It was a complete copy. No torn-out pages. And at the center, thirty or so pages in gold. A key to deciphering the Scourers' code.

"So you know what it is," Theo confirmed. "You know how to use it."

Her eyes snapped up to him, and just as she opened her mouth to thank him, Draco plucked the book from her fingers. He scowled at Theo.

"Why?" he asked.

Theo pressed his lips together and met Draco's gaze. "Granger's going to break these tattoos. You know she is. She's probably the only one who can."

Hermione felt hope spark in her chest, thrumming and burning.

"And when she does..." The lilt of conniving Slytherin shaded his tone as he turned back to her. "You have to promise me you'll get Oliver out."

Her lips parted, sympathy sweeping through her veins.

"As soon as possible. The first wave," he clarified. "Things have been worse for him with my father's state of mind. His failures…" Theo swallowed, and he blinked rapidly. "He takes it out on Oliver."

"I swear it." She clutched the journal to her chest. "I'll make sure Oliver is a priority."

Theo's eyes hardened as he finally looked to Draco.

He gave a single nod. "I swear it."

Theo nodded back, clenching his jaw. "So you're helping her," he said, in confirmation. When Draco didn't respond, a flash of concern crossed his face. "Be careful. You're going to get yourself killed."

Draco tilted his head and gave him a wry smile. "Same as you, I suppose."

He took Hermione's arm and led them out, passing Oliver just outside the door, his eyes downcast. She looked back as Draco tossed the Floo powder, and saw Theo lean against the doorway to watch them leave, his fingers reaching for Oliver's as they disappeared in the green flames.

Chapter End Notes

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Chapter 25

Chapter Notes

Thanks to SaintDionysus and raven_maiden for being at my beck and call.

This chapter is for my dear friend Lucy. <3

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The flames licked her legs as they passed through the fire into 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 never seen before, checking to make sure they were real.

The key to the Scourers' code stared back up at her. She drew a shaky breath, thumbing through the pages until her vision blurred. They'd done it. They'd gotten the information she needed. It was more than she'd dared to hope for.

She spun to Draco, feeling energy coursing through her. He stood with his hands in his pockets, watching her.