Upon My Oath

Dumbledore's Office
POV: Severus Snape

"Severus, it would seem we are going to have to enlist young Mister Malfoy in our efforts to further convince Voldemort that you remain steadfastly on his side."

"What have you heard, Albus? Has there been some indication that makes you believe Voldemort questions my loyalty?"

I stare at Dumbledore, who, after all these years together, I have come to trust with my life.

"Severus, you must address him as The Dark Lord, even in my presence. You know this. If you should slip in his presence, we would lose you, and that would be… disastrous."

I nod my head, scowling. Yes, Tom Riddle, the self proclaimed Dark Lord, the absolute bane of my pathetic existence. If I could kill him myself, I would.

"No, there has been no such suggestion," assures the craggy, elderly man in Hogwarts' highest office. "It is simply imperative that you are still a trusted servant in his eyes. I worry because it has recently come to my attention that your role must expand on the Light side. Not only will you have to keep a watchful eye on the younger Malfoy, but now Miss Granger as well," he turns to gauge my reaction.

I find I have none.

He continues, "While at Hogwarts, I will continue to watch over Harry."

I nod. To expect the headmaster to assume any lesser of a role in Potter's future would be... unacceptable.

"Severus, it is imperative that both Draco and Hermione are monitored and that a friendship, of sorts, develop between them. This is a crucial time in which they will both need protection from the Order. Even if such protection is unknown to Draco."

I scoff at the idea of this pureblooded Slytherin befriending this particular Muggleborn Gryffindor. Seems as impossible as...

I shake my head to clear it of unwanted memories.

How he imagines these two particular students will warm toward one another is also simply beyond me.

"So, my dear Professor, perhaps you might have them work together on some sort of task, of which I am sure you are able to come up with." He waves his hands meaningfully.

I look admiringly into the Headmaster's knowing gaze.

"And, Severus, make it crystal clear to them both, particularly to Miss Granger, that if they wish to ever qualify for N.E.W.T.S. their cooperation is an absolute requirement."

"Yes," I say, steepling my fingers thoughtfully.

Tricky bastard.

How, devious.

"In any case, pairing them up would greatly assist in your ability to watch over the both of them," Dumbledore continues, "Mister Malfoy trusts no one outside of his mother. You may want to speak to Narcissa about what we've learned of Miss Granger. Perhaps when he finally goes to her for assistance, she will be prepared to speed along Draco's understanding of how pertinent a role Hermione plays in helping him reveal the answer to the prophecy given to him by Lucius. I trust she is still in your trusted council?"

I nod. Taking Narcissa into my confidence after having given my oath to protect her son had been a tremendous risk, but one that had already paid off in spades.

"Excuse me, but what prophecy are you speaking of, Albus?"

"Why the one revealing a certain secret weapon that could put an end to The Chosen One."

I whip my head around to catch his piercing stare. I try not to squirm under his scrutiny.

"You know of this prophecy?" I ask hollowly, knowing I had not informed him of it, even though it had been revealed to me by Lucius himself before he was carted off to Azkaban.

I send a questioning glance at the Hogwarts Headmaster.

"You have sworn to keep Harry safe, Albus," I glower. "Yet, you are asking me to help The Dark Lord," I sarcastically sneer the title, "further all of his plans to put an end to Potter."

He nods at me in agreement.

"I do not make my requests lightly, Severus. I am keeping Harry secure. All that I've asked of you will also help to ensure his safety," he answers enigmatically.

I sigh. Under this wizard's guiding hand I am, unfortunately, all too used to being only partially informed while working as a spy for the Order.

"I am aware that Draco knows of the prophecy," I comment dryly. "Does your request also imply that Miss Grangers is also aware of its existence?"

"For Merlin's sake no, Severus! What good would come of that?" He chuckles at a joke only he seems to know the punchline to. "Miss Granger will learn of it, Severus, but from neither you nor me. How she learns of it is of ultimate importance and we must ensure that the way is clear for such intimacies to occur."

The next day...
POV: Draco

"Miss Granger, I'd like to speak to you after class," Professor Snape's greasy drawl is heard over the general bustle of teenaged wizards preparing themselves for a rather gruesome hour in D.A.D.A. subjected to Professor Snape's biting sarcasm.

"Mr. Malfoy, you are to stay, too."

Audible gasps punctuate the silence that now fills the room. I open my mouth to protest, but hear her squeak her discontent first.

"Have I done something wrong, Professor?"

"No, Miss Granger, but since you took it upon yourself to speak out of turn, you just have. Ten points from Gryffindor!"

As she throws herself into her desk, I watch her attempt to cover an angry pout by using her curly locks as a curtain. At the sight of her poorly controlled temper tantrum, I promptly forget to ask Snape why I must be subjected to her unwanted presence any longer than absolutely necessary.

The class is interminably long.

At last, the two Gryffindor dimwits leave the room, casting a final look of sympathy at their bushy-haired friend. I sneer at them as they send me looks they consider threatening, but make me want to crow in laughter, rather than cower in fear.

I make no move to join Granger at the front of the room, so she comes to stand toward the back of the room as well, but far away from me. This suits me just fine. I turn to Snape who is descending upon the two of us, his robes billowing. The sight of him calling to my mind a huge bat in flight. He stops mid-way through the classroom and turns to look at Granger.

"Miss Granger, I've noticed your marks in my class are taking a nosedive this quarter."

I hear her make a terrible gasping noise as Snape continues, focusing his piercing black stare at me.

I gulp.

"And you, Mr. Malfoy are turning out to be a grave disappointment. Having been my top student in Potions last year, you are failing to meet even basic standards in the Defense Against Dark Arts. Considering your upbringing, I imagine your father would consider me remiss if I did not do something to immediately rectify your situation."

I wonder what reprimanding me in front of the likes of a Mudblood like Granger has anything to do with what my father might desire. I try to keep my snarl to a minimum. It wouldn't do to show my aversion for this man, since he has the power to keep me locked up in detention for the rest of the term. All the same I do not do well with public humiliation.

"Considering both of your rather stellar academic pasts, and now your regrettable downfall into the more than mundane marks of the hoi polloi, I took it upon myself to to discuss the matter with Professor Dumbledore. He has given me leave to assign the both of you an independent study task that if completed to my satisfaction, would bring both your scores up to meeting compulsory requirements, giving you enough credits to attempt the N.E.W.T.S. earlier than the rest of your peers."

I groan inwardly as I see the spark of interest gleam in Granger's eye.

"But, Professor," I begin.

Granger, however, cuts me off, casting me a look of absolute disdain.

"Professor Snape, may I work with Harry instead?"

Wrong question, Mudblood, I think to myself as I see a flare of anger flicker in Snape's black, icy stare. He quickly masks it.

"Miss Granger, this is an extra credit assignment specifically designed to aid both you and Mr. Malfoy. It has been granted to you as a direct favor that I've requested of the Headmaster. If for whatever reason you feel you are unable to keep this from your little, undeserving friends, I suggest you tell me now and we will consider this offer of academic honor null and void."

I watch her eyes go round at the prospect of having just been given the opportunity to grab hold of the equivalent of a bookworm's golden snitch only to have it ripped away because of her asinine request to be paired with the likes of bloody Potter. I can very nearly see the wheels turning in her head and wonder at the amount of danger Snape is bringing onto my family with this little stunt.

My heart pounds in my head.

We both interpret her silence as an acceptance of the secrecy for further intellectual glory.

She is Granger, after all, and a Gryffindor, so Snape and I can both be reasonably content with her unqualified acceptance of the terms.

I sigh despondently.

"Do this," he continues in his frighteningly no nonsense manner, "and you will automatically qualify for early N.E.W.T.S. You, Miss Granger, have been the top of this class for the last four years and have also been in extremely close competition with Mr. Malfoy in Potions. Because of your regrettable and aggravating habit of being so academically inclined as to beat out even the best in my house, you have, in the past, propelled him," he slowly turns to stare at me again, "to try harder to best you. Part of this task requires that you work together. I expect it of BOTH of you."

He holds up a warning hand before either of us can voice a complaint.

"If you do not, I will, for the rest of the term, make you partners in my class and I will additionally hand you both lengthy detentions so I can personally see to your willing cooperation with one another in working to improve your dismal grades. Should you more than likely fail at the extra-curricular assignment that I have for you, neither of you will take the N.E.W.T.S. this school year, and I will personally see to it that you will have an even more difficult time attempting to qualify for them next term," his tone is ominous.

All color drains from Granger's face and I am shocked beyond belief that he would subject me to such torturous amounts of time with her when he knows I have so many other dire things to accomplish in very short order.

I try to catch his eye in an effort to silently plead my case with him, but he turns his back to me.

"You will both meet me in my office after classes tomorrow to learn of the task and take the Oath of Confidentiality, " he announces, his voice slick, like the product I sometimes use in my hair. "Speak of this to no one."

I nod my agreement.

He turns again to Granger to makes sure his message is clear, "Do you remember the Time-Turner, Miss Granger?"

I turn to her curiously.

What is this?

I watch her cheeks pink and see her nod.

"You are to to be as discreet about this as you were about that. Until tomorrow. You are both dismissed."

Granger and I both make our move to leave. She is more swift to the classroom door. As soon as she stalks out and does her damnedest to slam the heavy wood in its frame, I turn back to look at Snape.

"Pardon, Professor, but why? And moreover, why her?"

I watch him calmly settle back into his seat at his desk. His greasy hair shades part of his face from my view. His beak-like nose protrudes, reminding me of a crow or a vulture. I turn my face away.

"Draco, you have been given a task by the Dark Lord. Your mother convinced me to keep watch over you and your safety. I even placed myself in an Unbreakable Vow with her. I am putting my life on the line to ensure you get the task done, and I am gambling that you will accomplish it. However, I feel I have left you without guidance for too long and have misplaced my trust in your ability to suitably fulfill The Dark Lord's request. You, Draco, have been dallying, and have been unable to complete even the simplest of repairs!"

I stare at him, wide-eyed.

He'd been watching me?! How long?!

"Why her, you ask?" he continues, taking in my shocked expression and giving me a smirk all his own. "I've chosen her because in as much as it pains me to admit it, Miss Granger is simply the brightest witch of her age. If there is anyone who can cast a highly intricate and complicated Reparo! to fix say… a magical cabinet, it will be the likes of her to do it."

It takes my lifetime's worth of practicing Malfoy self-control not to roar my displeasure and reign such violent emotion inside. How dare he consider me inept to complete such a task as the one I've been given! Further, he has the audacity to add such insult to injury as to have me work with a Mudblood to help me complete this Dark task?!

"Are you asking me to enlist her? To trust her with the knowledge of my task for the… The Dark Lord?" I cry incredulously. "Professor, excuse me, but I think you've completely lost your senses! My family is at risk! My mother is now hosting the Dark Lord at the Manor, and she is living there with him and my Aunt Bella who happens to be stark raving mad! What if Granger tells Potter, or Dumbledore or…."

His gaze remains unreadable, his posture unmoveable.

"Sir!" I assert, trying to shake his conviction that this is a good idea. "She's a Gryffindor. She helped form Dumbledore's Army. She tries to free house elves… and she… She's a Mudblood!"

I watch him grind his teeth and I feel, rather than hear him bite back a vicious reprimand. I wonder at that as I heedlessly continue my protestations. I know that I am skating on thin ice, so, I decide to switch tactics.

"If you think I need help, Professor," I say in my most sycophantic voice, "why don't you help me?"

"I am helping you, Draco, in so much as I can," he explains as though speaking to a small child. "You know that The Dark Lord wants you to do this. I can not appear to be of direct assistance. I'm giving you aid through Miss Granger. The others at Malfoy Manor need not know of her involvement, but she will likely speed your discovery along on how to fix this cabinet. I will do what I can to ensure that your secret stays safe. Besides which, I know you have your ways, Draco. Miss Granger does not need to know of what we are to do with the end result."

I look at him helplessly. I have no concept of what he wants me to do now.

"She's a Gryffindor, boy! Use this knowledge to your advantage!" he bellows, "You are a Slytherin and a Malfoy! Start acting like one!"

And with that, he waves his hand and I know I must leave his classroom.

I walk out quietly and see her sitting on a window ledge, her eyes trained on the door from which I'd just emerged. Her shoes knock against the stone wall as she moves nervously, waiting for me to approach.

I try to pass her without acknowledging her existence.

"What did you find out?" she inquires.

"Nothing," I say on a huff, keeping my stride, hoping she'll understand I have no intention to stop and speak to her.

As I pass, I notice her jump off the ledge, knapsack banging into her side. She tries to catch up with me. I suppose it's from having blokes as her only friends, but she very nearly manages to meet my stride. I regrettably realize she doesn't seem to get as winded as the likes of Pansy or Millicent when they're in hot pursuit.

Before I find her beside me, I shut my eyes for a moment, stop, brace myself, and turn around.

She halts just as she is about to crash into me. I am surprised she'd shown even that much athleticism.

I let out a little sigh of relief that she hadn't touched me before I deign to look down at her.

"What do you want, Granger?" I try for my most malicious growl.

She sends me a look of purely aggravated annoyance.

"Well… seeing as you and… I…. we," she fumbles. "Well… I was thinking...since... we'll be..."

"Spit it out!" I shout at her just to watch her flush and end her ridiculous babbling.

"Never mind! Malfoy! Ugh!"

She moves to pass me, but I block her. She tries again, but like before, she's thwarted. She seems to recall in the back of that gigantic brain of hers that I play Quidditch, just like her moronic friends, thus I can and will do as I like to keep her cornered.

"Shove off, Ferret!" she screams frustratedly, now back to being blazing mad.

Good, because she does not wear sniveling well.

"Were you going to ask me a favor, then?" I inquire, changing my tone to keep her on guard. I've smoothened my voice to one I've used on other girls who'd garnered my attention.

She whips her head up to meet my gaze. Her eyes narrow suspiciously.

"Ask away, Granger," I drawl, "It appears as though I am completely at your disposal."

She looks at me as though she knows exactly where she'd like to dispose of me. No other girl has ever had the audacity to treat me in such a disgraceful manner, and I suddenly realize that I find this utterly… fascinating.

I mentally laugh at her inability to form a witty comeback, but keep my facial features open should she decide to use some of that legendary Gryffindor courage. I know she's keeping her insults to herself because I believe I know what she is about to request.

"I haven't got all day, Granger. Out with it."

She startles as I begin to realize she'd been staring at my face for an extremely long time.

"Malfoy," she begins, her voice gathering strength as she continues, "I've decided to take you up on your proposal."

So much has occurred that I am slightly taken aback. My posture stiffens as I try to recall what she's speaking of.

What had I proposed, again?

"You said you could help me solve my puzzle and I'm thinking that you-" she stops, pursing her lips before continuing, "or your family, might be in possession of literature in your home library that might further aid in my endeavors."

"Ah, yes, the Muestilde mystery," I say, with my memory refreshed, I ease my stance.

"Well," she says looking back and forth down the corridor to ascertain our relative privacy. "I was wondering if you could help me figure out the whole Senguis part, actually."

She had unwittingly approached me as she'd spoken, as though trying to convey to me a little secret.

I step back noticeably from her person and watch a line form between her brows.

I smirk at that.

"I'll see you in Snape's office tomorrow," I say assuredly, with a note of dismissal. It simply wouldn't do to provide her with a clear answer to her request.

The day after that...
POV: Hermione

It is nothing short of bewildering, this sudden interest Professor Snape has for the maintenance of my academic excellence. I dare a glance at Malfoy beside me as we follow at Professor Snape's heels to wherever it is he's stashed our extra credit project.

As we walk, I consider my situation. I know I've been pouring over the mystery of my ancestry since returning to Hogwarts, so much so that I have failed to allow for my usual five-week lead time in completing my class assignments. I venture to think back to the rather daunting pile of texts and blank parchments on my desk in the dorm. Perhaps my lack of focus has been enough to catch more than Professor McGonagall's notice, after all.

I think back to my boggart. While my ultimate fear may have altered slightly, I still shudder at the thought of how my House Mistress could very well visit me during my next Prefect's meeting to inform me that I'm to receive "T's" in all of my subjects.

I silence my worried cry by shoving my knuckles in my mouth and biting down. The gesture isn't lost on Malfoy who is staring at me speculatively. I quickly drop my hand to my side.

"Worried about being alone with me, Granger?" he murmurs, a dash of innuendo there if I care to pick up on it.

"Hardly, Malfoy" I snip, jerking my gaze away from him and back onto the sight of Professor Snape's billowing robes.

He ought to seriously consider finding a tailor to tuck that material in a bit, I think randomly.

I finally begin to recognize where we're being taken. It's the Seventh Floor, a place I know quite well considering I'd spent much of last year here. We'd held our secret D.A. meetings in the Room of Requirement. It's where I first learned to conjure my Patronus. I wonder what secret space will be revealed this afternoon behind the tapestry of trolls learning to dance ballet.

I watch Professor Snape walk past the image of Barnabas the Barmy three times before the magical entryway appears. I hasten a glance at Malfoy who notices me watching him as we make our joint way through the door. I am unsure if the gleam of curiosity in his eye is real or a playact.

We follow Professor Snape into what he's calling The Room of Hidden Things. I gasp at the treasure trove of magical items left haphazardly in this space to collect dust. It reminds me of my grandmother's attic where I'd spent summers pawing through her trunks and playing dress up as a young girl. At the sound of my delighted exclamation I notice a slight upturn of Professor Snape's lips, seemingly pleased by my reaction.

"Yes, Granger, I can see how the likes of you would be duly impressed by the multitude of magical apparatus in one space," he lifts his arm and swings it languorously over his head, indicating the whole of the room.

I follow his movements and notice bookshelves filled with all manners of things. I find I am newly excited to learn what Malfoy and I will be doing to earn our extra credits. Perhaps it is cataloguing the contents of this room for the Headmaster! Such a task would be the perfect thing to move my thoughts away from something as Muggle as adoption. I can't imagine any wizards choosing to give their child up to live a life without magic in the Muggle world. Magical children are cherished in the Wizarding world, so as far as I know.

My musings have me forming an uncharacteristic pout which I see Malfoy mirroring as he watches me thinking about… well... whatever his evil, little Slytherin mind imagines I'm thinking about.

"What will you be having us do in here, Professor," I ask breathlessly.

"I have decided I will not tell you until you've taken the Oath of Confidentiality."

"What is the Oath of Confidentiality, Professor?" I wonder aloud.

I hear Malfoy huff his impatience.

"Honestly, Granger, I thought you were well-read."

I quirk my head at his platinum blond head, annoyed he has knowledge of something I clearly do not.

"Why don't we have Mr. Malfoy explain, then, Miss Granger."

I slit my gaze at Malfoy who has again adopted his usual annoying smirk as he clears his throat to begin. He takes the stance of a prince about to announce a royal edict as I try in vain to keep myself from rolling my eyes at his snootiness.

"The Oath of Confidentiality is a magical incantation in which two or more wizards make a vow to one another in the presence of one who is named the Bonder. If the persons who accept the conditions of the Oath of Confidentiality breaks the vows, they will suffer the consequences as deemed suitable by the Bonder. The spell requires the wizards who are making the oath to join their hands," at this I see the Ferret's smirk turn into a contemptuous sneer, "and the Bonder places the tip of their wand onto their hands, upon which the Bonder asks the oath-takers three separate terms of the vow. Each person entering the Oath will respond "I will".

"Excellent, Mr. Malfoy, fifteen points to Slytherin."

I try to smother the extreme annoyance I feel filling my body before it bursts forth onto my facial features.

"It's similar to the Unbreakable Vow, then?" I ask shrilly, my dread and concern mounting. "Is… is… this Dark magic, Sir?"

"Absolutely not, Miss Granger! This is standard operating procedure for confidential extra credit assignments offered to deserving students. Am I to believe you are daring to accuse the Headmaster of such nefarious things!"

I gasp, I would never do such a thing! Did I just do that?!

I don't know why I turn to look at Malfoy for assistance, but I do, and I catch him peering curiously at Professor Snape, casting him a look of dubiousness all his own.

"I've never heard of this Oath or these sort of things before," I protest meekly.

"Of course you haven't, Granger," Malfoy snorts mockingly, his grey eyes turning to me. "Hence, the Oath of Confidentiality! And to think that wizards old and young consider you the brightest witch of her age. Bah!"

"Look here, Malfoy-"

"Enough bickering!" Snape barks, curtailing yet another impassioned swipe at Malfoy's character from falling from my lips.

"Let's begin. Grasp hands."

I take a deep breath and attempt to talk myself into holding my hand out to the cockroach. I stare into his insolent face and decide immediately that I will not, under pain of death, offer my hand until he has presented his first. Several moments of uncomfortably thick silence tick by. Apparently, the Ferret has come to the very same conclusion as I have.

"I will not stand here all night to await a detente between the two of you!" shouts Professor Snape, who in my opinion has shown an unusual amount of tolerance for Malfoy's boorish behavior. "Mr. Malfoy, extend your hand this instant!"

I am slightly shocked that Professor Snape does not force me to present my hand to Malfoy first. It seems he cares less about pleasing the bratty Malfoy heir than of me entering into this Oath of my own free will.

I watch Malfoy openly offer me a look of outright disgust as he reluctantly holds out his hand. I begin to reach mine out as well, but stop mid-way.

"Wait, Professor!" I say loudly, surprised that my voice has enough room to echo in such an item filled-room. I watch Malfoy retract his hand with an eye roll. "I was just wondering, Sir, what is the consequence should either one of us break the Oath?"

I look to Malfoy who now seems just as curious about the answer to my question. Professor Snape takes a moment to consider my inquiry. I cringe inside as I watch a particularly malevolent grin creep onto his face.

Oh, no!

"I'd initially thought that perhaps you would appreciate the sort of retribution you paid to the likes of those who betrayed your trust regarding your attempts at assembling students to learn unwarranted magic last year," he explains.

I let out a sigh of relief, a terrible case of word-revealing acne is something I can live with. Relief showers over me as I decide this. Malfoy, on the other hand, looks completely mortified.

"However…"

Apparently, my relief is short lived.

"In light of the current situation," his oily tone sends creepy crawly things up my spine, "I'd like the both of you to imagine the worst possible thing that you could ever do WITH the person you see before you. This thing that you are to imagine must be something that would cause you abject shame and humiliation."

Merlin! That could be any number of things, like…

While in the Gryffindor stands I cheer loudly for Malfoy as he captures the snitch from Harry's hand and then bid him fly back around to me to throw me that very snitch, which I catch with a grin.

That's an awful thought! Ron and Harry would kill me!

Holding hands with Malfoy down the corridor, giving him doe eyes, while wearing a Slytherin uniform!

I shudder, my stomach convulses at the idea.

Sitting at the Slytherin table, hugging myself to Malfoy because I want to be more than friends, telling him of my desire to see him smile a true smile, when all he's doing is trying to push me off.

Humiliation! I feel icy fingers of fear steal through my muscles as I think of the horror.

Snogging him until I'm breathless and telling him how I am secretly enamored with him while he laughs uproariously in my face.

Unthinkable! I think I actually do vomit a little in my mouth by simply imagining this.

Admitting to him that I sometimes, in my wildest imaginings, think of doing any number of these, among some other unmentionables, with him when I am lying alone in my bed at night trying desperately to convince myself that it's Ron, or even Harry, who I want to be with in the end.

I am paralyzed by the very idea of admitting something so shameful and vile to Malfoy. The fact that such a thought even enters my head has me thoroughly disgusted with myself!

Oh, gawds! that would be it, then, the worst possible punishment for breaking this Oath!

"OK, I've snatched the worst thought from each of your minds," Snape announces matter-of-factly.

Malfoy and I both expel outraged gasps.

Merlin! Can he do that?! I know that he's a highly skilled Legilimens but my, that was swift! I turn to Malfoy who looks just as disturbed as I feel.

Now, I don't know if Snape has actually done as he claims, or not, but even the slightest possibility that he has…

I fill my mouth up with air, holding my breath, trying to calm myself down.

I steal a glance at Malfoy, who looks as though he's going through some painful self-flagellation as well.

It appears that whatever he thought about having to do with me is just as detestable as my idea of the worst possible punishment EVER.

Seems we both share an overactive imagination.

I will keep this confidential, I vow to myself. I have no other choice!

"Now, join hands," Snape orders, eyeing the both of us threateningly as we continue to stubbornly remain motionless despite his command. "On the count of three, then. You both count."

I watch a smirk form on the Ferret's lips as I return it. We both seem to be recalling that day in the library when I first explained what the Muggle saying meant.

One-

Two-

Three-

On three, our hands touch and that same spark and tingle of electricity, magical energy, I think idily, shoots through me. Malfoy seems to feel it too.

Snape apparently recognizes something unusual happening when our hands at last clasp since he raises an eyebrow and his mouth is slightly agape as he watches little silver and gold lights dance around our entwined hands. Pulling out of his trance, he finally moves to lightly touch the tip of his wand to the top of our joined hands.

"Will you Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy vow to cooperate and work together on the task that I am about to assign you?"

I meet Malfoy's silvery gaze as we both say at the same time, "I will."

"Will you, Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy vow to keep the details of this assignment confidential from all but those standing in this room at this very minute?

"I will."

"Will you, Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy vow to protect one another and keep each other from harm throughout this task?"

We both startle at the question, I feel his fingers fractionally loosen on mine, but I reach out to hold onto his more tightly. Malfoy's lips purse as I see a flash of fear in his eyes. I shoot a glance at Professor Snape who's giving us both threatening glares. I am slightly wary of making such a vow, but do imagine that if push came to shove I'd keep the promise regardless of my feelings for the prat anyway. I look to the Ferret who, seeing the determination in my gaze, at last offers me the scarcest of nods.

We both look to Snape and say, "I will."

My eyes widen, mesmerized, as I watch a thick cord of cool blue light wind around our linked hands. Malfoy and I seemed joined this way for hours, but it must have been only minutes when the light magically fades away and Professor Snape is placing his wand back into his robe.

"Alright then, follow me," he says, moving soundlessly further into the room.

Malfoy and I are still holding hands and we both seem to realize this at the very same moment. We both awkwardly snatch our fingers away from one another and quickly follow Snape into the maze of magical things.

Author's note: Correction made in last chapter - Justin Finch-Fletchley is a Muggle-born wizard who was sorted into Hufflepuff house.. He was in the same year as Harry at Hogwarts. I relied on an inaccurate source that named Justin as a Ravenclaw. I fixed the last chapter to reflect this change.