Here it is, as promised!! Chapter 3… this is my favorite one so far, I think y'all will like it too. Read and Review, please!! And, no, I still don't own Harry Potter… 

Chapter 3-The Promise

Hermione sunk her head into her hands. She couldn't do this, she couldn't get to know Draco on a personal level. She had thought that maybe he was a changed person. Even if he was different now, she could never handle his personality. She knew that a relationship with him would never work, and she had to get away from him. She couldn't understand why, she just felt like she and him didn't belong together.

Maybe I'm just refusing to have an open mind, Hermione thought to herself. She knew that she had a tendency to be stubborn sometimes, this was probably just her refusing to accept a change in her life. Maybe she just couldn't see herself with Draco because of the way he treated her for so long. She still couldn't shake the feelings of hatred she had for him, and it was affecting her even now. Maybe Draco had matured some, and realized his mistakes? She hoped it was true. As despicable a creature that Draco was, she knew deep down that she would enjoy getting to know him. Draco Malfoy would prove to be a peculiar specimen to study.

Hermione opened up her journal, deciding that writing would be the best way to clear her mind. She quickly found a quill in her bag and dipped it in some ink, relishing in the familiar sound of the feather scratching against the weathered parchment. Focusing herself on a certain task always helped to clear her mind.

September 12, 2007. I enter the dining hall, and it appears to be a regular day until-

Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden, cold voice. "So do you want to tell me the real reason you came here?"

Hermione immediately recognized the voice, and slammed her journal shut, a little too abruptly, Draco noticed. "Um, I just… I just like spending time in the library." Hermione offered.

Draco shrugged. It seemed to fit her personality close enough, he knew how much she liked to read huge books that hadn't been opened by anyone else in years. Either way, she obviously didn't feel like talking about her real reason for going to the library. That didn't particularly surprise him, she didn't seem as open to him as Snape had promised she would be. This task might end up being a challenge.

"Right, spending time in a dim old library with nothing but words on a page to keep company. I will never, ever understand you, Granger." Suddenly, the biting tone left his voice as quickly as it had come. "But, I guess, that's why I'm fascinated by you."

Hermione met his eyes for the first time. "What?" She asked timidly. "Aren't I just a dirty mudblood who's not worthy of eating the crumbs off of your kitchen floor?"

Draco sighed, continuing to get in character. "Forgive me, Hermione. I was immature then. I took what my parents told me as absolute truth and never thought for myself. This was one of the worst mistakes I've ever made. By blindly following their words, I alientated so many people who could have been irreplaceable friends to me. Believe me when I say I don't intend on doing that again."

Hermione sat speechlessly, listening to the most heartfelt speech she'd ever heard come out of the mouth of the most vile creature on earth. As she listened, she could feel her grudge against him slowly slipping away, slipping through her fingers before she could pin it back down with futile reasoning.

Draco saw that his little speech had her hooked on him. He honestly never thought that he had the capacity to sound genuine about anything, let alone a lie. Her big brown eyes threatened to swallow him in their gaze, drinking in every word, the skepticism slowly falling away. If he was this convincing, maybe he should pursue acting? He hid a smile at the thought.

"I never thought I'd say it, but… I was wrong. I was wrong about all of you. The way that I've treated Harry, Ron, and especially you… Believe me when I say there is nothing I regret more. I understand that you won't be able to trust me right away, but… I really would like to be your friend, Hermione." Draco sat down in the chair next to her, mere inches away.

In his attempt to get closer to her, he could see that his sudden proximity only caused her to snap out of the reverie that his speech had put her in and return to her old suspicious self. Her carnal instincts told her that an enemy was near, although her mind was desperately trying to convince her otherwise.

"Malfoy, I don't know, I mean… I don't think I can ever trust you the way I trust Harry and Ron." She said, her defensive walls drawing up higher.

Draco was losing her confidence, he could see that much. He had to do something, something drastic to get her back. He remembered a Muggle movie that Pansy had once made him watch, some sort of sappy romance between two Muggles who just died at the end anyways. Some sort of boat wreck, he thought it was. Silly Muggles, always think they can conquer the wrath of nature. The Muggle man had seemed to hit Pansy hard, though, since she was in tears by the end. Pansy wasn't one for crying over silly matters, either. Perhaps if he adopted the same persona of the character, he could get Hermione to feel the same way. It was worth a shot, after all.

He reached out and barely touched her cheek with his fingertips, feeling her warm skin jerk a little bit in surprise. "Hermione, what are you so afraid of?" He said, in the softest, most romantic voice he could muster. His thumb traced the outline of her cheekbone, her skin was soft in a way that only a girl's skin can be. "Are you so scared of befriending someone whose past self caused you pain? I'm not that person anymore, Hermione. I need you to understand that. Are you so afraid of who I used to be?"

She was falling under his spell again, he could see that clearly. Her eyes were glued on his, refusing to look anywhere else. He felt a slight pressure on his hand as slowly she drew her face closer to his palm, enjoying his touch.

"No, that's not it." Hermione said timidly. "That's not what I'm afraid of."

"What is it, then?"

Hermione looked into his eyes with a sad expression on her face. "I'm afraid of falling for someone who could so easily betray me." Draco's hand dropped from her face.

Draco felt something lurch in his heart, almost as if he had been punched in the chest. He did his best to hide it, though, and kept going. He knew that he had to reassure her, tell her that he really was changed. If that meant making promises that he knew he wouldn't keep, then that was what he would have to do.

"I will never betray you, as long as I live." He said, each word sealing his own fate.

Hermione smiled, a hint of sadness sneaking into her calm expression. "Well, I guess I can give you a shot, then." She answered.

Draco smirked, which was the closest to smiling that he could manage.

"Excellent," He said, his tone containing excitement with a hint of sinister intentions.

"So I'll see you at Hogsmeade next weekend, then?" Hermione said.

Draco furrowed his brow for just a moment. "What?" He asked.

"Your note, remember? The one you left me when I was sick? Don't tell me you forgot already."

Draco recalled no note at all. However, despite this fact, a trip to Hogsmeade wasn't such a bad way to get to know Hermione. He would have to face a few days of torment from his Slytherin friends, but he knew that he could handle that. Surely by now he was old enough to face the horrors that awaited him there. If it was for the sake of Voldemort, he could handle that much.

"Oh, yes, silly me. Hogsmeade next weekend would be wonderful, I'm glad you agreed to go." Draco said.

Hermione seemed to sense his uneasiness and uncertainty concerning the note. She decided it was time to bring this conversation to a close, for tonight. "Alright then, I'll see you next weekend." She then stood up and left the library, gathering her numerous books, her eyes lingering on his for just a moment.

"Looking forward to it." Draco called after her. Maybe that last comment was a bit much, even for his newfound nice personality. He had to retain some of his old self, a complete change would look too suspicious. Hermione wasn't exactly dim-witted, it would take some real effort to fool her. He had seen her intellect clearly from the way she watched his reaction to the mysterious note. It would take more than mere acting to fool her, he knew that much.

The thought of the note brought him back to his current situation. Someone had the intellect to think to send her a note, and forged his name. Someone who knew him well enough to impersonate him, and someone who knew of their plan and his intentions.

Draco thought, weighing out his options. It was the only person at this school who knew him better than himself, who had watched him since birth.

"Snape," He snarled as he stalked off towards the potions classroom.

XXXXXXX

"Severus, making plans for a weekend in Hogsmeade without my consent? That's not like you." Draco said, trying to keep a decent hold on his temper. Severus always did things for a reason, but Draco didn't appreciate being completely left out of the plans.

Snape could distinguish the concealed anger in his voice even before he turned around and saw the familiar gleam of madness in Draco's eye. "I merely thought that a weekend in Hogsmeade would prove to be a very necessary step in your newfound relationship. You both need time to grow closer, but you must do so in a familiar environment."

Draco interjected impatiently, "Yes, yes, Snape, I know. I realize that I need to force Granger to believe that we are soul mates, or whatever the ridiculous term is now." Suddenly the bite left his tone. "But, Severus, did it have to be Hogsmeade?"

Severus glanced downward, knowing the boy's emotional connection to the quaint village. He was one of the few who knew the truth, one of the blessed few whom Draco chose to confide in. He hated to use such an important place to Draco as a catalyst for a fake relationship to bloom, but it was the best option they had.

"I understand your feelings, Draco. Hogsmeade wasn't my first choice, either. I'm sure you are wondering why you can't just win her affection through normal techniques…" He picked up a bottle of potion, looking at it thoughtfully as he spoke. Draco followed him with questioning eyes. "But, Draco, you must remember that Granger is not your normal girl. She will not fall for the ordinary tricks that deceive most other females. Love potions, magic spells… she is too smart for them. You must win her over by other means."

Draco sighed dejectedly. "And how would you suggest I go about doing that? I thought you said this was going to be easy."

Snape put down the potion that he had been examining so thoughtfully. Draco glanced at it, the light fought through the opaque consistency while it bubbled awkwardly in its crystal prison. Absently he wondered what it was before returning to the matter at hand.

"Draco, Hermione may be the atypical girl, but she is still a girl. She will respond to you if you tell her about your past. Once she realizes that you are just as vulnerable as her own friends, she will undoubtedly open up to you. Normally I would not suggest such drastic measures, but we are running low on time. In order for you to complete this mission quickly, you must resort to methods such as this. Am I clear?" Snape said sternly.

Draco looked up, meeting his black mouse-like eyes with his own arctic ones. "I understand, Snape. I will do it."

Snape smirked. "Good. I would expect no less from you, Draco."

Draco's jaw clenched involuntarily at his words.

"So you will show her the graveyard, and you will tell her the story. Show her the house, if you must." Snape commanded, though not in a stern way.

"I will. I only hope that it will work as well as you say it will." Draco replied, returning the pressure to Snape.

"Have no fear, Draco. Have I ever failed you before?" Snape asked in a tone that seemed innocent, but had an underlying tone that screamed with uncertainty.

"No. You have not." Draco muttered quietly, silent rebellion burning inside of him.

Suddenly, Dumbledore entered the potions room. Draco looked up in surprise, the Headmaster didn't usually wander to Slytherin areas of Hogwarts in his free time.

"Hello Mr. Malfoy, Professor Snape." He said as he strode towards Snape's desk.

"Hello, Dumbledore." They both replied, identical with the slytherin tone of deceit.

"Is it ready?" Dumbledore asked abruptly.

"Yes, it is. You are just in time, actually." Snape replied, handing him the vial of potion that he had been gazing at earlier.

Dumbledore greedily took the potion. He then realized that Draco was standing there, and hastily added, "She will surely get well now. We couldn't wait any longer, her condition is worsening every moment. Severus, you have my thanks."

"Of course." Severus replied to Dumbledore, who was already almost out the door.

Draco looked at Snape, many questions lurking within his crystal eyes. "Is somebody hurt?" Draco asked.

Snape marveled how someone could ask a question concerning the welfare of another without an ounce of true concern the way that Draco did. "It's nothing you need to worry about." Snape brushed the matter aside suspiciously. "You just worry about preparing for the Hogsmeade weekend."

Draco sighed. All of his troubles came rushing back in an instant. "Right. Hogsmeade." He said thoughtfully.

Snape was highly uncomfortable watching Draco like this. Draco was usually so strong and so sure of who he was, he never had seen this much doubt enter the boy's mind. It was something he would have to address.

"You aren't having second thoughts, are you?" Snape asked.

"No. Never." Draco responded immediately. "I will do whatever my lord asks of me."

Snape smirked. "Good. I will see you in class, then."

Draco took his hint of dismissal and left the classroom, drowning in his thoughts. They swallowed him, consumed him, until he didn't know which way he was supposed to turn. So many things were flowing through his mind that were unfamiliar, thoughts that he wasn't used to thinking, feelings that shouldn't be felt by one as cold and heartless as he. Why did this feel so wrong? Deceit had never fazed him before. So why did he feel like he was in more danger of drowning than Hermione had been when she was trapped beneath the ice?

Draco sunk his head into his hands.

Hermione was lucky enough to have a savior in her time of need.

But who would save a Malfoy?