Disclaimer I don't own anything or anyone in this story. (unfortunately) and they belong to J.K. Rowling. So, please don't sue me or nothing....I mean no harm!

Chapter 3: Lies and Deceit

flashback

Their seventh year was a very traumatic one. Over summer break, Dumbledore was injured fighting Death Eaters and still wasn't well enough to come back to Hogwarts. Without him, Hogwarts just didn't feel like Hogwarts. The replacement "headmaster" was none other than Cornelius Fudge.

Things were very different....and not just the new "headmaster". Hermoine and Draco's relationship was blossoming nicely. You couldn't separate them...they were always together.

Hermoine didn't see Harry or Ron very often...but when she saw either of them, all she got were dirty looks. Who needs them anyway?

After school, life didn't get much easier. Voldemort was gaining strength. Something needed to be done. And with Dumbledore lying unconscious on a hospital bed somewhere up in London, there was no telling what would happen.

Of course, Hermoine soon learned of the Malfoy's little "secret". It was unavoidable...since she spent nearly every waking hour with Draco. It scared her and she wasn't comfortable around his family anymore. She thought about leaving Draco but he assured her that everything was O.K. He would stare deep into her eyes and it was almost as if all her worries were pushed out of her mind. He just had that effect on her.....

End flashback

(A/N::: All right, calm down...secret exposed in later paragraph!)

Just then Draco strutted over, grabbed Hermoine around the waist, and moved in for a kiss. She pulled away quickly and flashed an impatient and disgusted look in Ginny's direction.

"I'll talk to you later. It was nice seeing you again."

As she walked away, she caught Ginny's eye and nodded toward the door. Outside, Ginny. Come outside. Ginny understood and started for the door. She turned to flash a smile at Draco as he mumbled something under his breath. "Oh bloody hell!" He sounded more disappointed than angry. She just ignored him and went outside.

It had stopped raining and the sun was just starting to peek out from behind the clouds. Ginny searched the small yard; her eyes fell upon a small, trembling heap over by the grave. Hermoine. She was on her knees, crying uncontrollably.

An arm slowly crossed her shoulders and pulled her closer. Hermoine lay her head on it.

"It's all my fault," she sobbed.
Flashback

One night, Hermoine was out with Draco. They were at the local park when suddenly a man Hermoine had never seen before approached them. She tightened her grip on Draco's hand. The man eyed her suspiciously before turning to Draco. The men exchanged glances and Draco politely asked Hermoine to give them a moment. He squeezed her hand encouragingly. She smiled sweetly and glanced at the man once more.

She didn't wander far....curiosity got the best of her. She needed to know who that man was. She listened intently as she leaned on a tree trunk not far from the two men. Something about a secret meeting.....the mark.....the initiation process. Hermoine gasped. She quickly covered her mouth with her hand as Draco looked around quickly and nodded. Oh Merlin! Death Eaters! How could I have been so stupid? He lied...of course he lied, he had to become one...it was in his blood! So, why did he lie? Why does he want me to stay around? Am I in danger? Suddenly, an idea hit her. He's using me to get to Harry!! I have to warn him...but how? Ugh, I haven't spoken to him in years! So many ideas filled her head, she couldn't control them all. Of course she was exaggerating a bit, but who could blame her? The news was shocking.

Just then Draco walked over waving to the mysterious man. He reached for her hand but she quickly jerked away and crossed her arms across her chest. He noticed and raised an eyebrow....Had he said something wrong? He shrugged it off and stuck his hands in his pockets.

"Draco, who was that man?" She tried to sound casual.

"Oh," he glanced towards the outline of the man walking in the opposite direction. "Just an old friend of the family's. Ummm, you remember Crabbe? Well, it's his father."

"Oh, I see. What did he want?" Probably signing his son up for the 'club', too.

"Nothing. Just wanted to...to talk," He quickly changed subjects. "Ready to go, sweetie?"

"MmHm." She could've sworn she remembered Harry naming off the Death Eaters...weren't the Crabbes and Goyles on that list? She just wanted to slap the hell outta Draco right here and run for her life. But she knew he would suspect something....he may be a lying, cheating piece of scum but he isn't completely stupid. He would catch on..and track down Harry and herself. (She still has it stuck in her head that he's a crazed murderer, ready to kill.) She had to think of a plan. Fast. But who could she ask for help?

End flashback

Bum Bum Bum.....that's all folks! You'll hafta wait another week or so (yeah, kate...a week...you're right...all hail kate...) until the next chappie! Please review and remember...be nice or I'll hunt you down and squash you like a bug!!! giggles