So sorry I have not posted in a while. I never intended it to take this long. I have been extremely sick and that has made writing almost impossible. I was also very saddened to hear about the passing of Alan Rickman as well as others. I am a cancer survivor and cancer deaths tend to really affect me. Anyways, back to the story. As always, JK Rowling is the one who deserves all the credit for Harry Potter's world and characters. A reader's comment struck inspiration for later in this chapter too, so keep an eye out.

Draco rushed towards the Gryffindor tower. He needed to get in and tell Hermione everything. Harry too his supposed since the other boy's life depended on the information. But of course he didn't know the blasted password. After flinging tons of words at it, many curse words, Draco resorted to pounding on the Fat Lady much to her displeasure. The party inside must have been too loud, for no one seemed to hear the ruckus.

"Perhaps you would permit me to get Miss Granger for you Mister Malfoy." Draco turned around as the calm voice of Professor Dumbledore addressed him.

"I… umm… yes, that would be good. Sir. I need to talk to Potter as well." Draco said uncomfortably. He never had been comfortable around the Headmaster, always feeling slighted in favor of the Gryffindors. "I really need to talk to them."

"Of course. Professor Snape just sent word to me that you might be in need of some assistance of your own soon as well. Perhaps you would be agreeable to my getting Miss Granger and Mister Potter and us all having a discussion in my office?" Draco had never seen the Headmaster stare at him in such a manner, with concern and respect.

"I guess so. I, we, are going to need all the help that we can get. Sir." Draco finally conceded.

"Excellent, wait her Mister Malfoy and I will be back with Miss Granger and Mister Potter." Then without a word Dumbledore entered the Gryffindor common room that was blasting with sound and energy, all of which went quiet before the painting fell back into place. The Slytherin in Draco still loved seeing the Gryffindor party brought to a halt. That many happy lions was never a good thing in his opinion.

Only a moment later Hermione was scrambling out of the portrait hole. She flung herself into his arms. "Draco! Thank Merlin you are okay!"

"I'm fine Granger. Did you honestly think my father was going to murder me on Hogwarts grounds in front of Professor Snape? The man may be evil but he's not an idiot."

"I know, but still… What happened? Did he believe you still? Why did you send Professor Dumbledore to get both Harry and I?"

"Perhaps those are matters better discussed in my office?" Professor Dumbledore interrupted.

"This must me bad." Harry whispered to Hermione.

"You have no idea Potter." Draco confirmed.

"We will hold any discussion until we are in my office." Dumbledore said, hurrying them on.

As soon as they were ensconced in the headmaster's office, the seriousness of the situation really took hold of Hermione and Harry. "Tell us everything." Harry insisted as Hermione clung to Draco's hand as if her life depended on it.

Draco relayed everything he had learned from his father and Snape. Harry and Hermione sat in silence for a moment, letting everything sink in. Finally Harry spoke, "Voldemort is the reason my name was put in the Goblet of Fire? But who helped him? Who did it? He couldn't have waltzed in her and did it himself could he?"

"No." Professor Dumbledore answered. "Voldemort did not put your name in the goblet. Which means we have an enemy within the walls. You must be very careful, Harry. Stick close to your friends. Do not wander alone. We need time to figure all of this out."

"What am I supposed to do about the third task?" Harry asked.

"Throw it. Don't win. Come on Potter, if the Dark Lord wants you to win then you need to lose." Draco said matter of fact.

"But don't make it look like you are throwing it." Hermione added.

"What am I supposed to do in the meantime?"

"Stick to your friends. Act as if you knew nothing. We must keep this between us. It's best for all of us." Dumbledore's eyes fell to Draco.

"You are going to have to be very careful Mister Malfoy. Should your father and the Dark Lord find out what you have told us…"

"I'm dead. I know." Draco said glumly.

"Are you sure you want to go farther in this endeavor? You will likely lose your family, if not more, by aiding us. Make your choice wisely."

Draco looked at Hermione and squeezed her hand. "There is no choice sir. I am in this, no matter what the cost."

Dumbledore nodded. "Alright Mister Malfoy. Know that I will do all in my power to protect you." He waved his wand and a small bird charm appeared. "This is a portkey, one that can get you out of Malfoy Manner and bring you here to my office should you need safety. Only use it if there is no other way. If it comes to that, well we will figure that out if and when it happens."

"Thank you sir." Draco carefully pocketed the portkey.

"To be safe…" Dumbledore produced two more portkeys. "Mister Potter, Miss Granger, keep these safe and only use them if in dire need. They work the same as Mister Malfoy's."

"Thank you sir." Both muttered.

"I fear I interrupted a grand party, perhaps you should all return to it. Mister Malfoy included if you feel the other Gryffindors will permit it. Remember to act normal, but stick together. We will talk again soon." Dumbledore dismissed them.

The trio descended the stairs in silence, Draco and Hermione still holding hands. Everything seemed more real now. Dumbledore had given them an illegal means of escape, which meant he thought they would need them soon. Draco looked at Hermione. He had just chosen her over everything he has ever known, but she was worth it. He just hoped that he could keep her safe when the danger came.

They were startled out of their thoughts by a feminine voice calling, "Draco?"

"Daphne? What are you doing here?"

"I had to have a meeting with Professor McGonagall, apparently trying to transfigure a classmate into a cabbage even if that would make them smarter and better looking." Daphne answered.

Harry snickered and then caught himself. "Sorry I was imagining Crabbe."

"It was Goyle actually." Daphne smirked.

"Potter, Hermione, this is Daphne Greengrass."

"Hi." Daphne said shyly. "You heading back to the common room Draco?"

"The Gryffindor common room. There's a massive party underway." Draco answered.

"Want to come? You could save Draco from being the only Slytherin." Harry offered.

"Are you sure they'll let me?" Daphne asked.

"It's my party. I'm inviting Draco and now I'm inviting you." Harry said, a slight blush on his cheeks.

Hermione and Draco exchanged looks, but just continued on their way. Harry and Daphne following behind chatting.