Updated- finally! Lol.

After being in the room alone, with the door shut, Hermione noticed that the air in here was stale. Old, like no one had opened the window in years. Then again, no one probably had.

Angry with herself for getting caught, Hermione punished herself by sleeping on the floor and not the bed. She didn't even use the blanket or pillow that was lying invitingly on the bed. 'Stupid Dark lord.' She muttered as she curled up into a ball. 'Stupid Malfoy family!'

Just when she was about to fall asleep, which was about an hour later (the ground was stone- it was hard!), Hermione had an impulse to open the window. She couldn't deal with the stale air any longer.

She had no idea why she wanted to, but a feeling told her that she would feel more comfortable with a cold breeze circulating around. When she had gotten up, she walked over to the window and looked at it.

It was a rusty old lock, and after some jigging and pushing, it creaked open, and Hermione pushed it up. The breeze was freezing, but again Hermione thought that she should leave it open. Now she supposed she would feel better- as though if it was open, there was a chance she would be escaping.

She let the breeze freeze her warm face for a few more minutes before she got back onto the stone floor, in her curled up position.

'Oh Harry, Ron, I can't imagine what your going through.' Hermione muttered sadly as an image of her two best friends crossed her face. A tear fell down her cheek.

At least im not nagging them about homework- they wouldn't miss that. Hermione thought, trying to smile, but not getting there. But they DO miss ME don't they?

Of course they do. A rational voice argued in her mind.

But I wasn't a main part in anything.

Yes you were. Harry and Ron love you. Of course they would be missing you.

Yeah, missing my brains.

After that, Hermione ignored the rational voice, as hot tears rolled down her cheeks and she cried herself to sleep, wondering if they did miss her.

The next morning, Hermione woke up with the hot sun rays on her face, warming her cold body.

For a minute, Hermione thought she might have been back in her dormitory in Hogwarts, as she was having dreams of the ancient castle only seconds before, but when the hardness of the stone floor seeped through her body, she remembered where she was. And this place was no Hogwarts.

Hermione reached for a point near her toes, as if to pull the cover back up over her now very cold body, but then remembered again that she wasn't in her warm bed.

After lying on the ground a little longer, Hermione waited for the warmth of the sun to warm her. When it did, she got up and groaned in pain.

Her neck and back were stiff from sleeping on hard floor all night. After walked around the room a few times, the stiffness faded away.

Deciding that a shower would be nice, and that she had punished herself enough, Hermione walked over into the basic bathroom and looked in it for the first time.

There was a basic shower, a basic toilet, a basic EVERYTHING.

'A definite step down.' Hermione echoed Malfoy as she stripped and jumped into the warmth of the shower.

It was only after a few minutes that the hot water ran cold.

Cursing and jumping out before she froze to death, Hermione rapped herself up in a towel and tried to dry herself as quickly as possible.
it was when she walked out into the main room that she noticed something she hadn't before. She had been wondering what now, and what am I going to wear when she saw a pile of clothes at the foot of the bed. It was a simple pair of jeans, a ripped tank top and a light jacket.

'Ok…' Hermione said as she pulled the clothes on which fitted perfectly.

Leaving her hair out and not spotting a brush, Hermione sat cross-legged on the ground and wondered what she was meant to do.

Knowing that it was locked, Hermione got up regardless and tried the door handle. Of course, it was locked. But now it was more real and she was in a prison. But to her, it was almost medieval.

Hermione crossed to the window that was still opened and stuck her head out, her elbows resting on the window sill.

There were small figures running around outside, along the paths and on the grass. Not really caring what they were, Hermione looked up, towards the horizon. It looked as though the Malfoy manor was settled comfortably next to a large, green mountain. There was a forest that stretched as far as Hermione could see, but in the distance, she could see the gates that she had been so close to!

Wondering how far she was from her beloved friends and school, Hermione got lost in thought.

And that annoying, rational voice had returned.

They care about you.

Then why aren't they here?

There is a million reasons. Dumbledore for one. He is doing something, you know he is. You saw them last night- they know where you are! They will come soon enough, give them time. You don't want them to be locked away in this hell hole too because where would that leave you?

Hermione knew the voice was right, but it was still annoying.

So annoying that her eyes got unfocused as she stared outside, not taking in anything. Not even the person on their broom speeding towards her.

The person pulled up right in front of Hermione watching her. She gave no reaction that she knew the person, or even that they were there.

'Granger!' the blond visitor shouted.

Hermione snapped out of her daze and shook her head. Malfoy almost fell off him broom at her sudden reaction but smoothed out and waited for her.

'What are you doing?' Malfoy asked, letting go of his broom with his hands and folding them over his chest.

'Well Malfoy, I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm stuck in a tower, in the worst place, alone, with no one to talk to or nothing to do.' Hermione replied, rolling her eyes.

'Well, this isn't the worse place. I can think of something much, much worse then this place.' Malfoy said, frowning.

'Really? What's that? Hell? Sorry, I don't go to hell on holidays!'

'No Granger, not hell- and neither do i.' Malfoy sneered. 'But yes, there is a place much worse then here. And that's Voldermort's home.'

Hermione looked at him in shock. 'I thought he lived her.'

Malfoy smirked. 'And you're the smartest in our year?' Hermione scowled. 'Of course he doesn't stay here! What with all the ministry fools calling in all the time, it wouldn't be smart. He has his own place which is like hell only on earth.'

'Er ok.' Hermione said, shrugging.

'I think you're going there soon.' Malfoy said thinking.

'What? Why?'

he sneered again. 'Afraid Granger?'

'Yes, I have been ever since I arrived.' Hermione answered truthfully.

'I think you're going there for some reason but like at the end of the week.' Malfoy replied. Then he grimaced. 'Until then, I have to entertain you.'

Hermione raised an eye brow. 'Why?'

'Because no one else would and I was ordered to.'

'Oh ok, do you always do what your told by daddy?' Hermione asked, speaking like a baby.

'No, not by my father but I do what im told by Voldermort.' Malfoy answered narrowing his eyes.

'Right…'

'I'm meant to take you on a broom ride, but as I recall, you hate flying?' he smirked.

'Flying is not my favorite thing.' Hermione agreed.

'Well, since I know everything,' Hermione scoffed and he scowled, 'I thought ahead and brought you a book from the library.'

'Library? As in, school library?' Hermione asked, forgetting her hatred.

'No Granger, our library.'

'You have a library?' she asked, astonished.

'That's what I said.' Malfoy nodded mockingly. 'And if you're good, you can go in there and read till you die.'

'That's comforting.' Hermione said sarcastically.

Reaching into a bag that Hermione didn't even know he had, he pulled out a book and threw it into the room, just missing Hermione's left ear.

'I'll be back later.' Malfoy said, turning to go.

'Please don't.' Hermione said smirking.

'Weather you like it or not.' Malfoy sneered then speed off.

Hermione turned around and looked at the book. The cover was blank, but Hermione got the feeling it was an educational book. It was a relief when she opened the cover and read the title. Darren Shan. (An: does anyone know that book? ITS FANTASTIC! Well, it's a series, but back to the story…)

It would be nice to loose herself in someone else's problems for a while.

When Hermione turned the page, a note fluttered to the floor.

Frowning, Hermione bent down and picked it up. It was written in dark green ink, with a snake at the top.

Granger,

If you want to send a letter to Potter and Weasley and say mushy things, then write it on the paper in the back of this book. When you're done, it will be checked then sent off. This isn't me being generous, its Voldermort's orders.

Malfoy.

Hermione blinked and flipped to the back of the book. Sure enough, there was a piece of paper folded up, and it was blank.

Looking over at the table, Hermione saw it had a quill and ink.

Sitting herself down, Hermione wondered what she should and could write. Malfoy said it would be checked so there was no point in telling them where she was. Plus she thought they already knew. No point in alerting Voldermort they were on to him.

Picking up the quill, Hermione began to write, pausing every now and then, making sure the spelling was write and that it made sense. A few times, she stopped to think of what else to say.

For some reason, this took her a while. By the end of it, her stomach was rumbling and the note was finally written.

When she was done, Hermione folded the letter back up and went over to her bed, sat down and began to loose herself in Darren Shan's world of problems.

A few hours later, there were footsteps and someone unlocked the door and came in, carrying a tray.

'Oh, room service.' Hermione said mockingly as Malfoy walked in and placed the tray on the table.

'This wasn't my idea. The Elf was ordered by my father to not bring it up and I was ordered to feed you so this was the only option. Don't get used to it.' He warned.

'Don't worry. I hope to not be here very long.'

Malfoy sniggered. 'Granger, you aint going no were!'

'Have you finished that letter yet?' he asked.

'Yes I have.' Hermione said nodding and pointing to the letter which was next to the tray.

'Good. I'll be back.' He said taking the note and walking out.

'Please don't.' Hermione said again, causing her to receive another sneer. Once he was gone, Hermione got comfortable again and again lost herself in the book world were they're problems were very much made up- hers was far from it!

Malfoy locked the door behind him as he slipped the letter into his jacket pocket. The sneer that he had given Hermione dissolved off his face as he walked back down the tower to his more sophisticated room. When he was inside his room, he looked around, then mentally called up a view of Hermione's room.

His was a dark green, with silver. It was just like a Slytherins room should be decorated. The bed was a mahogany wood, with green sheets and silver outlines. The curtains that were folded back up near the head of the bed were also green, but a shade lighter.

He had a mahogany desk, with a walk-in-closet standing beside it. He had his own bathroom, with much arguing, and a balcony.

Afternoon sun was now pouring in through the open glass doors, providing light.

Malfoy threw himself on his bed, sunk into the mattress for a split second before resting comfortably on top. He took the letter and opened unfolded it.

Dear Harry and Ron.

I cannot imagine what you are going through, but would only be if you missed me. Half of me thinks you do, the other half doesn't. please know that I am fine, where it is that I am. Such a place, I cannot say, but I am ok. I miss you two so much, that I cannot stand to think about it.

Harry, Ron, remember to do that history essay. Or was it already due? I have no idea. But whatever homework you got to do over the holidays remember to do it. For me.

Good luck with Quidditch you two, and remember, I am there, though im not. I wish I could be. I really do.

Harry, can you assure Ginny, lavender, Parvati, anyone who would care that I am fine, though weak.

Ron, can you please ask Ginny to look after Crookshanks for me? I miss him so.

With my love,

Hermione.

Malfoy read the letter, and thought. It must be nice to have some real friends. If he was kidnapped, no one would really do anything about it. His friends wouldn't really care. And girls don't like him for him, they like him for his body and looks.

But they never see who you are because you never show them a voice inside his head explained.

It is the Malfoy way- never open your heart to anyone. Malfoy said angrily.

Ahh, but is your heart opening now?

Malfoy shut the voice out. There was no harm in this letter, so he decided to send it. But before he could, someone opened his door, dressed in a long black cloak.

'Ahh Draco. Has she written a letter?' a hiss asked, coming into the room and stopping. The door closed by itself.

'Yes my lord, she has.' Malfoy nodded.

'And you have read it?' Voldermort asked, eyeing the note in Malfoy's hand.

'Yes my lord.' Malfoy nodded again.

'And can you see anything?' Voldermort asked, tilting his head to the side.

'I could not my lord.'

'She is clever- I shall read it and see if there is anything a miss.' Voldermort said, nodding and holding his hand out.

Malfoy held the note out, but Voldermort didn't come. Instead, the note flew from his hands, and landed in the Dark lord's. Very quickly, he read, and then nodded.

'You have a fine eye Draco. There is nothing a miss in this letter. You may send it.' Voldermort gave his permission, dropped the letter and disappeared through the door which had opened again.

Malfoy nodded. He was just thinking of a way to send it when Voldermort appeared again.

He hissed something, his want pointed at Malfoy. At first, Malfoy thought he had said something wrong, but the note simply flew off the ground, and out the open windows.

Again, he was gone and Malfoy was left alone.

Hermione was lost in the book, when she remembered what she had written in her note to Harry and Ron. It now seamed stupid to suggest that they weren't missing her. But she hadn't really been watching. All she did was let her hand write, and her mind tell it what to do. Sometimes she had a mental block, but most times it was "go with the flow". Regretting it, she wondered if it was too late to call Malfoy and ask to scratch that part out.

But then, he was Malfoy, so he would like it if Hermione argued with Harry and Ron. Then of course, there was always the possibility that he hadn't sent it at all.

Back at Hogwarts, Harry was sitting in the great hall, glumly picking at his food. Ever since Hermione's kidnapping, he had slowly lost his appetite. Ron was too, but he could still eat where as Harry felt like being sick whenever he ate.

'Come on Harry. You can't save Hermione if you starve yourself to death.' Ron said over and over again.

'I can't save her anyway.' Harry said bitterly as he glanced up at Dumbledore who was watching him.

The old Headmaster gave a sad sort of smile. His fear for Hermione's safe return was slowly evaporating. But then, why hasn't Voldermort killed her yet? She shouldn't matter to him.

Dumbledore was sure there was something bigger here, and he had a very accurate suspicion as to what that was. But if he was correct, and he usually was, he saw no point in letting Ron go after Hermione, as he too would be caught, then also used to bait Harry. And Harry was simply out of the question.

Dumbledore had no doubts in Harry at all. Harry had proved his courage over and over again, but there was something not right. If Harry went, Voldermort would kill him, and win the prophecy. Dumbledore could simply take no risks.

Harry only looked at Dumbledore, imaging the wheels ticking over in that head. When he looked away, he saw Ginny looking at him.

'I am so sorry Harry.' She said sadly, then began to cry for the hundredth time.

Lavender and Ron quickly comforted her, though Lavender began silently crying too. Ron held it together, but barely.

The school holidays weren't over, and there were very few people to hear their conversations. But suddenly, Ginny looked up at the magical roof, as if hoping that Hermione would fall from it. It was then that something caught her eye.

A piece of paper flew through the window, straight at Harry.

'Oh my god Harry!' Ginny gasped as the letter landed in Harry's un eaten food.

But when she looked down, Harry was already up and walking away from them and the piece of paper. She tried to call out, but didn't manage anything.

The paper followed him outside were he sat on a bench and thought of all the memories he had with Hermione.

The paper hit him in the back of the head.

Spinning around, Harry saw it on the ground. Curiously, he lent over and picked it up.

His hands brought it towards his eyes and he looked at it carefully.

Then he opened it and scanned to the bottom. It was from Hermione!

Not wanting to read it without Ron, and against his will, Harry folded it up and ran back to the hall to find Ron.

When he sped into the hall, Ron and Ginny had gone, but lavender remained, talking to McGonagall.

'Where's Ron?' Harry asked impatiently, the knowledge that Hermione's words were in his hands.

'I don't know- he said something about going back to the tower.' Lavender asked confused.

'Why Mr. Potter, have you been running?' McGonagall asked, seeing his flushed cheeks.

Without answering, Harry ran from the hall and ran through the castle, not stopping for nothing.

He shouted the password to the Fat Lady half way down the corridor and she opened though confused.

Panting, he was inside the common room. Ginny was there, alone!

'Ginny, where is Ron?' Harry asked now getting frustrated.

'He went to the boys toilets on the forth floor.' Ginny asked, also asking about his flushed cheeks.

Harry again didn't answer as he ran again.

Finally, he sped into the bathroom, and found Ron staring into his own reflection, very pale. He saw Harry's reflection and turned.

'Harry what-'

'I've got a letter from Hermione!' Harry said, cutting him off and waving the paper around.

'WHAT?' Ron's shout echoed through the bathroom.

Harry didn't say anything, only pulled Ron towards the door. Outside in the corridor, they read the letter together.

'She, she thinks we…we don't miss her!' Ron said after he finished reading.

'That's because we aren't doing anything!' Harry said furious.

He marched to Dumbledore's office, to tired to run- plus he had a stitch.

'She doesn't think we don't miss her!' Harry screamed as he burst into the office without knocking.

'Harry, what are you talking about?' Lupin asked, who was standing by the fire.

'I got a letter from Hermione and-'

'Hermione wrote to you?' Dumbledore asked, then told Harry to sit down. 'Harry, can I see the letter?'

Harry handed it to him.

'Harry, you must not go to her.' Dumbledore warned, no sparkle left in his eye.

'What?' Harry asked confused.

'Voldermort is growing impatient for waiting so long. He wants you to come and rescue her. He wants Hermione to think you aren't doing anything and that you don't miss her because, like you have reacted and Voldermort was counting on that, you would haste to her rescue, thus condemning you both.' Dumbledore explained. 'That would not help Hermione at all.'

'Then what are we to do?' Harry asked, his head falling into his hands, defeated.

'We wait until we are ready to get her and that we have a plan.' Dumbledore explained.

Another night fell over the manor, throwing Hermione into a blanket of darkness. This time, Hermione slept under the blanket and on the bed.

The next morning, Hermione woke and looked around. Again she showered then lost herself in a book.

It was around noon that Malfoy appeared at her window, balancing on his broom.

'Mother said you need to stretch your legs.' He said board.

'And?'

'Come on Granger, I have more important things to do!'

'What do you mean, come on?' Hermione asked, walking over to the window and seeing the broom.

'Get on the damn broom.' Malfoy said getting frustrated.

'Excuse me?'

'You bloody heard me! Get on!' Malfoy commanded.

'I hate flying.' Hermione complained, though she knew she needed to walk around something larger then her current room.

So, much to her protest, she carefully climbed onto the window sill and looked down. Bad Idea.

An arm suddenly snaked around her waist, and she looked down to see Malfoy holding onto her, his foot on the sill to balance himself.

Hermione quickly climbed on behind him.

'Now, hold on.' Malfoy commanded.

Before she was ready, Malfoy sped off, causing Hermione to almost fall off and go splat on the ground below. But she caught him around the waist just in time.

She buried her head into his shoulder blade, refusing to look anywhere- well, that was hard since she had her eyes closed so tight she was seeing stars.

Malfoy smirked to himself as he moved the broom around, the wind sweeping through his hair.

After a few minutes, Malfoy nose dived, causing Hermione to squeak and hold tighter. Malfoy made a swift landing and hoped off. Hermione stumbled onto the ground, glad to be on her feet.

'Where are we going?' she asked.

'For a walk.' Malfoy rolled his eyes.

'What? Why?'

'I've already told you- mother said you needed to stretch your legs.' Malfoy said collecting his broom and walking off along a narrow path.

Ooooo is romance blossoming between them? Maybe! In the next chap, something will happen…hehehe. Malfoy has to save her life. Oooooo

Ok, update soon.

Aj.

Thanks for all the really cool reviews!