Began writing this on the 23rd of December in 2004

HELLBOUND

File also known as 'migraines from hell.'

-Chronicle currently being added on-

Segment forming… Sequence Chapter 1.5 commencing…-

Key of my idiotic text:

- means a change in POV, not scene, unless I say so...

Chapter 1.5: Sympathy for the Devil

And now, we resume with Draco's view…

Three days later

December 1st, 9 PM, 2005

You never stood a chance.
Resurrection a dead messiah,
for a paralysed race.-
Dehumanisation by Arch Enemy

"Wake up, you bum!" a woman's voice bellowed from somewhere above me.

Did she just call me an arse?

My head… It was throbbing as if nails were being forced into my forehead… It felt like knives were driven through the sides of my face. My insides felt ripped apart and swallowed down forcefully. My back was knotty and my legs were numb. My arms felt like chains were holding them down.

I gradually opened my eyes and felt an icy shudder creep stealthily down my spine.

"Smouldering hell…" My voice was gruff and a bit hoarse. The reason was simply because I hadn't been allowed to drink anything but blood, due to the Death Eater ritual. I respect the ritual however, and I neither think nor voice a complaint about the killings or the sweet-tasting blood of the Muggles. It's just the location that I had hated…

My stomach tightened. A woman in her mid twenties bent down on her knees and cupped a thin hand under my chin, forcing my face from the icy floor. I almost cringed at her touch; I hadn't had anyone touch me in a while, and her hand was very warm. I didn't avert my gaze from her dark orbs and my humourless mask was now being played. She wasn't about to catch me off-guard again.

"You're my responsibility, Malfoy," she spat venomously. "Don't go all blank on me!"

That did not make any sense at all!

Her bushy black curls brushed against my cheeks as she leaned down further. It caused my two 'battle scars' to throb. In reality, those two scars were just the agonising result of when I had pissed off a DE instructor the previous year. 'I really believe you only exist to piss me off!' Yeah, it was a done deal before I even started…

I gazed emotionlessly away from her. My headache was becoming steadily worse. I furrowed my eyebrows. What was with me today? I was becoming much too weak and vulnerable for my taste… I have to build my mask once I'm able to think properly…

"I won't tell you anything, and if you thought that I would, then you're off your rocker," I rasped. My silver orbs were glazed over and my chest was heaving. I needed something to drink, like W-A-T-E-R. Sweet, water, not metallic blood… If I was in my right mind, I would be indulging myself in that woman's blood…

She abruptly snarled at me, "Don't try me, Death Eater. I'm not in the mood for an argument. Do you even remember who I am?"

She needs to learn some manners. I would have slit her throat and be drinking her blood by now!

I raised my eyebrows. My eardrums were ringing because of her sudden screech. Tch, she's pushing me too far… I'm so close to wringing her filthy neck…

"You're my fairy Godshitter! You're like a fairy godmother, only you're too shitty to help me out of these chafing chains," I drawled humourlessly.

A small smile tugged her lips. "No," she replied, "try again."

I caged my joking side and didn't have to force a scornful expression. "You're of the DA, a maddening woman who doesn't know anything about me, only what's in files," I growled through gnashed teeth.

"You need some, too…"

The woman blinked and puzzlement replaced her faint smile. "What?"

"You're hearing things," I quickly said.

Her fingernails dug into my chin. "If you do mind, I'll be switching the topic… I went to school with you, so I should know more about you than what our records may state." Her dark orbs held my silver ones in equal hurtful anger.

Odd laughter was bubbling inside my throat. "Yeah, I believe you…" I smirked haughtily at her.

She released my chin and slapped me roughly. My scars were probably becoming infected because of her filth. My stomach nearly gave in on me from the huge migraine she caused. "Blast you! Do you remember Hermione Luann Granger!"

The bubble of painful laughter exploded. "Luann! You have to be kidding! Who gives their kid the middle name Luann! A dolt!"

She glared dangerously at me and poked her wand into my stomach. I instantly ceased laughing and glowered at her, struggling against gravity. I could only remember her dumb arse middle name, which was more than enough to send me cracking up. I however controlled my insane chuckles.

"Never you mind my middle name! Answer the question, ferret!" she screeched, a light blush gracing her cheekbones. I blinked and feigned a thoughtful expression.

"Sorry, I forgot. The only part of your name I can remember is… LUANN." It took everything to prevent myself from laughing. What was with the 'ferret' bit? It seemed familiar…

"Hermione don't-you-ever-repeat-my-middle-name Granger!"

The bubble of laughter vanished, almost completely forgotten. This frizzy-haired nuisance was Granger? Well, I now know at least why she's so aggravating… I struggled against gravity, cursing the world for waking up to her plain face. I wanted to just strangle her and stain my hands with her filthy blood, just to ease the torture placed upon my uneasy mind.

That was why my stomach clenched as if I was about to vomit. I had always felt a bit queer around her, like I was sick. When I heard her name, my stomach would always, no matter what the situation, tighten even worse. I knew her frizz, but I hadn't recognised her without a book clutched to her chest.

I ignored my burning cheek and scars. They weren't much of a nuisance, but they still stung, no matter how much I tried to block the pain. Damn, my defences are being crumbled like a powerful gust of wind to a house of sticks…

"I knew it… Your hair is too bushy to belong to anyone else," I drawled. "You're pathetic, thinking that you can just say for me to spill my guts and expect a swift reply! We Death Eaters are loyal to the core!"

Granger's cheeks flushed in anger. "We'll give you time, then."

I attempted to climb up to my feet and slap her into oblivion, but the same damn force held me down. If I had my dagger, I would just cut my hands off and be done with it! There's no need to feel when you're motionless…

"You're chained," she stated calmly.

She had already climbed up to her feet and I gazed at her long bushy black curls, which just barely reached her knees. Why did she let her hair grow that long? That was just pure idiocy… Heh, maybe I'll grab her hair and drag her down here with me, to see how she likes feeling worthless! I'll rip it all out too, one strand at a time, wrapping them around my pale fingers…

Reality, Draco. You can toy with your imaginary pet later. Now's the time to intimidate. Come on, scare the shit out of her!

"To the floor!" I shouted incredulously. "That's just wrong!"

Granger laughed, her voice light. "You're one to talk, Death Eat-"

"That doesn't shame me," I growled.

She placed her small hands on her hips and glowered down at me. Her chocolate coloured orbs were sparkling and her bushy black curls nearly stood on end. She leaned down again and gazed grimly down at me. I wanted to slap her then and there for the hell of it.

"I am able to see rebellion in your steely eyes," she coolly stated.

I rolled my silver orbs at her. "What did you expect for me to feel? Shame for killing all those Muggles? Depression for acting like a true Death Eater? For a Mudblood! Do you take me for a fool? I don't socialise with your filthy lot!"

Her dark orbs hardened into anger. "No rations for breakfast, do you want to try for lunch?"

I glanced around for a clock of some sort. 9:58 PM…

My stomach growled. "It's barely even night," I grumbled, and then continued loudly. "I don't want your filthy food!"

Granger kicked my legs with the force of someone much stronger than she appeared. I tried to hold together my mask, but a fraction of my pain leaked through. My legs had been bruised in a previous mission dealing with the slaughter of a Muggle family. I had slipped down from the top floor from a three-story house to the very last step. Damn skateboards…

"I can't starve you," she spat. "You'll have to learn to endure our food."

My stomach tightened even more. "No. I'd rather die than betray my comrades!"

Granger raised her dark eyebrows. "The chivalry thing just doesn't cut it for you, Malfoy," she stated acidly.

My cheeks flushed in anger. "It's not chivalry. I really just hate food cooked by Muggles or half-bloods, or filthy disloyal-"

Granger rolled her dark orbs. "Do you really want me to kick you again?"

I gazed into space, anywhere but Granger. "How am I supposed to eat, anyhow?"

Granger sighed. "Oh, spare me," she grumbled.

"You don't know, do you!" I shouted incredulously. "I'm not letting myself be spoon-fed!"

Granger laughed again, this time in a mocking way.

"No," she replied calmly. "I'd release you from the chains and watch you eat, then lock you up again."

Why do I have the feeling she isn't explaining the details for a specific reason? The usual Granger went on for days in explanation over a topic if you were confused and not the Golden Trio. She never helped the fuck-wits after fourth year. Or was it our fifth? Ah, who gives a shit…

I grinded my teeth tightly. "Why do I have to be chained to the floor of all the places?"

Granger twisted a strand of her unruly black mane and sat down with her legs crossed over another beside me. She was too close; unpleasantly close enough to poke with my hands chained. She smelt similar to modest lavender flowers and just a smidgen of watermelon. I hated flowers and I was allergic to watermelons. Just a few more inches and I could have punctured her jugular vein with one of my long nails…

"Would you like to stay in here with me for 24/7?" she retorted haughtily.

"Can I at least not be chained? It's bloody uncomfortable!" I complained loudly.

I then realised what I was saying as her mocking laughter danced around my head. The prisoner was asking for better conditions! She had the right to slap me, but she didn't. I would have broken from these stupid chains and strangled her if she had, anyway.

I felt my chains loosen and I sat up slowly, stretching out my arms. My Mark was icy cold, unlike before in the magical forest, when it was scalding hot. I was probably just regaining my normal body temperature, considering that the forest was excruciatingly cold… -45 degrees is too cold, even for my frozen heart.

"Hmm… Your Mark seems odd… What does that mean?" Granger obviously must have caught a glimpse of my Death Eater tattoo.

I noticed that my black robes were covered in dirt and ripped in random places. I raised my eyes and saw my boots from the other side of the dungeon. I glanced over at Granger before I rolled up my sleeves. I bit my tongue and glanced over at her in bewilderment. She was just as puzzled. She reached out her right hand and traced the new, odd mark now on my arm. I shuddered at the warmth of her hesitant touch.

My Death Eater mark wasn't there. It had been replaced with a moving tattoo of a serpent and a lion playing with each other. She traced the serpent softly, then as hard as nails on the lion. I furrowed my eyebrows as the warmth increased. What the hell was she doing, touching me, anyway?

"I dunno," I muttered.

She sighed and gazed into space. "Maybe it's a sign, Mr. Death Eater."

I snorted and caught her wrist before she slapped me again. She glared at me and I quickly released her wrist, wanting to rid myself of that odd heat she possessed. Mudbloods aren't supposed to feel like furnaces, only when someone like me chucks them into one, then they are permitted to.

"Tch, that is only coincidence," I drawled.

I could have easily pinned her to the floor and slammed her head repeatedly into the concrete until her blood covered every inch of me. I'm not kidding, either. The old Malfoy would have backed down and been whimpering, but I was a new, much bolder Malfoy. I came for blood and didn't stop until the victim was either dead, scarred from head to toe, or a bloody mass of pleading significance. I aim to complete a mission: if you're in my way, you'll be struck down either by magic, or anything useful I have in my possession at the moment.

My lip was bleeding now, because I had been biting it while thinking. Granger scowled now at me. I scowled angrily at her, my blood coming to a boil. Did I give her the right to stare at me? No, I didn't!

"What the hell are you staring at?" I spat.

She sighed and retrieved a red handkerchief from her left cloak pocket. I raised my eyebrows at her, opening my mouth to retort, but she shook her head lightly. I closed my mouth and glared icily at her as she examined my lip. She glanced up and caught me watching her and almost smiled. My stomach tightened in disgust.

"Don't bite your lip," she said. I rolled my eyes at her. "Seriously! I can't let anything happen to you. Don't make me slap you anymore either, your scars look pretty bad. "

Really? Oh, I was going to make her life hell. Payback, oh yeah… I grinned to myself. She was going to be screaming for mercy when I'd be through with her…

Granger's cheeks flushed. She shoved the handkerchief to my chest and quickly climbed up to her feet and brushed off her robes. She appeared flustered. I gazed up at her in bewilderment and pressed the handkerchief to my swollen and bleeding bottom lip. What was with her and her odd emotions?

"Just so you know: you're in for Hell on earth if you decide that you want to watch me every waking moment," I drawled.

She simply shrugged it off lightly and plopped down clumsily on a silver couch that appeared so much bigger than her that it might swallow her into the cushions. She interlaced her thin fingers together under her chin and leaned forward, her emotions almost more clear to me than an open book. Stupid Mudblood… She should guard herself carefully when around me, not be so damn mellow! Why am I being so damn dramatic? Her unguarded makes me the one with the upper-hand…

"If you want to be in Azkaban, just piss me off," she frostily said.

My fingers tightened around the handkerchief and I hid my pale cheeks. Damn Mudblood, always making me uncomfortable…

"Damn… Are you why I'm in this dump?" my voice was muffled because of the handkerchief.

She nodded and flashed me an almost evil grin. "Azkaban would suit you better?"

My silver eyes darkened and I shook my head. "No thank you," I replied gruffly.

"I knew that you would see it my way," she smiled.

I rolled my silver orbs and chucked the handkerchief back at her. She caught it before it hit her plain face. I silently cursed myself for missing. I could have bled on it or hid an object in it, but no, I had to be the stupid non-thinking-ahead dumb arse that I was known for!

"We're rooming together now," she stated professionally, "so you'll have to get used to me somehow. You won't have to share anything but a loo (at this I snorted) with me, and stay on your side of the room."

"Dungeon," I corrected her.

Granger raised her dark eyebrows at me. "Do you want to eat at all?"

I mentally cursed myself again. Damn it! "Okay, so, which side of this shit-hole is mine? Where I'm at now, or where your hair ends?"

"Gosh! Do I have to mark it!"

Now, that was the Granger I had grown to loathe! Heh, now if I only had my dagger… I could imagine it now… However, there were other issues to take care of.

"Never you mind," I grumbled.

Granger stood from her chair. "I'll go and get my stuff."

I almost snorted. "Otay, gow awnd bee ay gooowed wittle keed!"

Granger glared down at me, her hands on her hips. She was obviously thinking of a nasty retort, but she didn't voice anything. I smirked up at her, questioning her soundlessly to throw something at me. However, she just rolled her dark eyes at me and left the dungeon in a flourish. Why was she always backing down for me?

I just realised something… I don't enjoy quiet rooms for some reason… If I only could have realised earlier, I might have asked for her to- no, that would be like committing suicide…

I leaned back and yawned, my eyes slightly watering. I propped my arms behind my head and gazed up at what appeared to be an electronic… Muggle thing. I blew up my platinum bangs and sighed with impatience. Those DAs are probably laughing at me…

"Crap. I almost forgot…"

Granger forgetting something? How scary! Ooohhh, I'm shaking in my dirty robes… Just try me, Mudblood…

"Figures," I muttered.

Granger's head poked out from a crack in the slightly open door. I almost smacked myself. I could have escaped then! Granger scowled at me and walked into my dungeon. (I'm calling it my dungeon from now on, because it certainly isn't Granger's. She likes watermelon, and it's nasty, with all those seeds…)

"I have to lock you again," she stated.

I scowled. "Terrific… Am I supposed to sleep this way, too?"

She shook her head. "No, but I can't trust you unchained."

"Great, my one chance was crushed," I mocked. Granger rolled her dark eyes.

"Slide your arms and legs into the cuffs. I want to go and get my stuff."

Why should I? Ah, what the hell.

I slid my wrists and ankles between the cold metal cuffs and almost shuddered. I needed to think of a way to escape- I needed to undermine the DA, crush their plans, and incendio them to Hell. But how could I, when Granger was always watching me, and that Muggle electronic thing? Damn it! Maybe I could find someone to cut the wires, or whatever the Mudbloods do…

As I watched the cell door close, I let myself wander deep into Winter Wonderland. Desperate times called for desperate measures, right? So, I needed to come up with a logical method of getting the hell out of here… without being chucked face-first into Azkaban. Maybe I could convince them that I had switched beliefs, but I would have to pull off some serious acting to do that. I could do it, if I really put effort into it.

I should first target the easiest dent… I need to convince the person who will be the most around me… But how would I? The nearest person would be… Shit, I can't think with the pressure…

I slowly opened my eyes and gazed blankly into space. I thought that I heard the sound of a door opening, but I pretended not to notice. I just wanted to drift off with my eyes open… I could drift off into my own pleasures, with the symphony of screams as my background music… I could dream of crimson delights, my fingers greasy with blood…

An hour later, 12:00 PM.

Dark thoughts rise up
deep in your mind.
The killing of hope,
the end has begun.-
Enemy Within by Arch Enemy

"Eh, Malfoy?"

I yawned and glanced around sluggishly. Granger's worried expression was the first I recognised, then Potter's disturbed one. I rolled my eyes and let my eyelids droop. I didn't give a shit about their opinions.

"Drat, I wish he would have stayed dead," Potter grumbled.

"I heard that," I spat.

So, they thought that I had died? Damn, if I could only know how they felt! I could target that person and make them believe I wasn't so bad, which wasn't true at all, but I can pull it off. I would be emotionally scarred from the disgusting experience, but that's the price I have to pay for being stupid.

Granger shot Potter a threatening glance, then walked over to me and sat on her knees.

"You really frightened me, Malfoy," she whispered.

I gazed away from her. "Whatever."

Now, at least I know that I have to target Granger.

"The dungeon isn't supposed to look homey!"

Weasley… Ugh. What a damned idiotic redheaded…

I glanced up at Granger and saw her flustered expression. I scowled darkly and she met my silver eyes. Her brown eyes revealed everything, from her anxiety to her anger…

"Hermione!" Weasley shouted.

Granger sighed and climbed up to her feet. "What, Ron!"

-

Can it be there's some sort of error,
hard to stop the surmounting terror.
Is it really the end,

not some crazy dream- Hallowed Be Thy Name (Shallow Be Thy Grave) by Cradle of Filth

Just when I thought that I was getting through to Malfoy, Ron had to butt in! Darn it!

This mission is very important! I need to prove that Malfoy is good so that the Dementors won't hurt him. I need to somehow make him…ugh…fall for me. There have already been odd situations, like that marking of his for an example. It was a fate mark, I'm sure of it!

Fate marks are destiny's way of saying, "hey, you have a certain strangeness about you. You have a fate, a destiny. Choose to accept it, or it will be your biggest fault."

I had read about it one day in the library. I hope that I can have a fate mark. I have a desire to feel important, like I actually have a purpose on this world. Now that Malfoy has a fate mark instead of his Death Eater mark, it's obvious that he will change the War forever, good or bad.

His Mark puzzles me. It's one that I have never seen. It wasn't in the book I had read. I need to do some research and find out what it means.

It's perplexing that I'm still a bookworm. Lavender and Paravati thought that I might give it up, but it's a part of me that's the core of my personality. I can't let it go, or else I wouldn't be me anymore. Malfoy seems to be bolder than when I last saw him in the graduation. Before he wouldn't even throw a couple of punches. Now, he appears that if he had an opening and if he were provoked enough, he would beat the crap out of the nearest person. He's much more malicious, so much unlike me.

Crap! What am I doing, thinking about that cruddy wanna-be Death Eater!

"Why are you flirting with Malfoy!" Ron screeched.

I rolled my eyes and glanced over at Harry for help, but he had plopped down on a chair and was reading a book titled Quidditch for Dumb-Arses. I placed my hands on my hips and glared up at Ron.

"I was not flirting with him," I spat. "I was checking to see if he was all right."

"I just wanted a bloody nap," Malfoy grumbled.

"You were sleeping!" I whipped around and glared down at him. "I was panicking over a nap!"

Malfoy's silver orbs widened for a moment, then he glanced over at me, then looked away again. He appeared nauseous.

"Yeah, you were panicking over a ruddy nap," he drawled. His face was blank again.

"Well," Ron began, "now that you're aware that the turd is fine-"

"Fuck you," Malfoy spat.

I glanced down at him again. He rolled his silver orbs.

"You're in no position to retort," I snarled.

"Sure, that's what you think," he muttered.

Harry glanced up from his book. "Hey, Hermione? Can't he just be thrown in Azkaban?"

Malfoy shot Harry a disdainful glance.

"Well," I said, turning to Harry with a sober expression, "I think that we should give him a chance."

Ron snorted. "He doesn't deserve a chance!"

Malfoy growled. "How would you know, Weasley!"

Harry looked Malfoy over, and then nodded his head. "Let's give him a chance, Ron. Oh, and Malfoy, learn your place before you get chucked into Azkaban."

Malfoy inhaled and stared Harry down. "Whatever," he snarled.

I glanced down at Malfoy. "I think you guys should leave now. Malfoy is probably tired because of the Hell raised tonight."

Malfoy arched his platinum eyebrows. He was obviously surprised that I had cursed. In fact, I kind of felt the same way.

Harry tucked the Quidditch book under his arm and Ron shot Malfoy an angry glance.

"Bye, Mione," they chorused.

12:45 AM...

I'll make my final stand.

Justice shall be done.- The Reckoning (Don't Tread on me) by Iced Earth

Goodness…

"Hey, Malfoy?" I glanced over at him from my newly adjusted bed. I had to shrink all my belongings and un-shrink them to be able to have them in here, actually.

He continued to gaze at the ceiling, his silver eyes blank. Something about him fascinated me. I always wondered what it would be like to be unable to show your emotions. I always wondered what it would be like to be him, to be so cold…

"What, Granger?"

"Why do you hate Muggleborns?"

Malfoy snorted. His expression then hardened, his silvery orbs like hot steel.

"I'm not answering that," he said.

I shrugged my shoulders. "If you can't give a reason, that must mean that you don't truly hate us."

"Granger, damn… Fine, I'll tell you!" he stared away from me into space.

Yes! I almost grinned. "Well, spit it out!"

"I don't know what made me decide to spill this to you Granger, but don't you dare say a word until I'm through.

"You Muggleborns are my exact opposite, in belief and daily life. You come from dirt, taking on human form. Basically, you exist merely to piss me off.

"On the inside, you all are still the same as before, filthy. You take away jobs wizards once had, for much lower pay. You're vermin, the lot of you. Your lot is far beneath me, and I won't tolerate Muggleborns walking around without some sort of collar. That's why I became a Death Eater of my own freewill, with no strings attached, no one telling or forcing me to apply.

"I wanted this. I needed to exterminate your kind and help the wizards who are out of options. You may think that I'm talking rubbish. You may compare my Lord to Hitler and the Death Eaters to the German soldiers he commanded, but I only speak the truth. We exist to help wizards, to take back what's rightfully ours…

"It may seem selfish, but wizards have long owned this land… Before the Muggles stole it… this land was peaceful; the community was tied as one. We had our own schools of wizardry to teach children and help adults of all ages. We are the Natives to this land, not the Muggles.

"We're only fighting to regain our land, but we had to turn to hostile methods to do so. If you look at it from a clear angle, there really is no good or evil, just some pissed off Natives who want justice."

I blanched and propped my head against the back of my left hand. Well, that was very unexpected…

"Well? Is the Golden Brain stumped, or what?" he spat.

"I'm thinking," I replied sharply.

"Oh," he mocked, "how surprising!"

I ignored the comment and gazed off into space. Questions were bombarding me, ones against what I was taught to believe. Were 'good' and 'evil' just words? Did the wizards really have claim to Europe? Why couldn't we just get along? What was I going to do to convince Malfoy?

Maybe I should sleep on it.

-

It's a safe assumption that you'd want to save me now.- Slaughtered by Pantera

I couldn't sleep. Damn it!

I glanced over at Granger, who was sleeping soundly. Why couldn't I get a bed? That camera thing was on, so why couldn't I sleep on a nice, cushy bed? Was this their way of weakening me? Well, it was slowly working, even though I would never admit it.

I closed my eyes and pursed my lips into a straight line. How was I going to sleep when I wasn't used to the cold floor? I had been trained for every other condition but this… Again karma is sneaking up on me…

"Go to sleep, Malfoy," Granger's voice broke my train of thought.

I opened my eyes and nearly let the shock leak through my mask when I saw her out of her bed. She was supposed to be asleep, not stumbling around like a girl who needs way more hours of beauty sleep! Hell, beauty sleep wouldn't help her, she was too plain and her hair was too frizzy…

"What in the hell are you doing?" I growled between my grinded teeth.

She smiled down at me, the key in her left hand. "I suppose I'll release you so you can get some sleep. It wouldn't be very nice of me to keep you awake."

I raised my pale eyebrows at her. "You have got to be off your rocker."

She shook her head, then bent down on her knees and began to unlock me. "Sleep on the couch. Since the camera is taping us, I suppose it would be all right."

"What made you suddenly worried about me?" I watched her still unlocking my chains.

"I'm just in a good mood right now," she replied. "I wasn't worried about you either, I just thought you should get some sleep."

"After being unconscious for who the hell knows how long?"

The question just popped out, I had no control over it.

"Three days," she replied calmly. "I'm not keeping you awake when I'm sleeping… We have to be on the same schedule. When I eat, you eat. When I sleep, you sleep. Understand me?"

"Whoa, hold on a moment," I began. "Three days! What did you twerps do to me!"

Granger finished with the last cuff and raised her head to grin evilly at me. "Nothing."

I sat up and popped my neck a few times. "I'll get it out of you later."

Granger stood up and wandered over to her bed. I watched her pull from under her bed green and silver sheets and two black pillows. She turned around after climbing to her feet again and gazed at me expectantly. I rolled my silver eyes and stood with minor difficulty, then trailed over to her. I glanced down at the covers then met her questioning gaze.

"Well," she grinned, "what do you say?"

I kept my face an aloof mask. "I will never do anything of the sort."

She shrugged her shoulders. "Worth a shot, I guess. Here's your stuff. You'll sleep on the silver couch. We only have one, so don't ask me anything until I wake up."

I raised my pale eyebrows, and then slowly nodded. I wrenched the covers and pillows from her tight grip, and then silently wandered to the couch. She's been acting very odd lately…

Well, is this better than sleeping on the floor?

I lied down on the couch and pulled the covers over me, reaching down to the floor and slipping the two pillows beneath my head. I let myself sigh softly, closing my eyes slowly. I was wary as usual, listening to Granger's light breathing and even the sound of the clock ticking with every passing second.

Much, much better.

I found myself dozing off in the same room as my enemy and not minding it. The couch was too soft I have to admit… Once I'm on a soft surface, I'm out.

8:12 AM

December 2nd, 2005

Terror and ugliness reveal what death really means.- Blackmail the Universe by Megadeth

"Wakey, wakey!"

Bloody satanic Hell.

I peeked open my left eye and found myself staring up at Granger from the floor. I scowled moodily at her and climbed up to my feet. It angered me that I had slept through whatever caused me to be in this position.

"Why was I on the floor!" I had difficulty trying to prevent myself from exploding.

"I rolled you off the couch," she replied coldly. "You sleep too heavily. I'll have to do something about it…"

I blanched and rubbed the crust from my eyes. "It's apart of me. I was born that way."

She pursed her lips into a small scowl. "Don't let it happen again, all right?"

I glared down at her, and then nodded slowly. "Get me an alarm and we'll see about it."

Granger arched an eyebrow. "'We'll'?"

"I will!" I corrected. "Jeez, women…"

Granger smiled mockingly. "Learn proper grammar."

I collapsed backward onto the couch. "I don't have the time, and don't you dare-"

Granger grinned. "I wouldn't do that to you."

I scowled at her and closed my eyes, letting myself wander deep into thought. Should I execute the plan now? Plan A, I think that's what I'll call it… 1.5, part A, alpha, numeral uno, etc…

Plan A is what I've been working on for about oh, I think since I regained consciousness… I'll be acting soft around the Mudblood, convincing her that I've totally changed. Of course, it'll be slow and tedious, but it will all pay off in the end. I'll be her friend, nothing more… Just to get to Mister Dumbledoreknob. I really need to hack some stuff, though, like how I'm exactly going to fake it and when I should start… I can't even keep a journal about it. Hell, if I keep a journal, it would have to be in code and all about that Mudblood…

"Hey, Granger?" I opened my eyes and feigned a serious expression.

Granger was now sitting on her bed. She raised her head from her book with an aggravated expression, but that changed when she saw my face. She nodded and snapped her book shut. "Yeah, what do you want, Malfoy?"

I leaned forward, interlacing my fingers together. "I'm kind of curious about my new mark. It just doesn't feel right, y'know?"

Her face suddenly brightened. "Oh," she grinned, "I can tell you all about it's origin! It's a fate mark!"

A fate mark? I know that I've said this before, but… She's off her bloody rocker!

"A fate…mark?"

Granger nodded and stood from her bed. "Move over, Malfoy. I have some things to show you," she said almost cheerfully. She scooped up an enormous stack of books and I blanched a pale white.

I don't want to learn about the fate marks! Ah, damn it… Only for the DEs, only for my Lord… If I was disloyal… Considering that I only do it for the blood, this may not be the best choice... Do I have anything to lose?

However, I don't, so I'll have to stick to the plan… Who knows? This might help 1.5!

-

A worthless gain...- Dead Eyes See no Future by Arch Enemy

This was so great! This was my big break, to show Malfoy our way is better than his! Well, that's kind of selfish and big-headed, but… Eh, never mind.

Malfoy raised his glassy silver eyes to mine and reluctantly scooted over on the couch.

"Can't you make it simple? What about a short explanation? Or do you only save them for the Golden Twins?"

I scowled at him and plopped down beside him to set the books on his lap. I grinned when pain crossed his face. "That's what you get for pissing me off," I coldly stated.

He pushed the books into the floor. I gasped and slapped him roughly. I cringed as I felt the fresh blood coat my hand.

I went down on the floor and stacked up the books neatly, checking for any bent pages and found none. I glared up at him. "You could have hurt them!"

He raised his eyebrows at me and snatched the book from my hands. How wasn't he in pain? "Fate marks: alchemy symbols?"

I nodded slowly and sat beside him again. I watched him open the book with interest, grinning to myself as he studied the pages.

"Yeah. Fate marks have a direct connection with alchemy," I explained. "Without alchemy, we would cease to exist."

Malfoy raised his eyes from the book. "Isn't alchemy changing things into completely different objects? What do snakes and lions have to- oh!"

I smiled at him. "You just realised it, eh?"

He nodded and handed the book to me. "I think that you should explain it… Read it aloud, all right?"

I bit my bottom lip. "You won't learn anything if you don't read it yourself," I stated and handed the book back to him.

He scowled. "Now, you're just treating me like a kid!"

I shrugged. "Read it to yourself. You probably haven't read anything good in months," I said.

"Tch," he said. "I've read tons of good books."

"Just read the thing," I icily stated.

He raised his silver eyes to meet my brown ones. "Fine," he said.

"'Fate has its own weird twists and pitfalls. Fate marks are a symbol of your own personal downfall or rise in glory. You will forever be remembered or shunned. It all depends on which path you choose.'" I quoted.

"I think that's all the explanation that I need."

"WHAT!" I shrieked.

I won't believe that he's abruptly changed his mind. However, if he was to consider taking a thorough examination of the DA's ways, then decide that our way was relatively better, I might trust him. That was just the way I am. I don't open myself up to people easily, they have to want and work for my trust. Malfoy didn't have those qualities.

"I want to have a look on alchemy," he replied. "I think that you'll have to wait a while for your book."

I then noticed that he had marked his place with a ripped piece of his tattered robes. He already had the book open again and I could feel pride filling me.

YES!

I didn't bother to hide my grin. "As long as you bring it back. I'll allow you to read it only once, so you better have a photographic memory. Understand that I'm doing this for your sake, not mine. You should know about-"

Malfoy raised a pale hand to silence me. "Shut up. I'm reading."

I nodded, a small smile still tugging my lips. "All right."

-

I'm waiting in my cold cell...- Hallowed Be Thy Name (Shallow Be Thy Grave) by Cradle of Filth

This alchemy rubbish… It wasn't just about changing metal into gold… It was about converting your magical energy into a form useable through the fingers… Only ones with the fate mark are able to produce this type of alchemy, thus they are named the fated few… I am one of the fated few.

I can't find my mark in this book. Did Granger know about this? Did she set me up to come over and ask her? She might have, because she plans ahead too much. She's so much unlike me, she's practically my opposite…

Hmm… It seems like fate marks are a mark of destiny… Those with fate marks have catastrophic fates or prosperous ones… I wonder what mine will be.

I know that the snake and lion represent the houses Gryffindor and Slytherin back from school… They're always playing with each other… In a nice way, like running beside another… It isn't right… Maybe my fate is to actually unite the two sides? No, we're too different.

I must stay on course… I can't let this damn mark sway my opinion. I have to continue with alpha, weird mark or Death Eater one… I can't let it affect me, no matter how strange it is…

Book of alchemy

To the grave,

we take this oath…- Killswitch Engage

Full-blooded wizards are the main portions of fate mark wielders. However, some Muggleborns and even Muggles possess them. Half-blooded wizards will never obtain a mark, unless they possess an enormous magical ability.

What kind of fate mark you possess determines your strength and ability. Most fate marks are of animals and it is very rare that one may have two animals for their mark. This book only covers basic marks, but it's a good start if you just discovered your mark.

You have a specific goal in life. You should feel lucky. You have a purpose, unlike numerous people, who still don't know how they'll be important to anyone. You have two choices: to fail or to conquer above all. The first thing you need to know is that another person in the world has a mark exactly like your own. Find him/her at all costs.

You and the person with the identical mark will help or devastate the world. It all depends on what your culture is and what's occurring at the time. For example: if you are in the middle of a war, it is certain that you will have a direct connection with one of the sides. It's up to you to choose a side, but it's best to watch them from a clear view before making your choice.

TBC…

Philosophical note from the authoress: I even get caught up in unrealistic thoughts myself… However, I'm sadly aware of that Madam Rowling will never make Draco and Hermione a couple. I want to ask you, how can we really be sure? She's pulled stunts on us before, like with someone who's name relates with a star in the heavens and a satellite station in America and Canada… I'm still plagued by a strange feeling of remorse for what happened to him and Dime… However, on to much lighter matters, such as my horrible story. Thanks for your reviews, even though I didn't get as much as I did on the other sites I posted this on, it still means a lot to be that you took your time to read this. Arigato!

Replies to reviews:

Parcheezie Hmm. I hope that you liked this chapter as much as you did the lighter version of the Prologue… Of course, I'm horrible at dark fics, but what the hell, Hermione's POV soothes the storm… Anyway, I already wrote this and I'm almost finished with chapter 3.5, so the suggestion was kinda… Well, it was pointless, to be blunt. Sorry!

slyswn28 Thank you! You really think I'm talented! T-T;; Cookies and coke (the drink) for you! And a glomp, too! Wai!

Q: What do all the inserts from songs in the beginning have to do with this chapter? A: They deal with the plot and sometimes the scene after it…

Hi, you guys! I just want to first off thank you for reading. I know that for a thirteen year old I write like crap, but you took the time to read my work, so I'm eternally indebt to you. Merry frickin Christmas, or whatever the hell you celebrate! Ooh, I just used hell and Christmas in the same sentence! OY! I did it again! I'm so proud of myself…

If you're confused, just ask me it directly in your review. D-I-R-E-C-T-L-Y! I don't like being hinted a question or the review hiding a question within it. It's like getting a cake and already sticking your fork in it when it's an enormous one, like a wedding cake, and you poke the person who's in there's left eye out… Of course, I only saw that on TV, so I couldn't give you a clearer example…

WARNING!

WHACKYNESS WILL INSUE! DO NOT READ IF YOU DON'T WANT DRACO AND HERMIONE OOC! READ HOWEVER IF YOU'RE A GUY WHO WORKS FOR JKR SO I DON'T GET MY ARSE BLOWN OFF!

WARNING!

My name is Jamie Lynn McCarver, and I'm forcing Draco and Hermione to do a disclaimer together!

Draco-Cracks his knuckles and glares venomously at me.-

Hermione: "Malfoy, it wouldn't take very long if you would cooperate!"

Draco-Glances over at Hermione, then grumbles to himself.- "You gave me a migraine and I still can't think because of it!"

Hermione: "Jamie! Can I just do the disclaimer?"

Me: "Ah, all right…"

Hermione: "This young woman does not in any way whatsoever own us. She's just borrowing us until our creator, J.K Rowling, needs us for the 7th book, since she's finished with the 6th. Jamie is not using us for payable purposes, and if she was, she wouldn't be doing it here."

Me: "Eh, that's good enough, Hermione."

Draco: "I could have done the same thing!"

Hermione-Grins.- "In your corrupted dreams, maybe."

Draco: "Oh yeah! Jamie, tell Granger that I can do anything better than her!"

Me: "I'm going to let you guys settle this yourselves in the next disclaimer."

Draco and Hermione: "WHAAAT!"

Hermione: "I have to wait that long to thrash Malfoy!"

Draco: "Yeah, right! I would have you begging for mercy before you could utter even the simplest of spells!"

Me: o-o; "Er, I'll go now."

Hermione: "I know the shortest spell, one that you don't even have to say because it's so short!"

Draco: Pi? -Mathematical equations pop around his head.-

Mathematical equations: "M45H74 !" (MASHTA!)

Draco: "L337! What the hell!"

Me: O-o;; "I didn't know that you knew leet. Anyway, MERRY CHRISTMAS! Come on, Draco, Hermione, help me wish 'em a Christmas!"

All of us: "MERRY (Draco: WATER-FILLED) CHRISTMAS!"

Hermione-Whacks Draco.- "Christmas isn't about water! It's about the joy of giving!"

Draco: "What about those stupid leet producing monsters?"

Me: "…Er…" -Turns to the reader.- "Why are you still here! Review for me! Pweese? It would make my Christmas!"

-Message ended December 27, 2004