A/N: So I should probably start by saying sorry but that doesn't really cover it. I promised myself I wouldn't wait this long to update but school and extra-curriculars just kept getting in the way. I want to thank my sister for re-reading this and nagging me to get writing. I would also like to thank anyone who has reviewed, favorited, or alerted, it really means a lot!

Disclaimer: I don't own the wonderful world of Harry Potter or any characters in it.

Recap: As Ron and Harry, among other agents, are getting information on their new mission, which is tracking Tom Riddle to Las Vegas, Ron recognizes a Miss Hermione Granger, a specialist, whom he happened to meet on the subway earlier that day. However, the chapter is going to start with Hermione right after Ron departs the subway so abruptly. So we continue…

Chapter 3: Taking a Risk

Hermione's POV

Making sure I had a firm grip on my load of books, I rush off through the closing doors in pursuit of that infuriating red-head. I catch a glimpse of the tall man weaving his way through the crowd of pedestrians. Keeping my eyes on his bright hair, I figure it would be impossible to lose sight of him.

I'm wrong. And let me tell you, I do not enjoy being wrong. I had a clear view of him but he managed to get swallowed in the crowd. He just disappeared. I consider myself a pretty perceptive person and this man, this towering man with a mop of what should be the most ostentatious and easily-followed hair, managed to lose himself in the blandest crowd of people. I swear it had to be magic.

I spot a break in the rush and head to a bench. Setting my books down, I stand on my tip-toes and glance around. He is nowhere in sight.

Honestly, I don't even know why I even bothered looking for him. What was I going to say? "You had no right to speak to me like that and what did you even mean?" This may seem like an invasive inquiry from one stranger to another, but I just have the need to know everything. Some may call me a know-it-all, but I am honestly just a curious person who likes to know what is happening, why it is happening, and gain any knowledge that I can.

Deeming the search useless, I once again take up my load and continue down the street. Arriving at a quaint office building, I enter the lobby. Looking to my right, I spot the secretary at the wooden front desk going through some papers. Actually, it was more like she was tossing some papers around with the ringing phone a sort of background music for her hectic doings.

With a worried and overwhelmed look on her face sits our secretary, Pomona Sprout. The name is actually quite fitting considering she has decked out the front hall with many fresh flowers and plants.

"Good morning, Pomona, how are you?"

"I am doing quite well, dear, thanks for asking. Oh, and some mail came in for you this morning. Let me go find that for you." She riffles through some more papers on the desks and tosses a couple of seed packets into a drawer. Opening more drawers she mumbles, "I thought it was right here, but maybe…" She continues to move things around on her desk. I readjust the books in my hands and shift my weight to my other foot. Finally she lifts her coffee mug, pushes aside several folders, and grabs several envelopes. "Here you go, Hermione, I knew they were around here somewhere."

I thank her and drop the envelopes in my purse. Giving her what I hope is a friendly smile, I walk down the hall to my small office. Unlike Pomona's desk, mine is organized and orderly. I have a small cup that holds all of my pens and pencils, my keyboard and mouse is free of any clutter, and several folders are stacked neatly to the side of my desk.

I set the books down on the small table next to my bookcase and hang my purse and coat on the hooks next to the door. Pulling my mail out of my purse, I walk back to my desk and sit down and glance through all of the return addresses. Seeing none of immediate interest, I set the envelopes on top of the folders and look up to my computer. By clicking the mouse several times, I am able to turn on the screen. Typing my password, I enter my home screen. Being the old computer that it is, it will take a while to load.

My phone rings and Pomona is on the other side telling me that a Mr. Dumbledore is calling. Recognizing the name, I tell her I will take the call.

Waiting for the call to come through, I ponder the last time I talked to Albus Dumbledore. He had called asking if I would be willing to go to America to help out on a mission to stop a criminal. Telling me that I was the best at what I do and trustworthy, I was still confused as to why they would want me on a mission. I may be smart, but what is knowledge compared to courage and fighting? He laughed and assured me that I was exactly what they needed for the mission. I finally agreed to help out and he told me he would call again with more information. I was honored, and slightly scared, to be helping out the MI6.

The call comes through and I greet Mr. Dumbledore.

"Hello, Miss Granger, how are you today?" He asked kindly.

"I'm all right, sir, thanks for asking." I responded, quickly turning professional.

"I promised I would call back and I was wondering if you had an answer yet. I know this is a lot to think about but the plane leaves on Thursday. It really would be a shame to find someone else who would only have half the talent. You are the best for the job and I hope you will accept our offer." He really is laying it on thick.

I take a deep breath, close my eyes, and decide to take the leap. "I have thought about it, sir, and I have decided to go. I would be honored to do what I can to help."

I can hear the smile in his voice as he replies, "I am glad to hear that! Now we have a meeting tomorrow at 10:30 to discuss the mission. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow."

"I do too. Thank you for the opportunity."

"It is I who should be thanking you, Miss Granger. I'll be seeing you soon." And with that, he hung up. The call was short, but to the point.

I know that taking on this challenge is a very un-Hermione thing to do. But I am tired of always being seen as the boring know-it-all who never takes chances or risks. I want to show the world that there is more to me than meets the eye.

After all, this is such a rare prospect. How many people can say that they have helped save the country, the world, or just stopped a criminal in general? As a citizen, I feel I should do whatever I can to help my country.

Relieved that I had made a decision, I get up and cross the small office to my door. I had informed my boss of Mr. Dumbledore's proposition, so I needed to visit her to tell her of my choice. It may be dangerous, but I hope it was worth it.

:::::::::::::The Next Day::::::::::::

Rather than the rushed and worried disposition that I had worn yesterday, I carried myself with a cool, calm, and collected look. At least, I hope I do.

Taking a deep breath and getting a better grip on my briefcase, I smooth out the nonexistent wrinkles on my pencil skirt and enter the office building. Who would have known what secrets and mysteries were behind these walls? Sure, there have been rumors, but it was different to know for certain that this tall brick building was actually the workplace for so many brave men and women. It is such an honor to be joining the likes of them.

Admittedly, I was freaking out on the inside. The elevator ride up to the office consisted of me taking calming breaths and coming up with a million reasons why this was not a good idea. Sure, my rationale for why I had accepted the job in the first place was in the back of my mind but in all honesty, those thoughts were pushed backed by more the demanding voices of my doubting emotions. Not only did I have doubts, but I was scared. This was unchartered territory; I was doing something that I had never done before.

But I was Hermione Granger, for goodness sake. What is a know-it-all book rat, as some would call me, doing in the big leagues? Was this really the place I belonged?

However, my decision was made and I couldn't back out of it now. Besides, it wasn't like I was going to be in the middle of the action. I was going to be behind the scenes and doing what I do best: gaining and remembering any and all information.

Before I could psych myself out again, I adopted a confident air. If anyone was going to believe in me, I needed to believe in myself first.

Ding!

Oh god I am not ready for this! What was I thinking? No, no, relax. This is just another challenge that I need to confront. I just need to prove myself. No, I will prove myself.

I kept up a constant stream of encouragement in my mind. I only hope I didn't have a blank concentrated look on my face. Hoping to fix that, I readjusted my facial expressions so that a small confident smile appeared on my lips.

Before walking any further into the offices, I had to pass the inspection of the security guard. It was completely understandable, so I readily obliged. I had to go with several identification checks, fingerprint confirmation, and they had to make sure, twice, that I was expected in the building. It really was quite extensive.

The conference room was quite large, but a big mahogany table took up most of the space. There were only a few small windows on the back wall, but dark coverings were blocking any watchful eyes or cameras from seeing what is going on inside. Surrounding the table were simple, cushioned chairs. There were about twenty of these black chairs littered around the table; a dozen of them were already filled.

I was still looking around the room, when I heard a slightly recognizable voice asking his colleague about the pros and cons of the most recent bullet-proof vests. My face trained on the man with the so familiar voice. When I saw him, I admit that a gasp of surprise escaped me. I just stood in the door when he looked up from across the large table to see who had gasped. Looking at me now was the red-headed man from the subway yesterday.

When he looked up at me his conversation immediately stopped and I was met with a guarded expression. Why wasn't he surprised to see me like I was? Did he know who I was yesterday on the subway? And if so, why hadn't he said anything?

The confusion must have shown on my face because a tall blonde man, who looked about a year or two older than me, stood up and walked over to me.

"Hi, my name is Cormac. You're one of the specialists aren't you?" While he was asking his question, Cormac put his hand on my back and guided me into the seat next him. I should correct myself, it wasn't so much a question as it was a confident statement of fact.

"Yes, I am. My name is Herm-" Before I could even finish my name, he interrupted.

"Hermione Granger. I know who you are." He shot me a smile that was accompanied by a twinkle in his eye. I tentatively smiled back. I was just shocked that he, too, already knew my name. Obviously my returning smile encouraged him because he managed to smile even bigger and he added a wink for good measure.

Feigning embarrassment, when really I was just uncomfortable by his action, I turned away from him and saw the red-head. He was looking at me, but was saying something to the raven-haired, bespectacled man next to him. Locking eyes for on a couple seconds, I detected a hint of confusion then anger.

As I turned away, Cormac started a story, "You know, once when I was on a mission, I had to fight off…" His speech, thank God, was cut off by the entrance of another man. An impressive man with a crooked nose, half-moon glasses, and silver-white hair walked into the room. Without a doubt, this man had to be the Albus Dumbledore that I had talked to on the phone.

Upon entering the room, all noise ceased and everyone turned expectantly towards their boss. I too turned to look at him. I hardly knew this man that I had only talked to twice, but he had my respect.

Looking around the room, a smile graced his face. "Before we begin the meeting today, I just wanted to thank each of you for committing yourself to the mission. Without each and every one of you here, there is no way we can possibly succeed. Now, onto the details."

Ron's POV

"I don't know about you, but the new vests aren't really working for me. Sure, there is a bit more padding, but I think it is a little obvious under the clothes, you know?"

Harry only had half my attention for this conversation. As a spy, I'm trained to be able to hold a conversation and think about something completely different. In my head, I was just thinking of Miss Granger's reaction when she sees me. Slightly unprofessionally, I kept glancing at the doorway, anticipating her entrance.

When she entered, I was astonished by how collected and calm she looked compared to her frazzled self yesterday on the subway. Her hair was tamed, and she really did look quite nice. A mere observation, of course, I wasn't checking her out or anything.

I should not have been surprised, I mean I had seen her picture and there is no way she could be anyone else. But there was a part of me wishing that maybe they were different people. Perhaps a twin or a cousin who looked a lot like her. Anyone else but her, really.

Just look at our encounter yesterday. We did not even know each other for more than a minute and we had already gotten into a fight. Well, the beginnings of a fight. That I started. That she did not mean to cause. But it was a fight and I knew it was not a good idea for us now that we are to be "co-workers." This was serious and I did not need any distractions.

But when she walked into the room recognition lit up her eyes. If she could identify me then there was no way one of my theories could have been correct.

However, I was resolved to not allow her to push my buttons. I need to be on top of my game and no cute woman with an attitude is going to get in the way of what I need to do. Out on a mission, if you lose concentration for a minute, even a second, many things can be lost. And that's not just the suspect, but evidence or even lives.

Then Cormac went to her and started talking to her. He even put his arm behind her and had her sit in the seat next to him. So I was determined to not let Hermione get under my skin, but Cormac was allowed to, right? What right does he have to do that, anyway?

The guy just irked me anyway. He is always trying to get the spotlight and just walks around bragging about everything he has done. He should know that he is on a team and there is no way he would have accomplished any of that without other people helping him out. So his character is enough reason for me to be angry at him right now, right? Well, I'm running with that excuse anyway because this unreasonable anger needs to be rationalized.

Harry must have seen me looking, well glaring, at Hermione and Cormac because he turned to me and asked, "You upset about the new vests or something, mate? Honestly, you look ready to snap someone's head off."

I was still looking at them when I answered his question, while leaving out some vital information, "Cormac is just making me mad is all; he said something earlier that really ticked me off." It has been known to happen.

She turned towards me while I was answering Harry and she looked…uncomfortable. As an agent, I am good at reading emotions, but I was not expecting that. Her reaction was just so confusing, and I didn't like being confused.

Harry just chuckled, "Well that's every day. You should be used to it by now."

I was just relieved he bought my excuse. It wasn't so much an excuse as it was a half-truth.

"Yeah, yeah. I'll get over it…hopefully." I was completely distracted. I wanted to know what Cormac was saying to her. I wanted to understand why she was feeling all those emotions that played out so easily across her face. And most of all, I wanted to know what her reaction was to seeing me. Sure, I saw the surprise on her face, but what were her thoughts? Why is she feeling what she is feeling?

As a trained agent, I strive to understand everything about a person: their emotional tendencies, their weaknesses, their strengths, that sort of thing. So my thoughts are strictly professional. Yeah, that works.

Before Harry could catch on that I wasn't really paying attention, Dumbledore enters the room and I am saved from coming up with another lie. I am trained to lie efficiently, but Harry is also trained to detect lies, so you can understand the risk.

During Dumbledore's first few statements, I was just watching Hermione and her reactions to what he said. I felt Harry glancing at me glancing at her but I didn't care, I was too curious to see how this woman responded because, so far, she was surprising me.

"Now, onto the details." I finally turned completely towards my boss and gave him my undivided attention. I have to be prepared for what is sure to be my most difficult mission yet.

And there you have it! I honestly felt like I went nowhere with that chapter, but I still feel like it was important. But things will be speeding up here in a bit, don't fret! Besides, you got to take a look into Hermione's mind, so I hope you got something from that. The only thing I ask of you is to leave a review with a favorite part, line, color, hopes, dreams…I'll take anything, really. If any of you are writers, you know how special each review is!

Thanks for reading and stay tuned!

P.S. This was my longest chapter yet, so that makes up for how long it took for me to get this up right?