Chapter 3
Why the astronomy tower? Why at 8? Never mind I have classes to go to I can’t focus on this right now. I head to the rest of my classes. We did the normal introductory lessons that we do every year.
I leave my final class for the day somehow I'm more overworked than when I had the time turner. Though it is finally time for dinner. I had skipped lunch so that I could study and try to attempt to figure out what I was doing wrong in potions and yet I still haven't a clue.
As I enter the bustling dining hall, the aroma of food fills the air, momentarily distracting me from my worries. Harry and Ron come scrambling in and down next to me.
“Mione what are your plans for the night,” Ron asks me while stuffing his mouth full of food. I sure wasn't going to tell them I was meeting Malfoy in the astronomy tower. Harry would have a fit. “I um- I am going to study some. In the library no need to wait for me tonight.” I tell Ron while finishing my food.
"Studying? Really?" Ron questions, his tone laced with skepticism. I shift uncomfortably in my seat, avoiding his gaze as I contemplate how to respond without revealing that im meeting with Malfoy. The truth is, I have been spending an excessive amount of time buried in books lately, but not for the reasons Ron suspects. My mind has been preoccupied with meeting Draco Malfoy, of all people, in the secluded astronomy tower.
I take a deep breath, trying to maintain an air of nonchalance. "Well, Ron, you know how important my studies are to me. I have a lot on my plate right now, and I can't afford to fall behind." Ron has a puzzled look on his face after I tell him this. "But Hermione, you're always on top of your work. Are you sure everything's alright?"
I nod, offering him a reassuring smile. "Yes, Ron, everything's fine.” I stand up and leave the table. I barely notice the grey eyes on me as I walk out. It being only six I still had two hours to kill. Not including being early to make sure he won't push me to my death. I haven't thought about that what if Harry is right and i'm meeting up with someone who wants to kill me? I already know he hates me for my blood status.
Nonetheless, he asked me to meet him and that's what I will do if he is on Voldemort's side, Maybe just maybe I can turn him into a spy for the order. I slip out of my uniform and into somewhat comfy clothes.
I looked at my watch to see it was now six-thirty. If I wanted to go now is the time to do it. I grab my cloak and slip it on, concealing my true identity as I prepare to meet with him. As I make my way to the tower I start rethinking my Gryffindor bravery. He could easily kill me if he chose to and after today's embarrassment of the Amortentia. The chances are higher. I reach the last step of the astronomy tower. Good, he’s not here yet. I sit with my back facing a wall but my head turned towards the stairs. I pull a book out of my bag and start to read i may as well do something other than just sit here.
I get halfway through my chapter when I hear someone coming up the steps. I put my book back into my bag and stand up. I see blonde white hair as he comes up the steps. Well here it goes either I will be murdered or well i'm not sure.
“You are early.” Malfoy's cold voice shoots up the stairs. Finally, His face meets mine. “You had said that I couldn't be late.” I retort back at him so far I feel doomed if he is going to nitpick my every action. “Now granger I never said it was a bad thing.” He said with a slight smile. Wait did he just smile at me? Is he okay?
“Do not overthink the smile granger. Look we have business to talk about.”It feels as though Malfoy is reading my thoughts” What type of business Malfoy” I asked. “I will cut right to the point. There’s no need for me to lie. Harry has already figured some things out.” Malfoy had spat out with a huff. Oh god. He truly is a death eater. “You’re one of them, aren't you?” At that moment Malfoy and my eyes caught each other. “Yes, but it's not like you would think. No matter what this information can not leave this tower. Or I promise Granger, there will be hell to pay.” He’s going to kill me. That’s the only reason he's telling me. “No granger I am not killing you. Look I need help, and I hate to say it but you are the only one who can do it.
“What are you talking about Malfoy? Why me?” I question him. I have no need for this information. Even knowing this can get me sent straight to Azkaban. “I want to help the order in exchange when the time comes and the dark lord is dead, My mother and I are pardoned. That's all. You can strip us of everything i just want my mother safe.”He turns away and just stares out into the stars. I just sit there and ponder his words. Is he genuinely trying to be good? “Then I need information. I need something.” I tell him. If he is really helping I need something in return. “Death eaters will be attacking a muggle family in London. I have the information here.” I nod my head as he hands me a piece of paper. “Is it safe for you to be telling me this?” His eyes meet mine again and for once I see no ill will behind them. “Yes. All death eaters know about this plan. He can't track down it was me.” I nod my head.
“When you let the order know about the muggle family tell them you can't say. There is too much risk with them knowing that it was me for now.” I pull a paper out and enchant it. “Sign it. When he dies, I will have proof that you have helped from the beginning.” He smiles. Again. “I won't die if I sign this, will I? Though that would be quite hilarious. The Draco Malfoy dies due to signing a contract.” I smile at his words. Malfoy is quite pleasant when he is not so stuck up. “No, you will not die.” I hand him my quill and let him sign it with the date. He hands me the paper back and turns to leave. “Oh and Granger. You aren't the only one who smelled the person that they are supposed to hate. Have a good night. And meet me here next week for more information. Or reach out to me if you need something.” With that, he leaves me sitting in the tower alone. What did he mean when he said that i'm not the only one who smelled the one that they are supposed to hate? Was he talking about me?