Severus had watched as the young woman stepped outside of the hall and proceeded to distract her friend from the area. The last few moment had brought no further clarity other than agreement that the headmaster was indeed insane. When Dumbledore had proposed this pairing even Severus had paused. The witch, though proficient in magic, was the very essence of everything Draco had been raised to hate. This of course had only pushed the headmaster into a little laugh and that frustrating eye twinkle. Apparently that had been the point.

When Miss Granger had punched the young Malfoy he had officially given up. There was no hope of reform if she felt it prudent to attack his inured and defenseless godson because of a few hurtful words. To Severus's immediate surprise though Miss Granger had apologized for her actions and proceeded to attempt to sooth the injured boy. It had been an odd turn of events. While he had witnessed her caring nature towards others Severus had never imagined Draco being privy to that particular comfort.

In an even more unexpected turn of events Draco had unwittingly given himself away when discussing Lucius Malfoy. Draco knew better than to let that vulnerability show, which just spoke to how much Draco was suffering. It made him wonder which of the memories kept the boy up at night; which ones shook his very existence. If there was one thing Severus Snape understood it was how the mind could replay the worst moments of your life as if it was a play needing to be memorized.

He still disagreed with this plan. He still found it riddled with flaws and pitfalls that would more than likely destroy both parties mental state. Still, Severus Snape was a recluse by nature and the girl had offered. With conditions but an offer had been made. Out of the corner of his eye he glanced down at the seething mess of a boy. "How much pain are you in?"

Draco glowered.

It was the typical response he had gotten every time the topic had been broached. It was against Slytherin nature to show true weakness mainly because it was quickly turned against you. At least Draco had resumed with his usual defensive persona. It also left minimal room for conversations around something as asinine as feelings.

With his own scowl Severus assessed further. It was meddlesome of Albus to lead Granger here but it did have the desired effect they had been waiting for. Glancing at the door again he made a decision. While annoying the girl would keep his godson alive. The true issue was her need to tell Potter. The boy's mind was an open book for the Dark Lord and Draco seeking help was not something they wanted leaked. She had left them no real option though, not if they wanted her help. Albus had been particularly adamant that it needed to be her as well.

The whole lot of them were bothersome to an unfathomable level. Severus turned towards said god son and scowled. "Can you match her terms?"

Draco nearly gaged at the comment. "Godfather, you cannot be seri-"

"Very."

Draco's jaw actually dropped. "But she is a filthy mudblood. You cannot ask me to-"

Severus cut him off again, thus leaving no room for question on what the expectation would be, "I am."

This time Draco's mouth snapped shut and his eyes turned hard. Both waited a dramatic ten or so seconds for the tension to ride, and that it did. The animosity in the room felt as if wands were drawn instead of utilizing an offer of aide. Still, this needed to be mutual. Both parties would need to check in with one another and coordinate. To many things were at stake for Severus to throw Draco in with no promise of real effort.

"No," Draco finally said sternly. It appeared stubbornness and pride won over survival.

Severus did not argue, there was no point in doing so. If Draco did not see the need for the alliance then that would be his burden the bear. So instead Severus did not do anything other than acknowledge truth. It was a truth neither had spoken of. Draco because of the horror behind it and Severus out of respect for said boy. But this was not time for frivolities like butterflies and butterbeer. This was a moment where lives would be changed. So Severus accepted Draco's answer, but only if Draco could accept said truth. Turning back towards his cauldron Severus emotionally distanced himself from the conversation. He did this on purpose, in part to give the boy the illusion of privacy and also to dismiss Severus's own role in the decision. Eventually, once his cloak had stopped moving from the power of the turn, he state, "Send your mother my regards next time you owl."

Severus pictured what he was likely missing. Draco's fists would subconsciously clench from a mixture of rage and confusion. His gaze would harden to the point where his blue grey eyes would reflect like diamonds. The heart would race as if in a marathon but the body would remain rigid as ice. No, Severus did not need to turn around to know that Draco Malfoy had a decision to make.

Hermione's mind could not have been more scattered at the moment. Had she really just offered her help to someone who she insulted by existing? Merlin she was a dumb one sometimes. She blamed it entirely on her friendship with the boys since before them she had always been the sensible one. How was it that she, the logical one in the group, consistently got caught up in situations like this? Maybe she would get lucky and her temporary lapse in judgement, mainly offering to help the Slytherin Prince of Hogwarts, would result in a refusal on his end. Obviously Malfoy hadn't been part of the discussion the first time around. It was also pretty safe to say that the idea of being in the same room as her was not all that high on his to do list.

Hermione was just about to round the corner when a very slight noise caught her attention. She spun to her right, the shield charm already on the tip of her tongue as she watched Katie Bell step around the corner. The woman automatically threw her hands up in mock surrender when she saw the wand pointing in her direction, "Blimey Mione, don't kill me."

Hermione slowly lowered the wand in her hand. With a quick sigh she drew her other hand up to her eyes. With a small circular motion she began massaging the side of her face, "Strange day, I am a little on edge."

Katie just smiled despite the serious nature of this practice session, "I would be too if I had Harry and Ron both chasing after me, though I suppose now I do too. I volunteered as your partner for this match once word got around. So quick question, how did you know it was me on your team?"

Hermione walked over to her long time friend with a small smile on her lips, "I really just had high hopes to be honest."

Katie smiled at her friend. The two had never spent a large amount of time together before this but had become much better friends since the start of the year. Hermione had always found it difficult to connect with her female peers and was incredibly thankful for the reprieve from the boys. And as great as Ginny was, the younger girl did have her own friend group.

Pulling herself out of her reminiscing Hermione pouted, "And this better not be stretched out long enough to impede my after school lessons or I will be murdered in my sleep."

The girl huffed as she crouched down on a nearby stair step. Hermione contemplated running her fingers through the ringlets that made up her hair but decided against it. Lavender would never let her hear the end of it in anyway became disorganized. It had taken them, the Gryffindor sixth year girls; forever to find a spell that didn't make her hair look greasy or flat but could still manage to get rid of the frizz.

Katie, sensing that there was more to this story sat down next to her friend. Knowing that Hermione, while probably not liking that her friends were about to come after her did understand the implications of the war that was coming. Despite her dislike of the exercise it did have its practical uses. So it wasn't Harry and Ron that had her frazzled, "What's wrong?"

Hermione's head shop up at the concerned tone in her voice the question floating around in her head finally surfacing, "It is starting to get colder out, which means the school year will be in full swing and I cannot even find it in me try and be excited. This year is just so different than the others. The entire castle is gloomier than usual. Even the Slytherin's are quiet."

Katie scoffed, "Probably because they don't have their pretty little princess to follow after. Then again, Malfoy has been pretty scarce this year. Probably just shagging all the available Slytherin girls who missed him during break. I don't believe a word about this whole thing of him being sick. I am glad Harry is watching him like a hawk."

There it was again, Harry's obsession with Draco Malfoy since that fateful day they followed him the Knockturn Alley. It was draining to watch. But with everyone on edge no one but her and Ron had complained about it. It made her dread even more the possibility of Malfoy accepting her terms. How on earth would Harry be okay with this?

She did not want to think on it to much more but felt her own desire for support well up inside. She did not want to have this placed on her alone, it was to much. She had no idea how Harry did it.

Instead of continuing to look at her friend Hermione reviewed the information available to her. Draco Malfoy was an unwilling death eater, they way he scratched his arm and pulled at the sleeve told her that. Dumbledore had not said it but she was a bright witch, his arm was branded with something he did not want. Malfoy's father was a bastard who beat his own kid into submission. Hermione honestly couldn't say too much about the wife, the legendary Narcissa Malfoy. While Hermione wanted to believe she was just as dastardly as Lucius for allowing her son to be treated that way their only notable interaction had been at the World Cup, then again while shopping for supplies. What Hermione could say for sure was that the woman was prejudice to the tee. The way that Mrs. Malfoy had spoken to them in the tailors was deplorable at best.

Professor Snape was another story. While his hatred for her and her friends was paramount he obviously did hold some form of affection for others. Draco was clearly on that list if the double agent was willing to put his safety on the line to help him. Nothing short of a miracle would help him if Malfoy tattled about taking him to the Order. She was sure Voldemort wouldn't care what excuses he gave. Professor Snape would be killed that instant. The professor she knew would not put his life on the line for a lost cause. He obviously saw something good or at least morally neutral in the ferret. Hermione could only hope that he was a better man than he had portrayed himself as over these last six years.

The last thought was about how safe Draco truly was with his friends. Who is to say his fellow Slytherin's wouldn't report everything back to their parents where things would get turned back to Voldemort? It was probably another façade of theirs Malfoy was having to keep on the lookout for. Caring friends wanting to help who were really just informants.

"Katie, I think we need to finish the Snatcher game as soon as possible. My life needs a little bit of a break," she said honestly.

With a nod both girls began developing a plan. First thing was first, they needed to keep Harry and Ron at odds with each other. Unlike the Muggleborn team who generally stuck together, the Pureblood who brought in the Muggleborn got a higher number of points. The member with the most points was named the winner of that team, meaning they would be competing with each other. This was really just another death eater scenario. Everyone knew that Hermione and Harry were some of the top people on Voldemort's list of people to kill list and every death eater out there would want to be the one to bring them in. So, while the death eater team would want to win in the grand scheme of things, everyone wanted to be in the Dark Lords good graces.

Sometimes it was a little strange how well Moody hit the mark on this drill.

So they needed to keep them at war, so occupied. Hermione would be worth the most point wise since she is an original player, Katie being second. How long it took them to find the two girls was another matter. One thing was for sure, nothing could be on snatcher terms, those scenarios never went well. If they could draw them out but keep them close enough to be interested it would be to their benefit.

Chewing on her bottom lip both girls developed a plan of defense. They really just needed to make it through the day and then they were in the clear.

Draco was furious at his current state. He did not want to be here, he did not want to acknowledge just how deeply he had fallen but the truth could not be more clear. Closing his eyes briefly, if only to block out the light from his pounding headache, Draco attempted to locate where it had all gone wrong. He could not though, because the moment his eyes were closed he imagined another person hovering above his dinging room table. Their broken body twisted in an unnatural way and their screams frozen on their face. Almost instantaneously his eyes snapped open again.

Despite the pain of the moment, he felt himself welcoming the light of the room this time. Around him fluttered the familiar form of Madame Pomphrey. "Draco my boy you should not have tried to heal anything yourself, I do not care how embarrassed you were about falling from your broom."

Draco sighed, "I am proficient at potions, I thought I would be fine."

The usually calm and motherly woman glared. It was a full glare that would have made him sneer if he had any energy to do so. As it stood currently he did not. How pathetic was he? He could not even muster up his signature dismissal.

The woman gave him another thing to drink and he nearly gagged at the taste. It was still better than the cleansing tonic though that had emptied out his system from any residual potions. That had been a fun experience of vomiting while sweating various colors from his pores. Three bed sheets later had him thankful for the lack of friends right now. It would have been beyond humiliating to him to be seen in that state.

It was as he was wiping his mouth that an extremely aggravating sight came into his line vision. By aggravating he meant downright nauseating. With an actual growl that unwillingly left his mouth Draco attempted to turn away. No way was his luck this bad, it was just not feasible.

"Hello Madame Pomphrey, have you seen Hermione?"

Potter had just stepped into the medical ward and had beelined for the mediwitch. Said woman turned to face the boy and gave him a once over, medic eye at the ready. "You do not seem injured Mr. Potter."

From the corner of his eye Draco watched as Potter nervously scratched his head. "Yes, I am fine-"

Madame Pomphrey raised an eyebrow, "Is Ms. Granger injured in some way?"

"No, not at all. I just know she comes in here and-" but the boy who lived was cut off.

"Then I cannot say where she is. This is a medical ward for patients Mr. Potter. If you are here to visit someone you may stay. Otherwise please give those in my care a chance to rest. You have been in here enough times to know of that particular importance." The dismissal could not have been put in a nicer way despite the stern tone. Draco nearly sighed in relief but stopped when he heard footsteps approaching him.

Shit.

Potter was going to try and use the only other body in the room as an excuse to stay. Why Weasel and Potter were so adamantly chasing Granger was beyond normal reason. It looked as if he was caught in the middle of it though. He sincerely hoped that this type of interaction was limited to today. If he was going to be working with the woman he did not want to constantly be bombarded by her friends. One of the golden trio was bad enough as it already was.

"Oh I am also here to visit…" spoke Harry.

Draco opened his eyes with great effort, the glare having been enacted while hearing the footsteps. He could always manage a good scowl for this toser. Potter and him both looked at each other briefly. Harry was himself clearly debating if he wanted to use Malfoy as an excuse to stay, never mind how believable it would be. Draco was contemplating ways to blame Potter for aggravated assault while in the bed if anything what attempted.

"Lost your pathetic squad Potter?" spoke Malfoy.

He watched as the familiar life reject turned back towards Madame Pomphrey, "I can come back."

Both occupants of the room shot one last glare at the other before the mobile one left. Almost immediately Madame Pomphrey was by his side and looking at a couple of his bandages. "Do not undo all my hard work with that negativity Mr. Malfoy. Healing is already tough enough without anyone mucking it up."

Draco turned back towards the woman while his fatigue settled back in, "Whatever, I just want to be healed and then I'm out of here."

She paused briefly as if considering something. In the past she had healed him and then quickly dismissed anyone present to make room for any other students who need assistance. The fact that she was considering a different course of action spoke again to how far he had fallen. His normal Malfoy ability to scare others away seemed to be lacking even more than usual.

Said woman seemed to have gathered her thoughts and dropped to his eye level, nearly scaring him with her boldness. "It is not my place to get involved in student affairs but you would do well with a few more friends like that boy. He has been up here enough times visiting peers that I know a kind soul when I see one. We need more of those in the times that we are living."

Draco actually scoffed but said nothing. Normally he would comment about how pathetic that sounded, or how his father had been correct about the failing standard of this school. He had nothing this time around. No witty comeback or the ability to put anyone in their place. In this instant he would let it go though. He did not need to prove to anyone that him and Potter would never be friends. That was a fact that did not need any further evidence.

Just as he was starting to get comfortable again he felt more than saw someone else enter the room. His arm flared just a bit in reminder and he immediately knew who it was. Albus Dumbledore had re-entered the picture. With a cautious eye he watched as the old man slowly walked towards him. With the familiar cunning look he stated, "I am glad you have sought out assistance young Malfoy."

He did not say anything further other than asking Madame Pomphrey for an update on his treatment and possible safety regulations that may need to be put on flying without proper approval. As soon as the mediwitch left to restock Dumbledore turned back towards him. He said nothing, just gave a slight approving nod before stating. "She is a good witch, an even better person. I do hope that in time you will learn to see things differently."

This time Draco did comment, "This is a necessary evil for survival. Make no mistake."

Dumbledore nodded briefly as if storing the memory. The man did not say anything further but it was quite obvious the headmaster had opinions about Draco's comment. It seemed a battle for another day though as Dumbledore turned back towards the mediwitch, "I do know you are busy my dear but if you happen to see Mrs. Granger or Mr. Potter again would you please send them my way. I do have a small school matter to discuss with them and it seems both are quite active across the campus today."

The woman smiled, "Of course headmaster. I will send them straight to your office."

Draco watched as the man exited the bay and left into the hall; his long grey hair swishing behind him. It immediately brought Draco to the initial task given to him. It was preposterous to imagine killing such a legend. Not because of sentimentality but because that man, no matter how old, was still a powerful wizard. The dark lord had delivered a death sentence, but not for the aging headmaster.

Closing his eyes again in an attempt to gather some peace Draco instead saw some unknown persons blood flowing from the open bottom gap in a doorway. Before the monster had moved in to the Malfoy manor that room had been full of memories from growing up. A childhood playroom filled with pictures of brooms and toy wands. Now it was a holding cell for whomever had been caught unawares in Diagnon Alley.

Not for the first time Draco Malfoy asked for a dreamless sleep potion. Waste not want not.

Hermione was in a blind panic. All thoughts of the game and the day had completely left her head as she tried to put together the latest information given to her. Katie and Hermione had escaped throughout most of the day unscathed. They had agreed to hide in the library then down by the whomping willow. There were enough hidden areas that they had felt safe enough. That was until Hermione had overheard from Neville that Harry had been summoned to Dumbledore's office. With further follow up she had learned from a quick trip by Katie that Malfoy was indeed in the medical bay.

Three guesses as to what Harry was likely being told.

So here she was, waiting outside of Dumbledore's poorly hidden office in an attempt to catch her friend afterwards. So far her desire for extendable ears was only overshadowed by her desire for her own invisibility cloak.

Just as she was about to start pacing the familiar statue began to move. Straightening her clothing once again Hermione tried not to bite her lip or pick at her nails. Anxiety had never been a large problem for her growing up but the fear of this year seemed to be overriding her normal senses. By the time the statue stopped spinning and an angry looking boy stepped out Hermione had already felt her own turmoil spike.

The moment he saw her was the moment she wanted to sob. "Harry-"

But he stomped past her as if he had not seen her. Harry, while one of her dearest friends in the world, had always had a bit of a temper. The death of Sirius had certainly not helped the simmering rage towards the world. Neither had the transition into being a teenager. Or the almost demonic connection to Voldemort's mind. Overall, Hermione felt Harry had a lot of things working against him when it came down to something as simple as survival.

She followed him for three corridors before he finally stopped long enough to hear her pleading. Mid call of his name he whirled on her, "He is the enemy Hermione! You are putting your life on the line for an enemy! For some loser who has made your life miserable since we first met him!"

Some form of sense seemed to kick in as she drew in a large breath. Glancing around the hallway nervously Hermione grabbed his arm and all but shoved him into what she presumed to be a nearby classroom. Much to her dismay it was not a classroom but a broom closet. Cursing herself Hermione sighed in defeat of the situation, all the while stopping a moldy smelling broom from falling on their heads, "Harry you have to understand that-"

The boy cut her off, "That he is a death eater prat that does not deserve your help? That is probably using you and is going to turn you in to his new master whenever he has the first chance? That you will be likely checking in with Snape of all people."

She tried again, unable to dispute anything that he had said so far. "He-"

"Is just like his father, a bully who enjoys hurting others. I can't believe you agreed to some secret mission like this! Less than month ago he bashed my nose in after petrifying me and tried to have me sent back to the train station. Sounds like a real safe bet Hermione!" he started to raise his voice but was unable to pace like he clearly wanted to.

She sighed; it was a defeated thing where her whole body seemed to give in. He had not said anything other than pure fact. Malfoy and Snape had both done very little to show kindness to her and here she was putting herself at risk. Harry had reason to be angry, but it would be worse if he found out later. After a few more seconds she finally said, "What would you have done?"

Harry crossed his arms and stated a very firm, "I would have let the toser rot in Azkaban."

Hermione rolled her eyes at this one. That was so untrue it was nearly funny. Now that she finally had some ammo to go at him with Hermione stated a very firm, "No you wouldn't have. You would have helped him try to be a better person. You cannot get upset at me for doing the same thing you would have done."

This seemed to rile Harry up even more as he started kicking random brooms and mops with his heel. He could not even look her in the eye when he angrily stated, "No, you do not get to do that. You do not get to put yourself in danger like this."

There it was, the real problem.

Hermione immediately sobered. Throughout all of this her goal had been not to lie to him. To make sure he felt included on all that was going on in his life. She had not really thought about her own safety and what it would do to him if this all failed. With a new found understanding she truly wondered what would happen if Harry lost another person who was important to him. He was terrified, terrified that she was going to get hurt. That he would somehow be linked to another person's death. Part of her wanted to cry at the sadness of it all while another wanted to hug him for his poorly expressed friendship. She settled for something in-between instead. Her logic understanding the need to appease his fear while still maintaining her role as aide.

Placing her arm on his shoulder she stated firmly, "You are my best friend Harry James Potter. And I have no intention of leaving you. Come traitors, dark lords or punch able ferrets."

Harry seemed to calm down at that, at least he stopped trying to pace in the small space. He did continue to eye a mop bucket as if it had somehow offended him though. The story behind his eyes, the death of Sirius, seemed to flash across her own minds eye in that moment. By the time he had fully controlled himself Harry stated a concise, "You cannot win against death, no one can. And that is exactly where this stupid task is putting you in line of."

This time she did hug him. She all but lurched forward and wrapped her arms around him. While he was still in her near suffocating embrace she stated, "And I would not want anyone else at my back when that day comes, whenever that is."

His arms wrapped around her as he responded back with his own hug. When they finally broke apart he quietly stated, "Books and cleverness."

She pushed away briefly and tapped his chest in remembrance. All those years ago where they overcame the teachers obstacles to hunt down the sorcerers stone seemed like nothing. It was as if fate was telling them that these are your people. The ones that fight trolls and face three headed dogs will be with you till the end. As she recalled their parting words Hermione recalled her own beliefs on the boy in front of her, "Heart and skill."

Her eyes watered just a bit as he sighed deeply. She recognized the acceptance though, the silent understanding that this was something that needed to be done. He could not punish her for who she was anymore than she could him. "I do not under any circumstances like this."

With a small smile, and thankfulness at that wonderful heart of his, she stated, "Me neither, but some good things have already come out of it."

She saw that his eyes perked up in question as the statement left her lips. Hermione had long since considered Harry a brother. They squabbled and fought at times, but their friendship was true. It was very different than his and Ron's but still just as deep. It was through this connection that she knew her greatest shame over the last few hours would be his greatest laugh. While Hermione was not one to encourage violence this seemed deserved. After a few tantalizing seconds she shared, "I already clocked Malfoy in the nose in front of Professor Snape today, think I can get away with it again?"

The brief laughter that filled the small room had them both shaking their heads in a disbelieving manner. The pressure from the day coming off them in waves. Eventually Harry turned back to her and sighed. She saw the wariness on his face in that moment, the boy who was tired of fighting and just wanted to be a student. Harry paused a bit more before saying, "I hate that Voldemort found another way to infiltrate our lives. Sometimes I wish it was someone else he marked that night."

Hermione felt her eyes begin to water again but said nothing.

As if coming to some form of agreement Harry negotiated, "I want confirmation that he is a death eater, that I am not going crazy and that Draco Malfoy is a death eater."

Hermione scoffed in an attempt to avoid the comment. She would not be getting into another discussion on how evil Malfoy was, or how he now had the mark to prove it. Instead she deflected to a lighter topic that she was sure Harry would under no circumstances want to discuss further, "Yes, he is probably so keen on showing me his bare skin. I'm sure he would love to undress for me. Sounds like a fun task."

Harry grimaced at that. The visualization of what he just asked her to do immediately made him reconsider them spending time together.

Hermione then brought up a point he had not considered. A particular fact that was bound to cause chaos further down the line. Pressing her lips together she asked, "So, what do we do about Ron?"

Harry had truthfully not even considered the other third to their group. Now that the question had been brought up Harry found that he truly had no answer. He hated keeping things from his friend but even he could see the way that would play out. Harry himself reacted the way he did out of fear for Hermione. Ron and Malfoy had something different though. They had some form of hatred that went back to their mothers. Combine that with the confused feelings Harry absolutely knew the red head was having for Hermione and it was bound to blow up. Ron had done nothing but pick fights with her and it was still the start of the year. Running his fingers through his hair Harry stated, "We can tell him you are at lessons when you are needing to meet up with Malfoy. We should tell him though, just maybe not yet."

Hermione nodded her head and then looked back at the closed door. It would be cruel to keep it from him for long, even if it would make it easier on everyone. They were a trio through thick and thin, even if sometimes they ended up not talking with each other for a bit.

The last needed item to be discussed was much harder though, because it was something she could do nothing about. With a sigh she stated "You have to keep him out of your head Harry. He can't know."

Harry just agreed silently. The last thing he needed was that snake learning things he had no business knowing.

Together they both stood up and checked for anything that might look amiss. When nothing was found they carefully stepped out of the small room and headed back to their common area. The fat lady paid them no mind as she continued to practice her vocal lessons as the picture swung open. Upon entering the room both seemed to remember the events of the day.

Nearly half of the Gryffindor's sitting there knew about the ridiculous game. Eyes wide in shock both turned towards each other. Before any spells could be cast Hermione let out a clear yell, "Games cancelled! Professor Snape gave us both detention for dueling outside of class. We will need to reschedule the chase."

Ginny was the first to pout as she stepped forward. As if the new teams had already been chosen the poked Harry in the chest with said wand, "Don't worry, us rebels will be sure to take you lot down in the future."

Harry's eyes went a little wide as the red head witch turned back around. Hermione presumed it was to catch up with her friends, that or her latest boyfriend. It was a little unclear who she was dating at the current moment. As the room scattered she caught her friend's eye. With a shrug she stated with a smirk, "Oh, like that wasn't believable."

Harry actually laughed a bit at that one before adding, "You forgot to add that we got double detentions for having to much fun."

She pushed his chest playfully. As much as she wanted to defend their new defense against the dark arts teacher Harry did have her there. Professor Snape was well known among the castle for tolerating shenanigans even less than Professor McGonagall.

Two days later Hermione got her first official summons from the head of Slytherin house. She was to meet him in his office at 7:00pm sharp to be further briefed on what was expected of her. Staying true to her initial agreement Hermione had informed Harry on the first opportunity. He had immediately demanded to come with her. Hermione half believed it was to tell Snape off in any manner he could, since it would be very hard to take points away from a conversation that was not technically supposed to happen. She had attempted to argue but the best she could do was convince him to wait outside of the door for her, then once determining she was still alive after a few minutes head on back to the common room. Hermione was unable to convince him how much worse he would be making the situation for her but took the win of angry guard duty.

She should have known he was lying but Hermione had always tried to see the best in people. When she got to the familiar office and he did not slow down she became extremely concerned. When she stepped in the room and Professor Snape was mysteriously absent she knew this was about to get out of hand. Instead of a mediator of any kind there in the front of the room, by himself, was the blonde haired boy in question. On instinct she took a step back and ended up stepping on Harry's feet. What was on purpose was the backwards steps she continued to take in an effort to keep him out of the room.

Those stupid seeker reflexes side stepped her with ease. As he bypassed her, Harry's eyes narrowing in on the blonde, Hermione found herself frowning. She could try to stop him but her life had taught her one important thing over and over again.

Boys made no sense and she just needed to let this play out while hoping that neither one ended up getting her expelled.

Just in case she remained close to the door. Bravery was one thing, purposefully sitting around for a hexing match was entirely different. She had already been privy to beaver teeth and needed no further wayward spells ricocheting off of the walls in her direction.

Harry strode near menacingly towards the student that was siting nearby. When he reached Malfoy, all while maintaining enough distance to not entirely be breathing the same air he stated to Malfoy, "So, this is possibly the worst scenario possible."

Malfoy, for his part, did not rise to match Harry in the standing position. Instead he remained siting. His posture took on something of an arrogant feel paired with disinterest. Glancing at the furious classmate Malfoy stated, "Agreed."

Harry rose and eyebrow, "You call her that horrible word again and I hex your balls off."

Hermione actually threw her hand to her face in exacerbation. "Harry, do you have no deco-"

Malfoy actually stood this time, abruptly pushing his chair away and sneered angrily, "You think I am afraid of you Saint Potter?"

This time Harry stepped right into it, his hostile aura doing nothing to calm the tension in the room. Both of them now had fists balled and ready to attack at a moment's notice. Their glares were inches apart as Harry threatened, "You hurt her, or she comes to me crying, or you be your usual dick of a self and make her feel inferior in any way and those pure blood children you care so much about will never have the ability to happen."

Malfoy's face did a cross between mocking anger and a death threat, "I am not here by choice you stupid martyr. I am here because I am out of options. I agreed to put up with her know-it-all self, but you are a different story. You I will happily hex."

It was only because no wands were drawn that Hermione intervened. While posturing was something she understood she also knew that them repeatedly beating their points into one another would be fruitless. So with great restraint she spoke to Harry, "You happy? See, he promises to cherish and respect me always."

Harry turned on her in and instant, pointing a finger, "Really Hermione? Can you just like not pick up every hopeless stray that you find? He is a selfish blood purest. You and I both know this will end in him being a bigoted jerk like usual. And that is if he doesn't go straight to the death eaters to save his own arse when things get to difficult."

In an attempt to continue diffusing the situation she began walking towards the pair. She knew Harry would make one last effort to change her plan as he was clearly okay with misleading her about his intentions to walk her to the meeting. Heck, she would not be surprised if he tried to take on the healer role himself. If that was his plan she sincerely hoped he recognized how horrible that would go upon seeing the blonde. The two were like oil and water. By the time she made it closer to them she stated very calmly, "He was brave enough to ask for help from the Order. The least I can do is be brave enough to try and give it."

Harry finally took a step back and sighed. With a small maniacal sneer, while simultaneously giving her an aggravated sibling look, he stated, "Seriously, I will hex his balls off."

With a reflex she grabbed him by the back of the collar and push him towards the door, "Bye Harry."

He turned around in full force, "I meant what I said, updates; daily. You will not be alone with him for any extended time."

Her eyes remained closed as she waved him goodbye with her back still towards him. "No really, go away Harry. You are not helping this situation."

But Harry was not done as he continued to argue. At this point he was not saying any of the items for her benefit, but because he wanted to aggravate the Slytherin in the room further. "And I want to be proven right about that dark mark. Both you and Ron called me crazy and I want proof that he is a giant racist idi-"

This time she spun on her heels to face him, "For the love of Merlin just go play quidditch or something."

Harry glared at the remaining boy in the room and waited a few seconds before turning around and attempting to walk out. He paused briefly at the door but did not face them. He hovered cautiously and then in a quiet tone Harry stated, "Just stay safe Hermione."

Her irritation immediately melted and her posture lost a certain amount of tenseness. With an understanding in her heart she stated, "I will."

Then he left, the door silently closing behind him.

It took her a few more seconds to turn herself back around and face the source of all of this. He had resumed his position in the chair and had the familiar air of arrogance around him. In an effort to remain on equal footing she slowly took the seat across from him by pulling around a chair. She waited a few more seconds then looked around the room. "Is Professor Snape coming?"

He did not make eye contact with her when he stated, "I would assume not."

Her hands rested on the table and she found herself drumming her nails against the table in annoyance. Trust the most difficult professor on campus to expect them to figure everything out now that he could take a step back. She had been hoping for guidance, or maybe even a mediator, but that was likely wishful thinking. Her nails drummed on the table again as she continued to watch the nearest clock in hopes of a small miracle occurring.

"Would you stop that?" spoke Malfoy.

She frowned as she was pulled out of her wishful thinking, "I don't know, can you talk to me?"

He crossed his arms, his body still turned away from her. "I am talking to you."

She felt the urge to get up and walk out but managed her impulse to leave. She was a Gryffindor which meant difficult boys were part of her everyday routine. This one was just not as loud as the others. "Well I am glad Madame Pomphrey was able to patch you up."

"Well I couldn't have you bitching at me the whole time," he responded in kind.

This time she actually did close her eyes in annoyance. While he had not made any comment about her blood or how inferior she was to him, somehow he was just as good with the insults. What made it worse was how he was not entirely wrong. Hermione was well aware of the fact that she was a nag. She did not need someone as mean as Malfoy pointing that particular flaw out to her. "What are we even doing here Malfoy?"

"Putting up with each other so I get what I need from the Order and you get brownie points for helping a lost stray," this time he did turn towards her, anger radiating throughout his entire gaze.

Not one to back down from a challenge she faced him head on, "Don't you dare put words in my mouth. If that is how you want to see yourself that is entirely up to you but I am here because it is the right thing."

He scoffed, "Please, Potter summed it up pretty nicely."

"Seriously?" she countered, "Since when you put stock into anything Harry says? You are just going with it because you are mad and I am the nearest target."

Body going just a bit more rigid Malfoy finally gave her his full attention, "Of course I am upset you bint. I have been forced to seek asylum with everyone I hate. I have to take orders from them, listen to what they have to say and pretend that I give a shit about any of you. Being in the same room with you and your kind make me want to vomit but I do not have a choice."

She rolled her eyes at that one. He and his comrades had said far worse things to her over the years and a little bigotry was not about to make her pause. "And whose fault is that?"

The indignation on his face was striking, "Excuse me? You think I asked for this?"

Her rage was on full force by now, "Of course you asked for this. Had it never crossed anyone's mind that there are consequences to prejudice? Did you think that people could spout hate and idealize murder without some lunatic deciding to act on it? That if you can destroy one person why not another? That war is messy? That no one is actually safe?"

"You do not know-" he started but had very little room to finish.

"No," Hermione countered. This was not happening and not right now. He was not giving himself an out from this. Instead she stood up from her chair and pushed herself away. Looking back at Malfoy she shared, "I don't know what caused you to finally see what was happening but let me be perfectly clear. Hate only leads to hate. So the only people that you can really blame for your entire situation are the people that preach hate as normal…as right. So if that is you, or your father or the Dark Lord then so be it. You have spent the last six years identifying with and idealizing murders because it made you feel special. Well guess what your version of special turns out to be synonymous with murdering psychopath. What you do from that conclusion is up to you, but do not try to tell me that your situation is someone else's fault."

That is when she walked away, her shoes making a small noise with each step of her heel. Aside from that it was quite in the room as if noise itself felt the need to recede. It was clear that he was going to be just as difficult as predicted. She was almost out the door when he stated, "So that is it? You are just going to leave and ignore your agreement because I hurt your feelings?"

With a grace she did not know she had Hermione spun on the balls of her feet as if in a dance. In her turn she found her mark though, the spot she kept in sight to prevent whiplash from ever changing moods. Even from this far away she could still find those piercing grey eyes of his boring into her very soul. She ignored the shiver it caused and stated with a familiar mocking look, "Owl me when you remember what manners are."

Then she was back out the door and into the hallway. By the time Hermione made it back to the common room she had already come up with a believable story for Harry about how for now they were limiting contact to small visits to avoid suspicion, at least until they found a way to meet more regularly without prying eyes. And that Malfoy would reach out the moment he needed further assistance.

He was nice enough to pretend to believe her.

Firevixen73- So much tension! As much as I love the Hermione/Draco pairing there is some serious work the boy has to do. That transformation feels as if it would take time and patience so we will see what happens. Thank you so much for your reviews! I hope a few of you noticed some suggestions that I took from the comments on ideas for their meeting.