A/N- You all have shown me so much love with your feedback. I appreciate it so much. It really does keep me motivated. I don't have much else to say, so I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything except the aforementioned characters from previous chapters. The main characters all belong to J.K.R. and I'm sure the plot has been done before.

Chapter 6

August 13, 1995

Hermione was finally starting to feel like Grimmauld Place was home. She no longer felt sheepish about digging around in the ice box when she was hungry and she no longer felt like she was in the way when she interrupted Sirius and Remus in the library. She supposed that this was what Professor Dumbledore had been shooting for, but she couldn't be certain.

Sirius and Remus had gone out of their way to make her feel welcome, had told her that their home was her home. Even though the household had a decrepit house elf by the name of Kreacher, Hermione did the best she could to help out around the house. Everyone told her that she was crazy, that she should let Kreacher earn his keep, but that just served to make her angry which ultimately made her shut down.

Harry seemed to be the first to realize that those words bothered her and resulted in her being silent for hours. She suspected that he told Remus and Sirius because after the first couple times of them saying things about the small elf, they kept those comments to themselves. The Weasleys didn't seem bothered either way about Kreacher's presence or what he did for the household.

Raised voices in the kitchen dragged her out of her reverie and brought her back to the present. She knew without a doubt that it was Molly yelling at her four youngest children, trying to ready them for the trip into Diagon Alley. Remus, Nymphadora Tonks, and Kingsley Shacklebolt were to accompany Molly, her four children, Harry, and Hermione to the crowded Alley and purchase their supplies for the upcoming year.

Hermione had been shopping with the Weasleys before and to say that it was a disaster would have been an understatement. There was absolutely no organization and everyone fought the whole time they were gone. It drove Hermione completely crazy, but there wasn't anything she could do about it. There was safety in numbers and if there was one thing the Weasleys had, it was numbers.

Hermione checked her appearance in the hallway mirror. There wasn't much she could do for her hair so she just threw it up in a messy bun. Tendrils hung down her neck and tickled her shoulders, but that was the only unkempt thing about her.

Hermione wore a pair of jean shorts that her mother had insisted on buying her just a week before she was killed. They reached mid-thigh and were such a light denim that they were almost white. Her tank top was a sapphire blue with rhinestones splashed across the front, enhancing the bust she had seemed to sprout overnight. The young Gryffindor topped her outfit off with a pair of white flip flops that made her bright blue toenails pop. She felt like she looked decent.

Harry came up behind her and threw his arm around her shoulders as he smiled at her. He had become much more affectionate with her than he ever had been before. Why, she wasn't sure, but she appreciated it all the same. While she didn't get her hopes up in regards to a relationship between the two of them, that didn't mean that she couldn't enjoy the extra affection he showered upon her.

"You ready, beautiful?" Hermione started a little at his term of endearment. While she had no objections to being called beautiful by one of the men that she was interested in, it was a little out of the ordinary that Harry would randomly call her that. She smiled up at him, surprised once again that they were no longer the same height.

For their first two years at Hogwarts, Hermione had been taller than Harry. Merlin, almost everyone was taller than Harry those first two years. Hermione had been quite certain that it had to do with stunted growth due to not being fed properly, but he had sprouted his third year. Now that they were going into their fifth year, Hermione looked up a good six inches to meet Harry's gaze. She smiled a shy smile his way and leaned into his side.

"I'm ready. Do I look alright?" Harry kissed her forehead, also a form of affection that she wasn't quite used to from her normally emotionally-repressed friend.

"You look great." Her heart skipped just a little at his words and she hated herself for was better than blushing at the praise of a man.

Harry wrapped an arm around her waist and started to guide her towards the entrance of Grimmauld Place. Sirius, Remus, Tonks, and Kingsley were sitting there waiting for them, Sirius the only one looking like he was saddened that he couldn't go. If Hermione was honest, she would have said that everyone else looked like they wanted to shoot themselves rather than go. The Gryffindor felt rather bad that the lot of them had to go on the outing with them just because it was deemed unsafe.

"I'm sorry, everyone. I know school shopping doesn't get you going like it does me, but I appreciate you accompanying us to keep us safe all the same." It seemed that Hermione's words spurred a guilty conscience without meaning to. Remus spoke quickly.

"It's not your fault, Mina. Nobody wants to be responsible for the Weasley twins." Hermione could understand that more than most since she had learned that she and Ron had been made prefects. She had a feeling keeping Fred and George in line would become a full time job once they were back at Hogwarts.

For all of a day, it had been a subject of contention between the Trio, mostly because Ron had landed the position and he was the worst academically seated between the three of them. Harry and Hermione both had thought that Harry had been cheated, but neither had the amount of power needed to tell the Headmaster that he was an idiot. Not to mention the fact that Ron would have seen that action as an act of betrayal against their friendship. Therefore, Harry had decided to let the matter go and move on, letting Ron have the place that would have rightly been accorded to Harry as the best academically seated male in their year.

The five of them waited as patiently as they could for the Weasleys to appear. When they finally did some twenty minutes later, Hermione was beyond irritated. However, it did her no good to show it or to get exasperated. It would simply cause more ten people traveling to Diagon Alley that day grabbed ahold of an old belt that Remus had clutched in his hand.

The large group spun away, and after a fair bit of time, they seemed to land right at the entrance of the Leaky Cauldron. Remus instantly took charge of the scene, splitting people into two groups. Hermione wasn't sure if he realized it or not, but he had seemed to split Hermione and her friends up into groups surrounding their interests.

Molly, Fred, George, and Ron started for Madam Malkin's as they all needed new robes. While Hermione and Harry both needed new robes as well, Hermione had thrown a fit about missing the bookstore. Remus, understanding exactly where she was coming from, had offered to take Hermione and whoever else wanted to visit Flourish and Blotts along with him, Tonks, and Kingsley. Ginny and Harry had quickly accepted.

Flourish and Blotts was their longest stop. Hermione browsed for over two hours and she couldn't have been happier. Remus seemed just as lost in the world of books as she was while everyone else seemed to be either absent or napping in a chair. Harry was seated in a chair in the reading nook deep in a book about obscure Quidditch rules. Tonks was snoring in a corner seat, drool hanging out her mouth in a most unattractive way. Kingsley was nowhere to be found.

Hermione turned the corner into the Transfiguration section and was so surprised that she squeaked. Ginny, who Hermione hadn't seen in over an hour, had Luna pressed up against the shelf, hand up her shirt and mouth fused to the Ravenclaw's. Luna's hand was tangled in Ginny's long red tresses so she could hold her close. Hermione was so surprised that she couldn't help but to squeak.

The pair broke apart and Hermione couldn't help but to compare them to a deer caught in headlights. For a few moments, the three of them just stared at each other. Finally, Hermione couldn't stand the silence any longer.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt." Ginny chuckled and ran a hand through her mussed hair.

"It's fine, Mione. We should have been somewhere more private if we didn't want to take the chance of someone finding out." Hermione clasped her hands in front of her and knotted her fingers together. She didn't want to cause any problems for the two of them and she felt the overwhelming urge to make that clear.

"Listen, I'm not going to tell anyone. It seems like you want this to remain a secret so I just want you to know that you can trust me." Ginny chuckled as she reached over and fixed Luna's long blond hair. Hermione didn't know the Ravenclaw well, but she knew that the girl was highly intelligent, if just a little bit barmy. Hermione wasn't trying to judge. Sometimes the most brilliant people were considered to be just a little bit mad.

"Thank you, Mione. We're not ashamed of what we have here, but the less drama we have at the moment the better. Can you imagine Ron's reaaction?" Hermione covered her mouth with her hand and chuckled.

"He wouldn't take it well, although you would think he would like it. He wouldn't have to put forth the effort into threatening a boy on your behalf." Ginny snorted at her words.

"Ron would have to realize that first and I think it's going to take a bit before he actually connects the dots. Merlin love him, but he isn't the brightest star in the sky." Hermione merely grinned at her female friend.

"If you guys move to the Astronomy section, we can act like we never had this conversation. Your secret will remain safe." Ginny grinned and nodded.

"Great idea, Mione. Lets go, Lu." The pair wandered off to what Hermione assumed was the Astrology section.

Hermione immersed herself in the Transfiguration section. She was trying to decide between a book about advanced human transfiguration and the properties needed to try to defy Gamp's universal laws when she heard a familiar voice drawl behind her.

Draco Malfoy was standing behind her, leaning casually against the shelf, wizards robes hanging perfectly on his muscular body, smirk on his face. Hermione didn't think he had ever looked sexier. She shook her head slightly trying to clear the thoughts from her mind.

Hermione had had a crush on Draco Malfoy since her second year. It was actually pretty twisted since he had spent the whole of their second year wishing she would die by the means of the Slytherin monster. Regardless, Hermione couldn't help the fact that she was attracted to not only his classic aristocratic appearance, but also his fierce and cunning intellect.

Malfoy was the only student that actually gave her a run for her money when it came to the world of academics. She loved the challenge that he provided and she wished that they would have been able to discuss interesting topics with each other. It would never happen in the current political climate though so she had resigned herself to admire him from afar.

"Granger. Getting a head start on your studies already?" Hermione lowered her eyes. He was there to make fun of her. While this wasn't something new, it was the last thing she wanted to deal with at the moment. Instead of answering, she remained silent and acted like she hadn't heard him. When he realized that she wasn't going to answer him, he stepped forward and snagged the book about Gamp's laws from her and placed it on the shelf.

"We have this one at the Manor. It's a complete waste of time to read it. I suggest going with the human transfiguaration book." Her head came up and she met his gaze for the first time in she didn't know how long.

"Really? You've read it?" Malfoy chuckled at the look on her face.

"I'm not naturally intelligent like you are. I have to work for my grades." Hermione felt her cheeks flush at his words.

Why was he being nice to her? Did he have a bet going on with his friends about her? She didn't understand what had changed between them, in fact, she didn't think that anything had, but Draco's behavior sure hinted to the fact that it had. She glanced down at the book left in her hand as she spoke.

"I have to work really hard for my grades too. You're just as smart." He snorted at her words.

"Whatever you have to tell yourself, Granger." He paused for a moment before he spoke again.

"Severus mentioned to me about what happened to your parents. I'm sorry." She really didn't understand what was happening now. Instantly, she became suspicious.

"You're sorry? Don't you mean you're thrilled? Two less muggles for the world to deal with?" Draco smirked again, but stepped forward. Refusing to back down from a bully, she held her ground and raised her chin in defiance. His hand snaked out and caught one of the more errant curls that was hanging down to brush her shoulder. He fingered it softly before he tucked it behind her ear. Her breath caught at the almost tender exchange between the two of them.

"You're only seeing what everyone wants you to see, Granger. Not everything is as it seems." Hermione didn't know exactly what she was supposed to say to that. She wasn't even entirely sure just what it was that he was trying to say so she remained quiet instead. Draco caught her hand in his and brought it to his mouth so he could press his lips to the skin of her knuckles.

"I must go. I'll see you on the Express."

Hermione watched him turn and leave, his expensive robes billowing out behind him. She was entirely unsure of what had just happened and she had no idea how to act accordingly. Her first thought was to run to Harry and ask him just what had happened and what she should do, but she had a feeling that he would overreact and tell her she was being stupid. That was the last thing she wanted. Therefore, she was determined to just keep quiet about the whole encounter.

Shortly after her time with Draco, Hermione was found by Remus. He told her that everyone else was ready to move on to the next stop so they needed to check out. Deciding to take Draco's advice, she put the human transfiguration book in her pile of books to buy.

The group of six left Flourish and Blotts and decided to go to Madam Malkin's next. Hermione definitely needed new robes, not so much because she had grown taller, but because her bust had increased over the summer. That had been evidenced in the fact that she had needed a new bikini at the beginning of the summer.

Madam Malkin was as efficient as ever. She had Hermione measured and fitted for new robes and new uniforms in hardly any time at all. She did purchase a few extra peices of clothing since she wasn't really sure when she would be able to buy new clothing next.

Ginny went next and it had seemed that Molly had already left specific instructuons on exactly what to order for the girl once she has her measurements. Hermione was thankful that her mother had never been that controlling. She had always had the freedom of choosing her own clothing. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that the Weasleys usually didn't have very much money.

Harry was fitted rather quickly as well. He tried to get away with just ordering the bare minimum, but Hermione and Ginny refused to let him. Remus watched on, laughter in his eyes, while the two girls steamrolled him and made him order clothes that actually fit him. While they weren't muggle clothing, the robes were still stylish and fit him well. Hermione could admit to herself that he cut just as dashing a figure in his robes as Draco did in his.

Their group stopped at the apothecary so they could restock their potions kit, Eyelop's Emporium so they could replenish their pet supplies. A stop to Scrivenshaft's saw all three students loading up on their supply of quills, ink, and parchment. It was while she was paying for her purchases that she glanced out the window and saw Draco standing across the Alley with Theo Nott, Crabbe, Goyle, Pansy Parkinson and Daphne Greengrass. Pansy was hanging on his arm and she watched as he slung his arm around her shoulders. For some reason, she felt like it was a betrayal even though she knew it really wasn't. There was nothing between herself and Draco to betray.

Hermione couldn't keep her eyes off of the scene as they left Scrivenshaft's. Honestly, it was probably a good thing that he wasn't any closer so he couldn't see the look in her eyes. At the last moment, Draco looked up and saw her watching him. His arm fell away from Pansy and he looked like he wanted to come up to her and say something. Hermione held his gaze for just a couple moments before Harry seemed to realize that she was upset about something and wrapped an arm her shoulders so he could ask her softly what was wrong.

There was an unknown emotion that flitted through Draco's gaze for just half a second, but it was gone just as quickly as it had appeared. Hermione turned from Draco and assured Harry that she was fine, that she waa simply tired from a day of shopping. He didn't remove his arm from around her and she leaned into his side despite the heat.

Hermione put the encounter out of her mind as the Leaky Cauldron came into view. They had managed to spend the entire day in Diagon Alley and she suddenly realized that she was starving. Molly, the twins, and Ron were waiting outside the bar, everyone but Molly looking as impatient as ever.

Remus held the same old belt that they had used to travel to Diagon All out in front of him. Everyone took hold of it and when Remus tapped it with his wand, it activated. The group spun away and landed in a heap in the same spot in Grimmauld Place that they had left from.

Molly ushered them off to put their things away while she started dinner. Hermione was a little excited to see who all would show up for dinner that night. It was no surprise that the Order of the Phoenix was holding a meeting that evening after dinner. Everyone had been invited to come and eat, a pleasant precursor to what she assumed would be unpleasant conversation.

Hermione carefully put her new supplies and clothing away in her school trunkb having cleaned it out of most of her belongings when she had been informed by Professor Dumbledore that she would be calling Grimmauld Place home. It was for this very reason that she was allowed her own room instead of having to share with Ginny. While Hermione didn't mind sharing with her redheaded friend, she wasn't going to complain about having her own room either. Sirius had even given her official dispensation to decorate it as she so pleased.

Once she had unpacked, Hermione made her way over to Harry and Ron's room to see if she could prod them along to getting their things packed away quicker. It was a good thing that she did since they were locked down in a serious conversation about whatever obscure quidditch rules Harry had read about that afternoon.

She had scolded them good-naturedly and urged them to put their things away as they discussed. Both rolled their eyes at her, but did as she bid them to. She laid down on Harry's bed and snuggled into his pillow. It was comforting since it smelled strongly of him. She closed her eyes and let the conversation between her two friends lull her into a light doze.

While she was mostly asleep, Hermione could still hear her friends conversing around her. It didn't seem like long before she felt someone lay a light blanket over her. She could tell that it was Harry that settled next to her and leaned against the headboard behind her. She had almost fully settled into sleep when she realized that Ron was talking about her.

"When do you think I should ask her again? I mean, she's doing better with her parents and all." Harry reached out and brushed hair off her forehead. She wasn't sure if Ron had seen him do it or not, but given the nature of the conversation, she would almost bet that he hadn't.

"I don't know, Ron, she still has bad days. Imagine how you would feel if you lost both your parents. She acts better in front of people, but I'm guessing that she hides a lot for everyone else's sake." Hermione realized that Harry hadn't told Ron that he sneaked into her room almost every night so they could talk. Harry knew exactly what her frame of mind was. She wasn't sure what to make of it.

"I can't wait until she tells me yes. I mean, have you seen her lately? Even today, Merlin, that body was made for shagging." She was just a little hurt that that was the reason that Ron wanted to date her. Harry sounded angry when he spoke.

"Mate, don't talk about her like that. She's our best friend. You shouldn't be trying to date our best friend just so you can shag her. She deserves better than that." Ron sputtered.

"That's not why I wanna date her, I like her, I really do. That's just going to be an added bonus." Harry didn't say anything, but Hermione could feel the tension in the room. They were saved by Molly yelling something unintelligible up the stairs to them. Only moments passed before Harry was shaking her softly.

"Come on, 'Mi, it's time to eat." She sat up groggily and she couldn't help but wish that she had been allowed another hour of sleep. Harry held his hand out to her and helped her off the bed. She smiled at him as she accepted his help.

The trio made their way down the stairs to find a full kitchen. Not only were Remus, Sirius, and Arthur present, Bill, Charlie, Tonks, Kingsley, Alastor Moody, Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape and many others that Hermione didn't recognize were milling around.

Molly bade everyone to take their seats and she levitated the many dishes of food to the table. The meal was full of laughter, but contained plenty of sarcastic bickering between Professor Snape and Sirius. Hermione knew that there was history between the two of them. While she didn't know the exact nature of said history, she did her best to stay out of their sniping at each other even though she wanted nothing more than to tell them to act their damn age.

Hermione had already made plans to stake out the meeting. While she had already learned from the first meeting that had been held once she had moved to Grimmauld Place that she couldn't hear anything that was said during the meetings, she was going to make her move tonight. She was going to try to intercept Professor Snape and see if she could convince him to brew the paternity potion for her.

Harry was the only one that knew anything of her plans and he told her that she was crazy for thinking that Professor Snape would help her for nothing. While she hoped that the snarky professor would do it out of the goodness of his heart, she was aware that the possibility of that was highly unlikely.

It wasn't long before Molly started shooing everyone under the age of seventeen out of the room. When she snapped a towel in Hermione's direction, she turned heatedly and was about to lambast the older woman for her treatment of children that didn't belong to her. Sirius saw exactly what was coming and caught her round the shoulders.

"It's not worth it, Poppet. Just do as she asks so we can get through this as painlessly as possible." She was aware that it was a little childish of her, but she huffed at his words. She couldn't help but feel like he was taking Molly's side when he wanted her to act like Molly's behavior didn't bother her.

Harry and Ron both threw an arm around her shoulders and pulled her with them to the library. She sighed as she calmed down. She couldn't get angry at Sirius for asking that she not cause a scene before a meeting. The Order was far more important than her personal feelings.

Once in the library, Hermione settled in an arm chair by the fire. It was from experience that she knew that Professor Snape always flooed to and from Hogwarts and Grimmauld Place. She supposed that it was easier to spin away and land in your office than it was to apparate and walk from the gates of Hogwarts to the castle itself.

Hermione buried herself in one of the books she had purchased from Flourish and Blotts that day. She had no idea how long the meeting would last so she figured she might as well get some reading in. Harry and Ron set up the wizard's chess set close to her chair while Ginny flipped through a copy of Witch Weekly. The twins had disappeared as soon as they had been kicked out of the kitchen. Hermione could only assume that they were plotting mischief as usual.

Two hours passed with nobody joining them in the library. Hermione was starting to wonder what the Order members could possibly be discussing when she heard a door bang open and against a wall. She looked up just in time to see Professor Snape stalk into the library, his expression dark. Sirius was yelling after him.

"Run away, Snivellous, that's what cowards are good at!" Hermione had a feeling that she was going to regret trying to ask him for help now, but there wasn't much she could do about it. He was her only hope at making sure this potion was brewed correctly. His hand was buried in the floo powder when she quickly stood.

"Professor, may I speak with you for a moment? Privately?" He turned his dark gaze to meet hers and a sneer marred his features. Ron and Ginny looked incredulous and were shaking their heads in amazement at her nerve.

"There is no reason to speak with you, Miss Granger, as I am not handing out chances for you to be an insufferable know-it-all. It's torture enough that I have to deal with you during term." Hermione did her best to let his hurtful words roll off her back. She kept her eyes on his hoping that he could see how serious she was.

"Please, Professor, it's important." He heaved a sigh and glared at her. Finally, he turned to the other three occupants of the room.

"You heard her, she said privately. Get out." Harry, Ron, and Ginny were quick to stand and gather their things so they could leave her alone with their hated professor. Once they were gone, Professor Snape turned back to Hermione.

"Make it quick, Miss Granger. Unlike yourself, I have important things to do during my holiday." She nodded before she spoke.

"I know you don't care about the details so I won't bore you. I don't think my parents were really my parents. Could you please brew me a paternity potion or guide me in making my own?" He was silent for almost a minute.

"What makes you think that I care even the tiniest bit about your mummy and daddy issues?" Hermione was struggling with his outright hatred for her. For some reason, she had always thought that he only treated her so badly because of his position as a spy, that he would be a much nicer person if he had been able to. It was obvious that his hatred for her was genuine and she didn't understand why he felt that way. Sure, she had been a bit of a pill the first couple years at Hogwarts, but she had thought that she had gotten better.

"I know you don't care, sir. Please, it's very important to me, I'd do just about anything for answers." His features took on a new look as he pondered her words. Almost another minute passed before he spoke.

"I will brew the potion for you if you do something for me." Hermione nodded eagerly.

"What do you want, sir?" His voice was flat when he spoke.

"You're obviously going to qualify for N.E.W.T. level potions. What I want you to do is after this year, drop the subject. I find that the less I see of you, the better." Hermione felt her heart stop at his words.

He wanted her to drop his class just because he didn't like her? What kind of teacher was he? He had just off-handedly told her that she was smart when he said that she would qualify for potions next year, but he would much rather waste her talent. However, this was her one chance to find out the truth. What if she didn't take this chance and she never discovered who her parents were? Could she live with the uncertainty? With watery eyes, she met his gaze.

"Very well, sir." He smirked at her.

"I'll begin tonight. Enjoy your last year of Potions, Miss Granger." Without another word, he turned so sharply that his billowing robes hit her legs. He disappeared into the fireplace and Hermione was left alone.

Hermione didn't bother to wait for anyone else to leave the meeting. She felt like a robot as she trudged up the stairs to her room. While she knew she didn't want her future to be in potions, it somehow made her feel dirty to know that she had just agreed to such a shady deal that put her future in jeopardy. What would her parents say to her if they had been alive to hear? They would have scolded her for gambling with her future. Education was the one thing her parents had valued above all else. Hot shame flooded her at the realization that Jake and Miranda Granger would have been disappointed in her.

Tears stung her eyes as she entered her bedroom and stripped off her clothes. A mismatched set of pajamas were thrown on while her mind whizzed through the possibilities of what she could do to rectify the situation. Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall would just make the situation worse if they were to go to Professor Snape and made him accept her in his class. He would think she had no honor.

Finally, Hermione decided on the best option she could come up with. She vowed to study potions on her own and just test on potions without taking the classes. She was certain that if she explained the situation to Professor McGonagall her seventh year, she would allow it to happen.

Hermione had just crawled under her blanket when the now normal knock on her bedroom door broke the silence. She didn't say anything, just waited for Harry to come in. He didn't say anything when he entered, just crawled under the blanket with her. While he usually allowed her to lay her head in his lap, tonight she wasn't sure what she wanted. When he was laying next to her, she snuggled into his side. His arms came around her and he held her tight. Harry didn't say anything, just simply waited for her to speak if that's what she wanted.

"He agreed to brew it if I agreed to drop Potions next year." He was silent for several seconds.

"Did you agree?" Hermione nodded into his chest.

"Yes, but I feel dirty. Almost like I blackmailed somebody or something like that. My parents would be disappointed in me if they knew I did this." Harry sighed.

"Is there any way to convince him to let you back in the class?" Hermione shook her head.

"I doubt it. I'm going to just have to study on my own so I can pass my N.E.W.T. without taking the class." Harry sighed and rubbed her arm.

"If anyone can do it, you can, 'Mi. I believe in you." She smiled into his chest, but didn't say anything else.

The pair laid there in silence for almost an hour. Hermione was barely awake when she felt Harry slide out from underneath her and steal back out of her room. She smiled to herself at her friend's antics before she finally let sleep pull her under.

-O-

Severus sat back in his armchair in front of the fire in his private quarters. He had a glass of firewhiskey in his hand, but was swirling it around in thought rather than drinking it.

Granger had caught him off guard tonight. He regretted how short he had been with her, but there wasn't anything he could do about it now. He probably wouldn't have shattered her academic dreams if it hadn't been for the filthy dog doing everything he could to make Severus lose control in the Order meeting.

He was well aware that nobody trusted him. Severus really didn't blame them for not trusting him, Merlin, he wouldn't trust him if he were in their shoes. The fact that they all so openly mistrusted him was tiring though.

When Granger had told him that she was unsure of her paternity, his thoughts had instantly gone to HER. The light of his life, the reason he continued to serve both his masters. Could it be possible that Granger was his daughter?

He just couldn't see it. She didn't appear to have a Slytherin bone in her body, but he could also admit that he didn't really know her very well. Her intelligence was unmatched and he could see the same fire deep in her eyes that he still possessed. She would go to the ends of the earth for those she loves. He wasn't ashamed to admit that he felt the same way.

Severus had started the potion as soon as he had returned to the Hogwarts. His curiosity had been piqued, and while he had started the beginning stages of the potion, he had fantasized about what it would be like if Granger really was his flesh and blood. Would she ever forgive him for his perfectly horrid treatment of her? He really didn't know her well enough to say.

The Slytherin had stopped after just a few minutes of daydreaming. It wouldn't do to get his hopes up and then find out that Granger was indeed a Granger.

With a deep sigh, he threw back the last of his firewhiskey, stood, and decided that sleep was for the best. He cast one last glance at the open file on his ottoman and he could have sworn that Hermione Granger's photo was grinning just at him.

A/N- Boom! Another one bites the dust! Hope you all enjoyed (((: Thanks for being bomb ass readers! Just a side note...I'm not comfortable writing slash smut, so this is probably the most explicit it will get between Ginny and Luna since they really aren't huge characters in this story. Leave me a message after the beep and let me know what ya thought.

Next chapter, our favorite characters return to Hogwarts and more Draco time.

Love,

Alicia