A Dare and a Pledge

Sunday, August 30, 1998

Hermione was feeling a lot better about her current situation at the moment. She'd spent the remainder of yesterday with Ron and Seamus, and it felt just like it used to. She'd laughed with them and she and Ron had talked just like they did when they were best friends before everything had gotten so messed up. She thought maybe this could work out. Starting over may have been the best thing for them, and that thought made her forget her conflicting emotions about a certain Slytherin who just wouldn't stop sneaking into her head, at least for a little while.

He was so effing confusing. He'd been so close, and so...menacing that she thought for a moment that he might force himself on her. But he hadn't. He'd backed off as soon as he realized she was not on board with what he was doing. He'd even looked a bit sad before he'd kissed her forehead and sent her on her way. What was she supposed to do with that?

His parting words still rang in her ears.

"You'll want me again Granger. I promise you that."

The arrogance in that statement pissed her off now. It was like he was inside her head. Maybe he was. He was quite practiced in the Dark Arts after all. Maybe he could peer into her thoughts whenever he wanted.

She shivered at the idea. There was no way he could read her mind. She just wouldn't bloody believe that. So while his parting words still haunted her, she'd tried to forget him.

She didn't want to keep thinking about him when she was with her friends. He had no place there. When she was with Ron she wanted him to see that she was happy. Maybe if they could just hang out, get past whatever it was that stood in their way and just talk like they had last night, then maybe they could really work this out. Now she just had to get her body to agree with her. It took all night for her skin to stop tingling where Malfoy had touched her.

No, she wasn't going to think about that. She was leaving that in the past and looking forward to a future, where she could be with Ron.

She was sitting in the Great Hall now, listening to McGonagall give a closing speech about the Reconstruction.

"I want to take a moment to thank all of you for your hard work and sacrifices this summer. After the difficult year you've already had you chose to stay and help rebuild your school instead of going home to be with your families for the summer holiday."

Hermione inwardly cringed. It wasn't like she had anywhere, besides the Burrow maybe, to go for Holiday. Her parents still thought they were childless and living in Australia. In fact, Kingsley hadn't been able to give her any word about their current whereabouts for over a month now. She didn't even know if they were ok. She shoved the thought into the back of her mind. She didn't have room for all her worries as it was.

She sighed, staring back to the front, McGonagall still speaking, "The remainder of the students will begin to arrive tomorrow night. So I suggest you enjoy your last night of freedom before school rules come into effect. Just because you all have survived one of the worst wars in history, doesn't mean that we will be lenient. All the same rules and punishments will apply. Have fun while you can, but try not to have too much fun," She glanced over the top of her glasses before adding, "if you understand my meaning."

Hermione stifled a small chuckle at her professor's, no, her headmistress's, word choice and looked around the room as McGonagall took her leave. Seamus was smiling as he leaned across the table. "Party tonight in the Great Common!" He called out. "Everyone's invited!"

Everyone whooped, including Hermione. She had a good reason to celebrate. It was her final year, and things with Ron were looking up. Now if she could take care of her little pest problem, her life would be perfect. Or as perfect as it could be when you're Hermione Granger.

The night had started out well enough. A few of her peers were drunk, Harry included, but everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Hermione was having fun as well. She and Ginny had already banned Harry from flying on his broomstick, as he was trying unsuccessfully to mount it in the hallway, and they'd seen Luna in the corner dancing with a seventh-year boy. Dean and Hannah Abbot were chatting excitedly at the beverage stand, which had Neville looking quite lonely while he sipped on his drink and talked to Ernie.

Seamus was with a seventh-year girl with short blonde hair, teaching her how to shoot muggle pool, and Terry Boot was grinning madly as he took a shot with Mary Brocklehurst. No doubt thinking he was going to get lucky tonight.

Nearly everyone that had been helping with the Reconstruction was here tonight. The only faces she hadn't seen, that she was sure she would, were Ron's and...Malfoy's. She could do without seeing the latter, but she had hoped Ron would show up. She'd been surprised to see Seamus walk in without him. They'd been doing everything together.

When she'd asked him where Ron was, Seamus had just shrugged and went back to his game.

So when she looked at the door a few minutes later, her stomach dropped.

"Hermione? Want a drink?" Ginny was asking.

She couldn't give her an answer. Her attention was drawn to the front of the room. Ron was here and so was Malfoy, Pansy's arms looped through his. She felt her face flush as his eyes locked on hers. So much for him wanting her so bloody bad. She scrunched up her face.

She tore her gaze from him and looked at Ron, wishing immediately that she hadn't. He had his arms around some girl she didn't recognize and his lips were planted flush against hers. Her heart stilled. She hadn't realized how much she'd gotten her hopes up until this very moment.

She looked back at Ginny and snatched the glass out of her hand, downing it in one, long gulp.

"Whoa! Well, that answers my question, but bloody hell, Hermione." Ginny gasped.

Hermione wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "Sorry. I'm just...I'm going to get another drink. Want one?"

Ginny nodded slowly.

"Right. Be right back!" she replied, her voice forcefully cheery.

She brought back two new glasses and handed one to Ginny, who took it and raised a brow. "What's gotten into you?" She asked as Hermione downed her second glass.

"That." She said, pointing at Ron settled on a couch with the girl in his lap. "That is what's gotten into me."

"That bloody git!" Ginny shrieked. "Harry! Hold my drink!"

Harry reached for it but Hermione stopped him. "No, Ginny! It's not worth it..."

Harry looked over at Ron and made a face. "I don't understand why he 'as to be so blunt 'bout it. It's like he's doing it on purpose....if I wasn't so drunk..."

"But you are, Harry, so forget about it. It's fine. Just let me drink without judgment and forget I ever laid eyes on him." She sighed.

Ginny still looked pissed but she nodded. "He'ss so be hearing from me later, just so you know.."

Harry nodded, "Me too."

She smiled. "Thanks, guys." Her heart was aching terribly. She needed another drink. She headed back to the table full of pre-poured cups of rum and whiskey. She grabbed one with whiskey and choked it down. She felt her face grow warm as the alcohol slowly started taking effect, but it wasn't enough. She wanted to be so drunk that she'd stop loving Ron, but not so much that she'd make another mistake and sleep with some random Slytherin...

She was so focused on what she was doing, she didn't notice who it was that was standing next to her until she heard her laugh. She turned to look at the girl, the one who had been attached to Ron's lips just minutes before.

She frowned, and with the liquid courage surging through her veins, made a move. "So...what hole did you crawl out of?"

Oh, Godric, was that her? Did she really just say that?

The girl gave a startled look. "Excuse me?"

"Since when have you and Ron been so close?"

"Awhile, I guess? Why the hell do you car- Oh!" She cried, a smirk tugging at her lips. "I know you! You're Ron's ex, right? As I recall he dumped you a few days ago."

"He was my friend long before we were a...couple, but that's not the issue here. Why are you hanging all over him? It makes you look just a tad trashy, to be honest."

The girl laughed coldly. "Honest? You want to be honest, do you? Well here's some honesty for you. You aren't with Ron anymore. So you have no right to even talk to me, let alone call me names. And while we're being honest...let me tell you something else." Her eyes narrowed. "You're nothing to him anymore. You're just a jealous bint that no one likes. Why do you think you came here alone tonight?"

Hermione was shocked. How dare this girl talk to her like this. "I came alone because I wanted to."

"Yeah right. You came alone because no one wanted to be seen with you. You know, everyone always goes on and on about how smart you are. I'd think you'd be smart enough to figure out that guys don't like stuck up know it all's. Ron certainly doesn't. That's why he's been snogging me all night," She leaned forward and whispered. "And not you."

"You! You bitch! My being smart didn't have anything to do with our break up!"

"Is that what you think? Well go ahead and believe it. But the truth is...no one wants you. No one would want to be with a prudish, haughty mess like you.

"That's not true." She replied in hushed tones.

"Isn't it?" The girl crooned. "Prove it then. Go and kiss the first guy you see. And if they push you away then you have to admit that you're jealous and that no one wants you."

She felt like she was going to kill this girl. How dare she! How dare she! She looked around the room and caught sight of Malfoy, staring at her and the girl with concern. She could do this...she could. This didn't mean she wanted the bloke. She would just...kiss him and prove to this little bitch that someone wanted her, and then...that would be the end of it. She noticed that only a handful of people were around her.... This could work. No problem.

"Fine! I'll prove it!" She hissed, turning on her heels and making her way to Malfoy. His eyes widened in shock as she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him viciously. He didn't push her away, even going so far as placing a hand on her hip. She smirked into his mouth and broke the exchange, backing up and giving the stupid slag the finger, calling out to her as she did so, before returning to her friends. Her blood was boiling and her kiss with Malfoy had her stomach tingling again.

She was so bloody stupid for letting herself succumb to stupid taunts. But, it felt good to be bloody stupid sometimes. It gave her a rush to kiss Malfoy in front of people. She'd only done it out of spite toward the girl and Ron. Sure that may lead to some questions from her friends later, but right now she didn't care. And she didn't really care that her heart was beating wildly at the thought of kissing him again. Just how far would she fall this night?

She didn't want to think about it, so she downed one last drink and headed for the side door, slipping away from the crowd and disappearing into the empty halls.

Draco hadn't wanted to go to the party. He hadn't wanted to see if Granger had gone and made up with Weasley. He was still struggling with the image of him walking down the street with her yesterday. Fucking dickhead.

"Draco? Draco, are you coming or not?" Pansy asked, leaning against the doorframe.

He rolled over on his side. "Not?"

"Come on mate," Blaise commented. "It's the last time we'll be able to have one for awhile, out in the open that is."

"Why would I want to go to a bloody Gryffindor party?"

Blaise smiled. "Free alcohol?"

"You know me too well it seems." He groaned, sitting up. "Fine, I'll go."

Pansy perked up. "It's been awhile since we've all hung out together."

"There're reasons for that.'' he hissed under his breath.

"What?" She asked.

"Nothing." He said loudly, getting up and pulling on a black, button-up, dress shirt.

"Let me help you with that." Pansy offered, walking towards him.

Blaise held out his hand. "I think he can dress himself."

Draco nodded his head at Blaise. "Quite right, mate."

Pansy backed away, clearly upset but not muttering another word.

They'd met up with Theo, Gregory, and a few other housemates and headed for the Great Common. It seemed like he wasn't the only one taken with a Gryffindor. Daphene Greengrass had seen McLaggen in the hall and the pink that dusted across her cheeks hadn't escaped Draco's notice. It eased his mind a little, knowing that he wasn't alone in his shenanigans.

To his undying irritation, Pansy leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his waist. "You know we haven't been together in awhile....why don't we head out early tonight? Go somewhere...private?"

He almost laughed in her face. "I'm afraid I have plans.."

"What kind of plans? It's a party."

"I have someone I plan on talking to later." He replied.

"Is it another girl?"

"And if it is?" He asked, "Not too keen on sharing?"

"No...that's not it." She said, ashen.

"Spare me, Pansy, you know I don't like clingy girls."

She bit her lip as they entered the room, her arm still linked with his. "I'm not trying to be clingy."

Then he saw her. The object of his restless nights, rosy-faced, laughing and hanging onto Potter.

She'd looked over and seen him, made a face, and turned away.

He felt Pansy pull on his shirt and felt disgusted. "Pansy...Let. Go. Of. Me."

Pansy made a sour face and grunted. "You can be such a prat sometimes, Draco."

He smiled to himself. Now, where had he heard that before? "Yes, well that isn't going to change, so you should just move on to the next guy already."

Her face flushed and she shot him an angry look before stalking off with Daphne, Theo trailing behind her.

He turned his attention back to Granger. She was downing a drink and glaring across the room, pointing at something. His eyes followed to where she pointed. The weasel was cuddled up with some girl and obviously, Granger was pissed off about it.

She might be pissed off, but he was far from it.

He watched her for awhile, making sure to talk when spoken too and act like he wasn't staring down the mudblood.

He was doing a damn good job of keeping himself in check until he noticed her talking to a petite raven haired girl at the snack bar. They were exchanging heated words. He could tell this by studying Granger's body language. It didn't take long to recall who the girl had come to the party with. It had been the shite for brains Weasley. Yes. He could see this going well.

He kept his eyes glued on them, waiting to see if a fist fight would break out between the two bickering girls. When it didn't, he sighed. He was looking forward to a good row. Instead, he found a pair of angry brown eyes boring down on him from across the room.

She was gliding towards him, almost in a near run. And before he could process what she was doing, she'd thrown her arms around him and kissed him hard, causing him to take a staggering step back and place a hand on her hip. What the hell?

She smirked into his mouth before stepping away from him and looking back at the girl across the room and lifting her middle finger in the air. "How was that you slag!" She screamed before storming off and wrapping her arm around the Weaslette.

Those who'd witnessed the incident stood silently, mouths open in shock. Surely wondering what had possessed Mudblood Granger to kiss Draco Malfoy. Really, he didn't blame them. He was wondering that himself.

"Draco, what the fuck was that about?" Pansy shrieked, being the first one to say anything.

"I...I don't know..." he replied. But he was going to find out.

Blaise watched as the female Weasley swept the room with her gaze, searching for her friend undoubtedly. She spotted him and gave him a peculiar look before making her way over to where he was seated. He eyed her warily."To what, do I owe this pleasure, Ms. Weasley?" He asked.

She placed her hands on her hips. "Do you know where Hermione is?"

"No, I haven't seen her since her little act earlier, why do you ask?"

"If you were lucky enough to haven't noticed, my brother's being a mighty foul git tonight. She was definitely upset and I just thought maybe she went to talk to you again."

Again? When had they talked in the first place? "I don't know what you mean."

"The other night." She said, a look of confusion sweeping her features. "She got drunk and talked to you."

Ah hah. So Granger was lying to her friends now? How interesting. It seemed he was the only one who knew about his mate's little escapade with the muggle-born. "Oh yes, she was spouting all kinds of things about...your brother."

"So you haven't seen her?"

"No. But if I do, you'll be the first to know."

"Thanks." She replied with a smile. "Weren't you here with Malfoy?" She asked, looking around.

"I was." And the bloody bloke had left him to the Gryffindor's.

"Where did he run off to?"

"Where indeed?" He answered, not being able to contain the smirk that crept upon his lips. If Granger wasn't here, he had a pretty good notion as to where Draco could be found.

Draco had seen her leave out the side door and quickly gotten up from his seat, not bothering to excuse himself from his "friends" conversations. He heard Pansy asking him where he was going, but he ignored her.

He followed Granger down the hall, silently matching his steps with hers. She was talking to herself. Muttering about Ron and the girl, and then he grinned. She was muttering curses about him as well.

They were nearing the washroom and he couldn't stop his arms from wrapping themselves around her waist and dragging her into it. Hopefully, there were no occupants inside. He knew he wouldn't be able to contain himself much longer. Not now, not after that kiss.

"I was wondering when you'd finally decide it was time to corner me, Malfoy." She sighed when he released her.

"I couldn't help it, what with your actions earlier, screaming for me to do so." He responded, cocking his head.

"Don't make me laugh. I did that out of a dare. You really think you effect me that much?" She laughed dryly.

"I know I do."

"Hah, well whatever, Malfoy. If this about your proposition, my answer is still no."

He frowned. "Is it?"

"Yes."

"Even knowing that Weasley is snuggled up with what's her face?" He asked, stepping closer to her.

A look of disdain crossed her features. "Back off Malfoy. I don't like the way you make me feel."

"Well, I'm not particularly pleased by how you make me bloody feel either, Granger." He folded his arms. "Kissing me in front of a whole group of people then denying my advances when we're alone."

"Oh, I'm getting to you am I?" She smirked. "Damn me and my filthy blood. Am I getting the all mighty Slytherin prince all hot and bothered.? My mistake."

"Watch it." He ground out through clenched teeth.

"It's a charade, Malfoy. You are playing games and I want no part of them."

"I'm not the one playing games, Granger. I thought I made myself pretty clear yesterday." He hissed. "I want you. It's simple as that."

"There is nothing simple about that statement." She retorted. "I am nothing. A mudblood. Your enemy. You wanting me is totally uncharacteristic of you. You're a Malfoy."

"Are you listening to yourself right now? I already told you. I don't care about blood anymore."

"How can I trust a word that comes out of your mouth?"

"Why does it have to be about trust? Why can't it be about getting what we know we both want? It doesn't have to be emotional, Granger."

"Well, it may not be a problem for you to have emotionless sex...But...I can't ...I can't seem to get my head around the idea."

"Why should that matter when you want it just as much as I do. Do you even have any idea what you do to me? Do you?"

She shook her head and he advanced, backing her up, once again, into a wall.

"You make me bloody crazy! I can't concentrate. I'm always thinking about you. You have no idea what you made me do in that alley yesterday! I...I couldn't control my desire for you!" He admitted, his voice rough. He didn't want to think about what he'd done. He wasn't some sick bastard that got off in public, but he'd damn well went and done just that hadn't he? And all because of this bloody woman in front of him. "When I see you, all I want to do is take you back to my room and fuck you in every position imaginable. And don't act like you don't think about me too. I see the way you look at me!" He shouted, grabbing her shoulders and smashing his lips into her half parted ones.

Hands groped, teeth clashed, and fury rose as they kissed, both greedily taking what they both wanted. But as she always did, Hermione pushed away when she felt her growing need.

"Stop! Just stop!" She cried. "You...Why are you doing this? You make me feel so wrong, Malfoy! You come onto me every chance you get. How am I supposed to take the time to rid myself of these indecent feelings toward you? Every time I see you I feel this need to be reckless. Whatever it is, it makes me think everything I ever knew and felt was a lie! I feel so alive when I'm with you but it's not right! It makes my head spin. You kiss me and it makes me want you even though I know I shouldn't! I hate it! I can't stand feeling like that! Why are you doing this to me? Why do you want me? Why?"

"I....I don't know." He admitted, quietly.

"Does it make you happy, Malfoy? To see me a bloody mess all the time? To see me squirm under your gaze-?"

"No-"

"-to see me on the verge of tears over Ron? What more do you want from me? Do you want me to beg on my knees and grovel at your feet?"

His thoughts traveled to his earlier fantasies. That would be entertaining but now was not the time to bring it up. "No, I-"

But she was interrupting him again. "Then what? Do you want the satisfaction of knowing that you've won? That you've utterly confused me and now I don't know which way is up anymore? Do you get off on that?" Her eyes were a darkened pool of lust as she stepped forward.

"Granger what are you-"

She launched herself at him, causing both of them to crash to the floor. Her lips were on his and she nipped at him hungrily, her legs moving to straddle him. He liked when women took control, but this, he wasn't expecting. He moved his arms around her, deepening their kiss. Gods she was amazing. She tasted of wine and apples? And it was driving him mad. He sat up, pulling her up with him. He wanted to take her right then and there on the sodding bathroom floor. Who cared if anyone came in? He sure as hell didn't. And as much as she was spouting off about not wanting emotionless sex, she sure was snogging him good.

He pulled her legs around him, her core pressed firmly against his slowly growing need. He rocked his hips up, causing them both to shudder against the pressure. He wanted to magic their clothes away. He wanted to absorb all her marvelous heat. Feel her, all of her wrapped around him. "Ah, Granger. Shit, how are you so sexy?" He breathed huskily as she sucked his earlobe into her mouth.

This was what he'd wanted for days. His distraction...his desires...his lust....all muddled together in a passionate embrace. In her passionate embrace. He trailed kisses along her jaw line, biting the soft flesh at the base of her neck. Yes. He wanted this. To taste her, to feel her. All the visions he'd had back in that horrid alley came rushing back. He wanted her brown eyes to look upon him with the desire he knew was on his own.

He rocked his hips again, enticing another moan from her. She tugged at his hair as he kissed her neck, his hands running up her shirt, feeling the soft curves of her hip, her slim stomach, her plump breasts that were unfairly hidden from him in her normal attire. "See, you're loving this." He cooed in her ear. "Why have you fought it so long?" She didn't answer and he continued massaging her breast with his nimble fingers. She felt like silk under his hands. He was coming dangerously close to flipping her onto her back and yank her clothes off her body when he heard something disturbing in his ear.

A sniffle.

Was she? She couldn't be. He halted his movements and whispered, "Granger?"

She broke away from him and knotted her hands in the front of his black shirt. "Are you happy now, Malfoy? You've won. I'm completely at your mercy." She said, tears springing to her eyes.

Happy? He was far from it as he looked at her, her body shaking and her eyes moist. No. This wasn't what he wanted. Sure, he'd wanted her to want to fuck him blind, but not like this...not with her crying.

"Get off me, Granger."

"Why?" She asked, leaning forward. "This was what you wanted."

"Get off. Now." He said, his voice more commanding. "I don't...you've been drinking."

"That didn't stop you the other night."

He pushed her backward, moving to get out from underneath her. "No, I don't want this. Not this way." He stood up, looking down at her, hair wild and eyes wide.

"But you just said-"

"I know what I said!" He snapped. "But I'm not interested in your tears, or breaking you, or whatever other rubbish you believe. If you really want me...find me when you're ready to admit you want it, without some slag hanging all over Weasel prompting you to do so."

They were both silent for a moment, glaring at each other. "You're a bloody bastard, Malfoy!" She suddenly spat, getting up and wiping angry tears from her eyes.

"Yes, you've said that before."

"Malfoy!"

"Good night, Granger." He called, briskly walking out of the bathroom. He needed to get out of there. His heart was slamming against his ribcage and he didn't understand why. Why did it bother him so much that he'd made her cry? He'd made a lot of girls , he probably made Pansy cry a less than an hour ago. So why were Granger's tears affecting him so much?

He didn't think about it as he made his way back to his room. Even if she had been crying, she had admitted she want it. She was clearly into it. So that meant he'd gotten somewhere right?

He'd finally achieved one of his goals, making her admit to herself that she was just as into having sex with him as he was. So...why did he feel so bloody awful about it?

Azkaban

Cell Block 1,568D

The wind howled and the sound of waves breaking against hard stone could be heard as Lucius Malfoy paced his cell in a mad daze. It had been 112 days since his imprisonment and 102 days since he'd seen his wife and son. He'd been allowed to send letters, brief of course, but he'd received only a few in return. Draco hadn't even bothered to respond.

His sons disrespect and disregard for his well being irked him to no end and his irritation only grew into anger as the days wore on. He had nothing but time after all, and he spent it mulling over his past actions and deeds, and how his son had turned his back on him. He hadn't even said a word in his defense at the hearing. Draco had escaped doing time, thanks to Harry Potter, but he hadn't been so lucky.

The evidence was stacked against him. There was no hope for him. He'd spend the rest of his miserable life rotting away in this prison with nothing but the nagging wind for company.

"Mr. Malfoy." A low voice called from the doorway.

He looked over at the barred window. Had he heard his name? That was impossible. No one was allowed visitors their first five years, if at all. Especially not him.

He inched forward, fearful of what may be on the other side of the steel. He'd heard and seen many things in his nights at Azkaban. Enough to know that many sorts of unearthly creatures roamed its halls ready to spring on anyone crazy enough to dare try to escape.

"Hello?" He croaked, his voice raw from going unused for months. "Who's there?"

He took a chance and peered out between the bars. "Hello?"

A guard moved in front of the door, startling him. "Mr. Malfoy," he spoke. "You have a visitor."

"We aren't allowed visitors." He stated, unsure whether on not this was some sort of joke.

The guard turned to his right and shook his head. "I guess he's not interested in getting his dirty arse out of here. Sorry, you wasted your time."

What? Did he say something about getting him out of here? Was that even possible?

"Wait!" He yelled, hoping to stop the man from leaving. "Wait...I'll speak to them."

The guard grunted. "He's all yours."

Lucius stared out into the hall but couldn't see anyone. "Are you there?"

"I'm here, Mr. Malfoy." A deep, low voice called from somewhere outside his line of sight. "The question is, how long will you be here."

"Who are you?"

"Who I am is of no consequence at the moment. Just know that I am an ally and a friend. I can give you your freedom if you so choose to accept my help."

"You can get me out of here?"

The man moved then, stepping in front of him. His face was hidden in the shadow of his black hood, but his intent was ever present. "I can."

There was something familiar about the man that he just couldn't place. He knew him from somewhere. "What must I do?"

"Pledge your loyalty to me." He said. "Join me; and your plans, your dreams, of a better future will be a reality."

"If you think you're the next Dark Lord then you're ins-"

The man threw back his hood, whispering a charm, and Lucius took a step back, shocked and bit thrown off. "There was a reason why I was one of the highest rank, Lucius. Or have you forgotten?"

A ghost of a smirk formed on the blonde man's lips then. "I haven't forgotten." He whispered. "I just thought you died."

He returned the hood to mask his face and sighed. "The best place to hide is in plain sight."

"A true statement." Lucius agreed. "Though I must ask if you are up to the task at hand?"

"I faked my death, gathered many scattered supporters from across the globe, took on this form, and got past all the Aurors, dementors, and guards of Azkaban." He replied dryly. "You tell me."

"I see. Very well. If I pledge my loyalty to you, you'll get me out of here? I'll be free of this hell?"

He could hear the evil grin in his voice as he answered, "You have my word."

"Then you have my wand." He said. "When I obtain a new one, that is."