Sorry I haven't updated in ages, but here you go Hope it's worth your while :)
Birth of Seven Spies
"All of the people to come, why did it have to be you?" she sighed as she walked closer to him.
"How should I know the old Crackpot most likely wants to improve house relations or get us to be friends? This will not happen you hear me Granger!"
"Loud and Clear Ferret," she said sarcastically rolling her eyes at him, this caused him to scowl in her direction. "C'mon we have to go to the current Headmasters office." She called back as she walked to the door.
"Alright I'm coming," he grumbled following behind.
"Malfoy do you think you're here to actually get the Slytherins to trust you?" she asked when he was in step with her.
" Most likely the old fool probably realised getting one Gryffindor to gain the trust towards some of the most dangerous Deatheaters in our era is near enough impossible." He said while strutting besides her glancing at the school.
"Mal – Draco there is something I need to ask you and I need the truth," she stopped, looking up at him. He was frowning in confusion.
"You said my name?" Was all he said; too surprised to say anything else.
"Well I can't keep calling you Malfoy can I, seeing as you're going to be known as Draco Knighton," she told him. Draco seemed to think about what she had said and agreed that she was right.
"What is it you have to say Granger?" he wanted to carry on moving the less time he spent with her the better.
"Is he dead – Voldermort that is?" she looked straight in to his eyes and never once blinked. The question nerved him a little but looking down at her he answered it truthfully.
"Yes, why you ask that?" The question was completely out of the blue; completely random and the years he had known Hermione there was one thing he could say. She was predictable.
"The Divination Professor died here, she was processed by something or should I say someone, her eyes Malfoy oh her eyes they were his eyes; Voldermort's eyes. Her voice was like his also but the words that she spoke; she said he isn't dead and he is in hiding resting, he knows of our plan we won't succeed. Then she fell to floor dead and was surrounded with Dark curses," Her voice held no emotion but her eyes where filled with fear. Draco's eyes were just as wide and his jaw had dropped.
"You don't think? Granger he can't be… I saw him die." He didn't know what to say other than that.
"So did I Draco but there he was the man that haunted many people I don't think he's dead at all." She told him sincerely beginning to walk again.
"My parents, if he's alive he'll come after them, they betrayed him in the war." He was slowly starting to unwind with worry if Voldermort was still alive there was a possible chance that he could kill them while he wasn't there.
"Draco calm down, we need to go to the Headmasters office now." she said and they walked there in silence.
As they turned the corner Hermione stopped, this allowed Draco to bump in to her from behind.
"Wha…" He didn't get to finish his sentence as his eyes rested on a familiar tall pale man with long blonde hair.
"Hermione, who's that?" asked Lucius cocking his head to the side remarkably like a dog. Hermione stifled her laughter at the image of Lucius Malfoy the Standard Poodle.
"Lucius this is a friend from my original school, his name is Draco Knighton after some unfortunate events he will be attending Hogwarts, he is to be sorted tonight. But now I have been instructed to take him to the Headmasters office." She told him never once looking away from him.
"Oh ok, erm I was wondering if we could have a chat about something?" He asked her scratching the back of his neck with his hand.
"Erm is it urgent or can I come back after Draco has been introduced to Dumbledore to talk to you about it?" She had an inkling on what he wanted to tell her and she hoped it was right.
"It is urgent and it isn't only me, a few others also need to talk to you, but it can wait as long as you don't take too long," he smiled arrogantly up at her. It wasn't the fact he was been arrogant it was just how he was.
"Ok thank you Lucius I'll be quick as possible. Where is it you'd like me to meet you?" She asked feeling Draco becoming agitated behind her.
"Meet us near the portrait of the two farmers on the 2nd floor, straight after dinner at about half past 8." He said to her. Hermione nodded her head and with a small nod of the head he turned and briskly walked down the empty corridor.
Without saying a word Hermione once again started to walk in the direction Lucius had come from, it took Draco a couple of seconds to realise if he didn't catch up then she'd leave him behind. Not that he didn't know where the Headmasters office was, but he didn't fancy been left alone in a school where he knew nobody, and those he did know where 20 years younger. Jogging (because he had longer legs) he caught up to Hermione rather quickly and turned to her.
"Granger – do you have any idea why my father wants to see you?" he had a strange feeling inside him that he couldn't shake off.
"The feeling I have is he wants to talk about Voldermort however I know I'm taking a huge risk as I know what your father is capable of doing." She herself was nervous but she hoped he wanted to tell her he didn't want to be a deatheater.
"What will you do if he - you know attacks you?" Draco asked her he knew his father was capable of doing such a thing in the present time but not so sure in this time zone.
"I will defend myself it wouldn't be the – Blood pops – first time I've defended myself from a deatheater, also your father is much more dangerous in the present than he is here, and I would personally say he is an immature school boy if he tried." They had stopped outside the wooden door to Dumbledore's office. Hermione knocked on the door hard and waited for the door to either open or be called inside. The first happened; Hermione entered first with Draco following behind.
"Ahh Mr Malfoy it's a pleasure to finally meet you, please take a seat." Doing as he was asked Draco sat on the sofa beside Hermione. "Now you are here to help Hermione with her mission am I correct?" Draco nodded his head. "Right I believe my future-self informed you of your name and background history. All I have to say really is good luck, enjoy your time being here, and we'll head down for dinner to have you sorted. What house were you in originally?"
"Like the whole of my family, Slytherin Sir." He replied walking down the stairs. He didn't like the idea having to be resorted, he wanted to be placed back into the house he was meant to be in.
"Oh yes of course, how silly of me, Malfoy isn't a popular name and there has never been one out of Slytherin." Dumbledore chuckled as he popped a Lemon drop into his mouth. He offered the tub of Lemon drops to Draco and Hermione silently asking if they liked one. Both declining the offer, the trio quietly walked to the Great Hall. Standing outside the Great Hall Draco nervously watched as Hermione and Dumbledore entered and shut the door behind him. He could hear the noise inside the Hall from where he was stood. If anyone looked at him they would have never guessed he was the most nervous he could ever remember being, being a previous Slytherin he had learned not to show his emotions and not to have his heart on his sleeve for everyone to see.
"Hermione, where have you been?" asked James he was sat next to Sirius.
"I was with Dumbledore and Draco," she said, the name Draco had caught all the Marauders and Lily's attention.
"Who's Draco?" Sirius blurted out leaning forward on his elbows.
"Draco is a… friend from my previous school; Dumbledore will be introducing him soon."
"Well that makes sense why food hasn't appeared on the table," said Peter, he was always thinking about his stomach.
"Did you and this Draco have any sort of thing going on?" asked Sirius, beside him James and Remus were covering up the grins on their faces.
"No Sirius we didn't and even if we did it's no concern of yours is it" She snapped at him and turned her attention to Dumbledore who had stood up.
"Students today we have another student joining us, his name is Draco Knighton and has come from the same school Hermione came from. After a tragic event he has been placed here." All the students turned towards the door as it was opened. Eyes widened and mouths dropped as the female population got their first glimpse of the blonde.
With his head staring straight forward, not looking down or at anyone else, he confidently walked over to the stage where the Sorting Hat was. He sat on the rickety seat; he wasn't confident it would hold his weight but didn't say anything. Waiting for the hat to be placed on his head he searched out Hermione, he spotted her easily. His vision then disappeared as the voice he had heard on his first day all them years ago whispered in his ear.
"Hmmm interesting very interesting, I first placed you in Slytherin it seems but you have changed slightly."
"What do you mean I've changed, Slytherin is the house I belong in!"
"Hmmm I am not so sure dear boy; Hufflepuff is out of the question of course you are nothing like a Hufflepuff. Now Ravenclaw I see potential very bright and powerful, ambitious as well. However I see great potential in Gryffindor, you are brave and are loyal."
"I will not be a Gryffindor you hear me you ridiculous Hat!"
"If you insist but if your mind is made up and I cannot change it"
"No you cannot!"
"Very well."
"SLYTHERIN!" the hat shouted and the Slytherin table burst in to applause. Draco swaggered over to the table and sat next to Lucius who was patting him on the back. Draco shot a quick look over to Hermione; she could tell he was feeling uncomfortable especially since Bellatrix and Narcissa were paying him attention he didn't want from his future mother and aunt.
"Your friend is a Slytherin? What the hell Hermione" yelled Sirius, Hermione could feel everybody's eyes on her back and Draco's smirk burning her head. But she didn't care her anger towards Sirius masked it.
"Listen here Sirius Orion Black I have had it with you constantly thinking everyone who is in Slytherin are bad people and all their intentions are to be cruel, bullying, bastereds who should not be trusted, but you're the one who is making a judgement before you actually get to know the person, I know what I am doing and who I can trust I am not some child. I expected Draco to be in Slytherin I'd of been shocked if he was placed somewhere else. You need to change your ways Sirius because one day your prejudice will come right back and bite you on the arse!" yelled Hermione angrily grabbing a ham sandwich, picking up her bag she stormed out of the Great Hall leaving a bewildered Sirius in her wake.
Laughing at the situation Draco looked at Sirius and with a the famous Malfoy smirked yelled loud enough for the whole hall to hear " You know, you have such a way with women but Hermione Granger is way more of a woman than you can handle." Sirius scowled darkly at Draco, but like a true Slytherin didn't seem fazed and raised a pale eyebrow mockingly.
"What did you mean she is more of a woman than Black can handle? He's had many!" said an oily voice beside him, he recognised the voice instantly.
"Well I've known her for many of years, fiery, compassionate and owns one hell of a left hook, but I'm sure you'll find out more later on." Draco turned away from Snape and dug into his meal.
"Draco, where do you think she'll have gone?" asked Narcissa leaning closer to have a better look at him.
Gulping he looked to the side of her, Narcissa was sat next to Bellatrix she looked a lot prettier seeing as she hadn't been in Azkaban but as soon as she smiled at him he felt his blood turn cold, it was the look he had seen her give Lord Voldermort.
Regaining is composed expression "If I know her like I know her she'll be in the Library," he said shrugging his shoulders.
" Ok well were going to go meet her, Narcissa and Regulus will be taking you to the Slytherin common room and they'll show you around the school, it was nice meeting you Draco," said Lucius standing from the bench, with a curt nod he and the other 7th year Slytherins followed him out.
Hermione was sat in the far end of the Library tearing the ham sandwich apart from what she took after she stormed out of the Great Hall. "Oh that Sirius Black, he angers me so, who does he think he is, judging people on their houses he's as bad as Deatheaters judging those on their blood status," Hermione mumbled under her breath angrily.
"Ok Hermione deeps breaths you shouldn't let this get to you! Just calm down…"
"Talking to yourself now Granger, you've finally lost it," said Snape dryly. Hermione lifted her head to see him with Lucius, Bellatrix, Rodolphus, Rebastean, Victor Crabbe, and George Goyle.
"Oh, Lucius I forgot in my… I'm very sorry," said Hermione quickly, she spoke an air of confidence surrounded her even though deep inside she was a nervous wreck, having no idea she would be facing this amount of future Deatheaters.
"It's fine Granger," said Lucius pulling up a seat close to her, "Anyone would forget little things after the amazing scene you gave us all in the Great Hall,"
Hermione moaned closing her eyes, "I'm sure you're here to talk about something other than my performance in the Great Hall," the group nodded.
"Now Granger, we have attended your lessons twice now, and I need to ask you one question." Said Lucius looking directly at her. This wasn't what she had expected but nodded her head for him to continue. "What we tell you here today stays between us!" Hermione knew she couldn't really keep that, sure she could keep it from all the Professors, and students but would have to tell Draco as they were in it together. Taking a deep breath she looked at Lucius and said "I won't tell anyone," she knew she was lying but it had to be done.
"What we need to tell you is about being a Deatheater, we've been approached by the Dark Lord himself, to begin with we were willing to be a Deatheater but you've given us an insight to what a Deatheater actually is, and we don't want to do that. We don't want to murder, we don't want to rape or torture. To put it frankly we don't want to be a Deatheater and I don't think we have a way out of it because the meeting is tomorrow night." Explained Lucius his facial expression had changed from confident to anguish.
Hermione thought about what she had heard inside she was jumping for joy that she had changed the views of her fellow class mates, however she knew she had conundrum that needed to be solved. How could she save all seven so early, she had very little time to plan. The most obvious method would be to take them to Dumbledore yet she knew the Slytherins would be against this idea.
"Is there anyone in the school that is a deatheater you know of?" she asked them, her question was random but important.
"No, we're the only ones in the school who have been approached," replied Bellatrix.
"I really only have two options, and neither you will like. The first is to not turn up, give an excuse that you couldn't leave the castle, the second is we go to Dumbledore but I believe his idea will be to turn you into spies, this is has positive and negative effects. Once you sign your allegiance to Lord Voldermort the only way out is death. If you are caught and discovered to be a spy then you're more likely to suffer, you're all in a very difficult predicament."
"Well if we don't get caught we'll be killed anyway, but is there no other option other than Dumbledore?" asked Snape desperately, over the years the Headmaster had never truly helped him with the bullying problems from the Marauders.
"I'm afraid so Severus, I know your trust in the Headmaster isn't strong after the recurrent bullying from the Marauders, but he will hopefully save your life, he may have a different idea to spying," his eyes stared at Hermione in surprise, how on Earth could she have known what he was thinking unless…
"Yes Severus I can do Occlumency, so you should keep your mind clear and guarded."
"You can read our thoughts then, what have you known?" asked Lucius looking directly at her, his emotions swaying from anger to amazement.
"Well I knew you had an arrangement to meet Voldermort I just hoped you would come to me, Severus I promised I would save your life and I intend to keep that promise!" pressed forth Hermione strongly looking directly at Severus. " I have a question I thought your meeting was tonight?" she distinctly remembered seeing it when she was looking in Lucius's mind.
"It was, but he changed it to tomorrow night yesterday, I'm glad he did to be fair, then I know what he is truly like." Explained Lucius who knew she looked in to his mind as that was all he thought about.
"Do you want to go to Dumbledore?" asked Hermione cutting straight to the point. The Slytherins looked at one another silently asking if they should or not, Hermione saw Bellatrix sigh and nod her head towards Lucius.
"Lead the way Granger," he sighed then standing up behind the girl. Hermione's thoughts flew to Draco and she knew she would have to tell him this. Feeling a little smug about the idea that she actually didn't need Draco to help her or gain the Slytherin's trust as miraculously she had done it. But Dumbledore would have known this already. So what was the reason she had sent Draco here? Unless it was to destroy Voldermort before he could kill Lily and James but Draco had to help her, massaging her head from the oncoming headache she sighed and carried on walking to the Headmasters office.
As they reached the entrance Hermione said the password and the Slytherins followed as she walked up the staircase. Knocking on the door she waited again for it to open, this was the second time in an hour she had entered the Headmaster's office.
"Good evening Headmaster," greeted Hermione walking further in to the room as the Slytherins followed nervously behind, but of course they didn't show this.
"Good evening Hermione," he said as if he knew she would be coming to his office. "How can I help you?" he asked the familiar twinkle in his blue eyes.
"You see Professor the Slytherins have come to me in a matter of distress, they have been called forth by Lord Voldermort to join his dominions and fight for his cause however they do not wish to follow this request anymore. The problem is they have really no option this is why I have brought them here I hope you can help them Professor." Dumbledore sat. Letting the information he had just been given sink in.
"Hmmm that is quite a predicament you seven have there. Now how long do we have till your meeting with Tom?"
"Tomorrow evening Professor," said Goyle in his rough voice. Hermione watched from the side she wasn't instructed to save the lives of both Victor Crabbe and George Goyle, but what she could remember both being there at the battle of Hogwarts, and she was nearly certain that George died in battle, she might not like Gregory Goyle but she thought it unfair that he should not have a dad, she felt the very same about Malfoy also, even though his father lived.
"Ah, I see," and standing from his seat he stood in front of his desk pacing backwards and forwards developing a plan in his mind. "There are really only two options and neither are very appealing," he finally announced. "The first is go into hiding you will be taken away from here, you will not see your family or friends until he is finally defeated this could take a few years, 20 years or longer, you will also have no connection to the Wizarding world. The second option is to become a spy, you will attend the meetings and I hate to say this but commit the crimes the Deatheaters do, but then you'll report back to me once you arrive. This is the more dangerous option and if you chose this you are trapped, your services will be required to Voldermort and you all may be given tasks that you wish not to do," his years showed on his face as he explained to them the terminal options they could choose.
"Professor is there any other options they could possibly take?" Hermione stressed desperately knowing the effects been a spy had on Snape in her present time; he became a cold heartless man with no reason to live other than serve the Dark Lord and Dumbledore.
"I'm afraid not Miss Granger," he told her sadly lowering his head, once he raised his head he looked at the seven in pity, "I hate to rush your decision but I will need one now, if you chose to go into hiding I will need to arrange your accommodation." He saw the look of gloom appear in their eyes.
One by one they told Dumbledore their decision, as each spoke more of Hermione's heart broke, each willing to sign their lives away to a mad man that showed no compassion to anyone, so they could eradicate his existence in the future.
After what seemed like an eternity all eight left the room. Before leaving Dumbledore had explained to the seven that they were to come to the hospital after their meeting with Voldermort, he would meet them there. Before they left one of them had to send a letter informing him that they have left. As the Slytherins had left he handed Hermione a letter whispering to open it once she was on her own or with Draco, and then wished her good night.
"I guess we'll go back to the Commonroom," mumbled Rodolphus speaking for everyone.
"Thanks Granger," said Bellatrix nodding her head towards her. Hermione smiled in return when she was informed she had to change the ways and opinions of Bellatrix Black soon to be Bellatrix Lestrange she had believed it to be impossible the horrible devil would never change her ways but now she questioned that, could she really change the darkest witch in her generation or was it just a mind game that she was playing all Hermione could do was wait and see how it turned out.
The letter? Hermione wondered about what it could possibly mean she was tempted to open it but decided against her will to wait and open it with Draco. As she muttered the password to the Gryffindor Commonroom she realised it was late. There was only one person in the room other than her; he was sat in the far corner of the Commonroom watching the fire flicker brightly. He turned his head and stood up, awkwardly scratching his head looking sheepish.
"Hey," he said.
"Hey," she replied feeling awkward.
"Look Hermione I'm sorry about what happened in the Great Hall this evening I really shouldn't have yelled what I did," Sirius hated apologising but in this case it was something that he knew he had to do.
"It's ok Sirius, you just have to realise that not every Slytherin will kill you in your sleep. Some don't get me wrong are foul but some are genuine people. You automatically bullied Severus when you first met him because of his connection he once had with Lily but have you ever tried to get to know him, he isn't what you all say. He hasn't hurt me ever; he is someone that says cruel words to cover up been insecure and vulnerable. If you didn't say things and left him be he wouldn't do anything to you in return what he does is self-defence." Explained Hermione in a calm voice like a mother would talk to their child. Sirius listened and not happy about the fact that she was vaguely right in what she had to say.
"Sirius I know you won't like what I am about to say but the more I get to know you and the way you treat the Slytherins sometimes you act like a Slytherin. The only difference is that you bully the Slytherins where as they bully the Gryffindors." She knew she had taken a giant step he was either going to blow up and yell or except what she had said.
He took a step closer to where she was standing his onyx eyes on fire, "Listen Hermione, I am not nor will I ever be a Slytherin you are right to have your opinions and I do understand where you are coming from but you do not know me!" he said angrily scowling at her.
"Oh but I do Sirius I know you better than you know yourself, I know you hate your mother and father, you now dislike your little brother as he is your disowned parents ideal child. And between you and me, I know what Padfoot actually stands for I know more about this place then you could ever imagine. And I'll tell you how eventually!" Her monotone voice scared Sirius slightly, how did she know what Padfoot meant, before he had the chance to ask her she spoke.
"And Sirius I never said you were a Slytherin just some of the things you say makes you act like one, and I'm off to bed, I'm tired good night, sweet dreams." And with that she headed up the stairs to the girls dormitory.
"Okay night," he replied mentally kicking himself that he didn't ask her how she knew about his nickname, even though that was the main thing on his mind. Sighing he headed up the stairs to the boys dormitory.
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