Author: DanseDeLaMort

Title: Undercover

Word Count: 8375 (Holy freakin' smokes!)

Beta: La la la la. . . Depending if I get a message in my inbox when I go check my e-mail, I might be picking a new beta, :(


Ship: Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger

Year: Fifth

Plot: Dumbledore needs an uncover agent in Slytherin, and who better than the intelligent Hermione? Using a Polyjuice potion to appear as her cousin Melody Harrem, Hermione enters the dungeons to find not only a world full of sex, lies, and money, but love in the most unexpected of places.

Rating: M for sexual content and language


Chapter Seven

During dinner, Draco had refused to look at Hermione much less say anything. Hermione frowned and grumbled to herself, but she understood that what he had to say, be it positive or else wise, could hardly be considered table conversation. Still, she was impatient and table was beginning to jiggle from the anxious tapping of her leg.

A warm hand grasped her knee under the table and squeezed. Blaise. Hermione glanced up at him and smiled softly. If she wasn't careful, she knew that she just might fall in love with that boy, Merlin help her.

"So where have you been all day, Mel," Asked the girl across from her.

Hermione locked eyes with Pansy, who had a false look of concern on her face. Ah blackmail, Hermione thought, it brings such warmth to relationships.

"I wasn't feeling very well and Professor Dumbledore was kind enough to give me permission ti take the day off. So I mostly just stayed in my room and slept the day away." Hermione smiled. "I'm feeling much better though."

She placed her hand on Blaise's, which had slid up to rest on her upper thigh as they ate. Hermione picked at the mashed potatoes on her plate with her fork, but she couldn't bring herself to eat.

"What about you, Blaise," Pansy continued, "I noticed you weren't in any of your classes either." Oh, she so knew something, thought Hermione.

Blaise just raised an eyebrow at her, "I had to confer with Dumbledore and Snape earlier today and they requested that I stay available for further instruction."

"Which was?" She asked, her eyes wide as she tried to lure out information.

His face was blank, "Which was, Pansy, none of your business."

Pansy sat back like she had been slapped, her face flushed red. She gripped onto Draco's arm with one hand and said, "Well, excuse me for being curious, Zabini. I shall not do so in the future."

"One could only hope," He spat back.

Pansy swung her head at Hermione, "You better get out while you can, Melody. Zabini is probably just like his dear mother."

Zabini paled, "You had better shut your fucking mouth before I shut it permanently."

Hermione just watched the two bicker.

Pansy glared at Blaise, and turned to Draco. "Aren't you going to say something?"

Draco glanced up from his plate, his eyes shadowed. "Quit antagonizing Blaise, Pansy."

She clenched her jaw. "Thanks for the support, Draco." She pushed her plate at Blaise angrily as she stood up, but it ricocheted off of a bowl of peas and flew at Hermione, drenching her in mashed potatoes, sliced carrots, and bits of chicken.

Hermione wiped gravy out of her eyes and pulled a carrot off of her cheek.

Pansy's eyes widened. "Oh Merlin! I am so, so, so sorry Melody!" She quickly grabbed several napkins and started dabbing at Hermione's chest from across the table.

"Honestly, Pansy, it's fine." She swatted Pansy's hands out of the way and pulled out her wand. Waving her wand down her body, she muttered "Scourgify."

"I am so sorry, Melody!" Pansy looked absolutely terrified, convinced that her secret was going to have reached everybody's ears by the end of dinner.

Pocketing her wand, she glared at the Blaise, whose body was shaking from silent laughter. "It's fine Pansy, just don't do that again." She frowned and glanced down at Pansy's plate which had taken refuge in her own plate.

Pansy nodded and wrung her hands, "Of course not." She sat back down, all anger forgotten.

Draco didn't seem to have noticed anything and was still glaring down at his plate. Hermione kicked him from under the table. He jerked up.

"What are you looking so dour about?" Hermione asked, her eyebrows furrowed. Surely this wasn't about the news he had to tell her. His look didn't mean that he couldn't help her, right? Right? Right!

He forced a smile, "I'm just thinking."

Blaise raised his eyebrows knowingly at Hermione, "He does this about once a month. One moment he's absolutely dapper, the next he looks like he wants to bawl his eyes out." He smirked, "Secretly, we all think he's truly a girl and just going through his time of the month."

Draco looked at Blaise steadily. "Hey Blaise?"

"Yeah?"

"Fuck you."

Blaise grinned, "No thanks. You're not really my type." He pressed his leg against Hermione's and rubbed his thumb against the outside of his thigh. His eyes lit up, clearly remembering earlier.

Hermione couldn't help it. She knew she shouldn't, but the words just flew out of her mouth. "I don't know, Blaise. You did ask me if I would consider dyeing my hair that particular colour the other day." She frowned thoughtfully, "Are you trying to model me after Draco bit by bit?" She held her hand to her heart. "This explains so much." She allowed her voice fade to a whisper and she looked down and to the side.

Blaise stared at her with his mouth open. "I asked you no such thing," he finally managed to sputter out.

Hermione giggled and winked at Blaise, pressing her hand on his thigh. Silently apologizing for her gall.

Draco just shook his head and said, "That's it. You aren't allowed in the boys' dormitory anymore, Blaise."

He looked like he was about to retort, but Blaise just looked at Hermione and shrugged. "I'm sure I'll find somebody to room with."

"Not the girls' dormitory," Pansy and Hermione said together. They glanced at one another and laughed.

"The couch in the common room is rather comfy," noted Hermione, "You just have to wake up before anybody else comes down.

Blaise leaned down to whisper in her ear, "You do know I'll get you back for this, right?" His hand slid up, moving her skirt further up her thigh. Their backs were to the wall and Pansy was sitting directly across from her, so he knew that nobody would be able to see the extra skin he was showing off.

Calling his bluff, Hermione uncrossed her legs and moved his hand up the inside of her thigh until it was completely hidden by her skirt. She leaned over and whispered, "Perhaps I might have to let you."

He smirked internally, knowing what she was doing. She was still new to Slytherin and had yet to learn that Slytherins don't bluff.

"Now who needs a room," asked Pansy, referring to the other day.

Blaise smirked and moved his hand up the last remaining inches until was touching the outside of her underwear. "We're only whispering, Pansy."

Hermione forced herself to not clamp her legs shut. This had become a game of Nervous, and there was no way that she was going to willingly let him. Instead, she moved her hand into his lap and gripped him through his pants. At her touch, she felt him twitch and slowly begin to harden as her legs widened a few centimeters.

Pansy rolled her eyes, "Then why do you pitch a fit when we whisper?"

"Because we could be whispering about anything," He slid his fingers behind the crotch of her panties and against the already slick folds of her skin. "Whereas, you and Draco are so hot and cold, there is only one thing you two could possibly be whispering about."

Hermione sucked in a deep breath, but just starting rubbing the outside of his pants. Blaise was completely stiff now. Stature and otherwise. Hermione was more brazen than he originally thought. He circled her clit with his thumb, making her reach over, grab a roll, and stuff it into her mouth before any embarrassing noises came out. He slipped a finger in and out, and more juices flowed out, soaking his fingers and her panties.

She attempted to focus on the roll, but she couldn't do it. She quickly let go of him and grabbed the his hand, holding it down to the bench.

He smirked.

Hermione leaned over to whisper in his ear, "I win."

Blaise turned and shook his head at her incredulously. What made her think that?

She merely smiled and scratched her chest, pulling down her shirt enough to show the tops of her breasts. His already hard penis twitched as he remembered the feel of those breasts in his hands.

Hermione whispered in his ear, "Sucks to be a male, doesn't it? Too bad you are wearing tight pants."

"You two look like you are whispering over something more significant than Transfiguration homework," noted Draco with a smirk.

Hermione tilted her head at Draco, "You're right. We're going over Potions homework."

He breathed out a laugh, "Do you normally blush when talking about Potions?"

This time she didn't have a response.

Draco raised his eyebrows at her, "Snape should be proud to know someone shares his infatuation with cauldrons. Or rather with the ladle."

"I don't think your godfather would appreciate you insinuating anything about his sexuality." Hermione smiled angelically at him.

Next to her, Blaise was currently thinking about Professor McGonagall. In slutty lingerie. With a naked Dumbledore. And lots and lots of sex toys on the bed between them. He shuddered.

Hermione glanced over at him, "Are you okay, Blaise? You look like you are going to throw up." She rested a hand on his thigh, thoroughly wrecking any progress he had made on deflating his little problem.

He gripped her hand in his own. Squeezing it, he said, "I'm actually going to head back down to the Common Room." He kissed her on the cheek and nodded at Pansy and Draco before standing up and walking out of the Great Hall. Walking rather stiffly and quickly that is.

Suppressing the urge to laugh, she turned to Pansy and Draco and said, "I think I'm gonna go check on him. I'll see you guys later." Purposely stomping on Draco's foot, she got up and left the Great Hall.


Hermione ran up next to Blaise in the hall way. She didn't say anything as she linked her fingers with his. They had nearly made it to the dungeons in complete silence when Blaise suddenly pulled her into a hidden passage way that led up to the fourth floor.

Blaise didn't move toward her; he just held her hand and stared into her eyes.

Fidgeting under the intensity of his gaze, Hermione broke the spell by looking down.

He placed a hand under her chin and lifted her head up. Leaning down slowly, he gently pressed his lips to her own. His kiss was far more gentle than any he had given her before. Hermione's eyes fluttered closed as she sighed and held one hand on the side of his face. His lips whispered against hers in several chaste kisses.

Blaise pulled away from her and leaned his forehead against hers. "I love you," he whispered.

Hermione stiffened and pulled away. "No, you don't," she whispered gently. "Love isn't produced after only a couple days, Blaise." She pulled her hand from his cheek. "It takes months if not years."

He smiled and grabbed her hands, "You forget that I have loved you for years, Hermione." He pressed her hands to his lips. "You don't have to say it back, I don't expect you to. As you said, it takes a while for someone to love another." He licked his lips and whispered, "I'm willing to wait, no matter how long it takes."

When she didn't reply, he leaned down to kiss her again. She kissed him back willingly enough, but her eyes remained opened. Pulling a couple of millimeters away, she breathlessly asked, "What brought this on?" Her lips fluttered against his as she spoke.

Blaise backed into a wall, pulling her with him. "I'm not sure," he said honestly, "I was miffed that you had gotten the better of me with our little game back there, but suddenly I felt the urge to tell you how I felt.

"For the past two days, I've been the happiest I've been in years." He slid down in a sitting position, his hands still grasped in her. Hermione sat down next to him and rested her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her and rested his head on hers. "And, I guess you finally admitting you were attracted to me gave me the courage."

She still didn't know what to say. Other than 'I love you' or 'I don't love you,' was there really anything to say?

"Like I said Hermione, I'm willing to wait as long as it takes."

It wouldn't work. Even if she was able to finally love him, how could it possibly work? The world was convinced he was engaged and madly in love with Melody Harrem.

"How, I mean, when," Hermione let out a deep breath and shook her head, trying to form the right words in her head.

Blaise glanced down at her. "Don't cry," He said as he thumbed away a few tears.

"Sorry, didn't realize I was." Her bottom lip trembled. "It's not fair," she finally said after a pause.

"What isn't?"

"This. You." She shook her head, "Everything."

"How do you mean," he asked, kissing the top of her head.

"We can't be together after all of this is over."

"Of course we can, Hermione. What's to stop us?" Blaise rubbed her arm and pulled her closer, "I don't care whether my friends approve of you or not. All that matters to me is that you want to be with me."

Hermione pulled away to look him in the eyes. "Melody Harrem will stop us, Blaise. As far as the world is concerned, Hermione Granger is going to a muggle high school and you are happily engaged to Melody Harrem."

"We'll figure something out," Blaise said. He leaned over and kissed her again, this time more fervent than the last.

Hermione kissed him back, trying to put all of the emotion she felt into that one kiss. Blaise pulled away from her gently. "Come on, it's nearly curfew. We best get back to the common room."

She scrunched up her face in a pout, "Oh, I see," she said quietly.

He frowned, "What?"

"The Slytherin would rather follow rules than kiss me." She sniffed and turned her head away to hide her smile as she stood up.

Blaise yanked on her arm, making Hermione fall onto his lap. With a low growl in the back of his throat, he kissed her roughly. Hermione moved so she was straddling his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

He bit down on her bottom lip, causing a couple of drops of blood to seep out. Blaise licked them away, his fingers bruising her skin as he gripped her waist. His hands slid down to her hips, where he pulled her against him roughly.

Hermione slid her fingers through his hair and pulled as she moaned into his mouth. "I said kiss," she whispered, "Not make me lose all of my senses in an abandoned passageway."

He smirked, "I guess I'm just that talented."

She scoffed and pushed against him, "Prat." Standing up, she held out her arm to help him up. "I'm not doing this out here." She twisted her fingers with his, "Besides, haven't you had enough of me for the day."

"Never."


Draco was sitting on the couch in the full common room with Theo and Pansy. The moment Blaise and Hermione walked into the door, Draco's smile turned into a scowl.

Hermione raised her eyebrows at Blaise, "I don't think Draco is very happy to see us."

He mock glared at her, "Well, what did you expect? You insinuated that I was secretly harboring an undying love for him." He frowned, "I'm still scarred from that, I might add."

Hermione opened her mouth, but immediately closed it. Instead she briefly raised her eyebrows in humor. She didn't recall saying anything about an undying love. She smiled and shook her head and started to walk over to the couch, but Blaise held her where she was.

She looked at him questioningly.

"You're just going to leave me high and dry after taunting me out there?" His bottom lip jutted out in a pout.

Hermione laughed. "Why? What did you have in mind?"

"Well, we could always just go up to my room and see what happens from there." Blaise smiled suggestively.

She pushed him playfully. "I think you can wait. Besides I still need to talk to Dr––ohhhhh" Hermione broke off with realization.

"What?"

"I kicked Draco so he would follow me back up to the Common Room, but for some reason, Blaise," She looked up at him pointedly, "For some reason he managed to get here before I did."

Blaise squeezed her hand, "If I recall, I did in fact try to leave earlier."

"Oh come on," She dragged him to the couch. There was only one seat left, so Blaise sat down and pulled her onto his lap.

"So nice of you to join us," Said Draco as he glared at the duo.

Blaise wrapped an arm around Hermione as she leaned against him. "We got distracted."

Theo, ever the dull one, asked, "By what?"

Rolling her eyes, Pansy threw a pillow at Theo and said, "By a portrait, what do you think?"

Realization dawned in his eyes, "Ohh, I see. It's the one with the knight, right?" He grinned impishly at the group, "I could talk to him for hours."

Why weren't they surprised?

"Sir Caddigan," Hermione asked. "I thought his portrait had been purchased last year by one of his relatives?" She immediately stiffened, waiting for the onslaught of questions that was sure to come. How could she have been so stupid to ask that?

Pansy frowned at her, "Er, yes, but apparently he was so annoying that the great, great, whatever grandson decided he would rather do without." She picked at a thread on her skirt, "How did you know about that?"

Blaise's thumb rubbed against her stomach, silently coaxing her to relax.

"Oh, well my father had been interested in purchasing him as well as quite a few other portraits, but he had his heart set on that one. We were told somebody had bought it out from under him." She frowned, "He was quite furious."

"Where are you from again," asked Pansy.

"A small town south of London."

She nodded. "You know, I never did ask. . . Where did you go to school before coming here?" Her face, impassive.

Hermione stared at her for a moment before answering. "I've been home schooled my whole life."

"Interesting. Why the sudden urge to come to Hogwarts, then?"

"I've actually been on a waiting list for two years," Hermione raised an eyebrow at Pansy, "I suppose I just got fortunate this year. Although, it has been a bit unsettling to have transferred so late in the year." She shrugged.

"I see." Pansy straightened out her skirt, "Did you have any friends or boyfriends back home?"

Hermione laughed. "A few, why?" Why the sudden barrage of questions?

"Oh, I was just curious." She smiled angelically. "Friends should know all about one another, right?"

"I suppose. . ."

Draco, clearly having had enough of the chit chat, stood up and pointed to the boys' dormitory. "Can I speak to you in private, Melody?"

"Sure." Hermione stood up to follow Draco, and Blaise stood up as well.

"Just her, Blaise."

Blaise frowned, "Why? I already know what this concerns."

"That makes one of us," muttered Theo to Pansy who also looked quite confused.

"Just. Her." Draco clenched his teeth and glared at Blaise.

Hermione smiled at Blaise and whispered into his ear, "I'll make it up to you later."

"You had better," he growled huskily in return. Blaise and Draco were best mates, but trust was not something they shared when it came to girls and various other possessions. Of course, he didn't think of Hermione as a possession. At least, he would never say so to her face.

Hermione followed Draco up the stairs, giving one last look over her shoulder at Blaise's pinched expression.

Draco held the door open for her as she walked in a gestured at Blaise's bed. Closing the door, he moved to his own bed and sat down on his own bed across from Blaise's. He stared at her with a blank expression until she sat down and made herself comfortable.

She looked down at her knees and refused to say anything. Let him come to her, she thought.

"Father owled me earlier," Draco started. He took in a deep breath and opened his mouth to say something, but something dark flitted across his face. Finally, closing his eyes he said, "Give me one good reason why I should help you, Melody?"

Hermione's head jerked up, "What?"

"My father has arranged a meeting for us to meet the Dark Lord tonight. If approved by the Dark Lord, we will both be inducted as Death Eaters." He clenched and unclenched his jaw. "I have no wish to be a Death Eater, Melody, but this is the only way he will even consider helping you."

Hermione stared at him, unsure of what to say. Wait, wasn't he already a Death Eater? What about that other night. . .?

"Well," he snapped, "Why should I help you? Out with it!"

"Because. . . because friendship means something, and as you barely know me, your friendship with Blaise should mean something, and friends help one another."

"Fuck Blaise," he spat, "I don't give a damn about him. Friends, yes. Best mates, yes, but there is no way in hell I would ever do something as dangerous as this for him, nor would he do this for me"

Hermione balled up her skirt in her fists and whispered, "Then what would you like me to say, Draco? Because I can't think of any other reason. You've known me for a week." She sighed and stood up, smoothing out her skirt. "I'm sorry for all of the trouble I've caused. Thank you for at least attempting to help me." She headed for the door, shaking in frustration.

"Sit back down, Melody."

Hermione turned back toward Draco who was leaned over his legs, his head in his hands.

"Why," she snarled, "It's apparent you refuse to help me, so why should I bother sticking around for mindless chit chat? I have things to pack, so if you'll excuse me," She moved to wrench open the door, but it refused to budge.

"You need to be more observant, Harrem. I locked the door with a spell, if won't open unless I do so."

Hermione just stared at the door, her chest heaving, refusing to turn around, refusing to reply.

Steady footsteps padded on the stone floor, steadily getting louder as Draco came up behind her. He stopped behind her, standing close enough where Hermione could feel the heat radiating from his body and his steady breathing against her neck.

"I want to help you, Melody," Draco said, his voice shaking and unsteady, "I really do." He rested a pale hand on her shoulder.

Hermione looked up and pressed her lips together. "I know, Draco."

"Please don't leave, Mel." His face was pained as he whispered. "Not just for Blaise, but for me as well."

Hermione turned around and pressed her back into the door. "What," she breathed, confused.

"You have no idea how much things have changed since you've come." His eyes searched hers desperately. "Blaise actually smiles and laughs now. He hasn't done that since his father died." Draco gripped her hands in his own. "I have my best friend back. Would I die for him? Of course not, but I would do damn near anything to make sure he stays happy."

She licked her lips and tried to force back the tears that threatened to seep out of the corners of her eyes. "Then why won't you help me with this!" Her voice cried out and pierced the silence that had been slowly ebbing its way into the room.

"Because it means death." His hands tightened on her own. "I may not be the happiest person here and there have been days when I have seriously considered turning my wand on me," He averted his eyes and stared at a knot in the door. "But when push comes to shove, I'll choose living and saving my own arse over any person here. Yes, I'm selfish and a rotten person who only does to get something in return." He placed one of her hands on his chest. "But, Mel, I do have a heart. So please, I'm begging you, give me a reason to do this for you." His chest shook as it heaved up and down with his breath.

Hermione slowly shook her head, lost for words. "What do you want me to say," she finally whispered, locking her eyes with his. "You're family is wealthier than mine, I have nothing to offer that you don't already have." She closed her eyes as the tears she had tried to so hard to keep at bay finally pooled over. "All I have to offer to you is myself. I would be indebted to you if you would do this for me."

He closed his eyes as well and just breathed as thoughts swirled around in his head. "Deal," he finally said, his voice so low that Hermione had to strain to hear it. "Someday I'm going to have to ask a favour of you and I expect you to go through with it."

Hermione nodded, "Of course, anything." She threw her arms around him in a tight embrace. "Thank you so much, Draco."

Draco didn't push her away, but he kept his arms at his side. When she finally pulled away, he said stiffly, "I'll go owl Father to confirm our meeting." He reached around Hermione and twisted the door knob, breaking the spell that he had place on the wooden frame. "Meet me in the common room at ten tonight. Father says to wear all black, and that your cloak must have a hood. Keep your hair down."

Hermione nodded, tears still running down her cheeks. "Thank you," she whispered one last time before pulling open the door behind her and twisting around it. Draco followed her down the stairs, but headed for the common room door rather than trail after her up into the girls' dormitory.

She didn't glance at the masses as she passed them, not even sparing a glance at Blaise whose eyes narrowed in on her tears as she quickly walked up the stairs and closed the door behind her. What did Draco do now, he thought bitterly as he stood up.

Walking backwards up the first four steps, he twisted around on the fifth step and jogged up the remaining steps. Blaise twisted the door knob, but it refused to budge. Knocking gently on the door, he said, "Melody?"

"What," asked the voice from inside the room.

"It's Blaise. Could you open the door?"?

The door swung open to a red faced Hermione. "Blaise," she said, throwing herself into his arms.

Blaise slowly backed her into the room and closed the door with his foot. "What's wrong," he whispered in her ear as she sobbed into his shoulder.

"I'm a horrible person," she gasped out.

He guided her to the bed and sat her down. Sitting next to her, he wrapped an arm around her and allowed her to continue crying in his chest. "Of course you aren't, Hermione." He patted her back awkwardly and asked, "What makes you think that?"

"I'm forcing Draco into joining me as a Death Eater against his will."

He furrowed his eyebrows, unsure of what to say. "Hermione. . . You aren't a horrible person. Draco would have ended up becoming a Death Eater with or without your guidance."

Hermione pulled away from him and shook her head, "No, he really, really didn't want to do this. You should have heard him, if he had gone on like he did for a second longer, I would just told him it wasn't worth it. Of course then I would have to leave, because that was the whole ordeal to begin with, and Dumbledore would be terribly upset with me, I'd have to leave you and everyone else all because I allowed a single boy to deter me from the greater good and Merlin, I would make a horrible auror. I don't even know how I could have possibly thought I would be able to help Harry with this, apparently all I can do is read books and act smart, but when it comes dow––"

Blaise slapped a hand over her mouth, "You're rambling," he whispered. "And none of it the truth." He sighed, "I'm not the best when it comes to comforting people, so please just bear with me for a moment." He pressed his lips to the top of her head, "Draco would have ended up being a Death Eater anyways, there was no way his Father would have allowed him to do so else wise. Draco is really big on self preservation, you can even ask him if you'd like, and his family, namely Bellatrix, would have gladly murdered him. To them, death is better than betraying their Lord."

"Do you really think so?"

"I know so."

Hermione pulled away from him and laid down on the bed. "Blaise," she whispered.

Blaise laid down next to her, "Yeah?"

"I'm scared. I'm really, really scared. What if You Know Who sees through my disguise like you did? Or if he uses Legilimency on me? I've been training myself at Occlumency, but I don't know if I'm actually doing it right. . ." Fresh tears came to her eyes, "He's going to kill me, Blaise, and all of this will have been for nothing."

"He won't be able to tell who you really are, Hermione. I, uh, I'm just really good at looking through disguises. And, from what I'm told, He Who Must Not Be Named doesn't bother checking those things out. He is too desperate for new recruits, so he just makes sure that they are adept at spells. You'll be a shoo in."

Hermione turned on her side and lifted her head so Blaise could put his arm around her. Resting her head on his chest, she listened to his heartbeat.

"When do you have to go with Draco to be inducted?"

"Tonight at ten."

He stiffened, "So soon?" He pulled her closer. "You'll be careful won't you?"

Hermione's throat closed up. "Of course," she breathed, closing her eyes.

Quiet settled over them. Hermione's breathing deepened, telling Blaise that she had fallen asleep.

"You had better not get yourself killed, Hermione," he whispered as he pulled a blanket over the two of them. "I love you too much to have to say good bye."


"Melody," a voice whispered in Hermione's ear.

Hermione moaned and nestled into the warm body nestled into her. "Don't wanna wake up." The body shook with laughter.

"You have to."

She didn't bother responding. Instead, she pulled the blanket over her head and tried to let the lull of his heartbeat draw her back to sleep.

"Come on, Mel. Time to wake up." He shook her again. "Draco's father will be furious if you make him late, and he isn't very pleasant to begin with." He pulled the blanket off of her completely and sat up.

Hermione opened one eye to glare at Blaise. "Could you go instead?"

He laughed again, "No. Now get up and out of this bed, or so help me, I'll drag you out and dress you myself."

Hermione moaned and forced herself up in a sitting position, her eyes half closed.

"And here I thought you were always a morning person."

"What in Merlin's name would make you think that," she growled at him and throwing a pillow at him.

He caught it with ease and set it back down on the bed. "It's a quarter until ten. I tried to wake you up about fifteen minutes ago, but you muttered something about your wand and my manhood, so I thought it was best to wait a bit." He shoved her gently, "Now get up, Melody."

"Why do you keep calling me that," Hermione asked as she felt for her trunk, her eyes closed again.

"Calling you what?"

"Melody."

Blaise laughed, "What, do you want me to call you shnookims?" He leaned over and opened her trunk, saying under his breath, "We aren't alone, Mel."

Hermione's eyes snapped open to see Pansy watching them from the bed next to hers, Divinations book in hand. "Oh, hey Pansy," Hermione said, yawning.

"Have a nice nap," she asked.

"Yes, thank you." Hermione smiled at her, but Pansy just went back to studying. Hermione dug in her trunk for a her clothes. "Be right back," she quietly said to Blaise as she slipped into the bathroom.

Blaise watched her leave the room, his eyes dark and shadowed.

Pansy looked over her book at Blaise, her face void of all emotion.

"What," he asked, glancing at her as he scooted back on the bed until his was against the wall.

"Nothing, just thinking."

"Wasn't aware you knew how," he spat, glaring at her.

Pansy smirked, "Oh Blaisey, how I've missed your attitude."

"Don't call me Blaisey, Pansy. You know I hate that. "

Standing up, Pansy slid over to Hermione's bed and sat down next to him. Dragging a finger down his chest, she gazed up at him with heavily lidded eyes. Her finger slid down to the button of his pants.

Blaise gripped her wrist in his hand and twisted it back to her side. She hissed and jerked her hand away, holding it to her chest. "Don't. Touch. Me," He gritted out, standing up and moving over to the only chair in the room.

"You used to be fun." She pushed out her bottom lip and went back to her own bed. "Now that Harrem is here, all you want to do it be with her."

"She's my fiancee, Pansy. I love her."

"Oh gag me." She rolled her eyes. "You've known her for all of seven days. Whatever happened to the mudblood anyways? Just last week you were stalking her."

Blaise scoffed and shook his head, "I never stalked Granger."

She shrugged, "Maybe not. But why the sudden change of heart?" Her mouth opened slightly and she slowly dragged her tongue on the bottom inside of her teeth as she eyed him. "Or is Harrem just a rebound? Perhaps a love potion?"

Blaise slowly frowned at her, his eyebrows furrowed. "What are you going on about, Parkinson?"

"Oh nothing, Zabini. Just that I don't think that your dear Melody is who she really says she is." She raised eyebrows, daring him to contradict her. Her lips curled up into a small smirk.

Blaise sat back in his chair and stared at her for a moment. "You're crazy," he finally said with a small breath of laughter. "I knew you were desperate, but I never thought you would stoop that low." He leaned forward to look in her in the eyes, "I've told you before, you can't have me. If you want somebody to fuck, go find Draco or Theo or some other desperate fool. Personally, I can do better."

Pansy's face went white. "Fuck you Blaise and your stupid whore of a fiancee."

Blaise jumped to his feet and pulled out his wand, "So help me, Parkinson. . ."

"What," she sneered, standing up. "You going to curse me? Go ahead."

"Uh, guys? What's going on?" Neither of them had noticed the door to the bathroom opening as they were bickering.

Blaise quickly stowed away his wand and said, "Nothing. Just a minor disagreement."

Pansy smirked at Blaise then turned to face Hermione. "Just as Blaise said, Mel. A minor disagreement." She smiled, "Our personalities clash, I guess. It seems as if we are always arguing." She shrugged and sat back down on her bed, shoving her book to the side.

Hermione frowned, but didn't say anything. Shaking her head, she sighed and said, "Oh, right, well. . ." She looked to Blaise for help.

Blaise walked over to her and clasped his hand in hers. "Come on, I'll see you out." He led them out the door and to the stairs.

Just as he was closing the door, he heard Pansy yell out, "Out where?"

"I'll go let Draco know you are ready," he said, letting go of her hand.

Hermione nodded, frowning. "Yeah, sure. Thanks."

He smiled and cupped her face in his hand, gliding his thumb of her cheek before turning to jog up the stairs.

She sighed, and ran her fingers through her hair, gripping it on top of her head as she attempted to focus on her breathing. Must stay calm, she thought, flying off the handle won't do anything for me. She glanced down at her watch. Nine fifty-four. They had six minutes to meet Lucius Malfoy.

"You ready?"

Hermione spun around. Draco and Blaise were standing behind her. Both of them had haunted expressions.

Hermione nodded. "As I'll ever be, I suppose."

Draco gave a curt nod and exited the common room, not bothering to make sure she was following.

Hermione turned to Blaise and opened her mouth to say good bye, but he quickly dove in and kissed her fiercely.

"You had better come back to me whole, do you understand me Granger?"

Hermione smiled, "Of course, Zabini."

He kissed her one last time before pushing her to the door. "Go."

She smiled weakly and nodded. Giving me a small wave, she trailed after Draco into the dark hallway.

Draco moved next to her. "Father said to meet him here, so he should be along any minute now."

Hermione nodded and looked around the dungeons. The only light was produced by a chandelier of candles down the hallway and the glow barely touched the corner they were standing in. She shivered as the cold seeped into her skin.

"Are you ready," asked a deep voice from behind the duo.

They swung around to see Lucius Malfoy standing behind them, a shaking house elf cowering next to him.

Draco bowed slightly, "Hello Father." He gestured at Hermione, "This is Melody Harrem. Mel, this is Lucius Malfoy, my father."

Hermione nodded at him. "It's an honor to meet you sir."

"The honor is all mine, I'm sure," replied Lucius as his eyes swept down her body. "Come, the Dark Lord despises those who are tardy." He looked away, clearly not impressed by what he saw.

Draco grasped her hand in his own and led her next to his Father.

"Lopsy," Lucius said. "Now."

Hermione forced herself to not frown and clamped her jaws shut. Now was perhaps not the best time for her speech about S.P.E.W and how house elves had rights.

"Of course, master," said the quivering elf. Lopsy snapped her long fingers.

Hermione closed her eyes and gripped Draco's hand tightly as the ground disappeared beneath them and a cold wind blew against them. Everything around them had gone completely black.

Slam! Their feet pounded into cement, sending shock waves up to their knees.

A black cane came down on Lopsy's head. "What have I told you about your landings," growled Lucius Malfoy.

"I is sorry," squeaked the elf, "there be too much people." She cowered under the cane, but allowed it to beat down upon her head.

Hermione went white as she stared at the injustice. Stop, she wanted to scream, stop!
"Go drown yourself," Lucius finally hissed.

This time Hermione could not stop a small gasp from escaping her as the elf bowed and ran toward the fountain in the middle of the garden.

Thankfully nobody heard her, for both father and son were too busy watching the elf as she held her head under the the gurgling water, her tiny feet kicking.

After several agonizing moments, the kicking finally stopped and the elf's small body slid down onto the ground. Lucius marched over to the Lopsy, wand out. Muttering a spell, he tapped her chest smartly and tipped her on her side. She began coughing and the all of the water that she had inhaled pooled around her. Lucius spat something else at her and she snapped her fingers once more, disappearing from view.

Hermione placed a bored expression on her face as Lucius slowly walked back to them, his face impassive.

A white peacock brushed against her legs, making her squeak and bump into Draco. She stared at it incredulously. A peacock? Where where they? She looked around. They were standing on a cobblestone path that curved to a dark, grey mansion in the distance. A garden took over a majority of the property filled with several fountains, hundreds of trees, and thousands of flowers. White peacocks roamed freely, paying no attention to the humans that disturbed their nest.

"Where are we," she whispered to Draco as she turned her head, trying to take in everything at once.

"Malfoy Manor," he murmured back, refusing to say anything more. He stared at the fountain where Lopsy had just drowned herself.

"Ah, yes," said Lucius, walking past them, "Now that that's taken care of. . ." He trailed off and walked down the path, his black cloak swirling around his legs. "Hood up, Miss. Harrem. I have gardeners and they do tend to talk."

Hermione slid her hood over her head and moved her long, black hair over her shoulders so a few wisps would fly into her face as she walked.

A wolf howled in the distance, making her shiver. A warm breeze blew against their cloaks which fluttered and flapped against their legs as they walked. As the manor loomed closer, a dark figure standing in front of an open door became to take shape. The figure leaned into the doorway and another shorter shadow appeared next to the original one.

From beside her, she could hear Draco groan under his breath. She looked at him questioningly, but he just shook his head, his eyes focused on the two figures ahead.

The first figure began to approach them, her features becoming recognizable as the light from the waxing moon above them glinted off of her long, white hair. Narcissa Malfoy. She walked straight to Draco and enveloped him into a hug, one he gladly returned.

"My son," she said, pulling back to look at him. "My you've grown thin, don't you eat at that school?"

"Quit coddling the boy, Cissa," said Lucius, pausing in his march to watch his wife and son.

"He's my son as well Lucius, I shall do as I wish." Giving Lucius a withering glare, she turned to Hermione and said, "Ah, you must be the young lady Draco spoke to us about. Melody Harper, is that correct?"

Hermione smiled at the woman and said, "Harrem, ma'am, Melody Harrem. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Malfoy."

"Oh please," Narcissa said, waving a hand at her, "Call me Cissy." Giving one last smile at her, she turned around and led Draco up the steps and into the building. Lucius trailed after them, leaving Hermione alone with the remaining person who chose to remain in the shadows.

"So," came a high pitched, almost child like voice. "You must be the girly ickle Draco's been going on about." A small giggle came from underneath the woman's black hood. The woman walked forward with long, languid steps. "Well aren't you a prit-tee one." She stopped directly in front of Hermione, but all she could see was a mess of curly, brown hair peeking out from underneath the woman's hood. A pale finger with talon like nails slid down one of Hermione's cheeks. "Wonder how long you'll be prit-tee here" She cackled and walked around Hermione, keeping one hand on her the whole time. "You think you've got what takes to become a fighter for the Dark Lord, d'you?"

Hermione stood completely still with her shoulders back and head up. She forced her face into an expression she hoped looked defiant and strong.

"I don't think you do," the woman continued. "Prit-tee girls never got what it takes to survive. Why, I bet you can't even cast––"

"Bella!"

The woman looked up at Narcissa who was standing in the doorway with her arms crossed. "Yes, Cissa," she asked, the voice of innocence.

"Leave the girl be." She strode out to where they are. "The Dark Lord requests your presence in the Blue Room. You're supposed to be preparing the test, not badgering the inductee."

Bella cackled, "We'll see, we'll see. Au revoir, my prit-tee," she said, kissing Hermione on the cheek with dry, chapped lips.

Narcissa looked down at Hermione, her eyes showing a surprising amount of warmth. "Come, we're to begin soon." She turned on her heel and strode into the house. Hermione quickly followed at her heels, trying desperately to close her mind and clean out any existence of a Hermione Granger.

As they entered the manor, Hermione gasped at the extravagance. Her family had always been rather well off, but but they had always been on the poorer side of wealthy. The Malfoys, however, made the Grangers look as if they lived in a stall of some lowly farmer's barn.

The atrium barely existed and it led straight into what Hermione assumed was the parlor. The parlor ceiling held three free floating chandeliers and two fire places took over much of one wall. The walls were decorated with portraits of who Hermione assumed to be former Malfoy's by the familiar grey eyes and white-blonde hair. In between the two fireplaces was a larger portrait of Lucius, Narcissa, and Draco. Narcissa kept trying to fix Draco's dress robes and he was clearly trying to get out of the photo, whereas Lucius looked like he would enjoy nothing more than to strangle the two of them.

"Miss. Harrem," a familiar voice said behind her.

Hermione spun around to see Professor Snape, his face pale.

"Oh, uh, hello Professor." She widened her eyes, trying to look shocked that he would be here. Judging by his raised eyebrow, she just looked ridiculous.

"We must talk," he glanced around, "In private."

Hermione nodded, "Where––"

He pulled her into a corner, glancing around in a nonchalant manner. "Miss. Granger, I must warn you about your task," his lips barely moved and he looked utterly bored. "The Dark Lord has decided that both you and Draco must kill a muggle to show your perseverance and loyalty."

Hermione gasped and stared at him, her face losing color. She opened her mouth, but. . .

"Don't interrupt me, I have not finished." He looked around once more, "The two muggles are already here. Bellatrix Lestrange has been torturing them all day." He looked at her sympathetically. "They will die regardless of if you kill one of them or not."

"Does this mean I don't have to?" She looked up at him hopefully.

He shook his head, "You most certainly have to. Dumbledore and I had hoped you wouldn't, but," He took in several breaths, his face showing a hint of distress, "Miss. Granger, you will definitely have to kill one of them."

Hermione nodded, her face pale. She could do this, it was necessary. . . For the greater good. For the greater good. Every war has casualties. It was necessary. Oh Merlin, she couldn't do this. There was no way she could actually kill somebody!

"There's more, Miss. Granger," He looked down at the ground avoiding her eyes. "These muggles. . . You know them."

Hermione's head jerked up. "What? Who? No, I don't think I can kill a stranger, much less somebody I actually know!"

"I'm very sorry." He started to walk away.

"Wait, Professor! Who?" She looked up at him pleadingly.

Professor Snape looked around nervously before closing his eyes and saying, "Your parents."



Dun dun duuunn! Well there's chapter seven! I know it's a bit late, but it's the longest thus far. So, forgive me? Ok, so you love me because of the length, but I'm betting you hate me because of that last sentence, right? Right? RIGHT! *hides*

Anyways, thank you for all of the reviews! I really, really appreciate them, so please review again! 3