To everyone who reviewed; THANK YOU VERY MCUH. They all make me smile.
Unfortunately I haven't; got time to reply to any question or to thank
everyone by name as it's very late now (1:08am to be precise) and I REALLY
want to post this up tonight. Please keep reviewing; it makes my day.
Thanks again :o) Slytherin Spirit
Chapter 19-King Serpent
Draco fell into a blissful unawares over the following week or so, and before he knew it Valentines Day was threatening upon him and he had no gift; a fate worse than death would have awaited him if he didn't think fast. So early one Saturday, before anyone had stirred in the castle, Draco rose from Hermione's bed, grabbed his invisibility cloak and slipped from the room silently. He was nearly convinced to stay in the warmth of the plush room as he looked at the Sleeping Beauty in the bed; her raven hair fanned around her head in a dark halo and her cat's eyes, gently closed, flickered as she dreamt.
Silently Draco made his way through the castle and to the front gates where he apparated to Malfoy Manor. He new this was not the most intelligent idea ever to have crossed his mind yet something told him it had to be done, and it had to be done now. So he crept across the lawn and to the secret door concealed in the elaborate brick work of the old house.
"Le femme de nuit." He whispered, and the door slid aside to reveal a catacomb of corridors and booby-traps.
Knowing exactly where to tread, Draco quickly made his way through the poison arrows, Avada Kedavra curses that randomly flew from the walls and misleading taunts and hints that the suits of armour insisted on calling at him, knowing full well who it was. He finally emerged in front of three large ebony doors and inscribed above them were the words:
"Choose wisely friend or find the death of an enemy."
Draco laughed at the use of the word "friend" in this Malfoy greeting; Malfoy's had few friends, they were more acquaintances if they were to be called anything at all. Draco walked through the far right door and found himself emerging from the fireplace in his own room. He checked the clock; quarter past five. His parents would still be in bed and if he was lucky the only life he would come across would be the house elves who he could easily threaten to keep their mouths shut.
Throwing the invisibility cloak over himself, Draco stepped from the room and slinked through the long corridors of Malfoy Manor until he came to the ground floor where he located one particular statue of the many busts that were arranged in the foyer. Carefully Draco pulled at the likeness of Asriel and a compartment slid open beneath his feet.
The trapdoor allowed Draco to slide down to a chamber. His chamber. It wasn't extraordinarily big but it was enough for Draco. He had found it quite by accident only a couple of years ago and had been fascinated by it ever since. It was around 20 feet square and the ceiling seemed to stretch into oblivion; Draco assumed that was due to a charm placed upon the room as a ceiling that tall would have to be visible from above ground. The walls themselves were made of dark sandstone, into which were carved many scripts and diagrams that Draco did not fully understand. He had tried to decipher them but had soon got bored and given up, deciding they were simply one of life's little mysteries.
He was lucky to have discovered the hiding place and guessed correctly that his father knew every other secret compartment in the mansion except for this one. Why it had eluded him for so long Draco did not understand, nor did he question it. He was grateful for the chamber; it was where he kept his most precious things, and among them was the gift he would be giving Hermione. Gently he took the gift and wrapped it in a small, black velvet cloth, before carefully concealing it within his robe.
Feeling as though he were being watched, Draco quickly looked around the chamber; it was empty yet he was sure he felt eyes upon him. Was it possible his Father had found the Chamber? Shrugging the feeling off he felt along the walls, his fingers stroking the smooth ridges and valleys they found in the carvings until he found the one he was looking for. The carving was of two females; one black, the other white yet they were identical and Draco had always found them fascinating. The light and dark sides of one whole yet depicted in two people.
His fingers skimmed where their hands joined and became shadow and there he found the groove that enabled him to leave the chamber. A light split from the joined hands and spread wider and wider until it was the right size for Draco to pass through. On the other side there was a smaller chamber with a simple door that Draco exited from, throwing the invisibility cloak over his shoulders as he did so. The door slid silently behind him and was immediately absorbed back into the stone of Malfoy Manor. His secret was still safe. Smiling to himself Draco apparated to Hogsmeade and made his way back to the castle.
---------------------------------
Valentine's Day dawned and even the weather seemed to be enjoying the day as the clouds danced across the sky with a rose tint to their edges. Draco went to Hermione's room, planning to surprise her before they had to begin the day. Noticing how much sneaking around he was doping, Draco crept into Hermione's room, careful not to wake her yet. He climbed onto the bed and wrapped his arms around her slender frame, kissing her cheek lightly.
"Happy Valentine's Day." He whispered as her eyelids fluttered before opening completely, a smile upon her lips.
"Happy Valentine's day." She replied, "I was so worried I would be spending this day alone."
"Would it have mattered?" Draco asked, he had never fully understood the female's fascination with the day yet he was fully willing to shower gifts upon the object of his affection.
"Of course it would have mattered" Hermione smiled, "Although it would have been my own fault if I had been alone. I'm sorry I pushed you away."
"It's OK. I understand your reasons; now let's not think of it any more. I have something for you."
"Ooh, presents."
"Yes presents; unless you don't want it." Draco teased, pulling out the velvet wrapped gift and holding it just out of Hermione's reach.
"Please?" Hermione whined, turning her huge puppy dog eyes towards him.
"Cheat." He laughed, handing over the package.
Hermione gently placed the parcel in her lap and began to unwrap it from its elegant covering, her eyes puzzled at what he could have bought her. Draco watched as she lifted the box from the abandoned swathes and laid it before her, and he smiled as he watched her open it and set her eyes upon what was inside. He of course knew why she was gasping in such a way. He had presented her with the Malfoy family jewels.
The jewels of the Malfoys were as old as the family itself, dating back to the Book of Gold when the first wizard humans were born from the Gods. The first wizards in this form held extensive power compared to the wizards of today; some more so than others and the Malfoys had been one of these, yet they were also the most corrupted by the power, thus the tradition had been born to only wed purebloods and the jewels had been forged.
The jewels were to be presented to each bride as they were proposed to and would only be worn by those worthy; the assumption being that they would only accept purebloods and all others would be rejected in order to conserve the pure blood of the family. Yet Draco held a strong suspicion that the jewels would take to Hermione. He had to try.
The jewels themselves were a most wondrous sight; cast from purest platinum they consisted of a ring and elegant necklace. The necklace was an elaborate pattern on platinum bejewelled with emeralds and black and white diamonds that encased the neck halfway and fell down to cover the chest in droplets of jewels. The ring was just as spectacular to behold; although a simple band of platinum the same stones of the necklace were arranged perfectly the entire way around the ring, alternated with each other and with tiny inscriptions in the language of old; "One of dark beauty and innocent elegance who is worthy".
"Oh Draco, they're beautiful." Hermione gasp exclaimed, "But I can't possible accept them."
"And why not?" Draco demanded, feeling his temper rising at having the jewels rejected.
"Two things; Firstly won't you mother miss them?"
Draco laughed;
"I doubt my mother even remembers she owns them. These may be the family jewels but unless my mother has the biggest diamond money can by on her finger she doesn't want it. They must have gone through fifty rings since they got together. Father passed these to me when mother said she wanted a new one a few years ago; said he felt I should use them to ensnare the next Malfoy."
"You...you're proposing?"
"Well, that's up to you. I love you and I want you to have these; engaged or not."
Hermione sighed, a smile on her lips before realising she was supposed to be interrogating him;
"Secondly; I won't be able to wear them. I know as well as anyone that the Malfoy jewels only accept purebloods. The ring says so."
"Correction, the ring says "One of dark beauty and innocent elegance who is worthy" and I think you're worthy. Please try."
Feeling beaten Hermione slipped the ring onto her finger, smiling slightly as she caught sight of the ring on her other hand she had received or Christmas. There was gasp as the ring slid onto her finger and a light flashed pure white, binding it to her.
"See," Draco said smugly, "I told you."
"Indeed you did Mr Malfoy, and as for your 'proposal' how about we see where this goes?"
Draco nodded, pleased at her decision; he didn't want to rush onto anything too soon yet he knew that the jewels were meant for Hermione.
Hermione stared at the jewels for a few moments more before suddenly jumping up from the bed and heading over to one her cabinets;
"Tine for your gift." She said, "I feel guilty now because I didn't get you anything near as expensive as those jewels; they must be priceless."
Draco was about to point out that technically they hadn't cost anything but instead he opted for the more tactical approach;
"Don't worry about it. Valentine's Day isn't as big a deal for me as it is for you; today's your day and I want you to enjoy it, not feel as though you have to match my gift."
Hermione smiled at his response and returned from the cabinet holding a selection of small, flat packages and a largish box shaped package. Draco looked t her, intrigued as she set down the gifts in front of him. He tore of the wrapping and laughed at what lay inside; a muggle music system and a selection of CD's.
"I thought I'd try and pull you away from purely magical music." Hermione grinned, "Although I have to confess the hi-fi is charmed so it can play in the castle."
"It's great." Draco grinned back, looking through the CD's; all stuff he had heard Hermione talk about but never heard himself; Stereophonics, Muse, Red Hot Chili Peppers, R.E.M. and one she'd never mentioned called Travis.
He decided to give them a shot and tried to set up the hi-fi, unable to figure out the weird black, snake like object extending from the back of the system and ending in a vicious looking three spikes. Hermione grinned at his uselessness when it came to muggle artefacts and told him how to plug it in normally, although she also pointed out it couldn't be done in the castle as there was no electricity. Soon enough she had waved her wand, whispered a charm and the mellow sounds of Travis were filling the room.
Draco held out his hand and Hermione took it, sitting beside him on the couch and snuggling into his chest. They had a while until classes began.
----------------------------------
Later that day Draco was making his way from Charms to potions, ignoring the giggles from the girls reading their cards and swooning at the males of the school; many at him he noticed smugly, when he heard a crash coming from a nearby Transfiguration classroom. Being the nosey type, and the sort to inflict harsh punishment on the rule breakers, he opened the classroom door, only to see Blaise Zabini cramming Hermione against one of the walls, his hands roaming her legs beneath her skirt.
Draco saw red and sent a curse flying at Blaise, knocking the other Slytherin off his feet;
"What the hell are you doing Zabini?" Draco yelled his wand never moving from Blaise's chest.
"What's it look like Malfoy I'm getting a nice piece of ass for myself. Why? What's it to do with you?" His purple eyes locked with Draco's stormy grey and Draco remained silent; turning his attention to Hermione;
"Go." He said simply.
"But...I..."
"I said go." Draco said, his voice full of anger and force. Hermione went, shutting the door on her way out. Draco turned his attention back to Blaise;
"Zabini; explain yourself now."
"You're turning into a soft git Draco you know that. We could have had so much fun; taking her together."
"No thanks Zabini."
"Not on first name terms anymore?" Blaise taunted, his evil eyes glinted maliciously in the flickering candlelight.
"Not with you I'm not." Draco shot back, his wand still at Blaise's heart, "Explain yourself now."
"Or you'll do what exactly? Kill me?"
"I'll bloody well try."
"Is that a challenge?"
"It's a promise Zabini. Explain what you were doing and why or I'll have no choice but to fry your ass."
Blaise Zabini was no fool, and he could see that Draco meant what he said. He was also a Slytherin and although they were loyal to an extent, if their own skin was on the line they would be the first to place the blame on someone else.
"You father." He said simply.
"I'm going to need more than that Zabini." Draco spat, his interest growing; more dirty dealings from Lucius Malfoy were never a good sign.
"Your father wants me to seduce the mudblood so you won't become attached to her and will be able to kill her with less hesitation tomorrow."
"And why would he ask you?"
"He asked me because I told him I'd seen Hermione wearing the Malfoy ring; don't try to deny it. Very few people would recognise that ring but I'm not one of them. You had no right giving that filthy whore that jewellery. She's not worthy to lick it clean."
Draco's fist collided with Blaise's cheek and the dazed blonde fell to the floor, smirking up at Draco;
"You're pathetic; feelings for a mudblood. You're no more a Slytherin or a Malfoy than I am a dancing bear."
Draco placed his foot over Blaise's throat;
"One more question Zabini; what's my sadistic father promised you?" His foot tightened on Blaise's throat, making his eyes bulge slightly.
"The best prize there is; power. Power in the shadow of the Dark Lord. I will be promoted to stand by his side through the battle."
"I thought as much. You're the pathetic one; being seduced by the promises of a cruel lunatic who follows and ever bigger lunatic in a hopeless attempt to rule the world. You're a sheep Zabini. Nothing but a mindless entity who lacks individuality; you have nothing of your own so you gain what you can form others in order to make yourself better. It's pitiable."
Draco's foot relaxed over Blaise's jugular and the other Slytherin leapt from he floor, whipping out his wand and pointing it at Draco in silent challenge;
"You're going to duel me Zabini?"
"You're damn right I am."
"You know you can't win."
"I'd rather die or kill you than live to see you fall in love with that filthy mudblood."
"Too late; I already love her."
"Traitor." Blaise yelled, throwing the first curse and catching Draco only slightly unawares; although evil and manipulative, Lucius had always taught to duel fairly; that is to at least bow before casting the first curse.
The silver light hit Draco's stomach, throwing him off his feet. His regained his posture quickly and took aim at Blaise's heart once more, screaming more than one curse in order to give Blaise what he deserved; a lot of pain.
The curse did the trick and soon Blaise was doubled up and rolling on the floor in agony. A weak hand took rough aim at Draco;
"Crucio." Blaise whispered and Draco fell to the floor, the curse pouring through his veins and twisting his body into painful stances. The war was on; an unforgivable had been used, all the rules were abolished from that moment on. This was fight to the death and they both knew it as they stood to face each other, circling one another, their wands held in the duelling position;
"So this is what it's come to has it Malfoy?" Blaise taunted, "You choose that whore over your own house."
"I would choose anything over my own house. Slytherin is nothing but corruption and poison, and I no longer want to be a part of it."
"So be it." Blaise spat, "Crucio!"
Draco dodged the curse, flying rolling behind one of the desks and firing at Blaise form over the top. The Cruicio's flew thick and fast, more often than not they hit their target and were wheezed at the opponent through shallow breaths and stinging pain.
A curse flew over Draco's head, missing him by inches, he threw one back yet no response was given from his adversary. Draco peered from over the top of the desk, only to see no Blaise on the other side. Knowing he had made a tragic mistake, Draco turned one second to late and a Crucio hit him straight in the face. He screamed and fell to the floor, his eyes black and unseeing. His wand had fallen from his hand and as his hands moved around pointlessly trying to find it he felt Blaise stand over him, this time his foot on Draco's throat;
"Deny your love and surrender and I'll let you live."
"Never." Draco spat.
"You'll die if you don't."
"Then I'll die." Draco said, refusing to give in.
He heard Blaise open his mouth and inhale, preparing to say the killing curse;
"Help me Hermione." Draco whispered silently.
"I'm here." He heard a voice whisper back, in his mind and he felt her strength pour into him.
His eyesight cleared and he stared Blaise in determinedly in the face as Blaise opened his mouth;
"Avada Kedavra."
It went black.
---------------------------------
Chapter 19-King Serpent
Draco fell into a blissful unawares over the following week or so, and before he knew it Valentines Day was threatening upon him and he had no gift; a fate worse than death would have awaited him if he didn't think fast. So early one Saturday, before anyone had stirred in the castle, Draco rose from Hermione's bed, grabbed his invisibility cloak and slipped from the room silently. He was nearly convinced to stay in the warmth of the plush room as he looked at the Sleeping Beauty in the bed; her raven hair fanned around her head in a dark halo and her cat's eyes, gently closed, flickered as she dreamt.
Silently Draco made his way through the castle and to the front gates where he apparated to Malfoy Manor. He new this was not the most intelligent idea ever to have crossed his mind yet something told him it had to be done, and it had to be done now. So he crept across the lawn and to the secret door concealed in the elaborate brick work of the old house.
"Le femme de nuit." He whispered, and the door slid aside to reveal a catacomb of corridors and booby-traps.
Knowing exactly where to tread, Draco quickly made his way through the poison arrows, Avada Kedavra curses that randomly flew from the walls and misleading taunts and hints that the suits of armour insisted on calling at him, knowing full well who it was. He finally emerged in front of three large ebony doors and inscribed above them were the words:
"Choose wisely friend or find the death of an enemy."
Draco laughed at the use of the word "friend" in this Malfoy greeting; Malfoy's had few friends, they were more acquaintances if they were to be called anything at all. Draco walked through the far right door and found himself emerging from the fireplace in his own room. He checked the clock; quarter past five. His parents would still be in bed and if he was lucky the only life he would come across would be the house elves who he could easily threaten to keep their mouths shut.
Throwing the invisibility cloak over himself, Draco stepped from the room and slinked through the long corridors of Malfoy Manor until he came to the ground floor where he located one particular statue of the many busts that were arranged in the foyer. Carefully Draco pulled at the likeness of Asriel and a compartment slid open beneath his feet.
The trapdoor allowed Draco to slide down to a chamber. His chamber. It wasn't extraordinarily big but it was enough for Draco. He had found it quite by accident only a couple of years ago and had been fascinated by it ever since. It was around 20 feet square and the ceiling seemed to stretch into oblivion; Draco assumed that was due to a charm placed upon the room as a ceiling that tall would have to be visible from above ground. The walls themselves were made of dark sandstone, into which were carved many scripts and diagrams that Draco did not fully understand. He had tried to decipher them but had soon got bored and given up, deciding they were simply one of life's little mysteries.
He was lucky to have discovered the hiding place and guessed correctly that his father knew every other secret compartment in the mansion except for this one. Why it had eluded him for so long Draco did not understand, nor did he question it. He was grateful for the chamber; it was where he kept his most precious things, and among them was the gift he would be giving Hermione. Gently he took the gift and wrapped it in a small, black velvet cloth, before carefully concealing it within his robe.
Feeling as though he were being watched, Draco quickly looked around the chamber; it was empty yet he was sure he felt eyes upon him. Was it possible his Father had found the Chamber? Shrugging the feeling off he felt along the walls, his fingers stroking the smooth ridges and valleys they found in the carvings until he found the one he was looking for. The carving was of two females; one black, the other white yet they were identical and Draco had always found them fascinating. The light and dark sides of one whole yet depicted in two people.
His fingers skimmed where their hands joined and became shadow and there he found the groove that enabled him to leave the chamber. A light split from the joined hands and spread wider and wider until it was the right size for Draco to pass through. On the other side there was a smaller chamber with a simple door that Draco exited from, throwing the invisibility cloak over his shoulders as he did so. The door slid silently behind him and was immediately absorbed back into the stone of Malfoy Manor. His secret was still safe. Smiling to himself Draco apparated to Hogsmeade and made his way back to the castle.
---------------------------------
Valentine's Day dawned and even the weather seemed to be enjoying the day as the clouds danced across the sky with a rose tint to their edges. Draco went to Hermione's room, planning to surprise her before they had to begin the day. Noticing how much sneaking around he was doping, Draco crept into Hermione's room, careful not to wake her yet. He climbed onto the bed and wrapped his arms around her slender frame, kissing her cheek lightly.
"Happy Valentine's Day." He whispered as her eyelids fluttered before opening completely, a smile upon her lips.
"Happy Valentine's day." She replied, "I was so worried I would be spending this day alone."
"Would it have mattered?" Draco asked, he had never fully understood the female's fascination with the day yet he was fully willing to shower gifts upon the object of his affection.
"Of course it would have mattered" Hermione smiled, "Although it would have been my own fault if I had been alone. I'm sorry I pushed you away."
"It's OK. I understand your reasons; now let's not think of it any more. I have something for you."
"Ooh, presents."
"Yes presents; unless you don't want it." Draco teased, pulling out the velvet wrapped gift and holding it just out of Hermione's reach.
"Please?" Hermione whined, turning her huge puppy dog eyes towards him.
"Cheat." He laughed, handing over the package.
Hermione gently placed the parcel in her lap and began to unwrap it from its elegant covering, her eyes puzzled at what he could have bought her. Draco watched as she lifted the box from the abandoned swathes and laid it before her, and he smiled as he watched her open it and set her eyes upon what was inside. He of course knew why she was gasping in such a way. He had presented her with the Malfoy family jewels.
The jewels of the Malfoys were as old as the family itself, dating back to the Book of Gold when the first wizard humans were born from the Gods. The first wizards in this form held extensive power compared to the wizards of today; some more so than others and the Malfoys had been one of these, yet they were also the most corrupted by the power, thus the tradition had been born to only wed purebloods and the jewels had been forged.
The jewels were to be presented to each bride as they were proposed to and would only be worn by those worthy; the assumption being that they would only accept purebloods and all others would be rejected in order to conserve the pure blood of the family. Yet Draco held a strong suspicion that the jewels would take to Hermione. He had to try.
The jewels themselves were a most wondrous sight; cast from purest platinum they consisted of a ring and elegant necklace. The necklace was an elaborate pattern on platinum bejewelled with emeralds and black and white diamonds that encased the neck halfway and fell down to cover the chest in droplets of jewels. The ring was just as spectacular to behold; although a simple band of platinum the same stones of the necklace were arranged perfectly the entire way around the ring, alternated with each other and with tiny inscriptions in the language of old; "One of dark beauty and innocent elegance who is worthy".
"Oh Draco, they're beautiful." Hermione gasp exclaimed, "But I can't possible accept them."
"And why not?" Draco demanded, feeling his temper rising at having the jewels rejected.
"Two things; Firstly won't you mother miss them?"
Draco laughed;
"I doubt my mother even remembers she owns them. These may be the family jewels but unless my mother has the biggest diamond money can by on her finger she doesn't want it. They must have gone through fifty rings since they got together. Father passed these to me when mother said she wanted a new one a few years ago; said he felt I should use them to ensnare the next Malfoy."
"You...you're proposing?"
"Well, that's up to you. I love you and I want you to have these; engaged or not."
Hermione sighed, a smile on her lips before realising she was supposed to be interrogating him;
"Secondly; I won't be able to wear them. I know as well as anyone that the Malfoy jewels only accept purebloods. The ring says so."
"Correction, the ring says "One of dark beauty and innocent elegance who is worthy" and I think you're worthy. Please try."
Feeling beaten Hermione slipped the ring onto her finger, smiling slightly as she caught sight of the ring on her other hand she had received or Christmas. There was gasp as the ring slid onto her finger and a light flashed pure white, binding it to her.
"See," Draco said smugly, "I told you."
"Indeed you did Mr Malfoy, and as for your 'proposal' how about we see where this goes?"
Draco nodded, pleased at her decision; he didn't want to rush onto anything too soon yet he knew that the jewels were meant for Hermione.
Hermione stared at the jewels for a few moments more before suddenly jumping up from the bed and heading over to one her cabinets;
"Tine for your gift." She said, "I feel guilty now because I didn't get you anything near as expensive as those jewels; they must be priceless."
Draco was about to point out that technically they hadn't cost anything but instead he opted for the more tactical approach;
"Don't worry about it. Valentine's Day isn't as big a deal for me as it is for you; today's your day and I want you to enjoy it, not feel as though you have to match my gift."
Hermione smiled at his response and returned from the cabinet holding a selection of small, flat packages and a largish box shaped package. Draco looked t her, intrigued as she set down the gifts in front of him. He tore of the wrapping and laughed at what lay inside; a muggle music system and a selection of CD's.
"I thought I'd try and pull you away from purely magical music." Hermione grinned, "Although I have to confess the hi-fi is charmed so it can play in the castle."
"It's great." Draco grinned back, looking through the CD's; all stuff he had heard Hermione talk about but never heard himself; Stereophonics, Muse, Red Hot Chili Peppers, R.E.M. and one she'd never mentioned called Travis.
He decided to give them a shot and tried to set up the hi-fi, unable to figure out the weird black, snake like object extending from the back of the system and ending in a vicious looking three spikes. Hermione grinned at his uselessness when it came to muggle artefacts and told him how to plug it in normally, although she also pointed out it couldn't be done in the castle as there was no electricity. Soon enough she had waved her wand, whispered a charm and the mellow sounds of Travis were filling the room.
Draco held out his hand and Hermione took it, sitting beside him on the couch and snuggling into his chest. They had a while until classes began.
----------------------------------
Later that day Draco was making his way from Charms to potions, ignoring the giggles from the girls reading their cards and swooning at the males of the school; many at him he noticed smugly, when he heard a crash coming from a nearby Transfiguration classroom. Being the nosey type, and the sort to inflict harsh punishment on the rule breakers, he opened the classroom door, only to see Blaise Zabini cramming Hermione against one of the walls, his hands roaming her legs beneath her skirt.
Draco saw red and sent a curse flying at Blaise, knocking the other Slytherin off his feet;
"What the hell are you doing Zabini?" Draco yelled his wand never moving from Blaise's chest.
"What's it look like Malfoy I'm getting a nice piece of ass for myself. Why? What's it to do with you?" His purple eyes locked with Draco's stormy grey and Draco remained silent; turning his attention to Hermione;
"Go." He said simply.
"But...I..."
"I said go." Draco said, his voice full of anger and force. Hermione went, shutting the door on her way out. Draco turned his attention back to Blaise;
"Zabini; explain yourself now."
"You're turning into a soft git Draco you know that. We could have had so much fun; taking her together."
"No thanks Zabini."
"Not on first name terms anymore?" Blaise taunted, his evil eyes glinted maliciously in the flickering candlelight.
"Not with you I'm not." Draco shot back, his wand still at Blaise's heart, "Explain yourself now."
"Or you'll do what exactly? Kill me?"
"I'll bloody well try."
"Is that a challenge?"
"It's a promise Zabini. Explain what you were doing and why or I'll have no choice but to fry your ass."
Blaise Zabini was no fool, and he could see that Draco meant what he said. He was also a Slytherin and although they were loyal to an extent, if their own skin was on the line they would be the first to place the blame on someone else.
"You father." He said simply.
"I'm going to need more than that Zabini." Draco spat, his interest growing; more dirty dealings from Lucius Malfoy were never a good sign.
"Your father wants me to seduce the mudblood so you won't become attached to her and will be able to kill her with less hesitation tomorrow."
"And why would he ask you?"
"He asked me because I told him I'd seen Hermione wearing the Malfoy ring; don't try to deny it. Very few people would recognise that ring but I'm not one of them. You had no right giving that filthy whore that jewellery. She's not worthy to lick it clean."
Draco's fist collided with Blaise's cheek and the dazed blonde fell to the floor, smirking up at Draco;
"You're pathetic; feelings for a mudblood. You're no more a Slytherin or a Malfoy than I am a dancing bear."
Draco placed his foot over Blaise's throat;
"One more question Zabini; what's my sadistic father promised you?" His foot tightened on Blaise's throat, making his eyes bulge slightly.
"The best prize there is; power. Power in the shadow of the Dark Lord. I will be promoted to stand by his side through the battle."
"I thought as much. You're the pathetic one; being seduced by the promises of a cruel lunatic who follows and ever bigger lunatic in a hopeless attempt to rule the world. You're a sheep Zabini. Nothing but a mindless entity who lacks individuality; you have nothing of your own so you gain what you can form others in order to make yourself better. It's pitiable."
Draco's foot relaxed over Blaise's jugular and the other Slytherin leapt from he floor, whipping out his wand and pointing it at Draco in silent challenge;
"You're going to duel me Zabini?"
"You're damn right I am."
"You know you can't win."
"I'd rather die or kill you than live to see you fall in love with that filthy mudblood."
"Too late; I already love her."
"Traitor." Blaise yelled, throwing the first curse and catching Draco only slightly unawares; although evil and manipulative, Lucius had always taught to duel fairly; that is to at least bow before casting the first curse.
The silver light hit Draco's stomach, throwing him off his feet. His regained his posture quickly and took aim at Blaise's heart once more, screaming more than one curse in order to give Blaise what he deserved; a lot of pain.
The curse did the trick and soon Blaise was doubled up and rolling on the floor in agony. A weak hand took rough aim at Draco;
"Crucio." Blaise whispered and Draco fell to the floor, the curse pouring through his veins and twisting his body into painful stances. The war was on; an unforgivable had been used, all the rules were abolished from that moment on. This was fight to the death and they both knew it as they stood to face each other, circling one another, their wands held in the duelling position;
"So this is what it's come to has it Malfoy?" Blaise taunted, "You choose that whore over your own house."
"I would choose anything over my own house. Slytherin is nothing but corruption and poison, and I no longer want to be a part of it."
"So be it." Blaise spat, "Crucio!"
Draco dodged the curse, flying rolling behind one of the desks and firing at Blaise form over the top. The Cruicio's flew thick and fast, more often than not they hit their target and were wheezed at the opponent through shallow breaths and stinging pain.
A curse flew over Draco's head, missing him by inches, he threw one back yet no response was given from his adversary. Draco peered from over the top of the desk, only to see no Blaise on the other side. Knowing he had made a tragic mistake, Draco turned one second to late and a Crucio hit him straight in the face. He screamed and fell to the floor, his eyes black and unseeing. His wand had fallen from his hand and as his hands moved around pointlessly trying to find it he felt Blaise stand over him, this time his foot on Draco's throat;
"Deny your love and surrender and I'll let you live."
"Never." Draco spat.
"You'll die if you don't."
"Then I'll die." Draco said, refusing to give in.
He heard Blaise open his mouth and inhale, preparing to say the killing curse;
"Help me Hermione." Draco whispered silently.
"I'm here." He heard a voice whisper back, in his mind and he felt her strength pour into him.
His eyesight cleared and he stared Blaise in determinedly in the face as Blaise opened his mouth;
"Avada Kedavra."
It went black.
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