April 16 1998

"It could be a trap Albus," Minerva McGonagall stated, wringing her hands in nervousness. Various Order Members were gathered around in the Headmasters office. The usually cheerful headmaster was somber, the cramped office seemingly gloomy. Albus Dumbledore sat behind his desk, the twinkle that was usually present in his eyes absent he wrinkles even more prominent.

"I have corresponded twice with young Malfoy and I believe it not a trap. He wishes safety for his mother and himself. It is the only chance we have at getting Ms. Granger back in once piece."
The words were heavy, it was a gamble but one he was willing to take.

"What if he's caught?" Mr. Weasley asked hesitantly, everything was riding on the Slytherin boy.

"Let us hope he isn't caught." The headmaster replied. The members in the room looked around at each other, doubt clouding their minds. "I have arranged a place for the Malfoy's to stay in hiding, I will need members of the Order to help in this mission."

"Of course we'll help." Lupin replied at once, his robes worn, face set.

Albus smiled, "I'm afraid I must ask no one to speak of Granger until she is safely in our hands." His eyes met the Weasley's, "That means Ron and Harry cannot know of her whereabouts. It could put her in danger, and then we may not get her back."

He straightened, " We have received information on a raid, that is when we will move in..."

April 25 1998

(Lavender's POV)

The owl dropped the letter in my plate of pancakes. I had received four petitions since the marriage law was passed. Parvati leaned over my shoulder noticing the Ministry Seal.

"Another one?!" she squealed happily, I gave her a tight smile stuffing the letter into my pocket.

"Hasn't Ron sent for you yet?" she asked with a frown, I smiled a lie slipping from my lips.

"I haven't signed it yet, I want to keep my options open you know?"

The raven haired girl nodded, "I totally understand, I've gotten three proposals myself." She made a disgusted face at the Slytherin table, "I'd die before I gave myself to Avery…But Blaise…" she winked and I just shook my head, pushing away from the table.

"I'll be back."

Her face fell; she wanted to know who it was that petitioned for me. My eyes scanned the hall…Ron was no where to be seen.

***

*Ron's POV*

She found me at the Quiditch pitch in the stands, the spring air cool against my skin. I'd given up the idea of marrying Hermione…I doubt we would ever see her again, it was time to move on.

It was.

"Are you sure this is what you want?" she asked, there were tears in her eyes.

"You're having my baby…Why wouldn't I want to marry you?" the words were soft; I didn't want to marry her.

She sniffed, looking away from me, I frowned.

"What? Why are you crying?" she shook her head wiping at her wet eyes.

"I don't want to trap you."

But she was and it was my fault.

"It's not a trap," I took her smaller hands in mine, "I know it wasn't planned or anything but…it's the right thing to do. Did you sign it?"

She nodded, "I just sent it in…"

Forcing a smile, I took her into my arms, "It's going to be okay, trust me."