Summary: After the disastrous events atop the Astronomy Tower, Draco Malfoy and Severus Snape flee wizarding Britain. After months on the run, they join forces with those of The Chosen One and his two friends. Will they be able to succeed in defeating Voldemort? (Written Post-HBP, Pre-DH)
Rated: Mature Content
Categories: DM/HG,
Harry Potter Fanfiction Characters: Albus Dumbledore,
Harry Potter,
Hermione Granger,
Ron Weasley,
Severus Snape
Challenges: Series: None
Chapters: 17
Completed: Yes
Word count: 95965
Read: 47439
Published: 05 Sep 2007
Updated: 05 Sep 2007
1. The Forging of a Blade, or Prodigal Sons by Bambu [Reviews - 1] 
(7316 words)
Disclaimer: The characters, original wizarding world concepts, etc., aren’t products of my imagination. In fact, they belong in part, or in their entirety, to JK Rowling, her publishers and assigns. I am merely borrowing them for a brief excursion into the twisted labyrinth of my mind.
I’ve long been enamored of collective nouns, so I’ve crafted one of my own to use as the title of this little piece. I based it on the definition of a ‘paladin’ as something akin to a knight and a crusader… hence the refining term ‘quest.’ If you like these sorts of things, you can find many in An Exaltation of Larks by James Lipton.
Last but not least, my thanks to my wondrous beta for somehow finding the time amidst chaos to look this over, and hold my hand – truly without her help, this would not have gotten done in time for the Draco/Hermione Celebrate the Season FicExchange on Live Journal in December 2005.
2. Shaping the Steel, or Forgiving Daughters Part I by Bambu [Reviews - 1] (6105 words)
...in which Hermione seeks the solitude of the garden in a snowfall, and thinks about things.
3. Shaping the Steel, or Forgiving Daughter Part II by Bambu [Reviews - 1] (5104 words)
Hermione thinks about her understanding of magic, and how she and 'the boys' have learned to use it for their own benefit.
4. Crucible of Terrible Purpose, or We Are None Very Different Part I by Bambu [Reviews - 0] (6097 words)
We learn a bit more of what has happened to Draco and Snape in the intervening months between May and December.
5. Crucible of Terrible Purpose, We Are None Very Different Part II by Bambu [Reviews - 0] (4703 words)
Hermione's memories are as harsh as the cold weather, and we learn what has kept her awake.
6. Tempering the Blade; or We are Become Warriors by Bambu [Reviews - 0] (8350 words)
Snape tells Draco, for the first time, about Lucius' descent into hell. Hermione reminisces about Bill and Fleur's wedding and remembers a long overdue conversation with Harry.
7. Many Blades, Single Purpose, or United Allies, Unifying Strategies Part I by Bambu [Reviews - 0] (5999 words)
Hermione and Draco have a surprisingly productive breakfast before they're interrupted by the others. Why do Harry and Ron laugh when they first see Draco in the kitchen?
8. Many Blades, Single Purpose, or United Allies, Unifying Strategies Part II by Bambu [Reviews - 0] (5038 words)
Harry and Snape have a meeting of minds, and the identity of R.A.B. is a surprise to all.
9. Quickening the Blade; or Nerves on the Eve of Battle Part I by Bambu [Reviews - 0] (5970 words)
Mrs. Black tells her tale.
10. Quickening the Blade; or Nerves on the Eve of Battle Part II by Bambu [Reviews - 0] (6045 words)
In which Regina Black continues her story, and Draco discovers another Horcrux.
11. Raising the Standard; or War Comes With the Dawn Part I by Bambu [Reviews - 0] (5370 words)
The quint debates the plausible final Horcrux, but what will they do with the ones they already have? Who will make the possibly fatal decision to de-activate them?
12. Raising the Standard; or War Comes With the Dawn Part II by Bambu [Reviews - 0] (6642 words)
Draco and Hermione have a private moment, and the five prepare for his ordeal.
13. The Front is Engaged; or Must We Kill? Part I by Bambu [Reviews - 0] (3853 words)
Draco enters the Pensieve...
14. The Front is Engaged; or Must We Kill? Part II by Bambu [Reviews - 0] (4390 words)
Draco awakens from his ordeal only to discover that the ritual connecting him to Snape, Hermione, Harry and Ron has left a remnant.
15. War is Upon Us, or Stand and Be Counted Part I by Bambu [Reviews - 0] (7405 words)
The infiltration of Voldemort's sanctum sanctorum begins...
A/N: Please be warned that the following chapter contains violence, and there will be character deaths. This is the 'final battle' sequence.
16. War is Upon Us, or Stand and Be Counted Part II by Bambu [Reviews - 1] (6112 words)
The battle ends... and help arrives in the metaphorical form of the three faces of Fate.
17. A Successful Campaign or None of Us is Unscathed by Bambu [Reviews - 4] (8782 words)
Our battered and beleaguered heroes return to Grimmauld Place, and we find out if there is a future for Hermione and Draco.
