"Mutatio," he whispered, watching as the Head Girl in front of him changed her features. It was silent in the library, nobody could see. He knew that much. There was no denying it; he was going to do this once and for all. The Head Girl didn't seem to realize her changes as her unruly brown hair turned sleek, and facial features became more angular. In short, she looked like a woman that Draco Malfoy could be rumored to be flanked with. "Silencio!"

Hermione looked around, it didn't seem like someone was there, but she heard a whisper. It was odd, to say the least. She shook her head, I must be getting paranoid. I have to figure this out before they attack tonight! Sighing, she turned back to her book when she noticed an odd shadow. Looking up, she saw "Malfoy!" But she heard nothing. Hermione grasped at her throat, but nothing came out. Keep calm, everything will be okay. You're just scared, and your voice is caught. That's all.

Malfoy looked at the girl in front of him. He'd known her for seven years. Seven, long, dangerous years. Yet, he knew nothing of her at all. In fact, looking at her now, she seemed even stranger with the new features he'd cast on her. For once in his life, he had no idea what to do. "Trust me," he whispered. What other thing could he say? With a flick of his wand, Hermione fell into drunken slumber. He could go around school, holding her with the excuse that she'd fainted. Nobody would care… they didn't know her.

"Harry, this is it, mate. Tonight."

"I know, Ron. I know. Where's 'Mione? She should be here by now. I doubt she'd take so long researching! She's a bloody genius at it!"

"Maybe she fell asleep? I know I always fall asleep in the library." With that said, the two boys walked towards the library. It was the unspoken rule. The three of them will always face every danger together, and tonight was no different. Snape had informed the Order of Voldemort's attack on Hogwarts, and the three of them will need to stick together.

Harry looked around the library. It was deadly silent. Even Madame Pince wasn't there. Most of the staff had gone to prepare for the upcoming war, rumored to begin tonight. It was strange, even now. For the past three years since the revival of Voldemort, they had been waiting for it. They knew it was coming. Now, it seemed too soon, as though they'd barely been struck with the idea of battle. Not a single soul was there, not even Hermione. "Did she already leave? Maybe she's gone to the common room, looking for us!" He turned to look at Ron, who stood, stiff.

"No, she's not. Hermione's gone." Ron's skin grew paler and the bright, red freckles that spotted his skin became more, and more visible. "Hermione would never leave everything here."

Harry's eyes followed Ron's gaze. The table was a mess, and Hermione's bag was still there. But no Hermione. "Dumbledore," was all he said before the duo ran towards the Headmaster to inform him of the incident.

"Son, who did you choose?"

"Father, I've chosen her."

"Ah, quite the beauty," Lucius smirked. He ran his finger across Hermione's jawbone.

"No, this was a glamour charm to make her kidnapping inconspicuous. Finite Incantum." Draco watched as his father's eyes grew large. He knew why. His father wouldn't say anything, though. Nothing to betray the Dark Lord. "I liked the challenge."

Lucius quickly concealed his surprise; Malfoys were above emotions. He needed to speak with the Dark Lord, quickly. "Have fun with your toy tonight, Son. I have things to tend to. Remember, nine o' clock tonight." With a crack, he apparated.

Draco stared into the empty space his father was seconds ago. He felt bile rising to his throat. It was a disgusting tradition. He didn't want to go through with it, but he did. Sickening. He turned his head to the sleeping girl on the floor. The unruly brown hair draped the floors in a puddle, and her fair skin contrasted with the black cloak she wore atop her school robes. He supposed she was beautiful in her own way, not that he'd ever admit. He decided to let her sleep until the ceremony. He shuddered, before whispering, "Sorry." With that, he left Hermione there on the deep green carpet of his room in Malfoy Manor.