My name is Zach Hollinger and my life sucks. Hey, I’m being honest; it’s like one of those “good news-bad news” lines. Kind of like when somebody says “I’ve got some good news and some bad news, which would you like to hear first?”

Zach slowly made his way to the stool where the professor held up the wizard’s hat. He sat down and the hat was placed upon his head. ‘Hmm... where to put you... I see you’re from the Black family tree... your mother correct? Yes, a long line of Slytherin men and women, but I don’t see that for you... you are very smart, Ravenclaw maybe, no... that would not fit you well... loyal, yes, but not enough for Hufflepuff... well then that only leaves...’

“Sorry.” Ron mumbled. “Well, since it’s our last year, and um, we’re 7th years and all, what I’m trying to ask is erm -”

“Would you please just say it.” Hermione interrupted getting irritated with his delay. She immediately regretted pushing him to speak when she felt his lips crash down on hers. His kiss was slippery and wet, and Hermione couldn’t help but feel how awkward Ron was this close. She quickly pulled away horrified by what had just taken place, but Ron hadn’t even notice her appearance because the ear-to-ear smile seemed to block his view of everything.

“Miss Granger, take Mr. Hollinger and please leave. This is no place for the two of you.” McGonagall said politely trying to turn the two around and usher them away. But Hermione glanced behind her to argue when she saw what the problem was. In the middle of the hall, covered in cuts, bruises and torn clothing, Draco laid motionless as professors hustled around trying to make sense of what happened.

Even in the dank alleyway her honey brown eyes glistened with the shine in her brown curls. Hermione willed her eyes away from his, but instead they rested on his forearm that held the horrible and rough scar of the dark mark. She shuddered inwardly thinking how he’d have to live with the ugly mark forever. Draco followed her now sad gaze to his uncovered arm so he quickly pulled his sleeve down breaking Hermione’s thought.

“Ah, my loyal followers. I will not waste your time, but simply tell you of my plans. It seems as though young Mr. Malfoy has contacted his father after a long delay, but has numerously apologized for his lapse in judgment. In mere hours our young member will be in our presence receiving his long awaited dark mark.” There was much applause around the room and Lucius Malfoy was looking smug and accomplished.

“Hermione...you did that to her didn’t you?!” When he didn’t get an answer Draco threw him against the wall again even harder. “Didn’t you!?!” “I said I don’t know what you’re going on about!” He knew it was the kid; there was no way it wasn’t. Draco wanted him to feel all the pain Hermione went through. Since he couldn’t harm the boy that much emotionally, physically would just have to do for now. “Wrong answer.” Draco pulled the shaking boy from the wall and tossed him to the floor.

Someone stormed from the entrance of the alcove as the two secret lovers straightened their clothes and made themselves presentable again. Ocean blue eyes flashed furiously as obscenities escaped his lips lowly. “There is no bloody way that just happen.” He whispered to himself clenching his fists as he walked from the scene.

Inside the glowing orb was an image of the Head’s Common Room. Draco was sitting relaxed on the couch staring into the fireplace where a blazing flame was roaring. A girl walked around the couch and jumped into his lap giggling. She quickly quieted down and relaxed in his strong arms and laid her head against his chest. “My Lord, it can not be . . ."

Out in the hall, McGonagall handed the letter to the boys and let them read. It was a rushed letter from Zach, and barely any of his sentences made sense.
They are coming, plan to take down Hogwarts, Voldemort and his Death Eaters. That line made perfect sense though.

“Well, if you help me in getting the kids ready to leave so that we aren’t late, then I’ll see what I can do to repay you later.”
“You’re lying,” Draco crossed his arms and slid into a slump, “We’re married with two kids. I’m not going to be receiving anything later. A long back massage is the extent that I’m imagining right now, and I’m ashamed to say that I’ll settle for it.”
“I have the smartest husband in the world.” Hermione smiled and got up from her chair. She pulled Draco up alongside her and led him inside.