Disclaimer: I unfortunately do not own HP though I wish I owned Tom Felton (that isn't asking too much is it).

Author's note: Hello to everyone that bothers to read my story. I know it's been ages since I last updated but that's because I've just started college ( which is so much fun and is totally crazy) and it's also due to the period of writer's block that I went through ( which could also be attributed to pure laziness). Any ways read on and hope you like it and at the end go to the bottom and click on the little purple button and write me a review. You'll make my day, trust me.

CHAPTER 9

It had been three months since Draco had taken Hermione to the Room of Requirement. Hermione was still reeling from all that she had heard that night. Draco had been acting even more distant since then and barely even noticed her anymore.

FLASHBACK

" Hermione you have to know. You have every right to," said Draco as he rolled up his sleeve to reveal the Dark Mark.

Hermione gasped as she stretched out her arm to feel the Mark on his arm which felt cold to her touch. A look of revulsion spread across Draco's face.

" I'm going to prove myself. The Dark Lord has given me a task of the utmost importance. Father failed him but I won't," said Draco defiantly.

" Draco, this is crazy. This … this task…I… I know it will be dangerous. Voldemort's getting back at you for your father's mistake. He's making you pay. This is madness. You… you could get killed," said Hermione troubled.

" But…but you don't understand. Among all his trusted followers the Dark Lord appointed me. I … I will not fail him," said Draco angrily.

"His one true enemy…Hermione… doesn't… don't you see… I am to get rid of the only hurdle that lies before the Dark Lord…Dumbledore… he… he will die at my hands," said Draco with the faint trace of a smile playing across his face.

Hermione was appalled. " Draco you must be joking. You … you are going to kill Prof. Dumbledore. But that is ridiculous. Voldemort can't possibly think that you…you would succeed at …at something so foolish," said Hermione almost about to laugh.

" I am not weak," yelled Draco as if to himself.

"That…that isn't what I'm saying, Draco. Doing something stupid because… because some prick head tells you to doesn't make you brave. Please … please reason this out. Um…you…you could go to Prof. Dumbledore. Yes…yes Prof. Dumbledore…he can help. I'm sure he could help you. Go to him. He'll have a solution," said Hermione.

"No one can help me. He…he will have my mother killed if I disobey his orders," said Draco.

"But Draco… this…this…Dumbledore will be able to help. I know he will. Go to him. Please Draco listen to me," pleaded Hermione.

"I don't expect you to understand or agree with what I'm doing Hermione," said Draco taking her hands in his and looking in to her eyes, "But you… you mean a lot to me and…and I wanted you to know. Though you have to promise me that you won't tell a soul."

"I can't…can't do that," muttered Hermione.

"Hermione you have to. No one can know of this," said Draco looking deeply in to her eyes.

Hermione sighed and nodded her head.

x

Hermione hadn't seen Draco for three whole days now. She decided to go to the Room of Requirementto see how he was doing. She had begun to worry about him. And when she last saw him she noticed how thin and gaunt he looked.

x

Hermione walked past the Room of Requirement thrice after which she entered the door that appeared. She walked through.

"Who… who is that?" asked Draco.

"Draco it's me," replied Hermione.

Hermione was surprised to see how thin and pale Draco looked.

"Draco look at you. You've been missing classes. Have you even eaten anything?" said Hermione annoyed.

"But," started Draco but was cut off by Hermione, "This is complete madness. You have to get out of this blasted room and get something to eat. And… and get a life."

"I don't need food or these… these stupid classes. This… this was supposed to work. I … I don't know," muttered Draco.

"Draco come with me please. We could go get something to eat and… and spend some time in our common room," pleaded Hermione.

" I can't. Leave me alone. I … I need to keep working at this. Hermione… I think… I think we should end 'us'," said Draco defiantly.

"You… you can't just end it like this," said Hermione unable to help herself tearing up, "This…this task of yours… it… it's ruining you. I… I just hope you realize what … what it's doing to you before it's too late."

x

Authors note: Thanks so much for reading. I was going through all my past chapters and realized all the mistakes I made. I'm really really sorry for all of them. I know this chapter too was pretty short but I can't really help that. I somehow can't write long chapters anymore. I most probably will end this story in the next chapter or so. Thanks again for reading and pleeease do review.