A/N- Hey all you wonderful readers. Not much to say today, just thanx to the reviewers, and I'm not changing the title yet. I need a few more suggestions! Other than that, all I ask, is that you review! Bye!

Malfoy And Mother.

"Snape they're back!" yelled Remus from the cave, and walked out to greet the exhausted party.

"Hey Moony." Said Sirius, looking over his shoulder. Draco and Hermione were behind him, and behind them, was Anya. Remus stared at Draco for a while, before raising his eyebrow at Sirius.

"What…?"

"Oh, you made it then." Said Snape, appearing at the entrance of the cave. He too spotted Draco, but made no sign he found this remotely unusual. Instead, he turned to Anya, and said in a low voice. "I wont ask questions. All I'll say is, we should leave as soon as possible, and I honestly don't know what possessed you to bring Draco. He…-"

"Oh, you think this was my idea?" said Anya defensively. "You think I planned this? Tit- for- tat? They take Hermione, we take Draco? Please! You wanna know what's going on, ask those two! This is nothing to do with me. I was asked to bring the girl back; I'm bringing the girl back! But no, somehow, even though I follow orders, I've done something wrong!"

"Anya…"

"It is not my fault you guys were unaware that those two happen to be close!"

"Anya…"

"If you didn't realize, and you've known them for fuck knows how long, how do you expect me to guess?"

"Anya…"

"Don't try and blame me for this mess!"

"ANYA!"

"WHAT!" She yelled, rounding on Sirius.

"Will you calm down?"

"Sorry dad." She snapped childishly, before marching into the cave. Remus watched as Sirius followed her in, before he made his way over to Draco and Hermione. He sat down near them, and cleared his throat.

"So…"

Draco looked up, the same haughty expression he often wore when Lupin had taught him. "So what?" he said coldly.

"What's going on? Are you coming with us?"

"Looks like it."

"Draco!" said Hermione annoyed. "Try an show a bit of courtesy!"

"Why? You do realize this is technically kidnap?"

"Fine!" Snapped Hermione. "Go back then! Go on!"

Draco didn't move. He didn't say anything, but a pinkish tinge appeared on his cheeks. "Don't be stupid," he said in a barely audible voice. "You know I cant."

"Then stop complaining."

"You got me into this in the first place!"

"I KEEP ON TELLING YOU IT WOULDN'T HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE!"

"AND I KEEP ON TELLING YOU, I COULD'VE MADE SOMETHING UP!"

"Ok, ok!" said Remus, swiftly breaking up another potential row. "Draco's coming with us, that's fine!

"I can't believe I'm doing this." Muttered Draco. "I'm hanging out with the Dumbledorettes."

"Oh give it a rest ferret- boy." Snapped Hermione. "It's not like you have a choice."

"Oh an who's fault is that?"

Remus sighed. It was going to be a very long night.

                             ******************************************

"We've got Hermione, she's ok, Lucius cant find us cos of all the charms Dumbledore did, why are you so pissed off?" said Sirius. "We did good. We're going home tomorrow! Just… cheer up."

"Whatever."

"I cant wait to see Ron and Harry's faces when we turn up with Mini Malfoy." Said Sirius grinning.

"I hardly think it's a laughing matter Black." Said Snape from his corner.

"I do." Replied Sirius, still grinning.

Anya shook her head, before muttering something that sounded suspiciously like 'men'.

                         **************************************************

The next morning 12 Grimmauld place was in uproar, waiting for the others to return. Ron and Harry sat at the breakfast table, and while Harry was able to manage some toast, Ron couldn't touch anything. The entire household sat tensely, waiting for the door. Waiting, and waiting, and waiting…

"We're back!" came Sirius' voice as the door creaked open.

At once, a stampede rushed into the hallway, the Grangers at the very front. The second they saw their daughter; they pulled her into a bear hug that would have crushed a smaller person to death.

"Mum!" said Hermione, smiling, her eyes shining. "Mum, I cant breathe!" the second she let go, she was swamped up into another hug by Fred, George, Ginny , Molly and Harry. Ron stood nearby, waiting patiently. The second she was free again; she walked to him, smiling. He didn't need a bigger sign than that. He grabbed her, and gave her a hug tighter than her parents one. She laughed, hugging him back, while Fred and George raised their eyebrows, and Harry and Ginny exchanged a look. Out of all of them, Hermione's disappearance had affected Ron the most. He let go finally, his ears furiously red, before finally speaking. "Nice to have you back." He said quickly.

"Oh, by the way guys!" said Anya suddenly. "Draco's with us."

Snape moved out of the way, and there stood Draco, looking totally out of place. Harry's insides clenched up, and Ron let out an audible- 'Shit.'

"Malfoy helped me, so he couldn't stay there." Explained Hermione quickly, to everyone's stunned faces.

Silence.

"So he's going to stay here." Added Remus.

Still silence.

"Well…" said Anya, feeling this was not going at all well. "Erm… we need to … erm, go pack. So…"

"Yeah." Said Sirius quickly. "Upstairs. Bedroom. Right."

"We'll help!" said several people at once, and headed upstairs. Leaving Hermione and Draco with Harry, Ron and Ginny.

"Potter." Sneered Malfoy.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" said Ron furiously.

"Ron!" said Hermione indignantly. "I just said he helped me!"

"So?" said Harry fiercely.  "He's still a complete git."

"Believe me Potter, I don't want to be here."

"So why are you?" snapped Ron.

"She made me!" said Draco indignantly.

"Bollocks." Said Ginny. "Hermione wouldn't."

Everyone turned to stare. Ginny hadn't said two words to Malfoy before then.

"Oh look." Said Draco, a vindictive smile crossing his face. "It's Potter's girlfriend."

Ginny's face began to match the colour of her hair. Ron rounded on Malfoy immediately.

"Lay off her you fucking dickhead!"

"Whatever you say weasel." Drawled Draco, looking incredibly bored.

"Malfoy why are you here? Really?" said Harry shrewdly.

"I told you, you dolt. Your dearest mudblood friend decided to bring me here."

"And we told you, you dickhead, that's bullshit." Said Ron fiercely, but Harry was watching Hermione, who was beginning to look more and more uncomfortable as the conversation progressed.

"'Mione?" said Harry uncertainly.

"Oh you didn't." said Ginny.

"He helped me! You don't know what it was like! They were going to kill me! Why don't you get it? He helped me!" Hermione's voice broke tearfully, and she turned on her heel, practically running upstairs.

"Well done!" snapped Draco to Ginny, who glared at him furiously, before following Hermione. Draco watched her go, smirking.

"Don't fucking look at her." Snarled Ron.

"Why did you help her?" asked Harry worried. Something was very wrong about all this. The way Hermione had kept looking at Draco, the way he had kept looking at her, something just didn't add up…

"Well?" snapped Ron. "Why did you help her?"

Draco didn't say anything. Instead he became incredibly interested in the floor. Harry and Ron exchanged a look. No way, no way…

"I think we need to talk." Said Harry firmly.

                                    ***********************************************

Anya lay on her bed, while her bag unzipped itself, and her clothes began to float into her wardrobe and drawers. She was exhausted beyond all reason. She had barely spoken to Sirius on the journey back. She hated to admit it, but she was scared. Narcissa had said he had been gagging for it, and if he had… well, she had just gone and made a fool of herself. She sighed. 'Typical.' She thought. 'Fancy the ex- convict you thought you couldn't stand.'

There was a knock at the door, and Anya sat up quickly. "Come in!" In walked Professor Dumbledore.

"Oh!" said Anya surprised. "Hello Albus! I didn't realize you were here!"

"No, I'm not staying. I just thought you might want these. You had a couple of owls when you were gone, and I thought I'd keep them safely" Said Dumbledore.

"Thanks, Albus."

He handed her two envelopes, one marked with the Ministry Of Magic seal, the other with the Williamson family crest.

"Great." Said Anya. "My boss and my mother. What a welcome."

Dumbledore just smiled. "I'll be off then?"

Anya looked up. "Erm, ok then."

Dumbledore walked out, but turned back around at the door. "Oh, and Miss Williamson?"

"Yes?"

"You did a very good job. Well done."

Anya smiled.

"Cheers Dumbledore."

"Oh, and I wouldn't worry too much about young Master Malfoy. These things have a habit of either sorting themselves out, or being extremely amusing."

He nodded his goodbye, and left Anya alone with her thoughts… and letters.

                                *************************************************

Sirius sighed and flung himself onto his bed. He was exhausted, and was preoccupied with thoughts of how Harry was reacting to Draco. It also didn't help his mind was full of thoughts of a certain brunette nearby…

Remus walked in. "God Moony, knock!" snapped Sirius, almost jumping out of his skin.

Remus just grinned. "Is someone's mind elsewhere?" he said grinning.

"Don't talk to me like I'm five." Said Sirius, too tired to be annoyed.

"Don't tell me the only reason you stayed behind in the house was because you were being a good backup Guy." Said Remus dryly.

"I wasn't going to." Said Sirius.

"Well…?" said Remus.

"Well what?"

"What actually happened in there?"

Sirius turned around. "Moony! I'm surprised at you! It's not like you to gossip monger!"

"Well, it's not like you to fall for someone so hard you don't eat, and cant stop looking at her." Retorted Remus. "You didn't touch any food on the train, AND you couldn't take your eyes off her."

"Bullshit."

"Oh yeah."

"I haven't fallen for her Moony. God you're so dramatic."

"I'm right aren't I?"

"No."

"Don't lie to me Padfoot!"

"Oh shut up."

"I knew it."

"Why do you always have to be right Moony?"

"Natural talent, Padfoot. I just can't help it."

"What the fuck am I gonna do."

"You're on your own there."

"Great. Fucking great."

                                    **************************************************

Anya stared at her letters apprehensively. Especially her mothers. She decided to read the one from the Ministry first-

Ministry Of Magic

17TH August .

Miss Anya Serena Williamson, Senior Auror of The Ministry, Order Of Merlin Second Class, Member of the Wizengamot.

As you know, Chief Auror Darren Macintyre recently retired, leaving the job free for whomever the Ministry felt fit to replace him.

It is my duty to inform you that after several weeks of deliberation and discussion between Ministry members, the highly authoritative position of chief Auror has been decided. It is my pleasure to inform you, that we have chosen, unanimously I might add, that the most ideal candidate for the job, is in fact, you. Therefore, from the 19th of August you will in fact be promoted to Chief Auror of The Ministry.

                       Many Congratulations,

         Helga Fillister, Senior Ministry Cabinet Member.

Chief Auror? That was ridiculous! Surely there was a mistake? She read, and re- read the letter, but there it was definitely genuine. And it was definitely for her too. She was being promoted. Maybe it wasn't so bad after all.

She placed the letter to one side, feeling quite pleased with herself, although it was with some trepidation that she opened the letter from her mother.

Dear Anya,

                  Hello Darling, how are you? I haven't heard from you in goodness knows how long! I think someone needs to get a new owl! Anywho, I've just seen the Daily Prophet, and what can I say? Chief Auror! Well done you, it only took you a couple more years than it took me to get promoted! That's really not too bad! I'm sure you had your reasons for taking as long as you did! Anyway, at least you've finally got there! Now, I was thinking, this calls for some sort of celebration, don't you think? I do, so I've decided to hold a ball at the London Mansion. I've sent out the invitations, all you have to do is turn up darling! A ball in your honour! I was thinking, you've never had one of those have you, and I thought, well, by the time I got to your age, I'd had several balls in my honour! So you're going to have one too! it's on the 20th of August, you know, the day after you're officially promoted. Everyone's coming! The Abbots, Diggory's, Brocklehursts, absolutely everyone! Oh, and you wont believe what's happened! I've met a lovely gentleman, Samuel Hendrickson, and we're a couple! Your old mum's still got it, even in her fifties! So, there is only one thing I ask of you. You see, I've given up on you getting married sweetheart, you just don't seem to inherited a way with men from me, which is a shame, but oh well. Just, make sure that when at the ball you've got someone, ok? Or the Daily Prophet will have a field day!  I don't expect you to have a boyfriend, god knows, I can't remember the last time you had a boyfriend! High school probably. But anyway, just make sure you've got someone, eh? Do it for your mum.

Ps- I'll be popping round the morning before, just to meet your friends, and your date!

         Lots of love, your dearest Mother, xxxx

Anya stared at the letter with a mixture of absolute shock and horror. God almighty, she would rather do battle with Lord Voldemort himself than go to this godforsaken ball. And her mother had met someone! So she would be ten times worse than usual. And all that begging for her to go with someone.  That would cause insurmountable problems. Anya hadn't had a shortage of guys after her- she just wasn't interested. Her work was always her first priority, and most guys couldn't accept that. The euphoria from her last letter was quickly waning as she worried about this ball. She wasn't fooled, it wasn't in her honour, her mother just wanted a chance to show off her new boyfriend. Anya made an indescribable, but very angry noise, before slamming her head into her pillow.

                              *****************************************************

"I'm sorry that this is so hard for you to get, but lets face it, girls do tend to fall at my feet now, don't they?" drawled Malfoy, thoroughly enjoying himself. He had just told Harry and Ron about his and Hermione's little clinch, and was now admiring the after effects of his bombshell.

"YOU FUCKING-!" Began Ron, lunging at Malfoy, but Harry grabbed him.  "Ron, don't let him bait you!" said Harry furiously.

At that precise moment, Ginny walked in, followed by an extremely embarrassed looking Hermione. They froze at the door, surveying the scene with bewilderment. Draco, lolling about lazily on his chair, Ron fighting to get to him, and Harry in between them, desperately trying to restrain Ron.

"What's going on!" yelled Ginny.

"Oh no." said Hermione, looking straight at Draco. "You told them."

Suddenly, Ron stopped struggling, and turned to face Hermione, his blue eyes piercing her hazel ones.

"It's true?" he said quietly.

Hermione looked from Ron to Harry, who was looking shell- shocked. She nodded.

"Hermione!" roared Ron. "This guy calls you a mudblood! He's fucking scum! What the fuck is the matter with you??"

"Ron shut up!" snapped Ginny. "Just… shut up!"

"Harry?" asked Hermione quietly. He hadn't said anything for the entire time. He was just standing there, looking… disgusted.

"Harry please don't look at me like that." said Hermione softly. "Please say something."

"Potty wee Potter's lost for words." Said Draco grinning. He then turned to Hermione.

"Oh come on Granger! They would've found out! Plus, it's not exactly major is it? A quick snog in the dungeons?"

Hermione, Ron and Harry didn't have a chance to react. Before Draco knew what was happening, Ginny had started forward, and slapped him fully across the face, in a fit of fiery rage. The sound echoed painfully around the kitchen.

"Ginny!" said Ron, looking half shocked, half delighted.

"You hateful little prick." Spat Ginny, ignoring everyone else, and looking straight at Draco. He had a brilliant red streak across his left cheek. "You have no idea how unwelcome you are around here, do you?"

"I'm perfectly aware of the hostility actually." Said Draco, and he too seemed to have forgotten there was anyone else in the room other than the tiny redhead in front of him.

"Why don't you fuck off back to your dad's?"

Draco's face tightened. "Because he knows I helped your friend. Do you honestly hate me that much Weasley? You want me dead?"

"I wouldn't want anything else." Said Ginny quietly. "Don't try and make out your any better than your dad."

"Don't try and make out your some strong willed, feisty redhead then." Retorted Draco. "This is from the girl who let a book control her a few years ago?"

"Watch it Malfoy." Said Ron, but neither Draco nor Ginny seemed to hear him. Ginny's face had tightened, and Draco's eyes were glittering malevolently. Ginny opened her mouth, no doubt with some scathing retort, but no one ever knew, because at that exact moment, Molly, Sirius, Remus, Anya, Arthur, and Tonks came downstairs, and into the kitchen…

                              *************************************************

At dinner that night, the chief topic of conversation was the upcoming Ball at the Williamson Mansion.

"Everyone's invited." Said Anya, trying desperately to sound enthusiastic. "You all have to come!"

"We'd love to Anya." Said Mrs Weasley beaming, as she doled out enormous amounts of chicken and mushroom pie to everyone. Draco and Ginny seemed to have struck up an intense mutual hatred, which had alarmed Harry, Hermione, and even Ron. The boys were being decidedly cold towards Hermione, but no- one else had noticed. Sirius kept on shooting furtive glances at Anya, much to Remus' amusement. Slowly, the table began to clear, until the only ones left were Sirius, Anya and Remus.

"Anya-" said Remus.

"Yeah?"

"I'm really sorry, but… I won't be able to make it to the ball."

"Full moon?"

"I'm afraid so."

"Damn." Said Sirius.

"I'm genuinely sorry."

"No, no. don't be. It's ok." Said Anya kindly. " I don't particularly wanna go myself."

She explained to both of them why, and after listening and sympathising, Remus said he was going to bed.

After a few minutes of awkward silence Anya spoke.

"Sirius?"

"Yep?"

"erm…"

"What?"

Anya struggled, before deciding to take the plunge.

"WillYouPretendToBeMyBoyfriendAtTheBall?"

"What?"

"Or better still, fiancée! Please Sirius!"

"But.."

"My mum'll have a field day if I say I'm still single! She's got a new boyfriend herself!"

"Since when has it affected you so much?"

"But this is different!"

"Anya, I cant!"

"Please! Just for one day, find me irresistible!"

"Are you mad?" he replied, in an unusually high voice. "I cant do that! It's ridiculous! Do you honestly think…"

"Sirius stop squealing." Said Anya. "Do you think I wanted to do this? I was gonna ask Remus, but he cant, so…?"

"Charming. I'm second best to Moony now?"

"Sirius! Please! Do you think I wanna do this?"

"I wouldn't be surprised." He said darkly.

"Anya made an impatient noise, and pouted. "I'll pay you." She said finally. Sirius looked up, pure shock plastered across his face.

God, he looks adorable when he's confused. Thought Anya, and immediately berated herself.

"Go woman, how desperate are you?" asked Sirius bewildered.

"Incredibly." She said, cocking her head to one side, waiting for his answer.

God, she looks adorable when she does that. Thought Sirius, and immediately berated himself. He sighed. this was very, very stupid.

"Fine then."

"Yay!" said Anya delightedly, leaping out of her chair and hugging him. "Thank you so much! I love you!"

Sirius grinned. "Yeah, you'll have to for 24 hours."

She laughed, before pulling away from him. "Ok then…" she said awkwardly.

"Yeah." He said, ignoring the fact that he really, really wanted her to hug him some more.

"Night then." She said, before leaving the room at record speed. He watched her disappear up the stairs. Pretend to find her irresistible? Ha! Yeah, that was gonna be hard! It wasn't like he was falling for her completely anyway!

Oh dear.

Ha ha ha! I'm so evil! I love messing with their heads! *evil cackle* Anyway, can you cool peeps please do your funky review thing now? And don't forget title suggestions! Cinderella200x