Ch 11
I woke up late the next day. The owls had left some letters for me on the window ledge. I scratched my head, wondering what time it was. The First letter was from Harry.
Hermione,
No idea what you're doing. I assume you're still asleep, let me know though. Ron and I, along with most of the other gryffindors are heading to Hogsmeade for the day. I'm gonna talk to the Order today. See you at dinner.
HP
The second was from Ron… I hesitated but opened it.
Hermione,
I know that no matter how many times I apologize it wont be enough but please forgive me. I don't know what came over me. I'd never hurt you. I'm sorry Hermione.
RW
I sighed, thinking back to that night.
"Don't think about it." Startled, I looked back to find the familiar face, I'd gotten so used to. Malfoy wore a knit sweater that fit him just perfectly and his hair fell just above his eyes. Can't lie, he looked mighty fine even for Malfoy.
"How did you-"
"I apparated. Don't ask how. Don't think about Granger. It makes me feel… odd. Uneasy. And he's never going to hurt you with me around." I magically pulled on my robes and settled my hair as I got up and walked towards my fireplace. I'd always been so sensitive to the cold.
"I like the cold. It's rather refreshing. Anyhow, I came to make certain you knew that Alecto would be teaching muggle studies tomorrow. Be prepared." Before I could protest, he had once again disappeared. He did that quite often. I sighed as I opened up a book and conjured myself some tea. I wrote back to Harry.
Draco
I felt much more at ease whenever I see her. Strange how much her presence affects me.
"OW!" My arm. It was time, once again.
"My deatheaters, what lovely news I've gotten for you today. In a little more than a week, we shall declare WAR and hit Hogwarts!"
The table roared and cheered. Death eaters spat and snarled with joy. I sat silently beside father, both hands resting on the table. "But before that happens I have another task for young Malfoy." I looked up at him, confidently and stood.
"Ay my lord?"
"Young Malfoy, I'd like you to finish off the girl. Tonight. Alecto will escort you back to the manor once the task is done, should you need assistance escaping. Alecto, Amycus will not return to Hogwarts. We simply needed them there for this task only. Dispose of the girl's body once finished." My blood actually froze in that moment. Mother went pale. Everything around me stopped and froze in place. All I could hear was her annoying laugh, I'd grown to like so much. I swallowed.
"My lord." There was no task worse. After the meeting, Voldemort retreated to god knows where. I went to my room and stared out the window, over looking the lake. What if Hermione was correct? He was simply using me. Ofcourse he was! I gritted my teeth. Ofcourse he was. He needed others to do his work for him. I was trapped though and there was no way out. In my own house…No way at all. I looked out my door towards mother and father's room. Mother's face was pale and emotionless. Father tried to comfort her, taking her hand in his own, smoothing her hair down. He was just as bad at comforting as I am.
"Lucius, do you understand what you've condemned our only son to!
"Narcissa! I know just as well as you do, do NOT tell me so." He grunted, holding onto her arm tightly. She collapsed into him. "Oh Lucius, please. There certainly must be w way."
"We can not Narcissa. We have no choice." I shut my door only for it to be reopened moments later with them entering.
Mother took my hand, wiping a tear that had managed to escape her normally composed face.
"Draco." Father spoke. "You must do this. You must, for the Lord. There is no way Potter can win this, do you understand?" ofcourse. Potter had to lose. That's what was most important to the Malfoys. More important than my own life.
"I know."
Granger.
Malfoy was right. Alecto was as bad as he had described him to be. The class was separated into muggle borns and pure bloods. Naturally I was the one being picked on for the entire class. I could handle it though, with Harry by my side. Harry had informed the Order of Nagini and without further adieu, we were to report to them tonight and hear the plan. It was rather nerve racking. This could be the end… I wanted to tell Draco. He wasn't in any classes today. I dismissed the thought as I walked to the library with Harry and Luna. "I can't believe you're gonna study until it's time to leave for the order Hermione. You truly do surprise me with your determination."
I smiled as Harry and Luna waved me off. I was to meet Ron, Harry and Luna in the Gryffindor's common room at 9 sharp. I felt bad about keeping Draco shadowed from them. Although it wasn't like they'd asked anything. I had to tell Harry soon. I had several hours to study for exams before it was time. I doubted that we'd actually have exams this year with everything going on but with Snape as headmaster, who knew? No one had seen Snape since he had been assigned either. I relaxed my shoulders and smiled to myself, opening up a worn out rather large book on Herbology. Perhaps all this would come to an end soon.
At exactly 8:45, I walked out of the library and started heading for the common room when I was stopped by a spell thrown towards me. I turned to see the familiar blond pointing his wand, steadily at me. "Expelliarmus!" He yelled and my wand was yanked out of my hand, towards him, far from my reach. What was going on?
"Dra-"
"Shut it you filthy little mudblood! You have no right to call me by my name! This is your end." Before all went black, all I could feel was betrayal. Pure betrayal. Before all went black, I saw not even a flicker of guilt in his eyes. Nothing made sense but everything did.