“Draco,” a cold voice drawled behind them as they quickly walked down the corridor. The two students froze, slowly turning around to look into the cold eyes of Lucius Malfoy.

“F-Father,” Draco stuttered, his usual stoic demeanor gone. “What are you doing here?”

Lucius’ mouth formed grim line, “I had received a letter from a very worried Miss Parkinson,” he stated, glaring at his son, “she said you had been acting strangely and she could’ve sworn she had seen you with the Mudblood. Seems she was right.” Hermione flinched as he uttered the vile word. “We decided we’d push up the date of your mission,” he recognised the fear in his Sons eyes and didn’t miss the glance he gave the girl beside him, “oh dear, you haven’t forgotten about your mission have you.” He smirked menacingly at Draco.

“Father, please-” Draco started, trying his best to keep his voice from cracking.

“You haven’t told her have you?” Lucius’ smirk grew, “You haven’t told her about the task the Dark Lord gave you after you took the mark.”

Hermione gasped and turned to face Draco, begging him with her eyes to reassure her that he was lying. That he was not branded with the Dark Mark. He looked away quickly unable to face the disappointment in her eyes, “Draco, no-“

“Oh yes, Miss Granger. It seems you don’t know my son as well as you think you do.” he drawled, his voice echoing off the corridor walls. “Come Draco, it’s time to make a choice. Come with us a fulfil this task like you should or stay with her and well… we’ll see what the Dark Lords Dementors make of you.”