In this chapter- We take a look at the inside of the Malfoy manor, and stumble across some dangerous ground, but what's up with Malfoy?  Watch out, this isn't a kid's story anymore.

Breathe

Lauren found herself being announced at the entrance of the Malfoy ballroom, if it was one thing about the Malfoy family, they spared no expense. 

One thing Lauren truly loved about the wizarding world was its old fashioned costumes, handed down through generations and generations of old families.  She loved the old chandeliers of the Malfoy Manor, the huge grand staircase, the high ceilings and stone walls.  Granted, her own house was like that, but she only lived there part of the time.

Lauren had houses all over Europe, and her Aunt lived in the States.  It was true, Lauren had grown up beside Hermione, not knowing who she was, but now as she looked back on it, she had a peculiar feeling that her dad knew exactly who she was, but could never prove it.  

"Miss Lauren Covington."  The announcer's voice rang out, bringing Lauren back to where she was. She descended the steps gracefully in a clingy dark green gown, it's plunging neckline and body fit left little to the imagination.

Lauren went over what Severus Snape had told her.  The Malfoy men were the top men.  They had the money, the houses, and the women.  If Lauren wanted Draco's attention, she would have to work on it, but she soon discovered there was a very easy way to lead a guy on, and it was currently wrapped around her five foot frame.

Lauren looked around the room, her gaze settling on every fair haired man present.  Nothing.  Lauren had to hand it to Draco, he truly was one in a million.

~

Draco stood in front on the enchanted mirror, readjusting his robes.

"You look fine, darling."  The mirror said in an approving voice.  "Far better than your father looked at your age."

Draco gave a small grin and thanks the mirror politely before exiting his room, and sweeping down to the ballroom.

His eyes first rested on Pansy.  Pansy Parkinson, a subdued shadow of her former self, turning into exactly the kind of pureblooded wife that the old families were supposed to bring up.  She was attending the ball with Millicent Bulstrode and Blaise Zambini. Pansy looked around the room, quiet eyes and a quiet smile to anyone who bothered to look her way.  She had on a strapless back dress that clung to her small body and trailed a bit on the floor, simple, but Pansy pulled it off an a quiet, elegant sort of way.

  Millicent was tall, to say the least.  Five ten without shoes and had the build of someone who trained for some sort of athletic event.  She had strong arms and powerful legs, her whole body was lean, not skinny and not fat, completely lean.   Draco suspected she also was an anorexic, but Slytherin code of conduct forbade any to snoop into another's personal matters.  Now if Draco were betrothed to Millicent, then she would be at his disposal, but it was said that she was for Vincent Crabbe.  Draco almost pitied her somewhere deep in his heart.  Millicent was wearing a dark blue gown that had long sleeves and a modest neckline, the back was a weave of crisscrosses, showing off her toned back, but that's all the skin she permitted herself to show.  Millicent was never one for showy things, and Draco almost respected her for it.

Blaise Zambini.  Probably the secret lust and desire of many people in the school.  Some not so secret.  Blaise was, in all honestly, a firecracker with black hair.  Draco often told her that if she were to dye her hair red, she could be mistaken for Ginny Weasley, the youngest of the Weasley clan.  Blaise had waist length black hair that was usually falling past her shoulders in loopy, wide spirals, but tonight it was all piled on her head in a delicate up-do that had her turning many heads- including some men that could easily be her father's age.  Blaise never took anything from anyone.  She stood her ground against all the boys, their unwanted attentions were buzzed away by a careless wave of a hand, and she could snap back insults almost as fast as Hermione Granger- almost.  She was what Lucius Malfoy called a 'breakable woman'.  A woman you would have to marry first, then break in.  Draco suspected that was how his own mother was.  Lucius liked killing her slowly, but Draco would only half admit that to himself. 

Blaise had on a shimmery silver cocktail dress, coming to about mid-calf.  It had long sleeves like Millicent's, but Blaise's neckline was off-shoulder, accenting her pretty neck.

 Draco approached the Slytherin girls and politely kissed their hands in turn, going through the motions of a perfect gentleman and pureblood, but mostly just going through the motions.

"Evening."  He said smoothly, "How are you doing?" 

They all exchanged simple conversation, dresses, school, Voldemort.  The Youth of the deatheaters were bored, but they would never say a word.

Soon though, Draco looked up from his group of girls and his eyes fell on another figure across the room.

"Lauren Covington."  He murmured, causing Pansy to follow his gaze.

"Yes."  She said.  "She's here with her mother and father, Lady and Lord Covington, do you remember them?  Lord Covington led the muggle slaughter last month, the muggle paper called is an arson fire.  I suppose they never saw a blaze hex before."  Pansy managed a weak smirk, half of what she used to be able to pull off.

"She seems to be looking for something."  Draco said to no one in particular."

"Probably you, Draco."  Blaise said teasingly.

"You're probably right."  Draco said in a self assured voice.  "Better go greet her."

Draco, in all his aired, cocky ways, never imagined how Lauren would greet him.

"Draco!"  She said in a quiet, pleased voice.  "I was just looking for you, but I'm afraid I couldn't spot you.  All the blonds in this room are nothing compared to you, I am surprised I missed your entrance."

"I came in from the west wing, in the back over there."  Draco said, waving his hand in the direction of where Pansy and her group were.

"Ah."  Lauren said softly, looking about the room.

"The Manor looks fantastic, as always."  She said.  "Simply wonderful."

Draco smirked as he wallowed in the praise.  The manor was fantastic.  Then something hit him.

"You're Potters girlfriend."  He said in an accusing voice.  "What the hell are you doing here?"

If he saw Lauren slightly tense up, he didn't show it, and Lauren played cool as a cucumber.

"Harry Potter's girlfriend?"  Lauren giggled and placed a soft hand on Draco's stomach.  "Do you believe, for one minute, that Lord Covington's daughter would go out with the golden boy Harry Potter unless there were other motives?  Really Draco."

Draco suddenly felt turned on by the way she said his name, he mentally shook his head and smirked again.  "Ah, you would make a truly perfect Slytherin."  He said.  "Too bad you're at that school, what's it called again?"

Lauren sighed and relaxed a little, and told the Slytherin bad boy about her own school.

"It's in America."  She started.  "My mother went there; it is an all-witch school for gifted students.  Father wanted to send me to Durmstag, where he went, but my mother wouldn't here of it.  She told him that Durmstag was for ruffian boys and she didn't trust her daughter to a school like that.  Once daddy remembered what went on in schools with boy boys and girls, he quickly agreed, and when I turned eleven, I was sent to America." 

Lauren grinned mischievously.  "What they don't know is that recently another boarding school was established down the road…a wizard boarding school.  We have fun, lots of it."

Draco raised a careful eye brow, hoping to contain his obvious enthusiasm.  He really didn't need this tonight.  I constant battle was raging in his mind, the woman from his dreams, his father, his mother's death, the search for Hermione and Harry.  He did not need to complicate things by bringing hormones into the picture.

Lauren was back to talking about her experience at Hogwarts.  "It was simply fantastic."  She was saying.  "And seeing you there! I was surprised, although I suppose I shouldn't have been."

"Ah yes, now I remember."  Draco said.  "You insulted me quite a bit, I recall."

"Erm, well."  Lauren said and blushed prettily.  "I could not blow my cover for the sake of a gorgeous boy, now could I?"

Lauren was surprised at herself at how easy the lies were coming, but Snape's voice rang soundly in her ears.  Any means neccisary

Gorgeous? Draco smirked inwardly.  Screw self control, Draco was seriously turned on.

"Well."  HE said in a silky voice.  "I suppose I can forgive you."  He took her hand in his and kissed the top of it.

Lauren smiled again and ventured bravely onward.  "What do you think about the Lord's plans for Hermione Prewit?"  She asked in a strong voice.  "When I was with her, she did not seem to be any more special than the rest of us."

Draco looked down into Laurens green eyes, he saw honest curiosity.  "His plans are great."  Draco said smugly.  "And they involve me.  Did you know that Hermione and I were betrothed when she was born?"

Lauren's sharp intake of breath confirmed that she was not aware of that bit of information. 

"Yes."  Draco said with an even more self assured grin.  "Combining the two most powerful families of the wizarding world for our Lord's benefit.  But then she disappeared.  Now that she is back, the betrothal is still on, for when we find her, that is."

Lauren thought quickly, she needed to find out more.  "So."  She said, snaking her arm around his neck, slowly massaging his shoulders.  "Are you true to that betrothal, or do you allow yourself to have a little fun?" 

Draco's heart skipped a beat, this girl certainly knew what she wanted, and it was soon going to be apparent what he wanted as well.

"Betrothal?"  He said as he quirked an eyebrow.  "Have yet to meet my wife to be as a Prewit, and you can't expect me to sit around all day like a good boy."  He looked her over.

Lauren played along with him.  "Oh, so you're a bad boy then?"

"I'm the worst."  Draco said, leaning down and whispering in her ear.  Lauren could feel his warm breath hit her sensitive skin, and suddenly gave a little tremble; she needed to get back into control. 

"Well then."  Lauren said, getting a grip.  "Just how bad do you get?"  She asked playfully, looking up at him in a wide-eyed expression.

"If you have to ask, you'll never know." Draco murmured again, and made his way across the room and exited through a door.

"Damnit."  Lauren said under her breath.   She was learning things about Hermione, Hermione's past, and her future, she needed more information. 

Lauren took a bold step forward and followed Draco through the door.  She walked though and into a room that was only lit by a few floating candles, dark and eerie. It looked like a sitting room.  An enormous couch near a roaring fire, several plush armchairs, and many expensive looking rugs where thrown here and there. 

The heavy door closed softly behind her and she whirled around.  Draco was standing there, smirking with his arms folded over his chest.

"Let me show you how bad I can really be." 

Draco advanced on her, and Lauren knew what was coming.  Any means necessary…any…any…

Draco was already at her; he put his strong arms around her waist and started to lightly kiss her neck.  Lauren didn't like him, didn't know him, but it was true, her and her friends had enough encounters back at school to leave Lauren fairly experienced, and Draco knew just what buttons to hit.

He started on her neck, and then made his way to her collarbone and up the base of her throat, finally putting his soft lips on hers, soft and passionate, and then crushing his lips on hers, hungry for the taste, the feel. 

Lauren was the perfect actress, moaning in all the right times, pretending to want Draco Malfoy like every other girl in the world, and Draco bought it- hook, line, and sinker.

Lauren needed to be back in control again, and used her hands to aid her.  She took her left arm from around his neck, leaving the right one there, and started to creep her way down to where Draco's hardness was appearing.  She lightly traced the outside of his pants and teased with her nimble fingers, massaging and circling until she felt Draco moan himself, and shudder involuntarily. 

Draco began to breathe heavy, leading Lauren to the huge couch in front of the fire.   Lauren sat down first, and then Draco, he began to lean over, until he was nearly on top of her. 

He was kissing her hard, forceful.  Lauren was surprised at the utter lack of emotion Draco put into this thing that was supposed to be in the name of love.

Then, just as suddenly as it all started, Draco pulled away, a range of emotions clouding his usually expressionless face.  Lauren was confused.

"Draco?"  She said, sliding closer to him, her voice silky.  "What's wrong?"

Draco took one look at her and looked as though he was going to bolt through the door any minute.  He looked away, then at her again, then away again, before saying:  "You should leave."

Now Lauren was completely baffled.  Draco had just basically blown off having sex, having sex with a very influential deatheaters daughter, who happened to be extremely pretty and pulling the heartstrings of Harry Potter.  Something wasn't right.

"Do you need to talk?"  Lauren asked, dropping her show voice, and gave him some space.

"About what?"  Draco asked heatedly.  "There's nothing wrong with me that way if that's what you mean."

"No." Lauren said, not surprised at his jump to defend his manhood.  "But I am a great listener, if you need to talk."

Draco glared at her with his silver eyes, and then softened slightly when his gaze was met with a sincere smile.

"There's so much."  He said with a sigh.  "So much I don't know, and so much no one is willing to tell me.  Do you have any idea how frustrating it is to not be in charge of your own life?"

Lauren smiled.  "I grew up in the same type of home as you; I know exactly how it feels."

"But at least there was some love in your family.  Your father adores you and your mum."

"But wouldn't hesitate to kill either of us if it was convenient."  Lauren finished her own eyes hardening.

"I have dreams."  Draco finally said after a few minutes had gone by.  "Of my when I was younger, and a woman and little girl my age.  The woman looks young, maybe in her late twenties.  She keeps telling me to fight for something, but I don't know what, and that little girl, it was like we were the greatest of friends, but I don't know who she is, or even if she exists, all I have are dreams, and what good is that?"

"Dreams can tell you a lot."  Lauren said.  "Dreams are the links we have to the spirit world, and out own imagination.  It sounds like someone needs something desperately.  Think about it some more.  Maybe this woman needs you to change something, maybe about yourself?"

Draco looked at her again.  "You're a deatheater's daughter."  He said.

Lauren smirked.  "And you're a deatheater's son."

"No,"  Draco said.  "That's not what I meant.  Who are you really?  On one hand, you're Harry Potter's girlfriend, defending all Gryffindors and all that shit, next your at one of my families parties acting like the perfect guest, and then we're here snogging in an unused room, then you're back to being just like a perfect little Gryffindor.  What gives?"

Lauren panicked slightly.  Avoid all personal questions 

"Just because of who my parents are, does not determine who I am, or who I will become."  She folded her arms across her chest.  "I'm only trying to help you."

"I need a lot more help than this."  Draco said, and put his face in his hands, as if trying to hide from the weakness that was over taking him.

"Draco?"  Lauren said gently.  "Help is always out there, all you need to do is ask for it."

When he didn't answer, she got up and decided it was time to report back.  Before the door closed all the way behind her, Lauren could have sworn she heard a small "thank you"  coming from within the room.

She made her way to the apparating room, all the while thinking about the strangest conversation she had ever had.

Sometimes things aren't always black and white.  There are a million shades of grey in between.  Good and evil are only two extremes, on two ends of an ever-conflicting battle for power.  Good and evil.   Slytherin and Gryffindor.  Purebloods and mudbloods.  Voldemort, Dumbledore.  People decide that they are good or evil because it is easy.  Not many people can handle being in the middle of an everlasting battle.  Black and white is easy, but being able to carry a burden of grey takes a strong soul and a good spirit.   Black and white is so easy.

(A/N)

Aha, another chapter.  How does everyone like the revised edition?  I think its better this way, I like staying true to cannon, no matter what.  I tried to keep Draco as in-character as I could, but really, it is believable.  Everyone has a weak moment, and in contrast with the sexual tension, Draco sort of snapped. lol. So now what is Lauren going to report?  Are we going to see a reformed Draco?  Hold on tight, and we just might find out!  Until next time-

Ariel 3

Also- if you want an email when I put another chapter up, leave your email in a review =)