Author's Note: Hi everyone, thanks again for following. Hope you're happy with the story so far. I'm pretty sure there are errors in the text that I haven't been able to get rid off in spite of reading through 2-3 times before posting. It's the disadvantage of using English as a second language, I'm afraid. The lyrics in the second chapter are "Magnificent" by U2 if you haven't already figured that one out.
Anyways, chapter 4 is up! Read, enjoy and review!

Disclaimer: I still do not own anything, sadly.

Chapter 4

Hermione walked into the Order's headquarters, full of new confidence. She greeted everyone who'd arrived enthusiastically; it wasn't too often they all got together, and they had such a strong bond since the war, particularly because of their losses. Losing Tonks, Lupin, Moody and Fred had been excruciatingly painful, but they celebrated their lives through their continued work and their fondness for each other.

Since the Last Battle, Luna and Neville had joined their ranks. Ron and the rest of the Weasleys still represented the majority of the group, as well as Harry, Minerva, and Severus of course. Kinglsey Shacklebolt joined them occasionally, but as the Minster for Magic, he couldn't attend every meeting. Headmistress Minerva had taken upon her to lead the group, since Kingsley had too much to do as Minister as it was.

Minerva gave her a tight hug. "It's good to see you, Hermione. How are you doing?"

"I'm quite well, Minerva, how are things at Hogwarts?" Hermione replied, smiling at her old Gryffindor teacher.

"Oh, students don't change, my dear. They still work hard during classes, and get into trouble after classes. Although it's been calmer at Hogwarts since you lot" – she nodded towards Ron and Harry standing next to them – "finally graduated".

Hermione gave out a laugh at that. "I can well imagine that", she giggled. Just then, Severus walked into the room, and she looked up to meet his dark eyes.

"Hello, Severus". She gave him a broad smile, remembering her promise to herself.

"Granger, Minerva" He gave them a polite nod and walked over to his usual chair in the corner.

"Severus, it's good to see you" Minerva called after him, then turned back to Hermione. "He seems to be brooding over something, doesn't he? Did something happen last night?" She asked Hermione. Before Hermione could answer, she continued: "Oh never mind, we'll get the report from you in a minute. I do have something to ask of you after the meeting, if you don't mind dear." With that, she walked over to Molly and Arthur Weasley, who just walked in.

Hermione was then surrounded by her two old friends, Harry and Ron. "'Mione, it's good to see you! It's been too long, what have you been up to?" She looked at Harry, considering how well he had adjusted into adulthood. He was still Harry, the Boy-Who-Lived, but a considerably calmer, more posed person. Being married to Ginny and recently becoming a father had done wonders to him. The angst and confusion that had surrounded him throughout the Hogwart years had left him, and he had settled down with an acceptance of his past and present that Hermione admired. "I'm well, Harry, it's good to see you. How's Ginny and the baby?"

Harry smiled a warm smile at the mention of his daughter. "They're both great, thanks. She's getting bigger. Ginny said to give you her regards, and she'll join us for the next meeting."

"I'm looking forward to that – will you bring the baby?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah, I think so. It's time to introduce her to the rest of the Order" Harry winked.

Hermione then turned towards Ron, who had been quiet during their exchange of greetings and pleasantries so far. "Ron, it's good to see you too, how are you?" Ron smiled and took her hand. "I'm doing good, 'Mione. We've missed you". Since the war, they had finally had the opportunity to explore their feelings for each other – only to eventually realize they were better as friends than as a couple. So they had parted, and tried to work through the initial awkwardness to remain just friends. About a year ago, Ron had started dating Lavender Brown again, and they were now engaged. Hermione was happy for him, but she sometimes felt a pang of sadness for being the only single one of them. Her relationships had been good, but she'd never been with someone she could imagine staying with for the rest of her life.

Everyone sat down around the table in the kitchen, and the meeting was in session. Arthur, George, Harry, Hermione and Severus took turns in reporting their last month's observation of some of the pureblood elite, mostly politicians and businessmen. It was hard to pinpoint tangible evidence that discriminatory laws or conduct against muggleborns was being executed, and the atmosphere was rather gloomy. A few laws seeking to restrict muggleborns entering the wizarding world had lately been attempted passed, but the Order had through their persistent work managed to stop them, at least so far.

"The draft law about muggleborns who have no previous relations to the wizarding world, should have their magical abilities surpressed instead of being enrolled at a magical school is making me furious", Hermione exclaimed in the middle of an discussion. "It would mean that people like me would be stripped of a part of their personality!" She had a dangerous glint in her eyes.

"I can't believe that the Daily Prophet or other media haven't picked up on these matters", Neville agreed.

"That is hardly surprising, Mr. Longbottom", Severus suddenly joined in. "The group behind these laws is discreet, and keep it within certain circles of the Ministry. They have also a financial hold over the media, and there are certain issues they can stop from being publicly known. "

"Well that's where you come in, Severus. You keeping an eye on their activities and reporting back to us so we know what they are planning. I just wished we could do more than what we're able to do right now. " Hermione said, as she looked confidently at him, holding his gaze.

She could see his right eye brow rise in what she guessed was surprise, as he dryly replied "Indeed".

Severus was surprised. She had appeared so uneasy that very morning, and now she was full of confidence again. He had to admit he liked the confident Hermione, but he was unsure of how to read her – it had been easier when she was a young, insecure girl. But you are happy she is no longer a young girl, a small voice in the back of his mind said. He frowned as the discussion around the table continued, leaving him to debate his own unwelcome thoughts in silence.