Disclaimer: I own nothing...All characters and such belong to J.K. Rowling

Chapter Six: Meetings

Hermione stretched and slowly got up out of bed. For once in her life she was actually glad it was Sunday and she had no classes. The week had gotten better since Monday. Draco became more cautious when insulting her and she was getting used to handling the insults. She had passed her Potions test with flying colors, which in turn relieved some of the stress put on her.

Today was the first visit to Hogsmead of the year. She would be going with her friends, Harry and Ron. Today maybe, just for today things could go back to the way they were. "Hermione I need to talk to you." So it seemed Draco had just got out of the shower. As she made her way to the bathroom steam clouded over her face. "Draco can't you turn the fan on when your in the shower so that the steam doesn't take over this place." A smile formed on her lips as she stated this fact. Draco just smirked at the comment. "Yes well, I will try to remember that. As for why I called you..." He put down the comb and gel he was previously using to fix his hair that was now gelled into place. "Hermione, I just wanted to make sure you feel secure about this today. After all Hogsmead is not exactly the safest place to be..."

"Yes Draco, I feel fine about this and can't wait to meet up with Harry and Ron. I will stay with them all day and get them to drop me off here when we return. Now by the way what are your plans for the day?" She let a small smile play at her lips without it showing through just as Draco had done countless of times.

"I will be spending the day wandering the stores and shops of Hogsmead, like you. I have been mailed by my father with a small list of things he needs me to pick up." Draco said in calm but edgy voice as if daring her to ask more specific questions. "Ah, but I thought your mother turned your father into Azkaban prison?" She was very curious as to why his father would be mailing him and as to his whereabouts. If Draco's father was out of Azkaban that could make things even more complicated for them. "Yes well, you see...I'm really surprised you haven't heard. My father happened to escape out of Azkaban, only to be caught by Aurors. Now with the dementors joining forces with Voldemort the security has been more... lax I guess you could say. So he has been getting mail to me every so often."

Hermione glanced down at her watch, "oh my Draco I'm really sorry but I must be going, I promised I would be meeting Harry and Ron in front of the Gryffindor Dorm by 10:00. Well goodbye, have a good day." "Yes, you to Hermione, be safe." He said to her retreating back. I hope this day goes according to plan without any surprises.

Draco,
Yes, I'm sure you are wondering why the hell I would be writing to you. Well I have a few shall we say errands I need done. Along with this letter you will find I have sent you some money as well. When you go into Hogsmead I need you to pick me up a few things. The owl will hang around until it has received all the items from you so you best make sure you get them all. I require:

1 Firebolt broomstick
2 Sets of Advanced Potion ingredients (Mention the Malfoy name at the store and the owner will be glad to sell the sets to you)
1 copy of Advanced and Dark Potions (Once again mention the Malfoy name)
1 Vile of Dragon's Blood

Seeing to it as I can only estimate the costs I will allow you to keep the remaining money. Once again make sure you find everything or there could be dire consequences in your near future.

Lucius

Draco pocketed the letter and pile of gold; this was going to be one hell of a day. He went down to the Great Hall and watched as Hermione, Potter, and Weasley departed. He waiting a few minuets then followed suit and left the building soon there after entering Hogsmead.

Hermione was finally getting to spend a day under normal circumstances. She Harry and Ron first headed over to the Quidditch shop. She tried to go over to the Book Shop first but was of course over ruled by the two boys.

"Harry, Ron please. You've seen what's in this shop countless times before now can we head over to the book shop?" She was getting tired of waiting watching the two children wander around touching each and every broomstick on display. "Honestly, you're acting like little kids." "Oh alright, let's go Ron the Professor is getting angry." Ron doubled over in laughter.

As they left the Quidditch store Hermione followed by Harry and Ron went straight to the book store. "I'll only be a second guys I promise, I know which books I need." She went around the shop grabbing this and that dropping a total of seventeen books of varying sizes on the counter to pay for. "Uh that will come to a total of three galleons and twelve sickels." After paying she called Harry and Ron over to help her carry her new found library. "God Hermione, did you buy out the whole store?" Ron complained after lifting one of the three bags. Hermione just shrugged his comment off.

"Hey, Ron, Hermione; why don't we go get some butterbeers, my treat?" "Yeah, sure Harry, that would be great." "Sure mate, s'long as your treating of course." Ron playfully punched Harry's shoulder.

As they sat down at a table Hermione glanced around to see which other Hogwarts students were there. She had to force herself not to gasp when her eyes fell on Draco. He had his head propped up on his right hand while his left hand was gently massaging a cut that was fresh and still bleeding. It took all her self control to keep from running over to him. Harry, curious as to what had Hermione so distracted turned to see Malfoy. "Hey Ron look, it seems Malfoy got himself in a fight. Maybe the Aurors were trying to take him to Azkaban." Ron let out a laugh causing Draco to turn around and see them.

His face then showed an expression of panic as he quickly got up and left not meeting Hermione's eye contact once.
"Shit, she was not meant to see." Draco murmured as he left the pub. He quickly ducked into a small alley off to the side of the pub. His thoughts wandered back to what happened.

He had just finished getting all of the required items on Lucius's list. "I hope your happy father. Once again I have done your bidding." Not knowing he would get a response he was soon grabbed and pulled into a small gap between two shops. His eyes soon met the sight of his father all dirty and bruised. At first he thought his father was holding a wand but soon realized it was a dagger.

"So Draco it seems you have got all that was needed." He grabbed the bags Draco had and quickly scanned everything over making sure all was there. "I thought I was supposed to mail this to you." Icy rage filled his eyes as he stared at the pathetic man in front of him whom he was forced to call father.

"Well there was a slight change of plans. I can't have the Ministry tracking me now can I? Look, in future times there will be more shall we say requests I will need filled. As for now I need to get going." He looked down into the eyes of his son. "Oh and Draco just to make sure you don't forget what lies ahead of you here is a little reminder." Before Draco had time to react he had been slashed across his left cheek. The blood began to flow immediately, while he was distracted his father took that time to leave. For when Draco looked up again his father had gone.

A very rare scene took place next. Draco slide down the side of the wall and began to cry silent tears of rage. The salty tears continued to sting his cut as they ran down his cheek mixing into a red drop of salty blood before hitting the ground. "I'll kill that bastard before I die. I'll make sure of it." Draco made a silent promise to himself.

He got up and apparated to right outside the school gates. He pulled the hood of his cloak up so no one would be able to see his face. He went straight to his dorm room. He threw off his cloak and laid down on the couch. The drops of blood continued to freely fall off of his face. They made red streaks as they slid down the leather couch forming a small puddle of blood on the floor. The last thing he said before he fell asleep..."Hermione please come home safely."
A/N: Once again I just wanted to remind my fans and readers that on July 18th till August 6th I will be gone at camp, unable to update. (While I'm gone keep those reviews coming)

I might be able to update before I leave if not enjoy the cliffy. Once I return I promise I will update with longer chapters and such for the three week wait.