He stared down at Blaise, waiting for something. Blaise nodded, and after a heartbeat, Draco turned with her and ran.

Twenty paces down the corridor, following a slick river of red, they found Pansy's father's body — a shattered champagne glass next to him. She could make out several places in his chest where he'd been punctured, the blood blossoming slowly.

She didn't even slow down.

They flew down the narrow and winding stairs. Every now and then he'd freeze, panting quietly as he listened for noises. Then they'd begin racing again, the ceiling so low Draco had to duck his head. The staircase finally poured them into a small chamber with just a few stools and a table. No fireplace. Draco strode to the open doorway, peering around the corner before pulling her inside. A fireplace burned low in the darkness. The room was empty, apart from handfuls of Floo powder scattered on the floor.

Draco ran to the jar on the mantle and tossed the powder. The fireplace roared to life. Hermione blinked, dazed. Draco was safe. She could get him out, but she had to stay. The Order needed her. She'd ask him to wait at the Manor and promise she'd come back for him.

He covered her tattoo with his hand and stepped toward the fireplace. Her feet dragged—

A shadow moved in the corner.

Draco jerked around, spinning in front of her as Viktor Krum emerged from the darkness, his wand trained on Draco.

Hermione gasped. Her legs moved without permission as she ducked under Draco's arm and stepped in front of him.

"Granger—!"

"Viktor, wait!"

Their voices drowned each other out, ricocheting off the walls. And then silence, apart from the popping of the fire.

Viktor took a step forward, his eyes flickering between them. "Herminny, I am come to save you."

"I know," she said quickly, her heart pounding. "Cho told me."

His chin dipped in a quick nod. Then his eyes slid to Draco again. "Get out of the vay."

"You don't have to kill him." Hermione stood tall, lifting her chin. "You just need to cut off my arm."

"You vill Splinch. Ve must be thorough."

"Viktor—"

"Move, Herminny."

"No!" Her voice rang out against the stones. Viktor blinked, as if seeing her for the first time. "Trust me. The Order is wrong. You won't have to kill him."

Something flitted across his face as he studied her. "Ve can try." He looked at Draco, brandishing his wand. "Release her, and I von't kill you."

Hermione's throat was dry. Draco was silent behind her, his wand extended and just visible from the corner of her eye.

She sucked in a breath, ready to rationalize with him. The Order was here for her, and he had to return to the Manor—

Draco's wand shook once, and lowered.

Viktor's brow furrowed.

The doors banged open. Draco grabbed Hermione around the waist, spinning her away from the blur of spells.

His grip loosened, and she writhed to find Yaxley and Rookwood in the room. Her heart jumped to her throat as Viktor raised his hands slowly in defense. Disarmed.