Chapter 9
"Mr. Malfoy, Miss. Granger thank you for joining me today. I wanted to talk about your progress as heads. I must say you are doing a wonderful job. The Halloween ball was a fantastic idea and you two seem to be getting along well. Promoting unity between houses is a big deal in times of war and you two are doing a wonderful job." Dumbledore, did not say anything else for some time he just looked at Hermione and Draco. He was trying to figure out why there was such a change in their behavior. This was a very interesting case. For years they could not even stand each others presence but now, they sat before him content to be in each others company. Free of snide remarks and death glares.
"Well Professor, are arrangement has helped us learn that nothing is as it seems. All prior prejudices are dropped. We can be ourselves and not be worried who will judge because we have grown tired of judging." Hermione just looked at Draco and gave a small smile. It was the truth, Hermione spent so much time in the common room with Draco they grew used to all the behaviors they once found annoying.
Dumbledore, just watched as Hermione was turned to look at Draco. He knew there was more going on than either would admit. But just as his eyes twinkled when he knew something or saw something he liked their eyes grew with an emotion that neither were expecting. It would hit them hard he was sure of that and it would be one of the greatest stories.
"Yes, Miss. Granger that was the point of the arrangement so the two of you would learn more about each other. But the real reason I called the two of you up is because of Mr. Malfoys predicament. I believe your birthday is December 13. Is that correct?"
"Yes, Professor but what does that have to do with anything?" Draco was getting confused. He had a feeling that Dumbledore, knew about his fathers plans for him and that he would be getting the dark mark on his birthday. But how?
"Well, Mr. Malfoy. I know that Voldemort allows people to start joining his ranks at the age of eighteen. I also heard that on your birthday you are to receive the mark. But I also know that you do not wish for it. Correct?"
"Yes, who told you all this." He turned to look at Hermione but she was just looking forward. He did not think she would tell. "Hermione." She turned to look at him. Her eyes swelled and she looked guilty.
"I only told him when he asked. He already knew most of it and I just filled in what he did not know. You are not mad are you. I thought it best, he can help you know. He really can." She then got up and walked to the door. Before she left she turned back to him and simply said, "I am sorry, please do not be angry with me. I only wanted to help." And she left without a glance back.
"Mr. Malfoy, she only did what was for the best. So what do you want to do about it."
"I do not want to get the dark mark. I would rather die. But I cannot get out of it so do you need a spy. I mean being the son of his right hand man does allow me to be in the inner circle. He already trusts me."
"Becoming a spy, well, it is not something that I would wish upon you. It is hard work and very dangerous and I do not want to put you in a situation where harm would come to you. Th-."
"Look I want to. No matter what I do to get out of it I will have to receive the mark. I might as well be useful. He would never think of me as a spy and I can take many precautions so he does not find out. I am willing to do this. Let me do this." Draco said. He cut off Dumbledore, but the way he was looking at him he could tell he was thinking about this. If he became a spy he would be able to help and be of use. Finally, Dumbledore, answered bringing Draco out of his thoughts.
"Alright, but nobody will know. No one from the order, none of your friends, not even Hermione."
"First of all, my friends would turn me into the dark lord and I would die. I do not know what the order even is so that does not matter. And I would not want to drag Hermione into this." Draco looked at Dumbledore, and noticed the twinkle in his eye grow as he mentioned Hermione.
"She means a lot to you, I can see that just by looking at you. The only thing I can say about that is please, please do not hurt her or you will have an angry mob after you." Draco shuddered.
"They would be scarier than, the dark lord." Dumbledore, just chuckled and sent him on his way. This was turning out to be a very interesting year.
Walking back to the common room Draco thought about everything. Mainly, his growing feelings for a certain Gryffindor bookworm. He really liked her and could not understand any of it. He wished that she and Weasley would break up. Just so it would leave an opening for him. But he was not sure how she felt about him. Sure they talked and have kissed but that does not mean anything. But he knew that Hermione did not just go around kissing random guys. Then his thoughts turned to December 13, he would be getting the dark mark now. But not because he wanted to but to help the light side. It was a good thing his father taught him legimancy and occlumany one summer. It would come in handy. The dark lord must never know that he is a spy.
He came to the portrait of Peyton and was about to say the password but decided not to and turned around and went to the Slytherin common room. He had not visited Blaise in awhile. The Slytherin common room was not that far and the walk was short. The common room was hidden by a portrait of an onyx black snake and a man named Morgan. Morgan had eyes the color of coal one look into them and you would swear that death was near.
"Well I have not seen you around here for awhile now Mister Malfoy." Snape practically appeared from no where and startled Draco.
"Professor, I have been busy as of lately. Head duties and homework." Snape looked him over. Had to make sure he was doing well other wise Narcissa would have his hide.
"Draco, mate I haven't seen you around these parts for awhile." Draco turned around to see the face of Blaise Zabini. Blaise was a good looking man. He had black hair that he wore long. He had a bronze complexion and deep blue eyes. Blaise was the exact opposite of Draco in the looks department. But when it came to the way they thought it was scary how alike they were. That is why they hit it off so well, after a few years. Blaise was never one to hold prejudices where Draco was. Blaise also, thought the Dark Lord was a complete lunatic. It took awhile for Draco to agree with this thought but he soon begun to see it to. Now when all the Slytherins are talking about joining the inner circle they sit back and laugh.
"Well Blaise I was trying to stay away from your ugly face."
"Ha ha funny. Can we talk?"
"Are we not already?"
"Seriously, Draco." Blaise then led them outside to the lake. They sat down and watched the giant squid swimming about. "What is going on with you?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, how you never come around. And you always seem to be hanging around the Gryffindor golden girl. Do you like her?"
"Woah, hold on. She is head girl so that means I have to talk with her and-"
"Answer the question. Do you like her?"
"You got me, I do. She is just different and I don't know. But I do. You aren't going to tell anyone, right?"
"No of course not. I already knew though. Anyway, what are you doing about the 13th its coming a lot faster than I think either of us expected." Draco looked at him. He knew he should tell him the truth but Dumbledore, told him not to. But Blaise wasn't like everyone else.
"Look I am going to get it. But I cannot tell you why." He looked away he knew Blaise was going to be upset.
"Then for once I will not ask questions you are obviously doing this for a reason I cannot know. I just hope you know what you are doing." He said this and in a swift movement stood up.
"Thanks Blaise for not pushing it. When the time comes you will know." And he watched Blaises retreating back. He sat out by the lake for what seemed like hours before going back in.
He was walking past the third floor when he heard muffled voices. He decided it would be best to go break up their meeting with detentions. When he got to the door he realized it was Hermione and he could not tell who else. They were arguing so he decided to go close. He could not hear what they were saying. The door started to open and he heard Hermione yell, 'Well Ron, if that is how you want it to be then this, this is over and I do not wish to speak to you again.' Draco decided now would be the best time to leave and did so quietly.
Hermione stormed into the common room to see Draco sitting on the couch. She sat down next to him and put her head on his shoulder and he put his arm around her.
"Do you want to tell me what happened?" He asked this very uncertainly. He felt her stiffen and then very quietly she said.
"I, I broke up with Ron." She started to cry into his shoulder. He said nothing just let her sob. When she finally fell asleep he picked her up and carried her to her room. He laid her on her bed pulled her covers up, kissed her forehead and went to his room.
A/N: Thanks to those who have reviewed. All I have to say is PLEASE REVIEW. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
