Chapter 3
Just as she was considering attempting to break out, footsteps approached. The cellar door creaked open, and Draco reappeared, this time with another figure in tow.
"Ladies and... well, just lady, I suppose. Your salvation has arrived," a familiar voice announced. Theodore Nott descended the stairs with a flourish, spreading his arms wide as he reached the bottom step. His eyes landed on Hermione, and his theatrical smile faltered slightly. "Merlin's pants, it really is Granger. I was half-hoping this was all an elaborate prank."
Hermione's jaw dropped. "Nott? What in the world—"
"I know, I know. Not the dashing hero you were expecting?" Theo placed a hand over his heart in mock hurt. "I'm wounded, truly."
Draco rolled his eyes. "Granger, meet our Bonder for the Unbreakable Vow."
"Unbreakable Vow?" Hermione's eyes widened. "Malfoy, we never discussed—"
"Oh, don't worry your bushy little head about it," Theo interrupted, his tone light but his eyes betraying a hint of nervousness. "It's just a magically binding contract that could potentially kill us all. No pressure."
Draco shot Theo a warning look before turning to Hermione. "You wanted assurance. This is it." He reached into his robes and pulled out her wand, holding it just out of her reach. "You'll get this back once we're done."
Hermione's eyes locked onto her wand, a mix of relief and frustration crossing her face. "I don't understand. Why would you agree to this, Nott?"
Theo's jovial facade cracked slightly. "Let's just say I'm a sucker for lost causes and dramatic gestures. Also, the idea of not being on the losing side of this war is somewhat appealing." He drew his wand, the only one among them to do so. "Shall we get on with this ill-conceived madness before I come to my senses?"
As Draco and Hermione clasped hands, Theo's usual smirk was replaced by a look of grim determination. "Last chance to back out, children. No? Alright then. Don't say I didn't warn you."
He placed his wand tip on their joined hands, and the air grew thick with magic. Theo's voice, usually light and sarcastic, took on a solemn tone that echoed in the small space.
"Will you, Draco Malfoy, swear not to betray Hermione Granger or knowingly put her in danger as you work together to end this war?"
"I will," Draco replied.
A flame-like cord wound around their hands. Theo continued, his voice steady despite the beads of sweat forming on his brow.
"And will you, Hermione Granger, swear to work alongside Draco Malfoy towards the goal of ending this war, without betraying him to your allies?"
Hermione hesitated, then said firmly, "I will."
Another fiery bond joined the first. Theo took a deep breath before the final part.
"Do you both swear to keep the details of your alliance secret from all others, including the Dark Lord and the Order of the Phoenix, until your task is complete?"
"I will," they said in unison.
As the third flame completed the bond, Theo stumbled back slightly, his face pale. "It's done," he whispered, his usual bravado completely gone.
The magical glow faded, leaving the cellar feeling colder and darker than before. Theo looked between Draco and Hermione, shaking his head slowly. Without another word, he turned and ascended the stairs, the sound of his footsteps fading away.
Silence fell heavily in the cellar. Hermione stared at her hand, watching as the last traces of the magical glow slowly faded from her skin. The weight of what she'd just done settled over her like a shroud. She had bound herself to Draco Malfoy, of all people, with one of the most powerful magical contracts known to wizardkind.
Slowly, she raised her eyes to meet Draco's gaze. His face was a mask of cold determination, any trace of earlier emotion wiped clean. In the dim light, his grey eyes seemed to glitter with an intensity that sent a chill down her spine.
For a long moment, they stood there, locked in a silent battle of wills. The air between them crackled with tension, filled with unasked questions and unspoken fears.
Finally, Draco broke the silence. His voice was low and hard, cutting through the stillness like a knife. He held out her wand, a peace offering.
"Let's get this over with."
Hermione nodded once, her jaw set, as she took her wand. There was no going back now.