This is just in case anybody is still interested in this story ne more – I know its been ages but here goes…

They heard a loud bang and the sound of someone running up the stairs, Draco quickly untangled himself from Hermione and stood up straight, just in time before Lucius came storming in to the room.

'Draco, meeting, downstairs, one hour'

Draco nodded, desperately trying to get his breath back, 'can I ask what for?' He said eventually

'Oh nothing much' His father said casually, 'we just need to go over what we are going to be doing with the mudblood'

Hermione flinched 'I have a name' she said quietly

Lucius spun around and glared at her, 'What did you say?' He asked daringly

'I said' Hermione stated half furious half terrified 'I have a name'

At that moment Periom came through the door, 'Lucius – ' He was silenced by Lucius' hand.

'Not now Periom, this one has decided to test her luck and answer back. I think she needs to be taught a lesson – don't you?'

Hermione quivered and edged towards the wall.

Within three seconds Periom and Lucius were at her side and holding her still with her arms held painfully tightly behind her back.

'Perhaps Draco would like to do the honours' Said Periom with a grin, 'Would be a good lesson for him as well don't you agree?'

Draco froze, he couldn't – he couldn't possibly hurt her please let his father say no please.

'I think that's a splendid idea' Was the reply

Draco hesitated and then moved towards them.

'Don't be shy son, give her everything you have'

Draco could see that she was gazing at him, he tried to avoid her eyes, he knew that if he didn't he wouldn't be able to do it.

Slowly he lifted up his fist and gave her the first punch, and another, and another.

Ten minutes later the door swung open and a rather flustered looking Helena peered in.

'For goodness sake boys I sent Periom up to get you fifteen minutes ago, the meeting is now something's come up and it cant wait – she can.'

The two older men scowled at the woman but dropped Hermione and followed her out of the room.

For a split second Draco allowed his eyes to meet hers, his heart twisted when he saw her properly, she looked so broken. She had the look of a girl who had given up on everything, lost all hope.

He left the room, gently shutting the door behind him and followed the others downstairs.

Hermione slumped on to the floor with her back against the wall.

She put a hand to her bloody face it stung like hell but not half as much as the memory of the past half an hour.

She let her mind wander back to what had happened before she had been so desperate to feel like her loved her, even if it wasn't real.

Never again she though to herself, not after that, no amount of pretending could ever rid her of that memory.

She had truly given up.

Draco sighed and leaned back in his chair.

'How long is this going to take?' He asked irritably 'We have been here for an hour and no one has said anything at all important'

'What's wrong Drakie?' Periom mocked, 'desperate to get back to your love?'

'Periom!' Lucius almost shouted, he was so stern that Periom was instantly silent.

Goyle watched Lucius as he rubbed his head looking panicked.

Draco looked curiously at his father, he rarely saw the man genuinely stressed, and he suddenly looked very old and tiered.

All thoughts were washed away when a silky voice echoed through the room.

'Dearest Loyal death eaters, this is your master.'

A murmur of excitement and terror waved over the group for a second until Voldemort started talking again.

'Thank you for your time in finding me the mudblood but she is no longer needed, through my own method I have found a way to come back to you, expect me in four days time. I want the girl to be killed before then; I sense she could get in the way. Goodbye for now'

And the voice was gone.

Draco's heart fell in to the pit of his stomach, he was frozen rigid to his seat and could feel the eyes of his father on him.

When he returned to Hermione she was fast asleep on the bed, the sheets stained in blood. He carefully sat beside her and pushed her hair out of her face.

She used to look so peaceful when she slept, now she frowned, shivered and shook. He bent down to kiss her softly.

'I'm so sorry Hermione' He realised as he said it that he had said it far too many times before.

'Lucius please calm down' Goyle begged

'I knew it, I knew it, its going to happen again just like before. How can I let him do that Golye?'

Goyle was silent and Lucius fell back on to the armchair.

'It wasn't meant to take this long, I thought he would have sorted this by now'

'How can he know if you don't tell him?'

'He shouldn't need to be told, he loves her.'

'Well then' Goyle replied 'you have nothing to worry about'

Lucius didn't look convinced

'Like I said Lucius' He continued, 'He's not you, he may not make the same mistakes.'

-

Draco touched her jaw tenderly the necklace on her neck caught his eye.

'I want her wearing this as well, now be careful son this necklace can not be forced on, the wearer must be willing to wear it, however once it is on it cannot be removed by anyone other than a pure blood.'

'What will the necklace do?' Draco asked curiously

'You will see in good time you must have faith in lord Voldemort'

Slowly he reached out and held the fastening as he carefully tried to undo it.

'Argh!' Draco yelped as pain seeped through his fingers. He saw two little burns on his fingers where he had touched the necklace and frowned. Why could he not remove it, he was pureblood after all. It just didn't make sense.

R + R and I will love you forever