Ch. 11 Property and Plans

Draco's eyes opened slowly to the light from the sun beaming through on to his face. His body felt stiff and sore. He tried to move slightly and looked down in amazement to find Granger nestled up against him with his arm around her. Her wild hair lay softly on his chest as did her hand that still remained clutched tightly in his. The soft contours of her face were highlighted by the morning's rays and she looked absolutely beautiful.

His body was unconsciously responding to hers against him and he took a shallow breath. She looked so peaceful and innocent. He couldn't resist himself and lifted the arm that was draped across her body and gently caressed her untamed curls. She stirred slightly in his arms.

"Draco," she whispered.

He smiled and let himself enjoy being close to her. His mind was slowly recollecting the events of the night before. He'd gone to meet with his father who'd then taken him to see Voldemort. The room he'd been apparrated to was no doubt a dungeon and had been used centuries before to torture. Many of the Death Eaters had been in attendance because he was supposed to formally announce his allegiance to the loathsome creature.

Everyone had worn dark hoods to conceal their identity not that he didn't already know who was who. He'd thought it pointless and cowardly. The room had been mostly dark the only light within was a small torch that sat in the back of the room. Voldemort had sat where he always sat in the middle with everyone creating a make-shift circle around him.

He had lifted his head his red eyes glowing and everyone had bowed on one knee in reverence. He had stood in front of Voldemort keeping his mind a blank forcing his malicious thoughts toward him at bay. His red eyes had seemed to pierce through him but he had felt no fear.

"Who is your master?" Voldemort's slithering voice had hissed at him.

He'd had to go to a dead place in his head and heart in order to say, "You are."

"Will you die for the cause?"

He'd nodded and Voldemort's head had lifted slightly and said simply, "Demonstrate."

Suddenly every Death Eater had advanced on him. They'd shouted curses and he'd twitched and jerked on the floor. He had gritted his teeth trying to find a place in his mind where the pain hadn't mattered. He'd almost succeeded when he'd felt someone's boot kick harshly into his stomach. He'd lost the ability to breath and had gasped for air. Someone else had then kicked him in the face and blood flew everywhere.

He could vaguely make out his father in the corner of the room watching it all with a stoic expression on his face. He was the only one aside from Draco and Voldemort who was not cloaked. He could practically see in his eyes that he was silently asking him not to disappoint him.

Everyone had continued 'testing his loyalty' by savagely hitting him magically and physically. Time had become of no consequence to him he had no idea if minutes passed or hours. Voldemort's red eyes had watched everything diligently while hissing in pleasure until he lifted his hand slightly. Everyone had immediately stopped and resumed their kneeling positions as if they'd never moved to begin with.

Draco had been on his back trying to breathe evenly. He had felt nothing but pain even breathing was painful but he hadn't wanted to give any of them the satisfaction of showing it. Lucius had walked over and jerked him up roughly. He'd used all his strength not to groan as his pain multiplied at the sudden motion.

"You will receive your mark Draco," Voldemort hissed, "You will have the rare honor of receiving it from me."

He had barely heard the words as it seemed he had been slipping in and out of consciousness. His father had apparrated back to the Forbidden Forest and had let him drop to the ground in pain.

"You surprised me tonight," his father had said pleasure in his voice before hardening, "Now get back to Hogwarts. The pain is your reward do not get rid of it quickly."

He had apparrated again leaving him alone in the dark forest. How he made his way back to the castle he had no clue. He remembered half-walking half-crawling through the dense trees barely aware of his surroundings. He had been on the lookout for werewolves and the like ever sine his encounter with Granger but when he had trudged through the forest he could care less if any deadly creature happened upon him.

Somehow he'd found his way to the school and had miraculously made it back to his dorm. He remembered her helping him to his room and him asking her to stay before everything became a blank. He'd called her Hermione for the first time but hadn't been able to see her reaction. Hermione. He could definitely get used to calling her that.

She stirred beside him and he could tell that she was waking up. Her head lifted slightly as if trying to figure out where she was. He watched her look down at his chest before looking up at him. Her eyes were wide in surprised. She moved quickly lifting herself up from him. He immediately missed the warmth of her body as she separated herself.

"Are you alright? I didn't hurt you did I?" she asked quickly her eyes scanning him.

He shook his head and sat up slowly mindful of his aching body.

"You didn't hurt me."

She sighed and ran her hands through her hair nervously and glanced at a clock in the back of the room.

"If I hurry now I can still make breakfast."

As if hearing her words a small elf popped into the room. It looked at both of them wide eyed before laying a tray of food on the dresser and popping away again. She gave him an embarrassed smile.

"That's a part of your punishment?"

He nodded, "McGonagall seems to think me not being around my housemates is a punishment."

She raised a brow, "It's not?"

"I'm not as attached to them as you might think," he said wryly.

"I'm starting to understand that."

Her eyes lowered to his chest before flitting away and he could see her cheeks redden. He smiled in spite of himself.

"Were you able to speak to Weaslette or has she jumped off of one of the North Towers?"

She shook her head, "I wish you'd quit calling her that. And Ron. And Harry."

He feigned stupidity.

"I've never referred to them as Weaslette."

She gave him a scolding stare, "You know what I mean."

He shrugged and his joints screamed, "They're you're friends not mine," he grit out through his teeth.

She stepped closer to him concerned.

"Does it hurt?"

"No, it feels bloody great," he breathed out massaging his arm.

She rolled her eyes, "Do you know how to say anything without being sarcastic?"

He glared at her not appreciating what he thought was pity in her eyes.

"I don't need nor do I want your pity."

She sat back down on the bed and tilted her head at him.

"I used to pity you years ago when were just little kids. I don't pity you now because whatever you're going through is self-inflicted. I feel sorry for you because you act like there is no way out," her voice softened, "There is a way out, Draco. There is always a way out."

He stopped massaging his shoulder growing angry at her words.

"I don't remember asking for your advice," he shook his head, "You wouldn't understand anyway."

She sighed impatiently, "Why not? What can't I understand?"

He was in no mood to divulge to her the nightmare that was his life.

"You're missing breakfast."

She sat back annoyed.

"You can't push me away. Whether you like it not we're friends now."

She was defiant and her brown eyes dared him to argue with her. He tried fighting the smile tugging at his lips but lost.

"Since when are we friends? A kiss doesn't make us pals."

"We became friends when we started sharing secrets. When you started sneaking out at night and scaring me to death."

He raised a brow, "Scaring you to death?"

Suddenly he had a memory of her voice saying, "I'm afraid for you Draco."

He'd thought he'd been dreaming but now he realized she'd said the words as he fell unconsciously into sleep. She'd also had tears in her eyes. He never thought he'd see the day when Hermione Granger would shed tears for him.

"I've treated you horribly. You should've left me on the floor in the common room."

She smiled at him, "Are you saying in your own twisted way that you don't deserve my friendship?"

He scoffed, "Don't get ahead of yourself," he gazed at her intensely, "I'm a selfish man. I take what I want when I want it everyone else be damned. Do you want a friend like that?"

She didn't blink at his confession and slowly nodded.

"I know who you are.....well I know mostly who you are. The rest will have to come later."

She got off of the bed and headed towards his door.

"Hermione."

She turned back to him startled at his using her name.

"I don't really want to be your friend," her face fell and he eased himself out of bed carefully and walked to her. He lifted her chin with his hand and leaned down to give her a brief but passionate kiss. He stepped back trying to control his urge to take it farther, "Friends don't do that."

Her eyes widened her mouth making a small 'oh'. She made a hasty exit and he picked up the tray from his dresser heading to the table by his window. The future still looked bleak but right now he didn't give a damn.

Hermione rushed into the Great Hall and sat down between Ron and Harry. Everyone was already there chowing down into their morning meal and they both said 'hi' to her with their mouths full. She glanced at the Slytherin table. Blaise nodded at her with a grin. Everyone seemed to be distancing themselves from him as much as they could while sitting at the same table. A few still talked to him though, mainly girls, the boys seemed the least pressed to forgive or accept him again. She gave a small wave and smile before focusing on her food.

They were all midway through their meal when Dumbledore walked into the room. She elbowed Ron to get his attention and he nearly choked on a piece of bacon. Dumbledore walked up to sit in his usual throne like chair watching everyone. He looked the same as he always did eyes twinkling. Today he had on a long emerald green robe with little stars that twinkled magically on the cloth. He glanced at them nodding his head in greeting and they all looked at each other knowingly. They would be able to talk to him soon and hopefully get help with their problems.

The owls began to come in dropping letters and packages to those who'd gotten them. She beamed when a letter from her parents fell into her lap. She tore through the letter and began to read the letter that was half her father's and half her mother's. Every word she read warmed her heart. They were thinking about going on a vacation this Christmas and needed to know now if she wanted to come with them since the reservations had to be made early. Her dad had commented that business was booming and people's teeth seemed more rotten than ever.

She laughed and Harry had peeked at her letter and she'd let him read it with her knowing that it was times like these when he felt the loneliest. Ron was reading his own letter which seemed to make him grow redder by the second. Anyone could guess what Mrs. Weasley had sent him. After he was done he pocketed the letter.

"Mum says hi," he said weakly.

All of a sudden the volume in the room increased it seemed like everyone was talking at once. She paused reading her letter and tried to find the source of the commotion. A boy at the Hufflepuff table was showing a newspaper he'd just been given. Soon the discussion reached her ears.

"Muggles dead?"

"Many disappearances?"

"My mum said she might be taking me out."

"You-know-who's struck."

"What if it comes here?"

"What's going to happen?"

Everyone was murmuring worriedly and Dumbledore stood up. He raised his hands to quiet everybody. It took a few moments but everyone eventually quieted down and looked to him.

"I see that some of you have been notified of this morning's headlines made by the Daily Prophet. Do not worry. You are all quite safe. Do not fret. please continue eating."

He sat back down and everyone began talking urgently again.

"I guess we know why Dumbledore's been gone so long. He's been fighting the ministry," Harry said.

Ginny leaned over gazing at the three of them.

"Why is that you are the only three here that don't look surprised?"

They all shrugged and looked away. Ginny slumped back into her seat looking annoyed. Estrella seemed confused by everything going on and Harry calmly explained it to her.

"So how long have you all known about this?" Ginny asked.

Ron popped a piece of sausage into his mouth and tried to talk intentionally garbling his words. Ginny rolled her eyes and then turned to Hermione.

"Not long, we really don't know much," she admitted.

"None of you could tell me?" Ginny asked exasperated.

"We were told to not speak a word," she said.

"Who told you?"

That Hermione was not going to say. She'd said enough already. Ginny would have to remain upset with them for the time being. Ginny shook her head and resumed talking to Parvati Patil beside her. They finished their breakfast and she followed them out to the Quidditch field to watch them practice and mostly goof around. Afterward they were all heading to Hogsmeade and she decided to go only for a little while. She wanted to get back to her dorm soon.

Draco had decided to work on a paper that was due tomorrow in Snape's class since he had virtually nothing else to do. Tonight he had a break from his Death Eater meetings. His father wasn't expecting him until a few days later. He could relax until then. He'd immersed himself in writing the paper when there was a pop and he turned to see an elf standing beside him holding what looked to be a present. He vaguely wondered if his father was sending him a congratulations for the night before.

The elf cast its eyes away and set the present on the table. Without saying anything else the elf popped out of the common room. He curiously picked up the gift that was wrapped in blue and noticed that there was a note sticking out of the wrapping. He pulled out the note and set it aside more interested in the present for now. He tore through the wrapping and opened a blue box. Inside was a bracelet that looked like it was made out of blue gold. It shimmered ethereally as if it held an ocean inside. It was most definitely not for him since it was obviously made for a woman. That meant that it was Hermione's.

Who would be sending Hermione a bracelet and why? He picked up the note and began to read his knuckles turning white as he gripped it in his hands.

Hermione,

I enjoyed sharing the butterbeer. It was a special time. I couldn't resist myself and bought the bracelet you wanted. Don't send it back as I've torn the receipt. It is yours now. Enjoy.

Blaise

He finally let the note drop from his death grip. His fury was clouding his vision and he wanted nothing more than to leave the room and seek out Blaise so he could pound his face in again. Either Blaise was really stupid or he was intentionally trying to go against his wishes.

Butterbeer? When the hell did this happen? Yesterday. It had to have happened while she'd been gone yesterday. He clenched his fists thinking that she'd been gone all day with him sharing butterbeers and apparently shopping together. Blaise was becoming more than a thorn in his side. He was becoming a problem.

Hermione swept into the dorm by late afternoon having stayed at Hogsmeade longer than she'd expected. The common room was empty. She hoped Draco hadn't tried to sneak out to the Forbidden Forest already. She went into her room and removed her robes then came back out. She moved their cauldron to the study table and then went to his door. As she raised her hand the door opened suddenly and he swept out nearly knocking her over.

He looked at their cauldron and moved towards it setting his book down beside it. He looked at their instructions and began to start from there completely ignoring her. She walked over and started helping wondering what the problem was. He was brisk and short with everything he said and never did really looking her in the eye.

She had a feeling he was holding in his anger over something. What that something was she had no idea. So preoccupied in her thoughts was she that she almost dropped the wrong plant into the pot. He had grabbed her hand before she let it drop.

"Are you trying to ruin the whole potion?" he scolded her.

She jerked her hand away in annoyance.

"Sorry. I......I wasn't paying attention."

"That much is obvious," he muttered under his breath.

She dropped the false ingredient and stared at him irritated.

"Maybe if I wasn't getting the cold shoulder I would be able to concentrate a little better."

He glanced at her in annoyance and correctly applied the true ingredient. He stirred five times before adding water then potting the cauldron. He lifted up the pot and returned it to the back of the room.

"Why is it that every time we work on this pathetic potion you're angry at me and I have no idea why?"

He went into his room completely ignoring her and she was just about to follow when he came back out holding a box and what looked like a note. He slammed it on the table glaring at her.

"Your boyfriend sent you something."

She eyed him confused and picked up the box and the note. She read the note first and then quickly opened the box already knowing what was there. She gasped when she saw the blue bracelet she'd been looking at in the jewelry shop.

"I can't believe he bought this for me....." she said more to herself.

"He obviously had a good time yesterday sharing butterbeers and all," he bit out angrily.

She glanced up at him breaking her gaze from the bracelet. Despite the letter she couldn't and wouldn't accept this no matter how badly she wanted it.

"He's not my boyfriend and all we did was talk," she said defending herself.

"And share buterbeers," he stressed.

She waved the note in his face.

"Why did you open and read this?"

He actually had the decency to look slightly sheepish.

"I thought it was for me."

She nodded, "Of course. You thought one of your many conquests had sent you a gift thanking you for their night of ecstasy."

He shook his head.

"I haven't been with a girl in-"

She raised her eyebrows.

"In what? Three days?"

Just the thought of some nameless bimbo with him made her see red.

"Do you not listen to anything I say? This isn't about me. I'm not the one getting sent expensive presents."

She realized he was jealous. He's actually jealous. The thought was pleasing only for a moment before irritation overtook her.

"Why exactly does this bother you Draco?"

She knew the reason. She wanted him to admit the reason though. She wasn't even sure if he'd totally admitted it to himself yet. He suddenly looked uneasy and she pressed further.

"Why do you hate the thought of me and Blaise going out on a date?"

His eyes softened and he sighed, "I," he paused, "I respect you Hermione."

She smiled at him in surprise.

"You respect me? That doesn't answer my question."

He shifted on his feet obviously out of his comfort zone.

"I respect you and he doesn't. He just wants to have sex with you and brag about it later. Ordinarily I wouldn't care but.........." he left the sentence hanging.

She stepped closer to him.

"But what?"

He took a breath before finishing, "But you deserve better and I would never treat you like that and I wouldn't sit by and let anyone else either."

She took a shaky breath his words sinking deep down into her heart. He'd spoken roughly as if the thought of her being used callously pissed him off.

"I know what Blaise wants. I'm not stupid. You should trust that I can and will protect myself." she smiled shyly, "But thanks anyway."

He gave her annoyed look, "Yet you still go out with him."

"I haven't went out with him," she glanced at the bracelet, "He probably only bought this to annoy you. You did bloody his face over this."

He snatched the box out of her hand eying the bracelet again.

"How much did this cost?"

"It doesn't matter, I'm not accepting it. I'll give it to him tomorrow in class."

She reached for it but he moved it out of her grasp.

"How much did it cost?"

She sighed, "Five galleons."

His eyes widened.

"Five galleons?" he asked astonished.

He looked at the bracelet again as if expecting it to magically fly away. She reached for it again but he was still too quick for her.

"He spent five galleons to impress you," he put the box in his back pocket.

She looked at him as if he'd lost his mind.

"Are you crazy? Hand me that back!"

He moved away from her.

"I'll give him back his little present."

She put her hands on her hip becoming angry. How could he seem so endearing one minute and a complete jack-ass the next?

"That's not your place to do, Malfoy," she said using his last name to irritate him.

He merely raised a brow in amusement.

"As far as I'm concerned it is, Granger."

"Meaning?" she stressed out.

He rolled his eyes, "Do I have to spell it out for you? I thought you were supposed to be a smart witch?"

"Only when I'm dealing with normal logical things, both of which you are not," she surmised.

He walked over to her and pulled her to him. He covered her gasp with his mouth. She felt herself melting into him again before he pulled away.

"Consider yourself mine."

He walked into his room and shut the door. She growled in frustration. She noticed the note on the table and glared at his door. He still had the necklace.

Lucius sat at the round table that housed many Death Eaters watching them all furtively. Malfoy Manor was the usual place to meet but if they felt like their operations were being watched they had many secondary spots to relocate.

"I thought that you had this situation under control Lucius?" Bellatrix Lestrange spoke sourly towards the man.

He eyed her frostily.

"I am the one who has been paying off all of these officials. I don't see anyone else chipping in. Besides it was mostly Dumbledore, that old fool wouldn't stop until he had them on his side."

"What does our Lord want us to do next?" Crabbe Sr. spoke

Bellatrix pursed her mouth evilly, "If he takes anymore advice from Lucius we might lose all the progress we've made so far. Potter's nearly ours don't screw that up."

Lucius gave her a chilling smile.

"Killing Sirius Black in no way makes you a person of authority. There is a reason he trusts me more than you. You couldn't come up with a good idea if you were cursed with it."

She snarled and opened her mouth to retort and he held up a well manicured hand.

"I am the head of this meeting you are not. Now on to more pertinent matters," he eyed the rest of the people at the table, "In order to infiltrate Hogwarts we need more than just two people. I want you to recruit your sons," he eyed Crabbe and Goyle Sr.

They nodded. He smiled satisfactorily.

"Taking over Hogwarts will practically hand us the wizarding world and subsequently the rest. These are our Lord's plans and wishes and he wants us to act soon. Time is running out."

Everyone glanced at each other.

"We will not meet again until the moment we strike."

"How do we know your boy can be trusted?" Bellatrix snarled.

He simply raised an eyebrow.

"Because he is my son and therefore a part of me. He will not disappoint."

His tone brooked no argument and everyone fell silent. Most of the plan hinged on Draco so therefore he couldn't disappoint or else it would be a grave situation indeed.