I have been trying to post chapters on Monday, however I checked on this story this morning and noticed that I have hit over 75 reviews and over 250 follows! I figured an extra chapter this week would be a nice way to celebrate!

Thanks to everyone who follows/faves/reviews this story and a special thanks to Stephanie O for supplying a load of reviews and to mazel888 for being my 250th follower. I treasure all of you!

Chapter Nineteen

Hermione had given Draco their watches Friday evening after classes and by Sunday they were using them frequently to send messages to one another throughout the day. The warmth on her wrist was calming to Hermione every time it happened. Being able to pass messages was not the same as being able to speak in person, or spend time cuddling on their couch, but it was better than nothing.

On Saturday morning, Draco had messaged her to let her know he had sent an owl to Dumbledore to request a meeting. Dumbledore still hadn't responded, but Harry also had not had a meeting with him, so Hermione was guessing Dumbledore was not in the castle. She told Draco as much.

Where would he be though?

I am not sure. He's just been doing research for the war lately.

But is leaving the castle safe?

Must be, or the risk must be worth it.

I just hope he responds soon. I don't like waiting.

Spoiled Pureblood. She pictured him smirking. His response came more delayed.

I mean, really. You're technically more PURE than I am.

Hermione yelped at his innuendo and felt herself turn bright red. Ginny looked at her questioningly. Hermione shook her head. Ginny narrowed her eyes at her and mouthed, "dorm?"

Hermione followed Ginny up the staircase and through the door that led to the fifth year girls' room.

"How are… things?" Ginny looked at her pointedly.

"Things are good. Great, for now really." She glanced down at her watch. She still hadn't responded. Her look did not go unnoticed. Ginny grabbed at Hermione's wrist and examined the watch.

"This is new. Is it… You did the Protean charm again!" Ginny grinned at her. "You two communicate this way now don't you?!"

"Shh, Gin. Not so loud. But yes, we do," Hermione responded with a grin of her own. She glanced around and cast a Muffliato. "Can I ask you something personal?"

"Of course you can," Ginny said, sitting down on her bed and patting the spot next to her for Hermione.

"Have you ever been…intimate with a guy?" Hermione asked, sitting next to Ginny and staring at her own shoes.

Ginny laughed. "Yes. With Dean. Why do you ask?"

"Because I think… I think I might want to."

Ginny's eyebrows rose. "He's not pressuring you right?"

"No, no. Quite the opposite. But I've been thinking about it more and more lately. Even dreaming of it," Hermione blushed at this admission.

"If you think you're ready, then you should. It's meant to be special, but I think the way you look when you talk about him… I don't think you'd regret it."

"I don't think I would either," Hermione said slowly. "But what if I'm bad at it?"

"Hermione, he's a male. He won't mind what it's like, just that it's happening."

Hermione sighed. Her wrist warmed again and she glanced down.

He responded. Tonight. 8pm. Will you come?

At eight o'clock, Hermione met Draco just outside of the stone gargoyle that led to Dumbledore's office. He smiled nervously at her and she whispered the password to get the gargoyle moving. Draco placed his hand on the small of her back as the stairs ascended toward Dumbledore's door and Hermione felt the heat of it like lightning. She shivered slightly and glanced at Draco. He didn't seem to notice.

Both Dumbledore and Snape were waiting in the office once Draco and Hermione entered. Dumbledore was seated in his chair behind the desk and Snape was leaned against the desk with his arms crossed over his chest. They both looked up as the couple entered. Snape straightened and stalked toward Draco.

"We are expected at the Manor in an hours' time. The Dark Lord expects news. Be prepared to…give him what he wants," Snape looked meaningfully at Draco, and then his eyes skimmed over Hermione's hand entwined with Draco's. "And be prepared to hide things you wish to keep safe."

Draco's face hardened and he nodded. Hermione also shivered again – but not in the pleasant way from only moments ago. He had to go to the Manor after this meeting, and Hermione was suddenly filled with anxiety. Would he be tortured? Would Voldemort use Legilimency on him? Was everything about to be blown?

Hermione shook herself from her thoughts when she realized Draco had stepped forward. She watched as he inclined his head toward Professor Dumbledore.

"Professor. I feel that it would be necessary to inform the Dark Lord of my success with the cabinet. What are your thoughts?"

"I am inclined to agree, Mr. Malfoy. I think you should tell him it would be of… best use on 30th June."

Hermione's stomach dropped. Only two weeks away. Is this the night Dumbledore has planned for his death? She glanced back toward Draco, who nodded.

"I can do that." He agreed to the date. He looked back at Hermione and smiled grimly. "I will accompany Severus from your office to the Manor. I will inform you of the Dark Lord's plan once we arrive back."

"Excellent, Mr. Malfoy, excellent," Dumbledore said, as if he hadn't just assigned a date for the end of his life. "We shall also have to discuss who Order contact will be, after I am gone." Hermione flinched at the reference. Dumbledore gestured to her. "I am sure Miss Granger will find a way for you two to remain in contact if she hasn't already. But you will need a seasoned member to report to as well. I have arranged one already if you would like to meet now."

Draco nodded and Dumbledore turned to the fireplace behind his chair, throwing a small pinch of Floo powder into it. He called a name softly; Hermione didn't hear it, but she saw Draco turn pale and sit up straighter in his chair. A moment later Hermione understood why.

Andromeda stepped from the fireplace and allowed Dumbledore to kiss her cheeks. She swept around his desk and laid eyes on Draco. Her face softened and she smiled slightly.

"I haven't seen you since you were baby…" she reached a hand out as if to grab Draco's hand, but stopped. "I will be your point of contact with the Order after… Well after the thirtieth. Here is the address of my home. No one else has this, I am Secret Keeper, so you cannot disclose this information. You can Floo me if needed, or an owl can find me."

Draco seemed to be speechless. He swallowed hard, and nodded at his aunt. They both turned toward Dumbledore.

Dumbledore simply nodded. Draco turned and locked eyes with Hermione as he walked toward her. He grabbed her hand and pulled her back down the stairs and into the corridor in front of Dumbledore's office. He gave a quick look around before pulling her face to his and kissing her fiercely. Hermione was shocked but quickly gave into the kiss and put just as much heat into it as Draco did.

There was the sound of a throat clearing a few paces away and Hermione sprang back from Draco to find Professor Snape glaring down his nose at them.

"If you are finished Mr. Malfoy, we must be going."

Hermione looked back at Draco. "G-good luck," she choked out, on the verge of tears. She was going to make herself sick with worry. Draco squeezed her hand once more, then turned and followed Snape toward the staircase. Hermione watched him descend the stairs before she let a stray tear spill from her cheek.

Slowly, she made her way up the staircase that led toward the Gryffindor tower. Once she reached the top, she realized she didn't want to be in the presence of anyone right now, and instead of turning to her right, she made her way to the left, toward the Room of Requirement.

She entered their usual room, however it had the addition of a large four-poster bed this time. Gratefully, Hermione flopped down onto the soft gray sheets and stared up at the canopy of the bed. More tears threatened to spill. She felt her wrist heat and frantically lifted her watch to her line of sight.

I'll be safe. See you soon.