Hermione and Draco reached the top of the spiral staircase to the headmaster's office, apprehension etched into their faces. Draco's face had yet to gain any color and his hands were still trembling. Hermione stopped a moment and took his hand in hers, giving him an encouraging smile and a quick peck on the cheek.
Draco gave her a shaky smile and then faced the door, squaring his shoulders. Hermione watched him carefully, making sure he was ok. He reached out and quickly rapped on the door and began adjusting his clothes nervously, waiting for admission.
"Please, come in," came Professor Dumbledore's voice, quiet and calm. Slowly, Hermione and Draco entered the office, with all of the knickknacks and silver instruments on the spindly tables the same as Hermione remembered from previous times in this office. Behind the desk sat Professor Dumbledore, bright blue eyes watching them, smile gracing his ancient face.
"Mr. Malfoy, Miss Granger, how nice of you to join me in a timely manner. Please have a seat as we wait for several of our other guests to arrive."
Draco's face became even more worried and scared than before at the prospect that others would be here, listening to his problems. Hermione, noticing his distress, gently took his hand in hers and gave it a comforting squeeze, hoping to give him some confidence.
This gesture was not missed by Dumbledore, whose smile became wider. "While we wait, we should have some conversation. I see the experiment that the Ministry is trying is working better than they could have imagined."
Hermione blushed a deep red, embarrassed that the Headmaster had noticed, however he never missed any some detail. Draco smiled a shaky smile at Dumbledore and managed to squeeze out a sentence. "I can't believe I got so lucky."
"I commend you on your choice. I doubt that you could have found such an amazing witch anywhere else. She is truly beautiful inside and out," Dumbledore answered, causing Hermione to blush even more and duck her head.
Suddenly, a knock echoed in the office. "Come in," Dumbledore called.
In came Harry and Ron, who stopped suddenly as soon as they noticed that Hermione and Draco were there. Behind them entered Professors McGonagall and Snape, the later making Draco pale even more than Hermione would have thought possible.
Dumbledore motioned for them all to enter, clearly amused at the reactions all around. "Please, settle in. We are going to have a long discussion, I'm sure. No use being uncomfortable."
Hesitantly Harry and Ron moved into the room and took seats as far away from Draco as possible, and in effect, Hermione. This action wasn't missed by Dumbledore, but Hermione was sure that he would save it for later.
McGonagall and Snape took seats around the desk and as soon as they were settled, Dumbledore crossed his fingers in front of his face and examined everyone who sat in front of him.
"Mr. Malfoy, I see the look on your face at the presence of everyone here. Just to clarify, this is necessary. It will make this all easier in the long run. As the Professor Snape being here, you are clearly afraid of him informing Lord Voldemort about your actions. Don't be frightened. Voldemort will be very aware of your actions very soon and this will help keep you safe. Professor Snape is a great spy for the Order of the Phoenix; you have nothing to worry about. I trust him completely."
Ron was heard to snort quietly, causing Dumbledore to eye him good naturedly over his half-moon spectacles, thereby silencing him.
"Now, from what I am aware of, Mr. Malfoy is defecting from Lord Voldemort's ranks, as he does not believe in what he stands for. In doing this, Mr. Malfoy is willing to tell us as much information as possible that he knows about the plans of Voldemort and the Death Eaters. We are very lucky that he has chosen to do this."
"Professor," Harry said, inquiringly. "If Snape is such a great spy, why do we need Malfoy's information?"
"Professor Snape, Harry. Let us all understand a few basic things about Lord Voldemort. It is his practice to spread his information around, telling some to one of his followers and some to others. That way not everyone has the whole picture. Everyone understand?"
Everyone nodded, prompting Dumbledore to continue, who ignored the sneer that Snape sent towards Harry. "Now, you are all here to understand the danger the Mr. Malfoy is putting himself in by doing this. My hope is that you will all help this transition go smoothly and that you will do your utmost to ensure his safety. I understand that for some of you, this may be difficult," he said, his twinkling eyes settling on Harry and Ron, whose faces were showing hints of defying the Headmaster's wishes.
"Now that we all understand, I would ask Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, Mr. Malfoy, and Miss Granger to please remain. I have some other things I would like to discuss with them," giving a clear dismissal to McGonagall and Snape.
"Professor!" Harry protested.
"Now, Harry, there is obviously something else that needs to be discussed. I am asking you to hear me out."
Hermione glanced over at them to see that they were determinedly not looking at her or Draco, whose hand she was still holding, offering him comfort. She rolled her eyes and turned her focus back on Dumbledore, who was patiently waiting for them to be alone.
"Now, I'm not as blind as some would think that I am, at my age. I can clearly see that there is tension among this party, and I can also clearly see why."
"Professor," Hermione interjected, "I would like to tell them myself, if you please?"
"By all means, Miss Granger."
Turning to Harry and Ron, Hermione cleared her throat demanding their attention. Only Ron was rude enough, in Dumbledore's presence, to avoid her eyes. Harry's were on her, waiting for her explanation. While he was looking at her, his face was hard, his eyes upset.
"I know that about an hour ago, we had an argument, but I would like to clarify things for everyone. Pansy was right in a way." At this, Ron's head shot towards her, mouth gaping open and Harry's eyes narrowed. Ron closed his mouth and then opened it to say something to her. Dumbledore clearing his throat reminded him that there was a professor in the room and that Hermione was not done.
"While I would not stoop to something as low as what Pansy insinuated, I do care for Draco and he and I are currently involved. For your information, it has only been a few days."
"Hermione, what are you thinking? This is Malfoy we are talking about. He tortured you for years! Are you suddenly going to forget all of that?" Harry exclaimed, shocked at her admission.
"No, Harry, I am not going to forget all of that. However, I do believe in forgiving. People do change, had Draco is proof of that. I'm sorry you can't see it right now, but I'm sure that someday you will. I truly care for him. All I ask is that you accept my decision," Hermione answered, her eyes pleading.
Harry stared intently at her for a minute, looking for her sincerity on her face and in her eyes. Suddenly, he sighed and his shoulders drooped, a look of defeat in his eyes. "If you are certain, Hermione. I'll support your decision. But Malfoy," he said, looking at Draco, "you hurt her and I will make sure you regret it for the rest of your life. She is like a sister to me."
"Understood, Potter. I can't dream of causing her anymore pain."
Hermione turned her attention on Ron, who was staring intently at the scene in front of him, lips pursed so tightly that she was shocked that his lips were visible yet.
"Ronald…?"
He looked at her, anger and unhappiness crossing his face. "I need more time, Hermione. I can't just accept this. I may never be able to. I'm sorry." And with that, he stood up and exited the office, Harry a few steps behind him, giving Hermione an apologetic look.
"Well, I have to say that went much better than I thought it would," Dumbledore said, startling Hermione and Draco, who had watched Harry and Ron exit with shocked faces.
"Professor?" Hermione said, confused.
"Don't worry about it Miss Granger. Now, run along, off to bed. This has been a very eventful day."
"Yes, sir," they said simultaneously, exiting together, still holding hands, as close as possible, causing Dumbledore to smile as he watched the door close behind them. "Ah, young love…"
A/N: Well, here is another chapter, so soon after the last one. I got one awesome review from the last chapter and I have to say it really cheered me up. However, it was the only one…so…read and review. I hope this chapter is satisfactory for all my readers.
