Chapter 1

"On a final note, we have just received some new intelligence that has made an undercover mission necessary, Remus will be heading so I will let him fill in his team," Kingsley Shacklebolt's deep voice rang out in the small kitchen of the burrow, where a few members of The Order of the Phoenix sat. It had been Mad-Eye Moody's idea to split the meetings up, so that no one had all the information. After Snape's betrayal Mad-Eye's 'constant vigilance' became much more serious. It was for this reason all new missions were "need to know" only, always giving the most pertinent information only.

"Right, I would like to have a quick briefing with Bill, Tonks, Fred, George and Hermione in about an hour. Fred if you would please let George know and I will speak with Hermione," Remus said quietly.

One look at Molly Weasley's face told Kingsley it was time to wrap things up, which he did quickly. As soon as the word "concluded" was uttered, Molly turned on Remus.

"Just what are you playing at here? She's too young! She will be leaving back to Hogwarts soon, her parents must be consulted, I will not let you put that girl in danger!" Molly all but screamed at the exhausted looking ex-professor.

"Once again, Mum, I feel like George and I are next door neighbours," Fred said with a huge grin, kissing her on the cheek on his way to the fireplace to floo back to the flat to fill George in.

"Fred Weasley, you know as well as I do there's nothing I can say about you older children," Molly ground out, never taking her eyes off of Remus.

Remus knew he must tread lightly with the red headed matriarch, she was a force to be reckoned with on her good days, but he also knew Hermione was pivotal in this mission. Never had he wished for Arthur's presence more that moment, he was the only one able to temper his wife even the slightest. Arthur, however was in Romania with Charlie until tomorrow afternoon.

"Molly, please sit," Remus led the red faced witch to a chair at the table that was now deserted. "I understand your objections, I truly do, however, Hermione is of age. That makes this her decision. We both know that she cannot return to Hogwarts this year, not if the rumours are true about Snape becoming headmaster. As for her parents, that will not be an issue, and that is Hermione's story to tell to whom she chooses."

Remus held his hand up to stop the questions he saw in Molly's eyes. Hermione had sent Remus an owl just before she came to the burrow asking his help in modifying her parents memories and sending them away for their safety. He had promised not to say anything to anyone, to let her tell whomever she wanted when she was ready.

"I know," said a very deflated Molly. "I just wish I could shield them all from this war. You must make sure all of them are safe. I love them all as my own, Tonks as well."

"I quite agree with you there, if there were anyway around it I would take it, you know that. Unfortunately wars are not fought solely by old men. It's the young ones who will turn the tide." Remus wasn't thinking of Hermione or the twins, not even Harry. His mind was on the ones who were young during the last war, James and Lily, Sirius whom he had gotten back only to be taken away again so quickly. Remus couldn't however bring himself to think of Pettigrew. He simply refused to. Shaking himself slightly, he stood to go and find Hermione, the girl who so reminded him of Lily.

….

"So, how'd it go? Anything exciting?" George asked as Fred walked out of the fireplace into their shared flat above the joke shop.

"As a matter of fact yes, we have been recruited for a mission. We're to meet everyone in an hour. Ol' Kings even used the word unusual," Fred told him as he leaned against the counter separating the kitchen and living room.

"Everyone?"

"Lupin is heading, with Tonks and big brother wolf, you and me obviously and uh Hermione," Fred said the last name quickly knowing what was coming.

"You don't say," George said, a wicked grin forming. "Tonks and Lupin, Bill, and who was that last one?"

"Oh don't be a prat, we have to get back to the burrow," Fred said as his ears turned a bit pink.

"So, you'll get to be in the foxhole with your beautiful bookworm then?" George asked not letting up.

"How much do you have left then?" Fred asked nodding toward a few unopened boxes of product sitting on the kitchen table.

"Not a chance, there will be no changing of subjects, You've been smitten for years, now would be a perfect time to profess your undying love."

"Has Muriel caught on yet?" Fred tried again for a subject change.

"No, didn't even see her, this is the last load of all the back stock, there's a case of each product left in the store room. We will have a good deal saved up when we need to shut down the shop," George said with a dramatic roll of his eyes. "Now what color will the wedding be? I myself am partial to orange, but I dont think Herm-"

Fred swatted feathers from the pillow he'd just sent flying into his brother's face from the nearby couch and walked purposefully toward the fireplace to return to the burrow, ignoring the stream of curse words issuing from George.

…..

Hermione and Ginny were laying on their stomachs on the younger witches bed, listening to the wireless and giggling over the newest issue of "Witch Weekly". Hermione was enjoying this, there were very few moments when she could act like a normal 17 year old girl. Sitting around gossiping with her best friend thinking of nothing but famous celebrity wizards and a new potion she's like to try out on her unruly hair. Deep down Hermione knew that in a few weeks time she would be packing up and leaving the only family she had left, for who knows how long, but for right now she was going to bask in the frivolous girl time.

"Come in," the girls chorused together at the knock on the closed door

.

"Hello ladies, Ginny, your mother has asked for your help to prepare dinner. Hermione might I have a quick word?" Remus asked as both girls got up to go down to the kitchen.

"Of course, Professor. Are my parents alright?" Hermione asked nervously as Ginny left the room. So far the only one Hermione had told about her parents was Professor Lupin, she just wasn't ready to tell anyone else yet.

"Yes, yes. They are both perfectly safe. They are set up nicely in Australia, where exactly I won't tell you, per your request. I have an old friend of mine keeping check on them from time to time. I would like to tell you again what a selfless and brave thing it is that you've done, not many could have," Remus smiled kindly

.

"Honestly Professor, it was the only way I could think of to keep the Death Eaters from torturing them. Personally I rather find it a bit selfish to take away so much from them, I just hope they can forgive me when this is all finished," Hermione said, twisting her fingers in her lap.

"I have no doubt they will. Now, I've come on a separate issue that I very much need your help with. There is a mission with a muggle professor at London College. I understand your mother has an old friend who teaches there?" Remus asked getting down to business.

"Yes, Aunt Linda, they were at university together. Is she alright? Is she in danger?" She asked quickly.

"No, no, she is fine. A colleague of hers has recently acquired a small box that has gained the interest of Voldemort. I am leading a small group of Order members to go in undercover and suss out what is so important about this box. I would very much like for you to join us as well," Remus explained. When he saw her hesitate, he continued. "May I be frank with you?"

"Yes, of course, please."

"I know that you and Harry and Ron are planning something," Remus stated. "I don't know any specifics and I don't need to. I believe we can be finished with this business with the professor before Harry even comes to the Burrow, but it may stretch longer. I know your loyalty is with Harry, and I respect that, but I do very much need your help. I believe you to be vital to this mission's success. Being muggle born and having connections at the school already, not to mention your intellect. I promise to do what I can to get you back before Harry, though it may not be possible. But please consider it. Unfortunately I will need an answer soon, the rest of the group will be meeting soon."

"Alright I'll do it," Hermione said as something clicked in her brain.

"Excellent! We will be meeting in the garden just before supper," Remus said before leaving the room quietly.

Hermione quickly ran up the stairs to Ron's bedroom thinking to herself the best way to explain what she thought was happening. She'd barely knocked before walking right in to find Ron sitting at his small desk writing something.

"Merlin, Hermione, what are you doing just barging into someone's bedroom!" asked a startled Ron. "I could have been starkers."

"What are you writing?" Hermione asked curiously.

"A letter," He said simply.

"To Harry?"

"No."

"Anyone I know?"

"Yes."

"Are you going to tell me who?"

"No."

"Whatever Ronald," Hermione rolled her eyes. She was very happy to have Ron back in her life, though their relationship was still a bit strained. Seeing the way he acted with Lavender showed Hermione that she really wasn't interested in him romantically, but she had really missed having her best friend around. There was still a bit of unease between them that she was hoping to get over before they went on the hunt for horcruxes. "I think I may have found one! A horcrux."

"What do you mean? How could you have found one? You haven't left the burrow," Ron asked looking to the door to make sure it was closed.

"Well Professor Lupin has asked me to help with a mission, it involves a muggle professor and a box that Voldemort is very interested in. Don't you get it? An object that he really wants to get a hold of," Hermione asked, emphasising its importance.

"That's definitely something to look into, but what about Harry?" Ron asked, discreetly flipping his parchment over to keep it hidden.

"I believe that this would be me just jump starting the hunt, I'll go with them and try and determine if that's what it really is. Besides Professor Lupin wouldn't have asked if it weren't important," Hermione reasoned

.

"It does sound suspicious," Ron allowed. "I know you'll be safe with Lupin. And Harry won't be here for a few more weeks anyway. Alright I think it's a good idea, but don't say anything about horcruxes to the others. Harry would go barmy."

"I agree. I won't say anything unless it's absolutely necessary," Hermione agreed standing up to go meet the rest of the team.

"Hermione, just be careful, will you? We need you, you know," Ron stood up to hug her.

"I always am," she said with a smile. They hugged for another moment both testing their feelings and both knowing they were friends, best friends, but nothing more.

…

Remus walked into the back garden to find that Tonks was already waiting for him. She was sitting on top of the old picnic table with her eyes closed face pointed up into the weak sunlight. Ever since she'd exploded at him about his refusal to accept the pair of the as a couple at Hogwarts following the battle they had been getting closer. He was still very guarded with her, trying his best to keep her at a distance, but he was smart enough to know that his efforts were futile. He was in love with her, every part of her, and she was wearing down his resolve to stay away from her.

"Hello Tonks, Professor," Hermione smiled as she joined them. Before they could return the greeting, they heard loud laughter coming toward them. They saw Fred and George on either side of Bill, who looked a bit sad and annoyed as the twins were laughing hard.

"Everything alright Bill?" Remus asked as they got closer. Remus had unofficially taken Bill under his wing after the incident with Greyback, knowing that things would be difficult for Bill in the coming months. He'd also been curious as to how things would progress as a result of being bitten outside of the full moon.

"Yeah, fine. Fleur just left for France to plan the wedding with her mum and also to talk to the Veela colony about joining our side," Bill told them.

"Oh yes, they were very enthusiastically..." George started.

"Saying goodbye. Lucky for them we walked in..." Fred continued.

"Before mum did. She would have had something to say about that for sure," George finished, both laughing and smacking Bill on the back.

"Oh shut it both of you," Bill said with a small smile.

"Bill, if you'd like we can talk after the meeting." Remus said kindly. Bill just nodded without saying anything. Since he had healed from being attacked he had become a bit more aggressive and possessive with Fleur, never hurting her, or even wanting to hurt her, but he was finding it harder to control himself, especially sexually. It was a wonder they ever left the bedroom some days.

"On to the subject at hand, yes?" Remus asked getting things back on track. "There is a muggle professor named Samuel Bradbury, he is head of the English department at London College, he specialises in dead languages. Recently he has acquired a small box at auction, the box was found with a few other items at an old abandoned orphanage in London. This box is rumoured to be covered in runes, Bill this is where you come in, it very well may be cursed as well. Hermione you will be able to help as well, Professor Bibling says you two are the best he's ever had in Ancient Runes.

"Now, our sources tell us that Voldemort is very interested in this box, however, at this time he seems to be satisfied keeping it where it is as long as it is safe, which is odd. We assume he would have no qualms killing the professor to obtain it. Which is why we want to go undercover to figure all this out. Hermione, Fred and George I would like you three to go as students taking his summer class. Fred and Hermione will be engaged to explain why everyone is arriving at the same time. I will be a transferring professor into the English department, Tonks you will be my wife and the twin's cousin. Bill, your only story is that of the twins' elder brother, I know you will be in and out with other missions and your upcoming wedding of course. Any questions?" Remus finished.

"That all seems pretty straight forward," Hermione said.

"Fred and Hermione will be engaged you said?" George asked, the picture of innocence.

"Yes, I think that's best, unless you have any misgivings," Remus said good naturedly, willing to listen to everyone's input.

"Not at all, I think that's a smashing idea," George said, smiling mischievously.

"Right, well your first class is on Monday, I have already enrolled you all. We will be staying in a rented house near Professor Bradbury's home. We will meet back here Sunday morning to all go to the house together," Remus said, concluding the meeting.