1 Chapter 13- Dean's Decision

In the weeks that had followed his break-up, Dean found himself regretting his words with vehemence. Not only did he want Hermione back, but he loved her as well. He was reminded of this fact every day. When he sat down for breakfast, Hermione and Harry were always cuddling and smooching between bites. When he was in a class, they were nearly sharing the same seat with their closeness. And now Harry was the one who never came to the common room anymore. Dean knew very well what went on in there. It was the same as when he was in there. There was a lot of kissing, a lot of panting, and very little clothing involved in those activities. All of this was enough to make him sick.

And in reality, it did. Not the kind of sick where you're a little green because you've just barfed on your best friend's shoes, the kind of sick where you're willing to kill to get what you want. The kind of sick that existed in the minds of every Death Eater in the world.

So on this particular January morning, Dean was quietly seething at the sight of Harry and Hermione almost down each other's pants. Shaking his head, and trying to look like he was paying attention to what Seamus was saying, Dean remembered the owl he had sent. It should arrive today.

And sure enough, the owl he had sent sailed through the air just then, and landed in front of Draco Malfoy.

The blonde Slytherin opened the letter with curiosity. He didn't recognize the owl, as it had been an old school owl no one bothered to use anymore. When he read the letter, Malfoy quickly looked up to see who was watching him. Dean looked intent on the conversation at hand, uncaring of the new necklace Ron had bought Lavender for her birthday.

Malfoy eyed the letter suspiciously. It read:

I need to speak to you about a matter of utmost importance. If you cannot help me, then you will at least know who to direct me to. Meet me in the farthest corner of the library tonight at 7:45, right before they close.

That was all the letter said. Malfoy was intrigued, and had every intention of coming. But he wasn't coming alone. He would come with Crabbe and Goyle. For all he knew, it was Potty and Weasel, trying to kill him again.

'Ah well. Life isn't interesting without the risks. I'd better make sure the goons know we have plans for after dinner. Otherwise they'd go terrorize some first year girls.'

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Malfoy and his goons walked into the back corner of the library with their hands on their wands. When they rounded the corner of bookshelves, Dean Thomas was sitting there, waiting for them.

"Oh look, a Gryffindor. Move it!"

"Make me. I got here first, besides, I know why you're here."

Although that bit of information worried Malfoy, he didn't show it. "Really?" He drawled.

"Really. And it's about time you got here. I've been waiting for 5 minutes."

"You mean I'm supposed to talk to YOU?! Surely you jest." Malfoy was now a little more than surprised.

"No, I don't." Then Dean lowered his voice. "I want to become a Death Eater."

The fear on his face was apparent, but the words had been said, and it was too late to take them back.

"A Gryffindor?!"

"I can name one other Gryffindor who has become a Death Eater. Sirius Black."

Malfoy didn't bother to correct him. If Thomas backed out, he would never know the truth.

"So what do I do?"

Malfoy cleared his throat. "Why do you want to become one of us?"

Dean looked like this was child's play. "Is this really necessary?"

Malfoy nodded. Dean sighed, and continued. "I want to squash Harry Potter like the rotten little bug that he is. I want Hermione to realize she never loved him, and then I want her to come back to me. Harry Potter doesn't deserve to live. He gets everything, leaving the rest of us with nothing."

Malfoy nodded again, but this time in satisfaction. "You'll receive a owl with instructions within the month."

Then the three Slytherins left. Minutes later, Dean emerged from the corner, clearly confused. Neville Longbottom was watching him suspiciously, having seen the Slytherins come from that way, not five minutes ago.

'I wonder what they were up to. Hope it's nothing dangerous.'

2 End Chapter 13

Dean's gone bad!!!! RUN!!!!!!!

Anyway, sorry for not posting a chapter today (5/23). I didn't have the time!! Well, I haven't had the time YET. I might have some time later. Key word: might.

Keep those reviews coming!! I appreciate each and every one!

~Herbie (who's glad she's not Hermione right now (for once))