Author's Note: Okay, after debating for a while about where to put these installments of AMB I've decided that I would make a separate series altogether of the events that took place before AMB. There are going to be a total of three parts and each part can act as a complete event. At some point they may be expounded but for the moment I will leave them as is. And in case anyone is wondering I am continuing with AMB, the next few chapters a have already been planned out and will be written accordingly.

Disclaimer: HP is not my creation as it has been a work of JK Rowlings, I am simply borrowing them for the time being.

Spoilers: At least up to GOF

Summary: Takes place six years before A Mother's Betrayal The story begins after

Hermione had first been captured by the Death Eaters and was sentenced to death.

A Mother's Betrayal: Past Reflections

Part One

She'd been locked in the dungeon for two or three days, she wasn't sure how long. When she'd first been brought down she'd been unconscious. She'd woken up chained by her wrists against the stone wall. On her second conscious day, he'd come to see her. He walked into the stoned dungeon with a hooded cape ordering the two Death Eaters guarding her to leave.

"Leave us."

"But, Lord Voldemort—,"

The hooded man held up his hand. "I didn't ask you what the Dark Lord said I ordered you to leave. Do not forget your place." His silken voice threatened.

The two guards looked at each other scared; they'd both heard tales of his feats in his early years as a Death Eater that alone struck fear into their coarse hearts. It didn't do well to cross him. So without another word they left the dungeon, in a hurry.

The man waited until the guards left, before whispering a charm that Hermione recognized as one that would render the room sound-proof. After a few moments the man lowered the black hood. Seeing only the pale hair, she knew who her tormentor would be.

"Draco Malfoy, I should have known." She spit out. "I knew you couldn't be trusted."

"Contrary to how nefarious you believe me to be, your actions, your mistakes are all your own, Granger. I didn't need to do anything. Need I remind that I warned you and your little boyfriend that your plan would never work."

"If you've come to gloat, Malfoy. I don't want to hear it. We have nothing to talk about. Get out." She looked away from the intensity gaze of his silvery eyes. "I've been told that tomorrow I shall be killed. So if you don't mind I'd rather spend my last hours, alone." She gazed out the small window of her cell.

"How pathetic! I expected better from you."

"What?" She turned back to him angry that he would dare insult her in a time like this.

"As much as it pains me to say, you are-were the smartest witch at Hogwarts. To not fight and just simply die at the hands of Voldemort —a noble little death for a noble little Mudblood— pathetic is what it is."

"Well, I'd rather die fighting for a noble cause. Then to die as a follower without cause, you annoying little prat."

"And what if I had a way for you to continue your fight against Voldemort?"

Swallowing hesitantly she rose to her feet. "What are you talking about?"

"I don't have a lot of time and I'll need your answer today. You do want to help Potter defeat Voldemort?"

"Of course I do."

"Then marry me."

"What?" Hermione said surprised. Of all things she had not expected Malfoy to propose to her.

"You heard me."

"Yes, I bloody well heard you," she said between clenched teeth. "You can't be serious. I-I don't even like you."

"Believe me the feeling is entirely mutual."

"Then why offer marriage?" She asked suspiciously thinking of a couple of reasons off the top her head. She inwardly cringed at the thought of him wanting to marry her for more nefarious purposes.

Snorting indelicately Draco examined his perfectly manicured nails as he crossed his arms over his chest. "You can relax Granger; I have no designs on shagging you senseless. This is simply a business arrangement, a one-time offer, do you accept my proposal or not?"

Hermione considered the proposal for a moment. "I'll give you my answer if you tell me why. Why are saving me? What do you get out of it?"

Draco walked to the cell doors waving a hand over the lock he entered the cell. Standing by the open doorway he studied her for a moment. "Let's just say I have a vested interest in seeing that I make it out of this war in one piece. I don't like to lose and I will do whatever it takes to win."

"Even marry a Mudblood like me. Tell me something if Harry had been the one to get caught what would you have done then?"

He walked in closer until he was merely an arms distance away from her. "I would have killed him where he stood." He leaned in close to her; she would have turned her head away he hadn't jerked her forward so they were standing chest to chest. "Didn't you think it strange to be placed in a cell all on your own and not touched—raped or tortured? In a time of war? Even a Mudblood such as yourself should make a few connections. It's any wonder you Gryffindors were ever able to get anything done. We all do what we have to do survive, Hermione. The question is how far are you willing to go?" He released taking her face roughly in his hands as he forced her to meet his gaze. "With my name and all your power you be untouchable." He released her face and stared down at her intently.

"I can't fake being in love—,"

"Love," he scoffed. "Love has nothing to do with this. This is about survival of the fittest, Hermione. You want to survive, to fight, then do it with me. I've seen you in battle, you're a fierce competitor. Voldemort would be a fool to kill you if he thinks you've switched sides. Marry me and he won't doubt your faith." Hearing footsteps in the corridor he swore silently undoing the silencing charm. He looked back down at Hermione intently. "Marry me or die. Your choice."

Looking up at her longtime school nemesis Hermione realized that she would only have this one chance to save herself. But, could she do it? Could she marry Draco? The footsteps ended outside the doorway, she glanced up at Draco and prayed she was doing the right thing. "I'll marry you."

Before she could say and do anything else Draco jerked her forward pressing his lips against hers, his mouth quieting her squeal of surprise. "The game begins now, Hermione." He whispered against her mouth before pulling back from her. "Guards." Hermione stared at him bewildered that he had just kissed her.

The two guards came bumbling into the room. "My lord,"

"Release her."

The guards glanced at each other questioningly before one of them gathered the courage to speak. "B-but my … Lord Voldemort said—,"

"You dare defy me?" He asked in his coolest tone betraying a mere hint of a threat as he turned to foolish guards. "I said release her."

"N-no, no my lord." One of the guards hurriedly searched for his keys and entered the cell to unchain Hermione.

Smirking as he grabbed Hermione's freed wrist he raised it to his lips and kissed it. "My bride should not chained."

Please tell me what you think – Feedback is greatly appreciated!