Chapter 2 – Doing Their Duty

"Harry, Hermione, so wonderful to see you both again!"

A man with gray long hair and a purple robe greeted them.

Hermione shook his hand but was not so easily distracted. "Professor, what is going on here? Where is Ron?"

The headmaster laughed quietly at their fierce devotion for their friend.

"Mr. Weasley is enjoying a well deserved summer break at the Burrow as this is not his concern. You will see him at a later time."

The two teenagers glanced at each other, the nervousness beginning to show.

Albus Dumbledore straightened his half moon spectacles. "Dark times are here and we are enlisting your help if you agree to the terms that we are about to discuss."

They both straightened at the seriousness of his tone.

Harry leaned in. "I'll do anything, you know that sir.

Hermione added, "Professor, all you need to do is ask."

Dumbledore took a sip from the goblet in front of him and proceeded to explain everything.

"As you are both aware, Professor Snape works undercover for the Order with the appearance of being a loyal servant of Lord Voldemort. He has put his life on the line on a daily basis to get us valuable information so we can continue to have an upper hand in the inevitable war we are facing. It has been during this time that a second ally has come forth."

Hermione looked up. "And who would that be sir?"

Dumbledore looked down at her with a twinkle in his eyes. She knew that look all too well. He has something up his sleeves.

"That would be a young Mr. Malfoy.

The two friends looked at their trusted headmaster with their mouths wide open in shock. They exchanged nervous glances and suddenly did not like where this conversation was headed.

Harry seemed to ask the question on both of their minds.

"With all due respect, sir… is this some sort of a joke? Surely you couldn't be serious!"

Hermione gave a slight shrug and added, "Professor, I have to agree with Harry on this one. Malfoy hasn't shown a single sign of decency his entire stay at Hogwarts. What has convinced you otherwise?"

Dumbledore let out a slight sigh. He knew this would happen. They had a past that could not be ignored. He tried to continue in his efforts to soothe their nerves.

"I am unable to share that information at this time, however this is where the favour comes in."

Harry mumbled, "I'm almost afraid to ask."

The headmaster continued.

"We have a safe hiding place, if you will, for Professor Snape which he is able to arrive at by use of a special portkey. I am asking for your help to hide Mr. Malfoy if the need arises."

Hermione almost choked.

"Excuse me, sir? You want us to help hide Malfoy? Certainly there must be someone else more qualified!"

The wise wizard patted Hermione's arm. "I understand your apprehension, Miss Granger but look at it this way – Where is the last place that Voldemort would expect one of his people to be hiding? A Malfoy at that!"

Harry nodded, "With his sworn enemy."

He was beginning to understand where the professor was going with this particular line of thought but needed clarification.

"I see where you are coming from, sir, but wouldn't Malfoy kill us the second we were alone with him?"

Dumbledore raised his eyebrows, suddenly looking serious.

"You're going to have to trust me, Harry. Draco Malfoy has had quite the rude awakening as of late. He knows he was in the wrong."

Hermione spoke up this time. "Then why hasn't he told this to us himself? Why are we hearing this second hand? If he has changed as you are claiming he did, wouldn't he try a little bit of damage control, so to speak?"

Harry looked at his friend and quirked a half-smile.

"That would be because we never would have believed him, let alone the fact that he probably would have been hexed to oblivion. Especially with Ron's temper!"

"Ah, this brings me to the subject of your missing partner in crime." Dumbledore added. "Can you now see why he was not included right away?"

Hermione finally allowed herself a smile. "You have a keen eye, professor. It almost frightens me to wonder what you know about people."

She added, "Do you really think we can pull this off, sir?"

"Hermione," The headmaster seemed to be choosing his words carefully. "I believe the expression goes something like, 'It is so insane it might just be totally brilliant.' "

Harry laughed. "You made that up."

"Yes, I did. It makes my point, though. Any other concerns? Yes, Harry?"

"Where do you propose we hide him? Certainly not here, he would hear our secrets!"

Hermione looked at the two of them as they spoke. She turned her attention to her mentor as he continued.

"I was actually thinking of somewhere a bit simpler – Miss Granger's home."

Harry suddenly stood up, all manners out the window.

"Absolutely NOT! I refuse to allow that slimy git anywhere near Hermione without the use of magic. She's still under aged, you know."

Hermione put her hand on his shoulder. "I appreciate your concern, Harry but I can take care of myself when it comes to our favorite ferret."

Dumbledore raised his hand up in defeat.

"You can both relax. I would never put Hermione into this situation without magic being allowed. By all means, if you need to, please defend yourself! You will not, however, be alone Miss Granger. "

Hermione's eyes lit up.

"Harry! That's right; Tonks said that you were returning with me. I forgot all about it!"

She breathed a loud sigh of relief.

Harry winked at Professor Dumbledore as he turned to his friend.

"And if I refuse?"

Hermione looked at him with a look of utter shock and disbelief. Harry laughed, as did the headmaster.

"Honestly, Hermione, you are so gullible sometimes!"

The elder wizard smiled as he looked at the witch and wizard in front of him. He wouldn't regret this decision.

"So is it agreed? If – and it may never even happen - but IF Draco Malfoy shows up at your house, you will put aside all differences and help him. Is this understood?"

"Yes sir." The both answered solemnly.

Satisfied with their answer, he continued.

"Well, if there are no more questions or concerns, I think you may make it back in time for a lovely dinner. Hermione's mother is a delectable cook, Harry."

"Yes, sir. I remember it fondly"

"Alright, well, each of you go ahead and grab one of my arms now and…"

Hermione panicked. She never thought she would be apparating twice in an evening.

"Sir?"

Sensing her apprehension, he smiled. "I have to speak to your parents so they understand what is happening. We don't want to have a reoccurrence of this afternoon, do we?"

His eyes were twinkling again.

Hermione took his arm as Harry looked at her with his eyebrow cocked.

Harry smiled, shaking his head. This was going to be a fun summer.