Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter

A/N: I'm sorry this chapter is sooo late! I kinda hit writers block but I hope you like it! I don't know if it's flowing well or not so please let me know. I hope you guys had a wonderful Christmas and New Years! BTW all the chapter names are songs.

Chapter one: Let you down by NF

Chapter two: Safe & Sound by Taylor Swift

Chapter three: Human by Christina Perri

Chapter four: Unsteady by X Ambassador

Please R&R! :)

Chapter Four-Unsteady

Hermione's point of view

I decided not to go with Ron and Harry for Christmas this year, they were going to Godric's hollow to visit the home of James and Lily Potter. They asked me countless times to come but in reality I would rather stay within the walls of Hogwarts where it is safe and warm. Ginny was staying as well, me and Ginny don't hang out much so it will be nice to get to hang around a girl for once. She was so excited to hear I was staying. Ginny has been working on a plan of things we need to do together, which included things I don't do, shopping, talking about boyfriends, and more shopping. Ginny promised that we would go to the library at some point during the beak.

Ginny and I said our farewells to the boys this morning, we stayed and watched until the Hogwarts express pulled out. I then went to Gryffindor tower to write to my parents, they will want to know why I'm choosing to stay at school. Ginny went to the astronomy tower to get some air a few hours ago. I wonder what she's doing? Just then the portrait opened and a redheaded girl climb though. She looked discumbabuladed and confused. I jumped up from my current seat and went to the short girl.

"Ginny are you ok..?" I looked into her eyes to find something but she only looked saddened.

"I just saw the weirdest thing." She mumbled. "I went up to the astronomy tower and discovered Malfoy was already there. I was just going to tell him to bugger off, but that's when I realised he was standing rather close to the edge." She paused a moment before continuing. "I thought he was going to jump but out of nowhere he just dropped to the ground and sobbed." She scoffed in disbelief and shrugged. "You know I've never seen him cry, let alone sob. To tell you it was quite unsettling." She moved unto the couch and stared at me. I couldn't move. What if he had jump? I would blame myself no doubt, I would think that I hadn't tried hard enough to help him. I know that something has happened to Draco the question is what? I guess I'll just ask him during rounds tonight.

"What's wrong 'Mione?" Ginny asked; stretching across the couch. I looked to her and shrugged. I took a seat on the opposite couch. "Did you hear what happened? In the kitchens?" She added after I gave her a confused look. I shook my head. "Zabini and Malfoy were caught drunk in the kitchens." She whispered only for me to hear. I gasped and shook my head in disbelief.

"No!" She only nodded her head. I was stunned. How could my partner be such an idiot! Now I have to ask him yet another thing. "Wait….How did you find out?" She sat up and flushed.

"I was eavesdropping on Zabini." She said sheepishly. I raised my eyebrow, she turned redder.

"Were you stalking Zabini?" I asked her with a hint of shock in my voice. She looked down to her feet.

"Maybe...Please don't tell Harry or Ron." I knew what that meant and I didn't press her. Young Ginny had a crush on the stuck-up Slytherin. As odd as it is, I'm not surprised. I've actually suspected it for awhile now. She talks about him more and more as the days pass.

"I think it's cute." I gave her smile and she tilted her head. "Zabini and you." She flushed furiously and smiled weakly.

"What do you want to do today? I mean until you have to go do your prefect duties." I thought for a moment about her question but nothing came to mind, except for the silver eyed Slytherin. I shrugged and she gave me a mischievous look. I knew exactly what she was thinking.

"Nope, no way." She looked at me with her puppy dog eyes. "No I am not flying with you! You know I hate heights!" She nodded her head in understanding.

"Fine, but we have to go shopping tomorrow during the annual Hogsmeade trip." I nodded my head, I mean what's the worst that could happen?

"Ok, so what should we do now?" I asked her, she shot me a curious look and then shot up off the couch.

"I'm so sorry! I can't do anything! I forgot I had promised Luna I would help her look for the shoes she's missing!" She ran out before I could say anything. That was definitely odd. What am I saying, anything to do with Luna is odd. I had forgotten that Ginny and Luna were friends, me and Luna don't necessarily get along. It's not that I don't like her, it's just we have very different views on the world. Yeah that's a good way to put it.

Not many people were in Gryffindor tower, partly because most people went home for the Holidays, and I think some of the older students went to Hogsmeade. It was 4:00 in the afternoon so that meant I still had another four hours till prefect rounds. So I basically had nothing to do for four hours. I could be social but I didn't really know who I could hang out with, almost all my friends went home. The library was always an option, in my opinion the best option. So I got up and headed towards the library. On my way to the library though I passed the hospital wing and happened to overhear Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagle talking.

"When doing the full body scan I found numerous indications of abuse, broken bones that hadn't healed right, cuts, bruises,and scars." I gasped, this can't be happening! I leaned in closer to the door to catch what Professor McGonagle was saying.

"And do we know who did this?" McGonagle questioned. I could slightly see Pomfrey shack her head. "Very well, my guess was that that it was his father. I will see what I can do." I know exactly who they were talking about, Draco.

I had gotten up to leave but unfortunately I walked straight into MCGonagle.

"Miss Granger! What are you doing?" The professor looked a bit startled.

"I was on my way to the library when I happened to overhear you and Madam Pomfrey. Sorry, Professor, but were you talking about Malfoy?" At first I didn't think she was going to say anything but to my surprise she nodded her head. Her face was saddened.

"I'm afraid so. Young mister Malfoy has been dealing with this for far to long and the Headmaster and I have decided to interfere. Am I right in assuming that you and mister Malfoy are prefect partners?"

I nodded my head. "Yes, but what's that got to do with anything?" I asked. McGonagle asked me to come to her office to discuss this further. She was silent all the way to her office and only spoke when we were seated and the door was shut.

"What is this about?" I questioned.

"Hermione I know that you and mister Malfoy don't get along, but do you think you could set aside the past?"

"Yes, but why?" I had a feeling I knew why so I kept my gaze on the fire behind her. Her office was very warm and friendly. She had a couch on the left wall along with an oak desk and three chairs at it, on of which I was sitting at. McGonagle was sitting behind the desk in a grande chair. She offered me a biscuit and tea but a shook my head, politely declining.

"I need you to become friends with Draco." I gave her a sceptical look.

"He is never going to trust me! Have you met him? He hates me, I tried to connect with him last night but I don't think it helped." McGonagle raised her right eyebrow.

"I understand that he is not the easiest to work with. But it is essential that you get him to trust you, see mister Malfoy has been chosen to do a particular task." I went to interrupt but she quickly cut me off. "I can not tell you this task, I would be putting you in danger. If you could get him to understand that the Order will protect him than we could prevent his hideous fate." The elder witch looked at me with a grave expression.

"I don't understand, who gave him this task? And what hideous fate?" I questioned. I knew the answer of the first one but I need to know if I'm right.

"You are a smart witch miss Granger, and I'm sure you can figure you first question on your own. As for the second one I can only imagine. You understand and you overheard Pumfrey and I talking about mister Malfoy?" I nodded. "Then you know that I assume that mister Malfoy's father has been behind his...Injuries?" I nodded again as the memory of Draco lying in the snow slowly crept back into my mind. "I believe that mister Malfoy will be in serious trouble once he returns home, but if he trust us than we can protect him."

I thought about this for a long moment, going over everything I had just learned. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named had given Draco a task, and he is going to be in danger if he goes back home. McGonagle knew about the task which meant Dumbledore knew as well. And they want me to get him to trust in the Order.

It is highly unlikely that he will trust us but I did tell myself that I was going to try and help Draco.

I was just about to answer when McGonagle began to tell a story. "In you and mister Malfoy's fourth year, after the yule ball I found him lying on the ground of the astronomy tower. I quickly hurried over to him and found him on his back, wrist bound to his side, and face scrunched up in pain." McGonagle bowed her head in sadness. "He was having a panic attack. Shaking and crying. I went to bring him out of it but once I touched him his eyes shot open. His eyes were glazed so I knew he didn't know it was me. What unnerved me the most was who he thought I was, he looked at me with glazed eyes and said, 'No, please don't father'."

I was on the verge of tears and I could tell that McGonagle was as well. I know I have no choice now.

"Ok, I'll do it." I said in a strong voice. McGnoagle looked up at me and flashed a small smile.

She allowed me to leave after offering a biscuit that I declined. I swiftly made it back up to my dorm. I finished some letters and thought about what the professor had said. It was rather unusual that she came to me. I mean I guess I should be honored that she is trusting me with this.

He won't be easy to convince, he hates me and basically everyone on the Order. But maybe he is willing to deal with them if it means getting away from his father.

I can still hear McGonagle's words in my head, "What unnerved me the most was who he thought I was, he looked at me with glazed eyes and said, 'No, please don't father'." What I don't understand is why anyone would hurt their child. It's just sick, and our Government is doing absolutely nothing to prevent it. I don't care if Lucius Malfoy threatened everyone I loved, I would not allow this to continue.

With that last thought, I got up and glided towards the window. I opened the window and let the crisp air fill my lungs, It smelt like pine and there was snow covering the grounds. As I watched the sunset I was reminded of something, when I was young my father and mother would always take me hiking in the summer. We would climb all day and then once we made it to the top we would watch the sunset. My dad set up the tent that evening while my mom cooked dinner, I always thought it was the most magical thing.

I laid my head down and allowed my eyelids to slowly droop closed.

Draco's point of view

I drifted out of the mass in the Great Hall and to the Great Lake. No one was outside so it was very peaceful. I walked up and down the edge of the lake, watching my feet make prints in the snow.

I tried to clear my head but it did no good. I either thought about Dumbledore and how I have to kill him, or I think of Granger, which wasn't pleasant either. I often found myself thinking of her, not always terrible things, which in itself is confusing. I do dislike her but at the same time I find myself leaning into her touch. She is annoy, and a know-it-all, but she is brilliant and doesn't put up with anyone's crap. But her blood. My father told me that blood purity it the most important thing, and all I wanted was to make him proud so I believed it. But my mother reminded me to treat everyone the same, and I want to make her proud as well so I'm trapped between two beliefs.

Then there is the other night when Granger took my hand. The warm sensation that went up through my body was something that I hadn't felt in so long. It was so sudden I was surprised I didn't slip into one of my trances.

I was fiddling with the hem of my shirt and chewing on my bottom lip, both things my father hates. It was now nearly eight which meant Granger would be on her way. I sat on a bench by the lake and waited.

8:05

I looked around for her.

8:20

She has to be on her way, she couldn't have forgotten.

8:40

I looked back at the main exit and saw a head of curls bobbing out and heading towards me. She looked flustered and apologetic. I could feel the anger rising inside me, how could she be late?! She hurried over and tried to catch her breath.

"I'm...Sorry...I fell….Asleep." She said out of breath.

"I've been waiting out here for an hour!" I shouted at her. She raised her eyebrow and put her hand on her hip.

"Well I did not ask you to wait out here, besides we don't have time to fight we need to get started." She turned on her heal and started. I quickly flowed.

I looked at her for a long moment trying to figure out what to say but nothing came to mind. Thankfully, she ended the awkward silence.

"So I heard what you and Zabini did last night." She said avoiding eye-contact. Great, why can't Zabini keep his mouth shut.

"What about last night?" I said through gritted teeth. She knew she was pushing it but she never just gives up.

"You know what you did was very irresponsible. I mean getting drunk in the kitchens, what were you thinking?" Her voice was laced with disappointment.

"You have no right to judge me!" I bellowed at her.

She looked up at me with wide eyes, taken back by my sudden loudness.

"Just leave me alone." I went to leave and that's when noticed how close we were. I knew if I left now that I could save myself the embarrassment of having another episode. I slowly stepped away but she only stepped closer.

"Draco I can help you." She kept coming closer and she reached her hand out. At that point I lost it, I jumped back and my heart was beating faster than ever. I fell to the ground and hugged my knees. I could hear Hermione calling my name but it was to distant.

August 31st 1986

Draco and the rest of the Death Eaters are sitting at a long dark table in Malfoy Manor. Lucius Malfoy stood up and faced Voldemort,

"Dark Lord I wish to volunteer my son to do the task." Everyone turned to Lucius and then Draco. Draco tensed at all the the piercing stares. Voldemort himself looked directly at Draco with his snake like eyes. Draco knew that this was not good. Voldemort raised his hand and beckoned for Draco to come to him. Draco was petrified and didn't move until his father pushed him towards Voldemort.

"Draco hold out your arm." Voldemort said in a cold harsh voice. All eyes were on him but Draco shook his head, he knew it was going to happen eventually but he wasn't going to let it happen willingly.

Voldemort laughed and then the first wave of curses hit him, Draco didn't recognize the curses but he knew that he didn't want to be hit with it again.

Again Voldemort asked for his arm but he refused, Voldemort than hit him with the Cruciatus Curse. Draco withered in pain but was praying he wouldn't cry, because he'd be damned if he was going to give Voldemort the satisfaction of hurting him.

"Draco, boy, I will not ask again. Give me your arm." Draco refused yet again and he could see his father raging. Another wave of curses hit him before he passes out.

The next morning Draco woke up with new bruises and scars, and he had the Dark Mark on his pale skin.

I heard Grangers voice calling to me.

I was safe again and sitting on the cold ground. I could tell I had been crying as a result of my panic attack, but what I didn't recognize was the witch next no me with wide eyes. I flinched at her closeness and stared at her.

"Draco are you ok? You scared me." I really didn't want to talk about it and I most certainly didn't want to talk about it with her.

I shook my head as tears streamed down my face. "Take me to Blaise he'll know what to do." I choked out.

She didn't even question me she just helped me up to my shaky feet. I knew they look in her eyes, it was pity. He hated that she was pitying him but nonetheless grateful that she wasn't talking.

Granger helped me through the corridors and to the dungeons. I risked a glance down to see her worried face. Her chocolate eyes were wide and she was chewing on her bottom lip. My hands were shaking helplessly and I felt like I was going to be sick. We reached the Slytherin common room and just as I went to say the password Blaise came barging towards us. His hair was askew and he was panting heavily.

He came to a halt in front of us. He searched my face first and then his eyes traveled to Hermione. Hermione talked slowly in a worried tone.

"I didn't know what to do, one moment we were talking and the next he was on the ground rocking himself back-and-forth. He told me to find you." She was fiddling with her fingers. Blaise;s eyes wided as he realized what had happened. I was rocking on my feet and I was feeling more sick. Blaise came next to me; my eyes were foggy and I knew it was only a matter of time before I threw-up. Blaise put his hand on my shoulder and looked into my eyes. My breathing was ragged and I knew what was coming. I turned opposite of Blaise and Granger and Threw-up. I was trembling and I heard Granger gasp and quick reach for her wand to clean it up. Blaise patted my shoulder and started taking me towards the room of requirement.

"It's ok buddy, no one is going to hurt you here." Blaise whispered. I could hear Granger shuffling behind us. I knew why Blaise added 'here' because he couldn't promise that the pain was going to stop once I left Hogwarts.

A/N: thank U! I'm sorry for any mistakes I did not go through and read the final product. R&R