I own nothing. Obviously. Also, when you see words between / and / that means it's a thought of a char. In case you couldn't figure that out.

Chapter 2:

And So it Begins

Erin's eyes widened. "That could be for quite a frelling while, Professor."

Dumbledore sighed. "I'm aware of that, Ms. Bayas. And that is why I was extremely hesitant to ask you of this. But you are the only one who can help with the situation at hand."

"I'll still do it, Professor..." Erin replied quietly, carefully avoiding the headmasters eyes.

"Good then." Dumbledore looked to Draco. "And you better be playing your part on this, also, Mr. Malfoy. That means you put in as much effort as Ms. Bayas is. Understood?"

Draco nodded, watching Erin as he did so. "And what if she proves to not help me?"

"She will." Replied Dumbledore, also watching Erin over his half moon spectacles.

Erin looked from Dumbledore to Malfoy and gave a slight nod. "And if you're truly convinced I won't help, then you may kill me if I do not." a light smirk appeared upon her lips.

Malfoy said nothing, his gaze still held upon her.

"Just one more question, Professor." Said Erin, still watching Malfoy. "Why WAS Malfoy in the forest?"

Malfoy answered, his tone had slight annoyance in it. "I went to see my father in the forest. That is when I found out about you."

Erin nodded and also stood. "Alright. That's all I wished to know." She nodded to Dumbledore and Draco before leaving the office.

Draco sighed, still remaining sitting. "I don't think this is a good idea, Professor. It will put her life in danger. Her life is already fucked up enough as it is. She doesn't deserve this."

Dumbledore sat back down, nodding. "I know, Draco. But she will do it. She has her own reasons, and you will soon enough find them out. And do watch your language."

Draco nodded. "But still, she could very well be killed. Her father and mine are both very close to Voldermort. They could figure this out at any time and take her to him. Do you really wish to risk that? I know she can take care of herself and such but still...even she cannot take on two fully trained wizards. And she cannot hide. Perhaps we should just call this off and I will stay with Pansy. It would prove best for Erin.."

Dumbledore shook his head. "Draco, Pansy makes you miserable and Ms. Bayas will be fine. Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Bayas will not find out about this. I can assure you of this. And since when have you cared so much about the well-being of Erin? Never before have I heard you speaking of wanting to keep her away from Voldermorts grasp."

Draco remained silent before standing and leaving Dumbledore's office, thinking it best not to answer.

That night at dinner word spread fast that Malfoy had broken up with Pansy and now was with Erin. Most were shocked, some relieved. Pansy, however, was in hysterics. Her friends sat around her, glaring at whoever dared to look Pansy's direction. Erin remained silent, refusing to ask anyone's questions. She ate quietly, her gaze often flicking around the Great Hall, from Draco to Dumbledore. Draco, however, was answering all his fellow Slytherin's questions, seeming quite casual about it.

Erin was the first to leave the Great Hall, not being too noticed, only by a certain blonde Slytherin. She made her way to her room, entering quickly and closing and locking the door behind her. She walked to her window, opening it slowly to let the cold, crisp, winter air in. With a flick of her wand she lit a fire in her fireplace, before looking out across the Hogwarts Grounds, lost in her own thoughts.

"Doesn't it defeat the purpose to have both a fire and the window open at the same time?" An emotionless voice said from behind Erin. She whipped around, only to see Malfoy sitting, relaxed, in an arm chair.

Erin glared. "Go away." she hissed.

Malfoy smirked. "And do you EVER relax? You always stay tense and your frame is always locked in that horrible proud Bayas look. Not even in your own room do you relax. It's quite disturbing."

Erin sighed. "Malfoy, what the hell do you want?"

Malfoy studied her as she moved to her bed, sitting down, relaxing only slightly. "Well, I simply decided you needed company. And besides, we must discuss this little arrangement of ours."

Erin arched a slender brow as he said this. "We both already know the guidelines, Malfoy."

"Yes, well, perhaps calling me by Draco would help it be a little more convincing. And also, other things...."

Her eyes narrowed. "Like what?" Erin replied between clenched teeth.

"Like say...hmm..I don't know..a kiss or two in front of people? Walking together to classes, since Slytherin and Gryffindor are going to start having all the same classes together. Sitting together in classes. Treating each other a little better." Draco replied.

Erin's heart sank..she replied weakly.."All of that...?"

"Yes, Bayas, all of that." Draco was now stood, moving towards the bed and sitting beside Erin.

Erin immediately tensed up as she watched Draco, not bothering to reply. She watched as Draco's hand reached up and brushed her cheek gently.

/What the fuck is he doing? He hates me./ Though despite what her head was saying, her couldn't move. Erin's body slowly relaxed at the touch.

"If you really want to back out of the agreement, you may." Said Draco softly, refraining from smiling as he watched Erin respond.

Erin pulled away quickly, standing and moving to the window. "I won't." She said, her gaze moving to the Hogwarts Grounds.

Draco sighed and stood. "Still the same, I see. Shutting everyone out because you're afraid. Fine. I'll see you in the morning." And Draco left.