About two seconds later, they all landed in the reception of St. Mungo's hospital. Dumbledore exchanged a quick word with the receptionist, who nodded. About a minute later, a young female Healer named Charlotte Grey appeared. Her name was on her robes. Charlotte led them up to her office and offered them all refreshments, which they all refused. Draco did not let go of Hermione; he was holding her tightly to his chest. Every now and then, he would kiss her hard. Quietly, Dumbledore took Charlotte's arm and led her outside her office. Harry and Ron followed. Ginny of course, remained right by Hermione's side. In a few short words, Dumbledore explained the situation, telling Charlotte that Hermione was under the Love Inducing Curse and that they knew who her Controller was. Charlotte looked horrified.

"Is it the young man who's holding her and kept kissing her?" She asked. They all nodded.

"We understand you can do tests on the victim? Do you think you could test Miss Granger and confirm that she's under the Curse and the name of her Controller? We're sure she is, but could you just confirm it for her and us? We all care about her so much!"

"I can do that," said Charlotte, looking devastated. "Merlin, I've learnt about that Curse, but I hoped I'd never see it used!"

"What do you know?" Asked Harry.

"I only know what the Curse does, how it works, that there is no cure and how to test for it. I know that when someone is under that Curse, it's not good!"

"Too right it isn't!" Snarled Harry. "Certainly not in this case! I don't know about other cases you've seen, Charlotte, but this one's got to be the worst!"

Charlotte pulled out a clip board. "Don't tell me her Controller's name; I will get that from the tests. It would be better if I didn't know it before then. What does he aim to do in the end? I take it he's not just using it as a joke?"

"No," said Dumbledore quietly. "He's going to kill her."

Charlotte began to write fast. "This may sound insensitive and I'm really sorry, but I have to know. You're sure he's not using it to get her to love him?"

"Hell no! They hate each other! At least, she did hate that bastard before he put her under that!" Charlotte nodded sympathetically.

Harry glanced at Charlotte's name tag. "Miss Grey, we have reason to believe that Hermione's Controller is a Death Eater. I think, in that case, you will understand why I don't think he's got love on his mind?"

Charlotte nodded, glancing at Harry and giving him an understanding smile. Harry already liked and trusted this Healer. She knew who he was, but was more concerned with her job so didn't remark it.

"Ok, I will go in and do the tests. Who do you think Miss Granger would like in there with her if anyone?"

"Her Controller is in there with her, along with her best friend Ginny. I think that would be all."

"One thing I'm a little unwilling to have happen," said Charlotte quietly, "is Miss Granger's Controller hearing his own name when I confirm it. I think just the women should hear that." Dumbledore nodded.

"I will be back shortly," Charlotte said quietly. Calmly, she walked back into her office.

"Sir, Miss Granger, Ginny? If you would come with me please?" Without a word, they followed Charlotte. Hermione was trembling, Ginny's mouth was set, and Draco was sneering. They entered a small examination room and Charlotte gently asked Hermione to lie on a small table. Hermione did so, still trembling.

"Don't worry," Charlotte said gently, "it won't hurt at all." Then, she turned to Draco.

"Sir, if Miss Granger is ok with this, I would like to ask you to leave the room for a few moments? If you would be so kind as just to stand outside so you're near if Miss Granger should need you though, I would appreciate it. Thank you." Sneering, Draco walked out.

Ginny put a gentle arm around Hermione and held her close. "I'm here, Hermione." She whispered gently, holding the trembling girl tight. Charlotte raised her wand and laid it on Hermione's heart.

The wand glowed yellow and then red. Words appeared out of the end, which Ginny saw but Hermione couldn't from where she was lying.

Name of victim: Hermione Jane Granger. Victim of the Love Inducing Curse. Name of Controller: Draco Malfoy.

Ginny went white and tried not to gasp. "What does it say, Miss Grey?"

Charlotte looked sadly at Hermione. "Miss Granger, you are under the Love Inducing Curse and the name of your Controller is Draco Malfoy." Hermione burst into tears. Ginny ran forwards and hugged her close.

After a few seconds, Hermione looked up. "I want my Controller!" She shouted, trying to free herself from Ginny. Charlotte nodded. "I was expecting this," she said quietly. Ginny go and fetch Mr. Malfoy please."

Ginny didn't hesitate. She marched out of the door and faced Draco. "You're an evil ferret, did you know that? It's just been confirmed that you are her Controller you bastard! Get in there and do your bit! Seen as Hermione has no choice!"

Draco walked casually through the door, as if he had not a care in the world and could gladly take all day. He didn't care about Hermione at all, he was expecting this, and he knew it was going to happen anyway. He glanced at his watch and saw it was half seven. He had to meet his father in thirty minutes, to go and receive his Mark. He did not have time for his victim right now, filthy Mud Blood that she was! Slowly, he approached her and held her close in his arms. Charlotte was finding it very hard to hide her disgust.

"I do not have time right now, Mud Blood. I am going to meet someone very soon. You will wait for me in our Quarters, will you not?"

"Yes, Mr. Malfoy."

Dumbledore, Harry and Ron walked through the door at that moment. Charlotte gave them a silent and sad nod. They looked devastated.

"Happy now, Mr. Malfoy?" Asked Harry. "Happy you've achieved your goal?"

Draco didn't answer.

"Mr. Malfoy, when you get back tonight, as I know you are leaving for a while, I would like a word with you in my office, thank you." It was not a question.

Draco nodded sneeringly to the Headmaster. He knew he couldn't expel him, or Granger would kill herself. The cards were all his now alright. He leant in and captured Hermione's lips in another lustful kiss.

"Just means you'll have to wait longer for me," he sneered at her. It was all Harry and Ron could do not to hit him. They had to hold back, with great difficulty. Hermione would kill them; Draco wouldn't need to.

"I know, Mr. Malfoy," she replied.

Harry, Ron and Ginny all felt sick. This was just too much to take. Draco leant in and kissed her passionately once more, then disapporated. Hermione broke down into fresh sobs and Ginny instantly grabbed her.

"I need my Controller," she sobbed. "He just left. Just like that. Where did he go?"

"I'm sure Mr. Malfoy will be back soon Hermione," said Harry, trying to sound gentle. Although right now, he wanted to hit something.

"Hermione," said Ginny quietly. "Remember our night tonight? No men allowed except Mr. Malfoy? Are you still up for it?" Ginny was thrilled when Hermione managed a small smile.

"Yeah, as long as Mr. Malfoy can join us when he gets back!"

"I'm sure he will," Ginny repeated as she'd said earlier.

"Come on Miss Granger; let's get you back to Hogwarts. Thank you, Miss Grey."

"Miss Granger, if there's anything at all I can do, you just let me know, ok? Send me an owl, any time at all. My name is Charlotte Grey."

"Thank you, Miss Grey." Said Hermione quietly. "I will do so."

They left St. Mungo's soon afterwards and apporated back to Hogwarts. Hermione and Ginny headed straight for Hermione's room, while Harry and Ron went back to Gryffindor Tower, seeing as it was no men allowed. Well, except one.

Draco walked quickly to the edge of the Forbidden forest at just eight. He entered just a little and there was his father. Lucius held out his hand to his son.

"How is it going, Draco?"

"Can I tell you when we get there? I am sure the Dark Lord will want to know." Lucius nodded. "Of course."

Draco took his father's arm as he wasn't sure where they were going and together they disapporated to a small broken down house. Draco had no idea where they were. "We of course offered the Dark Lord the chance to stay in Malfoy Manor, but he declined it. He says he may come back in the future, but not yet." Draco nodded.

Quietly, Bellatrix, Narcissa, Peter and a few others were standing outside the house. They all greeted Lucius and Draco as they approached and wished Draco good luck. The house only had one floor and everything was coated in dust. They walked through the door and stopped just inside. Lord Voldemort was sitting in a chair by a small fire. Pettigrew had scampered in after them, much like his rat form and checked it was still lit for his Master. Voldemort looked at Draco through his red eyes.

"How goes it, Mr. Malfoy?"

Draco sank to his knees in front of the chair and kissed Voldemort's robes. "Good, my Lord. The Mud Blood has just been to St. Mungo's and knows I am her Controller. She knew this before then as I'd told her as much, but she wanted her death confirmed," he sneered.

Voldemort smiled a cruel smile. "Dumbledore is however, aware of our plans too. He has therefore ensured that I am near the Mud Blood at all times. He has moved me into her class, we share Quarters as Head students and he's even moved me to the Gryffindor table! Do not worry my Lord; I will use it to my advantage. He wants to talk to me tonight, my Lord, to warn me what he'll do to me if I don't release the Mud Blood I expect," he smirked. "Stupid old fool, he's wasting his breath! I will just ignore it and keep torturing the Mud Blood the way filth like her deserves!"

"I am sure you will," Voldemort sneered. "You have done well so far, Draco."

Draco bowed low. "Thank you, my Lord."

"Stand up," ordered Voldemort. Draco instantly obeyed. Voldemort reached for Draco's left arm. "You have gone far enough to earn this, Draco. However, do not let your loyalty waver. You will be very sorry indeed if you do."

"I understand my Lord and I will not disappoint you."

"It's more than your life's worth if you do, Draco."

"You can rest assured I will not, my Lord."

"I am proud of you myself, Draco. You are acting as a true son of mine. Do not disappoint me, either."

"I will not, Father."

"If you do, both our lives could be in danger."

"I understand Father and I will not."

Lucius nodded.

"Good man. You are truly living up to the Malfoy name."

Without another word, Voldemort began the task of giving Draco Malfoy the Dark Mark. Within five minutes, it was complete. "Ok," said Voldemort softly. "Go back to Hogwarts and continue torturing that Mud Blood. Have fun with her Draco, I will make it worth your time."

"Thank you, my Lord."

"Just one more thing Draco, I have a present for you. I think you'll find this useful." Voldemort handed Draco a copy of advanced dark Spells, Curses Potions. "The Love Inducing Curse is on page fifty. It's the book the traitor Snape sent to the Mud Blood. If it flashes red, it means it has been updated. The only way that would happen, is if a cure was found, or extra information. Draco, if a cure is found, you must do everything in your power to prevent it. The Mud Blood is totally in your control, do not free her with any new cure that book might come up with! Do you understand? Only the Controller can free her no matter what, so do not do it! When you feel up to it, kill her if you wish too. Just torture her a bit first! Believe me Draco, it'll be worth it. Plus, your reward will be a bit of lust. There's nothing wrong with a bit of lust," Voldemort smirked.

"I will not free her at all my Lord, the only way right now is marriage, and she can forget it!"

"Good, Draco. Just take that book and keep an eye on it."

"Yes, my Lord."

"You will be a great man yet, Draco."

"Thank you, my Lord."

Without another word, just a deep bow, Lucius and Draco disapporated. Lucius left him on the edge of the forest and Draco headed back for Hogwarts. Time to see what that old fool, Dumbledore wanted with him. A smug smile played across his face, as he thought of how much power he had over one Hermione Granger and Albus Dumbledore regarding her life. Her very life was at his mercy.

Quickly, Draco re-entered the castle and headed up to Dumbledore's office. Dumbledore was waiting by the Gargoyle.

"Ah, Mr. Malfoy. Come with me, please?"

Without a word, they entered Dumbledore's office. Dumbledore was not smiling; he was looking at Draco with disgust in his face. As soon as they were seated, Dumbledore turned to Draco.

"Mr. Malfoy, this conversation is completely between us. That, you can be sure of. Unless, of course, you choose to tell your boss." He glanced at Draco's left arm.

"I don't know what you want to call this Mr. Malfoy, but I'd call it a warning. Mr. Malfoy, I know I have no power to release Miss Granger, I can't help her at all, her life is at your mercy and we all know it. However, what I will say is if you try to bring any of your, for want of a better word, Colleagues into Hogwarts, you will find me very disagreeable. I do not like this at all, Mr. Malfoy, but you hold all these cards. There is nothing I can do and you know this. However, I will make Miss Granger's last days as enjoyable as I can, even though you'll be breathing constantly down her neck. I have asked you to come here because Miss Granger wanted time with Miss Weasley and I think you should allow her that. I am sure you have informed Voldemort of the fact that I have put you close to Miss Granger at all times. Mr. Malfoy, you want to cause her pain even more than you already have, I will not allow that. I know as do you that I cannot expel you or Miss Granger will kill herself. I know you could leave Hogwarts if you chose, but trust me Mr. Malfoy, I wouldn't try that if I were you."

Draco sneered at the Head Master. "How could you stop me? You've already acknowledged I hold all the cards, which indeed I do. How are you going to stop me doing just as I please? I hold Miss Granger's life in my hands and you can do nothing about it."

Dumbledore nodded. "Believe me Mr. Malfoy, I know this. However, do not under estimate my powers. I don't want to have to hurt you Mr. Malfoy, but I will if I have to." Malfoy looked uncertainly at Dumbledore.

"You weren't expecting that, were you?" Said Dumbledore quietly. "You were expecting me to say that you should do the right thing and marry Miss Granger or you'd be in big trouble. Or you thought I'd do something as punishment to you for this. Mr. Malfoy, you know as well as I do that I cannot do that. That would also hurt Miss Granger. My number one priority, although I know it's not yours what so ever, is her protection and safety. Mr. Malfoy, this may sound like an old man conceding defeat, but I know she is probably going to die. I know you hold her life, as I've said before. There is nothing I can do about this, but I will fight you and your boss, Voldemort. I will fight you on Miss Granger's behalf. Personally, I think you are all pure evil to take an innocent life to gain someone else. So, you're taking two lives in the end, if we include Harry's. Why are you using Miss Granger for your sick little game? What is the point? Is it just because she's close to Harry?"

"I do as my Master orders, you fool." Draco hissed. "He has ordered me to use the Mud Blood to get to Harry; she will tell me anything I ask. But I think my Master is sure I will endanger the Mud Blood and Potter will do anything to save her, even if it means walking straight into my Lord's trap! I will not fail him, you fool. I feel there are no problems in telling you all this, because there is nothing you can do about it. Even if you killed the Dark Lord, which you won't. Or if Potter did, which he won't. The Mud Blood will still be completely under my control, so I still get a kick out of it and a nice bit of lust."

"Mr. Malfoy, tell me. Are you not getting married to Miss Parkinson at the end of this year?" Draco stared at Dumbledore. How did he know that? "I have my sources, Mr. Malfoy. I do not understand why you do not spend time with your Fiancé to satisfy your desires. Why do you have to use someone completely innocent, just because of blood status, for your lustful desires? Someone who deserves happiness just as much as you do and you've already got her trapped forever and you are going to kill her and ruin her life? You've ruined it and you're going to take it in the end? Just for your boss's want? What if it's not even what you want? You're young; Mr. Malfoy and you've already trapped, literally, a girl's heart. You don't care what you've done; you're going to kill her anyway. You don't care she'll never live again, never love anyone but you because of this curse; you just want to do as your boss orders. What if it isn't what you want, Mr. Malfoy?"

"I will do whatever the Dark Lord desires," said Draco, glaring at Dumbledore.

"Aah I see, you don't even think about what you want, it's all about Voldemort, is it? So Draco Malfoy's life doesn't even matter to the man himself?"

"Serving the Dark Lord is my life long desire you stupid old fool!" Draco snarled. Dumbledore looked at Draco, with sadness in his eyes.

"I feel sorry for you Mr. Malfoy, you don't realise it yet, but you will never live either. You think Voldemort cares about you, one wrong move from anyone of his servants, no matter how faithful they were previously and he will kill them. He doesn't care about you, Draco. Not a bit. You can put your all into serving him, one wrong move and you or one of your loved ones are dead. Do you not understand? You are willing to torture, torment and kill for a man who would kill you or a loved one without a second look if you don't do instantly as he asks?" Malfoy stared at Dumbledore.

"Well, I will never let the Dark Lord down, so you are a fool. Plus, I do not have any loved ones."

"Not even your mother?" Asked Dumbledore and for the first time his voice was gentle. "Can you honestly tell me you don't love your mother?" Draco glared at him, but didn't answer.

"She's the only one who's ever shown you any signs of love. Isn't she, Draco? She's the only one who's ever cared about you, right? How would you feel if she was killed because you made a wrong move?" Again, Draco glared at him.

"Will never happen, you fool! Never! I will never let the Dark Lord down, so what does it matter anyway? He will never kill my mother, she's as loyal to him and I and my father are." Dumbledore nodded sadly. "I know," he said quietly. "It's such a shame. Draco, please, come to the right side, give Miss Granger what she needs to get out of this, be an honourable man, don't do this to her or yourself!"

"This isn't about me in your eyes, you idiot! This is about that Mud Blood! Sorry, Dumbledore, but she is mine and her very life is at my mercy and you all know it! Mercy, however, that will not be granted! She's dead, when I choose!" Draco stood up. Dumbledore again nodded sadly.

"Ok, Mr. Malfoy. But if you change your mind before it's too late... I just hope it doesn't take a loss for you to show you the right way. I am here, if you do."

"Save your breath, you fool! The Mud Blood is going to die her Controller is going to lust after her then kill her, the Dark Lord is going to kill Potter, and Hogwarts will fall! You old man, are dead meet, just like the Mud Blood, I hold the cards to her life, I decide her death day, so if I were you, if you want to make her last days enjoyable, get on with it. Because there aren't many left."

Without another word, Draco strode from the office. Dumbledore got to his feet; his heart was aching with sadness and pity. Pity mainly for Miss Granger. There was nothing left for it. He had tried to avoid this, but he couldn't any longer. He had to write to her parents, tell them the whole truth, get them to come to Hogwarts as quickly as possible; Dumbledore would help them get to their daughter's side. He couldn't lie anymore. Miss Granger was dying, her parents deserved to see her one last time, give her last days she would never forget, along with Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley, but particularly Miss Weasley. Quietly, Dumbledore picked up a quill and parchment, to write to Mr. and Mrs. Granger, the saddest letter he thought he'd ever written in his life. The news that their daughter if they were lucky, only had a few months to live. If not, days. He would try and get them to Hogwarts within the night, so they could get to their daughter's side as quickly as possible, to make her last days ones that she would never forget.

Hermione and Ginny walked straight back to hers and Draco's Quarters, as Draco had ordered her to remain there to wait for him. Hermione had no idea where Draco had gone and she longed for him more than she could say! Quickly, they entered and sat down on two of the chairs standing in the middle of the room. Ginny moved them so they were right next to each other. With a simple flick of her wand, she conjured up chocolate and butter beers.

"Thanks," said Hermione quietly, taking a butter beer and a chocolate frog.

"So," said Ginny quietly. "Do you want to talk?"

"Yes," said Hermione instantly, opening her drink. "Ginny, I want to talk to you about…"

Ginny knew what was coming. "About Mr. Malfoy?" She asked quietly.

"Yes! About how he's so gorgeous, about how his voice drives me crazy, about how his kisses send me into paradise, about how he's so perfect!"

"Hermione," said Ginny, very cautiously. "Hermione, do you think his voice is so sexy even though he only uses it to call you "Granger" and "Mud Blood?" Does it still sound sexy to you then? Despite the fact that he's never used it to call you Hermione? Despite the fact he's never used it to say anything nice to you at all?"

"Yes!" Said Hermione passionately. "Ginny, this is Mr. Malfoy! His voice is the best in the universe!"

"Ok," said Ginny quietly, taking a huge sip of butter beer, to try and get rid of the lump in her throat.

"His kisses, oh Merlin Ginny, any girl would die to be kissed by him! He's a bloody good kisser, I love him so much! I wouldn't have anyone else kiss me, ever!"

I'd rather die, Ginny thought. "Really?"

"Yeah! His kisses send me into oblivion!"

Ginny tried again. "They do, do they? Despite the fact that the only time he's kissed you, it's been full of lust? Despite the fact that not one of his kisses has been gentle? Despite the fact he only holds you tightly to be cruel?" Ginny knew she had to be careful.

"Mr. Malfoy is not cruel, Ginny. He's holding me tight to protect me and he kisses me like that because he loves me so much and he's making it clear! Stop! I will not hear another word against what Mr. Malfoy does to me, or against Mr. Malfoy himself!"

Ginny was helpless. She desperately wanted the real Hermione to come back, desperately wanted to hug her and tell her they'd somehow save her, but she couldn't. She knew it. Again, Ginny felt such a strong rush of hatred towards Draco Malfoy; she had to stop herself from shaking. She wanted to curse the little ferret into hell!

"Don't challenge Mr. Malfoy's actions towards me again, Ginny." Said Hermione, very softly.

Ginny did not like that voice at all. "I was not, Hermione. I was simply asking you a question."

"I love Mr. Malfoy with all I am, I will not stand here and listen to people insulting the one I love! There is only one man in my life, my heart, his name is…" Here, Hermione had to stop. She was forbidden to say Draco.

"Draco," Ginny finished for her, but very quietly.

"Mr. Malfoy," Hermione finally managed to say.

"Hermione," said Ginny, opening another butter beer. Her tone of voice was casual, but she knew she had to watch how she worded this very carefully. "Hermione, if Mr. Malfoy is your only man and if you love him as much as you say you do and he loves you as much as you say he does, I can't help finding it a little strange that you have to call him Mr. Malfoy. Why can't you just call him by his name?"

"Mr. Malfoy has asked me to address him as such, so I will do as he asks. I love him, so I will not let him down, I will do whatever he says."

Ginny hated this. Where was the real Hermione they'd seen earlier? That book had said the Curse could not get stronger, but Hermione was practically out of their reach. In Mr. Malfoy's full control.

"I can't believe it's only our first day back," said Hermione, yawning as she lay back in her chair. "It seems to have dragged on forever. Still, I can't complain, I really love what Dumbledore has done; he's placed Mr. Malfoy by my side at all times! See, Ginny? He realises how much Mr. Malfoy cares about me, unlike some!" She spat at her friend.

Ginny did not flinch. "Sorry, Hermione. Maybe I've missed something?"

"Yes you have!" Hermione suddenly shouted, standing and facing her friend, glaring at her. "You have missed the fact that Mr. Malfoy loves me truly and all you do is question his love for me! I will not stand there and see that happen!" Hermione pulled out her wand.

"Come on now, Hermione." Ginny said gently, approaching her friend. "Please, don't curse me. I was not challenging Mr. Malfoy; I just wanted to hear about you and him."

"Yet, everything you said about him was negative! I will not hear him spoke of like that!" Hermione raised her wand.

"I love you, Hermione." Ginny said very softly. "Please, oh God Hermione this is killing us! Please, don't hurt me, I want to be there for you, part of you knows something is up, where's the real Hermione I saw earlier? Hermione, we know you can't throw that fucking Curse off, but you can at least try to fight. No one's asking you to walk away from Mr. Malfoy, but don't you see, like you said earlier, "this sucks so bloody much!" Yes, Hermione, it does! It sucks that there is nothing we can do for you, but we do want to be here as your friends! Please, don't curse me, come on Hermione, and show the real you to me if you can, please?"

For a split second, nothing happened, except that Hermione remained still, her wand steady on Ginny. Then, yet again, she broke down and Ginny ran to her side. Hermione cried for a few minutes, and then managed to control herself. When she spoke, Ginny shivered. Hermione's voice was so calm, too calm.

"Ginny, I know as well as you do that I am going to die. You know as well as I do that these are my last days alive. Mr. Malfoy holds the complete power of when my death day will occur; there is nothing anyone can do to stop him. I love him, I am bound to by this Curse, so there is no way out. Ginny, you know I will hurt you if you insult Mr. Malfoy, so please, stop right there. You know as well as I do the only way out for me is through death, or marriage to Mr. Malfoy. That, my dear, is not going to happen. We both know this. I am trying to accept my fate, please, don't make it worse for me by constantly challenging the love of my life, literally, thereby making it worse for me. Please, just make my last days as good as we can? I will live for you guys; you are my true friends. I will live for you, until the moment I die."

Ginny was crying by this stage, she couldn't stop. "Oh Hermione," she sobbed, as she hugged her friend close. "Listen, we all love you; we love you so so much. This whole thing is driving us crazy; we wish we could help you! We're going to lose you and there's bugger all we can do about it! How the fuck do you think that makes us feel? Knowing that the only way you'll live is if Mr. Malfoy marries you?"

"I'm sorry, Ginny." Hermione said quietly. "There is nothing anyone can do, except Mr. Malfoy. I am completely at his mercy."

Ginny ran into the bathroom, placed a silencing Charm on the room and proceeded to cry until she was sure no more tears could come. She yelled every insult she could think of at Draco Malfoy and it made her feel a little better. Finally, she performed a cleaning Charm on her face and left the bathroom.

"You were a while," said Hermione, who of course hadn't heard a thing.

"Yeah, wasn't feeling too good."

"Do you want to head off to bed?" Hermione glanced at the clock on the wall. It was coming up to ten in the evening.

"No, not yet if you don't mind?"

"No, it's fine. You can stay here until Mr. Malfoy gets back."

"Thanks, Hermione."

There it was again. Everything in Hermione's life, including her friends, was centred around Draco Malfoy! Ginny wanted to scream all over again. Evil, cruel, bastard! They sat there quietly for a few moments, reading, eating chocolate and drinking butter beers. Ginny did not know how to break the silence, there was only so much they seemed to be able to say to Hermione these days. Ginny couldn't help wondering what would happen if she reminded Hermione of the time she'd hit Draco around the face. She'd probably freak out. Either that, or she wouldn't believe it, make out Ginny was lying. Eventually, the door opened and Draco appeared. Instantly, Ginny stood up. Draco walked straight over to Hermione and took her close. Acting gentle, he lifted her up and placed her on the couch, then sat beside her and took her close. The real Hermione, as much of her that had appeared, had vanished instantly. Ginny headed fast for the portrait hole.

"See you later, Hermione. Thanks for tonight."

"See you, Ginny." That was all she said.

Quietly, Ginny headed out of the hole, just as Draco began to passionately kiss Hermione. Just as she reached the outside, Harry appeared and ran to her side. He wrapped both arms tenderly around her, seeing the look on her face and the tears coursing down her cheeks.

"Oh Ginny, my darling Ginny, I'm so, so sorry."

"Harry, it did not go at all well, she was there for about two minutes, then the in love with Mr. Malfoy one was back!" Harry held her tight and kissed her.

"I love you, darling. I really, really do."

"Thanks, Harry. I love you to, but if you can find a cure for Hermione, I'll love you even more!" Harry gently held her close and kissed her.

"Darling, we're wanted in Dumbledore's office. Mr. and Mrs. Granger are here." Ginny looked devastated. "Dumbledore had no choice, did he?"

"No. Afraid not. She's going to die, they deserve to know the whole truth, and they'll probably have to meet her Controller soon. Dumbledore wants us to talk to them about what's going on."

Ginny nodded sadly. "There's an easy way to do that," she replied, trying to hold back tears, as Harry tenderly led her up towards Dumbledore's office. "It can be said in four words. He just doesn't care."

That night for Hermione, was long and painful. She could not stop thinking about Draco, she needed him so bad! Despite the fact that Dumbledore had placed them together at all times, he could not make them sleep together, much to Hermione's utter disappointment. She needed him more than life itself! The next morning, Hermione awoke early and couldn't see the point of remaining in bed trying to sleep, so she headed into the Common room. There, in a chair, was her Controller.

"Good morning, Mr. Malfoy," she said quietly.

"Mud Blood," he acknowledged. Slowly, she walked over to him and he stood up. He took her into his arms, holding her tight to his chest. He kissed her, long and hard.

"I missed you last night, Mr. Malfoy," Hermione said quietly.

"I didn't miss you, Mud Blood," he answered. Hermione didn't care that he kept saying that, hell; she'd love the word Mud Blood, if only because Mr. Malfoy used it!

Classes were hard and demanding, but Hermione was able to concentrate because Mr. Malfoy was by her side! She desperately wanted to achieve good grades in her N.E.W. T's, if only to please Mr. Malfoy! That night, Hermione was being held tightly in Draco's arms, when it happened. Ginny and Harry came around the corner.

"Hermione," said Ginny quietly. "Hermione, we've got a surprise for you. There's some people here who want to see you. Will you come with us?"

"Instantly, as they'd expected, Hermione looked at her Controller, as if asking for his permission. "Who is it?" She asked quietly.

"Hermione," said Harry gently. "Please, will you just trust us? I'm sure Mr. Malfoy will come with you." I'll murder him if he doesn't, or doesn't let you go, Harry thought.

Again, Hermione looked at Draco. Without a word, Draco kissed her long and hard and then followed Harry and Ginny. Eventually, they reached Dumbledore's office.

"Chocolate frog," said Harry quietly and the Gargoyle leaped aside. Quickly, they headed up the moving stairs and to the office door. Harry knocked.

"Come in," called Dumbledore's voice, very sadly.

Harry and Ginny walked through the door, with Draco right behind them, holding Hermione tight to his chest.

"Aah good evening, Miss Granger, Mr. Malfoy. Miss Granger, there's some people here I think you should see."

Mr. and Mrs. Granger stepped forward. Hermione looked for a long time into her mother's face and as she did, again they saw the real, desperate, trapped Hermione Granger. The sight made them all blink rapidly.

"Hello darling," Mrs. Granger said, keeping her voice as strong as she could.

"Hey, mum, dad." Draco was sneering. The Granger's looked at him and instantly away. His look was pure evil.

"Mum, dad, I would like you to meet the best man in the world, Mr. Malfoy."

The Granger's were looking at Draco with fear in their eyes. Dumbledore gently laid a hand on their shoulders.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Malfoy." Mr. Granger said bravely, holding out his hand.

Draco stepped forward and quickly shook it. Mrs. Granger held out hers, Draco did the same. Light, quick, uncaring. He then took Hermione close to him and kissed her with utmost lust.

"Is he your boyfriend?" Asked Mr. Granger, remembering all too well what the others had said about not insulting him in front of Hermione. He wasn't her boyfriend; he was her Controller!

"Yes!" Said Hermione passionately. "I love him with all my bloody heart!"

"How come you never mentioned him before, darling? He's very nice looking." Mrs. Granger was inwardly furious. This man was going to kill their daughter! He hated her!

There, she had Hermione cornered. Again, just for a second, the real Hermione appeared. They all saw it. Draco leant in and kissed her once more and that Hermione instantly vanished.

"I didn't want to say anything until you met him, but thanks, mum! Glad you approve!"

Mr. Granger put a gentle arm around his wife's shoulders. Draco smirked.

"What are you doing here anyway?" Hermione asked. Dumbledore spoke up.

"Miss Granger, your parents are here to have a look around Hogwarts and to see you at the same time. We know you've nearly finished, so it was their last chance. They're staying in a hotel, very close to here, so they'll be able to see you as often as you want."

Hermione leant into Draco and kissed him passionately. "There's only one person I want to see right now! He's right here!" While Hermione was looking into Draco's face, Ginny ran forward and took Mrs. Granger close. She was crying. Anything Draco said, her daughter would do and he was more important to her than they were! Mr. Granger joined them. Harry gently took the man's hand.

The next few days were hell for the parents of Hermione Granger. They tried to see her at least every day, but Mr. Malfoy sometimes didn't allow it. One day, about two weeks after their first meeting in his office, Dumbledore called the Granger's, Harry, Ron and Ginny together.

"It's time," he said quietly. "Miss Weasley, as soon as possible, you need to ask Miss Granger the question I asked you. However, we need the real Hermione. Not this controlled one."

Ginny nodded in understanding. "When, Professor?" She asked.

"As soon as you can," Dumbledore replied quietly.

Mr. Granger looked uncertainly at Dumbledore. "Sir?"

Dumbledore looked sadly at the Granger's. "Please, call me Albus?"

Mr. Granger cleared his throat and tried again. His voice shook. "Albus, we do have one request that Hermione's always had as a child. The problem is we don't think we can do it for her; it's not possible for… You know, none magic people."

"Name it," said Dumbledore simply. Taking it in turns, the Granger's began to speak.

It was another two weeks later, just at the start of October. It was a Saturday afternoon. Hermione and Ginny were sitting alone in the Room of Requirement, which Ginny had transformed into a very nice sitting room. They were both drinking butter beers. Ginny was hoping that if she tried hard enough, today she would see the real Hermione long enough to ask her question.

Ginny looked affectionately at her friend. "How are you doing, Hermione?"

That was it. Just that question did it. Hermione looked at Ginny, tears forming in her eyes. Ginny instantly took her close. "Fucking awful!" Hermione wailed into her shoulder. Ginny held her tighter. "I'm trapped! I'm a fucking prisoner to Mr. Malfoy, I can't escape, he'll never let me go, he'll kill me before I know it, so I'm doing fucking great! My mum and dad are here, I'm pretty bloody sure they know the truth, I can't even see them without Mr. Malfoy there!"

Instantly, Ginny raised her wand and sent a silver shadow straight to her mum, who was with the Granger's.

"They know, don't they? They know I'm going to die? They know the only way I'll be cured is if he marries me? They know I'll never love another, don't they, Ginny?" Ginny couldn't answer. She just held her friend tightly.

Suddenly, the door opened and Mr. and Mrs. Granger ran in. Hermione leaped up and threw herself into her mother's arms, crying her heart out. "Oh, my darling," Mrs. Granger was trying not to cry herself as she kissed her daughter. "Oh Hermione, we love you so much! We're here, darling, we won't leave you!"

Mr. Granger ran forward and hugged her close as well; tears were in both the Granger's eyes. "Our dearest, darling daughter, we know what is happening. We will not leave you; we will stay with you for as long as it takes! Please, let us be near you?"

"It's not up to me," Hermione sobbed. "It's up to Mr. Malfoy! Whatever he says, I'll agree with! Whatever he asks, I'll fucking do! Oh mum, dad, I'm so fucking scared!"

Ginny was also crying by now. "Ginny, please, don't ask questions, please, just go and fetch Harry! Quickly! I don't know how long this will last until Mr. Malfoy has me back in his control! Please, go! I need you both!" Ginny didn't hesitate.

A few minutes later, she was back with Harry at her side. The Granger's would not release their daughter. "Ginny, I have one final request, please, you two must hear this!" Ginny nodded, tears in her eyes.

"Name it, Hermione."

"Harry, hold her, please?" Harry instantly took Ginny close to his chest.

"Listen," Hermione was speaking fast, so she could get this out before she once more became Draco Malfoy's victim. "Listen, you two hold the very thing I'm desperate for. Love. You two love each other truly and completely. That much, I know. You don't have to tell me, it's obvious. Please, don't let that love go. Please, I said you didn't have to, but please, I need to hear it! Please, tell me you love each other?"

Ginny was clinging to Harry, trying to hold back tears, as was he. "Truly," said Harry quietly. "I'd never let him go," said Ginny.

"I thought as much," said Hermione, managing to smile. "Guys, please, would you do this? For me? You are going to be able to have the dream I never will. I'll be dead soon, please, I want to see it happen for someone else, even if it isn't me! Please, I'm living for you guys, right up until my last moment. You have been my most loyal friends, along with Ron and all the Weasley's. Please, to remember me by, will you marry? Will you get married and seal your love forever? I would be honoured if, before I die, I could walk down the aisle with you, Ginny. I've always wanted you to walk me down the aisle dad, but that will never happen now. I'm going to die. Please, will you? It'll make me so happy, for both of you and I would be so honoured!"

By this stage, Ginny and Harry were both crying. Quietly, Mrs. Weasley had entered behind them and heard every word. She also was in tears. Ginny ran forward and held her friend close once more. Tears were pouring silently down both their faces, as well as the Granger's and Mrs. Weasley's. Ginny looked at Harry, who nodded. "Yes, Hermione, we'll do it. You will walk down with me, I promise!"

Hermione actually managed a small smile. She hugged Ginny and then Harry. All of them were crying.

"I don't know if this is possible," said Hermione quietly, but I would love it if it was on Christmas day, if Mr. Malfoy lets me live that long."

Right at that moment, there was a knock on the door. They all shivered, including Hermione. Mr. Granger opened it; it was Dumbledore. Suddenly, the Curse once more began to take effect and Hermione found herself missing her Controller. He'd given her a lot of kisses before she joined Ginny, so that had quelled the Curse, until now. Mrs. Granger whispered to Dumbledore what Hermione had said, he smiled sadly. Mrs. Weasley was whispering to Ginny about dresses already.

"I need Mr. Malfoy," said Hermione suddenly. Mrs. Granger hugged her daughter tighter, tears in her eyes. Mr. Granger looked devastated.

"Well done, Miss Weasley," whispered Dumbledore. "You got it from her. Even if Mr. Malfoy is there, you will be doing what the real Hermione wants."

"That's a point," growled Harry. "Mr. Malfoy is going to be at our wedding probably! Damn it!"

"Miss Weasley," said Dumbledore quietly, could you go and fetch him?" Ginny nodded and left.

"I need him! Where is he? This is driving me crazy!" Hermione pulled out her wand. Instantly, Mrs. Granger held her close.

"He's coming, darling. Don't worry, he'll be here soon. Please, don't hurt yourself. He's coming, sweetheart."

But what if Draco chose not to come? Harry wondered. What if Draco wanted to give Hermione some pain? Quickly, he approached Dumbledore and looked into his eyes. What if he doesn't come? He thought, staring into the light blue gaze. What if he deliberately puts her through pain? Dumbledore put a gentle hand on Harry's shoulder. "He wouldn't dare," he whispered quietly. Harry didn't like the sound of that.

Sure enough, a few minutes later, Ginny entered with Draco right behind her. Instantly, Hermione ran to her Controller. He took her close and held her. Again, he began to kiss her. Mrs. Weasley turned to Hermione.

"Where do you want to be for Christmas, dear?"

"Where ever Mr. Malfoy allows me," she replied.

"Who says I am spending Christmas with you, Mud Blood?" Asked Draco. Harry wanted to murder him.

"Will you not, Mr. Malfoy? That will kill me!"

"Mud Blood, encase you've forgotten, I do have a Fiancé, who I will probably be spending Christmas with. Try not to use the Cruciatus Curse too much, eh?"

Dumbledore and Mr. Granger had to grab Harry to restrain him. "Don't say anything!" Dumbledore hissed. "Harry, no!"

"Then kill me, Mr. Malfoy!" Hermione cried passionately, throwing her arms around his neck! "I can't be without you!"

"That can be arranged," Draco sneered at her. Mrs. Granger broke down. Mr. Granger hugged her close to him. This was hell. This man was downright evil. Suddenly, Draco placed his hand over his left arm. Dumbledore was once more radiating that fury. Draco looked at him, and then looked away.

"Go, Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore said quietly. "Just don't keep your victim waiting." Draco sneered at Hermione and then kissed her for what seemed like a long time. He then disapporated.

Instantly, Hermione raised her wand and before any of them could stop her, had shouted, Crucio! She was writhing in agony on Dumbledore's office floor. Mr. and Mrs. Granger were crying very hard. Hermione continued to ruthlessly torture herself, until eventually, Harry couldn't stand it anymore and disarmed her. Before Hermione could do anything, Harry had run out of the office and Dumbledore had locked the door, so she couldn't get her wand back.

Then, Dumbledore gently placed her into a bewitched sleep, which she'd only awake from when Draco returned. He hated it so much. Quietly, Harry re-entered and laid Hermione's wand in her pocket.

"She's in a bewitched sleep," Dumbledore explained gently. "She will not wake up until her Controller returns." Mr. and Mrs. Granger knelt at their daughter's side and held her tightly. Both inconsolable.

Malfoy manor was dark. There were hardly any lights on. As Draco wrapped smartly on the door, a house elf appeared instantly. "This way, Mr. Malfoy Sir, your father and the Dark Lord wish you to join them."

Draco's heart sped up. Great! He had so much to report! Voldemort would be thrilled! Quietly, he knocked on his father's study door.

"Come in," called a high cold voice. Draco respectfully pushed open the door and came in a few steps, after which, he knelt.

Lord Voldemort was seated in a leather chair. Lucius Malfoy was also kneeling. "Aah, Draco," said Voldemort quietly. "How goes your mission?"

Draco bowed low. "Great, Master. Even though Dumbledore has placed me near the Mud Blood at all times, she's hardly breaking out of the Curse. When she herself does appear, it's brief and a few seconds only. Times I'm not there, which is probably a good thing, or I would kill her there and then. She causes herself pain when I am not there, says she misses me at night, to which I reply, "I don't, Mud Blood." She's a wreck when I'm not around, she knows I am going to kill her, but most of her is too in love with me to care," he smirked.

Voldemort looked at Draco, a sneer on his lip-less mouth. "You have done well, Draco. Very well. You will yet do me proud. What I will ask you to do next will make it worse for the Mud Blood. I want you to spend Christmas with her. Don't leave her side, pretend you love her. Also, start to talk to her. Pretend to gain her trust. Under that Curse, she'll do whatever you ask; agree with whatever you say, and tell you whatever you ask. Do it, Draco. So that, when you kill her, it'll be even worse. Only leave her occasionally now, so that when you do, the pain is unbearable."

"Yes, my Lord."

"This will certainly squash Dumbledore's idea that love is more powerful than my magic! You will never fall in love with her, will you Draco? It will all be fake to slowly take her to her death?"

"Hell yes Master! I would never fall in love with that filth!"

"I didn't think so," Voldemort smirked. "Good. Well, do not let me down, Draco. I do not want you to feel my anger. Not when you've done so well."

"I will never let you down, my Lord."

"For your sake, you had better not. Now, go on with you and have a fun Christmas," he smirked. Draco stood up.

"I will keep you posted, my Lord."

"Wait until I call you once more, Draco."

"Yes, my Lord."

Draco bowed once more and then walked out. As he did, he was smirking. He was going to have some fun with the Mud Blood this Christmas; he'd give her one she'd never forget. His first present to her, he would give that very night.

A few minutes later, Dumbledore heard a knock on his door. He opened it; it was Draco.

"How did you disapporate straight from my office?" He asked quietly. Draco just sneered. Gently, Dumbledore awoke Hermione, who ran into her Controller's arms.

"Oh Mr. Malfoy, I missed you!" She said into his neck. Without answer, he began kissing her.

"Mud Blood, you will like this. I am actually spending Christmas with you," he sneered. Hermione kissed him long and passionately. Harry and Ginny shared a devastated look.

"Where do you want it, dear?" Asked Mrs. Weasley again. Harry knew she was thinking of the wedding. The final request, Hermione would not think of at all now.

"I don't care," muttered Hermione distractedly. "Not now Mr. Malfoy will be with me!" That just confirmed they were right. However, they would still do it, they'd promised.

"How about here?" Asked Dumbledore gently. Harry knew why. Then, he could marry them. Harry smiled sadly at the Head Master. Hermione looked to her Controller.

"Make your choice, Mud Blood," he said.

"Mr. Malfoy, I don't care, as long as you're with me!"

"Mud Blood, I'll be with you anyways, so just say!"

"I don't care," Hermione said again.

"It's settled then," said Dumbledore, trying to sound cheerful. "Hogwarts it is.""

That night, Draco told Hermione she could spend some time with her parents if she wished to and asked her to return to their Quarters at ten that evening. Hermione of course, agreed. Inwardly, Draco was smirking. He had the perfect idea for that Mud Blood; she was not going to like this at all. Merry Christmas to her!

The Granger's asked Harry and Ginny if they would like to accompany them to their hotel for a drink in the bar. They both accepted. While they went off to change, Ginny wrote a quick note to the rest of the Weasley's telling them what was happening. Including the wedding. She asked them if they would all come to Hogwarts as soon as possible before Christmas.

"I'm sorry, Harry. This is not how I planned on marrying you," Ginny said quietly as she walked with her Fiancé up to Gryffindor Tower.

"Me neither," Harry replied quietly. "But, I love you and I will make that clear to you and we will do as Hermione asks. She deserves it." Ginny nodded.

Just before they left, Ginny received a short note back from her family, expressing their anger and hatred towards Draco Malfoy, but assuring her they would all be there. A few minutes later, they set off on foot. Mr. Granger could drive, but they preferred to walk. They had asked Dumbledore and Mrs. Weasley if they wished to join them, but both had declined.

During their drink, the real Hermione appeared for a few moments. It was nice, but horrible at the same time. Ginny quickly asked her what kind of dress she wanted and what kind of dress she would like Ginny to be wearing.

"Ginny, it's your wedding…" Hermione began, but Ginny cut her off.

"Tell me, Hermione."

"I think you'd look great in white and gold," Hermione replied quietly. That's what I would have loved to ware. White, with gold through it." Ginny smiled and nodded.

"If I was ever to get married, which I know I won't, but if I ever did, I'd love my husband in a suit and tie, that would be just so cool!" Ginny smiled; Hermione didn't see Harry's little nod to Ginny.

At a quarter to ten, they walked back towards Hogwarts. The Curse had come back over Hermione only a couple of minutes after that exchange and she wanted to get back to Mr. Malfoy's side.

"Why do you think he said ten?" Mrs. Granger whispered to Ginny. "Why did he give her a time? Has he done that before?"

"I'm not sure," Ginny answered quietly. "Don't worry, I'll go with her though, encase it's a trick, or trap." Mr. and Mrs. Granger nodded thankfully at Ginny.

"Thank you," they said quietly. "Thank you so much."

"I'll come as well, I think," said Mrs. Granger quietly. Mr. Granger nodded.

At exactly ten, they reached Hermione's Quarters. Hermione was in front, desperate to get to Mr. Malfoy. Quickly, she pushed open the door. It was just as well Ginny and her parents had come with her; Hermione's heart nearly stopped. There, on the couch, Draco was passionately, but also gently and tenderly, kissing Pansy Parkinson. He had his arms tenderly around her; it looked like there was true love in his kisses and embrace. Hermione couldn't move. She was transfixed with grief and pain. Ginny ran to Hermione's side, her mum stood on the other.

Gently and tenderly, Draco lowered Pansy on to her back on the leather couch. He touched and kissed her way more gently than he ever had Hermione. They all knew that. Even Hermione herself. His kisses were slow, loving and everything Hermione wanted from him. Just for a second once again, the real Hermione appeared. She remembered what Ginny was saying about how every time Malfoy kissed her, it contained lust alone. Now, Hermione could see where she'd come from. Hell, she was right.

"I love you, Draco," came Pansy's voice.

"I love you too, Pansy," came Draco's gentle reply.

Pansy suddenly looked up. "See, Mud Blood? I am allowed to call him Draco. Yes, Draco! He has given me his permission, so it's not an insult. What do you have to call him? Oh yeah that's right, Mr. Malfoy! Well Mud Blood, I don't, because he is going to marry me! The only thing that will cure you, I get that place! You, Mud Blood, will be dead! Sorry you won't get an invite! He's kissing me like that because he loves me, he hates you, Mud Blood! Why do you think it's formal address? Because he is your Master, your Controller! You have to do exactly what he orders you! I do not! I do it because I love him and he loves me! How does it feel to see someone else being kissed by your Controller because he loves them?"

Draco suddenly cut her off by kissing her yet again. "Take me, Draco," said Pansy quietly. She put great stress on, "Draco."

Mrs. Granger held her daughter close as she began to sob uncontrollably. "Don't insult him mum," she warned.

"I won't, darling," Mrs. Granger whispered lovingly to her daughter.

"But it's fucking hard not to," Mr. Granger whispered to Ginny, who nodded fervently. "I know, Sir." She whispered back.

Before long, Draco was gently making love to Pansy Parkinson, right in front of them! They moved together with utmost tenderness. Draco gently trailed kisses down her neck and all over her body. She responded passionately, surrendering completely to Draco Malfoy. When it was over, Pansy looked into Draco's tender eyes.

"I love you, Draco. I am going to miss you so much over Christmas, I really am! Shame you have to spend it with such filth!"

All the time Draco and Pansy had been making love right in front of them, Ginny and the Granger's had tried to make Hermione move, but they had been unsuccessful. Hermione was transfixed with grief.

"I am going to miss you to, darling. Terribly. But do not worry, before long, this will all be over. The Mud Blood will be dead, you and I will be married forever and our Master will reward us greatly. Hold on for me over Christmas, my darling. I will miss you so much! I will not be able to be with you much now, the Dark Lord wants me near the Mud Blood nearly all the time, make it worse for her," he smirked. Pansy smirked right back.

Hermione suddenly broke down. She clung to her mother as hard as she could, crying her heart out. Draco suddenly looked up. "Go to your room, Mud Blood," he hissed. Hermione had no choice. Ginny and her parents followed.

A few minutes later, Ginny left to tell Harry what had happened. Harry was furious. "Fucking, cruel bastard!" He exploded. "I don't bloody believe it! That's why he told her to go back then, so she'd see him shagging Pansy! She's a complete and total bitch!"

"We should have known she'd say those things though," said Ginny quietly. "I think it's the first time I've ever heard her tell the fucking truth!"

Harry took her close and held her, as they both tried to calm down. A few minutes later, they set off to tell Dumbledore the latest development. He was as angry as they were.

Over the next few weeks, Draco began to do as Voldemort had ordered. Every night, he would talk to Hermione, who of course, answered him. Draco was pretending to gain her trust, hoping eventually to get to the subject of Harry. Draco asked her about her life as a Muggle, all the time inwardly sneering at what he was hearing. Hermione told him all about how she'd got her letter from Hogwarts, how proud her parents had been, how something very precious had been taken away at the age of seven. Draco didn't ask he didn't care.

One day, the Granger's couldn't hold it back any longer. They asked Dumbledore what a Mud Blood was. "It's all we've heard him call her, either that, or Granger. What is it?" Mrs. Granger asked. "I'm not sure I want to know," said Mr. Granger quietly.

Dumbledore looked at them sadly. "Mud Blood is a very offensive term indeed for someone who is Muggle Born. In other words, none magic parents." The Granger's looked horrified.

"So it's entirely our fault she's getting called that?" Mrs. Granger looked very upset. Quickly, Dumbledore laid his hand on her arm. "Don't you go feeling guilty, either of you. Hermione is the cleverest witch in the school! She loves you; I can see that and I know you adore her. It's only people like Mr. Malfoy who consider it a problem. All good people don't."

"We don't want to make her suffering any worse…" Mrs. Granger began. "You're not!" Said Harry firmly, who had just entered the office. "It's only people like fucking Malfoy who consider it a problem, you love her, and she loves you! You're not making it any worse; you wouldn't stop him saying that even if you disowned her!"

"Exactly," said Ginny quietly.

"Never!" Said Mr. and Mrs. Granger together.

By the time Christmas arrived, Hermione and Draco had been talking for well over a month, every night. They discussed her life, though she was very careful to ask about his. On the last night before everyone but them, Harry and Ginny left Hogwarts for Christmas; Hermione approached her Controller, alone in their Quarters. Pansy was going home for Christmas, just like everyone else. She sat down next to him and automatically, he put his arms around her.

"Mr. Malfoy?" She began uncertainly.

"What?" He answered.

Hermione swallowed nervously.

"Erm… Mr. Malfoy, I was wondering… Erm… Would it be alright if…" She looked him square in the eyes. Suddenly, Draco didn't know what made him do it; he'd leant in and kissed her, but gently! He'd never kissed her like that before. Hermione responded and their kisses were a lot slower and gentler than they'd ever been before! Draco didn't know what was going through his mind, he guessed it was just because he had to spend all Christmas with her, might as well tease her on another level.

"Mr. Malfoy," she started again. "Mr. Malfoy, would it be alright if…" Again, she paused.

"Get on with it," Draco said quietly.

"Mr. Malfoy, do you think erm… Do you think you could not call me Mud Blood in front of my parents? It's really having a strain on them; I can see it. If you want to call me that alone, carry on. But please would you stop in front of them?"

Draco sneered. "Why should I, Mud Blood?"

"Because it makes my parents feel really bad, please, stop? Mr. Malfoy, I beg you!"

There was silence. They just looked into each other's eyes, Controller and victim. "Alright, Granger. Don't think it means I care about you anymore, because I fucking hate you! Do not expect me to call you by your foul first name, I will call you Granger. Until you die."

"Thank you, Mr. Malfoy!" Hermione couldn't help it. She hugged him tightly. Again, they kissed, gently. Draco could not understand why their kisses had changed, but he didn't care. She would be dead soon anyway; he knew when he was going to kill her. When they were alone, with her parents one night. They would see their precious daughter die. He would get rid of them while he was at it.

Before long, it was Christmas day. Ginny had awoken Hermione early, telling her that today, her and Harry were getting married. Again, briefly, they saw the real Hermione and it was heart breaking. She cried into Ginny's shoulder and thanked her for fulfilling her final request.