Summary: In 6th year when Hermione discovers that Harry's baseless acusations about Malfoy are more true than she had anticipated, she goes to Dumbledore who stages Draco's death and sends him into hiding. But thats not where her part ends. Dumbledore expects her to tutor him on the 6th year material. Left with more time together alone then ever before, they begin to see things differently, in this, the prelude to their end.

Chapter 3: When I Seem So Helpless

It was shortly after dinner when she recieved the owl summoning her to the headmaster's office. She put off the curious questions from her friends and made her way up to his office as soon as she was able. Professor McGonagall met her at the statue of the gargoyle and didn't say a word, simply letting her into his office.

When they got to the top of the spiral staircase, they stepped into the office. Hermione was met with the sight of Malfoy seated in front of the headmaster's desk and Dumbledore standing to greet them.

"Thank you, Minerva."

McGonagall nodded respectfully to him and left the office.

"Welcome, Miss Granger. Lemon drop?"

Hermione shook her head. "No, thank you, professor."

He just smiled at her before geting down to business.

"Professor McGonagall has told me of your concerns, Miss Granger."

Hermione didn't say anything. She was more concerned with trying to ignore Malfoy's angry gaze.

"But," Dumbledore continued, "I must inform you that I already knew."

Both she and Malfoy looked at him in surprise. Though she didn't know why she was surprised at all; he knew everything that happened in the castle.

"Though, I did not have any proof to justify these claims, and for that I thank you, Miss Granger."

"Yo...you're welcome, professor." Her voice cracked. Malfoy had resumed his cold glare.

"But, I did not bring you two here to discuss what I already knew. I brought you here to discuss what we plan to do about it."

Malfoy's face turned into a grimace before bellowing angrily, "What can we possibly do about it! He's going to kill me and my parents if I don't do what he says!"

"Not if you are already dead." Dumbledore smiled at their looks of confusion.

"From what I have come to understand, this task would be impossible for anyone of your age and experience. Voldemort does not wish you to survive this task, in fact, I'm sure he means for you not to. No doubt a punishment for your father at his failure."

Malfoy paled at his words. "What did you mean by 'If I'm already dead'?" he said hollowly.

"Mr. Malfoy, he may appear as such to you, but Lord Voldemort is not omnisicent."

"If it looked like you had died trying to complete the task, he wouldn't ask questions." Hermione finally spoke up. "May I ask what this task is supposed to be?"

"His task is to kill me."

If it were possible, Malfoy looked even paler at these words. Hermione's mouth formed a small "o" as she processed this.

"So what do we do?" she finally said after a moment. "Do we stage the death of his doppleganger and send the real him into hiding?"

"Precisely, Miss Granger." Dumbledore turned to Malfoy, "You always have a choice, Mr. Malfoy, whether you think you do or not."

Malfoy stayed silent, staring at nothing. She had a feeling he was referring to their conversation before she entered the room.

"Miss Granger, there is also one more reason for you to be here. Mr. Malfoy is not yet a full fledged wizard and still has much to learn. I would ask that while he is in hiding, you tutor him on the 6th year material you cover in your own classes."

She nodded mutely. After all, who else was going to? Who else could?

"Good. You leave tonight, Mr. Malfoy." He didn't say a word. Dumbledore smiled sadly.

"Thank you, Miss Granger. You may leave now."

She nodded again standing up and turning to leave, but not before giving Malfoy a sympathetic look. He looked up at her with no expression, brown meeting grey, and for just a moment she thought she could see hope there.

When she blinked it was gone, so she turned and left.

The next morning she was greeted with the solemn whispers that told of Malfoy's untimely and accidental death. From what she could gather, he had apparently broken into Dumbledore's office and thrown a killing curse at him, only to have it deflected by Dumbledore's powerful shield spell and be killed with his own curse. Of course, she knew better.

When they got the Daily Prophet that morning, it was confirmed. Draco Malfoy was officially dead. She chuckled at how easily Dumbledore had pulled the wool over their eyes. Even she would have believe it had she not been present at its planning. It made her wonder how many times Dumbledore had done things like this.

Another week passed for Hermione relatively normally, until she was called up to Dumbledore's office once again.

"Hello Miss Granger." He smiled at her warmly.

"Hello, Professor." she smiled in return.

"You remember how I asked if you would tutor Mr. Malfoy?"

Hermione nodded.

"Well, I'd like you to begin. I have allowed Mr. Malfoy a week to get settled, but he must not fall behind. If you would come to my office every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at precisely 7pm in order to floo to his hiding place. You are to return at 9pm."

He indicated to the fireplace to her left.

"Shall I go now?"

"Yes, Miss Granger."

she turned to the fireplace and pulled out a handful of floo powder, when something occurred to her.

"Umm, professor? Where is he?"

"Headquarters." He smiled

"And I hope that it's everything that you dreamed about
Be careful what you wish for
Hope that it's everything that you dreamed
When everything's fallin' apart at the seams"

Famous, Puddle of Mudd