used to magically bind treasures branded with the pharaohs' names
understanding. "I'm leaving now, and I—" to the wards protecting their tombs.
"How long?" All that was left for her was to locate magical tattoos that might serve
He blinked at her and shook his head. "I don't—I don't know." as a substitute for the skin brands. Which meant that she could finally rest
"Your father was supposed to have this handled." She felt her air her exhausted writing hand, and read.
coming quickly, something tightening in her chest, making it hard to Late in the second week of December, on the seventh day in a row of
breathe. non-stop rain, Narcissa knocked on her door. Hermione quickly hid her
"Yes, well it's gotten worse, and—" book on branding and tattooing in ancient Mesopotamia before opening
Lucius appeared over his shoulder. "Now, Draco. Say goodbye." He the door.
stalked away. Narcissa was thinner and paler than she'd been a month ago, but the
She felt the moment slipping from her grasp like oil through her warmth in her eyes was unchanged. Hermione welcomed her inside,
fingers. She reached for him as he turned back to face her, clutching his joining her at the chairs near the fireplace as Mippy poured them tea. It
robes. "Where is your mother?" took all of her self-control to hold in her question until the elf vanished.

491 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 499

she knew it was missing because it was exactly what she needed. So "Outside the gates with Bella. Granger—"
reading the pages that came before and after became her newest task. "But why are you—"
On December 5, she took out a new sheet of parchment and listed her "Listen to me." He gripped her arms, and she went still, her heartbeat
first hypotheses. ceasing and her skin frozen. "If my parents have to leave, stay in your
bedroom. There are heavier enchantments on this room than any other in
1.) Both the Scourers and the Death Eaters used the same the house. Wait for my mother to come get you."
boundary spell to lock in their slaves: the "lightning barrier" (Jones, Her heart started again like a drumbeat, a thundering beneath her
skin.
p. 2; Tolbrette p. 4, 18, 67-70, 111, 123-124; Emerson p. 9; Taylor p.
"Draco!" Lucius roared from the bottom of the stairs.
34-35). He ignored it and spoke quickly.
2.) The Death Eaters used a tattoo as a conduit, whereas the "If the Manor is invaded, there is a panel in your bedroom wall that
connects to my room. In my bedside table, there is a Portkey — I have
Scourers used a branding iron upon the skin of their slaves placed a knife in the drawer and charmed it to cut through bone and
(Jones, p. 2; Tolbrette p. 48-53, 95, 162-163; Fernsby p. 27, 76). cauterize."
"Now, Draco!"
3.) In both cases, there must be a way to link a boundary spell to She stared at him with wide eyes as he pried her fingers from his robes
the conduit. Whatever binding mechanism the Death Eaters used and brought them to his lips before dropping her hands and turning from
is likely highly similar to the one used by the Scourers. her — dashing down the hall.
Her throat was tight, and her head spun. Her feet followed him. "Draco
Hermione rubbed her arm, remembering the day she'd jumped —"
through the barrier and rolled down the hill. Before the numbing pain "Stay in your bedroom until my mother comes back this morning," he
and darkness, she'd been crippled by the searing shock that had originated called over his shoulder.
in her tattoo. She wondered how many "doves" and "pigeons" had "Draco."
suffered a similar fate while trying to escape. Perhaps their owners had left "The elves are here—"
them outside the boundary to die. "Draco!" Her voice broke. "Draco, wait!"
She swallowed and refocused. If she was to find out how to break the He spun back to her just a few paces from the top of the stairs, and
magic of the tattoos, she'd need a test subject eventually. She'd need a she threw herself into his chest, her arms winding up around his
wand as well — there was no way around it. Although she was weeks shoulders and into his hair as her lips covered his. His hands threaded
away from being ready to test anything, her stomach still turned over at swiftly through her curls, dragging her close. She swallowed a sob as he
the thought. slanted his lips over hers and brushed his thumb across her cheek.
The remaining few hours of daylight were unproductive. She mused She was pushed back, her arms unwound. And he was sweeping down
and ruminated until her dinner went cold and her back ached from sitting the staircase, joining his father at the bottom and rushing past him out the
so long in one position. When her eyelids began drooping over Tolbrette's front doors. Lucius stared up at her for a moment longer, and followed
journal, she finally dragged herself back to her room. him out.
Unless Draco returned, there was only one possible solution, but it was She ran to a bedroom with a view of the drive, throwing back the
far from ideal: Narcissa. She'd simply have to hope he came home before curtains and watching two tall figures move swiftly through the grounds,
it was necessary. As for what him coming home might mean for the Order their matching hair illuminated by the moonlight. She made out Narcissa
and her friends— that was something she couldn't let herself think about. just past the gates — Bellatrix beside her. Hermione yanked the curtains

498 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 492

closed at the shock of seeing the dark curls. When she peeked through the country, and if she was caught, the Malfoys would certainly be
them again, all four figures had Disapparated. tortured and killed, if they hadn't been already. She couldn't leave without
Her lips were cold. And there was nothing but the wind in the trees. saying goodbye. She might never see him again—
"Miss?" No. She'd resolved to stay. The Order needed her here. Even Theo
She jumped and cried out, spinning to find Boppy twirling an ear. had said that she was the only one who could break the tattoos. No one
"Miss goes back to her room now? It is safe for Miss there." else had the same access she did; the most expansive library in Great
She nodded shakily, taking a deep breath. Her legs were unsteady as Britain and all the blueprints for their spells were at her fingertips. She
she walked back to her room; twice she had to brace herself on the wall. would stay, even though Draco had left behind the keys to her cage. She'd
Before the door closed, she turned to Boppy, who'd been following her stay so she could free Ginny and Ron and the others from theirs.
silently. "May I please have the Prophet as soon as the owl arrives?" He She never lingered in his bedroom for too long — she didn't want to
bowed and waited in the hall until she shut the door behind her. attract the attention of the elves. She knew they still came in from time to
Leaning back on the door, she placed a hand on her throat, feeling her time, though they'd left his bed unmade. The day after he'd left, she'd
thumping heartbeat. Then her eyes snapped open. tugged open the bottom drawer of his dresser and found the shoebox
A panel in your bedroom wall. containing the newspaper clippings was gone. Only a blanket left behind.
Hermione moved to the wall her room shared with Draco's. It was the As the death toll rose in Switzerland, breakfasts with Narcissa became
same wall as her fireplace, so space was limited. She tried pressing against shorter and scarcer. There was nothing to fill her days but research. She
the left side, touching anything that could be a knob. Crossing to the right sometimes spent eighteen hours a day in the library. Once or twice, she
side, she pressed her hands against the wall. After a few seconds of fell asleep on top of her books, only waking when the elves Apparated her
contact, the hard surface disappeared. She gaped in astonishment as she into her bedroom — tucking her legs into the sheets and pulling a warm
pushed her forearm inside the invisible barrier, forward and back again. blanket up to her chin. With no distraction except for the daily papers,
Then she drew a sharp breath and stepped through. she tore through the Scourers' journals, translating each of them with the
Like Alice in the looking glass, the passage funneled in darkness until help of Jeremiah Jones's key.
she was inside Draco's bedroom with a single step. Her mind ran wild By the first week of December, she had all nine journals fully
with the magical explanations until she blinked, taking in the state of his translated. She had picked up tantalizing pieces of the puzzle along the
room. It looked like a storm had hit, spewing a hailstorm of clothes and way: translations mentioning a branding iron, or a spell for "caged birds."
books. His bed was unmade, and his sheets still slept in. Some mention of an impenetrable circle. But she'd simply marked them
Moving around the four-poster, she crossed to his bedside table and for later and forced herself to finish the translations before getting twisted
tugged the drawer open. The knife lay there, gleaming in the low up in reading and research.
lamplight. There were some sweets and a few Wizard Cards from empty Even with the journals fully translated, there were chunks of pages
Chocolate Frog boxes. A crumpled handkerchief. Several coins and quills. missing from each one — especially Tobias Tolbrette's. Jones's journal
Perhaps he could have been more specific? confirmed Tolbrette's importance. In the beginning pages, just before the
She scrunched her nose as she stared into the drawer. A handkerchief key, she found a unique string of characters that could only be Tolbrette's
would be the smartest option to ward off accidental transportation. She name. Beneath it, she found numbers where Jones had referenced the
plucked the handkerchief up, and a clouded marbled bounced out of it, reader to certain pages of Tolbrette's journal.
rolling innocuously around the drawer. Nott Sr. had been liberal in tearing out pages of Tolbrette's journal,
The room spun and swayed beneath her feet. She had the elements to but he'd also been rushed. He'd missed two pages following a mention of
her freedom right here. The knife. The Portkey. Her heart pounded. a "lightning barrier" that Jones had referenced; he'd left a full five pages
But she would be wandless. And armless. And who knows where the after a mention of skin brands. Every time she came across a torn page,

493 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 497

 Hermione took her breakfast with Narcissa in the dining room every Portkey would lead her. And if she took it, she might never see him—
morning. The two of them slowly found a balance between reading the She would have to think on this. Hermione's fingers trembled as she
paper with held breath and discussing books and the weather in wrapped the marble up in the handkerchief and carefully replaced it in the
between stilted pauses. drawer.
Two weeks after she'd said goodbye to him, Draco's face appeared in She sat on the edge of his bed, and stared numbly at his shelves. Ten
the Daily Prophet. He stood silently next to Bellatrix as they both watched the past four. The room was still tilting on its axis. She curled up onto his
new Swiss Minister address his government. The old Minister had joined mattress as the harried moments replayed in her mind.
the rebels in Geneva — "abandoning his people" as Skeeter had framed it He would be gone for an indefinite amount of time. Long enough that
— and Voldemort's new puppet was brought in to transition the Ministry. he thought to give her an escape route. Or perhaps dangerous enough,
Draco was pale and thin, his expression completely Occluded as he nodded where he thought he might not return.
once to something the Swiss Minister said. Bellatrix looked bored. She pressed her face into his pillow, breathing in his scent. The smell
Hermione had excused herself from the table and spent the next hour in of his hair on the pillowcase.
her bedroom crying. How long had there been a passageway between their rooms? Had he
At the end of November, the French attacked Basel. Skeeter reported ever used it?
that the Dark Lord's armies had managed to quell the attack from French One memory dripped like rain in the back of her mind. When
and Swiss rebels with the help of German allies, leaving at least three Bellatrix was in her bedroom, he'd appeared when she screamed —
hundred dead. The picture on the front page of the Prophet was of Draco, standing in the middle of the room. And when he'd called for his wand it
wand tip smoking, as he stared down the burning remains of the Basler still flew to him, even when her bedroom door was closed.
Münster. The picture caption read: General Draco Malfoy victorious in Basel. She swallowed, pinching back her tears, but it was useless. They
Narcissa didn't meet her for breakfast that morning, sending an excuse flowed over her lids and crashed down to the pillow that still held his
with the elves. And Hermione was glad she didn't have to poke at her eggs scent.
and pretend to eat. She read the paper five times over, searching for more Pop!
mention of him, but all she found was the picture of his steely eyes She jerked up. Boppy bounced on his toes, holding the Prophet.
turning towards the ashes. "Thank you," she whispered, exhausted. She reached for the paper,
She missed him. The feeling was too visceral to ignore. At night, she and the elf hesitated.
tossed and turned over the memory of their last fight, as if dissecting "Miss can be in her own room? Boppy needs to clean, and Miss is safe
every detail would somehow make it less painful. She still had no idea in her own room?"
how to "decide what she wanted" — or what he'd even meant. But it She nodded, taking the paper. "Don't make the bed, please? Not just
made her chest clench to think of the million things she wanted to tell yet." And at the last moment, she grabbed his pillow, dragging herself
him throughout the day, but was unable to. through the main doorway back into her bedroom.
Several times a week, she would wander through the passageway The front page of the Prophet screamed at her.
between their rooms and imagine she might find him twisted up in his
sheets, snoozing soundly with his hair askew. She would examine his FRENCH TERRORIST CELL INVADES
trinkets, thumb through his bookshelves, and press her face into his sweaters SWITZERLAND
and shirts. Some days she would stare down at the drawer containing the
knife and the Portkey, and wonder. But then she'd slam it closed.
Even if she cut off her arm and escaped, she still had no idea how to
find George and the others. Snatchers and Death Eaters were roaming

496 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 494

 27
he days grew shorter and colder. There was a chill about the Manor

T whenever Hermione was left alone in it — her fireplace never quite

working to its full potential, the water from the taps never quite
warming her bones. She hadn't felt this ill at ease in the Manor since she
first arrived. Narcissa had returned only hours after the three of them left.
She'd arrived at Hermione's door with Mippy, the tea and coffee, and a
forced smile.
"He's settled in Zürich. The French took Geneva with the help of the
Swiss rebels, so for now, he is safe." But her teacup had rattled on the last
word. And she had quickly changed the topic.
A week after they'd left, the Prophet reported that Lucius had been sent
to the Netherlands to begin negotiations. Two days later, the Dutch
Minister pledged allegiance to the Dark Lord, and the day after that,
Lucius was seen in Switzerland again, inspecting a new military
installation at Lausanne.

THE AUCTION ● 495

 One evening on her way back from the library, there were raised She smirked at her, and with a final shove of a pin into her scalp, she
voices in the entry hall: one male and one female. Hermione stopped proclaimed her work complete.
cold, and for a split second she considered turning around. But her Hermione examined herself for the first time. A similar style to her
control snapped at the sound of a familiar cadence. She crept forward makeup and hair for Edinburgh, but not as smoky. Her lips and eyes were
quickly, pressing herself against the wall adjacent to the stairs. light. Her hair was up off her shoulders for once, gathered into a twist at
"—a few days. No more—" the back of her head with her curls cascading down her back.
"For what purpose? Surely…" Narcissa's voice faded in and out. "What color is my dress tonight?"
"...something Bella can handle?" "Granger, don't you know anything?" Pansy rolled her eyes and led her
"The Dark Lord was resolute," the male voice replied. "I must lead the out to the wardrobe. "Narcissa Malfoy's New Year's party has been a
investigation in Austria." Black and White gala for the past decade."
Lucius was here. Hermione flushed. "Ah. She might have mentioned it."
"Surely Draco can go with you—" Narcissa's heels clicked across the Pansy opened the bag with a flourish. Heavy black satin and tulle
marble. poured from the bag onto the floor like a flood. Hermione's head tilted
"I've already tried." His voice was crisp and clear, as if he meant it to down and up again as she gaped at the sheer amount of fabric. Especially
travel past the stairs. "The Dark Lord insisted he stay. Your sister spoke in comparison to what she usually wore to Edinburgh.
with him first." "I… this is… elaborate," she finished lamely.
Hermione held her breath and shifted quickly out of sight, slipping "Well, I should hope so." Pansy pulled the dress out and hung it up on
behind the staircase. Narcissa muttered something scathing that made the wardrobe door. It seemed to double in size.
Lucius sigh. "Cissa, you mustn't—" "So what is 'Giuliana' wearing this evening?" Hermione asked,
"You'll go back soon, won't you? You'll be there with him?" Her voice reaching out to run her fingers over the satin.
shook as it echoed through the walls. Pansy lifted a condescending brow. "This isn't an evening at
"I'll do my best. I told Ted and your sister to inform me immediately if Edinburgh. Slaves are not going to be in attendance."
they're planning a significant counterattack." Hermione's mouth opened. "But…"
Narcissa scoffed. "As if you can trust either of them." "The New Year's Eve Gala is a high society event. The Death Eaters
"I have no choice." A long pause. "He's made it this far, Cissa. He's you usually see with a teenager grinding on their lap will have their wives
stronger than you give him credit for—" on their arms tonight." She turned back to the dress, fluffing the skirt
"He's a boy. A boy you're leaving alone with a pack of wolves." fondly before her features hardened again. "You'll see several debutantes
She heard Narcissa pacing. coming out tonight, hoping to snag a June wedding. More marriages have
"I need to go," said Lucius, his voice low and regretful. "I just wanted been arranged at Malfoy Manor than at any matchmaker's offices."
to assure you we are both safe at present, and…" Narcissa's heels paused Something sank from her throat to the bottom of her gut. "So, I'm
on the marble. "But I need to go. I've already stayed too long." just… decoration."
She heard the fireplace roar to life. Pansy gave her a tight-lipped smile. "More of a trophy, I'd say."
"Lucius!" Narcissa's voice bounced across the beams and banisters, as Pansy left shortly after laying out her undergarments and pointing out
lost and helpless as a child. the bag of jewelry she was expected to wear ("Put on everything,
Hermione looked around the staircase before she could stop herself. Granger!"). Hermione tried to sort through the new information she'd
Narcissa's arms were flung around his shoulders, her lips hungry and learned about the tattoos, but there was no time. And the nerves in her
desperate against his. Floo powder dripped from his fingers as he crushed stomach were overwhelming.
her lithe body to him. She knew what to expect at Edinburgh. But tonight was entirely new.

530 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 507

 Before long, Hermione was slipping into the gown, gasping as it The rebels were taking ground. This was good news. But—
magically closed around her ribs without the help of a zipper or "Is there any mention…?" She trailed off, running her fingers over her
fastenings. The skirt fell to the floor around her heels, puffing out around lips.
her hips after cinching at her waist. "Here." Narcissa extended a paper to her, and Hermione plucked it
She opened the jewelry bag, and when her hand pulled out a choker more quickly than was polite.
necklace embedded with hundreds of diamonds she almost dropped the It was today's Prophet. A picture of Draco, Lucius, Mulciber, and
whole bag on the floor. Hermione didn't know much about jewelry, but Bellatrix was at the center of the front page beneath the headline,
she knew this might have cost as much as she did. The necklace lay "REBELS THWARTED IN ZÜRICH."
perfectly above her collarbones, between the thin straps of her black Hermione shook out the paper, her fingers skating the edge of the
dress. There were diamond earrings to match, a diamond bracelet, and photo. It had been taken at nighttime. Draco had been alive no more
two diamond rings. than 12 hours ago.
At half past eight, someone knocked on her door. She squared her Hermione frowned down at today's New York Ghost: "BATTLES
shoulders and flung open the door to find Lucius Malfoy standing in her RAGE IN SWITZERLAND."
doorway, wearing a white tuxedo with black lapels. At first, there had "Where is Lucius?"
been a wild moment when she'd thought he was someone else. She had to "He was called to Lausanne last night." Narcissa rubbed her brow.
shake off the sudden wave of grief when her mind registered that "The French are pushing past Geneva."
although he resembled him, it wasn't. And sure enough, in the Ghost's article there was mention of incursions
Lucius lifted a brow as he took her in. "Sufficient." east of Geneva. The Prophet, on the other hand, had nothing but inquiries
She glowered and gestured to his tuxedo. "I suppose this will do as into the Austrian Minister. She had been taken into custody while
well." investigators looked into whether she colluded with the rebels and allowed
His lips quirked and, to her surprise, he offered her his elbow. She them to infiltrate the country via the Austrian-Swiss border.
blinked before accepting, and he slowly led them down the hallway. Narcissa duplicated the Ghost pages for her, and excused herself with
"You will not leave my side. You will not speak unless spoken to. And I tired, red-rimmed eyes. Hermione spent the rest of the day sorting
assume you know how to respond when spoken to." through Skeeter's lies and cross-referencing with Gertie Gumley.
She nodded, her pulse quickening with each step. "How is he?"
At the end of every Gumley article, she signed off with "M.A.C.U.S.A.
"He sends his regards."
President Harrison declined to comment for the 33rd week in a row," or "No
They reached the top of the stairs, and she found Narcissa standing
below in white, waiting near the front doors to the Manor. She didn't word from the President's Office on if or when M.A.C.U.S.A. will provide aid to
smile at them, but her eyes sparkled. Hermione had the strangest the French or Swiss Ministries, though Scandinavia, Iceland, and Canada have
sensation as they started to descend. In another life, she might have pledged support." Hermione found the reporter's boldness and openness
belonged to their world. Or at least tried to. She might have danced like a disapproval of the president quite impressive.
pureblood girl and known the names and uses of every one of Lucius She couldn't sleep that night.
Malfoy's utensils. One rainy day at the end of February, Skeeter reported that Nott Sr.
The noise of voices in the drawing room startled her from her had been promoted to General and dispatched to Zürich, where the battle
thoughts — there were already guests mingling. Lucius released her elbow continued to rage. She grew hardened to the lies of the Prophet and the
as they swept across the marble, and Narcissa greeted him with a kiss to news of war. Her fear for Draco's safety, and the safety of her friends, was
his cheek. She said nothing to Hermione, pointedly turning her back on a constant burden in her gut, but she was helpless. So she began
her. Hermione blinked, then quickly moved to stand behind them. Her Occluding daily for at least two hours and buried herself in her research.

508 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 529

 "Mippy took a trip to New York City this morning," said Narcissa. eyes widened when she glanced out the front doors. The long driveway
Hermione blinked, her neck craning to get a better look. was lined with gilded archways, the intertwined fairy lights hovering in a
"Start there." Narcissa pointed to the pages on the other side of the golden glow to welcome the guests.
table. "The elves did a lovely job, dear, as usual." Lucius straightened his
Hermione moved quickly to those pages, and found the evening black bowtie.
edition from Tuesday, when hundreds of rebels failed in their mission to "Hix is testing all the warming charms now," said Narcissa lightly. "It's
take Basel back. a shame not to use the Floo."
But that wasn't what she found in the Ghost. "I know, but times being what they are…"
There was a flurry of movement outside, but Narcissa's shoulder had
SMALL BAND OF REBELS CAUSE TROUBLE IN shifted, obscuring Hermione's view. Hermione fiddled with the skirt of
BASEL her dress as the sound of chatter from the grounds grew louder and
BY GERTIE GUMLEY louder, floating through the open doors. It sounded as though everyone
had arrived at once.
French and Swiss fighters from "the True Order" coalition caused a
A man and woman stepped into the entry hall, and Hermione had to
stir in Basel, Switzerland this morning when a series of explosives stop herself from peering around Lucius' shoulders to get a better look.
detonated outside the Basel Town Hall. Swaths from the Dark Lord She was the Malfoys' trophy tonight — it was their choice to decide when
Voldemort's army of so-called "Death Eaters" were dispatched to Basel to display her.
instantly, and according to sources, spent the whole day fighting maybe Narcissa greeted them with ease, and Hermione blinked at the marble
twenty-five soldiers. as she heard Narcissa say their names and kiss their cheeks. She did the
same for the next couple, and the next, and Hermione realized that she
Hermione frowned, but before her mind could compare Skeeter and
might have been reciting names for Lucius's benefit.
Gumley's takes, her eyes caught on Wednesday's paper.
A line began gathering outside of the doors, and as the din grew louder,
Hermione felt safe enough to lift her head. The array of new faces was
FRENCH SUCCESSFULLY INVADE ZÜRICH
overwhelming, but she caught a few familiar ones. Some stood and shook
BY GERTIE GUMLEY
Lucius's hand and asked about Switzerland, and some held Narcissa's wrist
After drawing hundreds of Death Eaters to Basel yesterday, the True and pouted that Draco couldn't be there. Most of them ignored her, but it
Order has claimed territory on the east side of Zürich. The city was was interesting to see which men she recognized from Edinburgh. Which
sparsely occupied after Tuesday's attack on Basel, creating a window of ones leered and which ones averted their eyes quickly, turning back to their
opportunity for the army of Swiss rebels and their allies. wives.
According to eyewitnesses, the rebels moving on Zürich vastly At one point, a talkative older woman who smelled thickly of cloves held
outnumbered the Death Eaters left in the city, catching the Dark Lord up the line, droning on and on about some kind of society event she was
hosting in the spring. Hermione watched as Narcissa pounced on the
Voldemort's army unawares.
perfect moment to interrupt. "Dolores, that sounds divine. I'll come find you
"It was a classic Wronski Feint," said an anonymous source.
in about half an hour to hear more, but do you know that Hugh McKenzie
"Thousands of French in Zürich all at once. Only I can't quite make is already inside?"
sense of how they invaded from the southeast." Dolores' eyes brightened like a predator that had just found its next
Hermione's eyes popped wide as she read, her vision jumping from meal. She quickly excused herself, forcing Lucius to step out of the way.
page to page, looking for any mention of familiar names. Narcissa brushed a strand of hair back over her ear and muttered,

528 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 509

"Insufferable." Lucius placed a hand on the small of her back and leaned Blinking, Hermione stared down at the page. Her heart drummed in
in her ear to whisper, "Poor Hugh." Hermione looked at the floor and her ears as she scanned above and below it. Her shaking fingers tore
pressed her lips together to hide her smile. through every other page, searching for more.
"Granger." She jumped, glancing up to find Adrian Pucey grinning at Nothing.
her over Narcissa's shoulder. "Save a dance for me?" Hermione growled and tossed the paper into the fire. She began
Both Malfoys turned to look at her, their shoulders parting. Leaving pacing, her mind scrambling to connect the pieces. The French and their
her in clear view. allies had attacked Basel two days ago, but it had been a feint. Basel
Lucius looked back at Pucey, his eyes hard. "That would be highly wasn't an obvious strategic target. But it had lured Voldemort's forces
inappropriate, Adrian." outside of neighboring Switzerland, leaving the real objective vulnerable:
"Of course, sir. My apologies. I was just having a bit of fun." Adrian Zurich.
shook Lucius's hand as two people who could only be his parents moved Where Draco was.
beside him. Her chin trembled before she began pacing again. Skeeter's lies were
"My, Narcissa," the woman cooed, her eyes fixed on Hermione. "Is glaring. If it had been a small band of insurgents, there was no reason to
this the professor's daughter?" summon the forces in Lausanne, let alone Bern. Voldemort's army had
"Heavens, no." Narcissa laughed. "That's Draco's Mudblood." left a direct path of vulnerability from the border through the heart of the
Mrs. Pucey pulled back the hand she'd been extending to Hermione, country. Only a massive attack could have warranted it.
as though burned. Hermione looked down to the floor as a thick silence Her shelves shook violently. Hermione clutched her bedpost, breathing
settled over them. deeply until they calmed. She began pacing again.
"Well," Mr. Pucey said, clearing his throat. "She almost fooled me, but The leash on Rita Skeeter was getting tighter and tighter, the
there's something lowborn in her posture." omissions more glaring. She'd asked Narcissa last week about getting a
The faux-pas was quickly swept under the rug, and the Puceys moved copy of another paper from a foreign ally of the Great Order's
inside. The minutes dragged on, and Hermione's feet began aching in her — anything less biased — but Narcissa had replied that non-British
heels. Walking around a bit would help, but she didn't dare move without periodicals were forbidden in the U.K. by order of Minister Thicknesse.
permission. As more and more people entered, it became harder to She paused at the fireplace, staring as what was left of the pages curled
remain hidden behind Lucius's coattails. and crisped in the flames. She tried to focus on her research that day, but
That's Hermione Granger. it was no use. So she spent the rest of her day meditating. When night fell,
—went for 65,000 Galleons— she pulled a chair by her window, staring at the dark windows of the room
No place for Mudblood, if you ask me— next door until she drifted to sleep.
—suppose you can't blame them for wanting to show her off— She woke up the next morning with a crick in her neck and panic in
Hermione's breath hitched at the sight of several girls she hadn't seen her chest. When no paper arrived with her coffee, Hermione went
since Hogwarts, including Millicent Bulstrode, Tracey Davis, and straight to the dining room without changing out of her pajamas.
Romilda Vane. All three were in black dresses and making eyes at any She found Narcissa standing over the table, glaring down at the
men who crossed their path. Hermione's palms felt clammy when Theo newspaper. Blood rushed in her ears.
Nott and his father entered together, followed closely by Blaise and Goyle. "What's happened," Hermione croaked. "What did Skeeter say?"
Theo didn't look at her as they passed, though a muscle in his cheek A light scoff. "I've had enough of Miss Skeeter for one lifetime, thank
twitched. His father's eyes were too glassy and unfocused to notice her. you very much," Narcissa replied, and as Hermione inched forward. Her
The clock inched closer to nine as the drawing room grew louder and mouth fell open when she realized it wasn't the Prophet spread out on the
louder behind her. Floating platters of champagne soared overhead to table, but pages of The New York Ghost.

510 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 527

see whether she'd missed something, but she was out of ideas. So she serve the guests in line. One platter came dangerously close to her head
started from scratch, searching One Thousand Magical Potions and Their and she ducked, stumbling a few steps to the left. The moment she
Uses by hand. Hoping that something would catch her eye and spark an steadied herself, she met eyes with Antonin Dolohov. A chill ran through
idea in her exhausted mind. her veins and she quickly moved behind Lucius again, chastising herself
The weeks moved like molasses until it was already mid-February. She for the chill that ran through her veins.
broke up her research with Occlumency practice and semi-regular meals Lucius whispered into Narcissa's ear as the clock struck nine. Narcissa
with Narcissa. If the Prophet reported good news, Narcissa would sit down nodded, and Lucius grabbed Hermione's elbow, suddenly steering her
with her. Bad news, Hermione's tray would appear in her room. It was still inside.
bitingly cold out, but sometimes she'd wander the grounds on her breaks. "Not running from me, are you Lucius?" called out a gravelly voice.
Draco's name or picture appeared in the paper at least once a week. Lucius rolled his shoulders almost imperceptibly before he spun
Hermione found herself cutting out pictures of him more than once, around, pulling Hermione with him. Hermione's heart stuttered at the
tucking them on top of the folded parchment in the jewelry box on her sight of Dolohov sidestepping the line, heading straight for them. Narcissa
nightstand. pursed her lips before returning to her other guests.
What she would give for just one sarcastic letter from him now. "Not all." Lucius smiled tightly. "It's nine o'clock. It's traditional for the
The following Tuesday, the Prophet reported that the rebels had moved host to enter the main room on time, and for the hostess to remain to
against Basel. Though the city was still decimated by the attack in greet the latecomers."
November, an army of hundreds had marched through the rubble "If you say so." Dolohov took Lucius's hand, and Hermione could see
towards the city's stronghold. Thousands of Death Eaters had been how tight his grip was from their bloodless knuckles. "Your receiving line
recalled from Lausanne and successfully crushed the attack. Skeeter spent was so long, I felt like I was standing on your drive for hours."
a full page lavishing praise upon the ingenuity of the Death Eaters who'd "If you arrive on time, you get in on time." Lucius released Dolohov's
been responsible for Obliviating bystanders and Imperiusing Muggle hand and clapped his shoulder. "That's alright, Antonin. The more
leaders — all of whom blamed the destruction on foreign terrorists. society events you're invited to, the easier polite manners will become."
On Wednesday morning, Hermione woke up to find her breakfast Lucius steered her away, but Dolohov's hand shot out and grabbed her
delivered to her room, a copy of the Prophet laying underneath the coffee wrist. Her body froze in sharp terror as he brought her hand to his lips,
cup on her tray. and whispered, "Miss Granger. A pleasure as always." His eyes were black
tunnels as his clammy lips pressed to her skin.
ZÜRICH UNDER SIEGE!
Dark spots in her vision. A cold wind in her ears.
BY RITA SKEETER And then Lucius was tugging her away with a faint growl. She
Like roaches to cupboards, a small band of insurgents infiltrated struggled to breathe as she stilled the shivering book that contained the
Zürich last night. This brazen attack from French invaders and Swiss echoes of water against tile. He pulled her into the drawing room where
traitors is undoubtedly a reaction to their spectacular failure in Basel she'd been tortured so many times, and she braced herself—
yesterday — a last-ditch attempt to seize control and throw the country But when her vision cleared, she found a very different room. Her lips
into chaos. parted as her eyes roved the ceiling. Cream walls and golden candlelight,
gently falling snow that vanished before it landed on your head. There
The Great Order's forces have been recalled from Basel, with
was a string quartet playing in the ballroom just beyond, the entire room
support from additional infantries in Lausanne and Bern. Sources close
vibrating with champagne and conversation.
to the situation expect a decisive victory over the usurpers as early as Hermione stood rigid by Lucius's side as he greeted friends and made
this afternoon. acquaintances with foreign officials. Her eyes wandered to the young

526 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 51 1

people — a group of dark-featured girls stood together in the corner, She started with Ginny and flipped through the crinkled and dog-
giggling and glancing at Blaise, Theo, and Adrian as they sipped eared pages of her book. She bound the new pages in like an addendum,
champagne and smirked at them. She spied Marcus Flint chatting up an a slice at the end for the reader. Ginny's book wedged itself on a high
older woman, turning on the charm. shelf, disappearing.
Narcissa joined them after a time, slipping her arm through Lucius's and Then the volumes on Draco Malfoy closed under her fingertips. Thick
introducing him to several new guests. Hermione followed at their heels, no pages with crisp edges and elegant typefaces. I've missed you, folded into the
more than a step behind. When they ran into Ted Nott, it seemed he'd pages like a bookmark, and the millions of could-have-beens slipped
already had several more servings of Firewhisky, in addition to the one in between the chapters. She closed the book with a lock and key, and shoved
his hand. it onto a shelf at eye-level, unable to lose it in case she needed it again.
"Lucius," he slurred. "Back from Switzerland, I see." It was eight in the evening on January 2nd when she was finally done.
Lucius tilted his head. "And I see you're back from Groix." Her head pounded and her eyes squeezed closed every time they landed
Nott Sr. raised his glass in a mock salute before scanning the room. on the fire in the hearth. But her shelves were sturdy, and the heaviness in
"No whelp, though. Your boy still mucking things up over there?" her stomach lessened. She ate a slice of bread that had appeared with her
Hermione saw Narcissa's fingers dig into Lucius's arm. dinner and tucked herself into her sheets after taking a Dreamless Sleep
"Not at all," Lucius lilted. "I'd say he's doing a fine job. We expect to potion.
retake Geneva any day now." When she woke the next morning, she felt nothing but cold
Nott Sr. laughed and muttered something to himself. "Antonin has some determination. After a half-hour of meditation, she packed up all her
interesting stories about him. Has he learned to cast Killing Curses yet?" books on tattoos and moved them back down to the library.
Both Malfoys went very still. Lucius glanced around before releasing Pansy had given her invaluable clues into the creation of these tattoos.
his wife's arm and stepping forward, inches from Nott Sr.'s face. "You're An ingested potion changed things dramatically. A potion had an
treading on thin ice, Ted. You should hear the stories I've heard antidote. She'd been chasing a counterspell.
about your son. To say nothing of what I've heard from Rookwood about Her test with the mouse had failed for numerous reasons, the first of
your performance in France." which had to do with the use of a potion. The second had to do with blood
Nott Sr.'s face soured. He hid his grimace with a long sip of his magic. But thanks to Pansy, Hermione now knew the potion came first.
Firewhisky as he glanced over his shoulder, looking for listeners. His She started by cross-referencing all of the library's resources on
knuckles were red and raw— he'd clearly punched something recently, magical tattoos with potions. She tried hundreds of search terms — so
and done a patchy Healing charm. many, in fact, that she had to list them down. She tried searching in half a
"So, why don't we have another glass," Lucius whispered, "and toast to dozen other languages. She'd even tried skimming books by hand. But
the Dark Lord together." after several weeks, she'd found nothing that related magical tattoos to an
A floating tray paused at his elbow, and he took a glass from it, never ingested potion.
breaking Nott Sr.'s gaze as he yanked the empty tumbler from his grip Frustrated with her lack of progress, she spent the last week of January
and shoved the champagne into his chest. He plucked his own glass from on the second piece of the puzzle: blood magic. She found plenty on its
the tray and toasted. uses in protective wards, including those surrounding magical estates. But
Nott scowled as he clinked his flute against Lucius's. "To your wife's here she was overwhelmed with too much information. And it was useless
health." Narcissa said nothing. Nott Sr. downed the bubbles before stalking to zero in on any particular spell until she could locate the correct potion.
off. Once again, it felt like she was working blind. The Scourers hadn't
Lucius guided Narcissa forward, whispering something in her ear. She used a potion — there was no precedent and no apparent shortcuts to
nodded, and her posture relaxed. find the information she needed. She wished she had Draco to help her

512 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 525

on the balcony. Nothing in her power could have cleared the ballroom so "Narcissa!" They were quickly accosted by a grandly dressed middle-
she could have rushed across it and taken Ginny in her arms. aged woman. "We must have you and Lucius on the dance floor," she said,
It had all been hopeless from the start. as she kissed Narcissa's cheek. You are a delight together!"
Turning on the taps, she stood by her vanity and stared at the tub as it Narcissa returned her kiss and offered her a dazzling smile. "You're too
filled. kind, Siobhan. But I'm afraid we're a bit preoccupied with babysitting this
First Draco, then Ginny. She'd lost them both tonight. evening." She lifted a brow and jerked her head in Hermione's direction.
A memory sparked. There was one thing she could have done "Then let me take over. My mother deserves to dance at her own
differently. She should have told Draco that she missed him too. Now he Gala."
was back in Zürich, and he might die without ever hearing the words. The deep baritone spoken behind her shivered her skin and sent her
The tub was filled, the taps magically turning off. She stepped into the blood racing.
perfectly warmed waters, watching the ripples move aside for her. Her Hermione's heartbeat skyrocketed as she turned slowly, hardly daring
face was stinging. to hope…
She should have been bold and reckless, smashing champagne stems Draco stood behind her in a tuxedo — white from head to toe,
and slicing throats in that room, like Ginny had been once. She should shimmering almost silver in the candlelight. She forgot how to breathe as
have shown her that Hermione Granger was still in this shell of a body he looked over her shoulder at his mother's friend, his lips tugging in a
covered in tulle and makeup. Maybe Ginny would have remembered smile.
herself as well. "Draco"—the word sharply enunciated on Lucius's tongue—"what a
The water surrounded her shoulders. She submerged deeper, slipping surprise."
her ears and eyes below the surface just as the first sob tore from her Hermione watched a storm of emotions cross Narcissa's face as she
throat, the salt from her tears poisoning the lavender-scented bathwater. reached for him. He hugged his mother, kissing her cheek. After a few
She stared up through the funhouse mirror of water at the high, cream- long moments, she released him, and he stepped beside her. And when
colored ceiling. she felt his hand press lightly on her back, her knees almost buckled.
She missed Harry. She missed Ron. She missed her parents. "I thought I could spare an hour or two," Draco said, staring at his
She had Ginny in her grasp tonight and let her slip. father.
And Draco Malfoy might never come home to her. "Wonderful! Oh, I love seeing the family all together!" Siobhan
She opened her mouth underwater and screamed. clapped her hands together. "Narcissa, Lucius, come dance—"
Lucius took his son's shoulder with a firm hand. "Draco, let's speak
$ over here—"
The sorrow of New Year's Eve hung like a shawl across her shoulders "Oh, I'd love it if the two of you danced, Father." Draco tore his gaze
for a week. She only saw the elves for three days, as if Narcissa knew she away to give Siobhan a roguish wink. "Siobhan is right. You couldn't
needed space. Perhaps Narcissa needed space as well — after all, her possibly deprive your guests of the opportunity to watch."
husband and son had left for war all over again. "No, indeed!" said Siobhan, beaming.
Her mind was a scattered mess the morning after. She tried to Narcissa must have seen the murder in Lucius's expression, because
Occlude, to push everything back into place and tidy her shelves. Instead she quickly grabbed Siobhan's elbow. "Let's find out what waltz is playing
she ended up crying on the floor next to her bed, curling into herself at next. Lucius can meet us in the ballroom."
the memories of the strange sound of Ginny's voice and the heat of She dragged her friend away, and it was just Hermione with Draco
Draco's hand on her back. She allowed herself a day of rest and recovery and his father, smiling tightly at each other.
before she tried again. Lucius glanced around before taking a step forward. "This is reckless."

524 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 513

His lips barely moved as he spoke. "There is no reason for you to be away and dates. But unless she went to Edinburgh again soon, it wouldn't be of
from your post—" any use.
"Nor you, Father—" At one point, Dolohov approached to pour himself another drink, and
"I have hosting responsibilities for an evening the Dark Lord wished into Hermione froze like a rabbit in the headlights. Lucius swiftly stood and
existence," Lucius hissed. His nostrils flared as he seemed to collect stepped between them, refilling Dolohov's glass himself and thrusting it
himself, quickly placing his hands on Draco's shoulders and straightening into his hand with a sneer. Dolohov returned to his seat, sulking, and
his tie. "You were ordered to stay." Hermione's fingers loosened on the back of Lucius's chair.
Draco seemed to stand taller, not breaking his father's gaze. The Hermione tried not to stare at Ginny. But her control began slipping
warmth of his hand was burning into the skin beneath her dress. as the men droned on, and she chanced a glance in her direction. Her
"By Bellatrix. Who left her post a half hour ago to play with the stomach turned at Ginny's tight smile as Avery wrapped his arm around
prisoners." Lucius's eyes flashed. "It's 10:15, Father. Two hours isn't a risk her waist. She sipped her champagne while he pressed his face into her
—" neck, laughing when he whispered in her ear.
"And what do you think will happen when your aunt tells the Dark All of it was wrong.
Lord you left your post because you couldn't bear being away from your It was as if the fire behind her eyes had burnt down to embers, dying
Mudblood whore a moment longer?" in the hearth. Hermione's books shivered as she quickly looked away,
Draco stiffened beside her. She could hear him swallow even through focusing on a lake with still waters.
the blood rushing in her ears. Ginny didn't look at Hermione again.
Lucius's pasted on smile never faltered as Draco blinked and slid his Before long, Lucius was making his excuses to return to Narcissa. And
hand from around her waist. Grasping her elbow instead. Hermione couldn't find the strength to wish to stay in the same room as
She felt ice in her chest with the loss. Ginny any longer. Her mental shelves were straining under the weight of
"Good," Lucius hummed. "Now listen carefully, you foolish boy." He her heavy Occlumency, threatening to buckle any moment.
brushed imaginary lint off Draco's jacket. "You will not disappear with She didn't even take a final look at Ginny as Lucius grabbed her arm
her. You will not dance with her. You will not kiss her at midnight." and guided her up the stairs, her mind throbbing and numb. Down the
"Fath—" long corridor to her bedroom, she felt Lucius glance at her, but she was
"She is not your date." His hand squeezed Draco's shoulder. "She is too exhausted to respond.
your property. And by arriving here tonight, you've given five hundred As she stepped through her doorway, Lucius warned, "Stay in this
people a reason to be curious about the inner-workings of your room. No wandering."
relationship." She nodded mutely. What reason was there to wander? It was
Draco took a slow breath. She listened to him exhale and saw the impossible to reach Ginny now. She had no excuses. She was out of clever
slightest nod of his head. Lucius plucked up two passing champagne plans.
glasses and held one to each of them. His lips were still curved in a smile, Lucius stood in the doorway as she took off her jewelry, piece by piece.
but his eyes were feral, almost daring them to disagree. Hermione blinked Her vision blurred, but her hands were steady. She startled at the sound
and quickly took the glass. She wrapped her fingers around the stem like a of a shut door. She felt the hum of locking charms and trespassing wards.
lifeline. And then, nothing.
"Enjoy the party, children," Lucius lilted. "Draco, I expect you back in Hermione unclasped her dress, letting the tulle and satin fall to the
Zürich by 12:01." ground. As she stepped out of it and wandered to the bathroom, it
And then he vanished into the crowd, leaving behind only the heavy occurred to her that there was nothing she could have done differently.
weight he'd placed in her chest. She closed her eyes and tried to suck in Nothing she said or did could have given her a moment alone with Draco

514 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 523

 Avery sneered. "It's an honor to be of service to the Dark Lord. I air. It was the first moment she'd seen Draco in eight weeks, and she could
consider myself lucky to have a pet who holds his interest." hardly dare to look at him. She couldn't without exposing herself. The
Ginny smiled demurely, sipping from her champagne glass. hand on her elbow tightened.
"These two know each other, I take it?" Rookwood said, gesturing "Draco, darling!" Her eyelids flew open to find a tall woman dripping
between Ginny and Hermione. "Both of them sucked Potter's cock?" in diamonds approaching them. "You grow more handsome every day!"
The men chuckled. Ginny simply blinked. She watched his mask slip on as he released her elbow and kissed the
"I'll ask you to watch your language in front of my great- woman's cheeks. "Marie, you look ravishing as ever."
grandmother's portrait," Lucius said, lifting his glass to point at the And thus began the carousel. Draco seemed to spin in circles as he was
grumpy looking grey-haired woman in her frame. The men laughed. attacked on all sides by eager middle-aged women with daughters of an
"Is that right, darling?" Avery said softly into Ginny's ear, his hand fisting eligible age. Her skin grew cold as they were interrupted by one after
the hair at the base of her skull. "Do you remember your old friend?" another, some not even waiting their turn.
Hermione watched Ginny twist — her bones spindly under the pale- Hermione stood silently at his side as eyes either skipped or passed
blue skin of her back — and turn her gaze on Hermione for the first time. over her disdainfully. Draco kept glancing over the women's heads
Her warm brown eyes were shallow pools of nothingness as they roved towards the closed doors at the center of the drawing room.
over Hermione. "I'm sorry I'm not dancing tonight, Mrs. Hastings," he said, kissing
"Hardly," she said. one of the women's hands. "But I do know that Theo Nott over there has
Her voice was different. Like a hook had been pulled tight around her been aching for a partner, and he'd be mad to decline a girl who looks as
throat and tugged until the melody left her inflections. In that one word, lovely as Mary this evening. You'll excuse me—"
Hermione could hear an aristocratic drawl unfamiliar to Ginny's natural "But dear, surely there's a young woman you can escort this evening."
consonants and vowels. Her eyes flicked over to Hermione with a grimace before coming back to
"Here you all are." Hermione turned to the door and found Nott Sr. him.
leaning drunkenly on the doorframe. "Not going to invite me to this little "Draco," said another stout woman, who had elbowed her way
private party?" forward. "You'll have to excuse me when I say that given the occasion"—
Yaxley pursed his lips in distaste. Rookwood and Mulciber shared a she lifted her brows meaningfully—"having a Mudblood on your arm isn't
meaningful look. doing you any favors."
"Not at all, Ted," Lucius said smoothly. "Do join us. I was just about to "Too true, Mrs. Dormer." Draco glanced at the doors again as he
open a bottle of Scotch." smoothed his hair. "Unfortunately, I only have time to kiss my mother and
Nott Sr.'s eyes lit up. He stumbled into the room and dropped into a walk my pet tonight. But I hope the situation in Switzerland will calm
high-backed chair. "What's the latest, then?" Lucius handed him a drink, down soon enough."
his lip slightly curled. Then he was swiftly extracting them with a few muttered apologies,
Luckily, unlike at Edinburgh, neither Hermione nor Ginny were prime dragging her by her elbow through the crowd. Hermione followed him
attractions for the evening. That honor belonged to Switzerland. The blindly, lost in her thoughts. The whiplash of seeing him again, being
room was focused and almost civil as they discussed the latest initiative to near him, his scent so close to her again — and then being held at arm's
retake Geneva. Most were confident; others pointed to rumors of foreign length while a hoard of women vied for his attention… It felt like a dull
assistance to the French and Swiss rebels. Lucius said little, simply blade slicing her open slowly.
humming and circling the rim of his glass with his finger. And it wasn't just his presence. It was the heavy stares of hundreds of
Hermione shrunk between the drinks trolley and the back of Lucius's people — most of whom had never believed she was worth more than the
chair, trying to be invisible as her brain scrambled to memorize names dirt under their shoes — now seeing her as nothing more than an

522 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 515

ornamental inconvenience. As if she were a pretty, expensive painting that "Bring her," said Yaxley, and Lucius froze. He turned around slowly,
no longer matched the new furnishings. and Hermione followed. "I was just about to come looking for you. We
Edinburgh was different. As disturbing and horrifying as it was, she have the other one in here, too."
still held a twisted sort of power there. She was visible; she was valuable. Hermione's breath was tight in her chest.
She commanded attention. But here, in Draco's world, she was nothing. Ginny.
There were young women who greeted him with batted lashes and Alone in a room full of Death Eaters.
flirty laughter, and more society ladies who pushed for him to take a Lucius hesitated, and Yaxley lifted a brow. "Don't be stingy. Your
debutante to the dance floor. He brushed them all off as politely as one guests want to see the finest horses in the show." He smirked. "Maybe
would expect from Narcissa Malfoy's son. But as Hermione stood at his we'll let them wrestle."
side, mute and invisible, she wondered how long he could slip from their Hermione said a silent prayer, begging. And then—
grasp. "Just for a few minutes, I suppose," said Lucius stiffly.
If she was unsuccessful with the tattoos… if she remained locked up in Her skin shivered, and then her heart beat out of her chest as Lucius
Malfoy Manor as the years dragged on, what would become of her when it led her to the sitting room. With each step of the marble, she
was time for Draco to court? It was clearly expected of him. And how could concentrated on binding her emotions into books — pushing Draco into a
he not be expected to marry and continue the Malfoy line with a pure- far corner of her mind and covering him with other texts, folding the
blood girl? pages of Ginny into another book altogether. The doors pushed open just
Perhaps one day she'd be the mad wife locked in the attic. A dirty as she lost them somewhere in the stacks.
secret caged within the Manor's walls. Perhaps she'd stalk the halls at Her eyes caught on the white dress immediately. Ginny had her back
night while Draco's real wife slept soundly in her four-poster. turned to the door, Avery at her side with his hand on her backside.
Hermione buried her dark thoughts and focused on the present. If this Hermione drew a sharp breath, but her Occlumency held. She looked
was all she got from him, she'd take it. She'd take the way his fingers away. Dolohov, Rookwood, Mulciber, Crabbe Sr., Parkinson, and the
would slip across the hollow of her elbow. The feeling of his breath on Lestrange brothers stood in a lazy formation, sipping drinks and
her ear when he stole a moment to press his nose to her hair. chuckling with each other. It was odd to see them in the bright candlelight
In some conversations, he'd forget himself, and his hand would slide of the Manor, without a slave on their arm or in their lap.
across her ribs, warm and firm. His fingers would curl around her Their eyes drifted over her, but they looked away without leering — all
opposite side, his knuckles teasing her bare arm, his thumb sparking except Dolohov.
shivers across her skin. When their backs were to a wall, he let his fingers "So, this is where you all disappeared to." Lucius shook Mulciber's
slide up and tangle lightly in her curls, slipping across her shoulder blades hand and promptly took a path through the room towards the drinks
and sloping up her neck to dance with the fine hairs standing on end trolley in the corner, pushing Hermione to stand against a wall behind a
there. She grew dizzy and light-headed with his attentions, her legs chair.
pressing together under the hundreds of layers of tulle. He leaned into "Your wife throws a fine party, Lucius."
her ear when their companion was distracted and whispered, "I've missed "That she does." Lucius sipped his brandy and moved to shake Avery's
you." hand. "Didn't expect to see you here, Aron. Welcome."
Her lips trembled, and she pressed her eyes closed, willing herself not "I got permission to let her out of her cage." Avery chuckled, and
to cry. All she could do was nod as the older man turned to Draco with a, Hermione watched his hand slide up from Ginny's backside and curl into
"Don't you agree?" — to which Draco smoothly did. her ginger locks. Swallowing, she quickly looked away.
At ten minutes to midnight, the sound of wands tapping against "However will the Dark Lord amuse himself on this New Year's Eve?"
champagne glasses signaled a toast. From their position at the far end of Rabastan murmured, and Mulciber hid a smile in his glass.

516 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 521

 "Please." She looked up at him, and he sipped his champagne, the room near the windows, she watched as a wave of people joined in,
avoiding her eyes. "I haven't seen her since May." tapping against their glasses and turning towards the platform set up near
Blaise faced the ballroom as he whispered, "I have no business with the fireplace.
Avery. I can't just walk up to him—" Narcissa ascended, and the applause of hundreds rang out. She cast
Avery pressed a hand to Ginny's back and steered her toward the an Amplifying Charm and greeted the room with a glowing smile.
doors. Hermione's breath squeezed out of her lungs — to lose her so "Happy New Year. We're so pleased you could join us."
quickly after getting her back— As the chatter in the room quieted, Blaise and a pretty olive-skinned
"Just walk me that way," she begged. "Just towards the doors, and then girl appeared at their side, Theo and a stunning blonde girl trailing
I'll figure out—" behind them. Blaise greeted Draco with a slightly drunken smirk. Theo
"What did I tell you about speaking to your superiors?" Lucius hissed nodded at him, looking quite miserable.
behind her. A warm hand grabbed her elbow. "Behave yourself." Every eye in the room was on Narcissa as she said a few words about
She turned to his cold grey gaze, her lips trembling, trying to beg him the Dark Lord's victory, and honored those who had fallen. Before long,
without words. she was introducing Lucius.
"Clearly you've had enough excitement for the night." His eyes were The clock was minutes from striking midnight, and Hermione felt
like ice as he turned to Blaise, speaking loud enough for onlookers. "I Draco being ripped from her with every tick of the second hand.
apologize for her behavior. I can assure you she'll be thoroughly punished. But then, Draco was stepping back towards the heavy drawing room
Please, excuse us." curtains, tugging her lightly at her waist. She moved with him as he found
And without waiting for a response, Lucius escorted her through the a fold in the curtains, holding it open for her to sneak through. She looked
crowd with a bruising grip on her upper arm. back to see one of the beautiful balconies overlooking the gazebo. A place
"Mr. Malfoy—" for them to be alone—
His fingers tightened. "Control yourself," he muttered from the corner "And my son, Draco," Lucius boomed. "Who I couldn't be prouder
of his mouth. "Remember where you are." of."
She stumbled before quickly finding her footing. The logical part of The curtain dropped. His hand slipped away from her waist. Every
her brain knew he was right, but the rest of her was screaming to turn eye turned toward him, and he stepped forward with a forced smile.
around. She needed to get to Ginny. Lucius bowed at him from across the room, his eyes glinting. He
Lucius nodded at several people as they passed, moving swiftly gestured for Draco to join him, and without even a glance back to her,
through the ballroom as Hermione's mind whirred in overdrive. But her Draco moved swiftly through the crowd. A few stragglers eyed her, and
heart began sinking with each step. Lucius was right. Short of a miracle, Blaise stepped forward silently to take his place.
there was no way she could speak to Ginny tonight. "We could not be more honored to serve the Dark Lord in
Pain pricked her temple as he led them out the drawing room doors, Switzerland. My son has played an important role in helping crush the
towards the marble staircase. They closed, sealing Ginny away from her rebels and secure the foothold of the Great Order." Lucius roused the
like a coffin. Hermione swallowed, trying to be strong— crowd with a wave of his hand as Draco climbed the stairs to him.
"Lucius!" a voice called, just as he put his foot on the first step. They The crowd responded with hollers and cheers, as well as a smattering of
swiveled around to find Yaxley, leaning out the cracked door of the small ecstatic giggling from a nearby group of young women. Draco shook his
sitting room tucked behind the staircase. "Come join us. We were just father's hand and stood tall at his side, looking every inch the obedient son.
discussing Geneva." "Unfortunately, Draco can't stay," Lucius said, placing a firm hand on
"Of course. Give me a moment to put my pet to bed," said Lucius the back of Draco's neck.
smoothly. He moved to the second stair, tugging Hermione behind him. Hermione's chest seized. It was still two minutes to midnight—

520 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 517

 "He's expected back in Switzerland." Lucius gave a sympathetic nod as
the crowd groaned. "Let's send him out with the warmest thanks we can,
shall we?"
The room erupted.
Draco eyes locked on hers from across a crowd of hundreds as they
both realized they wouldn't have a chance to say goodbye. He seemed to
snap out of his trance after a moment, turning to kiss Narcissa with a
tight smile. Her breath rattled as he waved at the crowd and left, exiting
out of the drawing room and back to Switzerland. Away from her.

28
She swayed on her feet, but something steadied her — Blaise's hand
on her elbow.
The melody of Lucius's voice wound through the crowd as he talked
of fresh beginnings. Hermione blinked, dazed.
She should have told him she'd missed him too. It could have been the
last time she ever saw him.
Her vision burned white-hot as Lucius mentioned the time — less
than a minute to midnight. She scanned the crowd, too furious to look at
the podium as Lucius waxed eloquent about the Dark Lord's might and
their year of victories over his foes.
Her chest burned, her blood searing in her veins as she thought of
Harry. Ron. Ginny.
The crowd swelled and swayed, and her eyes paused on a beacon of
brilliant white. A girl in a blinding white dress, draped with glinting
diamonds, her skin translucent and pale. A mane of furious red curls omeone was knocking her elbow. Jarring her, helping her lift a glass.
dancing around her face.
She looked exactly like—
"As I toast you into the New Year," said Lucius, "let us remember why
S Champagne flooded her closed lips. The girl in the white dress
swallowed, her throat moving delicately as the champagne poured
into her mouth. Fireworks crackled and boomed, and the girl's skin
we are here." glowed blue and red and green — a white canvas to paint on.
Five seconds to midnight. She blinked back her tears, eyes narrowing Warm breath whispered against her ear — "Granger, close your
on the girl in the white dress. Standing next to Avery, his features mouth or you'll catch lacewing flies."
unmistakable as he turned. The stretched elastic of her mind snapped, and her vision seemed to
Hermione's blood turned to ice in her veins. shiver before refocusing.
"To the Dark Lord's power," Lucius called, lifting his glass. Ginny Weasley was within twenty feet of her.
Every hand raised theirs in turn. She spun to Blaise, her heart pounding in her throat. She kept her
Midnight struck. gaze on Ginny in case she vanished. "Blaise, please. You need to take me
And as fireworks bounced around the room, Hermione watched to Avery. I need to— If I could just get close to her—"
Ginny Weasley smile and chorus with them: "You must be confusing me with a different Slytherin. I'm afraid my
"May he reign forevermore." back doesn't bend that way for you, Granger—"

518 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 519

 They turned into a dining room, slightly smaller than the one the Hermione pulled back with a silent gasp. Her own parents were in
Slytherin boys used upstairs. A thick body lay on the floor, blood pooling love, she knew. But Hermione couldn't be certain that Henry and Jean
around his head. Granger had ever clung to each other like this.
Goyle. It was over quickly. Hermione peeked around the stairs just in time to
Draco stumbled, losing his footing as he blinked at his old classmate. see Lucius pushing his wife back and tossing the powder into the flames.
Hermione heard a whimper from behind the sideboard. She peered Narcissa's fingertips pressed against her lips, her arm wrapping around her
around the table and found Susan Bones clutching a broken champagne middle.
glass in one hand, and a steak knife in the other — both dripping with "Be safe," she whispered.
Goyle's blood. Hermione jumped as her wild eyes shot up, locking on His lips pulled in the semblance of a smirk. "Alright. Just because you
hers. Susan pulled her knees to her chest, rocking, closing her eyes and asked."
murmuring words Hermione couldn't hear. He stepped through, and the flames took him away. Narcissa stared at
Draco seized Hermione's hand, and before she could beg him to help the fireplace for a long moment.
her, they were stumbling out of the room and turning down a familiar Hermione sank back into the shadows, not wanting to disturb her.
narrow corridor just outside of the Great Hall. A few days. No more.
The groan of injured bodies rumbled toward them, and Draco Draco would be alone in Zürich with Bellatrix, and Nott Sr., and
pressed flat against the wall, edging slowly through the doorway. He countless other monsters. And his mother was scared for him.
peered around the threshold, sucked a breath, and tugged her through. She went back to her room for the night and drank a dose and a half
Splashes of red crested high on the walls. Bodies everywhere, like of Dreamless Sleep potion, slipping between the sheets without touching
mounds of boulders hidden beneath grass, and not a single one moved. her dinner.
The room itself seemed to bleed. The next two days passed without any news. Narcissa joined her for
Hermione blinked, focusing only on the pressure of Draco's hand as breakfast, but she was skittish and distracted. Hermione continued her
he dragged her through the chaos. He clenched his jaw, his gaze steeled research in an Occluded haze, making little progress. But on the third
and empty as they wove through the dead. They walked between the morning, she woke up to a breakfast tray and copy of the Daily
severed halves of a man's torso and Hermione nearly heaved, swallowing Prophet announcing:
back her bile. Another man was missing a head and a leg — a clean slice
for each. VICTORY IN SWITZERLAND!
An untouched platter of champagne glasses on a lone side table, the BY RITA SKEETER
bubbles still rising. A platter of cheese and fruit on another, the grapes The Great Order is victorious at last against the rebel mercenaries in
plump and violently red.
Zürich! After months of skirmishes in Basel, Geneva, Bern, and Zürich,
The grand fireplace at the other end of the Great Hall glittered at
the Dark Lord's army has beaten back the French and Swiss insurgents
them, a pile of bodies crumpled around it. Draco tried the Floo
regardless. Blocked. once and for all, thanks to the ingenuity of General Theodore Nott and
He spun back to her, his eyes flying over the room. "Maybe one of the the dedicated work of the countless other officials and soldiers.
other sides of the castle is unprotected. Maybe we can pass the Last night's decisive blow illustrates the magical might of the Great
Apparition line on the west and—" Order and those closest to the Dark Lord. Developed in recent months
A shadow behind him shifted. Her eyes popped as a suit of armor by General Nott, a novel magical weapon was released on the frontlines
propelled forward. She shoved him to the right and jumped to her left as last night, first to defeat the rebel forces in Zürich, and then dispatched
it bisected them, but before she could blink, Cho Chang was emerging immediately to Bern and Geneva. By dawn, the insurgents had fled,
553 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 531
 leaving Switzerland in the hands of its rightful owners. Draco wrangled free, and they gaped up at the turret just as a wiry
Former Swiss Minister Vogel and his cabinet — who refused to animal lunged over it, scattering the sharpshooters over the other side as it
pledge support to the Great Order — have been captured in Geneva, landed hard on the stones.
and are currently being held in the Swiss Ministry in Zürich. Check back The air was thick and putrid with rotting blood.
The werewolves.
for the evening edition of the Prophet for more information.
The screaming turned into garbled gasping as the creature latched
Hermione's fingers were shaking. What deadly weapon had Nott Sr. onto one of the sharpshooter's throats, ripping into the flesh. Draco
created, and how many had it killed? clasped his hand over Hermione's mouth, holding them still. She blinked
Was Draco safe? Who else did Hermione know fighting on the front up at the sky, her eyes wide in terror. It was a full moon.
lines yesterday? Were Bill and Fleur still alive? Another werewolf joined the other, sniffing at the dead bodies in the
Pop! pathway. It slunk closer to the turret and Hermione trembled, squeezing
Hermione jumped, spinning to see Mippy blinking up at her. "Mippy her eyes closed. Then the air erupted. Spells and curses flew from all
has paper for Miss. Mistress is not well, so Mippy brings paper for Miss!" directions. The creatures howled and turned their snarling jowls toward
Hermione rubbed a palm over her thundering chest and reached for the new attackers.
the New York Ghost. "Thank you, Mippy. Do you… Is there any word on Draco scrambled to his feet and yanked her upright by the wrist. "We
Draco? Or Mr. Malfoy?" need to get back inside. There has to be a fucking fireplace." He dragged
"Mippy is not knowing, Miss," said Mippy, twirling her ear. her in a sharp turn and suddenly they were racing up the steep staircase
Hermione nodded numbly and let the elf pop away. She shook open they climbed every Friday night, leading them back to the castle.
the Ghost and gasped. Her legs pumped as she sprinted up the stairs behind him, hurrying
while they were still open targets. They passed the mangled and torn body
A THOUSAND DEAD IN ZÜRICH AND COUNTING of a True Order member — one the werewolves had already gotten to.
BY GERTIE GUMLEY They ran past fresh destruction to open a small door. A piercing howl
Yesterday at dusk, a poisonous gas swept through the streets of came from behind her as he dragged her in, slamming the door behind
Zürich, killing over one thousand French and Swiss soldiers. Although her.
most No-Majs have fled to neighboring Italy or Germany, some are She struggled to breathe as her eyes adjusted to the dark. Draco cast
a Lumos and she jumped, stumbling backward. Dead bodies. Five of them.
suspected among the casualties, along with Swiss witches and wizards
Their blood sprayed up the wall onto the royal portraits.
who did not hear or heed orders to stay inside.
The room hummed with Dark Magic.
According to an eye witness, the gas is resistant to the Bubble-Head Draco stepped over one of them to the fireplace. He summoned the
Charm and kills on contact. It was created by a member of Lord Floo powder and tried to ignite the flames. Nothing.
Voldemort's inner circle and looks to be the newest Mass Death Magic He held out his hand for her. She extended her shaking fingers,
used in the Great Order's attempts to claim Europe. stepping over a man whose eyes were open, and taking his hand. His palm
The Ghost received word that the Death Eaters released the gas upon was cold and wet as he tugged her around the perimeter and out of the
Zürich around 5 p.m. last night, allowing it to move indiscriminately room.
through the city, killing True Order soldiers on the frontlines and any They tried four other side rooms. Two had fireplaces, but they didn't
exposed civilians. Patronus warnings were received in Basel, Bern, and work. They found four Carrow Girls in the fifth room, shuddering and
Geneva, where the majority of the rebels retreated just before the gas crying in a corner. Draco quickly dragged her away before she could
was unleashed. The Death Eaters used an unknown protective charm to think how to help.

532 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 552

 Her chest was heavy as she watched him clear the next wall, darting move through each city unharmed, picking off fighters who had not yet
his head around the corner and gesturing her forward. Whereas Ron evacuated or been reached by the gas.
would blunder headfirst and trust her or Harry to cover him, and Harry Just weeks ago, the No-Maj Federal Council of Switzerland declared
would consider two possible outcomes instead of the million more likely a State of Emergency, citing terrorism similar to that in Edinburgh,
ones, Draco was swift and overly cautious, precise and planned.
Scotland, and ordered the mass evacuation of No-Maj citizens.
He'd come back to her as a soldier.
The Ghost has received word that two members of that Council showed
Suddenly he was pressing her back into the shadows, tugging her low
signs of resisting the Imperius Curse. They are now being held by the
and crouching over her. She peered under his arm. Two bodies darted by,
running up the hill. Death Eaters, along with Swiss Minister Vogel and the Magical Council
He grabbed her hand and pulled her out of their hiding place, turning Members who survived the attack.
the corner through the gate. A boom shook the ground beneath her feet, With the retreat of the rebel forces in Switzerland, Lord Voldemort's
and Hermione spun back to look at Edinburgh Castle just as the Great Order now has complete control of every one of France's
clocktower fell, crumbling sideways and exploding onto the cobblestones bordering countries. France remains the stronghold of the anti-
below. Voldemort coalition, referring to themselves as the "True Order." When
"Malfoy!" a voice called. informed of their defeat in Switzerland, coupled with news of
She slammed into Draco as he stopped cold, throwing his arm behind Voldermort's new Mass Death Magic, M.A.C.U.S.A. President Harrison
him and tucking her back. was quoted as saying that he was "looking into the situation."
It was Warrington, running down the lane adjacent to them. "Ditch
your girl! If they see one with you, they'll kill on sight!" He darted past Hermione sat in her chair as the paper slipped from her fingers. Her
them down the hill, heading for the main gates. legs felt leaden and numb. Over a thousand dead in one day.
A jet of green light illuminated the darkness — he stumbled, and his Her anxiety bubbled to the surface, and the bookshelves in her mind
lifeless body rolled down the stones. Hermione gasped, her head whipping shivered. New images flitted through her mind. Bill and Fleur collapsing
up to the top of the gate where the Killing Curse had come from. There with countless others, their faces swollen and blue. Had Draco been there
were distant shadows against the moonlight. with the other Death Eaters, prowling the clouded streets? Or had
Heavy footsteps hurried from behind them, and Draco tugged them someone from the "True Order" gotten to him first?
back against the stones again. Two men Hermione didn't recognize raced Her chest seized and her fingers clenched. She closed her eyes and
by, and just as quickly, two bolts of green light shot out from the turret, imagined a lake with still waters until she could breathe freely again. After
and the men collapsed. an hour of meditating, she went to the library and buried herself in her
Draco squeezed her hand numb, breathing harshly. books until nightfall.
"We'll never make it out this way," Hermione wheezed. "We have no The next morning, there was no paper under her coffee cup. She
idea how many of them—" wandered down to the dining room and found it empty. Narcissa's study
A Killing Curse whizzed by Draco's elbow, blasting the stones behind was empty.
her. She called for Mippy, and the elf appeared immediately.
"It's Malfoy! I found him!" "Was there no Prophet today? Or the Ghost?"
Her heart lurched as she grabbed Draco's ducking head, shielding him. Mippy shifted from foot to foot. "Mistress tells Mippy to take papers
"Tell George! He's out here—" away." Her bright emerald eyes couldn't meet Hermione's.
The voice cut off with a strangled scream, quickly drowned out by a Her heart thumped in her chest. Something had happened.
wet snarl. "Can I please have them?" Hermione asked with a thin voice.

551 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 533

 Mippy wrung her hands. "Mistress says… it's better not to..." The fire didn't burst. No green flames.
"Then can you take me to her? I understand if you've been forbidden, "Shit!" In the blink of an eye, he was seizing her by the elbow and
but I need to know what happened." taking her back out the door.
Mippy played with her apron. "Mistress is needing to be left alone, "Wait—!"
Miss. Mippy hasn't been forbidden from giving the paper." And with a An orange light whizzed by Draco's ear, and Hermione screamed
flick of her small wrist, the Prophet appeared in her waxy fingers. before she could stop herself. Someone in dark, scrappy clothes was firing
Hermione took the pages and thanked her. She turned away quickly, at them.
distracted by the picture of Draco on the cover, standing beside the new Draco fought back with non-verbal jinxes, and the attacker fell back.
puppet Minister. His eyes were empty. Stars bloomed behind her eyelids, her mind dizzy and spinning. She
had to get him out.
EXECUTIONS IN ZÜRICH: DARK LORD He dragged her down a dark corridor, and through a series of twists
WELCOMES SWITZERLAND TO GREAT ORDER and turns. They searched for fireplaces and found three burning in empty
BY RITA SKEETER rooms, glasses full and cigars still smoking. All blocked.
Hermione's panic grew with every corner they turned. The True
In the wake of the Great Order's defeat of the French rebels in Order wouldn't hurt her. But Draco was running on borrowed time.
Switzerland, the Dark Lord appeared in Zürich last night to accept Another turn. She held her breath, praying the path would end soon
Minister Egger's pledge of support. General Lucius Malfoy joined him, — until he turned them into a dead end. And then another.
having returned from Austria in the early hours of yesterday morning. He was lost.
The Prophet has learned that the executions of ex-Minister Vogel and She tugged him to stop, her chest tight. "The walls are weakest at the
windows. If the wards have been penetrated—"
two of his cabinet were carried out by General Draco Malfoy shortly after
"Get down." He turned abruptly, pointing his wand at a high window
Switzerland was retaken. In a statement to The Prophet, General
on the wall closest to them and yelling, "Bombarda Maxima!"
Bellatrix Lestrange was quoted… She ducked into his chest as the rubble flew in different directions. His
The paper fell limp at her fingertips. She felt ice in her throat, slicing grip on her loosened, and when she opened her eyes there was moonlight
her neck on every breath. on her feet.
Perhaps there had been a mistake. Perhaps Bellatrix had cast the Draco pulled her over the stone pieces and paused, quickly surveying
curses instead. Rita was notoriously misinformed… their surroundings. A grassy little hill on the west side of the castle. To
She scanned the rest of the article. His name wasn't mentioned again. their left were the craggy rocks on the cliff face. There was screaming to
She sat in the library, staring out the window for the rest of the day, in the right, jets of red light and purple smoke.
a haze of confused grief. Narcissa's reaction indicated that Skeeter had Hermione gulped in lungfuls of fresh air, the chill of the spring wind
been telling the truth. She wasn't sure what she'd expected. Draco had chilling the sweat on her skin.
been sent to the battle lines to fight for Voldemort. Did she really think his They crept through the grass, their lungs panting heavily as they ran
hands would remain clean? down the hill. Draco swung back to look behind them every four steps,
But there was a stain on her heart, black as ink, festering deeper and like clockwork.
deeper with each passing hour. He'd killed three innocent people. She As they approached a sharp turn into the courtyard that housed the
could only hope it had been the first time. cannons, Draco slowly rounded the stone wall, jerking his head around
But he'd likely be expected to kill again. the corner before proceeding. Hermione had a momentary flash of him
There was a quiet but unshakable certainty in her chest that he hadn't in Switzerland, creeping through the bloody ruins.

534 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 550

Hall, and tugged Draco's arm as she watched two men sprint down it. wanted to. That he would have avoided it if he could. But the simple fact
There was a fireplace there. They raced forward, legs burning, but froze was that he had been the one to hold the wand and cast the spell.
as both men promptly dropped dead across the threshold in a blur of Try as she might, knowing it didn't make her care for him any less.
green light. The True Order was lying in wait.
Hermione stumbled backward, her eyes flicking over the room. They $
were too exposed. She grabbed his arm and dragged him along the back The next few days came with sporadic sightings of Narcissa — a
wall of gambling tables, towards the closed doors of the corridor leading dinner here, a breakfast there. Neither of them mentioned the executions.
to the Burgundy Room. There was a fireplace there. She sang a quiet birthday song to Ron when the day came around,
They were ten feet from the doors when they burst open. Draco hoping that wherever he was, he wasn't in too much pain. The thought
turned into her, shoving her back against the wall and angling himself in made her cry herself to sleep, and she had to spend all next morning
front of her. Occluding to shed the pain of it.
Dolohov and Yaxley stood one second in the doorway to take in the On the first Tuesday in March, Hermione excused herself from
chaos before moving swiftly into offense, engaging a pair of True Order another solemn breakfast to the library for the rest of the day. Once she
fighters. was settled, she realized she'd left one of the journals on her bedside table.
Mulciber was close behind. Entering the Lounge with Cho, he looked Heaving herself out of the comfortable chair, she trudged back through
around at the smoke and spells, the bloody bodies. He pulled his wand, the library doors. She passed the line of marble busts of each Malfoy
his eyes wide, unsure where to start. man, and stopped dead when she turned the corner to the entry hall.
Hermione opened her lips to call out to Cho, to tell her to run with There, next to the fireplaces, Draco was draped over his mother's
them. But a smile broke on her lips, splitting her face wide and filling her shoulders in an embrace as she squeezed his waist in a vice. A valise and
eyes with fire. Her gaze flitted around her, and Hermione saw the his coat on the floor next to him.
moment her eyes landed on an ornamental shield with crossed swords on Hermione stared like they were a mirage in the desert that would
the wall next to her. vanish if she got too close. Her ribs felt glued together, her lungs unable to
She stared back in shock as Draco tugged her forward, shooting a work.
Stunning Spell somewhere in front of them. Another spell spun from the Draco was home.
back corner and she yanked them to the right, watching it just miss She took one step toward the unmoving couple just as Draco sucked in
Draco's ear as he stumbled. a tight breath, and a sob rattled out, into his mother's neck. Narcissa held
Cho dodged a curse sailing by, reaching up with nimble fingers and him close to her with a soft hum.
tugging at the coat of arms until a thick sword slid free from its decorative Hermione paused, going very still.
housing with a slice. A yelp escaped Hermione's lips as Cho hauled back "Breathe, Draco," Narcissa murmured.
and dug the sword through the middle of Mulciber's back. He gurgled a Hermione pulled back silently, quickly pressing herself around the
shout, crumpling to the ground. corner.
Draco pulled her down the corridor, and Hermione whipped over her Her eyes stung as she heard him catching his breath with shaking
shoulder to watch Cho yank the sword from Mulciber's body with her gasps. She wanted to comfort him—
heeled foot as leverage, before swinging heavily and lodging the old sword "I'll have the elves unpack," Narcissa said. "She's in the library."
into his neck with a scream. "No." Draco's voice was sharp but wet with tears. "I don't want to see
They flew into a small sitting room, and Draco clutched her to his her."
chest as he summoned the Floo powder. He threw the powder in the Her skin froze, the cold seeping inward, like a Dementor hovered over
fireplace and called out for the Manor. her. She stared with unfocused eyes at a marble bust of Armand Malfoy,
549 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 535
thinking of I've missed you kissed against her ear — remembering the way The back of a True Order fighter with grey-streaked hair burst into
Lucius had come home last week just to kiss his wife. existence just feet in front of them and they stopped dead, stumbling to
"Alright. Bathe and change. Have you eaten? I can—" take cover behind a drink trolley. He hauled a Carrow Girl up from the
"Lunch. Please." She heard him move toward the staircase. "I'll come floor, ignoring her screams as he raised his wand to slice her arm.
find you shortly." "Not ze silver collars!"
She listened to the sound of his heavy boots against the marble all the Hermione's head whipped around at the voice, and her eyes popped
way up the stairs. Once they faded, Narcissa let out a sharp, ragged sigh. when she saw Fleur Delacour in dark combat clothes, her hair shorn to
After a long moment, her heels began clicking in the direction of the her ears — pulling a man from a private booth and slicing his neck as his
kitchens. Carrow Girl shrieked.
Hermione wasn't sure how long she stood there before she returned to A sharp tug had her shrinking low again, holding her breath.
her body. Slowly, she walked back to the library, passing the marble men "We must find ze Carrows!"
who all seemed to hiss, I don't want to see her. She saw the older fighter drop the Carrow Girl and turn his wand
swiftly on Bletchley as he ran for it. The curse skidded across his shoulder
$ blades, and he dropped with a howl. The older man didn't bother
It was five in the evening when the doors to the library finally opened. finishing him off. He just moved forward, casting hexes and Killing
She was lost in the stacks, thumbing through a text on rare potions when Curses.
she heard the hinges creak. Her head snapped up, and she reshelved the Draco dragged her up, pushing her to her feet to run. A buzzing filled
book before winding through the shelves. her ears, growing louder and louder as they dodged curses and jumped
He was staring down at her research table, turning a page in her over bodies. Gold collared girls scattered, sprinting for the exits as the
notebook. He seemed taller, his profile stronger. His hair had grown just a soldiers moved in on guests and Death Eaters, killing indiscriminately.
bit — one more half-inch and it would curl at his neck. They turned a corner and passed Marcus Flint on the ground,
"I see you're still here, with both arms attached." His voice was flat as coughing a spray of blood as Penelope pressed her hands to his chest, her
he turned another page. "So you're still hard at work, I take it?" eyes wild and begging for help. Hermione could do nothing but blink at
She swallowed at the sound of his voice. Familiar, but distant. her as they ran by.
He wanted to skip the hello. There would be no embrace, no kiss by Her eyes scanned for clean exits, her throat tight with panic as Draco
the fireplace, no I've missed you. Just back to business as usual. yanked her down the row of booths.
She stepped down from the landing, keeping her distance as she She needed to get him to a fireplace. And she had to go back to find
approached the table. She'd imagined him returning home a thousand George and Angelina and Fleur. As soon as they got her out, she could
times. But none of the scenarios in her head had played out like this. explain about the Malfoys. They could go to the Manor and grab her
"It's good to see you, too, Draco." research and smuggle them out, take them all to France—
Silence. But there was no time to explain when people were casting Killing
"Yes, I've made a lot of progress, actually." Her throat felt raw. "I Curses at him. She had to get him out.
was… I was hoping to share it with you." Rounding the final booth, they froze in their tracks to find a pile of
He turned to her, his gaze landing on her for the first time since New people trampling each other, screaming and stepping over dead bodies —
Year's. Since before that. He gave her the smallest of nods. all fighting to get through a blocked Floo. Hermione watched someone
"But before we get to that, I—" She cleared her throat. "I wanted you throw the powder and cry out for their residence only to be shoved back
to know that I'm glad you're home safely. That you're not injured, I by another, the flames orange and unresponsive.
mean." Hermione looked to the long corridor to the left that led to the Great

536 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 548

 Her mind reeled at a breakneck pace. He didn't flinch.
The Order was here. The True Order. "And if you want to talk about it, I—"
They were trying to take the girls out — and failing. Because of the "I don't."
tattoos. The word was clipped. Final. Her stomach sank.
Draco shot a Stunning Spell from his wand. She grabbed his wrist. But then his eyes flickered, and he quickly looked away. His hand
"Don't Stun them! They'll be taken prisoner—!" shook almost imperceptibly as he turned another page, avoiding her gaze.
"What, then?" he hissed. "Tickling Jinxes?" She watched him, wondering what he'd been through all those months.
Across the room, her eyes caught on a tall woman with tight braids What he must be feeling now.
and black combat clothes surveying the dead Carrow Girl. When the Her heart clenched.
woman stood, Hermione saw she had no left arm. She'd meet him halfway, if that was what he needed. She could wait
Angelina Johnson. for him to be one to close the distance between them.
She brought her fingers to her lips and whistled, setting Hermione's Taking a shaky breath, she moved to her notes. "Then let's talk about
teeth on edge. Her voice was rough as she bellowed, "Plan B!" the tattoos."
The room seemed to reignite with curses as Angelina slashed her She spent the next half hour filling him in on her progress over the last
wand through the air, marking the Carrow Girl with a black "X." Adrian four months. She told him about her failed experiment. About her chat
Pucey snuck around the couch just behind her, his wand drawn, holding with Pansy. She told him about the blood magic and the tattoo potion —
Mortensen as a shield against his chest. Hermione gasped as Angelina how she was stuck trying to figure out what kind of potion Nott had used.
whipped around and hit him squarely between the eyes with a Killing Draco said nothing, but he listened attentively. He hummed at the right
Curse. Before his body had hit the ground, she'd grabbed Mortensen's parts and furrowed his brows at the mysteries.
arm, sliced it off at the elbow, and summoned a button from her pocket. "Pansy said they signed for her in blood, but I wanted to make sure
Mortensen's screams abruptly halted as they disappeared in a spray of you went through the same process." She looked up at him from her
blood. notes. He was watching her closely. "Did you have to sign in blood as
Hermione's chest seized as the wall behind her vibrated. Draco well?"
yanked her several meters away, crouching behind an overturned table as He nodded. "Yes."
the room swelled with screams. "Was there anything special about the parchment or the quill used?
Portkeys. Did you cut yourself for the ink?"
Somehow, they'd made Portkeys that could penetrate the wards. And "No." He slipped his hands in his pockets. "The quill was charmed to
since Mortensen wasn't lying on the ground, Splinched… the Lots could sign in the holder's blood."
escape without their arms. "And when Dolohov's ownership transferred to you," she said, and he
Draco grabbed her knee and pointed his wand at her heels, shifted. "Was there anything different that happened?"
transfiguring them into flats. His eyes were wide and frenzied as they "No. Same process. I signed the parchment in blood, and the transfer
flickered around the chaos. "We have to get to a fireplace." was complete."
He cast a basic Protection Charm around them, and they darted His voice was clipped, his jaw tight.
through the tattered furniture and splintered end tables, sprinting across We had a binding agreement, Antonin, she remembered him saying. She
the open spaces toward the side of the room with the booths. The smell chose to drop it for now.
of blood and smoke was thick in her nostrils, and she searched the room She stared down at her notes, willing some logic to jump out at her.
for George, but there were too many bodies — running, dying, screaming "Mother tells me you've been reading the papers."
curses. Her fingers stilled. "Yes. Every morning."

547 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 537

 The room was quiet.
"Then you read about the executions, I take it?"
She turned to face him. He stared down at the table, eyes glazed. The
muscle below his left eye twitched.
She swallowed. "Yes."
She watched his ribs expand slowly. "Skeeter was misinformed. There
were only two. The Undersecretary was forced to watch and then taken
prisoner." His lips pressed together. "And for what little it's worth, those
were the only—" His throat caught on the words, and he fell silent.

29
"You were in a war-torn country for four months," she said softly. "I
hadn't expected you to return a saint—"
He barked out a laugh. "A saint. Was that what I was before,
Granger?" His tone was scathing. It set her teeth on edge.
"Listen. I don't like the thought of you killing. Of course it makes me s
—upset. But you had no choice." She didn't know what to do with her
hands. Her fingers curled and trembled.
"I had to torture them first," he said, as if she hadn't spoken.
She took a deep breath. "Of course. Your aunt was watching, so—"
"No." His voice was cold. "I had to torture them first. My first two
attempts at the Killing Curse failed." He ran a sharp hand through his
hair. "But after Crucio, it became a bit easier."
Her skin shivered, and she failed to hide it. The black stain sinking
into her heart burrowed deeper. He pressed on.
"Bella said it was time for me to prove myself. Said the Dark Lord was ellow light burst in front of her eyes, blinding her.
anxious to hear about my 'progress.' She wouldn't let me pass it off to her.
I tried, but there were others—"
The words vanished, unsaid. His eyes were empty and pale.
Y A spell zipped by her ear like a bullet, and the floor rattled below
her feet. She ducked, her arms coming up over her ears, and then
she was being dragged by an arm around her waist — slipping in her
She stepped forward, and reached for his pale knuckles on the table. "I heels.
know it's not my place, but I… I forgive you, Draco. You should forgive She jerked her head to where she'd just seen George, but there was no
yourself." flash of orange hair.
He flinched, snatching his arm back. She watched his fingers stretch "Granger!"
like he'd been burned. A hand on her shoulder shoved her into the wall, and she gasped as
"No, you don't." He stepped away from her. "That's why they're called the couch behind her exploded in a spray of fluff and velvet.
Unforgivables, Granger." Draco crouched, yanking her down next to him. His wand extended,
"If you hadn't done it, you'd have been killed." She willed her voice to his shoulders broadened in front of her. The castle trembled. The
remain calm. screaming pierced her eardrums, and her eyes flitted wildly.
"I watched them cast the spell. The one that killed all those people." The girl who'd been Splinched lay unmoving on the other side of the
His voice was barely above a whisper. "Father advised against it, but Bella couches, trampled by heavy Death Eater boots.

538 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 546

made the call when he was gone. I saw them do it, and I did nothing."
Her lips opened in slow horror, but he was already walking away,
crossing to the doors.
He paused as he pushed them open. "I'll think on that potion bit," he
said over his shoulder.
Her chest felt heavy as lead as she listened to the doors click closed.

$
The next day he found her in the library just before noon. His face
was unreadable as he approached, and she stood like a statue until he
stopped in front of her and dropped a book on her research table.
"Perhaps this helps."
She ran her fingers over the cover. An old dark magic book. "What is
it?"
"It's a replica of a book in Ted Nott's private potions laboratory."
She stared at it, hardly daring to believe. Her eyes snapped up to him.
"Theo gave this to you?"
Draco shrugged and ran a hand through his hair. "I took the
opportunity to drop in on Theo and Oliver this morning. Theo hadn't
heard about a potion either, but Oliver confirmed he'd drank one. So he
went looking."
Hermione's mouth fell open. "But won't his father find out?"
"Ted is still in Zürich celebrating his success. Apparently he's been too
drunk to keep track of his privacy charms lately."
Blood rushed in her ears as she flipped through the pages, finding Nott
Sr.'s notes in the margins. "Oh my God. This is— brilliant. This
is incredible, Draco."
She turned an exhilarated smile on him, her chest heaving in
excitement. Something familiar flashed in his eyes. And then her heart
stopped as he pulled up a chair across from her like no time had passed and
asked to see her notes on the potion. Her pulse thrummed with the promise
that he would help her again. That maybe things might return to normal.
While she dove into Nott Sr.'s book, Draco read over her theories and
notes. Hermione tried to focus on his logic and problem-solving. Did her
best to ignore her traitorous mind when it floated up soft memories of his
hands and his lips.
They worked together for two weeks, passing books back and forth like
they used to, drinking their tea and coffee in the mornings and rereading
THE AUCTION ● 539
yesterday's notes. She hesitated to ask about Edinburgh, but she was eyes shot open as her head jerked, searching for the source. Draco quickly
itching to go back. She hadn't been since the end of October, and it was placed her on her feet and stood. She craned her neck and saw someone
the second week of March now. She'd read in the Prophet that the on the ground twenty feet away, the girl next to them screeching.
celebrations had been muted, but she still turned cold at the thought of The walls shook again, and just as Hermione ruled out earthquakes,
what she might have missed. a crack! came from behind her, followed by a wet, gasping sound. She
One morning she cleared her throat and turned to him before her twisted around, and Draco yanked her waist to him.
second cup of coffee. "Would you assume that the tattoo has the same A Carrow Girl lay on the ground, beginning to scream. Her arm was
properties when we are at Edinburgh?" separated from her body at the shoulder, laying a few feet away. Her leg
He lifted his head out of his notes and considered her. "I'd say so. I was twisted at an odd angle.
need to take you over the boundary when we enter and exit." Splinched.
She huffed, crossing her arms in frustration. "That's just the problem, isn't Hermione clapped a hand to her mouth as the girl cried out, blood
it?" spurting from her arm. Hermione stumbled toward her, thinking of
His mouth opened. "Sorry?" Dittany and healing spells—
"I've been working under the theory that the tattoo's boundary at the Draco dragged her back. "We need to go—"
Manor had to do with the boundary of the property itself. Seeing as the Shouting from the other side of the room.
Manor is something you own by birth, the blood boundary is already in A burst of spells in the air.
effect. It's the only thing that makes sense. But Edinburgh is not a And just before she could make sense of it all, Edinburgh Castle
property you own." shivered with magic, the floor shifting beneath her feet and the windows
He scratched his forehead, trying to follow. "Alright…" shattering as two— three— ten people popped into existence in the
"What I mean to say is, the Manor is tied to you by blood already. So Lounge.
it would make sense that the tattoo could work in tandem with that blood She stepped back with wide eyes and a thundering heart, stumbling
magic." She brushed back a stray curl impatiently. "But then why would it into Draco's chest when she locked eyes with George Weasley across a
work similarly at Edinburgh." room full of Death Eaters.
She dropped her head into her hands, rubbing her temples. She heard
the snap of a book closing.
"Because I spilled blood at Edinburgh. We all did."
Her head jerked up to him. He was staring at her with intense eyes.
"You what?"
"At the first ceremony," he said. "About a week after the Auction. When
Edinburgh was opened to us, the Death Eaters had a celebration. Just us."
His words poured quickly from his lips. "We were to enhance the wards on
the castle by spilling blood and casting protection charms. The Dark Lord
made it very clear that Edinburgh belonged to his loyal followers. It
was our castle—"
"So then it follows," Hermione picked up, jumping out of her chair,
"that the deed of Edinburgh—"
"—is in the name of every Death Eater who's ritually spilled their own
blood there."

540 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 545

 Goyle sat up straight, almost knocking Susan off his lap. "The model?" "Where do initiation ceremonies take place for new Death Eaters—?"
Hermione tensed, nearly rolling her eyes. Of course she was a model. "At Edinburgh. With blood."
Giuliana Bravieri stared at her across the table, and she forced her She slammed her book down on the table, punctuating the end of
muscles to relax. their thoughts. She was breathing hard with the joy of solving a riddle,
Draco sipped his Firewhisky as Flint continued, "Been very interested and even though it was less than half the battle, she felt like she'd
on when Draco Malfoy would be back." unlocked a chamber in her own mind.
The boys jeered and ribbed him. "There is no separate barrier created. The 'barrier' represents the
"She's supposed to be back tonight," said Draco nonchalantly. estate line. That's one less significant problem to worry about." She
"Got some balls showing up at Edinburgh," said Warrington. "I wish grinned, and her stomach fluttered as he smiled back at her. She could
the girl I was courting had a pair." kiss him, if he'd accept it.
"Well, if you need to take a walk in the moonlight together," Pucey Pop!
called out, "you know we'd be more than happy to look after Miss "Master Draco!"
Granger for you." Hermione jumped. Mippy stood at her knee.
Draco sent him a sharp glare as the boys laughed. "Master Draco has guests!"
"Speaking of Bulgarians," Theo said, "Viktor Krum is back tonight. I Draco frowned at the elf. "What guests?"
saw him walking around." "Guests is coming to the library now!"
Draco went still beneath her, and Hermione had to remember how to Hermione jumped, grabbing Nott Sr.'s book and her notes as Draco
breathe. waved his wand to close the open books. She turned to ask Mippy to
"He was staring a hole through every brunette who walked in the Apparate her upstairs just when the library doors flung open.
room," said Theo, as Pucey jeered. "Think he may be up for another Hermione went still as Narcissa led in two people she had never seen
chance at betting tonight." before. "Draco, dear," said Narcissa, her eyes polite but strained. "Look
Draco was muted all throughout dinner. Afterward, they settled in the who's paid a call to see us."
Lounge, and Hermione's heart beat rapidly as she tried to scan the room Hermione pressed herself back against the stacks, shoving the book
without drawing attention to herself. She noticed the absence of Cho, but and her notes between two larger texts.
her eyes were peeled for Viktor. She thought she saw him when Charlotte She blinked at the two guests: an older gentleman with sparse facial
dropped a champagne glass with a loud shatter, but when the broad- hair, and a young woman, several years their senior. She had the brightest
shouldered man at the gambling table turned to glare at her, it wasn't him. teeth Hermione had ever seen.
Flint and Pucey were especially raucous tonight, each drinking straight "Draco, you remember Professor Viktorov."
from the bottle and grabbing the backsides of every Carrow Girl that Draco stepped forward at his mother's prompt, shaking the man's
passed. hand. "Sir, it's a pleasure. It's been far too long."
It was after midnight when a faraway boom shook the walls and But Hermione's eyes caught on the girl — long silky hair, a slender
rattled the glasses, like the cannon going off. Hermione breath hitched as figure, and kind honey-brown eyes that were locked on hers.
she stared down at Draco's Firewhisky, watching it sway. Pucey turned to Tearing her eyes away, Hermione looked down at the floor.
the group in confusion and said, "There's a One O'Clock Gun tonight?" "And you remember Katya," said Professor Viktorov, his voice a deep
She stiffened, her spine tingling with dread. Draco's hand came up to hum.
her elbow, rubbing a small circle on her arm. She couldn't resist glancing up at them as Draco and Katya offered
"I didn't think so," Flint said, standing to peer towards the courtyard. polite greetings and kissed each other on the cheek. Narcissa cleared her
The sounds of a girl screaming ricocheted off the walls. Hermione's throat and reiterated what a pleasant surprise it was to see them both.

544 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 541

 "I truly, truly thought I'd written!" said Katya, smiling at Narcissa. She "Finish here, and then straight to your room."
turned to Draco with a ringing laugh. "Your mother was quite shocked to She nodded at the floor. The library doors closed, and Hermione was
see us stepping out of the Floo!" She lacked her father's heavy Bulgarian left alone with a churning stomach and questions she didn't dare to voice
accent. aloud.
Narcissa brushed her off gracefully, blaming the war for lost
correspondence. Hermione longed for a secret door she could slip out of, $
but she was trapped. She could only stand and pretend to be invisible. A deep purple slip arrived in her closet on Friday afternoon. She did
"This must be your girl, then?" Professor Viktorov said, and Hermione her hair and makeup like Pansy had instructed, and slipped into her dress,
had the good sense not to move. His voice was surprised when he said, collar, and shoes. Her nerves were alight with excitement to see Charlotte
"You let her near the books?" and Cho again, but also with dread. It was odd to be returning to
There was a stilted pause before Draco said, "She's reshelving. I give Edinburgh after so many months. To be leered at and salivated over
her mundane tasks to keep her from bothering me." again. She meditated all morning, clearing her mind so that she would be
They hummed in agreement and continued exchanging pleasantries. focused and prepared.
At one point, Katya put her hand on Draco's arm and expressed her Draco didn't speak of Katya again. It wasn't until they were walking
concern for him while he was in Switzerland. down the drive to the Manor gates that Hermione asked, "How do you
Hermione glanced up at them again. The professor's daughter, the Puceys know Katya?"
had said at New Year's — as if Katya was someone people were aware of He was silent for twelve footsteps. "It's complicated."
in relation to the Malfoy family. Mrs. Pucey had mistaken her for Katya, as She hummed, filing it away to bring up again at another time. He
if it would be normal for her to stand so close to Narcissa and Lucius. gripped her tattooed arm, took her over the threshold, and Disapparated
Her stomach turned. Was he expected to court her? them.
"Draco, I was hoping to see you at Edinburgh!" Katya brushed her Edinburgh was bright under the moon, and even from the
long chestnut hair over her shoulder. "I've been for two weeks now, and I cobblestones she could hear the castle alive with people. They passed
was disappointed you didn't come. Though, of course, I know how through the archways, up the side stairs, and into the courtyard. Charlotte
exhausted you must be." greeted them with champagne, and her eyes lingered on Hermione before
Draco cleared his throat. "I must admit, I can't imagine you at glancing away.
Edinburgh, Katya. It can be rather uncouth." As they entered the Great Hall, Hermione was almost blown back by
Narcissa snorted, then quickly brushed her hair behind her ear, as if the noise. It was as if the normal crowd had doubled. Death Eaters all
she hadn't made a sound at all. celebrating their win against the French and the Swiss and foreign officials
A smile flickered across Katya's face. She leaned into him and stage- who were now pledging support.
whispered, "I stick to the Burgundy Room." She winked. "But you'll come She barely had a second to register which familiar faces were in
this Friday? I find it quite elegant if you keep to the more conventional attendance before Draco tugged her up the stairs to dinner.
spaces." The boys jumped up to greet Draco, some of them saluting him as
Katya's eyes flickered over to her, and Hermione quickly looked away. "General Draco Malfoy." Adrian Pucey shook up a bottle of champagne
"Of course. I'll be there this Friday." Draco returned her smile, but his and sprayed it over the room when they entered.
eyes were tight. The boys were in rare form tonight — drunk off other men's success.
"Lovely," said Narcissa. "Now, shall we sit for tea?" The group nodded, Once she was settled in Draco's lap, Flint called out, "Draco, guess
and Narcissa began leading them out of the library. Draco spun back to who's been here the past two weeks, looking for you?" At the silence, he
Hermione when he was halfway to the doors. winked and added, "Katya Viktor."
542 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 543
 "Yeah?" from her hiding spot, swinging the sword at Draco's chest.
She nodded, and Draco doubled his efforts, his fingers sliding between "No!"
them to massage her. Her veins crackled as she cried out, and Cho stumbled as if she'd been
His hips started moving again, and Hermione's mouth fell open, her shoved by an invisible hand. Hermione stared down at her vibrating
toes curling. fingertips, mouth open. Draco skidded backwards, narrowly avoiding the
"Too much?" blade, and drew his wand.
She shook her head. "More." "Don't!" she screamed as Cho's blood-splattered arms hefted the
His eyes flickered over her, the black obscuring the grey. He thrust into sword up, her teeth grit in fierce strength.
her again, and her eyelids fluttered. Draco ducked her blow, spinning to cast a Disarming Charm. The
He sighed and began rolling his hips deeply, stretching her, making her sword flew from Cho's hands just as the doors to the Lounge burst open.
feel there was no room left for him. The room roared to life — girls in short dresses and heels screaming and
She watched his face as he watched hers, and she slid her hands down tripping over the bodies. Death Eaters trampling them to get through.
his chest, tracing his scars. Hermione clambered over the wide chest of the overturned suit of
She wanted to kiss each one of them. Forever. armor and watched as Rabastan grabbed Draco by the scruff of his collar
His eyes closed as his hips pumped faster. His fingers on her clit sped and screamed, "This way, Draco!"
up, moving sloppily over her core. "Get off !" Draco struggled, strangled by his own collar as he was
Her muscles clenched as he began to fuck her in earnest, his mouth dragged back the way they came. She started after them, but Cho
open in awe, like she held the answers to questions he'd been asking for grabbed her by the shoulders and shoved her against the wall just as a
years. Her back arched, and her nails dug into his shoulders. large, hairy creature bounded in through the doors.
"Fuck—I can't—" His jaw tightened and his thrusts rocked her up the Hermione's blood froze. One of the werewolves was inside the castle.
mattress. The bed rattled as he pounded into her body, using her Through the mass of the running hoard, she saw Draco rip free of
deliciously. Rabastan's grip and spin to find a werewolf blocking his path. The terror
She scratched down his back, clutching him close as he rubbed at her on his face tore through her heart. He was swept with the current as the
clit. Her thighs began to shake. beast prowled forward, dragged away from her by Rabastan and the
Then suddenly he was pulling her hands off of him, pinning her to frightened crowd.
the mattress, twisting their fingers together as his hips found purchase. A noise shattered down a different corridor to the right, and the
Her lips parted silently when he rocked into her again. She had been werewolf darted after it, freeing Hermione's path. She shoved Cho aside
close to something, and now— and raced after Draco, but she'd barely made it three steps when a second
Now there was something else he was reaching inside of her. werewolf crept into the Great Hall. She froze, hardly daring to breathe.
"Oh my god." She shivered violently, moaning. "Oh god." The wolf stared her down and snapped its jaws, dripping with blood
Her thighs were strained and her knees rocked up to her chest. Her and saliva.
arms struggled under his grip but he just held her more tightly, panting It prowled closer, sniffing the air as its paws slipped across the bloodied
into her hair. tiles. Horror spiked through her chest.
"Come on, Granger." Cho grabbed the sword with a clatter and seized her hand, tugging
His cock was hitting something inside of her that made her liquefy. her backwards through the Lounge. Hermione didn't look back as they
Her cunt clenched down on him, and he yelled out as he fucked her ran, her legs pumping as fast as her heart as the wolf raced after them, its
through something unyielding and otherworldly. snarling growing louder in her ears. Her magic hummed violently. She
She shook in her skin, her spirit rattling inside its cage, begging for a could feel it radiating from her skin as she whipped her head behind and

577 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 554

raised her arm, shoving the energy through her fingertips with everything a low groan that sounded like a lifetime of agony fading from his soul.
she had. His head dropped to her neck, and his hand slithered under her back
Then it started. The corridor began crumbling in their wake, dragging to press her close to him as he withdrew and pressed back inside.
down ancient stone and artifacts and burying the wolf's howls. She stared up at his canopy, trying not to squirm at the pressure. So
They burst into the Lounge, empty except for the dead and their she focused on the way he moaned on every breath. The tension in her
separated body parts. Several feminine arms lay ownerless, blood seeping spine that lessened each time he eased himself back in.
into the carpets. Cho sprinted with her, darting through the chaos. Her So this… was sex.
hand was slick with blood and sweat. She pressed her lips together as he tugged her closer to him, lying
Adrenaline was still surging through her veins, but her mind was heavy on top of her.
returning to her. She needed to get back to Draco. She had to get him out It was alright, she supposed.
— And Draco certainly seemed to like it.
She dug her heels in as Cho took her through the doorway that led to His hips shifted, beginning to roll into hers faster.
the long corridor with the Burgundy Room at the end. Her eyes widened. That might… be nice.
Cho pulled harder, tugging her into an unused dining room and He groaned into her ear, his face buried in her neck and hair. "Fuck…
slamming the door behind them. Oh, fuck."
"We have to go back—" Something curled deep in her belly, and she shifted.
"They'll come again," Cho said breathlessly. "They'll come back for He stilled with a heavy breath, and pulled back to look down on her.
you." "Okay?" His voice was shaking, his face pink with exertion.
"We have to—" Hermione broke off, trying to make sense of her. She nodded, mesmerized by the hair falling across his face. She ran
"What?" her fingers through it and he pressed his lips to hers, kissing her deeply as
"You just need to stay in one place. The Order will find you." he started to move again. It was better now. She could focus on the way it
"Why?" She staggered, her muscles protesting. "Why are they here for felt for him to drag across her walls.
me?" His mouth was heavy against hers as he pumped into her. She
Cho paced around the room, searching for weapons. "You're the threaded her fingers in his hair and angled his head, taking control of the
closest thing we have to Harry. If anyone knows Voldemort's weaknesses, kiss. His lips pressed against hers, occasionally pausing, as if he forgot
it's you." himself. His kisses grew sloppier the faster his hips moved.
She reached for the glass vase on the table and smashed it against the He began groaning into her mouth, panting on every thrust.
wall. Hermione flinched backward as the shards flew, and when she He pulled back and looked down at her, his eyes skating over her
looked back at Cho, she was retrieving the largest piece and handing it to breasts to watch them bounce with each roll of his hips. His breath was
her. shallow, and he clenched his jaw.
"Take this," Cho said. "When the Order finds you, go with them." She curled her leg higher, and he suddenly slid deeper. Hermione
She hobbled for the door, and Hermione saw that there was a chunk gasped and Draco cursed, squeezing his eyes closed. His arms shook as he
taken out of her shoulder and an odd bend to her right knee. tried to keep still where he was buried inside her.
"Where are you going?" "Oh god," she moaned, stretched between a precipice of pleasure and
She turned to Hermione, and there was a gash running down her pain.
temple that she hadn't noticed before. Draco lowered onto his elbow again, watching her carefully as his
"I'm going to go kill Malfoy. If I'm successful, I'll leave his body in hand slid between them. The first touch of his fingers to her clit had her
plain sight so the Order knows it's safe to take you out." relaxing into the pillows.

555 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 576

 His pupils were black as his eyes flickered between hers. Hermione felt her legs sway. Her blood went still in her veins. Her
She held still. "Should I stop?" mind swam through the reasons she could give to stop her.
An almost imperceptible shake of his head, and her stomach fluttered. "Malfoy doesn't have to be dead. It's just cutting off the arm. I've been
She shifted her hips, positioning her core against him. studying the tattoos, and—"
His eyes rolled back, and he dropped to the bed. "Oh, fuck." "Studying them?" Cho's brows drew together. "Hermione, Angelina
After a few tries, she finally slotted him to her entrance. She watched escaped by killing Macnair and cutting off her arm. They won't take any
Draco's stomach muscles tighten as he clawed his face, breathing heavily. chances."
He was barely inside when he grabbed her hips and flipped her on her Cho turned to the door.
back, capturing her squeak with his lips. "You can't go out alone." Hermione's voice shook. "The Death Eaters
He kissed her deeply as he pinned her beneath him, stealing her air. — Cho, the werewolves. They're out of control—"
His free hand roved her body, teasing her until she gasped. He was so "I can take care of myself."
close, the tip of him pressing against her core. Cho's voice was cold.
But he didn't push forward. She opened her thighs and wrapped her Hermione looked at her — really looked at her. Her dress was
arms around his neck. drenched in blood. Her face speckled in it. Her sword dripping a fresh
"Please," she whispered. burgundy.
He shivered. She felt a chill race down her spine.
He kicked off his boxers, and Hermione felt her pulse flutter. "You should wait here with me." Hermione's voice croaked. "The
He placed a hand on her jaw and kissed her soundly, sliding between Order can find us both and get us out."
her legs. He was thick and warm against her core, but still he hesitated. Cho blinked at her. "That's not my mission, Hermione."
"I don't…" He swallowed, and brought his eyes up to meet hers. "I A splinter of wood from several doors away. Hermione jumped. The
don't want to take anything else away from you." rumble of voices.
Her blood was warm in her veins, tripping through her heart. Her "Get under the table." Cho flipped her sword over her wrist, taking a
eyes searched his as he started to shake with the effort to hold back. She defensive stance.
felt something tight in her throat, some unvoiced words that had been "We should both hide—"
lodged there for years, struggling to break out. "Get under the table," she hissed, the sound dark and coiling. Cho's eyes
"I want it to be you," she said instead. were black and intent.
Draco seemed to grow dizzy with the words. He lowered his forehead The room next to theirs was forcibly entered, the door blasted open.
to hers and gripped himself, circling her entrance. Hermione listened to the wood bounce against the adjoining wall.
She struggled to catch her breath as he pressed forward. She thought She looked down to the shard of glass cutting into her shaking palm.
of the light in the jar on her bedside table, and how little it meant to her It wasn't a sword, but it was good enough for Susan Bones. She ducked
now, with Draco pushing his way inside of her. and pulled the tablecloth to cover her just as the door to their room was
Her hands scrambled to his shoulders as he stretched her open. Her kicked open.
knees locked to his sides, and she bit her lip to keep from crying out. The clang of the sword hitting the stone wall with Cho's first swing—
She opened her mouth to tell him to stop — to try again — he'd done "The bitch is here!"
it wrong. — Cho's grunts and the sizzling jets of magic —
But his eyes were fluttering closed, his lips parted in silent pleasure. "Expelliarmus," from a second voice.
She focused on his breath as he panted over her, his elbows on either side Hermione froze as the sword thumped down heavy, several feet from
of her head. And as the pinch faded to an ache inside of her, he released the other side of the tablecloth. She could see its shadow. She slid closer

575 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 556

on her belly, fingers stretching, concentrating on summoning it to her— Hermione pushed against his shoulder with all her strength, flipping
"You little cunt," Dolohov growled, and Hermione felt the magic die him on his back. She crawled over to sit astride him and watched his eyes
from her fingertips. Her blood curded in her veins, the hand reaching for flicker, his ribs expanding as he slid his hands on her hips.
the sword snapping to her side. "Almost took a chunk out of my face "Learning new tricks?" he rasped.
earlier." "Maybe." She shifted until she managed to pull him out of his boxers.
"I watched her kill Mulciber," the other voice said. "Like she knew "Maybe I've been dreaming things, too."
exactly what to do." Draco threw an arm over his eyes and pounded his other fist against
Dolohov's heavy boots thumped as he moved around the table. the mattress.
Hermione turned her head and followed the shadow of him, terror slicing She straddled his thighs as she fisted him, drawing her hand up and
her insides with each step. The tablecloth was just a sliver high enough twisting at the top like he liked. Staring down at him, she wondered why
that she could see Cho's feet hovering in the air, magically pinned against he didn't use two fingers inside her.
the stone wall. Her thumb brushed over the top of him, and his muscles tensed.
Her legs scrambled as he got closer. She kept rubbing softly as she drank him in.
"You like playing with swords, love? How about we play a bit with that His pale skin was mottled with thick scars — some old, some new —
sword. I've got a couple of ideas about where to put it." his chest and stomach toned, rippling beneath her attention. He was
The sound of Cho spitting. The crack of Dolohov's knuckles across stunning, and she needed him. If they didn't tonight, she might not have
her face. Hermione reached out her fingers desperately, struggling to another chance.
breathe. The sword began rattling softly— Perhaps he'd be called away. Or Lucius would send her away. Maybe
"Take her," he ordered the other Death Eater. "We'll have a they'd be discovered and murdered in their beds before dawn.
Legilimens take a look before we have our fun." But she could have this with him. At least once.
The heavy handle dragged across the wood. "Draco," she whispered.
"What's she got in her mouth?" His lips parted in a sigh as she squeezed and dragged her hand down
The sword froze. Her stomach twisted violently as the sound of over him again.
choking filled the air, before being drowned out by the stumble of boots "Draco." Her heart beat wildly in its cage. "I'm ready."
and harsh curses. His eyes blinked blearily open. "What?"
And then Cho Chang's body dropped in a tangle of limbs. Her eyes “For…everything." She blushed.
were open and staring vacantly at Hermione. White foam dripped from "What?"
her mouth. His cock twitched in her hand, and she jumped.
Every inch of her shook. The pill. Her ears burned as she swallowed, gripping him tightly. "I want all of
"Fucking bitch—" Dolohov chucked a chair across the room, and you."
Hermione flinched as it collided with the wall, splintering. Several sharp He sat up on his elbows and took her hand off of him. "...What?"
breaths, and the kick of another chair. "We need to find Charlotte. The She leaned forward and kissed him, her tongue sweeping sweetly into
whores are in on it." his mouth before she pulled away. "I'm ready. If you are."
She listened to him stomp out of the room, calling for the other Death His eyes were bottomless as he stared at her, his mouth open. His
Eater to follow. throat bobbed.
The door shut behind them. "Granger, you're not thinking straight—"
Hermione lay curled under the table, her lungs seizing as she stared at "I am," she breathed against his forehead. "I'm tired of waiting for you
Cho Chang's lifeless eyes. to come home."

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 He pushed one of her legs open wider, and she shuddered at the There was an expression on her face. A smirk behind the foam. Like
stretch. She gasped when he kissed her just below her bellybutton. she'd beaten Harry to the Snitch finally.
"Just a little more," he hummed, and her eyes pinched closed That's not my mission, Hermione.
Her knees curled up to her chest as her pleasure spiraled closer. His Her mind flickered through the pain, wondering what her mission was.
finger slid deeper inside of her, dragging along her walls and increasing Hermione swallowed, and pushed herself to sit. Her body was cold
pace until it matched the jerking of her hips. and shaking. Her bones felt brittle.
"Draco, please—" The door blasted open again in the room next to hers, the wood
A low curse as he pressed harder on her clit, rubbing tight circles. She bouncing off the adjoining wall.
thrashed, coiling in on herself, turning tighter and tighter— She dragged herself from under the table, standing on unsteady legs
The cord snapped, her eyes fluttering and fingers twisting in the and pushing down the bile in her throat.
sheets. She heard herself moan and whine as her hips struggled to Staring down the door, Hermione grabbed the fallen sword, gritting
continue, to keep him inside of her. her jaw as she tested its weight between her hands.
When the white light faded behind her eyelids, she opened her gaze to Her chest was numb, her face wet. She heaved the sword up and
his canopy bed. The green curtains stared down at her as Draco waited for the door to open.
continued to pump his finger slowly. The door blasted off his hinges, and before the smoke had cleared,
She tilted her head down and found him watching her face. She Draco was in the room, wand drawn, scratches down his face and cutting
flushed. He kissed her hipbone, his eyes dark as he withdrew his hands. open his robes.
He slithered up her body and pressed kisses to her breasts, collarbones, A cry ripped from her throat, her body sagging in relief. The sword fell
and cheeks. from her hands as she flew into his arms, clutching his face, his shoulders.
She slid her hands over his back, digging her fingers into the muscles "Are you alright?" His voice shook as he held her to him, his touch as
there. He buried his face into her neck, and her belly swooped when she frantic as hers.
felt his erection against her hip. The need for more bubbled through her, "Were you bitten?"
spreading like slow-burning fire. "Just banged up." He pushed her hair back as he tilted her jaw,
"You must be exhausted." His voice was ragged, like he'd just come searching for bruises or cuts. "You're fine?"
from a run. "Draco, we have to get you out — we have to" — her words tripped
She frowned at his canopy. She was wide awake. over her tongue — "They think the only way to extract me is to kill you,
She was alive. They both were. so we have to go — we have to find a way—"
"I'm not tired," she whispered. She wiggled beneath him, coaxing him "I've checked every fireplace on the way here. Let's keep going."
to lift his hips. Her hands trailed down his stomach, and she felt him take She nodded and bit back a sob at seeing him alive, curling her fingers
a shuddering breath. in the torn material of his shirt. He took her wrists and kissed her
"Granger—" knuckles, just as he had before leaving for Switzerland.
She paused at his boxers, waiting. He sighed and jerked a nod into her He glanced over her shoulder and his gaze flickered. "What happened
shoulder, and she reached inside. She shifted her hips as she began to Chang?"
stroking him, making space for him on top of her. "She took her suicide pill." Her shoulders trembled. "She — she knew
He breathed tightly into her neck. He wasn't being very helpful. She they were coming tonight."
couldn't get a good handle on him, so to speak, and she could only move He brushed a tear from her cheek that she didn't know was there, and
her wrist so far. But his hips jumped when she pumped him, and she felt took her hand in his before glancing out the doorway in both directions.
him thrust into her hand when she stilled. They ran down the corridor, and her shoes sounded too loud as they

573 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 558

slapped against stones. She counted her heartbeats until they rounded the landing on the pillows with a bounce. She curled up to her elbows as he
corner, darting past the entrance to the Burgundy Room after a pause. kicked off his boots and his trousers, leaving his boxers on.
Her pulse quickened at the sounds of yelling in the distance. The He paused at the edge of the bed. "You'll tell me when to stop?"
vibrations of small explosions through her feet. Don't stop.
The new corridor was a Muggle hall of portraits, long and narrow. She nodded.
A pair of doors to their right banged open, and a man flew through He crawled up the mattress, dropping kisses on her skin — her calf,
just in front of them, slamming into the opposite wall with a sickening her knee, her thigh. His eyes skated up to her face as he hovered over her
crack. Jets of light and spells lit up the open room in a blaze of smoke and core. She bit her lip and shook her head.
color. Screaming pierced her ears. They raced past the doorway, leaving "One day," he whispered as his fingers drifted through her folds,
its occupants to their battles. running up to her clit, "One day, I'll kiss you here until your legs shake."
From down the corridor, a repetitive screaming met her ears, like Her nipples tightened and her teeth dug into her bottom lip.
someone had wound an alarm too tightly. A girl was crying out. She held her breath as he began rubbing her clit with long fingers, his
"Get off ! Get off me!" face still focused between her thighs. Frowning, she tugged at his hair, but
Hermione's chest seized, and she squeezed Draco's hand. They had to he stayed with her lower body. His free hand slid down her leg,
help her. encouraging her knee to bend open so he could watch his fingers work.
He looked down at her, and she swore he almost rolled his eyes before Her cheeks flamed. She could feel his breath ghosting across her sex as
he tipped his head in a nod. his palm rubbed her leg, coaxing her to relax.
They turned a corner, following the screaming, and found Blaise "Draco…" She tried to reach for him again, but he nipped her inner
dragging Giuliana Bravieri's thrashing body into an alcove. Her pale slip thigh.
was stained dark red, her hair matted with thick blood. She pressed her hands to her face as he continued, his fingers working
"LET ME GO! LET ME GO BACK!" her clit slowly, his lips dipping to kiss the juncture of her hip.
Blaise caught her around her middle and hefted her up, one arm She should make him stop. This wasn't— she didn't—
holding her shoulders to him. He caught sight of them and his eyes Then his fingers circled her entrance, and her mind blanked. She bit
widened. back a moan and her hips started moving of their own accord, chasing him.
"Draco! Thank Merlin." She dropped her hands from her face, fisting them in the comforter as
"What happened to her?" Draco's voice was low as he dragged he started sucking on her thigh, marking her skin as his. She was dizzy
Hermione over. Blaise jerked his head as a couple of men ran by, and with the pressure of it, losing herself with each tease of his fingers.
clapped his hand over Pansy's mouth as she thrashed. He lifted his head just as he began to press a finger inside of her, slow
"Quiet the fuck down!" Blaise's face was pale as he struggled for his and steady. She strained her neck to look at him. He was going too slow—
wand. "Dreamt of this," he breathed. "Watching you take me inside."
Draco cast a Silencing Charm with a quick flick of his wand, and Her head fell back into the pillow, her toes curling and lips pressed
Giuliana Bravieri's face reddened as she silently screamed. together as she whined.
"Where is she hurt?" Hermione whispered, tugging her elbow free. He withdrew, and pressed back in. "Didn't get to savor it last time."
"She's bleeding out!" Her thighs started to quiver. This was too much. He sounded like he
"It's not her blood," Blaise said. could do this forever, but she was squirming, aching—
A chill raced down her spine. She turned to look into Pansy's feral He seemed to read her, reaching up to rub her clit. She shifted her
eyes, finding the same fire she'd seen in Cho's just before she lodged a hips, arching her back and mewling nonsense to his canopy.
blade in Mulciber's back. "That's it, Granger."

559 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 572

 She trembled at the vibration of his chest. The pulse of his heartbeat "Theo found a fireplace. The only one operating is in the dungeons.
beneath her fingertips. She needed all of him. Back entrance, first room. That way." Blaise jerked his head in the other
"More…" direction.
A sharp inhale of breath as he withdrew his finger and helped her Draco glanced between them, his jaw tight. "Let's go then."
slide her knickers down her thighs. She tried to kick them off the rest of Pansy renewed her struggles, and Blaise twisted his wrist, casting a
the way, but his hand was already back at her core, slipping over her from Stunning Spell on her. She went limp in his arms.
the front this time. She whimpered and arched her chest into his hand, "She has to calm down first. No one can see her like this."
begging him to keep touching her. Draco stepped forward. "We can levitate her. I'll keep an eye out—"
Two fingers slid through her folds, dragging through the wetness and Blaise shook his head. "They'll think she tried to run. I'll take care of
swirling up to her clit. He plucked her nipple with rough fingers and she it, but Draco — get out now." His eyes were as wild as Pansy's. His gaze
gasped, dragging her nails over his chest. shifted to Hermione. "They're looking for her. And you. I heard them."
Her eyes drifted open and caught on the shredded front of his shirt. Blood rushed in Hermione's ears. She grabbed Draco's elbow and
Her fingers made quick work of the buttons. She kissed across his tugged him in the direction Blaise had pointed.
sternum, tracing her lips over the shallow scratch marks. But he wouldn't budge.
Dittany. He needed dittany or else he would scar. He stared down at Blaise, waiting for something. Blaise nodded, and
He didn't need any more scars. after a heartbeat, Draco turned with her and ran.
She opened her mouth to tell him, and he chose that moment to press Twenty paces down the corridor, following a slick river of red, they
down on her clit. found Pansy's father's body — a shattered champagne glass next to him.
Her hips jumped, and she sighed into his chest. His other fingers She could make out several places in his chest where he'd been punctured,
tweaked her nipple, and she felt her thighs tremble. the blood blossoming slowly.
She moved swiftly over the rest of his buttons, needing to see him — She didn't even slow down.
needing proof he was alive, that he wasn't going anywhere. Needing to They flew down the narrow and winding stairs. Every now and then
make him burn as brightly as she was burning. he'd freeze, panting quietly as he listened for noises. Then they'd begin
Her hands dropped to his belt, and a ragged exhale poured from his racing again, the ceiling so low Draco had to duck his head. The staircase
throat into her hair. finally poured them into a small chamber with just a few stools and a
The hand on her breast lifted to her face, and he met her lips as he table. No fireplace. Draco strode to the open doorway, peering around the
rubbed her clit. She moaned into his mouth, leaning into him and quickly corner before pulling her inside. A fireplace burned low in the darkness.
unbuttoning his trousers. His tongue tangled with hers as her fingers The room was empty, apart from handfuls of Floo powder scattered on
dipped into his boxers and wrapped around him. the floor.
She pulled back, blinking down at him as she tried to remember what Draco ran to the jar on the mantle and tossed the powder. The
he taught her all those months ago. Her lips parted, and she held his gaze fireplace roared to life. Hermione blinked, dazed. Draco was safe. She
as she licked her palm and wrapped her fist around him again. could get him out, but she had to stay. The Order needed her. She'd ask
He moaned, his head dropping against her shoulder this time. Her him to wait at the Manor and promise she'd come back for him.
fingers moved over him, trying to twist at the end like he'd shown her, He covered her tattoo with his hand and stepped toward the fireplace.
repeating the motion when he hissed through his teeth. Her feet dragged—
"Fuck." A shadow moved in the corner.
His hands lifted from her body and grabbed her under the arms. She Draco jerked around, spinning in front of her as Viktor Krum
flew through the air as he tossed her back on the mattress, her head emerged from the darkness, his wand trained on Draco.

571 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 560

 Hermione gasped. Her legs moved without permission as she ducked He ran his fingers over her knickers, and she sighed his name, rocking
under Draco's arm and stepped in front of him. into his hand. He growled at her throat and swiftly picked her up, her legs
"Granger—!" crossing around his hips and her arms wrapped around his shoulders.
"Viktor, wait!" They stumbled backward as he returned to her mouth, kissing her
Their voices drowned each other out, ricocheting off the walls. And dizzy. She felt like she was floating when he pulled back, whispering,
then silence, apart from the popping of the fire. "You'll tell me when to stop?"
Viktor took a step forward, his eyes flickering between them. She blinked out of her haze, and met his eyes. They were black. She
"Herminny, I am come to save you." nodded, and Draco set her down on the bed.
"I know," she said quickly, her heart pounding. "Cho told me." He tugged at her dress and it shivered off of her, her hair tumbling
His chin dipped in a quick nod. Then his eyes slid to Draco again. over her shoulders as he threw her dress across the room. Bending to kiss
"Get out of the vay." her while she sat on the edge, his hands took her cheeks, brushing his
"You don't have to kill him." Hermione stood tall, lifting her chin. tongue over hers. A fire curled low in her belly, heating her skin and
"You just need to cut off my arm." sizzling her veins.
"You vill Splinch. Ve must be thorough." His hands trailed down her neck, rounding her breasts with a slight
"Viktor—" squeeze through her bra. She shifted to sit up on her knees as she
"Move, Herminny." unclasped her bra, flinging it across the room and reaching for him.
"No!" Her voice rang out against the stones. Viktor blinked, as if She wouldn't let him slip through her grasp again.
seeing her for the first time. "Trust me. The Order is wrong. You won't Her arms wrapped around his shoulders, almost his height while she
have to kill him." kneeled on the bed. Winding his arms around her waist, he held her tight
Something flitted across his face as he studied her. "Ve can try." He to him and kissed her so fiercely she could hardly breathe.
looked at Draco, brandishing his wand. "Release her, and I von't kill you." His hands started wandering. And when both palms had a handful of
Hermione's throat was dry. Draco was silent behind her, his wand her backside — kneading and inching her knickers to the side — she lolled
extended and just visible from the corner of her eye. her head back and let him kiss down her throat. One long finger stroked
She sucked in a breath, ready to rationalize with him. The Order was over her soaked entrance and she keened. His mouth trailed down and
here for her, and he had to return to the Manor— caught her breast between his lips as his fingers slipped slowly inside of her.
Draco's wand shook once, and lowered. Her hands were on his shoulders, nails digging into his torn shirt, her
Viktor's brow furrowed. eyes squeezed closed and her lips parted and panting. He hummed with
The doors banged open. Draco grabbed Hermione around the waist, her nipple in his mouth, and her toes curled.
spinning her away from the blur of spells. "Draco…"
His grip loosened, and she writhed to find Yaxley and Rookwood in He released her breast and stood tall again, his fingers starting shallow
the room. Her heart jumped to her throat as Viktor raised his hands movements inside of her as his mouth claimed hers. His free hand nudged
slowly in defense. Disarmed. her knees wider, and he slipped further inside of her.
"Draco," said Yaxley coolly, staring at Viktor as he pocketed his wand. She moaned as he kissed her, clutching him as he played her like an
"I was wondering if you'd gotten out." instrument. She felt herself growing wetter with each pull of his lips and
"It's over," Rookwood spat at Viktor. His forehead was crusted with drag of his palm over her side.
blood. "All your little friends are gone." His hand came up to cover her breast, and she panted into his
Yaxley took a step forward, cocking his head. "We're going to paint the shoulder as his thumb brushed softly over her nipple.
walls with your blood tonight, Krum." "Feel good?"

561 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 570

sure if they can be returned. I'll work on finding a Pensieve, but for now, Hermione's heart was in her throat as Viktor's eyes darted to hers, his
it's done." lips parting. "Accio," he whispered. A button shot up from his pocket and
He looked exhausted, but his eyes were focused. He smelled like blood into his fingertips, and he was gone.
and sweat. She studied his scratches and blood-speckled arms, and he The wall exploded from Rookwood's killing curse.
seemed to notice. He cast a quick Tergeo over himself and tossed his wand "Fuck!"
aside. The ground shook beneath Hermione's feet as he shot another, and
He was alive. He'd come home to her. another. She stumbled as Draco yanked her away from the eruption of
Her lip trembled. She stepped into him, threading her fingers into the debris.
hair behind his ears. Watching his eyes darken as she pushed up on her "That's enough!"
toes, slanting her lips over his and pouring her desperation into him. The explosions stopped, and Hermione peered around Draco's elbow
It felt like it had been years since they'd last kissed. Her veins sparked to see Rookwood crouched on his knees, breathing deep.
with each movement, her blood thrumming to life. She needed more. Yaxley dragged a hand down his face. "These fucking Portkeys."
His hands brushed softly on her waist as her lips grew more Hermione's ears were ringing, her skin vibrating, trying to get her
demanding, and she slung her arms over his shoulders, holding him mind to catch up. Draco grabbed her arm and stepped forward.
tightly to her. She wouldn't let him go this time. Not without telling him— "This is the only working fireplace in the castle," he said coldly.
He gasped into her mouth, and she pressed forward, tangling her Yaxley glared at Rookwood, who pushed off his knees and began
tongue with his. A hand came up to hold her face steady as he took vanishing the rock. He turned back to Draco. "Take your bitch home and
control of the kiss, and she moaned. come back immediately. We need to round up the werewolves, and then
He was soft — delicate with her. She pushed her chest into his, we have to interrogate them."
begging him to be alive with her. "The werewolves?"
"More." Her fingers dug into his skin. Please." "These fucking Carrow Girls. They know something, that's for sure.
He breathed across her face. "We should go slow—" We're collecting them in the cells for a Legilimens. I've summoned your
"I don't want to." father from Switzerland."
His eyes fluttered up to hers. A beautiful shade of grey — almost blue. "I'd wager Chang was the real conspirator," Draco said swiftly. "I saw
"Draco—" She swallowed, trying to tell him what it would have done her kill Mulciber and Parkinson, and I'm sure there were others. She's
to her — if he hadn't come home again. "I missed you, too." dead now."
And those eyes flickered. He brought his lips to hers again, and this Hermione hardly had a second for her blood to run cold before
time he conquered her, dragging her into the fire with him. someone was coming through the hallway, dragging a girl behind them. It
His fingers dug into her hair, the other hand slipping down for a was Rabastan Lestrange. He had Charlotte by the hair. He paused in the
handful of her backside. His tongue pushed firmly against hers, doorway, taking them in.
swallowing her small moans and mewls as he tilted her head just the way Tears streaked Charlotte's face. "Please, I don't know anything, I swear it
he wanted her. —"
His lips trailed over her jaw, teeth scraping and tongue laving. He Hermione swayed on her feet, the room spinning. Draco's hand
kissed her just below her ear, and she listened to her breath pant loudly tightened on her elbow.
over the sound of the crackling fireplace. Rabastan turned back to Charlotte with a sneer. "Think I'm stupid, do
He nipped her sensitive skin, and she gasped, pulling at his hair. The you? You have your hand in every jar, sweetheart."
hand on her arse smoothed over her hip, tugging up the short dress and "Put her in the second to last cell," said Yaxley. "She should be
inching towards her core. interrogated alone."

569 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 562

 Charlotte's eyes were wild as she begged, scrabbling at Rabastan's arm The fireplace blazed.
as he dragged her away. She didn't have her pill. Or else she'd already be She spun from her position at the windows to find Draco stepping out
dead. into the bedroom, eyes searching for her. Her chest cracked in two as she
Hermione stared at the floor to keep from fainting. ran to him.
"Start in the east wing and go to the courtyard when you've finished A split second to catch the relief on his face before she tumbled into
searching," said Yaxley to Draco. "Tally the dead you come across." him, throwing her arms around his shoulders. Her eyelids fluttered as he
He nodded, and Yaxley and Rookwood left, following Rabastan. The held her, drinking in the steady thud of his heartbeat. The warmth of his
door shut behind them as Draco wrapped his fingers around her tattoo skin. He was alive.
and called out, "Malfoy Manor," into the fire. "It's done." His voice rumbled into her chest.
His room looked smaller. The walls were tighter, darker. The She flinched, remembering. He'd killed for her. He'd risked his own life
wallpaper seemed to mock her. to take another. Her stomach twisted in guilt.
His hands were on her waist, her face, her shoulders, but she was too "Did anyone see you."
cold. Something was clawing its way out of her throat, scratching with He shook his head. "They were distracted by rounding up the
talons up from her belly— werewolves."
She was shaking, vomiting. Heaving, curled over. Hermione licked her lips. "Your—your father knows. He came looking
When she opened her eyes, all she could see was the horror on for you. I tried to stop him, but…"
Charlotte's face. "I know." Draco brushed a curl behind her ear. "He found me in the
If I get this to Charlotte, Ginny will know within a few weeks. dungeons. We Obliviated the rest of the Carrow Girls."
All I do is get whispers and notes to Charlotte. The rest is in her hands. Her eyes shot open. The Carrow Girls. She hadn't even thought about
She knew too much. She knew everything. And even Cho, who them—
couldn't possibly have access to as much information, knew she needed to "He…?"
die before being interrogated. "Yes." A long pause. "He's not happy with us."
The things that Charlotte knew could lead the Death Eaters straight to She took a shuddering breath. "Draco, I'm—" Her voice broke. "I'm
the True Order — to Ginny. However she got her information out, sorry I asked this of you. I wish there was another way, but they would
whoever was working both sides for her. have found all of us out—"
Fiendfyre, Basilisk Venom, Sword of Gryffindor. "Granger—"
Charlotte had gotten the keys to killing Voldemort to Ginny. "You're sure no one saw you?" Her grip tightened. "What did you do
She'd failed Harry and Ron again. The True Order would have to start with the body?"
from scratch, crippled and bleeding. If Charlotte's information got out— "There wasn't one." He pulled back and plucked a vial from his robes.
There was a gasping sound from somewhere. A girl was sobbing. She stared at the shimmering contents, her brows furrowed in confusion.
Hermione could only see Cho's dead eyes, the mutilated bodies, and "Charlotte's memories. She gave them to me before I removed them."
Susan Bones's bloody face. Hermione's lips tried to form words. "She's not — you mean she's
A girl was sobbing. alive?"
Look at me. Draco nodded. He turned and set the vial of memories on the mantle.
Was it Charlotte? Her knees felt unsteady beneath her. "You kept them. You saved all
"Look at me." her memories—"
Hermione's mind bent over backwards and somersaulted down. She "Just the ones of her work with the Order. She was able to bring them
was sitting on the floor of Draco's bedroom, sobbing and gasping. forward without magic." His throat bobbed as she stared at him. "I'm not

563 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 568

 Then he was releasing her, his mind withdrawing from hers and his His hands were on her face.
fingers disappearing from her chin. "Look at me."
She fell, sliding down the wall, her mind trying to repair itself. Her mouth tasted like burnt flesh.
"You stupid girl," he whispered. Her eyes focused, her mind slowed.
She panted, righting herself and struggling to stand again. A lake with still waters.
"If you love him, stop trying to get him killed." A boy brushed a curl away from her eyes. His shirt was torn with claw
Her lip trembled violently. She bit down on it. marks.
He loomed over her, pouring venom into her eyes. "If he dies tonight, "What do you need?" he asked. "Tell me what you need, and I'll get it
I'll hand you off to Dolohov myself." for you."
Sweeping back from her, he paced to the fireplace and called out for She blinked once, and found Draco holding her, his long fingers
Edinburgh. tracing her jaw.
When she could breathe again, the air was cold and biting. Her lungs "I need you to get Charlotte out," she whispered, her voice thick and
felt as if they'd frozen solid, unable to move. raw.
That wasn't — she didn't— He didn't move. He brushed a thumb through the tracks of her tears.
He couldn't die. "I can't remove her. Her tattoo. The suspicion—"
Panic swelled in her chest. A sob tore from her throat as she pressed "Obliviate her."
her forehead to her knees, trying to center herself. Deep breaths, one after "There's no time to search her mind." He searched her eyes. "I'd have to
another, Occluding. destroy half her memories. They'd know her mind was tampered with."
She found her lake with still waters. The water was frozen, and there A stone dropped in her chest. The room spun as she searched for an
was snow on the trees. impossible solution, and then ground to a halt. "Then kill her."
Her books mended themselves slowly, their covers gluing back together She heard her own voice come as an echo, bouncing through time and
and their pages pressing flat again. space to join her on Draco's bedroom floor.
The events of the evening took a volume for themselves. She folded in "Make it look like the same pill that killed Cho."
the pages of Cho Chang's lifeless body, her foamed lips curved in a smile. She felt the splinter of her soul crack off and drift away, as if she
The werewolf that lunged at Draco, the crowd tearing them apart. herself had been the one to cast the Killing Curse.
Charlotte's terrified eyes as she pleaded with Rabastan. She bound them Draco's eyes flickered.
together and slipped the book onto a shelf until it disappeared, "She knows everything about the Order," she whispered. "And she
determined to lose it. knows about me. She knows I was passing notes to Ginny."
The pages of Ginny's book and Ron's book and Harry's book that had He blinked once, and stood. Moving to the fireplace, he called out for
shook themselves free were once again sewn shut. the dungeons at Edinburgh Castle, and she caught the hard set of his jaw
When she considered herself finished, she checked the clock on the before the green flames engulfed him and took him away.
mantle. Half-past three in the morning. She was alone. The clock on the mantle ticked.
Draco had been gone for almost an hour. If he didn't return— Sitting, catching her breath, Hermione stared at his carpets and let her
She shut down those thoughts. She buried them. mind work its way back to her.
She stood and moved around the room, working her tired legs and Kill one, save dozens. Hundreds, possibly. If Charlotte lived, her
focusing on her breath. She was barefoot, tracing the outline of the room, network would be obliterated like slicing strings on a marionette.
placing one foot in front of the other and counting how many footsteps in Dragging herself to her feet, she went to his bathroom to wash the
circumference the bedroom was. stale taste out of her mouth. She jumped at her reflection. Blood on her

567 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 564

face that wasn't hers. Dust in her hair and streaks down her cheeks. And Lucius Malfoy stepped into her, grabbed her by the jaw, and held her
her eyes were dull. Almost as dead as Cho's. against the wall as he raised his wand and hissed, "Legilimens!"
She rinsed with the mouthwash on the counter and wet a cloth. She A smooth knife sliced through her eyes. She panicked, shutting books
washed the dirt and blood off her hands and face, watching it swirl down and locking them away, but Lucius was vicious.
the drain in streaks of brownish red. Her arms and legs next. He swept through her library, slicing through the bookshelves and
She thought of George's eyes, intent on her. Cho's insistence that flipping through the pages of a shelf of books on Draco Malfoy.
they'd come back for her. Viktor, his arm steady and mouth hard as he She wasn't prepared. She hadn't centered herself or hidden anything
emerged from the shadows. away. He cut through her memories of the night—
Whatever their aim was tonight, extracting her was part of it. She Smoke and spells, the werewolves. Cho lifeless on the ground. Draco pulling her
hadn't linked up with the True Order, but she'd gotten Draco out alive. through the corridors, tucking her behind him.
And then she'd sent him back there. He skated from Viktor to Charlotte's wild eyes to Draco clutching her
Hermione blinked at her reflection, her skin rubbed raw now. face on the bedroom floor.
What if there were more True Order members left at Edinburgh, "She knows about me. She knows I was passing notes to Ginny."
looking for him? "I can't remove her. Her tattoo. The suspicion—"
What if he was caught killing Charlotte? "Then kill her."
She gasped, her fractured voice bouncing around the marble tiles. Her Draco sweeping to the fireplace.
Occlumency shelves trembled and tumbled down to the ground. She fought, trying to kick him out, trying to close Charlotte's book
Charlotte was going to die. And perhaps she'd sent Draco to his doom before he looked too close—
as well. "Did you just send him into a trap?" His eyes blazed into her, his
She braced herself on the counter, forcing herself to breathe. fingers gripping her so tightly she cried out.
What if he didn't come back now? After they'd gone through hell "No!" Her heart thumped in its cage. "I would never—"
together? Snarling, he sliced through her mind again.
The room spun. The candles flickered. Her eyes slid closed, and she His grey eyes locked on hers as a waltz played — his hand lifting as they spun
tried to focus on a lake hidden between mountains as her tears slipped to around each other.
the tile. Blinking through her lashes at the long, pale fingers gripping a quill across the room,
A noise came from the bedroom. Her head jerked up, and she taking careful notes.
whipped around. Her mother's arms around her, laughing in the kitchen — "His hair is so
Draco was back— beautiful, Mum."
She ran out, and found Lucius — his eyes wild and his hair falling out Ginny quirking her brow, sitting cross-legged on her bed at the Burrow —
of its binding. Christmas lights twinkling behind her head—
"Where is he." "Malfoy's looking fit lately, isn't he?"
Her breath rattled in her chest. "He's fine. He's alive—" Hermione's fingers trembling as she smeared ink across her schoolwork — "I—I
"Where is he," he hissed, stalking closer to her. hardly noticed."
Her mouth opened and closed, words caught behind her teeth. Hermione shook as she tried to summon her energy, to push him out
"They called him back to Edinburgh. He br-brought me back and — and he sliced further inside.
then left—" At the Manor, laying on his pillow and burying her nose in his scent.
"He hasn't checked in." Rolling onto her toes, reaching up to kiss him as the pages of a Gainsworth
"He just left. Maybe they just haven't seen him yet—" manuscript crinkled in her fingers.

565 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 566

glass with Firewhisky and returned to Theo's side, offering it to him. forever that might intertwine with his. Her walls rippled around him, and
Theo looked at the glass, then up to Draco, and said with an innocent her vision blurred as Draco's hips slammed to a halt, grunting and pulsing
smile, "Ice, please." inside of her with groan.
Draco glared down at him, and his knuckles turned white around the She caught her breath, her chest slick with his sweat and hers. Her
tumbler. Hermione rolled her eyes as he nodded stiffly and walked back to fingers were still intertwined with his in a tangle of clenched hands.
the serving tray to add ice. He lifted his head and stared down at her. His eyes were bright — grey
"A strange location for a friend to pay a call, Draco," Theo said, and searching. He released her hands, and as she stretched her muscles,
glancing around the bedroom. They'd tidied up earlier, making the bed he brought his fingers to her jaw, examining her face for something.
and putting away their books. "I'm flattered, but I really don't think Regret, maybe.
introducing a third partner will help your sex life—" Her eyes were clear as she stared back at him, letting him see through
The Firewhisky tumbler slammed down on the tray, and Hermione her. No Occlumency. No shelves. And she could see the same in him.
jumped. As he kissed her softly, it was like a new book had glided down from
"We just didn't want to be overheard," she said with a scowl as Draco her shelves, the pages blank and leather fresh. The binding cracked open,
returned with Theo's glass. the first page waiting to be written.
Theo took it with a smile. "So what's this about?"
Draco sat down, took a deep breath, and said, "Does your father have
a Pensieve."
Theo blinked at him. "Whose memories are you looking at?"
"None of your—"
"The less you know the better, Theo," Hermione interrupted. "Trust
me."
He looked between them and furrowed his brow. "He doesn't, no."
Disappointment churned in her stomach, but she quickly recovered.
"Would you help us obtain one?"
His eyes narrowed at her. "Why? Does this have to do with the
tattoos?"
"Yes." The room was silent, apart from the swirling of Theo's ice. "We
wouldn't ask if it wasn't important."
Theo hesitated for another moment, then blew out a quick breath.
"Alright. The most I can do is ask around when I'm in Knockturn this
weekend." He eyed Draco as he brought the glass to his lips. "Owls are
being monitored, so I'll have to visit again if I have news."
Draco nodded. "Of course."
"Your father won't be suspicious?"
"No. He's out of the country. The Dark Lord isn't happy about
Edinburgh, but my father has sworn that his new wards will be 'even more
powerful.'" Theo's expression darkened. "He's working with an old
associate of his. Some Swiss bloke."

600 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 578

 asked for a statement, Minister Grubov told the Prophet, "I am deeply
saddened by the betrayal of one of our brightest. Bulgaria remains loyal
to the Great Order."
She frowned down at the paper, wondering how Viktor had
accomplished such a deep undercover task without allies. The only other
Bulgarian Hermione knew to be at Edinburgh was Draco's friend Katya.
Her breath caught. She'd been so wrapped up in the tattoos that she'd
forgotten that critical detail. Katya had been the one to ensure that Draco
would bring her to Edinburgh on the night of the attack. She'd promised
to be there, but hadn't showed up.
Hermione mumbled an apology to Narcissa as she bolted from the
breakfast table and ran up the stairs. Draco was poring over a book on
blood magic when she burst through the door.
"Katya."
He stared at her. "Sorry?"
"She was the one who made sure we were there that night, even
though she didn't show up herself. It's highly likely that she's working with
the Order. And perhaps Viktor as well."
His throat bobbed. "It's possible, yes."
Hermione's lungs dragged in air. "Can you write to her and ask her to
visit? If she has ties to the True Order, we might be able to pass a message
through her. We could tell them what happened with Charlotte."
Draco closed his book and stood, his eyes fixed over her shoulder.
"Alright."
When he returned, he was quiet for the rest of the morning and
afternoon.
Theo Nott arrived on Thursday evening. As he stepped through the
Floo and into Draco's bedroom, he didn't seem at all surprised to find
Draco perfectly healthy.
"Ah. That curse did some serious damage, Draco," he said with a
smirk. "You've never looked worse."
"I'm still ten times more handsome than you, so—"
"That's enough," said Hermione sharply. "Have a seat, Theo. Please."
Theo smirked and plopped down in one of Draco's armchairs,
swinging his leg up to cross at the knee. Hermione sat down in the chair
opposite him, giving Draco a meaningful look.
Draco mumbled under his breath before shuffling over to his desk,
where they'd call for a serving tray with a bottle of Firewhisky. He filled a
THE AUCTION ● 599
 His hips drove quicker, harder, and she whined as his fingers coiled her
tighter and tighter.
"Draco. Draco, please—"
"Need to feel you—"
Her body trembled as it swelled inside her. She curled her fingers in
his hair and dragged his face to hers, swallowing his moaning. His lips
were hot and panting as his hips snapped deep inside of her, his fingers
pressing hard on her clit, and she shattered, crying out into his mouth.
He fucked her through two more seconds of it before he shook and

30
moaned low, pumping into her. She was still shivering with it as he kissed
her deep, tongue slipping along hers and teeth biting her lips.
He pulled back to stare down at her, his hair falling across his face, his
skin pale with the morning light. She gasped as her walls contracted
around him one last time, her eyelids fluttering as her cunt pulsed. His
mouth opened, and he licked his lips.
"You're so beautiful," he whispered.
Her eyes closed again as she clutched his arms, focusing on her
breathing.
He slipped out of her slowly, and she moaned at the ache and the
mess. He kissed every bruise he'd left behind, apologizing for being too
rough, and she shook her head and said, "You weren't."

$
sharp gasp jarred her awake. Her eyes popped open into a pitch-
The next few days were much of the same: she and Draco would
research in his room throughout the day, and at night, fall into bed
together. Theo was scheduled to visit at the end of the week, so they
refocused on the tattoos, dissecting Nott Sr.'s journal line by line. Draco
A black room. Her bed felt unfamiliar, and there was a person next
to her — moving.
Hermione jerked upright, twisting to find Draco's pale skin in the
soon found that the quickest way to distract her from the books was by moonlight. He jumped out of bed, dragging his trousers back on.
kissing the spot under her ear, and she soon found that there was little she "Go back to sleep, Granger."
could do to keep him focused when he was wanting her. She woke up with Draco. Draco getting dressed.
his arms and sheets tangled around her, and if Narcissa suspected Because he'd been naked next to her, in his bed.
anything, she didn't say so. Because—
The Prophet now listed Viktor Krum as Undesirable No. 1, printing his A flash of light shot into the lamp at his bedside table. Blinking at the
face on the front page daily and calling for his immediate capture should he low flame, Hermione turned back to find him lacing his boots.
be found in the U.K. On Wednesday, another small article caught her eye: "What's wrong?"
"My Mark is burning. The Dark Lord just arrived in Edinburgh."
Minister Grubov of Bulgaria has been thoroughly vetted by the Dark Her heart started pounding in her ears. "He wasn't there when you
Lord's interrogators, and was found innocent of all collusion. When left?"

598 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 579

 "No. He and my aunt were at an event in Switzerland." He stood and aftershocks. He was hard against her hip, and she shivered as he ground
buckled his belt. "Yaxley insisted we clean up the mess before calling against her.
him." When her breathing returned and her mind reentered her body, he was
Hermione's eyes searched for the clock. Nearly five. They'd only been kissing her shoulder, rolling his hips into hers. He caught her lips, grunting
asleep for maybe half an hour. as his tongue tangled with hers, and she felt the spark catch again.
Her throat tightened with panic. Suddenly she remembered she was "Draco—"
naked, the sheets pooling around her hips. She grabbed for them, tucking "I'm close," he ground out.
them under her arms, but it hardly seemed to matter. "Draco. Inside."
Draco wasn't looking at her. He paused, his forearms shaking as he glanced up at her. "What?"
He summoned a clean shirt from his closet and magicked the buttons "Please," she whispered. "Be inside of me again?"
to close as he reached for his cloak. His lips parted, his pupils blown wide. "I won't… I can't last—"
"Sleep," he said softly. He was already at the fireplace and reaching for "I don't care." She tilted her hips up. "I feel so good, I promise—"
the powder when she started to climb out of bed. He shoved his pajama bottoms down and fumbled to yank hers off
"Draco—" one leg. She brushed her fingers through his hair as he slipped between
He yanked his hand back as if burned, spinning around to face her. her thighs, pressing the tip at her entrance.
"Go to your room." "Just slow. I'm a bit sore."
His voice was low and cold, nothing like the moans or whispers from He nodded, sweat beading at his temples. He pressed forward, and she
just an hour ago. She inhaled sharply— clawed at his shoulders, gasping for air against the intrusion and the sting.
"I don't know what I'm walking into," he said. "Your room is safer." His head dropped as he groaned low and deep into her shoulder. It
And then he flicked his wand, closing his Floo. echoed against her ear, curling through her belly and relaxing her sore
He turned on his heel and strode quickly to his door. She clutched the muscles as he pulled out and filled her again.
sheets close to her as she watched him leave, her heart lodged in her throat. Her face burned at the sounds they made.
He pulled the door open and paused, turning his head over his shoulder. "So fucking wet."
"This isn't how I wanted to wake up with you. I'll try to return straight She kissed his jaw, and he wrapped an arm under her shoulder,
away and maybe we can—" pressing his torso to hers, rocking their hips together.
He cut himself off, his jaw clenching and his eyes flickering into stone. He whispered curses into her ear as she closed her eyes, trying to catch
Hermione watched him shut off, rolling his shoulders and pressing his her breath. The thick slide of him was just this side of too much, but then
lips together. She wanted to run to him. To hold him to her and beg him he shifted, and her eyes shot open as his pelvis rocked against her clit. He
not to go. But he had to go back. And she'd have to wait, counting the caught it again, and again, until she was mewling with every thrust. His
minutes until he came home. teeth grazed her neck, biting and scraping, marking her skin.
"Go to your room," he repeated. "Please." And with a swish of his He slid a hand between them and strummed her clit. Her legs
robes and the click of the door, he was gone. trembled and she writhed into the sheets.
Hermione stared at the door for five seconds before slipping from the "You don't have to—"
sheets and looking for her clothes. She pulled on her underthings, "I need to," he growled. "I need to feel it."
grabbed her shoes, and plucked up her dress. She crept through the Her eyes rolled back as his fingers rubbed faster, matching the pace of
passage between their rooms, and as soon as she passed through, she his hips. She moaned and pulled her knees to his chest, and he breathed
tossed her dress into the empty fireplace to burn. When she spun around hotly against her neck when he slid back in.
to face her own bed again, the previous night came crashing down on her. "Fuck, fuck—"

580 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 597

with every movement. "I think about your arse a lot, Granger," he "Feel good?"
groaned into her ear. "A lot." The scars carved into his chest, painting a constellation across his skin.
She dropped her forehead to his shoulder, her fingers digging in the The way his eyes fluttered closed when she wrapped her hand around him.
pillows as he moved her body how he wanted it. Every roll of her hips "One day, I'll kiss you here until your legs shake."
dragged his cock against her clit, tearing sighs from her throat. His face as he pushed inside of her for the first time—
She grabbed the collar of his shirt—"Take this off"—and sat up tall to Groaning in her ear—
help him. The muscles in his stomach pulled taut as he ripped his shirt off, The shiver of pleasure cresting over her as he rocked into her body.
and before she could think of the next step, his lips descended on her Hermione stared at the bed she hadn't slept in last night. Because she
breast. was in another room, making love to Draco Malfoy.
Her fingers sunk into his hair, throwing her neck back as he kissed and She brought her fingers to her lips, remembering the way his breath
grazed at her skin. One of his hands played with her other breast, his had panted over her face, and wondered if she felt any different. She
fingers tweaking and rolling her nipple until she whimpered. certainly felt sore — there was a twinge between her thighs and a few
"Please," she begged. "Please touch me—" muscles in her legs had been deeply stretched — but there was something
He groaned with her nipple in his mouth, and the vibrations made her about the world now. Like a shimmer of magic had been cast over it, or
gasp. His lips popped off of her skin and he rolled them over, pinning her perhaps disappeared.
to the mattress. She clutched at his shoulders and pressed their mouths Peeling off her bra and knickers, she stared down at herself. There was
together as he shoved her pajamas down her hips. She tried to kick them a dried layer of sweat on her skin — hers and Draco's. A streak of dirt on
off, but then his fingers were slipping through her folds and all other her thigh that she'd missed. Her mind was dizzy with exhaustion, but
thoughts fled her mind. there was no way she'd be able to sleep with Draco gone.
Her eyes fluttered closed, her lips parting in a sigh. He circled her She drew a bath, needing to ease her muscles and wash away what
entrance and dragged his fingertips up to her clit, his strokes light and was left of Edinburgh. Sinking back into the lavender-scented bubbles,
teasing as her thighs tensed. she closed her eyes and let her mind wander.
"Draco, I need—" A girl screaming. Walls splattered with blood.
He kissed her neck, and her mind blanked. She twisted beneath him as Hermione bolted upright, gasping. The smell of lavender mixed with
he sucked bruises across her skin, adding to the collection from their first the scent of blood and smoke until she was heaving and swallowing down
time as he slowly worked her clit. bile.
"More." Her heels dug into his calves. "Faster—" She jerked to her feet and let the water drain from the tub, swirling
Skillful fingers began rubbing her, circling and pressing down. Her away with her fantasies. The world hadn't stopped turning just because
nails raked down his back and her legs struggled to writhe. she'd slept with Draco Malfoy. Her friends' bodies were still cold.
"Like this?" She turned the tap on the right, and cold water pooled around her feet.
She jerked her head in a nod. "Yes. Please—" She sunk into it, shivering and clutching her knees to her chest. By the time
"Fuck—" she was submerged, the smells and sounds had vanished. There was
"Yes—" nothing but a lake nestled between icy mountains, the waters still and calm.
His fingers pressed down, faster and faster. Her body shook, her Her teeth chattered as she brought each piece of information forward
insides clenching and thighs straining. The stretched muscles inside of her to examine before tucking it back into a book and sending it to the back
clamped down on nothing as she followed the blinding flash behind her of the library in her mind. When her books were securely bound and her
eyes into the crystal starlight. shelves tidied, she summoned the most recent book to the forefront of her
She floated, drifting down as Draco slowly rubbed her through her mind — the one with Edinburgh, Cho, and Viktor.

596 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 581

 She'd been right. Viktor was working with the True Order. And now He blinked down at her. "Yes. Sorry, I should have… I just…"
his cover had been blown while trying to get her out. Both he and Cho And his words from yesterday morning floated back to her:
were working with that mission in mind, and they'd failed. But she hoped This isn't how I wanted to wake up with you.
the Order had other victories last night. She bit her lip, and his gaze was drawn down to her mouth. She
How many had been saved? How many had died trying to get her out? watched his eyes grow heated before she pushed up on one elbow and
Hermione stared at her knees. They'd been covered in blood earlier, placed one hand on his neck, guiding their lips together.
but she wasn't sure whose. Grabbing a bar of soap, she scrubbed her legs Their mouths were tentative, brushing softly with barely-there sighs.
over and over, trying to organize her thoughts. His hand returned to her waist, and she let out a quiet moan. Her fingers
The True Order had somehow developed Portkeys that allowed them tangled in his hair, running patterns across his scalp as his tongue slipped
to travel in and out of heavily-warded properties — an unheard of magic. between her lips.
As she'd learned on Thursday, Edinburgh was for all intents and purposes She whispered his name into his mouth and sat up, tugging her
a personal property, sealed with blood magic by its "owners" — the Death jumper off. He watched in stupefied wonder as she leaned over him,
Eaters who'd spilled blood there. If there was a way to enter blood-sealed kissing him again and rolling him onto his back.
properties, then why hadn't the True Order hadn't just Portkeyed into the His hands roved over her spine, playing with her bra clasp, as if he was
Death Eaters' estates by now? There had to be a reason. afraid to undress her. She huffed and sat up again, reaching behind her
Plan B, Angelina had shouted. back to unclasp it. He licked his lips as her breasts were freed.
Plan A had been to take the girls out by Portkey, their owners still alive She tossed the covers away and lifted her thigh over his hips,
and their arms still intact. But they'd failed — the Carrow Girls had straddling him, but then looked down to her comfortable sleep clothes in
Splinched. The True Order had attacked Edinburgh knowing that Plan B confusion. She'd been wearing jeans—
might be necessary. "I transfigured them. I promise," Draco said hastily.
Hermione was confident that the owner didn't need to die in order for She glanced back up at him. He was having trouble keeping his eyes
the Lot to escape the property, but Cho and Viktor believed otherwise. off her breasts.
Maybe the Order had reasoned that Edinburgh was their best chance of "For sleeping, I just thought…"
catching owners and Lots together if Plan A failed. She smiled and leaned into him again, scattering kisses over his jaw
Her head was still spinning when she stepped out of the bath. Her and neck. "Just admit it," she whispered. "You hate Muggle denims."
fingers and toes were numb, and her blood felt like ice in her veins. He laughed softly, his hands gliding down her waist. "Only when
She felt a shiver of guilt as she wrapped herself in a fluffy robe, but you're wearing them."
she was no use to anyone with hypothermia. She exited the bathroom to She sucked on a spot that had his fingers curling into her hips. "And
find Draco bent over her desk, a quill in his hand. She froze. why's that?"
"You're back." Relief washed over her in waves, warming her limbs. He hissed as she widened her thighs and pressed their centers together.
"Just for ten minutes," he said, and she watched his eyes flick over her "Because I can't keep my eyes off your perfect arse in those damned
bare legs. "I didn't want to disturb you." denims."
"What happened? Were they suspicious of you? Did they question A blush spread up her cheeks, and she tucked her face into his neck.
Charlotte?" "Oh."
"Not to my knowledge, no. Charlotte was interrogated by my aunt, He slipped his fingers under the waistband of her pajama bottoms,
who determined she had no useful information." reaching down to fill his hands with her backside. She gasped as he
Hermione blinked, hardly daring to breathe. He was here, and he was squeezed and tugged her against his erection, rolling her body against his
safe. "What are you writing?" in slow waves. Her nipples tightened, her breasts brushing over his shirt

582 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 595

 They researched late through the evening. Draco apologized to "I'm making you a list. Because I know you'll ask me for one." He
Narcissa on their behalf and had the elves send dinner up to them, but turned his eyes back to the parchment and continued writing.
Hermione barely picked at it, too caught up in her notes. She switched Her brow furrowed. "A list?"
back and forth between tattoo research and memory research, picking up "Of the dead."
one when the other frustrated her. A jolt passed through her skin. Her heart squeezed, and she stepped
As the clock ticked toward one in the morning, she glanced at Draco, toward him.
in his armchair still flipping pages with a frown. Her eyelids were "George? George Weasley?"
beginning to droop, but she could get through the rest of this chapter on "No." His hand continued the list with a flourish. It was lengthy.
the Runes used in the first Pensieve creation before calling it a night. She "Fleur Delacour?"
rubbed her eyes, struggling against yawning, and read until her head "No."
dropped onto her chest. "Angelina—?"
"Granger, just let me finish."
$ She stood there with panic sparking along her veins, compiling a list in
She woke the next morning snuggled into warm sheets with her head her head of the other names that would ruin her if they appeared in his
firmly supported by soft pillows. Blinking awake, she stared up at a green handwriting. She let him continue in silence until a sudden idea made her
canopy speckled with daylight. She was in Draco's room still. jump.
She whipped her head to the side and discovered that half of the "Did Blaise and Pansy make it out?"
delicious warmth was due to Draco's arm across her waist and his head His quill paused, and he glanced up at her again. "Yes. I made sure of
on her shoulder. it when I went back for Charlotte." He studied her face. "I'm sorry, I
Her chin brushed the hair on top of his head, the strands fluttering would have told you last night if I'd known you were concerned."
with her surprised breath. He curled himself tighter around her middle, She opened her mouth to insist that she wasn't concerned about Pansy
bringing his hips in contact with her thigh, and her eyes widened to feel Parkinson and Blaise Zabini, but the loosening knot in her stomach said
his morning erection. The hand on her waist slid under her jumper, and otherwise.
she stifled a gasp. She closed her mouth and nodded.
Hermione bit back a smile. So this was what waking up next to Draco Draco finished his list two minutes later. The scroll was almost a foot
Malfoy was like. She brought her fingers to his hair and drifted through long. He handed it off to her and stared at the floor, twirling the quill
the locks, relishing the feeling of his every exhale. between his fingertips.
She felt it the moment he woke up. His fingers twitched against her Hermione's fingers shook as she held the parchment. He hadn't buried
stomach, and his breath caught in his throat. He lifted his head just an the lead. At the top of the list was the name Katie Bell. Her vision blurred,
inch. but she tightened her jaw and continued.
"Sorry." His voice was scratchy and deep. "I didn't mean to…" Three Carrow Girls that had been Splinched in the Lounge,
And before she could stop him, his hand was lifting off her stomach, unnamed. Cho Chang. Mulciber, Mr. Parkinson, Warrington, Pucey, and
his hips pulling away from hers. He leaned up on his arm and stared Gregory Goyle. Nineteen Death Eaters and thirty-one guards — none of
down at her. There was a pattern etched into his face from where he'd their names important enough to specify. Two Muggle groundskeepers.
slept on her knit jumper. The Hungarian Minister.
"I'm sorry I fell asleep here." He shook his head, like it was no trouble. Several dozen True Order members, and six werewolves — none of
"You didn't have to… I mean, I could have been moved back to my own them named. Sixty-eight guests, their identities "to be determined." He'd
room." scribbled at the bottom of the page, 172 dead.

594 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 583

 She took a deep breath before she looked up at him. "Voldemort must dozen empty journals that Draco had conjured on the floor. She peered
be furious." around his shoulder, wringing her hands.
"He is." Draco's throat bobbed. "When I was excused, Yaxley was "Remember to think clearly of the catalog. And then—"
begging for his life." Draco turned to her, extending his wand with a lifted brow. She
Her eyes widened. "Did he torture you as well? Any of you could have cleared her throat and took it from him. "Right. Thanks."
called him—" Closing her eyes, she focused on the catalog. "Access Hogwarts: A
"No. It's the responsibility of the highest-ranking officer to call for the History."
Dark Lord. Yaxley should have done it immediately." He set the quill Magic thrummed in her blood as she pointed the wand at the first
down and leaned back on the desk. "The only reason he might be spared blank journal. "Transcribo."
is that he and Dolohov got out Minister Cirillo, Minister Santos, and all The pages shivered for a moment before the ink bloomed, rearranging
other visitors in the Burgundy Room." He gestured to the list. "The itself until she was staring down at the familiar pages of her childhood.
Hungarian Minister was gambling in the Lounge at the time of the She grinned and tried several of the Scourer journals, making sure they
attack." would appear as well.
She nodded and scanned the list again. Draco tried a different volume on potions, and then asked the catalog
"But who you won't find on that list might be more interesting." to transcribe the titles of all books with references to blood magic.
Glancing back up at him, she held her breath. He slid his hands in his Hermione's eyes lit up as the pages filled, one after another. Ten minutes
pockets, watching her closely. had barely passed before Draco had to conjure another dozen blank
"Susan Bones escaped with them. They only found her arm." journals.
Relief settled over her. And then she frowned. She looked down at the An hour later, she was sitting on the floor of Draco's bedroom with
list of dead again, searching. books spread out in every direction, deep into research for creating a
Travers' name wasn't there. Pensieve from scratch while Draco looked into spells on memory transfer.
"They must have thought she was Goyle's. You're sure she wasn't She huffed when she finished reading a two-page list of materials that
Splinched?" were either unfamiliar or extremely rare. "This is impossible." Her neck
"Positive. And Travers is still alive." ached, and she rubbed it before looking up at him. "Will you write to
Her eyes snapped up to him. "I was right. The owner doesn't need to Theo?"
die for the Lots to escape. It's just the arm." His jaw clenched as he lifted his eyes to her. "And say what, exactly?
Draco nodded. "There's something else though. Angelina Johnson and 'Got a spare Pensieve?'"
George Weasley left the castle by way of the front gate. They were "We need help, Draco." Hermione pressed her lips together. "Perhaps
pursuing several Death Eaters." He paused, and her heartbeat quickened. he could come visit. You're very ill with this unknown curse, and you'd
"A witness claims that Angelina fell when she followed George over the like to see some friendly faces."
estate line." "That's not suspicious at all," he said, flipping a page.
She blinked at him. "Fell." "Well, I'm getting nowhere. And every hour we spend on this is one
"The guard said she 'dropped like a sack of flour.'" He swallowed, less hour we spend on the tattoos. I can look at alternative ways of
staring intently at her. "Apparently she was convulsing." viewing memories, or you can write to a friend who may save us months
Hermione's ears were ringing. "But she—" of research."
"Got out, yes. George saw what was happening and vanished with her Draco heaved a dramatic sigh, just as he used to at Hogwarts, and
by Portkey. But I thought you'd find that… interesting." Hermione hid a smile when he dragged himself to his feet and out the
Her eyes flitted about the room, her mind working in overdrive. door to post the letter.

584 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 593

 "Do you know anyone who does have one?" Angelina's tattooed arm had been removed. She shouldn't be affected
"No." He ran his hand through his damp hair. "My understanding is by the estate lines any longer.
that they are hard to come by now. There were only two people who "Was she conscious?" She twisted her fingers in the tie of her robe.
made them in Europe, and both have gone into hiding." "Was it just a momentary shock, or was she still convulsing when—"
She sighed, her shoulders sagging. "There might be another way to "I don't know, Granger," he said gently. "And to ask about it would be
view her memories, but I won't be able to research them without a too suspicious."
library." Her eyes swept over Draco's bookshelves. "I don't want to get you She chewed on her lower lip. "Maybe there's some… trace of the
in even more trouble, but—" tattoo still. Some latent effect of the potion."
"You need the library. I know." "I thought the same. She was able to Portkey inside with no issue. It's
She rubbed her temples, thinking. "Perhaps the catalog could be only when she tried to leave that she collapsed."
charmed like the Hogwarts' book finder. It sends books traveling to their "Yes." Hermione began pacing. "It couldn't have happened when she
requestors." escaped from Macnair's, or she wouldn't have tried to cross Edinburgh's
"If I know my father, he also made it impossible for books to leave the estate line."
library." Draco ran a hand through his hair. "Not necessarily. Maybe she just
She shook her head. "No, you're right." After a few moments, an idea didn't think it would happen at Edinburgh."
sparked. "Viktor told me a bit about the catalog at Durmstrang." Her "No. They wouldn't have risked it. Which means that the potion is still
mind was spinning too fast to worry about Draco's scowl. "It's typically active and showing novel properties almost a year later." A chill ran down
freezing inside the castle, and the library is far from the dormitories. The her spine. "There's no precedent for this magic. We have no idea what its
catalog is enchanted so that if you focus on it, you can communicate with long-term consequences are, or if"— she drew a sharp breath—"if
it anywhere within the castle." Angelina is even still alive. We need an antidote." She paused to look up
"What good is that? If it doesn't send the book to you—" at him. "The potion needs to be counteracted."
"I had the same question. Transcription spells." Hermione began pacing He nodded, following her logic. Pushing off the desk, he scratched a
as her voice grew quicker, more excited. "You can ask the catalog to hand over his jaw and stared down at the carpets. "There's one last thing.
transcribe entire books for you. The copies would go blank when he left On my way out of the Manor this morning, I found the body of a house-
for the holidays, but Viktor said he had an entire mini-library in his elf on the other side of the gates. Not one of ours."
bedroom for the school year. We don't need the books to leave the library "A house-elf ?" she frowned. "You didn't recognize him?"
— we just need their contents." He shook his head. "He was Splinched."
Draco shifted behind her. "That's very convenient, Granger, but there Her brows pulled together. She'd never even heard of a house-elf
must be a special enchantment on it. The catalog at Hogwarts didn't—" being Splinched before. "He was trying to Apparate in?"
"I know. But in Hogwarts: A History, they discuss revisions to the library He paused. "That's what I assume."
when they added the Restricted Section in the 14th century. They She opened her mouth to ask why, and it dawned on her.
mention "safeguards" to stop students from cheating or accessing Her.
forbidden material. It's why the catalog there is far more restricted than The True Order had sent a house-elf to cut off her arm and escape
the one here in the Manor. If I had to guess, the Durmstrang catalog is with her. And for some reason, the wards didn't allow it.
standard." "But Dobby—"
She spun to him and found the hint of a smile on his lips, his eyes "The wards were fortified to bar non-familial elves after the events of
intent on her. last year." Draco's jaw tightened. "I know Father did something to ours.
Twenty minutes later, she stood at the foot of his bed, staring at a Nott Sr. helped other pureblood families."

592 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 585

 She ran her fingers over her lips, thinking quickly. If they'd sent a are prone to them." She smiled, and after blinking at her, Hermione did
house-elf, it had to be because they didn't think an Order member could the same. But there was a tightness around Narcissa's mouth as she picked
safely enter the Manor using one of their new Portkeys. The Portkeys up her teacup and brought the porcelain to her lips. "He's not wrong
were only able to penetrate Edinburgh's wards. about one thing. The next few weeks will be dangerous, Hermione. The
She let her mind run for several minutes before looking back up at Dark Lord is likely suspicious of everyone in his circle."
him. He was watching her, his eyes traveling the lines of her robe, tracing Nodding, Hermione crumbled the scone between her fingertips.
her wet curls. He looked dead on his feet, but his gaze was glued to her. "But if you need anything," Narcissa said, casting her eyes down to
"Did they ask where you went last night?" the Prophet and turning a page.
He blinked and shook his head. "Father told them that I was hit by an The rest was left unsaid, hanging on a string between them as they
unknown curse, and that he had to send me home for treatment." drank their coffee and tea.
Nodding absently, she let her mind drift to what he'd actually been
doing when he'd come home last night. Specifically, what he'd been doing $
to her. Hermione stood before Draco's bedroom door that afternoon,
A blush rose to her cheeks at the memory of his breath between her hesitating before finally rapping her knuckles against the wood. There was
thighs — the slide of their bodies together, and the press of his face into a shuffling behind the door, and then he pulled it open, blinking at her
her hair. drowsily. He rubbed his eyes, and her gaze caught on the plain cotton
She bit her lip and glanced at him. His eyes were focused on the shirt he'd worn to bed, and the way his hair was still drying from an
modest triangle of skin visible at her collarbones, where the robe closed. earlier bath.
His gaze drifted upward, pausing on the lip pulled between her teeth. "What time is it?"
She swallowed. "About last night…" She shook her head. "Er, it's after two in the afternoon. Are you
His eyes jerked to hers, wide and guilty. She opened her mouth to alright?"
continue, but he was spinning on his heel and striding to the window. "Just catching up on some rest. Practicing for this fictional ailment I'm
"Don't worry, Granger." His voice was flat and distant. "It won't supposed to have."
happen again." He stepped aside for her, and as she moved past him she remembered
Her chest tightened. "That's not what I—" that he'd had quite a trying evening, and then very little sleep due to…
"There were a lot of... emotions involved. I should have had more self- Her eyes caught on the rumpled bed.
control." "Sorry to bolt earlier," she said, tearing her eyes away. "I was…
"Draco, I don't regret it." uncomfortable."
She heard his breath catch across the room. "It's fine. My father has that effect on people."
Last night, they hadn't known if they'd live to see the morning. But as He shut the door and turned to face her. She forced herself to focus.
he turned to face her, sunlight catching on his hair just as it used to in "Charlotte's memories?"
Fifth Year Transfiguration, she was certain she'd do it again. They might Nodding, he moved to his bedside drawer and produced the vial of
be running on borrowed time, but she'd take these moments with him gossamer memories. She took it from him.
while she still could. She'd take them, because without them her shelves "We need to find out who her contacts are first. We can explain what
might crumble and bury her in grief. happened, and let the Order decide what to do with the rest of her
Something writhed inside of her, begging for him to release it again. memories." A crease appeared between her brows as she watched the
She crossed the room and stepped into him, rising on her toes to press her threads dance together. "The Manor doesn't have a Pensieve?"
mouth to his. His arms rose to her elbows — soft, tentative — as his lips "No," his voice rumbled. "My father never had use for one."
586 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 591
 After several more minutes of stalling, Hermione peeked out of the parted for her. She brushed her tongue inside his mouth, and a small
bathroom to find she was alone except for her morning coffee tray. She sound escaped from his throat.
changed out of her robe, ignoring the memory of Draco's hands Pulling away from him, she met his glassy gaze and reached for the tie
underneath it less than an hour ago, and into comfortable denims and a on her robe. The moment the knot loosened, he pushed her back against
jumper. the wall, kissing her deeply and running his hands over her stomach and
When she found no Prophet on her tray, she ventured out of her room hips. She sighed and threw her arms over his shoulders.
and down to the dining room. Narcissa sat in her chair, sipping her tea The quick slide of his palms over her body awoke every memory of
and turning pages in the paper. She looked up when Hermione entered. last night, and her skin caught fire as his hands rounded her hips and
"Hello, dear." She smiled tightly. "I'm glad that you're safe." dipped down to squeeze her backside. She gasped into his mouth, and he
"Thank you," Hermione said, taking her chair. She wasn't sure what moved to kiss her neck. He pressed his hips forward, pinning her to the
else to say, so she poured herself a cup of coffee. wall, and she could feel the outline of him, growing harder.
"I received a message from Lucius in the middle of the night that the His hands slipped over her stomach as she dug her fingers into his hair,
castle had been attacked, but that you and Draco had made it home. I've and when they settled on her breasts, he let his thumbs circle her tightly
been extremely worried, but thought it was best to let you both rest." and press down on her aching nipples.
Narcissa paused, her expression soft. "Are you alright, Hermione?" She sagged against the wall, the robe hanging off her shoulders as he
Hermione set her coffee down and forced a smile. "I'm fine. I'll be fine. sucked on her neck and played with her breasts. He rolled his hips against
I spent a few hours Occluding, which helped quite a bit." Hermione her stomach, and she moaned.
shifted in her seat. "But I was wondering about the paper—" The door banged open, and they sprang apart. Hermione yelped and
"Feel free." Narcissa waved flippantly at the newspaper. "Not that spun to face the wall, cinching her robe tight while Draco cursed.
Skeeter had anything useful to say, unfortunately. Every detail Lucius gave "Lovely."
me contradicted what she wrote." Her heart thumped wildly as she turned to find Lucius Malfoy
Hermione nodded. "What did she say?" scowling in her doorway. He swept into the room without waiting for
"Small band of rebels, minimal losses, Swiss terrorists." Narcissa rolled permission and stood near her fireplace.
her eyes. "Perhaps tomorrow the Ghost will have more information, but I "Father."
think this is going to be kept tightly under wraps." "It's good to know that if I ever need to speak to one of you, I should
Hermione stared at the crinkled corner of the Prophet, thinking of Cho check the opposite bedroom first." Lucius's hair and sneer were in place,
and Katie Bell and those who would get no obituary in their paper. but he looked exhausted. Deep purple shadows lined his eyes as he
"Where is Lucius?" gestured for the two of them to sit in the armchairs before him.
"Gone again." Narcissa pressed her lips together. "As the best Hermione glanced at Draco, who cleared his throat.
Legilimens in the Dark Lord's army, he and my sister have been sent to "Father—"
interrogate recent visitors at Edinburgh and search for possible collusion. "Sit." The word was low and dangerous. "I'll only ask once."
They will be gone for some time." She paused before folding her napkin Hermione tightened her robe again, her heart thumping wildly. She
delicately. "But before he left, he made it clear to me that you are now moved to the chair with her eyes turned toward the floor, and Draco
expressly forbidden from entering our library." silently did the same.
Hermione swallowed and grabbed a scone from the serving plate. "I'm Lucius clasped his hands behind his back and stared down at them
sorry, Narcissa. I'm sure he's told you all about it, but he's... not very both. "So. You've been playing revolution, have you? Passing notes and
happy with us." playing games?" His voice trembled with anger.
"A tantrum," said Narcissa with a wave of her hand. "All Malfoy men Hermione said nothing, her gaze still trained on the carpets. Panic

590 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 587

bubbled in her chest as his footsteps came closer. Lucius paused in front "You can't be serious." Draco's knuckles were white clutching at the
of her knees, and Draco stiffened next to her. She could count her armrest. "You can't ground me—"
heartbeats as Lucius tilted her chin up to meet his eyes. "Think of it more as a holiday, Draco." Lucius smiled. "Edinburgh is
"What have you been up to, Miss Granger?" closed indefinitely, and the Dark Lord will be monitoring his followers
The smooth knife prodded through her mind, slicing on empty air as closely for the foreseeable future. And I trust you and Miss Granger have
Hermione tugged her bookshelf deep into the recesses of her mind. He discovered a new indoor activity to keep you occupied for several weeks."
pressed further, but she was ready for him now. She grunted and pushed Hermione's jaw dropped in a silent gasp. She closed her eyes, wishing
his mind back. the armchair would swallow her whole.
There was a clatter of movement, and Hermione gasped as Lucius Draco sputtered to her left. "We—Father!"
released her. When the spots in her vision cleared, she found Draco on his "I have neither the time nor interest in your excuses. As long as Miss
feet, and Lucius staring down at her. Granger continues to take her Contraceptive Potions, I'm happy to have
Lucius sneered and turned to his son. "Sit down, Draco. I hardly you fixated on anything other than committing treason."
touched her." Hermione covered her face — she could feel it burning beet red
Draco obeyed, clenching his jaw. through her fingertips.
"I see you're as obstinate and foolish as my son." Lucius's lip curled, his "Now if you'll excuse me," Lucius lilted, "I have to go speak to your
expression almost disappointed. "I'll make myself very clear, Miss mother. I'm sure she'll be thrilled to have you at home for the indefinite
Granger. Whatever you've been working on in my library stops today. You future."
are not to set foot in there again. If you do, I'll know about it." Hermione listened as Lucius strode to the door, wrenched it open, and
Her mind spun as her heart dropped in her chest. She needed those books slammed it closed. The air in the room felt thick and heavy.
— "Are you alright."
"Father, you can't ban her from the library. She is my— mine, and she—" She nodded, still unable to speak.
"And the library is mine. As is every book inside of it. If a single book "You… er—" Draco cleared his throat. "You've been taking potions? I
is touched, I will know." There was a long silence. "Besides," he said, haven't— I should have asked before, but—"
turning to the shelves that Draco had restocked for her, "it seems she has "Yes, no. No, it's covered. We're… yes." Her eyes flew open and she
plenty of books to entertain herself with — which I'm sure will be very swiftly stood. "I need to… Um… yes."
useful, seeing as neither of you will be going anywhere for quite some She darted for her bathroom, sealing herself inside and leaning
time." against the oak. After several calming breaths, she checked the cabinets
A chill crept down her spine. Draco sat very still next to her. above her sink, triple-checking that she'd taken her potion this month.
"Father—" And just as suspected, she was fine. Potion taken.
"Draco was hit by an unknown curse last night." He began strolling As the humiliation ebbed, she focused on the pressing matter: Lucius
around the chairs, his hands behind his back. "Its effects are still unclear, had barred her from the library. She was so close to breaking the tattoos.
but when he returned from Edinburgh this morning, he fell into a deep She could feel it. And now all her resources had been snatched away.
fever. We are taking every step to see that he is healthy for the next task Splashing cold water on her face, she tried to think of solutions.
the Dark Lord asks of him"—Lucius stepped around Hermione's chair, She grimaced as another dilemma rose to the surface: what to do
bringing him back into sight—"but according to the family Healer, he is about Charlotte's memories.
in no state to be in the field right now." Draco had said the Malfoys didn't own a Pensieve, so they would have
Lucius returned to his position in front of the fireplace, challenging to go about finding one. And now he was forbidden from leaving the
them with his gaze. Manor.

588 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 589

 His eyes were on the fields, intent and flickering. He pulled his wand Hermione took this in, her stomach turning at the idea of stronger
from his sleeve and extended the handle to her. His fingers trembled. wards at Edinburgh.
"Take it. Go." "Is anyone else in hot water?" Draco asked.
Her brows twitched as she stared down at the hawthorn. "Draco—" "Yaxley, you know. The Carrows were next. They were negotiating with
"There's no reason to stay," he said, his words catching on the wind. a new Lot seller on the night of the attack, but they were expected to be at
His eyes refused to meet hers. "The last rumor of their location was Edinburgh, so the Dark Lord was suspicious. He had them interrogated and
Norwich. About three weeks ago, there was a possible sighting of tortured. Your aunt cleared them just yesterday." Theo sipped from his
someone on the Prophet's Wanted list. We didn't find anything, but it's glass. "I know they used Legilimency on every Carrow Girl, but couldn't
possible we missed them." find a leak."
"Draco, we've been through this—" Hermione drew a sharp breath, her chest loosening in relief. There
"You'll find the Order somehow. I know you will. You're brilliant." was still no suspicion of Charlotte or the other girls. But as Theo finished
She watched him swallow thickly and force the wand into her hand. his Firewhisky and chatted with Draco, she couldn't help but think that
Her heart clenched in agony, her mind spinning as she warred with there was a True Order member somewhere waiting on crucial
herself. Closing her eyes, she took a step backward and tried to think. information that only Charlotte's memories held.
"You said there was no trace of the True Order in the U.K. Were you
telling me the truth?" $
"Of course I was—" Hermione threw herself into researching the tattoo potion while they
"Then assuming I can't find them, my only option is to Apparate to waited to hear back from Theo. She and Draco holed up in his room and
France or another True Order ally that's close enough for me not to argued over interpretations of Nott Sr.'s scribbled handwriting until their
Splinch myself — all of whom have instituted Anti-Apparition Lines." dinner had gone cold.
She took a deep breath. "To say nothing of the fact that I'd have to find a Earlier in the week, Narcissa had informed her that Lucius had
way to pass through the U.K.'s Anti-Apparition Line, which has forbidden Mippy from retrieving the Ghost. So Hermione spent the
apparently been strengthened in recent weeks." mornings poring over the Prophet, trying to piece together what Skeeter
Her eyelids flew open to silence. wasn't saying instead of what she was. Viktor remained Undesirable No. 1
"Draco. I may be a clever witch, but those are enormous odds." as the days went on, and when there was no response from Katya by the
He met her eyes finally. They were wet. following week, Hermione felt her suspicions confirmed that she'd been
"Then I'll ask Charlotte where I can take you. Once she has her mind working for the Order.
back, we'll ask who her contacts are—" Ten days after the attack on Edinburgh, the Prophet reported the public
"They'll kill you if I leave and you stay." execution of Nott Sr. His crimes included "a failure to carry out orders."
And there it was. The truth she couldn't live with, for all her logic. For Hermione stared down at the moving picture of Ted Nott being
all her burning desire to return to her friends and fight. dragged up on a platform, his eyes wide with terror as Voldemort stepped
Her hands were trembling, and she curled them into fists. "Could you forward.
go somewhere else? If you won't come with me?" Behind Voldemort stood the Swiss colleague that Nott Sr. had been
"Yes. Yeah, I could." He dropped his gaze to the blades of grass working with, who now would take over all his duties for protective wards,
beneath their feet. "The Malfoys have properties around the world. I the U.K.'s Anti-Apparition line, and offense against the French and True
could figure something out." Order: Albrecht Berge.
The words fell too quickly from his lips. "Don't lie to me." Her voice Theo was there, ashen and wild-eyed. Skeeter reported that Theo
shook, and he glanced up at her as she swiped her cheeks. "Tell me if would go with Berge to the French border and apprentice under him.
623 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 601
Berge stood beside Theo as the Dark Lord swiftly killed his predecessor, shaken free, disappearing as if carried by the summer wind.
his hand on his shoulder. The vial dropped from her grip as she gasped, running her fingers
Draco paled when she told him the news, and Hermione slipped from over the skin. Only Bellatrix's marks left.
the room, leaving him with his thoughts. They couldn't depend on Theo's Her eyes snapped up to Draco. He looked dazed, his mouth open and
help anymore. Not when his father was dead and he was trying to stay eyes fixed on her arm.
alive. Hermione whipped around to the barrier and took two large steps
She wandered through the east wing, thinking. If she and Draco through it.
couldn't view Charlotte's memories, locate a contact, and turn them over Nothing. She looked down at her arm. Nothing.
to the Order somehow, then their only other option was to find a way to Victory broke over her in slow waves, and the ground reeled beneath
return them. They'd discussed the possibility once, but trying to find an her feet. She'd done it. She'd broken the tattoos. The True Order would
intermediary in the Order had seemed less risky than Draco walking back have the solution to freeing the Lots, once and for all. They could give it
into Edinburgh and attempting to give Charlotte her memories back. But to Angelina. They could purge it from all their systems, as if it was never
now they had no other choice. there.
When she returned to Draco's room a few hours later, he brought up A shriek escaped her lips before she could stop herself. A laugh burst
the option before she did. They paused their research on the tattoo potion from her chest as she spun in a circle, throwing her arms out. Catching
that day, looking instead into restoring extracted memories. her breath and closing her eyes in the sunlight, she turned to find Draco
It only took a few hours to find an answer. Hermione had found a smiling softly at her at the edge of the perimeter. She raced to him,
potion in One Thousand Magical Potions and Their Uses that was well- throwing herself into his arms and kissing everywhere she could reach.
documented to successfully restore memories by imbibing them. The catch "We did it— Draco, we—"
was that the memories had to belong to the owner — people had tried to Pulling back, she felt a pressure behind her eyes. Her vision blurred
imbibe others' memories with no success. But it was a simple potion, its with him still smiling at her.
brew time under two hours, and Draco confirmed that they had all the She disentangled herself from his arms and raced back to the
ingredients at the Manor. boundary again.
Draco jumped to his feet once she found it, expecting she'd want to Again, nothing.
brew it right away. But she told him to wait. .
The space on her arm where the initials D.M used to reside was just
Even if Lucius hadn't hinted he'd know the instant Draco tried to leave clear skin. There was only the word MUDBLOOD, and Bellatrix's apostrophe "S."
the property, she wasn't sure it was the right time. She was so close to
Turning to look out over the acres and acres of the Manor, Hermione
figuring out the tattoo potion. There was a certainty in her blood, like
breathed deeply as the sun poured down on her, the wind tickling her
Harry's confidence when he was close to a Horcrux. She'd begun
calves.
dreaming about watching the letters vanish from her skin. But she needed
She spun back to Draco. "Race you."
more time.
She took off to the right without any sense of direction, laughing and
The Dark Lord was still watching his followers, and Edinburgh was
waiting for him to call after her.
still closed. It was an enormous risk for Draco to go there once, let alone
But it was silent.
twice. If she was able to crack the tattoo antidote quickly, she reduced the
Her feet stumbled to a stop. Turning back, she saw Draco still standing
risk by half. He could kill two birds with one stone — give Charlotte her
at the end of the lane, his hands in his pockets. Something punctured
memories back and give her the directions for the tattoo antidote to pass to
inside her, sinking deep.
the True Order.
She walked back to him quickly, almost at a jog. "What is it?" she
When she explained why they had to wait—"It's safer for you"—
asked breathlessly. "Draco?"
602 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 622
 Draco's eyes flickered over her as he stepped into the hall at the same Draco tugged her to her feet and kissed her until everything was lost to
time. He shut his door behind him and let his gaze rest on her calves. her except for his lips against hers.
"Going somewhere, Granger?" He lifted a brow with a tight smile. Early the next morning, Draco received word from Lucius that his
She smiled at him, and after half a heartbeat's hesitation, she reached "grounding" was up. The Dark Lord had recently asked about his
to take his hand. recovery. There were rumors that a band of True Order fighters still
They walked down the stairs together, the vials clicking in her bag. At remained in the U.K., and he was to join half a dozen other Death Eaters
the base of the stairs, he tugged her toward the back. in a mission to snuff them out. He was to leave the day after next.
"Better to use the northern perimeter, in case we have any unexpected She hadn't been able to speak when he first told her, staring out the
guests at the front gates. Mother's less likely to see us as well." window as he assured her it was only for two weeks. He told her it would
She nodded and let him lead her. They passed Hix's bluebells and the be far less dangerous than Switzerland. He might come back even sooner,
gazebo, following the same path she'd taken the day she'd tried crossing if the Dark Lord was satisfied that the True Order had run back to
the barrier the first time — when Lucius had to carry her back. France. She tried to take comfort in what he was telling her, but saying
Hermione tried to start a conversation with little success, so they goodbye to him again was a bitter pill to swallow.
walked in silence down the little lane between hedges. She felt his gaze on He kissed her slowly on the morning he had to leave, pressing her into
her as they walked — glancing down at their intertwined hands, or at the his mattress and sliding his thigh between hers. She rocked against him as
side of her face. She finally turned to give him an inquisitive look, but he he pinned her hands and sucked at her skin. Only when she was begging
simply stared at her. him did he push into her, swallowing her moans as he played with her
They stopped a few yards in front of the opening to the grassy field. breasts, and biting down on her shoulder as he rolled their bodies
She pointed out past the lane. "Do these acres belong to the Manor?" together.
He nodded. "It's where I'd play Quidditch." After he left, she Occluded for half the day before focusing her mind
A smile tugged at her lips as she imagined it. "What else did you get on the tattoos. She had several ideas for the potion that she was ready to
up to?" try, so she took her notes down to the laboratory and set to work. The first
He shrugged. "There's a copse of trees just around the hedge. I used task would be to recreate the inky potion the Lots had ingested or been
to hide there with a book." injected with, and test it on a mouse. Once she was confident she'd gotten
Her smile widened, and she turned to look at him. His cheeks were the potion correct, it would be easy to create an antidote.
pink, but he held her gaze. Her lips pressed together as she stared at the ingredients on the lab
She released his hand and shrugged the bag from her other shoulder, shelves. Of course, the day after Draco's wand was no longer available to
retrieving the vials. One was a thick black with flecks of gold in it, just like her, that was the day she was ready to use magic again. Brewing potions
the ink on her arm — the tattoo potion. The other was a clear liquid — without a wand was possible, of course, but infinitely harder.
the antidote. She spent until two in the morning working at a fraction of her
Glancing up at Draco, she found him staring down at the two vials normal pace before giving up. She tossed and turned in Draco's bed that
with an empty expression. She put the second one back in the bag, night, pressing her face into his pillow. There were so many things she
dropping it on the ground. should have asked him before he left. So many things she wished she had
Her pulse raced as she uncapped the clear potion, brought it to her a partner for. But now he was gone, and she was on her own. After four in
lips, and took a tiny sip. It was light and tasteless. the morning, she finally drifted.
She lifted her left arm and stared down at her tattoo. Her heart Hermione slept in the next day, and breakfast was waiting for her on
threatened to beat out of her chest as she waited, praying and hoping— Draco's desk. She downed a cup of coffee and managed a few bites of
And then the letters of Draco's initials shivered, as if they'd been toast before she headed downstairs to find Narcissa. She found her in the

621 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 603

conservatory, carefully clipping flowers and pruning bushes. Narcissa Unconvinced.
drifted her fingers across a blossom and smiled up at her. "Good morning, Her mind spun as she tried to create a plan. Leaving without the
dear." Malfoys would be as good as sentencing all three of them to death. Draco
"Good morning. I'm sorry I missed breakfast. I had trouble sleeping." would be held responsible and interrogated for her disappearance. So
Narcissa paused, frowning. "I'm sorry to hear that. I can ask Mippy to would Narcissa and Lucius. Even if she managed to get to France, she'd
bring you a potion—" be wondering all the while if Draco, Narcissa, and Lucius had been
"Actually, I— I need to ask you a favor." She moved closer to the rose murdered. Perhaps Blaise and Theo as well.
bushes and let her practiced story rattle from her lips. "I think I've built a Her heart shattered at the thought.
tolerance to the generic kind. It helps me fall asleep, but I can't stay "Then I'm staying too."
asleep. I was hoping to brew a new potion. You see, I found an old recipe Only his left eye twitched. His ribs expanded.
for a Dreamless Sleep potion that—" "For now," she clarified. "I'm staying until I can convince you to come
Plucking her wand from her robes, Narcissa extended it to Hermione. with me."
Hermione blinked down at it, then glanced back up to her. "Granger, I can't ask you to do that."
"Whatever you need, Hermione." Her tone was gentle and her gaze "I'm giving them everything I know right now. As long as Charlotte
was warm. can get it to them, staying a bit longer won't make a difference." She took
Hermione gingerly took the offered wand. "I— yes, thank you. I'll just a deep breath and filled two vials — one with the tattoo potion and the
be an hour, if that's alright." other with its antidote. She grabbed the parchment and quill she'd been
"You know," she said lightly, "I will be spending most afternoons down using to create the tattoo on the mice.
here now that spring is upon us, either pruning or enjoying a book. I "Tomorrow at noon. We'll go to the property line and test it."
would say I won't be in need of a wand for several hours a day… for the She left him standing alone in his potions laboratory, still staring at the
foreseeable future." stone floor.
Hermione gaped at her, struggling to come up with words. "Thank
you, Narcissa. I could maybe try brewing multiple versions to rotate $
between—" Waking in her own bed at the Manor was almost disorienting. She
"If it's alright with you, dear, I'd prefer to drop the pretense." hadn't meant to create distance between herself and Draco, but she
Hermione's heart skipped as Narcissa clipped a perfect white rose from needed space to think. To plan. She'd stayed up until two in the morning,
the bush, the long stem littered with thorns. She turned to face Hermione staring up at the ceiling of her canopy bed until she drifted off with no
as she ran her fingers over the sharp edges. "You're attempting to remove solutions. But it was a problem she'd have to pick up later.
your tattoo, aren't you?" Her breakfast tray looked lonely without tea and a second plate. She
"I…" She swallowed thickly, opening and closing her mouth. "I am." sat in the chair closest to the window as she drank her coffee and had a
The words hung heavy in the air. "Why would you help me… if you few bites of toast. Then she bathed, dried her hair, and went to her
knew?" wardrobe. A glance out the windows showed a beautiful spring day, the
Narcissa looked up at her, her eyes a piercing shade of blue. "It's sun high and golden, the trees swaying softly. It was too warm for denims.
time," she said softly. Her fingers drifted over the clothes Pansy had given her, and they
Before Hermione could ask further, Narcissa turned away, humming paused on the light blue sundress she'd liked all those months ago. With
quietly and clipping away the dead leaves. one more glance at the sunshine, she slipped the dress from the hanger
"Thank you, Narcissa." She stood there for a moment before she spun and slid into the pale cotton. She put the vials, quill, and parchment in a
on her heel and ran back to the potions lab. loose bag she found at the top of her wardrobe, and headed out the door.
604 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 620
 "Because I'd like to know the answer." Her veins pumped with magic and adrenaline as she set the cauldron
She took a deep breath. "Honestly, I've been so focused on breaking to boil and summoned the ingredients from the shelves. An hour later, as
this tattoo and getting the information to the Order that I haven't…" Her she watched it simmer, her mind drifted to her theory that the Malfoys
throat felt thick, and she swallowed. "I mean, I've thought about it, but I had purchased her as insurance, should the Order win the war.
figured I should wait to tackle that problem until I was finished with this The explanation still fit, of course.
one. And—I suppose it's solved now, so we should probably…" But perhaps his wife was more inclined toward rebellion than Lucius
He was still next to her. She played with a groove in the stone tabletop. Malfoy thought.
Her chest thumped when she finally lifted her eyes to his. "You could
come with me." $
His face was a mask. "I really couldn't, Granger." Hermione worked tirelessly over the next week to recreate the original
"You and your mother." Her mind and her heart began to dance in tattoo potion used on the Lots. Every morning she would wake up and
time with each other. "We'll find the True Order, and I'll make sure you're have breakfast with Narcissa before asking to borrow her wand. She'd be
both taken care of—" in the potions lab by nine o'clock to brew a new potion, altered slightly
"You couldn't ensure that." from the day before. By the late afternoon, when the potion had finished
"I could." Her voice shook. "I still have to think about your father, but brewing, she'd transfigure a mouse from a teacup and test the potion on it.
if you and your mother safely delivered Hermione Granger to them—" She'd signed a scroll in her own blood, just as the Death Eaters had, and a
"Don't be naive." She flinched at the sharp edge to his voice. His eyes scribbled line would appear on the mouse's left leg.
instantly softened. "Granger, that might have been true a year ago, but it's Utilizing blood magic, she dropped her own blood into the circular
not enough anymore. Too much has happened." ring she drew on the laboratory floor. Every day she'd numb the mouse
"Yes, with you helping me! Helping our side!" She threw up her hands. and monitor its vitals as it dashed out of the blood boundary, huffing in
"These are my friends, Draco. If I tell them everything you've done, frustration as it barely registered a twitch. But on the tenth day, the vital
they'll have no choice but to—" graph spiked.
"It's not about that anymore. Can't you see?" He stepped into her, She gasped at the angry red spikes, whipping her head to watch the
gently taking her elbows. "Did you see the paper this morning?" numbed mouse creep further and further out of the blood boundary line.
Frowning, she shook her head. She'd been too busy thinking about the She blinked, holding her breath. When she had jumped past the
potion. "Canada, China, and Tunisia just pledged support to the True Manor's boundary and rolled down the hill, the shocks had continued
Order." sizzling her nervous system until Lucius brought her back.
She searched his face, trying to follow his logic. The mouse's path grew jagged, stumbling as if it were drunk. She
"The True Order has been traveling for months with those Portkeys. quickly summoned it back into the blood boundary circle. Her head was
They're probably transporting in reinforcements as we speak." His throat spinning as she watched the flaring red lines on the mouse's vitals ebb,
bobbed. "My father and aunt are the two highest-ranking officers in the slowly returning to a healthy green.
Great Order. If I just stroll into France with my mother in tow, there's a Her fingers twitched with nervous energy, and her pulse pounded.
good chance your friends won't have a say in whatever they choose to do This might be it. She might have successfully recreated the tattoo. Forcing
to us." herself not to celebrate just yet, she set to work on an antidote, focusing
His eyes flickered as she pulled free. "Don't underestimate them. on counteracting the primary ingredients in the first potion.
They're at the center of this. And I know George Weasley. I know Fleur A few hours later and her antidote was simmering in the cauldron, but
and Angelina. They'll listen to me. They'll trust me." it wouldn't be ready until the smoke was rising in perfect spirals,
She watched him clench his jaw and look down at his shoes. indicating the poison in the bloodroot was neutralized. She tested her
619 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 605
tattoo potion three more times on different mice as she waited, perfectly His breath was hot on her ear as he throbbed inside of her, releasing.
replicating the results of her first trial. He shuddered against her back, and wrapped his arms around her waist,
As the hours stretched on, she took small bites of the dinner Narcissa pinning her to him.
sent to the laboratory, and fed the mice from a hunk of cheese she'd They'd never been standing before. Usually, he'd roll off her at the
requested from the elves. It was four in the morning when the smoke rose end, but now she had to lower her heels, moaning as he slipped out of
in perfect spirals, and fifteen past when all four mice ran through the her, his release dripping down her legs.
blood boundary with no change in their vitals. He pressed a kiss into her hair. "Good? Are you alright?" He rubbed
Hermione rubbed her eyes, sagging against the counter. She tried his hands over her stomach, reaching up to palm her breasts and rove his
again, dropping the first mouse back into the barrier alone, and hands everywhere.
watching it successfully leave with no ink on its leg or shocks to its "Good." She managed a nod. "So good. You?"
system. "Fuck," he said, and she shivered. "You have no idea, Granger."
She tried it with the second mouse, and had the same results — the They spent the next few hours wrapped in each other's arms, waiting
mouse was free. for the potions to simmer.
At five a.m., she was on her fourth mouse when there was a knock on Over the next several days, they tracked biomarkers and tested various
the potions laboratory door. dosages of the antidote on the mice. She suspected her reconstructed
She held her breath as the door pushed open, and when Draco poked version was somehow more potent because no matter how small a dose
his head inside, she threw herself into his arms. He lifted her off the floor she tried, the antidote still took effect.
as she pressed their lips together and cupped his face. He set her down Draco watched each successful trial with a clipped interest, but he
slowly, looking exhausted but bright-eyed. Then one of the mice caught seemed to grow more irritable and tense as the tests continued with no
his attention, scurrying over his shoes and out the door. adverse side effects.
He jumped. "What—?" On Thursday evening, he convinced her to try an even more diluted
She pressed her lips to his again, smiling and winding her arms sample — she only placed a single drop of the antidote in a shared bowl
around his shoulders. of sugar water she lured the mice to drink. She turned to him as the third
"You're back. Are you alright?" mouse successfully ran out of the circle.
"Granger, there are mice everywhere—" "Tomorrow. We test it on me tomorrow."
"It works," she said breathlessly. "Draco, it works. I've broken the Without lifting his eyes from the vials on the table, he nodded slowly.
tattoos." He pressed his lips together before speaking. "And then what?"
He blinked at her, his eyes wide in astonishment. There was a flicker She pushed a few curls out of her face and blew out a breath. "Then
of something else, but it vanished quickly. His expression was soft as he we write it all down, make the Memory Restoration Potion, and bring all
pushed her curls out of her face and tucked them behind her ear. of it to Charlotte." She scribbled another checkmark in her notes before
"Of course you did." looking up at him again. "Could you get access to her?"
He kissed her deeply and she grinned against his lips. He was silent for a moment. "And then what for you?" His eyes flicked
Pulling away, she closed the door and ran to the tabletop. up to hers — a dull grey. "What's your next move, Granger?"
"I'll show you. It's incredible. I tried so many things, but you'll see. She opened her mouth and closed it. "My next move?"
This time it worked—" "Yes." When she blinked at him, he crossed his arms and leaned
"I'm sure it does. You don't need to prove it." He flipped to the most against the lab table. "Will you stay, or will you go?"
recent page of her notebook, skimming at her list of ingredients. "So, now "That's—there's a lot of things I haven't—" Hermione broke his gaze,
we get this to Charlotte." wiping her palms on her jeans. "Why are you asking me this now?"

606 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 618

 "Yes." "Almost," she said, resting her head on his shoulder as she stared down
The first pump of his hips had him moaning. Her eyes stared at the at her notes. "First, we need to test the antidote on a Lot."
wall as he moved again, and again, setting a pace. She could tell he was His fingers froze on the pages, and he slowly brought his eyes to hers.
already close, and heat curled in her belly at the feeling of being so She bit her lip. "We need to test it on me.”
deliciously used. Her walls stretched around him on every thick thrust,
her fingers curling against the stone table as he rocked into her.
His hands reached up to cup her breasts, and she mewled when he
thrummed her nipples, sending pleasure shooting through her core. Her
legs shook from standing on her toes, but his thrusts were getting faster
and faster.
Heat from the potions steaming next to them spiraled inward and
outward, causing beads of sweat to drip from her temples and breasts.
She felt wet all over with Draco holding her close to his chest, her back
sliding against him as he grunted, burning her from the inside out.
The sensations he'd created earlier with his fingers seemed amplified
by ten as he pounded into her, each drag of his cock against her front wall
making stars burst in front of her eyes.
"Oh, god."
"Granger"—his hips stuttered, and his breath was hot on her neck
—"if you come like this, I'm gonna lose it."
She whined, pressing back against him, and he growled and nipped
her ear. She slammed her palms down on the table as he grabbed her
hips, pulling her a step back from the table and shoving her spine forward.
She let out a low wail when he began moving again. It felt like she was
being split open from this angle, his cock driving forward erratically and
pushing her towards the edge. Her thighs began trembling, her mind
spinning from the obscene sounds of his hips pounding into her backside,
filling her completely every time, as if he couldn't bear to leave her body.
He reached around her and slid his fingers to her clit, and she jerked as
she cried out. Every muscle in her body pulled tight as she scratched her
nails down the tabletop, trying to hold onto something.
"Just like that. Just like that." The words were like a prayer set to the
rhythm of his hips. "Want you to come on it—"
Her body snapped, spiraling up to that blissful place only he could
bring her to. Her throat was raw when she finally fluttered down, her
arms buckling beneath her weight. He pulled her hips back faster and
faster, groaning until he collapsed.
"Fuck."

617 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 607

 She gasped as he pressed their bodies close, crowding her.
"I'd do every day if I could. Twice a day." She was just about to tease
him about why he couldn't when his lips brushed across her shoulder.
"Missed your hands. Missed being inside of you."
She moaned, tilting her neck back as his lips explored her, her breasts
pulling into taut peaks. She felt herself start to throb again as his hands
massaged her backside, sloping over her cheeks and rounding to the tops
of her thighs.
When she couldn't take it any longer, she reached down to grasp him,
pressing her forehead against his chest. "Inside of me?"
His cock jumped again, and a drop of pearly liquid escaped, rolling
into her fingers.
He groaned and mumbled something into her hair.
Her heart beat quicker as she thought of how he'd said he imagined it
— when he was behind her at the cauldron. She wriggled to face the
table, one hand on his hip to keep him close.
She put her other hand on the table and leaned forward, her hair
falling around her elbow. "Would it work like this?"
He staggered backward, and she had a split second to feel
embarrassed before he moaned and curved around her from behind. He
swept her hair off her shoulder, kissing her neck. "You don't have to—"
"I want to." Her eyelids fluttered as he dropped a kiss between her
shoulder blades. "Draco, please."
His lips lifted, and he drew a ragged breath before stepping away to
push down his trousers. She braced herself on the table and bit her lip,
waiting.
The first brush of his cock against her backside had her jumping, but
then his hand was at her hip, his other pressing her to open her legs. She
could tell he was bending his knees, so she rose on her toes.
Her eyes widened as he began pushing through her folds, his other
hand pulling her hips up and out. She wiggled her hips until his cock
pressed against her entrance. He asked again if it was okay, and she
nodded quickly.
This angle was different. Her jaw dropped open as he worked his way
inside, pushing deeper each time. They both gasped when he finally
bottomed out. She dropped her head down as she adjusted, her hair
falling forward. He took a shaky breath and pressed a kiss to her nape.
"Good?"

THE AUCTION ● 616

 She felt like she'd been flung off a high building, falling and falling
with no ground in sight.
She breathed deep lungfuls of air, sucking in oxygen and letting her
eyes adjust to the world again. Her fingers were still gripping Draco's hair,
and she tugged until his lips released her.
His eyes were dark and on fire, and she whined as he slowly withdrew
his fingers.
"I think you just killed me," she croaked.
He laughed and kissed her thigh.

31
She shifted once her heart stopped hammering, and he helped her off
the table. Her loose limbs stumbled until he pulled her flush against him,
wrapping his hands around her waist. Her nipples tightened against his
shirt, and her belly swooped at the feel of him through his trousers, stiff
and warm on her stomach.
He was still for a moment, his harsh breaths filling the quiet of the
room. Then he pressed his nose into her hair and mumbled, "Had to do
that just once."
She smiled into his chest.
After a beat, she reached for his buckle, sliding her other hand down
to cup the outline of him. He blew out a sharp exhale, dropping his head
on her shoulder and moving his hands to her hips.
"Granger…" Something in his voice sent her insides coiling again.
She quickly unbuttoned him and pulled down his trousers. The sight
of him sent a rush of heat through her core. She licked her palm, and he raco blinked at her, his jaw tightening. "Test it on you."
groaned when she took him in her hand. Her legs still felt like jelly, but his
body was wound tightly against hers, holding her upright as she began
stroking him. He growled into her neck when she remembered to twist at
D "Yes." She peered inside the cauldron. "I think there's just
enough left over for one more dose." Spinning around, she
grabbed a spare vial off a nearby shelf before returning to the table.
the end, letting his hands wander down to fill with her arse. A delicious "Once we know that it works, we'll get the directions to Charlotte with her
thought bubbled through her, and she paused. memories—"
"Was it…" She wet her lips. "Did you like doing that?" "Granger, wait."
He laughed darkly. "I liked it, alright. Only been dreaming about it." She paused with the ladle dipped into the potion. He was still staring
Her breath caught, and she looked down at him again. Maybe one down at her notes, flipping through the pages. "This potion is invasive
day she could— Dark Magic. It alters your biology. If anything went wrong—"
"Did you?" "It works, Draco." He remained silent, and she lifted a brow. "You
"I… yes, I liked it." don't trust my potion brewing abilities?"
His cock twitched, and he pulled her hand away before quickly "It's not that." He closed the notebook and looked up at her. "Your
walking her to the lab table. Her fingers barely had a moment to dig into subjects should be monitored for adverse effects. Where did these mice
his shirt before her naked back hit the stone. even come from, Granger?"

615 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 608

 "They're teacups," she said, and a blush bloomed across her neck. pressed them open to the stone tabletop. She reached above her head and
Draco scowled. "Alright. Well, let's get some real mice and—" He cut held onto the edge, screwing her eyes shut. She was so exposed like this—
off, his eyes widening at the wand on the laboratory table. "Is that— "Tell me. What else?" he whispered, his breath hot on her cunt.
you've been using my mother's wand?" "Oh god."
"Er, yes." Hermione twisted her fingers together. "I tried to get along "Do you add the Moonstone before or after the Porcupine—"
without one, but it was too difficult. She's been letting me borrow it." "Before!" She yelped as his tongue flattened against her sex, moving
His eyes snapped up to hers. "Did you tell her why?" towards her entrance. "Before, before, before."
"No, but…" Hermione cleared her throat. "She guessed." He moaned as he dipped inside, and she whimpered when he did it
Draco paled, taking a step backward. "If she tells my father—" again, and again. Her hips began rocking against his mouth, and her
"She won't. I'm certain of it." fingers raked down her face, reaching down to cup her breasts.
He began pacing, running a hand through his hair. "I have to go talk "Just like that, Granger." He licked up to her clit. "Just like that."
to her. Make up some excuse—" Her lips parted at the thick grey stone ceiling as he kissed and sucked
Hermione wove around the table and grabbed his arm. "You have to at her. She was bare on a potions table with two cauldrons simmering
trust me, Draco. She's in support. She even told me it was 'time.'" He next to her, and she was mewling and begging him—
blinked, staring at her. "I asked her why, and she didn't want to talk about And then his finger pressed against her entrance, and her toes curled
it. You'd put her in an even more difficult position if you confronted her." as he slid inside. His lips never left her clit, sending her scrabbling at her
After a long moment, he managed a nod. Hermione released his arm, chest until he pulled away to ask, "How many stirs, Granger? Once you've
her fingers still tingling from the warmth of his skin. added the Moonstone?"
Sighing, he pinched the bridge of his nose. "The point remains that it's "Seventeen," she panted.
too premature. We should run more tests and make sure the antidote is "Clockwise or—"
safe on an authentic test subject. And have you done enough trials to "Counterclockwise!"
know the necessary dosage?" His tongue found her core again, and she jerked up on her elbows
She felt her ears grow hot. "No, not yet. I—I had just cracked it when when he circled her clit, counterclockwise. His finger began pumping into
you came in. But of course we should try to find the minimum amount." her, slow and steady. Her eyes rolled back, and when he reached the
She rubbed her eyes, feeling the exhaustion of the night settling over her eighth circle, she strained upright to bury her fingers in his hair. He
as the adrenaline left her. groaned into her cunt before she collapsed.
"The mice should be monitored as well," he said. "We should check When he reached twelve, her stomach tightened. At fifteen, her back
their systems for changes every day for a week—" arched off the table, and she started to ramble nonsense. She was so close
"A week! Draco, we don't have that kind of time—" to the edge when he hit seventeen, and then his lips locked around her clit
"That's the bare minimum—" and sucked as he added a second finger inside of her.
"Three days is sufficient—" She shattered with a scream, clamping down around his fingers and
"Five." His tone was final. holding his face to her core as her hips rutted against his mouth. She felt
Hermione rolled her eyes and snatched Narcissa's wand to conjure a like she'd never stop coming, her orgasm tearing its way out of her as
large cage for the mice. Her fingers were still trembling with the Draco refused to relent on her clit. His fingers curled inside of her, and
excitement of her discovery as she collected and floated them inside. She she jerked up, holding on for dear life as he rubbed at her.
knew the potion would work flawlessly, even if Draco wasn't convinced It was too much. Everything was too much. She couldn't think or
yet. She began cleaning up her workstation, clanging vials together as he breathe or move.
watched in silence. Her mind saw white and her voice strangled out a cry.

609 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 614

 "I'm very sure." Another kiss, this one an inch above her knee. "Are "Are you angry because I'm right, or because you're wrong?"
you?" She paused in the middle of tossing ingredients back in their jars.
She let her head fall back, cupping her hands over her face. "Right," "You are not right."
she mumbled. "Um, that's fine, I guess. Er—yes." And she swore she could hear him chuckle behind her.
A pause. Whipping around, she extended the wand out to him. "Why
"Tell me, Granger, how does the Draught of Peace differ from a don't you tidy up, if you know the right way to do everything?"
simple Calming Draught?" His mouth twitched as he took it from her, and she narrowed her eyes.
She dropped her hands and tilted her head to gape at him as his lips "I'm going to bed. I'm exhausted and you're making me angry."
moved closer to her core. "What?" Tossing her hair over her shoulder, she turned on her heel and headed
"The Draught of Peace," he murmured against her skin. "What are its to the door. She paused at the threshold. "And you better take care of
properties?" He wrapped his arms under her thighs, curving his hands those mice."
over her knees and staring up at her face. She caught a glimpse of him as she left, and saw a smile tugging at the
"Oh." She cleared her throat. "Well, first of all, it's much stronger than corner of his mouth.
a simple Calming—" After trudging up the stairs, she shook off her shoes, tore off her
He dipped his head to kiss her hipbone, and the muscles in her clothes, and slipped into bed, drifting off as the dawning sun glowed
stomach jumped. through the curtains. It wasn't until an hour later when Draco joined her,
"Go on?" freshly showered and curling his body around her, that she groggily
She blinked at him as he watched her, letting his tongue swipe across realized she'd chosen his bedroom on instinct.
the skin he'd just kissed.
"I—I mean, of course it's stronger. But the most notable difference is $
that no Hellebore syrup is needed in the Calming Draught—oh!" They slept late, and when they woke, the breakfast tray on Draco's
He pressed his lips directly on her core. Her legs instinctively tried to desk contained both coffee and tea. At lunchtime, Hermione went
close, but he held her open. She grabbed the edges of the table, taking a downstairs to see Narcissa and return her wand. Draco only showed at
shuddering breath. the very end, his face pink as his mother embraced him and kissed his
"What else, Granger? Teach me." cheeks.
The rasp in his voice sent a warmth through her belly, flushing her They learned from Narcissa that Lucius would be gone for at least
chest. "Significantly less Moonstone in the Calming Draught." another two weeks. He was still in Belgium, and was scheduled to begin
"Yes?" interrogations in Poland later that week.
"The Draught of Peace has very specific instructions, whereas the Draco was still nervous about being interrupted, so Hermione agreed
Calming Draught is less precise." to wait until after dinner to work on the potion. But apart from giving Hix
She squeaked as his tongue slid into her folds, gliding through her instructions to deliver ten field mice to his lab, Draco hadn't said much
most private of places and dragging up, up, up to her clit. A moan when she turned the conversation to the potion or the tattoos. So she
escaped her, and her back arched off the table. began asking questions.
"Shouldn't—" Her chest heaved. "Shouldn't we do something for both Draco told her that the Death Eaters had failed to locate any True
of us? Wouldn't you rather have sex—" Order members on his mission. The few trails had gone cold, and the
"Nowhere else I'd rather be, Granger." Dark Lord believed them all to be in France now. She asked him what he
Before she could respond, he flicked his tongue over her clit, swirling knew that hadn't been in the papers. Albrecht Berge had strengthened the
and licking as she keened. Her thighs fought against his hands, and he U.K.'s Anti-Apparition line before he left for France. He was expected to
613 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 610
institute new wards at Edinburgh at the end of the month. There were "Just like this."
whispers that the Dark Lord was planning a counterattack, but no one Her hands pressed against the tabletop, and she gasped as he slid
knew where or when. Information was even more tightly controlled than through her folds and circled her clit. She tried to widen her legs, but her
it had been before, and the Dark Lord was still interrogating his own jeans were in the way. She threw her head back against his shoulder as his
followers. other hand slid under her shirt to palm her breast. He rocked his hips into
They took dinner in his bedroom, and at nine o'clock, they tiptoed hers, the tent in his trousers digging into her backside.
down to the lab. Hix had left ten field mice in a cage, just like Draco had "Fuck."
asked. She set Draco to work on brewing the tattoo potion while she Her eyes shot open. She was just about to ask him what was wrong
brewed the antidote next to him. While they added ingredients, she when he said, "Your fucking arse, Granger," and then his lips latched onto
explained the trials she'd done in his absence and every step she took to her neck to recreate all the bruises that had vanished since he'd gone
reach her conclusions. He didn't seem to be listening, though he followed away.
the directions in her notes perfectly. Several times she caught him She moaned as he worked her closer and closer, rubbing himself
watching her as she gesticulated with the bloodroot, or when she twisted against her as his fingers tweaked her breast and rubbed her clit. She had
her expanding hair off her shoulders into a knot on top of her head. Each to lean heavily on the tabletop when he slipped them inside of her.
time he looked away quickly, wearing an expression she couldn't place. But then he was pulling back, his hands disappearing from her body.
When she announced that they had to wait for the potion to brew, She blinked in a haze until she felt him removing her trainers and socks,
Draco set down his ladle and swiftly pulled her close. He caught her helping her step out of her jeans.
muffled yelp of surprise with his lips, pressing her back against the He turned her to face him, his black eyes searching hers. Her heart
laboratory table and kissing her deeply. skipped a beat as she rolled up onto her toes and slid her fingers through
He pulled away after a few moments, searching her eyes. "How long his hair, kissing him until he moaned. She tore away to pull off her shirt
do we have?" and unclasp her bra. His gaze was focused on her breasts as she reached
"F-Four hours for the antidote, and six for—" down for his trousers, but then he lifted her at her waist and hoisted her
"Perfect." up onto the tall lab table.
He tugged her against him and kissed her neck, letting his hands curve The smooth stone was cold against her bare skin, and she shivered as
over her hips. She turned her face into his shoulder, pulling him close. he stepped between her legs and tugged her mouth down to his.
She'd missed this. Catching his lips again, she slid her hands up to his The table was too high. That was all she could think of as his hands
neck, letting him curl over her. His tongue swept through her mouth, and rubbed her inner thighs, encouraging her to open wider as his lips
his teeth nipped across her jaw, his breath panting over her collarbones. caressed hers. There was no way he could enter her from this angle. She
He turned her around to face the table as his hands went to the button pulled back to tell him just that when he cupped her face, staring at her
on her jeans. Closing her eyes, she relished the feeling of his arousal with blown pupils.
pressing into her back as he positioned her. He reached up for the tie in "Lay back," he whispered.
her hair and tugged it loose. She frowned, trying to figure out how this would—
"Thought about this"—he drew a ragged breath, inhaling the scent of "Stop thinking, Granger."
her curls—"every time you were at a cauldron…" Swallowing, she allowed him to push her down on the lab table. Once
Her breath hitched, and her lashes fluttered. She tried to think about she was resting on her elbows, he tugged her hips to the edge and started
when he might have watched her, but then he pushed her jeans down over pressing kisses to the inside of one knee. He met her eyes as his mouth
her hips and slipped his fingers into her knickers, and every thought fled trailed higher and higher.
her brain. "Oh, um…I'm not..." She felt her cheeks flame red. "Are you sure—?"

61 1 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 612

 Her lungs seized for air, but she couldn't draw breath. Her heartbeat you'd leave. And if your mother would go with you."
rattled a crescendo in her chest. She tried to focus on Draco's grey eyes, He hesitated. "I would try to take her. But she wouldn't leave my
but all she could see was emerald green. father."
The walls of the shack started to shift, closing in on her, getting tighter "Would your father go?"
and tighter until they pressed on her like the sides of a coffin— And he was silent.
And then it was all darkness. She took a deep breath and looked down at the wand in her hand,
singing with magic. She stepped up to him and pressed it back into his
$ hand.
Her eyelids blinked open with the whisper of "Rennervate" in her ears. He stared at it blankly, then up at her. "I can't ask you to stay here—"
She jerked upright, and someone caught her by the shoulders. Her vision "You're not." She pushed up on her toes and kissed him. His lips
adjusted as her lungs sucked in air, and when she looked up, she found barely moved against hers, but she persisted, sinking her fingers into his
Draco hovering above her, his green canopy curtains stretching high hair and cupping his face. She wiped her cheeks when she pulled away,
overhead. She was in his bed. looking up at him. "It's the smartest plan for everyone involved. I'm
"Granger," he said, and she realized he'd been calling her name. staying until all of us can get out."
Her throat was dry, and she licked her lips. "What happened?" His eyes searched hers, the grey walls breaking apart piece by piece
His expression was pinched. "I had to Stun you." He lifted a hand to until she could find him behind the Occlumency.
brush her curls from her face. "You were having a panic attack." "Why?" he said, voice softer than the wind.
She drew a sharp breath, pressing her eyes closed. Her shoulders A thousand answers of logic and love raced through her mind, but
trembled beneath his fingertips as the memories crested, flooding through really only one thing could pinpoint all of them.
her. A stab of despair rippled through her chest. "It's the right thing to do."
Harry. His eyes flickered over hers. She gave him a soft smile and took his
He'd found out somehow. He'd learned the truth about the Horcrux hand, leading him to the place where she'd dropped the bag. She picked it
inside of him. Something in Snape's memories must have confirmed it. up and pulled out the black vial.
Her eyelids burned as tears slipped free, curving down her face. A He grabbed her arm when she uncapped it. "Don't— I can glamour it
warm hand wiped them away. —"
Her best friend was dead, and she hadn't let herself think about how "Glamours fade, Draco," she said, pulling her arm free. "We can't risk
or why. She'd buried him amongst her shelves without having all the it." She lifted it to her lips and drank.
answers. But now his book had flown open, the sheets torn and the spine Pansy was right. Like ink, curling and twisting inside her veins.
splintering as the pages scattered. Shivering, she handed him the parchment and enchanted quill. She stared
She bit back a sob as the grief sunk in her throat, coiling like black tar at him until he took them from her, signing with shaking fingers. Blood
around her ribs. appeared upon the parchment as two letters etched themselves on her
He'd walked to the Forest with purpose. He'd laid down his wand, arm.
closed his eyes. She hadn't been with him. He'd been alone. D.M.
Harry had died doing what he thought was right, but he'd failed. The
Just as it had been before.
Horcrux lived on. And he'd died in its place.
She brushed her fingers over it, watching the gold glitter under the
A sob tore from her throat, and she shrank away from the hands
black.
clutching her. She focused on her shelves, pressing her hands into her eyes
They walked through the boundary, and the letters on her arm
until the tears stopped falling.
sparkled. She tried a quick test, and sparks flew through her veins until
647 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 624
she wrenched her arm back inside the barrier. The magic crackled as "You're wrong, Lucius," said Voldemort, a twisted melody in his tone.
Draco took her hand and pulled her away, leading her past the gazebo Lucius's eye twitched, but he gave away nothing.
and back home. "You see, our friend here — Goyle"—Voldemort's voice was dripping in
That night as they undressed each other, he stared mournfully down at amusement—"is not a Horcrux at all."
her freshly inked tattoo. Lucius glanced up. "My Lord?"
She lifted his chin to hers and said, "It doesn't mean anything." "No." Voldemort halted a step away from Goyle, looking him up and
Kissing him soundly, she pushed him down on the bed and climbed down. "But he came from one."
over him, straddling his waist as they made love — as he showed her how Goyle swiveled his neck to meet him, like a hinged puppet.
to move her hips and where to place her hands. He watched her body Voldemort spun away and resumed his pacing. "You are aware that I
writhe on top of him with fire in his eyes and let her take her pleasure have created several Horcruxes. But it seems that one was…
whatever way she wanted, kissing her until she couldn't draw breath with unintentional."
how much she loved him. He swept within a breath of them, and it took everything in Hermione
not to shrink away. Her legs felt like jelly as her mind clicked, details
$ locking into place.
On Saturday morning, they hatched their plans for Draco's visit to Draco tugged her closer, shifting a shoulder behind her.
Edinburgh. There were reports that the castle was vacant except for the "Years ago, this unintended Horcrux attached itself to my enemy,
Carrows and their Lots, their operations suspended as they awaited marking him as my equal." His lips twisted, as if he now found the
Berge's new wards. Draco had heard that Carrows were often drunk by prophecy amusing. "My soul grew stronger in his body as my powers
midday, so they decided he should go well before dinner, in case they were grew. And I presume he learned the truth. When he surrendered himself
incapacitated. in the Forbidden Forest, he must have believed the Horcrux would be
It took two hours for the Memory Restoration Potion to brew and destroyed when I killed him. Instead, it was released." Voldemort turned
simmer with Charlotte's memories. Draco would take the Memory Potion his gaze on Goyle. "Until it found a new host."
and the instructions for the tattoo antidote to Edinburgh, creating an Hermione's lips parted, black spots popping in her vision. Like she'd
excuse to speak to the Carrows about buying Cassandra when Edinburgh been plunged into dark, icy waters, forced to sink slowly to the bottom as
reopened. He'd lowball them, and they'd throw him out. the surface remained still.
When he could sneak away, he would Polyjuice himself as a random The Horcrux inside of Harry.
Muggle so that Charlotte and the girls would have no memory of Draco Voldemort hadn't created another one by accident. It was the same
Malfoy creeping about the castle. He'd find a way to isolate Charlotte — one that had been inside of Harry.
the Imperius Curse was not off the table — and give her the potion to Harry had learned about it somehow. And he'd thought he could kill it
return her memories. If he was caught by the Carrows, he'd claim to be by sacrificing himself.
inspecting the girls for a cheaper alternative. But it hadn't worked.
Once Charlotte drank the potion returning her memories, it was Her breath was caught in her chest, like a dead weight growing inside
crucial that Draco permanently Obliviated the memory of him taking her her.
memories in the first place, the night Edinburgh was attacked — to cover Harry had died for nothing.
his tracks. Voldemort was still talking, but she couldn't hear him anymore.
It was a complex plan, but Draco seemed confident enough. And she Something warm wrapped around her shoulders as they shook, and
trusted that he could do it. she jerked her arms, twisting to escape. She spun and Draco was there,
They decided to have lunch with Narcissa to head off attention before trying to hold her, speaking to her.

625 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 646

 "Some of them." Voldemort tilted his head, appraising him like one he slipped away. But on their way to the dining room, they stumbled on a
might a new pet. "How long have you been inhabiting this host?" flurry of activity in the entryway.
Goyle stepped into the glow of Lucius's wand. He tilted his head in They both froze to see Lucius across the room, freshly emerged from
the same manner, and Hermione felt her skin crawl. "It was several days the Floo. He was stepping around the elves as they tried to take his cloak
after the Final Battle. I was disembodied, wandering the forest next to from him.
Hogwarts when Gregory Goyle stumbled upon me." "Leave me," he hissed. "That's quite enough—"
Voldemort's eyelids closed, and his nostrils flared. "Goyle remains Narcissa stood at the bottom of the stairs with her hands folded,
alive?" watching him anxiously. "Is everything alright? I thought you'd be in
"For now." His leer sharpened, his features grotesque and inhuman. Poland by now—"
"One might say he's— sleeping. He offered little resistance when I "Change of plans. I'm headed to Baffin Island," he said sharply,
overtook him." striding over to kiss her cheek. "I need to drop off a few things, and then
Voldemort curled and uncurled his long fingers. "And before that? I'll be on my way."
What do you remember?" Narcissa's face fell before she blinked away her disappointment. Lucius
"It's unclear," Goyle said, his eyes glazed in memory. "I remember nodded once at his son before walking briskly down the hallway and
something like being sealed away — buried alive. It took years to become turning the corner toward his study.
aware of myself again. The more I felt you, the more I pushed to claw my Hermione's mind whirred. Baffin Island was Canadian territory, just
way out. But then, just weeks ago, I was abruptly cast out." off its eastern coast. Lucius was headed to Canada — one of the few
Red eyes flew open, narrowed into slits. "Where?" countries pledging support to the True Order. Her stomach twisted
Goyle's eyelids fluttered. "It was dawn in a forest. I saw a dead boy violently.
before I vanished amongst the trees." Narcissa turned to the two of them with a thin smile. "Lunch is served.
The room was silent, apart from the pounding of Hermione's heart. I'll be there shortly."
"And before then." Voldemort's voice was a whisper, almost a caress. Hermione walked to the dining room, her skin clammy as she
"What is the last thing you remember before you were sealed away?" exchanged looks with Draco. Neither of them spoke until Narcissa joined
"The death of the girl. And the baby's cry." them, confirming Lucius had already left with a brush to her lashes.
Hermione let out a strangled gasp. Draco jerked his head to look at Hermione and Draco hurried to his room after lunch. Draco hadn't
her, but she was staring at Goyle in horror, her air coming quickly. heard anything more than whispers about a counterattack, but he agreed
It couldn't be... that Canada was the likely target. They were both too on edge from
"Lucius," said Voldemort, hissing around the name. "You claim to Lucius's visit, and decided Edinburgh would have to wait until tomorrow.
know what Goyle is?" Hermione spent the rest of the day pacing in front of Draco's chairs,
He turned his gaze on Lucius, and Hermione watched him take a quizzing him on various scenarios that might unfold during his visit to
deep breath. Edinburgh while he rolled his eyes.
"I believe the word is… 'Horcrux,' my Lord." But all the while, she wondered what it was Lucius needed to do in his
Voldemort prowled a wide circle around the room. "And how did you study so desperately that he'd left his post — with barely a moment to
come to know this word?" greet his family.
"I found a book in my library…" He cast his eyes down. "I should not Just after lunch on Sunday, when Narcissa had retired to her room,
have looked into it without your permission, my Lord. Forgive me." Draco collected his potions, kissed her swiftly, and swept out the door.
"Destroy that book." Hermione watched his figure grow smaller down the lane, the April wind
Lucius nodded, his eyes still downcast. billowing his cloak.

645 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 626

 It would be fine. It had to be. "I must speak with Goyle again." Voldemort swiveled and glided away,
Hermione turned from the doorway after he cleared the gates and before pausing at the doorway. "You will accompany me, Lucius."
popped out of existence. She let her eyes drift across the Manor's There was visible relief on Lucius's face before he masked it. He
entryway, feeling an itch across her shoulder blades as if there was inclined his head, and his dragon leather shoes clipped a quick pace to
something she needed to be doing. follow Lord Voldemort out.
But there was nothing. Hermione's lungs begged for air once the door closed, pain pricking
A strange emptiness settled over her. She'd done her part. By the end behind her temples. Draco opened his mouth to say something to her, but
of the day, she and Draco would have aided the True Order by returning then the room began swirling and his words vanished like air in a
Charlotte's memories and passing along the antidote to the tattoos. They vacuum.
had to discuss their next steps when he returned, but for now… she had The world ground to a halt, Draco holding her around the waist.
accomplished her mission. The thing that had consumed her for months. There was a ringing in her ears as she looked around him, taking in their
There was one other problem, of course. But the impossibility of it surroundings. They were in the dense forest of trees again — Little
staggered her. Even though the True Order had risked dozens of lives in a Hangleton in the distance.
rescue mission in the hopes that she could help them with it. "Granger—"
Contrary to what Cho and Viktor might have thought, she had no She pushed away from him with a gasp.
clue what else she had to offer the True Order in destroying Voldemort. They were at the Gaunt residence. Where Voldemort had hidden the
Her mind was valuable, yes, but she'd already passed the most critical ring, one of his first Horcruxes. Of course.
information she possessed on that subject to Ginny and Charlotte. And by "Granger." Draco caught up to her, grabbing her hand. "We can take
extension, the True Order. a break. We can watch the rest once you've slept—"
The only other thing that was niggling at her brain was behind Lucius "No. We have to find out what happened."
Malfoy's closed study door. "I haven't gotten this far. I don't know what happens next, and you're
Her feet wandered down the corridor on their own accord, turning exhausted—"
the corner and taking her in the direction of study. Her heart skipped as "I'm— I'll be fine, Draco." She stumbled forward, and she pulled him
she neared the door, her mind buzzing with the thrill of a new problem. through the thicket until they caught up to the cloaked figures
Lucius might have left a clue about the attack on Canada behind that approaching the shack in the twilight.
door. If only she could access it. Her mind wobbled and whirled, like a spinning top on a rough table.
On instinct, Hermione pressed her ear against the wood, listening Why had Voldemort wanted to search her mind for proof that Harry was
carefully for the scratching of a quill or the clink of ice against glass. She a Horcrux? What else had he thought she'd known — and how did it
reached out to try the handle, knowing it was useless— relate to Goyle?
The handle warmed beneath her touch, and turned. The door flew open, and Voldemort swept inside. With a slight roll to
She gaped down at the brass. With a shove, she sent the door open his shoulders, Lucius followed. Draco hesitated at the door, staring back at
wide. A flame sprang to life in the lamp on the wall, charmed by magic. her. She nodded, and he turned and led her into the shack.
She stepped as close as she could to the location of the invisible barrier by They filed in next to Lucius, his wand raised in a Lumos, and followed
memory, peering at the items on his desk. She rose on her toes, squinting his and Voldemort's gaze across the room. Goyle had his back to them,
and craning her neck — and stumbled forward. facing the opposite wall, as if he hadn't moved since he was last left alone.
Flinching, Hermione caught herself, her heart thumping in her ears. When he turned, his eyes were trained on Voldemort. His lips stretched in
She looked down at her feet and gasped. She'd landed well-past the door a smile, like he'd found a puzzle piece he'd been missing for years.
frame. "Find the answers you were looking for?"

627 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 644

 Voldemort raised his hand, silencing him. The barrier had disappeared — the one that kept her from entering
"Fetch your Mudblood, Lucius." the study.
Lucius inclined his head and led Voldemort into the drawing room. Peeking her head out the door, she looked both ways along the
Hermione reached for Draco at the same time he reached for her. His corridor. Upon seeing not even an elf, she spun around and darted inside.
hand was damp in her grip. Lucius's desk was organized, pristine, and bare. There were no notes
"We don't have to watch this." He swallowed, his grey eyes slightly or trinkets on the polished wood, besides a small frame of a much
clouded. "I didn't last time. I can skip it forward—" younger Narcissa, grinning shyly at the photographer and tucking a lock
She jerked a nod. He waved his wand and they found themselves in of hair behind her ear. Hermione looked over his shelves, spying the
the drawing room. Hermione went rigid as she watched the other Draco empty Foe Glass, and drew a sharp breath, trying to decide where she
drag her broken body off the floor, tugging her towards the door. might hide something important if she were Lucius Malfoy.
The real Draco interlaced their fingers, and the pressure steadied her. Something shimmered across the room, and her heart jumped in her
Voldemort stood at the window, his gaze distant. throat. Her shoulders relaxed as her eyes focused on the culprit — a small
Lucius's eyes flickered from the door to Voldemort. "My Lord. I would silver lock sealing an ornate cabinet. The skin on the back of her neck
like to be of assistance." prickled.
The drawing room door clicked closed, and Hermione felt like a tomb If she were Lucius Malfoy, that's where she'd hide something.
had sealed them in. Her vision blurred, knowing that at this moment, She drew out the drawers in Lucius's desk, rifling through them and
Narcissa was taking her upstairs, to her ruined bedroom. searching for the keys. When she found nothing, she approached the
Swallowing, she quieted her mind and refocused on the task at hand. cabinet and stared down at the lock. After attempting a
Voldemort had come to search her mind for information about wandless Alohomora, she pressed her fingers to her lips, thinking through
Horcruxes. Whatever he'd learned from Goyle had driven him to seek her any other options she had.
out. She reached forward to examine the mechanism, and as soon as her
Finally, Voldemort tilted his pale head at the window. Lucius cleared fingers touched the silver, the tumblers turned.
his throat, and his hands shook once as he clasped them behind his back. She stumbled backward, her mouth falling open as the lock twisted
"My Lord, I know there have been times in the past when I have failed until it unlatched. Looking over her shoulder to make sure it wasn't a
you. But I hope my devotion to serving you and the Great Order has trick, she whipped her head back in awe as the cabinet doors slowly
allowed me to regain your trust." He took a deep breath. "If I am swung open, revealing a granite stone basin within.
correct... perhaps you once trusted me with something of this sort." A Pensieve.
Hermione watched his fingers clench. "With a diary." Lucius Malfoy had a Pensieve.
Her lips parted and a chill raced down her spine. Slowly and The shelves in her mind trembled, her heart pumping so fast she could
deliberately, Voldemort turned from the window. And even though she barely think. Draco had said his father never had use for one. Had he
knew Lucius had survived this moment, her heart seized in terror for him. been lying to his son, or had he discovered a new necessity?
"'Assistance?'" His face was unreadable, but the hiss shivered through Memories swirled in the basin like morning mist as she stepped closer.
the room. There was the slightest twitch to Lucius's shoulders. The threads at the surface morphed into a pale-faced man in military
"The Malfoys have properties all over the world. Some… off the robes, begging in a thick accent, "I don't know anything! Please!"
books." He brushed his thumb across his knuckles. "I believe I can assist, Was that what he'd come to his study for? To leave behind a recent
my Lord. In keeping Goyle safe." memory?
Voldemort stepped into him, boring into his eyes. She heard Draco let Hermione's eyes caught on a set of black-tinted vials on a high shelf.
out a shaky exhale next to her. And then— Silver threads danced inside of them. She peered up at them, but the

643 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 628

silver cloud below began shifting again, catching her gaze. Her own face "He — was not himself." A delicate pause. "He said he had something
rose from the bottom of the basin, pale and terrified, before sinking back that you need, and that he'd been 'soul searching.'"
again. Her breath left her as she stared down at the Pensieve, the image Voldemort went very still. His gaze drifted to a spot over her shoulder,
still burning behind her eyelids. passing through her, and her shelves shivered, but held firm.
What purpose would Lucius have to extract memories of her? "What else?"
Before she could second guess herself, she gripped the edge of the "He is waiting for you," said Lucius, his throat clicking around the
Pensieve and plunged her head into the shallow waters. consonants. "In a run-down shack on the outskirts of Little Hangleton."
Draco's bedroom materialized before her eyes. She landed next to his Voldemort's eyes jerked to Lucius. "What did you say?"
bed at the exact moment Lucius Malfoy released his grip on her jaw and "I believe the property used to belong to a family called the Gaunts—"
said, "You stupid girl. If you love him, stop trying to get him killed." With a snarl and a vicious twist, Voldemort Apparated away.
She watched herself slide down the wall, shrinking back from him. He Hermione sucked in a breath, feeling her legs sway beneath her.
glared at her with ice in his eyes and threatened to hand her over to The Gaunts. The word rattled around her head, but slipped through
Dolohov. her fingertips.
It stung just as it had the first time. Lucius remained motionless, still facing the empty throne, as if waiting
He swept toward the fireplace, and Hermione was swept along with for further instructions. His fingers twitched by his side. Only the
him, arriving in the dungeons at Edinburgh. Lucius took half a second to flickering sound of Nagini's tongue broke the silence.
get his bearings before slipping through the door and striding down the After a full minute, he turned to walk out. He was as pale as a sheet.
long corridor where Rabastan had dragged Charlotte. Hermione followed As he left the Great Hall, the room shivered and morphed. When the
him, still tiptoeing, as if she could be heard. world stopped spinning, Hermione was surprised to find herself in the
A light flickered behind a gate, and Lucius stepped quickly toward it. Manor's entry hall. Draco's fingers tightened before they ripped away
He pushed the gate open with a creak, and a spell shot at him. She from hers.
jumped while he deflected, and she rushed into the room with him before She opened her mouth to ask him what was wrong, but was distracted
it closed. by the sight of Lucius wrenching the front door open. He peered down
Draco was hovering over Charlotte, his wand pointed at his father the stone drive, still wearing the same clothes from the previous memory
with dawning terror in his eyes. — it was the same day. His face was even paler than before.
"Father. I can explain—" Glancing over her shoulder, she found Draco standing behind her. He
"Are you quite finished?" Lucius's nostrils flared. "We don't have time was staring at the floor, as white as his father.
for your lies." Hermione frowned. What memory was this?
Charlotte's eyes flickered between the two of them with apprehension. "Draco—"
She was on her knees, her arms and ankles chained to the wall. A crack spliced through the sky, and Hermione jumped. She looked out
"I—" Draco's voice cracked. "I'm almost done with her. But I still need into the clear evening and found a cloaked figure gliding through the
to Obliviate him." Manor gates.
He nodded toward her feet, and Hermione looked down to find the Voldemort.
crumpled body of Jugson. Lucius curled his lip before glaring up at his son. Realization hit her like a blow to the gut. She whipped around and
"There are other Carrow Girls in the cell next door. They've been saw Draco curling his fists, his shoulders curving inwards on himself.
working with her." Draco's brow was sweating, and he wiped it with his Before she could think over the panic in her chest, Voldemort was
forearm. "If their minds are read, it will be clear that Charlotte's slithering up the steps to the Manor and meeting Lucius in the doorway.
memories were tampered with." "My Lord." Lucius bowed. "Welcome to the Manor—"

629 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 642

 Before she could ask, he was tipping the memories into the basin and Lucius snarled and spun around to Jugson. "Obliviate." The tip of his
taking her hand. wand glowed, then dimmed. "Meet me there when you're done with her."
They landed at Hogwarts — or what used to be Hogwarts. Lucius "Thank you, Father," Draco whispered. "Thank you for…"
pushed open the heavy wooden doors and stepped into the Great Hall. But Draco's voice faded. The world began to shiver, as if she'd been
He paused at a movement to his left. thrust into cold water. The dungeons at Edinburgh blurred, reforming
Nagini. into an unfamiliar dungeon. Higher stone ceilings and a crisper draft of
Lucius's lips pressed together as she uncoiled from a rotting table, air. Draco's words twisted into a eerie song, cackled by an icy voice—
slithering to meet him. Lucius began walking forward, Nagini hissing at "Thank you for joining us, Lucius."
his feet. Draco and Hermione followed. Hermione spun and found Bellatrix in tight black trousers and a cape,
Her eyes rose above Lucius's head, skimming the ceiling. The books in drawing the length of her wand through her fingertips. Draco stood at
her mind that were filled with the happy memories of four colorful banners her side, staring down at four cuffed prisoners at his feet. Lucius in the
pulled forward on their shelves, and the echoes of laughter swelled in her doorway, surveying the scene with a wan expression.
ears— "Welcome back to Zürich," she said with a mocking bow. "You've
The stark torches flickered on the wall, and the laughter distorted into arrived just in time. I'm instructing."
a high cackle, garbling into her own agonized scream as Voldemort Lucius stepped forward, his hands clasped behind his back. "And what
slashed through her memories. is it that you are qualified to teach, Bella?"
Squeezing her eyelids shut, she reached out in her mind and used what She bared her teeth at him in a smile. "How to destroy weakness."
was left of her energy to close the books that had fallen open, sliding them Hermione's eyes flicked to Draco. He wore his Death Eater black
back on their shelves. robes and boots. His eyes were hollow and his skin dull. He swallowed
They halted in front of a massive serpentine skeleton, sprawling from once, but gave no other indication of listening.
wall to wall. Voldemort stood at the far window, looking out over the One of the prisoners began shifting, turning his eyes up to Lucius.
Black Lake and running his fingers over the Elder Wand. Lucius "Please," he said in a shaky Swiss German accent. "Please help us—"
approached the throne of bones and waited. Nagini coiled around it, her One flick of Bella's wand and the man was silent. Cocking her head,
muscles contracting and expanding as she reared her head. she silenced the remaining men.
"Goyle," Voldemort said softly. "What have you found?" Lucius strolled to stand behind the prisoners, as if they were a wall
"More than I can explain, my Lord." Lucius clasped his hands behind between him and his sister-in-law. "You're interfering with the Dark Lord's
his back and tucked his chin. "I... think it best that you visit him." campaign, Bella. You forget that the Great Order is a champion of the
Voldemort turned from the window sharply. Hermione shifted her Swiss magical community." He looked down at them. "Who are these
clammy grip on Draco's hand. men?"
"And why can't he grace us with his presence here, at my castle?" "No one of importance," she said. "Trust me, they won't be missed.
"He indicated it wasn't safe." Just like the rats in the Manor cellar, yes?" Bellatrix moved behind Draco
Voldemort's lip curled, and he moved towards them. The drag of his and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head on his shoulder.
cloak against the stones sent goose pimples across her skin. "We have to get our boy strong. Get him ready." She leveled an intent
He stopped at the head of his throne, looking at Nagini almost gaze at her brother-in-law. "People have started to talk, Lucius."
affectionately before his scarlet eyes flashed to Lucius. Hermione looked to Draco, her heart thundering.
"I am not an errand boy, Lucius." Lucius curled his lip at her. "Then let them. Draco was not brought
"Forgive me, my Lord. But there is something else." here to become a common executioner. He has an excellent rapport with
The slits of Voldemort's nostrils flared. "Go on." the new German Minister, who's upstairs, being forced to endure

641 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 630

Dolohov's company while you're playing your little tricks in the Lucius snatched the book and turned on his heel, only pausing to
basement." erase the memory of the catalog. As he left the library, Draco made to
Bellatrix's features fell into a dramatic pout. "Just one before dinner? I follow him, but Hermione dragged them to a halt. Her knees felt like they
won't let Antonin and the others claim that someone with Black blood were about to give out.
can't cast an Unforgivable." She lifted a brow. "As for Malfoys…" "Sorry," she managed. "I just need a moment—"
Lucius sneered at her and pulled his wand. He flicked it to the ceiling, "It's fine." Draco examined her as the library doors slammed behind
sending a jet of light that arced into four beams, hurtling down at the four his father. "He goes back to his study. All I saw was the word 'Horcrux'
prisoners. They fell over with silent screams as the Cruciatus Curses hit before the memory ended."
them, their eyes rolling back and their bodies twitching. Hermione nodded, her head still spinning. Suddenly, the Pensieve
Draco shivered once before his eyes clouded. Lucius pocketed his began lifting them up and out, back to Lucius's study. Her legs returned to
wand. Bellatrix frowned and released her hold on Draco. her in a jolt, and when her vision cleared, the clock on the wall clicked
"If we're quite done," Lucius hissed, "my son is needed upstairs." toward one in the morning.
Bellatrix smirked, strolling lazily toward Lucius. "He could have Loosening her fingers from Draco's, she stumbled to brace herself on
been our son," she hummed. She stood in front of him and let her fingers the desk. She could still see the crumbling walls of the shack and hear
trail across Lucius's chest. "Think of how much stronger he would have Goyle Sr.'s slick voice.
been then." Closing her eyes, she tried to focus. She'd been certain Voldemort
"Stronger, perhaps. Certainly less sane." wouldn't have tried to make another Horcrux — his soul was too
Bellatrix tilted her head back to the ceiling and cackled. "We could unstable. But somehow…
have had such fun together, Lucius." A scuffle of footsteps interrupted her train of thought.
She waltzed out the door. "So, it's true then," Draco whispered. "With this 'Horcrux,' the Dark
Hermione stared down at the tortured men, then to Draco. He was as Lord can possess a person?"
immovable as a stone wall. "Not exactly." She opened her eyes with a wince. "It's not meant for a
"Draco," Lucius said softly. He flicked his wand and released the curse. person. It's better suited for an object. But when your soul is split, you can
Draco turned to him, and as he opened his mouth, the room began to share bodies, in certain cases. He did with Quirrell."
shiver again. The word "Father" was screamed from his mouth. Draco gaped at her. "Professor Quirrell?"
Bright sunlight burst before Hermione's eyes. Everywhere she looked "Yes. Long story." Sighing, she rubbed her temples. "There's a piece of
there was white. Voldemort in Goyle, which means he must have split his soul again at
She blinked, her ears ringing with the hiss of wandwork, the sharp some point. But when?" She frowned up at him. "And how did it get into
explosions of battle, and a crash of waves. Goyle without Voldemort realizing it?"
When her eyes could focus, she found Draco and Lucius next to her, Draco's eyes flickered. "We need to watch the next," he said quietly. "I
fighting back to back — Draco casting defense while Lucius took offense. didn't get through all of it. When you're ready."
They were on a shore. A white cliffside rose up high like a tower to her "I'm ready." Forcing herself to stand, she strode to the Pensieve and
right, to her left, a clear blue ocean, the waves crashing against a stone peered down at the tray of black vials.
beach. After a few moments, Draco shuffled next to her, collecting the silver
A spell whizzed past her face. She whipped around and saw Draco threads swirling in the Pensive and pouring them back into the first
jump out of the way at the last possible moment, stumbling several yards black vial.
to the right. When he adjusted, he looked up — almost directly at her — As he reached for the second vial, dated 13 June 1998, he hesitated. "I
and his eyes blew wide. — skipped over certain things."

631 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 640

 "Tell him I have something he needs." There was a stilted pause. "Tell A bolt of light burst through her chest, slamming into him. She
him I've been doing a bit of…" His neck cracked, and his eyes slithered screamed as he fell back on the rocky beach, yelling and thrashing.
back to Lucius. "Soul searching." Hermione spun to see his attacker and found Charlie Weasley staring
Hermione felt her entire body tremble. A voice murmured in her ear, down at him with a hard jaw.
but she couldn't focus on what it was saying. She couldn't tear her gaze She had less than a moment to take him in before "Avada Kedavra!" was
from Goyle. hissed across the ocean spray. Charlie Weasley died with the ghost of a
No, not Goyle. smile on his face, just like his younger brother. Hermione turned to see
She could count on one hand the number of times she'd encountered Lucius already lowering his wand and running for his son.
him during the war, but she was certain that this man was not Gregory Hermione stumbled, her legs buckling. This was Dover. The battle at
Goyle, Sr. Dover Castle that led to the escape of much of the resistance within the
Her heart pounded in a deafening rhythm as she finally blinked and U.K. The battle that resulted in Charlie Weasley's death after hitting
looked back to Lucius. His face was calm, but his muscles were rigid. His Draco with an Acid Hex.
fingers were turning white on his wand handle. She ran to Draco's screaming body and dropped to his side, her eyes
"I will do my best, Gregory," he said lowly. "But the Dark Lord is out stinging as Lucius cast a series of healing charms. His face grew paler as
of the country for several days on an important errand. When he comes he tried spell after spell.
back…" "It's an Acid Hex," Hermione wheezed, knowing he couldn't hear her.
The scenery began to shift. She focused on the pressure of Draco's Draco cried out, and Hermione could see the bones of his shoulder
hand in hers as the gloomy shadows disintegrated, and the world before they started to splinter away. Lucius Stunned him and dropped his
rearranged itself in a blur of colors and patterns. head, taking a deep breath.
The Manor's library materialized before her eyes, and she felt like she "Malfoy! They're getting away!"
could breathe again. Hermione looked over her shoulder and saw at Death Eater sprinting
Lucius — the same from a few moments ago — was rushing inside, past, only to drop with a hit from a green light to his back.
locking the doors behind him with a flick of his wand. His jaw was tight She watched Lucius's eyes rove frantically over his son before his lips
as he stepped up to the catalog, staring down at it. He opened his mouth parted. "Mippy," he called hoarsely.
— and closed it. In three seconds, the elf appeared. Hermione's shoulders shook.
Hermione chewed her lip, her palm sweating against Draco's. She'd "Master Draco—!"
never seen Lucius Malfoy at a loss for words. "Take him to Dr. Xavier immediately. Once he is settled, bring
He cleared his throat and tilted his head. "Magical possession. Cross- Narcissa to him."
reference with Dark Magic." The catalog glowed with dozens of green Lucius stood swiftly, and Hermione watched him sweep down the
balls of light. Lucius scanned them quickly before adding, "Cross- beach, headed for the shore as the breeze twisted around his robes and
reference with soul splitting." hair.
One by one, the green orbs burnt out until only a single ball of light Mippy and Draco were gone a moment later.
was left. And as blood rushed through her ears, Hermione watched She stood on shaking legs and ran after him. Spells flew toward him,
Lucius follow the green light through the stacks and up to the book she but he beat them back, headed for the water.
knew was waiting for him. The three of them watched it slide out of its She didn't know why until the waves lapped at her ankles.
place on the third shelf, tucked between two large leather books. Three boats rowed out into the ocean. The one furthest away was
The only book in the Malfoy library that referenced Horcruxes. The empty. She furrowed her brow and found the next furthest boat, just as
one that had disappeared last June. two of the passengers Disapparated.

639 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 632

 Her jaw dropped, her mind spinning back to a months-old article from Something that curdled Hermione's blood.
the Prophet. The Anti-Apparition Line. They were paddling past it until "We've been looking for you, Gregory," Lucius said. He didn't lower
they could Apparate into France. his wand.
There was one last person in the second boat. Lucius raised his wand Goyle remained perfectly still, almost as if he'd been Petrified. The
and sent a curse hurtling toward them, missing the person by inches as light from Lucius's Lumos cast strange shadows on his chin and cheeks.
they Disapparated. "How did you find me?" His thin, slippery voice sent shivers across
He walked further into the water until it lapped at his thighs. The third Hermione's skin. "I sent a letter to the Dark Lord requesting him."
boat was almost there. He cast a spell to drag it back, his whole body "I'm well aware." Lucius's tone was cold as he reached into his breast
lunging and pulling the weight of it. A woman screamed as the boat rocked. pocket and produced a folded piece of parchment. "I had been looking
It was Katie Bell. Hermione's heart pounded. for you for two weeks when you deigned to send him this letter requesting
She turned to the white cliffs at Dover and found only bodies. Lucius that he come and find you. Leaving behind coordinates and riddles like
was the last Death Eater standing. some kind of children's game." He let the words hang heavy in the air.
The four bodies in the boat grappled for control, and Hermione "The Dark Lord doesn't have time for your theatrics, Goyle. And neither
watched the water slosh. Lucius reeled back, his arm arcing overhead— do I."
And the woman at the back of the boat turned over her shoulder, Goyle's lips curled into a smile, and the sight of it made the fine hairs
locking eyes with him. on the back of Hermione's neck stand on end. She squeezed Draco's
Andromeda Tonks. She scrambled, pointing her wand at him. hand, trying to tether herself to something outside of this nightmare. He
Even from here she was recognizable. returned the pressure.
Lucius hesitated, his lips pulled in a snarl. Lucius's eyes narrowed at Goyle, and Hermione caught a flash of
And from around Andromeda's shoulder, a small head peeked, apprehension before it vanished in the pale slate. He knew something was
crawling up from her arms to look back at the beach. wrong.
Hermione heard Lucius take a heavy breath, still poised to strike. A muscle ticked in his jaw. "So what is it that's kept you from
Teddy Lupin stared at him, and after cocking his head, the answering the Dark Lord's summons, Gregory?"
Metamorphmagus toddler changed his hair to Malfoy blond. Goyle's smile fell slowly, mechanically — as if turned by an imaginary
Lucius lowered his wand. wheel. "I attempted to. But I couldn't risk entering the castle. There
Katie Bell and two others popped out of existence. Andromeda and would be questions — if I was seen." His gaze drifted to a point on the
Teddy followed. opposite wall. "He must come to me here."
And then there were only three empty row boats bobbing in the waves Hermione's mouth was dry as she glanced over her shoulder, looking
at the beach at Dover, the only sound the crash of waves and caws of around the shack. Why here?
seagulls. "Who are you to request such things?" Lucius hissed.
With a deep sigh of relief, she turned to stare at Lucius, feeling tears She turned back in time to see Goyle's expression harden. "I must
streaming down her face. His eyes never left the spot Andromeda had speak to him. Immediately."
been, his jaw working just like his son's did. Lucius scoffed, and Goyle stepped forward. Hermione's grip on
"Granger?" Draco's hand tightened, and he angled himself in front of her.
She jumped, looking to Lucius's lips, confused when he hadn't spoken. "Why?" Lucius slowly shifted his weight to his back foot. "Why should
"Granger." he take orders from you — an insubordinate servant?"
Spinning to her right, she found Draco standing next to her, in the Goyle's face swiveled to the only window, a sliver of moonlight striking
same clothes he'd left in earlier that day for Edinburgh. Lifetimes ago. against his eyes.

633 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 638

nothing. He'd remained silent even when he took her hand and plunged She gasped, and her mind reached up, up, and out of the Pensieve.
them into the Pensieve to watch the first memory in the tray holding three Her hands were clenched white around the basin, her breath coming
black-tinted vials. in quick gasps.
Draco's mouth was thin as he placed a hand on her back, guiding her Draco was standing next to her with a furious look on his face. "What
forward. "No. Just some of the ones in the black vials." They passed do you think you're doing?"
through a low hanging branch like air, and Hermione froze on instinct. "I—I came in by accident. Well, I didn't mean to find the Pensieve—"
His hand lifted once she began walking again. "I know my father. He "How did you even get in here?"
separated those ones for a reason." Her mouth felt dry. "The door was open."
Hermione nodded and refocused on where Lucius was headed. "And you just assumed that meant you had an open invitation?" he
They caught up to him a moment later, staring at the orb as it hovered snarled, and she cringed away from him. "No one is allowed in here, not
between a pair of rotting tree trunks. Lucius's eyes closed, and a heartbeat even Mother."
later, the trunks parted to reveal a dilapidated shack. Lucius frowned at "There was no boundary spell—"
the residence, shimmering in a Notice-Me-Not Charm. The ball of light "So you thought that meant it was alright?" His brows popped off his
winked out as soon as he stepped through, and Hermione and Draco forehead, his voice rising. She wrapped her arms around her waist.
followed. "Merlin, Granger. I just risked my life doing something you asked of me,
The exterior walls and roof were covered in moss, the ceiling caving in and you can't even wait for me to come home before creating yet another
places. Trees seemed to have swallowed the shack as they grew unchecked catastrophe? If my father had caught you—"
around it. "I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't have. But… Draco." She bit her lip,
Lucius swiftly moved down the overgrown path and toward the front searching his face. "Your father has a Pensieve you didn't know about. I
door. After a quick sweep for curses, he pushed the wooden door open watched a few of the memories, and—"
with a creak. He took a careful step inside, and Hermione followed him, "Leave." His eyes were hard as steel, boring into her. "Please."
stepping over the carcass of a long-dead garden snake. Her heart almost "But—"
jumped out of her chest when Draco bumped into her from behind. He "Granger, enough!" His voice echoed against the walls.
murmured an apology and steered her to the right, and she blinked to She jerked her head in a nod, and slid past him. She turned around to
take in the room. face him when she was in the corridor, searching for injuries even though
Dust, grass, and dead rodents littered the floor. The sink was full of the Acid Hex was months ago.
cobwebbed dishes that had been abandoned years ago. Hermione's "How did it go? Charlotte?"
stomach churned. She was grateful that she couldn't ascertain scent from "Perfectly," he said flatly. "The Carrows were half-drunk when they
a Pensieve memory — the look on Lucius's face told her everything she threw me out, and no one saw me except for Charlotte. The potion
needed to know. worked, and she knows what she has to do with the Antidote."
She turned to Draco, and saw that his eyes were glued to the solitary Hermione blinked, licking her lips. "And did she suspect who you
doorway opposite of the sink. Just then, a large, hulking figure emerged were?"
silently from the darkness. Hermione stumbled backward, and Draco's "No. She pressed me on my real identity, but she understood why I
hand caught hers. refused."
Lucius whipped around to turn his wand on the man, and Goyle Sr. "That's—that's incredible, Draco." She smiled tentatively at him, but
appeared in the light of his Lumos. He looked exactly like his son — they he was still glaring at her, his fists clenched. "Thank you," she whispered,
had the same heavy brow, clipped hair, and thick neck. But there was and he shut the door in her face.
something different in his deep eyes. She trudged back to her room with shame and embarrassment boiling

637 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 634

in her gut. She shoved it aside after a few minutes, focusing instead on the
selection of memories Lucius had collected. Her mind roved over the first
— Edinburgh. She shivered at the reminder of the Switzerland memory,
remembering Bellatrix's cackle as she skipped out the door.
But at Dover. He could have stopped a third of the escapees at the
beach, but he hesitated when he saw Narcissa's sister.
Hermione frowned at Draco's bedroom door, her guilt coming back to
her in waves. Perhaps he didn't want her there when she returned, but she
didn't care. He'd be forced to hear her apology.

32
She read in his chair by the fire, but she started to itch after an hour,
wondering if he was watching the memories. Were there many others she
hadn't seen?
As the clock ticked closer to midnight, she picked at their dinner plates
until finally he opened the door. She quickly stood, taking in his exhausted
expression and furrowed brow.
He stared at her and she stared back. When she could stand it no
longer, she blurted, "Did you watch them?"
After a silence that seemed to last lifetimes, he nodded. She twisted her
hands together.
"What about the ones in the vials? Did you watch those?"
He dipped his chin again, and his eyes lifted from the carpets. He
opened his mouth, and closed it.
"I didn't watch those," she said. "Was there…is there something in
them that's bothering you?" ucius Malfoy prowled through a thick wooded area, following a
His throat bobbed as he studied her. "Do you remember when Goyle's
father went missing?"
"Yes, he was never found." She drew a sharp breath. "Or was he?"
L small sphere of light that did little in the way of illumination.
Hermione dropped into the memory next to a gnarled tree, Draco
joining her a second after. She rushed to follow Lucius as he cut through
Draco rubbed his brow. "Let me start earlier." an untraveled path, slicing branches and thickets away with his wand.
She waited. He dropped his hand and tilted his head at her. Draco's footsteps were light but close behind her.
"What's a Horcrux?" "Did you watch all of his memories?" Her heart beat quicker in her
Hermione blinked, like a hit had landed to her stomach, reeling her ribs as she turned to look at him.
back decades. They'd barely spoken since the moment in his bedroom five minutes
ago, when he'd shaken her universe with a single word.
Hermione had shot question after question at him until he'd finally
returned to his body, telling her she needed to come to the Pensieve with
him. She'd flown out of the door and down the stairs before he could
draw breath, tossing the simplest definition of a Horcrux over her
shoulder at him once he caught up with her in the corridor. But he'd said

635 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 636

 "Draco," she greeted in her deep voice. "I thought I heard the Floo." There was an inhale next to her — and then the rattle of porcelain.
"Daph." She opened her eyes to see Draco bringing a cup and saucer to her. Her
She clasped his arm and kissed his cheek, and her eyes slid over head was stuffy, but she recognized the faint smell of chamomile. She
Hermione with a wary distaste that she recognized from school. concentrated on breathing in through her nose and out through her
"Granger." mouth.
Draco stepped slightly in front of her. "Daph, can I speak with "What happened?" Draco asked softly. The bed dipped as he sat
Blaise?" beside her. "What am I missing?"
She lifted a brow in a perfect imitation of Pansy Parkinson, and said, She sipped the tea, but it tasted like ash on her tongue. Handing back
"I don't know. Can you?" With a spin of her heel, she swept from the the saucer to him, she wiped her cheeks again and tried to push her
room, calling out for Blaise. emotions back.
Draco rolled his eyes and gestured Hermione forward, and they "Harry had a Horcrux inside of him. A Horcrux Voldemort never
followed her around the corner into the first floor landing. Daphne intended to make. I'd guessed this some time ago, but I never told him.
strolled past a bedroom that Hermione and Ginny had slept in when they Or anyone else." Her eyes fell to her lap. "That's why he walked into the
were younger, and Hermione squeezed her eyes shut as a sharp stab of Forest. He was sacrificing himself to kill it."
grief rippled through her. She concentrated on a lake with still waters, The mattress shifted, and she heard Draco's throat click.
and when she refocused, she found Blaise appearing from the dining "He believed it would kill the Horcrux, but it didn't. It freed it."
room on the landing below. His gaze flickered from Draco to Hermione. The room blurred as she lifted her eyes to his. She blinked, and found
A smirk crossed his lips. "Look what the lion dragged in." him watching her carefully, his fingers inches from hers.
A creak on the stairs above, and Hermione turned to find Pansy "Harry died for nothing," she whispered. "It accomplished nothing."
descending toward them from the landing above. She paused. "What are All the people that had died, all the friends that had been put up to
you doing here, Granger?" Auction. And Harry's death had been pointless.
Before Hermione could respond, a voice from downstairs called to She started crying again, her lungs fighting against her ribs. Draco
Blaise. flicked his wand and brought a Sleeping Draught to her lips. She twisted
"Guests?" Giuliana Bravieri swept quickly to Blaise's side, staring up at away.
them. Her cheeks looked fuller since the last time Hermione had seen her, "It's four in the morning, Granger—"
but she still moved like a child, birdlike. "There's another vial of memories—"
Hermione looked up at Daphne, standing next to them, her brow still "They will still be there in the morning."
arched. Her neck tilted to Pansy, frowning at her from the stairs above. She fell back into the pillow, allowing her body to sink back into the
"You all live here?" Hermione's eyes dropped to Blaise again. "With mattress as he tipped it down her throat. Her eyes started to close, and
Blaise?" Draco turned off the light and slid onto the bed behind her, curling his
Blaise scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, yeah. Welcome to my shoulders around her and pressing his face into her hair. She listened to
little harem." He seemed less than enthused. him breathe until sleep dragged her under.
Daphne snorted and disappeared into a nearby bedroom with a sharp
click of the door. Pansy began descending the stairs, and Hermione heard $
Giuliana ask Blaise what a harem was in a low whisper. She woke with Draco still wrapped around her, his warmth comforting
"Blaise." Draco jerked his head in the direction of the drawing room. her for all of five seconds before her blood ran cold. Her body flinched
"Can we talk?" with the memories of the previous night, jolting him awake.
Blaise let out a long-suffering sigh. He began climbing the stairs to the "Sorry." Her voice cracked as she turned to him.
670 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 648
 He rubbed his eyes and looked her over, reaching to tuck a curl behind from our supply." She frowned at him, and he added, "For Giuliana."
her ear. "How are you?" "Oh," she said, blinking. "Quite right." Her mind spun to another
She rolled to her other side and checked the clock on the mantle. Ten long-forgotten thought, and she grabbed his arm. "We need to get one of
in the morning. these to Oliver. We can go to see him directly from—"
"I'm better," she lied. Her lips trembled, and she pressed them closed. "Granger, we can't do that." His eyes drifted across her face as she
"I need to watch the rest of the memories." She sat up and threw the gaped at him. "There's no Pansy who can pretend to be Wood. If
covers off. someone discovered that he escaped while Theo was away—"
"Granger, it's important for you—" "I'm not suggesting he escape. We can just give it to him so if
She spun to him. "Nothing is more important than this." something does happen to Theo, he at least has the option to—"
A strange look crossed his face. She swallowed, forcing her shoulders "And you really think he'll stay put at Nott Manor once he can leave?"
to relax. "Yes, I do." There was a long pause. Hermione let her fingers fall from
"Sorry, it's just…" Her mouth opened and closed as she struggled to find his arm.
the words. "This matters more than anything, Draco. It's bigger than all of Draco shrugged tightly. "Agree to disagree, then."
us." She felt something itching at her as he stepped around her and paced
His expression went blank again, and he reached for his wand on his to the fireplace.
nightstand. He waved it in her direction, and her pajama bottoms were "Oliver loves Theo. He wouldn't gamble with his life. Even if it meant
transfigured back into denims. sacrificing his own freedom."
She glanced down at them. "Thank you," she whispered. Draco glanced over his shoulder. "You don't know that."
He was silent for a moment, watching her slip back into her shoes. "So Her lips parted as she searched for words. She did know that.
this is what you three were up to during seventh year. Looking for Before she could think of how to explain, Draco was reaching for the
Horcruxes." jar of Floo powder at the fireplace and tilting his head to the side. "We
She nodded. "Dumbledore told Harry everything he knew about can talk to Theo the next time we see him."
them. Voldemort made six Horcruxes. He split his soul using dark magic, Hermione let out a short puff of air and shoved her thoughts aside.
and sealed it inside six things that held significance for him." This wasn't about Theo's feelings, or hers. This was about destroying the
Draco tossed off the covers and stared at the opposite wall. "They Horcrux. When she joined him at the fireplace, he tossed the powder into
keep him alive, don't they?" the grate, called out, "12 Grimmauld Place," and tugged her into the
"Yes. As long as a piece of his soul exists, he can't be destroyed. Not whoosh of the flames.
even with the Killing Curse." Taking a deep breath, she dug her The drawing room at Grimmauld Place looked much the same, if not
fingernails into her palms. "The night he tried to kill Harry as a baby, his tidier. She focused on her breathing as her eyes roved the room. The
soul fractured again. And somehow it lodged itself inside the only living mossy curtains were clean and free of Doxies. The creaky sofas she,
person in the room." Harry, and Ron had slept on last year were freshly aired and covered in
"Potter." Draco twisted to face her, his jaw tight. "And now Goyle." fashionable throw pillows. There was a book on the coffee table with a
"Goyle's only a temporary host," said Hermione, rubbing her brow. title in Italian, a silver bookmark laid in its final pages.
"But I'm certain Voldemort has made a new Horcrux to seal it in." She Draco's hand released hers with a squeeze. He moved to the doorway
pressed her shaking fingers to her lips. "Did he say anything about what just as a girl with honey-brown hair peeked around the corner, her eyes
he was going to do with it? In any other of the memories you watched?" sharp and assessing. Hermione jumped, then blinked at her in
"I only saw what you did." Draco stood up and went to his closet, recognition.
pulling a jumper over his head. "I didn't get any further last night before I Daphne Greengrass.

649 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 669

 When her skin had pruned and her hair was half-dry, there was a came to find you. I went to the library and through my father's study to
familiar knock on her bathroom door. see if he'd hidden the book somewhere."
"Come in." "We should start at the end of the memory you had to pull me out of.
Draco pushed the door open and leaned on the frame, a weary He might have said something—"
expression on his face. Draco shook his head as he tugged on his belt. "It was ending as I
The waters in her mind rippled, and she sat up straight. "News?" pulled you out. All he did was tell my father to wait for further
He shook his head. "The post, actually." instructions."
Her eyes fell to the envelope in his hand. The opened wax seal was Hermione swallowed her disappointment. "Well, hopefully we'll find
pressed with a black Dark Mark. "What is it?" the answer in one of the other ones." She shoved aside the pounding in
Draco tugged the card out of the envelope and stepped to the edge of her head. They had to get back to the Pensieve.
the tub, holding it out so she could read it. "So…" Draco pinched the bridge of his nose. "Aside from Voldemort
himself, there are seven other pieces of his soul keeping him alive?
The Dark Lord requests your presence at a celebration honoring
Including the one in Goyle?"
THE VICTORY AT HOGWARTS "No. There's only two left." When Draco's brows drew together in
Sunday, 2 May 1999 confusion, she said, "The other five have been destroyed."
at seven o'clock in the evening He blinked at her. "Destroyed." His voice was soft and far away.
Hogwarts Castle "Yes." She crossed the room to his door. "It's just his snake and the
piece that attached itself to Goyle. Once those two are gone, he'll be
She felt dizzy as her brain whirred, scrambling to process the
mortal again."
information. 2 May was ten days away.
She opened the door, but a hand on her elbow stopped her. Frowning,
The water sloshed as she shifted to her knees, looking up at him.
she turned around. Draco's face was impassive as he pointed to the
"You'll go with me to get the basilisk fang? On that night?"
breakfast trays waiting for them on his desk.
"No." Draco took a step backward, tucking the invitation away. "You
"You should eat something."
will stay at the party with Mother. I will go."
"Draco, there's no time."
Anger sparked in her veins, tensing her muscles. She wouldn't be kept
"Granger—"
to the side in this — he needed her.
"We can eat later."
Forcing her shoulders to relax, she said, "You can't go alone, Draco.
She stepped through the door and moved swiftly down the corridor.
You'll need someone to help you—"
Pausing at the staircase to wait for him, she turned back to see him
"I know." A heavy sigh poured from his chest, and he reached for her
emerging from his bedroom with two pieces of toast in his hand. He
towel. "Get dressed. We're leaving in half an hour."
offered her one with a lifted brow. Huffing, she shoved it into her mouth
She stared at him blankly as he handed it to her. "What? Where?"
as they took the stairs down.
"To see Blaise."
She hesitated once they reached Lucius's study, but then she
She opened her mouth, but he was already slipping out the door. Her
remembered it was no longer barred to her. Draco moved past her and
shock began hardening beneath her skin. Blaise could help him, but so
she quickly followed him inside, shutting the door behind her. The
could she. Stepping out of the tub, she quickly dried herself off, threw on
Pensieve was left exactly where it had been six hours ago.
some clothes, and raced through the passage to his room just as he came
He scooped the last memory from the basin back into the vial dated
in through the door, holding a vial in his hand.
June 13th, and Hermione tipped the final black-tinted vial into the
The sight of it startled her. "What is that?"
Pensieve — dated nearly three months after the first two. Their eyes met
He lifted it into view — the tattoo antidote potion. "I grabbed some
668 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 650
as she grabbed his hand, and together they tumbled into the next Avoiding her was just another way to punish himself. And ruin her
memory. sleep in the process.
They dropped into the Gaunt house as Lucius stepped inside. Lucius She threw the covers off in a huff and sprang out of bed, marching
closed the door behind him, his eyes fixed to the left of her feet, and across her room and through the passageway into Draco's.
Hermione yelped when she found the corpse of Goyle Sr. on the floor next He was sitting up in bed, reading a book. His mouth fell open when
to her. Draco steadied her when she stumbled, gaping down at the body. she stomped inside. Without a word, she threw back his comforter,
His skin was blanched, his purple lips hanging open in what might crawled over him to snatch his wand and turn off the light, and plopped
have been a scream. And with a sickening lurch to her gut, Hermione saw back on her side of the bed, tugging the sheets up. There was a long
that Goyle Sr.'s eyes had been blue — not the deep brown from the stretch of silence before she heard him close his book with a sigh, and felt
previous memories. him curl up against her in the darkness.
"Lucius," said Voldemort. He turned from his place by the window. Waking with the dawn, she found her irritation had vanished. The
Lucius's eyes flickered up to Voldemort. "You were successful, then, my sound of quiet breathing filled the room, and she turned over carefully.
Lord?" She spent the next hour memorizing Draco as he slept, studying him in
"Yes," he said, the hiss bouncing around the walls. "I have extracted ways she'd never been able to before.
the precious piece of my soul, and sealed it in a proper vessel. And now When he stirred just before seven, she ran her fingers up and down his
we must see that it is secured." He slithered to Lucius and slowly extended bare chest until his eyes fluttered open. As his gaze focused on her, a
his hand. His long fingernails sent Hermione's stomach roiling again. wariness flickered in the grey.
"Which is why you are here, my slippery friend." Hermione bit her lip, brushing his hair from his face. "Let's not talk
A crease appeared between Lucius's brow, but it was gone in the blink about your father," she whispered.
of an eye. He reached into his robes and produced a handkerchief that His ribs stopped expanding for a moment.
hovered in the air, unfolding to reveal a golden rope. Voldemort's eyes "You're helping me." She propped up on her elbow, tracing his scars.
locked on Lucius's as they both reached for a side, and with a tug, "That's all that matters."
Hermione and Draco were swirling alongside them. Hermione waited. And then— the slightest dip of his chin.
They landed on rocky ground in the middle of the night. A looming His pupils darkened as her fingertips dipped lower, cementing her
mountainside rose up behind them. The moon was absent in the sky, and morning plans. She moved over him, kissing him and reaching for his
the stars were hidden behind clouds. morning erection, and he flipped her on her back before she could draw
The hair on Hermione's arms prickled. breath. He sucked at her neck, her breasts, her thighs until she was begging
"Where are we?" she asked. him to end her agony. She came twice on his tongue. And then he pressed
"I don't know." Draco's eyes darted around the landscape. "I've never inside of her, panting into her neck and nipping his teeth across her throat
been here before." with heady words of praise as she lay boneless under him.
Lucius straightened his robes and lit the path with his wand. His boots
crunched through the gravel as Voldemort followed, his cloak trailing $
silently behind him. She waited listlessly for two days, tearing open the Prophet and Ghost,
"I trust I have your full confidence in this location," said Voldemort. searching for news. Both gave her little valuable information, though
His voice was low, but the layer of threat was unmistakable. Gumley at least castigated President Harrison for his continued silence.
"Yes, my Lord. I have spent these several months not only building On Wednesday, she and Draco spent most of the day brainstorming ways
allies in the Romanian government, but ensuring that no one knows of to sneak into Hogwarts, with little agreement. On Thursday, she was in
this property's existence. I have investigated the records personally. And I her tub, meditating.
651 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 667
to follow him. "I can't pretend to agree with his decisions, but he's not have strengthened the wards and protections surrounding it." His grey
evil. He's consistently done what he thinks is best for you and your mother eyes glittered as he turned over his shoulder to look at Voldemort. "This
—" property won't be found. I assure you."
Draco stopped at the top stair, spinning to her. "And that excuses the Romania. Hermione looked around at the dark mountain range,
blood spilt along the way?" trying to identify anything that could pinpoint exactly where they were.
Her throat strangled her reply. Of course it didn't. "I hope you are right, Lucius. For your family's sake."
"Leave it alone, Granger." He turned to stalk down the corridor, out Dread washed over her like a slow-breaking wave. She chanced a
of sight. glance at Draco. His eyes were wide, but his mouth was hard. Lucius
She raced to the landing, panting. "You aren't him." Draco's shoulders dipped his chin and continued walking.
went rigid. "You are not your father, Draco." They started uphill, taking a cragged dirt path. Lucius took an abrupt
His only response was to slip inside his bedroom, closing the door right turn around a large stone, and led them away from the passage.
behind him — shutting her out. Hermione stood in the empty corridor "I am honored that the Malfoy family can once again be useful to you,
for what felt like hours before she came to her senses, shuffling back to her my Lord." Lucius slowed his pace to step in time with Voldemort. "I will
own room. She collapsed in the chair by her window, lost in thought. not fail you again."
Nothing could excuse the death toll on Baffin Island. Entire Voldemort hummed. "I have been pleased with your performance, as
communities had been wiped out in the blink of an eye — most of them of late. But should you become complacent in the future..."
Muggle. Hermione had to dig her fingers into her palms to banish the "Of course, my Lord," said Lucius quickly. It was silent under the
images her mind conjured. starlight for a long moment before Lucius spoke again. "If I may speak
Until now, she could at least understand Lucius's decisions, even if she freely…?"
strongly disagreed with them. But this was beyond comprehension. If he'd "Go on."
simply stood by and let this happen, how could she defend him in good "I see a bright future for Draco. He is well-respected by his peers and
conscience? superiors, and he has a way with words. I would hope he can serve you to
Her emotions began to overwhelm her, and she had to meditate to that effect as he matures. Perhaps one day, even as Minister."
beat them back. When she finally emerged from her lake with still waters, Hermione turned over her shoulder to where Draco was steps behind
she revisited her problem. her. His eyes were glued to his father and Voldemort.
By sunset, she arrived at two conclusions. First, it was possible that She thought of Lucius's memory from Switzerland — pushing him
Lucius had tried to stop it. She could only pray that had been the case. toward accompanying the German Minister instead of torturing the
Second, whatever his sins, Narcissa and Draco weren't to blame for them. prisoners with Bellatrix.
Lucius had made his choices, and they'd made theirs. Voldemort slithered onward through the dark path between hills and
Dinner appeared on her desk at seven. A single plate. She managed a said, "We'll see."
few bites before the food turned cold, and watched the sun sink lower in Lucius nodded, and Hermione's stomach bubbled with guilt as she
the sky. wondered if she might agree with him. Even if both options made her
At eight, she dragged herself to the shower. At nine, she resolved nauseous, it was better to imagine him in an office than a battlefield.
herself to the fact that Draco wasn't coming for her. She changed into her The path narrowed, and Lucius stopped in front of a smooth rock
pajamas and slid between her sheets, trying to ignore the cold pillow next face. "Here, my Lord."
to her, and the way the sheets didn't quite envelop her like Draco did. Hermione squinted, trying to memorize it, but in the darkness,
After an hour of tossing and turning, she rolled onto her back, staring at everything was interchangeable. Draco stepped next to her, his eyes still
the canopy. on his father.

666 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 652

 Lucius tapped his wand to the center of the wall, and it shivered, Minister Peeters, and Italian Minister Romano have all privately objected
breaking apart with a rumble until a door appeared in the stone. He to the deployment of the weapon at their French borders while this
turned to Voldemort. "mist" is still unreliable in its navigation.
"Only a Malfoy can pass through." He pressed his wand to the center The office of President Harrison declined to comment, but my
of his palm and sliced across the flesh. Dark blood dribbled down his
source inside M.A.C.U.S.A. stated that Harrison has scheduled a meeting
wrist as he offered his hand to Voldemort.
with Canadian Minister Martin later today.
Voldemort lips twisted in the semblance of a smile as he lifted the
Elder Wand and cut a thin slice into his index finger. He summoned The room spun. Hermione clutched the railing as her knees buckled,
Lucius's blood from his palm, the red droplets arcing up and landing on lowering herself to sit on the bottom stair. The pages of the Ghost fluttered
his pale skin, mixing into his blood. He sewed the cut closed, and Lucius to the marble.
did the same. Draco collapsed next to her on the stair, throwing the Prophet on top of
Lucius moved to the entrance, but he froze when Voldemort placed a the Ghost. He put his head in his hands and drew a ragged breath.
hand on his shoulder. Hermione did the same.
"You will wait here," he whispered, and Hermione saw Lucius try not "Draco..." She shook her head, brushing away a falling tear. "We can't
to flinch as his bony fingers pressed harder. "I alone will hide the object wait any longer. We have to help stop him."
and cast my wards." There was a long silence. "Give me a few days," said Draco finally, his
Lucius jerked a nod, and he stepped back to allow Voldemort to enter. voice flat. "We'll think of something."
With a wave of his wand, Voldemort slid open the stone wall, like a She nodded, staring at the picture of Berge on the front of the Prophet.
boulder moving to the side. He slithered inside, disappearing in the Berge shifted, his lenses reflecting a horizon consumed by silvery green.
darkness, and Lucius drew a ragged breath. Hermione squinted as someone's shoulder moved behind him — Theo's.
The mountains of Romania warped, the memory ending. The "Theo's name is in the papers next to Berge's." The sentence came out
Pensieve pushed them up and out. in a single breath.
When her feet were firmly planted on the study floor, Hermione Draco's hands dropped to his knees. "And?"
braced herself on her knees, sucking in air. "Berge is now the greatest threat to the True Order. If he's a target,
Lucius Malfoy had carefully saved the location of Voldemort's Theo is too. He's a monster by association." Her skin began tingling, and
Horcrux. she looked up to Draco. "If Theo is taken — or killed — who knows what
Her ears were ringing when she finally looked up at Draco. His mouth will happen to Oliver. We should think about getting him the antidote."
was open, his eyes staring vacantly at the titles on his father's shelves. She Draco's jaw ticked, his eyes locked on the Prophet. "A monster."
blinked down into the Pensieve, seeing the mountains rise up to the "From the True Order's perspective, yes. They'll want to take out
surface of the swirling memories. everyone involved in this." Realization struck her an instant too late. Her
She was now one of four people in the world who knew the location mouth moved silently as she fumbled for her words. "I mean, of course
of Voldemort's final Horcrux. And now she had to decide what to do with your father isn't a monster, Draco—"
it. "Isn't he?" Draco's nostrils flared as his head snapped to her. "Ten
She collapsed into Lucius's leather chair and closed her eyes, trying to thousand dead at the hands of four people? The ratio is monstrous."
think. When she finally opened them, her gaze lifted to Draco. His fingers He stood up swiftly, and Hermione's ribs clenched.
were toying with a thread on his sleeve, his eyes still far away. "Draco—"
There was so much she'd already asked of him. Charlotte, returning "I need to take a shower. Excuse me."
her memories, disobeying his father. Even if he agreed to get another She jumped to her feet as he took the stairs two at a time, scrambling

653 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 665

 Flipping back to the front, she stared at the picture of Berge on the message to the Order about the Horcrux in Romania, she didn't know
cover, his eyes obscured by round, dark-lensed glasses. how they'd destroy it. They might not even be able to get past the wards.
Thanking Merlin that Narcissa had defied Lucius's orders about Hermione looked down at the mahogany desk, breathing deeply as
the Ghost, Hermione reached for the other paper, pulling it from Draco's resolve washed over her. It needed to be her. Getting this to the Order
limp fingers with ease. She thrust the Prophet into his hand before reading. and hoping they would be successful from afar was a risk she couldn't
take. Horcruxes were hers. Hers, Harry's, and Ron's. Dumbledore had
TEN THOUSAND DEAD IN BAFFIN ISLAND
entrusted it to them.
MASSACRE Ginny and Charlotte didn't know what she did. With this new
BY GERTIE GUMLEY Horcrux in Romania… there was only her. And Draco.
Hermione reached for the stair banister next to her, needing to brace Her eyes traveled up to him. Just days ago, she'd promised him she
herself. Her head was swimming with dread. would stay until they could all get out. But there hadn't been a Horcrux
then. Her logic was screaming at her to down the tattoo antidote, take his
The Dark Lord Voldemort has made his first strike on the western wand, march out the Manor gates, and head straight for the mountains in
hemisphere, targeting Baffin Island off the coast of Canada. In a Romania. To roll back the stone and kill the Horcrux, just like he'd killed
devastating blow to the diverse magical and Muggle Inuit communities Harry. But her heart was begging her not to disappear. All three Malfoys
who reside there, Albrecht Berge released his newest Mass Death Magic would be tortured and killed. Her breath choked her, and she forced her
on the island — a fog-like mist that spread rapidly, wiping out thousands thoughts aside.
of lives in mere minutes. Narrowing her gaze at the desk, she wondered why Lucius Malfoy
Early reports suggest the mist was released shortly before midnight would hold onto these memories. The only reason she could think of was
from Resolution Island, just off the southern tip of Baffin. It spread that he needed them… for insurance. Just like her. If the True Order
northwest, cutting through the city of Iqaluit until an explosion blast captured him or his family, what better insurance was there than the
just south of Nettilling Lake, reportedly where a True Order's military location of Voldemort's final Horcrux.
Draco abruptly turned on his heel, striding to the Pensieve. A muscle
base had been stationed for several months. According to a source in the
in his cheek twitched as he began collecting the threads and dropping
Canadian Ministry, this base was developing International Portkeys and
them back in the vial. Putting things away, like they hadn't been touched
other weapons to fight against the Great Order. Roughly one thousand — hadn't cracked her world open.
True Order members, recruited from the indigenous communities in Her heart beat faster as she watched him. She needed to convince
Baffin and other Canadian provinces, are presumed dead. The him. If he could find a way to get his mother and himself to safety, she
remaining casualties are civilians. could go to Romania and destroy the Horcrux. She wouldn't go without
Although sources speculate the True Order weapons base was the ensuring their safety, but she needed to go.
main target, the mist also succeeded in penetrating the wards around He set the black-tinted vials back on their shelf and closed the cabinet
the Canadian mainland, spreading across the Hudson Strait into the doors.
coast of Quebec and wiping out several small Muggle communities She ran through the conversation in her mind, curling her sweaty
there. The estimated poison radius is 130 miles, over 30 times greater palms into fists.
than the gas used in Switzerland. Draco, I have to do this. Don't try to stop me, please.
The lock on the cabinet clicked into place, and she watched as Draco
It is unclear whether the Great Order is planning further attacks on
ran his fingers down the dark wood.
Canadian soil, or whether they intend to deploy their Mass Death Magic
We need a plan to get you and your mother to safety. He won't be happy, but we can
on France. Sources say that the Spanish Minister Santos, Belgian
664 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 654
leave a note for your father. But he knew the defeat of the Dark Lord was a possibility. "Thank you, Hermione." Narcissa seemed to steel herself, her
That's why these memories were kept. It has to be. shoulders dropping. She stepped closer to her son.
Draco turned back to her, looking at her with a tight jaw. His eyes "Draco, your decisions are your own. But you must know what it
flickered over her, concern in his gaze. She felt tears blur her eyes. would do to me if..." Her voice trembled. "Please just promise me you'll
I know I said I was going to stay, but this is more important than all of us. This is be careful."
why Harry died, and I can't let that stand. I have to go. I have to do this, please don't Draco's throat bobbed. He nodded.
stop me— With a flick of her fingers, Narcissa produced two newspapers flashing
"How do we destroy it?" "SPECIAL EDITION" in red at the top. She handed them to Hermione,
She blinked, her sight clearing as he looked up at her — grey eyes and turned away with a brush of her lashes.
inquisitive, open. Trusting. The sound of Narcissa's heels clicking away receded, and the floor
"What?" Her voice cracked on the word. shifted under her feet as Hermione looked down to the paper on top —
"It can be destroyed, like the other ones, yes? We can destroy it?" the Prophet.
Her heart beat quicker.
TERRORISTS DEFEATED IN CANADA
We.
She took a sharp inhale, like cresting the water's surface after BY RITA SKEETER
drowning. "There are a few options, but…" Her eyes flickered over him, Draco dragged the second paper from her fingers — The New York
searching him. "You would… you would help?" Ghost — as she read on.
He tilted his head, frowning. "It's what you want, isn't it? To go?"
Late last night, The Dark Lord's forces struck a cell associated with
She felt her heart lodged in her throat. "I guess I didn't think that you
would go with me — that you would go against Voldemort." the terrorist organization known as the "True Order." The insurgents
He stepped closer and bent to his knee in front of the chair. His hand were hiding on the large, sparsely populated Baffin Island off the
raised to her cheek as a tear fell down from her lashes. "I didn't know eastern Canadian coast.
there was another choice. I didn't know he could be killed. It didn't even "A resounding success," Albrecht Berge told this reporter. "Our
cross my mind." enemies' wards were no match for the Fog, an ingenious new magic
She sniffed. "And that changes things?" which will help defend and protect the interests of the Great Order."
His grey eyes looked up into hers. "There has to be something better Generals Lucius Malfoy and Bellatrix Lestrange oversaw the
than this." His jaw clenched and he shook his head. "When I heard that operation, along with Berge and his apprentice, Theodore Nott, Jr. They
he'd won and that Potter had died…" He swallowed and took her hand. observed the deployment of the Fog from a small island off the coast of
"I thought it was an immovable fact. And now you're saying it doesn't Baffin. The Fog was successful not only in penetrating Baffin Island's
have to be this way."
wards and Anti-Apparition Line, but also in destroying a weapons base
Another tear splashed down onto his fingertips. She bit her lip, her
seeking to undermine the Great Order.
blood pounding in her veins. "Draco, if you do this, there's no way the
Order won't pardon you." Berge and his apprentice will return to the U.K. to erect new wards
He searched her eyes. "That's not why I'll do it." He pushed a curl at Edinburgh later this week.
behind her ear, and as she stared back at him, he leaned up to press a kiss That was all.
to each of her eyelids, temples, and cheeks. She tore through the pages, but found nothing that could help her
When he reached her lips, she slipped off the chair and into his arms, piece together what had happened. Another resounding victory with no
winding her fingers in his hair. He pulled her into his lap and wrapped details.
655 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 663
 "Granger, if I'm caught, how would you like me to explain to the Dark himself around her, kissing her softly. Her lips tried to follow him when he
Lord what I was doing in the Chamber of Secrets?" He glanced away from broke away.
the fingernails he'd been studying. "What excuse would you suggest?" Holding her close to him, Draco looked into her eyes and said, "How
Her blood began to boil at his condescending tone, but now was not do we kill him?”
the time to argue. "We can come back to this later."
"We can come back to all of it," he said. "You should eat something
more than toast today."
She glared at him. "Fine."
They closed up Lucius's study and headed to the kitchen to see what
they could scrounge up before dinner. Hermione's mind was furiously
running through possible ways to sneak into the Chamber of Secrets
sooner rather than later while Draco brooded next to her.
They both froze when they turned the corner to the entry hall and
found Narcissa waiting for them. Her lips twisted down in displeasure.
"Mother." Draco moved forward reluctantly, and Hermione followed.
Her blood pumped faster with each step.
Narcissa folded her hands when they stopped in front of her, her eyes
fixed on her son. "I was awoken in the early morning by a Floo call from
your father. He was anxious to know why someone opened his study
yesterday."
Hermione's knees wobbled, and she stifled a gasp. Of course Lucius
would have wards. They should have known.
Draco was silent next to her. He slid his hands in his pockets.
Narcissa lifted her chin. "I told him it was me. That I was looking for a
few documents for one of our accounts. And I promised to close it up in
the morning and not enter again."
Hermione felt her heartbeat in her fingertips.
"So tell me, what were you doing in his study?"
"Mother—"
Narcissa's gaze slid to Hermione. "Are you passing information to the
True Order?"
"Yes," Hermione said quickly.
"Granger, enough," Draco hissed.
"It's true." Hermione bit her cheek. It wasn't a lie, exactly. Just
yesterday Draco had been at Edinburgh giving Charlotte the instructions
for the antidote potion. "I'm sorry, Narcissa. I was the one who went
inside his study in the first place. If there's anyone you should be angry at,
it's me."

662 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 656

should look around the Pensieve memories a bit. See if there's anything
useful."
"I have no interest in viewing my father's memories, Granger." His
fingers slid down the wood. "I've seen enough previews. I've already lived
most of them."
"I understand, but there might be—"
He snapped the cabinet door closed. "They're a distraction. We should
be focusing on the Horcrux."
"Al—alright." Her logic begged to differ, but her heart told her not to
push him on this. "That's fine, Draco. We'll focus on the Horcrux."
The lock sealed itself with a twist of his fingers, and he turned to face
her. Hermione shifted her weight to tuck a curl behind her ear. "We have
to find a way to get into Hogwarts."
"We are not going anywhere, Granger. Only one of us has access to
the castle." He reclined against the cabinet. "Tell me how to get into the
Chamber of Secrets."
She stared at him. "You can't go alone, Draco. I can't ask that of you
—"
"You didn't." He crossed his arms. "I volunteered for this, remember?"
She frowned at the tightness in his posture. "It's a sink in the second
floor girls' lavatory. You need to speak Parseltongue to it."
"And how did Weaselbee manage that?"
Hermione blinked at the sharp edge in his voice. His sneer. He was
upset about what he'd seen in the memory, and she'd been too focused on
her grief to notice.
Taking a deep breath, she tried to choose her words carefully. "Ron
picked up a bit of Parseltongue he'd heard from Harry. It was blind luck,
truly."
Draco pushed off the cabinet and rolled his shoulders back. "There's a
journal on Parseltongue in the library. I'll check when it's time."
She nodded slowly. "And when will it be… time?"
"We'll have to wait for an opportunity." He scratched his jaw. "I can
make an excuse to visit the castle, but it will need to be when the Dark
Lord is guaranteed to be out of the country."
"And when will that be?"
"I couldn't say."
Hermione huffed, standing up tall. "There has to be a quicker way.
We can't wait indefinitely—"

THE AUCTION ● 661

 Her breath hitched as her younger self dropped to her knees, raising
the basilisk fang high and plunging it into the Horcrux. Her heart lurched
in her chest as the cup let out an agonizing scream, like steel scraping
against steel. A great wind struck up, twisting around them and billowing
giant waves in the water as the ground rattled beneath their feet. Ron
dropped to a crouch behind her, his eyes wide and his hands gripping her
shoulders.
And then silence — apart from the slap of the waves against the
chamber walls. A black tar oozed from the cracked gold.

33
She watched herself scramble to her feet, startling as her right trainer
kicked the basilisk fang — watching it skid across the stones and slip into
the water before spinning around to Ron.
"There!" Hermione ran to the edge of the stone walkway, pointing
down at the murky waters. "It fell just there! Draco, did you—"
She whipped around, and found him staring at her and Ron. They
were embracing.
Her mouth went dry, her feet frozen underneath her.
Finally, her past self lowered on her toes, letting her arms fall to her
sides. Ron's hands dropped from her hips as she stepped away. There was
an awkward silence before they began laughing, babbling about how well
the other did and grabbing more fangs.
The two of them walked past her, towards the basilisk skeleton,
breathless and pink. Hermione remembered how her skin had started

"B
buzzing then, spurring her to kiss him in the Room of Requirement just asilisk venom, Fiendfyre, the Sword of Gryffindor." Draco
minutes later. pushed off his father's desk and crossed the room, staring at the
Hermione blinked at their backs. It felt though she was two separate opposite wall. "You're sure there's nothing else that can destroy
people in that moment — as if her past self had become someone else, a Horcrux?"
living somewhere Harry and Ron and Ginny were happy and safe. But Hermione's fingers slid from her lips. "As far as we know, yes. The
even if she could connect the two paths, she'd leave half of herself behind. book your father confiscated only listed Fiendfyre and basilisk venom.
A throat cleared behind her, refocusing her thoughts. She spun The Sword is a special case."
around. "Did you see it? It fell just here." "But it's missing."
Draco nodded, his expression cool. He waved his wand, and they "Yes. Since last May."
lurched up and out of the Pensieve. Hermione stumbled to the desk when She chewed the inside of her cheek.
they were firmly planted in Lucius's study, leaning against it as she Draco nodded, and she watched his ribs expand. "Fiendfyre is the
steadied herself. Once Ron was safely tucked away in her mind, she found riskiest option. If the fire isn't contained, the mountain could collapse."
Draco shutting the first door of the cabinet, Lucius's memories already "That's fair."
back inside the basin. Draco turned around. "So our best option is to find a rare snake that
"Wait," she said. Draco's hand paused on the second door. "Maybe we can apparently kill us on sight."

660 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 657

 Hermione lifted a brow. "Actually, we only need to get to the basilisk "I can." A smile broke across her lips.
skeleton in the Great Hall. Its fangs still contain the venom even after—" She released him and rushed to the locked cabinet. The silver lock fell
"They're gone." open at her touch, and the doors swung open, revealing the Pensieve
The air left her lungs. He sighed, running a hand down his face. inside. Lucius's memories swirled at the disturbance.
"When the Dark Lord first brought the skeleton into the Great Hall, he Hermione glanced back over her shoulder. "I'll show you."
removed and destroyed the basilisk's fangs. Rabastan saw him do it. I Draco stared at her before nodding, like snapping out of a trance. He
heard him mention it to my aunt." moved next to her, scooped the jumbled memories into a vial, and offered
A prickling coldness ran down her spine. "Alright. Well, that's not an her his wand. Hermione tapped it to her temple, summoning thoughts of
option, then." She collapsed back into Lucius's leather chair and rubbed the Battle of Hogwarts and Helga Hufflepuff's cup. Tugging the thread
her temples, trying to think. "A fang might have survived the fire last year. from her mind felt like a snake's tongue in her ear, but soon enough she
But I highly doubt it." had the silver memory dangling from the tip. She dropped it in the
Draco's footsteps shuffled closer. "Sorry?" Pensieve, and her eyes met Draco's as she took his hand.
"It's just…" She dropped her hands and looked up at him. "Ron and I They dropped on solid ground together. But a vice locked around her
had several fangs, but we lost them all to the Fiendfyre." heart the instant her vision cleared.
"In the Room of Hidden Things? With Crabbe?" Ron.
"Yes. He unwittingly helped us kill a Horcrux in that room, actually." Her stomach swooped violently. She watched with shallow breath as
Draco's brow furrowed. "Which one? The ring?" he crouched to place the cup on the wet stone floor in front of her past
"No, Ravenclaw's diadem." She leaned forward and tapped a finger self. His blue eyes lifted to hers, and she watched herself stare up at him
against the desk. "Dumbledore destroyed the ring with the Sword of as he stood. He was even taller than she'd remembered.
Gryffindor in sixth year." Another finger. "The diary was Harry with a The basilisk fang gleamed in his open palm, speckled with blood and
basilisk fang. Ron killed the locket with the sword, and I destroyed the cup dirt. "Go ahead," he said.
—" His voice. It had been a year since she'd heard it. She'd forgotten how
She blinked at her five fingers against the wood. A heartbeat later, she it had deepened to resonate in his chest.
jerked out of her chair. She watched her younger self refuse, insisting that he should be the
"What—" one to do it. Her face was pale and grim.
"I destroyed the cup with a basilisk fang in the Chamber of Secrets." "This one's yours," Ron said. "I did the locket. You should do one."
Blood raced through her veins as she spun to him. "Draco, I think it's still Ron stepped closer, and Hermione watched herself take the fang with
down there. One of the fangs." shaking fingers. He smiled at her, tentative and encouraging, and she felt
He gaped at her. "Don't you think he would have found it?" it wash over her like sunlight.
"No. The rest were attached to the skeleton, so he wouldn't have There was a hollowness inside her, but the sight of Ron seemed to ease
looked far." She could hear the words as though Harry was speaking them it. His freckles and his hair — the little details she'd tucked away so she
— "His arrogance makes him careless." wouldn't feel the loss of them.
"Granger—" Something shifted near her elbow, and she glanced to see Draco at her
"I dropped a fang into the water. I remember it clearly now." She side. His face was unreadable as he watched the figures in the memory.
stepped into him, grasping his arms. "There's a basilisk fang still in the He'd let go of her hand, she realized.
Chamber of Secrets, Draco. That's how we'll destroy this Horcrux." Hermione's cheeks flushed as she turned to face the front again. The
His eyes flickered as they searched hers. "Granger, you can't be ache in her chest twisted, sinking heavy in her gut. It felt wrong — to have
positive that you dropped it in the water." them both in this moment.

658 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 659

 Ginny closed her eyes. Hermione blinked, refocusing. They would go first floor landing, and Draco ushered Hermione back inside, guiding her
to Romania tonight, and be expected back at Edinburgh tomorrow. to the couch. She stiffened at the thought of the last time she'd slept on it,
"Today's generation carries the fate of wizardkind. And we will be but Draco's hand on her back centered her. He sat next to her at the end
victorious if we are of one mind, and one intent: magic is might." closest to the fireplace, and Blaise took the claw-footed chair beside him.
"Magic is might," the crowd chorused. There was a split second of silence before Pansy barged through the
Voldemort picked up his glass, and there was a shuffle as his audience doors, sinking into the chair across from Blaise as if it were exactly where
did the same. she was expected to be.
Bellatrix stood swiftly, her chair dragging against the stone. "To the Draco cleared his throat and said, "Some privacy, Pans?"
Dark Lord's power!" Pansy had barely let out a scoff when Giuliana filed in, and a vein
"May he reign forevermore." throbbed in Draco's temple as he watched her perch on the coffee table
Hermione drank her champagne down to the dregs as the Hall burst next to Blaise. There was a movement in the corridor, and Hermione
into deafening applause. Her ears were still ringing when it ended. glanced up to find Daphne hovering in the doorway, her arms tightly
The feast appeared on the tables a second later. A clatter of serving crossed.
spoons joined the chorus of conversation. "Something's wrong," Daphne said. "Why else would he bring her?"
Ginny's face was white as she grabbed Avery's plate, filling it with Draco rubbed his forehead. "Nothing's wrong, Daph. I just need to
pheasant and roast vegetables. A book in Hermione's mind trembled, speak to Blaise—"
falling open. "What is she talking about?" Giuliana scooted closer to Blaise. "What
A happy day at the Burrow, her plate in her lap and her knees touching Ron's on is wrong?"
the couch — Fred calling, "Oi, Gin! Get me a plate while you're up, will you?" — and Blaise's shoulders lifted, and he shook his head. "I have no—"
a sharp retort from the kitchen: "Do I look like a house-elf ?" "We're not leaving, Draco." Pansy crossed her legs, tapping her fingers
Hermione flinched, shoving the memory aside. She swiftly snatched on the armrest. "Out with it."
up Draco's plate, reaching for the roast beef and parsnips, her hands Four pairs of eyes fixed on him, but still he said nothing. Hermione
dancing around Ginny's. When it was piled high, she set it in front of him fought the urge to wipe her sweaty palms on her denims.
and waited, twisting her fingers in her lap. "I believe there is a change on the way," he finally said. "A shifting of
Silver scraped against china as the guests began eating. Draco paused the winds."
on his third bite, tilting his chin in her direction. Hermione served herself Pansy's tapping ended with a thump. "If you have something useful to
a few spoonfuls. Ginny followed her lead. say, now would be a good time."
A voice in the back of her mind told her to stay present. A louder one "Where is this 'wind' shifting, exactly?" Daphne's voice was tight, and
said it was too dangerous to leave her guard down across from the Dark Hermione watched her fingers clutch at a locket around her neck.
Lord. Giuliana turned over her shoulder. "A wind shift? Pansy, what—"
Hermione stared at her water glass, watching the ripples in the surface Blaise sat very still, his eyes boring into Draco's. Hermione watched his
as glasses were lifted or fists pounded down. The echoes of movement dark pupils dilate and retract, and felt Draco relaxing next to her — his
lulled her back until a book closed on the Burrow. walls crumbling away.
Draco spoke to Theo on the opposite side of her. She kept a smile on "Girls," said Blaise, cutting through the chatter. "Leave us."
her face as she grazed her fork across her plate. Ginny's glass filled again Giuliana flinched, like she'd been slapped. Pansy coolly picked at her
every time she took a sip. fingernails. "Why?"
Soft hands moved a fork and knife, attached to pale wrists encircled in Blaise massaged his brow. "Because Draco's going to get us all killed."
diamonds. Draco glowered at Blaise while Pansy and Daphne exchanged

694 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 671

unimpressed looks, as though this was just another Friday evening in the and found a thousand people on their feet, applauding for the Dark Lord.
dormitory. Her books shivered.
"Come get me if something interesting happens." Daphne sniffed and Voldemort smiled, and lifted his hands to silence them. He cast
pushed off the doorframe, disappearing with a flip of her hair. a Sonorus with the Elder Wand, gazing upon the crowd. When he finally
Giuliana began arguing with Blaise in Italian, and Hermione leaned spoke, it was a quiet vibration against Hermione's skin — a poisonous
into Draco's ear. "Where is Daphne's sister?" whisper in her ear.
"Montreal, with her parents." Hermione turned her head to look at "Welcome, my dear friends. We gather here to celebrate the victory
him. "The Greengrasses have been 'on holiday' there since last June." over our enemies — exactly one year ago today."
Her gaze drifted to the empty doorway. "Why did Daphne stay The clapping started again. Cheers from the back.
behind?" "You have placed your trust in me, and I will prove myself worthy of
Draco nodded his head to his right. And Hermione's gaze snapped to it. We will not rest until every witch and wizard bows to our most noble
Blaise, gesturing with his hands as he spoke. and sacred cause: preserving the purity of the magical blood we have
Her mind clicked with old memories of them passing through the been entrusted with for millennia."
hallways together. It made sense that Daphne would stay for him. But The applause swelled, pummeling the walls.
then why were they acting like total strangers? "The strides we've taken to bring this new world to order have been
Draco let out a slight cough. "Giuliana." The girl broke off, turning to fraught, but worth the sacrifice. The past century cannot compare to what
him like a doe caught down the barrel of a rifle. "I need you to distract we have accomplished together in the last year. And as I look upon the
Kreacher for us. Can you keep him busy?" faces of our partners from across the world, I know soon, all wizard-kind
She whipped her eyes back to Blaise, almost asking for permission. He will stand with us.
nodded, and pinched the bridge of his nose as she left the room. "Our rearmament is running according to plan. With the help of
Pansy uncrossed her legs and leaned forward, her eyes locked on Colonel Albrecht Berge"—Berge stood from his seat next to Umbridge,
Draco. nodding to polite applause—"we have powerful new magic at our disposal
"Pansy—" to protect our interests."
"You owe me this." Her tone was soft, but it echoed around the walls Berge took his seat.
with finality. "My friends, soon enough we will no longer live in the shadows. We
Draco's throat clicked, and he flicked his wand to cast a Muffliato at the will no longer cower beneath Muggles or cater to their barbaric whims.
doorway. He turned to Blaise. "He can be killed." Make no mistake: our goal is not the triumph of the Great Order, but the
Blaise settled back in his chair. "By you?" liberation of wizardkind."
Draco hesitated. "It's complicated." He turned his chin in Hermione's The windows rattled with noise. Hermione picked up her goblet,
direction, and some of the tension in her spine eased. water splashing onto the table. She set it down again.
"There are steps," she said. "A certain sequence of things we need to "In honor of your hard work and sacrifice, I am pleased to announce
do in order to kill him. The first is getting a basilisk fang." that my gift to you — Edinburgh Castle — is ready to reopen at last."
A snort from their left. "You're going to kill the greatest Dark wizard A murmur cascaded through the Hall. Draco's shoulder twitched next to
that ever lived with a basilisk fang?" her.
Hermione ran her tongue along the inside of her teeth. She was still "To continue our celebrations on this, the anniversary of our great
hesitant to tell anyone else about the Horcruxes. Every new person who victory, the revels at Edinburgh will resume immediately. I invite all of you
learned the truth was another liability. there tomorrow evening, and I expect every man, woman, and Lot to
"Pans, we can't tell you anything else." attend."

672 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 693

 The conversation bubbled up again. Draco's ribs rose and fell sharply Pansy stared them down through lidded eyes. "Fine. You need a
next to her. Hermione focused on her breath, filing away her emotions. basilisk fang. What is Blaise supposed to do about it?"
A high-pitched laugh burst from the other side of Theo. She blinked Draco swiveled to face Blaise again, pushing to the edge of the sofa.
to see Selwyn's wife and Rookwood's wife laughing together. "Help me get one from the Chamber of Secrets. There's one down there."
The chatter resumed. Hermione watched Rookwood's wife lean over Blaise tossed his head back and laughed. Spots of pink appeared on
her place setting and whisper, "You did hear that the Hungarian Minister Draco's cheeks.
isn't here, didn't you? Gustus says he declined—" "So you want me to go sneaking around Hogwarts with you when the
Her husband placed a firm hand on her wrist, glaring at her. castle is crawling with Death Eaters, and help you break into one of the most
"Anyway." Mrs. Rookwood sat up straight again, fanning her face and impenetrable chambers in the castle—"
looking around the room. "Is it warm in here? Elf !" "Not all that impenetrable—"
With a crack, a small elf from the kitchens appeared at her side. "Yes, "—and grab a fang to... smuggle out of the castle? Or do you intend
missus." to stab him right there over dinner?"
"Do you not have Cooling Charms? And also, there are no nuts in the Draco gritted his teeth. "All I'm asking is for your help creating a
feast, correct? I have a deathly allergy—" distraction so I can get away for twenty minutes. I can get the fang myself,
Hermione's vision blurred as she stared at the elf, wobbling beneath but I'd prefer if someone was watching my back."
the weight of the heavy chain around his neck. He squeaked his reply and Irritation bubbled in Hermione's chest. "I already told you I could
she tore her eyes away, studying the back wall. help you! Clearly we're wasting our time—"
When her mind was clear again, she reached for her flute. Avery was "Not now, Granger—"
speaking to Draco. Bellatrix was leaning into Voldemort's ear, murmuring "What grand Gryffindor scheme have you fallen victim to, Draco?"
something, and Hermione watched him nod. Rookwood and Selwyn had Blaise's eyes narrowed at him, and then slid to Hermione.
Theo's attention. Hermione crossed her arms and pressed her lips together. Draco's feet
Taking a sip of her wine, Hermione let her eyes pass over Ginny. Her shifted on the carpet.
skin was painted and her hair perfectly coiffed, just as it had been on New "Things are changing, Blaise," Draco said. "I'm sure the True Order
Year's Eve. She was looking over Hermione's left shoulder, watching the will mount an attack soon, given what just happened in Canada. And they
Great Hall. won't hold back this time."
"Rabastan," Avery called down the table. "Where's your boy? I'm sure His words pelted against her skin like hail.
Ginevra was hoping to see her brother tonight." "If the Great Order falls, my father falls, and so do I." Her heart
Draco set down his glass. Hermione filled her lungs, counting each thumped harder as the silence stretched. "I've made my peace with it."
heartbeat. Ginny didn't so much as blink. Her vision blurred. She wouldn't let that happen to him.
"I wanted to bring him, but… he got a bit mouthy this morning. He She wouldn't.
was in no fit shape." Rabastan chuckled into his glass, and Bellatrix joined "But the Dark Lord…" He glanced at her. "He will not fall. He will
him, licking her teeth. survive and start again."
"Shame," Voldemort said. "But I suppose some horses take years to break Hermione blinked several times, tucking her fear and grief into the
in." closest book on her shelf. She nodded. "It's true. He can't be destroyed
The empty smile on Ginny's lips twitched. unless we can get our hands on basilisk venom."
Voldemort abruptly stood from his chair. A moment later, someone in Blaise stared her down, looking as though he were biting something
the back of the Hall started clapping, the sound building like a wave back — as if his throat was working around words he wanted to hiss at her.
before crashing against the shoreline. Hermione turned over her shoulder She stared blankly back at him.

692 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 673

 He tore his gaze away. "What's your plan?" "Theodore," Avery said. "Brilliant work in Canada." Theo nodded
The room was still. And then Draco licked his lips. "I just need twenty and swallowed his champagne, his fist curling tighter around the stem.
minutes during dinner—" "Lucius and Bellatrix as well"—Avery waved his hand toward the two of
"There's no way you can be gone for twenty minutes." Hermione them— "Congratulations to you all."
jumped as she turned to look at Pansy, her lips curled in distaste. "Lucius "Thank you, Aron," Lucius hummed. A pause. "I do hope you and
will be seated next to the Dark Lord, his wife and son on his other side. Berge are working hard on the Fog, Theodore. I look forward to seeing a
There's no good excuse for the prolonged absence of Lucius Malfoy's report on your improvements this week."
son." "Improvements?"
"She's right." Blaise leaned back in his chair with a lazy smirk, all Bellatrix's voice raked across Hermione's skin. She blinked to see
traces of tension gone. "Draco Malfoy can't disappear. But I can." Bellatrix tilting her head at Lucius, her finger circling the rim of her glass.
"No." Draco's voice was harsh. "I can't ask you to go in my place. It's "How so, brother? Did it not successfully penetrate the True Order base?"
far too great a risk—" "No one disputes that Baffin Island was a success." Lucius's tone was
"Oh, fuck no." Blaise let out a chuckle. "I'm not going in your place. soft and condescending, as if lecturing a child. "But it also had…
I've barely signed on. What I'm saying is that we have a year's supply of unintended effects."
Polyjuice Potion downstairs." Voldemort simply watched them, his fingertips pressed together.
"Blaise, quit being coy," Pansy snapped. "The death of filthy Muggles." Bellatrix pouted and leaned forward.
"We create a distraction that sidelines me — a bit too much to drink, "You care for Muggles now, Lucius?"
perhaps — and I take the potion pretending to be you while you run off to The table was deathly still. Draco wiped his palm on his trousers.
the Chamber of Secrets." Blaise broke into a grin at the dawning horror "I care for desired results. Unless the Fog can be controlled, not a
on Draco's face. "Come on, mate. Let me be you for an hour." single one of our allies bordering France will allow us to release it from
Draco swallowed thickly. "It's an option. We can discuss others—" their boundary line."
"Nope." Blaise popped the "p" and tilted his head. "I'm only agreeing Avery coughed. "A fair—"
to put my life on the line if I get to play Draco Malfoy for twenty minutes. "They don't have to 'allow' us anything." Bellatrix's lips were twisted in
I've been preparing for this role my whole life." a snarl. "The Great Order must take. All your delicate maneuvering has
"It doesn't sound like the worst plan," Hermione said quietly. She boiled down to nothing more than inaction. If not for Brecht and me,
glanced up at Draco. "If I'm being honest, it's probably less risky than we'd still be rotting in Switzerland—"
anything I could attempt. Blaise knows your mannerisms inside out." Voldemort lifted his hand sharply, silencing her. "Enough. I'm sure
Draco's fists slowly uncurled on his knees. A muscle twitched in his between the two of you, we will have infiltrated France by the end of the
cheek. "Fine." He rolled his neck. "A few more things. Can you call week." His scarlet eyes flashed to Theo. "Do work hard this week,
Giuliana back?" Theodore. I trust you won't disappoint me."
The mirth drained from Blaise's face. He cleared his throat and stood "Yes, my Lord." Theo jerked a nod next to her. His fingers shook
from his chair, moving to the hallway to call for her. Giuliana was in the against the tablecloth.
doorway seconds later, staring up at Blaise with doe eyes. She followed "Lucius. Draco will go to France when the time comes to deploy the
Blaise as he returned to his chair and perched on the coffee table again. weapon. He's seen more offices than battlefields lately."
He grimaced as she brushed her knees against his, and Hermione's lips An amused cough from down the table — Dolohov.
parted in silent realization. "Of course, my Lord," said Lucius. He cleared his throat.
Giuliana was infatuated with him. Bellatrix smirked and settled back in her chair. Hermione saw Narcissa
Blaise quickly stood, offering Giuliana the chair so he could stand. She reach for her water.

674 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 691

 Hermione's eyes fell to her napkin. Draco shifted in his seat. protested a bit before agreeing, a blush staining her cheeks. She asked him
"Ginevra." Voldemort's voice was low and amused. "What a jewel you a question in Italian, and Blaise jabbered a response, waving his hand at
make." Draco. Giuliana shifted to face them.
"You flatter me, my Lord." "Giuliana," Draco said, "What do you know about that tattoo on your
Voldemort laughed softly, and a freezing chill whipped across arm?"
Hermione's still waters. She lifted her eyes as Avery and Ginny walked She said nothing, but a wrinkle appeared on her nose.
around the table, and caught Bellatrix's lips twisting as they passed. Draco's eyes flickered between her and Blaise. "I'm not sure if you
A chair dragged in front of her, and Hermione watched Avery and remember, but it activated when you were first delivered to Blaise at his
Ginny take their seats — Avery to the Dark Lord's left, in front of Draco, home."
and Ginny directly across from Hermione. "I remember. It felt like lightning." Her voice was soft — timid.
Hermione's eyes dropped to her glass. "That's right," said Draco. He bounced his knee once. "It binds you to
The conversation began flowing again. The jewels across the table certain properties, locking you in. Like at Edinburgh."
sparkled, drawing her in. Hermione studied the pale bubbles in her flute A shadow passed over Giuliana's face, and her shoulder jerked. She
until her mind was somewhere blue and deep. reached to brush her fingers across her arm, where Blaise's signature was
The Great Hall filled with sound, boisterous and grating. scrawled in black and gold.
A palm slapped the table, and a group of men laughed. "Granger created a potion to remove the tattoo." Draco pulled the vial
A man across the table whispered in a girl's ear. Her hair was red. from his robes, and Hermione felt Pansy's eyes on her when he lifted it in
The pale-haired boy next to her cleared his throat. "More the light. He handed the vial to Giuliana slowly, as if she would bolt at
champagne?" any minute. "So you can be free."
Hermione drifted back into her body. "Please." Giuliana looked down at the contents of the vial, and her lip trembled.
Draco ordered her glass to fill itself. Hermione reached for it, sipping "Free?"
as she turned to take in the rest of the table. On the other side of Ginny, "Yes," said Hermione. "Free."
Rookwood and his wife had taken their seats. They were speaking loudly Giuliana turned it over in her fingertips.
to the Selwyns, who sat on the other side of Theo. Further down, Crabbe Hermione's chest ached as she turned to Pansy. "Even though your
Sr. and Yaxley sat across from one another, staring down into their whisky tattoo was never activated"—her eyes flicked down to Pansy's scarred flesh
glasses. Hermione's fingers dragged across her necklace as her gaze —"it's still a good idea for you to take it as well."
moved to her left, where Lucius and Narcissa were speaking lowly to Blaise stared at the vial over Giuliana's shoulder. "Impressive,
Voldemort and Bellatrix. Rodolphus Lestrange was to the right of Granger."
Bellatrix, his younger brother next to him. Hermione scanned the Lots on "Blaise—" Draco glanced around the room, and his throat bobbed. "I
the surrounding walls, but Ron was nowhere to be seen. don't know how much longer England will be safe. You should take
At the opposite side of the table, the Carrow twins, the Travers, and Giuliana back to Italy as soon as you can. As long as she stays in hiding,
Jugson were just settling in. Pansy can—"
There was an empty seat next to Narcissa, and just as Hermione zeroed "I don't want to go!" The room jumped as Giuliana scrambled to
in on it, a thick hand tugged the chair backward, its legs scraping against shove the vial back into Draco's hand. "I'm not leaving him."
the stone. She followed the arm up to see Dolohov's eyes focused on her. He There was an eerie silence as the four of them stared at Giuliana. A
dropped his gaze to Narcissa, greeting her with an arrogant smirk. tear streamed down her cheek, and she impatiently brushed it away.
Hermione turned back to the table, clearing her mind and erasing the "Giuliana," said Blaise softly. "Your mother misses you. I promised to
feeling of Dolohov's eyes on her. bring you to her when she got to Egypt—"

690 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 675

 "My heart is here, with you," said Giuliana, her voice thick. "Why "Lucius," said Voldemort softly. "You and your family are very
would I go anywhere else?" welcome."
Hermione's stomach squirmed, her cheeks hot. She felt like a voyeur, "Thank you, my Lord." Lucius and Narcissa inclined their heads, and
watching a tragic play she hadn't paid a ticket to see. Pansy's eyes closed once they straightened, Voldemort gestured to the chair across from him.
in resignation as she rubbed her temple, like this wasn't the first time she'd Lucius pulled out the chair across from Bellatrix, and Narcissa settled in it
heard this. Draco sat perfectly still — his wide eyes never leaving silently. Lucius took the chair to her right, directly in front of Voldemort.
Giuliana. Draco stepped forward, and Hermione kept her head lowered as he
"Giuliana, we've talked about this," Blaise whispered, kneeling down paid his respects to Voldemort and his aunt. He pulled out the chair to the
in front of her. He took her hands in his. "I am here to protect you. I do right of his father, looking pointedly at the chair next to him. Hermione
not have feelings for you. You're confused—" approached the table, expecting him to sit, but he seemed to be waiting
Giuliana's eyes filled with tears. Her voice broke as she began weeping, for something.
speaking in Italian. "Mudblood Granger," Voldemort hissed, and Hermione's pulse
Pansy stood abruptly and jerked her head toward the corridor. skyrocketed. "You do not have a greeting for me?"
Hermione followed her quickly, looking over her shoulder to see Draco She quickly dropped into a low curtsey. "Of course, my Lord. Forgive
dragging his feet, his eyes still frozen on Blaise and Giuliana. me."
"Told you," Pansy whispered when Draco finally joined them. Bellatrix tutted her disapproval. Draco's knuckles went white on his
He blinked at her, dazed. chair.
"It'll be fine," she said, prying the vial from his fingers. "They go "Thank you for allowing me to attend tonight, my Lord."
through this twice a week now." She pushed her fringe out of her eyes and There was a stilted silence. Then Voldemort hummed his
uncapped the vial, preparing to toss it back. acknowledgment, and Hermione felt like she could breathe again.
Hermione startled back into her body. "You only need a bit," she said She waited with her head down until Draco pulled his chair out, and
quickly. "You should save some in case Giuliana changes her mind." followed suit, her heart still thumping in her ears.
Something almost like pity crossed Pansy's eyes as she stared at her. People murmured and laughed around her, the table groaning and
She stoppered the vial and turned to Draco. "You'll need a dress for her." chairs shifting at both ends. Hermione kept her lips curved and her eyes
Hermione's mouth fell open as they both looked at her. "It won't be fixed on her champagne, letting the noise blend together like bubbles in a
like Edinburgh? It's formal again?" flute. The chair to her right pulled out, and she looked up to see Theo
Pansy snorted. "Granger, you'll be sharing a table with the Dark Lord. bowing to Voldemort. Oliver stood with another Lot against the opposite
You can save the négligée for another night." wall, their heads down and hands folded.
Draco jerked a nod. "Yes. So, Pans, if you—" Blinking, Hermione glanced over her shoulder. The tables were
"I have the perfect thing," said Pansy with a grin. "Anything else?" packed, the Great Hall nearly full. And all around them, black robes with
Draco winced and ran a hand through his hair. "Well… Granger will gold belts lined the walls like sentinels. She was the only Lot allowed to sit
need a wand…" at the table.
Hermione glanced up at him. She would need one — she hadn't even Her mind rippled, but before she could calm it, a melodic voice
thought about it. They couldn't ask Narcissa after what had happened. dripped like honey across her ear.
Pansy lifted a brow. "And you want…?" She barked out a laugh and "My Lord. I am honored to sit at your table."
waltzed down the stair s, calling out, "Daph, Draco has With slow movements, Hermione turned in her chair to take in Ginny
something hilarious to ask you." Weasley, sparkling in silver and dripping in diamonds. Avery bowed next
Draco cursed under his breath. to her, his hair slicked back.

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 The doors swung shut, sealing off the noise. Hermione moved next to $
Draco. "Be careful," she whispered. "She's afraid of you."
"She should be," Draco said darkly. "She sent me to die at Edinburgh. A very awkward ten minutes later, they were arriving back to the
If it forces her to see me, it'll be worth it." Manor with Daphne Greengrass's wand. She'd never seen Draco
Hermione swallowed. stammer so much in one conversation. Daphne had finally handed it over
A tinkle of bells sounded through the courtyard, and Hermione in exchange for a promise that he'd give her up-to-date information about
jumped at the sound. She closed her eyes, drawing deep breaths through any future attack on Canada, especially near Montreal.
her lungs. The guests were being summoned to dinner, and she and The next several days, Hermione tried to get comfortable with
Draco would join them. With a hand at the small of her back, Draco Daphne Greengrass's wand. It was a 12 inch mahogany with unicorn
swiftly led her through the doors and into the Great Hall. hair, and quite inflexible. It barely responded to her the first day. It almost
A swell of noise met her ears. The Great Hall was only half-full, but needed to be wooed.
Hermione had never seen this many people in it. The room seemed to go Their days quickly became filled with planning. They spent hours
on forever, magically expanded to twice its usual size. Hermione gripped arguing with Blaise and Pansy through the Floo, and ended up agreeing
the stem of her champagne glass as they walked past tables set with elegant on a version of Blaise's original plan. Once Draco had the basilisk fang,
tablecloths and lavish centerpieces, the silver glittering in the light of the Blaise and Pansy would help them leave without being seen.
candelabras. The banners were gone and the ceiling was without stars. The next step of the plan — destroying the Horcrux — was trickier to
An elderly man with an Italian accent called out to Draco, and they reach an agreement on. Hermione didn't speak to Draco for a full day
paused. Hermione barely registered the feel of his dry lips against her until he finally conceded that she, not Blaise, had to be the one to come
knuckles before Draco led her away. with him. The following day, Draco worked on how to transport them
She wondered how many people were here tonight, celebrating over to Romania while Hermione tried to strengthen her atrophied
Voldemort's victory. wandwork.
From the corner of her eye, she saw Lucius and Narcissa walking At night, she and Draco would use books transcribed by the library
parallel with them, down the main aisle. All four of them headed towards catalog, researching what kind of wards and curses Lucius and Voldemort
a table at the end of the hall. might have used to secure the Horcrux at the Malfoy property. Draco had
Eyes skated over her face and neck, and Hermione let her gaze drag gone white when she told him that there were Inferi in one location, but
across them in turn. She kept her spine straight and her lips curved, as if to his credit, he'd clenched his jaw and said nothing.
she, too, were cut from stone. "How will we be able to find it?" Draco asked one evening. "It could
To her right, she saw Minister Santos and his wife were taking their be anything."
seats next to Minister Cirillo. To her left, Minister Thicknesse and "We'll know," she said, flipping a page. "Trust me."
Dolores Umbridge seemed to be in deep conversation. Umbridge wore a They took a break from countercurses later that evening, and Draco
gown of pink sequins and lace, and as they passed, her eyes met found a book on Parseltongue. With Hermione's help, he quickly
Hermione's with a coy smile. mastered the correct sibilant sounds to say, "Open." She didn't need a
They reached the end of the aisle. Lord Voldemort stood at the center Pensieve to remember the way it had fallen from Harry's lips.
of the High Table, his thin lips smiling. He wore green robes of crushed A few days before the anniversary party, Draco went to Grimmauld
velvet. Bellatrix stood at his right in brocaded black. Her eyes narrowed at again for Blaise's birthday gathering, at which he promised her that they
Lucius and Narcissa as they climbed the steps. would finalize their plans. Hermione took that evening to herself,
The room felt cold. Hermione focused on her heartbeat as she and practicing defensive spells in a cleared guest room, and getting used to
Draco cut to the left and followed his parents. pulling Daphne's wand from its position on her thigh.

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 If Narcissa suspected anything, she kept quiet. They shared meals with blood-matted blonde curls and Lavender's vacant blue eyes. Dropping her
her and she told them what she knew about Lucius's whereabouts — eyes to the stones again, she took deep breaths.
Hungary, at the moment. Since the Hungarian Minister had been killed Draco suddenly excused them and took her arm, dragging her quickly
the night of the attack on Edinburgh, his replacement had taken a tepid through the crowd. Hermione barely had a moment to orient herself
public stance on the Great Order. Lucius was overseeing the transition. when Draco stopped in the arched entryway — just as Katya Viktor
Hermione couldn't help but feel that Voldemort's army was reached the stairs.
disorganized. Draco hadn't been called on a mission in weeks. She "Katya."
scanned the Prophet and the Ghost daily, seeing the same names over and Hermione watched Katya's shoulders stiffen before her beautiful face
over. It seemed like the entire world was holding its breath. For what, she lifted.
was too afraid to ask. "Draco, darling!" She stepped up to them and kissed Draco on the
The day of the anniversary party loomed closer, and along with it, a cheek, her eyes quickly skimming over Hermione as she pulled away. "I
tightening knot of dread in Hermione's stomach. One year since Harry had so hoped to see you tonight!"
had died, since she'd last seen Ron. Since she'd seen the ghost of Fred's "It's been too long." He seemed taller as he stared down at her. "I had
laugh, or the way Remus and Tonks had reached for each other in death. hoped to find you at Edinburgh last month, but of course…"
Those had been the worst hours of her life. And now she would be Katya's eye twitched, and she quickly shook her head in sympathy.
attending a gathering to celebrate them. "What a mess that was. I know we're not supposed to discuss it"—she
Draco was the first one to point out that she would need to Occlude glanced over her shoulder—"but I was so glad I had caught the flu that
longer than she ever had if she hoped to survive the evening. She'd have morning. Thank Merlin you were safe."
to temper every reaction, bite back every comment, and allow herself to She flashed her bright teeth at him. Draco held her gaze, and the
simply exist in a sea of murderers and rapists with a smile on her face. seconds stretched until he returned her smile.
She'd have to be passive, demure, and obedient. And watch her friends be "Nothing made me more relieved than hearing you'd stayed home. But
the same. Katya—" Draco abruptly dropped Hermione's arm and took Katya's
On Sunday morning while Draco was still asleep, she slipped into a elbow, leading her into the Entrance Hall. He jerked his head for Hermione
silk robe and wandered back to her own room to examine the dress Pansy to follow. "I've been sending letters. I do hope you're not still ill."
had promised to deliver that morning. When she crossed the secret barrier His tone was icy, like his father's. Hermione watched Katya's ribs
between their bedrooms, something on her dresser flashed a deep green, expand in her sapphire dress.
pausing her steps. "I've been away, unfortunately!" She let out a nervous laugh. "But I'm
It was a necklace of emeralds and diamonds, resting on a black velvet so glad I ran into you, truly—"
necklace bust. Her eyes widened as she studied the intricate detailing and "Perhaps I could come by this week." Draco's feet halted. "How's
webbing across the neck, the sprawling jewels over the collarbones. She Tuesday?"
skated her fingers down the cool teardrop emeralds, their surface cut and "Oh, Tuesday is no good, I'm afraid. I'll be—"
smooth. It was collar-like, but also opulent and expensive. "Wednesday." Draco's tone was firm.
"It's a bit much, I know." Katya hesitated, her eyes dragging up to his. "Wednesday is perfect,
She turned over her shoulder to see Draco leaning in the passage, his Draco." She smiled. "I'll be at home."
hair sleep-tussled and his pajama bottoms tugged on low over his bare "Wonderful." Draco released Katya's arm. "I so look forward to it."
stomach. Katya managed another smile before turning away, stepping up to the
"Where did it come from?" heavy wooden doors. They swung open, and she walked into the Great
He pushed off the wall and sauntered to her. "It's an heirloom." Hall, her shoes clicking faster than necessary.

678 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 687

 Blaise looked like he was about to laugh, but he seemed to straighten "It's…" She stared back at it, struggling to find the words. "A bit more
up. "Right you are, General." He held Draco's eyes as he slowly lifted his than I'm used to."
flask and took another swig. "You might have a heart attack when you see Pansy's dress, then."
Theo pinched the bridge of his nose. Hermione's eyes darted to a He moved to her side and reached for the necklace. The gems clicked
nearby couple, glaring at them. against each other as he unclasped it and lifted it up off the bust. He
"I need to speak with Minister Egger. I'll see you both inside." Draco gestured toward the long mirror, and her heart skipped as she joined him
steered her away, and turned back over his shoulder with a hiss. "Behave in front of it, lifting her hair up off her neck and twisting it into a pile on
yourselves." her head.
Hermione took a calming breath as they glided across the courtyard, The necklace floated over her, sprawling across her collarbones as he
pushing away her thoughts of the evening's plans. She curved her lips in a fit it to her neck. He closed the clasp, and she felt the metal warm to her
demure smile as Draco greeted the Swiss Minister and his wife — the one skin. She took a deep breath and lifted her face to the mirror. It felt like an
Draco had been seen standing behind in the Prophet while he was in extension of herself, the emeralds and diamonds branching out across her
Switzerland. As they stood and chatted, shifting around the growing neck like a tree taking root.
crowd, Hermione chanced a glance around the courtyard. Draco pushed a loose curl back, and pressed a kiss to the spot behind
Lucius and Narcissa were now speaking to Selwyn and his wife. The her ear. She felt it ripple across her skin.
Swiss Minister paused to retrieve a fresh glass of champagne, and "You can do this," he whispered.
Hermione caught a glimpse of Theo walking with an unfamiliar man. She met his eyes in the mirror. "I know."
The man pressed a spindly hand on Theo's shoulder as he directed him Somehow, she did.
toward the archways, with Oliver following from a respectable distance. His hand was resting on her hip — the presence soft and steadying at
They stopped to greet a pair of diplomats, and the skeletal man turned — first, but growing warmer, sending molten heat curling through her veins.
Albrecht Berge. Hermione's eyes dropped to the stones again. Her dressing gown was thin and silky, and as the heat of his palm sunk
She spotted Dolohov's profile across the courtyard, scanning the into her skin, she watched her nipples tighten into hard peaks.
crowd. Slughorn bumped into him before they could lock eyes, and Draco's gaze slid down from her face, dragging across the gems on her
Dolohov snarled as sherry spilled onto his shoes. To her left she found throat and the curve of her breasts. He pressed his lips against the shell of
Hannah Abbott, standing a few steps behind Runcorn from the Ministry, her ear. "Do you like it?"
her face pale. Runcorn was speaking lowly to Minister Cirillo as her eyes She examined herself in the necklace. The light from the stones
drifted over Hannah. illuminated angles and shadows on her face that she hadn't seen before.
Draco was interrupted by Minister Santos and his wife. Hermione Draco's other hand dropped to her waist, sliding around her stomach and
acknowledged them with a pasted-on smile, and when they moved past pulling her body against his.
introductions, she glanced around again. She quirked a brow at the feel of him behind her. "You certainly like it."
Rita Skeeter was speaking with Pius Thickness, her eyes drifting over He smiled into her hair and said, "That's not what I asked." His fingers
his shoulder to watch Yaxley's conversation with the Austrian Minister. tripped along the silk, inching closer and closer to the sash at her waist.
Hermione found Rabastan Lestrange next, laughing with Flint and Tilting her neck from side to side, she watched the emeralds glitter.
Penelope. Her stomach jolted, and she swiftly scanned the crowd for The diamonds seemed to sink into her skin, and she tried to imagine an
ginger hair. She found none. occasion she might choose to wear jewelry like this. And as his fingers slid
In a dark corner on the opposite archway, Hermione caught a flash of through the silk sash, unknotting it and slowly parting the robe to reveal
lupine eyes — Fenrir Greyback, standing with another large, vicious- her bare skin, she wondered if the occasion could be Draco.
looking man. A heavy volume shuddered — one containing pages of His eyes were hot and dark as the robe glided over her taut nipples,

686 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 679

separating and revealing her naked body to him in the mirror. Her eyelids "Draco," a slick voice called out. "Good to see you."
fluttered as he dragged the silk down her shoulders, letting it hang from Hermione remained still at Draco's side as Marcus Flint sauntered
her elbows as he traced a path back up her arm to the diamonds. over to them. Penelope followed a pace behind, wearing a simple black
He fingered the jewels, spreading them to lay properly across her dress cinched with a golden rope. Marcus nodded at Hermione.
chest, drifting his fingers low and brushing her breasts in teasing sweeps. "Granger. You look as enchanting as ever."
She felt him hard behind her, his erection digging into her lower back, Hermione tipped her head in acknowledgment, tapping her fingers
and she squeezed her thighs together in anticipation. against her champagne flute.
"I like it," she said, and his eyes lifted to hers, pupils blackened. "Flint," said Draco coolly. "All better, I take it?"
His hand pressed firmly across her stomach, his fingers splayed over Penelope looked up at Flint as he detailed his recovery, her eyes misty
her ribs. With a lick to the spot behind her ear, his hand trailed upward, with some unknown emotion. Hermione filed it away, allowing her gaze
slipping between her breasts to circle the edge of the center emerald. His to wander.
other palm cupped her breast as she gasped, rolling her nipple. She skated over Narcissa and Lucius, deep in conversation with
A flush broke across her skin as she watched his fingers work her in the Rookwood and his wife, and a group of laughing men she recognized
mirror. There was no room to be embarrassed when she was so aroused, from the gambling tables. Under the lantern light, she found several other
wearing nothing but jewelry, a robe dripping from her elbows as Draco Lots standing near their owners — each of them in a simple black dress
slid his hands over her body and thrust his hips into her backside. with gold rope. Hermione's heart pounded as eyes flickered in her
She closed her eyes as his hand traveled lower and lower, reaching her direction.
core. Her head fell back on his shoulder as his fingers worked her clit, Draco extricated them from Flint with an excuse and a hand on her
circling and pressing just the way she liked. He tipped her chin to his and elbow, and Hermione tried to relax her posture as she leaned into his ear.
kissed her as his fingertips pushed her legs wider. She moaned softly "I'm overdressed."
against his lips, opening her mouth and thighs for him. "No. You weren't given a dress code." She heard him swallow. "You're
The heat in her stomach bloomed. She lowered her silk robe to pool at supposed to stand out."
their feet and turned in his arms to face him. He opened his eyes slowly A shiver danced down her spine, but before she could think about it
and glanced appreciatively over her front, and then at the mirror to look more, he was directing her to greet Blaise, Theo, and "Giuliana." Oliver
over her back. He licked his lips. Wood stood two feet behind Theo, his eyes cast downwards. He looked
"You like mirrors?" she teased. healthier since Hermione had seen him last, but his eyes were lined with
He kissed her neck, letting his fingers slide over her hips and drag dark shadows. Both he and Giuliana wore black robes belted with a gold
slowly over her spine. "I like not having to choose which half of you to rope, though Giuliana's were shorter and lower-cut.
look at." "And a 'happy anniversary' to you, Draco," said Blaise, twisting the cap
She hummed and pushed up on her toes to kiss him. It must have off a flask. His eyes flickered over Hermione, and he gave a low whistle
done something to her backside because suddenly he groaned and filled his before taking a swig. "You look like a million Galleons, Granger."
hands with her, squeezing and running his fingers closer and closer to her She inclined her head in thanks, folding her hands in front of her.
inner thighs. His tongue swept into her mouth as she arched her breasts "Feels good to be back at Hogwarts, doesn't it?"
into him, the necklace brushing against his clavicle. "Mate, keep your voice down," Theo hissed. Hermione saw him rub
The diamonds and emeralds clicked together as she ran her hands his wrist anxiously. "This is not the night to be drunk off your arse—"
over his chest and shoulders. Each sigh and gasp shivered through her, "This is precisely the night," Blaise slurred.
reminding her that she was someone who could stand naked in front of "Blaise." Draco's voice was stern, and Hermione looked up to see his
Draco Malfoy in nothing but jewels and make him moan. She could make eyes hard as ice. "Get yourself together."

680 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 685

 The dead horses came to a stop. Their carriage door opened, and a him just as dizzy as he made her. The heat beneath her skin burned
hand extended to her. She took it, and cold fingers twitched in hers as she brighter as she pressed her hands to his shoulders and gave him a coy
descended the first step. Her eyes followed the hand up to a rounded face smile before shoving him back on her mattress. He caught himself just as
with gaunt eyes. she climbed over him, his mouth open as she prowled up his body to
A shelf in her mind groaned. The boy mouthed her name and a book straddle his hips and kiss his neck.
came tumbling down, its pages fluttering open to missing toads, clumsy She dipped her fingers into his pajama bottoms, and he watched her
potions, and stuttered invitations to balls— in awe as she pulled them off and took his cock in her hand, the necklace
Neville. swaying between them. He placed his hands on her thighs as she stroked
She felt her lungs collapse, black spots in her vision. And then a warm him, his stomach muscles tensing and his breath coming quickly.
hand on her back— urging her on. Holding his gaze, she sat up tall and positioned him at her entrance.
Drawing a sharp breath, Hermione dropped to the final step of the His eyes rolled back in his head, and his hands snapped to her hips as she
carriage. She squeezed Neville's hand before she released it, taking in his slid down on the length of him. It was still a stretch, but she threw her
sun-weathered face and split lip. He wore long black robes, belted with a head back with a heavy moan as her body accommodated him until she
gold rope. His bruised eyes searched hers. couldn't take any more.
"That's enough gawking, Longbottom." The part of her brain that would usually tell her that she was doing it
Neville jumped as though he'd been kicked. He swiftly stepped all wrong was turned off. There was just Draco's hot eyes on her. His
backward, limping to the next set of carriages. Draco pressed his hand to fingers thumbing her nipples, and trailing the emeralds.
her hip and steered her in the other direction, moving them toward the Grabbing his hands, she pinned them down into the mattress on either
courtyard. Lucius and Narcissa had already swept ahead of them. side of his head, bracing herself as she leaned over him, beginning to roll
Hermione tried to refocus, but each step she took from Neville was like her hips. She watched as his lips dropped open, his fingers gripping hers
an icicle in her chest. Her friends were being starved and beaten. And she tightly as his breath panted across her face.
was dripping in diamonds. Her body moved in tune with the clatter of thousands of Galleons
She felt the weight of her dress dragging her down, her knees against her chest. The coil in her tightened, the familiar tension winding
buckling. Draco paused, gripping her elbow and pressing his lips to her through her as her hips ground against him, her clit aching to be touched.
ear. "You can do this." She released one of his hands, but he beat her to it, his thumb swiping
The words wove through her. quickly over her clit as she gasped his name.
"Pull back a bit." His thumb rolled a slow circle on her elbow. "So they She started to tumble, her limbs seizing and insides squeezing his cock.
know you're still in there." She fell forward with a cry, the emeralds digging into his skin as she flew
She dipped her chin in a nod, and after a sharp breath they continued apart like crystals.
walking. Hermione centered her attention on the warmth of his hand, His arms wrapped around her back, gripping her tightly as his hips
preparing her mind for the onslaught of people she was about to encounter. thrusted up into her, not even pausing while she clenched down around
They were here for the True Order tonight. And Harry needed her to him. Curses poured into her ear as he fucked her blissed body from below,
finish what he'd started. holding her close and breathing hot air over her skin.
By the time they entered the courtyard, her waters were calm, and Their bodies slid over each other as he sped up, his pace growing
Neville had been tucked in the deepest book on the center shelf. erratic, and every deep thrust dragged over a spot that made color spot
A crowd mingled, their laughter drowning out the low music. Draco behind her eyes. He tugged at her hair, arching her chest to him, and
lifted two champagne glasses off a floating tray, and Hermione blinked, locked his lips over a breast just as his cock pummeled her in the perfect
accepting it. way—

684 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 681

 "Draco—"
She shivered again, keening as she splintered like light refracting
through diamonds, blinding pleasure rippling through her core. He came
while her mind was still fracturing, grunting against her breast as his body
seized, his cock pulsing inside of her while her walls fluttered.
Her bowed spine slowly pieced itself back together, and she lay
boneless against his chest as he panted into her hair.
When she could form words again, she lifted her head and met his
eyes. "I like the necklace. A lot."

34
He smiled up at her, sweat glistening across his forehead and said, "So
do I."
Laughing, she leaned down to kiss him.

$
Two hours later, they removed the necklace. Hermione slipped into
the tub, and practiced her Occlumency for several hours until Pansy
arrived to do her hair and makeup.
Pansy was silent with concentration, which Hermione appreciated.
She started on her hair, and Hermione focused on still waters. She closed
books, tidied up the shelves like it was a bookshop, pushing the spines to
align with each other until every book was closed, locked, and hidden.
It seemed like only seconds later that a girl with crisp black hair was
telling her to stand, to come with her to get dressed.
Hermione followed. A wardrobe opened. A gown of diamonds and wind danced across her skin.
beads hung heavily, glinting against the setting sunlight.
The girl helped her into the gown and put a necklace on her.
Hermione's body was heavy.
A A line of carriages waited, led by dead horses.
The pale-haired boy lifted her up the step and guided her into a
seat. Two other companions followed.
Someone attached something to her thigh and helped her with her An older couple. They murmured to each other, their eyes darting
shoes. towards her and away.
A boy in dark robes met her at the door, his hair light and his eyes Her dress was a thick weight on her shoulders.
grey. He didn't say a word to her as he led her down a staircase to two With the clicking of hooves, the carriage lurched down a path toward
other people. A man and wife. Blond. a castle. A cloud reigned over it — a skull and snake.
As if through a haze, her body descended stone steps, down a gravel The carriage curved around a lake, and the moon shone from its
drive. A moon shone overhead. placid waters. As the castle loomed closer, Hermione focused on her
When the four of them appeared before an iron gate, a black castle in shelves. Her fingers drifted across a book with warm sunlight beaming on
the distance, a hooded figure swept down over her, mouth gaping and a courtyard, and two boys walking with her to class. She pushed it deep in
trying to suck warmth from her— the center shelf, next to a book with screams and rubble and a dark-
But it found none. haired boy hanging lifeless in a half-giant's arms.

682 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 683

 He turned his face to hers and kissed her temple — as gentle as if she Hermione chewed her potatoes.
were blown glass. With a contented sigh, Hermione relaxed back into the All freckles on the girl were gone. Blue veins popped beneath her pale
cushions. On the ceiling, she found a stunning fresco of a woman in skin, her red curls wild and loose around her shoulders. A large hand
gauzy white, lying at the edge of a river. The waters were placid. curled around the back of the girl's chair.
Draco's arm snaked around her shoulders, and as she tilted her head Hermione set her fork down.
up, her eyes fell on the window again. The steady back and forth of water The hand threaded through the girl's ginger waves, twisting locks
soothed her, lulling her to sleep. She snuggled into Draco's side and around its thick fingers.
tucked her legs beneath her on the cushion. His arm wrapped around her Hermione tore her eyes from Ginny and Avery.
as they lay on the sofa, watching the ocean together. She ate her vegetables.
The tide came in. The tide went out. Her breath grew thin and light, She nodded politely.
like it, too, was drifting out to sea. Exhaustion tugged at her eyelids. As She smiled when men laughed.
her vision grew hazy and her heartbeat slowed, a mountain range Minutes or hours later, the plates were cleared, and the tapping of
appeared in her mind's eye. She gazed at the water there, cool and wands on glasses chorused through the room.
uninterrupted. Draco turned in his chair, and Hermione followed.
Still waters. A man in gold robes made his way down the line of tables, smiling
She blinked, and the window was gone — a thick rock wall in its place. broadly. Memories sparked — bags of gold, identical grins, an amplified
She blinked again, and saw sparkling turquoise and golden sunlight. voice calling out bets, a quick glance at her backstage—
Her head felt light as she tilted her head up to the fresco— Hermione tucked it all away, and watched as Ludo Bagman came
The woman at the river was gone. Only a low rock ceiling. towards the front. Even from here, his smile looked strained.
Hermione squeezed her eyes shut. Books — there were books that had "My Lord," said Bagman as he swept into a low bow. "When you
fallen open. One with grey eyes and soft lips and warm hands. She tasked me with hosting our entertainment this evening, you honored me."
focused on closing them again, tucking them away. He turned to the hall. "And the night has only begun, ladies and
Hermione's legs twitched. When had Draco stopped rubbing patterns gentlemen, I assure you! After dinner, we have a surprise waiting for you
on her shoulder? She craned her neck to look at him, and found him on the Quidditch Pitch."
sleeping. His face was peaceful, and pale — almost blue. The crowd tittered, and Ludo nodded, his forehead shining with
She scrambled to face him. His arm fell limply over her shoulder. sweat. "But first, the Dark Lord has asked me to oversee something special
"Draco." She ran her fingers over his cool cheeks. "Draco!" this evening. Something that aligns with the spirit of our celebrations. A
Her lungs began seizing as she shook his robes, calling his name. story! One that will live in our traditions for years to come: the Dark
Nothing. His head lolled, and her fingertips scrambled for a pulse — and Lord's Triumph over the Boy Wizard!"
when she felt a faint fluttering, she almost wept in relief. Ludo threw out his hand, and the doors to the Great Hall flew open.
He was alive, just barely. Two guards entered, dragging a small person behind them. Their boots
A dark shadow prodded at her consciousness, and she steadied her marched in perfect unison as the room rippled with murmurs. Hermione
shelves. The room wanted her to forget. It wanted him to forget, too. craned her neck, but she was only able to make out the person when he
Cupping his face to hers, she kissed him softly, breathing life into him. was tugged to the front of the room.
"Draco," she whispered. "Be with me." A boy, no older than fourteen, wearing a Gryffindor uniform. He had
His eyes fluttered open, and she had to blink back her tears. "Hm?" jet black hair and a wiry frame.
She brushed her fingers across his cheeks. "Can you Occlude with me, Black spots appeared in her vision.
please?" The guards shoved the boy to Bagman's feet. His eyes flitted wildly

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about the room, his breath quick and frenzied. He looked at the people "I will give you every Malfoy journal in existence to review if we ever
around him like he'd never seen anything like them before. get back to the Manor, Granger." He placed his hand on one of the
Hermione tried to swallow, but her throat wouldn't close. He was a closed doors and said, "Shall we?"
Muggle. She followed him through the doorway and into another drawing
"There was once a young boy who thought he could challenge the room, a bit smaller than the first. There was a corridor to the left, and
Dark Lord Voldemort. His name"—Bagman produced a pair of round Hermione wondered just how large the residence was as they threw the
glasses from his pocket—"was Harry Potter." He shoved the glasses on the doors open, finding four separate bedrooms.
Muggle boy's nose, and Hermione could see from here that one lens was Draco stared through the open door he was facing, then back at her in
splintered. Harry's glasses. the corridor.
The crowd screamed as Hermione turned back to her dinner plate, Hermione bit her lip. "We can't rule it out until we look."
dragging lungfuls of air. Bellatrix cackled, clapping her hands. A slow They checked closets, rifled through drawers, and tossed back sheets.
smile spread up Voldemort's pale face. Nothing looked out of the ordinary. They checked each room twice
"This boy—" Bagman's voice faltered, and he cleared his throat. before finally coming back to the drawing room.
"Thought he was untouchable!" Hermione was ready to begin peeling back the wallpaper when she
A chorus of jeers and boos. Hermione forced herself to turn and heard a loud sigh from the first sitting room. She found Draco relaxing on
watch. The boy had been Leg-Locked, his face was red and mouth open the sofa, his head lolled back.
as Bagman circled him. He'd been Silenced. Her lips pressed together. They should have brought some Pepper-Up
"He was arrogant and foolish. But above all, he was dangerous." for him as well.
Bagman dabbed his brow with a handkerchief. "He encouraged the "We'll find it, Draco. I know it's here." She waited for him to look at
mixing of magical blood. He befriended blood-traitors and her. Instead, his eyes fluttered closed.
Muggleborns." Her spine tingled, and she quickly crossed into the sitting room to
At this, Bagman swiveled toward the High Table and gestured to stand over him. "Are you alright?"
Hermione. The guests hissed as they turned their eyes on her. He nodded and breathed deeply, as if he were inhaling fresh air. "It's
Draco crossed his legs and shifted his chair, partially blocking her from lovely here, isn't it?"
Ludo's view. Fear bubbled in her gut, whipping her insides — but then a cool
"He hid behind the skirts of witches and wizards far more powerful tranquility settled over her, like a perfect summer breeze.
than himself. In his futile resistance, he caused an unspeakable loss of Her legs were tired, her mind weary. She could stay awhile and rest.
magical blood." Perching on the arm of the sofa next to him, she took in the little
A fork clattered across from her. room. The colors shined, and the wood sparkled. "It is," she agreed.
"And so," Bagman continued, "on a May morning one year ago, the "And look at the view." Draco gestured to the wall across from him,
Dark Lord challenged this cowardly, dangerous boy to a duel." and Hermione followed his hand to a window she hadn't seen before.
The Muggle boy fell over, struggling against his Leg-Locker Curse. A sandy beach looked back at them, the turquoise water glittering.
The crowd roared with laughter. Sunlight flooded the room the longer she looked. A smile broke over her
Bagman blinked down at him and stepped to the side. "My Lord, he's face, and she slid down onto the couch. He took her hand in his.
all yours." "I don't know why we'd ever leave," said Draco, his voice full of wistful
All eyes turned on Voldemort. He smiled, standing from his chair. longing. Her lips trembled at the thought. "We don't have to," she
Bile rose in Hermione's throat as Voldemort slithered around the table. whispered, squeezing his fingers. "We shouldn't. We're together, aren't
Draco's chair dragged further in front of her. we?"

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 "It's another test for Malfoy blood. I've seen one before, but this one Voldemort descended the steps to stand before the shivering boy.
was different. He must have done something to it." "Harry Potter. The Boy Who Lived."
Draco's hand reached for hers, and his wand cut a thin slice in her A boom of laughter, and Hermione's gaze drifted above the crowd.
palm before she could flinch. Another slice to his left wrist, and he flicked Voldemort slashed his wand through the air, and the boy staggered to
his wand to direct his blood to flow into her. the left. Hands shoved him back in the aisle.
Hermione looked up at him to tell him that it hadn't been an hour, that There was a lake with still waters. A mountain range surrounded it.
there was no need — but his pinched expression told her to keep quiet. The waters were deep with hidden secrets, but the surface was calm.
"I want to be sure it lasts." Jets of purple and red burst in her vision as a small body writhed and
Her skin felt warm again, and she squeezed his thigh to make him shook on the floor. The audience cheered, pounding the tables
stop. This time, Hermione stood first, helping him to his feet and plucking Her mind was a library. Shelves upon shelves of novels and journals
up her wand to close their cuts. She nodded at him once before turning and biographies. She found an empty shelf—
back to the sitting room, bracing herself for what came next. "STOP IT! STOP!"
There was an archway in the stone that seemed to lead to a dining Hermione's chest seized, and she cupped her hand to her mouth—
room, and two closed doors to the left that could possibly lead to But the voice hadn't been hers.
bedrooms. She moved towards the dining area, her wand extended as she Her head spun around. And there stood Ginny Weasley, her lips
peeked around the corner. There was nothing but a small pantry. Draco trembling, a tear streaming down her cheek. Her silver dress shimmering
moved behind her, and they stepped over the threshold. under the silence of a thousand eyes.
Hermione's fingers brushed the wooden dining chair closest to her. Voldemort turned from the boy slowly, uncoiling like a snake. "Stop?"
They came away covered in dust. "You said your grandfather last came in A knife clattered somewhere.
1940?" Ginny's hands clenched the sides of her dress, her eyes wide. Avery
"Mid-September, to be exact." blanched next to her.
Frowning, Hermione's eyes swiveled to look at the ceiling, studying the Voldemort's cloak dragged across the stones as he swept towards the
smooth rock of the mountain above. "And once two hundred years ago as High Table, twirling his wand between his fingertips.
well?" An ancient memory swirled up, and then it hit her. "Draco, this Hermione jolted her chair back. Her body dragged itself to its feet,
could be a bunker." the weight of thousands of gems pulling her down. Draco's hand swung
"A what?" to pull her back — not quick enough.
She spun to face him. "Your grandfather came here just after London "What Ginevra means is that you've gotten it wrong, my Lord."
was first attacked by the Germans. I think they used this hideaway in She heard the gasps of the Hall. A movement to her right — Lucius
preparation for Muggle wars." Malfoy gripping his son's elbow. Hermione stepped forward, concealing
"Doubtful." He shrugged tightly. "I'm aware of the airstrikes. The them from view. Voldemort tilted his head, giving her his full attention.
Manor's wards could have easily deflected them—" "I knew Harry Potter better than any person in this room." Her voice
"No magic can stop an atomic bomb. They tried in Japan." bounced against the stone walls of her childhood, throaty and unfamiliar.
Draco scratched his jaw. "Fascinating as this is, is this really the She lifted the corner of her mouth in a smirk. "You've not let him beg.
moment for a history lesson?" he said drily. Was he not sobbing? Pleading for his life, like the coward he was?"
She shook her head, swallowing her curiosity. "You're right, sorry. But A still silence.
it is helpful to know that the Malfoys most likely warded this place against And Voldemort's lips pulled into a grin.
cave-ins. The mountain won't come tumbling down around us if they "A fine point, Mudblood Granger. What a clever pet you've become."
prepared it for nuclear fallout. There might be other fortifications—" The release bubbled through the crowd. Hermione concentrated on

715 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 697

nothingness. Voldemort's lips curved with cruel amusement before he Hermione stepped forward, examining the thick layer of dust on the
spun back to the boy. Folding her hands, Hermione watched as the boy credenza to her right — when something glimmered in the corner of her
was forced to stand. Another flick of Voldemort's wand, and the boy's eye. Across the room, a cloud of pale vapor was hovering over the coffee
weeping filled the room. table, growing steadily larger. She raised her wand the same moment
Voldemort silenced the crowd's jeering with a raised palm. Draco did. They stared up in horror as it shifted and morphed, stretching
"Beg," he said softly. "Beg for your life, Harry Potter. Beg me to spare taller and taller.
you and take your friends instead." Draco angled himself in front of her, shooting one nonverbal spell
"Please," the boy sobbed. "Please—" after another. All vanished inside it, like lightning in a cloud.
Voldemort arched his wand high over his head and hissed, "Avada The vapor sprouted arms, then legs, and Hermione gasped as a tall,
Kedavra!" long-haired specter with Lucius Malfoy's eyes and a slightly rounder chin
A jet of green light slammed into the boy's chest, his body flying materialized, floating to the ground. It blinked its empty eyes open.
backward. The Great Hall erupted as Harry's glasses clattered to the Hermione's heart lurched.
ground. Draco pushed her in her chair just as her legs gave out. The High She stumbled to the left, joining the stream of spells with a Skurge
Table stomped and shouted with the crowd. Hermione's smile was still Charm, an Everte Statum. They disappeared inside the wraith's chest,
stale on her face when they finally sat. rumbling like thunder. It tilted its head.
Hermione watched them slip Harry's glasses onto the boy's nose, and Draco pushed her backward as it crept closer — almost solid now.
remove the body from the Hall. When she turned back to the table, a girl "Reducto—!"
with fiery red hair was sitting across from her. The girl's shoulders shook. Sparks flew from his wand, but then the creature let out a ghastly snarl
The snakelike man returned to his chair, and the crowd began to stand and shot its arms out, plunging into both of their chests. Hermione's eyes
and mingle. People approached the table. Conversations drifted through her rolled back, screaming as icy fingers slithered up her heart like vines. She
ears. heard Draco's strangled cry mixing with her own — and then silence as
"Excellent work with the Mudblood, Draco. I can hardly recognize the arm hurtled from her chest to her throat.
her." Her senses erupted — a metallic taste on her tongue, a slickness rolling
"Thank you, my Lord. It was a pleasure to break her—" through her skin as she stood frozen, paralyzed. It felt like the vapor was
The man next to the redhead excused himself, and the snakelike man ripping through her body, squeezing every bone and sluicing through
beckoned the girl into his chair. His fingers slipped into her hair as he every vein.
murmured to her. The redhead nodded, her eyes cast downwards. And just as quickly as the attack came on, it ceased. Hermione
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I will be better, I promise…" collapsed as the vapor pulled its arms back, its icy fingers retracting. Her
There was a commotion while she stared at her pudding. A familiar eyes flew open just as it imploded in a spray of mist.
laugh and then a crash. A stall of conversation. A murmur— Spots bloomed in her vision, and she heaved, dragging in lungfuls of
"Theo, watch her. I'll take care of this." air. She curled to her side, coughing, and then Draco was on all fours next
And the pale-haired boy next to her rose from his seat. She reached to her. He pushed her on her back again, his face white as he ran his
for her champagne glass. She drank. The quiet boy to her right fingers over her chest.
murmured to it, and it refilled. "I'm fine," she wheezed.
She took a bite. Sugar swam in her mouth. He pulled her to sitting, his legs on either side of her and his arms
The chair next to her pulled out. The pale-haired boy dropped into it. around her back. "You're sure?"
"Apologies, my Lord. It was Blaise's birthday two days ago, and it "Yes." Her forehead dropped to his shoulder, inhaling his scent. "What
seems he hasn't sobered up since." was it looking for?"

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 "Stay with me," she said. No reply. The boy ate two bites of his pudding.
She stopped cold, her ears straining for the sound of Draco's breath, but People came to the table for conversation. She listened without
there was nothing — not even the sound of dripping water. But she had to hearing. Some stood from the table. Some sat back down.
trust that he was there. She couldn't doubt it. She couldn't look back. Against the wall stood two boys in black robes and gold belts. They
A thicker smell reached her nostrils, and she resumed her pace. Her stared at her, and glanced away.
limbs grew heavy, but her mind was clear. "Let me see what's keeping him. I summoned an elf to brew up a
There was only the beam of light from her wand in front of her. Sobering Potion—" The pale-haired boy left again.
There was only her breath. There was only the warmth in her blood, Hermione looked at the two boys on the wall again. The red-haired
whispering that she wasn't alone. girl ate her dessert quietly. The pale-haired boy returned, muttering
Ten flights of steps. Doubt crept in, quick and biting, like ice in her something to the man on his left.
veins. Still, she continued, her eyes wide and her fingers tight on her A bell chimed, and the snakelike man stood, thanking his guests.
wand. A man in gold robes stood up next. "Now, if you'll follow us down to
Another landing, and she felt her lungs constrict. The doubt rushed in the Quidditch Pitch, I'm sure Mr. Finnigan, Mr. Finch-Fletchley, and the
faster, creeping up her legs and inching towards her ribs. And just when Norwegian Ridgeback we've procured will have quite the show for us!"
she was about to spin around in terror, a door materialized at the bottom. The names meant something to her, but it vanished amidst the crowd's
Her heart began hammering in her chest. She still couldn't hear screams.
Draco, but she said, "Don't stop. Don't look back." The snakelike man glided across the room, nodding at those who
With seizing muscles, she took the final flight of steps down, pausing bowed and accepting a kiss to his knuckles from others.
only to pull the door open and step through. And when she was fully The boy next to her guided her to her feet. She followed him down the
inside, she whipped around to find Draco stepping through after her, his steps, toward a dark-skinned boy and an olive-skinned girl.
pupils blown black. She threw her arms around him, gasping. "You've embarrassed me enough for one night, Blaise. I'm taking you
"I thought you were gone. I thought something had taken you—" Her home before I regret thinking of you as a friend."
voice shook as she dug her fingers in his robes, needing proof that he was The other boy hiccupped.
there. That she wasn't imagining him. He stooped to bury his face in her She was led around a table, and through a side door. She walked
neck, holding her close. slowly in her heels.
"I responded to you every time," he said, and the rumble of his chest Home. They would head home now.
unraveled the knot in hers. She could rest.
He was real. She remembered this feeling. She could take off the heavy dress and heavy necklace.
"You didn't hear me?" The four of them turned into an alcove — someplace familiar.
"No." She pulled back and took his face in her hands. "But I trusted "Muffliato."
you were there." The pale-haired boy turned to her and took her face in his hands.
Searching her face, he nodded. He pressed a kiss to her forehead "Granger."
before turning to the room. She stared into his grey eyes. They were endless.
There was an empty lamp over Draco's shoulder, and Hermione waved "Granger."
her wand to light it. The flame sprang to life, and two others followed. She wondered who he was talking to.
They were in a sitting room — a dim parlor with a solitary sofa and He leaned forward and pressed his lips to her temple, his fingers
two wingback chairs. The walls were lined with blocky paintings in the running down her jaw.
Art Deco style, and the cabinets seemed to be from a similar time. He was warm. He was soft. She felt light.

713 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 699

 And like breaking the surface — like she'd been drowning under still grew colder. She was on the forty-ninth stair when she realized she'd lost
waters — Hermione gasped for air. Her body was heavy with jewels, and sight of Draco. She shot to her feet, and suddenly he was next to her.
her knees buckled. He caught her. They were on the landing together — she'd reached the end of the loop.
"Draco—" Images flooded through her, choking off her oxygen. Hot He ran his hands over her arms once, and turned back to the walls.
tears rolled down her cheeks as she sobbed, heaving. She watched him, listening to his breath grow harsher as he paced
Her vision blacked. When it cleared, she was leaned back on the wall, across the stones. She tried crawling upwards, looking for signs on the
Draco enveloping her in his arms. Her breaths grew sharp again, and she other side of the steps, ascending each stair toward the moonlight until
struggled as she thought of Avery's hands in Ginny's hair and Harry's she finally reached the next landing and looked back for Draco—
shattered glasses and the boy's limp body— Who appeared next to her.
Draco held her jaw in one hand and tipped something inside her Hermione collapsed on the closest step, her elbows on her knees and
mouth. her head in her hands.
The effect was instantaneous. Her heartbeat slowed. Her muscles She focused her mind, forcing herself to breathe. When her lungs
released. Her lungs expanded. She met Draco's concerned eyes and took could expand fully again, she refocused, forcing herself to think. The stairs
a deep breath. His jaw trembled, and he tucked a curl behind her ear. had no end in sight. But there was a bottom to them. There had to be.
Behind him, Blaise averted his gaze. "Giuliana" was watching with her His greatest weapon is fear.
fingers pressed to her lips, tears shining in her eyes. Her legs pushed her to standing, and she stared down the edge of the
A few more heartbeats, and a throbbing pain started below her left staircase. Voldemort didn't want anyone finding what was at the bottom.
eye, stretching quickly around the back of her head. Hermione He'd planted a loop to sew doubt in their minds, and along with it, fear.
whimpered as the pain pressed against her skull. She screwed her eyes But Hermione knew what he'd hidden down below.
shut, and then Draco was pouring something down her throat for pain She turned around, and her eyes caught on the moonlight on the
relief. walls. Maybe she had to believe. And believing meant looking forward —
She gasped, her lungs stabbing her with every tight breath. not looking back.
"You did very well, Granger," said Blaise, after a few minutes had "Draco." Her voice was a firm command. "Walk behind me."
passed. "It was eerie." He stopped his searching and glanced up at her, his eyes wild. "What?"
She nodded, her tears pouring silently down her cheeks as the pain "Walk with me, and whatever you do, don't turn back to look at the
ebbed. exit."
"Draco—" Pansy hesitated, her voice thick. "We should leave soon." Something in her face must have convinced him, because his eyes
All of the things she had to bury in order to survive the evening rose seemed to clear. He nodded, and Hermione stepped off the landing, her
up, pressing on the back of her eyelids. Hermione blinked her eyes open, wand held aloft. She paused a few steps down, waiting for Draco to join
her vision focusing on Draco. He nodded at her once, and his mouth was her.
hard as he tugged her to stand. "Draco?"
He'd gotten the fang from the Chamber of Secrets. The Polyjuice plan "Hermione," he said.
had worked with Blaise. And now they were headed to Romania. She started their journey downwards again. The steps were circuitous,
While Hermione tested her legs again, Blaise stepped up to Draco. spiraling into a never-ending abyss. Whenever panic gripped her, she
"Make it count, Draco," he said lowly. He pushed something small and focused on the sound of his breaths. The rhythm of his footsteps, light but
wrapped in a handkerchief into his hand. "This cost me more than my steady behind hers.
vineyard." After seven flights of steps, their footsteps synchronized. She sped up,
"And you're sure it works?" then slowed, but only one pair of feet echoed off the stones.

700 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 712

looked behind her again, she found Draco staring anxiously down the "The man who sold it to me made an Unbreakable Vow, so— yes. It'll
steps he'd just come from — somehow from behind her. take you through the Romanian border."
"It's a loop," he said, glancing up at her. Draco pocketed the International Portkey, and glanced over Blaise's
A thought slithered through her mind, and fresh terror seized her. Her shoulder.
wand flew up, pointing between his eyes. Hermione wobbled, exhaustion seeping through her veins. Draco was
"Granger, what—" at her side a moment later, holding out another potion — Pepper Up. She
"Alastor Moody turned you into an animal in our fourth year. Which gulped it down and found his eyes on her. She nodded at him through the
animal?" steam. Before she could think of what to say to reassure him, Pansy
"You can't be serious—" shoved him aside to fix her hair and makeup.
"Which animal?" She brandished her wand. The steam finally stopped, and Pansy frowned at Hermione through
He stared down at her, and with an expression that could have Giuliana's eyes before spinning around and returning Blaise's wand. He
convinced her of his identity all by itself, he said, "A white ferret." tucked it in his robes.
Hermione lowered her arm slowly, her pulse still racing. "Right. Sorry. "Let's get you home, Blaise," said Draco coldly — resuming his part.
It's just— we can't be too safe." Blaise's shoulders relaxed, and he stumbled out of the alcove, Draco at
His reply was an unintelligible grumble, but Hermione was too busy his heels. Hermione and Pansy followed.
stepping next to him, peering down into the void below. After a few Guests were still lingering in the Great Hall. Blaise stumbled into Mrs.
moments, she flicked her wrist and whispered, "Avis." Selwyn, and she clutched her hand to her chest when he winked at her
A flock of small birds zoomed from the tip of her wand, bright yellow and slurred a hello. Draco dragged him away, tossing an apology over his
in the darkness, and zipped down the stairway, disappearing until they shoulder, and pushed him into a corner of the courtyard to collect
were flecks in the distance— himself.
A flap of wings behind them, and Draco tugged her against the wall Once the coast was clear, the four of them disappeared around the
just as her flock came up from behind them, weaving through them and archway, turning toward the Wooden Bridge.
onward, down, down, until flitting behind them again. Hermione started to feel like herself again, the three potions in her
Caught in the loop. veins working in tandem as they moved quickly down the bridge. Blaise
Hermione vanished the birds on their next round. She staggered into tripped over the wood, and Hermione drew a sharp breath when she
the middle of the landing, staring up at the moon shining through the open realized where they were standing. Her mind was too raw for
doorway. They were lost in a maze with no exit — and now, no entry. Occlumency, but she couldn't let her memories of Harry and Ron with
They'd tumbled into a rabbit hole, and it had swallowed them whole. her on this bridge snake their way in. They had a Horcrux to kill tonight.
"There has to be a way in." Hermione turned to see Draco studying She quickened her pace, focusing on the burn in her muscles.
the walls, running his hands over the wet stone. A mighty roar bellowed in the distance, and the four of them froze as
Squaring her shoulders, she crouched down to the stairs. She searched the night sky lit up with flames.
the seams and dips in the stone for anything useful while Draco tried all The dragon.
sorts of unlocking and spell detection charms on the walls and ceiling. Hermione dug her fingers into her palms. The pain centered her.
The minutes stretched on, and still they found nothing. Hermione's Draco glanced behind them as sounds drifted up the bridge — the
chest began to tighten as she contemplated never getting out, and never delighted cries of the crowd entering the Quidditch Pitch.
getting in. Dying here inside this mountain, inside these stairs. Blaise staggered to look out over the bridge and whined, "I wanted to
She crawled down step after step, running her shaking fingers over watch the dragon."
each stair as she sank lower and lower into the dark underworld. Her skin "Then you should have stopped at your second Firewhisky," said

71 1 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 701

Draco, yanking him off the railing. He led them swiftly down the There was only the sound of Draco's cloak sliding down the stairs as
pathway, turning over his shoulder every four steps. they descended endlessly — stairs, landing, stairs. Hermione's legs started
The mouth of the bridge appeared, and Hermione's breath caught. to protest and she paused, looking up at Draco. Moonlight shone through
She could just make out the edge of the Forbidden Forest where they the entrance behind him, all those steps above.
would slip past the Hogsmeade Gates. "Do you think maybe we missed something when we came in? On the
The knot in her chest loosened as the end of the bridge grew larger in walls?"
her vision. But a shadow stepped out from behind the final wooden "I didn't see anything." He paused, letting her catch her breath. "It's
archway, its black eyes and dark curls glinting in the moonlight. probably just a very long ways down."
"Leaving so soon?" She frowned as she turned back to the stairs leading down, down,
Hermione stumbled and Draco stopped cold as three jets of turquoise down. It would be terribly difficult to leave — unless one could fly, of
light arced through the bridge, illuminating Bellatrix's twisted snarl. course. Perhaps that was the point.
Hermione's lips parted in a silent scream as one hit her square in the Draco squeezed her arm and stepped around her, taking the lead. It
stomach, immobilizing her. Two grunts behind her — Blaise and Pansy. was much easier to follow his blond head instead of the end of her
Panic and dread swelled inside her, overriding her Calming Draught— wandlight, but even still, once they'd reached the sixth landing followed by
"Aunt Bella," said Draco softly. "I'll return shortly. I'm just taking more steps, Hermione's frustration began boiling over.
Blaise home before he embarrasses himself further—" Something was nagging at her, like an itch between her shoulders she
"Don't lie to me!" couldn't reach. She spun around to look at the top of the steps again, and
The shout ricocheted down the wood, curling up Hermione's legs and her feet faltered.
around her ribs. The moonlight was casting the same shadows she'd seen four landings
Fire erupted again, and the crowd cheered. The light cast shadows on ago, as if the distance hadn't grown at all. Her ears strained to listen to
Bellatrix's face before it died out. the dripping water — the volume just as faint as before. She heard Draco
"You're up to something," she sang, waltzing closer to Hermione. halt ahead of her.
"Disappearing twice during dinner?" She tutted. "One might question "What is it?"
your breeding." "We're not moving."
"Blaise was sick." His voice rose as he tried to head her off. "I was only Her heart pounded in her chest as he hurried back to her. She took in
assisting—" his pale face for a moment before she began scurrying around the landing,
"Out of my way." her fingers skimming for a hidden doorway as she searched the wall for
Bellatrix halted before her, standing so close that their chests were runes. She cast her wandlight upward, and only found a damp stone ceiling.
almost touching. Hermione's eyes shot open in terror, her heart pounding Draco cursed and jogged up the stairs to the previous landing. She watched
beneath her petrified muscles. him vanish with her heart in her throat, listening to his boots slap against
"It's terribly suspicious, Draco." Her eyes narrowed, her stale breath the steps—
on Hermione's face. "You are lucky the Dark Lord was preoccupied, A sound behind her. A shadow stepped up to her.
tending to his little Ginger Snap." Her fingers snapped in front of Hermione gasped and slammed herself against the wall, her wand
Hermione's eyes. shooting out to point at—
"But something tells me," she said, circling her, "that whatever is going Draco.
on"—her hand slid across Hermione's waist, tugging her back against her His feet stumbled as he jerked backward, yanking his wand down.
body—"has to do with her." Hermione gaped at him, and he gaped back. She whipped around to
Hermione stared at Draco as he watched his aunt, his head tilted, his look up the stairs Draco had jogged up a minute ago. Empty. When she

702 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 710

 The wound closed. Hermione blinked at her smooth skin as Draco arms hanging at his sides. His eyes empty, betraying nothing. A loud
took her hand in his, rubbing his thumb over the spot. cackle in her ear, and Hermione's heart leapt in her throat. "I saw you at
"So if something happens to me in there, don't dawdle." the dinner table, ready to jump in front of a curse for her. Something
She jerked her head up. "Don't say that." about this little bitch has you cock-whipped, nephew." Bellatrix dragged
His brows drew together. "I've read up on barriers like these. A simple her hand over Hermione's waist and hips, slipping lower, between her
blood share lasts eighty minutes at best. The magic requires the blood of legs.
a living Malfoy—" Draco jerked forward, and Bellatrix raised her wand with her other
She ripped her hand from his. "Stop talking like you're going to die." hand. "Ah, ah!" He halted, and Bellatrix chuckled in Hermione's ear.
He stared at her as though she were the stubborn one. "I'm just being "Maybe she has a golden cunt to match her—"
practical." Bellatrix froze against her, her breath puffing on Hermione's neck. She
"Well, stop it," she snapped. gasped.
His throat bobbed. Then he stepped into her, and her heart stopped A second before Bellatrix moved, Hermione realized what it was.
when he lifted his hand to brush his fingers across her necklace. He "Accio!"
paused on an emerald below her left collarbone. The wand in Hermione's thigh holster zoomed out from under her
"I replaced this stone." dress and shot into Bellatrix's hand.
Hermione glanced down as Draco tugged at the gem, holding it up in Hermione began fighting against her invisible bindings as blood
the moonlight. There was the faintest of shimmers around it — a rushed through her ears, knowing it was useless—
glamour. She stepped around Hermione as flames soared overhead. Her
He set it back, and his eyes flickered to hers. "The tattoo antidote is expression was black with rage. "You've given her a wand?"
inside. A simple Severing Charm will suffice." Draco swallowed. "I can explain."
"That won't be necessary. We'll be leaving together." She turned away "Are you allowing her magic?"
from him, stepping up to the threshold before he could see the wetness in "No. Aunt Bella, of course not—"
her eyes. "Then what is this?"
She cast a number of curse detection spells at the entry, her focus Her voice echoed down the Wooden Bridge, crashing into a swell of
returning with each wave of Daphne's wand. All were negative. Taking a noise from the Quidditch Pitch. Draco stared at her with empty eyes.
sharp breath, Hermione cast a Lumos and stepped forward into the inky Bellatrix took a step forward. "I've turned the other way one too many
darkness. times, Draco. You have no idea, the things I've done for you and your
Her vision adjusted quickly to the wandlight. Just four steps ahead of mother. But this is treason."
her, she could make out a descending staircase carved crudely into the The blood in Hermione's veins turned to ice. Draco's eyes flickered,
rock. She glanced over her shoulder and found Draco just behind her, his and Hermione saw his fist curl at his side.
mouth hard and his eyes fixed ahead. He lit his wand as she turned back "I'm needed in Hungary promptly tonight, or else I'd consult with
to face the stairs and followed them down. your parents. As the matter stands, the seriousness of the situation calls
The glow from their wands extended deep into the darkness, but there for immediate action." She began circling him, just like she had
was no end in sight. The further down they stepped, the colder and Hermione. "This can't go on, Draco." She paused behind his ear, her eyes
thicker the atmosphere. locked on Hermione. "You'll disgrace your entire family. You will all be
There was a metallic tang in the air, and a dripping sound echoed killed. My sister—" Her jaw worked, and she pulled back. She finished the
from down below. After several dozen steps, there was a landing of about circle to face him. "But we can do it my way. It can be quick."
six feet before the stairs continued down. Draco's throat bobbed.

709 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 703

 "Perhaps she tried to run, and you had no other choice. I'm sure your She knew it by memory, of course. But she needed to hear it aloud, in
little friends would be more than willing to testify." the same way she needed to rattle off facts before an exam.
"Bella—" They walked on until they arrived at the stone in the path from
"I'll get you another one," she whispered. "A Muggle girl who looks Lucius's memory. Her breath grew shallow as they turned a sharp right
enough like her. This one has poisoned you." around it, details clicking into place. Draco let her lead them up the trail
Hermione's muscles screamed, her blood whipping beneath her skin. to the mountain entrance, his footsteps light behind hers. Every time she
Her bones felt like they would splinter under the pressure— turned around to check on him, she found his eyes roving the terrain or
"That's not necessary." Draco's voice cracked. "I have this under control glancing at the trail behind them.
—" "Have you given any more thought as to what kind of object we're
"You're still weak," Bellatrix hissed. "I've been more than patient with looking for?" he finally asked.
you, Draco. But there's still too much of your father in you. Your weak, "I've already told you everything I know." Hermione chewed the inside
lovesick heart will destroy this family." of her cheek, realizing that he needed to hear it again, too. "We'll be
The crowd cheered, and when Hermione blinked, she saw Harry and looking for something relatively small. His earlier Horcruxes had personal
Luna's faces behind her eyelids. significance to him — his grandfather's ring, his school diary — whereas
"Keep on this road, and by this time next week, your Mudblood will his later ones were items of great magical significance."
be the one tortured and killed in front of a crowd. Or worse"—she leaned Draco was silent behind her.
into him—"your mother." "It might escape our notice at first." Her spine tingled from a long-
Draco took a shuddering breath. Hermione's heartbeat faded in her buried memory of cleaning dusty old rooms and tossing aside broken
ears. lockets. She reached out to her shelves on instinct, and was surprised to
"I'll be damned if I let that happen. So say goodbye, Draco." Bellatrix find she could shut the book without much pain behind her brow. "But
spun back to her, her eyes glittering. "Feel free to look away. I know the this time we're looking for it. It can...sense danger. So I suspect we'll know
Killing Curse doesn't suit your delicate stomach—" when we get close."
A green light splashed along the wooden arches. Bellatrix's eyes centered And with that, they arrived at the rock face. It was a smooth stone —
on her, frozen in time, until with a push of the wind, she collapsed forward at the same one she'd seen weeks ago in Lucius Malfoy's memory. Draco
Hermione's feet, revealing Draco with his wand outstretched — the tip tapped his wand against the stone just like his father had done, and with a
smoking. tremble of magic, the door shook free. It slid to the side, revealing the
He stared at his aunt's body, and then back to her. Hermione's limbs black cavern inside.
tingled, and it took her a long moment to realize she wasn't Petrified any They stood for a moment, staring into its depths. Hermione forced her
longer. Because Bellatrix was dead. lungs to drag in air.
Draco had killed her with a curse to the back. Draco turned to her, and sliced his palm with his wand. His eye
There was a movement behind her, and Blaise was suddenly beside twitched when he watched her do the same with hers. He tore his gaze to
her, gaping down at the body. the blood dripping down his wrist, and sent it spiraling upward with a
Hermione still couldn't breathe. A hollow wind whipped through the flick of his wand.
bridge, disturbing the black curls at her feet. Fire arced through the sky "My blood will start to fade from your system after an hour." Another
again. flick, and the droplets arced toward her hand.
"She—she said she was going to Hungary, right?" Hermione turned She watched the red beads seep through the cut in her palm, weaving
around to see Pansy cupping her forehead. "Maybe there's time. Maybe beneath her skin. Her blood felt warmer as she imagined it intertwining
n-no one will miss her right away." with his, slipping through her veins and curling around her heart.

704 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 708

at his aunt's body. Her throat felt dry, and she licked her lips. "Are you? Hermione had never heard Pansy Parkinson stammer.
We can take a moment—" Draco still hadn't lowered his wand.
"I'm ready," he said, and then he took her arm and Apparated them Hermione's legs propelled her forward. She bent down and snatched
away. the wand Bellatrix had taken from her. She turned to the woods and cast
The world slammed into her in a jolt. Draco gripped her tightly as she a Presence Revealing spell in each direction. They were alone.
steadied herself, the ground uneven beneath her feet. She blinked to clear "You need to go." Blaise stepped over the body. "Pansy and I will take
her vision and found them standing in the exact same spot Lucius and the care of this."
Dark Lord had appeared in Lucius's memory. Draco's fingers shook as he lowered his arm. "What?"
Hermione tugged her arm free, craning her neck up at the enormous "We'll transfigure the body and hide it in the woods." Blaise looked
range before them. The mountains were shrouded in fog, their cragged back to Pansy. She nodded, dazed. "If you don't go off and kill whatever
outlines barely visible through the purples and greys. But before her stood it is you need to kill, then this is all worthless. So do it now."
the same peak she'd seen in Lucius's memory. The same one she'd seen in None of them moved.
a book on Romanian geography a week ago, and nearly spilled her coffee "Go!"
over in excitement. Hermione startled back into her body as Draco transfigured her dress
"We were right," she said breathlessly. "The hideout is in Moldoveanu into lighter fabric — her heels turning into flats. Draco reached for her as
Peak—" she stumbled forward, and she slipped her hand in his. With a nod to
"'We?' You did the research, Granger." Draco glanced at her once, Blaise and Pansy behind him, he dragged her toward the woods.
then turned and began walking. After a few heartbeats, Hermione They ran through the trees, never breaking pace until they were just
followed him up the winding path illuminated by moonlight. outside the gates of Hogsmeade. They caught their breath for a moment,
She walked a pace behind him, her fingers clutching Daphne's wand. Hermione's hands resting on her knees.
There was still a dull ache behind her temples, but each step seemed to "You did what you had to do, Draco," she panted. "I know she was
push it farther away. She cleared her mind, focusing on the magic and your blood, but don't be ashamed of—"
adrenaline thrumming through her veins. "I'm only ashamed it took me more than ten seconds to decide."
They could do this. For Harry. She looked up at him. He was staring at her, the moon bouncing off
The path grew steeper, and Hermione nearly lost her footing on an his pale hair and sharp cheeks. He unwound the handkerchief in his
uneven step. She frowned down at her flats, and Draco paused to wait for pocket, grabbed her elbow, and whisked them to Romania.
her as she transfigured them into thick-soled boots. Her scalp ached from
Pansy's pins, so she vanished them with a wave of her wand.
Standing tall again, she pushed her loose hair over her shoulder and
tested her boots. Her necklace weighed heavily on her neck, but a
transfiguration spell might damage any charms that had been placed on it.
Her heart beat quicker when she met Draco's eyes. "Remind me what
you found in your family archives again."
Draco lifted a brow and led them on. "No record of an estate in
Romania. The closest property is a cottage in the Balkan Mountains,
about 80 miles south of the Bulgarian border. Only two mentions of a
visit to Romania in personal journals. Once in 1940, and once two
hundred years ago."

707 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 705

 35
he Portkey spun them like a top, pressing in on them tighter and

T tighter before flinging them to the ground. Hermione stumbled to

her knees, and when her eyes focused, she found Draco's hand
outstretched in front of her. She took it, and let him help her to her feet.
The air was brisk, sending chills down her bare legs. Hermione
rubbed her arms as she glanced around. They were at the edge of a small
town — the streets made of cobblestone, the buildings narrow and closely
set. Several Muggle cars were parked to their right, and a pub's lights
were on just down the road. Its sign was etched in Romanian.
Hermione sucked in a sharp breath. They'd made it. The
International Portkey had worked.
Draco stepped next to her, and she turned to face him just as he
offered his hand. "Ready?" he asked.
She gazed down at it, then up at him. His expression was firm, but his
eyes were tired — as if a lifetime had passed since the moment he stared

THE AUCTION ● 706

through his hair. Flint jerked his head to his left. "These chairs just freed "Occlude?" He frowned, his gaze more alert. "What for?"
up—" The rest of his words were swallowed by Penelope, kissing him "Just for a moment. Please."
ravenously as she moved to straddle him. She stared at him, hardly daring to breathe as his eyes shuttered and
Draco stared at them. Hermione watched a vein throb in his temple blinked open. And again. This time, they were a clear grey. She stumbled
before he tugged her forward, towards a pair of empty wingback chairs. off the couch as he jerked to his feet, drawing his wand. "What
Blaise and Pansy followed. happened? Are you alright?"
Hermione had barely settled into Draco's lap when she caught sight of Nodding, she pressed the heel of her palms to her eyes and swallowed
Avery. She went stock still. her emotions.
Avery stood at the roulette table, Ginny on his other side. He turned to "It was some kind of charm, for tranquility or forgetfulness. Whatever
her, and Hermione watched Ginny lower her champagne glass and blow it was tried to kill us." She drew a shuddering breath and let her hands fall
on his dice. to her sides. Draco was gaping at her, color returning to his cheeks. "We
He rolled, and men cheered. Ginny kept her eyes firmly on the table need to keep our minds sharp."
through it all, as if she couldn't bear to look up. Hermione's stomach He looked coldly over the room. "There might be something in here,
churned, remembering it was the first time she'd been back to the Lounge then. Perhaps I came too close to something, and it tried to distract me from
since her public "discipline." it."
A round of groans — Avery had lost his bet. He gave a lopsided shrug Hermione nodded, and after another minute of Occluding, they
and he downed his drink, his hand sliding through Ginny's locks and began turning the room upside down. There were quills on the desk that
trailing down to her backside. He slammed his empty glass on the table seemed expensive, but not important. A paperweight — charmed like the
and stood, guiding her towards the doors leading to the Burgundy Room. ceiling at Hogwarts to show the Romanian sky — sat next to a stamp
Hermione's eye twitched, but before she could turn to Draco, he was encrusted with the Malfoy seal. Draco pulled out every book on the
already setting her to her feet and standing from the chair. shelves while she moved to the cushions, pulling them out and tipping the
"Blaise, I have some business to take care of." He watched the doors sofa and chairs on their sides.
close behind Avery. "I'll be a few minutes. Keep an eye on her." And still nothing. Hermione tugged at the roots of her hair while
Blaise gaped at him, but before he could say anything, Draco was Draco cursed. They were running out of time.
striding off in the direction of the Burgundy Room. Hermione felt both "Let me check the kitchen again," he finally said. "There's elf quarters
Blaise and Pansy swivel to look at her. She began to settle back into the that I could go through again."
chair, but Blaise patted his armrest and gestured for her to join them. Hermione shook her head. "Voldemort wouldn't associate his Horcrux
It took her a moment to catch his meaning. She stood quickly, stepping with house-elves."
over to them and settling on the armrest. Crossing her legs, she leaned Placing her hands on her hips, she stared at the doorway leading to the
against Blaise's shoulder and let her mind drift. drawing room and bedrooms, debating — and then spun back around
Ginny tonight, Oliver in the morning. As for Ron — she'd have to hope. with a huff.
Her lips trembled at the reminder of what awaited her in the morning. Whatever they were looking for was here. The room's protections were
And her mind sharpened with a jolt. She looked over to Blaise, who was stronger to keep them from finding it. Her eyes scanned the desk, the
drumming his fingers on his glass to the beat of the music. archway to the kitchen, and the door leading to the rest of the residence.
Shifting her legs, she leaned into his ear. Her brows furrowed. Something was wrong.
He tilted his head up. She closed her eyes and tried to envision what she'd seen when they
"Narcissa is fleeing with Draco in the morning. You and the girls need entered. A sitting room. A path to the kitchen. And—
to run before dawn." "Wasn't there another door?" Draco said.

741 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 718

 Her eyes shot open, and she spun to him. He was staring at the place Ginny. She'd get to Ginny tonight. Oliver in the morning.
where the window to the ocean had been charmed. There was just a Draco excused them suddenly. He took her by the elbow as they side-
painting there. stepped through the guests. When he released her, Hermione found
Draco ran a hand through his hair. "No. No, sorry, I guess—" herself blinking up at Blaise and "Giuliana." She blinked down again.
"You're right. There was." She pointed her wand at the wall. "Revelio!" Blaise said something light — teasing. There was a clap of a shoulder,
Like a fog clearing, a door materialized in the stone wall. Draco and a drawled reply. But Hermione's mind was already elsewhere, her
staggered backward as Hermione's heart pounded in her throat. She head bowed and her eyes darting through her lashes.
rushed forward, casting a few hex-detection charms on the brass handle. She'd barely caught two words of the conversation when she saw
All negative. Draco dipped his chin in a nod, and she pulled the door finally it — a flash of fiery red hair. It fell down thin shoulders onto a thin
open, both of their wands at the ready. body, a slinky fabric stretched tight across its curves.
More stairs leading downward — this tunnel blacker than the one A man leaned closer, whispering as his hand drifted down the girl's
before. Hermione steeled herself and started to descend, not daring to back. Avery. Guiding Ginny in the direction of the Lounge.
glance back at Draco. Hermione swayed on her feet. She let her shoulder brush Draco's, and
The air was thick and humid, like they were walking into hell itself. he paused mid-sentence. It took three seconds for his head to turn in the
The walls were wet, and in the silence between their footsteps, she right direction.
thought she could hear something else in the darkness. Something "Shall we go see what's new in the Lounge?" he asked.
whispering. Blaise hummed his agreement, and then the four of them were
The spiraling slowed, and Hermione's eyes locked on a large cavern making their way to the double doors.
waiting to swallow them at the end of the stairs. She held her breath and The crowd was thinning. Hermione's eyes passed over them, searching
didn't blink until she stepped off the final step and into the darkness. for red hair. They were almost at the exit when they bumped into
Her Lumos Maxima had barely left her wand when she turned to find Narcissa. Hermione had to fight the urge to crane her neck and stare
Draco stepping next to her. His eyes widened and darted about as the down the corridor while Narcissa pecked her son on the cheek, giving a
light bloomed, and she turned to follow his gaze. clipped excuse for leaving early.
Gold and silver and books and paintings stacked up at least thirty feet The Lounge was already in full swing. It seemed the number of
high. Expensive furnishings and cabinets with china. It was like stepping Carrow Girls had doubled. There were serving girls, girls in laps sipping
into a corner of the Room of Hidden Things, only the clutter wasn't champagne, girls dancing on the platforms. Draco led them toward the
broken or discarded — it was treasure. couches where they usually sat, but they were occupied by strange men in
Her feet carried her forward as she scanned the rugs and tapestries. uniforms that Hermione had never seen before.
An open chest full of jewelry. There was a Horcrux in this room. The four of them moved through the dimly lit room in search of a
Somewhere. Buried beneath the piles of necklaces and rings? Tucked place to sit. They passed Theo, looking miserable as Cassandra ran her
between the Degas and the Rembrandt? fingers over his shoulders. Oliver was nowhere to be found. Hermione
"We shouldn't touch anything," she said. "There was a Gemini Curse spotted Dolohov with Pius Thicknesse at one of the back tables, and
in the vault where—" Bellatrix's vault, she realized a moment too late when his head swiveled in their direction, she quickly ducked her chin.
—"where we found the cup." She searched for any sign of Ginny, but there were too many people
Turning around, she found Draco just behind her. His face was — crowding the gambling tables, grabbing the girls.
unreadable as he dug into his robes and produced the basilisk fang. He "Draco! Blaise!"
extended it to her. Marcus Flint grinned at them from a nearby chair, Penelope sitting
She jerked her head. "It should be you. I've already done one." low across his lap. She didn't look up, too focused on running her fingers

719 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 740

 Theo failed to conceal his grimace as he took off toward a small It had to be him. If Voldemort fell, killing a Horcrux might be the
platform in the corner, Oliver following a few steps behind him. thing that saved him. And his parents.
Hermione's gaze drifted to Charlotte, smiling at each guest as she passed He looked ready to argue with her, but he kept it as he moved to a
out champagne. wardrobe. He opened the doors of it with a wave of his wand, and
The sound of wands tapping against flutes rang throughout the hall, billowing skirts tumbled out — dresses from hundreds of years ago. He
and the crowd quieted. Hermione shifted behind Draco as Theo began crept closer, opening the pockets of coats with the tip of his wand.
speaking, her eyes quickly scanning the room. But it was too tightly Hermione gravitated toward a chest of jewels and floated them out
packed — too filled with people she'd never seen before. one by one to examine. She checked the frame of every painting, unrolled
She caught a glimpse of Narcissa standing with the Selwyns. Amycus every rug, turned over every chalice.
and Alecto Carrow were nearby. A pair of young witches whispered to Taking a deep breath, she checked on Draco. He was still working
Hermione's left. Their mother turned to glare at them, and when she through the clothes, turning them inside out to inspect the pockets and
moved between them, Hermione's blood froze in her veins. linings. Above his head on top of the wardrobe, a series of brightly-
A glimpse of red in the far corner of the room. Not fiery-red like colored hats caught her attention. She scanned the feathers and wide
Ginny, but burnt orange. brims, the pointed wizarding hats, and the Muggle top hats. And there at
A book smelling of fresh grass and spearmint trembled violently. the top, lording over them all—
Hermione shifted, trying to get a better glimpse, but then her spine The Sorting Hat.
prickled, and she found Dolores Umbridge staring at her through Hermione gasped, and the necklace she'd been floating clattered to
narrowed eyes. She tore her gaze to the floor. the ground. Draco spun to her as it splintered, diamonds rolling across the
Ron, her heart whispered. But she knew she couldn't reach him in time. stone floor.
After the toast, the men would scatter to private rooms. The wives and "That's it." Her eyes flicked to him, then back up to the wardrobe.
daughters would leave through the fireplace, along with the male Lots "That's the Horcrux."
who had no use in the Lounge. Draco stepped backward to stare up at it. Surprise crossed his face
Ron was standing by the fireplace. when he recognized it.
Her mind always knew it was unlikely. There were too many The cave seemed to shiver in the silence.
unknowns — too narrow a chance. But she still felt acid in her stomach "Are you sure?"
threatening to choke her as Theo lifted his glass and said, "To the Dark There was a certainty in her blood that Harry had always told her
Lord's power." about — the faintest of whispers in her ears, like a chant only she could
"May he reign forevermore!" hear. The fine hairs on the back of her neck stood up.
She swallowed her champagne with everyone else. It rippled down her "Positive." She walked over to him like she was treading thin ice, her
throat, harsh and biting. eyes never leaving the Hat. Draco's muscles tensed in the periphery of her
Her limbs felt heavy as Draco guided her back into the circle with vision. "The Sorting Hat was Godric Gryffindor's," she said softly, when
Yaxley and Travers. The crowd resumed its chatter, and Hermione tried she was standing just beside him. "We should—"
not to flinch when she heard the burst of the fire as people left by the "Right you are, Miss Granger," a thick voice croaked from the
Floo. And again. wardrobe, and her stomach lurched.
While she finished draining her glass, and the Floo flamed four more Hermione and Draco's wands shot up, aiming at the Sorting Hat as it
times. She couldn't bear to check for Ron again when she knew he must chuckled — oily and darker than it had back in school. It quivered, as if
be gone. She pasted on a smile as she closed the heavy volume inside her waking up from a long sleep. The tear along its brim turned up into an
mind. Pushing up on her toes, she lost it somewhere on her highest shelf. eerie grin.

739 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 720

 It was like staring at a familiar painting that had been defaced. There corner, their eyes flicking over the other guests. They found Theo
was something she recognized, but also something tainted. standing in the center of the room, speaking with Yaxley, Travers, and his
Perhaps some of the Hat was still in there. wife. Oliver stood behind him with his arms folded behind his back.
Hermione cast a sideways glance at Draco, and found him looking at Draco shook hands with them and wrapped his arm around her waist,
her. Waiting to follow her lead. tugging her close. She met Oliver's eyes briefly before he glanced back at
"Sorting Hat," she said, her voice stronger than she felt. "Tell me the the floor.
last thing you remember. Before you woke up here." "I suppose Molnár expects the Dark Lord to just allow it?" said
"The death of the first Gregory Goyle," it hummed. "Slytherin. Sorted Travers, continuing their conversation. "Last night was one thing, but two
1964." nights in a row…" He shook his head and circled his whiskey in its glass.
Draco moved quickly, gripping the fang in one hand and stretching for Yaxley glanced over his shoulder. "I believe the Dark Lord has sent
the Hat with his other— someone to… assess the situation."
A crackle of energy sliced through the air, and with a great gust of "I expected as much," said Travers. He sipped his drink.
wind, Draco was flung across the room. Hermione screamed as he Hermione's breath grew shallow. They were talking about the
slammed into a gold chest, and thumped down onto the cavern floor. The Hungarian Minister. And Bellatrix.
wind swept through the room, swirling her hair around her face and "I noticed Minister Romano isn't here tonight." Theo turned his head
pulling lighter items into a twister. The light from her Lumos to search the crowd. "Strange, isn't it?"
Maxima flickered, and they were plunged into darkness. Hermione glanced at Draco, and found his gaze narrowed on Yaxley.
The Sorting Hat cackled, its voice suddenly thin and high like Hermione turned just in time to see Yaxley exchanging a quick glance
Voldemort. with Travers.
Hermione conjured a ball of light in the middle of the ceiling, then "I see Berge is missing as well," said Yaxley.
whipped back to aim her wand at the Sorting Hat just as it soared "Yeah." Theo tugged at his collar. "All I know is that he's been
through the air, landing at the far end of the room. The wind died out. detained."
She stumbled after it, freezing when she saw Draco on his feet — "Curious." Travers' tone sounded like it was anything but. "I would
clutching the fang in one hand, and his wand in the other. He strode have assumed he'd want to be here for the re-opening."
toward the corner, his eyes determined, and Hermione followed. "I'm sure he did. I'm not sure what held him up." Theo sipped deeply
"Accio." Draco spat. "Wingardium Leviosa." from his tumbler, flinching as the liquid traveled down his throat.
The Hat remained perfectly still as they approached. It sat right-side- Hermione looked over at Oliver, her fingers tapping the vials in her
up on the stone floor, waiting for them. Draco glanced at her before seam. She had to get one to him. But he was a lower priority than Ginny
taking another step forward— tonight. Or Ron.
And the wind erupted, sweeping up gold coins and jewelry to pelt With his father dead, only Theo and Oliver lived at Nott Manor now.
against their face and arms. Hermione lifted a hand to shield herself, her She could send Kreacher first thing in the morning to call at the gates.
wand raised as Draco pushed forward, holding the fang high. "Master Nott."
"Miss Granger," it sang, "not wearing your house colors today, I see?" Theo turned over his shoulder. Charlotte stood behind him with a tray
The wind froze for half a heartbeat, items suspended in the air. The of champagne glasses. "Charlotte."
moment Hermione's fingers fell to her emerald necklace, the gems pressed "Are you ready for the toast?" Theo stared at her blankly. She leaned
in on her windpipe and the air began howling again. Objects beat against in, lowering her voice. "Master Berge was planning to say a few words
her legs and stomach as she gasped, scratching at her throat. A towering about the reopening. I assume you'll be doing it in his stead?"
cabinet nearly collapsed onto Draco as the necklace squeezed tighter. Her "Er, yes. Of course."

721 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 738

 "Yes," said Narcissa. "He has an important commitment at the wand fell to the floor, and she jerked her foot out to stop it from rolling
Ministry." away.
They crossed through the gate and to the top of the hill. Draco took She tried to scream, but her vocal cords were clamped. Draco pushed to
both their elbows for side-along Apparition and landed them in front of standing and turned to her just as the wind intensified, lifting the large
the signpost to Edinburgh. Narcissa brushed off her robes and stared up gilded picture frames and hurling them in his direction. He deflected one
at the castle, her lips twisted in a frown. after another until he was sidestruck, grunting as he doubled over. Another
The cobblestone path turned them to the gate, and when the shiver of sharp constriction, and Hermione dropped to her knees, digging her
new wards and Protective Spells passed over them, Hermione sank deeper thumbs under the collar. She saw Daphne's wand roll away as black spots
into her waters. popped in her vision, catching inside a heavy rug at least six yards away.
She climbed stone steps to a castle on a mountaintop. A tall boy with The sound of Voldemort's laughter was high in Hermione's ears as the
pale hair gripped her elbow. room battered them, debris spiraling up to the ceiling. She limped
He murmured to his left, and a woman murmured back. His mother. towards the rug, fingers scratching at her throat, and looked up to see
They cleared the stairs and walked on winding cobblestones. Her Draco running towards her. A low rumble, and Hermione watched in
muscles ached. horror as a chest of drawers flew at him, pinning him to a nearby shelf.
Lights glowed and men laughed as they turned a corner. Her head grew light, her lungs seizing for oxygen as the room howled.
The courtyard looked familiar. She focused the last of her energy on the dying warmth in her fingertips.
A clocktower overhead, ticking towards ten. An amphitheater to the Accio, she thought — a whisper, a prayer — and then her magic
north, overlooking a small arena. A fountain at the center. Magic is Might. crackled, and Daphne's wand was hurtling through the air. Her arm shot
A couple approached, and the blonde woman stepped forward, kissing up and she caught it by the fingertips, pointing the wand to wordlessly
their cheeks. The wife stared at her as the pale-haired boy shook her blast open the jewels. They scattered, and she collapsed on her back,
husband's hand, keeping a firm grip on his other elbow. wheezing and gasping for air. The emeralds lifted above her, caught by
The pale-haired boy led her from the courtyard. His fingers cupped the wind.
her chin. "Granger." An explosion to her right. She rolled on her stomach to see Draco
Blinking, she returned to her body. She found Draco Malfoy pressing stumbling to his feet — the chest of drawers obliterated, the wood shards
her against the side of a building. Looking at her. joining the tornado. Their eyes locked as she pushed herself to standing,
"Pull it back," he whispered. "We're almost inside." and then there was a groan so loud the floor shook beneath their feet.
She nodded, and then he was pulling away and tugging her towards Hermione rasped out a Protection Spell as more objects jerked
the entrance of the Great Hall. upward, keeping them behind an invisible wall. It held for five seconds
They were greeted by Charlotte's painted smile. before she needed to cast again. Draco started towards her, and she waved
"Master Malfoy. Miss Granger. Welcome back to Edinburgh." And him back, screaming, "Kill it! I'll hold off the room!"
before Hermione could search her eyes for recognition, Charlotte was She aimed at the twister, and the wand shivered under her instruction.
offering them both a glass of champagne and pulling back the curtain. Draco raced to the Hat, then skid to a halt as it levitated. Its brim
Hermione swallowed her shock as they stepped inside the Great Hall. opened as he gaped up at it.
It had been expanded to twice its usual size, and still the guests stood "And you Mr. Malfoy. Quite a Gryffindor you've become. Perhaps we
nearly elbow to elbow. The walls had been repainted, the chandeliers need another Sorting Ceremony."
rehung, and all the swords and weapons removed. And then the Hat flew forward, swirling once around Draco before
Draco took her arm and steered them through the crowd. She spotted launching at his head. Hermione cried out—
Ministers Cirillo, Grubov, and Santos speaking lowly to each other in a far Draco stumbled back, wrestling with the Hat before its opening finally

737 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 722

attached itself onto his face. The basilisk fang clattered to the ground as His hand froze on the doorknob.
Draco fought it, blindly casting spells as it shivered around him, as though "About last night. Please don't be embarrassed by what the Horcrux
it were sucking in his soul. said to you. I've come to care for you quite a bit as well." The words came
Hermione's stomach lurched, and she released the Protection Spell, tumbling out of her. "And I know that the world is upside down, but if
sprinting to him. The objects in the room flew at her, a painting slamming the circumstances were different, you should know that I would have—"
into her shoulder, but she hardly felt the blows. "Don't. Please."
"I can see your heart, Draco Malfoy." The voice came from every She stared at him, waiting for him to turn around. To look at her.
corner, sensuous and booming. He didn't.
Dropping to his side, Hermione ripped at the Hat, her heart in her "I'll leave you to get ready." He wrenched open the door, and when he
throat and her fingers burning as she tried to tear it from his skin. She closed it behind him, something cracked inside her chest.
could hear him screaming from inside, but suddenly, the Hat released Hermione wasn't sure how long she'd stared after him before she
him. realized she was crying. But there was no time for her tears. Or
Hermione whipped her head to watch it bounce to the side just as heartbreak.
something rocketed at her from the left. A hiss from Draco, and a boom in She Occluded while she took a few bites of dinner, while she bathed
her eardrums — the shard of wood deflected just in time. Dust rained over and curled her hair. When her locks finally resembled something Pansy
them as Draco tugged her to her feet, her ears still ringing from the blast. might approve of, she set Daphne's wand on her bed and returned to the
"Find the fang!" she croaked. He nodded, pale as a sheet, and she bathroom to paste on her makeup.
caught sight of a ring burned into his face before he spun to the debris. A She emerged half an hour later, her books firmly tucked away.
chair flew at her from the left, and she flung up another Protection Spell. Daphne's wand had vanished, and when she opened her wardrobe, she
A hollow wind rose behind her, and Hermione turned over her found the dress Pansy had sent with the elves.
shoulder and saw the Hat. It lay on its side, the opening facing them. A Gold satin. Hermione ran her fingers over the material. It felt like
darkness twisted inside of it, and Hermione's stomach rolled as it water on her skin.
widened, growing taller and taller. Terror gripped her ribs. She spun She shimmied into the dress and stepped into the matching heels. She
around for Draco, and found him crouched a few feet away, his eyes on slipped three mini-vials in the inner seam, and clicked the gold collar into
the opening, his wand pointed down the chasm. His other hand empty. place.
A small object flew at her, knocking her shoulder back. Her feet A knock on her door at a quarter till ten, and she opened it to find
stumbled as she recast her Protection Spell, and she stared back at the Draco in his Death Eater robes.
tunnel. It was almost the height of the room now, and her heart stopped Hopefully for the last time.
as she made out a pale wisp of something, growing larger and larger. She cleared her mind, tucking away Narcissa's plans and burying them
A figure. on her shelves.
Cold sweat broke across her skin as the person grew taller, walking He cast his eyes over her, and offered his hand. She took it.
closer until it stepped out of the abyss. A person she recognized. They met Narcissa at the bottom of the stairs, looking far too elegant
Jet-black hair. Slender and handsome. Only when he turned his brown in midnight blue. She wished them a good evening, and took Draco's
eyes on her did Hermione know it wasn't Harry — it was Tom Riddle. other arm. As they walked down the drive, she said, "I'll only stay for the
"Draco, don't listen to a word he says—" first half-hour. Your father can't make it, so I won't be expected to stay
Tom Riddle raised his ghostly white hand, and her Protection Spell long without him."
vanished. The wind shrieked at her face as the maelstrom came hurtling "And you said he's in Italy?" Draco asked.
for her head. The gravel crunched beneath Hermione's heels.

723 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 736

 She braced herself for his refusal. A voice called her name as it swallowed her, flinging her backward.
"I'll try," he said softly, and the breath left her lungs. "I'll put in the Her head cracked against the cavern floor, knocking her breath from her
request for a Share, but I may not be able to confirm with Avery until this lungs. She forced her eyes open and her shaking legs to stand. She had to
evening." He glanced up at her ceiling, and she could see the circles under get up.
his eyes. "I might not be able to leave the two of you alone this time." The room spun as she stood in the eye of the storm — at the center of
"That's fine," she said, her mind working quickly. "I don't want you to swirling paintings and wooden splinters, gold and silver spinning around
leave." her in a blur. Her eyes locked on Draco's, still crouching low, untouched
It wasn't how she planned to tell him that the True Order was closing by the walls of the storm. Something passed over his face, and he tore his
in. But this way was best, even if he did get angry at her. If he heard it in gaze to the floor.
front of Ginny, then Ginny would be the third Lot able to confirm that She had to reach him.
Draco's loyalties had shifted — following her and Oliver. Her fingers gripped Daphne's wand, and she summoned her energy to
"And one vial is for Ron?" shoot spell after spell at the wind. But they were caught in the eyewall, the
Hermione startled from her thoughts. Draco was now staring at the force of her magic crackling up the walls like lightning. A shadow shifted
wall. "Yes. The last is for Oliver." Her throat felt tight. "Only if there's an in front of her — Tom Riddle, watching her closely.
opportunity, of course. I just… want to be prepared." She thought of Harry as she stared at him. Of Fred and Luna, Remus
His expression gave nothing away. "I'll put in the request for Ginny. and Cho. And her vision went white with rage. She paced, fingers
You should get ready. I need to—" He cleared his throat. "I need to speak trembling to strangle him as his face stretched in an amused leer. She shot
to my mother about Bellatrix." her arm through, and a wooden chair quickly caught her in the stomach,
A memory shot to the surface before she could stop it, flitting through crumpling her to the ground. She curled on her side as the pain
images of wiry curls and bared teeth. blossomed, tasting blood in her mouth.
I'll get you another one. This one has poisoned you. "Draco Malfoy." Tom Riddle's voice drifted to her like a purr in her
Bellatrix had known about Draco's feelings for her as well. ear. "Purest of blood, and heir to the great Malfoy line. Loyal servant to
Something sparked in her veins, but Hermione forced herself to focus. the great Lord Voldemort."
"Were Blaise and Pansy able to hide the body?" Hermione's chin lifted. Through the stars in her vision, she saw Riddle
"Yes. There weren't any problems there." Draco ran a hand through tilt his head, serpentine in his movements.
his hair. "But Mother should know." "And yet, you come to betray him."
"Not yet." His eyes snapped to her, and she felt her pulse race. "Let it Draco looked up from where he knelt, like a knight swearing fealty.
wait till tomorrow." Tom Riddle looked over at her and smirked. "My mother was also
His brows pulled together. "I really think—" tempted by the beauty of a Muggle," he said to Draco. "But I've seen
"Trust me. Your mother doesn't need to hear this before she is inside of you now, Draco." With an elegant bend to his knees, Riddle
required at Edinburgh. It's best to wait until tomorrow." dropped in front of him, meeting his eyes. "It's not her beauty that did
When he and Narcissa would be gone. you in."
She could grieve for her sister while knowing her son was safe. Hermione's breath caught, and she pushed herself up by the elbows.
Tearing his eyes from her face, Draco nodded. "Leave Daphne's wand "He's manipulating you!"
on your bed once you're finished with it. She was asking for it earlier." A snap of Riddle's fingers, and the wind howled louder, silencing her.
Hermione felt him slipping through her fingers again as he moved past She stumbled to her feet, ignoring the pain in her head as she watched
her, reaching for the door. Draco stare down the ghost of Tom Riddle. Apart from the muscle
"Wait." ticking in his jaw, he was perfectly still.

735 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 724

 "I believe that was your Aunt Bellatrix's fatal mistake this evening." Her emotions bubbled as she worked, tightening her chest and
Riddle tutted, and Hermione shivered, the sound crawling beneath her unsteadying her fingers. Once she set the cauldron to simmering,
skin. "She assumed you would be satisfied with a replica." He gestured in Hermione began meditating to file them away.
Hermione's direction. "But I've seen your heart. I've broken through your Three hours later, her waters were calm, and the smoke was rising in
brick walls and cracked open your jewelry boxes." perfect spirals. Hermione put out the flame and bottled four vials of the
Draco's eyes flickered to her, wide and terrified. Her heart rattled tattoo antidote: one for Ginny, one for her, one for Ron, and one for
inside her ribs. Oliver. She couldn't forget her promise to Theo to get him out.
"No, no, Draco," Riddle said, and Draco's eyes darted back to him. "I After cleaning up her workspace, she closed the laboratory and headed
want your loyalty. And as your aunt can attest, killing this girl won't get upstairs. She went straight to her bedroom, intent on preparing for
it." Riddle smiled, leaning into his ear. "I can give you what you want." Edinburgh.
"I don't want anything—" The door swung open, and her feet froze. Draco was standing at her
"Security. Protection. No more hiding in the shadows with her." bookshelves, perusing a book like it was exactly where he was expected to
Riddle studied him, and with the grace of a predator, he gripped Draco's be. As if it were just another evening at Edinburgh, and he'd come to give
shoulder. "You know how easily she could be cast aside. And you know her instructions.
who'll be waiting in the shadows to take her from you." She'd lost count of her heartbeats by the time he finally closed the
Hermione went still — her muscles frozen. Something shifted in the book, replacing it on the shelf. He turned around slowly, as if forcing
corner of her eye, and she gaped at the inky tunnel as another shape himself. His gaze rested on her collarbones.
shifted inside. It split into two as it grew larger, and she watched a shadow "Where have you been?" Her voice was hollow.
of herself emerge from the black depths with Antonin Dolohov's arms A tight shrug of his shoulders. "I told you. I checked in on Blaise and
wrapped around her middle, caging her. She was in black lace lingerie Pansy. I stayed the night at Grimmauld—"
that barely covered her. Dolohov tangled his fingers in her hair, his palm "Why?"
sliding up her thigh. Draco was silent.
Draco didn't move, his lips parted and his ribs expanding quickly. Her fingers shook with the need to reach out to him. To drag his face
"Leave this place at once, and she won't be a slave any longer." With a to hers. She opened her mouth, but it felt like she might crumble beneath
flick of Riddle's fingers, the shadow of Dolohov evaporated, leaving only the weight of all the things she wanted to say.
her. Bare-faced and wild-haired, in denims and a jumper. "I'll let you keep You'll be gone by morning. I want to spend the time we have left loving you. Because
her. Marry her. No longer a Mudblood traitor — Lady Malfoy." I love you.
Riddle's hand squeezed Draco's shoulder. Hermione's breath came in Her heart urged her on. Her mind whispered, not yet.
short pants as she watched Draco swallow. His fingers twitched. "I was worried about you," she managed.
Tom Riddle abruptly stood, towering over Draco. "Swear again your A muscle in his jaw twitched. "I'm fine." His eyes fell to the glass vials
loyalty to me, Draco Malfoy, and Lord Voldemort will grant her clemency. in her hand. "What are those about?"
Climb out of the cave, take her memories of this, and the Dark Lord will Hermione blinked down at them. She pulled Daphne's wand from her
give you freedom. Both of you." pocket and shrunk the vials to the size of a pill. "I made more of the
It was silent except for the swirl of the wind. Hermione felt like she tattoo antidote. In case I need to take it on short notice."
was sinking to the bottom of icy waters as Draco rose to his feet, his jaw "Why are there four?"
set and his eyes determined. "Thank you, my Lord," he whispered. She Swallowing, she met his eyes. They were dark and grey. She would
could scarcely hear him over the tunnel surrounding her. drown in them, if he let her. "I need to see Ginny tonight."
Tom Riddle smiled, his translucent head nodding in agreement. His shoulders sagged, and his gaze drifted over her shoulder.

725 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 734

 Perhaps he was embarrassed — or worried that she'd misunderstood Her stomach roiled as Draco swept away from the Horcrux, moving
what she'd seen. But whatever Tom Riddle's reasons were for tempting toward her. Her legs swayed, unsteady beneath her.
Draco with her, it was clear that he cared for her immensely. Even his She watched Draco take four steps closer and twitch his wrist.
mother believed he wouldn't leave without her. Something ivory flew up from the ground, and faster than a Snitch,
He had to know she felt the same. She'd shown him how she felt, every Draco spun, casting it forward with his wand, hurtling towards Riddle
day and every night. She'd sacrificed her freedom to stay with him. Yet and the Hat.
he'd run away. The basilisk fang shot through the middle of Tom Riddle's chest,
Sighing, Hermione turned from the balcony, shutting the doors behind flying past his shocked expression, and into the dark opening of the Hat.
her. In another life, she could have taken weeks to parse him apart. She An unearthly scream, like a thousand glasses shattering inside her
might have spent months, even, cataloging each look and gesture, trying mind. She covered her ears and watched Draco do the same. The walls of
to stitch them into an answer that made sense. But there was no time. the cavern shook as Tom Riddle's apparition howled in agony, the Hat
She found lunch waiting for her on Draco's desk — a single plate. sucking him backward as it shriveled down to normal size.
Hermione pulled back the silver lid and stared at it, trying to channel her The tunnel of broken furniture and gold coins halted, falling around
hunger. She should eat. them like hail. And the screaming stopped.
She glanced at the clock on the mantelpiece — almost three in the Hermione counted two heartbeats before she ran to him. He was
afternoon. Anxiety pricked at her insides, further ruining her appetite. staring at the spot Riddle had been, as if he couldn't trust he was really
At this rate, her conversation with Draco might have to wait until after gone — the same way he'd stared at his aunt's body. She grabbed his
Edinburgh. But perhaps that was for the best. If she told him too soon, he elbow, and he jumped, spinning to her as she threw her arms around his
might argue his way out of it, just like she had when he tried to make her neck.
leave. "You did it. Draco, you—" Her voice shook. "You were amazing. For a
Her thoughts wandered to Edinburgh. Voldemort had been clear last moment, I thought you'd—"
night — every Lot was expected to attend. That meant Ginny, and Ron. She broke off as he removed her hands. They fell limply at her sides.
How long would it be until she saw them again? He wouldn't look at her as he took a step backward, glancing around
Her mind drifted, pondering — and her body went rigid. The silver the destruction. "You're alright?"
lid slipped from her fingers, rolling onto the carpet. Hermione swallowed. "I think so. I may have a mild concussion,
There would be bloodshed when the True Order arrived. There but…" She trailed off as he moved toward the Sorting Hat, watching it
would be chaos and violence, and there was no guarantee that her friends ooze. Her throat felt thick as she moved beside him. "I suppose it's gone
would survive it. now."
Hermione tossed the lid on Draco's desk and swiftly exited his room. There was silence.
Her sore muscles burned with protest as she flew down the stairs and "We should go."
wound through corridors until she was opening the door to the potions Hermione glanced up at him. His mouth was in a hard line. He still
laboratory. She flicked on the lamps with Daphne's wand, lighting the wouldn't look at her.
cauldrons and pulling down the ingredients she knew by heart. Just as she opened her mouth to ask him what was wrong, he turned
Tomorrow morning, she would go to Grimmauld Place. But tonight, on his heel and wove them back through the destruction.
she could give Ginny her freedom — and if she were lucky, Ron, too. She Something was wrong. That was all she could think about as Draco
wouldn't be able to bring them into Grimmauld Place without the Secret led them up the sweltering staircase, not bothering to look behind him.
Keeper, but she could send Kreacher to hide them somewhere safe. But They reached the top of the stairs. Draco's hand reached for the door to
she'd need Draco's help. the residence, and as it swung open, Tom Riddle's voice floated in her ears.

733 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 726

 I'll let you keep her. Marry her. safest way. If that fails, they should cross the Anti-Apparition line at
The door clicked closed, and Hermione's cheeks burned white hot. Liverpool."
The warmth sunk inside her chest, sparking through her veins as Draco's Narcissa had squeezed her fingers, tethering her to her body. "Is this
books fluttered open on her shelves. She'd come to mean a great deal to something I can trust you to handle, Hermione?"
him over the past year. Hermione had managed to nod. "Of course. I'll tell them when I
The Horcrux had confirmed it. arrive in the morning."
Draco moved quickly through the sitting room, putting out the lamps "Thank you." Slowly, Narcissa had released her hand.
and wrenching open the front door. He successfully didn't look back at There had been a long silence as Hermione contemplated looking out
her as they climbed the long staircases up toward the moonlight. on Malfoy Manor for the last time. She'd tried to imagine what she might
The warmth flickered as he led them out of the cave, and down the say to Draco, in those final moments.
mountain. She wanted to beg him to look at her — but his gaze remained "Kreacher will remain there with you. He's under strict orders to serve
firmly ahead, as if they were still on the stone steps. your needs. He'll cook for you and fetch the paper, and when the time
By the time they Apparated back to the edge of the Romanian town comes, he'll bring you to your friends."
— Draco's hand dropping hers quickly — she felt cold again. And by the Another pause, and Hermione had lifted her eyes.
time he pulled out the Portkey, barely holding her forearm between his "I know it will be frustrating to wait. But you shouldn't leave until you
thumb and forefinger as they landed in a silent alley in Muggle London, can be delivered to the True Order. I cannot leave you with my wand,
Hermione was wondering if she'd miscalculated. Hermione. Draco and I both need to be armed."
Lady Malfoy. She'd said nothing, watching Narcissa's lips tremble.
She wondered what he would say to her if she told him the truth: that "Things are moving quickly. Salerno is nearly overrun, and Lucius
she loved him. He cared for her enough to keep her from Dolohov — that expects Rome to fall within the week. Once Italy is taken, other allies will
much was certain. But did his feelings run as deep as hers? quickly defect. If Lucius needs us for some reason—" She broke off, her
Perhaps marrying her was the only way to keep her safe. shaking fingers twisting around each other. "He'll catch up with us — one
He paused at the edge of a dark alley, his palm outstretched. day. But I will get Draco out."
Hermione stared down at his hand, and took it. Her eyes had looked unfocused as she stood, thanking Hermione a
Draco Disapparated them quickly to the hill outside the Manor, and final time. And as she'd left the room, Hermione heard her whisper, "This
trudged up the lane without waiting for her. Finally, at the base of the time, I will."
stairs, he paused. But he still wouldn't look at her. We need to be gone before the dawn.
"I need to… to check in with Blaise. Make sure they were able to…" And now it was half-past two in the afternoon.
He cleared his throat, and she felt her chest clench. Closing her eyes, Hermione tried to savor the sunlight on her face.
"Of course. Draco, I—" The wind in her hair. Each heartbeat ticked heavy in her chest, as if
Without a backward glance, he strode to the fireplace, grabbed a begging the seconds to slow down.
handful of Floo powder, and disappeared with a whispered, "Grimmauld She had less than a day left with Draco, and he was avoiding her.
Place." Her mind drifted to the memory of the way his eyes had refused to
Hermione watched the flames take him before settling back to orange. meet hers in the cave — the way he strode down the mountain without a
Her knees buckled, and she collapsed on the stairs. backward glance. The speed at which he'd spun to the fireplace, as if he
The Horcrux was gone. Once again, it was now only the snake that couldn't get away from her soon enough.
stood in the way. She should feel dizzy with the joy of it. Free. Instead all Her stomach churned, and her vision swam. Pushing her emotions
she could wonder was why she'd appeared in the deepest depths of Draco aside, she tried to summon her logic.

727 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 732

jaw hard and his wand trained on Draco. On the next page was Cho, her Malfoy's heart if he was only going to run from her, as if it were all a big
eyes burning with fury as she swung the sword at Draco's neck. The spine mistake.
shivered, the pages flitting through green flashes and bodies tumbling Her head began throbbing, and it felt like every inch of the pain she'd
down the stones— forgotten returned to her at once. Her legs shook when facing another set
It's Malfoy! I found him! of stairs, and her head spun as she walked to Draco's room. She
With a sharp breath, Hermione snapped the book closed. showered, healing her cuts and bruises with Daphne's wand. Then she
The truth sunk through her as she steadied her breathing, like a stone dressed in her pajamas, and slipped between the sheets, ready to sit up
dropping lower and lower into dark waters. The Malfoys had to leave. If and wait for him, but she was asleep before she could turn out the light.
the True Order came for her, there would be no time to explain — no
guarantee they wouldn't shoot to kill. But if the Malfoys were safely $
hidden, Hermione could focus on the task at hand. She awoke to the smell of coffee on their breakfast trays. Stretching,
If there were Lots who needed freeing, she'd free them. If there were she reached for Draco behind her on the bed — and found the sheets
Death Eaters in hiding, she'd root them out. And when the dust settled, cold.
she could explain the great lengths all three Malfoys had gone through to Hermione sat up, and her ribs clenched painfully as the ending of the
keep her safe and unharmed — and in Draco and Narcissa's case, to help evening returned to her. She pushed her hair out of her face and looked
the True Order. for any sign that Draco had come home. No clothes on the floor, no
But these were problems for another time. And for now, her time was covers pulled back. Only one tray on the table, not two.
running out. Just as her pulse started to race, there was a light rap on the door. She
Even if there were a good alternative, she couldn't deny Narcissa — stumbled out of bed and ran to open it, wondering why Draco would knock
not when she'd reached for Hermione's hand and pleaded for her son's —
life. Narcissa, who'd never asked for anything but her company; Narcissa, Narcissa stood in the doorway, her hands folded in front of her.
who'd saved her from Dolohov and shared her wand between the papers Hermione's disappointment turned to mortification, having been clearly
she slipped over breakfast. caught in Draco's bedroom, in her pajamas—
Narcissa had asked something of her, and she would do it. She would "Good morning, Hermione."
keep her word. "Hi. Er, Draco isn't here—"
Tomorrow morning, Hermione would say her goodbyes. She'd take the "I wanted to speak to you," said Narcissa, with a tense smile.
tattoo antidote, and Kreacher would Apparate her to Grimmauld Place. Hermione let her in and sat with her near the fireplace, her face still
According to Narcissa, the transfer of the deeds to Grimmauld Place hot. Narcissa declined a cup of tea, and Hermione clenched her hands to
had been sealed upon request. No one knew it had fallen back into the keep from fidgeting.
Malfoys' possession except for the immediate family and those living "I'll get right to the point." Narcissa's eyes had dark circles under them,
there. and her lips trembled as she took a breath. "The True Order has attacked
"Bellatrix is aware, but believes the property to be unoccupied," Italy. I heard from Lucius late last night."
Narcissa had told her. "Even if she does become suspicious, she won't be Hermione waited for the words to sink into her. She blinked.
able to find it. It's under a Fidelius Charm." "I see," was all she could say.
The name had splashed over Hermione like ice water, but Narcissa "They attacked last night, during the Hogwarts celebration. The Dark
didn't seem to notice. Lord wants to keep it quiet, but I believe it's just the beginning. There are
"Blaise, Pansy, and the others need to leave the country immediately. rumors of countries signing secret treaties with the True Order. Hungary,
There's a black market for International Portkeys in Norwich. It's the for instance."

731 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 728

 Hermione felt her fingers twitch. She stared at Narcissa as blood
rushed in her ears.
"And I need something from you, Hermione." Her warm blue eyes
locked onto hers, and Hermione felt the platinum thread dancing just in
front of her irises. "I know you need to stay. To be here for your friends.
For the True Order."
Hermione's lips parted, unsure what Narcissa was asking.
"But Draco needs to go."
Her throat was dry. "I don't understand—"

36
"If the True Order takes back England — and I hope they do — the
three of us won't survive it."
Narcissa swallowed, glancing down at her knuckles as they turned
white. She leaned forward.
"We need to leave. Lucius will join us when he can, but I know Draco
won't leave without you." Narcissa's eyes filled, her lips trembling.
"Hermione, I need you to make sure Draco comes with me."
The room spun as her heart beat in her fingertips, the words wrapping
around her ribs and sinking into her skin. A thousand useless words
formed on her tongue, but she bit them back.
She had to stay. And they had to go.
Her eyelids burned, and her voice rasped when she said, "When?"
Narcissa took a deep breath. "Tomorrow. You both should appear at
Edinburgh this evening. But we need to be gone before the dawn.”
he sun was high over the Manor. A May wind danced in trees near

T the gazebo, and the peacocks were sunbathing on the bank of the
pond.
And Draco still wasn't home.
Hermione stood on his balcony, watching the grounds with a sickness
in her chest.
Narcissa had left the room hours ago, yet she still felt the weight of the
tremor in her voice — the tears in her eyes.
The three of us won't survive it.
Her heart wanted to protest. Insist that her word and her memories
would exonerate them.
Her logic whispered otherwise.
She tugged her dressing gown around her stomach as a chill ran deep
through her bones. A blood-splattered volume drifted forward from her
shelves, opening to a page with Viktor emerging from the shadows, his

729 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 730

 Ginny pulled at a loose thread on her jumper. "On the third floor. She pulled back and watched his throat bob before he straightened
Recovering." and flashed her a grin — like she'd said something flirtatious. He took a
"What happened?" long sip of his drink, and gave her the slightest of nods. Pansy's eyes
"Nagini got her teeth in his side before he killed her. Right below his flickered between the two of them.
heart." Hermione continued to search the room, her gaze flicking between the
Hermione's pulse pounded, but Ginny's face was calm. doors to the Burgundy Room and the new guests at the gambling tables.
"I siphoned out as much poison as I could, and we took the passage "Miss Granger," said a voice near her shoulder.
back to the Hog's Head. The True Order was arriving just when we came Hermione spun to find a freckled young girl with blonde hair blinking
through. I found Fleur, and she gave me a Portkey to Rabastan back at her. Her accent was Irish, and she was wearing a silver collar.
Lestrange's house. I got there just— just after they'd freed Ron." Blaise's body shifted next to her.
Ginny cleared her throat. Hermione closed her eyes, imagining it. "Master Malfoy would like me to take you to him."
Ginny reconnecting with her brothers for the first time in a year, arms It felt like the air had been knocked from her lungs. Ginny. He'd been
thrown around each other, faces held as they sobbed. Ginny showing Ron able to convince Avery.
the Elder Wand, and telling him how she'd gotten it. Hermione stood from the chair, but Blaise stood with her, grabbing
"And then we came for you." her arm.
Her eyes flew open to find Ginny watching her again. Her face was "Why didn't he come to bring her?"
wistful. Hermione's lip trembled. She wanted to tear out of bed and The girl frowned. "I don't know, sir. All I know is that Master Malfoy
embrace her. Tell her how she'd missed her, dreamt of her, cried for her. told me to retrieve her."
But she was too afraid she'd lost that right, somewhere in the hallways of Hermione turned back to Blaise, trying to reassure him, but his gaze
Malfoy Manor. was narrowed on the girl.
Ginny reached for a piece of toast on the tray at the foot of "Is there a problem, sir?" The girl shifted her weight.
Hermione's bed, offering it to her. Hermione shook her head. Ginny sank Slowly, Blaise shook his head. He released her arm.
back into her chair, tearing at the pieces with her fingertips. With a final glance over her shoulder, Hermione followed the girl
"They want me to ask you where you sent Malfoy." through the Lounge. She led Hermione past the gambling tables and
Hermione's legs jerked, her hands twitching on her knees. Ginny through the double doors towards the Burgundy Room. Her chest grew
looked up at her, slightly pained. tighter with every step.
"I don't know. He never told me where the Portkey went." The girl led her past doors and down corridors she'd only seen once
Ginny tilted her head, twisting her lips downward like Molly used to before — the ones she'd run by as Edinburgh crumbled around them.
when confronting the twins. "But even if you knew," she said slowly, "you They climbed up a flight of twisting stairs and stopped at a door with an
wouldn't tell us, right?" intricate flower design in the wood. The girl pushed the door open and let
Hermione let out a sharp exhale. "Ginny, I can't even imagine the Hermione pass in front of her.
things you've been through. And I know you must be sick of hearing this, It was a dimly-lit bedroom. A large four-poster stretched toward the
but I'm sorry, Ginny. I'm so, so sorry." Hermione's throat spasmed. She stone ceiling. There was a wooden chair before an old writing desk, and
choked it down. "I understand why you assumed the worst. But you have two armchairs turned toward the fireplace. The girl followed her in and
to believe me when I tell you it wasn't like that for me. Draco and I care stood next to the desk. Hermione moved between the armchairs. The
for each other quite a bit—" room was empty. She turned to the girl to ask—
Ginny stood quickly. "I'm not— I'm not the best person to talk about And found tears streaming down her freckled cheeks. "I'm sorry," the
this." She took a step backward. Widening the chasm between them. girl whispered. "I'm so sorry."

764 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 742

 A cold wind swept through Hermione's lungs. "What for?" Hermione shook her head.
A floorboard creaked in the corridor, and Hermione whipped around "Merlin, I've never felt it as strong. I could hardly contain it."
to see Antonin Dolohov in the doorway. Ginny drifted again, her eyes glazing over. Hermione was silent.
Her veins turned to rivers of ice "Neville?" she finally asked.
"Thank you, Cara," he said. "Right. Well, he'd come straight to Hogwarts, like me. And when I
Cara sniffed as she rushed past him and out of the room. Dolohov asked him why, he said, 'I dunno, but Harry told me to kill the snake. So
closed the door behind her and cast a series of locking charms, sealing that's what I'm going to do.'"
her in.Hermione stood frozen as he turned. Her blood pounded. Every A broken sound tore from Hermione's throat before she could stop it.
nerve ending screamed at her to run. She pressed her fingers to her lips, blinking back the pressure behind her
Dolohov stepped forward, his eyes swallowing her like black tunnels. eyes.
"They've you done up in gold again, Mudblood." His voice dragged She'd been right. Harry had known he was a Horcrux. He'd told
like gravel across her skin. "The last time I saw you in gold, you were my Neville about the snake before he walked into the forest. He'd left another
property." in his place to help her and Ron.
A burst of adrenaline flooded her, narrowing her vision and pumping Ginny looked down at her lap. "I gave him the sword, and we took the
her heart. There was a window on the other side of the bed. There was a passage to the Room of Requirement. I charmed a coin I found in there —
fireplace, if she could take the antidote in her seam and find the Floo just like you used to do. That way Neville could tell me when the snake was
powder before he stopped her. dead."
Dolohov took another step. He tilted her head at her, like a wolf. Hermione waited until she could trust her voice again. "How did he
Her heart rattled her ribs as she tried to think. get to her?"
If she was able to flee through the fireplace without her owner, "I told him how." Ginny's brow arched again. "I'd been to the
Dolohov would tell the others. Draco would be captured, interrogated, dungeons where Voldemort kept her. I'd seen him cast the wards. I knew
and killed before dawn. how many guards there were, and where."
She had to stall him. Until Draco arrived. Hermione's breath was short as she imagined it. How long had Ginny
She lifted her chin. "I'm not sure what this is about, but if you'd like to been preparing for this, a coy smile on her face as Voldemort handed her
negotiate a Share, you'll have to go through my master." the keys to his destruction?
A smirk tugged at Dolohov's mouth. His black eyes glittered. "We both The Dark Lord's favorite pet.
know he'd never agree." "I waited until I felt the coin burn. Then I slipped into the Great Hall,
"Well, that's your answer, then—" and I killed him."
"And why do you suppose that is, Mudblood?" He swaggered forward. The words seemed to echo, catching on the walls. When Hermione
"You're just a Muggle. Just a tight cunt at the end of a long day." could bear the silence no longer, she asked, "How?"
Her knees threatened to give out, but she held her ground. "The Killing Curse," said Ginny simply.
"All the other men have shared their Lots. But not the Malfoy whelp." Her eyes flicked up again. There was a fire in them that reminded
He leered at her, his glassy eyes digging into her, taunting her. She had Hermione of another girl. One with strawberry blonde hair.
to keep him talking. Slow him down. A war ravaged in Hermione's chest. She wanted to ask what
"You and the Malfoys aren't on the best terms. Perhaps if you ask nicely Voldemort's face looked like as the Killing Curse hurtled toward him. She
—" wanted to ask how it felt as she watched the light leave Avery's eyes. How
He threw his head back and laughed. Like she was terribly funny. "You it felt to breathe fresh air again.
think you can get anything from the Malfoys by asking nicely?" He wiped She swallowed and refocused. "Where's Neville?"

743 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 763

 The tattoo had disappeared. Only Bellatrix's marks. She quickly his eyes, still chuckling. "No, no, we're much the same to them, you and I
glanced up at Ginny, who held her arm up with a raised brow. Clear as — nothing more than dirt under their shoe unless you have the blood or
well. property."
But of course it would be. The True Order had gotten the antidote to He smiled at her with crooked teeth. "I had a front-row seat to watch
Ginny and Ron that night. you last night, you know. Dining like a pure-blood, dressing like a pure-
"I'm told there was a potion in the champagne. At Edinburgh," Ginny blood."
said. Another step, and another. He was just a pace away now.
Hermione stared at her. She thought of Charlotte winding through "But we both know you're a filthy whore underneath it all. Aren't you?"
the crowd, passing out flutes to every man, woman, and Lot. A cold wind in her ears. Her skin trembled.
"It had a delayed onset. Four hours, give or take." "Can't walk into a room without Lucius Malfoy calling me a half-blood.
The toast had been just after ten. Yet here you are, a Mudblood shined up like a prize pure-blood bitch."
Ginny watched her piece it all together, an impassive expression on Hermione's breath came in quick pants.
her face. "I'm not the only one who sees it. Bella used to joke that you must
"Tell me everything." Hermione didn't have to elaborate. Nodding, have a golden cunt." His gaze raked her body — roving her chest, her
Ginny pulled her knees up to her chest. She took a sharp breath. thighs. "I disagreed. Told her I remembered how warm that cunt felt in
"It couldn't have been more than an hour after Avery and I left my palm."
Edinburgh. I was lying in bed, waiting for him to fall asleep so I could His fingers brushed across her hip. Hermione jerked backwards, but
return to my quarters." his other hand shot out to grab her hair. She cried out as he fisted it,
Something twisted through Hermione's belly. yanking her neck back. He grinned down at her, his wand drifting across
"And I felt something… spark. Inside of me. My magic was back." her skin and dipping below her neckline. She gasped, her hands
The corner of her mouth tugged, then quickly fell. "Before I could decide scrabbling against his chest, but he was too heavy.
what to do, something appeared next to me. I looked down, and the Her veins thrummed with magic, hot and frenzied. She coiled it,
Sword of Gryffindor was laying on the mattress." waiting for the right moment—
Hermione's lips parted in a silent gasp. Ginny reached up, as if to tuck "That's what I'm talking about." His breath reeked of Firewhisky.
her hair behind her ear. Her fingers fluttered to her collarbone instead. "You're not a frigid pure-blood bitch, are you Granger? You're the same
She looked out the small window to the left of Hermione's bed. Muggle whore you always were." He leaned down into her ear. "Let's see
"I slit his throat. I cut my hair off when he was bleeding out." Her gaze how warm you are."
was far away. "When it was done, I took his wand, and ran. I Apparated to His hand slithered up her thigh, rucking up her dress.
Hogsmeade. I had the sword — I was ready to kill the snake, like you told She thrashed, magic crackling through her, and just as she prepared to
me." unleash it, an explosion burst through the door.
Hermione's heart pounded as Ginny continued. A blast of flying wood and smoke. A yelp ripped from her throat,
"I was just breaking through the wards at the Hog's Head when I Dolohov's grip still tight on her scalp. When her vision cleared there was a
found Neville, doing the same." A small smile curled Ginny's lips. "He hole where the doorway used to be, and Draco was running through it.
killed the Rookwoods with fire to their bed. Didn't even need a wand, "Expelliar—!"
though he was able to grab one of theirs before he escaped." "Avada Kedavra!"
"He— what?" Hermione whispered. Green light jetted from Dolohov's wand, and Hermione screamed as
Ginny turned to her. "You felt it, didn't you? When your magic came Draco dove out of the way. Dolohov held her against him like a shield as
back?" he aimed his wand at Draco.

762 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 744

 "What are you playing at, Antonin?" His voice shook with rage as he "Careful," said Ginny. "Your ribs were bruised when you arrived. They
locked eyes with Dolohov. "She's my property. You have no claim on her." said you're still healing."
Hermione stared at him, panting as Dolohov squeezed tighter around From Dolohov.
her ribs. Her head spun. Hermione looked down at herself. She was wearing a pale green
"You don't get it, do you, Malfoy?" Dolohov's voice rumbled against hospital robe. "How long have I been here?"
her back. "You think I'm going to live long enough to enjoy my end of it? "A few days."
You think any of us will?" Her blood turned to ice. "Days?" She fumbled to toss off the bed
"That's not my problem." Draco's tone was like ice. "I made you an sheets, but Ginny was next to her in an instant.
offer, and you accepted my terms." "Rest." Her mouth was thin as she pushed Hermione back down. "I'm
"Your terms?" Another squeeze, knocking the air from Hermione's lungs. sure you have questions. I'll tell you whatever you want to know."
"Or your father's?" A knot formed in Hermione's chest as she watched Ginny sit down
Draco was silent, staring at her. His jaw ticked. again. It had been three days since Draco vanished from her grasp. Three
Dolohov let out a low scoff. "Your daddy's not here to protect you, days since she'd seen Narcissa, broken and desperate on the floor.
whelp. And with any luck, he'll get a curse to the back tonight." Her mind whirred, clicking through images of clouded marbles and
"It was mine to give. My birthright. I gave it to you, not my father—" cold blue eyes. A red Stunning Spell shot at her chest.
"And what good will Malfoy Manor do me when they raze it to the The room felt tighter, hotter. Hermione forced herself to breathe.
ground?" Her friends had made a mistake. But they'd been under immense
Hermione froze. There was ringing in her ears. pressure. She'd also made mistakes in the heat of the moment.
Draco's face was pale. "You can't — you're forbidden from speaking of She willed her heart to stop racing.
it—" It was just Ginny, and she could trust her. Once she had answers, she
"I knew he was full of shit." Dolohov's voice was breathless. Surprised, could tell her about the Malfoys. She could ask her for her help, and
almost. "Knew he did something to that Unbreakable Vow. Wait until I formulate a plan.
tell the others that Draco Malfoy gave away all he had to his name for When she looked up, she found Ginny watching her.
some worthless Muggle whore." "Alright," Hermione finally managed. "Where is Narcissa?"
The words crashed into her like breaking waves. "They took her to Azkaban at first, but the cells were overflowing by
Draco had given up the Manor for her. yesterday. They brought her back to Malfoy Manor last night. She's under
Dolohov began laughing again, as if he'd never heard a funnier joke. guard there for now."
Draco's wand shook. His eyes flicked to her, terrified. Hermione struggled to swallow. "So they've decided she isn't a threat?"
A black rage grew in her belly. Her magic sizzled, licking at her Ginny gave a tense shrug. "She's just not a high priority prisoner. She
insides. A fire crawled across her skin as she thought of black tile floors, doesn't know much. They've already interrogated her."
and Luna and Parvati's screams— Hermione's fingers twisted in the sheets. Narcissa was capable of
Her magic raced down her spine and rippled outward, flinging deceiving even the most skilled Legilimens, but she couldn't tell Ginny
Dolohov back with a grunt. that. Not yet.
She dove to the side as Draco fired off curses, but they exploded Ginny shifted to pocket her wand, and Hermione's breath caught at
against the wall. the sight of its familiar markings.
"Your bitch has magic?" He aimed hexes at Draco as Hermione The Elder Wand.
darted around the bed. "You're as good as dead, Malfoy. You and your Ginny had killed Voldemort. But how?
father." Hermione's head swam as she glanced down at her arm.

745 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 761

 "No!" The panic flew in like rushing water. Hermione screamed and He advanced, and Hermione could only watch in terror as Draco
kicked as Ron pulled her away. "Get off ! Let go of me!" countered every curse, each one coming quicker than the last. The walls
Ginny stood frozen in front of the staircase, watching in silence. rattled as she tried to channel her magic to help him.
"Don't hurt her! She's on our side!" Dolohov's eyes shot to her, and with a flick of his wand, a red light
Bill Weasley lifted his wand, and the last thing Hermione heard was, came barreling at her chest—
"Stupefy." White hot fire lit up her skin. Her bones were splitting open, her throat
clogged with lava as she screamed.
$ The curse lifted, and she panted on the floor, her muscles still seizing,
She dreamt she was drowning. the pain still rippling.
Kicking through deep water toward a dark shore that drifted further Yelling filled her ears. She dragged herself to her knees and crawled.
and further away. She broke the surface and saw Draco on the sand, Dolohov stood over Draco, his back facing her. Draco was screaming,
waiting for her. writhing on the ground.
She fought the waves, pummeling the water and running her body Her heart stopped. Her legs shook as she pushed herself to stand,
ragged as she tried to reach him. ready to throw herself at him. Anything to make him stop screaming.
His hand rose up, fingers extended, as though stretching for She took an unsteady step forward as her mind whirred, begging her
something. Her legs thrashed, her breath sharp and shallow as she fought to think — and her eyes caught on Draco's hawthorn wand, just feet
to stay above water. To stay with him. away.
A thin freckled hand wrapped around her ankle and dragged her Her knees almost buckled as she scrambled for it, snatching it off the
down. floor and dragging her body upright again. Draco's screams slashed
through her like a knife as she lifted his wand.
$ "Avada Kedavra."
"Rennervate." There was a crack. A fissure. A chill swam through her chest, and then
Hermione broke through the surface with a gasp, jolting upright. Her — a ringing silence.
eyes spun wildly to find Draco— Dolohov's body crumpled.
She found a hospital room with mint curtains. Draco was panting, catching his breath. She told her legs to run to
Ginny Weasley sat at the end of her bed, holding a wand. Hermione him. But a piece of her was escaping…
blinked at her once. Twice. A shard falling away.
Still there. She stared down the end of the wand, wondering where it went.
Her gaze was guarded, her legs tense. Hermione stared at her. She Draco stumbled to his feet, sweating and shaking. He stared at her
looked even smaller without hair, her blue jumper hanging off her thin with something burning in his eyes.
shoulders. Sound returned to her, echoing in her ears. Draco looked toward the
A tear leaked from the corner of Hermione's eye. She brushed it away. doorway, and she realized the noise was coming from outside, running
"Ginny." up the steps.
Ginny's smile was strained. "Told you I'd find you." Draco staggered to her, grabbed the wand from her fingertips, and
"St. Mungo's?" Hermione's throat felt raw. aimed it at Dolohov just as Rabastan and Rookwood burst through the
Ginny nodded slowly. blown-out doorway.
Hermione moved to get out of bed, but a sharp pain in her side It was silent again.
stopped her. Rookwood stepped forward. "What happened here?"

760 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 746

 "I found him assaulting my Lot. I confronted him, and he attacked Hermione grunted, trying to free herself.
me. Check his wand." Narcissa struggled against her bindings as a tall wizard loomed over
"Fuck." Rabastan pried Dolohov's wand from his grip and performed her. "Where is Draco? Hermione, where—"
Prior Incantato. Spells burst from the tip, one after another. Cruciatus, "Quiet!" A sharp crack as he struck her. Narcissa cried out.
hexes, Killing Curses. "No!" Hermione ripped free, sprinting to Narcissa and shoving the
Rookwood stared down at Dolohov's corpse. His expression was guard aside. She threw herself down to her, shielding her with her arms.
pinched. "The Dark Lord won't like this, Draco." "Don't hurt her!"
Draco cleared his throat. "Am I not to defend myself when my life and Voices rose around them, arguing.
my property is endangered?" Narcissa jerked her head back to look at Hermione, her eyes wild and
"Still. You'll need to explain this to him. Why it came to this," desperate. "Draco?"
Rookwood said, and Rabastan cursed again. "He's traveling this evening, "I don't know. I—I sent him away." Hermione's lungs struggled for air.
and I'm not sure when he'll return. But when he does, I'll have to inform "There was a Portkey. I got him out."
him." Narcissa sobbed, gasping. Her bound hands came up to clutch
Draco nodded. "I need to get my Lot home." Hermione's.
Rabastan tore his gaze from Dolohov's corpse. "Go home, Draco. And then she was torn from her as Ron's arms hauled her up and
We'll take care of the body." away.
"I'll come by in the morning," said Rookwood. Hermione strained, twisting and writhing. "Let go of me! Ron, get off
Draco nodded again. —!"
Rookwood's eyes followed them across the room as Draco tugged her The room spun, and then she was facing Bill Weasley in the
to the fireplace. He summoned the Floo powder and called out for Malfoy wandlight. His eyes narrowed, sharp and assessing.
Manor. Her head was dizzy as she blinked back at him, drawing quick breaths.
She stumbled out of the flames into Draco's bedroom. The True Order was here. They were freeing the Lots and taking
Draco grabbed her shoulders. "Are you alright? Did he hurt you?" prisoners and she had to convince them not to hurt Narcissa. She opened
There was still a hollow wind in her chest as she stared into his eyes, her mouth to speak—
grey and warm. "Is it true?" Bill turned to his left — to Ginny. "She gave Draco a
She shook her head. "I'm fine." Portkey?"
She wasn't. Ginny let her fingers fall from her lips. "Give me a minute with her
Tears blurred her vision as he ran his hands over her, and I'll find out where. She's in shock—"
casting Tergeos and healing bruises. But the pain wasn't on her skin. "Listen to me." Hermione tried to jerk free again. "The Malfoys aren't
She wept, her chest wracked with sobs. She'd failed Ginny. And Draco who you think they are. I have proof—"
was being taken from her as well. She might never see him again. "There's no time for this, Bill." A stranger stepped from the shadows
The clock on the mantle read ten past midnight. Less than five hours — Roger Davies. "We have to prioritize Travers and Selwyn. We meet up
left. He stroked her hair, his thumbs gathering her tears. with the Americans in an hour."
She tried to breathe him in. Savoring him. Bill's jaw hardened as he turned back to Ron. "Take her to St.
She gripped his shoulders as her breathing evened out again. Her eyes Mungo's."
stopped flowing over. There was a pause that stretched lifetimes. Hermione swayed on her
"Granger." His hands slid to her arms. "The Dark Lord will be angry feet.
about Dolohov. When he questions me, he might…" A bruising grip on her arms tugged her back.

747 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 759

 Hermione's gaze fell to the place Draco had been kneeling just She heard his throat click.
heartbeats ago. "I'll Floo my father in the morning. It might be safest for you and
All these months, and she'd never asked him where it went. He might Mother to go to Grimmauld Place. If he finds the truth—"
be halfway around the world right now. A sob tore from her lips, and the dam burst again.
But she'd gotten him out. That's all that mattered. He wrapped his arms around her, whispering apologies in her hair.
"Hermione, listen to me." Ginny gripped her shoulders. "Tell me Any wild dream she might have had was gone. He and Narcissa had to
where you sent him, and I'll fix this. No one has to know—" leave at first light, before the Dark Lord could summon him. There was
Hermione's lips parted in a puff of air, but before she could speak, no other hope, no other option.
there were heavy footsteps in the corridor. Ginny turned her wandlight on He had to go.
the doorway just as Bill Weasley's scarred face appeared. He cast a quick This was her last night with him, the minutes dwindling like sand
glance at the three of them before speaking. between her fingertips. She could have spent a lifetime asking him
"Malfoy isn't here. I just sent a Patronus to Rome." He looked over the questions. Telling him all the secrets she'd kept locked away, like notes in
room. "Where's Draco?" her jewelry box.
Ron's eyes flicked to her. "He—" She lifted her face from his robes.
"There was a Portkey," said Ginny. "He managed to escape." He didn't meet her eyes, still inspecting her jaw for bruises. His fingers
Bill cursed, running a hand through his hair. "Alright. Let's go. We were light on her cheeks, gathering her tears.
have Narcissa ready for transport." "You gave up Malfoy Manor for me."
The room spun. Hermione's heart lurched. "Where is she?" He nodded slowly. "Upon my father's death — presuming Dolohov
"She's been restrained," said Bill. "We have her downstairs—" had nothing to do with it — the Manor would be his, as would my
Hermione shot off like a rocket, darting out of Ginny's reach and inheritance."
barrelling through Bill. She bolted down the corridor, Ron's shouts "Why?"
echoing in her ears. A Stunning Spell just missed her shoulder. He was silent, and still. His ribs ceased moving.
"Don't!" screamed Ginny. "Hermione—!" "Draco."
She raced down the stairs, tugging the cloak around her. There were He swallowed, and when he glanced at her, his eyes were clear.
people in the entry. Wandlight silhouetting bodies and arcing shadows "I had feelings for you at school." It rushed out of him, like a tap
high onto the portraits. opening. A fluttering in her chest. Like something inside her was trying to
Hermione stumbled on the first landing as light filled her vision. reach him. "It wasn't…I'm sorry to have you find out this way."
Voices shouted at her in French and English, wands pointed in her His eyes drifted away, like it was painful to look at her.
direction. "Draco—"
The room was crawling with unfamiliar people. A row of trunks "But it wasn't meant to….it shouldn't have been anything. Potter was
packed for travel against the far wall — the elves next to them, stunned. supposed to win. And you were supposed to be with Weasley." Draco
At the center, a woman in a dressing gown, her hands bound in front of pressed his eyes closed, and they were wet when he opened them. "But
her. On her knees, like her son had been. Potter didn't win. And you…you weren't…"
"Hermione!" Narcissa's voice was frail. There was a melody in her veins, dancing to the pace of her
Hermione flew, the yells fading beneath her heartbeat. She jumped off heartbeat. Her head spun. The piece of her that had broken seemed to
the last stair, and a shadow in the entry caught her by the arm. not matter anymore.
"She can't hurt you anymore." said a strange man, in broken English. "You tried to buy me at the Auction…because you have feelings for—"
"You're safe." "Because I love you." His eyes lifted to hers. Warm grey.

758 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 748

 The words echoed in her ears.
The pictures of her in his drawer.
The things he agreed to, just because she asked.
The way no one else could touch her.
An unpublished volume tucked on her breakfast tray.
Hermione kissed him, pouring her soul into him as he slanted his lips
against hers. She sighed, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.
His hands slipped over her ribs, curving along her spine. She pulled
back, pressing her forehead against his.

37
"Draco, I do too. I lo—"
He kissed her, slipping his tongue inside her mouth, and she moaned
before pulling back.
"I—"
"Shh. Don't…" He jerked his head, staring at her lips. Hermione
frowned at him, watching his eye twitch. "You asked me why. I just had to
say it once. Don't say it back."
She opened her mouth to argue, but he bent to kiss her again,
weakening her resolve as his hand drifted up her spine. Rising on her toes,
she pressed her body close to him as his fingers tangled in her curls.
She'd show him now, if he wouldn't let her say it. She could tell him
before the dawn. He pulled back, but she tugged him down.
"I don't want to rest."
"Good." He picked her up, her legs wrapping around his waist. Their
tongues tangled as they stumbled to the bed. he curtains fluttered. Sound disappeared in a vacuum.
He tossed her down on the mattress and started tugging off his robes
and unlacing his boots. She kicked off her shoes and tossed her dress
aside, flinging her collar across the room.
T Behind Hermione's eyelids was an imprint of Draco's silhouette —
his eyes on hers and his hand reaching out.
"NO!"
His eyes were hot on her as she peeled off her bra and knickers, and Hermione blinked, and it was gone.
she came onto her knees to help him with his shirt. Threading her fingers There was a ringing in her ears as someone stumbled forward,
through his hair, she tugged his head to her and kissed him as he worked grabbing her wrist and ripping the handkerchief away.
off his trousers. She pressed her chest against his, and he groaned, "Hermione." Ginny's voice trembled. "Hermione, you just…"
forgetting his buttons as his hands snapped to her hips. She didn't finish.
His palms filled with her backside, and she smiled as he cursed into Hermione turned, dazed, to watch Ron tip over armchairs and
her shoulder. His lips pressed against her temple. "You can't even imagine overturn her coffee table. He stormed to the window and threw back the
the things I wanted to do to you, Granger." curtains, as if Draco was simply hiding.
Her insides liquefied. She gasped as he dragged his teeth across her Then he spun to her, wearing an expression she'd only seen when
ear. Her body began to warm, to throb for him as his hands kneaded her there was a locket over his heart.
arse, slipping closer to her core. And the second-hand ticked closer. "What have you done?" he whispered.

749 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 757

 "Tell me," she whispered. "Show me. Please."
He stilled, and then a moan poured from his lips. "Granger…"
"Please, Draco."
She ran her fingernails down his bare chest, and it was like a switch
flicked. He grabbed her around the middle and flipped her to her hands
and knees. His hand pressed between her shoulder blades, pushing her
into the mattress.
His hands were on her backside, squeezing and running his fingers
over her core. She tilted her hips and arched her spine, and he groaned.
"Did you think of this in school?" she panted.
His answer was his tongue slipping through her folds. Her body jerked,
but then he splayed his hand at the base of her spine, rubbing circles with
his thumb as his tongue flicked her clit.
She curled her fingers in the sheets as he swiped broad strokes through
her with his tongue. She thought about how he'd laid her out on the
potions table for this.
Nowhere else I'd rather be, Granger.
Molten heat spread through her muscles. She whimpered as he pulled
her clit between his lips, gasping as he sucked. Then his mouth was gone,
and he was dipping his fingers inside of her. She dug her face into the
mattress as her thighs trembled, writhing as he set her aflame.
"Feel good?"
"Yes," she breathed. "Yes, but I want you."
He pressed a kiss to her backside, letting his teeth graze across the skin
before switching to the other side. She prayed he was leaving marks.
His fingers stretched her open before withdrawing. She pulled up to
her hands again and looked behind her. "More."
His gaze was hot as he nodded, his hands returning to yank down his
trousers. She turned onto her back and reached for him as he climbed
onto the bed. He kissed up her thigh, his lips drifting softly over her core
before passing to her hip. She squirmed under him as he brushed his
mouth across her stomach, inching closer and closer to her chest.
Her fingers reached for his hair, tugging him up, but he fought her —
blowing hot air across her breasts as she whined.
His tongue flicked out over her nipple, and she threw her head back.
He closed his lips over her breast, and she wrapped her legs around his
waist. His cock was rigid between them, grinding against her belly as he
sucked at her, his fingers caressing her other breast as she mewled.

THE AUCTION ● 750

 "Tell me," she begged. "Tell me everything you wanted." "No!" Hermione threw herself in front of him. She couldn't breathe.
"I wanted this." He pinched her breast lightly as his lips pressed over "Ron, you can't hurt him—"
her other nipple, sending shockwaves to her core. Ron stared at her over the wandlight. As if seeing her for the first time.
"Oh god." Her nails dug into his shoulders. "Oh god, Draco." "Don't." Draco's voice was ragged behind her. "Don't, Granger. Go
He kissed down her stomach, and she opened her thighs for him when look after my mother."
he reached her core. When his lips found her clit, she keened to the "Hermione—" Ginny reached for her, and she threw her off.
ceiling. He pressed her knees open to the mattress as he licked and sucked "Please." Hermione was sobbing again. "He's on our side! He's—he's
at her, pushing her further and further until she was at the top of a high —"
mountain, begging to tumble over the other side. Her hands clutched his Ginny caught her this time. She tugged with more strength than
hair as she chanted his name, her hips rocking into his mouth. Hermione ever knew her to possess. "Come with me. It's going to be alright
His fingers pushed inside, and her voice gave out when he finally —"
closed his lips over her clit and sucked. The vice grip on her arm dragged her away. Hermione thrashed, and
She saw white behind her eyes, her back arching and her fingers saw Draco staring at her like it was the last time.
scrambling in the sheets. Her hips bucked against him, and she shivered Each step pulled her deeper into icy waters. Her limbs struggled. Her
and cried out as she tumbled down. lungs seized.
When the room returned to her, she heard herself whining nonsense Save Draco.
as Draco lapped at her, holding her legs open and licking every last drop "Stop." Ginny yanked, but Hermione's feet were firm on the ground.
from her. "There's a spare wand in his drawer," she breathed out.
Twisting her legs away, she sat up and tugged at him until they fell Ginny faltered.
back on the mattress together. She kissed him, tasting herself on his Hermione looked to Ron, begging him with her eyes. "I could use
tongue. She reached for his cock, bobbing against his stomach and one."
squeezed, beginning to stroke him. Her heart pumped once. Twice.
He moaned into her mouth, and her teeth nipped his lips. Ron inclined his head at her, and Ginny released her arm.
"When did this start for you? Please, tell me," she whispered. Hermione felt her pulse in her fingertips as she moved to Draco's
His eyes drifted closed, his lips parted in pleasure as she stroked him, nightstand, her feet silent on the carpet. She heard his harsh breaths in
twisting her wrist at the top just the way he liked. "Fourth year." the silence.
Her hand paused, but he kissed her quickly, as if it could erase his Opening the drawer, her fingers passed over the knickknacks,
words. He pulled her hand away, kissing her neck as he settled between wrapping around a handkerchief with a small orb inside.
her thighs. "Draco." She spun on her heel and tossed it to him, the marble
She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and squeezed his hips soaring in the air as it unfurled from the handkerchief. His eyes widened
with her knees. He pressed his cock to her entrance, and she threw her and his hand shot out, as if stretching for the Snitch.
head back as he pushed inside. She breathed deeply, relaxing her muscles They locked eyes, and she saw a flash of recognition in them the
until he bottomed out. moment the Portkey touched his fingers.
Her eyes fluttered open, and he was staring down at her, his pupils And then he was gone.
blown wide. She licked her lips, and he followed the movement.
He thrust deep. Her lashes trembled as she moaned.
"How did you want me?"
She had to know. Her warm breath puffed against his face.

751 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 756

 The bedroom door blasted off its hinges, wood splintering everywhere. He lowered down until he covered her completely, the weight of him
Hermione's body jerked, scrambling for the sheets as she tried to follow pushing her into the mattress as he sunk deeper into her. "Just like this,"
Draco, but then his body was flung backward with a bang! he whispered.
Terror gripped her as she pushed to her knees, bracing for a flash of He pressed his lips to hers, and his hips rolled deep. Her lips parted,
green. and her arms wrapped tighter around his back. His tongue brushed hers
"Draco—" softly as he found a rhythm inside of her, never fully leaving her, hitting
Two figures burst into the room, glowing in the wandlight. something low and deep on every thrust. She gasped on every breath, her
"Accio wand!" eyes starting to roll back.
Hermione shrank backward as a small figure charged at her. Her hips tried to meet his, and he reached down to pull her knee up to
"Hermione!" his chest. A low keening sound left her as he slid inside again, filling her so
Ginny, her face pale as the moonlight beyond her wand tip. deeply that she knew she'd never forget the shape of him.
Her hair was gone. Shaved off. She threw her cloak over Hermione's As his lips trailed across her neck, she remembered that he was leaving
bare shoulders. Hermione blinked at her, waiting for the apparition to fade. in the morning, and for a moment, she wanted to go with him. To be with
"Hermione," Ginny said again, her voice thick as she gripped her him forever.
arms. "You're going to be alright—" Her cunt fluttered, and tears filled her eyes. He sped up, groaning into
A hissed curse from the corner. A strangled cry. her shoulder, his hand squeezing her knee.
"No!" What if she never saw him again? What if this was the end?
Hermione stumbled off the bed. "Stop!" "Hermione…"
Draco moaned, writhing on the floor as Hermione hurled herself at She gasped. He pressed a kiss to her cheek as his hips rocked into her
the attacker. in a maddening rhythm.
She screamed at him, nails scratching and fists pounding him. "Merlin, Hermione…"
Ginny yelled something, and an invisible hook tugged her back. Her chest seized with want. Her cunt clenched down on him. Her
Hermione stumbled, preparing to launch again, but then her eyes body cried out, begging him for more. More of him. More time.
focused to see Ron on the other side of the wand. Her fingers scratched down his back as tears fell from her eyes. She
Her entire body trembled. His freckles were just as she'd remembered stared up at his ceiling, feeling the fine strands of his hair against her
them. A thick bandage over his left eye. cheek as he thrust deep.
"Hermione," he said, and it sounded like a melody she'd long Her walls shivered around him, but it wasn't enough. He knew her
forgotten. "You're safe now." He swallowed. "Voldemort is gone." body so well by now. He reached down to where they were connected and
Hermione staggered. She waited for his words to make sense. changed the angle of his thrusts just slightly.
"It's true." Her back bowed. Her throat cried out. He pressed his mouth against
Hermione whipped around to Ginny. She followed the wandlight to hers and swallowed her sounds as his fingers pressed against her clit.
her hand — holding the Elder Wand. "Love you, Hermione."
"I killed him myself." Her eyes burned like Cho's had. She arched a She saw stars behind her eyes, so close, so close. Her toes curled and
brow. "Snake first. Neville did the honors." her body was almost there.
Hermione sucked a sharp breath. And another. Ron reached out for "Don't stop. Don't stop, Draco. I lo—"
her, and she stumbled backward. He pressed his lips over hers again, drinking the words down. His
His hand fell. "Go with Ginny." He turned back to Draco, on his fingers pushed frantically against her clit, and his cock brushed so
knees. "I'll take care of this." deliciously over the perfect spot, over and over and over—

755 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 752

 Her body burst open. Like a sun exploding. She flew, tethered to him She kept her eyes on the mantle clock.
as he ground his hips as deep as they would go, making love to her. There His heart hummed beneath her fingertips.
was starlight in her universe. She slid back down to earth in time to listen She could sleep all day tomorrow. She would stay awake.
to him moan, to feel him pulse and empty into her. His hips snapped She would.
twice more, every muscle tense with pleasure.
His fingers were in her hair, clutching her curls and massaging her $
scalp. His weight was heavy on her chest. Hermione jolted awake. Her eyes flitted over the dark room as her
Only a few more hours. heart raced, searching for Draco. No one in bed next to her.
Pricking behind her eyelids. Tears filled her vision again, and as Draco Had she missed it? Were they already gone?
tried to kiss every inch of her neck and chest, she prayed they wouldn't The door to the bathroom opened, and her eyes were flooded with
fall. light before the lamp dimmed. Draco closed the door behind him. His
"What's wrong?" chest still bare. He'd put on boxers.
He pulled back, and she reached up to cover her face. "Sorry I woke you," he whispered.
"Hermione—" "What time is it?" Her voice shook.
She sobbed, turning into the pillows to hide her face. She only had a "Half-four. I was just up to use to loo."
few more hours to hear him call her Hermione. To hear him tell her that Her heart pummeled against her ribs. She'd fallen asleep.
he loved her. She scrambled for Draco as soon as he came within reach, grabbing
"I'm sorry. We shouldn't have had sex after everything that happened him by the shoulders.
—" "What—"
Her hands pulled him close. "No! No. I wanted you. I want you. Please "We have thirty minutes, Draco. Please listen to me." Her lungs
don't leave me. Please—" constricted. "Italy's been attacked."
And then she was weeping. Hiccuping. He buried his face in her neck Draco went rigid. "How do you—"
as she clutched at him. "Your mother told me yesterday." She struggled to get out the words.
She wasn't sure how many minutes had passed until her shoulders "It won't be long until the Great Order falls, and she wanted me to tell
stopped shaking. He rolled off her once her breathing steadied, tucked to you that you have to—you have to—"
her side. His knuckles skated across her cheekbones. The words choked off in a sob. They wracked her body.
"What's wrong." "Easy."
Her mouth opened to tell him — to explain Narcissa's plan — but all "You have to leave with her, Draco. Now."
that came out was a ragged breath. She looked at the clock on the mantle. His hands cupped her face, his eyes searching hers in the moonlight.
Just past one. Tears slid down her cheeks and between his fingers. "Hermione."
She had time. "I promised her you'd be ready. But I have to stay." Her chest heaved as
She could wait a few more hours. she wept, clinging to him. "But before you go, please let me tell you I—"
"Just hold me." The walls of the Manor shook. The windows rattled as the floors
He pulled her into him, his arms wrapped around her, her head groaned, like something from deep below the earth had awakened.
resting on his chest. Hermione listened to his steady heartbeat, resolving Draco grabbed her tightly. Hermione's eyes widened with terror as
herself to count each one while he slept. She would watch over him, and they darted to the indigo sky beyond the curtains. Nothing.
wake him an hour before he had to leave. She could tell him then. "Voldemort—?"
His fingers stroked her hair. Draco moved swiftly, lunging across the room—
753 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 754
 The suppressant was fading. They'd decided to give her magic back. "Ginny—" Hermione's throat closed again. Her fingers clenched in
The article had worked. the sheets. "I know how this must sound, but he's not what you think. He's
She Occluded for the rest of the day. Her waters were still, and her nothing like Avery—"
bookshelves materialized with ease. It felt like home again as she sliced up "Really." Ginny crossed her arms over her stomach. "Funny that the
old memories, dusting off familiar tomes and sealing the images inside. last night I saw him, he was negotiating with Avery for the chance to rape
She severed pages of new memories, tucking them in a fresh leather the two of us at once."
volume with pale green letters: St. Mungo's. Then she buried them all, "That's not— it wasn't like that!" Hermione jerked her head. "He was
losing them in the stacks. there because I wanted to see you—"
The sky was dark when Healer Tamor entered her room, clutching a "Don't."
basket of mail twice as large as yesterday's. He told her with an anxious The word slashed through her chest, ripping her open.
clearing of his throat that he anticipated discharging her the following Ginny's face swam in her vision. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I just— I
morning, due to her full recovery. can't."
She smiled and pointed to the foot of her bed. "There will do. Thank "Ginny—"
you, Healer Tamor." "I have to go," she said suddenly. "I'm expected in Greece."
There was silence. Hermione counted her heartbeats. "Greece?"
$ "On the front lines. That's where Ron is. I just came to check on you,
Early Wednesday morning, a pair of jeans, a blouse, and trainers but you should rest."
appeared in lieu of the Daily Prophet. Hermione dressed, cracked the door She moved to the door, slipping through her fingers.
open, and walked down the corridor to Oliver's door. She knocked. "Wait." Hermione threw the covers aside and swung her feet off the
No response. Same as the last six days. bed. "Let me come with you. I want to help—"
Turning on her heel, she returned to her room and wrote him a note "There's no need." Ginny swallowed. "You're still recovering, and I'm
to tell him goodbye, and to promise that she'd do everything in her power not authorized to bring new recruits anyway." She took a deep breath and
to exonerate Theo and Draco. She'd ask the True Order to release him as reached for the door. "Just stay here and get better, Hermione. I'll come
soon as she could. And in the meantime, she asked him to comply — to back as soon as I can."
let them think he was "fixed." Even if it didn't get him released, it would "Ginny, please." Hermione's eyes stung as she pushed herself to stand.
make his life easier here. "You just got here, and I haven't— I have no idea what's going on—"
She slipped it beneath his locked door and went back to her room. "I left the papers for you," said Ginny. Her voice was strangled. "They
Two hours later, Healer Tamor came to collect her. They reached explain things better than I can."
the nurses' desk, and he encouraged her to contact him if she needed Each breath came in quicker than the last. Hermione wobbled to her
anything at all. right, finding a stack of papers on her bedside table — and on top, a
Hermione thanked him with a thin smile and turned in the direction picture of Edinburgh Castle in ruins, smoke billowing up from the rubble.
of the lifts, dismissing him. She gasped. Gasping, she staggered to the table. The door clicked closed as she
Ginny stood from her chair in the far corner of the waiting area, snatched it, unfolding it with shaking fingers.
winding her hands together. Hermione felt like she was in another VICTORY AT EDINBURGH; TRUE ORDER
person's body as she crossed the room, meeting her halfway.
ADVANCES ON ATHENS, MADRID
There was a stilted silence.
BY ANDY SMUDGLEY
"I got them," Ginny rushed out. "Your letters, I mean. I should have
responded sooner, but I was in Greece, and then we went straight to the After three days of battle, Edinburgh Castle has finally fallen to the
788 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 765
 True Order and its American allies. Thanks to the ingenuity of its Magical Amycus Carrow, one-half of the infamous Carrow twins, was tried
Defense division, the True Order succeeded in repelling the Great and convicted for crimes against humanity and liberty yesterday in a
Order's Mass Death Magic, which was released repeatedly over the last public courtroom in the reclaimed Ministry of Magic. As one of the so-
72 hours in an attempt to stave off the incursion. Novel magical called Keepers of Edinburgh, Carrow was responsible for the epicenter
"missiles" provided by M.A.C.U.S.A. proved instrumental to the final of the Great Order's slavery operations, which forced victims into
victory. They were released early yesterday evening, and successfully prostitution, hard labor, and deadly battles known as "Arena matches."
penetrated Edinburgh's wards around 8 o'clock. Carrow reportedly showed no remorse for his actions, inciting anger
Casualties are estimated at a dozen for the True Order, and over 800 in the courtroom. The Tribunal lost order when Seamus Finnigan, a
for the Great Order. As of this morning, six slaves and 33 prisoners have frequent Arena Fighter at Edinburgh, used the Cruciatus Curse on the
been extracted from the rubble. Insiders report that Death Eaters Alecto accused.
and Amycus Carrow, the so-called "Keepers" of Edinburgh, are among After a recess, Carrow was found unanimously guilty by a jury of 12,
the survivors — now imprisoned. General Robert Pierre of France has and sentenced to death by the Killing Curse. His sentence will be carried
declined to comment. out this evening. Finnigan will be prohibited from today's joint trial for
Chief Mediwitch Hazel Ohlson of Great Britain, who is leading the Samuel and Siobhan Selwyn, but allowed to rejoin the courtroom for
search efforts for survivors, confirmed that the body of Charlotte Alecto Carrow and Jonathan Jugson's trials tomorrow.
Selwyn, age 26, was located last night. The loss of Ms. Selwyn, a slave- In an exclusive statement to the Prophet, General Jacobs defended
turned-key operative for the True Order, is a devastating blow to the the unconventional methods of the Tribunal, which thus far have
international magical community. For a full obituary on Ms. Selwyn, involved rapid sentences and no appeals process. "The British people
please see p. 8. are anxious for justice, and we will deliver it swiftly," said Jacobs. He
The True Order continues to deliver a crushing blow to the Great declined to release the scheduling of trials for the remaining 539
Order across Europe. Sources report that a surrender is imminent from accused, 502 of whom are in custody.
Spain. Greece remains the last country officially within the Great Order's Hermione blinked, reeling. She read the article a second time. And a
stronghold. More than 2,000 True Order soldiers are currently third. Seamus had tortured Amycus Carrow on the stand. Of course
assembled outside of Athens, with more expected by nightfall. Hermione felt no remorse for the Carrows, but before the war, an
Unforgivable warranted a life sentence in Azkaban. Seamus had hardly
The words blurred, the ink smudging as Hermione's tears spilled onto
received a slap on the wrist.
the parchment. She sank to the floor, a fresh sorrow springing in her chest.
And Siobhan Selwyn — a friend of Narcissa's — was being tried with
Charlotte was dead. Her body was cold. Had she been smirking in the
her Death Eater husband tomorrow. As if whatever assistance they'd
end, like Cho? Or had she screamed, like the strawberry blonde?
provided to the Great Order were comparable.
They could fill a graveyard with their bodies now. Headstones and
No sentences, and executions. Whose laws were the Tribunal
headstones of witches and wizards and Muggles who had dedicated the
following?
past year of their lives to a future they would never see.
Closing her eyes, Hermione tried not to panic. She was so lost in
Swiping at her eyes, Hermione picked up the paper again.
thought that she didn't notice that the mediwitches hadn't provided the
Determined to read about Charlotte and learn who she was before she'd
minty magic suppressant potion for her that morning. It wasn't until mid-
been forced into a negligee and a silver collar.
afternoon when she reached for her shelves and found them that she
She thumbed quickly through the pages, but her fingers froze on page
realized.
seven. Three familiar faces stared up at her.
766 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 787
 She'd prepared for this. She'd twisted away from every question about WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE
the Malfoys, but Smudgley wanted something juicy to sell papers.
UNDESIRABLE NO. 1 — BELLATRIX LESTRANGE
"Not at all. I trust the True Order with my life. Which is why I am
eager to leave St. Mungo's and join their efforts to help rebuild our UNDESIRABLE NO. 2 — LUCIUS MALFOY
magical community." UNDESIRABLE NO. 3 — DRACO MALFOY
The Quick-Quotes Quill paused, then began scribbling furiously.
"You'll be working directly with the True Order, Miss Granger?" Her eyes could only focus on Draco.
"Yes," she said. Neville's lips twitched, and her shoulders felt lighter. They'd used the picture of him that had been in the Prophet a few
"As soon as I'm discharged from St. Mungo's, I'll begin work with them." months back. His wand tip smoking, his eyes dead as he stood before the
Smudgley flipped through his notes. "Mr. Longbottom is being ruined Basler Münster.
discharged tomorrow, I remember you saying…" He looked up at her. Seeing him like this felt like driving in the knife already buried
"When is your discharge date, Miss Granger?" between her ribs. At first glance, he might look monstrous. But she could
Hermione sent him a pleasant smile and said, "This Wednesday." see the shadows beneath his eyes — the way his cheekbones protruded.
Heaving sobs wracked her body, like something was clawing its way
$ outside of her chest. The Prophet fluttered to the ground as she pulled her
The article appeared the next morning, in the Sunday edition. She knees to her forehead and wept.
and Neville were the cover article, a picture of them splashed across the Ginny had left her, Ron had shunned her. The Malfoys were lost. And
front page. one of the only people who could have helped her prove what Draco had
Healer Tamor came to see her that morning, and after asking a few done for the True Order was dead.
perfunctory questions, he crossed his leg over his knee. "I wasn't aware The fissure inside her grew deeper, rawer, until there was nothing left.
that you were doing interviews, Miss Granger." When her tears were finally exhausted, she stretched her legs out. She
"Yes," she said lightly. "Smudgley was pleased to hear how well I've leaned her head back against the door and stared up at the ceiling,
been treated here." focusing on the quiet of the room.
On Monday, her session with Healer Barkley was cut short by a basket The war outside was almost won. Her battle had barely even started.
of mail. The mediwitch dropped it off with a curious look, and Healer There was no time for despair.
Barkley almost looked amused before excusing herself. She'd help punish the guilty. She'd share everything she knew to make
Hermione tore through the envelopes, searching for something from sure they paid. But she'd also defend the people who had saved her, and
Ginny or Ron. Instead, she found letters from Daily Prophet readers around helped the True Order in ways they could scarcely imagine.
the world — words of support, prayers for her well-being, and… dare she She'd made a promise to Draco that she would exonerate him, and she
say it, fan mail. She had to summon a grumpy-looking janitor after lunch intended to keep it. It was more than just loving him.
to clear up the rose petals and streamers that had burst onto the floor. It was the right thing to do.
The next morning, Hermione was rereading her letters when Fresh energy pumped through her, narrowing her mind and pushing
the Prophet materialized. her forward. She reached for the paper, ignoring the pain in her ribs, and
began to read.
FIRST OF DEATH EATER TRIALS BEGIN; Bellatrix Lestrange was last expected in Hungary. The last reported
AMYCUS CARROW SENTENCED TO DEATH sighting of her was at Hogwarts Castle on the evening of 2 May. Lucius
Snatching the paper, Hermione watched Amycus Carrow's Azkaban had disappeared in Italy, his last known location a bunker where Berge
photograph sneer up at her before diving in. and Constantine Romano were found dead.

786 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 767

 And Draco Malfoy… could be anywhere. weeping with all the grief and loneliness and despair she'd kept at bay for
Evaded capture in Wiltshire, the paper said. a week. Neville patted her shoulders, and she sobbed harder.
A reward of 10,000 Galleons for information leading to the capture or When she could cry no longer, she pulled back. "I need your help,
discovery of each. Neville." She swiped at her cheeks. "I can't just sit here and let them
Hermione's temple throbbed. Bellatrix was dead in the Forbidden suppress my magic and run tests on me until they decide I'm mentally fit."
Forest. Lucius hiding out somewhere — most likely safe. Draco was His mouth opened, and his gaze narrowed. "They took away your
Merlin knew where, wandless, without a shirt on his back. magic?"
Her lips trembled. She felt herself threatening to unravel again, like a Her lips trembled as she nodded. "Will you help me?"
string tugged too sharply. She tried to tuck him on her shelf, but it was like Neville searched her eyes, and she saw the same boy who'd stared
grasping water with her bare hands. Taking a ragged breath, she forced down his friends, three to one, his face resolved as he put up his fists to
her thoughts to shift to Narcissa — the only Malfoy with known keep them from leaving the Common Room.
whereabouts. She could start with her first, and worry about Draco and "What do you have in mind?"
Lucius later.
Narcissa was being kept at Malfoy Manor. Hermione's mind clicked $
with the possibilities. Lucius's memories were there. The evidence of The next day, Andy Smudgley from the Daily Prophet signed in at the
brewing the antidote was there. There were piles of notes beneath her visitor desk at St. Mungo's. He was escorted to Neville Longbottom's
bed that attested to her treatment — hand-written spells that could only room, where Hermione and Neville were waiting for him.
be performed with a wand. Narcissa's wand. In her letter she'd sent Smudgley yesterday, she'd promised an
Beyond her logic, her heart clenched with the desire to see Narcissa interview with two war heroes, now recovering at St. Mungo's. He was to
again. To make sure that she was being treated fairly, and assure her that ask for Neville, and arrive promptly at noon.
she had everything well in hand. During her session with Healer Tamor that morning, Hermione had
With a final burst of energy, Hermione stood. Her muscles protested, convinced him that visiting with Neville was "good for her." Healer
but she grit her teeth and walked to the closet across her room. It was Tamor had given her an approving smile as the mediwitch led her out of
empty, except for a pair of soft-soled shoes. She slipped them on and her room and to the third floor. She'd returned it.
tread quickly to the door, poking her head out of her room. Noise washed Hermione smoothed out her robes — blue ones she'd borrowed from
over her — distant, but frenzied. The corridor itself empty. Neville — as she detailed to Smudgley the True Order's "daring rescue"
With a sharp breath, she stepped out of her room. She followed the of the Golden Girl, best friend to Harry Potter. She told the story as if
echoes of rushing feet and agonized screams down two corridors until she none of the Malfoys had been present — as if she'd been locked alone in
turned a corner and found the chaos. Lime-green clad mediwitches and a tower, waiting to be saved. She kept the details of her "condition"
mediwizards rushed about the room, attending to at least fifty men and vague, saying she was recovering from injuries sustained at Edinburgh.
women laid out on gurneys. Their black uniforms were splattered in While Neville described the events of the morning of 4 May, 1999,
blood and dirt. Hermione looked outside, watching sunlight strike the buildings. A
Hermione froze in horror. A pale-looking girl screamed as an Acid sparrow landed on the windowsill.
Hex ate away at her calf. An older man nearby was writhing, his eyes A cleared throat startled her, and she turned to see Smudgley crossing
rolling back in his head. A panicked weeping filled her ears — a young his legs and sliding his thick specs up the bridge of his nose. "Miss
man across the room, jerking as he coughed out red spray. Against the far Granger, you were a prisoner of the Malfoys for a year. How do you feel
wall, a girl with a hole where her arm should have been. She was chanting knowing that Lucius and Draco Malfoy are still on the loose? Are you
something in French. frightened?"
768 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 785
Palace Theatre. Because the Malfoys have their own agenda. They never Hermione swayed. Her vision tunneled. Her eyes fell to a pair of
supported Voldemort the way the world thought they did." bloody footprints smeared down the tiles. They disappeared at a gurney
He stared at her. His eye twitched. with an unmoving body atop it.
"And what is their agenda?" he asked. Just when Hermione was about to step forward, and try to do
She centered her mind as much as she could without Occlumency. something — anything — there was a commotion behind her. She
"For Lucius Malfoy, survival. He was playing both sides of the board, stepped to the side just as a dozen Healers ran past her, moving quickly to
waiting to see who ended up on top. For Narcissa Malfoy, protecting her assist the injured.
son. And for Draco…" She swallowed, her lungs straining against her Time slowed to a crawl as she watched them perform diagnostics and
ribs. "Draco had feelings for me. He bought me at the Auction because of cast countercurses. They clutched hands and pressed palms to foreheads.
that. I wasn't raped once in that house." The boy stopped coughing; the girl stopped screaming. A mediwitch bent
The room was quiet. She counted her heartbeats, waiting, praying. over the older man.
"And they didn't believe you," he said slowly. "So you're deemed Hermione's senses were finally beginning to return to her when a
'unfit.'" shadow blocked her path.
She glanced up at him. "Yes, exactly. How did you—" A Healer.
"I recognized the color of your robes, Hermione," he said with a sad "What are you doing?" he hissed. "Go back to your room!"
smile. "My parents were in mint St. Mungo's robes my entire life." Hermione jerked backward, her mouth falling open. "I was just… I was
A sudden thought burst through her, and she reached for his hand. hoping to help. If there's a spare wand, I could provide basic Healing—"
"Neville, are they—?" The Healer's scowl morphed into shock. "Miss Granger." He
He shook his head. "The True Order had to retake St. Mungo's from swallowed and looked around, as if for assistance. "You shouldn't be here.
the Death Eaters. Most of the long-term patients didn't survive under We're dealing with overflow from the third floor—"
their leadership." "I want to help."
Hermione's skin prickled with horror. She hadn't known. "Neville, I'm She meant it, she realized.
so sorry—" He seemed to assess her. "That won't be necessary. Perhaps I can call a
"It's alright. I'd rather not talk about it." He took a deep breath and mediwitch for you?"
looked out the window for a long moment. Frowning, she shook her head. "I'm quite alright, really. I don't require
He turned back to her. "Narcissa Malfoy really lent you her wand?" any assistance."
Hermione nodded slowly. "I have proof. Assuming they ever let me "Then I'll escort you back to your room."
leave." Her chest constricted again. "Neville, I've tried everything in my Before he could move, a man just behind him shot up straight on his
power to convince them that my mind is sound. I've asked for the chance gurney and began gurgling, foaming at the mouth. The Healer spun on
to at least prove my account of things, but they refuse to hear it." his heel and sprinted to him.
Neville's brow furrowed. "That's not right, Hermione. I'm sorry." Stumbling backward, Hermione hurried back the way she came. Her
A flood of emotion shot up her throat before she could stop it. She head felt light, the images burning behind her eyelids. When she turned a
slammed her hand over her mouth to hold back her sobs, her eyes filling corner, she braced herself against a wall.
with tears. She couldn't help them — she had no wand. And even if she did, the
Someone was on her side. Someone believed her. Healers didn't want her help. Given the injuries she'd just seen, she
"Hey." Neville shuffled closer, reaching for her hand. "Hey, it's going to couldn't blame them. Her rudimentary Healing skills might be a liability.
be alright." Taking a deep breath, Hermione zeroed in on her most pressing
Hermione stumbled to her feet and threw her arms over his shoulders, problem. She needed to leave St. Mungo's and get to Malfoy Manor.

784 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 769

 There had to be someone else who could help discharge her. "The Prophet was right, for once." He gave her a lopsided grin. "They
The noise grew dimmer as she found her room again. She moved past were able to stop the poison from spreading, but I only got the antidote
it, finding more doors with small windows like hers. Around the next this week. But they failed to mention my leg." He lifted up the brace.
corner, another corridor — the first door on the left cracked open. "That was broken for a while, so they had to regrow it."
Hermione peered inside it, and gasped. Hermione winced. "For a while?"
Oliver Wood lay on the bed in a hospital robe. She slipped inside, "Yeah. The Rookwoods, they… well, you don't have to hear it." He
closing the door behind her. scratched his stubble. Two of his fingers were missing.
He was curled away from the door, staring out his window. A twisting sickness churned her gut.
"Oliver?" She struggled to keep her voice even. "It's me, Hermione." She tore her eyes away.
His shoulder twitched once. Turning over, he sat up and looked at her "Sorry," he said quietly. "It's been like that for a while, so I forget that
blankly. "Hi." it'll shock some." Hermione shook her head, but he still slid his hand
Her legs felt as heavy as lead as she stared back at him. If Oliver was beneath the sheets. "How are you?"
here, then Theo had to be in Azkaban with the others. Her temple began She opened her mouth to speak, trying to find the words. None came.
throbbing again. "Never mind that. What matters is that you're here now. We both are."
She should have acted sooner. Should have insisted that Draco give His throat bobbed. "I knew you were still in there when I saw you at
Oliver's antidote to Theo the day they went to Grimmauld Place. Maybe Hogwarts, Hermione. I knew it."
they could have run together. Hermione blinked at him, her heart beginning to pound.
Blinking, she forced a smile and moved around his bed, taking the He didn't know. They hadn't told him that she was "sick." That made
chair just next to him. "Are you alright? Are you—" Her eyes flicked over the next part easier.
him quickly. "Are you injured?" "Neville," she said carefully. "I want to tell you something. It's very
A scathing laugh puffed out of him. He shook his head. important to me that you try to listen before you react."
Guilt bubbled and pricked at her, twisting in her gut. "I'm sorry, His eyes flickered, but the wariness faded into something trusting and
Oliver. I wish I'd worked more quickly for you and Theo." soft. "Alright."
Silence. She drew a sharp inhale. "I heard that you went to Hogwarts to finish
Her hand shook as it reached for his. "I'm going to clear their names, the job that Harry started." Neville nodded, and she twisted her hands in
Oliver. Draco and Theo both. I'm going to make sure the True Order her lap. "Before that, your magic returned and your tattoo disappeared.
knows how Theo helped me with the tattoos. And everything he did to Did they tell you how?"
protect you." She squeezed his fingers. "I'm not sure how long it will take, Frowning, Neville shook his head. "I've barely heard anything. Ginny
but I will get him out of Azkaban. I swear to you." only had a few minutes to say hello, and everyone else is out fighting right
Oliver stared at her, unblinking. His hand was clammy and limp. now. I assumed someone in the True Order broke the curse—"
"Theo's dead." "It wasn't a curse. It was a potion. An antidote for the tattoo, mixed
Like ice water splashing down her back. Her lips parted on a silent with something to counter the effects of magic suppression." Hermione
gasp. She released his fingers as though burned. felt her voice grow steadier, her spine straighter. "I made that antidote,
"What?" A hammering in her ears. Neville. I spent a year on it. I brewed it, tested it on myself, and sent it out
He swallowed and looked away from her. "He didn't even fight, to Charlotte to give to the True Order."
Hermione. He got out of bed, put his hands up, and they killed him." Neville's lips parted, his eyes wide. "But how could—?"
Black spots filled her vision. "No. They wouldn't..." "Because Narcissa Malfoy lent me her wand and gave me full use of
"And the way they looked at me when I cried. Like I was broken." the Malfoy library. Because I was never magic suppressed after I left the

770 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 783

 thanks to the dismantling of the Anti-Apparition line, St. Mungo's has There was a pinch behind Hermione's eyes, and a sinking feeling, like
received critical medical supplies, and the antidote is underway. the walls were closing in.
Longbottom's release is expected as soon as Monday. "Malfoy's in Azkaban?" Oliver asked. His eyes were distant — clouded
over. "I was sure they'd have killed him, too."
Hermione could barely sit still when the Healers arrived. She She shook her head violently. "He—he got out. I got him out." She
swallowed their potions, she let them draw blood, and spoke for an hour could hear her voice rising, and she dug her fingernails into her palms.
with Healer Tamor about her mental state and how she perceived Draco "Why are you at St. Mungo's, Oliver?"
Malfoy. His lips twisted in a smile. "Same reason as you, I suspect."
She told them what they wanted to hear. "A confused young man who She blinked at him, her eye twitching. "What is that supposed to
made terrible choices." mean?"
"And should he be held responsible for those choices?" "Haven't figured it out yet?"
"Yes." When she said nothing, he laughed — a dark, dry sound she didn't
When it was done, she asked, "Healer Tamor? Is Neville Longbottom recognize.
still recovering on the third floor?" "We're damaged," he said finally. "We can't be trusted."
He studied her, tucking his clipboard beneath his arm. "I believe so. The fine hairs on the back of her neck prickled. "I'm sorry for
Why do you ask?" whatever they did to you, Oliver. But I think there might be some
"He's a dear friend of mine, and…" She trailed off, tucking her hair confusion." She tried to swallow. "I'm recovering from an injury. I only
behind her ear. "I was thinking it might be good for me to spend time woke up an hour ago."
with my old friends. It might help me feel more like my old self." "Took them that long, huh?" He shook his head. "They knocked me
The pleased smile that crossed Healer Tamor's face made all the lies out, too. I've been awake for two days. Every time I mention leaving, they
worth it. excuse themselves, or go deaf."
A mediwitch accompanied her down to the third floor, Wounds – Her lungs seized. Her legs jerked as she swiftly stood.
Magical & Natural, passing the rows of cots and makeshift beds, twisting "That can't be. It's not safe out there right now, I'm sure—"
around the sleeping or moaning soldiers. "Hermione—" Oliver paused, studying her. Looking more like himself.
When they stopped at a door down a quiet hallway, the mediwitch "Have you noticed what floor we're on?"
waited outside for her as she knocked and entered when a familiar voice "I have to go. I'm—" She started toward the door. "I'll check back with
called, "Come in." you."
Neville sat at the edge of his bed, his leg in a brace and bandages She bolted into the corridor, turning sharply to the left and running
wrapped around his chest. He looked haggard, but his face brightened at toward the lobby area. She passed her room, and her knees almost gave
the sight of her. out when she saw the sign on the wall.
"Hermione!"
Her chest cracked open as she ran to his bedside, wrapping her arms Fourth Floor
around his shoulders. "I've missed you." Janus Thickey Ward
He gripped her back as tightly as he could.
Adrenaline pumped through her veins as she moved on. She
"You too. I've been waiting to see your name in the papers. I had no
recognized it now. The hallways she, Harry, Ron, and Ginny had gotten
idea you were here!"
lost in while visiting Arthur in St. Mungo's.
The lump in her throat grew. She pulled back, dragging over a chair to
Oliver was wrong. This could just be where there happened to be open
sit beside him. "How are you? Ginny told me about Nagini, and then I
beds. What had the Healer said? Overflow from the third floor?
read about you in the paper—"
782 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 771
 The corridor opened up into a large windowed room with couches Healer Barkley found her around lunchtime, asking her if she'd like to
and chess tables. Hermione halted at the sight of two mediwitches see the library. Hermione's throat constricted, but she managed to nod.
standing on either side of the room, watching over people in mint hospital The library in St. Mungo's was cluttered and dusty. Still, Hermione's
robes. Two girls played Exploding Snap. Another sat by the window, her chest felt less hollow as she wandered through the shelves, her fingers
blonde curls hanging limply as she stared outside. trailing across the spines. She was just about to pick a textbook on healing
The blonde turned, and met Hermione's eyes. Penelope Clearwater. when she spotted a book titled, Laws of Wizarding Britain, Vol. 1. With a
She quickly looked away. glance at the doorway, she slipped it inside the heavier volume, and went
"Hello! Granger?" an accented voice called out. to meet Healer Barkley.
A brunette girl stood from her game of Exploding Snap. Her eyes She read until one in the morning. By two, she'd written another
were dark-circled and wide. Hermione staggered into a nearby pillar as letter:
Giuliana Bravieri rushed over to her.
"Granger!" She grasped Hermione's hands. "What happened to you? Bill:
Where did they take Blaise? Is he alright?" - Under the Magical Freedom Act of 1833, no witches or wizards are
Hermione's chest felt like it was collapsing as Giuliana squeezed her
to have their magic tampered with without executive decision from the
fingers, firing off questions. From the corner of her eye, she saw the
mediwitches watching them closely. Wizengamot.
"I'm fine," Hermione managed. "Just a minor injury to my ribs." - According to the Wizengamot Charter of Rights, in the absence of
"The Healers say I'm sick, but I don't feel sick!" said Giuliana. She
pressed her lips together. "Blaise? Hermione, do you know what—" a Wizengamot, a Council shall be devised.
"I'm not sure." A shadow fell across Giuliana's face, and Hermione's - The Magical Welfare Act of 1967 states that witches and wizards
heart pumped faster. She tried to give her a reassuring squeeze. "How
were you separated?"
who have lost capability of their mind may be held against their will, but
"They caught us in Norwich. They took Blaise and the girls, but they the Welfare Act has specific definitions of 'lost capability.' Please see
brought me here." Giuliana's lip quivered. "I tried to stop them, but they attached.
wouldn't listen."
"I'll find out," she said faintly. "They're probably in Azkaban—" Please direct me to the council for which these decisions are made.
"Azkaban! But he didn't do anything wrong!" Sincerely,
Hermione struggled to stay standing as the room tilted beneath her.
Like a fog was lifting, she stared at the fifteen-year-old's shining eyes, Hermione
seeing herself reflected in them. The next morning, the Prophet reported that True Order infantries
"—certain he's completely innocent! Please, I love him! You have to were dispatching across Europe to round up fleeing Death Eaters. She
help him!" knew Ron would be part of that effort. So would George, and perhaps
Stockholm Syndrome. Ginny.
That's what the Muggles called it. Ignoring the heaviness in her ribs, Hermione turned the page. She
Tearing her hands free, she ran down a different hallway, Giuliana's skimmed the articles until her eyes caught on a familiar name.
calls echoing in her ears. Her breath was short as she scanned for the lifts
Neville Longbottom, the hero responsible for killing Voldemort's
or stairs. She had to get out.
She needed to get to the Manor. deadly snake, is on the mend. Insiders at St. Mungo's report that Healers
had difficulty obtaining the ingredients needed to treat the venom, but
772 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 781
 As soon as the door closed behind them, she scrambled for the Prophet. Hermione whipped around corners until she finally found a reception
area with a woman in a white nurses' hat at a desk, ruffling through
MASS INDICTMENTS OF DEATH EATERS,
paperwork. The lifts were behind her. A stairwell off to one side.
ACCOMPLICES "Miss, can I help you?" The witch eyed her, taking in her mint green
BY ANDY SMUDGLEY robe.
The Provisional Government of England is looking to move forward We're damaged. We can't be trusted.
quickly with the trials of Death Eaters and Great Order accomplices, "It's been a while since I've had fresh air. I fancied a walk."
The witch studied her. "Perhaps I can call for one of our mediwitches
releasing 542 indictments yesterday afternoon. General Jacobs of the
to escort you."
True Order will be presiding over the newly-formed Justice Tribunal,
"No, thank you." Hermione wiped her palms on her gown. "I have a
which will exclusively prosecute British citizens. In a statement, Jacobs friend on the third floor. I was hoping to visit him."
defended the decision to include French General Robert Pierre as one of She heard the lift arrive on the fourth floor. The witch's eyes widened
the Tribunal's five judges, stating, "The accused must answer not only at the slew of visitors rushing in.
for their crimes against Britain, but all of Europe." A full list of the "Let me just call a staff member to join you." She flicked her wand
indicted can be found on pages 2-3. and a rabbit Patronus shot out of it, hopping down the corridor.
Hermione turned to the next page. Her fingers ran down the list of The visitors swarmed her desk, and Hermione slipped between their
names, barely pausing at Draco Malfoy or Lucius Malfoy. There were so frantic questions and into the stairwell. She flew down the stairs, passing
many of them. Some were expected — Yaxley, Travers, the Carrows, the the third floor and sprinting to the first landing.
Selwyns — but others froze the blood in her veins. Rita Skeeter and Ludo They couldn't keep her here. It was a violation of her rights. All she
Bagman, for instance. Her heart was thumping by the time she reached needed was a wand or some Floo powder, and she'd be off.
Blaise Zabini. And when she reached Narcissa Malfoy's name on page 3, Jumping to the bottom of the stairwell, Hermione paused. She slowly
followed by Pansy Parkinson, a sob wrenched from her throat. pushed through the door, moving against the wall as she entered the first
She took an hour to collect herself. Then she dried her tears, folded up floor of St. Mungo's.
the paper, and penned another letter to Ginny and Ron. She ducked her head, but then her eyes caught on two Healers in
After stuffing the letters into envelopes, she put on the slippers in her white coats, standing next to the Welcome Witch. They spun to face her.
wardrobe and crossed the room. She reached for the door and sighed in Expecting her.
relief when it opened. She froze as they approached her. One was rotund and mustached.
Hermione stood blinking in the hallway. It seemed to have grown The other was taller than Ron, with watery eyes and thinning hair.
larger since she'd seen it last. The walls were quiet as she began following "Good evening, Miss Granger. It's wonderful to see you up and about,
the same path she had the last time. She turned the corner and found a but your injuries are not quite healed," the tall one said.
new set of doors — sealing off the wounded and screaming soldiers. Lifting her chin, she tugged at her robe. "I need to speak to someone
Hermione stared at them, wondering if Ginny or Ron were behind them. about being discharged."
On her way back, she bumped into a mediwizard, who offered to post The tall one stepped forward and said, "I'm Healer Tamor, and I'm
her letters for her. She handed them over, and her feet carried her to helping with your care. Your ribs are still healing, and you recently had
Oliver's room. mild concussion—"
The door was locked. She rapped it with her knuckles a few times, but "I'd like to speak to the Head Healer, please." Her heartbeat was
there was no answer. So she paced the corridors of the fourth floor, skyrocketing, Oliver's words rattling inside her head.
avoiding Giuliana at the other end. The men exchanged glances.

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 "Miss Granger," the shorter one said, "you are still being treated by Her nights had been filled with grey eyes and severed arms and
our staff. Now, if you come with us back to your room, we can talk—" shattered glasses. She'd tried to bury her memories, but the suppressants
"Who is responsible for my treatment?" When they were silent, she dulled her Occlumency. She could only meditate for so long before her lake
continued, "Per our laws, any patient who is deemed incapable of their with still waters would flicker, the surface rattling from a distant avalanche.
own care has an authorized individual who can—" The fourth day, they'd asked her questions. And when Healer Barkley
"Yes, we know." Healer Tamor cleared his throat. "That would be Bill had prodded about her interests before the war, Hermione realized they
Weasley." were looking for signs of mind-altering magic. Not the kind caused by the
"Summon him, please." Her nostrils flared as she breathed deep, curling Imperius Curse, but an insidious kind that changed the fabric of who you
her hands into fists. If Bill Weasley was keeping her here, he would answer were. Cold dread had washed over her, but she answered their questions
for it. nonetheless.
The shorter one let out a barking laugh. "We can't just call Bill Before they left, she'd asked for the Daily Prophet. Reading it made her
Weasley and ask him to..." He trailed off at her expression. "Miss feel more like herself, she'd said. Healer Tamor had given her a curt, "I'll
Granger, Bill Weasley is a very busy man. I believe he's in Greece at the see what I can do," before locking her in.
moment—" The Prophet had appeared on her bedside table the next morning, and
"If he's responsible for my 'care,' he has a duty to come when Hermione upended her coffee to snatch it. The headline had
important decisions are at stake. I'll wait." read, ATHENS LIBERATED. The cover photo had depicted the
Spinning on her heel, she dropped into a chair near the reception corpse of Eleni Cirillo, hanging by her feet from the columns of the Old
desk. She fumed as she tapped her slippers against the tile. Royal Palace.
The mediwitches sent her anxious looks, and the Healers whispered On Wednesday 12 May, the Prophet had reported the surrender of
behind their clipboards. The minutes passed, and Hermione focused on a Great Order forces in Lüneburg and Hanover. Azkaban was overflowing.
single thought, repeating it over and over until everything else burned There had been no mention of Pansy, Blaise, or the Malfoys. But Draco's
away. face had still stared up at her from page seven — Undesirable No. 3. Just
She had to get to Malfoy Manor. below his father.
The clock on the wall ticked an hour. Then two. It was shortly after Healer Tamor came bearing the paper the next morning. He kept it in
ten in the evening when the Floo burst to life behind her, and she turned his lap as he pulled up a chair, watching Healer Barkley ask Hermione
to see Bill stepping through, ragged with exhaustion. She stood as the two how she slept, how she was feeling, and how her relationship was with
Healers greeted him. Draco Malfoy in school.
"Bill, I need to leave." She struggled to keep her voice even. Hearing his name again hit Hermione like a blow to the gut. When
"Apparently they believe I shouldn't leave. Tell them I'm fine, please." the room no longer felt like it was collapsing in on her, she answered
Bill glanced over her mint robe, his eyes tired, but still sharp. "Hullo, honestly, her eyes trained on the bed sheets.
Hermione. Give me a minute, yeah?" He moved a few yards away, Healer Tamor set the paper on her bedside stand when it was over.
muttering lowly with the Healers. Hermione's blood boiled as he reached "I've been thinking," he said, "that being able to walk around a bit
for a medical chart Healer Tamor handed him, flipping through the pages. might be good for you. Would you like that?"
She stormed up to them. "As you can see, my ribs have been tended Blood rushed in Hermione's ears. "Yes." She dipped her chin. "I'd like
to, and I'm walking just fine. My head has never felt better. So, I would that very much."
like to be cleared to leave." "Excellent," he said, clasping his hands together. "Be sure to stay inside
Bill handed the chart back to the Healer. "That isn't a good idea. As this wing."
you can tell"—he gestured at his bloody robes—"the war is still being Hermione nodded.

774 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 779

 Please be careful about who you share your findings with. I trust you, fought. I was expecting an emergency when they summoned me. Maybe
you aren't aware—"
and Ron, but I'd rather speak with you before you take any action. "I've read today's Prophet. I have a perfectly good idea of what's going
I'm so alone here, Ginny — hardly more than a prisoner. If you can on. Athens is going to fall soon, whether you're there or not. Don't you
dare use that as an excuse for holding me against my will." His throat
spare a few hours for me now, I would be so grateful. bobbed as she stepped into him, jabbing her finger at his chest. "Tell me
Please stay safe. I can't bear it otherwise. why the man who Stunned me against my will has been given
Hermione responsibility for my care when his brother or sister would be far more
suitable—"
$ "That's enough, Hermione." Bill's mouth was hard, but his eyes filled
with some strange emotion. "I know this must be difficult for you, but
Hermione stared out the window, her fingers pressing against the glass. you're not well. Neither Ginny nor Ron can handle seeing you like this."
She'd sent the letter four days ago. Still no reply. Nor had Ron responded "Like what, exactly? I'm not sick!"
to the similar letter she'd penned to him. Her voice rattled through the antechamber of St. Mungo's, drawing
The week had jumbled together in a blur. The morning after Ginny's the attention of every visitor, Healer, and patient.
visit, a young woman named Healer Barkley had appeared in her room, Her chest was heaving as Bill turned his eyes back on her chart. "Have
informing her that she was being treated for repeated concussions and you started the testing?" he murmured to Tamor.
casting a flurry of diagnostics. Hermione had tried her best to seem "Not yet—"
cooperative, yet sharp, but it was like speaking to a brick wall. When she'd "What testing?" Hermione felt unsteady again. "If I'm being 'tested'
asked why a blood sample was necessary, Healer Barkley swiftly left the for something, I have a right to know what."
room. The door had stayed locked for the rest of the day. And that night, "It's part of your treatment," Bill said softly. He stared over her ear for
as Hermione sat in the sterile tub of her attached bathroom, clutching her a moment, avoiding her eyes. "Hermione, I'm sorry. Truly. We can
knees, she'd wondered if they were right about her. explain in time, but please, just try to cooperate for now." Hermione's
The second day had been much the same, except Healer Tamor came head jerked back. He gently grasped her shoulder. "I may not be Ginny,
along. Hermione had asked him a few questions about her treatment, or Ron, but all of us just want the best for you. I hope you believe that."
only to receive vague replies. She'd managed to keep her voice steady Panic began clouding her vision. "Bill, just take me with you.
when she requested to speak with Bill Weasley, telling them she had Discharge me to your care if you're worried. I'll go with you to Greece. I
sensitive information to share about Voldemort's defeat and the can't stay here any longer—"
whereabouts of two missing Death Eaters. They were free to view her "That's not in my power, Hermione."
memories, if they needed proof. A icy chill raced down her spine. She stared at his face, his eyes
After exchanging a glance with Healer Barkley, Healer Tamor had identical to Ron's, the curve of his mouth just like Ginny's. And she knew
assured her the True Order had victory well in hand, with or without her he wasn't lying.
memories. They'd exited the room together — locked again. She swallowed, her eyes roving wildly as Bill gripped her other
On the third day, Hermione had only asked a single question — a shoulder, saying something to calm her. She wouldn't be kept here against
request to write to Ginny and Ron. She regretted how they parted, she'd her will.
explained, and wanted to make amends. Later that day, after she'd She wouldn't.
complied with their strange new tests — tapping her fingers together, The portly Healer's wand was sticking out of his coat pocket. He
performing a card sorting task — a stack of parchment and a dull self- wouldn't be quick to draw.
inking quill appeared on her bedside table.
778 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 775
 Her fingers twitched as she breathed deep, focusing on summoning
her magic.
No buzz in her veins, no hum across her skin.
The flow in her veins… was gone.
Bill looked at her sadly.
"You suppressed my magic?" she whispered. Her eyes pricked. "Bill…
you let them take my magic?"
Bill released her shoulders and exhaled sharply. He ran a hand
through his hair. "I'm sorry, Hermione. It's just a precaution while you're

38
healing."
Healing.
She couldn't run. She couldn't Apparate. No magic. They may as well
have inked her arm again and tied her to the property.
Bill looked like he might reach for her shoulder again, but she turned
sharply away.
Hermione let her eyes rest on the tiles. "Healer Tamor, I'm quite
tired." She was. Exhaustion throbbed behind her eyelids. "I'd like to go
back to my room now."
A long pause — and then Healer Tamor shuffled forward. "Of course,
Miss Granger."
"I'm sorry for taking you away from Athens, Bill," she said flatly. "Send
my love to the others."
Bill said nothing, staring as she walked past him, following Healer
Tamor to the lifts. The doors opened. They stepped inside, and he
pressed the button for the fourth floor — Janus Thickey Ward.
Her mind was numb as he returned her to her room, promising to
check on her in the morning.
G inny,
I know there's a lot still unsaid between us. There's so much I want to
know, and even more I want to tell you. But for now, the most important
She thanked him. The door clicked shut. And a moment later, a
locking charm was cast.
thing is that I need to speak with you about my year at Malfoy Manor.
Hermione stared down at the Prophet, the remains of Edinburgh Castle I promise not to let my emotions enter the conversation. All I'm asking
boring up at her as she thought over her options. is for the chance to provide you with proof.
She could look for careless mistakes and escape routes. Try to sneak
out with Oliver in the dead of night. In the Manor, there are notes beneath my bed which prove what I have
Or. been up to for the last year. If you find my gold dress, check the inner
She could walk out in the daylight, her head held high. Show them
that they'd underestimated her will to fight.
seam. Next, go to Lucius Malfoy's study. There is a Pensieve behind his
Hermione drifted over to her window, looking out at Muggle London. ebony cabinet. Watch the memories in the black vials. You may need
Once they've underestimated you — strike. Narcissa's assistance.
776 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 777
looked empty. Hermione stepped through the broken lamps and strewn Netherlands, then to Spain. I just got back from Valencia last night. We
clothing, but found no one in the bathroom. Nothing in the Conservatory caught Jugson there earlier this week."
except the flowers wilting in the sunlight. Hermione shifted her weight. "And Ron?"
Hermione broke into a run as she headed to the library, racing down "Still there. He and Percy joined the hunt for Minister Santos."
the corridor lined with marble men who looked too much like Draco. The Hermione nodded. Her heart felt like a vice had wrapped around it.
doors were covered in slashing cuts, like someone had tried taking an ax "I tried to do what you asked of me after Greece. But they wouldn't let
to them to get inside, but the handles warmed beneath her touch before me, and I just—I just needed to lose myself in something." Ginny's voice
they gave way. trembled. "I'm sorry if you felt forgotten."
The room was empty and untouched. "It's alright," said Hermione. It wasn't, but it would be. "Ginny, I
Her shelves trembled as she flew to the dungeons, finding the door understand—"
open and the cells unlocked. A cot lay against the stone pillar, looking "I don't." Her smile was bitter. "Sometimes I think I've become
freshly slept in — a small blanket folded carefully atop it. someone I would have hated."
The panic in her chest spiked when she burst into the kitchens and "Don't say that," Hermione snapped. "I could never hate you."
found vegetables half-chopped, the pots bubbling over. A stool had Ginny stared at the ceiling, then the walls. Her eyes were glassy. "I
knocked to the floor, a cigarette next to it — still smoking. wanted to offer you a room at the Burrow. If you'd like." She bit her lip.
"Plumb?" Hermione tightened her grip on her wand. "Remmy?" "You're not… required to come with me, or—"
Silence. Hermione threw her arms around her, dragging her close. Ginny
She put out the stove and the cigarette, and moved back to the hesitated, but then she was squeezing her back, clutching her as if her life
hallway. Her head felt dizzy as she looked both ways down the sun- depended on it.
dappled corridor. Tears pricked Hermione's eyes, and she felt Ginny's shoulders shake.
"Homenum Revelio." The tip of her wand lit — and then extinguished. She knew the nurses were watching them, but she didn't care.
A twisting dread crept over her. Narcissa had to be here. That had "I've missed you, Ginny. So much."
been Lucius's plan all along— "Me too." Ginny's voice was thick as she ran her hand between her
A faint thunder crackled in the distance. shoulder blades, pulling back to grip her elbows. "There's… a lot I still
She stalked down the corridor, trying to breathe through the growing don't understand. And I don't… I don't know if I fully believe that you
tightness in her lungs. Her eyes roved the carpets and walls for clues, haven't been manipulated by that family in some way."
flicking past the paintings and tapestries— Hermione's lips opened to protest—
The Manor has many secrets. "But I told Bill it wasn't right to keep you locked up like a criminal,"
Her feet paused. She blinked over her shoulder — staring at the tapestry Ginny continued. "We've been putting pressure on them all week to
Lucius had shown her months ago when he'd forced her on a tour of the release you, but I think it was your interview that did the trick."
Manor. Her neck stretched to gaze up at the lush landscape, the fields Ginny's lips twitched in a smile.
grassy and the clouds high. A solitary mare grazed in the distance. Her face fell quickly again, and she released Hermione's elbows. "You
Hermione lifted her wand. "Dissendium." have to understand that I—I just found out about Charlie. It's hard for all
The mare lifted her head and stared at her through dark eyes. of us, with the Malfoys. But I promise to— try to listen in time. When I
"Aparecium," said Hermione, her heart pumping faster. "Revelio. Appare can see the things you want to show me."
Vestigium—" Hermione nodded. The space was still there, but she felt it shrinking.
The mare chewed before turning and loping away, deep into the For now, Ginny was here. And it was enough. She'd give her the space she
background. needed.

81 1 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 789

 "Let's go home," she said, and Ginny grinned at her just like she used to.
Hermione felt something in her chest unwind as Ginny led them to
the lifts. The doors closed on the Janus Thickey Ward, and she reached
for Ginny's hand.
"I have this for you," Ginny said, producing a wand from her other
sleeve. Hermione blinked down at it. "It was suggested that maybe you
shouldn't have one yet, so keep it hidden."
Hermione took the wand gingerly — oak, and shorter than her own
had been. The buzzing of magic in her veins doubled, and her chest

39
flooded with relief. She tucked it in her waistband, and found Ginny
watching her.
"I know what you're thinking, Hermione. But the Manor is barred. I
already told you I tried to go. Not even Bill can get in."
A chill raced down Hermione's spine. She had to get to the Manor and
retrieve her notes and Lucius's memories. Nothing was more important.
"What do you mean, barred? Isn't Narcissa Malfoy being held there?"
"Yes. She's under surveillance. The Floo is off, and there are guards
inside and around the perimeter. No one is permitted in or out unless they
are cleared by General Jacobs. Which really means General Pierre."
"Then I need to speak to General Pierre."
Ginny gave her a grim smile. "You'll have your chance. They want to
meet with you tomorrow morning. At the Ministry."
Anxiety and relief warred inside her as the lift doors opened to the
lobby. Then a cascade of sound and movement shattered her senses. tepping through the Manor doors and into the entryway was like
"Miss Granger!"
"Over here!"
Flashbulbs burst and camera shutters clapped like thunder as people
S slipping into a familiar dream. The chandelier glittered, reflecting
light onto the pale marble and high arches. The stairs beckoned her
up, where she could crawl beneath the covers and wait for the nightmare
shouted her name. Hermione blinked against the light and the sound, to end.
following Ginny's lead as she muscled them forward. A distant boom pierced Hermione's eardrums, and she slammed the
"Miss Granger, how do you feel?" door with a jolt. She sagged against it, struggling to think.
"What are your plans now?" Lucius was dead. George had killed him. Lucius was dead, and the
Ginny wrapped her arm around her as she led them toward the exit. True Order was trying to enter the Manor to kill Narcissa, and she had to
The roar grew deafening, the white light blinding. Reporters called out find her and make sure she was safe.
questions over the din. Breathing deep, Hermione locked her shelves into place.
Hermione stumbled forward, and the only warning Ginny gave her "Narcissa?" she called out. "Mippy?"
was a squeeze of her palm before they Disapparated with a crack! She moved swiftly down the hall, her wand drawn as she twisted
The hook from behind her belly released, and they were standing around corners and peered into dark rooms. Narcissa's office was empty
outside the Burrow. — her letters scattered, her bookshelves overturned. The master bedroom

790 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 810

 Ginny stepped in front of her and lifted a brow. "You sure know what
you're doing, don't you?"
Hermione took a moment to catch her breath. "I wasn't expecting
that."
"It's going to help you tomorrow," said Ginny simply. "Make sure to
mention it if it doesn't make the papers." She took Hermione's arm and
tugged her through the tall grass.
The Burrow was just as she remembered it — a massive, leaning
jumble of a house. The sight of it filled her chest with warmth and
longing and a dozen other emotions she couldn't name. It wasn't until
Ginny wrenched open the front door that Hermione remembered she
wouldn't find Molly waiting in the kitchen, surrounded by floating pots
and pans. Or Arthur in the garage, tinkering with an eggbeater.
Her stomach twisted. Taking a deep breath, she shoved the memories
back.
A silver-blonde head poked out of the kitchen, short-cropped and
sleek. "'Ermione?"
Fleur Delacour stepped around the corner, holding a spatula.
Hermione stared at her, remembering the smoke and panic of
Edinburgh, the way she'd sliced a Death Eater's neck so easily. She
blinked the images away.
"Hello," Hermione said, just as Fleur wrapped her in a hug.
Pulling back, Fleur smiled and gripped her shoulders. "It's good to 'ave
you home." She glanced at Ginny, then back at Hermione. "Breakfast?"
They followed Fleur into the kitchen.
Hermione took a seat at the kitchen table, and Ginny sat beside her.
They watched Fleur finish cooking, comfortable in the silence.
Ginny got up to set the table, and Hermione watched her help Fleur
with an easy affinity she'd never seen between them before. The war had
shifted all of them, she supposed. Some closer, and some farther.
Halfway through their large breakfast, the Floo in the kitchen burst to
life. Hermione twisted in her chair to see Bill stepping through the
fireplace, followed by George.
Hermione's heart skipped. She hadn't been this close to George since
the Palace Theatre.
They both stopped dead at the sight of her.
"Hermione." Bill nodded his head in greeting. "Good to see you
again."

THE AUCTION ● 791

 George moved first, grabbing a handful of sausage before dropping front of the rippling crowd. Ron extended his hand to her, as if he wanted
into a chair. her to grant them access.
Hermione nodded stiffly. "Good to see you, too. Hello, George." Her gaze fell to his open palm.
He shoved a sausage into his mouth and tipped his head, pouring a Lucius had known. He'd gotten himself killed, and the Manor had
glass of orange juice. locked down to everyone but her. She glanced to the open doors, and she
Hermione had expected it, but it still felt like she'd been struck. She knew she'd find Narcissa inside. Safe.
looked to Ginny for guidance, but found her staring at Bill, giving him a "Hermione!" Ron called again. His voice was frantic — betrayed.
look her mother would have been proud of. Bill gripped his shoulder with one hand. His other clutching George.
Bill ran a hand through his hair. "Hermione, I'd like to apologize for It was quiet. Just the wind in her ears.
our conversation at Mungo's. It's… Well, you caught me in the middle of With a wave of her hand, the gates of Malfoy Manor began to close
a mess in Athens, and I… I deferred to the Healers. But once we'd on them.
finished the fighting, and they still hadn't found any decent evidence that Someone screamed her name, but she was already walking down the
you'd—" He broke off, staring at his shoes. "Anyway, Ginny convinced me gravel path.
to speak to Pierre. I'm sorry you were kept out of the loop. And I'm sorry Returning home.
I didn't intervene sooner."
His face was sincere, but the arrogance in it still boiled her blood.
Hermione wanted to snap at him that his "intervention" had
accomplished nothing, and that she'd had to claw her way out of St.
Mungo's herself.
Instead she pasted on a polite smile and said, "I understand. Thank
you."
Bill nodded. After an awkward pause, he grabbed a plate and kissed
his wife. He took the seat next to her.
"Alecto Carrow?" Ginny asked.
"It's done," George said around a mouthful of potatoes. "Jacobs did
the honors straight away."
Hermione's fork paused. "She's dead? Already?"
It was only half ten. Alecto Carrow's trial had begun some time that
morning, and she had already been executed.
"Yep. Freed up some space in Azkaban." A piece of toast stopped on
the way to George's mouth. He met her eyes for the first time. "Why? Did
you fall in love with her too?"
Like a splash of cold water across her back. There was silence in the
kitchen except for the clatter of a knife.
Her lips parted on a sharp inhale. "You have no idea what you're
talking about—"
"George," Ginny hissed.
"Oi—"

792 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 809

 Hermione gasped as her eyes flew open, watching as the crowd began George stood from the table, grabbing one more piece of toast.
shouting, rioting. "Whatever." He nodded to Bill. "I'll see you at noon for Jugson."
Pop! Pop! Pop! He disappeared into the living room. She heard his heavy footfalls up
They were Disapparating. the stairs.
They were going to the Manor. To kill Narcissa. Fleur tried to change the subject. Bill poured her another glass of
"No!" orange juice. Ginny offered her a strained smile.
Ten more vanished before her eyes. And Hermione sat quietly, Occluding until the look on George's face
She twisted her wand and Apparated to the hill outside the Manor. was no longer burning behind her eyelids.
The noon sun burst in front of her eyes. A screaming from around her At noon, Bill left with George for Jugson's trial. Hermione sat with
— the crowd gathering, waiting for more to arrive. Ginny and Fleur in the living room, reading through two weeks' worth of
Hermione jerked around, and saw bodies on the ground. True Order the New York Ghost. Her head was already throbbing from all the
guards that had been stationed at the Manor, laying in a heap on the grass. Occlumency, so she directed her focus on Gertie Gumley's questions
Her eyes jumped to the gates. Men on the ground there, expelled from about the lack of transparency behind the Provisional Government of
the house. One of them impaled on the iron, his limbs bent oddly — as England's new Justice Tribunal.
though he'd ejected and landed on the fence. Bill and George returned three hours later. Hermione didn't ask about
The crowd from the Ministry roared. A rush of running feet, and the outcome this time.
Hermione bolted out in front of them, sprinting to the front gates. The sun sank lower in the sky, and Hermione read on. After a time,
She had to get to Narcissa. She had to save her. Fleur got up to do a few chores. Ginny stayed with her.
The iron gates swung open, as though welcoming the mob. Tears Hermione's eyes began straining, but everywhere she looked around
streamed down her face as her legs pumped to get there first. the Burrow brought flashes of memory — with Molly and Arthur. Harry
Jumping over the tangled body of a True Order guard, she darted and Fred. She'd never stayed at the Burrow while Charlie was home, but
through the gates, her muscles on fire as she ran down the gravel drive. he was dead now, too.
A gasping, and a boom. And another, and another. Like firecrackers. The white shore of Dover Beach swam up to the forefront of her
She whipped over her shoulder and found a hundred people hurling mind, the wind on the shore. The bright flash of green as Lucius killed
themselves against the gates and ricocheting backward, like a boundary him swiftly.
spell had been cast to keep them out. She shook her head, and buried it.
Her feet froze, her heart beating in her throat. She was the only one Dinner was also stilted. Ginny had grown moody and silent, and
who made it through. George wouldn't look at Hermione except to ask her to pass the potatoes.
The crowd trampled each other as they shoved forward. She flinched She caught Bill watching her furtively several times, as if expecting her to
at the hiss of the first curse. It bounced up and outward, barreling into have a meltdown at the table.
the sky. Hermione pushed her food around her plate, biting back all the things
Her breath fought against her ribs as they sent more and more she wanted to say about the Malfoys, and how none of them would be
hurtling towards her. The air crackled, but none passed through. She sitting there if it weren't for them. She thought about mentioning the
turned back to the Manor. The front doors swung open, welcoming her. tattoos — asking them if they knew who'd delivered Charlotte the
"Stop it! Don't!" antidote — but she could already imagine what George would say and
The curses ceased. Bill would think. And she didn't need to give them any more ammunition.
"Hermione!" After dinner, Ginny conjured a second bed for Hermione in her room,
She stumbled as she spun around. Ron and his brothers were at the just like they used to sleep when the house was full. Hermione didn't

808 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 793

know if it was out of grief that the other rooms weren't used, or if Ginny Fear lanced through her like a sharp knife, rattling her shelves. Lucius
assumed she didn't want to be alone. She didn't ask. shook his head, smiling, as if laughing at a private joke.
Hermione couldn't sleep. So she stared at the ceiling, feeling the The crowd rumbled, and Hermione's waters trembled.
weight of the Burrow hanging over her as she listened to Ginny breathe in What did he say?
the darkness. Something was missing. And it wasn't just the dead. He didn't just—
It felt like she'd lost something. As though she'd been stitched together She tuned them out, glancing at the Weasley brothers. George's face
sloppily, like a puzzle with missing pieces. Or perhaps all the pieces were was bright red.
there, but they were just in the wrong places. "You know," Lucius continued, louder. A smile in tone. "I do have
It was two in the morning when a soft voice called to her across the regrets for my actions over the past few years." He nodded solemnly.
bedroom. "Tell me something about him. Something I'll know is true." "Mostly, I regret how slowly I killed Charlie Weasley."
Hermione blinked at the ceiling. She opened her mouth to tell her A shout from the crowd. Hermione's legs swayed.
about the tattoos. About the Horcrux, and Dolohov. But that wasn't what That wasn't how it happened. She'd seen it.
Ginny was asking. Lucius shifted in his seat, turning his eyes on the Weasley brothers.
It took her a full minute to speak. "He knew I drank coffee. He had "His screams haunt me to this day, truly. No one should have to go
coffee delivered to my room every morning." through that much pain."
The room was so quiet, she wondered if Ginny had fallen asleep. And Ron shot forward, but Bill yanked him back.
then — "Your room?" She had to make him stop. Hermione moved on shaking legs, her
Hermione turned her head to the grey shape of Ginny in the breath coming quickly. The hall was roaring with noise. Someone in the
darkness. "Yes. I had my own suite." crowd broke the line, their shoulder shoving into Hermione's. She
She ached to tell her more, but she held herself back. stumbled.
Ginny turned over to face the wall and murmured, "Okay." "So much blood," Lucius said, leaning forward like he held a secret.
"And so much begging. But I suppose that's to be expected from a
$ Weasley."
In the morning, Hermione meditated and organized her mind. Ginny There was a ringing in her ears as she raised her wand to silence him
slept soundly on the other side of the room while she steadied her shelves, — but then a sharp movement caught her eye, and she felt like she was
mentally reciting her arguments for her meeting with the True Order. She screaming underwater as George's arm arched back, his wand slicing
needed to be prepared. downward — a green light barreling forward.
She showered, and when she returned to the bedroom, Ginny was The Killing Curse shot through the crowd, landing squarely in the
gone. So she borrowed clothes from Ginny's closet, dressed quickly, and middle of Lucius's chest. His chair blew back several feet, his body limp.
joined the table for breakfast. Her skin was cold. She'd gone deaf, and she couldn't feel her arms.
It was just as silent as it had been yesterday. Lucius's grey eyes were open. His lips curved in a cold smile.
After an hour of ignoring her, George stood from the table and said, Sound hit her like running into a wall. Her eardrums exploded as the
"You ready to go?" Atrium celebrated. She turned to see the Weasley brothers roaring.
She blinked up at him. "Oh. Yes." After clearing her plate, she Her head whipped to the stage where General Pierre was smiling,
followed him to the fireplace. She glanced at Bill, but he remained seated. pretending to calm to the crowd.
George took a handful of Floo powder before handing it over to her. Blacks spots in her vision, growing darker, and deeper. She couldn't
He called out, "Ministry of Magic," and didn't look behind him as he breathe. In the darkness, words started to form.
disappeared in a burst of green flames. Kill his bitch!

794 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 807

her, and whispers floated in her direction. Heading to a far corner, she Hermione's stomach clenched at the thought of returning to the
took several minutes to Occlude, blocking out the rising noise of the Ministry, but she had to go. Squaring her shoulders, she threw the powder
crowd. When she finally opened her eyes, she found the Atrium filled to and stepped into the fireplace.
the very back. She stumbled out into the deserted Ministry Atrium, gaping up at the
Hundreds had turned out for Lucius Malfoy's sentencing. domed blue ceiling. The Magic Is Might fountain was gone — only the
She breathed deep into her still waters as she walked to the center of it dust of demolition left behind.
all, standing to the side until General Pierre opened up the floor to her. George was already walking toward the bank of lifts to the left. She
The Justice Tribunal was called to order, and she found herself stared rushed to follow him, listening to his footsteps echo off the dark wood
down by twelve men and women she'd never seen before. She blinked back floor. He tugged open the grate of an arriving lift and held it open for her,
at them. not meeting her eyes.
The crowd rippled, and a flash of ginger pulled her attention. Bill, Once they were inside, she turned to him.
Percy, George, and Ron standing in the front — all here to see Charlie's "You're disappointed in me."
killer brought to justice. His gaze remained fixed ahead. "Something like that."
She met Ron's gaze before he looked away. She took a deep breath The lift rocketed them downward and to the side, and she stepped in
and buried him deep in her mind, forcing her eyes to blur over the front of him. He scowled down at her.
audience. "I suppose you think I'm insane, then? That I should still be locked
The ding of the lifts silenced the entire hall, and then Lucius Malfoy away at St. Mungo's?"
was being escorted toward the makeshift stage by four guards. The He tilted his head, and she didn't recognize Fred anywhere in his
Atrium exploded in sound. She could hardly think with the press of it on curled lip. "No. I think your mind is fine, and that you simply fell for a
her senses. snivelling little coward. That's the worst part."
They pushed him to sit in a chair facing the twelve jurors. Five judges She flinched, feeling the sting.
presided, including General Hestia Jones, General Pierre, and General The lift stopped, and George pushed around her, exiting without a
Jacobs. backward glance.
At noon on the dot, General Pierre stood, and the Atrium fell silent. Hermione's blood simmered with rage, but she shoved it aside. Taking
He cast an Amplifying Charm on his voice and began, "Lucius a deep breath, she stepped off the lift — and onto the same black tiles
Malfoy. You are hereby brought before this Tribunal to answer to your she'd sprinted across a year ago, running from Dolohov and Yaxley. Her
crimes against the Wizarding world, crimes against humanity and liberty." shelves trembled violently, but she centered her mind, pushing back her
The crowd hollered and booed, shaking the ground beneath her feet. memories.
Lucius was still, his hands folded in his lap. When they settled, Pierre She almost had to break into a run to catch up with George, striding
continued. down a corridor toward a black unmarked door. He knocked twice, and
"These crimes include: The mass murder of over 10,000 lives, both the door swung open.
magical and Muggle, in Canada; Conspiracy to mass murder in Italy; Hestia Jones stared them up and down. Hermione's lips parted in
Conspiracy to mass murder in Switzerland; the witnessed and reported silent surprise. Jones had been a member of the Order of the Phoenix —
murder of the following — Chelsea Jamison, Damon Ducavenay, Ruben just a few years older than Tonks. Hermione had seen her in and out of
Taverntine, Charles Weasley—" Grimmauld Place over the years.
A chuckle rumbled through the Atrium — low, but unmistakable. "Miss Granger." She reached forward and took her hand in a firm
Hermione looked up, and found Lucius Malfoy smirking at the crowd. shake. George slid by her. "Good to see you again."
"Hm. I did manage to get a Weasley, didn't I? I'd quite forgotten." "And you."

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 Hermione entered what seemed to be a meeting room with a long oval And with a wave of relief, she realized — Kreacher might be with
table. A large map of Europe filled the entire far wall, stuck with pins. Draco. The master of Grimmauld Place. Tears threatened to spill down
Two men were seated at the table. They stood to attention, turning to the her cheeks, and she leaned against the wall, drawing labored breaths until
doorway. she was able to Occlude her feelings away. When her shelves were steady,
"Hermione Granger, this is General Pierre and General Jacobs of the she headed upstairs.
True Order." Grimmauld Place had a small library where she located a few books
General Jacobs was a bland but handsome man, about in his late on Magical Law. But by mid-afternoon, she was aching for more sources.
thirties. He greeted her with a posh British accent, shaking her hand She Apparated to one of London's owleries and sent off several notes —
when she offered it. But her eyes were drawn to Robert Pierre, the man one to Ginny, apologizing for not returning to the Burrow, explaining
who apparently held all power over decisions of her medical care. Lucius's trial and why she had to defend him, and promising to see her
He was the taller of the two, with broad shoulders and a crooked face. soon; a few to several Magical Libraries, requesting books on law; and one
His eyes were penetratingly blue, and the scruff he wore on his cheeks to the Justice Tribunal, requesting a copy of their new laws and the
contrasted with the straight, pressed lines of his black military clothes. transcripts for the trials that had taken place over the past week.
"Miss Granger," he said, his accent much lighter and crisper than In the morning, when she woke covered in borrowed law texts, but
Fleur's. "I'm delighted to hear that you are feeling better." with no response from the Tribunal, she wasn't surprised.
"Thank you." She forced herself to smile. "I'm honored to meet you She cast a few glamours and left Grimmauld on Saturday morning to
all." grab groceries and a copy of the Prophet. When she flipped through the
Hestia offered her a seat across the table from Pierre and Jacobs, and pages, she found her own face on page 11 with the
then took her own chair just down the table. George remained in the headline, HERMIONE GRANGER, OF SOUND MIND?
room, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. The paper almost slipped from her fingers. Her vision blurred as she
"Well, Miss Granger, you have our attention. Especially after your little read it — just a few lines. It suggested that she had been at St. Mungo's
stunt with the Prophet." Pierre gave her a tight smile. "Forgive me for for injuries to the head, and that the Healers had disagreed about the
skipping pleasantries, but we are all quite busy. So tell us, what is it that decision to discharge her. The tip had been provided by an anonymous
you want?" source at the hospital.
The room was silent. Jacobs laced his fingers on the table, staring her They were trying to discredit her.
down. A cold awareness crept down Hermione's spine, like brushing After nearly setting it aflame in her anger, Hermione channeled her
fingers with a ghost. fury into her preparation. She read her new books from front to back.
"I'd like access to Malfoy Manor. I have evidence there to assist the Four owls later, she received a letter from the Tribunal confirming that
True Order in—" she'd be given access to a Pensieve that could project memories to the
"Out of the question." Pierre leaned back in his chair. "Malfoy Manor court. And for the first time, she felt hopeful.
is under lockdown. And the estate has already been swept, I assure you. On the morning of the trial, she rolled her eyes at herself in the
Any 'evidence' you might have has been picked up already." mirror as she changed clothes for the third time. The girls had left behind
She lifted a brow at him. "Highly doubtful, General. You'd be treating piles of clothes, but Daphne's fit her best. She put on the crispest blouse
me very differently if you'd seen what I have stored there." she could find, Lucius's taunting ringing in her ears.
Jacobs shifted in his chair, glancing at Pierre, but the Frenchman kept When she arrived at the Ministry Atrium half an hour early, she found
his gaze on her. "And what might that be?" a crowd already forming, hoping for a good view.
"You'll have to let me retrieve it myself." She had a written statement memorized as an opening. She had her
He laughed — a low rumble. memories in vials, ready to submit them to evidence. Eyes dragged over

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attacked, when he came searching for his son. "No, I don't believe so. "We have all the evidence we need to try the accused, Miss Granger."
She's under house arrest." "And that's my next question," she said, straightening in her chair at
There was a knock at the door, and Hermione whipped around as it his condescending tone. "Which laws are these tribunals observing if a
swung open. Pierre was there. It hadn't been ten minutes. defendant can be tortured mid-trial?"
Pressing her lips together, she stood. When she turned back to Lucius, "A 'defendant,'" George said suddenly. "Is that what they are? Are you
she found him reclining in his seat. "I'll see you at your trial, Lucius. Rest saying you didn't see Amycus and Alecto Carrow with your own two eyes—"
assured, I intend to inconvenience you for many years to come." "What I saw is irrelevant. When they are on trial being prosecuted,
His eyes glittered as he nodded to her. She turned, moving to the door. they are defendants according to Wizarding Law and the Wizengamot's
Pierre had just stepped aside for her when Lucius called out, "Oh, and legal documents—"
Miss Granger?" "In case you haven't noticed, Miss Granger," said Jacobs, "the
She spun around, and saw him eyeing her denims and trainers with destruction caused by the Great Order required a new government to be
distaste. built. The Justice Tribunal—"
"Will you at least attempt to dress yourself appropriately at the trial?" "Yes, the Justice Tribunal," she said. "Which, I assume, has been granted
She scowled at him and followed Pierre out, back down the halls, and a charter of some kind by the International Confederation of Wizards?"
to the lifts. "We are not bound by international law," said Pierre coolly. "The
Her mind was spinning, replaying her conversation with Lucius on a Justice Tribunal is free to prosecute its own citizens as it sees fit."
loop. She still had no idea why he'd turned himself in, or what he planned "Then why are you here, General Pierre?"
to accomplish. And now she wouldn't have a chance to find out until his A muscle in Pierre's cheek twitched. "How can we help you today,
trial. Miss Granger?"
She barely heard Pierre as he bid her a clipped goodbye and left her at She lifted her chin. "Firstly, I would like all charges against Narcissa
the fireplaces. But as she stood before the Floo, powder in hand, her Malfoy, Blaise Zabini, and Pansy Parkinson dropped. Effective
muscles felt frozen at the thought of returning to the Burrow. immediately."
Her arm faltered. She couldn't return to silent dinners and George's Jacobs scoffed.
sneers. Lucius Malfoy's life was on the line. Draco's father. "Denied," Pierre said.
Four days to save him. That's all she had. She clenched her palms into fists beneath the table. "I have proof that
A sudden idea struck her. She tossed the powder and called out for all three of them aided the True Order over the past year, and actively
Grimmauld Place, praying it wouldn't be barred. assisted in the downfall of the Great Order. In the interest of justice, I
The flames roared as she stepped through, and then she was walking request that you review my memories before proceeding with those trials."
out of the familiar fireplace there. "Denied."
She felt dizzy with success. The Fidelius Charm was intact. Draco was Her nostrils flared, and her anger boiled over. "Pansy Parkinson was
the Secret Keeper. Since he'd taken her there, she still could return. sold like an animal, just like the rest of us! What are her crimes?"
She pulled out her wand and cast a Homenum Revelio. No one there — "Miss Parkinson was declared dead a year ago. She's been colluding
she was alone. with Great Order members from that point onwards—"
She wandered into the kitchen. Blaise and the girls had left quickly. "And what is your evidence for this? If you would view my memories,
Dishes still in the sink were growing mold, and books had been left you'd see just how false your statement is—"
opened on the coffee table. A pouch full of Galleons lay on a cushion. "Your memories, Miss Granger," Pierre said, "may not have the weight
Glancing around, Hermione called out for Kreacher. you think they do. You've been treated at St. Mungo's recently for mental
He didn't come. tampering, I believe?"

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 The air left Hermione's lungs. "Do you truly believe they will review my memories in preparation for
She felt her hands shaking with anger. "I was cleared by the Healers, the trial?"
who found absolutely no evidence that I'd been subjected to mind-altering "I do," she said, with more confidence than she felt. "The Tribunal has
magic—" been appalling thus far, but that ends today. If they won't review your
"The point"—Pierre lifted a hand—"is that we cannot disprove that memories, I'll drag a Pensieve into the courtroom myself."
your memories have been compromised. We have plenty of evidence of His lips tugged in a half-smile. Something glittered behind his eyes. "I
crimes committed by the entire Malfoy family and your"—he made a wasn't expecting you, Miss Granger."
flippant gesture—"friends." "I know." He looked like Draco when he smirked. She twisted her
"Then I demand to represent the accused at the trials and submit my fingers together. "I just came from my first meeting with the True Order."
testimony, my memories, and my physical evidence from Malfoy Manor "No, not just here." He glanced at the wall over her shoulder like there
in front of the Tribunal." was a beautiful view she was missing out on. "You're quite unexpected."
"The accused provide their own defense, Miss Granger. They must She stared at him, waiting for him to say more.
answer the court directly—" "Don't misunderstand me, you're clearly more trouble than you're
"Then I will go to the Prophet, the Ghost, and any paper who will have worth." He folded his hands and rolled his shoulders back. "But I almost
me and tell them about the Justice Tribunal's lack of due process and regret preventing you from escaping the Palace."
interference with evidence collection. I will tell them how the True Order Ice ran through her veins. The arms that had wrapped around her in
had Hermione Granger committed without cause — creator of the tattoo the scuffle backstage.
antidote potion that freed the slaves and allowed the True Order the Good work, Malfoy. It had been so long since she thought of that
opportunity retake the country—" moment. At the time, she'd assumed it had been Draco.
"I don't know what you think you've created," Jacobs interjected over "You said you weren't there — that you had no interest in slave-trading."
her, "but French potioneers working for the True Order were the ones He shrugged. "I lied."
responsible for creating the antidote—" She racked her brain for the memory. "You were trying to take me
She pushed to her feet, anger coiling through her veins. "Is that the lie outside. Why?"
you've been spinning? I constructed that potion myself in the Malfoy "I hadn't quite decided," he lilted. "I was half-tempted to kill you.
potions laboratory. Narcissa Malfoy gave me her wand, and Draco Malfoy Would have saved me an awful lot of trouble."
delivered the ingredients directly to Charlotte!" She scowled at him, crossing her arms over her chest.
Pierre stared at her, his face impassive. Jacobs laughed, shaking his head. "I'm sorry to have inconvenienced you so, Mr. Malfoy."
"Miss Granger," Hestia Jones began, "please calm down—" "'An inconvenience.' Yes, I suppose that sums you up, Miss Granger."
"Squid Ink, Sopophorous root, poppy head, bloodroot," she recited. She refrained from rolling her eyes. They had six minutes, at best.
"Dilute the squid ink with distilled water. Bring to a boil and set aside." "I will provide them with a detailed account of my time spent at the
"You can't be serious—" Manor. I'll include vials of my memories to corroborate." Her leg
She raised her voice. "Chop the Sopophorous root into even quarters. bounced with nervous energy. "Between the two of us, I'm confident we
Grind the poppy head with a pestle and add to boiling water. Stir can at least get you a life sentence to Azkaban—"
clockwise twelve times until dissolved." She startled when Lucius lurched forward, all mirth gone from his
George stepped forward. "Hermione, that's enough—" face. "Is my wife at the Manor?"
She lunged away from him and grabbed the back of her chair. "Let "Yes," she said.
sit fifteen minutes. Add ten drops of squid ink, stirring counterclockwise "And they don't intend to move her?"
after each drop. Lastly, add the bloodroot. Let sit for four hours until the "No." The look on his face reminded her of the night Edinburgh was

798 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 803

proud. "I was quite surprised to hear I was meeting with my solicitor before poison in the bloodroot has neutralized and the steam rises in perfect
heading to Azkaban." spirals."
The sight of his sharp jaw and grey eyes struck something inside her. She took a shuddering breath, rage coursing through her. "I created
Some hole in her chest that longed for Draco, and missed Narcissa. A that potion, and I can prove it. Charlotte may be dead, but I'm not."
place that now felt more like home than the Burrow did. Pierre studied her over steepled fingers while Jacobs stared at her in
She moved to take the chair across from him. Folding her hands on the disbelief. Tilting her head, Hestia Jones regarded her curiously, and
tabletop, she met his assessing gaze. George looked like he finally recognized her.
"Why are you here, Lucius?" She leaned forward on her hands, glared down at Pierre's unreadable
There was a good chance he'd lie. But she had to ask it once. face, and hissed, "Call your potioneer."
He spread his hands wide, the chains clinking together. "These are It was silent. She could hear the thump of her heartbeat as she waited
surely the finest accommodations in all of England. How could I resist?" for Pierre to respond.
She ignored him, drumming her fingers together. "Are you here to A knock rapped on the door, startling her. George opened it, and
negotiate a deal for Narcissa?" Roger Davies rushed inside.
He tilted his head at her and lowered his arms. "What could I possibly "Sir," he addressed Pierre, "urgent news from Prague."
negotiate with?" Pierre cracked his knuckles and stood. "Miss Granger, if you would
The fine layer of hope in her chest cracked, like ice on a lake. She'd wait for a moment. Help yourself to tea." He gestured to a cart in the
thought maybe he had a plan. He always had a plan. corner. "General Jones will contact our potions team, and then we will
"Do you know where Draco is?" she asked. discuss."
His lips twitched. "Funny. I was going to ask you the same question." Hestia nodded, and then all four of them were leaving the room with
She sat back, closing her eyes in frustration. Nine minutes. "They Roger Davies.
won't let me back into the Manor," she said dully. "So I can't retrieve your Once the door shut behind them, Hermione let out a shuddering
memories." breath. She pressed the heels of her hands into her eyes, and pushed back
Opening her eyes, she found him staring at her — his gaze narrowed, her frustration.
but amused. "My memories?" She'd done the best she could. She'd forced them to listen to her.
"The ones in the black vials. You left your study unlocked, and I found Dropping back into her chair, Hermione waited. After twenty minutes,
them." she decided to accept the offer of tea and poured herself a cup. After
"Did I?" He cocked his head. "That doesn't sound like me." nearly an hour, she grew anxious.
She didn't have time for his games, so she plowed ahead. "You will The clock on the wall indicated that an hour and forty-five minutes
need to submit them to evidence again. Leave nothing out — Goyle Sr., had passed when finally the door opened again.
Romania, Charlotte and the Carrow Girls — all of it." General Jacobs strolled in with a jubilant expression that turned
He studied her silently. She took that as acceptance. Hermione's stomach. Pierre followed a pace behind him, hovering like a
"Did you kill Romano and Berge in Salerno?" hawk.
"I did." "Well, Miss Granger," Jacobs said. "It seems our potions team can
She let out a ragged breath. At least there was that. "Then submit that indeed confirm that a mysterious source provided them with a
memory to evidence as well." breakthrough for the antidote. It appears to match your description
"Miss Granger," said Lucius, eyes flicking up to her. "You can't possibly perfectly. Congratulations."
be this naive." The wave of her relief was cut short when she realized that Jacobs
Her mouth felt dry. "Pardon?" must be smiling for other reasons. Pierre loomed, his eyes boring into her.

802 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 799

 She pressed her lips together. "Where are George and Hestia?" The word echoed in her ears. "That's in four days."
"Occupied," said Pierre. "Yes."
"Let's say the Malfoy family did allow use of their potions laboratory," Hermione sucked in air. "I request that his trial be pushed back so I
said Jacobs, condescension dripping from his voice. "Let's say Lucius have proper time to prepare—"
Malfoy did know you were conspiring against the Great Order, in his very "Denied." Jacobs' mouth tugged in a faint smirk.
house. Let's even say he supported that." His gaze locked on her, and his Rolling her jaw, Hermione swallowed. "I request full access to Malfoy
head tilted. "Does that really balance the scales against the 10,000 dead Manor."
on Baffin Island? Or the people he helped murder in Switzerland and "Request denied."
France?" "I request full access to my client for the full four days—"
Hermione's spine stiffened. "I think you'd have to examine the "You may see him once," Jacobs said. "Now."
evidence to see who was responsible for deploying that weapon, and who "Now?" she said weakly.
created it. I know at least two other Lots who can corroborate my "Those are the allowances we are willing to make. It's worth
memory of Lucius Malfoy decrying the death toll on Baffin—" reminding you, Miss Granger, that none of the accused have enjoyed
"And the True Order soldiers and civilians in Switzerland?" Jacobs these privileges thus far."
pressed. "Can you explain away those lives, too?" "These 'privileges' you speak of are a mockery of the most basic
Hermione clenched her jaw. She couldn't. She could only trust Draco's human rights," she spat. "This is an outrage. I—" She broke off, watching
word that it had been deployed when his father was Austria. "Like I said, Pierre assess her. Waiting for her to crack beneath the pressure.
there is plenty of evidence at Malfoy Manor that should be carefully But she wouldn't give him the satisfaction.
weighed when determining these charges—" Pushing her shoulders back, she said, "Take me to him."
"You have your evidence, and we have ours. If the Malfoys did assist With a mocking bow, Pierre led her from the room. Hermione caught
you, it was only a last ditch effort to save their skins." a glimpse of Jacobs' narrowed gaze as she slipped through the door,
Hermione rose from her chair. "Your opinions are irrelevant. Any following Pierre as he strode down the black-tiled corridor.
court worth a damn understands the importance of evidence and proper Her head swam. She needed to access legal texts. She needed to
representation—" review the laws drawn up by this new court — whatever they were. She
"Don't be rash, Miss Granger. We have convened"—he nodded at needed to study the previous days' trials.
Pierre— "and have agreed to allow you to represent whoever you'd like. If Her mind was itemizing a list of evidence to defend Lucius Malfoy
the accused can defend themselves, we see no reason not to allow when Pierre halted at a door surrounded by stern-faced guards. Lucius
someone else to do it for them." was here, she realized. Behind this door.
Hermione gaped at them. Her jaw clicked shut. "You have ten minutes," Pierre said.
"You can begin with Lucius Malfoy," Jacobs continued. "He turned Her fists curled at her sides. "I'll have at least an hour, General. Perhaps
himself in not two hours ago." the Prophet would be interested in knowing—"
The room reeled beneath her feet. She steadied herself on the table "Perhaps the Prophet will find itself unable to print tomorrow." He
with her fingertips table. "Turned himself in?" opened the door for her, his blue eyes locked on hers. "Ten minutes."
"To the Magical Republic of Czechia," Pierre added. Seething, Hermione stepped inside — into a small black room with no
Hermione's mind spun. Lucius Malfoy had surrendered himself to the windows. There was only a table and two chairs. Lucius Malfoy sat in one
True Order. Freely. of them, cuffed to the table. He lifted his brow when he saw her. The
She stood tall, lifting her chin. "And when will his trial be?" door behind her clicked closed.
"Monday." "Miss Granger," said Lucius. He was thinner, but he still sat tall and

800 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 801

follow. She twisted her hands as she stopped in front of Narcissa, Hermione's arm dropped. She stepped to the wall, peering behind the
wondering if perhaps she felt cheated out of something as well. tapestry and recasting her spells. Nothing. An ache pounded at her
But Narcissa laughed softly instead. "Well. What now, Lady Malfoy?" forehead. She'd thought— she'd been certain—
Hermione was spared a response by a loud tinkering, like the elves "Miss!"
were cooking in the middle of the hallway. Hermione peered out the She jerked on the spot, and found Mippy running toward her.
doorway, and followed the sound down the corridor. "Miss comes home!"
The goblins stood in front of the library while Boppy and a few other "Mippy—" Hermione barely choked out the word before the elf flung
elves worked together to lift something. Hermione moved like she was herself around her legs. Hermione's vision blurred as she bent to hug her
underwater, passing the marble bust of Armand Malfoy and heir after back, but then Mippy flinched, and she quickly released her shoulders.
heir until she reached Lucius. There was a heavy metal chain around her neck. It looked like the one
She joined the goblins, and watched the elves lift a heavy bust etched worn by the elves at the Hogwarts Celebration Party, only thicker.
in marble onto the pedestal next to him. She stared back at her own face, Clenching her jaw, Hermione cast a quick Severing Charm. It didn't
her skin smooth, her hair wild. A soft smile on her lips, facing the doors to budge. She tried a Vanishing Charm, then a Finite Incantatem. Neither
the Malfoy library. worked.
She steadied herself, refocusing. "Mippy. Where is Narcissa?"
Mippy released her, dabbing at her eyes. "I can take you to Mistress!"
She wobbled backward, gesturing for Hermione to follow, and
together they raced in the direction she'd come. Mippy grew slower by the
time they passed the kitchens, panting heavily. Then she turned a corner
Hermione had never seen before.
A small door materialized at the end of a narrow corridor. Hermione
watched as Mippy bolted down it, slipping through the threshold and
vanishing into the darkness. Her heart pumped twice before she followed
her, bending lower and lower until she was forced to crawl.
The moment she squeezed through the tiny doorway, the ceiling raised,
and a cove of strange lights and lampshades appeared before her eyes.
Ten pairs of bright green and violet orbs locked onto her. Hermione
pushed to her feet, gaping at the small bunk beds and hammocks.
The elves' bedrooms.
In the corner hung the same tapestry of the mare in the field. And
below it, on a cot two sizes too small for her, Narcissa Malfoy lay curled
on her side, facing the wall.
The air left Hermione's lungs.
Narcissa's hair had come loose from her chignon, her shoulders
curving in on themselves. Her ribs expanded, and a breath shuddered out
of her.
"Narcissa?" She crossed the room quickly, kneeling next to the cot. "It's
Hermione."

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 There was a long pause. And then: "Is he gone?" She glanced at the distant noise from the drawing room and moved
Her voice was small — childlike. quickly away, letting her feet take her down the nearest corridor.
The silence stretched. And it felt like she'd been submerged in icy When had Lucius decided that he would give it all to her? In the split
waters, rising higher over her until she could barely draw air. second he'd read the German translation of the ritual in the dead of night?
Hermione's lips trembled. She felt herself splintering down the center When the goblins had written to him about a new Malfoy in their books?
as she reached for Narcissa's arm. A choked sound tore from Narcissa's Had he hoped to take it back from her once he'd guaranteed Dolohov
throat, and when she turned over, Hermione broke apart. couldn't have it?
They wept together. Hermione cradled Narcissa's head in her arms as She didn't want it. There was only one thing she wanted from the
she sobbed, tracing a hand through her hair like her own mother used to Malfoys, and he wasn't here.
do. Her eyes stung as she stopped in front of the portrait hall — a long
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I'm so sorry." room covered floor-to-ceiling with paintings of Malfoys past. She'd only
She glanced over her shoulder to look at the elves. Fat tears were been here once, less than eager to repeat the experience of being
rolling down Plumb's waxy cheeks. Hix had a handkerchief to his eyes. surrounded by pure-bloods staring down at her like she was dirt beneath
An elf smaller than Mippy had his head in his hands, and Remmy and their shoes.
Boppy were bawling into each other's pillowcases. Stepping inside, she felt hundreds of grey eyes turn on her. Portraits
A heaviness settled over Hermione like a shroud as she turned back to whispered to each other, running through frames, pointing fingers.
Narcissa. She ignored them, moving to the other end of the room, where a
Lucius was dead, but the world was still spinning. She still had family of three blond heads posed for a portrait. Lucius stood behind a
promises to keep. wingback chair that Narcissa was perched in, smiling serenely. A ten-year-
She stroked Narcissa's hair. "It was quick. And it was what he wanted." old Draco scowled down at her from the other side.
Hermione stared at the ceiling, blinking back her tears. "He did it for you, Hermione smiled, remembering him that young. So pointy and pouty.
Narcissa. I spoke to him. He made sure you were in the Manor before he It hurt to look at him for too long, so she turned away.
died." Her eyes drifted to the corner of the room, where Lucius Malfoy's
Narcissa let out a ragged sob. Hermione swallowed, gripping her official portrait looked down on her. It was a recent painting — perhaps
tightly. "I need your help. I'm so sorry to ask anything from you right now, done within the past few years.
but it can't wait." "Why did you leave it to me?"
A quiet fell over the room. And with an aching slowness, Narcissa Lucius's painting lifted a brow. "I haven't the faintest idea what you're
lifted her head and straightened. Her nose was red and her eyes were wet, on about, Miss Granger."
but her face was composed. The familiar drawl welled tears in her eyes. She looked to the blank
She sniffed once and said, "Foolish man." Brushing the tears from her space next to him — where Draco's portrait should have been.
lashes, she fixed her tired gaze on Hermione. "What is it?" He should have been here. Not her. It was his birthright. He'd lost his
Hermione drew a shuddering breath. "There's a mob at the gates. father, his friends, and now his home. She'd give him all of it, if she could.
Lucius provoked them, and they came for you after—after his trial. But But he was gone.
the Manor blocked everyone out except me. Do you know why?" In another life, she would have wanted this. With him.
Narcissa shook her head, her brows knitted together. "I'm not sure But not all alone. Not when she didn't know where he was, or if he
what happened. I was in the dungeons. The doors burst open, and the was ever coming home.
guard was dragged up the stairs by a—a wind of sorts. The elves came for The floor creaked, and she spun to find Narcissa standing in the
me before I could investigate." doorway. Hermione crossed the room to her, feeling the portraits' eyes

813 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 834

 Hermione shook her head, as if clearing the water from her ears. She Hermione nodded. Her mouth opened, but she hesitated at her next
glanced to Narcissa, and found her smiling at her with wet eyes. She question.
nodded once. "I felt it," said Narcissa quietly. "So did they."
Sucking in a breath, Hermione took the quill from Gnarland. She Hermione dipped her chin, trying not to imagine how it must have
signed, wincing slightly as her name appeared in her own blood on the felt. "They're still here, Narcissa. They're trying to get in." She bit her lip.
parchment. As she stared at her signature above Lucius's, it felt as if a "We don't know what magic is at play. We can't be certain they won't
warm wind had enveloped her. Like she'd slipped into a hot bath after a eventually break through— "
long day. Narcissa grabbed Hermione's hand, clutching it with both of hers
The Manor seemed to gleam when she finally looked up. The curtains before turning to the elves. "Remmy, Plumb, and Tom-Tom — bring
billowed and the walls hummed. A new life in her veins. whatever food reserves we have at once. Yipper and Boppy, fetch the
"Miss Granger, would you like the Malfoy vault emptied and directed essentials. Hix, check the grounds and report back as soon as you can.
into your own?" The rest of you can fill in as needed."
She started. "No, not at all." The elves nodded and scampered away, still sniffling. But Mippy
"Very well. Please note that all family members will have access to the stayed behind, twirling her ear.
Malfoy vault unless you specify otherwise." Gnarland slammed his folio "Mippy." Narcissa's voice trembled. "I'd like my mother's earrings and
shut before she could respond. the jade necklace. You know the one. Please bring it here and keep it safe."
"That should do it, Miss Granger." Boggleben checked his watch again Mippy bowed and tottered to the door, the collar weighing heavy on
with a sigh. "As one of Gringotts' largest vault owners, you will have her thin shoulders.
premier service at our locations internationally. You can find all the A detail clicked into place as Hermione watched her leave. "They
information here." He produced a golden scroll, which she took with can't Apparate in the chains," she said aloud.
clammy fingers. "Please send us your chosen artist within exactly two "No." Narcissa stood. "The True Order put those on before they were
weeks. There are approved names at the bottom. Should you fail to Rennervated. They block their magic."
respond, one will be chosen for you." She helped Hermione to her feet, and together they crawled out of
Hermione felt her eye twitch. "Artist?" the enchanted passageway.
"Yes. As heir, you will have your painting added to the Malfoy gallery, A boom greeted them the moment they reentered the corridor.
as well as—" Hermione's eyes widened at the ceiling, her breath coming in quick pants.
She laughed at him before she could stop herself. "Is there a way out? A Portkey, or a secret passage, or—"
He stopped mid-sentence, clearly affronted. "Not that I know of," said Narcissa.
Her hand fell from her mouth. "I'm sorry, but— this is ridiculous. I'm Another explosion, rattling the paintings as it rippled overhead.
not having my portrait hung in the Malfoy gallery." "You should go, Hermione. If you leave now, I'm sure all will be
Gnarland stared her down through his specs. "This is a non-negotiable forgiven."
clause, Miss Granger, of the contract you just freely signed. Should you Hermione spun, her eyes wide at the suggestion. "And turn you over
need a notarized copy, our office will be more than willing to—" to them?"
Her legs moved without warning, carrying her out the doors of the Narcissa was silent. The floors trembled. Hermione threaded her arm
drawing room and into the entry hall where she couldn't hear Narcissa through Narcissa's and walked with her down the corridor.
calling for her. Her lungs struggled to take air, and her skin was cold with "Have they been decent to you here?" Hermione asked her.
sweat. Hermione leaned against the fireplace, wishing the Floo was open "As well as could be expected. I haven't been physically harmed, at
so she could take it somewhere and just run. least." Narcissa squeezed her arm. "And how have you been?"

833 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 814

 As they walked together, Hermione told Narcissa about St. Mungo's Narcissa cleared her throat. "Last summer, my son signed over the
and her meeting with General Pierre and General Jacobs. She tread rights to his full inheritance to Antonin Dolohov. I'm not sure if you've
carefully when she reached her visit with Lucius, telling Narcissa as much communicated with his estate—"
as she thought she could manage. "We're well aware." Gnarland's mouth twisted. "A claim on the Malfoy
"You shouldn't have defended him, you know." Narcissa sighed, and holdings was filed by Mr. Dolohov on 9 May. It was legitimate at the time,
she sounded so much like Draco that Hermione's heart clenched. "If I but recall, that was a contract signed by Draco Malfoy I. As of Miss M—
know my husband, his death was mere castling. I'm certain he has other Granger's adoption, and the paperwork filed 27 July 1998, Draco Malfoy
chess pieces that have yet to move." I is no longer the heir, and all legal proceedings assuming said designation
They turned the corner to the entry room, stopping cold when a are null and void."
huffing Hix and Jot nearly barrelled into them. Hermione's fingers shook as she brought them to her lips. She wasn't
"Mistress," Hix said. "The intruders can't get in. They try and try, but sure if she was about to laugh, cry, or vomit out of pure nerves.
nothing. The Generals are here—" Lucius Malfoy had left the Manor in her name. That was why she
Hermione moved quickly to the tall window facing the front, clutching could cross the estate line while the mob was repelled. That was why she
the doorframe as she peered through. The crowd outside the gate had could enter Lucius's study when only Narcissa and Draco should have
grown larger and more organized. Most were in black military robes. Her been able to. Draco had bled for her in Romania, but he never needed to.
eyes caught a pair of gold sashes near the front — Generals Pierre and As far as Gringotts was concerned, she was a Malfoy. A blood heir.
Jacobs. "Ahem." Boggleben set down his pocket watch, looking cross. "Lucius
Pierre's silver hair caught in the sunlight as he strode to the guards Malfoy also requested the following: Property records are not to be
around the perimeter, directing them away from the gates. Jacobs huddled released to the Ministry for five years upon transfer of assets to the heir,
with a group of blue-robed soldiers, pointing somewhere above the and Miss Hermione Granger's true surname is sealed and not to be
Manor. passed to the Ministry until she requests it."
"They came to question me in Azkaban," Narcissa said over her "My true surname?" said Hermione weakly.
shoulder. "They brought in a Legilimens, but they soon found out I had Narcissa looked over at her, a small, exasperated smile on her face.
no idea where Lucius, Draco, or my sister were." "Miss Granger?"
A lead weight dropped in Hermione's stomach. She turned to She stared up at Gnarland, dazed, as he unrolled a scroll and extended
Narcissa, wondering if now was the time to tell her about Bellatrix. a quill to her. She struggled to process the legal jargon through the fog in
Narcissa stepped around her, standing directly in front of the window. her brain, her eyes popping at the itemized list of her inheritance at the
"They also interrogated me the day I was returned to the Manor. They bottom — the Malfoy assets, totaling an astronomical sum, and the Malfoy
were quite put out that they couldn't get into the library or certain private estates in the U.K., France, Monaco, America, Brazil, and Japan.
rooms. And the fact that their men kept getting lost in the corridors." Hermione swallowed thickly. "But what about Draco? And Narcissa?"
Her gaze was intent on the crowd. She looked down at the contract again, searching for their names.
"After looking into my mind, their Legilimens was convinced I had no "Neither of them are listed."
idea why the Manor wouldn't cooperate." Narcissa folded her hands in Gnarland raised a grizzled brow over the top of his thin specs. "Miss
front of her. "Of course, if they'd bothered to suppress my Granger, the practice of a solitary child serving as heir is a long-respected
magic before they read my mind, the answers they received would have tradition among the Malfoys. Once the account is in your name, you are
been very different." Narcissa's lips twitched as her eyes met Hermione's. trusted to act dutifully on behalf of your family. Anyone can live upon the
"Some men are predictable on any side." property, as long as you approve. The money can be passed into whatever
Something bubbled in her belly, and then Hermione felt herself account you wish."

815 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 832

 Narcissa's mouth fell open as she took the offered letter. Hermione laughing, her face breaking into a grin.
looked over her shoulder, finding Lucius's elegant scrawl confirming the At three in the afternoon, the elves finished stocking their quarters
legitimacy of Hermione Jean Granger as his blood heir. with supplies just as a dozen more blue-robed wizards arrived. The house
She blinked several times, her mind spinning in a thousand directions. continued to rock with explosions.
"Lucius Malfoy told you that he — fathered me?" A group of decorated wizards in red arrived around seven. They
Boggleben scoffed. "No. We wrote to him, seeking confirmation. Our seemed to confer with Pierre and Jacobs, gesturing animatedly.
books are magically binding. One cannot just create a blood heir out of As it grew darker, Hermione conjured a couch for the two of them to
the ether." rest on. The worst explosion was at ten, chattering Hermione's teeth and
Gnarland mumbled something that sounded like, "Highly irregular." smashing a clock that tumbled off the mantelpiece. Narcissa startled
The letter drifted from Narcissa's fingertips. awake to watch orange flames crackle across the night sky. But the wards
Hermione's mind spun. 26 July — after Dover Beach, but before held.
Switzerland. By half-three, almost all of the wandlight beyond the gate had
Before Harry's birthday, but after the first night at Edinburgh. vanished. Hermione sat onto the couch, watching over Narcissa as she
A flicker of memory shocked her like an electrical current. A flash of a slept and fighting her exhaustion.
blade slicing a line over her heart. Narcissa's fingers brushing water
against her eyes and lips. $
Her hand rose to the leather pouch around her neck — the jar Hermione's eyelids fluttered open. Her vision focused on the sunlight
containing the magical signature of her virginity inside. overhead, streaming through the high windows. Birds were singing
The mother cleanses, the father bleeds her. It wasn't a metaphorical phrasing. outside.
They had claimed her during that ancient ritual. She jolted upright and found Narcissa standing at the front windows
Hermione turned to Narcissa, but she was blinking down at Lucius's like a sentinel. She glanced over at Hermione, her eyes blue and warm.
letter again, lowering herself back to the sofa. "Come and see."
"May we continue?" Gnarland warbled. Hermione scrambled to her feet.
"I don't understand," said Hermione suddenly. She opened her A dozen guards were posted around the Manor, silent and still.
mouth, and closed it. Hermione craned her neck in both directions, but she saw no army. No
"Forgive me, but neither do I." Narcissa looked up, extending the letter generals.
back to him. "Lucius and I have a son, Draco. I would have thought the male The wards had held.
line would carry the inheritance and Manor. And Draco— well, he— " Hermione closed her eyes, swaying. Narcissa clutched her elbow.
"We questioned that as well." Gnarland took the next letter Boggleben Relief sank into her. There were still a million obstacles ahead, but for
was handing him. "But on the evening of 26 July, we received a second now, they were safe, just as Lucius had intended. And she was a step
letter from Lucius Malfoy III, requesting that the Male Line Proviso and closer to bringing the last of Narcissa Malfoy's family home.
the Pure-Blood Heir Clause, both signed by Armand Malfoy I, be Her heart skipped as a dark memory flitted to the surface — black
overridden and replaced with an Eldest Progeny Rider." eyes and wild curls. Hermione breathed deep, shoving down the dread in
Hermione's mind swam. She braced her hand on the sofa as Gnarland her veins. She needed Narcissa's help and trust. And that meant no more
passed the letter to her.. secrets.
She was nine months older than Draco. If Lucius claimed her as his "Narcissa, there's something I have to confess." Her hands trembled.
heir and signed the paperwork for the Manor to be passed to his eldest, "Bellatrix is dead. I'm so sorry to be the one to tell you."
then Draco's deal with Dolohov— Narcissa went very still. "You're certain?"
831 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 816
 Hermione nodded. Her heart sunk lower in her ribs. Her mind drifted to the brass jewelry box in her old bedroom as she
Narcissa released her hand, winding her arms around her stomach. "I followed Narcissa into the drawing room. Swallowing, she gripped her
always knew she wouldn't survive the True Order's invasion. I had already leather pouch in one hand, and took Narcissa's in the other. She had
assumed I would never see her again." everything she needed.
"Actually, it was… before." Hermione's stomach twisted itself in knots. They'd no sooner taken a stiff seat on the sofa then the door opened,
"On the night of the Hogwarts celebration, she caught Draco and I and two goblins in waistcoats and trousers filed in, following Hix. One
leaving on a mission, and—" Hermione's throat was dry as sandpaper. was focused on his pocket watch attached to a golden chain; the other was
"She was about to kill me. So Draco…" thinner with a pair of specs.
Narcissa spun from the window, pacing to the fireplaces. Her Narcissa stood and bowed her head. "Welcome. Would you like to sit?"
shoulders rose with a sharp breath. "I need… Just give me a minute. I'll "No," the thin one croaked. He had puffs of white hair growing from
see you for lunch in an hour." his ears. "Boggleben?"
Any lingering relief Hermione felt evaporated like mist as she watched The other — Boggleben, presumably — waddled forward and
Narcissa walk away. Her shoulders shook as she turned the corner. dropped a thick folio of aging leather onto the coffee table. He dragged
Hermione blinked out the window. She thought of her still waters, his forefinger down the spine, and it fell open.
pushing her guilt and sorrow beneath the surface. And as her breathing "Lucius Malfoy III is dead." Boggleben stated it, but still looked to
steadied, her logic clicked into place. Narcissa for confirmation.
How had she passed the barrier when the rest of them couldn't? And Narcissa rolled back her shoulders. "Yes. On 24 May."
what were these wards? She turned her eyes to the sky, thinking. Boggleben nodded and gave Hix a stern look until he jumped and
Only one place would have the answers. exited the room. He cleared his throat and stood to the side. "Gnarland
will begin proceedings."
$ Gnarland clasped his stubby hands and said, "As Lucius Malfoy III
Standing outside of Lucius Malfoy's study felt like visiting his grave. has passed on, it is incumbent upon Gringotts to ensure that the Wiltshire
The wood was marred with burn marks and slashes, just like the Manor, along with his remaining estates, properties, and assets, are
library. But she knew the brass knob would warm beneath her palm when properly transferred to his named heir in his family line. His next of kin."
she gripped it, and that the door would swing open with a creak. Hermione's tongue felt thick in her throat. How could Dolohov's
She stood on the precipice and peered inside, feeling her pulse in her distant relative be Lucius's next of kin? She stole a glance to Narcissa,
fingertips. Everything looked exactly as she and Draco had left it the last who was trying to mask her confusion.
time they'd been here. Narcissa's voice shook once as she said, "Thank you, Gnarland. And
The black cabinet containing his Pensieve was closed and locked. The Lucius's next of kin is... who in your records?"
chair behind his desk was turned to the side, as if someone had just risen Gnarland peered down at the paperwork. "This estate passes to his
from it. daughter. A Miss Hermione M— Granger."
She stepped over the threshold and opened the silver lock on the She felt like she was made of stone. There was a ringing in her ears.
cabinet with a touch of her fingers. Reaching up on her tiptoes, she Narcissa was still. "Oh?"
plucked the memories in the black vials from the shelves and slipped them Gnarland wobbled to the folio and began gathering documents. "Yes.
into her pockets. She would keep them close to her for as long as the Gringotts was notified of a new Malfoy during the early hours of 26 July
charges against Draco remained. 1998. As the child was said to be—19, we penned a letter to Lucius
She prodded the memories in the basin with her wand, flicking Malfoy III seeking additional confirmation. On 26 July at mid-day, we
through a few she'd already seen, and a few she hadn't. They might have received his affirmation using his personal magical seal."

817 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 830

 When the True Order guards had still not been released from their been useful in another life, where Lucius Malfoy was alive and given a fair
posts outside the Manor the following morning, Hermione sent back her trial. But she supposed it would do no good to dwell.
reply, inquiring as to their purpose. As she locked the cabinet, she saw an image of long fingers running
They were gone by that afternoon. down the dark wood. Warm hands on her face, and grey eyes staring into
More letters arrived. Most were supportive, but others spewed hatred hers.
and rage. Hermione looked up a spell for destroying Howlers, and made That's not why I'll do it.
sure she reviewed the post before Narcissa. One night, an unsigned letter Her throat constricted, and her eyes stung. She tucked the image away
arrived from a peevish owl, calling Hermione a traitor and a whore. and turned to the bookshelves.
Hermione tossed it into the fireplace before Narcissa could ask about it. The top drawer of Lucius's desk contained an old leather book with a
As she watched it burn, she summoned a letter from her pouch that she'd worn strap. She unwound it, and the pages fell open to show a datebook
received earlier that day, reading it over and over: of sorts — almost a journal, enchanted to hold years upon years of
information. The dried petals of a pink flower were pressed between the
I read about Narcissa today. I'm happy for you. front pages.
Ginny She thumbed through it, finding appointments, passwords to the
Slytherin Common Room, Gringotts vault numbers. But about halfway
They agreed that it still wasn't safe for Narcissa to leave the Manor. through the journal, a picture of Narcissa in a wedding gown fluttered to
Luckily, she didn't have much reason to. The Prophet article was followed the floor. Hermione picked it up, marveling at how beautiful she looked.
by a flurry of letters from friends. She started corresponding with Neville, Someone out of frame made her laugh before her demure smile returned.
and told Viktor she'd be happy to meet once her schedule lightened. Hermione traced the photo's edges as she replaced it between pages,
She was finishing breakfast with Narcissa on Thursday morning when her fingers pausing on the words Potion Making for Beginners, written in
Hix appeared at the table. "Mistress," he whispered. "The goblins are Lucius's elegant scrawl. Her eyes narrowed.
here." She closed the journal and turned to Lucius's bookshelves, skimming the
Hermione set her coffee cup down with a sharp clink. titles.
Narcissa stiffened. Then she rose from the table, patting her mouth. There, on the bottom shelf, was a tattered copy. Potion Making for
"Thank you, Hix. Please see them over the barrier and escort them to the Beginners.
drawing room." Hix popped away, and before Hermione could think past Hermione reached for it, tilting the book off the shelf — and the
the panic in her chest, Narcissa was calling for Mippy. She appeared with bookcase cracked, wrenching free of the wall.
a sharp crack! She jumped back, watching the bookcase rearrange itself, the shelves
Narcissa inhaled before speaking. "Be prepared to pack up our things shifting and books vanishing until it swung back, revealing a hidden door.
to transfer to Grimmauld Place." Hermione stepped as close as she could and discovered a room no larger
Mippy Apparated away with wide eyes, and Hermione pushed out of than a closet, rich with the scent of centuries-old books.
her chair. The goblins were here to discuss the Manor. They'd found the Her veins buzzed, her fingers itching to read each of them. She cast a
heir to the Dolohov estate, and they were here to tell them to pack up and few spells checking for wards against Muggle-borns, crossed the threshold,
leave. and looked around.
Narcissa nodded at her once, her face pale as a sheet, and Hermione The shelves to her left held volumes dated from the 1100s. She
followed her from the dining room. She hadn't asked what it would look followed them to 1999. She pulled the 1999 book with a frown, flipping to
like, when they were forced to leave — what they could take, what they the last page. There, in a grand looping scrawl, was Lucius Malfoy III, died
could leave behind. 24 May.

829 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 818

 She gasped, snapping it closed and spinning around. These were the Hermione crossed her arms over her chest. "And in what capacity
Malfoy family archives. Draco knew about this room. He'd come here to would I be serving?"
research on the Romania property. When he told her about the "You're too young to be a judge, and you lack the training to serve as
"archives," she'd imagined a dusty or box or two. Not a small library. prosecutor or defense counsel. But you will have a place at the table of
Sliding the 1999 book back on the shelf, she cleared her throat. "Show advisors. And if I know anything about you — and I flatter myself that I
me 'death of the owner.' Cross-reference with 'Manor defenses.'" do — you want to be sitting at this table. Trust me."
The walls shivered. Several texts pulled from the shelves, their pages Hestia's face was calm and composed as Hermione weighed her
flipping open to the exact pages for her. options. There were two possibilities: Hestia was telling her the truth —
Beaming, she summoned them to stack neatly on top of the small desk and her explanation certainly seemed sensible and frank — or there was
at the room's center. some game or ploy she hadn't considered.
The first was a book entitled Wards and Protections. She scanned the Either way, the answer was irrelevant. Her heart, gut, and logic all
flagged page until she found the passage she needed. whispered to her in tandem, telling her that there was no way she could
pass up a seat at the table that would help decide Draco's fate. Or his
Untimely death of the Lord of the Manor from poison, curse,
friends'.
or premeditated physical injury triggers the Familial/Blood Still, she'd learned a thing or two in a house full of Slytherins. She
Protection Procedures (p. 289). Only upon the proper acceptance fixed Hestia with her iciest stare.
of the heir will the Manor release its Protection Wards. The below "I want all charges against Narcissa Malfoy dropped. Immediately."
counter-spells, when performed by the heir of Malfoy Manor, "That's certainly something you can propose at the first meeting—"
will counteract the Protection Wards. "No. Now," Hermione said. "I'm not joining any council that can look
at Narcissa Malfoy's supposed 'crimes' and choose to proceed with
Hermione conjured a scroll of parchment and tapped her wand to it to prosecuting her using the weight of a full military tribunal."
transcribe the necessary counter-spells. She flipped to page 289, and read Hestia's lips twitched, and for a split second, Hermione wondered if
on to find familiar predicaments — forceful ejection of non-blood and non- she was trying to hide a smile. "I'll see what I can do. No promises."
familial persons, the sealing of Floo networks, anti-Apparition charms (with "Once we receive the official pardon, I expect it to be printed in the
exceptions for familial elves), fortified wards, and external defenses. papers. Owl me with the meeting information. Thank you for your time
Draco had given Dolohov rights to the Manor, but Dolohov was dead, today, Hestia."
circumventing his claim. So it stood to reason that the Manor would only She turned on her heel and walked back to the house, dismissing her.
become fully operational once Draco returned and performed the
counter-spells. And none of this explained why the Manor let her run past $
its barriers. The other two passages were mere journal entries, noting the
Two days later, the Prophet announced the dropped charges against
untimely deaths of Malfoys past and when the property was restored.
Narcissa Malfoy and the creation of the new International Magical
Hermione rubbed her forehead as she pored over the passage for the
Military Tribunal, with a full list of all members. Hestia sent an owl with
fifth time. It was possible that she'd been inadvertently tied to the Manor
the official pardon, and an invitation to the first meeting that following
through her tattoo. Or perhaps Draco's blood had lingered in her system
Monday. Hermione took a full day to respond, intent to spend the day
somehow after he'd given it to her in Romania.
celebrating with Narcissa. Narcissa showed her where they stored the
She grimaced as her temples began throbbing. She would have to
champagne from the winery in France, and for the first time in her life,
consider all of this later. For now, the Manor would remain locked down,
Hermione had the pleasure of seeing Narcissa Malfoy slide into less-than-
and Narcissa would be safe inside its walls. She replaced the books on the
perfect articulation.
819 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 828
 Nodding to Narcissa, she checked her wand at her hip and pulled shelves and stepped out of the small archive room. Lucius's bookshelf
open the front doors. Hestia rolled her shoulders back and nodded to her. slowly closed behind her, and she swept from the room.
Hermione descended the steps and moved down the gravel drive at her That evening, Hermione had dinner with Narcissa in the dining room.
own pace. The clouds drifted away from the sun, and the grounds lit up as It was a small meal, and as Hermione pushed her roast around, she tried
she approached the gate. Stopping five steps away, she examined Hestia's not to think about what they would do when they ran out of food.
set expression. Narcissa didn't say a word about Bellatrix or Lucius, seemingly set on
"Miss Granger. How are you?" grieving in private. Hermione followed her lead, pretending not to notice
"Splendid," Hermione quipped. "How can I help you today, Hestia?" the redness around her eyes.
Hestia tilted her head at her. "I'm not here to mince words, Miss "I found the Malfoy archives," Hermione said over her vegetables.
Granger. The Provisional Government recognizes its missteps, especially Narcissa gave a polite hum, and Hermione played with her napkin.
where the Justice Tribunal is concerned. I'm here on their behalf." "The… heir of Malfoy Manor must perform counter-spells to lift the
Hermione lifted a brow. "Is this an apology, then?" restrictions. So, I suppose it's good that you and I are safe here for now,
"It could be. But I don't think you're particularly interested in that." but we can't move freely until Draco comes home."
Hestia squinted up at the sun, and stepped closer. "The Justice Tribunal is Narcissa lowered her fork with a weary expression, her eyes closing.
being disbanded. We're forming a new council to prosecute the political "Not Draco. Dolohov."
and military leadership of the Great Order. The International Magical A prickling coldness shot down Hermione's spine. "He's dead.
Military Tribunal." Dolohov is dead, so—"
It was Hermione's turn to tilt her head. "'International.' Which "Hermione," Narcissa said softly. "Inheritances are entailed on estates.
countries are participating, then?" It doesn't matter that Antonin Dolohov is dead. The Dolohov estate owns
"Switzerland, Italy, Canada, France. And Great Britain, of course." the Manor now that Lucius is dead."
Hestia's face was impassive. Hermione strove for the same. "Do you Hermione stared at her, balling her napkin in her fists. "So, we're
expect me to applaud your efforts?" she asked. waiting for some Dolohov distant cousin to come waltzing through those
"No," said Hestia. "I expect you to accept our invitation to join." doors?"
Hermione blinked at her, stunned. "Yes. It would be up to Gringotts to find them. But I'm sure Gringotts
She quickly looked over her shoulder at the horizon. "Give me one has a copy of the counter-spells somewhere. They serve as a registry of
reason I should join." sorts, for older families."
"I'll give you several. Due process. Fair trials with representation. It felt like the room was tilting. "Well, it will take some time, at least. In
Sentencing agreed upon by a two-thirds majority vote. These are just a the current climate, there's no way the goblins will be able to transfer a
few things that are in discussion. Nothing is concrete yet, but we're in talks massive property to a relative of a known Death Eater—"
with the I.C.W. for guidance and approval." "I wouldn't be so certain." Narcissa pressed her lips together. "The
Hermione stared at her through narrowed eyes. "Tell me, are other goblins pay no mind to petty matters like human governments,
nineteen-year-olds being invited on this council? Or just the celebrities?" Hermione. Gringotts is very much operational."
"No, and yes, in a manner of speaking," Hestia said. "I'm not here to The truth of Narcissa's words hit her like a blow to the gut.
insult your intelligence, Miss Granger. Of course your public platform is a Of course it was. She'd learned about this in History of Magic. The
key reason. But we have others." Ministry had never been able to control Gringotts, and neither would the
"Which are?" True Order.
"You have a unique viewpoint. You would be the only member of the Narcissa placed her elbows on the table, pressing her forehead into her
council that spent a year enslaved." palms. "I'm sorry, Hermione. We may not be as safe here as we thought."

827 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 820

 Hermione sucked in air. "No use in worrying about it before it Hermione folded it carefully, sank onto the carpets in Draco's
happens, I suppose." bedroom, and wept.
"Yes." She thought she'd lost her. But Ginny missed her.
They finished their dinner in silence. Hermione couldn't shake the When her tears had dried, she quickly wrote out a response, keeping it
feeling that Lucius Malfoy was far too clever for that end. He wouldn't short so as to not overwhelm her.
leave them in such a vulnerable position. But then her doubt crept in, and By the end of the week, they had passed eight owls back and forth,
she settled on Occlumency to bury her anxiety. asking small questions, giving detailed answers. Hermione had learned that
After dinner, Hermione offered to sit with Narcissa in the library for a Ginny was going through Molly's cookbook, trying each recipe no matter
few hours. She declined, blaming a headache. The black vials clicked in how disgusting they sounded. She'd declined attending a mission to Egypt,
Hermione's pockets as she prepared to climb the stairs, and she paused. If where several members of Romano's cabinet were said to be in hiding. Ron
there was a chance the boundary spells could come down at any moment, and Percy were in Argentina as part of the team to track and capture
she needed to gather everything now. She couldn't be caught without Minister Santos of Spain; George was relegated to paperwork for General
everything on her person. Jacobs. In turn, Hermione told her all about the meeting with Pierre and
Turning on her heel, she flew down the stairs to the potions laboratory. Jacobs, and the letters she was receiving around the world. She told her bits
The door was unlocked, but the room was untouched — likely due to its and pieces about her time in "captivity." The meeting with Cho. How
Notice-Me-Not charm. The vials and cauldrons were just as she'd left Draco had Obliviated Charlotte the night Edinburgh was attacked. Ginny
them, her instructions and list of ingredients still on the workbench. never replied to the stories directly, but she kept writing. And that was all
Taking a deep breath, she filed away her memories, grabbed all of her Hermione asked for.
notes, and shrunk them down. She went through the bottom shelves, She tucked every last one of Ginny's letters into the pouch around her
where she knew she'd find a small leather pouch for carrying ingredients. neck, keeping them close to her heart.
She emptied her pockets on the table, shrank down the black vials, and Breakfast the next morning was a quiet affair. June 5. Last year, Draco
cast an Extension Charm on the leather pouch. Just like the one on the had been injured on his birthday. This year, she could only pray.
beaded handbag she'd used while on the run with Harry and Ron. Narcissa and Hermione were just finishing their tea when
Clicking the door closed, she went upstairs to her bedroom for the first a crack! jolted them. Hermione spun in her chair to see Hix wringing his
time since she'd returned to Malfoy Manor. It was also untouched. Almost hands. "Mistress, Miss. There is a person at the gates."
as if Draco could appear at any moment, making a snide remark about Hermione frowned and darted to the front window, Narcissa on her
dinner and "practicing." heels.
She crossed the room to her nightstand, and a bright white light Hermione could just make out the figure of a woman in her black
flooded the dim room as she pulled open the bottom drawer. The glass jar True Order uniform, her brown hair pulled into a sharp bun and her
holding the magical signature of her virginity glowed like a firefly. She hands folded behind her back. Hestia Jones. Apart from the guards
shrunk it down, and added it to the leather pouch. She extended the stationed ten meters to either side of her, she was alone.
straps and slipped it around her neck, resolving never to take it off. Hermione stared at the solitary figure, her mind working quickly.
She looked around her old room, clutching the pouch to her chest. She'd been wondering when she'd hear from the True Order again. The
Compared to the Burrow, it felt closer to easing the ache in her chest. But pressure on them had been growing. The Prophet was more critical by the
it still wasn't enough. day; just last week, over two dozen countries had signed a statement by
Hermione plucked a nightdress from her wardrobe, and moved through the International Confederation of Wizards sharply rebuking their
the panel to Draco's bedroom. She jumped when she found Boppy folding actions post-war. But she certainly hadn't expected them to show up at the
the sheets. gates.

821 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 826

 The food at the Manor improved. Thanks to their exemption from the "Miss! Boppy is expecting you. Boppy didn't change the pillows for
Manor's anti-Apparition wards, the elves were able to Apparate to buy you, just as you like."
food and other supplies to replenish the pantries, and Hix was very Hermione's cheeks flushed, but there was no point in denying it. She
pleased that he could tend to the grounds again, muttering under his smiled, warmth sparking in her chest. "Thank you, Boppy."
breath about the weeds in the bluebells. Boppy nodded solemnly. "And Boppy knows Miss likes to see
The Ghost continued to escalate its criticism of the Justice Tribunal. A the Prophet, but Boppy did not want Mistress to see. It arrived this
new editor was announced at the Prophet, and Hermione almost spilled morning."
her coffee on an article that read slightly critical of General Jacobs. But He moved to Draco's desk, and held up the copy of that
whatever was published, the guards outside the Manor remained. morning's Prophet.
Hermione had taken to glaring at them when she was bored, but the
only times they lifted their eyes from the horizon was to stare up at the LUCIUS MALFOY DEAD, MURDERED ON THE STAND
owls soaring through the boundaries. Hermione clutched the bedpost before her legs gave out. "Yes, very
She began receiving letters from all around the world, supporting her good, Boppy. Let's not share this with Narcissa. And I'd like to see the New
story and her struggles. Some were personal; others professional. One York Ghost as well, if you have it."
human rights organization gave her a standing offer of free counsel. She Boppy bowed and wobbled out. Hermione collapsed in Draco's desk
directed them to Oliver Wood's case, expressing her concerns that he was chair and unfolded the Prophet with shaking fingers. The cover photo was a
being held without cause, and requesting that they address it quietly. She picture of the guards leading Lucius to the stage. His spine was straight, his
heard from the American Society for No-Maj-Borns, and a new coalition lips curved.
in Austria looking to protect Muggle-borns' right to an education. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply before reading.
Narcissa helped her answer every one of them, and Hermione screened
all correspondence for Narcissa, finding condolences from acquaintances After surrendering himself to the True Order last week, General
and Lucius's business partners. Lucius Malfoy of the Great Order stood trial yesterday morning before
Among the letters was a pale blue envelope addressed to her in a the Provisional Government of England's Justice Tribunal. Malfoy's
familiar handwriting. She ripped it open, finding a short note from Ginny. crimes included mass murder of Muggle and magical lives in Canada,
Hermione, conspiracy to commit mass murder in Italy and Switzerland, and the
I believe you about the Malfoys. I have since the murder of over a dozen True Order members and British citizens. But
before the presiding judge could finish reading the charges against him,
morning you left, when George told me about your
Lucius Malfoy was killed by a Killing Curse from the crowd.
tattoo antidote potion. I'm not speaking to him at the In a statement to the Prophet, General Jacobs indicated that "the
moment. Or Ron. people have spoken. Had he stood a full trial, he undoubtedly would
I'm sorry they came after you at the Manor, but I have joined the ranks of his comrades."
can't find it in me to be sorry that my brother's Rage simmered beneath her skin. She thumbed through the rest of
killer is dead. I hope you can understand that. the paper, searching for a mention of what happened afterward, but there
was nothing. After her second reread, the Ghost appeared on the desk. She
I miss you.
flipped through the pages until she found mention of it. Gertie Gumley
Ginny wrote:

825 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 822

 The so-called Justice Tribunal, formed to prosecute the U.K.'s most with the True Order, but they've refused me repeatedly. It sickens me
dangerous supporters of Lord Voldemort, dissolved into a mob this that Alecto and Amycus Carrow were killed without facing a
morning when Lucius Malfoy, Voldemort's right-hand general, was comprehensive list of their crimes, or a single statement from one of
murdered on the stand. Witnesses say that Lucius Malfoy had a defensive their victims. Mob justice is no victory. As monstrous as they were,
solicitor ready to speak on his behalf, but the Tribunal quickly lost justice, and closure, requires every defendant to have their day in court.
control of their "audience," and a Killing Curse was cast. Multiple And I'll continue to fight for it."
eyewitnesses reported that the trial was presided over by General Robert Miss Granger was present at Lucius Malfoy's trial, and accompanied
Pierre, a French citizen, although the Provisional Government of the mob when it attempted to storm his manor house. Unlike the rest
England has assured concerned allies that he will play a secondary role. of the mob, however, Miss Granger was able to pass through the
From there, eye-witnesses report that the mob Apparated to Lucius boundary, which she suspects was due to the magic associated with
Malfoy's estate, intent on storming the manor house and killing his yet- her tattoo.
to-be-tried wife inside. Boundaries and defensive spells at the old She confirms exclusively to the New York Ghost that Narcissa Malfoy
wizarding estate kept the rioters from entering, but it seems no one is is alive and well inside Malfoy Manor. Moreover, she alleges that the
safe from General Robert Pierre and his Justice Tribunal. For the third True Order joined the mob, using military force in an attempt to
week in a row, M.A.C.U.S.A. President Harrison declined to comment. penetrate the estate's defenses while she and Mrs. Malfoy were inside.
Hermione's heart raced as she read the article again, and again. The "The use of such force on any British citizen is harrowing, let alone a
True Order had managed to withhold details from the international defendant with vague, ill-defined crimes. If Britain executes every
community, but Gertie Gumley was onto them. And Hermione would see individual who was associated with a Voldemort supporter, none of us
to it that she closed in. will be left. Focusing on the family members of Death Eaters is a
Summoning a quill and parchment, she flipped to the back of the distraction from what they should be doing, which is pursuing Great
paper, finding the contact information for Gertie Gumley. She wrote her a Order officials who have fled the continent."
letter, offering all the information she had.
At four in the morning an owl arrived from America, startling The Ghost that had arrived at her window that morning held a note
Hermione from her fitful sleep in Draco's bed. from Gumley:
Gertie Gumley had a page of questions. And Hermione was eager to Pleasure doing business with you, Miss Granger.
answer them.
Narcissa came to Draco's room that afternoon. Her eyes were red, and
$ she struggled to speak. After embracing Hermione, she managed to
The front page of the New York Ghost the following morning had a excuse herself for the rest of the evening.
picture of Hermione with the snappy headline: SOLD, SAVED, The following morning, the Prophet contained an announcement that
SILENCED. all trials would be postponed until the following week.
Hermione's story received three full pages. Hermione was careful to As Narcissa grieved, Hermione spent hours in the Malfoy library,
avoid discussing her captivity at Malfoy Manor, focusing exclusively on her researching ways to remove the elves' chains while the elves rotated as her
time following her release at St. Mungo's and the trial of Lucius Malfoy. guinea pigs. After three rigorous days of research, she was able to unlock
it. Plumb buried her face in her hands and wept as the metal fell off her
"It's the principle of the matter," writes Miss Granger, who has shoulders. Hermione spent the rest of the night patting the backs of a
declined to share her location. "I've been eager to share my memories parade of crying elves.
823 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 824
 There was a certain poetry in it all.
Hermione took the stand on the first day of Yaxley's trial, breathing
deep into her still waters as she spoke to her days in the Ministry holding
cells, the quick way he'd sliced Lydia Baxter's neck, and Parvati's final
choking screams. It was widely known that he had entered her into the
Auction, but she was the one to present it to the judges, detailing the
Palace Theatre and the specific comments he'd made as her value
increased.
Yaxley was ragged and gaunt in the chair. She managed not to look at

40
him for the most part, but her gaze was drawn to the dark circles under
his eyes and the way his cheekbones protruded. Her stomach twisted, so
she reached into her shelves until the memory of his leering gaze at Pansy
had anger boiling like acid in her gut.
When the prosecution had finished their questions, Yaxley's barrister
stood. He had a bored look on his face as he cross-examined her. He
asked her half a dozen questions dutifully, and Hermione was stunned
that he didn't press her when she stumbled on whether Yaxley or Dolohov
had been the one to cast the Cruciatus Curse at her. He gave her a
clipped nod, crossed the room, and took his seat again before she even
realized it was over.
It took Hermione five seconds to stumble to her feet. As she rejoined
the audience, she felt dread burrow deep in her chest. There was a panel
of barristers the defendants could choose from, but this was supposed to
be one of the better ones. n Sunday, Mippy picked up an order for her at the newly-
She watched as other witnesses were cross-examined similarly, and at
recess, when she looked at the paperwork for the rest of the week, she saw
there were only two witnesses scheduled for the defense — a longtime
O reopened Madam Malkins. Despite having a full wardrobe full
of Pansy's clothes, there was nothing fitting for her new role. So
Narcissa had helped her place her order by owl that Friday, enclosing a
family Healer, and Travers' wife. clipping of an article from the Prophet that morning.
After court was adjourned that day, she waited for Hestia outside the The headline had read: FROM SLAVE TO THE YOUNGEST
gallery. Hestia led her into a small room down a marble corridor, casting a MEMBER OF THE MAGICAL EUROPEAN ADVISORY
number of Silencing Charms before nodding for her to speak. COUNCIL: MEET HERMIONE GRANGER!
"That was outrageous," said Hermione. "How in Merlin's name was On Monday, Hermione was dressed in her new navy robes a full hour
that barrister chosen?" and a half before her meeting. She stared at herself critically in Draco's
"We voted him in, Hermione. We all did. On the second day." mirror before turning on her heel and heading through the passageway to
Hermione bit back her scowl. "And I trusted that I was being her old bedroom.
presented with adequate options. That barrister did nothing to inspire The creams, powders, and brushes were just as she'd left them last.
confidence—" She settled on a bit of light makeup and left her hair alone, ignoring
"Barrister Kauffmann is perfectly adequate, I assure you." Hestia Pansy's nagging voice in her head.

859 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 836

 After bidding Mippy and Narcissa goodbye, Hermione walked down She finally voiced her fears to Narcissa, who declined to advise her
the Manor's drive, readying herself to leave the property for the first time either way. "Trust your instincts," she said. "Only you can judge what you
in three weeks. The gates swung open for her, and she felt the wards stand to gain or gamble away."
shiver as she walked through. By the end of the second week, Hermione had decided to tell Hestia
Fear rose sharply in her belly as she glanced around, bracing herself directly. She was fully aware of what Hermione planned to do for Draco,
for something — a curse, perhaps, or an encroaching army. But there was but had chosen to mentor her nonetheless. And the consequences of not
nothing but the summer wind rustling the grass. telling her seemed to outweigh the risks of telling her. But Hestia had to
The gates clicked closed, and she remembered herself, walking briskly skip Friday's meeting. And Hermione felt her heart sink at the news,
to the edge of the estate's Anti-Apparition line and Disapparating to the knowing the Council would enter a one-week recess the following week so
location Hestia had given her. the members of the Secretariat could prepare for the trials.
She appeared on a cobblestoned street, usually bustling with tourists Hermione sent her an owl immediately upon returning to the Manor
and open shops, but there was no one. A layer of ash was heavy in the air, that afternoon. She waited all weekend for a reply, only to receive letters
blanketing the street like fog. Hermione's gaze drifted to the skyline, from Ginny, Neville, and a handful of reporters with questions about the
where the remains of Edinburgh Castle came into view, still smoking. She upcoming "Edinburgh Trials." It wasn't until Tuesday that Hestia's owl
drew a deep breath, spun to the south, and began walking. arrived with a one-sentence reply: Meet with you after Yaxley's trial.
The Magical European Advisory Council would meet in Edinburgh, They both would be there. Hestia on the Prosecution Counsel, and
as would the International Magical Military Tribunal. "A fitting pace for the Hermione as a witness testifying against Corban Yaxley.
death of the Great Order," the Prophet had proclaimed. She had to Occlude for three hours after she received a letter from the
Hermione walked the empty street, ghostly in the morning light. The Prosecution asking her to testify. They'd told her there were roughly a
buildings were more intact the farther south she walked. She looked dozen former Lots deemed fit to testify against him, including her.
closely at the vacant shops and restaurants until she found the Muggle A dozen. Out of all the people who'd been bought and sold there.
travel agency and chemist Hestia had told her about. She stepped up to She'd written Pansy afterward, asking how she was. In the post-script,
the two storefronts and watched an old building materialize between she'd informed her about Yaxley's trial, and asked her if she'd like to
them, just like the Leaky Cauldron in Muggle London. The wooden sign testify against him. She'd scrambled to the window when Draco's eagle
above read, Thistle & Rose. owl returned at one in the morning, tearing open the letter to read:
Squaring her shoulders, Hermione opened the door and stepped
I'm fine. And no, I'd rather not.
inside. The pub was empty apart from two occupants — Hestia Jones,
half-resting on a barstool, and a light-haired older man behind the bar. P.
Hestia broke off their conversation when the door closed, giving
Later that week, she learned in a letter from Ginny that she too would
Hermione a quick nod.
testify. Angelina would travel in from France, where George was taking a
"Miss Granger." She slipped off the stool and stepped forward to
long holiday. She'd miss them in court by one day.
shake Hermione's hand.
The decision to hold the trials in Edinburgh had been one of the
"General," said Hermione, returning the pressure.
Council's easier votes. The evacuation of Edinburgh a year ago meant
Hestia gestured to a narrow corridor behind her. "Shall we?"
that the Parliament Hall was empty, the building untouched by the
"Oh." Hermione frowned at the clock above the bar. It was only half-
Americans' bombs. So they agreed to use the Muggle courtrooms. No
seven. "Aren't we waiting on any others?"
wands would be permitted inside except for the guards, and only the
"No." Hestia clasped her hands in front of her. "Most of the Council is
members of the Tribunal could sit in the gallery. They were given two
military. I'm afraid we all have a habit of being pathologically early."
guest passes per day.
837 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 858
before she could ask further questions. She was better prepared that day. Pressing her lips together, Hermione nodded. She was silent as Hestia
She flitted in and out of her Occlumency in between her questions and led her down the dingy corridor, stopping at a door with a faded sign that
notes, ignoring Fleur's concerned gaze across the room. read, Pub Staff Only. The moment she pushed it open, a twisting staircase
On Wednesday morning, Hestia informed her personally that Pansy appeared. Hestia had to duck her head as she descended, and Hermione
would be released that evening. True to her word, Hermione didn't meet followed.
her at Azkaban or come calling at Grimmauld, but she did send Plumb to They poured out into a large waiting room filled with stiff chairs and
stay with her. Narcissa was tactful enough not to press her about it. an empty reception desk. Hermione examined the layer of dust on the
Hermione tossed and turned that night, pressing her face into Draco's coffee table as Hestia led her briskly down another long corridor.
pillow. Try as she might, she couldn't find joy in Pansy's release. Not when Noise rumbled from the end of it, where a large room with open doors
she was the one who'd put her there in the first place. awaited them. Hermione tried to steady her nerves as they strode towards
The Edinburgh Charter was approved eight days after the Council's it, her heels clicking next to the thud of Hestia's boots.
first official meeting. And as the Council transitioned into assisting the "I presume you've read the papers," said Hestia. "We'll be voting to
governance of the International Magical Military Tribunal, one of the formalize laws and procedures all week. The most important item today is
first rules of business was to set trial dates. the judges' vote."
Hermione listened to the voices argue that day with a half-Occluded Before Hermione could process it all, they were stepping inside the
mind. After some debate, Yaxley's trial was set first — on Monday 5 July. open doors. Fifteen to twenty people sat around a square-shaped table,
There had been a tense standoff between the Swiss and Italians over who speaking in low voices.
should be next, but the Italians won — Blaise Zabini's trial would be Hestia paused at the threshold. "Miss Hermione Granger, everyone."
second; Bellatrix Lestrange's third, in absentia. Every gaze snapped to her. Hermione managed a curt nod, ignoring
Hermione's mind sharpened at the discussions of Bellatrix, but she her pounding heartbeat. Some faces were familiar; others were new. Most
kept quiet. If she'd learned anything from Lucius Malfoy, it was the value were in military garb.
of keeping your cards close to the vest. Especially when it might be key to Hestia led her to an open seat, and Hermione locked eyes with
Blaise's survival. And Draco's. General Pierre as she sat down. His mouth tightened before he resumed
Then they listed Draco Malfoy's trial fourth, in absentia, and she his conversation with General Jacobs. On Pierre's other side was Fleur
drifted. Delacour, dressed in full regalia. Hermione blinked as Fleur nodded at
As the days dragged on, the question of what kind of political her, then turned to her left, angling her shoulders away from General
upheaval she'd cause by withholding the information began to weigh Pierre. The wizard next to her began speaking in Canadian French, his
heavily on her. She pored over the fine print in her contracts and binders, hands gesturing on the table.
and determined that because she was only on the Advising Council — Hermione skimmed the table and found a pair of stony-faced
not an official member of the Tribunal's Secretariat — she had no wizards in grey military robes. The Swiss. She followed a line of
obligation to provide information regarding the charges against Blaise unfamiliar faces until her eyes caught on a wizard in black — Gawain
prior to his day in court. Robards. She remembered him from the papers. He'd worked under
Even after ruling out legal consequences, the idea still vexed her. She'd Scrimgeour as the Head of the Auror office, but vanished when the
yet to make any real friends on the Council, but Hestia had won her trust Ministry fell.
— providing background information on lunch breaks, steering her away To Robards' left were a witch and wizard who she presumed to be
from skirmishes with a simple cough or a tap of her quill. If she kept this Italian, based on their olive-green robes. She was just trying to remember
information from Hestia, what might she lose? where she'd seen the wizard, a man with a thick beard and dark eyes,
What might Draco lose? when he nodded at Hestia and abruptly stood.

857 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 838

 He cleared his throat and introduced himself as Luca Bianchi in a Hermione's face stung. Her cheeks were wet.
heavy Italian accent. Hermione's brain clicked. He was a member of Footsteps from outside the doorway, and Pansy lifted her chin as
Antonio Bravieri's Ministry — one of the council members who had gone Yaxley entered. Quincy Parkinson followed, and Hermione felt her vision
missing in August, right underneath Romano's nose. darken around the edges.
He welcomed everyone around the table, introducing military leaders, "Just like I told you, Quince."
lawyers, and representatives from around the globe who all had the same Pansy sat up tall, but Hermione could see her quivering in her binds.
goal — to ensure justice in the wake of the Second Wizarding War, and Quincy tilted his head and approached his daughter with slow steps.
see to it that the political and military leadership of the Great Order "Daddy," she whispered, imploring him. "I was getting her for you.
would be held responsible for their war crimes. She's valuable—"
"Here in the United Kingdom, the Justice Tribunal began this difficult Quincy Parkinson backhanded her. Hermione clapped a hand over
work," said Bianchi delicately. Hermione watched Jacobs shift in his seat. her mouth as Pansy flew backward.
"But we thank the Provisional Government for correctly recognizing the Her shoulders shook as she watched Pansy sucked in air, laying on her
need to disband said Tribunal, and work closely with other affected side. Her father took one step forward, his heavy boots landing loudly in
nations to allow the pursuit of international justice in a manner befitting front of her face.
their international crimes." "Looks like you have another whore to sell, Corban."
Fleur sniffed next to General Pierre. Hestia took a sip from the water There was a long pause. Hermione couldn't take her eyes off Pansy,
goblet in front of her. her tears leaking down her cheeks.
"My friends, this is our mission, our charge, and our purpose for "Quince," said Yaxley lowly. "We can forget about this. I trust you to
gathering. With the help of the I.C.W., and the tireless preliminary work discipline your daughter as you see fit—"
contributed by you, our Council Members, we have been able to draft the "I don't have a daughter." Hermione glanced up to see Quincy
legislation you will review today for the prospective International Magical Parkinson turning on his heel and sweeping from the room.
Military Tribunal. Each of you deserves gratitude for this effort." The world started to blur again, and the last thing Hermione saw
Hermione felt her eye twitch as she joined Bianchi and the rest of the before the room collapsed around her was the look in Pansy's eyes,
room in applause. Before she could turn to Hestia, Bianchi flicked his turning flinty and dangerous.
wand, and a copy of a heavy binder appeared before each of them — And then she was standing at the Pensieve in Lucius's study, her ears
easily 300 pages long. Hermione stared at it. ringing and her chest tight. The bile pressed against her throat, and she
"And yet, much hard work remains. This week, we will seek to finalize spun, retching into the waste bin.
and formalize the Edinburgh Charter. Our goal is to submit to our five She focused on a lake with still waters, letting her Occlumency shelves
member nations for ratification early next week. I now turn the meeting bury Pansy's memories until they no longer made her retch.
over to General Jacobs, who will preside over today's agenda." Pressing up to her feet, she collected the threads from the Pensieve
Bianchi gestured to General Jacobs to continue, and took his seat. back into their vial with shaking fingers. This was enough. This would
Jacobs stood, looking around the room with a cold smile. "We'd like exonerate her.
to begin the morning by confirming the list of the twenty-four indicted. She capped the vial. She smoothed her robes. With a deep breath to
The 'major players,' if you will." He flipped his binder open, and the center herself back to present, she headed out to Edinburgh again.
table shuffled to do the same. "Of course, this will perhaps be our
easiest vote," said Jacobs. "The Council has already reviewed evidence $
of the defendants' charges, though they are re-listed for your At lunch, she gave Hestia the vials and asked her to be quick about it.
convenience." She informed her that Pansy would need a wand, and excused herself
839 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 856
 There was a familiar fire in Pansy's eyes. Hermione turned to page 7 and found Bellatrix Lestrange and Draco
Pansy quickly assessed the wards that flashed and flared around her Malfoy listed in the first two positions, a litany of crimes following each of
body, hissing through several counter-spells. their names. Her stomach churned as she read the charges against Draco:
There was a pause, and Hermione saw the moment her mind landed
War Crimes; Crimes against Humanity; Crimes Against Peace,
on the right spell. She flicked her wrist, and the shimmer around her body
Conspiracy to Commit War Crimes, Crimes against Humanity, and
vanished. Darting her eyes at the doorway, Pansy pointed her wand at the
one fireplace in the room. The flames didn't jump. It wasn't connected to Crimes Against Peace; Membership in Criminal Organization.
the Floo network. She'd expected this, but she thought she'd have time to discuss them.
"You've got to be fucking kidding me," Pansy muttered. Possibly get some of them dropped. How much work had the Council
She twisted to the closed door across the room. It flew open with accomplished without her?
an Alohomora. Pansy ran to it, Hermione just on her heels. It was a small She scanned the list, pausing for half a heartbeat on Rita Skeeter and
sitting room. A fireplace in the corner. Pansy pointed her wand and it Ludo Bagman, but the room began spinning when she reached Blaise
burst to life, the flames flickering shadows over the walls. Zabini at the bottom. Her ears tuned in to General Jacobs discussing the
Spinning back, she called Hermione's floating body to her. Like a expected timeline for the trials.
specter, it obeyed. Hermione felt her body shaking as Pansy found the "And where can I find a copy of the full indictments outlining the
Floo powder and reached for her lifeless hand. basis of these charges?"
A high whistle pierced the air as soon as Pansy touched her. Pages stopped turning; murmuring ceased. And General Jacobs' eyes
Hermione's heart rattled as she and Pansy both spun to the doorway. bored into her like ice. "Appendix A," he said.
She hissed and tossed the Floo powder, dragging Hermione's body Hermione turned to the Appendix, skimming quickly.
into the fireplace with her just as the door to the sitting room burst open. "Is there a problem, Miss Granger?"
A jet of red light caught Pansy by the shoulder, and then she dropped Her ears felt hot as she looked up. Jacobs was tilting his head at her;
beside the hearth, screaming. Pierre was leaning forward in his chair. Fleur stared at the table while
The Cruciatus Curse. Hermione's fingers curled into fists, trembling to Bianchi gazed at her with interest, his fingers drumming on the table.
do something to stop it. And to her left, Hestia gave the slightest shake of her head.
"You little cunt!" He released it with a hiss. "I knew you were up to "Not at all." Hermione cleared her throat. "If there are unfair charges,
something." I trust that the court will weigh the evidence fairly."
Pansy panted on the bricks. "It's—it's supposed to be a joke!" She A chilly silence. Hermione's heart began thudding against her ribs.
fought to catch her breath. "You're obsessed with that Mudblood. I was "I'm curious, Miss Granger," said General Pierre, straightening in his
trying to mess with you—" seat. "Might you be so kind as to share with the Council which of these
"You want an engagement present for your boyfriend?" Yaxley slashed charges have concerned you? I'm sure my colleagues and I would be
his wand down again. Hermione stumbled backward, begging the scene interested to hear."
to end as Pansy shrieked. "Did the Malfoys put you up to this?" Hermione blinked at him. She glanced to her left, but Hestia's eyes
Pansy screamed again, and the walls shivered around Hermione. She were firmly on her binder. Hermione's lips parted as she thought of the
floated, numb, as the world shook and reformed around her. And then she antidote potion, and the Horcrux — a green light barreling into
was standing in the first room again, like a nightmare that wouldn't end. Bellatrix's back—
Her unconscious body was back in its position, the old wards "The charges against Ludo Bagman and Rita Skeeter," she said.
shimmering over her. Pansy knelt at her feet, hands tied and blood "'Conspiracy to commit crimes against peace' seems excessive. It's quite
dripping from her nose. possible that they were under duress."

855 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 840

 "Miss Skeeter's lies contributed to the loss of thousands of Swiss lives," discuss it again,'" he mimicked. "'It was a mistake. We were both drinking
said one of the grey-robed wizards. "If she felt that she had no choice, let and never should have let it get that far.'" His eyes dropped low to her
her state that before the Tribunal." bare legs. "And then today you decide to give me that look in front of
Hermione managed a slow nod. "Fair enough." She looked up to your Malfoy boyfriend—"
General Jacobs. "I have no further comments." "He's not my boyfriend." Pansy arched her brow at him and slid her
Jacobs masked his disappointment with an insincere smile. "Good. hands up his chest. "You already know that. Better than anyone."
Let's put it to a vote, shall we? Unless Miss Granger needs a recess." His voice was husky as his hands moved to her hips. "Why are you
The Swiss wizards bored holes into Hermione's head, and Fleur's gaze here, Pansy?"
flickered to her. "Why do you think?" She pressed her torso into his, and Hermione felt
"That won't be necessary." Hermione raised a brow. "However, I violently ill as she reached to adjust his collar. "Tell me you still have it,"
would like to recuse myself from this vote, as I haven't had time to review she whispered, with a twist to her lips. "The dwarf wine."
the evidence. I trust a majority vote will suffice." "Pansy—"
"It will," said Pierre coolly. "You remember what happened the last time we drank it."
It felt like she was sinking into the floorboards as she watched Jacobs Yaxley's eyes were dark as he grabbed her wrist.
smirk at her, unfurl a scroll, and call out Bellatrix's name before the "That's a five-hundred Galleon bottle, Pansy. What do I get in return?"
Council. Nineteen hands lifted in the air, and Jacobs recited each member She bit her cheek hard enough to draw blood as Pansy laughed
as his enchanted quill scribbled them down. By the time he reached throatily and said, "A lot more than you could get for five thousand, that's
Draco's name, Hermione had drifted deep into her still waters. for sure."
They voted on procedures next. Trials would consist of a prosecution, Hermione's eyelids closed, and her head spun. She breathed deep
a defense, and five presiding judges. The Council would elect ten judges trying to block out the way Yaxley looked at Pansy's lips and neck.
in total — one judge and one alternate from each country participating in She forced her eyes open just when she heard Yaxley huff. "One bottle."
the Tribunal. Appeals would be possible to a new Council presided over Pansy's smile could have lit the dark corners of the room.
by all five countries. He pushed her back and cleared his throat. "I'll get it. You know
For the first time in her life, Hermione felt like there was an exam she where the bedroom is."
hadn't prepared for. She tried to appear composed as she turned the Yaxley reached for the doorknob, ready to shut the drawing room
pages in her binder, her mind spinning with all the legal jargon. Some of door. Pansy's hand shot to grab his wrist.
the terms were familiar, thanks to her preparation before Lucius's trial, "I—" She laughed, shaking her head before taking a deep breath, like
but others were entirely new — the Tribunal seemed to blend legal working up to a difficult question. "Can I interest you in an audience?"
traditions across countries and forms of law. She had no choice but to Her brow lifted, and she cast her eyes toward Hermione's body.
follow Fleur and Hestia's leads, raising her hand every time they did, Hermione pressed her fingers to her mouth, swallowing down bile.
swallowing her anxiety about whether she'd just voted for something that Yaxley followed her intentions. "Yeah?"
would make it harder to exonerate Draco or Blaise. Pansy nodded and leaned into his ear. "Maybe she'll learn a thing or
They announced a lunch break before the judges' vote. The others two."
lingered, but Hermione left the room quickly, struggling to catch her Yaxley threw his head back and laughed. "Be right back." He turned
breath in the corridor. Once more, she was playing a game in the dark on his heel and disappeared into the shadows.
without knowing the rules. She had an hour in which she could eat lunch, The second he was out of sight, Pansy slipped into the drawing room
review the judges' files, and file back into the room to vote, just like they'd and drew her wand, pointing it at Hermione's body. "Revelio!"
asked. Hermione staggered as the spell flicked over her past-self.

841 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 854

 "You think I don't know that?" Blaise hissed. He dragged a hand down Or an hour in which she could use the little bargaining power she had
his face. "I'm managing it. Don't involve yourself—" to tip the scales in her favor.
Pansy slammed a hand on the door, trying to open it, but Blaise The doors opened, and Hestia and Jacobs exited the room, speaking
blocked it. He lifted his head slowly to glare at her. tensely. Hestia cut him off just as Hermione stepped in front of them..
"Go home, Pansy," someone called from inside the room. "Please." "Miss Granger," she said with a nod. "How do you find your first
Hermione squeezed her eyes closed at the raw sound of Draco's voice. Council meeting?"
With an apologetic look, Blaise shut the door in Pansy's face. Hermione tucked her 300-page binder under her arm. "It's certainly
Pansy kicked the door in frustration, and Hermione watched every been informative." She rolled her shoulders back. "I'm considering
inch of her harden. She spun on her heel, and as Hermione startled to joining."
catch up with her, her surroundings shivered again. Jacobs' jaw clenched. Hestia simply assessed her.
When the room ground to a halt, she landed in a small entryway "You're already here," said Jacobs brusquely, as if explaining things to
facing a fireplace. She took in the high ceilings and snoozing paintings, an unruly toddler. "You've already cast votes."
blinking up at the moonlight beaming through the tall windows. There "I agreed to attend the meeting. I didn't agree to join." Hermione sent
was a corridor to her left, and a closed door to her right. him a cool smile. "I do hope it won't be too much work for you to strike
The whoosh of the Floo made her spin around, and she watched Pansy me from your records should I decline the opportunity, General Jacobs.
step through the fireplace. She was wearing the same clothing as earlier I'll be sure to let you know by the day's end."
— it was the same day. She looked around quickly, her wand in hand. She Hestia shifted her weight. "Miss Granger—"
darted to the closed door, and Hermione followed. Pansy opened it with "In fact, it seems there's been quite the head start without me. Just how
an unlocking spell and peered inside. long has the Council been meeting for 'preliminary work,' General
It was Yaxley's drawing room again. Hermione heard blood rushing in Jones?"
her ears as she stared at her suspended body, ghostly in the pale light. "A couple of weeks." Hestia pressed her mouth in a hard line. "You'll
The truth was choking her, weighing heavy on her shoulders, down recall, Miss Granger, that I informed you the Council's work was already
her throat. Hermione felt herself gasping for air. underway when we met last week."
It was for Draco. Not for you. "Yes, but you neglected to tell me how extensive it was. When I arrived
"What a surprise," a voice hummed, and Pansy and Hermione both this morning, I had no idea that I would be expected to vote on nearly-
whipped around to the entryway. Yaxley stepped out of the shadows, and finalized matters I had no prior knowledge of."
Hermione closed her eyes in resignation. "You've already had your The silence stretched. Hermione tapped her heel on the floor. "I
viewing, Miss Parkinson." suppose you expect me to join to be your pretty face? Your media
Pansy grinned at him through her lashes. "But the curator is a close spokesperson?"
family friend. I think he'll let me in after hours." Jacobs sneered at the phrase "pretty face."
Hermione's throat was dry as images flashed through her head of "If I am to join this Council," Hermione continued, "I expect to be
Yaxley and Quincy Parkinson at Edinburgh, leering at the Carrow Girls. kept in the know. I should have been given the chance to participate in
It was that same look on Yaxley's face now. Pansy stepped up to him, these 'preliminary discussions.' At the very least, I should have been given
swaying her hips. these materials as soon as they were available."
Yaxley's mouth twitched as he stared down at her. "You seem to have "Noted." Hestia clasped her hands in front of her. "And what else do
changed your tune." you require for reassurance, Miss Granger?"
"What tune is that?" "I'd like to speak about Pansy Parkinson," said Hermione, shifting her
Yaxley scoffed at her even as his pupils bloomed. "'We can never gaze between them. "How good of you to ask."

853 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 842

 Jacobs didn't bother hiding his scoff. "What is your asking price?"
"Parkinson's case will be handled domestically by a court under the Yaxley pushed off the doorframe. "I already told you. Starting bid is
Provisional Government of England," said Hestia. —"
"And the top leadership of the Provisional Government is the two of "And what is your price?" Draco rolled his shoulders back. "What price
you, isn't it? Wonderful." She shifted her binder into her arms and would you find acceptable to buy her prior to the Auction?"
conjured a quill. "When do you meet?" "None." Yaxley gave him a tight-lipped smile. "First, I expect she'll go
"Meet?" Jacobs' eyes jerked to hers. for much higher a price than I could name—"
"To discuss the legal process for domestic cases," said Hermione, in a "But you could name it," Draco said. "And then I could pay it."
sweet tone that would have made even Umbridge's skin crawl. "Second," said Yaxley, his teeth gleaming, "The Dark Lord has made it
"It should closely resemble the Wizengamot," said Hestia slowly. "We clear that Potter's bitch must be made an example of. You're not the first
are seeking to fill seats now—" asking to buy her outright, Malfoy. Why your father thinks I'd give you a
"How lovely." Hermione tapped her quill. "The time?" different answer than the one I gave him, I have no idea."
Hestia took a sharp breath. "Miss Granger, you were given a seat at Draco sucked in a sharp breath, and Blaise spun around. Hermione's
the European Advisory Council. The Provisional Government's legal heart pumped heavy in her chest as she watched the last fragments of
system is a separate affair—" Draco's Occlumency shatter.
"You can't just name yourself a part of it," Jacobs hissed. "Now if you'll excuse me." Yaxley gestured to the door. "You've had
"Oh." Hermione brows rose innocently. "And how were the two of your viewing, and I'd appreciate the chance to take a piss before the next
you given a seat at the table? By election?" visitor arrives."
Before either of them could reply, the doors flew open. A chilly quiet Draco paled, his fists clenched at his sides. He swept from the room
descended as several members filed out of the room, casting a curious without another word. Hermione watched Blaise glance with Pansy
glance at the three of them as they passed by. before excusing himself and exiting the room.. Pansy moved to the door
A vein throbbed in Jacobs' temple as he leaned into Hestia, muttering, to follow them, but she stopped in front of Yaxley.
"This is your problem. So handle it." He stormed off, turning the corner Hermione stepped closer to them as something clicked into place.
sharply and disappearing from view. "Pans?" came Blaise's voice from the hallway.
Hestia waited until the corridor was quiet. "The Council was torn on "Coming," she sang. Her eyes locked on Yaxley's as her tongue wet her
admitting you, Miss Granger. In fact, most were strenuously opposed." lips, and Hermione felt her stomach churn as his eyes followed the
Anger flared in Hermione's belly. movement.
"You must understand," said Hestia quickly, "that we are speaking of a "Later," she mouthed. Then she sashayed away from him, following
group of political and military elite here. Most of their careers span the boys into the corridor.
longer than you've been alive." The room spun again, the shapes swirling like a thousand unanswered
"Yes, and age clearly involved wisdom where the Justice Tribunal was questions. Her legs steadied on an expensive rug in an unfamiliar
concerned—" corridor, and then she was staring at Pansy as she pounded on a door.
"That's the very point." Hestia glanced over her shoulder before Blaise yanked it open and wedged a shoulder in the opening, blocking her
speaking again. "Great Britain stands to benefit significantly from your view inside.
involvement in this Tribunal. France does as well, though to a much "Go home, Pansy."
smaller extent. The other three countries gain nothing, and it took quite a "No. I know exactly what you're going to do and you're both
bit of persuasion to sway them in your favor." fucking idiots." She pushed at his chest. "You're going to get yourselves
"You mean, none of the other countries have bloody stains to mop up." killed—"

843 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 852

 Pansy froze at the sight of her, clapping a manicured hand over her "I won't argue with you there," said Hestia flatly. "In an ideal world,
mouth. Then she laughed. you would have been involved from the start. But involving you now was
"Merlin." Hermione watched her walk in a leisurely circle around her the best I could do."
past-self before turning to Yaxley. "How long has she been out?" "I see." Hermione inhaled sharply. She could appreciate Hestia's
"Two days," Yaxley said, leaning against the doorway. "It's the first day directness, at least. "Well, now that I've heard your position, you'll have to
I opened her for viewing, though. You're the fifth group." hear mine."
"Really?" Pansy smirked. "Clearly the Mudblood is more popular than Hestia folded her hands and cocked her head. "You'd like a position in
I gave her credit for." the Provisional Government?"
Draco's eyes were cold and dead as he looked up at her limp body, "No," said Hermione, lifting her chin. "I would like for Pansy
walking a circle like Pansy had. His expression was blank. Occlumency. Parkinson to be released at once."
Hermione's throat choked. Staring at him felt like a knife in her chest, "We're sifting through hundreds of cases from the Justice Tribunal.
burrowing deeper and deeper. She wanted to reach out and touch him. Most are being dismissed, so if the charges against Parkinson are as flimsy
To sink her fingers into his hair, and feel his warmth as he wrapped his as you claim, I'm sure hers will be as well." Hestia's face was impassive as
arms around her. Hermione frowned at her. "Parkinson is considered a lower-level criminal.
Her tears dropped from her cheeks and vanished before they hit the I can assure you that her treatment is quite humane—"
floor, disappearing in the Pensieve. "Strange," Hermione cut in. "I would have considered Siobhan
"What's your starting bid, Yaxley?" Blaise stepped up to her body, Selwyn the same, and she's dead."
crossing his arms. Hestia's face clouded with something, and her gaze fell to her boots. "I
"You already know it's ten thousand Galleons." voted against that," she finally said.
Blaise lifted his brows and turned over his shoulder. "Still." Hermione let the word hang between them. "Have you
"Fifteen," came a cold voice. Draco stepped around her body and reviewed Pansy Parkinson's file, General?" The press to Hestia's lips gave
hummed, "What? You don't think swotty Mudblood Granger is a virgin?" Hermione her answer. "Once you do, I'm sure you'll see how baseless it is.
The sound of his familiar drawl sent shivers racing down her spine. I'd appreciate if you pulled her file — as well as the file of Daphne
Pansy giggled. "Draco is right. I'm sure it'll be fifteen." She tilted her Greengrass. I wasn't able to find her name in the Prophet, but I'm sure she's
head up and appraised Hermione before scrunching her nose. "A terrible being charged with similar crimes—"
waste of five thousand Galleons, if you ask me." Her eyes flicked to Yaxley, "Greengrass—" Hestia lifted her gaze with a furrowed brow. "She's
and a coy smile crossed her lips. Hermione watched something strange pass not in Azkaban."
between them before Pansy reached for one of Hermione's curls. Hermione blinked. "You're sure?"
"No touching, Pansy," he said. "Quite." Hestia looked over her shoulder. "The Greengrass family has
Pansy pouted. "Why? Am I not allowed to inspect the goods?" ties to the Canadians. She has been released to the consulate, and sent
"No one's touching her until they sign the paperwork after the back to her family in Montreal."
Auction. I have about a dozen wards on her." Relief surged through her, then mingled with a growing fury. "I see.
A muscle in Draco's cheek twitched. And you think that's fair, General?"
"Anything else?" said Yaxley, checking his watch. "I have another "Of course not. But since when has this world been 'fair,' Miss
viewing in fifteen." Granger?" Hestia leveled her with an intent stare. "Provide me with
Cold horror pricked through Hermione's skin. She tried to focus, information as to why Pansy Parkinson was sold at the Auction, and I'll
reminding herself that none of it had mattered— see what I can do to get her charges dropped. If I recall correctly, that was
Draco pivoted to face Yaxley, and Hermione saw his walls flicker. the main point of contention."

851 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 844

 Hermione's mouth felt dry. "I can get it. If you let me speak to her — Hermione's eyes. "Set me up with a wand if you can, and let me take the
let me go to her at Azkaban, and I'll get it." Floo."
Hestia nodded once. "I'll clear you for visiting as soon as I return to Something twisted in Hermione's chest. "Alright."
the Ministry this afternoon." The guard raised his wand. "Wait," Pansy snapped. There was a long
"Thank you." Hermione took a deep breath as she studied her — trying pause. And then: "Is there any chance you won't be watching these?
to figure out what kind of ally she would be. "There's one last thing. Perhaps someone else— "
Assuming I join the Council, I expect to be informed from here on out. If "No." Hermione bit her lip. "I have to review them first, Pansy.
there are matters I should be aware of, I expect you to tell me. If not…" There's no other way."
"Understood, Miss Granger." Inclining her head, Hestia moved past Pansy dropped her hand, and the huffing guard stepped forward. "It
her. was for Draco." She closed her eyes. "Not for you."
By the time she went to the loo to splash water on her face, it was almost The guard tapped his wand to her temple and pulled forth the delicate
the end of the lunch hour. Hermione returned to the table with an empty threads of her thoughts.
stomach and the same feeling of ignorance as when she'd first left it.
Each member could only vote for the judges representing their own $
country. Of the long list of names, Hermione only recognized one: Hermione had exactly one hour before she needed to arrive in
Tiberius Ogden, who had resigned from the Wizengamot when Fudge Edinburgh. Whatever was in this vial, she had to watch it before she
had made Umbridge the High Inquisitor of Hogwarts. turned it over to Hestia.
Hermione sat at the table and tried to keep her knee from bouncing She slipped inside quietly and rushed to Lucius's study. After unlocking
when the vote commenced for Great Britain. Hestia raised her hand for the cabinet, she tipped Pansy's memories into the basin, watching the
Ogden and another name, and Hermione followed suit. It was impossible threads swirl inside. And with a deep breath, Hermione tilted downward,
to know if she'd made the right decision, but she felt certain of two things: plunging into the past.
first, that Hestia still had a conscience beneath her hardened pragmatism, Her feet landed in an unfamiliar room — a drawing room, with dark
and second, that if Tiberius Ogden had issues with Dolores Umbridge, wallpaper and large windows. No furniture. Voices echoed beyond the
they at least had one thing in common. door, and when she spun around to take in the whole room, she found a
The rest of the afternoon was met with lengthy discussions of logistics figure just behind her. She gasped.
and courtroom proceedings. When the meeting was finally adjourned, It was her.
Hestia bid her a swift goodbye, and exited the room with the speed of She was hanging midair, unconscious, her trainers hovering a few
someone who had ten other meetings to get to. The other members inches off the ground. Her head bobbed on her shoulder. She was in the
ignored her, and Hermione was happy to return the favor. pink hoodie she'd been wearing at the Battle of Hogwarts.
Hermione carefully organized her paperwork as the room emptied. Her heart beat a thunderous rhythm against her ribs. She dug her
She was just pushing in her chair when a voice behind her said, nails into her palms to center herself as the voices came closer.
"'Ermione." Hermione spun, and then she was being enveloped in a hug She startled when the door banged open to reveal Yaxley, wearing a
by Fleur Delacour. It took a moment for her brain to catch up, but then smug grin. "—caught her in the corridors just inside the castle," he was
she was squeezing her back. saying. He held the door open and stepped to the side. "After you…"
"It is good to see you," said Fleur, when she pulled away. "My A shuffle of footsteps, and then Draco walked into the room. She
apologies zat I did not greet you sooner. Most of zese men are quick to staggered, searching for something to hold onto as Draco's gaze drifted
judge hugging women." over her floating form, as if taking stock.
"Oh, that's— it's fine." Hermione waved it away. Her eyes widened as Pansy and Blaise strolled in behind him.
845 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 850
stone wall. "You just can't help yourself, can you? You have to save "I 'oped to find you at lunch, but you seemed preoccupied."
everyone." "Yes. I mean, a bit." Hermione shifted her binder into her arms, like a
Hermione frowned. "When they're innocent, yes. Pansy, you don't guard between them.
deserve to be in here—" There was a familiar ache in her chest as she watched Fleur study her.
"Save your charity for someone who wants it." Pansy dropped her She wanted to pull up a chair, confide in her, and ask for her advice.
head back, closing her eyes. "I have nowhere to go. No family. My friends Her mind whispered that the fewer people in her confidence, the
are—" She broke off, her chest rising and falling sharply. better.
"Pansy." Hermione took a small step forward. "There are places for "I'm very glad you are on this Council," said Fleur quietly. "I know
you. You still have friends." you will do well. Bill said the same."
She saw Pansy swallow. Emotions bubbled in her chest. Hermione looked to the other wall.
"Tell me where you want to go. The Malfoys have properties in several "'e asked me to send 'is regards. And 'is apologies for what 'appened at
countries, and they're— still under Narcissa's control. Name one and it's the Manor."
yours." Pansy crossed her arms tightly. "If you want to stay in the country, Hermione was quiet, searching for the words. Turning back to Fleur,
you can go back to Grimmauld Place—" she settled on, "Thank you."
"And live alone with that insufferable house-elf ?" Pansy lifted her head Fleur gave her a small smile. "Can I convince you to join us for dinner
and leveled a glare at her. "Thanks, Granger, but I think I'll pass." at the Burrow tonight? It will be just a small group of us. I know Ginny
"It's empty. Kreacher is with D—" Hermione froze, glancing to the would like to see you."
door. "He's away." "I don't think that's a good idea quite yet," said Hermione, pushing
Pansy sat up straight again. Hermione counted her heartbeats. down the sharp stab of guilt in her stomach. "But maybe soon."
"I don't know where he is, or how he is. But I'm going to see to it that Fleur nodded. She squeezed her arm before turning away, leaving
Kreacher feels safe to come home." She looked at the tabletop. "I'm sure Hermione alone in the empty room.
he'll feel much better if he knows that you're safe as well." Hermione ascended the stairs and walked out of the Thistle & Rose in
Her gaze lifted to see a flicker of something in Pansy's eyes. silence. Her eyes squinted at the late afternoon sun, watching it shine over
"What about Blaise and Daph?" Edinburgh.
"Daphne is in Canada with her family. As for Blaise, well—" "You are very passionate, Miss Granger," a voice said. She turned
Hermione cleared her throat. "I'm working on him." around and found Luca Bianchi leaning against the side of the building,
Pansy tilted her head, her bobbed hair falling at an angle. "Fine. If lighting a cigarette.
you are able to pull this off, I'll go to Grimmauld." She tossed him a thin smile. "So I've been told."
Hermione nodded, spinning to the door before Pansy could change He chuckled at her and took a slow drag. "I expected nothing less from
her mind. She knocked twice, and when the guard opened for her, she Harry Potter's best friend." His neck stretched to blow out a stream of
told him, "Miss Parkinson has agreed to provide memories as evidence." smoke. "Though I confess myself surprised at the people you seem to
The guard glanced at Pansy. She dipped her chin with a roll of her eyes. direct your passion for."
The guard followed her inside and conjured a vial, looking at Hermione's heart skipped. "My only interest is in the pursuit of
Hermione with a disinterested expression. Hermione stood in front of justice, Mr. Bianchi. Justice isn't personal."
Pansy and instructed her to pull forward the memory, assuring her it was "Oh?" Bianchi chuckled around his cigarette. "You're not fooling
possible without magic. anyone, Miss Granger. Personally, I care little for the Malfoy boy. You'll
When the guard stepped forward, Pansy lifted a hand to pause him. find no quarrel from me there. His friend, however"—Bianchi took
"Please don't be here when they release me," she said, not meeting another drag—"is another story."

849 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 846

 Hermione stared at him. Her hands felt sweaty on the binder. Hermione tucked her hair behind her ear. "It'll look better on you,
"Blaise Zabini has committed crimes in my country. I do not intend to come tomorrow."
let him go lightly. Should you expect to keep a… friendly relationship with Pansy scoffed and went back to staring at her fingernails. "Everything
my colleagues and I, this is something you should know." looks better on me."
"Mr. Bianchi, I can appreciate how horrible this past year must have There was silence.
been for you. But—" "Pansy—" Hermione's voice shook. "I'm sorry it took me so long to
"Antonio Bravieri was my cousin, Miss Granger." His eyes were hard come see you. I tried to come sooner."
as flint as he tossed his cigarette to the cobblestones. "I have visited "So I hear." She recrossed her legs. "The guards were gossiping about
Giuliana at St. Mungo's. She is not well." how they threw you in St. Mungo's." Another pause. "You tried to defend
Hermione stood as still as stone. Bianchi stamped it out, then buttoned Draco, I assume?"
his robes with a flourish. "It is personal for all of us." "Yes."
As she watched him disappear down the dusty streets, she slid Blaise "Just like you tried to defend Lucius?"
Zabini higher up on the list of things she had to worry about. Hermione drew in a rattling breath. "Yes."
"Hmm." Blue eyes flicked up to hers. "Then excuse me for having less
$ than full confidence in your Gryffindor idealism."
Early the next morning, Hermione dressed in a second set of robes Hermione closed her eyes. She could stand her ground before the
she'd gotten from Madam Malkins, downed a cup of coffee, walked down most powerful people in Great Britain. And yet Pansy Parkinson still
the Manor's drive, and Apparated to the guest receiving desk at Azkaban. somehow managed to cow her.
A few hours after she'd returned home from Edinburgh yesterday, she'd "It took me a while to learn the game. But I'm getting better."
received an owl from Hestia Jones with a full copy of Pansy Parkinson's Hermione paused. "I can get you out, Pansy. I just need you to tell me
indictment. A hand-written note confirmed that she was authorized to why you were in the Auction."
arrive at Azkaban at six o'clock sharp, and would be allowed to collect Pansy's face split into a smirk, and she let out a scathing laugh. "You
memories with the assistance of a guard. really don't give up, do you?"
The guard checked her name from the approved list and stared at her "No, I don't."
for a few moments before taking her wand and reading the safety Pansy uncrossed her legs, putting both hands on her knees. "Enlighten
instructions detailing the magic suppression potion used on the prisoners. me then, Granger. They haven't even bothered to tell me why I'm here.
Hermione pursed her lips, but nodded. No one has even questioned me."
He led her down a damp stone hallway silently. There were no "One of your charges is espionage. They think your place in the
Dementors, but she felt a chill settle deep under her skin. Auction and your staged death were part of some collusion with Draco
He stopped at an unmarked door, opening it and standing aside as she and Blaise…" Hermione cut off, waving her hand in the air. "The charge
entered. is ridiculous. The Provisional Government is still wading through the mess
Pansy Parkinson sat cross-legged in a metal chair, inspecting her of indictments from the Justice Tribunal. But give me your memory of
fingernails. Even with sallow skin and limp hair, she still managed to look why you were there, and I'll get you out."
superior. Pansy snorted. "How, exactly? By stomping your foot and making
It felt like Hermione's lungs were collapsing. "Pansy." demands?"
"I was wondering when you'd show." She lifted her eyes and looked "Because they've seen what happens when Hermione Granger writes
her over, like she had mud all down her new robes. Her lips curled in an exposé in the New York Ghost."
disdain. "My, my, Golden Girl. Freedom certainly looks good on you." Pansy was silent for a moment, looking straight ahead at the blank

847 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 848

surrounded Edinburgh Castle. The Carrow Girls had been thrown in the sighed. "If you don't like him, no one is stopping you from finding
dungeons shortly after the attack began, but several hours later, a Death another." Hermione stared at her through narrowed eyes. "Defendants
Eater had reappeared. He'd given the magical Carrow Girls antidotes for can choose their own counsel, if you recall. Though I suspect it will take
their magic suppression, handed them wands, and Imperiused them to thousands of Galleons to convince someone outside of those appointed to
join the fight against the True Order. the court."
The attack had lasted three days, ending when the Americans' bombs Hermione blinked at her. She'd missed this detail somehow — lost it
reduced the castle to dust. That was how Charlotte had died — her body between her Occlumency and the hundreds of pages of fine print. But at
broken and eyes vacant, a wand forced in her hand. least Galleons were the only thing she had in thousands right now. There
Hermione's cheeks stung with tears as Cara pointed at Rodolphus as was still time.
the man in the dungeons, confirming the word he'd used: "Imperio." Of "Right." She smoothed out her robes, filing away her thoughts.
the dozens of slaves kept at Edinburgh Castle, only six had survived the "Thank you for meeting with me. I wanted to discuss a hypothetical
attack — all of them Muggle Carrow Girls left in the dungeons to die. situation," she said carefully. "And I want to know if we can keep this
Hermione hadn't known until that moment why that was. situation between us. Hypothetically."
She had to leave at the next recess. Brushing past a surprised Narcissa, Hestia nodded, glancing at the door. "Hypothetically, I'm sure I could
she'd rushed upstairs and Occluded until she forgot where she was. have a private conversation with a friend."
On Tuesday, Hermione immersed herself in Draco's trial. Wednesday "What if I were to tell you that Bellatrix Lestrange is dead — that I
was much the same, only broken up by wrapping and sending a gift to saw her killed with my own two eyes, and that the person who can tell you
Ginny on her birthday. Hermione had written earlier to see if she wanted where to find her body is being prosecuted later this month for crimes
company, but she'd replied that she'd be visiting George and Angelina in against Italy?"
France, and the invitation was open to her as well. She'd declined due to To Hestia's credit, she didn't flinch a muscle. Hermione saw the gears
the trial preparation, and Ginny had understood. turning in her mind as her eyes locked on hers. Then she looked away,
Shrapley received an owl Wednesday evening and informed Hermione fixing her gaze on the ghostly street outside.
and his assistants that Rodolphus' Defense had rested its case after a single "Interesting. Hypothetically interesting," she said. "And what would you
day. So on Thursday afternoon, Hermione Apparated to Edinburgh, and want to happen with this information?"
when President Ogden read his sentence — death — she hadn't felt an "I would want Blaise Zabini to be pardoned due to his assistance in
ounce of sympathy. the murder of Undesirable No. 1."
As the courtroom began emptying, Hestia gestured for Hermione to Hestia's lips tightened. "Hermione, you know how the Italians feel
follow her out of the gallery. "I was hoping I'd see you here." about Blaise Zabini. Bravieri was beloved. In their eyes, Zabini assisted in
Hermione nodded, folding her hands. the coup to unseat him and held his teenage niece as a slave for almost a
Something itched at Hermione as she let Hestia lead her through the year—"
corridor and out of the building, squeezing past the frenzied reporters. It "I do know. I also know they're wrong."
wasn't until they began walking down the cobblestoned street together "Be reasonable," said Hestia in a clipped tone. "I'm only telling you
that Hermione looked up at the skyline and realized what it was. what I see"—she tilted her head—"hypothetically."
"What happened to the other five Muggles at Edinburgh?" she asked. Fighting the urge to snap at her, Hermione drew a slow inhale. "So
Hestia's boots clipped twice on the stones. "All six are being kept in a what you're telling me is Blaise will go to Azkaban, even if he buried
safe house at present. Their care is excellent, I assure you." Bellatrix's body himself."
"And what will be done with them afterward?" Hestia frowned, reaching up to rub her brow. "It might commute his
Hestia's lips thinned. "We're still in deliberations." sentence. I can see his prison time decreasing significantly"—she looked at

882 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 860

her and spoke directly—"particularly with a top-notch barrister." Hestia Lucius's Pensieve with a practiced flick. There was no time for shame
glanced at the door again and lowered her voice. "You say Zabini buried when Draco's life was on the line.
the body. May I ask who, in this hypothetical situation, cast the Killing The weekend passed by in a blur, and then Monday arrived, and she
Curse?" was Apparating to Edinburgh for the first day of Rodolphus Lestrange's
"Hypothetically, it was Draco Malfoy." trial.
Hestia closed her eyes briefly, like she'd assumed as much. "And I She'd written to the Prosecution Office some weeks before, offering
presume the reasoning for killing his aunt is specific and measurable in a evidence against Rodolphus, Travers, Crabbe, Sr., and Greyback. They'd
court of law?" declined, assuring her they had plenty of evidence, but would contact her
"Yes." Hermione hesitated with her next question, but she knew it was should the situation change. She hadn't heard from them since.
time. "I have another hypothetical for you." Even though she wasn't testifying in Rodolphus' trial, it felt important
Hestia studied her with a weary expression before nodding her head to to attend its opening and close. Whatever the papers might say, she cared
continue. about more than protecting the unfairly accused. She'd meant it when she
Hermione felt her heartbeat in her fingertips. told Draco that she'd see the guilty pay.
"What would happen if I told you," she said, "that Blaise Zabini A guard ushered her into the familiar courtroom, and she asked for
provided critical assistance to Draco Malfoy and myself in our mission to the seat against the wall. When the next distinguished visitor was led in—
reduce Lord Voldemort to his mortal state, thereby allowing Ginny a Canadian Council Member— he insisted on leaving a space between
Weasley the opportunity to successfully kill him?" them. Hermione ignored it, focusing on Fleur's wave and Hestia's nod.
Silence descended between them. Hestia turned to the window again, Lestrange was gaunt, his hair matted and his beard overgrown. His
standing perfectly still. "And I assume this evidence will be key to Draco chains clinked heavily as he shuffled to the chair before his counsel, and
Malfoy's defense as well?" his expression was resigned as the charges against him were read.
"Yes." After lunch, the Prosecution called the third witness to the stand, and
Hestia turned her sharp gaze on her. "Then hold onto it." Hermione was startled from her still waters when a clerk led in a young
Hermione's throat felt dry. "'Hold onto it?'" girl on trembling legs.
"Let me amend my statement," Hestia said, "I'm confident this Cara. The girl who had brought her to Dolohov on the last night at
information would fully exonerate Blaise Zabini, if that's your primary Edinburgh Castle.
concern. But if you give this to the Tribunal in three weeks, you'll be Memories shot to the surface — hot breath on her face, crooked teeth
giving up your opportunity to save Draco Malfoy." bared, black eyes watching her bathe. Hermione shoved them down,
Her heart hammered in her chest. "I don't understand—" locking them away in a book and filing it between two larger ones until it
"I think you underestimate how badly this Tribunal wants to see disappeared.
Draco Malfoy pay for his crimes," Hestia said, and the fine hairs on the Murmurs bounced around the walls when the Canadian Prosecutor
back of Hermione's stood on end. "You'd be giving up Draco Malfoy's informed the court that Cara was a Muggle. Ogden called for order,
main defense a month before his trial instead of a day. They'd scolding the audience, and urging him to continue with his direct
be prepared for you, Hermione. They'd make sure they had enough examination.
evidence so that he'd rot in Azkaban no matter what you told them." Hermione listened with a growing sickness as Cara told the story of
A long silence. Her limbs felt numb. "They have no idea what he's what happened the night the True Order had attacked Edinburgh Castle
done for Europe— for the entire world—" for the second time.
"I'm sure they don't." Hestia's eyes hardened. "Save it for his trial, As Ginny was killing Voldemort, and True Order forces were rescuing
Hermione. What I'm hearing—hypothetically—is that Undesirable No. 1 Lots around the country, an army led by General Robert Pierre had

861 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 881

 "I thought of you every day of the past year, Hermione. Every is dead, and Undesirable No. 2 was killed before he could stand before
minute." this Tribunal." She took a step closer. "That leaves Draco Malfoy, who just
"Ron, I did too—" so happens to be a blood relative of them both."
"I was trying to get back to you with every breath, and all the while, "And that's what you call 'justice?'" Hermione curled her hands into
you were falling in love with Draco Malfoy." He fixed his gaze on her, and fists. "Laying the sins of this war on Draco Malfoy's shoulders?"
she couldn't breathe with the pain in her chest. "I just need time with that Hestia looked down at her hands resting on the windowsill. "You can't
now." have it all, Hermione. I had to learn that the hard way."
She dragged air into her lungs as the tears fell freely. Pressing her eyes She stood tall from the window, clasped Hermione's shoulder, and
closed, she nodded to the ground. exited the room, leaving Hermione with a thousand arguments on her lips
They stayed there until the sun began sinking and the birds stopped and no one to scream at.
singing, delaying the inevitable moment they needed to return to the
castle and the black wall of dead names. $
Once home at the Manor, she wrote to the human rights organization
$ that had been helping her with Oliver's case. She'd received an update
Hermione went through her mail on Sunday. After she disclosed from them on Friday informing her that Oliver would be released by the
Bellatrix Lestrange's fate on the stand, the Council had scheduled an end of the week, and sent to live with his family in Glasgow. In her reply,
emergency meeting with the Secretariat on Monday. Hermione wrote a she thanked them for their help, and added a line or two inquiring about
quick reply, declining to attend and requesting a full summary. It arrived defense counsel. The response she received that evening was less than
late Monday night from Hestia, and on Tuesday morning, Hermione enthusiastic, clearly reading between the lines that the services would be
read along with the rest of the world that Bellatrix's trial had been for a defendant in the Edinburgh Trials.
canceled, her husband's trial scheduled in its place. She told Narcissa about the dilemma over dinner. By Wednesday,
They'd have less than a week. The Tribunal insisted that Rodolphus Narcissa had received polite rejections from every lawyer who'd ever
and his defense counsel had consented, as their pre-trial procedures were worked with the Malfoys. And so Hermione started from scratch. She
almost complete, but it didn't stop Gertie Gumley from lashing them in began digging for criminal defense attorneys in the Prophet, looking
the Ghost. specifically for ones who had represented infamous clients in the past.
"The fact that they moved up Rodolphus instead of Malfoy means After receiving a dozen rejections by Friday, she broadened her search to
that they're worried," Shrapley said through the Floo that afternoon. the New York Ghost, where she stumbled upon the name Alan Shrapley.
"They know about the antidote potion, and now they know about He'd just won an appeal for a client who had been accused of espionage
Bellatrix. I'm sure the Prosecution is running laps around Europe right against M.A.C.U.S.A. A quick look into his record found a slew of similar
now, trying to round up more witnesses." cases — almost all of them won. He was known to be one of the highest-
Hermione's hands felt clammy. "That's not encouraging." charging attorneys in America.
"I think it is." The smirk on Shrapley's lips could have rivaled Lucius Hermione told Narcissa about him, and after thinking it over with a
Malfoy's. "Their case is on thin ice, and they know it." sip from her teacup, Narcissa said, "I think it's wise to invest in someone
Hermione tried to keep that in mind as she spent the next three days who has no personal ties, a good track record, and is purely motivated by
buried in preparations with Shrapley and his two assistants. They spent money. It's what Lucius would have done."
long hours in the drawing room, hammering out questions and ignoring She wrote to Alan Shrapley that afternoon. His reply, requesting to
food from the elves. By Friday, Hermione had lost all sense of modesty, schedule a consultation, was waiting on Draco's desk for her the next
handing over even her most intimate memories for Shrapley to view in morning. They would speak on Monday. Hermione penned a hasty letter
880 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 862
to Hestia, apologizing for the short notice, but requesting immediate "I've been talking to Ginny again."
approval for visitation at Azkaban. It arrived within two hours. Hermione nodded, wrapping her arms around her waist. When she
The sun was setting when she arrived at Azkaban. She handed over looked up, she found him gazing intently at her.
her wand, and let the guard lead her down a different stone corridor. It "Good." She managed a small smile.
seemed colder, more desolate in this corner of the prison. They reached a "She said it was wrong of them to put you in St. Mungo's. And I agree
meeting room, and the guard knocked before opening the door for her. with her now." He sniffed once and glanced at the castle. "I'm sorry I
Blaise sat in one of the two metal chairs, his legs kicked up on the didn't realize that sooner, or…"
tabletop and his hands folded across his stomach. His hands were cuffed Her stomach twisted, turning over itself. There was no getting around
together, and a similar chain linked his ankles. He sent her a ghost of his it all. They needed to do this.
brilliant smile. "Ron, I understand. You were…" She looked around, searching for
"To what do I owe the honor?" the words. "You were working off the information you had at the time.
The guilt and sorrow hit her like a crashing wave. She blinked, filing it But you were missing the most crucial piece of it all."
away as she moved to the table. "Your trial will begin in two weeks." "And what's that?"
His grin flickered. "Ah." Hermione choked down her nerves. "I had feelings for Draco before all
"Sorry for the abruptness, but we only have ten minutes." She twisted of this. At school. Before he took the Dark Mark and even before
her fingers together. "I've secured an attorney from America for you. A Voldemort came back…" She shook her head. "I never told you or Harry.
good one." I kept it for myself." Her eyes pricked, and she brushed her knuckles
Blaise lowered his legs and sat forward, placing his hands on the table. across her lashes. "You can imagine my surprise when I learned he had
"Brilliant. I'll always be handsome, Granger, but one can only do so much feelings for me, too—"
with these." He smirked up at her and gestured to his chains. Ron scoffed and turned to lean against the large tree. "Yeah. I know."
Hermione swallowed and tore her eyes from him. She tugged out the He reached up to adjust his eyepatch, and Hermione gaped at him.
chair in front of her, sinking into it slowly. "You— what?"
"They don't know about Bellatrix yet. That will upset their case "He watched you. He was…" He waved his hand. "Let's just say I
against you, but there's something else." recognized it in him. Though I never imagined it ran that deep."
It took all her strength to meet his gaze. Hermione's cheeks flamed. She bit her lip, trying to tread carefully.
"I need to ask something of you." He pressed his lips together as she "I want you to know that… it doesn't discredit what my feelings were
continued. "If they learn about the Portkey to Romania and the Polyjuice for you. I did care for you, Ron. I still do."
body-switch now, it will naturally lead to an inquiry about Voldemort's His jaw ticked as his gaze roved the horizon. "Just not enough. Not like
soul fragments and what you did to help destroy them. If we tell them I want you to."
about it now—" The truth drifted over them with the summer breeze, and there was
"It may affect Draco's case." nothing she could do to change it. Nothing she would do, even if she could.
She nodded. "I've spoken with someone I trust, and she thinks they'll Ron pushed off the tree and looked down at the grass.
use the time to build a stronger case." Hermione's throat clicked in the "I think…" His throat bobbed. "I think that's all I can hear about it for
silence. "They want to see him pay, Blaise. Not unlike the way Luca right now. I never met this version of Malfoy you fell in love with. And I
Bianchi wants to see you pay." just can't stomach thinking of you with the version in my head."
Blaise ran his tongue over his teeth. His eyes drifted to a spot over her Hermione swallowed, her eyes welling with her shame.
shoulder. He scratched the back of his head, and when he spoke again, his voice
"I know you've"—her voice trembled—"I know Draco and I have was quiet.

863 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 879

 "I hope he comes back to you." He murmured a goodbye, and turned asked a lot of you over the past year . You should know that if this
to join George and Angelina. evidence was used, it would almost certainly pardon you." She folded her
Hermione muffled a sob with the back of her hand. Once composed hand on the table. "It's your choice. I mean that."
again, she swiped at her cheeks, readying herself for the next set of names. His chains clinked together as he reached up to scratch the stubble on
In the "P" column, she found Padma Patil, Parvati Patil, and Poppy his jaw.
Pomfrey, before finally, finally, her fingers brushed his name. Harry Potter. "You ever stayed in Azkaban, Granger?"
Heat met her skin again. If she pressed her fingertips hard enough, The weight on her chest grew heavier. "No, I haven't."
she could feel her own heartbeat and imagine. Blaise shrugged. "It's not bad. There's this bread they serve for lunch,
"It's strange that he's not set off from the rest." and after you've scraped off the mold, it's quite nice."
Her heart clenched, and her eyes closed. She turned over her shoulder Her mouth opened. "Oh?"
and found Ron standing just to the side, his left eye covered and his hands "Mmm. If you ask me, it's almost an improvement from having three
in his pockets. women living on top of me, screaming about misplaced hair products and
She looked back to Harry's name. "I think it's what he would have half-eaten pastries."
wanted. To be just one of many instead of the chosen." Hermione squeezed her eyelids closed as the tears slipped through her
Ron stepped up to stand at her shoulder. She could feel the warmth of lashes. Her lip trembled as she managed to say, "I can imagine."
him at her elbow, but the space between them was endless. "And all this time in solitude lets me work on my physique — I'm sure
"The school Governors wanted to commission a tomb next to you've noticed." He lifted his chains to flex, and she let out a choked
Dumbledore," she said. "I told them that Harry would have wanted them laugh.
to focus all their effort on reopening Hogwarts. But after, he would have The door opened. "Time's up," a gruff voice called out.
liked the idea, I think." Hermione stood, bracing herself on the table. "Thank you."
She glanced up at him, some youthful part of her still aching for his The humor slowly drained from Blaise's smile. "Bring him home,
approval. He stared at Harry's name and nodded. Hermione."
They stood side-by-side, with only a memory between them for several She felt fire in her veins, her blood singing with every heartbeat.
minutes. The birds in the eaves sang a sad song, and the wind carried it "I will."
over those gathered in the courtyard. Stepping past the guard in the doorway, she began the long walk back
"Do you want to walk with me," he said, after a while. to the fireplaces.
Hermione looked up at his open expression, and nodded. Hestia was wrong. Maybe she could have everything. Just not at the
She followed Ron as he led her leisurely down the list of names, and same time.
down to the steps to the grounds. They were quiet together as they walked
along the treeline — something they'd never had in the past, but she
decided to accept it as long as it would last.
It wasn't until they rounded a large tree and Ron's feet halted that she
realized they were at the pumpkin patch. What remained of Hagrid's hut
was in a pile of wood and dirt, but she could just make out where his
brick steps had been. The Forbidden Forest had grown forward around it,
but someone had replanted the pumpkins.
Hermione looked back at the long distance they'd walked. She could
just make out the Black Lake, a white marble grave on the shore.

878 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 864

 "I'm sure it was an oversight. I can contact the Governors—"
"Don't bother." His voice was clipped. "Crabbe and Goyle aren't on
here. Neither are Marcus Flint or Adrian Pucey."
She swallowed, looking down at her shoes. "I'm sorry if you felt
abandoned at St. Mungo's, Oliver. It wasn't my intention—"
"No, no. I should be thanking you for setting me up with those
lawyers." He reached up to rub his brow. "I'm sorry. I'm just… bitter
about everything these days."
She nodded slowly. The hollow ache in her chest grew like a hole
forming in the earth. "I'm still hoping to clear Theo. But it has to wait
until Draco's trial."
"I understand."
Hermione shifted her weight. "Can I come to Glasgow sometime and
visit you?"
"I'm actually leaving here with Angelina and George. Going to stay
with them in France for a bit."
He jerked his head to the side, and she peered past him, down to the
end of the alphabet.
George and Angelina stood before the names of Fred, Charlie, Molly,
and Arthur, as still as sculpted marble. Angelina's right hand lay on
George's shoulder, her other loose at her side — a prosthetic. George
stared vacantly at the obsidian stone, and Hermione could see his
reflection shining against the wall — two of him again.
"I'm happy for you. I hope…" Hermione chewed the inside of her
cheek. "I hope they've been understanding of what you've gone through."
Oliver hummed. "George still thinks I'll wake up from this someday,
but Angelina is working on him. Apparently, your testimony has him
questioning things."
Hermione looked away, twisting her fingers together. They were quiet
for a moment before Oliver spoke again.
"It's hard for them. I didn't like blokes before… before this. Maybe I
still don't." His voice was ephemeral, like a secret whispered in the dark.
"But I told Angelina, 'I fell in love with someone who protected me when
I was at my most vulnerable. Wouldn't you say the same about you and
George?'"
The chasm in her chest split deeper.
She blinked quickly, tears escaping as more of herself fell away, lost to
it. Oliver danced in her eyes.

THE AUCTION ● 877

 "If you're referring to my friendship with Pansy Parkinson—"
"If that's what you want to call her." Seamus stepped into her, and she
had to lift her chin to meet his eyes. "Your 'friend' has no right to be here.
Though I suppose she's an improvement over the other company you
keep."
"If you can't see that Pansy Parkinson has lost just as much as any of
us, then I don't know what to tell you, Seamus," said Hermione, her voice
deadly calm. "I understand how you must feel, but now is not the time."
"And when is the right time to discuss you turning traitor—"

41
"Owl me when you're ready, and I'll be happy to answer your
questions like the old friend I've always considered you to be." She held
his gaze. "Take care of yourself, Seamus."
Some emotion crossed Seamus' face before he turned to ice. As he
stomped away, Hermione took a deep breath and glanced back to Pansy.
She was talking to someone handsome and tall, and Hermione's mouth
fell open when she realized who it was.
Freedom had been good to Neville Longbottom. He was still thin but
muscled, his hair falling into his face. She watched him slip his hands into
his pockets and roll back on his heels while Pansy lifted a brow at him.
A smile tugged at the corner of Hermione's mouth, and she turned
back to the list of names.
Her gaze passed over Lydia Baxter, Katie Bell, and Lavender Brown.
By the time she reached Cho Chang in the next column, her eyes were
wet. She skimmed down the columns, searching for specific names and abini's trial began on 26 July, a rainy and humid Monday.
stumbling over others. Cedric Diggory. Albus Dumbledore.
Luna Lovegood.
Her fingers reached out, whispering over the white letters, and the
Z Hermione spent an hour Occluding in the tub before she dressed
and Apparated to Edinburgh.
A crowd of reporters stood around the entrance to Parliament Hall,
stone warmed beneath her touch. Lower down, she found Remus Lupin pacing like starving wolves. A sharp click cut through the quiet of her
and Nymphadora Tonks-Lupin, and on the next column, Minerva mind, and then she was flooded with flashing lights and harsh sounds.
McGonagall. "Miss Granger!"
She stepped back as their names blurred together, reaching for her still "Miss Granger, over here!"
waters. Her shoulder bumped into the tall boy next to her, and her "Would you like to make a statement for the—"
apology broke off in a gasp when she saw that it was Oliver Wood. He Hermione pushed through, ignoring the flashes and heavy press of
stared straight ahead, his shoulders tense. bodies on her. Sound disappeared with a hiss as she crossed the wards cast
Hermione followed his gaze, and her heart thudded when she realized over the building. She checked in her wand and swept through the open
what he was looking at. The "N" column. lobbies, heading to the library.
"He's not there," he said. The old doors groaned open to reveal Alan Shrapley leaning against a
She crossed her arm over her middle, clutching her elbow. table in his expensive American robes, flipping through a Muggle volume.

876 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 865

He was a handsome man in his early fifties, with a square jaw and silver "Don't be silly. You've been busy, I know."
hair that curled at the tips. When they pulled back, Ginny looked past her ear.
Upon meeting him for the first time two weeks ago, Hermione had "Hello, Parkinson."
thought he spoke too calmly and moved too slowly, but she realized she "Weasley," said Pansy, her tone almost pleasant. She pushed up her
was wrong the moment he pulled out a lengthy contract that somehow wide black sunglasses and turned her attention to the names on the wall,
had already been signed by Blaise Zabini. He'd produced paperwork for drifting away from them.
her to initiate a sealed transfer of an exorbitant sum to Blaise's vault, Ginny threaded her arm through Hermione's and guided her to the
requested that his two legal assistants be admitted inside the Manor slab of stone she'd been tracing earlier. Her family's names were etched in
immediately, and instructed her to clear the rest of her day. white, grouped with other 'W' surnames.
He was a silver shark in shallow waters, toying with a dolphin he'd run "Half of us gone in a year," she said. "Most days, I carry it. Others..."
ashore. Hermione squeezed her elbow, feeling her throat close. "It means
"No-Majs have always fascinated me, Miss Granger." Shrapley's voice something. That you're still here."
echoed off the polished floors, bringing her back to the present. "I'd pick They stood in silence for a time. And then Ginny said, "I'm sorry to
your brain if only we had the time." hear about Zabini."
Hermione was silent as he turned a page. Hermione shrugged. "It was the best we could have hoped for."
She'd never quite met someone whose brain worked as fast as her own, "Still." Ginny glanced at her. "You should have seen George's face
but counterintuitively. Whereas she organized facts to scrutinize them, when he read that Draco Malfoy killed Bellatrix Lestrange for you."
Shrapley lined them up to batter them into submission. He liked games Before Hermione could think of a reply, Ginny was steering her to the
even more than Lucius Malfoy, she'd discovered, and his favorite was other side of the wall. She caught sight of Fleur and Bill by the old
impatience. He waited until his opponent became restless, and then he'd fountain, speaking to Seamus Finnigan. A group of witches turned to
begin the game. stare at her as she walked past. Hermione tore her eyes away, focusing on
But not today. Penelope Clearwater in the courtyard. She stood next to Percy Weasley
With a snap of his fingers, he closed the centuries-old Muggle volume. and Roger Davies, her gaze distant as they chatted.
"The motions were denied." They filed past rows of black-clad mourners — some weeping, others
The muscles in her face twitched. "Which ones?" whispering. They were almost at the other end of the wall when a girl
"All of them. The court won't allow the review of Blaise's memories spun to Ginny, catching her by the arm. A former classmate.
apart from his time in Italy and Edinburgh, or any of your memories Hermione slipped away as they embraced. Her eyes were just drifting
regarding his character. The Prosecution will be allowed to include over the "A's" when someone came to stand next to her.
affidavits from the witnesses who won't be available for cross- "Granger." Hermione turned, and the air left her lungs. The right side
examination." of Seamus Finnigan's face was burned, his marred skin stretching down
Her heart sank lower and lower. his neck and arm. Her eyes quickly flicked back to his.
"It's all fine, Miss Granger," he said, a glint in his eyes. "That was "Hello, Seamus," she said quietly, but she already knew it was
always the easy way. But we had to try." pointless.
"Right." Hermione swallowed. "Is there... anything you need from She'd written every surviving member in her class by now, and the list
me?" was short enough to notice those who never replied.
"Keep your cool." He checked his solid gold wristwatch, glancing at "I hear you're in bed with the snakes these days."
her over its face. "See you in there." His lip curled as he glanced over his shoulder to Pansy, who was
He was gone in a few long strides. Hermione breathed deep, clutching standing alone, staring out at the grounds.

866 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 875

 It never came, but there was still something hollow in her chest. the tiny pouch around her neck. Once her waters were still, she followed
The castle glittered in the afternoon sun. The shape of it was familiar, the long corridor to the Muggle courtroom.
even though she could see some of the damage from last May and the A pair of guards inspected her badge at the side entry. Once she
siege after Voldemort's death. The Forbidden Forest had slithered closer passed their magical security charms, she was ushered into one of the
to the path, and the grass was patchy and unkempt. But if she skated her seats for distinguished visitors behind the Prosecutors' tables. Hestia
eyes quickly across the landscape, it all looked the same. nodded at her from the Secretariat table, as did Fleur and Robards. The
Pansy started twisting her fingers together and smoothing her hair rest of the Council and Prosecution ignored her.
when they crossed the wards, and Hermione brushed her fingers against There was a low rumble of noise as reporters began filing into the
her elbow. back of the courtroom. Luca Bianchi came through the side entry a
They walked down the long bridge toward the Clock Tower minute later and was ushered to the chair just to Hermione's right.
Courtyard together, where a crowd had gathered. The Governors had Crossing his leg over his knee, he kept his gaze straight ahead.
reached out to Ginny, Neville, and Hermione to ask about delivering a He'd seen her on the list of witnesses for the Defense, of course. Just
speech, but all three had agreed to decline. Speaking to a loss of that like she'd seen him on the Prosecution's list.
magnitude felt impossible. Wrong, even. One of the Italian prosecutors cast a glance at her, and Hermione
The committee decided that one of the Governors would deliver a few tried to focus on anything but her nerves. Her eyes drifted to Shrapley,
short remarks. People would be free to mingle the grounds afterward and arranging his notes around him with lazy movements.
pay their respects. No press allowed. "A defense counsel's worst nightmare," he'd told her two weeks ago, as
They had almost reached the courtyard when the crowd began to he reclined on the sofa in the Manor's drawing room. "Access to the True
disperse — it was only five past, and the Governor had already finished Order's archives blocked, an elaborate procedure to admit material for
speaking. Hermione nodded to Hestia as the crowd scattered, but when the defense, the admission of hearsay, a fraction of the time for pre-trial,
she saw Jacobs standing nearby, she turned away. and a failure to sequester witnesses."
Pansy moved next to her, and they studied the familiar arches and Just when Hermione had opened her mouth, he'd smiled and added,
stones in silence. They stood motionless as people moved around them, "But I'm not any defense counsel."
embracing, speaking lowly. Hermione turned again, and her breath A shutter of doors startled her, and she blinked up to find Blaise being
caught in her chest. led into the courtroom in his Azkaban robes. His face was blank and his
One of the exterior walls had been replaced with an obsidian slab, jaw set as the murmuring grew. He was led to a chair just in front of
stretching through the archways. Carved into it in white lettering were the Shrapley, who tipped his head as if greeting a business associate at lunch.
names of Hogwarts students, staff, and alumni who had died in the The doors opened a moment later, and the courtroom rose for
Second Wizarding War. President Tiberius Ogden. Of the five judges, he was chosen to preside
They moved towards it, and Hermione's feet froze. Standing at the over the court. His alternate would vote for Great Britain.
end of the wall, running her fingertips over the etched names, was Ginny. It was another reason for Hermione to be anxious. Without Ogden,
She wore a black dress with trainers, her hair only a bit longer since she had little feel for any of the judges' political leanings.
Hermione had seen it last. The court opened with a sworn oath from the panel of judges. All
Ginny turned, and her eyes widened as they landed on her. Hermione oaths and testimony would be performed without the use of magical
felt weightless as they closed the space between them, throwing their arms influence, the Council had ruled. "To protect witnesses and defendants
around each other. She felt less fragile than last time. Hermione sank into from coercive tactics," the Council had written, "and to prevent
her warmth, holding her close. unexpected obstacles to the judges' deliberations."
"Ginny." Her throat felt thick. "I'm sorry I've been late in replying—" After, the Italian Prosecutor stood.

874 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 867

 He outlined Blaise Zabini's crimes against peace and humanity well-worn tome in the back of her library. There would be time for Harry
through his "premeditated" assistance to the Great Order, resulting in the once she was at Hogwarts. But first, she needed to build up her courage
seizure of the Italian government, the murder of dozens of officials, and for another task.
the loss of thousands of lives. He spoke of his participation in human The Floo to Grimmauld Place burst into green around her, and
trafficking and slavery. Hermione watched Blaise for a reaction, but he Hermione stepped through to find a living room far tidier than when
was as still as stone. she'd seen it last. She heard the telltale sounds of Plumb cleaning up in
Shrapley went next, his eyes sharp and his speech slow. By the time he the kitchen, and her lips twitched in a smile. Hermione followed her
finished outlining his key evidence that Blaise's actions were based on an instincts up the stairs, and made her way to the bedroom she'd seen Pansy
imminent threat to himself and his mother, Hermione could hear nothing emerge from months ago.
but the scratching of reporters' quills. She'd just lifted her fist to knock on the door when a voice called out,
The Prosecution brought in their witnesses over the next two days. A "Go away, Granger."
few appeared in person, but the rest submitted statements. The witness Taking a steadying breath, she pushed open Pansy's door. She found
affidavits seemed to irritate Shrapley the most, judging by the way he her curled up on the windowsill, staring down the Muggles going about
rolled his shoulders. But Blaise was stoic through it all, his face impassive their Saturday.
as the Prosecution read out statement after statement from witnesses "You should have locked it if you didn't want me coming in,"
claiming that he'd aided and abetted the Death Eaters in the torture, rape, Hermione said primly.
and murder of Italian citizens. "I'm not going." Pansy tugged her knees to her chest. "So please just
On the second day, Luca Bianchi testified to Blaise's visit to Italy last go find a kitten to save to meet your quota."
summer, when he assisted in the transition of power to Constantine Hermione moved to the end of the bed and quietly sat. "I'm not going
Romano. Shrapley cross-examined with only two questions — "What was either, then. Pity. You'll be stuck with me all day." Glancing around the
your understanding of the relationship between the Bravieri and Zabini room, she found a black dress hanging on the back of the door — pressed
family before 10th July 1998?" and "Were you aware of the executions of and ready.
the Mancini and Lombardi families on 11th July for failing to endorse Pansy's eyes moved over the street. "Nobody wants me there,
Romano?" — both of which made the put-together Bianchi stutter over Granger."
his words. It was a variation of Narcissa's words. But they felt unacceptable this
Giuliana Bravieri took the stand that afternoon. The Prosecution had time.
subpoenaed her a week and a half ago, while Shrapley's motion was still "You have your whole life ahead of you. You can't spend it in hiding."
languishing in the Secretariat's office. Shrapley's request to interview her Hermione smoothed her dress, frowning down at her knees. "You should
had been declined within hours. The letter had been signed by Matteo allow people to surprise you sometimes, Pansy. It's lovely."
Bravieri, Giuliana's cousin and new legal guardian. A long silence.
When she entered the courtroom, Giuliana was thin and wan in her Pansy turned to look at her, leaning her head against the window
expensive dress robes. She burst into tears as soon as she caught sight of frame. "That elf cries all the time. Did you give her to me on purpose?"
Blaise in cuffs and prison robes. President Ogden rapped his gavel for Hermione's mouth twitched. Pansy arched a brow at her and went to
order as the reporters buzzed like crickets in the press seats. get dressed.
Hermione bit down her tongue as Giuliana played right into the
Prosecution's hands. Through sniffles and shaking shoulders, Giuliana $
managed a string of "yeses" and "nos" when the Prosecutor inquired They Apparated to the Hogsmeade gates, and Hermione waited for the
whether Blaise had petitioned the Dark Lord for her, whether they had a chill and hopelessness that had accompanied Hogwarts for the past year.
868 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 873
 "Justice has been served today," she said, as the cameras flashed. Then personal relationship beforehand, and whether he kept her in a private
she brushed past them and Apparated home. residence owned by Draco Malfoy and instructed her not to leave.
When the Prosecutor finished his questions, the judges shifted in their
$ seats. Henri Falco, the French judge, began twirling his snow-white walrus
Earlier in July, Hestia had sent her a note about a memorial for the mustache as he gazed at Blaise.
fallen that several of the old Hogwarts Governors were planning. Hestia Silence fell as Shrapley stood, approached Giuliana's chair, and
had thrown the support of the Provisional Government behind it, and introduced himself in Italian. Giuliana's lip quivered, but she greeted him
asked Hermione if she'd like to make any suggestions to the organizing back.
committee. The only thing Hermione contributed was the date — 31 July. "I have a few difficult questions, Miss Bravieri, so please take your time
At breakfast on the morning of the 31st, Narcissa let her set the pace in answering," said Shrapley. Giuliana nodded, her eyes glassy. "Did you
for the conversation, not pressing her to speak about the memorial. ever engage in a sexual relationship with Blaise Zabini?"
Hermione sipped her coffee, and they settled into a comfortable silence. "No." A tear spilled down her cheek. "No, we didn't."
"You're sure you don't want to come?" she asked once they had "Did he ever harm you physically?" Giuliana shook her head. "A 'yes'
finished. or 'no,' please, Miss Bravieri."
Narcissa's smile was strained. "This day is for the people who would "No. He would never."
only be hurt by my presence," she said. "I can understand that, and I can Bianchi coughed.
respect it." Shrapley inclined his head, and he opened his palms as he asked,
Hermione nodded, feeling the truth in her words. She wasn't afraid to "How many parties have you attended at Edinburgh Castle, Miss
attend the memorial with Narcissa, just like she hadn't been afraid to be Bravieri?"
seen with Harry their fourth year, when over half the school was against Giuliana fussed with the handkerchief in her lap. "Two."
him. But she could respect Narcissa's feelings on the matter. "And how many of those times were in the custody of Blaise Zabini?"
When she returned to Draco's bedroom, the Daily Prophet was waiting "None," Giuliana whispered.
for her on his desk. A photograph of Blaise sitting stoically during his trial A scatter of murmurs. Luca Bianchi uncrossed his legs next to her.
was splashed across the cover. The headline read, BLAISE ZABINI "Miss Bravieri, the court has heard from multiple eyewitnesses that
TO SERVE 16 MONTHS; BELLATRIX BOMBSHELL STUNS you often attended the Edinburgh parties with Mr. Zabini," said Shrapley.
PROSECUTORS. "How might that be?"
Pressing her lips together, Hermione flipped it over, only to find a "She went as me." Giuliana hiccuped, her face wet. "Pansy."
photo of herself standing before Parliament Hall. The court rumbled.
"I tried to tell them he never made me go. But no one would listen.
Hermione Granger: Friend or Foe to the True Order?
They said I was confused—" She broke off in sobs.
She turned the page. Blaise's trial took up the first two pages. On page Hermione could see the Italian Prosecutor scramble through his files,
three, there was another photograph of her beneath an article staring with growing horror at the first witness for the Defense — Pansy
titled, QUESTIONS GROW ABOUT HERMIONE GRANGER'S Parkinson.
RELATIONSHIP WITH DEATH EATER DRACO MALFOY. "Asymmetrical discovery," Shrapley had hummed to Hermione a week
Tossing the paper on the desk, Hermione spun on her heel and ago, when discussing his strategy. "The Prosecution will have limited
headed back to her old bedroom. information about the evidence we're approved to use in court. It's the
She picked out a simple black dress and spent the rest of the morning only advantage we have, Miss Granger, and I intend to exploit it fully."
Occluding in the bath, burying emerald eyes and messy black hair in a Giuliana was led away as the Italian Prosecutor gaped at Shrapley;

872 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 869

Bianchi was gesturing angrily to her right. And for the first time, with her decision, if exonerating Draco was of interest — and after
Hermione locked eyes with Blaise. His lips twitched. confirming that he would be able to represent Draco in his trial, he
At the end of the day, the Prosecution rested its case. And on submitted a motion to suppress the part of her memory where Blaise had
Wednesday, Pansy Parkinson took the stand, discussing several memories told her and Draco to "go off and kill whatever they needed to kill." The
of her posing as Giuliana at Edinburgh. A court secretary had given a Secretariat's office had agreed it was irrelevant to Blaise's case.
summary to the courtroom just before, as her memories had been viewed President Ogden called for order, and Shrapley waited until the room
privately by the judges, Prosecution, and Defense during recess. was deadly quiet. "To your knowledge, Miss Granger, where was Bellatrix
Another recess was called as soon as the Prosecution finished cross- Lestrange headed?"
examining her. Hermione tried to make her way over to her, but Pansy "To assassinate the Hungarian Minister."
was too fast. She tossed a curt nod in Hermione's direction before slipping "No further questions, Mr. President," said Shrapley, and he took his
out the side entry, and by the time Hermione stumbled into the crowded seat amidst the whispers.
corridor, she was gone. Blaise's mother and Daphne Greengrass testified The Italian Prosecutor cross-examined her with barely-suppressed
that afternoon. And for the first time, Blaise looked shaken, clenching his fury. He fired off question after question, all of which were met with swift
jaw and staring at the chains around his wrists. objections from Shrapley. After six sustained objections, the Prosecutor
On Thursday morning, Hermione took the stand and told the courts gave up, glaring daggers into Hermione's skin as she exited the witness
that Bellatrix Lestrange was dead. There was an uproar, but Shrapley stand.
only raised his brows while Ogden pounded the gavel and called the court Blaise testified in his own defense on Thursday afternoon. The court
to order. The court went into recess to review her memory, and when spent all afternoon bickering over his memories, with Shrapley making
Hermione stood to escape the glares and murmurs, even Fleur stared like the case that his arrival in Italy had directly followed the threat to himself,
she'd never seen her before. his mother, and their associates. The Prosecution focused on Blaise's
Two hours later, Hermione was back on the witness stand, a hundred presence during the murder of several members of the Bravieri
eyes bearing down on her. She kept her story to the simplest version of the administration.
truth — "Draco Malfoy and Blaise Zabini chose not to attend the arena The court opened on Friday with the announcement that Bellatrix
match, and Bellatrix Lestrange confronted us on the Wooden Bridge" — Lestrange's body had been successfully located in the Forbidden Forest.
and when Shrapley prodded her on why Bellatrix wanted to kill her, she'd They took all day to deliberate, and when one of the five judges stood and
responded, "She said I'd poisoned him, and that his weak, lovesick heart read out Blaise's sentence of sixteen months in Azkaban, Hermione felt
would destroy his family." her chest crack in two. Shrapley had long told her that a year was the best
Cutting through the crowd's gasps, Shrapley asked how Blaise had possible outcome. The Prosecutors had pushed for twenty.
assisted. Still, she was unable to extinguish the hope in her chest until the
"Draco Malfoy had an urgent commitment in Romania, and Blaise moment a sharp rap of the gavel adjourned the court.
volunteered to cover for him. He concealed Bellatrix's body in the Blaise winked at her as they carted him off, dragging him out through
Forbidden Forest with the help of Pansy Parkinson." the doors and returning him to Azkaban.
The buzzing grew louder. Shrapley gave her the slightest dip of his chin. Hermione left quickly afterward, ignoring Fleur and Hestia's calls until
He knew about the Horcrux, of course. After viewing the memory of she turned the corner and found an empty room to lock herself in.
Bellatrix's death in Lucius's Pensieve together, he'd leveled her with a look When she emerged ten minutes later, her eyes were clear and her
that had the truth tumbling out of her. Hermione had drawn sharp makeup fixed. She retrieved her wand, tossed a clipped goodbye to the
breaths to explain why she wanted to omit it from Blaise's defense, and Council members by the exit, and paused for the screaming reporters
how Blaise had agreed. Shrapley had carefully responded that he agreed outside the building.

870 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 871

 Hermione stopped cold, forcing Hestia to face her. "'We?' You mean
you and the rest of the Provisional Government?"
"That's actually what I wanted to talk with you about," Hestia said.
"Someday soon, the Provisional Government will have to become less
provisional. An election will be announced soon, and General Jacobs has
already made it quite clear that he intends to throw his hat in the ring."
A jolt ran down Hermione's spine. "No. He can't—"
"I agree," said Hestia, glancing over her shoulder. "That's why I intend
to throw my hat in as well."
Hermione stared at her, her brain clicking in the silence. "And you
want my support?"
Hestia shrugged one shoulder. "In a way. I want you to name your
position in my administration."
Hermione's mouth opened and closed. "Name my position?"
"What do you see yourself doing after these trials are done,
Hermione?"
She blinked, staring at the stone wall behind Hestia. She thought of
the Malfoy money, and the fact that she didn't have to do anything if she
didn't want to. Her mind spun as she tried to remember her dreams
before all of this — before she'd needed to pack a bag and Obliviate her
parents — but the ideas slipped through her grasp like sand through a
sieve.
Everything was different now.
"Think about it," Hestia said eventually. "I like working with you. I
think we'd make an effective team. And you'd have a chance to make a
difference."
Hermione's eyes flicked to her.
"Our country needs people who want this new world to be better than
our old one."
Hestia tilted her chin and turned, walking to the Apparition point.
Hermione watched her disappear, her stomach sinking to the cobblestones
as she tried to imagine a future that might not include Draco.

$
The days leading up to Draco's trial date were a blur of owls and
meetings. Hix was in a constant state of irritation over the owl droppings,
and Remmy glared at the soiled marble where visitors flitted in and out of
the Manor's Floo—Pansy, Oliver, even Boggleben.
THE AUCTION ● 883
 After consulting with Narcissa, Hermione had decided to hire
Shrapley as her personal lawyer. When she told Shrapley about inheriting
the Manor, she had the pleasure of seeing him stunned into silence for the
very first time. It took him a full minute to spring into action, asking her
to write Gringotts for a meeting at the earliest opportunity.
Boggleben dusted off his suit and peered up at them in the Manor
entryway at eight o'clock on Monday. Shrapley grilled him for an hour,
and when he was satisfied that Gringotts' records would be sealed, he
requested a copy of Draco's contract with Dolohov to submit as evidence.
Boggleben left at two minutes to nine, grimacing at his pocket watch. And
Shrapley smirked at his notes, telling Hermione he'd be happy to help her
deal with the paperwork regarding her "familial ties" once Draco was
cleared.
On Tuesday, Hermione stepped into the fireplace to meet with a Mind
Healer.
It had been Shrapley's idea to have an expert sign off on the integrity
of her memories before her testimony. The Prosecution had already
submitted their list of witnesses — one of whom was a Mind Healer —
and Shrapley felt confident Pierre would revisit the question of whether
her memories had been tampered with somehow.
Pierre was to be the Prosecutor for Draco's case. Some part of
Hermione had expected it, as she knew he'd completed law school while
serving in the military. But when Shrapley had broken the news two weeks
earlier, she still had to excuse herself to Draco's bedroom for an hour.
Hermione cleared her mind as she walked through a well-lit, but
empty, reception area. Her heels clicked softly on the tiles until she found
the correct door:
Dr. Henry Flanders: Magical Mind Healing, Muggle Psychiatry
Taking a deep breath, she pulled it open.
Dr. Flanders was a friendly man, if a bit soft-spoken. The first five
minutes went well enough, but every inch of Hermione froze when he
asked her how she was. Her hands twitched, and she saw mint green
robes behind her eyelids.
Dr. Flanders' face was kind as he gently explained that he wouldn't be
conducting a psychiatric evaluation. Today was just about her memories,
and they could take it slow as she needed.
Hermione nodded, but she still flinched when he cast his first charm.
They spent the rest of the day together, running hundreds of tests. At
884 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES
the end, Dr. Flanders explained that he wasn't a Legilimens, but could tell
she had very strong Occlumency training.
"I'm surprised that such a strong Occlumens could ever have their
memories questioned in the way yours have been, Miss Granger." He
clicked his Muggle pen and wrote something on his notes.
"That's because no one knows." Hermione stared at the diplomas on
his walls. "What is your specialty exactly, Dr. Flanders?"
"Magical neurology, memory repair, and motor functions," he said.
Her eyes snapped to him. "What kind of memory repair?" He looked
up at her, and emotion rose in her throat. "Not for me. My…" She broke
off with a swallow. "I Obliviated my parents two years ago. Before the war
started." She bounced her knee. "I don't have much time to think about it
right now, but maybe when the trial is over, I— maybe we might be able
to talk about it."
He flipped his notes closed and pulled out a leather-bound planner.
"Name the day, Miss Granger."

$
On Wednesday, Hermione met Viktor Krum at a Muggle cafe in the
outskirts of London where they wouldn't be recognized. His reply to her
request had been curt, so relief washed over her when he swept her into a
warm hug the moment she arrived.
The first half-hour was full of stilted pauses as they tried to make sense
of the other's time during the war. Viktor revealed that he and Katya had
been working with the True Order from the beginning, and had
volunteered to infiltrate the Death Eaters alongside the Bulgarian
Minister. The only piece of information that surprised her was that
Minister Grubhov had been in on it. Katya had Obliviated him after
Edinburgh was attacked, and Viktor had fled to France.
"I spoke vith Draco Malfoy's barrister," he said, after a time.
Hermione's eyes shot up to his. "I know."
Viktor sipped his tea, glancing out the window. "He told you vot I
said?"
"No. But he did tell me you wouldn't formally agree to testify on
Draco's behalf."
"Because I vant to hear it from you." He set his cup down and leveled
his eyes on her. "You vant me to tell them he lowered his vand."
"I do," she said.
THE AUCTION ● 885
 Viktor searched her face. "You are going through a lot of trouble for She tried to speak. Her mouth opened, and her throat clicked.
someone who has been missing for months. Are you sure he is even alive?" The corner of his mouth twitched as she gazed at him, half expecting
She could hear her heartbeat echo inside the cavern in her chest. "He him to disappear like a trick of the light. Then he ran a hand through his
is." hair, and said, "Do you happen to have the newest Gainsworth book?"
"How can you be so su—" Her lungs shuddered, the sound of his voice bringing life back into her
"I can feel it." body after months of emptiness.
Viktor stared at her, and her face grew hot as she thought of the other He stepped closer, his eyes tracing her face in a way that was as
explanations she should have given about Gringotts, and Grimmauld intimate as breathing. "I'll need a few of his, I think."
Place. Another step, and she felt a tug at her ribs — the same string pulling
Finally, Viktor nodded. And sipped his tea. taut between them, like a familiar dance.
Like he was real.
$ He approached the counter. "I'll need some reading. I'm going away
Draco's trial would begin on Monday 23 August. On Thursday, for a while, you see. For about 14–16 months."
Shrapley had come to collect some of the items she stowed in her pouch. She sobbed. Her hand slapped over her mouth as her shoulders shook.
On Friday, she'd stared at her notes. And on Saturday, she sat with He ascended the few steps to the main landing with aching slowness.
Narcissa at dinner, staring down at the table and pushing her potatoes Tears slipped through her fingers as he gazed at her like she was the
around with her fork. answer to a question he'd been asking for years.
She'd struggled with her Occlumency the last few days. Rationally, she "But I'm not going yet."
knew Draco was alive, but it hadn't stopped Viktor's words from echoing Her hand dropped, her lips parting. "No?" Only an arm's length away.
in her ears every night until she gave into a Dreamless Sleep potion. "Tomorrow sounds nice, doesn't it?" His hands rested on the counter,
"Narcissa," she said abruptly. "If Kreacher answers to the House of and she stared down at them, aching.
Black, would he come if you called him?" "It does." She smiled through her tears.
Narcissa glanced up from her plate. Hermione's breath grew quicker He reached for her, and the pieces inside of her mended and
as her mind raced. rearranged as his fingers threaded between hers, closing the empty spaces
"I know we've been careful, but it's been months. I really think it's safe between them.
to summon him. If we could communicate with him, he could tell us how
Draco is—"
"I don't think so, Hermione," said Narcissa softly. She set down her fork.
Hermione blinked. "You think Kreacher wouldn't come?"
"No, I…" There was a pause as Narcissa searched for the words. "I
don't think it's a good idea."
"Oh." She counted her heartbeats. "But don't you think Draco would
want to know that we have his case handled? He must be in a safe

THE END.
location by now. Kreacher could easily fetch the papers for him, and I'm
sure he's—"
"If he wanted to reach out, he would have."
The words hit her like a blow. She reeled from the truth of it.
He could have found her, if he wanted.
886 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES
the day, as Hermione carried twelve new books to the counter, she asked He could have been here, to hold her when she woke up tangled in his
Maggie if she needed any help with the shop. sheets, screaming and crying from her nightmares.
"Oh," Maggie said, frowning. "You're very kind, Miss Granger. But "Hermione, dear—"
you're quite a celebrity. I'm sure you have plenty of other things to do." "I miss him," said Hermione, and then she was crying, her lungs
"Not really." Hermione shrugged. "Actually, I'm looking to do some seizing for air. "I want to know he's safe. And I want him to come home."
studying. And if it's alright with you, I suppose I could do it here. When "I know, darling— "
it's not too busy, of course." "Do you think"—her voice shook as she tried to calm herself—"If I
Maggie's eyes lit up, and she jerked her head in a nod as she fussed can get him acquitted, do you think he'll come home after?"
with her grey plait. A soft hand found hers. Hermione watched it blur as she waited for
Hermione was hesitant to leave Narcissa alone in the Manor, but she Narcissa's answer, like dancing on a tightrope.
was delighted by the idea. So Hermione trained with Maggie all day When she finally looked up, it was into warm blue eyes. "I think it
Friday, and worked alone the next day, filing books and trying to balance depends. I think he has to believe there's something worth coming back
the ledger between customers. She wrote an owl to Shrapley telling him for."
of her plans, and received a lengthy owl filled with his favorite textbooks. The space where her heart should have been beating dissolved to dust.
There was a large counter staring down the doorway on a small landing, A wet sound broke from her throat, and she wanted to ask Narcissa
so she was able to read as many books as she liked while waiting for exactly what she had to do, but the sobs were coming too quickly,
customers to interrupt her. wracking her body.
By six o'clock on Saturday, she'd finished the first of Shrapley's Narcissa held her tightly until it ended. She stood, stooping to brush
recommended books. Maggie had come down from her upstairs flat only Hermione's cheeks with her knuckles and tuck her hair behind her ear.
once or twice to check on her, satisfied with her work. Then she quietly excused herself.
When it was almost time to close, Hermione darted to the shelves to Hermione stared at the tablecloth as Narcissa's footsteps faded,
the right to refile the books she'd been reading. wondering how she could possibly tell Draco he was the only thing she
The bell over the front door chimed. wanted anymore when he was so far out of reach.
Her head snapped up from the shelves, and she quickly moved back
toward the desk. "I'm sorry, we're just closed—" $
Draco stood on the mat. His hair longer than she remembered. His She arrived at Parliament Hall on Monday morning in the same navy
eyes just as grey. robes. Her heartbeat echoed in her ears, and she matched the rhythm
The air rushed out of her lungs, and her knees almost buckled. She with her footsteps on the cobblestones.
braced herself on the counter. "Miss Granger! Over here!"
A Muggle coat was pulled up to his ears despite the warm weather. "Miss Granger, are you here to testify on behalf of Draco Malfoy?"
His lips parted, his gaze on her. "Do you know where he is?"
She'd seen him a thousand times in her dreams, but never like this. She steeled her expression and pushed past them, ignoring the
Hermione closed her eyes, begging the vision to last — to keep her heart flashbulbs in her face.
beating just a little longer before he vanished like mist. The Swiss Prosecutors were gathered near security, and they fell silent
Soft footsteps, closing the distance between them. Not Death Eater when she neared. She ignored them, checking her wand and proceeding
boots or dragon leather shoes, but the sound of something entirely new. directly to the courtroom doors. The guards cleared her quickly, and she
She opened her eyes, and he was still there. The handful of yards was led to her usual chair behind the Italian Prosecutors. Pierre smirked
between them felt like a hair's breadth. at her as she took her seat, twirling a quill between his fingertips.
902 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 887
 The large chair for the Defendant was absent. Hermione breathed deep Hestia's eyes flickered with something. "I understand completely. I also
and focused on smoothing out the ripples of the lake inside her mind. wish things could be different."
The press filed in. The Secretariat entered next. The court came to its Hermione stepped into her. "Then do something about it."
feet for President Ogden. She sat again. The Judges swore their oaths. The corner of Hestia's mouth tugged. "Excellent work with Zabini
And Pierre stood up. and Malfoy, Hermione. I've been meaning to tell you for some time."
She drifted into her body to watch him step towards the judges. She moved around Hermione, her hand pausing on the door handle.
"We're here today to try Draco Malfoy for his crimes," his smooth "Keep fighting," she said softly. "I hope one day you can succeed where
voice rang out. "His crimes against the United Kingdom, and greater I'm failing. I mean that."
Europe, and the international community. His crimes"—Pierre turned Hestia stepped through the door and held it open for her. Hermione
to the press seats—"against humanity itself." felt numb as she commanded her legs to walk through. Hestia closed it
Hermione counted to ten as she inhaled. behind her, pacing briskly down the corridor. Hermione stared after her,
—"beyond reasonable doubt, murdered Swiss Minister Vogel and his thinking.
secretary, and served as an accessory to the murder of thousands in As she exited the building onto the Muggle streets, she wandered for a
Switzerland and France. In addition to his war crimes, Mr. Malfoy while in no specific direction. She thought of her parents, and Draco. But
actively participated in sex trafficking and human slavery—" there was only her own reflection staring back at her in the glass doors of
She counted as she exhaled. an empty cafe as she tried to decide what was supposed to happen next.
"—orchestrated careful, strategic assistance to the True Order to All she wanted was for things to mend themselves. The government.
protect himself in the event the Great Order should fall—" Hogwarts. The Carrow Girls. The space between her and Ron, and the
Her gaze drifted to Shrapley. He met her eyes for one heartbeat before chasm in her heart.
rolling his shoulders back and returning to his notes. She Apparated to Diagon Alley, wandering the damaged stalls and
He'd visited the Manor yesterday evening. She'd frozen at the sight of shuttered shops. Flourish and Blotts had been looted, its windows broken
him stepping through the Manor fireplace, but he quickly reassured her and rubbish strewn about the entry.
he was only there to offer some pre-trial advice. She walked down the narrow street, smiling at shopkeepers who
"You're paying me—quite handsomely—to trust me. So trust me." recognized her, and offering help to an old man trying to clean up his
Her brows had drawn together, but she nodded for him to continue. store.
"It will be a long trial. I'd advise you to stay away if it weren't for the At the corner of Diagon and Horizont Alley, she found a familiar
fact that it would be irregular— " storefront — a bookstore she used to visit when Flourish and Blotts was
"I'm not going to stay home when his life is on the line—" too busy. Cornerstone Bookshop. It had a funny off-center door and a
"—as well as your clear personal feelings for him, coupled with an little bell announcing visitors.
enormous amount of stubbornness." She searched the stacks for Morty, the sweet older man who owned the
There had been silence. shop, but only his wife Maggie emerged. Maggie told her with glassy eyes that
"As Draco's attorney, I will tell you right now that the best thing for Morty had been killed last year in a skirmish with Death Eaters in Diagon Alley.
you to do for his case is to keep yourself well." "I'm sorry to hear that."
Hermione had stared at him, but she found no hidden meaning in his Maggie smiled at her sadly, and asked what she could help her with.
words. "Thank you," said Hermione. "Er, I was hoping to look for books on
"You're an expert Occlumens. Nothing you hear in that courtroom is magical law."
going to help you deliver the testimony I need you to deliver. The moments the words escaped her, something clicked into place.
That Draco needs you to deliver. So use your skillset, and let me use mine." Maggie nodded and showed her to the proper shelves. By the end of

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making his way out of the courtroom, capturing his quote about having Her throat had been dry as she opened her mouth. "Alright."
him out in 14–16 months. His blue eyes had searched hers in the darkness.
What the Tribunal had been unwilling to say about Draco Malfoy's "Your shoulders are too young to carry the weight you try to lay on
role in the war, the press now was. Hermione was smiling down at an them, Miss Granger."
article about the trial when her eye caught on something strange buried in Before she could respond, he'd turned to the fireplace and left.
the middle. Hermione was startled back to the present by Pierre taking his seat.
Provisional Government to Obliviate Remaining Edinburgh Muggles He leaned back in his chair, completely at ease.
Hermione tossed the paper back on the desk as if it had burned her. She watched President Ogden tilt his head at Shrapley. He stood,
She sat on Draco's bed, trying to rationalize, but her blood continued stepping around the table as the reporters murmured.
boiling in her veins. "Thank you, Mr. President," he said. His eyes flicked over her once as
She finished reading the article, and it took her less than a split-second he turned to the judges, and Hermione breathed deep as she plunged into
to decide. She threw on her clothes, strode down to the Manor drive, and the depths of her still waters.
Apparated to the Ministry. Some time later, a man took the stand. Another man in black robes
She found Hestia in her small office on the first floor. stood to question him.
Hestia closed her eyes in resignation as the door slammed behind her. A man with silver hair stood. His voice was slow as he walked. The
"Hermione—" man on the stand shifted.
"Obliviated." Hermione brandished the article at her. "Three hundred A gavel banged. People stood. Someone said hello to her. She greeted
of them." them, then pulled out her notes.
"Yes. But—" The courtroom filled again. A woman in blue robes took the stand.
"Let me guess. It wasn't your vote." The man in black robes stood to question her, and the silver-haired man
"Wrong." Hestia stood from her desk and folded her hands in front of interrupted him twice.
her. "Hermione, the law is quite clear on this matter. There is clear The silver-haired asked the woman questions. The walls behind her
stipulation from the International Statute of Secrecy—" buzzed.
"Are you telling me that the Provisional Government hasn't bent any Court adjourned, and Hermione blinked into her body when Hestia
laws in the past three months?" Jones paused in front of her.
Another silence. "Alright, Miss Granger?" she said.
"These are heroes," she hissed. "Survivors—" Hermione blinked again. "I'm fine. Sorry, but please excuse me—"
"My hands were tied, Hermione. If the new government we're hoping She tried to catch up with Shrapley, but he was out the front door before
to build is to have any credibility moving forward, it must comply with the she could call out.
laws of the I.C.W. They weren't willing to bend on this." The next day was much the same — the Prosecution was still
Hermione stared at her, counting her heartbeats. "I have an answer to interviewing witnesses about Draco's actions in Zürich and Geneva,
your offer." though nearly half a dozen were affidavits. Fleur startled her out of her
"Go ahead," said Hestia. Her lips pressed together. Occlumency by inviting her to lunch, and Hermione declined out of fear
"I cannot in good conscience join a government willing to make those she'd want to discuss specifics.
kinds of sacrifices. Those girls were just as much a part of this war as the When Narcissa met her at the front door that day, asking how it went,
rest of us—" Her throat closed as she remembered a girl with strawberry- all Hermione could manage was, "I hardly know."
blonde hair screaming into the sky. "They've had so much taken from On Wednesday morning, Hermione had trouble staying in her still
them already. They have a right to determine their own future." waters.

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 The signed affidavits were in regards to her. Shrapley had prepared her The French judge with the white mustache stood before the court and
for this, warning her that there would be account after account of her read out that they had reached a conclusion about Draco Malfoy's
treatment at Edinburgh and the Hogwarts Celebration Party — but her sentencing in absentia.
lake still rippled every time someone said her name, and when the crowd "If still alive, Draco Malfoy is sentenced to two years in Azkaban. He
murmured, she could hear the rumbling of a distant avalanche. is to turn himself over to the Ministry immediately upon receipt of this
At the afternoon recess, she slipped out the back door and took a walk verdict."
through Edinburgh, fighting the temptation to storm back into the There was ringing in her ears. She swayed on her feet.
courtroom and scream. Shrapley had told her that an acquittal was impossible. "He'll serve
"Four more hours," Shrapley muttered from the corner of his mouth, some time," he'd told her. "Make no mistake. Our goal is to make that
as they filed back inside the courtroom. Hermione managed a nod. number as low as possible."
The court resumed, and just as Hermione imagined her lake, Pierre What were two years to the rest of your life?
called his final witness to the stand. A Mind Healer. She pressed her fingertips to her lips and looked at Shrapley. He
Her gaze flickered as the witness was led into the courtroom. nodded to her, with a pleased expression.
She recognized him. He was the shorter, rounder Healer who had The court adjourned, and Hermione didn't spare a glance at anyone
stopped her from leaving. Shrapley had given her his name, but she was else as she crossed the room to thank him.
certain she hadn't worked with him. "I can get the sentence lowered in appeals," Shrapley said. "I'm sure of
His eyes drifted over her as he sat on the stand and introduced himself, it." He shook her hand and said, "I'll be in touch, Miss Granger. A
and when Pierre began his questions, her shelves began trembling. recommendation to law school, perhaps?" He lifted his brow at her and
"Healer Thompson, can you please explain what 'Stockholm Syndrome' led her out of the courtroom.
is?” Hermione's eye twitched. She looked over to Shrapley. His quill had gone She followed him out into the corridor. Hestia stopped her to arrange
very still. a visit to the Ministry that Friday to discuss her offer, and Hermione
"Stockholm Syndrome is a psychological response wherein a hostage caught up to Shrapley in time to admire the way he answered a reporter's
bonds with their captor. Although we would expect the hostage or victim questions without a pause in his steps.
to experience fear or disdain, the opposite can happen. They develop "Of course we plan to appeal. I'll have him out in 14–16 months."
positive feelings for their captors, possibly even believing they share He tossed Hermione a smile as they exited the building together, and
common goals and interests." disappeared into the shouting crowd without another word.
Hermione tried to reach for her still waters, but it was as if the lake Hermione raced down the Manor's drive, bursting through the Manor
had dried up. doors and running to the drawing room. She pushed the doors open and
"Oftentimes the hostage comes to distrust authority figures and froze, her eyes searching for Narcissa's. She took one look at Hermione's
anyone who might be trying to separate them from their captor." face, and began weeping.
Blood rushed in her ears. Her head was light as air, and her stomach They celebrated with champagne again. After Narcissa had gone to
heavy. bed, and the alcohol had stopped warming her skin, she took the long
"Now Healer Thompson," Pierre said, strolling directly in front of her, way back to her bedroom, passing the library and her marble bust. She
"does Stockholm Syndrome always occur in these situations?" stared at Lucius's smirking face and whispered the good news before
"No." dragging herself upstairs.
"Could a captor… encourage the development of these positive Thursday's Prophet announced Draco's sentencing with a detailed
feelings in their hostage?" article summarizing every step in the trial, apart from the sealed
"Of course—" information about the Horcrux. They'd included a picture of Shrapley

890 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 899

mail, Howlers. All kinds of different reactions. She told the elves to collect "Objection," Shrapley's head jerked up. "Conjecture."
her letters and hold them until after the trial. "Overruled." President Ogden nodded to Healer Thompson.
On Monday, there were twice as many reporters waiting for her "Yes."
outside Parliament Hall. She kept her head high as she passed through Pierre tilted his head. "How?"
them, letting their questions vanish like sound in a vacuum. Healer Thompson cleared his throat. "By bringing them into their
That day, Shrapley called his second witness — a Swiss man who had confidence and showing them kindness. By reinforcing their dependence on
defected from the Great Order shortly after the battles in Switzerland. He them."
had been a lower-level guard who had witnessed Draco becoming There was a metallic taste in her mouth. She'd bitten her tongue.
violently ill after torturing Muggles and Swiss soldiers on his aunt's orders. "And what might a captor gain from such a thing?"
He also testified that on three different occasions, Lucius Malfoy swept in "Sympathy. Compliance. Devotion. In many cases, victims will refuse
to finish the job for him, sparing him from doing any more damage. to work with proper authorities to bring their captors to justice and seek
Katya Viktor took the stand after. She told the court that she'd found to protect them instead."
Hermione and Draco in the library when she came to visit. It had looked like Shrapley was still except for his fingertips tapping against his lips.
they were researching something. She also mentioned that Draco never "Healer Thompson," said Pierre, "Have you treated slaves purchased
reported her to the Great Order after she insisted he attend Edinburgh on the at the Great Order's Auction who have been diagnosed with this
night it was attacked. She sent Hermione a small smile as she stepped off the condition?"
stand. "Yes."
After recess, it was Viktor's turn to tell them about Draco lowering his "Objection!" Shrapley scribbled a note before he added, "Irrelevant."
wand. Pierre scoffed, earning a rebuke from President Ogden. "Sustained."
Oliver and Pansy testified on Tuesday morning — Oliver about how Pierre turned to President Ogden. "No further questions."
Draco had come to Theo for help with the Scourer journal and the Shrapley stood, and Hermione's eyes flicked to him, clenching her
Pensieve for viewing Charlotte's memories, and Pansy about how Draco trembling hands into fists.
had saved her after her father gave her off to be Auctioned. Pansy was "What distinguishes Stockholm Syndrome from other relationships
cool and calm as the conversation shifted to the night at Edinburgh, with a power imbalance, Healer Thompson?"
confirming that it had been her idea and that she never felt forced. Healer Thompson brushed his mustache and said, "Well, in one case,
"You dated Draco Malfoy briefly at school. Did you ever notice his one person can't leave. They're captives to the other person."
feelings for Hermione Granger?" Shrapley stared at him for a long moment before nodding and
Hermione felt her pulse in her fingertips. dismissing the witness.
"Yes," said Pansy. The Prosecution rested, and court was adjourned for the day.
"When?" Neither Hestia nor Fleur approached her this time. Hermione sat
"About half-way through sixth year. That's when I understood." quietly in her seat, burying books and organizing shelves until the
When Pansy was excused, she sent Hermione a wink. Hermione courtroom was empty and the guard asked her if she needed assistance.
smiled and quickly looked away, trying to hide the tears in her eyes.
$
$ "There's no need to panic," Shrapley said through the Floo. "I
The judges deliberated all throughout Wednesday. Hermione sat in miscalculated. It was sure to happen once in my life."
one of the empty courtrooms until Shrapley's Patronus materialized: It's Hermione paced in front of the fireplace. "So they won't be going
time. after my memories after all?"
898 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 891
 "No. It seems they have decided to utilize an accusation of an obscure "Apologies, Mr. President." Pierre paused and swiftly redirected as her
Muggle condition that most in the wizarding world have never heard of. heart hammered in her ribs. "What reason do we have to think you
Before today, anyway." weren't manipulated in your time at Malfoy Manor, Miss Granger?"
"This is preposterous." Hermione began pacing again. Shrapley was "I loved him for years before he saved me." She lifted her eyes,
silent. watching the words float on a string to him. "And I love him still."
"How can I—" Her eyes closed, and she breathed deep through her Whispers descended like snowfall. Pierre opened his mouth. And
nostrils. "How can I disprove this? How can I show that Draco's actions paused as the rumbling grew.
were out of genuine love for me, and mine for him?" Hermione's eyes flicked to Shrapley, who'd come to his feet. He lifted a
"Trust the evidence, Miss Granger," he said. A muscle in his jaw brow at her and gave the slightest shrug of his shoulder, as if to say, Not
ticked. "The evidence is based in fact, not the medical opinions of bad.
someone who has never diagnosed you." The gavel banged over and over until President Ogden had control of
When Shrapley disappeared from the fireplace, she declined dinner the room. Pierre adjusted his collar and leveled her with a curious look.
with Narcissa, and asked the elves to bring her a Sleeping Draught. She "You loved him for years," he repeated. "At school?"
laid in Draco's bed, thinking of the horrified way he'd stared at Giuliana "Yes. I had feelings for him at school."
with Blaise, and Penelope with Marcus. And just before she drifted, she She stared into Pierre's narrowed blue eyes, and he held her gaze as he
remembered the last night she'd spent with him, when he'd silenced the told President Ogden that he had no further questions. The court was
words on her lips before she could tell him she loved him too. called to recess, and she exited too swiftly to hear anyone calling her,
moving as quickly as she could back to Malfoy Manor.
$
On Thursday, she chose the best robes in her closet. She ate a few
$
bites of toast, flipped through the paper, and then walked outside to Hermione's face was on the cover of the Prophet the next day. The
Apparate to Edinburgh. photograph had captured her exiting Parliament Hall yesterday, pushing
Her shelves were tidy and secure, and her waters were still. through reporters and cameras. The headline that morning had read:
The reporters pressed on her. The sound was loud in her ears and the HERMIONE GRANGER TAKES THE STAND:
flashes blinding. "I LOVE HIM STILL"
She handed over her wand. They led her to a hallway to wait, and she
stared down at her shoes. They were far too sensible, she thought. Pansy She tried to settle her nerves all weekend, knowing that there was still
would be furious. more to come for the defense on Monday. Narcissa offered to walk with
Pushing Pansy's book aside, she focused on the stone walls of the her in the gardens to soothe her anxiety, and when Hermione declined,
hallway. she suggested they read together in the Conservatory.
They opened the doors for her, and a guard led her to the witness The Witch Weekly that Narcissa handed her on Sunday read:
stand. She sat, facing the court. Pierre was leaned back in his chair, his HERMIONE GRANGER AND DRACO MALFOY: STAR-
hands folded over his stomach lazily.
CROSSED LOVERS.
Shrapley stood, lifting a brow at her.
The next three hours were filled with story after story, piece after piece Her face burned. She could barely breathe as the weight of her
of the puzzle. He asked her if Draco Malfoy had ever forced sexual confession and testimony came crashing over her shoulders, but Narcissa
intercourse on her during her year at Malfoy Manor, and she replied in simply smiled into her teacup.
the negative. He directly referenced Susan Bones' testimony that Owls came to the Manor every hour — invitations for interviews, fan

892 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 897

 "Yes." Her fingers twisted together. Hermione had performed oral sex on Draco Malfoy in public, and she
"Miss Granger, did you ever find it curious why your friends were replied that Pansy Parkinson had done so in her body in order to protect
being tortured, raped, and caged like animals… while you slept in a bed her from a party centered around Marcus Flint's lust potion.
of your own, not a hair on your head touched—" Shrapley asked her to elaborate on when her sexual relationship began
"Objection—" with Draco Malfoy, and she replied, "The early hours of 20th March
"Rephrase, General Pierre—" 1999." Shrapley had asked who had initiated the act, and she said, "I
"Did you know your treatment was different than the other men and did." The court hummed in shocked whispers and scratching quills, but
women sold at the Auction?" her mind was too focused for their judgment to sink into her. President
She looked into Pierre's cool blue eyes and imagined placid waters. "I Ogden had to call for quiet.
did know." "20 March," Shrapley said, pacing with his hands in his pockets. "Why
"What did you make of it?" didn't Draco Malfoy pursue sex sooner?"
"I was confused in the beginning. But when I asked Draco Malfoy why "His main interest was my comfort and well-being."
he'd bought me in the Auction, he said it was the right thing to do." "How do you know that?"
"And you believed him?" "He told me as much many times, but it became clear in his actions on
Her breath hitched. She hadn't. She'd thought for months that it was Sunday 26 July."
exactly as Pierre said — a plot to protect him and his family. She chose Hermione went on to detail the ritual that extracted the magical
her words carefully. signature of her virginity, and the reasons for it. Shrapley asked the judges
"Not at first, but after the many instances I discussed earlier, I came to to refer to the glass jar and corresponding memory they'd reviewed that
see that—" morning.
"You didn't believe him at first?" Pierre tilted his head at her. Shrapley asked her to confirm that she still had one functioning ovary
"I soon did." due to Draco Malfoy and Narcissa Malfoy, and then referred to the physical
"Was that before or after you began your sexual relationship?" examination conducted at St. Mungo's when she'd been admitted.
"Objection!" He asked for any other instances where Draco Malfoy had prioritized
"Sustained." her well-being, and she explained the night that Bellatrix Lestrange had
Hermione was fully in her body now, her eyes watching General Pierre cut into her arm, poisoning her, and the way Draco had sucked the
as he stalked her like a panther closing in on its prey. venom out. He asked her about the death of Bellatrix Lestrange and
"What reason do we have to trust your mind, Miss Granger?" His eyes referred the judges to the memory.
were fierce as his voice grew in volume and speed. "You exhibit many "Why do you think he killed his aunt, Miss Granger?" Shrapley asked.
symptoms of Stockholm Syndrome as Healer Thompson discussed, and "Because she was going to kill me."
your testimony is riddled with emotional ties to the defendant—" "And that was good enough reason for him?"
"Objection—" "Yes," she said.
"—that only prove the point that you bonded with him during your Pierre recrossed his legs. The reporters buzzed, the room hanging on
captivity—" every word.
"Objection—" They moved onto the tattoo antidote potion after that. She described
"Sustained, Pierre!" in excruciating detail how she researched the tattoos and what resources
"—aligning your goals to his ultimate purpose of proving his she was given access to, including Narcissa and Draco's wands. She
innocence to this court—" mentioned Draco taking her to see Theo Nott and procuring the proper
"I'll hold you in Contempt, Pierre." text for her, at great risk to himself.

896 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 893

 Shrapley asked why she didn't take the antidote herself once it was Romania in an Occluded haze. The wards recognized her as a Malfoy
tested. She confirmed that she did, telling the court about the day Draco and let her pass. Shrapley had submitted the Hat to a Dark Magic expert,
tried to give her his wand and set her free. Her eyes pricked at the and he had produced a document confirming that the Hat had been
memory, and Shrapley gave her a sharp look that reminded her to push endowed with Dark Magic at some point, but now it was gone. Shrapley
her emotions beneath the surface. asked the court to refer to the Hat submitted to evidence.
After an afternoon recess, the last thing they discussed on Thursday After three hours of questioning, Shrapley confirmed that he was
was how Hermione had communicated with the True Order. She detailed finished with his direct examination of Hermione Granger, and Pierre
Charlotte's system of passing notes, explaining that Draco helped her confirmed that he would not ask questions about the Horcrux during
connect with Cho Chang. When she told them it was Draco that had cross-examination.
extracted Charlotte's memories the night Edinburgh was attacked in President Ogden rubbed the bridge of his nose and called for a recess.
March, Pierre sighed and cracked his neck. Her voice was hoarse from Hermione found a small room in the back of the library to sit in for
the talking as she finished with the story of Draco giving the antidote the hour. Shrapley brought her tea with honey and a small sandwich. She
ingredients to Charlotte and returning her memories. Shrapley asked the Occluded in silence, sipping and chewing slowly.
court to refer to Lucius Malfoy's memory that had been submitted to The press and guests were greedy with curiosity when they returned
evidence. after lunch. They stared at her as she took the stand again, hungry to
When President Ogden adjourned court that day, Hermione slipped know what she'd divulged that had necessitated the closing of the court.
out the back to avoid the rabid reporters and photographers and President Ogden slammed his gavel, calling them to order. General
Apparated home. She accepted a hug from Narcissa, slipped into a bath, Robert Pierre stood, smoothed his hair, and turned his arrogant eyes on her.
and allowed herself to think of Draco without her Occlumency. Her tears "Miss Granger, you have been on the stand for a long time now. I just
drowned in the bathwater, and by the time she went to bed, she was fully have a few more questions."
Occluded again. She nodded.
Shrapley had filed several motions in the past weeks to remove the Pierre folded his hands and said, "When did Draco Malfoy first tell
press from the discussions of Horcruxes, citing a threat to the public. you that he loved you?"
When Hermione arrived on Friday morning to finish her testimony, only Grey eyes swam up in her vision. The book snapped closed.
President Ogden, the five judges, the Prosecution, the Defense, and the "In the early hours of 4 May. He told me he'd loved me for years—"
Secretariat were allowed. "Yes, but he first told you this on 4 May. Correct?"
Shrapley asked Hermione to explain what a Horcrux was, and to tell She blinked. "Yes."
the court how she came by this knowledge. He tossed her question after "The night the Great Order began to fall. The night Voldemort died
question until it was clear to the court that the only reason Voldemort and the True Order stormed Malfoy Manor," he added.
could survive when other wizards could not was due to his Horcruxes. Hermione didn't respond. Shrapley had made it clear to only answer
A vein throbbed in Pierre's temple, and Jacobs looked pale and grim. questions, not statements.
The French judge's mouth had fallen open at the beginning of her story "So it might be said, Miss Granger," said Pierre, strolling in front of
and stayed that way, his walrus mustache twitching. her, "that he confessed his love for you in the very moments before he lost
Her story turned toward Draco's involvement, Lucius Malfoy's his power over you."
memories, and Romania. They listened with rapt attention as she "Objection." Shrapley's voice cut through the whispers. "Leading
explained the process of retrieving the Basilisk fang and killing the piece question."
of Voldemort's soul. "Sustained," Ogden said. "General Pierre, be careful."
A week ago, she'd retrieved the remains of the Sorting Hat from Pierre nodded, and then smiled at her. "4 May, yes?"

894 ● THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS SERIES THE AUCTION ● 895