They ran through the trees, never breaking pace until they were just outside the gates of Hogsmeade. They caught their breath for a moment, Hermione's hands resting on her knees.

"You did what you had to do, Draco," she panted. "I know she was your blood, but don't be ashamed of—"

"I'm only ashamed it took me more than ten seconds to decide."

She looked up at him. He was staring at her, the moon bouncing off his pale hair and sharp cheeks. He unwound the handkerchief in his pocket, grabbed her elbow, and whisked them to Romania.

Chapter End Notes

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Chapter 35

Chapter Notes

Much love to raven_maiden and SaintDionysus . Also, the three of us have a Podcast where we recap The Auction chapters. If you're interested in behind the scenes stuff, or just listening to us get drunk and roast each other, check it out!

The wonderfully talented NikitaJobson on tumblr created a stunning piece inspired by Hermione's mental state in chapter 34 titled Under . And the stunning Theamaranthus on tumblr created a Draco portrait inspired by The Auction Draco.

If you're on tumblr, please like and reblog to show support to our Dramione artists. Nikita and I have a collaboration coming out later this week, so keep an eye out. *insert shifty eyebrows*

We are coming closer and closer to the end! :( Estimated at 40 chapters still. Thank you in advance for being with me to the end.

This chapter is dedicated to Shelbie-Ann on Discord. Our thoughts are with you, dear.

CONTENT WARNING: Horror, violence.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The Portkey spun them like a top, pressing in on them tighter and 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 at his aunt's body.

Her throat felt dry, and she licked her lips. "Are you? We can take a moment—"