Romania. Hermione looked around at the dark mountain range, trying to identify anything that could pinpoint exactly where they were.

"I hope you are right, Lucius. For your family's sake."

Dread washed over her like a slow-breaking wave. She chanced a glance at Draco. His eyes were wide, but his mouth was hard. Lucius dipped his chin and continued walking.

They started uphill, taking a cragged dirt path. Lucius took an abrupt right turn around a large stone, and led them away from the passage.

"I am honored that the Malfoy family can once again be useful to you, my Lord." Lucius slowed his pace to step in time with Voldemort. "I will not fail you again."

Voldemort hummed. "I have been pleased with your performance, as of late. But should you become complacent in the future..."

"Of course, my Lord," said Lucius quickly. It was silent under the starlight for a long moment before Lucius spoke again. "If I may speak freely…?"

"Go on."

"I see a bright future for Draco. He is well-respected by his peers and superiors, and he has a way with words. I would hope he can serve you to that effect as he matures. Perhaps one day, even as Minister."

Hermione turned over her shoulder to where Draco was steps behind her. His eyes were glued to his father and Voldemort.

She thought of Lucius's memory from Switzerland — pushing him toward accompanying the German Minister instead of torturing the prisoners with Bellatrix.

Voldemort slithered onward through the dark path between hills and said, "We'll see."

Lucius nodded, and Hermione's stomach bubbled with guilt as she wondered if she might agree with him. Even if both options made her nauseous, it was better to imagine him in an office than a battlefield.

The path narrowed, and Lucius stopped in front of a smooth rock face. "Here, my Lord."

Hermione squinted, trying to memorize it, but in the darkness, everything was interchangeable. Draco stepped next to her, his eyes still on his father.

Lucius tapped his wand to the center of the wall, and it shivered, breaking apart with a rumble until a door appeared in the stone. He turned to Voldemort.

"Only a Malfoy can pass through." He pressed his wand to the center of his palm and sliced across the flesh. Dark blood dribbled down his wrist as he offered his hand to Voldemort.

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 Lucius's blood from his palm, the red droplets arcing up and landing on his pale skin, mixing into his blood. He sewed the cut closed, and Lucius did the same.

Lucius moved to the entrance, but he froze when Voldemort placed a hand on his shoulder.

"You will wait here," he whispered, and Hermione saw Lucius try not to flinch as his bony fingers pressed harder. "I alone will hide the object and cast my wards."