Authors note- Thank you everyone for reviewing! I love those things, hehe.
Well, I hope you all enjoy this new chapter!
I am going to put another disclaimer on here, just to renew it... Well, I do not own Harry Potter or any of its characters, it all belongs the JK Rowling.
"Are you alright Draco?"
Draco looked up as his name was called. He rolled his eyes noticing that it was Pansy who had called him. He looked back down at his plate of untouched breakfast. He had been thinking about last night. Why was it that he had told Hermione about, well everything? He sighed, why was he attracted to her? Draco's eyes widened, "is that what I am?" he thought, "attracted to her?" he smirked and shook his head. "Of course not, imagine what father would think."
He stood up from the Slytherin table and proceeded to the door, unable to look at his food anymore. But as he was walking past the Gryffindor table, a leg shot out and Draco, being too caught up in his own thoughts, treaded into it. He tripped and hit the floor with a crash. There was a roar of laughter at the Gryffindor Table. Draco looked up to see Ron and Harry laughing down at him. He stood up quickly and touched the side of his mouth; his fingers were stained with a small streak of red from where he must have bit his lip as his chin hit the hard stone.
"Watch your step," Ron laughed.
Draco narrowed his eyes at him and stormed out of the room, his temper was rising now. He had just been humiliated in front of the whole school, Malfoys never got humiliated.
As Draco continued to walk down the hall, he met Hermione who was running late for breakfast, "Oh, hello Draco," she said happily turning a bit red, "where are you going, you can't be finished with breakfast already?"
"I just had a little bit of a meeting with your friends," he said coldly.
Hermione looked confused, "what's the matter?" she asked.
Draco shook his head and pushed past her, he didn't mean to be cruel to her, but he couldn't control his temper.
Hermione turned and watched Draco head out of sight, he was walking in the direction of the library, and it looked like he would be there for a while, she took a deep breath and headed to the Great Hall, she knew what she had to do.
"Did you see his face?" Ron laughed to the table, "he actually looked stunned it was priceless,"
"What did you do to him?" The whole table stopped laughing and turned to see Hermione, her face reddening now in anger.
"Good morning Hermione," Ron said a bit coldly, "we were just talking about how clumsy Malfoy is." Harry snorted into his eggs. Hermione glared at the two of them.
"You two," she was so angry she couldn't find the words, "grow up you two!" she finally yelled.
"Open your eyes Hermione," Ron yelled back, his face reddening too, "you think Malfoy actually likes you, no way, he just wants to get closer to Harry so his Death Eater dad can get his hands on him he's using you!"
Hermione balled her hands into fists, "how would you know anything about him Ron?" she yelled her anger was rising now, he had no right to talk about him like that, "you never have given him a chance, and I like being his friend!"
Harry and Ron looked aghast. The Gryffindor table, as well as some other tables, was watching speechless as well, "you like being his friend?" Ron stammered.
Hermione nodded a weight inside her lifted as she thought about this decision.
"Fine, then you don't need us as friends, go and find your boyfriend why don't you, but don't come crying to us when he wants to know what Harry is up to." Ron growled and turned around angrily stabbing at his plate. Harry looked at Hermione and then also turned away.
Hermione opened her mouth and then closed it. She looked across the table, each Gryffindor head began lowering, as if shunning her for her decision. She only narrowed her eyes at them all holding back the tears that began to sting her eyes. She turned and ran out of the Great Hall in search of Draco.
Draco slid down the wall in an empty isle of books like he always did. He waited in silence for a moment; he had to be having the worst day. He slowly lifted his left sleeve up and looked at the faint red spots on his arm; it was almost gone, thank goodness. He sighed, why was he doing this? Why wouldn't he just let Voldemort go on with the training, become a Death Eater and hopefully make his father proud? Instead he was dragging the one person who did not deserve this at all down with him.
Suddenly, a shadow fell over him Draco jumped startled. He looked up and saw Hermione, panting heavily as if she had run all the way there, in front of him. He quickly stood up, "what?" he asked.
Hermione bit her lip, and turned her head. Draco knew this must have something to do with Weasley and Potter. He was the cause of this as well, if he wouldn't have troubled her with his problems, then she would probably be happy. He silently cursed himself. "Listen Hermione, I'm-" but he was cut off as Hermione swung her arms around him. Draco was taken back and fell into the wall from the shock. Hermione sobbed into his robes. "What do I do now?" he asked panicking; he looked around making sure no one was watching.
~~
Hermione and Draco hadn't gone to any of their classes that day, as Ron and Harry noticed walking down to lunch later that day. "What do you think they are up to?" Harry asked, but his question was soon answered as he saw Draco and Hermione walking together towards the Great Hall. He nudged Ron and nodded towards their direction. Ron narrowed his eyes and marched after them, Harry closely following.
Ron heard Hermione laugh softly as Draco whispered something into her ear. He felt his blood begin to boil. He touched Draco's back. The two turned around. Hermione's smile faded and she looked at the ground, Malfoy looked from Hermione's sad face to Ron's angry face, he knew this was not going to be a pleasant conversation, not that it ever was of course.
"What is it Weasley?" he asked.
Ron growled at Draco, "What do you think you are playing at Malfoy?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about Weasley, so if you have something to say hurry up, because we are hungry." Draco smirked as he saw the look on Ron's face as he mentioned himself and Hermione together.
"Eat dung Malfoy!" Ron yelled furiously.
"Oh, don't hurt my feelings anymore please," Malfoy laughed sarcastically, "remember what happened last time you told me to eat something weasel, I believe you were the one spewing up slugs all over yourself."
Ron opened his mouth, but Hermione stopped him, "please stop," she said. Harry Ron and Draco looked at her.
"Do you have something to say?" Ron asked angrily.
Hermione nodded, "as a matter of fact I do Ron," she said confidently, "I just wanted to let you and Harry know that I still want to be your friend," she paused, "I thought you would understand my feelings for Draco, like a true friends would."
Ron laughed, "Oh, are we on first name terms now?" he turned to face Draco, "Mind if I call you Draco now?" he laughed. Draco narrowed his eyes at him.
"How can you forget about everything he has done to us, to you Hermione, remember what he called you?" Harry asked.
"I remember Harry, but I think he has changed," Hermione scowled at him.
"Tell me, what is your reward for kidnapping Hermione and turning her into your Lord; you disgust me you Death Eater,"
Draco couldn't hold in his anger anymore. He threw out his fist and it collided with the side of Ron's face. Ron immediately hit the floor. Harry ran up and grabbed hold of Draco and threw him into the wall. Hermione yelled at them to stop, but her voice was drowned out by Ron who was cursing Malfoy as he stood up.
"You don't deserve to have Hermione call you her friend!" he yelled wiping off blood from his mouth.
"I don't deserve to have her call me her friend?" Draco yelled, "Do you have any idea of what you did to her?"
"Please Draco," Hermione whispered.
"She came to me because you wouldn't accept her anymore, real friends are supposed to support their friends, not let them fall when they do something that person doesn't like, some friend you two are, I bet she helps you do everything you ask."
"How would you know, you never had any real friends," Ron yelled back.
"Well, it looks like you lost one of your truest friends by making a stupid mistake," Draco paused and smiled "but don't worry, I will take care of her," he couldn't help it, the look on Ron's face was priceless. He turned around to face Hermione. But as he did, Ron came up behind him and pushed him to the floor.
Hermione yelled again. Harry ran up to the two wrestling on the floor and tried to pry Ron off.
"What is going on here?" All four of them stopped and looked up to see Snape looking furious at them. Ron jumped off of Malfoy and straightened himself up. Draco also stood up and wiped off his bloody nose. "Follow me, all of you," Snape growled and turned away down the hall.
They followed in silence, none of them dared to talk, but Ron and Draco kept glaring at each other death written in their eyes.
They were led into Snape's office, the door was closed behind them and Snape took a seat behind his desk, "now," he said slowly, "speak," all four of the students began talking at once. Snape held up a hand to silence them, "Malfoy, you explain,"
Draco looked at Hermione, "Weasley and I were just discussing some issues." He said.
Snape frowned at them, "I shall be writing to both of your parents tonight, then I will be speaking to Professor McGonagall about this."
Hermione knew what would happen if Lucius heard his son was fighting, "Please sir, Draco didn't start anything, Ron attacked him from behind." She didn't want to betray her best friend like that, but it was between a howler for Ron, or a punishment from Lucius, she didn't want Draco to have to go through anymore trouble.
Ron huffed behind her. Hermione knew she would never be accepted again with Ron, but she didn't want Draco to get hurt.
"Well, then, I suppose that ten points will be taken from each of you," he said indicating towards Harry and Ron, "for fighting in the hall, and another ten for starting the fight," Ron and Harry opened their mouths, but Snape continued, "and ten points from Slytherin."
"Professor, Harry had nothing to do with the fight," Hermione said.
Snape turned to her, "exactly whose side are you on Miss Granger?" he asked coldly.
Hermione looked down unsure what to say.
"You are dismissed then, and no more fights, or I will speak to the headmaster about it." Snape threatened.
They walked out of Snape's office silently. They walked quietly to the Great Hall, then Ron turned to Hermione, "so this is what you want then?" he asked.
Hermione nodded slowly. Ron shook his head and walked away from her. Harry looked at her sadly and then glared at Draco and walked after Ron.
Draco turned to Hermione, "you didn't have to stick up for me you know," he said.
Hermione smiled, "I know, but I thought it was the right thing to do."
Draco shrugged and followed Hermione into the Great Hall.
~~
The week flew by, much too fast for Draco. It was Friday night before he knew it. He and Hermione were in their usual place, a small empty corner in the library where they spent most of their free time, since their houses thought they were traitors.
"Don't worry Draco, everything will be fine, just don't let it get to you, keep cool." Hermione said giving Draco a few last minute tips for the next day.
"Yeah, that will help," Draco sighed sarcastically leaning back against the wall.
"You can do this Draco, I know you can, you're a strong wizard you can fight anything." Hermione smiled at him.
Draco sighed again, "I don't know, I have a feeling I may not survive these meetings." He lifted up his sleeve and looked at the mark now burning black. This of course was reminding Draco about tomorrow.
Hermione placed a hand onto his arm, covering up a large portion of the cursed skin. Draco looked up at her, "You can't die," she said.
"What makes you so sure?" Draco asked.
"Because I need you," She said softly.
Draco looked at her. Hermione flushed red and looked away, "have you thought about talking to Dumbledore yet?" she asked.
This was the third time this week Hermione had mentioned talking to Dumbledore, "no," Draco said suspiciously, "why do you keep asking that?"
Hermione looked surprised, "oh, well, I just thought that maybe you would talk to him about this, I am sure he could help better than I can."
"What am I supposed to tell him, that I'm a death eater and I go and see Voldemort to one day be in the army that he will be fighting against behind his back?" Draco asked, he laughed quietly, "yeah right, he wouldn't understand."
Hermione decided to let the subject drop; she didn't want to make him mad. She looked at the clock over head, "Well, the library is going to close soon, we better go."
Draco nodded and stood up. The two of them walked out of the library together and down the hall a bit. Then they stopped ready to split ways.
"I will see you either tomorrow, or Sunday then," Hermione said shuffling her feet.
Draco nodded, "yeah, I guess," he said. What should he say? He still wasn't too good at expressing his feelings, though he felt like he wanted to as he looked into Hermione's eyes.
There was an odd silence for a moment or two; "Be careful then," Hermione said a little disappointed and turned to leave.
"Don't let her leave yet," Draco grabbed Hermione's wrist. She turned around and looked at him. He felt his heart stop as he pulled her to him into a tight embrace. Hermione was stunned for a moment but hugged Draco back. She buried her face into his chest, a calm feeling over came her and she felt relaxed as she listened to his heart beat next to her ear.
Draco didn't want to let her go, but he knew he had to; he was only endangering her having her near him. Hermione looked up at him; her brown eyes were staring into his cold grey ones. Memories of that night with the muggle girl flooded his thoughts as he remembered her brown eyes.
"Good night then," Hermione said softly kissing Draco on the cheek before she turned away.
Draco watched her go and disappear behind a corner. He too then headed to bed.
~~
The sun was barely up as Draco made his way across the empty corridors in Hogwarts headed toward Hogsmeade, he had just reached the front doors when a hand reached out and grabbed his shoulder. He spun around surprised. It was Hermione. He let out a breath, "what are you doing up?" he asked.
"I just wanted to give you something really quickly, before you left." She held out a small wrapped package.
Draco took the parcel, "you can open it on the train," Hermione said quickly. Draco nodded his thanks.
Hermione knew he was nervous and didn't expect him to say much more, instead she smiled and waved good bye to him, "remember, you can fight them," she called just before the doors closed behind Draco. She sighed and made her way back up to her room.
Draco sat on the train, Hermione's present on the seat next to him. He hesitated a moment, and then reached down and tore off the paper. It was a small stuffed white dog. There was also a note attached to him, Draco read it:
Draco,
This is my dog Benji; I have had him since I was little. He always helped me when I was scared or hurt, so I hope he can be some what of a comfort to you now. He is great company.
Hermione
Draco smiled and looked at the dog. He quickly stuffed it into his pocket as the train lurched to a stop. He grabbed his cloak from the rack and wrapped it over his shoulders.
Lucius was waiting there for him impatience written all over his face. He didn't say a word to Draco as he approached him after coming off the train, he merely nodded and then apparated away. Draco mimicked his father and appeared in the living room of the manor.
"Be down here by nine a.m." Lucius said to him and walked away to his study.
"Hello to you too Father," Draco muttered under his breath and headed upstairs to his room.
He sat down on his bed and pulled out the stuffed dog. He placed it under his pillow out of sight. And laid back, he was going to fight it; he had to, for Hermione. He wasn't going to give into Voldemort. He smiled to himself triumphantly.
~~
Draco slumped down the stairs at eight fifty five later that morning and met his father waiting for him, "are you ready then?" he asked.
Draco smirked, "yes," he said. Lucius looked at him curiously for a moment, and then led Draco down into the dungeons.
Voldemort was of coarse already there, waiting for the training to start. Draco was in no hurry though. Voldemort turned toward him, "Well, then now that we are all here and ready, shall we begin?"
Draco nodded, "yes my lord, I am ready,"
Lucius backed off into a corner and silently watched. Voldemort must have instructed him to stay out of the way.
"I thought we would just get into it and start with our boggart friend, hopefully you can over come it this time," Voldemort's eyes flashed as he stared into Draco's eyes.
The room went cold and Draco readied himself for this, he wasn't going to let Voldemort see his weakness this time, he was going to beat it, whatever it was.
He was standing in the middle of a large room. He didn't recognize the room, but he knew it had to be in his manor, like almost everything else in the house, the walls were covered in black tapestries, with the Malfoy insignia on it.
Then the door opened behind him, Draco turned quickly. It was his father. Lucius walked slowly into the room, he wore and angry scowl as he glared at his son.
"Father?" Draco asked taking a step backwards.
"Did you think I would not find out?" Lucius asked his voice venomous and hard.
"Find out about what?" Draco asked nervously.
"The mudblood you fool!" Lucius yelled.
"Father, I can explain,"
"There is no excuse for this kind of behavior; do you know what this could do to the Malfoy name if our Lord found out?" Lucius narrowed his eyes, "What do you think you were doing anyways?"
Draco was silent for a moment, and then he spoke, "I just talked to her, that was all."
Lucius growled, "What have I said about associating with their kind?"
"I'm sorry father, but she helped me-" Draco was cut off as he dodged a flying book at his head.
"I will think about the correct punishment for you, but in the meantime you will stay in here and think twice about doing something like this again," Lucius turned to leave.
"I'm sorry father," Draco said again, "I wont do it again," he sneered at his father's back.
"Oh, I already knew that, because as of now, you will never see your friend again." Lucius grinned slyly at his son.
Draco knew this grin; it was the one he gave before he did something he knew someone else would not like "Don't you dare hurt her!" Draco yelled.
"I can not have you continue to see her Draco; I know you will she is an obstacle that I will gladly push aside for you." Lucius said.
"If you kill her, I swear I will never become a death eater!" Draco's grey eyes flashed furiously.
"Draco, one day you will thank me for doing this, and you should be grateful that I am not telling our lord, or he would have you kill the girl." Lucius said dangerously, "she is already dead Draco."
Draco tightened his jaw and he grabbed a chair on the ground next to him and lunged it at his father's back. Lucius stopped it in midair by his wand and sent it back at Draco.
It hit him before he could duck, and Draco was knocked unconscious. The world was dark for a few seconds it seemed like before he was forcefully shaken awake. The pain from where the chair had hit his head began to pound in his ears; it had been so real that he now had a head ache. The form of his father was coming clearer as his vision improved.
"What, what happened?" Draco asked weakly clutching his head as he sat up.
"We were hoping you could tell us?" Lucius scowled.
Draco had the sneaking suspicion that they too had seen what he had. What was he going to do now? Had they seen all of it? "I, I don't know what you mean," he lied.
"I think you do," Voldemort said approaching Draco, "that was Potter's mudblood friend, wasn't it?" his red eyes were glinting in the dim light.
Draco nodded, "Yes, that's her."
Lucius looked over at Voldemort, "What will we do about this my lord?" he asked. Draco saw his father's hand casually touch his wand, preparing himself.
"Then you have been keeping her from me boy?" Voldemort asked his voice was low and menacing, "Do you know what I do to my followers who go against me?" his voice became much sharper.
"I haven't been keeping anything from you, there is nothing going on between us." Draco assured, he hoped he was convincing them.
"You are lying," Lucius spat his grip tightened on his son's shoulder.
"Lucius silence," Voldemort said raising his hand, he thought for a moment before continuing, "I am willing to forgive you boy, if you do something for me in return."
Draco didn't like the sound of that, "what is it?" he asked.
"I want you to deliver Potter to me through the mudblood." Voldemort's eyes flashed.
"De- deliver sir?" Draco stammered he looked from his dad who was nodding his head and then back at Voldemort.
"Yes boy, if you can get me Potter by using the girl, you shall be rewarded greatly," he smiled an evil smile, "but if you do not succeed, you shall be punished."
"He will do it, wont you Draco," Lucius said looking loathingly at his son.
"What will happen to Her-, the girl?" Draco asked nervously.
Voldemort shook his head, "don't tell me you don't want me to hurt her," he laughed quietly, "will you do it, or will you not?" he asked.
Draco didn't see a way out of this, he could refuse, but then he would be punished, and possibly killed, or he could accept and get Hermione killed. He looked down at his hands, "I will do it." he said quietly.
Voldemort grinned, "Very good, shall we continue our training then?" he asked, "and Draco, no more secret girls." He warned, his eyes flashed.
Draco nodded and stood up, his legs trembled and he almost fell back down.
"Crucio,"
~~
Draco woke up later that day on his bed. He was in a lot of pain, he lost count after the fourth Crucio, but Voldemort hadn't done much more than that. This must have been his punishment even though he had been forgiven.
He sat up slowly, black and red spots exploded into his vision and he had to grab onto his bed post for support. His ribs were on fire, a couple had to be broken, he was sure he had bruises all across his body, deep cuts were bleeding freely across his face and arms, it was worse than last time for sure.
Draco sighed, how was he going to get out of this one, he couldn't do anything to Hermione. "Why not?" he asked himself, "You knew you weren't supposed to like her, you knew what would happen if you did, just forget her, she will get you into even more trouble than you already are." He sighed angrily and ran a hand through his silvery blond hair, which was wet and stained with blood.
After two hours of heavily thinking he came to only one conclusion.
She was in danger around him; he couldn't let her get near him again. He knew he had to do this, but doing it would feel worse than anything Voldemort could do to him. He had to become his old self again, the "Slytherin Prince" everyone hated and feared, and then maybe she wouldn't miss him when he dumped her off.
Draco wasn't going to deliver anyone to anyone; he was going to play by his own rules now. He stood up off his bed ignoring the pain searing throughout his body, and headed down stairs.
A/N- there, how was that? Does Draco seem out of character to you all? I'm not sure... well, I hope everyone liked it! Please review! Suggestions are welcome! Thanks LPI3.
I am going to put another disclaimer on here, just to renew it... Well, I do not own Harry Potter or any of its characters, it all belongs the JK Rowling.
"Are you alright Draco?"
Draco looked up as his name was called. He rolled his eyes noticing that it was Pansy who had called him. He looked back down at his plate of untouched breakfast. He had been thinking about last night. Why was it that he had told Hermione about, well everything? He sighed, why was he attracted to her? Draco's eyes widened, "is that what I am?" he thought, "attracted to her?" he smirked and shook his head. "Of course not, imagine what father would think."
He stood up from the Slytherin table and proceeded to the door, unable to look at his food anymore. But as he was walking past the Gryffindor table, a leg shot out and Draco, being too caught up in his own thoughts, treaded into it. He tripped and hit the floor with a crash. There was a roar of laughter at the Gryffindor Table. Draco looked up to see Ron and Harry laughing down at him. He stood up quickly and touched the side of his mouth; his fingers were stained with a small streak of red from where he must have bit his lip as his chin hit the hard stone.
"Watch your step," Ron laughed.
Draco narrowed his eyes at him and stormed out of the room, his temper was rising now. He had just been humiliated in front of the whole school, Malfoys never got humiliated.
As Draco continued to walk down the hall, he met Hermione who was running late for breakfast, "Oh, hello Draco," she said happily turning a bit red, "where are you going, you can't be finished with breakfast already?"
"I just had a little bit of a meeting with your friends," he said coldly.
Hermione looked confused, "what's the matter?" she asked.
Draco shook his head and pushed past her, he didn't mean to be cruel to her, but he couldn't control his temper.
Hermione turned and watched Draco head out of sight, he was walking in the direction of the library, and it looked like he would be there for a while, she took a deep breath and headed to the Great Hall, she knew what she had to do.
"Did you see his face?" Ron laughed to the table, "he actually looked stunned it was priceless,"
"What did you do to him?" The whole table stopped laughing and turned to see Hermione, her face reddening now in anger.
"Good morning Hermione," Ron said a bit coldly, "we were just talking about how clumsy Malfoy is." Harry snorted into his eggs. Hermione glared at the two of them.
"You two," she was so angry she couldn't find the words, "grow up you two!" she finally yelled.
"Open your eyes Hermione," Ron yelled back, his face reddening too, "you think Malfoy actually likes you, no way, he just wants to get closer to Harry so his Death Eater dad can get his hands on him he's using you!"
Hermione balled her hands into fists, "how would you know anything about him Ron?" she yelled her anger was rising now, he had no right to talk about him like that, "you never have given him a chance, and I like being his friend!"
Harry and Ron looked aghast. The Gryffindor table, as well as some other tables, was watching speechless as well, "you like being his friend?" Ron stammered.
Hermione nodded a weight inside her lifted as she thought about this decision.
"Fine, then you don't need us as friends, go and find your boyfriend why don't you, but don't come crying to us when he wants to know what Harry is up to." Ron growled and turned around angrily stabbing at his plate. Harry looked at Hermione and then also turned away.
Hermione opened her mouth and then closed it. She looked across the table, each Gryffindor head began lowering, as if shunning her for her decision. She only narrowed her eyes at them all holding back the tears that began to sting her eyes. She turned and ran out of the Great Hall in search of Draco.
Draco slid down the wall in an empty isle of books like he always did. He waited in silence for a moment; he had to be having the worst day. He slowly lifted his left sleeve up and looked at the faint red spots on his arm; it was almost gone, thank goodness. He sighed, why was he doing this? Why wouldn't he just let Voldemort go on with the training, become a Death Eater and hopefully make his father proud? Instead he was dragging the one person who did not deserve this at all down with him.
Suddenly, a shadow fell over him Draco jumped startled. He looked up and saw Hermione, panting heavily as if she had run all the way there, in front of him. He quickly stood up, "what?" he asked.
Hermione bit her lip, and turned her head. Draco knew this must have something to do with Weasley and Potter. He was the cause of this as well, if he wouldn't have troubled her with his problems, then she would probably be happy. He silently cursed himself. "Listen Hermione, I'm-" but he was cut off as Hermione swung her arms around him. Draco was taken back and fell into the wall from the shock. Hermione sobbed into his robes. "What do I do now?" he asked panicking; he looked around making sure no one was watching.
~~
Hermione and Draco hadn't gone to any of their classes that day, as Ron and Harry noticed walking down to lunch later that day. "What do you think they are up to?" Harry asked, but his question was soon answered as he saw Draco and Hermione walking together towards the Great Hall. He nudged Ron and nodded towards their direction. Ron narrowed his eyes and marched after them, Harry closely following.
Ron heard Hermione laugh softly as Draco whispered something into her ear. He felt his blood begin to boil. He touched Draco's back. The two turned around. Hermione's smile faded and she looked at the ground, Malfoy looked from Hermione's sad face to Ron's angry face, he knew this was not going to be a pleasant conversation, not that it ever was of course.
"What is it Weasley?" he asked.
Ron growled at Draco, "What do you think you are playing at Malfoy?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about Weasley, so if you have something to say hurry up, because we are hungry." Draco smirked as he saw the look on Ron's face as he mentioned himself and Hermione together.
"Eat dung Malfoy!" Ron yelled furiously.
"Oh, don't hurt my feelings anymore please," Malfoy laughed sarcastically, "remember what happened last time you told me to eat something weasel, I believe you were the one spewing up slugs all over yourself."
Ron opened his mouth, but Hermione stopped him, "please stop," she said. Harry Ron and Draco looked at her.
"Do you have something to say?" Ron asked angrily.
Hermione nodded, "as a matter of fact I do Ron," she said confidently, "I just wanted to let you and Harry know that I still want to be your friend," she paused, "I thought you would understand my feelings for Draco, like a true friends would."
Ron laughed, "Oh, are we on first name terms now?" he turned to face Draco, "Mind if I call you Draco now?" he laughed. Draco narrowed his eyes at him.
"How can you forget about everything he has done to us, to you Hermione, remember what he called you?" Harry asked.
"I remember Harry, but I think he has changed," Hermione scowled at him.
"Tell me, what is your reward for kidnapping Hermione and turning her into your Lord; you disgust me you Death Eater,"
Draco couldn't hold in his anger anymore. He threw out his fist and it collided with the side of Ron's face. Ron immediately hit the floor. Harry ran up and grabbed hold of Draco and threw him into the wall. Hermione yelled at them to stop, but her voice was drowned out by Ron who was cursing Malfoy as he stood up.
"You don't deserve to have Hermione call you her friend!" he yelled wiping off blood from his mouth.
"I don't deserve to have her call me her friend?" Draco yelled, "Do you have any idea of what you did to her?"
"Please Draco," Hermione whispered.
"She came to me because you wouldn't accept her anymore, real friends are supposed to support their friends, not let them fall when they do something that person doesn't like, some friend you two are, I bet she helps you do everything you ask."
"How would you know, you never had any real friends," Ron yelled back.
"Well, it looks like you lost one of your truest friends by making a stupid mistake," Draco paused and smiled "but don't worry, I will take care of her," he couldn't help it, the look on Ron's face was priceless. He turned around to face Hermione. But as he did, Ron came up behind him and pushed him to the floor.
Hermione yelled again. Harry ran up to the two wrestling on the floor and tried to pry Ron off.
"What is going on here?" All four of them stopped and looked up to see Snape looking furious at them. Ron jumped off of Malfoy and straightened himself up. Draco also stood up and wiped off his bloody nose. "Follow me, all of you," Snape growled and turned away down the hall.
They followed in silence, none of them dared to talk, but Ron and Draco kept glaring at each other death written in their eyes.
They were led into Snape's office, the door was closed behind them and Snape took a seat behind his desk, "now," he said slowly, "speak," all four of the students began talking at once. Snape held up a hand to silence them, "Malfoy, you explain,"
Draco looked at Hermione, "Weasley and I were just discussing some issues." He said.
Snape frowned at them, "I shall be writing to both of your parents tonight, then I will be speaking to Professor McGonagall about this."
Hermione knew what would happen if Lucius heard his son was fighting, "Please sir, Draco didn't start anything, Ron attacked him from behind." She didn't want to betray her best friend like that, but it was between a howler for Ron, or a punishment from Lucius, she didn't want Draco to have to go through anymore trouble.
Ron huffed behind her. Hermione knew she would never be accepted again with Ron, but she didn't want Draco to get hurt.
"Well, then, I suppose that ten points will be taken from each of you," he said indicating towards Harry and Ron, "for fighting in the hall, and another ten for starting the fight," Ron and Harry opened their mouths, but Snape continued, "and ten points from Slytherin."
"Professor, Harry had nothing to do with the fight," Hermione said.
Snape turned to her, "exactly whose side are you on Miss Granger?" he asked coldly.
Hermione looked down unsure what to say.
"You are dismissed then, and no more fights, or I will speak to the headmaster about it." Snape threatened.
They walked out of Snape's office silently. They walked quietly to the Great Hall, then Ron turned to Hermione, "so this is what you want then?" he asked.
Hermione nodded slowly. Ron shook his head and walked away from her. Harry looked at her sadly and then glared at Draco and walked after Ron.
Draco turned to Hermione, "you didn't have to stick up for me you know," he said.
Hermione smiled, "I know, but I thought it was the right thing to do."
Draco shrugged and followed Hermione into the Great Hall.
~~
The week flew by, much too fast for Draco. It was Friday night before he knew it. He and Hermione were in their usual place, a small empty corner in the library where they spent most of their free time, since their houses thought they were traitors.
"Don't worry Draco, everything will be fine, just don't let it get to you, keep cool." Hermione said giving Draco a few last minute tips for the next day.
"Yeah, that will help," Draco sighed sarcastically leaning back against the wall.
"You can do this Draco, I know you can, you're a strong wizard you can fight anything." Hermione smiled at him.
Draco sighed again, "I don't know, I have a feeling I may not survive these meetings." He lifted up his sleeve and looked at the mark now burning black. This of course was reminding Draco about tomorrow.
Hermione placed a hand onto his arm, covering up a large portion of the cursed skin. Draco looked up at her, "You can't die," she said.
"What makes you so sure?" Draco asked.
"Because I need you," She said softly.
Draco looked at her. Hermione flushed red and looked away, "have you thought about talking to Dumbledore yet?" she asked.
This was the third time this week Hermione had mentioned talking to Dumbledore, "no," Draco said suspiciously, "why do you keep asking that?"
Hermione looked surprised, "oh, well, I just thought that maybe you would talk to him about this, I am sure he could help better than I can."
"What am I supposed to tell him, that I'm a death eater and I go and see Voldemort to one day be in the army that he will be fighting against behind his back?" Draco asked, he laughed quietly, "yeah right, he wouldn't understand."
Hermione decided to let the subject drop; she didn't want to make him mad. She looked at the clock over head, "Well, the library is going to close soon, we better go."
Draco nodded and stood up. The two of them walked out of the library together and down the hall a bit. Then they stopped ready to split ways.
"I will see you either tomorrow, or Sunday then," Hermione said shuffling her feet.
Draco nodded, "yeah, I guess," he said. What should he say? He still wasn't too good at expressing his feelings, though he felt like he wanted to as he looked into Hermione's eyes.
There was an odd silence for a moment or two; "Be careful then," Hermione said a little disappointed and turned to leave.
"Don't let her leave yet," Draco grabbed Hermione's wrist. She turned around and looked at him. He felt his heart stop as he pulled her to him into a tight embrace. Hermione was stunned for a moment but hugged Draco back. She buried her face into his chest, a calm feeling over came her and she felt relaxed as she listened to his heart beat next to her ear.
Draco didn't want to let her go, but he knew he had to; he was only endangering her having her near him. Hermione looked up at him; her brown eyes were staring into his cold grey ones. Memories of that night with the muggle girl flooded his thoughts as he remembered her brown eyes.
"Good night then," Hermione said softly kissing Draco on the cheek before she turned away.
Draco watched her go and disappear behind a corner. He too then headed to bed.
~~
The sun was barely up as Draco made his way across the empty corridors in Hogwarts headed toward Hogsmeade, he had just reached the front doors when a hand reached out and grabbed his shoulder. He spun around surprised. It was Hermione. He let out a breath, "what are you doing up?" he asked.
"I just wanted to give you something really quickly, before you left." She held out a small wrapped package.
Draco took the parcel, "you can open it on the train," Hermione said quickly. Draco nodded his thanks.
Hermione knew he was nervous and didn't expect him to say much more, instead she smiled and waved good bye to him, "remember, you can fight them," she called just before the doors closed behind Draco. She sighed and made her way back up to her room.
Draco sat on the train, Hermione's present on the seat next to him. He hesitated a moment, and then reached down and tore off the paper. It was a small stuffed white dog. There was also a note attached to him, Draco read it:
Draco,
This is my dog Benji; I have had him since I was little. He always helped me when I was scared or hurt, so I hope he can be some what of a comfort to you now. He is great company.
Hermione
Draco smiled and looked at the dog. He quickly stuffed it into his pocket as the train lurched to a stop. He grabbed his cloak from the rack and wrapped it over his shoulders.
Lucius was waiting there for him impatience written all over his face. He didn't say a word to Draco as he approached him after coming off the train, he merely nodded and then apparated away. Draco mimicked his father and appeared in the living room of the manor.
"Be down here by nine a.m." Lucius said to him and walked away to his study.
"Hello to you too Father," Draco muttered under his breath and headed upstairs to his room.
He sat down on his bed and pulled out the stuffed dog. He placed it under his pillow out of sight. And laid back, he was going to fight it; he had to, for Hermione. He wasn't going to give into Voldemort. He smiled to himself triumphantly.
~~
Draco slumped down the stairs at eight fifty five later that morning and met his father waiting for him, "are you ready then?" he asked.
Draco smirked, "yes," he said. Lucius looked at him curiously for a moment, and then led Draco down into the dungeons.
Voldemort was of coarse already there, waiting for the training to start. Draco was in no hurry though. Voldemort turned toward him, "Well, then now that we are all here and ready, shall we begin?"
Draco nodded, "yes my lord, I am ready,"
Lucius backed off into a corner and silently watched. Voldemort must have instructed him to stay out of the way.
"I thought we would just get into it and start with our boggart friend, hopefully you can over come it this time," Voldemort's eyes flashed as he stared into Draco's eyes.
The room went cold and Draco readied himself for this, he wasn't going to let Voldemort see his weakness this time, he was going to beat it, whatever it was.
He was standing in the middle of a large room. He didn't recognize the room, but he knew it had to be in his manor, like almost everything else in the house, the walls were covered in black tapestries, with the Malfoy insignia on it.
Then the door opened behind him, Draco turned quickly. It was his father. Lucius walked slowly into the room, he wore and angry scowl as he glared at his son.
"Father?" Draco asked taking a step backwards.
"Did you think I would not find out?" Lucius asked his voice venomous and hard.
"Find out about what?" Draco asked nervously.
"The mudblood you fool!" Lucius yelled.
"Father, I can explain,"
"There is no excuse for this kind of behavior; do you know what this could do to the Malfoy name if our Lord found out?" Lucius narrowed his eyes, "What do you think you were doing anyways?"
Draco was silent for a moment, and then he spoke, "I just talked to her, that was all."
Lucius growled, "What have I said about associating with their kind?"
"I'm sorry father, but she helped me-" Draco was cut off as he dodged a flying book at his head.
"I will think about the correct punishment for you, but in the meantime you will stay in here and think twice about doing something like this again," Lucius turned to leave.
"I'm sorry father," Draco said again, "I wont do it again," he sneered at his father's back.
"Oh, I already knew that, because as of now, you will never see your friend again." Lucius grinned slyly at his son.
Draco knew this grin; it was the one he gave before he did something he knew someone else would not like "Don't you dare hurt her!" Draco yelled.
"I can not have you continue to see her Draco; I know you will she is an obstacle that I will gladly push aside for you." Lucius said.
"If you kill her, I swear I will never become a death eater!" Draco's grey eyes flashed furiously.
"Draco, one day you will thank me for doing this, and you should be grateful that I am not telling our lord, or he would have you kill the girl." Lucius said dangerously, "she is already dead Draco."
Draco tightened his jaw and he grabbed a chair on the ground next to him and lunged it at his father's back. Lucius stopped it in midair by his wand and sent it back at Draco.
It hit him before he could duck, and Draco was knocked unconscious. The world was dark for a few seconds it seemed like before he was forcefully shaken awake. The pain from where the chair had hit his head began to pound in his ears; it had been so real that he now had a head ache. The form of his father was coming clearer as his vision improved.
"What, what happened?" Draco asked weakly clutching his head as he sat up.
"We were hoping you could tell us?" Lucius scowled.
Draco had the sneaking suspicion that they too had seen what he had. What was he going to do now? Had they seen all of it? "I, I don't know what you mean," he lied.
"I think you do," Voldemort said approaching Draco, "that was Potter's mudblood friend, wasn't it?" his red eyes were glinting in the dim light.
Draco nodded, "Yes, that's her."
Lucius looked over at Voldemort, "What will we do about this my lord?" he asked. Draco saw his father's hand casually touch his wand, preparing himself.
"Then you have been keeping her from me boy?" Voldemort asked his voice was low and menacing, "Do you know what I do to my followers who go against me?" his voice became much sharper.
"I haven't been keeping anything from you, there is nothing going on between us." Draco assured, he hoped he was convincing them.
"You are lying," Lucius spat his grip tightened on his son's shoulder.
"Lucius silence," Voldemort said raising his hand, he thought for a moment before continuing, "I am willing to forgive you boy, if you do something for me in return."
Draco didn't like the sound of that, "what is it?" he asked.
"I want you to deliver Potter to me through the mudblood." Voldemort's eyes flashed.
"De- deliver sir?" Draco stammered he looked from his dad who was nodding his head and then back at Voldemort.
"Yes boy, if you can get me Potter by using the girl, you shall be rewarded greatly," he smiled an evil smile, "but if you do not succeed, you shall be punished."
"He will do it, wont you Draco," Lucius said looking loathingly at his son.
"What will happen to Her-, the girl?" Draco asked nervously.
Voldemort shook his head, "don't tell me you don't want me to hurt her," he laughed quietly, "will you do it, or will you not?" he asked.
Draco didn't see a way out of this, he could refuse, but then he would be punished, and possibly killed, or he could accept and get Hermione killed. He looked down at his hands, "I will do it." he said quietly.
Voldemort grinned, "Very good, shall we continue our training then?" he asked, "and Draco, no more secret girls." He warned, his eyes flashed.
Draco nodded and stood up, his legs trembled and he almost fell back down.
"Crucio,"
~~
Draco woke up later that day on his bed. He was in a lot of pain, he lost count after the fourth Crucio, but Voldemort hadn't done much more than that. This must have been his punishment even though he had been forgiven.
He sat up slowly, black and red spots exploded into his vision and he had to grab onto his bed post for support. His ribs were on fire, a couple had to be broken, he was sure he had bruises all across his body, deep cuts were bleeding freely across his face and arms, it was worse than last time for sure.
Draco sighed, how was he going to get out of this one, he couldn't do anything to Hermione. "Why not?" he asked himself, "You knew you weren't supposed to like her, you knew what would happen if you did, just forget her, she will get you into even more trouble than you already are." He sighed angrily and ran a hand through his silvery blond hair, which was wet and stained with blood.
After two hours of heavily thinking he came to only one conclusion.
She was in danger around him; he couldn't let her get near him again. He knew he had to do this, but doing it would feel worse than anything Voldemort could do to him. He had to become his old self again, the "Slytherin Prince" everyone hated and feared, and then maybe she wouldn't miss him when he dumped her off.
Draco wasn't going to deliver anyone to anyone; he was going to play by his own rules now. He stood up off his bed ignoring the pain searing throughout his body, and headed down stairs.
A/N- there, how was that? Does Draco seem out of character to you all? I'm not sure... well, I hope everyone liked it! Please review! Suggestions are welcome! Thanks LPI3.