Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of its characters.
Oh my gosh, I'm sorry for the hugeeeeeeeeee delay. I had so much things to do: SATs, APs, SAT IIs, finals and blah blah blah. But I should be good after this Thursday which is my last final. THANK GOD! Junior year has ended! I'm done and I'm still alive!
Few things about this story: Dumbledore is dead but the entire Malfoy assassination plot never happened. Snape is still a spy but the rest of the Order (meaning Harry, Ron, Hermione, etc.) don't know why he's a spy. Hmmm let's see what else?? Oh, Harry and Ginny are very much together. Harry decided to screw the heroics and be a little bit selfish. Andd, that's it! Enjoy!
Please read and REVIEW!
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Chapter 3
A week had passed since Hermione and Ron got together. Their relationship had not progressed any further than a solid kiss on the mouth and hand holding as they walk to class. Happily for Hermione, she found that with her newfound relationship was a gradual re-acceptance into the Golden Trio. She began to hang out more and more with Harry and Ron. And by hang out she meant doing things other than their homework.
It had been a very week for Hermione. She got her friendships back and despite the awkwardness between Ron and herself, she felt that with time, she could grow to like Ron in a romantic sense.
Hermione nervously checked herself in the mirror on Saturday morning. She attempted to smooth away flyaway hairs but eventually gave up when they continually popped right back up.
Hermione don't be scared, it's just a date. You and Ron are going out now, it's only logical that you'd go on a date with him. Remember, don't be awkward.
With a confident nod, Hermione picked up her sweater and purse and exited her room. She quickly glanced at Malfoy who was lounging lazily in the common room with his long legs propped up on the sofa's armrest. His pale blond hair slightly ruffled as he opened one sleepy eyelid.
"Aww, isn't this just adorable? Mudblood Granger all dressed up no doubt for her first date with Weaselbee at Hogsmeade," drawled Malfoy and subsequently shutting his eye again without even sparing Hermione a second glance.
"Shut it ferret, I don't have time for your insults," Hermione heatedly responded. "Why aren't you leaving for Hogsmeade? Don't you have another slut you need to shag or have you already gone through the entire female population who are lacking in dignity at Hogwarts?"
"I'm so touched that you know my social calendar so well. Truly, I appreciate your concern," Malfoy sneered. "But as a matter of fact, I think I'm going to just rest my weary bones today. All this hard work being head Boy is really starting to get to me," he said in an overdramatic tone.
"Oh please, we haven't even received any head duties this week."
"I know, but carrying around this badge is strenuous activity. Plus, the number of annoying first years asking me for directions that I had to scare off was enormous. Anyway, don't you have a date with the Weaselking to go to?"
Ignoring the last question, Hermione said, "You're supposed to be helping them not scaring them! Oh my god, how in the world did you become Head Boy? Why did you become Head Boy? You have neither the patience nor the intelligence to become one. I bet your daddy bribed som-" Hermione was about to continue with her rant when a sharp clink sounded by the window.
She saw a massive tawny owl holding a single slip of parchment in its beak. Hermione opened the window to retrieve the parchment but the owl snootily snapped at her fingers.
"The owl's for me. Don't touch it," Malfoy ordered. "Come here," he said to the owl.
Her curiosity piqued, Hermione shut the window slightly so that her hand could fit through but the owl could not. Quick as a snitch, her fingers yanked the note out of the beak before the owl could even blink.
"Aww, what doesn't Malfoy want me to see? Who could possibly want to talk to you? Is it a love letter from one of your slags, or is it a note from daddy dearest demanding that you bow down to Voldemort's every last whim? You always do what your daddy says don't you?"
In an instant, Malfoy shot up straight, his back rigid. His face displayed no emotion but his eyes contained a dark glint to it. Hermione began to think that her taunting had gone too far when she saw Malfoy's towering frame glare menacingly at her from several feet away.
"I'll say it one more time Mudblood. Give. It. Here." he threatened darkly.
"What are you going to do if I don't?" Hermione snarkily asked.
Before Hermione even knew what was going on, the parchment flew from her hands into M's outstretched fingers and she was slammed backwards into the window.
Completely dumbfounded, Hermione slowly got up from the ground and sputtered in disbelief, "You just did wandless magic. How did - what- where did you learn that? That's impossibly advanced magic."
To this Malfoy just responded, "Don't underestimate me." He swiftly turned to leave to his room.
Hermione stood there, unmoving, in a shell of shock. Hundreds of questions raced through her head at an alarming rate.
How did he learn wandless magic? Where did he learn it? Why did he learn it? Is he training for the war? Are the Death Eaters traiing for the war? Does the Order know what kind of training the other side is doing? Does the Order even know what's going on at the other side? Why wasn't the Order training their own members? How will we be able to beat Voldemort if we don't match them skill-wise? What is going on?
Hermione just stared blankly at the spot where Malfoy had just been before she realized that she was going to be late for her date with Ron. Flustered, she grabbed her wand and clambered out of the portrait still with thousands of thoughts going through her mind.
She ran into the Great hall to see Ron leaning on the door staring out at the sea of people gathered.
"Mione! There you are! I've been waiting for you. Where have you been?" Ron exclaimed from his position.
Hermione though for a moment about whether she should tell Ron about the entire Malfoy debacle that had just happened minutes ago, but she decided against it.
I'll tell him and Harry when I get answers.
"Oh sorry. You know Malfoy, he was hogging the bathroom."
"What a git, seriously if he ever bothers you, just tell me and Harry. We'll go and put him in his place." Ron gleefully offered.
Hermione laughed at this gesture that reminded her of days back when the Trio were as thick as thieves and said, "Thanks Ron, but I think I can take care of myself. But I'll keep your offer in mind for future reference. Anyway, where are we going?"
"Oh, I was umm thinking that we could go to Three Broomstick and grab some butterbeer or something like that?" Ron said in the form of a question.
"Sounds great! Let's go!"
Ron awkwardly reached for Hermione who slightly grimaced but quickly covered it up with a smile at Ron's sweaty palms but kept her hand there nonetheless.
They walked to Hogsmeade in silence until Hermione, in a desperate attempt to start a conversation said, "So, where are Harry and Ginny going today?"
"Oh you know, they're going to Zonko's to visit Fred and George and then they're going to Madamae Puddifoot's tea salon afterwards," Ron answered.
"That sounds nice," Hermione said.
"We can go there too if you'd um like. I don't really care," Ron said.
"What, oh no it's fine. Three Broomsticks sounds really good right now," Hermione quickly answered and the pair lapsed into silence once again.
Finally they reached Three Broomsticks which was packed with witches, wizards, and goblins. It took Hermione and Ron ten minutes before they were able to find a table smack dab in the middle of the restaurant.
Hermione sat down waving at Hannah, who was just barely managing to smile at her, Lavender, and Parvati, all of whom were seated right in front of Hermione and Ron. Ron turned at smiled at the three girls before turning back around, picking up Hermione's hand and kissing it.
Confused by this un-Ron like gesture, Hermione chuckled nervously and brought her hand down into her lap.
"Let's order some butterbeer shall we?" Hermione suggested. Ron ordered two butterbeers before launching into the prospects of the Gryffindor quidditch team this year.
"Cormac McLaggen is going to try out for keeper again, but I think I've gotten better this year so I doubt he's going to make it. He's such a bloody prick too. Dunno how anyone stands him." Hermione and Harry still had not told Ron that the only reason why he had made it as the Gryffindor keeper was because she confunded Cormac at the tryouts. The pair felt that to tell Ron would be to destroy any shred of confidence he had left. As Ron continued his speculations with dramatic hand gestures and his arms moving every which way, Hermione took the time to stare out the window at the passerbys and nodding and smiling occasionally to pretend that she was listening to Ron.
From the corner of her eye, Hermione spotted a shock of blond hair briskly walking into an alleyway. She'd recognize that hair and that strong arrogant gait anywhere.
I thought he was planning on staying in today. But when has Malfoy actually been known for his honesty? I bet it's something to do with the letter. Damn it, why didn't I look at the letter before he took it away from me? Damn it. What is he doing now?
Hermione spent the rest of her date distracted, not listening to a single thing that Ron said (not that she was in the beginning anyway).
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After he heard the portrait door slam shut, Malfoy sighed a breath of relief and opened the letter with shaking hands.
Hogsmeade, 12 pm
Malfoy stared at the three words pondering how such a seemingly innocent letter could be so cruel and so frightening.
Well, there goes my relaxing afternoon.
With leaden bones, Malfoy put on his cloak and clutching his wand made his way out of his dorm.
"You're late" were the first words that greeted Malfoy when he stepped into the alcove of trees hidden away from the rest of Hogsmeade. A cloaked figure stood with his back facing Malfoy.
"Father," Malfoy nodded. "It is in fact 12 pm exactly."
The figure sharply turned around, revealing the snarling frame of Lucius Malfoy. "I did not come here to discuss how to read a watch properly."
"Then why are you here?" Malfoy asked nastily.
"Watch your tone boy. You forget whom you're talking to."
"I believe I'm talking to my father."
"Father," scoffed Lucius. "No son of mine would ever lose to a boy who's been hiding behind everyone's robes or consistently score lower than a mudblood."
Malfoy, accustomed to these jabs, kept silent.
Continuing on, Lucius said, "Our Lord has sent me to retrieve you for an emergency meeting. Now." With that, Lucius grabbed a hold of Malfoy's arm, turned, and apparated. Malfoy felt his innards climb up his throat and his throat squeezed until he could no longer breathe. But as soon as it began, the invisible force that compressed him, was suddenly released. The air felt much lighter and thinner where he was now. Malfoy looked down and had to suppress a gasp. Below him were white fluffy clouds and the spindly tops of evergreen trees.
"Where are we?"
"In the Albanian mountains. This location is our Lord's most recent acquisition," Lucius grinned. "The giants have given in. Not only are they on our side, but they've offered us many new locations for a potential headquarter."
"Don't you mean your side?" muttered Malfoy, under his breath. Unfortunately Lucius heard. His eyes glittered red in the rays of the sunlight, his lips curled upwards, and his nostrils flared.
"Are you implying that you're on theā¦other side?" he hissed slowly. "Because if you are, please do tell the Dark Lord. I'm sure Nagini will be pleased."
Malfoy and Lucius narrowed their eyes at each other before Malfoy eventually gave in to the pressure. With a satisfied nod, Lucius swept into the entrance of a cave. After walking through a maze of dimly lit tunnels, the pair merged into a great room with fire flames flickering against the smooth veneer of blasted stones. In the center, a small rectangular granite table with a bejeweled throne on one end was seated with several figures. Malfoy noticed that only Voldemort's closest death eaters were present.
"Sssit down young Malfoy. Lucius, by my side," hissed the albino figure in the throne. His red slits bore down into Malfoy's eyes as he bowed to Voldemort and then take his place between his mother and Antonin Dolohov. Lucius dutifully sat down to the right of the albino monster.
"My table ssseemss rather empty without Sseveruss and the Carrowss, but perhaps this may be a good thing. There iss a traitor in our midssst."
The table collectively gasped and clamors of outrage echoed throughout the cavern. The death eaters all began eyeing each other suspiciously.
"Quiet. I do not believe any of you would ever betray me which iss why I called you here today."
"Oh my lord, you know I would never do such a thing to you. You know I am faithful," Bellatrix Lestrange vehemently said.
"I know, Bella. I know. Ssomeone hass sstolen something very precciouss from me. Let me remind you all of what happened to the last fool who thought he could turn on Lord Voldemort. I did not think anyone would try to follow his example after what happened to him."
Malfoy shuddered when he thought about the man who was so brutally tortured and then begged for death only to be kept in a prison cell starving to death. Besides him, Narcissa was trembling but kept her face cool and collected. Malfoy itched to reach over to comfort his mother but had to restrain himself for fear of the consequences of showing any caring emotions in front of Voldemort. Damn Lucius! Neither he nor his mother deserved to be subjected to this life.
Malfoy was brought out of his angry tirade when Voldemort hissed, "Now young Malfoy, you would never betray me would you? If you recall our last meeting, you'll remember what is to become of the son of the traitor. I believe he was one of your acquaintances?"
"Yes, my Lord," Draco said, his heart slightly aching with remorse of his friend's fate.
"Vincent Crabbe. His father was a fool to think he could back away from a life he chose for himself. I have assigned Vincent with the task of getting rid of Potter's mudblood and the blood traitor Weasely but we all know he will fail and have to suffer the consequences." Voldemort cackled. "But down to businessss, you were brought here today because in a few days time, you will be one of us. Before long, you will one of my top death eaters, part of my inner circle."
Malfoy responded a moment too late. "I could not be more pleased, my Lord."
"Your hesitance says otherwise. Are you not pleasssed?" Voldemort hissed.
"My Lord, I could not be happier at this honor you've bestowed me." But Malfoy felt Voldemort prodding through his mind with a pointy needle. Skilled at occlumency, Malfoy quickly created thoughts of his father's happiness and his own happiness of becoming a death eater. Satisfied, Voldemort withdrew from his head.
"Good. However, Lucius I expected better from you." To Malfoy he said, "I have such high hopess for you. Do not fail me. You are dismissed."
The table got up and one by one each person bowed and disapparated. Malfoy felt his father's claws dig into his flesh as he dragged him outside. The two of the disapparated and reemerged into the alcove of trees in Hogsmeade.
"You idiot boy! You have disgraced me! Crucio!" Lucius snarled.
Prepared for what was coming, Malfoy shut his eyes and gritted his teeth bearing the excruciating pain in silence. Years of being subjected to the torture curese have not diminished its effects on him. Malfoy felt the raw pain slicing every bone, every tissue, every organ. His skin was scorching and the half moon dents on his palms where he had fisted his fingers began profusely bleeding. One more minute and he would have ended up like Neville Longbottom's parents, insane, mad, living at St. Mungo's. But years of practice on Lucius's part have made him an expert on giving the torture curse.
"If that ever happens again, your punishment will be much severe. Don't test me." warned Lucius. With a deadly crack, Lucius disappeared.
Malfoy's knees buckled and he fell onto the grass. He laid there for hours until he felt feeling creep back into his body again. By this time, the sun was just about to begin its descent. Groaning, Malfoy pushed himself up and slowly walked back to the castle.
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"Where have you been??!" shrieked Hermione, her annoyance at Malfoy clouding the fear and curiosity she had felt earlier in the day. "We had a meeting with the prefects to discuss the upcoming ball and you weren't there."
At that moment, Hermione suddenly noticed how Malfoy was pale, paler than his usual pale self, how he leaned against the door as if he would topple over at any second, how his normally perfectly sculpted hair was now in a disheveled disarray.
"What happened, are you okay?" Hermione asked. She was surprised at her sudden concern for Malfoy's welfare but she chalked it up to the fact that she couldn't stand anyone being hurt even Malfoy.
At once, Malfoy straightened up his back and reassumed his arrogant stance. He stared defiantly at Hermione before ignoring her questions and responding, "Sorry about the meeting. Fill me in later."
For the second time that day, malfoy left Hermione completely and utterly bewildered.
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Hii! I hoped you liked this chapter!! I don't know when I'll update again, but I have already written half of the next chapter. I'm going to camp next Sunday but I'll have my laptop with me. I should be able to update within the next two weeks.
Anyway, REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW! Tell me what you liked, what you didn't like. Tell me everything and anything you thought of. Constructive criticism welcome! JUST REVIEWW! You see that little button right below this note, yea click it and make me happy!
A shout out to Jocelin Hades (I agree, Ron is a bleep) for reviewing!
