A/N: Sorry for another delay. My internet has definitely gone to hell and my stupid provider isn't helping me fix the problem. They keep running me in circles. So until I find a better service, I have to post from my school's library. Hopefully, this won't last long, but I probably won't be able to post every week as I'd like to. So please bear with me; I'll continuing posting as soon as I can. All right, enough from me. Happy reading.

Forget Me Not

Chapter 18: Rest, Recover, Reassess

Throughout the night, I slept lightly beside the wounded blonde. I tried to remain somewhat aware in case he needed anything. Shortly after dawn, I forced myself to wake up. I desperately wanted to sleep, but I knew there were important things I had to do. Reluctantly, I rolled out of bed before looking around the room. I was searching for my bag of spare clothes and toiletries. I was still groggy and couldn't remember exactly where I'd last placed it. Since it wasn't where I'd been searching, I bent to check under the bed; it wasn't there. I finally found it when I checked the closet.

I threw the bag over my shoulder and quietly left the room. I headed down the narrow hall to the closest bath. I quickly showered before brushing my teeth. Next I fought with my hair to untangle the messy curls. Before headed back to my room, I dressed in a pair of jeans and a dark blue, long sleeve shirt. Back in the room, I stored the bag to its place in the closet. I glanced over my shoulder at Draco, who was still resting peacefully.

I turned my attention to the locket and letter lying on the dresser. I retrieved the objects before taking a seat in one of the arm chairs next to the window. Suddenly, I panicked and then grabbed my wand.

12 Grimmauld Place was the Order of the Phoenix's headquarters. Any of the members could storm in here and try to detain Draco. No one had come in the night, but I wasn't sure about the future. Harry left seemingly calmed and believing my claims, yet that didn't mean others felt the same or that he'd return after thinking on it some more. To prevent any mishaps, I quickly left the room and began changing the wards on the house and adding a few extra. Sure Harry would be mad that I took over his inheritance… now ask me if I cared. The only concern I currently had was protecting the unconscious blonde.

Once I finished with the wards, I headed down to the kitchen to check out the potion cabinet. I was hoping there'd be some blood-replenishing potion; he definitely needed that. I sighed and then closed the cabinet. The cabinet needed to be restocked after being cleaned out. From my cursory glance, I knew most of the stocked potions were old and needed to be disposed; I was lucky there was any usable Dittany.

For about twenty minutes, I cleaned out the potions cabinet. I made a list of potions to be restocked, and then I went to check the other supply cabinet. At least there were enough herbs and other ingredients to make potions, but I wouldn't have time to brew everything that was need. Once finished with my few tasks, I left the kitchen and headed back upstairs. I checked on Draco one last time before heading out to get him some more potions.

Before I left the house, I went down to Sirius' room, the room Harry usually stayed in. I walked over to the cluttered desk and opened the middle drawer. I reached in the back and pulled out a burgundy box. Harry kept enough Galleons in here for when we needed to resupply our hideout. I took out what I'd hoped to be enough money and left for the same potion shop that I'd raided not too long ago.

The store was really crowded, but the potioneer on duty was busy helping an older witch. I pulled out my list and searched the shop for everything I'd needed. Once I'd placed all of the phials onto the counter next to the cash register, I waited for the potioneer to ring up the sale. He excused himself after informing the older woman that he'd be back after he'd helped me. She scowled at me, but nodded and turned to look at a bottle of veritaserum.

He quickly, yet carefully placed each of my potions in a box that separated the glasses. He placed the lid on and slid the box to me. "Have a good day," he said with a forced smile. I nodded, grabbed the box, and left the store. I disapparated back to Grimmauld Place. In the kitchen, I neatly stocked the potions away in the cabinet, only leaving out the one I needed.

I closed the cabinet and picked up the blood-replenishing potion before going upstairs.

Draco still hadn't moved in the slightest; I walked over and had a seat beside him. Carefully, I administered the proper dosage of the potion to him. Afterward, I gently laid his head back onto the pillow. I set the potion onto the end table before pulling the covers off of him. I wanted to examine his wounds. Since I used a spell to clear away the blood last night, I was able to clearly see the pale scars. I lightly ran my fingertips over one of them. I looked over the rest of him. I'd realized he was still only clothed in the trousers he'd put back on before we went down to eat. I glanced over to the rest of his clothes scattered on the floor.

The cleaning charm only removed the blood; I'd decided to clean him properly. I conjured a medium sized basin, summoned the soap from the bathroom, and then filled the basin with water. I tested the temperature of the liquid before conjuring a cloth. I took my time while I thoroughly cleaned his unconscious form. When I finished, I tucked him under the cover and gathered all of his clothes; I left to wash them. I noted the time before I exited the room.

While I was letting his clothes dry (I didn't need to use magic; he wasn't in a hurry to wear them), I decided to head to Hogwarts to retrieve my belongings. Since Dumbledore had been killed, I knew they end classes; I also knew I'd be staying by Draco's side no matter what happened there. Ultimately, I thought it best to retrieve my belongings since I knew I'd be staying here for a while and needed more than what I had available here.

I was wary, but I apparated. Fortunately, no one restored the wards to the castle. As I'd been doing everything else this morning, I cast a spell to quickly pack my things in my trunk. I returned to Grimmauld place after that task was completed.

I wondered whether or not I'd be able to apparate into my room. I was wary as I readied myself. I sighed before disapparating to the castle. I was fortunate that no one restored the wards to the castle, but I worried that they should have made that a priority after chasing off the Death Eaters. I put those thoughts to the back of my mind and cast a spell to quickly pack my things in my initialed trunk. Once my belongings were cleared away, I grabbed my trunk and apparated to my room at Grimmauld Place.

For some time after I completed my last task, I moved about my room putting things the way I'd wanted them. The former occupant's belongings were neatly stacked within a conjured box and stored in the closet. I glanced around the room and smiled at the fruits of my labor. I sighed happily while glancing around; my gaze fell upon the photo of my parents. My smiled weakened. I should have been returning in another few weeks, now I feared I'd be unable for their sakes.

I had to let them know that I wouldn't be home any time soon. I know they'd be worried.

I fetched a quill, ink, and paper. I scribbled down my message before having an owl deliver it. I looked at the time after I turned from the window. I had to give Draco more of the potion.

A week had passed since the day I'd written to my parents. I knew they wouldn't be able to send me a response, nor give me a call, but I couldn't help but expect some sort of reply. Maybe I'd be able to pop in to check on them. I removed the thought from my mind and tried to focus on my current task.

I sat next to Draco. He'd been bed ridden all week, but, thankfully, he had come out of his sleep. I feared he'd be comatose throughout his recovery; it was a possible side effect of the blood-replenishing potion. During the week he still spent the majority of his day sleeping; however, while he was awake, he would try to move. His wounds were healed and not in danger of reopening; so I didn't mind his attempts to test his limitations. I just urged him to cautiously exercise his wounded side.

Presently, I was sitting beside him holding the locket; the letter lay on the end table beside me. I still was trying to determine the identity of R.A.B. Admittedly, I felt discouraged about that goal. I spent the majority of the year trying to learn the true identity of the "Half-Blood Prince;" I thought it even less likely to identify a person based solely on initials.

I sighed dejectedly and threw myself back against the pillows. I glanced over at Draco's resting form and smiled.

A few days later, I was roused from sleep when I felt a weight pressing me into the mattress. I slowly opened my eyes and saw a head of blonde hair. Draco was laying on top of me; his head was resting on my breasts. I heard him moan and felt his grip tightening. I was curious about his actions, but did nothing to cease them.

He was muttering something. I listened closely and recognized my name on his lips. I smiled and stroked his messy hair. He nuzzled my chest and then looked up at me with a smile on his face. I returned the gesture as I cleared away a few stray strands.

"You're feeling better today?" I asked.

"Yes, much better," he returned and then shifted to kiss me.

A little while later, I'd ended up sated and tangled together with him. I had my doubts in the beginning; I didn't know if he was physically up to the task. He removed my thoughts and now I lay lazily with him, his breath blowing against my neck. I sighed contentedly and felt all worrisome thoughts flee from my mind. Temporarily, at least.

"Why was Potter using Snape's spell?" he asked. My eyes widened, I sat up, and then turned to look at him.

"Snape's spell…?"

"Yeah, he made that spell. It's his signature really."

"He made it?" Draco nodded. "Harry learned it from a potion textbook. We had no idea it belonged to Snape."

"How'd Potter end up with one of Snape's books?" I remembered the day.

"It was in the Potion lab. Harry didn't have a book, so Slughorn told him to get one of the spares from the back cupboard. That book was the reason he won the Liquid Luck potion," I laughed to myself, but Draco simply looked confused.

"I guess Snape must have forgotten about it when he was finally made the Dark Arts teacher." I nodded in agreement. As I mulled over the new information, I wondered how Harry would respond when he learned the truth. I smiled and laid my head back on his chest. Relief eased my mind; I finally discovered who owned that book. Though I'd never thought it'd be Snape. Draco and I discussed the book for a little while, but soon abandoned the topic when we decided to fetch something to eat.

Later after we ate, I decided to find out what was happening with my friends. I'd expected to hear something from one of them by now. Draco replaced the towel around his waist with him freshly cleaned clothes while I told him that I'd be talking to Ginny. He nodded and then headed back upstairs; I went to the fireplace in the living room. I grabbed some floo powder and threw it onto the flames; I called for Ginny and waited for her to reply. She grinned at me. "Hermione, are you still at Grimmauld Place?"

I nodded, "Yes, I had something to take care of here."

"Ron told me about you and Draco after he and Harry returned." I froze momentarily and then sighed. I couldn't expect to keep it a secret forever.

"And…?"

"Why didn't you tell me, Hermione? I bet that was why you were always so upset." I nodded. "I told you to tell me. I would've have been there for you. You wouldn't have needed to keep it a secret."

"I had a reason for keeping it to myself, but Harry and Ron knew from practically the beginning."

"When exactly did it start?" I guess they didn't tell her everything.

I don't precisely know how long it took to explain, but we spent a while talking. I'd told her everything from his amnesia in December, the problems with Pansy and Lisa, getting his memory back, being mad at him for what he told Snape, and every other piece I felt she needed to know. Once in awhile she'd ask a question to clarify the events, but mostly she absorbed what I'd been telling her.

"I still can't believe you didn't tell me any of that," I could tell she was hurt.

I apologized again; Ginny shook her head. "Maybe I would have done the same thing in your position." She sighed, "I guess there's nothing to do about the past. We have more important issues to worry about." I nodded.

Then a very important question popped into my mind.

"Does Harry still have the book?" I was sure by now that she understood the reason for my concern. I waited for her response.

"I hid it away in the Room of Requirement. He told me what happened and I knew I had to get rid of it. No one should be able to find it now." I hoped that was the case, but part of me had doubts.

"Thank you. It's better for everyone if the book is gone. Though it should really be destroyed."

"You're right, but my mind was simply concerned with getting rid of the book and that was the first way that popped into head."

"I'm glad it's gone."

"I wonder what wizard once owned that book. Based on your description of Malfoy's wounds, it had to be a really dark wizard."

I realized then that I'd neglected to mention the owner of the book. "It belonged to Snape."

"What? Snape?" I nodded. "How do you know that?"

"You know that I couldn't find the 'Half-Blood Prince' referenced anywhere in any texts," she nodded. "That's because it wouldn't be in any texts. Draco told me that Snape created that spell, but he knew nothing of the name inscribed."

"So how was he sure it was Snape?"

"He told me about Snape's time at Hogwarts. Draco's father told him a lot about Snape's school years. He'd considered the 'Prince' part and realized it was Snape's mother's maiden name. So I went to research Snape's origin. Turns out he's a half-blood."

Ginny looked surprised. "I never knew that, I don't think my parents know that."

"I don't reckon many people do. Draco was surprised as well. Maybe the Malfoys didn't know either."

"Are we going to tell Harry about this?" I had planned to; I was glad to finally figure out the owner of that damn book. However, Ginny's concern made me reconsider. I shook my head. Maybe it'd be best not to mention it. After all, the book is gone for good.

While I mentally questioned its location, Ginny changed the subject and informed me about what was happening there.

"Mum told me that the Order is trying to meet soon. They're afraid that they're too weak and will fall if Voldemort decides to attack now."

"Do they really think he'll do it with all the Aurors around? Dumbledore may be gone, but they'll surely remain vigilant to protect Harry."

I watched her shrug and shake her head. "I'm not sure about anything. I still can't get over his death."

"I know… it seems so surreal…"

"They're burying him today. On that little island out in the Black Lake. The professors are allowing the students to come, but they don't want the rest of the Wizarding world to know. I think it's a preventive measure, in case Death Eaters plan to infiltrate the ceremony."

"Is Harry going?"

Ginny frowned. "I don't know. He spent part of the night with me. Then he left. Later McGonagall told me he'd been in Dumbledore's office."

"Poor Harry. He's suffered more than any of us… and it keeps getting worse. He shouldn't have to deal with all of this."

She nodded, "I know, I want to stay by his side for support, but I also want to give him his space. I'm just trying to find the balance." My younger friend looked deeply troubled. I tried to cheer her up; I'm not sure if it helped. We discussed one more matter before she was called away. We said our goodbyes and then her visage disappeared from sight.

A few days later, Ginny flooed me. She told me that the order was meeting at a new hideout. They wanted a new safe spot now that Hogwarts was questionably secure, at best. "Everyone abandoned Hogwarts shortly after Dumbledore's funeral. Harry's at home with us."

"He didn't go back to the Dursleys?"

As Ginny shook her head, she said, "No, I think he wants to stay around to see what the Order's plans are."

"Oh… Is he still vengeful?"

"He's still angry, but not hell-bent on finding whoever killed Dumbledore."

"You don't think Snape did it?"

"Lupin said not to accuse him. Everyone seemed willing to believe Malfoy didn't do it, but only because you believe he didn't. They trust your judgment."

"Then why don't they believe it could be Snape?"

"Mad-Eye is leaning towards him, but he agreed with the others that they'd investigate to be sure. Snape is still trusted. Even though no one has seen him since that night."

"Perhaps he went into hiding because he feared being accused," I said sarcastically, but Ginny must not have been able to detect the inflection of my words.

"Maybe. He does seem like a reasonable suspect, but Dumbledore trusted him. So I guess the Order still trusts him. Well, at least the older members, the youngest consider him a major suspect."

I sighed, "I wonder why he would do it…?" I hadn't finished my thought, so Ginny didn't know what I was implying.

"I don't know either. It doesn't make sense."

A few hours after I spoke with Ginny, I sat down in the living room with Draco. For awhile, we silently sat opposite one another. "What are you going to do now?" I asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Now that Dumbledore has been killed, what will you do?"

He shrugged, "I don't know. Since Snape, or whoever, was impersonating me killed Dumbledore, Voldemort will think that I killed him and at least succeeded in part of my mission."

"Will he be angry that you didn't finish the cabinet?"

"I don't know. He can take over the castle now that it's abandoned and unprotected. I don't think it's that important to him though."

"What will he think about your absence?"

Draco slouched in his seat and exhaled deeply, "I really don't have any intentions of going back. But I guess I'll have to. I must save my parents." He sighed, "I guess I can always show him the scars. I'll tell him Harry wounded me as I was trying to escape and then I had to hideout until my wounds healed."

"It is the truth, not the whole truth, but it did happen that way."

"He won't need to know everything. I just hope he'll be pleased enough with Dumbledore's death to overlook the small details."

"And what about Snape? How will we find him?"

"Why do we need to?"

"He went missing as well. If we talk to him, we can probably convince him to back up your story by saying he helped you get away and through your recovery."

"He did make the vow and would be bound to protect me from harm or die himself. I think that's believable."

I stood up and shook my head; I scoffed before saying, "I can't believe I'm plotting your alibi. I don't want you to go back there." He stood and came over to me; Draco wrapped his arms around me. I laid my head on his shoulder and sighed.

"If I could, I'd leave this place, this country, and take you to some remote place… but I can't." I was sorely tempted to go with that plan, until he spoke again, "But I have a part to play in this, and I know you wouldn't leave your friends behind while they endangered their lives for the greater good." I sighed and agreed with him. I'd gladly go away with him, but I wouldn't stay long. I'd have to return to help my friends. I had to see this thing through to the end.

I parted from him and decided to drop the matter. We'd figure out the future later, but right now we'd worry about the present and its problems.

Draco moved back to take his seat and stared into the dancing embers. I moved over to the fireplace mantel and picked up the locket.

I desperately wanted to learn the identity of R.A.B. I also wondered about the real Horcrux. Optimistic Hermione hoped he'd destroyed it, but Realist Hermione knew that was unlikely.

While I reclined on a loveseat, I let my mind wander as I tried to make sense out of everything that had happened lately. I was thrown from my thoughts suddenly when I heard a familiar voice.

"Hermione!" Harry's voice called from the fire place. I hustled over to answer him. I knew he was mad based on the inflection of his voice, and I knew the reason behind it. I sat in front of the fireplace.

"Yes, Harry," I said calmly to my angry friend. I heard Draco stand from his seat and leave the room.

"What the hell? Why'd you change the wards on my home?" I paused to see if he'd finished speaking before I gave my answer.

"Well, Harry, considering the circumstances I felt it was the best thing to do. This is the safest place at the moment, and I had to ensure Draco's safety." He was still cross after I explained the simple answer to him.

"I don't care why you did it. I just want to know why you'd disallowed me, of all people."

"Well, I did what I felt was best, Harry. And I didn't want you doing anything to Draco while he's recovering. After all, you were the one that nearly killed him. I thought this was the least you could offer." Though I couldn't see the red flood his face, I knew that was what happened when his visage darkened slightly.

"Change the wards so I can come there. I'm not going back to the Dursleys, and you should know by now that the school has been evacuated. Like you said it is a safe place." I nodded and stood, "And let Ginny and Ron in as well."

"You have to promise me that you won't do anything rash when you get here."

He remained silent for a moment while his angry features stared back at me. Finally, after letting out a frustrated sigh, he nodded and angrily conceded, "Fine." I nodded again and said goodbye to my friend. I took my time altering the wards after I told Draco what I'd be up to.

A moment after the wards were fixed, I heard the sound of apparition. I turned and saw Harry with the two youngest Weasleys. I smiled and nodded at Ginny. She rushed over and gave me a hug. "I missed you so much, Hermione." I felt my airway being constricted, but I hugged her back. A moment later, I pried her off of me and then took a deep breath.

I looked over at the scowling males. "He's upstairs in my room," I informed them, which earned me sharper glares. I rolled my eyes and moved to take a seat on one of the faded loveseats. Ginny sat beside me. Harry and Ron came closer to us, but only Harry took a seat in the opposite chair. Ron remained standing behind him.

Harry removed a cloth parcel from the inside of his jacket. He placed it onto the coffee table and opened it. I looked at the familiar journal and a ring which was curiously missing a stone. "These are two of his Horcruxes," Harry said glumly while he stared down at the items lying before us. "There was a dark stone in the ring the last time I saw it. I don't know what happened to it." I examined the items, wary to touch them.

"Two down," I said under my breath.

I heard footsteps approaching; we all looked up and saw Draco standing in the archway leaning against the frame. He waited a moment and looked around the room at the occupants before smirking. "Nice to see you too, Potter." He glanced at the other two, "I see you've come with back up this time," he joked; I frowned. Draco crossed the room and stood behind me. He leaned down and lightly kissed my neck. He must have given Ron a look because his face was flushing and he clenched his hand into a fist.

I turned around and looked at him with the intent to tell him not to taunt my friends, but a question formed instead, "What's with that look?" Draco was staring down at the table. "I've seen that book before…" He reached to touch it, but I pushed his wrist down before he successfully did. He glanced down at me before retracting his hand. "My father kept it for as long as I could remember, until…" he trailed off and glanced at Ginny. I knew he tried to do it without gaining attention, but we all knew what he meant.

"Until second year when your father slipped it in with Ginny's school books that day in the bookstore." Harry finished. Draco gave Harry a blank stare.

"We all know," I said to him, "Harry told us."

"But I wonder how he managed to get it back," Harry said, still trying to avoid saying Dumbledore's name. "I gave it back to Lucius when I tricked him into freeing Dobby."

Draco glared at Harry and then he chuckled. "I always wondered what happened to him. I guess my dad was too proud to admit that he'd been deceived by a child." He laughed some more; the others gave him quizzical looks. Draco sat on the floor next to my feet and between my legs. He pushed the coffee table to the side and leaned back onto the lower part of the loveseat. He laid his head on my knee while looking up to Harry. I looked up, too; Harry must have had more to add since he'd come with the items.

However, Harry didn't add anything else. The five of us sat in silence for a few moments. Each focusing on something, but not concerned with one another.

"Where do we go from here?" Ginny asked, breaking the silence. We all looked over at her. "We have to figure out something soon. Voldemort isn't sitting around on his thumbs, so we shouldn't be either."

"She's right," Draco affirmed. "We're going to have to find some middle ground and proceed from there."

"We don't trust you, Malfoy," Ron spat as he glared down at the blonde.

"Frankly, I don't give a shit. We have more pressing concerns to worry about. Our personal issues shouldn't stand in the way."

"Yes, we all want the same thing," I added. "We all want to stop Voldemort."

"It'll be hard to do it if that Ferret betrays us," Ron said, maintaining his glare.

"You know the old saying: The enemy of my enemy is my friend," Draco began. "We may have our differences, Weasel, and I know they'll always be there, but we can't focus on that. You're the last ones I'd want to work with, but I stand with Hermione. Since she stands with you, I'll have to, too."

Harry nodded, "Fine." He glanced back at Ron, "We'll move past this, for now. But we still have to figure out what to do next." He turned back to our direction, "The Order is scattered throughout London now that we've left Hogwarts. I have my reasons for not going back to the Dursleys, and I intend to stay here. Hermione, I imagine you're not returning home either."

I shook my head, "Not to stay, but I'm going back to make sure my parents are safe. I'll probably send them somewhere far away."

"Maybe I should send my relatives away as well," Harry said thoughtfully. "They may not be the best people, but they're family. I don't want them getting killed while Voldemort is after me."

"So we'll get our families to safety sometime this week?" I asked; he nodded.

Ginny moved over to the empty space next to Harry. Once seated, she locked arms with him and leaned on his shoulder, "I'm staying with you, Harry." I smiled at my loyal friend; Harry's features softened as he squeeze her hand.

Ron sighed, "I planned on sticking around, but now I'm sure my mum will definitely make sure that I stay since Ginny is." His shoved his hands into his pockets, "We'll head home and let them know what we're doing and gather our stuff."

"What'll you do?" I quietly asked Draco. He looked up at me. I instantly knew what he intended; I hated the idea before he even put it into words.

"I have to go back to the Manor." I frowned at him. Draco took my hand and kissed my palm, "I'll be fine…"

"You don't know that," I muttered.

"I will be fine," he said resolutely. I hoped so. I looked up at the others; each had a solemn look adorning their features.

"I guess it's settled then," I said to voice that we'd considered going through with our individual plans. The others nodded or uttered affirming phrases.

"We should get to it then," Ron said to Ginny.

Ginny stood and nodded to her brother. "We'll be back soon," she said before disapparating with her brother.

"Don't leave yet, Malfoy," Harry said seriously.

"I didn't intend to. I still have some things to plan out." Harry nodded and then stood.

"I need to talk to you," Harry turned and headed towards the kitchen; Draco rose to his feet after Harry left. He kissed my forehead before following behind Harry. I had a bad feeling about leaving them alone…

A/N: Thanks for reading. I'm sorry you had to wait such a long time for a filler chapter. Hope you still enjoyed this though. Anyway, I'll try to update next week. I should be able to get to the library, if not… let's just hope there isn't an "if not." So… until next time.