A/N Hi guys, I have a new chapter for you! Things start to progress in this one a little more, so I hope you enjoy it. My updates will be a bit less frequent because it's my GCSE year and things are getting close, but I'll try to have a chapter every week if I can!

Thankyou to everyone who's read, favourited and followed the story so far, and thanks to Hammylammy for your support and reviews :)

Please leave a review, any feedback is good feedback, don't be a silent reader!

Thanks and enjoy,

H xx


Hermione skipped breakfast that Friday morning, too stressed to eat, and took an early morning walk around the school grounds in an attempt to clear her head. She had a lot on her mind, and was growing more nervous of speaking to the order and Tonks after last night. After giving away too much, she knew Tonks and Remus would be suspicious, and they did have a right to be because they cared about her, but she was really rather worried about anyone finding out – mostly for Snape's sake – but also because she knew it was a impossible situation to comprehend for anyone.

She had walked to the meeting hastily, not wanting to run into any of her friends who might question her absence at breakfast, and thus she had arrived rather early to McGonagall's office. She knocked, once, and the door opened, allowing her to walk into the room.

"Hello, Hermione. Are you well this morning?" Molly Weasley pulled her into a crushing hug; she struggled to breath in the most pleasant way.

"Fine, thanks Molly. How are you?" the woman nodded, before commenting on how she needed to eat more and how much she was sorry about what had happened. Hermione replied politely, but she was distracted, trying to scope out who was there for the meeting.

The real order wasn't back together, but this was a group who wanted to help Hermione after the attack in tracking down the remaining few death eaters. People who had arrived included Kingsley Shacklebolt, Tonks, Remus, Molly and Arthur Weasley, Snape, Sirius and Minerva.

"Okay, now we are all here, we can begin." Minerva's crisp voice rose over the chatter, and the group were silent, waiting for her to begin. "As you are all aware, Miss Granger was subjected to an attack at the hands of Lucius Malfoy and a few fellow death eaters. The cruciatus curse was used to torture her, and we believe it was an attempt of revenge to the order. We wish to track down Lucius Malfoy and the death eaters, however I do not believe this will be easy. When we manage it, Kingsley has promised that all involved will be placed in Azkaban without trial." Murmurs of agreement started, and Tonks smiled comfortingly at Hermione. "Does anyone have any suggestions or knowledge on the whereabouts of them or a plan to locate and retrieve them?"

"I got a letter, early this morning, from Narcissa." Tonks started in a firm, professional voice. "She, Draco and Lucius are leaving soon to go to live somewhere foreign. She and Draco didn't want to go, but it appears they had little choice. Lucius has gone already, but the two are at the Malfoy manor, and they want to stay but they can't. There are death eaters monitoring them at all times, she said, and they don't have long before they go, then all the death eaters will disappear too. She is confident that they aren't going to cause another attack, Lucius just wanted some kind of 'revenge' and now he's got it he's finished." Although externally Tonks seemed confident, inside her stomach was churning uncomfortably: she was worried about her aunt and confused about this revenge that somehow involved Severus and Hermione.

"Well, that doesn't make sense." Arthur Weasley spoke up, "I mean, I don't doubt Draco and Narcissa and them wanting to leave Lucius, but the whole revenge by hurting Hermione just doesn't make sense."

"I agree, Arthur." Said Minerva, and Hermione and Snape paled slightly, "however, maybe our focus should be on extracting Narcissa and Draco, rather than trying to find scattered death eaters. We could attack, but I don't want to risk anymore lives when there have been so many tragic losses." Molly stifled a sob and Arthur tightened his arm around his wife's shoulder, grimacing painfully.

There were mostly silent nods amongst the small bunch, and Hermione breathed a sigh of relief.

"I think we should track Lucius down, Minerva." Sirius said. "he was the ringleader, ad how could he get away with hurting Hermione so badly, just because it's impractical. It's not right at all. What's to stop them coming to attack someone else the next time they get restless or want revenge?"

"Do you have a proposal?"

"Well, I've been thinking." Everyone turned to look at Sirius, Remus and tonks taking each other's hands in preparation. "I think if Snape was to go to request to see Lucius, that we could stage an attack. We could pretend Snape wanted to join up with him to remerge the death eaters, or something, and then everyone could go in and capture him."

"That may work, thankyou Sirius. However, Snape has certain, commitments, here at Hogwarts that would prevent him from being able to travel. I must put our pupils first, and Snape is relied upon not only as a teacher, but to also brew potions only he could manage for Madame Pomfrey and St Mungo's, and to brew Remus' wolfsbane. Apologies, for my bluntness, Sirius, but we couldn't send Snape, the possibility of him disappearing would have disastrous consequences and there are too many risks." Hermione knew that she was not just talking about potions when she referred to his 'duties'. If he was to die, so would she, and the thought brought a shudder from her spine to her toes.

"That's hippogriff dung and you know it Minerva." Sirius was getting increasingly defensive and angry now, years of injustice welling up inside of him and coming out in angry words. "Hermione would be more than capable of taking over his potion brewing whilst he would be gone, and I'm sure others would too if they had to. Hell, if it meant getting Lucius I'm sur moony could go without his monthly potions. You say you need to put your pupils first, but Hermione is also your pupil and yet you forget that. I'm sorry that this is so rude, forgive me, but it needs to be said."

"I could go." Tonks spoke up, firmly and bravely. "I am a metamorphagus, after all. I could go morphed as Snape, if it's so important that he stay here."

"Dora no, you have to stay here for Teddy, you almost died in the battle, we both did. Our son can't lose his parents." Remus spoke hurriedly, although it was incredibly difficult to dissuade his strong-willed wife from doing things she had already decided to do.

"I think this is more important Remus, and I am a trained auror, I'd be perfectly safe."

"No, you can't go as me." Snape's voice loomed over the group as he spoke up from the corner. "I was only at the Malfoy manor for a few moments, but Lucius made it very clear that if we were to meet again, then I would be killed on sight. I don't believe that he was bluffing, and I'm sure you don't want to find out. After all, I have duties that a dead man cannot carry out." his tone of voice was sarcastic, and Tonks winced at his bluntness.

"Well, could I pretend to be Lucius then? Go to the manor and take Narcissa and Draco away before Lucius takes them? If there are death eaters there they wouldn't attack Lucius, and would let us walk out." She formulated the idea so fast she barley realised it was actually not bad.

"That actually sounds like a good plan." Sirius piped up, "Just don't put yourself under too much risk."

"I think that plan does sound the safest." Minerva said, pursing her lips. "We may be able to get more information from the two as well about the attack. I think you should go as soon as possible, Tonks. This afternoon, perhaps? Severus, please prepare a safe house for the two in advance."

"Yeah, this afternoon should be okay, if you're okay with it, Remus." The ex-auror looked at her husband, who grimaced.

"I suppose as long as you're safe, and this is what you want to do. I want to get revenge on them for what they did to Hermione as much as all of you, but I don't want unnecessary lives to be lost for the sake of payback." He was clearly uncomfortable with her outing herself in danger after they had both barely survived and they had a five-month-old son, and Hermione felt a wave of guilt at them putting themselves in danger for her.

"Guys, look." She started, trying to sounds braver than she felt. "Don't go put yourselves in danger for me, I don't want you to get hurt because of me. I understand that you want to get Narcissa and Draco, but do it for them not me."

"Hermione, I want to do this for you, and for the order." Tonks replied, running a hand through her bubble-gum pink hair. "If it was any of us, you'd want to help, so let us help you."

"Besides, Tonks is more than capable of keeping herself safe. She was a great auror, and no one will suspect her or try to hurt her if she's Lucius. The death eaters helping him must have been weak ones not fully involved in the war because everyone important went to Azkaban, so they'll be no match for her even if something bad happens." Sirius said, giving Hermione a kind look. "However, I think we should be waiting on backup to apparate in and help her, just in case something goes wrong."

Minerva nodded slowly, "Well, if we're all agreed then? We will meet back here at one, before Tonks leaves." The order members nodded, leaving Hermione and Minerva in the room alone.

"Hermione, even though we may not locate Lucius or his fellow death-eaters, getting Narcissa and Draco back is what we need to do." The older witch spoke softly once they had been left alone.

"I know, headmistress, I just… I nearly told Tonks the truth last night." The young woman swallowed, trying to quell her nerves. "She knows that I've been lying…"

"Does she know everything?"

"No. I just said it wasn't the cruciatus curse. I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking and I just got upset and she was there and…"

"Don't worry dear, you have nothing to apologise for. At least they do not know the whole truth about your situation yet. Have you spoken to Snape at all yet?"

"A little. I feel like we are on a better foot than before. He didn't really reply but I think the thought went in."

"Good. Now dear, off you go and try not to worry. Even if Tonks and Remus did find out, it would be far from the end of the world, and she would be only kind and understanding. They both care a lot about you, as do I and the rest of the order."

Trying to work out her spiralling emotions, Hermione left the office, heading to the library to study in the remaining free lessons she had.


After a rather worried lunch with Remus, Tonks headed with him to the headmistress' office, little baby Teddy on her hip ready for Minerva to babysit whilst she would be gone and Remus would have to be ready to step in at a moment's notice.

Tonks was unusually nervous, and she wasn't sure if it was because it had been so long since she had done a mission, or if she was worried what she might find out. After discussing the strategy, it was decided that until they had left the manor and were safely back at the school Draco and Narcissa would believe that she was Lucius. She would tell them that they would be side-along apparating to their new home, and walk out of the manor until they had passed the anti-apparition wards, then she would bring them to 12 Grimmauld place before changing to her normal self and flooing to Hogwarts.

Everyone had arrived, and the time to do it was now. Tonks had hugged Remus tight, kissing Teddy on his soft little head, whispering I love yous to her family. Giving everyone as nervous smile and a whisper of a goodbye, she morphed into Lucius Malfoy and apparated to the outside of his home.

Stomach lurching, she arrived, composing herself and running a hand through her now long blonde hair as she strode through the grounds, trying her hardest not to trip.

She reached the entrance, and surprised guards wearing death eater's masks let her in nervously, before more death eaters greeted her nervously with a "greetings master". So Lucius was their master now, sick bastard, she thought to herself as she twisted her face into a politely disgusted grimace that probably wasn't too far from the face the real Lucius Malfoy would have made.

"Where are Narcissa and Draco?" The voice change always surprised her when she did a full morph, and she tried to sound assertive in her new nasally, low drawl. "Bring them to me, now." The servant looked worried, and scarpered off, returning later with Lucius' wife and only son. They were pale, and looked uneasy to see him, but Tonks had to resist the urge to comfort them.

"We will be leaving now. I will accompany you upstairs to pack a few possessions." They nodded, and Tonks followed Narcissa into their master bedroom, leaving Draco to pack his things.

"Lucius, I overheard the death eaters talking about Hermione. What on Earth did you do something that disgusting for?" Tonks swallowed nervously at Narcissa's accusing tone. She knew she probably wasn't ready to hear this, but sensed she probably didn't really have a choice but to steel her nerves and listen.

"That is none of your business." The voice was thankfully normal, without the catch Tonks felt in her throat.

"None of my business? Are you serious, because when they've got death eaters boasting around the manor about Hermione getting raped I think you'll find that like it or not it becomes my business." A coldness dropped to tonks' core, and suddenly the truth made all of Hermione's erratic actions slip painfully into place.

"Lucius, why? Why would that be necessary, I don't understand? I thought I knew you better than that." Tonks felt sick to her stomach at hearing the sadness in her voice. She was furious, but at the same time depressed, like she'd just received a dementors kiss from an ex-boyfriend who's cheated on her because she wouldn't morph into a celebrity when they kissed.

She pulled herself together. "Do not question my judgement, Narcissa." The reply was devoid emotion, yet tonks knew it was far from the explanation they were both desperate to hear.

"But what if that had been our daughter – if we had one - or me? I can't understand how you could hurt someone like that when there's no need. The war is over, Lucius, get that into your head and stop trying to punish the order for things now they've won." She had to admire her aunt's bravery, and decided that they should leave as soon as possible before her emotions cracked and she either punched someone or broke down into confused tears.

"Hurry, now. I can explain my reasons when we arrive." Narcissa cast a glare at Lucius before picking up the bag she had packed with only a few essentials and her most precious things. They walked briskly along the corridor, picking up Draco from his room and marching out of the manor, until they had reached the outskirts of the anti-apparition wards.

"We will apparate from here. Take my arms, both of you." Tonks tried to make her voice sound assertive, but she just needed to get out and think. The two took her arms, and she apparated to the front step of Grimmauld place, dragging them in quickly before they could argue.

"What on earth! Grimmauld Place?" Narcissa cried before Tonks changed back to herself.

"Ohh, it's you Tonks." Draco said, frown easing.

Then, Narcissa threw her arms around the young woman, tears slipping down her cheeks in relief. Draco smiled, relieved. "Oh, Tonks I should have known it would be you. Thank you so so much, I'm sorry for what I said, I thought you were Lucius."

"It's ok. I erm, didn't know what had really happened to Hermione."

"Oh…" Narcissa frowned sympathetically. "Does anyone?"

"I don't know. It's a bit of a shock to be honest." An understatement – a massive one – but it was a delicate situation and Tonks was trying her hardest not to overreact.

"I was appalled to hear that had happened. I didn't hear much, but just that was enough."

"Do you have any other information on who it was or anything?"

"No, I'm sorry. I wish I did so I could hex them myself, but I only heard them say that. How is Hermione?"

"It's not your fault; she's okay considering. Remus and I were under the impression that the cruciatus curse had been involved, and we were suspicious from the lack of symptoms and abundance of other symptoms. Unfortunately, I guess this means we were right to be." Her voice was like the one she used when dealing with similar cases as an auror, but inside she felt far from in control and composed.

"I must admit it is all very concerning, but I'm glad she seems okay."

"Can we get to Hogwarts now? We need to get somewhere safe." Tonks felt bad talking about the girl behind her back, and knew that a difficult conversation was instore when she returned. Narcissa knew nothing more, but tonks wanted to find out the story from Hermione, when the young woman was ready.

"Of course, How will we get there? Floo?"

"I have some powder here." She rummaged in her pockets, pulling out a small bag full of the white, sand-like powder. "You go first, Draco. To the headmaster's office."

Draco spoke the name of the location, followed by Narcissa and then Tonks, who suddenly appeared in McGonagall's office, falling over as she climbed out of the fireplace.

Soft hands helped her up, and she looked up to see her husband's anxious face looking down at her. "Did it all go okay?" he queried.

"Yes, erm… fine sweetheart." She gave him a quick hug before looking around the room to see everyone who'd been there when she'd left. Her eyes made brief contact with Hermione's before she broke it, reminded of the things she's discovered.

"Dora are you sure? Your hair…" he spoke, and she took a piece between her fingers, seeing it was a worried mousy brown.

"Ah, I must just be tired, it was pretty stressful." Remus looked unconvinced, but she urged him not to question her further, giving him a look saying they would talk about it later.

"Tonks, did it all go smoothly?" Minerva questioned her, handing her Teddy as she got up from behind her desk.

"Yes, Minerva, walked in and out with no problems."

"Other than me ripping her throat off because I thought she was Lucius." Narcissa chuckled, and Draco smiled at his mother. "Thank you, all of you, for getting us out safely. I am so, so grateful. We both are."

"You are most welcome." McGonagall smiled a reply, before dismissing everyone in the order but Hermione, Remus, Snape and tonks. Hermione shot a worried glance at Narcissa, and was met with a pitying smile, as Tonks saw the girl's face pale a little.

"Now," McGonagall started as she looked at each of them. "I have decided, that for their safety, Narcissa and Draco will be taken by Severus to a safe house until we have confirmed that there is no threat of attack from Lucius after he finds out the truth." Narcissa and Draco nodded, and the son took his mother's hand. "Because of this, you will be visited regularly by members of the order to make sure you are safe, but it should all be okay and we should know when you can live normally soon. Would you be willing to depart now? Just I am worried that suspicions will rise soon, and this school must not come under attack again."

"Yes, that sounds like it will be fine. Tonks, thank you for getting us and I'm sorry for what I said." Tonks nodded, noticing Hermione and Snape's faces paling with confusion, and Remus frowning slightly. "but honestly, thank you so much for everything, and when everything is safe I can't wait to some back to get to know you all properly as a friend, on the same side." They said their goodbyes, before Snape apparated them both to their new home.

As the others left the room, aside from Remus, Tonks waited. Hermione had lingered for a moment, but she had had lessons to get to. Seeing the worry on her face, Tonks felt a shiver of anger race down her spine, but gave the girl a kind smile and told her she was just going to discuss safe housing for Narcissa and Draco.

She knew, that as a teacher and a parent, it was her duty to report what she had heard. She should tell Minerva about the truth, it was her responsibility. But, honestly, she felt a little suspicious over the whole thing. She didn't know if it was her extensive auror training, or natural curious nature, but there must be a reason why McGonagall and madam Pomfrey hadn't questioned the lack of aftershocks from the cruciatus – which she had discovered hadn't happened. The headmistress and the school nurse should have been more concerned about her health after an unforgivable curse, that much she was sure of.

But after hearing what Tonks had she guessed they must have known what really happened.

That, she reasoned, meant Snape would also know, having been there to rescue Hermione afterwards. She'd seen attacks, rescued people herself from sexual assaults, and she knew Snape would have been more than aware of the truth after arriving, he wouldn't have not been able to tell. After all, if she had reacted in such a violent way with Sirius – a man she trusted deeply – how would she have reacted with Snape?

She went through a mental list of who knew, Snape, McGonagall and Madame Pomfrey, but why would they keep the truth from the order and staff? She supposed, that Hermione may not have wanted them to know, but she wished that her and remushad at least been told. They were her teachers, and close friends, and although she wouldn't allow herself to be selfish enough to feel hurt that Snape knew and she didn't, she was worried for the safety of the woman's mental health when she had no female role models close to her – and her age – that she could talk to about something so scarring. She needed therapy, or at least some form of counselling from someone, but Tonks wasn't sure if that was what she was getting.

But, she had no idea what to do. Telling McGonagall what she discovered would be the most professional and sensible thing to do, but she wanted to speak to Hermione first, to discuss it with the young woman instead of behind her back. The, after that, she decided, she would tell McGonagall.

"Dora?" Remus called her from her thoughts, and she blushed slightly, realising that she was being stared at by her husband and Minerva. "What are you thinking about?" his voice was gently probing, concern laced throughout, and she felt sure Remus should also know. He was such a kind man, and sensitive beyond belief. He would know what to do.

"Sorry, it's been a long day." Remus met her eyes, and she knew he wouldn't buy her excuses the moment they left her mouth. "We should be going now, thank you Minerva."

"Thank you, Tonks, and well done for your work today, you did true good."

She bid goodbye to the older witch, walking with Remus back to their quarters, teddy on her hip.


"Dora, did it all really go okay?" He asked later that evening as they sat on the sofa, Teddy snuggled into her chest after she had fed him as she leant back, running a hand through her mousy hair, exhausted mentally and internally conflicted. "Please tell me if something bad happened."

"Of course, I will, I just…" she trailed off, unsure where to start as she stroked the fluffy down on her baby's head. He cooed, and she looked down at him lovingly, swallowing the lump in her throat. "I… I found out what had happened to Hermione. Narcissa overheard some death eaters and they were talking about it and she had a go at me because she though I was Lucius and then she says she doesn't know who did it but someone must have and I don't know what to do because as a teacher I should tell McGonagall but her and Madam Pomfrey and Snape must know and I wanted to talk to Hermione first because she was the one who got raped…" Remus' eyes snapped up to hers as she halted her ramble that had been getting louder and louder.

"So, that's what happened?" His voice was soft, dangerous, and filled with something she couldn't put her finger on; it was a combination of rage, concern and sorrow. His eyes peered into hers from beyond his fringe and he sighed exasperatedly.

"That's what Narcissa said. She overheard some death eaters talking about it."

"Oh Merlin…"

"Remus, what should we do?"

He was silent for a moment, deep in thought as Tonks watched him with worried eyes.

"Do you think Minerva knows? And the others?"

"Yes, they must. I guess Hermione didn't want the whole order to know."

"I can understand that, but"

"Why not us? I know, I don't really know either."

"I think we should speak to Hermione first, then."

"Me too. I don't like the thought of telling Minerva before her. If it were me, I'd want to know what people were saying about me. I just can't stand this, and Narcissa was so angry at who she thought was Lucius but I couldn't say a word or else we'd all be screwed. And she was just asking me why I'd do such a horrible thing to her and I had to pretend it was all fine and justifiable…" she broke off, wiping an angry tear from the corner of her eye.

"Oh Dora…" Remus brought his wife and teddy into his arms, hugging her tightly. "Wait, it wasn't Lucius, was it?"

"No. It wasn't, but he was the one who ordered it to happen." She felt Remus tense angrily, and looked up to meet his steely gaze.

"When should we talk to Hermione? Do you think both of us should?"

"Yes, that's probably not going to be too much for her, then we can be honest and she doesn't have to have the conversation more than once. I don't know when, tomorrow maybe? Although there's Harry's party and I don't want her to be upset before that."

"Maybe after that then. Sunday?" Tonks nodded in agreement, and relaxed into her husband's kind embrace on the dark red sofa, thoughts racing uncomfortably.