Chapter 24:

That night Hermione arrived with Richard and Cassie. Waiting for them were Draco, Crabbe, Goyal, Pansy, Cam, Blaise, Damien, Zeek, Mel, Rick, Cecilia and of course a few others as well.

"Welcome back," Rick said. "This weekend is going to be an exciting one."

"Are the plans finalized then father?" Richard asked.

"Yes Rich, they are. It'll happen tomorrow at sundown. We'll take tonight and tomorrow to plan appropriately."

"Am I missing something here?" Hermione asked.

"This is the big one Hermione," Richard said, "The whole reason we developed the organization. But you have to promise not to hate us afterwards and to join with us…"

"I have to try to join in… it's in the rules," she said glancing at Rick who nodded, "And I could never hate you… you know that,"

"You may after this," Richard said.

"Richard, it's not so bad… I'm sure there are a few Hermione would want to get as well," Draco said.

"Perhaps…" he said, "Hermione… we're going to attack the Order,"

"What?"

"I know it is hard for you to hear but they have done so much damage to us and they believe we are the bad guys. They will stop at nothing to get us. That includes you now as well," he gently pushed up her sleeve to show the mark. "If we don't stop them they will destroy us all. There's nothing we can do,"

"You won't be able to," Hermione said shaking her head, "They are too powerful… too strong. Trust me; I know who they have on their side… the powers they possess,"

"That's why we need your help especially for planning."

"Is that the only reason you asked me to join… is because I know the Order?"

"No… we never intended for you to find out… to be honest we thought we would keep it from you but… our plans failed. I wanted you to be a part of this Hermione because I know you wanted it inside as well, or you never would've agreed to bare the mark," Hermione looked down at her arm. "There has to be someone you want to get vengeance on in the Order,"

Hermione thought about it. She couldn't think of anyone she'd want to do damage to. Her friends were the Order, Kingsley, Sturgis, Harry, Ron, Bill, Charlie, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley… and so many others. They were all her friends.

"The Order members are all my friends… there's nothing I would want to do to them,"

"Hermione, please," Richard said.

"It won't be so bad Hermione," Cassie said, "I had to attack my family on my first outing… they were on the list."

"There's a list?" Hermione asked. She had a feeling there were a lot of things being kept from her.

"Yes, but it's ending with the Order, the other tasks have been completed."

"What do you expect me to do… attack my friends… those who I consider my family?"

"You'll do fine,"

"They'll expect me to be fighting on their side… what will they say when they see me with you?"

"We'll disguise you if we have to,"

"No… I won't do it,"

"Hermione you have no choice," Rick said, "You've already agreed to help… and it's in the rules to participate."

"I can't believe this," Hermione said, "I have to chose between my friends… and my boyfriend,"

"We're all your friends as well Hermione… better then those who you call you're friends have been to you."

Hermione thought about it. The dance where Ron accused Richard of being friends with Draco, even if it was true; the burrow where Harry freaked out and jumped to conclusions about the mark; Ginny yelling at her because she didn't tell her about her 'lead'. Maybe her friends really weren't her friends after all. But…Harry and Ron have been her friends since first year. She couldn't turn her back on them now.

"Please Hermione," Richard whispered. Hermione looked at him.

"I'm not guaranteeing anything," she said.

"Just please try. You may leave if you have to… if you feel you can't do it anymore… you can leave."

"Thank you," Hermione said.

"So now that that's settled," Rick said, "let's get to planning."

They spent that evening planning and after breakfast they planned as well. Hermione joined in but was worried. She was worried she wouldn't be able to do it, attack her friends. She was also worried they would attack her, since they had no idea who she was because she was going to be in disguise. She was worried they would kill her. She knew they were a strong bunch of people. She knew Harry was amongst them and he'd probably have Ashley as well. The Order would call upon Aurors for extra help.

All too soon, the time came to prepare themselves for the attack. And Hermione was shaking with nerves.

A/N: So that was a surprise huh? Bet you weren't expecting them to attack the Order and that Hermione would sort of agree to help. And sorry it's so short but I'm hoping the next chapter makes up for it! Please review though… means so much to me!!!