Chapter 7:

Granger scowled at me and stormed right into my face. I could feel her anger and her annoyance all at once and a strange feeling came over me, but I had to push from my mind when she hissed "I will never take anything from you, Malfoy. Your money is tainted, earned in the most cruelest ways imaginable!"

I look at her, completely affronted. Sure the Malfoy Fortune had been acquired over decades of illegal reasons. I wasn't aware of how we Malfoy's had acquired such a vast amount of gold. I didn't worry myself over stupid riddles. I guess if it were innocently earned, we would be more impoverished than the Weasleys! But we were of a higher breed, purer blood flowing in our veins. We deserved our status, just like the Weasleys deserved theirs. Simple.

I release a defeated sigh and hang my head in mocked shame thankfully escaping her intense gaze, "Fine, don't take my money or my gifts. But this idea only came from the goodness of my heart. I just wanted to see you smile again…" I added, having heard that line from a movie somewhere and thought it would fit in with that sentence perfectly. I attempted to step away from her but somehow I couldn't, her very existence kept me in place and I was forced to pull my gaze from the ground and onto her contorted face.

She looked at me with amazement "Malfoy, what the hell has happened to you?" She asked, clearly interested.

I looked at her sternly, this Mudblood never listens to a word I say, does she? "What do you mean?" I innocently ask. For the life of me, I do not understand where she is going to with this question and I stare at her unblinkingly until she replies.

"I mean, where is the arrogant, selfish, pig-headed, immature, power-hungry git you were last year when you ruined so many lives because of your need to prove yourself? Forgive me, but I can't seem to grasp it. That person is still there. I know it is. I see that person every time you look at me. If you really cared and meant all the things you have gushed today and last night then I would at least be able to see it mirrored in your eyes. But all I can see…" She gazed deeply into my eyes, and for the millionth time in my life I saw why Gryffindors were such stupid beings. They were forever trying to see the good in people, and when they failed to do just that they made sure that they made themselves believe that there was good in that in everyone. When clearly there was not an ounce. I was not good. I enjoyed being the bad ass son of a bitch I was, and no one, not a stupid Mudblood will ever change that.

She frowned as she deciphered the feelings in my eyes. Good luck to her. She was causing me to squirm under her constant gaze but I found myself repelled to the idea of moving. Her eyes were probably her best feature, I could see that now. Amazing I know.

"But all I can see is hate, confusion, dependence and a thirst to prove your-self. Correct me if I am wrong, which I highly doubt I am. But you have not changed at all… You don't want to join the Order of the Phoenix. You are quite happy with what you are now. Exactly what that is, I am not sure of." She concludes her eyes wide and filled with amazement.

I turn away from her abruptly. Shit, I've being found out "Last time I checked, you weren't a fucking divination student Granger." I snap, not able to keep the words under wraps. Here we go with the rant, and mark my words, I will say anything to save my life. I will lose my self in this assignment if I have to. And I am sure that this is already starting to occur. I am having strange thoughts! They appear when Granger is really close by. I can't control them, however hard I attempt. But more than anything, it hurts somewhere in my chest region when she says that I am lying. I don't understand why that would annoy me because of course I knew I was lying.

Granger stared at me sadly, seeing through my anger and assuming it to be an act as well. I was pissed off! She continued to stare at me, "Don't speak to me like that, Malfoy" she snapped wearily.

I bristle. She did not just tell me what to do! "Well you are using your previous impressions of me to gain such a conclusion. You hate me, Granger. Admit it. I say I love you and you throw it back in my face. I come here to comfort you in your hour of need and I get literally thrown out of your house. No wonder Weasley and Potter haven't responded to your damned owls! They don't want to see you again because you are such a repulsive bitch!" I glare at her for one… two… three… four seconds then turn away and hurriedly leave the room. Oh god, I hope this works.

I thunder down the stairs in a bout of rage, I was i really /i angry I wasn't just acting it. She had just completely insulted me! My reasons for being at her house maybe self gain and will hopefully result in her death, but damn. I had offered the shopping spree out of the goodness of my heart. And look where it gets me! Having to throw an angry fit and gambling all the ground I had made in the past few days.

I walk straight out the front door and into the glaring sunlight. So I was a lost cause was I? I was happy with the side I was on, eh? Well, I wasn't.

I froze. I wasn't?

"Malfoy, please! Come back inside! It wouldn't be good if you are out in the open dressed like that…" But only half of Granger's warning met my ears, for two figures had appeared out of nowhere, flanking me either side. I turned and stared at both of them. Noticing them to be Crabbe and Goyle, I almost smile. Until I realize that their faces were covered with masks. My face fell, all color drained from my usually pale face when I realized why they had appeared.

Both hulking pieces of wasted space both grabbed my arms forcibly and I immediately begin to panic, straining against their vice like grips. I hear Granger scream in the distance and then a fist came down on the back of my head and I am knocked out. Stupid, mangy, lice ridden, pathetic, slobs… how dare they hit their master?

When I came to, I found myself blindfolded and gagged. What the hell was happening? I attempted to free my arms from the ropes that bound them together, but they didn't budge.

I will ask again, WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON HERE?

I squirmed madly, hoping to find something I recognized. But I didn't get very far. I lay panting for breath, my mind racing. If Crabbe and Goyle were the ones to capture me, and were dressed up as god damn Death Eaters, then obviously they have being given the Mark before me.

I sighed with relief, knowing that if they were now Death Eaters they would not be attending Hogwarts this year with me. I could have done a jig, had it not being for the robes. No more of their eye watering stench, their refusal to have daily showers and their brain dead conversations about gutting something or the other or drowning a newt in the lake at Hogwarts. These conversations really bored me stupid.

I hear shuffling foot steps and suddenly, my gag is removed but I was left blind folded. I wait with bated breath for someone to speak. How dare they degrade me like this? I was doing this assignment! What more could they ask of me? It had only being a day; they had better not expect her to fall in love with me after barely a day. Though, I did know it to be possible. Oh I love my ego. I kept back the laugh that lingered hopefully on my tongue. Luckily, because if I had let it loose I would have missed out on the quiet hiss that now resounded from nearby "Show your master the proper respect." I immediately drop to my knees. Oh god, not again "Why were you just attempting to leave the house, Draco?" A hissing voice asked.

I strained against the robes bound around my arms once again, no luck. I better answer, "I wasn't trying to escape, My Lord. It was just a ploy to make her feel sorry for me." I reply through gritted teeth annoyed that he would even have to ask that question. I valued my life a lot more than he gave me credit for, obviously.

"Tell me why then that my men who are masters of Legilimency noticed the 'fibs' you told held no hint of deceit. Were you telling the truth with these lies?" The Dark Lord drawled.

"Of course I wasn't telling the truth, My Lord. I don't love Hermione Granger!" I retorted angrily, not caring if I had just replied to the Dark Lord in the most disrespectful manner possible.

"I have given you a chance to tell me the truth willingly. Now let's see what you really think."

Voldemort yanked the blindfold from my eyes and pulled my face into his hands. I held his gaze. What else could I possibly do? If I didn't he'd surely rip my head off.

The Dark Lord's scarlet eyes stared unblinkingly at me. My mind froze, I couldn't think of a thing. Several long moments past like this and a pronounced twang of pain in my back made its appearance, but I did not dare move until the Dark Lord was content with what ever he had found.

The Dark Lord sighed heavily and pushed me away irritably, "Very well, young Malfoy. But I had better not be made to believe I have made a mistake in choosing you, Draco." The Dark Lord hissed.

I bow my head immediately, showing the due respect and drew in a shuddering breath "You have not made a mistake my lord. For I believe whole heartedly in your decision for choosing me – "

"Why is this, Draco? For I have a distinct feeling you are becoming sidetracked and not keeping your mind on your task. I have not been told of Granger making any advances on you, only you making advances on her! This is despicable! I am disgusted!" The Dark Lord screamed at me, his wand clenched in his fist.

I flinched in spite of myself "My Lord, I need to show some interest in her. Don't you agree that if I do that, her feelings might follow? I of course am lying to her…"

"But dreaming of her Draco?" The Dark Lord spat. "Your thoughts hold more truth than your words could ever do. You must remember who you are dealing with you arrogant boy. I am not one to be meddled with."

"Why, Sir. Have you brought me here?" I asked through clenched teeth, trying my best to keep my eyes on the ground "I have only being doing what you have told me to do. I have not gone against any of your orders."

The Dark Lord smiled a crazed smile. Argh, I must admit that look scared me a lot. I knew he had plans for me and now I was going to find out exactly what will become of me "You are correct, Mr. Malfoy. But I would not become too cocky if I were you." He warned mockingly, his scarlet eyes flashing challengingly I have retrieved you for one of the many check ups you will have throughout the course of this assignment." He sniffed in reply.

"Check ups, sir?" I gulped. I didn't think this would happen.

"Of course. I can't let a high-profile assignment such as this fall completely out of my control. This is a make or break assignment! And time is running out…" The Dark Lord emitted a lengthy sigh, sounding more like a painful moan.

He could not beat my musically harmonized sighs, I don't think anyone could. But he wasn't going to end this encounter with just a sigh; he had something more to tell me. But I honestly didn't give a damn. I was loosing the control I wanted. If I were to be checked up on every couple of weeks I was ready to throw in the towel! Honestly! I did not want to look like a stupid coward, nor a traitor in Grangers eyes. The assignment will never be successful if they continue to randomly take me like this! "My Lord, please forgive me, but I am sure Granger will become suspicious if I disappear too frequently."

The Dark Lord seemed to consider my words. He stoked his almost non-existent chin thoughtfully before replying "I can see your reasons. Very well, I will only interfere when I see fit."

I bowed to him. Thank god for that. "Thank you my Lord, you are awfully kind."

"You may leave, Draco. But please remember: I hear everything that is said and see everything that is done. Do not disappoint me." The blindfold immediately appears over my eyes once again. I am pulled forcibly to my feet. I then feel a chilling sensation near my ear and I freeze "If all goes well, Draco. You will be receiving the Dark Mark by Christmas. Understood?"

I nod quickly, ignoring my heart sinking into my stomach. I then hear a swish of a cloak a door close and feel myself being propelled through the air at break neck speed.

I land hard on my arse a moment latter, Hermione Granger sobbing in my ear. I hide my devilish smirk as I wrap my arms around her easily and hold her to me, I guess those random i abductions /i will come in handy after all.