Chapter Thirty-Eight:
(A/N. Don't think for a second because I have lots of reviews your one review won't make a difference. I LIVE for reviews! I read them all and love them all. Thanks so much to everyone. Sorry I didn't get this out sooner! I had my BIG sweet sixteen party this weekend! Well hope you like this chapter!)
The next morning, Hermione looked around at the green décor in confusion. Then she remembered all that had happened.
"Hey there. Sleep well?" Draco said, coming out of the bathroom, dressed and looking as fresh as ever. She smiled at him and ran a hand through her hair.
"Yeah." She rasped and winced as she heard her hoarse voice. Draco smiled in sympathy and went over to the desk.
"Coffee, black and a white-chocolate mocha, no whip cream." Draco said and a couple of seconds later the two drinks appeared. He handed the mocha to Hermione who raised an eyebrow.
"How did you know that's what I liked to drink?" She asked and he laughed. He sat down and looked deep into her eyes.
"I know all." He said in slow, subtle voice. She rolled her eyes and he laughed. "I bribed Dobby with a pair of socks." He said and she laughed. She took a sip of her mocha and purred her contentment. Draco sat down next to her, a strange expression on his handsome face.
"What's the matter, Draco?"
"I…" Draco began but trailed off. Hermione frowned and placed her hand on his knee.
"Dumbledore requested a meeting with us." Draco said and Hermione knew that wasn't what he had been about to say but she knew that he would tell he in time. Hermione nodded and reached out to take Draco's hand.
"Alright. I'm going to get back to my room and change. I'll meet you there." She said softly. He nodded and she wrapped the invisibility cloak around her before walking away.
Draco watched Hermione open and close the door and he sighed. He had been about to tell her about all his problems before they went to Dumbledore but he had lost his courage. He sat down on the bed and stared at his hands. He had received the message from Dumbledore that very morning. He reached over to his night table and grabbed the note.
Draco, I need to inform you of the plan that I've made for the ceremony. Come to my office as soon as possible. Harry and Hermione will also be present.
Draco refolded the letter and tossed it back on the table. He fell back onto his bed and grabbed the pillow Hermione had used and brought it to his face. He inhaled the tantalizing fragrance that was uniquely hers. He hoped that she would forgive him.
Dumbledore stared at the three students sitting in front of him. Hermione had an anxious look on her beautiful face. Draco had about as much emotion on his face as a ice sculpture. Harry seemed confused and apprehensive. He continued to shoot accusing glances at Draco who ignored them easily.
"I've asked you here today because I have to talk to you about something very important. As we all know, Voldemort has kept a very low profile for the past few years. Now it seems he's decided to come out of hiding for a very important ceremony. He has chosen a person to, not only rise among the ranks of his Death Eaters, but also make his heir." Dumbledore said. The two Gryffindors gained a startled look and Hermione looked frightened. "This means that he will endow in this person his substantial powers to a degree. After this, he will be quite weakened. It will be the perfect opportunity we have been waiting for."
"Sir? Who is the heir?" Harry asked still looking somewhat perplexed. Dumbledore was about to answer but Draco was quicker.
"I am." He said simply. Harry's eyes widened. Hermione's expression was unreadable.
"Yes, Draco was my source in this matter. He had supplied me with all the information we will need to defeat Voldemort."
"But he's evil!" Harry cried his outrage finally made understandable. Dumbledore sighed.
"Harry, I'd never thought of you as prejudice and narrow minded. Will you prove me wrong?" Dumbledore said calmly. Harry had the tact to look ashamed.
"I'm sorry, Professor."
"As I was saying. The ceremony will be held in the Malfoy Manor. The plan is thus. I always have some polyjuice potion prepared. I will use it and transform myself into Draco. Professor Snape will do the same with a bit of your hair, Harry."
"Why me?"
"Because Voldemort chose you as my sacrificial victim." Draco supplied in an uncaring voice. Harry gulped and was silent.
"Yes, indeed. After I absorb some of Voldemort's power. Snape will draw the Veraciel, which is the Sword of Truth and the only blade known to us that could possibly kill Voldemort. After this is done we will all aparate back here. Is that clear?" Dumbledore said and the three students nodded. "Very well, you are dismissed." Dumbledore said. The three students stood and walked out. Dumbledore sighed and closed his eyes, feeling more tired than ever before.
Hermione waited until Harry walked away before turning to Draco furiously. She stared at him a deep sadness and anger in her eyes.
"Why didn't you tell me?" She snarled. He sighed and stared down at the cold stone floor.
"I couldn't." He admitted softly. She sighed and moved closer to him, biting her lip anxiously.
"I want to be mad at you." She said and he looked up and she saw pain in his crystalline blue gaze. "But I can't. I just thought that…you'd tell me something so important."
"I couldn't, Hermione. I didn't want you to be disappointed in me."
"For what? For fighting back? For standing up to your father? I'm proud of you, Draco!" She said and he smiled and touched her cheek affectionately.
"Really?" He whispered and she nodded, blinking back tears. He pulled her close and rested his hands on her cheeks staring at her, an awed look on his face. It made Hermione blush and her eyelashes fluttered as she looked down at the ground. Draco tilted her chin up and slowly his lips met hers. She threw her amrs around his neck and deepened the kiss. After a while they broke apart. Movement caught Hermione's eye and she glanced over to her left but there was nothing there.
"What is it?"
"I thought I saw something." She said and shrugged. "It doesn't matter. Let's go get something to eat from the kitchens." She suggested and they walked away. Unbeknownst to them a girl watched them go. An angered look on her pudgy, pug-like face.
