Chapter Three:

My potion was finally made. I was allowed to live a normal life as though I was never transformed, which I knew to be a lie. I had made up all my classes, the whole staff knew my secret and were weary around me, as though what I did to Hermione-or much worse than that-would happen to them. Of cours Hermione was okay and back to normal, but avoided any contact with me, whatsoever. All around though, EVERYONE avoided me. Even the only other of my kind (that I knew about) paid me no mind; Severus Snape ignored me the most-with the acceptions of handing me my potion.

I surpressed my desire for Hermione, I needed to keep her safe...besides she was afraid of me. But i'm not surprised! I did attack her...whch gave Potty and Weasle King more reasons to glare furiously at me. I didn't mind though. In fact, I glared right back, a false-praise-of-myself smirk painted smugly on my face.

Odd enough, through everyone's avoidance, one day I found Crabbe, Goyle, Parkinson, and Zabini all waiting for me in the common room, I looked at them strangly, but smiled in spite of myself.

"What can I do for you lot?" I asked, leaning casually against the wall, grinning. Pansy Parkinson swooned, almost falling backwards. I laughed then noticed no answer. "Hem-hem." I was impersonating Dolores Unbridge, the best Headmistress teh school ever had.

Pansy squealed, the other three sniggered, I was back. The five of us walked down to the Great Hall, complimenting me on the "Attack of the Mudblood", I even let Pansy cling to my arm.

"Oh, Drakie!" she cried, hugging my arm. "I was so worried! We missed you!"

Well, Crabbe and Goyle needed someone to follow in order to live, Zabini had no friends, and Pansy fancied me. I did sort of miss them too, but i think I know who I'd rather have than them.

After we ate breakfast-well they ate breakfast-I don't eat, we headed to the day's classes. My crew could do whatever. The teachers were afraid of an other attack. i was greatful.

And after class, after lunch, I left for my Prefect job, of roaming the corridors. Hermione was doing the same, without Ron at her side. In one quick movement, I pulled her into an empty class, using "Mufflatio!" as she screamed so no one outside could hear. But, she didn't scream. She stared at me, as though she expected this, but as I took a step forward, she seemed to growl.

"Stay back!" she warned, then echoed, "Back!"

I smirked and stepped closer, she stumbled over a desk.

"Malfoy!" she growled, almost pleadingly. "Please don't hurt me." Her voice was nothing but a whisper.

My smirk became a grin as I stepped closer, brushing her cheek with the side of my hand and down her jawline. "Dearest, Hermione," I whispered so softly. "I never wanted to hurt you. And," my face was an inch from hers. "Never again will I."

I could feel her growing faint, and I wrapped my one arm around her before she could fall back. "Don't be intimidated, love." I said in my most alluring tone. "Stay with me, with my promise of safty."

Her eyes were lcoked with mine as she breathed without thought, "I will..." Through what seemed like hours, her eyes never left mine, where mine never left her's. It wasn't until nightfall did I leave her to do my Prefect duty. I left her near Weasley, reluctant as she was to leave me, but so things wouldn't be too suspicious. I was too reluctant to leave her, but through the mirrors of her eyes, I could always see myself reflecting out.