Hi guys! Me again, MissMalfoy394. My other story (Beneath the Surface) is on momentary hiatus as I have a minor writer's block regarding the next chapter or two. While thinking up the new chapter, I got the idea for this story, so I started it before I lost the idea! I'd say Beneath the Surface will be back soon enough, but for now, enjoy! ~MissMalfoy394


Prologue

Hermione screamed as Bellatrix Lestrange dug the sharp knife into her arm again. She was carving out the word "Mudblood", but unfortunately for Hermione, had only started on the "b".

Bellatrix cackled again, relishing in Hermione's pain. She dug the knife in even deeper and drew more deep red blood from Hermione's arm. Tears started to form in Hermione's eyes, but she forced herself not to cry; she wouldn't give Bellatrix the pleasure of her tears.

Hermione averted her eyes from Bellatrix's crazed face, or her left arm, where Bellatrix was starting on the "l". She caught the eyes of none other than Draco Malfoy; her ex-schoolmate (if you were to call him a "mate"). He looked in about as much pain as she was. He was deathly pale, even more so than usual, and looked like he was going to throw up. He mouthed the words "I'm sorry" to her, and looked like he actually meant it. Hermione nodded slightly and winced again, as Bellatrix started to carve into her arm again.

When Bellatrix was finished, she stood up and admired her work. "Now the whole world will see what you really are, filthy little Mudblood!" she spat at Hermione, who was still lying, almost motionless, on the ground. Bellatrix leant down and grabbed Hermione by the arm, dragging her off the floor to her feet. She dragged Hermione over to Lucius, Narcissa, and Draco, who were standing in the corner of the room, Narcissa and Draco looking like they were going to be sick, and Lucius looking disgusted at the mere sight of Hermione Granger lying on his ballroom floor.

"Draco, my sweet little nephew," Bellatrix cooed, "I have a little present for you. Here!" she threw Hermione at Draco, and Hermione stumbled towards him. "I want my baby nephew to become a man today!" cried Bellatrix. "You know what to do, little Draco. Now, off you go to your bedroom. Run along!" Bellatrix shoved Draco and Hermione out of the ballroom, towards the staircase, and slammed the door behind them. Draco looked at Hermione with remorse, not disgust, and took her hand to lead her to the stairs.


When Draco and Hermione got to Draco's room, he shut the door, locked it with a number of spells, and led Hermione to his bed. He sat her down on the bed, and sat beside her, unsure of himself.

"Have you ever done this before, Granger?" he asked, looking at Hermione.

She shook her head slowly, not meeting his gaze.

"Well, um, neither have I," he admitted softly, averting his eyes.

"You know we are going to have to do this," he said. "She'll kill us both if we don't."

Hermione knew, but was too scared to speak a word; for fear that she might burst into tears.

After a few moments, she looked at Draco. He had changed since their last year at Hogwarts together. He looked drained, completely exhausted. He was so pale, and he looked skinnier than he used to be. His hair wasn't as shiny or soft-looking as it had been, and his once-silver eyes had dulled to a dark grey colour.

Hermione finally plucked up her famous Gryffindor courage, looked up at Draco, and softly whispered, "Alright."

She wasn't entirely sure Draco heard her, so she said it again, "alright. I'll do it. Let's just please get it done and over with."

Draco finally came to his senses and looked back at Hermione. He could see the fear so clearly in her eyes, and guessed that she could probably see the same in his. He took her hand and said, "I'm not going to say any bullshit and pretend it doesn't hurt; because it will for you, but I promise that I will try make it as painless as I possibly can. My aunt will check my memory, and quite possibly yours to make sure that we did do as she asked, so I will have to act rough and as if I don't care, but I promise you Hermione, I will make it as easy as possible."

Even though Hermione and Draco had never gotten along together before, Hermione completely and utterly trusted him. She nodded her head again, took a deep breath, and closed her eyes to try block out what would be a moment she would never want to remember again, ever.


A/N: I didn't want to go into the details of the encounter for now, but it may crop up later as flashbacks. You have been warned! ~MissMalfoy394