Ch.11

The order was a mess with the members scuttling around after the attack on Hogwarts. Two junior members in particular were frantic with the search for their missing friend. Harry pushed his glasses up his nose for the billionth time that night listening to information coming in from all over the place. Ron was pacing in the living room somewhat oblivious to everything that was happening.

"Where in Merlin's name is she Harry? What if the Death Eaters got her? What if she's being tortured right now? I think I'm going to be sick." Ron stopped pacing as he put his fist to his mouth trying to keep down the food he'd scoffed at the ball. Harry sat on the lounge with Ginny beside him holding his hand.

Harry was terrified at the images Ron had put in his head. What if his best friend was being tortured? Or worse. Harry shook his head to clear his mind. If they were going to find Hermione he needed a clear head.

Just as Harry was about to open his mouth the Fireplace lit up with bright green flames signaling the arrival of an order member. Two figure stepped out from the fireplace as the ash settled. Order member flocked to the lounge room to see who it was with their wands drawn. In a time of war you could never be too careful of friend and foe. The two figures stepped forward to reveal Hermione and Columbia dusting of their clothes. Wands rose at the two girl as they both looked up at the people before them.

"Well this is different." remarked Columbia as she stared at the wand pointed at her nose. Tonks on the other end smirked as she pushed her wand a bit closer to her distant cousin.

"If a horse sits in a meadow with only daisies to eat how does he sing?" asked Lupin as he pointed his wand at Hermione.

"He doesn't, as all he can do is chew and hum." Hermione responded. Lupin dropped his wand and hugged Hermione. She hugged back happy to see that her friends and family were safe. Everyone took turns hugging Hermione and telling her how happy they were that she was safe.

"Not to be rude on this joyous occasion but can I get some help please?" Columbia asked Hermione as she continued to stare down the end of Tonks's wand.

"What in buggering hell are you doing here Malfoy?" Ron demanded as he noticed who the other character was. He pulled out his wand and joined Tonks in subduing the unwelcomed guest.

"As a matter of fact Ronald she saved my life and she's here to join us in the fight against Voldemort." Hermione glared at Ronald as she smacked his wand away from Columbia's face.

" That's bollocks Hermione. She's probably here to gain information for her Father and twisted Brother so they can tell Him our secrets and kiss their backsides." Ron glared at Columbia spitting the words at her. Columbia glared back ignoring Tonks's still present wand.

"I hate Voldemort. He's taken everything from me. My childhood, my parents, my home and now my brother. I want him dead and I want my family back. I'm here to pledge my loyalty to the order to help bring down Moldywart and his sadistic groupies." Columbia spat as she continued to glare the Weasel down. Tonks lowered her wand and stepped back smirking.

"Are you crazy? She clearly trying to fool us into believing her." Ron screeched at Tonks. Tonks just laughed as she looked at her cousin. Columbia has always been different to the rest of the Malfoy family. She was more Black than Malfoy and her wit proved it.

"Ron I believe her and she saved my life. Plus I have a plan that will get us info on the Death Eaters and their plans but we need her so step aside." Hermione huffed at the ginger haired boy. Ron glared one more time before stepping aside and letting Columbia and Hermione sit down on one of the lounges.

"So how do I join? Do I have to fill out some form and sign in my own blood?" Columbia asked.

"No. We give you some Veritaserum, ask you a series of question, perform an unbreakable vow and that's it." Responded Lupin.

"Oh wonderful." Came the sarcastic reply. Lupin smirked and glanced at Hermione. There was something behind her eyes. Something sad that she didn't want anybody to know.

"So shall we get on with it or do I have to be glared at some more?" Columbia sneered looking around the room at all the suspicious eyes upon her.

"Yes we will take you into a private room for the Veritaserum examination. Arthur would you mind setting up?" Lupin asked taking his eyes from Hermione momentarily. Arthur nodded at Lupin and turned motioning the twins to follow him.

"I want to be there, when you do the examination." Harry declared looking at Lupin. Remus turned and looked at him a frown on his face.

"Harry I don't know if that would be a good idea." Molly spoke up looking at her adopted son, fear and worry upon her face.

"I'm not some guinea pig for you to poke and prod Potter. I'm here to help my family and get my life back. Whether you believe me or not is your choice but I will not be subjected to your scrutiny over school yard quarrels you have had with my brother in the past." Columbia's eyes burn mercury as she glared down Harry.

"Tonks, take Columbia up to the room. I will be up there soon." Tonks nodded as she moved toward Columbia. Columbia stood from her seat and followed her distant cousin upstairs. Hermione went to follow but was grabbed by Lupin.

"Harry, Ron why don't you go help Mrs. Wealsey in the kitchen." Lupin suggested looking at the two young men. Harry glared for a second before heading towards the kitchen, Ron in tow murmuring about Malfoy's and mistakes.

"Hermione what's wrong? You're not telling us the whole story." Lupin question. Hermione looked up at Lupin tears brimming her eyes.

"I found out that Columbia and Draco are Veelas and I'm Draco's mate. I'm just overwhelmed by it all. I mean I want to help them both but it means spending my life with him, bearing his children. I can't just forgive him for all he's done to me and I don't know if I can do it." Hermione broke down as she fell into Lupins hold. Remus held the sobbing girl brushing her hair with his hands while soothing her tears.

"It's going to be tough I'm not going to lie to you about that but you are the toughest most head strong person I know, even more so than Tonks. And I believe that if you want this to work nothing will stop you." Lupin replied. Hermione smiled as Lupin wiped away a falling tear. If he were to ever have a daughter he wished for her to grow up just like Hermione.

"Now I want you to be in the examination room with me while I speak with Columbia. I think she'll cooperate more with an ally in the room."