Chapter 10

Hermione was so glad to be home; after such a long school year of being out of the loop to all of the Inner Circle's plans, she was looking forward to knowing what was going on at all times. She knew that she was gaining favor with the Dark Lord, as she was one of the few people that he spent time with one-on-one. She was glad for his company, and was already well on her way to learning magic she never would have learned without his help. As promised, he had begun to teach her the art of a Legilimens. Having just completed a particularly challenging lesson, Hermione hurried downstairs to meet up with her friends for dinner.

"Where are you off to in such a hurry?" A teasing voice asked from behind her. She whipped around to see Draco. Smiling at her best friend, she slowed to match his pace.

"I thought I was late to dinner with you, actually," she said, shoving him lightly.

"You are," he said, flashing a grin, "I'm just late as well."

"Good, maybe Pansy will be too busy throttling your throat to notice my tardiness."

He grabbed her and pulled her in front of him as they walked up to the door.

"Not if I use you as my shield," he replied, "she'll see you first."

"Hermione!" Pansy cried out as they entered the room, "Get over here right now!" Glaring at Draco, Hermione walked over to her friend.

"Pans," she said, sitting down, "You'll notice that Draco, here, is late as well." She gestured at him as he sat down across from the girls.

"Hermione Granger, I don't bloody care about Draco—I've barely seen you in a month."

It was true. After getting home for the summer, Hermione had all but moved into her guest room at Malfoy Manor, whereas Pansy spent the majority of nights at home. In any case, any time where the two friends were at the Manor at the same time, Hermione found herself immersed in either lessons with the Dark Lord, or practicing what he had taught her. She certainly was already having a productive summer. The Parkinsons had then taken a two-week trip to France, adding to the time that Pansy and Hermione had spent apart.

"Well then, let's go to Diagon Alley—just the two of us. I want to hear all about your trip." Hermione suggested. Pansy's eyes lit up and she grabbed Hermione's arm, pulling her to her feet.

"Brilliant," she said, "I want to hear about your… activities."

"Shut up, Pans." Hermione retorted, grinning, as they headed over to the fireplace. She glanced over at Draco, who was smirking in amusement, "Bye Draco," she said, grabbing some Floo Powder off of the mantel.

About ten minutes later, Pansy and Hermione found themselves seated at an outdoor table at Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour. They began to eat their ice cream and watch as different people walked by.

"So, how was France, Pansy?"

Pansy let out a dramatic sigh, "It was fine, though I wish my parents would take me somewhere new. But I don't think this was simply a holiday for them. They had meetings constantly."

"Garnering support for the Dark Lord, I hope." Hermione added, licking ice cream off of her spoon.

"Well, his return is still a secret, but I definitely think they were collecting some allies."

"And were they successful?"

"I believe so, they're giving their report to the Dark Lord at the next meeting. Speaking of which, do you think we'll be allowed to attend?"

"Oh," Hermione paused, uncomfortably, "I'll be there. The Dark Lord requested my presence at meetings from now on."

Pansy raised her eyebrows, "Really? Care to explain to me how that came about?"

"He's been working with me about my plan for Professor Snape, and teaching me some other types of magic."

"Could you be more vague?"

"Probably," she said with a grin, "I don't know, Pansy. He just asked me to come to the meetings. He said he values my opinion. Mostly I just think he likes when I'm mean to Wormtail."

"I have to admit, that was rather entertaining. Have you told Draco and Blaise that you'll be going to the meetings?"

"No," she hesitated again, "Do you think they'll be upset? Are you?"

Pansy shrugged, "No, I'm not. We may all be friends, but it's not like we're going to rise up through the ranks together at the exact same time. It's unrealistic. We're going to have different missions, different successes and failures. It's a toss-up if Blaise and Draco will see it like that though."

"They are competitive," Hermione added, sighing, "They're probably going to be a little put-out."

"Just tell them when we get back," Pansy suggested, "I'll help diffuse the situation."

"Good," Hermione said, brightly.

"So, tell me the plan for Professor Snape."

"Well, it's simple really, the Dark Lord has been teaching me to be a Legilimens."

Hermione almost laughed at the shocked look on Pansy's face.

"Legilimency, as a fourth year? Bloody hell, Hermione, that's impressive. How have you been managing?"

"It's hard," she admitted, "but the Dark Lord is a good teacher—not exactly patient, but still quite good."

"I can hardly imagine being taught by Him," Pansy declared, "Staring into those intense blue eyes and," she cut off, sighing dramatically.

Hermione raised her eyebrows, "Uh, wow, okay, that was an unexpected turn of the conversation."

"Bugger off, Hermione, I know he's… well, Him, but you cannot deny how unbelievably attractive he is."

"You've actually almost stunned me into silence. I have no words."

"I'm going to view your silence as a form of acceptance," Pansy told her, "You know it's true."

"This seems like a perfect time for a subject change. Have the boys bothered you about the Quidditch World Cup? They haven't been shutting up about it all week."

"Yes, Mr. Malfoy has seats in the Top Box," Pansy said, "He got us tickets as well."

Hermione sighed, "Those tickets must be worth a fortune. Lucius is too generous for his own good."

"Just to us," Pansy cut in, laughing, "which is fine with me."

"I suppose we should go then," Hermione said, "Might as well see what the hysteria is all about."

"Oh, I already told Lucius we would go," Pansy said, with a wicked grin.

Hermione stared at the Dark Lord, unblinking, as she focused her thoughts. He had a smirk on his face, his normal expression during these lessons.

"Legilimens," she said, forcefully. As she entered his mind, his blocks went up instantly, but Hermione had been researching all week on how to get around these blocks. However, every time she got rid of a shield, another one came up. Finally, she exited his mind with a gasp.

"That was better," he told her, "when you learn to remove shields faster, I'll have less time to put up new ones."

"Is there a reason that the first and only person I've tried Legilimency on happens to be the most powerful wizard in the world? I don't really stand a chance."

The Dark Lord looked amused, "If you can enter my mind, you'll be able to enter anyone's."

"And if I can never enter yours?"

"You will."

Hermione groaned, but focused back on him, raising her wand.

"Legilimens," she said, again. She managed passed several of his mind's barriers before he managed to form a new one. Somehow she got around that one as well, before he drove her out of his mind.

"Let's switch," he suggested. "You need to practice your Occlumency as well, and we haven't in a few days."

Hermione nodded and put her wand down, taking a deep breath. She considered herself to be a better Occlumens than a Legilimens, but didn't particularly enjoy the Dark Lord rifling through her memories.

He didn't even pick up his wand or say a word out loud, but suddenly she felt a harsh pressure in her head. She threw up a block quickly, and though it was a weak one it gave her time to add two strong defenses. By the time he had made his way through those, she had created three more. It was tiring her out and he was gaining speed, but she managed to create one more strong shield. He entered a memory that wasn't entirely sure that she had even been thinking about.

"Staring into those intense blue eyes and—"

Hermione pushed him out of the memory quickly. His eyebrows were raised, but he looked impressed.

"That was very good, Hermione."

Suddenly, the door to the dining room entered, and Lucius and Narcissa entered.

"Ah, time for the meeting already?" The Dark Lord asked.

"Yes, my Lord," Lucius said, looking slightly shocked by Hermione's presence. The Death Eaters were getting used to Hermione's esteem in the Dark Lord's eyes, but this was the first time she had been waiting in the dining room with him for a meeting. Lucius stood awkwardly at the table, as Hermione was in his seat.

"Well, thank you for the lesson, my Lord," Hermione said, getting to her feet. She walked quickly to the other end of the table. Her seat was still at the very end, something that she was not pleased with, but she at least had a better seat than Pettigrew. She waited impatiently for the meeting to begin, not talking to anyone. The Dark Lord had told her that he had exciting news to announce to everyone, and she was anxious to find out what it was. It felt strange to be there without her friends; she would have to help them gain entry into the meetings.

"Hello, my friends," he announced, once everyone was present, "Before I hear from the Parkinson's about their trip to France, I have an announcement."

Everyone sat up in anticipation, hoping for good news.

"I have decided that it is well past time to create a little chaos in the Wizarding world, starting with the Quidditch World Cup."

"What specifically would you like us to do, my Lord?" Hermione's father asked.

"Start the rumors of my return, of course."

Author's Note: Sorry for a bit of a wait, I've been busy preparing to head back to school! Please review and tell me what you think! I mean it. Pleaaaaase review, it will make me so happy. :)

Thanks to AmayaBlack, atlas-graceland, LadiePhoenix007, Carlaisabel, InLoveWithMusicals, cleotheo, Ramyfan, Aghaliam, Narnia and Harry Potter 4 EVER, love bleeds red, Dracolover, KylieeJuliet1993, princess-alice-malfoy-granger, zombiekins5948, and Pank98 for reviewing!