Draco apperated in the main hallway of the mansion (more like castle) he called home. He sauntered down the hall, not even bothering to fret about the certain young woman over his shoulder. When he finally did, it was with complete carelessness. Somehow capturing her had added quite a boost to his already large ego.

'Now where am I going to put you?' He wondered as he stifled a yawn of boredom. Yes, it had been too easy to capture her. 'Where indeed?' He remembered his father's words. 'I will suggest that you keep her somewhat well.' Draco sighed inwardly. That crossed out the dungeons. He instead chose a bedroom in the same hallway as his own. She would be much easier to watch over is she were near him. 'And knowing Granger she'll be on my nerves for weeks.' He opened the door and laid the girl down on the bed.

'Now,' He thought while examining the room. 'This has got to go.' He pointed his wand at an exquisite vase that disappeared soon afterwards. 'Don't want her to go and break one of mother's vases.' He looked around for other objects. He pointed his wand at several somewhat sharp objects. 'Wouldn't be too pleased if she went suicidal.' He also placed a charm on the windows that wouldn't allow them to be opened, and then a charm outside the window that created an invisible barrier just incase Granger managed a miracle wandless.

Draco turned in circles, occasionally walking up to certain things and tapping it with his wand. When he was quite satisfied, he walked to the door. 'Now for the door.' He first placed a charm that would burn anyone (anyone being Hermione) who tried to open the door from the inside without the correct counter spell that was. Then after a moment of deep thought, he disabled that charm and placed another one on it. This one burnt only Hermione if she came within a certain radius of the door. Then he placed a few passwords on the door. 'Mudblood,' 'Granger,' and 'cookies' (last one was completely random of course though a good batch of cookies wouldn't do any damage mind you).

Draco tried out the passwords and opened the door before closing it again. He felt like there was more he should do. Lucius would skin Draco alive if he had to help Draco catch Hermione after she escaped. He placed a silencing charm on the room considering he did actually want some sleep. Unable to think of anymore charms he felt necessary, he said the passwords once more and left the room. Once outside, he considered countering the spell he had placed on Hermione. He felt too lazy to take the time right now. She was practically just sleeping anyways. He would do it in the morning when he was prepared to face her once again.

Draco walked down into the main hall before crossing over to the other side of the house. He continued on for a ways before reaching the door to his father's study. He knocked four times.

"What is it?!"

Draco opened the door and stepped inside. Lucius was apparently not doing too well with whatever he was working on and in an irritable mood. "Father, I just wanted to let you know that Granger is here."

Lucius turned looking somewhat startled before returning to an emotionless state. "This very moment?"

Draco nodded. "I just captured her a few moments ago, and I've settled her into a room which I protected with several charms."

"A room?" Lucius thought for a moment before nodding his head and motioning with his hand for Draco to continue with his report.

"She's under a spell that has her between a conscious and an unconscious state. She's unable to move until I say the counter spell."

"Very well, Draco. I would like to sp-" Lucius seemed to change his mind. "Make sure you break her in for the Lord. We don't want a completely wild animal."

Draco nodded. "Of course."

"You may leave now."

Draco left and hurried to his room. He felt a slight pull when he walked by Granger's room. For some reason he was quite looking forward to tomorrow's talk with her.

---------------/

I felt the barrier keeping me from conscious finally being removed. I opened one eye cautiously then the other. I looked around for a moment. 'Where am I?!' This room I was in was gorgeous. I sat up quickly and stared at the ceiling before realizing there were a pair of amused eyes on me.

"Not something you're used to, eh, mudblood?" I heard a familiar sneer.

I turned my head quickly. "Malfoy!" I spat.

"Now, now. That would be Master Malfoy to you." He smirked.

"But calling you Master would require the respect that I certainly lack for such a foul beast!" My hands were unconsciously clenching into fists.

Draco's smirk left for a second before returning. "You do understand you are under my control, correct? That means I can do whatever I bloody please to you, and no one is going to stop me." 'Not completely true, but she didn't know that.' "Would you like to say that again, mudblood?"

I stood defiantly. "You don't intimidate me, Malfoy,"

Draco sighed in fake sadness. "What a pity for you then." He raised his hand, and I felt the pain before I heard the sound which echoed in my ears. I closed my eyes against the tears that had sprung there. 'Don't let him see you cry. Be strong!' I forced my face to turn back towards his and stared him in the eye. He hit me again.

"You never look your master in the eye! Is that clear?" Draco then folded his hands behind his back and paced slowly in front of me.

I could feel the pain throbbing in my cheek, and I hated myself for staring at his feet while he paced. Why couldn't I look up? I didn't want to be hit again. There had to be another way out of this.

------------------/

"Now, Granger, I have been extremely generous in allowing you an actual room. However, don't think I'll always be this gracious. You are now a slave to me until I say otherwise, understand?" Draco felt it necessary to omit that he was going to give her away. "You will do as you are told, and if you disobey me, there will be consequences. Always consequences. You will most likely never leave this room, seeing as how spirited you still are." He chuckled. "I will give you meals each day, which I am also being generous about. Though sometimes I may take your meal privileges away." He looked at her when he noticed she was frowning. He stepped right in front of her, took her chin in his hand, and forced her to look him in the eye. "You are in my hands, Granger. Remember that. I can and will do whatever I please with you. Your whole life is how I make it. You no longer have free will."

---------------/

Draco let go of my face, and I stared at his cold eyes. He lifted his hand, and my eyes shot down. He chuckled. "Good girl. A very fast learner." He talked to me like I was some sort of pet. I felt my cheeks go red with rage.

"Now, we should get you some more suitable clothing. What you're currently wearing is absolutely atrocious," Draco continued.

My breath was quickening, and my hands were clenching into fists again. This was one of my favorite robes. Viktor had gotten it for me for my birthday. How dare that fucking bastard insult me?!

Draco talked on, oblivious to my deadly thoughts, "I like my slaves to be dressed appropriately. We have a status to uphold after all. We're not some poor mudbloods such as yourself, Granger."

That's it! I lunged at him, and I doubted he had ever seen it coming. "You filthy, egotistical bastard! Shut the fuck up!" I punched him as hard as I could in the face and watched with relish as blood began to drain from his nose. I hadn't realized until I saw his icy eyes the extent of what I had done.

His hand came in contact with my face over and over again, missing occasionally in his rage to hit me else where. I felt myself curl up into a ball to try and hide from his blows. He stopped, and I could hear his haggard breath. "You are never to touch me! Do you understand?!" He slapped me again. "You will answer when spoken to!" I could only manage a whimper. Once again his hand hit me harder this time. "Words, mudblood!"

"Yes!" I screamed. Every inch of me seemed to hurt.

"Now get up. I'm not finished talking to you."

I hesitantly let myself out of my ball and pulled myself painfully to my feet. I couldn't look at his eyes.

"Now," Draco began again. "I hope that gave you a little preview of what can happen when you disobey me. I have little patience, Granger, learn that now. As I was saying before, you look pitiful. I'll be coming by this afternoon after you've eaten lunch and find something more appropriate for your status."

Draco stood there for a moment longer. "Very well, I believe that is all for this morning. Please don't call on me for anything. There is a house- elf I have assigned to you. Her name is Phi. Just call her name if you need something. And I'll be coming back this afternoon. Do try to look more attractive."

My jaw dropped at the last statement, but either he didn't notice or he lacked the care to comment.

"Understood?" He asked at last with a glance in my direction.

"Yes," I said loud enough for him to hear.

Draco seemed to be considering something before he disapperated with a small 'pop.'

I glared at where he was, unable to find the correct words that would satisfy my rage for him. "I hate you Draco Malfoy," I whispered under my breath. I hated being so weak. He had complete control over me and was flaunting it in my face. 'Speaking of face.'

I walked into the bathroom and reluctantly looked into the mirror. My face was red and in several places bruises were beginning to show. I looked myself in the eyes and tried to force the water building in them back. "I am strong. I am smarter than him. I am going to make it through this," I told myself, and as I said it, I saw my face harden with determination. "I am going to out smart him, and then we'll see who will be in control." I smiled and lifted my face, so I looked as defiant as I felt.

---------------/

Draco smirked to himself as he strolled down the hallways. 'This is all too easy,' He thought cockily. 'She's already trembling under my gaze.' Honestly Draco didn't exactly enjoy hitting Hermione. Something about it rubbed him the wrong way. However, he was a Malfoy and therefore showed no mercy to his prey. This overcame any slight feelings he was having. His body tensed as he thought about his immense power over her. 'She's all mine, and I can do anything I want with her.' His breath quickened at the thought. He composed himself and smirked. 'Stupid mudblood. Who could want you? Only someone as disgustingly ugly as Viktor Krum.'

"Draco, love," His mother, Narcissa, called as he passed by.

"Yes, mother?" Draco poked his head into the living room where his mother was talking with someone's head in the fire. He remained unphased by this.

"Mr. Percious has just invited us to a little get together at his mansion this Thursday evening," She thought for a moment before continuing, "Bring your new little pet. Lucius would like you to."

"Yes, mother," Draco said before continuing on his way. He needn't question his father's motives. His father wanted to show that they were capable of capturing this muggle-born and forcing her into labor. This would mean he would have to work harder with her. Thursday was day after tomorrow. He headed off to where Hermione was.

--------------/

I had drawn myself a nice bath. I stepped into the hot water and sunk down slowly, trying to adjust to the warmth. I'm not sure how long I stayed like that, but I probably fell asleep. I got out when I was aware of what I was doing and was currently trying to find where the towels were. You would think they would be somewhere relatively close to the bathroom, but apparently they weren't. 'No, that would be too convenient!' I thought angrily as I searched through the drawers.

I was so busy trying to find a towel that I hadn't heard the distinct 'pop' of someone apperating behind me. I bolted upright when I heard the chuckle though.

"Granger, I said look more attractive. Being stark naked in front of me doesn't exactly meet the standards." He continued after a moment which I'm sure he used to take me in, "Though it isn't a horrid sight, I must admit."

I was shaking with embarrassment, rage, discomfort, everything. "Where are the towels?" I managed to croak out.

"Hmm, to your right in the cabinet," He replied.

I felt his eyes bore into my back as I managed an awkward crab walk over to the cabinet. He was enjoying my discomfort. I knelt down slowly, trying to make sure nothing was in his line of vision. I took out a plush green towel and wrapped it around myself before turning to face him. I wanted to scream and yell and rage, but I felt instead like I was going to cry or vomit. I felt violated, disgusted, dirty.

Draco seemed to see right through me to my very core where all these emotions were raging. "Don't get your absent panties in a twist, Granger. It's nothing I haven't seen before." He perched himself on the edge of my bed. "I came early because we have some 'training' to be done. This can be easy, or it can be hard. It all depends on you, mudblood. You will be accompanying my family and I to a small party. I need to teach you some manners and etiquette before this Thursday. You're a somewhat smart girl. You'll learn fast, or you'll fall victim to the consequences." He looked me over with an arched brow; his gaze lingered on my face.

"We'll need to take care of those bruises. They're rather hideous," He commented. He drew his wand from within his robes and murmured something as he pointed it at me. "Much better," He finished sarcastically. "Now, you'll also need some suitable robes. Nothing fancy, but enough to show we're wealthy and able to provide decent clothing for even our servants."

I shifted from foot to foot as he spoke. 'Would you hurry and shut up?' He loved to hear himself talk. "May I sit?" I interrupted.

"What?" He asked with a mild glare.

"May I sit?" I repeated louder.

I could see him begin to say no, but he reconsidered and waved his hand with permission before continuing. I sat across from him in a chair. I didn't concentrate on what he was saying, but rather how I looked when he happened to glance at me from time to time. I wanted to show him the strength I had found this morning. I sat up straight, held my head high (though I kept my eyes downcast), kept my shoulders back, and crossed my legs delicately.

"Are you listening?"

I raised my eyes to a spot to the right of his head. "No, not really."

Draco stood up and walked over to me, raising his hand threateningly. I held up my own hand. "Now, Malfoy, if you want me to do as you say Thursday, then I strongly suggest you not touch me. I'd be more than delighted to embarrass you to the necessary extreme in front of your peers." I was surprised I had said it.

"You wouldn't. I'd beat you in their prescence, mudblood. You forget your place."

I smirked. "Perhaps, but trust me everyone would be too busy laughing to even notice. Myself included."

"Are you threatening me?" Draco asked haughtily.

"No, I'm making a deal with you. You don't touch me, I won't embarrass you. Deal?" I ventured to look him in his steel blue eyes.

His arm twitched at his side, but he didn't strike me. "I don't make deals with mudbloods."

"I'll take that as a yes," I whispered under my breath. I continued to stare at the same spot, and Draco continued on with his talking.

Sorry this took so long! It really wouldn't usually, but I was grounded from my computer (:tear:) for making a 55 on a test. Thanks to all the reviewers. A note to Amoria though, technically they could be engaged with permission from Mr. Weasley. It doesn't matter now, however. If you think about it: why would they get engaged when Hermione just disappeared? Thanks again for all the reviews! Love to all!