The Horcrux was gone. Once again, it was now only the snake that stood in the way. She should feel dizzy with the joy of it. Free. Instead all she could wonder was why she'd appeared in the deepest depths of Draco Malfoy's heart if he was only going to run from her, as if it were all a big mistake.

Her head began throbbing, and it felt like every inch of the pain she'd forgotten returned to her at once. Her legs shook when facing another set of stairs, and her head spun as she walked to Draco's room. She showered, healing her cuts and bruises with Daphne's wand. Then she dressed in her pajamas, and slipped between the sheets, ready to sit up and wait for him, but she was asleep before she could turn out the light.

~*~

She awoke to the smell of coffee on their breakfast trays. Stretching, she reached for Draco behind her on the bed — and found the sheets cold.

Hermione sat up, and her ribs clenched painfully as the ending of the evening returned to her. She pushed her hair out of her face and looked for any sign that Draco had come home. No clothes on the floor, no covers pulled back. Only one tray on the table, not two.

Just as her pulse started to race, there was a light rap on the door. She stumbled out of bed and ran to open it, wondering why Draco would knock—

Narcissa stood in the doorway, her hands folded in front of her. Hermione's disappointment turned to mortification, having been clearly caught in Draco's bedroom, in her pajamas—

"Good morning, Hermione."

"Hi. Er, Draco isn't here—"

"I wanted to speak to you," said Narcissa, with a tense smile.

Hermione let her in and sat with her near the fireplace, her face still hot. Narcissa declined a cup of tea, and Hermione clenched her hands to keep from fidgeting.

"I'll get right to the point." Narcissa's eyes had dark circles under them, and her lips trembled as she took a breath. "The True Order has attacked Italy. I heard from Lucius late last night."

Hermione waited for the words to sink into her. She blinked.

"I see," was all she could say.

"They attacked last night, during the Hogwarts celebration. The Dark Lord wants to keep it quiet, but I believe it's just the beginning. There are rumors of countries signing secret treaties with the True Order. Hungary, for instance."

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—"

"If the True Order takes back England — and I hope they do — the three of us won't survive it."