A/N- Thank you guys for reviewing and everything, I am really trying to end
this story with something good. I am not sure if this is my last chapter...I
think I will have one after this, I don't know yet though. ! Also, I have
some of the lyrics to Yellowcard's Gifts and Curses. I thought it sort of
sit with what I will be writing. Well, I hope you all enjoy this LPI3
Chapter 8
Draco threw the last of his things into his trunk and snapped it shut. He groaned and sat on his bed. He ran a hand over the deep gash that had sealed up now on his face. He remembered his father's warning, about Hermione, but he wasn't going to do it. He sighed and laid back. He had less than an hour before he was to go to the carriages that would take him and half of the other students home for the holidays.
Blaise entered the room just then, causing Draco to sit back up. He nodded into Draco's direction in a sort of greeting. He didn't dare ask about his bruised and cut forehead.
"Are you going home too?" Draco asked when Blaise pulled out a trunk from under his bed.
Blaise nodded, "Nothing to really stay here for is there? I mean, Ginny's going home as well."
Draco rolled his eyes. Blaise's obsession with the Weasel girl made him sick. But, he supposed that Blaise felt the same way about him and Hermione. Not that there was anything between them.
"Why are you going home?" Blaise asked his back to Draco while rummaging through his dresser.
"What do you mean why?" Draco cocked an eyebrow.
Blaise stayed quiet, waiting for Draco to get the hint.
"I have to settle some stuff with my father." Draco said when Blaise refused to answer.
Blaise nodded in a pondering sort of way as he threw some books into his trunk.
The room was silent for a moment, besides the occasional thud as Blaise threw more junk into his case. Then he spoke, "So, Ginny told me about what you said to Hermione."
Draco looked up at the boy, "She told Weasel girl, did she?"
Blaise glared at Draco for a moment, "yeah, she told her. And let me tell you, Hermione's pretty glad you told her."
Draco huffed and crossed his arms over his chest, "like I care." He grunted acting as I he could care less about Hermione.
Blaise grinned a bit and slammed his trunk closed. "Well, I have to go meet Gin by the Great Hall." He said crossing the room.
"Good riddance," Draco muttered as the door closed. He ran a hand through his silver-ish blond hair. He hadn't even bothered with gel today. It hung loosely around his face.
He swung his legs over the side of his bed and headed to the door as well. He had one more task to do before he went home.
He made his way through the busy crowded corridors. Students were exchanging finale gifts and bragging about what they were going to do for the holiday break. Finally, before he was about to give up and go back to his quiet room, he spotted her. He growled seeing Harry and Ron as well on either side of her.
Draco followed at a safe distance; he would wait until Potter and Weasel were gone. He doubted seriously that that would ever happen, until he saw McGonagall stride over to them and began talking to the two boys. Probably about Quidditch. They waved to Hermione as she walked away from them, headed to the Gryffindor Common room. Draco followed.
There were less people up here now. All of the gibbering students fanned out and soon there was no one in the hall as Hermione finally stopped by a portrait of a giant fat woman. I knew I was not supposed to know where the Gryffindor common room was, so I crept up to her before she could say the password.
Hermione squeaked and turned around with a start as a shadow fell over her. She relaxed a bit as she saw Draco standing there, smirking. "Hello Draco."
Draco nodded his head once in reply as he just stood there.
Hermione bit her lip, what if he had decided to finally follow his father's orders? "Are you going to go home for the holidays?" She asked trying to make conversation.
"Yeah, two whole weeks of freedom, away from this," he sneered as he looked around, "school." The truth was he really liked it here. It kept him away from home, where he had to see his father every day.
Hermione grinned, "Well, I really do need to get the rest of my stuff packed up, so if you'll excuse me."
Draco grabbed her arm as she turned away and pulled her back around. She stared nervously at him, "I really need to pack so I can go back home, Draco." She said.
"Do I frighten you?" Draco asked seriously looking into her eyes.
Hermione was silent for a moment, "Sometimes." She said quietly, "When I don't know what you are thinking."
Draco now realized that he had a tight grip around her wrist. He instantly dropped her hand and looked at the ground.
"Is there something on your mind, Draco?" Hermione asked rubbing her red wrist.
"I just wanted to catch you before you left." Draco shrugged.
Hermione looked longingly at the entrance to her room and then back at Draco, "Was there something you wanted to say?"
Draco shrugged again, "no, I guess." He turned to leave.
"Wait, Draco." Draco stopped and turned back to face Hermione.
"Thank you again, for not doing this. I know it's a risk for you." Hermione blushed as she looked at Draco.
Draco hardly thought that this was the time to make love faces at each other. Then Hermione took a step toward him. He didn't back away though, he merely watched her. She stood up on her tip toes and kissed his cheek softly. He sighed with relief inside.
"I never thought getting detention with you would be the best thing that has ever happened to me." Hermione giggled.
"Just don't make a habit of it." Draco smirked. Hermione blushed harder. He loved embarrassing her. Now that he thought of it, he would really miss seeing her. He looked away.
"Draco, I really have to pack." Hermione said quietly.
Draco nodded, "Yeah, me too." He said even though he had just finished.
She turned again. He wasn't going to let her go with out something to remember him by though. He grabbed her arm again and swung her around once more.
Her eyes widened as her lips met Draco's. This wasn't the first time they had kissed, but every time it happened, she felt more shocked than the first time. She closed her eyes and accepted the kiss. Draco's lips were sweet and warm.
Draco wrapped his arms around her waist, as Hermione wrapped hers around his neck. He felt warm as she pulled herself closer to him. He knew he had to pull away though, he would really miss this.
"I have to go," Draco whispered into her ear after pulling away.
Hermione nodded. "Just be careful, Draco, please."
Draco didn't answer. He turned and swept out of the hall, aware that her eyes were still on him, even after he turned the corner.
Draco arrived at the manner later that night. His father was still at work so he made his way back up to his room. It was cold in there. His room was bare and dark. It had a bed, a closet, a dresser, and a desk, and a large mirror in it. The room itself was too big for these small items.
He lay onto his bed and thought for a while. He finally came to the conclusion that two weeks was going to be a long time. He rolled up his sleeve and stared at the place where the Dark Mark was embedded onto his forearm. It wasn't visible now, but it was still there, his curse. It would always be there.
There was a sudden knock at his door and Draco shot up, "Come in." he said casually.
The door opened and Narcissa walked in. Draco sighed with relief. "Draco, it's wonderful to see you again, did you have a nice school year so far?"
Draco nodded, "Yes Mother."
Narcissa smiled, "Dinner will be ready in a few moments, and Lucius will be home shortly. He asked me that you wait for him in his study after dinner." She smiled once more and exited out of the room.
Draco rolled his eyes and fell back down; a meeting with Father, just what he wanted.
Dinner had been silent that night. Narcissa had decided to leave for a while. So Draco sat at the huge table by himself and ate his food. Not that he minded too much. His mother usually made comments about her friend's daughter who she thought would be perfect for Draco. And his father always asked him questions about his school work or made little comments about his appearance, which always ended with him insulting his son.
After he was finished he breathed deep and started to the stairs. The only thing that crossed his mind was images of Hermione. He wondered if she was alright, and what she was doing. He trudged down the empty hall. Nothing covered these walls. They were cold gray all the way down. He finally reached his father's door. He bit his lip and knocked.
There was silence, and then, "Come in." Draco's heart sank as he heard his father, he did not sound happy at all.
He opened the door and saw his father sitting behind his desk. His hands were folded out ion front of him.
"You wanted to see me, Father?" Draco asked calmly.
Lucius glared at his son for a moment before continuing, "Our Lord has decided that since you can live up to what we expect, you are to return to your training until you are older. You will no longer do his tasks that he asks of us, unless he says otherwise." He sounded disappointed that he would not get to kill the boy.
Draco was relieved that he would not be killed. But he figured, being dead was better than anything that they would make him do when he was to do Voldemort's services. He merely nodded, "I understand, Father."
"I do not think you do, Draco," His father raised from his seat, "You do not understand that these sorts of things are not to be tolerated in the Death Eaters. Our master has a great need for you, boy, but be aware that if he didn't, you would already be dead. Do you understand?" Draco nodded. "You cannot even do a simple task such as get rid of that mudblood girl, Granger!"
Draco clenched his jaw, but he glared into the eyes of his father none the less. How dare he.
"The next time, I, or our Lord gives you an order, you are to accomplish it do you understand, Draco?" Lucius asked coldly.
Draco stayed silent. Lucius glared at his son, "Well?" He snapped.
"No," Draco growled.
Lucius was the silent one now. "What?" He asked finally.
"I will not do anything for you that I do not want to do. I will decide what I will do." Draco stood taller now, even though he felt like crawling up in the corner. He did feel a bit more relieved now that he had finally said this. "And I refuse to do your dirty work." He was knocked to the ground as Lucius' fist connected with his head, reopening the wound from last time.
"I knew you had feelings for that mudblood." Lucius snarled kneeling down next to Draco. "Do you think she could actually like someone like you, boy? Do you?"
Draco grabbed his head, his hand became immediately drenched in his own sticky blood.
"It was all a game, Draco. She was using you as well."
Draco shook his head, "You're lying." He said quietly.
"Am I?" Lucius sneered and grabbed his son by the collar, pulling him to his feet and swinging him into the wall. "Believe me, Severus sent me an owl at the beginning of the year and informed me that the headmaster was planning to ask the girl to soften you up a bit, to be your friend, so you would turn against me. That is why I had you come home for those lessons, so you wouldn't fall into the trap." He paused and smirked at Draco's confused face, "I can see it didn't do much good for you though. I always knew that you would never be better than that witch who isn't even worthy for the title."
"You're wrong about her, father." Draco spat. He wouldn't believe it, she wouldn't do that to him. She couldn't.
She wouldn't?
Of course she wouldn't, she loves me, she said so herself!
Or was that part of the act too?
Lucius grabbed Draco's throat and squeezed, "You will do as your father says, or I will make sure that our Lord finds a new Death Eater to do his will. And I will kill you myself." He gripped tighter.
Draco gasped for breath and dug at his father's hands around his neck.
"When I say bow, what do you do?" Lucius demanded. Draco clenched his eyes shut and fought for breath. "What do you do?" Lucius asked again, madness filled his eyes.
"Bow!" Draco coughed out. It was barely audible, but Lucius must have heard, because he threw Draco down at his feet.
"That's right." Lucius said bending back over his son, "and when I say beg?"
Draco soughed and grabbed at his throat trying to get as much air as he could. He ignored his father.
Lucius kicked Draco in the ribs, rolling him over. Draco clutched his stomach, still gasping for air, "When I say beg?" He kicked Draco harder this time. Several load cracks filled the room as his ribs broke.
"I'll beg!" Draco shouted his eyes were shut tightly. I'll do anything, but I will never harm Hermione. Thoughts of her face flooded his head again. I will not do anything to harm her anymore.
She is the one But I have a purpose She is the one And I have to fight this She is the one The villain I can't knock down
"And when I say kill that mudblood?"
Draco shook his head, "I won't do it." He groaned silently from the pain.
"You will do everything I ask you to do, that is how you become loyal to your father and to your Lord."
Draco clutched his stomach, "What if...I don't want to be...loyal to you?" His breathing was fast.
"Do you see what that filth has done to you? She has corrupted your mind to turn you into something you are not. You are a tool, Draco, used for the purpose of serving the Dark Lord, and him only. That is where your destiny lies. Not with her!" Lucius grabbed his son by the neck and threw him at the book case. Several overly large books toppled onto Draco's head.
"I love her, Father," Draco whispered, his voice was hoarse.
"Something that will have to get taken care of, you will not fall in love with her kind. Do you understand?" Lucius narrowed his eyes at the boy in front of him. "If I told you to kill her?"
"I won't do it!" Draco shouted. His father's cane connected with the side of his face.
"When I order you to kill her?" Lucius yelled even louder.
"You can't make me kill her." Draco said.
"Crucio!" Lucius screamed.
Draco clenched his jaw, but didn't dare cry out. He was going to show his father that he wasn't a tool; he would do what he pleased. His bones burned and tightened. He felt as if thousands of pounds were smashing him. His breath became short once more and he gasped for breath. He could hear Hermione right now telling him to be careful. Telling him that she cared for him. Telling him that she loved him.
I see your face with every punch I take And every bone I break It's all for you And my worst pains are words I cannot say Still I will always fight on for you
"She makes you weak, boy!" Lucius scolded not taking his wand away from Draco.
No, she is my only strength; she is the only thing that keeps me sane. Draco bit his tongue to keep from screaming as the curse increased immensely. Blood flowed into his mouth, gagging him. He coughed it out.
"When I say obey, what will you do?" Lucius asked menacingly.
Draco opened his mouth, and then closed it several times before gasping out, "I will obey you." His voice shook with exhaustion.
The pain suddenly stopped. The Crucio was lifted, but Draco's body continued to burn. Draco's eyes began to roll into the back of his head.
"You are weak," was the last thing he heard before he slipped into unconsciousness.
I see you face with every punch I take And every bone I break It's all for you And my worst pains are words I cannot say Still I will always fight on for you Fight on for you
Draco woke up a day later. His head throbbed and his body in general ached and yelled out at him when he tried to move. He was once again in his room. The curtains were drawn all around him and it was dark. He looked up at the top of the curtains without moving. He wished his father would have just finished him off last night. But he was an important roll in Voldemort's plan. He highly doubted that he was supposed to live through this 'great' plan.
He pulled the curtains back so he could get some light into his bed. He clenched his jaw at the effort, but they opened none the less.
He slowly moved his arm to rest beneath his head. Everything hurt badly when he moved. His hand then brushed against something under his pillow. He slowly fingered it, trying to make out what exactly it was. When he couldn't, he pulled it out and looked at it. It was Benji, Hermione's stuffed dog. He had almost forgotten that he had placed it there months before.
He smiled and looked at the white fluffy dog. He never had stuffed animals when he was younger. He couldn't really see why this had made Hermione feel safe when she had it. But now that he had it, it reminded him of her, and that made him feel safe. He laid the dog onto his chest and winced slightly as it touched probably yet another bruise on his stomach. There was a knock at his door. Draco threw the dog under his bed, his muscles groaned and wrenched as he moved so fast.
"Come in." Draco said breathing fast.
The door opened. It was his father. Draco groaned.
The holiday break was pointless. He hadn't really had Christmas. His mother had not been home for most of the two weeks. In fact, he didn't know where she had been. And his father was intent on getting him to become some brainless idiot who obeyed all of his orders. He had not yet succeeded though, much to his father's displeasure.
Hogwarts had never looked as welcoming before as the carriages approached. He sighed relieved that he was finally back. Suddenly, he felt a pain in his chest, it was guilt he had felt it once before. He knew the choice he had made before about Hermione, when he told himself that he would no longer have feelings for her. This time, he was going to keep that promise to himself. She deserved to be happy, and if she was with him, then she wouldn't be happy.
He decided that he was going to break her heart that night after dinner. It wasn't like he wanted to, but he didn't want her to be in danger anymore. And as long as he was a Death Eater, she and all of her friends would be in danger. He didn't want that.
"Hermione,"
Hermione jumped as Draco called out to her, she turned around and smiled, "Draco!" She said, she flung her arms around his neck. He winced and shut his eyes as his chest exploded with pain. He had not totally healed at all over the break.
"I need to speak to you," Draco whispered. Hermione nodded and followed him to the library.
"What is it, Draco?" She asked as they stood in their usual place in the back of the library.
"I needed to tell you," He paused and found the bookcase very interesting, "I cant see you anymore."
Hermione was silent for a moment, "Draco, what's the matter, is something wrong?"
Draco held up a hand, "Everything's fine, Hermione. This was my choice."
"What do you mean your choice?" Hermione furrowed her brows at him.
Draco stood silent; he looked into her brown eyes. "I don't want us to happen."
Hermione looked closely at him. He shifted his feet nervously, what if she could see right through him? Then she bent her head and nodded, "you're right, Draco."
His eyes widened, I am?
"You and I are just like asking for something bad to happen. Your father, all of my friends, they would probably kill us." She smiled and looked up into Draco's eyes, her own were full of tears. "I think you are right."
Draco blinked, "You would be in too much danger, I couldn't live with myself if something were to happen."
"I understand Draco. I am just glad that you decided to tell me this time, instead of making me worry." She smiled, "this is goodbye then."
Draco nodded, "Yeah,"
Hermione placed a hand on his cheek before turning away to leave, "I really enjoyed having you for a friend though, Draco. And if you ever need to talk, just ask." She disappeared.
Draco sighed in liberation, he smirked. It was about time those disgusting feelings left him. Now, he was free to do what he pleased. He stalked out of the library, intent on never returning to that place again.
"I don't think you guys have to worry about Draco anymore." Hermione said entering the Gryffindor Common room to see Harry and Ron there.
"Why?" Harry asked looking up from his potions' essay.
"We called it quits." Hermione smiled at them.
Ron smiled back; he seemed rather pleased with this, "you mean it?"
Hermione nodded. Deep down she just wanted Draco again, but she knew this was what he really wanted, really needed. So she was going to do it for him.
A/N- well, how was it? I understand if you are mad that Hermione and Draco are not together. I am sorry for that, but I decided that they would not be very happy together. So, yeah, the next chapter is going to take place after their seventh year...maybe a couple more years after that. LPI3
Chapter 8
Draco threw the last of his things into his trunk and snapped it shut. He groaned and sat on his bed. He ran a hand over the deep gash that had sealed up now on his face. He remembered his father's warning, about Hermione, but he wasn't going to do it. He sighed and laid back. He had less than an hour before he was to go to the carriages that would take him and half of the other students home for the holidays.
Blaise entered the room just then, causing Draco to sit back up. He nodded into Draco's direction in a sort of greeting. He didn't dare ask about his bruised and cut forehead.
"Are you going home too?" Draco asked when Blaise pulled out a trunk from under his bed.
Blaise nodded, "Nothing to really stay here for is there? I mean, Ginny's going home as well."
Draco rolled his eyes. Blaise's obsession with the Weasel girl made him sick. But, he supposed that Blaise felt the same way about him and Hermione. Not that there was anything between them.
"Why are you going home?" Blaise asked his back to Draco while rummaging through his dresser.
"What do you mean why?" Draco cocked an eyebrow.
Blaise stayed quiet, waiting for Draco to get the hint.
"I have to settle some stuff with my father." Draco said when Blaise refused to answer.
Blaise nodded in a pondering sort of way as he threw some books into his trunk.
The room was silent for a moment, besides the occasional thud as Blaise threw more junk into his case. Then he spoke, "So, Ginny told me about what you said to Hermione."
Draco looked up at the boy, "She told Weasel girl, did she?"
Blaise glared at Draco for a moment, "yeah, she told her. And let me tell you, Hermione's pretty glad you told her."
Draco huffed and crossed his arms over his chest, "like I care." He grunted acting as I he could care less about Hermione.
Blaise grinned a bit and slammed his trunk closed. "Well, I have to go meet Gin by the Great Hall." He said crossing the room.
"Good riddance," Draco muttered as the door closed. He ran a hand through his silver-ish blond hair. He hadn't even bothered with gel today. It hung loosely around his face.
He swung his legs over the side of his bed and headed to the door as well. He had one more task to do before he went home.
He made his way through the busy crowded corridors. Students were exchanging finale gifts and bragging about what they were going to do for the holiday break. Finally, before he was about to give up and go back to his quiet room, he spotted her. He growled seeing Harry and Ron as well on either side of her.
Draco followed at a safe distance; he would wait until Potter and Weasel were gone. He doubted seriously that that would ever happen, until he saw McGonagall stride over to them and began talking to the two boys. Probably about Quidditch. They waved to Hermione as she walked away from them, headed to the Gryffindor Common room. Draco followed.
There were less people up here now. All of the gibbering students fanned out and soon there was no one in the hall as Hermione finally stopped by a portrait of a giant fat woman. I knew I was not supposed to know where the Gryffindor common room was, so I crept up to her before she could say the password.
Hermione squeaked and turned around with a start as a shadow fell over her. She relaxed a bit as she saw Draco standing there, smirking. "Hello Draco."
Draco nodded his head once in reply as he just stood there.
Hermione bit her lip, what if he had decided to finally follow his father's orders? "Are you going to go home for the holidays?" She asked trying to make conversation.
"Yeah, two whole weeks of freedom, away from this," he sneered as he looked around, "school." The truth was he really liked it here. It kept him away from home, where he had to see his father every day.
Hermione grinned, "Well, I really do need to get the rest of my stuff packed up, so if you'll excuse me."
Draco grabbed her arm as she turned away and pulled her back around. She stared nervously at him, "I really need to pack so I can go back home, Draco." She said.
"Do I frighten you?" Draco asked seriously looking into her eyes.
Hermione was silent for a moment, "Sometimes." She said quietly, "When I don't know what you are thinking."
Draco now realized that he had a tight grip around her wrist. He instantly dropped her hand and looked at the ground.
"Is there something on your mind, Draco?" Hermione asked rubbing her red wrist.
"I just wanted to catch you before you left." Draco shrugged.
Hermione looked longingly at the entrance to her room and then back at Draco, "Was there something you wanted to say?"
Draco shrugged again, "no, I guess." He turned to leave.
"Wait, Draco." Draco stopped and turned back to face Hermione.
"Thank you again, for not doing this. I know it's a risk for you." Hermione blushed as she looked at Draco.
Draco hardly thought that this was the time to make love faces at each other. Then Hermione took a step toward him. He didn't back away though, he merely watched her. She stood up on her tip toes and kissed his cheek softly. He sighed with relief inside.
"I never thought getting detention with you would be the best thing that has ever happened to me." Hermione giggled.
"Just don't make a habit of it." Draco smirked. Hermione blushed harder. He loved embarrassing her. Now that he thought of it, he would really miss seeing her. He looked away.
"Draco, I really have to pack." Hermione said quietly.
Draco nodded, "Yeah, me too." He said even though he had just finished.
She turned again. He wasn't going to let her go with out something to remember him by though. He grabbed her arm again and swung her around once more.
Her eyes widened as her lips met Draco's. This wasn't the first time they had kissed, but every time it happened, she felt more shocked than the first time. She closed her eyes and accepted the kiss. Draco's lips were sweet and warm.
Draco wrapped his arms around her waist, as Hermione wrapped hers around his neck. He felt warm as she pulled herself closer to him. He knew he had to pull away though, he would really miss this.
"I have to go," Draco whispered into her ear after pulling away.
Hermione nodded. "Just be careful, Draco, please."
Draco didn't answer. He turned and swept out of the hall, aware that her eyes were still on him, even after he turned the corner.
Draco arrived at the manner later that night. His father was still at work so he made his way back up to his room. It was cold in there. His room was bare and dark. It had a bed, a closet, a dresser, and a desk, and a large mirror in it. The room itself was too big for these small items.
He lay onto his bed and thought for a while. He finally came to the conclusion that two weeks was going to be a long time. He rolled up his sleeve and stared at the place where the Dark Mark was embedded onto his forearm. It wasn't visible now, but it was still there, his curse. It would always be there.
There was a sudden knock at his door and Draco shot up, "Come in." he said casually.
The door opened and Narcissa walked in. Draco sighed with relief. "Draco, it's wonderful to see you again, did you have a nice school year so far?"
Draco nodded, "Yes Mother."
Narcissa smiled, "Dinner will be ready in a few moments, and Lucius will be home shortly. He asked me that you wait for him in his study after dinner." She smiled once more and exited out of the room.
Draco rolled his eyes and fell back down; a meeting with Father, just what he wanted.
Dinner had been silent that night. Narcissa had decided to leave for a while. So Draco sat at the huge table by himself and ate his food. Not that he minded too much. His mother usually made comments about her friend's daughter who she thought would be perfect for Draco. And his father always asked him questions about his school work or made little comments about his appearance, which always ended with him insulting his son.
After he was finished he breathed deep and started to the stairs. The only thing that crossed his mind was images of Hermione. He wondered if she was alright, and what she was doing. He trudged down the empty hall. Nothing covered these walls. They were cold gray all the way down. He finally reached his father's door. He bit his lip and knocked.
There was silence, and then, "Come in." Draco's heart sank as he heard his father, he did not sound happy at all.
He opened the door and saw his father sitting behind his desk. His hands were folded out ion front of him.
"You wanted to see me, Father?" Draco asked calmly.
Lucius glared at his son for a moment before continuing, "Our Lord has decided that since you can live up to what we expect, you are to return to your training until you are older. You will no longer do his tasks that he asks of us, unless he says otherwise." He sounded disappointed that he would not get to kill the boy.
Draco was relieved that he would not be killed. But he figured, being dead was better than anything that they would make him do when he was to do Voldemort's services. He merely nodded, "I understand, Father."
"I do not think you do, Draco," His father raised from his seat, "You do not understand that these sorts of things are not to be tolerated in the Death Eaters. Our master has a great need for you, boy, but be aware that if he didn't, you would already be dead. Do you understand?" Draco nodded. "You cannot even do a simple task such as get rid of that mudblood girl, Granger!"
Draco clenched his jaw, but he glared into the eyes of his father none the less. How dare he.
"The next time, I, or our Lord gives you an order, you are to accomplish it do you understand, Draco?" Lucius asked coldly.
Draco stayed silent. Lucius glared at his son, "Well?" He snapped.
"No," Draco growled.
Lucius was the silent one now. "What?" He asked finally.
"I will not do anything for you that I do not want to do. I will decide what I will do." Draco stood taller now, even though he felt like crawling up in the corner. He did feel a bit more relieved now that he had finally said this. "And I refuse to do your dirty work." He was knocked to the ground as Lucius' fist connected with his head, reopening the wound from last time.
"I knew you had feelings for that mudblood." Lucius snarled kneeling down next to Draco. "Do you think she could actually like someone like you, boy? Do you?"
Draco grabbed his head, his hand became immediately drenched in his own sticky blood.
"It was all a game, Draco. She was using you as well."
Draco shook his head, "You're lying." He said quietly.
"Am I?" Lucius sneered and grabbed his son by the collar, pulling him to his feet and swinging him into the wall. "Believe me, Severus sent me an owl at the beginning of the year and informed me that the headmaster was planning to ask the girl to soften you up a bit, to be your friend, so you would turn against me. That is why I had you come home for those lessons, so you wouldn't fall into the trap." He paused and smirked at Draco's confused face, "I can see it didn't do much good for you though. I always knew that you would never be better than that witch who isn't even worthy for the title."
"You're wrong about her, father." Draco spat. He wouldn't believe it, she wouldn't do that to him. She couldn't.
She wouldn't?
Of course she wouldn't, she loves me, she said so herself!
Or was that part of the act too?
Lucius grabbed Draco's throat and squeezed, "You will do as your father says, or I will make sure that our Lord finds a new Death Eater to do his will. And I will kill you myself." He gripped tighter.
Draco gasped for breath and dug at his father's hands around his neck.
"When I say bow, what do you do?" Lucius demanded. Draco clenched his eyes shut and fought for breath. "What do you do?" Lucius asked again, madness filled his eyes.
"Bow!" Draco coughed out. It was barely audible, but Lucius must have heard, because he threw Draco down at his feet.
"That's right." Lucius said bending back over his son, "and when I say beg?"
Draco soughed and grabbed at his throat trying to get as much air as he could. He ignored his father.
Lucius kicked Draco in the ribs, rolling him over. Draco clutched his stomach, still gasping for air, "When I say beg?" He kicked Draco harder this time. Several load cracks filled the room as his ribs broke.
"I'll beg!" Draco shouted his eyes were shut tightly. I'll do anything, but I will never harm Hermione. Thoughts of her face flooded his head again. I will not do anything to harm her anymore.
She is the one But I have a purpose She is the one And I have to fight this She is the one The villain I can't knock down
"And when I say kill that mudblood?"
Draco shook his head, "I won't do it." He groaned silently from the pain.
"You will do everything I ask you to do, that is how you become loyal to your father and to your Lord."
Draco clutched his stomach, "What if...I don't want to be...loyal to you?" His breathing was fast.
"Do you see what that filth has done to you? She has corrupted your mind to turn you into something you are not. You are a tool, Draco, used for the purpose of serving the Dark Lord, and him only. That is where your destiny lies. Not with her!" Lucius grabbed his son by the neck and threw him at the book case. Several overly large books toppled onto Draco's head.
"I love her, Father," Draco whispered, his voice was hoarse.
"Something that will have to get taken care of, you will not fall in love with her kind. Do you understand?" Lucius narrowed his eyes at the boy in front of him. "If I told you to kill her?"
"I won't do it!" Draco shouted. His father's cane connected with the side of his face.
"When I order you to kill her?" Lucius yelled even louder.
"You can't make me kill her." Draco said.
"Crucio!" Lucius screamed.
Draco clenched his jaw, but didn't dare cry out. He was going to show his father that he wasn't a tool; he would do what he pleased. His bones burned and tightened. He felt as if thousands of pounds were smashing him. His breath became short once more and he gasped for breath. He could hear Hermione right now telling him to be careful. Telling him that she cared for him. Telling him that she loved him.
I see your face with every punch I take And every bone I break It's all for you And my worst pains are words I cannot say Still I will always fight on for you
"She makes you weak, boy!" Lucius scolded not taking his wand away from Draco.
No, she is my only strength; she is the only thing that keeps me sane. Draco bit his tongue to keep from screaming as the curse increased immensely. Blood flowed into his mouth, gagging him. He coughed it out.
"When I say obey, what will you do?" Lucius asked menacingly.
Draco opened his mouth, and then closed it several times before gasping out, "I will obey you." His voice shook with exhaustion.
The pain suddenly stopped. The Crucio was lifted, but Draco's body continued to burn. Draco's eyes began to roll into the back of his head.
"You are weak," was the last thing he heard before he slipped into unconsciousness.
I see you face with every punch I take And every bone I break It's all for you And my worst pains are words I cannot say Still I will always fight on for you Fight on for you
Draco woke up a day later. His head throbbed and his body in general ached and yelled out at him when he tried to move. He was once again in his room. The curtains were drawn all around him and it was dark. He looked up at the top of the curtains without moving. He wished his father would have just finished him off last night. But he was an important roll in Voldemort's plan. He highly doubted that he was supposed to live through this 'great' plan.
He pulled the curtains back so he could get some light into his bed. He clenched his jaw at the effort, but they opened none the less.
He slowly moved his arm to rest beneath his head. Everything hurt badly when he moved. His hand then brushed against something under his pillow. He slowly fingered it, trying to make out what exactly it was. When he couldn't, he pulled it out and looked at it. It was Benji, Hermione's stuffed dog. He had almost forgotten that he had placed it there months before.
He smiled and looked at the white fluffy dog. He never had stuffed animals when he was younger. He couldn't really see why this had made Hermione feel safe when she had it. But now that he had it, it reminded him of her, and that made him feel safe. He laid the dog onto his chest and winced slightly as it touched probably yet another bruise on his stomach. There was a knock at his door. Draco threw the dog under his bed, his muscles groaned and wrenched as he moved so fast.
"Come in." Draco said breathing fast.
The door opened. It was his father. Draco groaned.
The holiday break was pointless. He hadn't really had Christmas. His mother had not been home for most of the two weeks. In fact, he didn't know where she had been. And his father was intent on getting him to become some brainless idiot who obeyed all of his orders. He had not yet succeeded though, much to his father's displeasure.
Hogwarts had never looked as welcoming before as the carriages approached. He sighed relieved that he was finally back. Suddenly, he felt a pain in his chest, it was guilt he had felt it once before. He knew the choice he had made before about Hermione, when he told himself that he would no longer have feelings for her. This time, he was going to keep that promise to himself. She deserved to be happy, and if she was with him, then she wouldn't be happy.
He decided that he was going to break her heart that night after dinner. It wasn't like he wanted to, but he didn't want her to be in danger anymore. And as long as he was a Death Eater, she and all of her friends would be in danger. He didn't want that.
"Hermione,"
Hermione jumped as Draco called out to her, she turned around and smiled, "Draco!" She said, she flung her arms around his neck. He winced and shut his eyes as his chest exploded with pain. He had not totally healed at all over the break.
"I need to speak to you," Draco whispered. Hermione nodded and followed him to the library.
"What is it, Draco?" She asked as they stood in their usual place in the back of the library.
"I needed to tell you," He paused and found the bookcase very interesting, "I cant see you anymore."
Hermione was silent for a moment, "Draco, what's the matter, is something wrong?"
Draco held up a hand, "Everything's fine, Hermione. This was my choice."
"What do you mean your choice?" Hermione furrowed her brows at him.
Draco stood silent; he looked into her brown eyes. "I don't want us to happen."
Hermione looked closely at him. He shifted his feet nervously, what if she could see right through him? Then she bent her head and nodded, "you're right, Draco."
His eyes widened, I am?
"You and I are just like asking for something bad to happen. Your father, all of my friends, they would probably kill us." She smiled and looked up into Draco's eyes, her own were full of tears. "I think you are right."
Draco blinked, "You would be in too much danger, I couldn't live with myself if something were to happen."
"I understand Draco. I am just glad that you decided to tell me this time, instead of making me worry." She smiled, "this is goodbye then."
Draco nodded, "Yeah,"
Hermione placed a hand on his cheek before turning away to leave, "I really enjoyed having you for a friend though, Draco. And if you ever need to talk, just ask." She disappeared.
Draco sighed in liberation, he smirked. It was about time those disgusting feelings left him. Now, he was free to do what he pleased. He stalked out of the library, intent on never returning to that place again.
"I don't think you guys have to worry about Draco anymore." Hermione said entering the Gryffindor Common room to see Harry and Ron there.
"Why?" Harry asked looking up from his potions' essay.
"We called it quits." Hermione smiled at them.
Ron smiled back; he seemed rather pleased with this, "you mean it?"
Hermione nodded. Deep down she just wanted Draco again, but she knew this was what he really wanted, really needed. So she was going to do it for him.
A/N- well, how was it? I understand if you are mad that Hermione and Draco are not together. I am sorry for that, but I decided that they would not be very happy together. So, yeah, the next chapter is going to take place after their seventh year...maybe a couple more years after that. LPI3