Alanka

Summary: Hermione is in hiding as the war between Dark and Light progresses. She takes refuge in another country, until she is called upon to serve the Ministry. She must now live in the Malfoy Manor, serving them and hoping to gather any information that she possibly can. But when a certain someone discovers her, will he give her away?

Ship: Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy

Chapter One

Hermione tore her eyes from the beautiful night sky, ashamed of her silent tears. Three years had past since she had last seen her friends, and the guilt of leaving them to fight the war alone was unbearable. She was a coward; truly afraid of something she had no reason to. But who could blame her? After what she had faced, she was a hero for not giving up on life. She couldn't help but knowing, however, that she had no purpose sitting back and watching the lives of so many innocent witches and wizards die each day to defend the Light Side and the residents of "The Town," including her.

"Hermione, dear! Come downstairs now, it's time for supper!" She heard a faint voice shout.

Hermione got up, wiped her tears and made her way downstairs. She smiled at the woman before her. Mrs. Jane Lemmings had been her housemate, and a wonderful friend. Without her, Hermione would be lost.

"Oh dear, Hermione, have you been crying? Your eyes are all swelled up." She said, her face expressing concern.

"No, Jane," She reassured, "I've just been sleeping, that's all. The shop was horrible today; everyone came in for the newspaper. You know Tuesday's the only day they can get it." She smiled once more, and sat down at the table. Mrs. Lemmings was a widowed woman with two small children. Her husband had died in the war, and Mrs. Lemmings was wanted as well. Therefore, along with the hundreds of other people, including Hermione, she was in hiding. "The Town," was their haven; their underground way of life. It was located in an unknown area and was virtually impossible to find unless you already knew where it was. Although she was grateful for its existence, she knew she didn't belong there.

"Sean and Elizabeth are out at Jackie's place, they really get along with those children." She smiled and served Hermione her food.

"Thank you, Jane."

"You're welcome, honey. Now tell me what's really on your mind, I know it's not just the shop."

"It's nothing, really." Jane gave her a suspicious look.

"Oh Jane, I want to go back. I miss my friends, I miss my job, and I hate not being able to do anything in this blasted war."

"Hermione, you know why you're not there." Jane said slowly.

"I know. But I don't belong here."

"Maybe you should take a day or two off from the shop. I could take over; I'm sure Jackie would love to keep the children."

"Jane, you're too nice. I think work will be best for me. I think I should go to bed now, I'm dead tired. Goodnight, I'll see you after work tomorrow, the shop opens early." Hermione left the room and made her way upstairs.

"Goodnight." Mrs. Jennings whispered at Hermione's retreating form.

Hermione woke up at the crack of dawn, tired and grumpy. She picked up her picture of Harry, Ron, and her smiling and waving happily in front of Hogwarts on their last day there. She kissed it, like she had every morning since her arrival in the town. It had become almost a ritual for her, and she never forgot to do it. To her, it symbolized their friendship and how it used to be. She spent the next hour getting ready to leave, and once she had finished, set off to walk to her bookshop a few blocks down. The air smelled of rain and it was windy as dark clouds hovered above her. She passed by the many shops of the town, making her way to her own. The creators of the town had been sure to make it as close to what a normal one would look like as possible. They gave the people an opportunity for jobs, to give them the opportunity of carrying on how they used to, making it easier to live there. As she reached her shop, she walked in, not needing to unlock the door. In the town, there was no reason to commit crime. Everyone had gone through tough times, and no matter if they worked or not, got money from the ministry to spend. Crime was not necessary, and so the locking of doors was not either.

"Hello, Crookshanks." Hermione said, smiling at the cat. She made her way to the back, where she prepared Crookshanks' breakfast, and took of her coat.

Hermione was the only person out this early in the morning, and there was a reason why. She had been appointed the person in charge of being in contact with the outside world. No one else could, and for good reason. If anyone were allowed to contact the outside world, the town could be found easily, and therefore no one could speak to their friends and family, including Hermione. She was only allowed to speak to the Ministry, and by a phone fixed to work for wizards. A phone call was rare, but they expected at least two a month. Imports from the outside world were "shipped" once a week. The ministry had found a way of transporting objects, almost like the objects themselves were apparating. She sat down at her desk, lying down her head in attempt to rest before a long day's work.

-

"Lets make you look more like you're supposed to, mudblood." He pushed her into the mud. "There ya go, that's more like it!" He said, a look of amusement on his face.

"Stop." She commanded.

"What? Stop, you say? Why?" The deep voice answered.

"Because." For once in her life, she couldn't think of an answer. She couldn't think of something that could save her life.

"You can't think of anything, can you, mudblood. Not so smart anymore, are we." The man's laughter pierced the cold air. Hermione got back up, body aching and tired. He pushed her back, slipping back into the mud. The man laughed once more. Unarmed and tired as hell, Hermione couldn't do anything.

"That's right, back to where you belong."

-

She heard a faint ring in the shop but ignored it. Rrriiinnnnggggg...

-

He laughed, and more joined in behind him.

-

Rrriiinnnnggggg...

Hermione shot up, remembering what the ringing sound was. She ran to the phone and picked it up.

Panting, she spoke. "Hello?"

"Hello, Ms. Granger," said a familiar voice.

"Professor Dumbledore?! Wow! It's so great to hear from you! I thought it was only Roland who handles this!" He chuckled.

"Yes, Ms. Granger, but I'm more here to talk to you about a job."

"What do you mean?"

"Ms. Granger--"

"Call me Hermione."

"Yes, well, Hermione. I have a proposition for you, but I'd rather speak to you about it in person. Now the ministry has transported a portkey to the town, you'll find it in your room at your house. It is a yellow envelope. It'll activate at 1:25 this afternoon. I'll see you then, Ms. Granger."

"I... wait... Professor?" There was no answer. Hermione hung up the phone and hurried home. Jane, you're going to need to take over the shop, my duties, everything. The ministry called me today offering me a job, and I doubt I won't take it, no matter what it is. I need to go see them about it. Jane?"

"I heard everything, honey." Jane said, exiting the kitchen, "I'm going to miss you a lot, but I'm glad you got what you wanted. Take care of yourself, Hermione, okay? Promise?"

"Promise." Hermione said.

"Let's go pack your things, dear. What time do you leave?"

"1:25, we have plenty of time."

"You have two hours."

"What?!"

"Look at the time!" Hermione looked up at the nearby grandfather's clock reading 11:32.

After two hours of rushed packing and goodbye's, Hermione was holding the envelope, waiting.

"Hermione, be careful out there, whatever you do."

"I will Jane, you've been the greatest." Hermione said, tears forming in her eyes.

"You have too. Hey, I'll see you soon, yeah?" She smiled.

"Yeah. Say goodbye to the kids for me."

"Alright. Oh wait!" She said, shoving something into her hands. It was a small neatly wrapped package. "Open it when you get there." Jane smiled, and before she could respond, Hermione felt a jerk at her navel and landed quickly in a white room, feeling quite nauseous.

"Hermione?"

"HARRY?!?!" Hermione jumped up, and ran over to Harry, hugging him hard.

"'Mione..." Harry breathed out, obviously being suffocated by Hermione's grip. She pulled away.

"Oh I'm sorry Harry... I missed you so much!" She kissed him on the cheek (in a friendly manner.)

"I've missed you too."

"Where's Ron?"

"He's on a mission right now. He'll see you tonight." Both were grinning broadly. It was unbelievable seeing each other after three years.

"Here, let me give you a tour." Hermione nodded.

"Okay, well first of all, this is your room, so you can leave all your things here. Let's go." They left the room, entering a plain hallway with the same white walls.

"It's not much, really, kind of boring scenery, but it's home! This is where all the aurors live. We decided it's safer this way. My place is right here, across from you. Let's go dowstairs..."

"Harry, are you sure he's okay? He's 45 minutes late!" Hermione said, panicking. They were waiting for Ron, at a small nearby cafe, as he was supposed to have dinner with them.

"Hermione, on that mission, there was no way something could happen to him. He's always late, bear with him. See? He's right there!"

"HERMIONE!!" Ron yelled, tackling her with a hug.

"Ron, Ron..."

"Yeah sorry." He said, blushing.

"It's so great to see you both." Hermione said, beaming.

"It's great to see you." Ron said, getting redder by the second. Hermione, oblivious to the fact that Ron obviously really liked her, looked at Harry in confusion. Harry shrugged.

"So, is Dumbledore coming?" She asked. Ron answered.

"No, he won't be here until tomorrow. Bloody hell, I'm starving. Sorry I'm late, damn muggles... I mean... not like that, you see we were gettin' information from them and they didn't want to tell us... thought we were press. It's too bad I only get to see you one night, 'Mione. I'm going on a mission and won't be back for a few months... 'Mione, I don't know what you're going to do, and neither does Harry, but be careful. I know they didn't call you back for the job you had before..."

"Ron, you're going on a mission? Tomorrow?!"

"Hermione, we all do our part, you know that." Ron was suddenly serious and somewhat dark compared to his usual self.

"I know. What about you, Harry?" Hermione asked, trying to sound calm and casual.

"Dumbledore said that I need to wait for more information before I do anything, most likely provided by whatever you two are doing." Harry responded.

"Ron, what are you doing?"

"I'm not allowed to tell you two, sorry. If I could, hell, I wouldn't hesitate. But it's required that nobody else but me and my partner know." Hermione nodded sadly.

"Hey, cheer up, 'Mione! We've both been on missions like that before. They happen all the time." Harry said, trying to make her feel better. But it made her feel worse, like she should have been there for them. Tears began to roll off her cheeks and Ron hugged her hard.

"Sorry, Hermione, I didn't mean to make you feel worse." Hermione wiped her tears and pulled away from Ron.

"I know, Harry. It's okay." She smiled, "Well let's eat. All I could feel was Ron's stomach growling when I hugged him." The three laughed, and for the rest of the night, they were like they used to be: the famous trio.

It was her second day at the Ministry, and Hermione found herself in Professor Dumbledore's office, as he was named temporary Minister of Magic. The atmosphere of the room was quite serious compared to his office at Hogwarts. The room was fancier, and less comforting. It was beautiful, really, but it did not fit with the Professor's personality. She took a seat in front of Dumbledore's desk and found herself staring at a serious man, different from what she was used to. She couldn't find herself to blame him, though as his job was a hard one, especially in times of war.

"Miss Granger, what we are about to offer you we do not expect you to accept. However, it would be a great relief if you did. It is a highly dangerous mission, which will require you to be alert, and aware at all times. Miss Granger, we are asking you to become a spy for us." Albus Dumbledore said, searching her eyes for any type of surprise in her reaction. But although she was slightly shocked, she wouldn't refuse this right away. Hermione hadn't expected this at all. She had expected them to want her to do something in research or help in strategic thinking, like she had before. She noticed that Harry was staring down at the ground, and only now had she realized how much he had changed. The sparkle in his eyes that she had remembered was now gone. Now his eyes were full of stress and something else she could not see. She looked at Dumbledore and saw that his eyes too were darker.

"I'll do it." She said plainly. Anything that could help them was something she would not hesitate to do.

"Miss Granger, before you make your final decision, may we tell you more about this situation?" When she nodded, he continued. "Hermione your absence in the Ministry has affected us greatly, but it could have been a good thing. Many people think you're dead, especially if they're on the Dark Side, for they are the ones that "killed" you in the first place. We have offered many other people this job, but no one else has excepted. All our female spies have already been recognized in some way, and cannot take this job either. When the Dark Side "killed" you, they rejoiced. They knew that you might play a large part in the possible victory of the Light Side, and when you were gone, they were happier than ever. You have changed a lot since we last saw you, Hermione. And you're the only person who has the intelligence and ability to do this job without being easily caught." He took a deep breath before continuing, "Hermione, we would like you to work in the Malfoy Manor as a maid named Alanka."

At this, she questioned. "Malfoy? But…I'm a muggleborn…can't they sense that in some way?" She started to panic. This would be right in the center of evil… she would be serving the one person who had tormented her and her friends throughout her school years at Hogwarts, and his father, the man who had "killed" her. But again, she would accept. She knew she had to do this. She hadn't been completely cut off in the town to know that after she left, Azkaban prisoners had been released and the Dementors were back where they belonged…the Dark Side. Hogwarts School was under the operation of Minerva McGonagall as Dumbledore filled in the spot as temporary Minister of Magic when Fudge was thrown from office. So many horrible things had already happened to so many innocent people that she knew she had to do her part in trying to prevent it from happening even more.

"I accept. I'll do it." Harry looked very distressed, as though her acceptance of the mission was killing him. She knew how hard it must have been for Harry, already having been through so much and now not being able to say anything as his best friend accepted one of the most dangerous missions the Ministry had to offer.

Dumbledore nodded sadly and began to tell her how this was to happen.

"The Clovers have been serving the Malfoy family for centuries. They are the only human servants that the family has ever had and they will forever be that way. Much like house elves, they are very dedicated and love to work. They are very loyal and will most likely never leave the Malfoy family. However, they do not necessarily always agree with what the Malfoys do. The two families, although one is under the service of the other, are great friends. They have been through very much together and the Clovers are the ones who mostly raised the Malfoy children. The Clovers, though they would never openly admit it, are very fond and curious of muggles. They would never want them dead and hate war. After many discussions, they finally decided to come here.

"It was only one woman who came, Mrs. Clover. Because of their strong relationship with the Malfoys, the Clovers are never watched or questioned. Their loyalty is great…but when they feel the need to interfere (which they have never before now), they will. And this is one of those times. Mrs. Clover has told the Malfoy family that she has a niece whose parents died, and now she is forced to live with muggles. She has asked if she can serve the Malfoys as well, as she has no occupation. Her name is Alanka, you. And Alanka will arrive at the Malfoy Manor in two weeks time. They have accepted you to work there. We checked the Clovers as thoroughly as possible, and they are trustworthy. They will tell us nothing of the plans themselves, but want us to know what they are still.

"Severus Snape is no longer trustworthy as a deatheater and we do not want to jeopardize him any further. No other deatheater wishes to betray his master, either, and with good reason. You are our only hope. For the next few weeks, we will be training and preparing you for the task to come. We will set spells to alter your appearance, but only slight ones that witches might do normally in case anyone wishes to undo them if they suspect any. You have changed so much in appearance already from Hogwarts, that I doubt that will be a problem.

"I'm sorry once again that I had to greet you this way. Harry shall escort you to your living space. You deserve a good rest, and I trust there will be a warm meal for the both of you waiting in there. Excuse me while I talk to Arthur, it was nice seeing you again Hermione and I'll speak to you tomorrow." She nodded, slightly disappointed that she would not be able to talk to her old professor tonight. But she understood the reasons. Besides, she would get to be with Harry.

When they got to her room, they sat down for dinner.

They talked for hours about what had been happening lately, although it was Harry who talked most of the time because Hermione hadn't really been doing anything exciting (unless you count reading hundreds of muggle and magical books). Harry seemed to get the usual sparkle in his eyes back after a while, and Hermione knew it had been because he had his best friend there. She felt guiltier at the fact that she had gone, and sorrier that she would be leaving soon. If Ron was also on a dangerous mission, then what if he lost them both? She hated to think of the possibility, but she knew she couldn't pretend it wasn't possible. She would hate to see such a broken Harry. She would try her even harder now not to get into any trouble, no matter what she saw. But she needed a good night's rest before she started to train, and although she hated to, she bid Harry goodnight.

The next morning Hermione arose with a start. She dressed quickly and went to Harry's room to find out where to go. She didn't really know the Ministry's building very well, and with the changes it had gone through, she didn't want to try finding anything on her own. Adding the fact that she had no idea where to go, she decided Harry would definitely be the safest person to look for at the moment. She knocked on his door and he got there slowly. He was only in boxers, and although Hermione was not prepared to further her relationship any more with him, she had to admit that he had a nice body. His hair was even more a mess than it usually was (if you can imagine that) and he wasn't wearing his glasses. He squinted down at Hermione and lit up as soon as he realized that it was her.

"Come in! Come in…it may be a little messy in here, but it's comfortable, I promise. Sit down while I go change." She sat down in a large purple poof in the corner and sat patiently. He called out from the bathroom, "So today I think we'll really just be making your alterations…maybe you'll do some training… But I doubt that will take long at all. You're an amazingly fast learner, as I'm sure you know… because you know everything, you know. Well of course you do what am I saying." Hermione laughed a bit at this joke. She had missed the conversations and jokes she had shared with her friends. If she had been there this whole time and had never left, Hermione would have probably rolled her eyes rather than laugh at his joke.

Soon he was out and dressed and they began to make their way towards a room in which they'd meet Dumbledore. When they got there, Dumbledore began at once. He made her skin a beautiful olive color, made her hair a dark brown, and her eyes a beautiful green color. When she looked in the mirror, she was surprised at how exotic she looked. She actually liked it. Dumbledore explained that this way, she looked very much like a Clover and would disguise into their family perfectly. He then began some complicated protection spells and disguises in blood, family, etc. She would have to be prepared to even possibly face Voldemort, so Harry would have to teach her as much about Occlumency as possible in the two weeks they had. As he had said earlier, she was a fast learner, but so much to learn in such a short amount of time was hard and stressing. But she tried to be as optimistic as she possibly could, as she was with Harry for the first time in years and he was her best friend.

Fourteen days quickly became three days, which quickly dissolved into the last day in which she would be with Harry and Dumbledore. Dumbledore, of course, had to meet with the other ministries of Europe that night, so she had dinner with only Harry. They talked about everything that they were allowed to, and had a very emotional time towards the end. Hermione found herself crying in front of Harry, telling him that her only worry was for him. He assured her that he would be fine, as long as she kept herself safe. And before she knew it, there she was, bags in hand, in front of the beautiful Malfoy Manor gate, waiting for it to open.

This would quite interesting indeed.

A/N: So... tell me how it was? Too fast? I have a feeling it was. Suggestions? Questions? Anything? Lol. Review please!