A/N- k… I screwed up on chapter 7, I got confused Hermione's power is Legilimency not Occlumency… I've changed it now but in case you noticed… she can read minds k? Good. :-)
Chapter 9- Hermione's decision
"So… what do you think?" asked Hermione, trying to avoid Draco's penetrating stare. She had just showed him the stolen book from the library and explained its relation to her… plain muggle-born, know-it-all Hermione. She wasn't sure how he would react; he was the first person she's ever told.
"Does Dumbledore know?" Draco asked quietly.
"No."
"I think we should go talk to him." Hermione nodded in agreement, and they made their way out the portrait hole just as Harry and Ron reached them.
"Hermione! We just finished Quidditch practice earlier then we expected so lets hang out. What's he doing here?" Harry asked, glaring at Malfoy.
"Shove off Potter," Spat Draco. He shoved past Harry, his arm linked to Hermione's.
"Hermione, what's going on?" Ron asked, stepping in their path.
"We're on our way to talk to Dumbledore about something…" Hermione trailed off. " I'll catch up with you guys later, okay?" she could tell Harry and Ron were worried. Suddenly thought she found their minds open to her. She quietly calmed their suspicions, before Harry and Ron took notice. Malfoy saw their faces change from the evil glares they were giving him and Hermione.
"Ok, we'll see ya later 'Mione!" Said Harry, with Ron beside him smiling and nodding.
"Bye!" she replied, turning around the corner with Draco, disappearing from view.
"That was bloody brilliant, 'Mione! I wish I could control Potter and the weasel!" Draco said, smirking, but stopped as she shot him a reprimanding look. They headed to the entrance to Dumbledore's office, a Gargoyle statue.
"Ice Mice." Draco muttered the password. Hermione took a step back as the Gargoyle moved to the side as the wall behind it split into two.
"After you." Malfoy said, smirking as Hermione made her way tentatively to the spiral staircase that was moving smoothly upward. Draco jumped on the stairs right after her, making his way through before the doors closed behind them.
~
"Mr. Malfoy, thank you for your assistance, but I need to talk to Miss Granger alone." Draco scowled at the headmaster, but nevertheless made his way to the exit.
"Bye Hermione." He said, skeptical that Dumbledore could talk to her about anything important with out him there.
"Bye Dragon." Hermione replied, quietly. Making his way to the exit, Draco turned for one last glance at Hermione, wondering if he had made the right decision. She flashed him a grin, hoping to diminish his worries.
~
"So, Miss Granger." Dumbledore started, gazing intently at her behind his half-moon spectacles. "You are a legiliment, a star child."
"I never knew there was a name for it, sir." She replied, nervously. Dumbledore sighed.
"There is that one, and many more." He replied. "The sun on your wrist represents every other star in the sky, all the secrets, and all the life." He was silent a moment to let the knowledge sink in.
"I suppose I don't have much of a choice in my fate then." Hermione said hopelessly. Dumbledore surveyed her, deep in thought.
"Like Harry, there are some things that you cannot control, but this doesn't mean your whole life is compromised. I am correct when I say you are 16, is that right?" He asked, thoughtfully. Hermione blushed, upset that Dumbledore had brought her age up.
"Yes." She replied, warily. Dumbledore smiled.
"No need to be worried, Miss Granger, I was just double-checking my facts." He studied her face carefully.
"What you do with your power is up to you, Miss Granger. I'm sure you are aware that it can turn the powers of the world… for good or for evil?" he stated, blandly.
"What are you saying, Professor?" Hermione asked, nervously.
"Hermione, I'm hoping that what you decide to do with your power is for the good of the world. I would like to ask you to work with Professor Snape to increase your power. The last Legiliment will be hunting you. I would like you to be prepared and be able to work for us."
"Of course I'd help the Order… but how can the last Legiliment be hunting for me? Didn't the last person have to die before I received my power?" Dumbledore sighed.
"He did die, but he has been back for some time now, his name is Lord Voldemort."
~
During dinner that night, Draco kept shooting furtive glances at Hermione. Noticing this, she excusing herself early and made her way to their common room so they could privately talk. Shortly the portrait door opened and he stepped through.
"Hey." He said, moving closer to her and wrapping his arms around her slender body.
"Hi." She replied smiling, thankful to be safe in his arms.
"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked, gazing at her intently. With a reassuring smile, Hermione explained the plans she had made with Dumbledore.
"When you receive your dark mark, you will have to tell your father you have been seeing me and that I hate Harry." Hermione stated, sadly.
"Why?" Draco asked, perplexed.
"Dumbledore said my power could be used for good or for evil. I need to get close to the death eaters to use it either way, and he wants me to spy on them, like you and Snape. You must drop clues so they know I'm not on Harry's side and will trust me." She smiled bravely. Draco surveyed her determined but saddened face, and gently kissed away the tears that had started to trickle down her cheeks.
"Anything, 'Mione." He said gently, pulling her into a tight embrace as the portrait door swung open, with a shocked Harry Potter framed in the doorway.