Chapter 11

Draco stepped out of his dorm to run straight into Pansy Parkinson. He hadn't been avoiding her per say; not as much as he was simply tip-toeing around the places that he knew she would be. It wasn't that he hadn't wanted to see her, as much as it was that he didn't want to lead her on. She was one of his oldest friends, and he would gladly keep it that way. She however, wanted for the two of them to be more than that. About two years ago, his father had planted the idea in her head that the two of them would be a good match. Their alliance would bring two of the oldest wizarding families together. Pansy seemed keen on this idea. The increase to her fortune would certainly allow for many, many more shopping trips. Draco however, wasn't the slightest bit interested.

The first mistake he had made was playing along at first. He wanted to please his father, and would do almost anything to achieve that. But this year, he no longer wanted to allow someone else to govern his life. He wanted to be in control of it, and nothing would change that.

She looked shocked to see him, but nonetheless pleased, "Draco," she crooned as she twirled her hair. "Where have you been hiding these last few months? I haven't seen you except at meals, or at classes. And as soon as you're done you leave before anyone can talk to you." She pouted at him, "You aren't avoiding me are you?" she asked as her eyes narrowed slightly.

He forced out a smile. "Of course I'm not Pansy. Whatever gave you that ridiculous notion? I have simply been busy," he said, giving her a pointed look.

She seemed to understand that he was referring to the mission that he had received. She was one of the few people who knew he had one; however she had no idea what it was that he was supposed to do. He wondered if she would still want him after she learned what he would have to do.

"That's okay sweetie," she said in a sickly sweet voice. "There's a Hogsmeade trip this weekend. How about if we went together? I promise we won't go to Madame Puddifoot's."

He shook his head, "As lovely as that sounds, He had given me a task this weekend to allow my initiation into his ranks," he finished, with his voice lowering at the last part.

She gasped softly. "My father told me about what's happening. You are actually going?" she asked in surprise. "Draco, are you sure that you want to go?" she asked, with a nervous quiver about her. He knew that she didn't like the idea of Draco joining up. But she was a woman in the pureblood society, and it stood that woman were meant to be seen, but not heard. She never publically voiced her opinions unless it supported what her father believed, in fear of being disgraced. But that didn't mean that she believed in Voldemort either.

"I don't think I have a choice, Pans. Besides, it's the right thing to do," he lied. He knew that she probably would support him if she knew that he switched sides, but it was not a risk that he was willing to take. So instead, he told her what his father would want.

"If you're sure," she said, sounding unconvinced. "I suppose I can always find someone else to go with for the weekend."

He smiled at her, "It was nice catching up with you Pansy. But I unfortunately have to go," he said, as she entered the Slytherin common room.

He had been on his way to meet up with Dumbledore about what was going to happen over the weekend. He hadn't been surprised when after Granger gave him the information of what was about to happen, that he would want to meet up with Draco and discuss it.

He knocked on the door to the Headmaster's office. This was the first time that he had ever been in the office. Usually once he was in trouble, he would go to his godfather's office where he would receive a scolding, and maybe loose a few house points at the most.

"You may enter," the elderly man's voice called out from inside the chamber.

Draco walked in, and looked around the room. On the walls were many portraits of the previous Headmasters of the school. The room was furnished in a way one would expect Dumbledore to live. The walls were filled with books. He probably had enough to make Madame Prince jealous. In the centre of the room there stood an intricately carved wooden desk. It was in no ways large in size; however, its position in the room allowed for it to stand out. Seated at the desk was none other than Dumbledore himself. Dumbledore gestured to the seat on the opposite side of the desk, and Draco walked over to sit in it.

Once he was seated, Dumbledore began, "I'm sure you are aware of why I have called you down Draco," he said kindly. Draco nodded and his headmaster continued, "Before we talk about Sunday, I wish to discuss something else with you."

Draco was a bit confused. He hadn't been expecting for the two of them to talk about something else.

"I want to talk about how you are finding your transition into our ranks," Dumbledore said. "I know it is probably difficult. You grew up with the pureblood mania your entire life, and even though you are doing the right thing, it must be hard to put on the façade each day to those around you to keep them and yourself from harm."

Draco nodded. "It is, I suppose. A few others know that I had become a Death Eater over the summer. It's hard to hide it from them, especially when they want to help me so I don't have to do everything alone. A lot of Slytherins have family in Voldemort's ranks, and support him to various degrees."

Dumbledore gave him a soft smile. "Well, if you need help with anything Draco, then I can make sure you get it."

Draco pondered upon telling him of what his task was. Granger already knew, so there was a good chance that so did Dumbledore. But Draco still wanted to tell him for himself. "Professor, I'm supposed to kill you," he spoke softly.

Dumbledore then did something that caught Draco off guard. "Draco, I know about your task," he said, speaking in a voice that held no fear. "And if you want me to, I can help you. I can find another solution so you don't have to become a murderer. Because Draco, you are not that person."

Draco did something that he didn't expect he would do, he agreed. "I would appreciate that, thanks," Draco said.

Dumbledore looked as if he wanted to respond, but there was a knock on his door that prevented him from doing so.

"Come in," Dumbledore said in such a way that made Draco feel as if he was expecting someone.

Potter walked in, but did not display a look of surprise to see Draco there.

"Hello Professor, Malfoy," he said, addressing the two of them. There was no difference in the level of kindness which he greeted either of them, much to Draco's shock. Harry sat down next to Draco without as much as a retort towards him. Well, that was a bit weird.

"Afternoon, Harry. Now that you are here, we can get down to business. Draco, I understand that you wish to join Voldemort on Sunday so you can get further up in his ranks," Dumbledore said.

"You want to what?" Harry said, his eyes popping. Granger must not have told him; interesting.

"My father has requested for my presence so the Voldemort will put our family back in his good graces. Personally, I think that it is a good chance for me to establish myself. That way, I will be able to gain his trust, even if it is a slow process," Draco said, for once talking to the boy beside him without the slightest bit of sarcasm or insult laced within the tone of his voice.

"But that's dangerous! Besides, what if someone on our side harms him because they don't know about him? Or what if someone on his side catches on? Either way Draco, you could be killed," Potter said, his voice full of compassion. Was it normal for Gryffindors to be so bloody caring all the time?

"I am planning on informing one of the Aurors on the mission. Actually, I was planning on telling your cousin Nymphadora, Draco," Dumbledore said.

"As in Aunt Andromeda's daughter?" Draco asked curiously. He had never known his cousin, due to the fact that his aunt had run off with a muggleborn and disgracing the family. Personally, Draco applauded both her and his uncle Sirius. It must have taken a lot of gut to stand up to the 'mighty house of the Blacks'.

"Precisely. She will be able to ensure that you are kept safe," Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his eye.

"Professor, I want to go as well," Harry said. He had been sitting quietly for a while.

"Harry, you are underage. I do not think that it is such a good idea for you to go. If Voldemort himself is there, then it could be risky for you. I do not want to have to worry about you as well," Dumbledore said calmly.

"Professor, it is only a matter of months before I am of age. I won't go doing anything stupid. I merely want to be able to actually do something for the Order," Harry said. The boy had matured over the year. A little while ago, Potter would have whined until he was able to get what he wanted. Now he was speaking calmly and logically.

Dumbledore sighed and rubbed his temples. "Harry, if I let you go, then you have to promise not to do anything rash. I don't want you to go after anyone on your own. If you die, then this is all over. Everything we have been working for would have been for waste. You need to be careful," Dumbledore said, giving in. The old man never could deny he boy anything.

Harry smiled, "Of course Professor. I wouldn't dream of doing anything unwise."

Dumbledore smiled, before standing up. "Now, if you boys don't mind, I need to work on some other arrangements for this Sunday."

Both the boys got up and left the office. On their way down the stairs, Draco turned to Harry.

"Okay Potter, what's your deal?" Draco asked the boy curiously.

"What do you mean Malfoy?" he asked.

"Why are you being decent to me?" Draco asked, his eyes narrowing.

"Because I have a feeling that you've changed. And everyone deserves a second chance. You grew up under unfortunate circumstances, but that doesn't mean that you should be judged for the crimes of your father. If you really want to join the Order and be a part of this mission to end Voldemort, once and for all, then I want you to be able to do this. But don't get me wrong Malfoy. If I find out that you as much as think of double crossing us, then I will kill you. But otherwise, I would like for us to be on agreeable terms."

Draco smiled at his announcement; it seemed that he had been doing a lot of that lately. "Well Potter, it seems that you have finally accepted my proposal of friendship; even if it is about six years later."

Harry smirked at him. "I can't help it if you were an idiot back then."

Draco glowered at him. "Excuse me? You were a total snob; what with your innocent 'I am much holier than thou' act."

"It wasn't an act Malfoy, it was the truth," Harry said, with a grin.

"Whatever Potter. We both know that it is nothing more than you being too afraid to accept a friendship with someone who is pure awesome," he taunted.

"And why would I be afraid to be friends with that? I'm friends with Hermione and Ron aren't I?"

"Oh please, Granger or Weasley couldn't be this cool if they tried," Harry said, rolling his eyes.

Before Draco had a chance to make a retort, another person entered their conversation.

"Did you seriously just say that?" A female voice called out. Draco turned around and saw Hermione walking towards them. Harry smiled as he greeted her with a hug. Draco felt a twinge of guilt rush through him, but forced a smile on his face.

"Granger," he said, in an acknowledging tone. "What brings you here?"

"I was actually looking for Harry. I want in," She said simply.

Harry had a puzzled look on his face. "I have no idea what you're talking about Hermione. You're going to have to be a bit more specific than that."

"Oh don't play dumb with me. I know you Harry. You were probably talking about this Sunday with Dumbledore weren't you? And let me guess, you asked if you could be a part of this mission. Dumbledore obviously wouldn't have said no, and now I'm telling you that I want to go as well. There is no way I'm sitting this out. Besides, if he is willing to let an underage wizard join in, then he should have no problem with allowing me to go, seeing that I actually am of age," she said, with a 'don't mess with me' look in her eyes.

"No," Draco said, to both Harry and Hermione's surprise.

"What do you mean 'no'?" Hermione asked with her eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"I mean it is too dangerous, and you shouldn't be there. Hell Potter shouldn't be there either, but it's little late for that, now isn't it?"

Hermione's face grew cold. "I don't remember asking for your permission Malfoy," she said, with her eyes a furious shade of brown.

"Granger, you shouldn't be there. Please, it will make it less complicated if there is one less person that I need to make sure doesn't get harmed. If anyone actually does die, I have no idea what I will do. I don't want to put anyone in danger while attempting to protect them."

She seemed to calm down at his words, but there was still a trace of anger about her. "I understand your concern Malfoy, I really do. But I refuse to sit back and watch while everyone I know goes off and face the danger first hand. There is no way I can remotely even come close to convincing myself that it is alright," she said.

Harry looked torn by the argument. Draco knew he wanted to keep Hermione safe, but at the same time that he wanted her there with him. After everything the three Gryffindors had gone through, Draco personally thought it was a miracle that they weren't attached at the hip.

"Harry, tell Draco that there is nothing dangerous about me going," she said expectantly.

"Potter, tell Granger that it could be dangerous. She could die in this mission if something goes wrong," Draco said, mimicking Granger's look.

"Hermione, it's dangerous. What if you get hurt? I don't think I could handle it if anyone else died for me." Harry said softly.

Draco gave her an 'I told you so' look.

"Harry, it isn't just about you anymore. Yes, Voldemort wants to kill you more than anything, but at the same time, he wants to kill everyone else. Me and Ron have told you a countless amount of times, but you aren't in this alone. I'm not asking your permission either, I was just telling you that I was planning on going, whether you like it or not," she said.

Harry sighed again, "Hermione, if you go, then I don't want to have to worry about you. Promise me you'll be careful?" Harry asked of her, imitating a promise that he had made a few moments ago.

She rolled her eyes, "Seriously, between you and Ron one would hardly think I was capable of magic," she complained.

Draco glared at Potter, "Seriously? You're letting her come just like that? No complaints or arguments? What happened to keeping her safe?" Draco protested. There was no way that he was happy with Hermione going.

He wasn't sure what it was, but he felt a need to protect her from harm. He couldn't handle the thought that someone he knew could possibly kill her. What if it was his aunt Bellatrix? She had said it more than enough times that she would gladly kill the 'mudblood bitch of Potter' if she had the chance. He couldn't let her go, why couldn't she see that? He needed to keep her safe!

"Malfoy, you know her. Hermione's rather stubborn when she wants to be," he said, ignoring a protest from her. "And whether either of like it or not, she is the top of our class. Hell, she's probably the top of the school. I want to keep both her and Ron safe more than anything. But I know that they want to do the same for me. So I have to let her come," he said.

Hermione blushed slightly at his compliment. Draco looked between the two of them, when suddenly he made a connection. Are she and Potter dating? It was one of the only things that made sense to him.

Harry gave her a smile, "Well, I need to go. I have a Quidditch practice to get back to," he said as he nodded to both of them.

As he left, Hermione turned to face him. "Why are you so intent on trying to keep me safe?" She asked him curiously.

He shook his head, "No idea Granger. But there's just something about you that radiates an urge to keep you sheltered. Kind of like a puppy," he said honestly.

"Did you seriously just compare me to a puppy?" she asked him, eyes narrowing again.

"Maybe," he said quietly. He didn't want her to dwell on the topic, so he decided to change it. "So what's going on between you and Potter? Last I heard, you were pining over Weasley," he asked her, not unkindly.

She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, "Absolutely nothing. Harry's practically my brother," she said, her voice laced with amusement.

He felt a bit better at her statement, but kept his composure intact. The last thing he would want is for her to get any sorts of ideas.

"I'm sure that would leave Potter heartbroken," he said with a drawl.

She smirked at him, "Of course, between all the time spent fawning over Ginny, no I'm sure he wants me."

He shook his head. Why he would want Weaslette over Granger was completely beyond him.

"Ah of course. No wonder he was so eager to get to practice. And here I thought he wanted to train to beat our time," he said.

"The team doesn't need practice to beat the Slytherins," she said fondly.

"Whatever you say Granger," he spoke.

"Mmhm. Anyways, I need to go to the library Draco, so I'll see you around," she said. She walked up to him, and kissed him on the cheek before walking away.

Draco watched her go as he raised a hand to the place that he was kissed. He couldn't help but feel a tingly feeling inside of him. What the hell was happening to him?