A/N: Here's the next chapter! The first person to review it will get a preview of the next chapter (through PM). This chapter explains a lot about Draco and some of his earlier actions.
Disclaimer: I own nothing...
Chapter 21 – All in a Letter
After their snogging session, when Draco had retreated to the lounge to read, Hermione snuck up to the bedroom locking the door. She used the charm to warn her if he was within ten feet of the door and then started her work. She magically unlocked his trunk and began sifting through his personal belongings.
She needed anything to find out why he refused to let anyone get to close to him. She remembered back at school he was distant with his friends on many occasions. After the morning's activities, Hermione thought she had broken through his barriers, but then he became distant again. She didn't understand him, and the more time she spent with him the more she wanted to.
After unlocking his trunk she dug beneath his clothes and his school things, checking in his pockets and notebooks for anything that would give her a clue. She was just about to give up and was pulling her hand out of the trunk, when she found a scroll of parchment she hadn't looked at. She untied it curiously and saw that it was a collection of blank pieces of parchment.
She was confused; obviously these papers had something in common if he kept them all together. It must be something important if he's trying to hide it she decided. Luckily all he did was use a spell to make it disappear temporarily. Hermione recognized the spell at once and was able to de-activate it. Hermione opened the first letter and began to read:
Draco,
I am writing to inform you of certain terms we must discuss soon. As you know I had a bet going with Mr. Dolohov, and I regret saying that I have lost said bet. You may be wondering how this affects you, but what you don't know is that you were part of the wager. I will not be able to see you at Christmas, due to work related issues. Your mother told me that she informed you of Mr. Dolohov's interest in you, so I am sure you have figured out what the bet was for. If not you shall find out in April.
Your Father
Hermione's mouth was open after she read the letter, how could he bet on his son? She pulled out the next letter and found different writing, she looked at the signature and saw that it was from Draco's mother.
My Dearest Draco,
I hope you are well and enjoying school. All is quite normal at the manor; I am looking forward to seeing you at Christmas. The house is quite empty without you or your father here. Not that I am missing him, sorry dear I know you hate when we argue but he has made a ridiculous bet which he cannot back out of, for fear that he 'will lose his reputation.' We are not currently on speaking terms so I don't know if he has told you about the bet. Well as you know Dolohov has been asking many questions about you, and it seems that he would like you to marry his daughter Madeline. She attends Beauxbatons, which is where her mother Pauline attended school. I have only met the girl once, but I truly detest her mother and from what I saw of her she was shallow and air headed, and she will do anything to get her hands on the Malfoy fortune! She is the last person on Earth I wish for you to marry! But your father foolishly bet on it. I haven't found any loopholes to the deal yet, but I will continue to look. We shall talk more about this at Christmas when your father is not home.
Give Pansy and Blaise my best wishes. See you soon!
Love,
Mum
Hermione was in shock. He was betrothed! How could he lead her on like that and know nothing can ever happen? Hermione felt used and betrayed. He was only using her to lock lips until he met his wife to be! Hermione thought back to her adventure in the department of mysteries and remembered Dolohov; if the girl is anything like her father she would be cruel and absolutely brutal. Hermione finally shifted her eyes to the next letter, this time she recognized the handwriting.
Draco,
Both your father and mother have informed me of you betrothal to Miss Dolohov. I am certainly disappointed in your father's actions. I understand how you must feel, but I wish to warn you do not do anything that could upset the Dolohov family. They are very influential at the ministry and throughout the Wizarding community; they can cause you great difficulties in the future. I advise you not to continue any of your relationships, the Dolohov's will be furious if they found out about your many girlfriends. I hope you take this advice, as your godfather I feel it is my duty to warn you how much this bet can damage your life if you don't obey them.
S. Snape
Hermione was surprised at this letter, she did not know that Snape was his godfather and she wondered how much power the Dolohov's must have for him to be so persistent. She also regretted looking at the date of this letter, which was around the beginning of November, the same time she told him to stop going after so many girls. He didn't take my advice, he only stopped seeing all those girls because Snape told him to! She pulled out the final letter hastily, realizing that it was another letter from Snape.
Draco,
I have already told you not to fool around with girls now that you are involved in this bet. If anyone knows the consequences of this it's me. I told you to stay out of any romantic relationships, but you make it worse by going after a muggle born, do you understand what they would do to her if they found out? I once again am giving you my advice, sever ties with Ms. Granger before something unfortunate happens to either one of you. Please take this advice to heart, if not for Ms. Granger, then for me this is history repeating itself.
S. Snape
A/N: I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please R&R