A/N : Hey. So this is Chapter 3 now. Thank You s to WALIXELA - My first Review :'D

Happy that you enjoyed it :)

Okay so read on..

Chapter 3 – What happened in Diagon Alley

"Hermione! Wake Up!" Fifteen year old Ginny Weasley prodded her best friend. "We have got letters from Hogwarts!"

"Mhhmmm" Hermione simply rolled over.

Gotta pull the big guns. Ginny thought as she shouted "LAVENDAR BROWN IS THE NEW GRYFFINDOR PREFECT!"

"WHAT?!" screamed Hermione as she sat up in horror.

Then she saw her friend's amused expression and twitching lips. "Gin!" She all but shouted.

"Don't look at me like that Mia! You were not even opening an eye and I was trying to wake you up since the past fifteen minutes!"

The twins chose that moment to stroll in their room.

"What is this we hear about Won Won's girlfriend being crowned as the female prefect this year?" Fred choked.

"Well – Hermione began, glaring at Ginny , " Ginny here thought it would be funny to wake me up to a statement like that"

"Not my fault! You got that coming!"

"Now Now Ginerva" George started "Surely you know –

"DON'T CALL ME GINERVA!" screamed Ginny!

"But lil sis we love that name, Don't we Fred?"

"Yes we do! And Ginerva mother is calling you and Miss. Still – in – bed down for breakfast. The Potters are going to meet us before we go to Diagon Alley"

"Which is –" George continued, " Exactly in thirty minutes from now". So hurry up Hermione and Ginerva!"

Ginny glared at the twins as they chuckled away and Hermione got up to get dressed.

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Draco Malfoy paced the floor of his room. He was thinking of ways to forfeit this school year at Hogwarts and remain at home.

He looked over at his desk where his letter lay unopened. If he did not go then he wouldn't be expected to kill Professor Dumbledore. And be killed.

He thought of all the ways that could get him out of this mess. Several involving a preferably long stint in St. Mungo's. He was still thinking over his plans when his mother walked in.

"Draco", Narcissa Malfoy called out in a small voice.

Draco looked at the frail form that was his mother. She had grown so weak since his father was imprisoned.

"Are you packed for tomorrow darling?"

Draco walked towards her, " I don't want to go mother. I think I should forfeit this year."

Narcissa looked up alarmed. "I cannot kill him mother. Even if he wasn't the most powerful wizard alive. I cannot kill."

Unlike rest of his family and friends, his mother was a person he both trusted and confided deepest darkest fears, even his feelings for Hermione were secrets she kept safe with her.

"Draco dear, you can't just let go of an entire year because you can't kill. I know you are not capable of murder. But you must go. For if you don't , you will be in direct danger of the Dark Lord. And Hogwarts will keep you safe from him."

"It's safe because Dumbledore's there mother. And I am supposed to kill him. How can – "

"I know Draco. But going there and making a show of attempt is still better for you.

Oh How I wish Severus was alive. He could have helped you I am sure of it…" Narcissa trailed.

His potions master and guardian in the school was killed the previous year when he was present at the ministry when Hermione and her friends confronted a bunch of Death Eaters including his father. Whose curse killed Snape was still a mystery. But the Potions master was still dead. And now he had no strong ally in the school.

"Mother I would rather not." Draco whined.

"Draco need I remind you that it's not an honourable thing to back out of your ventures due to fear?" Narcissa Malfoy said sternly.

"But mother – "

"Don't try to oppose me. Get dressed we are going to Diagon Alley to get your school supplies" she interjected as she left the room.

As much as she wanted Draco out of danger, Narcissa would not let him ruin an year worth of learning because of the Dark Lord. She had to find a way to ensure his safety, but that didn't include hiding him.

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Hermione flooed to the Leaky Cauldron before the Weasleys and found James, Lily and Harry Potter sitting at the bar smiling at her.

"Harry!" She rushed forward and hugged her best friend as he beamed at her.

Ginny , Ron caught up with her as she turned to meet Lily and James.

"Hermione dear how have you been? Had a good summer?" Lily asked as James reached behind her to shake hands with Ron.

"Oh it was beginning to get awfully boring at the orphanage until these two rescued me" She sniffed pointing at the twins who joined them "Hey Lily!" they waved as Lily smiled at them.

"Hello Lily" Molly Weasley entered smiling at her friend. "Ready to go everyone?"

Muttering approvals and talking amongst themselves the group went to the back of the inn and entered the Diagon place was full of young wizards and witches running about getting last minute supplies before the trip to Hogwarts the next , Harry and Ginny went off with Lily and James to get a new set of robes as well as visit the Apothecary for Hermione's Potions rest of them went with Molly and Arthur Weasley to get books for the whole lot of them.. The group was to meet at Fred and George's shop after they finished with their shopping.

"Harry did you know Hermione is the new Gryffindor prefect?" Ginny said as she looked over at Hermione shooting her glares. Her friend just hated the limelight.

"Yes as a matter of fact I do. We would be working together" Harry smiled sheepishly as he showed them his Prefect badge.

"Oh Harry!" Hermione cried " That is so wonderful!" Harry beamed at her as they walked into Madam Malkin's…

"Mother I do not need new robes!" A voice whined from inside.

"Keep quiet Draco and let the woman work.."

The three looked at each other Malfoy? Harry mouthed just as James and Lily followed them in.

"Go on Harry. Don't stall here" his father said.

The three moved forward. "Well lookie here. What do we have?" Draco smirked, " Two thirds of the 'Golden Trio' and the Weaslette"

"Shut it Malfoy" Ginny sneered.

"Draco- " His mother started but he interrupted her " Aww did I hurt your feelings Weaslette? Why don't you go cry to Potty over there"

"Malfoy-" Harry began, pulling out his wand and just then two things happened. First, His father restrained Harry before he could hex Draco Malfoy in front of his own mother. Second, The robe maker slightly pushed up Draco's left sleeve to which he winced and jumped back " I said I don't want new robes! Let's go mother!" He walked out in a huff. Narcissa Malfoy followed her son without looking at the small group left behind.

"Git!" Ginny growled as the other two stared after the Malfoys curiously.

"I am telling you Hermione! It has to be the reason he reacted that way!"

They regrouped with the others at the Weasley's Wizard Wheezes and Harry was telling her and Ron his theory for Malfoy's behaviour. (Which according to Hermione was no different than he usually was)

"He has been branded with the Dark Mark!"

"It make's sense" Ron said " His father was a Death Eater. He is surely going to follow in his precious daddy's footsteps"

"Ron he is just sixteen! I don't think he can be a Death Eater so young!" Hermione had a hard time believing it though it did make sense. "Voldemort wouldn't want a youngster on his team so early. He can make mistakes. He isn't experienced!"

"What if he was being trained to be one since he was a kid" That was Ron of course.

"Whatever" Hermione rolled her eyes, "I want to go get some treats for Crookshanks. Do you want to come?"

"No actually I am going to find Ginny" Harry blushed.

Hermione looked at Ron. "Well I have to get a gift for Lav" He shrugged.

She snorted and waved them goodbye.

She was walking towards the store musing about what Harry had said when she heard whispered voices coming from an alley to her right.

She stopped for a second and turned. …too much time…Has to be done…the dark lord…

Her eyes widened. She edged closer casting a silencing charm at herself and hid in the shadows.

Draco Malfoy rushed in the view. He seemed to be raging and attempting to exit the alley.

A wizard followed him "Stop right there Draco! Do not walk away from me" he growled as he grasped Malfoy's arm.

Draco turned around. " I do not want to talk about it. I told you, I'll do what I can. I'll try."

"Oh no young man!" The wizard spoke in a menacing tone, " You won't try. You will do it. You are the only one in Hogwart's who can do it."

Only one at Hogwart's who can do it? What are they talking about.

She looked up. Malfoy seemed to have paled at these words though his face showed no emotion.

"Now now Rudolphus" Narcissa Malfoy came into view. Rudolphus? Rudolphus Lestrange?

"You have made your point. Now stop troubling my son. He has to leave tomorrow and I wish to spend time with him in peace"

Rudolphus Lestrange glared at the woman behind him. "Make no mistakes" He smirked at Draco before walking off in the direction of Knockturn Alley.

Hermione's mind was racing. What were they talking about? Was Harry right? Is Malfoy a Death Eater now?

"Mother" Malfoy's voice got her attention. It sounded… broken.

"I can't do it" Desperation was clear on his face.

Narcissa walked to her son and held out her hand. "Don't worry son. I'll think of a way."

He nodded at his mother before they left the alley.

Hermione stayed back for a while wondering what to make out of all she had seen. And then she slipped out of the alley and walked back to the twin's was thinking of what to make out of Draco's words when she heard Molly calling out to her.

"Hermione! Where were you?"

"I…"

"You know you are not supposed to go off alone! With Voldemort back. It's not safe honey!" Lily joined her.

"And you two" Molly glared at her two best friends, "Letting her go alone? How irresponsible!"

"But mum…" Ron started.

"Not a word out of you Ronald Weasley!"

"Mrs. Weasley" Hermione said, "I am sorry I went off. I needed a few treats for Crookshanks so I just left on my own"

"Not a problem Hermione, since it's clear you are unharmed" James Potter smiled.

"Now let's get going everyone" Arthur Weasley spoke. "You kids have lots of packing to do"

The group slowly trudged back talking excitedly but no amount of jokes, gossip and news could take Hermione's mind off what happened in the alley.