Dancing With Dragons

SORRY FOR THE VERY LONG TIME IN BETWEEN UPDATES

CHAPTER 26: I Don't Think You Have a Taste for Blood, Mr. Malfoy

And change a thing it didn’t. Not a dame thing expect for Hermione’s sanity. She couldn’t really remember the last three days clearly. It was as if she was watching her life through someone else’s eyes – dreaming perhaps. The last solid thing she did remember was Malfoy telling her he loved her. And, she realized, somewhere in her haze, that she had been praying for the moment for months. Wasn’t that supposed to be the moment that changed her life? Made him, hell all of this, worth fighting for. Wasn’t it supposed to be the turning point that made her braver, stronger, and more daring? But it hadn’t changed a thing. Not a fucking thing. Hermione was once again proven wrong- love did not cure all ills. Love, she decided, was an ill- a fate perhaps worse then war.

And so she wandered aimlessly through her live for those three days being loved and loving in return and coming to the conclusion it didn’t matter. On the fourth day of her hateful, love filled haze she was having another empty conversation with Ginny and some other person who didn’t seem to matter. She was speaking. She was sure of it but about what she hadn’t the slightest.

“Hermione?”

“What? Yea I said yea.”

“Do you realize you just told Greg Wright the fifth year that you’d give him a blow job behind the Qudtich stand?! Are you even paying attention?”
“WHAT? I would never…” she looked around finally filling in the grayness of her haze with reality. What she found was a bunch of blushing, laughing faces. She was in a DA meeting, but wasn’t even aware of what she had been doing.
“Sorry,” Greg stuttered, “but you’ve been so off lately…”
“THAT’S an understatement,” Ginny chimed in.
“I just thought if I said something really off the wall that it would bring you to your senses, but you just said yea. I mean in less you really meant it.” Ginny gave the boy a hard shove back.
“Don’t push it Wright. Though I don’t agree with his methods,” the boy turned even redder, “he is right, you’ve been off lately. Not even off! Out on another planet. I mean he asked for a BJ and you just said yea!”

“You should even know what a blow job is Greg Wright!” The whole room sniggered. She cringed; finally coming to herself she realized how embarrassed she should be. “Okay I think that is enough for one night.”

There were loud moans of, “come on just cause you have a thing for Wright,” and “We’ve only been here an half hour.”

“OUT!” Hermione yelled. “We will resume tomorrow when we all have our heads straight.”

Once everyone but Neville, Luna, and Ginny had left Ginny said, “you mean when you have your head straight. What is wrong with you Hermione?” Her tone was crisp and not in the least like she really cared about what was wrong. Maybe things had been more rough for Ginny these last couple of days then Hermione knew. She sighed.

“What isn’t wrong right now Ginny? I’ve just been distracted, okay?” She shook herself, physically shacking off the haze that had enveloped her life the last couple of days. But apparently that was not good enough for Ginny.

“Not okay. You can’t afford for you to be distracted right now. Hell, none of us can afford for you to be off in Lala land!”

“Ginny!” Neville yelped

“Well, sorry but it’s true and everyone but Hermione seems to know it.” Hermione opened her mouth to spit back a retort but Neville caught the silence first.

“What Ginny is trying to say is that we all look up to you Hermione. Watching you look so lost is worrisome. We can’t do this without you. You’re like our leader.”

“Oh yea Neville,” her anger for Ginny’s words turning on Neville, “well maybe I don’t want to be the bloody leader. Maybe I’m sick of being looked up too…”

“Fuck you Hermione!” Ginny spat. “Don’t act like you didn’t ask for this role. Walking around barking order and constantly talking about how we all need to stick together. Making yourself the master of the DA. You can’t just back the fuck out now!”

“FUCK ME no, no, no FUCK YOU! You should recall that I asked you to lead the DA and you asked me for help! Sorry if me not being put together all the time is having an effect on everyone’s moral. Sorry if I cannot be the perfect, calm, put the fuck together little leader that everyone wants me to be!”

“NEEDS YOU TO BE!”

“Well if you know what right and how to run things why don’t you take up this supposed leadership role. Seeing as you’re so bloody keen on telling everyone what to do all the dame time.”

“Harry would have done it and he wouldn’t have bitched about it either.” The comment hit Hermione hard.
“THAN make Harry your fearless, bitchless leader! Oh that’s right, you can’t because he is not here Ginny! You’re being a complete…”

“DON’T get mad at me because you know what I am saying is true. Don’t take your anger out on me just because you got left behind and because you fell in love with…”

Hermione was seeing red. She drew out her wand. “Choose your next couple of words very carefully Ginny…” She wasn’t screaming anymore. Her voice was that hard, soft, almost painful to hear tone she got when she was looking down her wand and she was serious.

Ginny stared down the wand from the opposite end, her eyes opened wide in that shocked, uncertain look. It made a sick part of Hermione feel good.

“ENOUGH!” Luna’s normally sing song voice came out strong and harsh. “ I don’t give a Frangel Bats ass who is the leader or who loves whom. This is exactly what the dark bastards want. Divide and conquer. By the looks of it neither of you should be leading shit!”

Hermione lowered her wand but now that her adrenaline wasn’t pumping the comments Ginny had made were having their effect. She felt like someone had torn her apart, slowly.

“Hermione I am…”

“Don’t apologize. Not now. You might be right about me being distracted and you might even be right about how I needed to step up this leadership position BUT you had no right to say what you’ve just said tonight.”

“ I know. It’s just I’ve tired being nice. I’ve tried getting you to talk. Merlin, I’ve even tried backing away and nothing has helped! I can’t do this without you Hermione.” She could see the tears shining in Ginny’s eyes and she suddenly felt torn. She was mad and she wasn’t ready to stop feeling that way but she knew things were just as hard on Ginny as on her.

“Don’t. Don’t you dare cry right now Ginny. I am sorry if I haven’t been doing my best lately but you’re not doing this alone. I am not going to crawl away and hide from this but I can’t always be what everyone wants me to be all the dame time. I am sorry for the ill things I said to you but you had no right to say and do the things you did tonight.” With that Hermione turned away from the sinking, tear glazed girl and marched for the door. She didn’t stop when she heard her voice being called. Ginny had been right and had Ginny been wrong and most of all Hermione just couldn’t deal with it.
Malfoy was standing in a circle around a long, wooden, antique table he knew well. He was dawned in his Death Easter robes his mask long forgotten. The table was trashed, littered in half eaten food and blood that mingled and congealed in a sickening fashion with the spilled wine. He could smell the debauchery of night, still lingering. The night’s festivities had been especially vicious. A celebration the Dark Lord had announced. They had successful started to penetrate Ministry further, soon they wouldn’t just be a deep influence, they would be the Ministry. All that was left was Hogwarts and the wizarding world would fall at the Dark Lord’s feet. He had seemed happier than normal though. Malfoy wasn’t fully convinced it was just because of the successful mission but after all he really didn’t want to know.
And now all the were left were Malfoy, the Dark Lord, a few of Malfoy’s fellow conspirators, and a hand full of the Dark Lord’s most loyal, which included his father, Snape, Bellatrix, and Rodolphus. None of which, besides maybe Snape, he cared much for. The rest of the Death Eaters had stumbled out drunkenly. Malfoy, like most nights, had not eaten or drunken much.
He wondered for a moment how Hermione was holding up but quickly closed any thought of her away. This was not a place to think of such things.
“Come young Malfoy, to the head of the table.” The Dark Lord had not eaten or drank much tonight either, though he never seemed too. It was like he drank from the death, the violence, and the blood he spilled around him rather than food. Malfoy shuttered at the thought.

“Nervous my dearrr boy?” He gave a deep, insane laugh that ended sharply.

Malfoy bowed. “No my Lord.” And left it at that. How could he explain that the mere thought of his own master made him shudder is disgust? Than again, the Dark Lord would probably be pleased with such a reaction.

Malfoy walked around the table to look across directly at the Dark Lord, who was flanked by Snape and Bellatrix.

“No time like the present dear Nephew.” Bellatrix’s high-pitched voice announced from across the table. They had a mutual disfoundness of each other.

“Of course Aunty. I wish to waste no one’s time here.” Oh how he hated the intrigue of the rich, elitist, Death Eater lifestyle. “As everyone is aware here Hogwarts is almost at its most vulnerable. No blasted Dumbledore and no Harry Potter. Further more, we run the school and the morale of the students and professors is low. But my Lord, I feel not low enough. There are still those, even in high position in the school and ministry, that cling to the hope that, that good from nothing scar bearer with return to save the day. I feel this mission is not only about capturing one of Potter’s loved ones, but to show the school and any and all that cling to their pathetic hopes that there is only one side that has truth and power behind it. My Lord, I know we spoke of entering the school undetected and reeking havoc but if I may, I have another idea.”

“This better be good young Malfoy.”

“I trust it will be. I believe we should enter in force but if we sneak into the school it will look as if we don’t belong there when we have already proven that we do. I believe that we should get a decree from the Ministry to enter the school.”

“This is YOUR plan! I have no need to get the permission of the ministry! I am the Dark Lord, I am the ministry.”

Malfoy bowed low. “My Lord I know this. I do not question this and neither would any loyal servant. However, I believe it will prove to all the unbelievers that you truly are as powerful as you are. The ministry is a sham. A corrupt government, giving shelter and protection to animals, mudbloods, and half-breeds but they are still looked upon as figure of authority. And we haven’t quite infiltrated the Ministry fully, yet of course. If we walked into the school with a ministry decree it will show that not only do we have the backing of government but we are the government. As it should have always been.”

“Go on boy, but I better like the rest of what I hear.” Malfoy inwardly sighed. The hard part was over.

“As you are well aware, there have been a lot of student rebellions as of late. A feudal attempt to gain control, but one, as your Lord as acutely made us aware, is still a threat none-the-less. I believe we go in with a decree that declares we have the right to capture and question the leader of this student rebellion. We accuse Ginny Weasley of this crime against you, as I have no doubt the mudblood lover was involved anyways, and take her. There can be no discussions, no battle with the off chance of loosing her, and it will be legal. They will see your MIGHT, your ultimate power my LORD. And it will crush the spirits of those pathetic students, who dare even try to rebel against you. Some may even turn to you my Lord. And, the best part is that it will not look at all as it is.”

“Don’t speak in riddles to me.”

“Sorry my Lord. All that I mean is that the decree will go in the newspapers, be heard across the global on the radio but not as just some random kidnapping of a girl who just happens to be Harry Potter’s girlfriend. She becomes an enemy, not just of yours, but of the wizarding world. If we spin this right we can turn people against her and the students who are questioning the school’s authority, the Ministry’s authority, your authority. And surly Potter, who must even now be keeping in touch with the wizarding world, will believe this of the Ministry long before he will believe it is by chance that his precious little girlfriend was kidnapped at random."

And it had been done. Malfoy had sealed the fate of an innocent person. She would no doubt die. And not just any innocent person, a person Hermione Granger loved. A person who had helped Malfoy when he had needed it. He would dame her to save Granger. Not just Granger, but hundreds of student who would no doubt come running at the first sign of a battle. In this way he had almost insured a bloodless capturing.

Silence filled the air as the Dark Lord slid into his seat and thought. Malfoy’s body was tense, rigid. Suddenly a high-pitched voice cut the air.

“I don’t think little Malfoy is up for some fun my Lord. What kind of power is it to show up basically announced and just take the girl. Bloodying a few of those petulant children would do the job just fine. I don’t think you have the stomach for the job baby Malfoy,” Bellatrix cackled. Her husband laughed deeply besides her.

“We could storm in there at any time and shed blood my Lord. Physically take over the school and make the prison we have made already of Hogwarts known. We could do it to night and win, but we would still have the problem of rebellion. We can crush so many phoenixes with one gemstone. We can prove our power and not just through brut force, we can crush any sympathy that might be left for the Light Side, capture the girl, and capture Potter alive. Potter is surly to take the bate. He has not the mind to think so deeply as to guess that we would bother to gain a decree from the Ministry to capture one girl.” Malfoy turned to Bellatrix. He would not let that insane bitch ruin his plans. “I think ONLY of what is best for my Lord and his cause. You Bellatrix might want to do the same.”

Bellatrix’s wand was out, her hand shacking from rage. “ENOUGH!” The Dark Lord screamed coming to a stand. “It is unwise young Malfoy to test Bellatrix so and to dare question one of my most loyal servant. Step out a line with me again and there will be no mercy. However, what you say has much truth to it. I don’t want to merely crush but to finally get the honor I deserve. I believe that you have put much thought into this and truly have passion, of which some of my followers have lost.” He looked around the room, his eyes ending their search with Lucious Malfoy. “Put your wand down Bella. Save this family feud for another night. I will send your father and Snape to get the decree. I want you to meet them at the school when they have obtained this sham of a legal document with the rest of my loyal student followers. You young Malfoy are to take the girl personally.”

“You will not be joining us my Lord?” said Lucious Malfoy.

“Not that I believe you have room to ask of my doings but I have even more pressing matters to attend to. Plus, I will not enter the school until the climate is right. Can trust that you bumbling fools can do this without me?”

“Of course my Lord,” the room echoed and all bowed.

“Good! Now all of you get out of my sight.” A dozen black robe clad followers billowed out of the dinning hall. Malfoy didn’t stop until he hit the crisp night air. He realized it would be spring soon. Normally he loved the anticipation of spring but he didn’t think the season of rebirth had much right to rear its head.

He stopped to look out at the front garden. Plants were peaking through trying desperately to push away the death that winter had brought. He could spend the night if he so chose and head back to school in the morning but the thought was repulsive. The Manor might never have been cozy and full of love but it had once been his home. It had once been impressive and full of life. Whatever it was full of now, it certainly wasn’t life.

Thinking about the once grandeur of the Manor made him think of Hermione. What would have been like in a different life to bring her here and show her its beauty? He was sure she had never seen anything like it. He almost got lost in fantasy was an arm brushed up against him.

“Why don’t you come back inside Draco,” Pansy’s voice purred.

He didn’t brush her off but he didn’t lean into the touch either. “I’m heading back to school tonight. I have a lot of planning to still do. You should be keeping your mind on the mission at hand as well. Though we don’t go into battle I will still need all of you sharp and ready. My father and Sanpe could have the decree tomorrow,” He replied still looking out into the dark garden.

“Don’t be like that Draco. Why don’t we go up to your room like we use to in the summer. I think you need a reward after that brilliant show in there. I have to say at first I didn’t get it but the way you explained your self was magnificent. I can’t believe you said that to Bellatrix and in front of the Dark Lord none-the-less. So much passion Malfoy it turns me on.” Malfoy’s stomach turned.

“Passion Pansy?” He turned to look down at her. “We just sentenced a person to death. And while the blood traitor is more than deserving,” he hated even saying it, “it doesn’t exactly make me horny. And it’s not the summer and we aren’t fifteen anymore Pansy. Plus, I think Marcus took that slut up to his my room to have some fun. I am sure you’re more than welcome to join them if you like.” Pansy started to open her mouth to protest. “DON’T! I know you fucked Marcus already. Everyone knows.”

Pansy growled, “Bloody hell Malfoy. I am sorry. Please don’t be mad. But really what do you expect?! You haven’t touched me once, NOT EVEN since I became head girl! All alone in that room and you care more about your plans.”

“I don’t care who you fuck Pansy.” Malfoy drawled and turned away from her. “If you want to be their whore than fine.” Pansy turned Malfoy roughly back around and slapped him across the face.

“DON’T YOU DARE CALL ME A WHORE! What I am not dirty enough for you. Is my blood too clean for you DRACO?! Still have a thing for that little mudblood Granger?”

“I don’t have a thing for Granger. You’ve lost your mind. Just because I don’t wanna stick it where a hundred people have stuck it before doesn’t mean…” Pansy’s hand came up again but Malfoy was prepared. He grabbed her wrist hard.

“I don’t want to hurt you Pansy but put your hands on me again and it will hard not too.” Tears shown in her eyes.

“I’ve done nothing but LOVE YOU and you call me a whore. HIT ME! You’ve already hurt me Malfoy.”

Malfoy let go of her wrist and took a step back. “I am not going to hit you Pansy. I didn’t mean for things to end up this way but standing here and telling you what you want to hear will hurt you more in the long run. Why do you want me so badly anyway?”

“I don’t understand. You've changed so much lately. We’ve always loved each other Draco.”

“You’ve always loved the idea of me Pansy and I you. And yes maybe somewhere in there was real love but its not there anymore. Not for me.” Pansy’s tears broke, spilling down her cheeks.

“You’re wrong. You love me. I know you do. You’re just hung up on what you can’t have. AND you cannot have her Draco. The two of you can never be. You can never marry her and have children. She doesn’t love you, not the way I do.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about Pansy.” His voice was cold. He was most certainly over this conversation.

“What part I’m wrong about? That you’re obsessed with Granger or that she’d ever love you?”

“WITH…”

“I don’t mean to interrupt a lovers quarrel,” a voice drawled behind them. They both spun to find Snape behind them. He did hate how his Godfather had a way of sneaking up on him at the worst times. “But I need to talk to Draco. Alone.”

Pansy stormed into the Manor not bothering to glace back. Pansy may have made Draco angry but he had wanted more for the girl he had once thought to spend the rest of his life with. Hermione was wrong you couldn’t save everyone. Some people just didn’t want saving.

“Ahhh my dear Godson. What a rousing performance in there. You almost had me fooled.”

“I haven’t the slightest what you talking about.”

“DON’T take me for a fool Draco. Pansy is right you know. You’re just lucky that the Dark Lord believes your passion for a silly little girl is passion for his cause.”

“I don’t…”

“Oh shut up Malfoy. I personally think you’re a terrible liar.”

“Now we both know that isn’t true,” Malfoy sneered.

“Think you’re clever? You will get yourself killed. The plan is brilliant and that is the only reason I let it go. While you may have saved that bushy haired know it all you will have truly strengthened the Lord’s power. That will not bowed well for any mudblood in the future. Why are you here? Why did you do it Draco?”

“I honestly do not know what you’re talking about. I am more in your debt than I can ever repay for not disowning me form my dealings with the mudblood and keeping Amycus at bay as best you could, but I wish nothing more than destroy her.” Malfoy remembered the conversation the Dark Lord had, had with him about Granger.

“Really? Then why put the Weasel up for auction when our Lord already had it in his mind to use Granger to bring Potter?”

“Because I have barely yet proven myself and the Lord might not hand her over so easily. We have a deal and I can only trust he keeps his end.”

“I don’t believe you Draco, but either way you have an obsession with her. Regardless if it is lust or hate she holds something over you. You are willing to move worlds to insure that on one but you lay a hand on her. It is a sickness.”

“If you want to see it as so then fine, but it is my sickness to deal with. Nothing I said in there tonight wasn’t true. Most of his followers are just blood thirty animals, who have joined for the sheer love of killing. In a battle that is great but in a war it will get you no where.”

“Don’t talk to me of war.”

“Fine. I have no more wish to talk at all. I am tired and I still have planning to do. Good night.”

“One more thing before you go. I must tell you, it has not just been me that has been keeping Amycus from further divulging the tale of that fateful night in the dungeons. It has not been me keeping him at arms length from Granger. Ever since that night he allowed Kamilla to free herself he has been out of the Lords favor. He is still trying to gain back the power he lost in our ranks, but he was always a favorite of our Lord so it wont take him much longer.”

“Get to the point.”

“Ahhh patience was never a virtue of the Malfoys,” Snape leered. “ What I am trying to say is that his displacement among us has meant that making any more an issue about having Granger would surly be a mistake. I know he has spoken to the Dark Lord of his desire for the girl once and the Dark Lord in turn offered you the ability to gain her. How our Lord likes to pin his followers against each other for sport. Amycus is still obsessed with her and with getting revenge on you. He watches as you move up in the ranks. He bides his time until he has secured his old role and than he will battle you if needed. He has taken you at your word Draco, that you will prove yourself more worthy than him to destroy her. And if this is not true, as he feels it is not, then he will have her. A few nights ago when our Lord was still debating on your new candidate for kidnapping. Carrow became almost belligerent that Granger was the best choice. He will wait until the best opportunity to destroy you. Don’t give him one. Let him have her.”

“No.”

“You may have saved her tonight but there will come a time when the Dark Lord will hear no more and he will want Granger, especially if the Weslette does not prove enough to bring Potter. She is far too valuable to let go. There is one person who wants more than either of you to destroy the Golden Trio, as you call them, and that is our Lord. You play a difficult and unwise game.”

“It’s no game.”

“Whatever you call it Draco it will come to head with Amycus. He is just waiting for you and Granger to forget that he was ever a threat. And if you fail our Lord in this coming mission he will be handed Granger on a silver platter. He might need to do nothing, or he may try to destroy the mission on purpose. Haven’t you noticed how he hasn’t even stepped a toe out of line at Hogwarts, not even looking at her? Once Amycus sets his mine to something it will be done. Don’t be fooled by this act. I can protect you so much at school but here,” Snape moved his hand around as if he was displaying something in a classroom, “there is not much I can do. At least no without making you look weak.”

“I appreciate your protection but it is about time I fought my own battle. When the time comes he will just have to be taken care of. Regardless to the mudblood, he is a danger to my position and to this group. He puts his obsessions first and he is mad.”

“Reminds me of someone else I know.”

Snape left him there and bellowed back into the Mansion. Snape often stayed even later into the night than Malfoy. He was sure Snape knew and did things that Malfoy would get to know or do for some time, but the fact that he was being given this much of a voice in the up coming mission meant how much Malfoy had moved up the ranks. How much many of his fellow classmates had moved up the ranks. It kind of surprised him actually. Finally to took out his wand and whisked him self away.

Hermione had initially started heading back to the dorms but realized that would be the first place the others would look for her. She just really needed some time alone. She wondered if the password to one of the prefects bathing rooms was still the same. There were several prefects bathrooms located around the school. The one she was thinking of was in a rather deserted area of the castle and wasn’t often used. She could use a nice long bath. Actually, if she thought about it, she couldn’t remember the last time she had bathed.

She knew she was being reckless. This late out there was bound to be Death Eaters patrolling, but a small part of her wanted to get caught. To fight with someone who truly deserved it. She snuck through the halls ways, pressing herself to the cold, damp, stone walls.

She came to the large wooden doors a few minutes later unscathed. “Freckles,” she whispered. What a stupid password she thought, but the doors opened. She almost leaped for joy. She figured this would be one area they forgot to put a new password on. She pulled herself through the doors and closed them softly behind her.

She ran a warm bath. There were several nozzles that purred different kinds of soothing and wonderful smelling oils or bubbles in the bath. When she came to the one labeled ginger she twisted the cold steel handle. If they had one labeled earth she wouldn’t have been able to stop herself. When the bath was finally over run with large bubbles, water, and smelling of warm ginger she disrobed and slid in. It was heaven or as close as she would get any time soon.

Malfoy slid into his room, happy to see that Pansy had opted to stay at the Manor. He was more than glad that tomorrow would be Saturday and he would be left alone. He disrobed as he climbed the stairs to his bedroom. By the time he reached his room he was wearing only a dull black pair of boxers. He was tired. He wanted to sleep off his guilt and how jittery Snape had made him feel about Carrow. He knew Snape was right, Carrow would never stop coming after Hermione. How could he not have seen that Carrow’s sudden disinterest in her was strange? He needed to be vigilant.

He sprawled out on his bed stretching his arms wide, like a large cat. His hand hit a few things on the bed stand and they scattered on the floor. He cursed and almost let them stay where they fell but finally pulled himself up to see what had fallen. The first thing that caught his eye was the dragon necklace Hermione had gotten him at Christmas. Had it really only been that short time ago, it felt like years ago. It made something where his heart use to be pang. He lifted the necklace up and flopped back on the bed. He dangled the necklace over his face creasing it lightly. He didn’t remember leaving the necklace out. He was almost sure that he had put it away. He knew touching or wearing sentimental items made it harder to keep memories attached to them at bay.

As he lightly creased the metal, he felt that it was much hotter than it should have been, especially for a silver necklace that had laid in his rather cold room all night long. It made him remember the night Hermione had been laying in the dungeons dying and he had thought for a moment the burning of the necklace had awoken him. Later he had been sure it was just a dream, but feeling the necklace’s self sustaining heat he wondered. It wasn’t burning or glowing like he had dreamed that night, but the heat was still unsettling. The necklace mixed with his conversation about Carrow that night made him start to silently panic. Just as he started to get really uptight he heard loud rapping at the down stairs. It startled him. He turned to look at the clock at his bedside table. It read 2:04. Who the hell would be stupid enough to knock at his door at this hour? Who the hell would be looking for him at this hour that hadn’t seen him just a short time ago?

He sat up suddenly wondering if Snape and his father had gotten the decree already. Impossible. But he started to hurriedly pull on some clothes as he heard another hard knock at the door.

His thoughts were racing as he stumbled to the door. If they really already had the decree he was screwed. There was so much more for him to think about. He wasn’t ready to send Ginny Wesaley to her death.

He swung open the portrait door, having convinced himself that his father would be looking back at him. Instead it was a very different, very black, very dark haired, very awkward looking Zabini.

Malfoy growled, “What the hell do you want at two in the fucking morning?”

“Don’t act like you were sleeping. I just saw Knox come back from the meeting and I knew you must be back.” Malfoy stared at Zabini. They hadn’t talked since Granger had scooped him up from their fight and saved the bloody day, like always. The meddling, sexy bitch.

“Well that’s just grand, you caught me after I just spend a long fucking night at a meeting. What do you want? Don’t you have Ginny or Hermione’s ass to lick? I mean they are your savors.”

“Oh you guys are on first name bases but I am the one licking their asses.” Zabini tried to smile but it looked worn. Actually, looking at him Malfoy noticed that he looked awful. He said so.

“You look like shit Blaise.”

“Thanks, you’re not looking so hot either. Hope you weren’t expecting a girl mate. I mean blue jeans and a wrinkly green t-shirt.” Zabini made a face.

“We are not mates.”

Zabini face fell for a second before he recovered his cold demeanor. “You started that fight. You’re the one who suddenly decided to go back on their word. You want all the power for yourself.”

“It’s not…” How could he explain that he didn’t want this life for Zabini? That he had given up his freedom to save Hermione and that no one, no even his closest mate, could know about it. “If you want to believe that go for it. I am going to bed.” He started to close the door but Zabini pushed back.

“I could use a stiff drink Malfoy. You look like you could use one too. For old times sack that is.”

Malfoy sighed. At least he could sleep in tomorrow. He stood a side and Zabini strode in. Malfoy pulled out his bottle of dragon blood infused Winklers Whiskey and poured them both a healthy drink. They both took a swigged and shuttered.

“It’s going to happen eventually, you know.”

“Yea. I figured.”

“Than why try and stop me. I mean you freaked out. Its been bothering me ever since those insufferable twats asked me…” Zabini stopped short.

“They were asking you about the duel?”

Zabini gulped, “Yea.”

Malfoy opened his eyes wide and shook his head. “And you said?”

“They forced the truth out of me.” Malfoy rolled his eyes and finished the rest his drink in one last swig. It stung so good.

“You really are going to make the worst Death Eater mate. You can’t even resist the bating eyes of two Gryffindors.” He laughed and coughed.

“Right. Bating eyes. If that was there only weapon we’d be safe.” He held out his glass and Malfoy poured them more to drink. “Last time I checked you weren’t resisting the batting eyes of one of those said girls.”

“Shut your mouth Zabini.”

“Cheers.” They both took another deep swig.

Forty-five minutes later the boys were on their fourth drink and truly drunk. Something about the dragon blood really kicked ones ass. And Zabini and Malfoy drunk were always a bad time, in the best kind of way.

“You know what Malfoy?”

“What? That you’re a smelly prat that barges into my room at two in the bloody morning and drinks my best liquor, and will falter at the first flashes of doe eyes?”

“Cannot deny the truth mate.” They both laughed. “But no really. I have an idea.”

“You always had a way with ideas.”
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THANKS!!! HOPE EVERYONE ENJOYS. ANY EDITING MISTAKES I HAVE MADE I APOLOGIZE!!!! I AM GOING TO TRY TO KEEP UP WITH THIS BETTER!! THE MUSE HAS STRUCK ME AGAIN OR SO I HOPE! I HAVE TO PERSONALLY ADRESS SOME REVIEWS, AND THANK YOU FOR THE REVIEWS BTW, BUT IT WILL AT A LATER DATE!