But these were problems for another time. And for now, her time was running out.

Even if there were a good alternative, she couldn't deny Narcissa — not when she'd reached for Hermione's hand and pleaded for her son's life. Narcissa, who'd never asked for anything but her company; Narcissa, who'd saved her from Dolohov and shared her wand between the papers she slipped over breakfast.

Narcissa had asked something of her, and she would do it. She would keep her word.

Tomorrow morning, Hermione would say her goodbyes. She'd take the tattoo antidote, and Kreacher would Apparate her to Grimmauld Place.

According to Narcissa, the transfer of the deeds to Grimmauld Place had been sealed upon request. No one knew it had fallen back into the Malfoys' possession except for the immediate family and those living there.

"Bellatrix is aware, but believes the property to be unoccupied," Narcissa had told her. "Even if she does become suspicious, she won't be able to find it. It's under a Fidelius Charm."

The name had splashed over Hermione like ice water, but Narcissa didn't seem to notice.

"Blaise, Pansy, and the others need to leave the country immediately. There's a black market for International Portkeys in Norwich. It's the safest way. If that fails, they should cross the Anti-Apparition line at Liverpool."

Narcissa had squeezed her fingers, tethering her to her body. "Is this something I can trust you to handle, Hermione?"

Hermione had managed to nod. "Of course. I'll tell them when I arrive in the morning."

"Thank you." Slowly, Narcissa had released her hand.

There had been a long silence as Hermione contemplated looking out on Malfoy Manor for the last time. She'd tried to imagine what she might say to Draco, in those final moments.

"Kreacher will remain there with you. He's under strict orders to serve your needs. He'll cook for you and fetch the paper, and when the time comes, he'll bring you to your friends."

Another pause, and Hermione had lifted her eyes.

"I know it will be frustrating to wait. But you shouldn't leave until you can be delivered to the True Order. I cannot leave you with my wand, Hermione. Draco and I both need to be armed."

She'd said nothing, watching Narcissa's lips tremble.

"Things are moving quickly. Salerno is nearly overrun, and Lucius expects Rome to fall within the week. Once Italy is taken, other allies will quickly defect. If Lucius needs us for some reason—" She broke off, her shaking fingers twisting around each other. "He'll catch up with us — one day. But I will get Draco out."

Her eyes had looked unfocused as she stood, thanking Hermione a final time. And as she'd left the room, Hermione heard her whisper, "This time, I will."

We need to be gone before the dawn.

And now it was half-past two in the afternoon.

Closing her eyes, Hermione tried to savor the sunlight on her face. The wind in her hair. Each heartbeat ticked heavy in her chest, as if begging the seconds to slow down.