Her Last Sentence

"I really hope you have considered how to explain to the Headmaster," Snape sneered as we trudged up the path to Hogwarts. The snow was falling. It seemed that Hogsmeade always had unpredictable weather.

Hermione looked down in shame in Snape's scolding. I nudged her and flashed a playful smile. She stared out at the corner of her eye and can only look at me reproachfully and managed a weak smile at most. I guess she was not used to being scolded.

"Mr. Malfoy. You had better listen to my lecture," Snape warned, his black eyes staring through me, half covered by his greasy hair, "You understand that your father will have to be informed."

I looked at him fearfully and back at Hermione. Suddenly, the entire burden that seemed to have disappeared over the past day reappeared and weighed on my heart heavily. My father had told me that I was due for the dark mark in the next few months and had placed one of his own 'marks' on my shoulder. Ensuring him that if I wanted to escape, he would be able to find me in a flash of a second.

Snape's eyes bore into mine, glittering. I stared back, my eyes unflinching, I knew better than to fear Snape. Respect him was sure, but never fear the likes of him. Snape seemed to read my mind because not a few seconds later he turned away and his lecture grew silent.

I glanced back at Hermione. Her face was not toward the white cold floor of ice no more; instead she looked at me calculatingly. Determined to find what had stopped the gush of words from the Professor's mouth.

I smiled at her blandly. My heart was heavier than ever. I wanted to find a way out. But now, there seemed to be no route for me to run from what was imminent…

The headmaster's office was spacious and filled with silver ornaments and a beautiful phoenix. It had welcomed Hermione cheerfully in the room but kept silent when I came in too. Its eyes watching my every move inside its master's hall.

"Your consequences are dire," Dumbledore said appearing from an invisible door or something, his twinkling blue eyes looking at us in question yet understanding, "Your names are recorded in the Muggle authority's database. I really do hope you do not go into such situations again."

Hermione nodded silently, I dipped my head in agreement as well. Dumbledore's face seemed to lighten up because he clasped his hands and turned to face me.

"Draco, it seems that you have a very important day ahead of you," Dumbledore announced. He was smiling but he looked strangely solemn.

"Your fiancé has arrived at Hogwarts,"…

Hermione looked at me in shock and turned away harshly. My brain was racking through every single tiny detail. But I came up with nothing, I had no fiancé, I was not engaged to be married. My hand snaked quietly to hold Hermione's hand…

"I once had a life without drama," Blaise commented, "But ever since you had a crush on Granger over there, my life is now officially chaotic."

I glared at Blaise. It was Saturday again, exactly one week since I confessed to Hermione. Since then, I sneaked into the Gryffindor common room, took a mudblood into Malfoy Manor, got caught by muggle police and… had a fiancé.

It seemed I was already engaged for months without knowing. This girl was a pureblood, naturally, extraordinarily pretty. But I hated her. Having a fiancé of course eradicates a few choice obstructions. No more Pansy, no more screaming girls…

She was sitting in front of me. She had arrived just today. Her blonde hair fell around her face in perfect order. Her pink lips displayed no emotion and her bright blue eyes stared at me in displeasure. Her posture was perfect, straight back, hands on her lap, chin held high…

It seemed that fate was against me. For Hermione was right behind her. Two house tables separated her from Astoria. Hermione's hair was curly and very tangled, from what I could see. Surrounding her brown eyes were shadows from the late-night studying. Her lips were red from biting and she was slumped over the table, staring idly at her bowl of porridge.

"So Draco, it seems that I must get to know you better," Astoria said, her nose in the air.

"Well, I do not wish to," I retorted.

Astoria's eyes turned dark and she hissed loudly at me, "We are to get married in a few weeks and I—

My eyes widened at her words, hastily, I grabbed her collar and jerked her nearer. He eyes went wide and she coughed violently. I smirked a little. Good to hurt her pretty little neck a bit.

"What do you mean in a few weeks?"

"You're father intends for you to get the dark mark after our wedding,"…

I had finally got out of Astoria's fist-like grasp. Four hours, full of her high posh voice instructing me what to do, got sent to detention for a week because of hexing her mouth. I had to see Hermione right now.

Luck was on my side, she was leaning over the Victorian walls of Hogwarts. Looking out at the sky which threatened to rain or snow… yet again.

"Hermione," I said tenderly, touching her shoulder.

She turned around hesitantly and smiled lightly. The shadows around her eyes more prominent now. I looked at her in concern and she smirked.

"Congrats on your fiancé,"

"Hermione that's what I want to talk to you about,"

"What's the matter? She doesn't want to marry you?"

I detested her light conversation. She knew why I was here and she was not going to make this talk any easier. Her brow was raised, but her eyes threatened to close. I knew that she needed some rest or she'll collapse.

"She does. That's the problem," I replied.

"She loves you Draco, you should treat her well,"

Hermione has not an inch of what Astoria feels. All she's eager about is the large inheritance I will get when Lucius dies. And being my wife, she will get a part of it.

"What about you then?" I asked, getting more heated up by the second.

She laughed lightly, making a dismissive gesture that really cut deep. Then her smile faded and she looked at me sternly.

"You are to marry her Draco," she instructed, "There is going to be a ball the prefects are holding to celebrate the marriage. The first to ever be held in Hogwarts, don't mess it up," she whispered, her lips dangerously close to my ear, sending shivers down my spine. Her hands on my chest seemed to have left fatal marks on me.

She then patted my shoulder lightly and left.

A ball she said. I could remember what happened at the last ball I attended. Suddenly, I had a brilliant idea.

Author's Note: I understand it's all a bit rushed. But I really hate to wirte boring chapters and I'm really scared of dropping out of the story like so many I did before so bear with me.