Hermione strained, twisting and writhing. "Let go of me! Ron, get off—!"

The room spun, and then she was facing Bill Weasley in the wandlight. His eyes narrowed, sharp and assessing.

Her head was dizzy as she blinked back at him, drawing quick breaths.

The True Order was here. They were freeing the Lots and taking prisoners and she had to convince them not to hurt Narcissa. She opened her mouth to speak—

"Is it true?" Bill turned to his left — to Ginny. "She gave Draco a Portkey?"

Ginny let her fingers fall from her lips. "Give me a minute with her and I'll find out where. She's in shock—"

"Listen to me." Hermione tried to jerk free again. "The Malfoys aren't who you think they are. I have proof—"

"There's no time for this, Bill." A stranger stepped from the shadows — Roger Davies. "We have to prioritize Travers and Selwyn. We meet up with the Americans in an hour."

Bill's jaw hardened as he turned back to Ron. "Take her to St. Mungo's."

There was a pause that stretched lifetimes. Hermione swayed on her feet.

A bruising grip on her arms tugged her back.

"No!" The panic flew in like rushing water. Hermione screamed and kicked as Ron pulled her away. "Get off! Let go of me!"

Ginny stood frozen in front of the staircase, watching in silence.

"Don't hurt her! She's on our side!"

Bill Weasley lifted his wand, and the last thing Hermione heard was, "Stupefy."

~*~

She dreamt she was drowning.

Kicking through deep water toward a dark shore that drifted further and further away. She broke the surface and saw Draco on the sand, waiting for her.

She fought the waves, pummeling the water and running her body ragged as she tried to reach him.

His hand rose up, fingers extended, as though stretching for something.

Her legs thrashed, her breath sharp and shallow as she fought to stay above water. To stay with him.

A thin freckled hand wrapped around her ankle and dragged her down.

~*~

"Rennervate."

Hermione broke through the surface with a gasp, jolting upright. Her eyes spun wildly to find Draco—

She found a hospital room with mint curtains.

Ginny Weasley sat at the end of her bed, holding a wand. Hermione blinked at her once. Twice.

Still there.

Her gaze was guarded, her legs tense. Hermione stared at her. She looked even smaller without hair, her blue jumper hanging off her thin shoulders.

A tear leaked from the corner of Hermione's eye. She brushed it away. "Ginny."

Ginny's smile was strained. "Told you I'd find you."

"St. Mungo's?" Hermione's throat felt raw.

Ginny nodded slowly.

Hermione moved to get out of bed, but a sharp pain in her side stopped her.

"Careful," said Ginny. "Your ribs were bruised when you arrived. They said you're still healing."

From Dolohov.

Hermione looked down at herself. She was wearing a pale green hospital robe. "How long have I been here?"