A/N: Awww! Now see what happens? Only 4 reviews so you have to wait a week for more! It's very simple friends! Under 5 reviews – 7 days. Under 10 – 5 days. Under 15 – 3 days. Under 20 – 1(the day after) 20 + within the day! And I want signed reviews too! ^_^ So tell everyone who reads this to come back cause I will be posting double time!

And this is the way it's gonna be from Now on!! ^_^

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Disclaimer: *Takes Flower* I own Harry Potter – I own him not – I own Harry Potter…. I own him Not!!

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Chapter 14

"Plans of Action"

After that night, each went to their common rooms with different thoughts in their minds.  Harry wondered if Snape would be willing to really go through with making a potion for a person that caused him a serious injury that could only be healed with time. True he would be ridding himself of two large debts, but was he willing to risk his pact with the ministry? Ginny felt that Harry, who had to accompany Draco no matter what, was once again taking on too much responsibility. She felt he was almost trying to involve himself more then he had to. Hermione wondered why Draco was in such a rush to do this. He had waited this long, why hurry for tomorrow? If Malfoy learned anything about Hermione over the years it was that she, given enough time, could learn anything.

Ron had returned with his usual collection of broken spoons courtesy of Lucius and asked about the meeting. He was indeed shocked to learn about Snape and Harry told him that he best not go with him to retrieve the potion.

"You'll be putting yourself too far into this Ron… Snape knows too much already and he doesn't have to know about you. I'll try and give Lucius the potion, just tell me the tricks you use to make him eat,"

"But Harry! Making him take something like that won't be easy!" said Ron seriously.

"It's alright. Just go with Hermione on your Valentine's Day thing, and I'll take care of the rest,"
"No! You won't be in this alone Harry! I'll come with you," said Ginny in a determined voice, very much unlike her.

"Ginny -"

"I know you're used to taking everything on yourself but please, I want to help! Besides, Snape has already seen me with you so he knows I know about this,"

Ginny's mind was made up. She hadn't been much use to any of them during the fight against Lord Voldermort and she felt that at least she could be of some help now. It took a few hours of bickering but in the end each group stood their grounds. Ginny would accompany Harry and Ron would stay with Hermione. Ron was anxiously about the whole ordeal but grateful, Harry really did prove to be his best friend. After finishing up their discussion in the study section of the library, they headed up to their dormitories for some rest. Tomorrow was promising to be a very interesting day.

The following morning they had all gotten ready to get on with the days deeds. Ron felt horrible for not going but Harry continued to insist. It was best that he did not follow and the less people that would be involved in this the better. Besides, Harry wanted his friends to have a good time. After classes Harry and Ginny started over to meet up with Draco in the Great Hall. Ron however, pulled Hermione a side and with a caring smile said:

"Not us… were heading this way,"

Hermione grinned and tried hard not to think of what would be going on for her friends. Harry and Ginny looked at Hermione and gave her an approving nod.

"We'll take care of this Hermione, Snape can't betray us, he owes both Draco and I a debt," said Harry.

"Yeah… No problems!" grinned Ginny.

"Ok... said Hermione as they both ran off, Ron looking a bit nervous.

"I hope they have a good time," said Ginny until Harry gave out a gasp. "What's wrong?"

"I think that maybe I should bring a vile to put the potion in! I'll be right back Ginny! Just wait for me here please,"

"Of course," she said Harry made a quick sprint to the Gryffindor Tower.

As she waited she felt a slight tap on her shoulder. Ginny turned around on to find Colin staring at her saddened.

"Colin…"

"Ginny listen, I know I acted like an idiot but I just wanted to -"

"Colin… it's okay. I mean, you didn't hurt me or anything,"

"I think I did… just…. I just want to ask you if I could still be your friend,"

"Of course!" she said smiling serenely.

"Really?"

"Sure. Just don't… well, don't force yourself on people Colin. That's not the way to do it," said Ginny feeling happier that her mess with Colin was straightening itself out.

Colin looked to his side and twiddled him thumbs. He then saw a tiny mouse scatter along the hall and quickly picked up his head.

"So… would you mind coming with me to the library? I think we should get a move on for our essay - that is if you want -"

"Oh Colin! I can't right now,"

"Why not?"

"I-I have some important things to do today and it can't be changed,"

"Well, I can help you if you want,"

"Oh! Well… I already have someone else involved in this," she said as Harry dashed back to her side with the vile in hand.

Colin looked at Harry disgusted and thinned his gaze on Ginny.

"I see… well… then I suppose you two would want to be alone," he said.

Harry looked at him curiously yet defensively.

"Sorry - it's… it's really important,"

"I understand Ginny," he said and then looked at Harry, "I hope you have a great Valentine's Day… Potter…" he added in a low growl and turned around.

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Meanwhile, Ron and Hermione had headed outside. It was a nice fresh day and the best weather they could hope for in February. Ron eagerly brought Hermione to a low hill that could over look the grounds in the direction of the lake. He quickly covered her eyes. She smiled and began to giggle. Feeling a slight tickle in her stomach, they both walked over to meet up with Neville who seemed to be making sure no one came near the area where he was standing. With his hands still on Hermione's eyes, Ron smiled as Neville sauntered away winking at him.

"Okay… Now, slowly crouch down… there's a blanket on the floor…" said Ron as they lowered themselves to the ground.

Hermione felt the lumpy blanket and sat calmly. She felt something plush underneath and was smiling very much. Ron's hand lay on her face until he himself, settled next to her.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Yes," she said her heart pounding fast.

"Look…" he said softly as his hand left the girl's eyes.

As she gazed around her, she saw that the spot on which they sat was the covered in thick green grass. There were flowers that hugged the edges of the blanket and the sweet smell of spring filled the air. Tiny luminescent lights flew around them and twinkled softly as the sun began to set slowly out of sight from the hill. Hermione gazed around. It was only at that moment that she realized that she felt warm under her cloak. Beyond the outskirts of the plush carpet of green was the rest of the Hogwarts grounds, still covered in snow. There was a tree that hung over them with branches covered in icicles. They looked like a multitude of crystals, casting reflective light from the dying day. Hermione felt like this was the most perfect moment that she had ever lived… Everything was perfect and most importantly Ron was there to share it with her.

"Now to start the evening right," he said as he conjured a lovely dinner set before them.

Hermione's eyes shone with amazement and Ron smiled shyly and tilted her head towards him. With a kiss flower petals began to dance around them as they lifted up from the ground. The light wind blew their hair upwards and in leaving Hermione's lips Ron said: "Happy Valentine's Day,"

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Harry and Ginny were making their way to Snape's dungeon as the sun began touching the horizon. They caught a glimpse of Draco walking in the hall and went to catch up with him in a bit of a jog. Draco turned around and surprisingly enough made a faint indication of a smile. Soon after however, he looked behind them and noticed that the other two were not with them and gave a growl.

"Where are the two "love birds"?" he asked in a cold yet almost hurt voice.

"It's Valentine's Day…"

"I see… so that more important then helping me is it?"

"Of course not! You know how hard we've all been working to help you especially Ron. I told him not to get any more involved. He already spends more time with…" he then lowered his voice to a whisper "with Lucious... then with Hermione," Draco looked away, there was more twirling in his mind then he was letting on.

"Anyways… I'm… I'm glad you both showed up at least…" said Draco in a broken voice. "Because… well… You're crucial to the plan Potter,"

Harry gave a smile and Ginny grinned as well. They knew what he really meant. Draco just looked surprised at them and brought his gaze somewhere else. He hated to admit that he felt a lot safer and reassured when they were around. Finally, they made it to the dungeon as Snape was seen leaving it.

"Professor," breathed Draco as Snape gave him a cautious look.

"Come inside," he merely said as they entered.

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The sky was now splattered with orange as the two sat and ate happily the food that had magically appeared on the plates. Ron's trips to Hogmeade had proven more fruitful then Hermione ever suspected. While he visited Lucius, it was obvious that he had stopped by other shops as well to make this little moonlight picnic special. Hermione was thoroughly enjoying herself and just couldn't stop smiling but Ron's face showed a sort of anxiousness and nervousness about him. He kept looking around left and right and Hermione wondered just what was wrong.

"Oh… um… Nothing. Nothing at all! Let's just continue this," he said with a grin.

~*~

Snape brought the three into the dungeon before a clear mixture in a small cauldron. Ginny looked at it and saw the dim fire light in the room, make it shimmer a multitude of colors.  The light reflected in her eyes as she turned to look at Harry. He removed the vile from the folds of his robes and gave it to Draco who then, with a look to Snape, filled it. The rainbow of color continued to glisten as he looked through the glass.

"Hurry. You only have 2 hours. Good luck," came the drawling of Snape's voice as they all nodded.

Without a word, they ran off and left the dungeon door open.

"Indeed… Good luck Mr. Malfoy… I only hope you get there in time… before things become worse then they already are,"

They ran out of the dungeon and back up the stairs. For one moment, Malfoy was going to urge them to head to exit until Harry made them stop.

"Wait! We can't just waltz out like this! There are no authorized Hogmeade outings at this hour! There's bound to be a nice charm waiting for us,"

"So what do we -" began Draco until Ginny cut him off.

"Oh Harry! Do you trust him enough?"

"Ginny I'm not the one that matters the most at this moment… Draco, there's something you need to know, I have a cloak that can definitely help us out of here,"

Under the invisibility cloak, they all ran to the Whomping Willow. Draco was astounded at how Harry really seemed to know every way of escape. He had already entered through the Willow during the attack on the castle last year but the invisibility cloak made sure no one but them would be seen. Harry picked up a stick and pressed the knot on the tree, it looked liked it was being held by a ghost. As it's branches lifted and the entrance under the roots opened, the trio entered one by one and down they went. As they began their walk Draco gave a sigh.

"What's wrong?" asked Ginny as she saw Draco's pale eyes look at her as they continued through the passage.

"Nothing Weasley…"

"You know, you really don't have to continue with that. Use our first names for heaven's sake! Haven't we proved that we're on your side?" said Harry as Draco sighed once more.

"I – It's strange to say it okay? I didn't even call Crabbe and Goyle by their first names! How I regret that now," he whispered.

"Then say it!" said Ginny grinning. "Say it, say their names,"

"That ridiculous… they're both dead. What would be the point?"

"Just to put yourself at ease Draco. It wasn't you fault you know,"

"It might as well have been… I might as well have cast the spell that brought their ends…"

"But you didn't! You never wanted them gone," continued Ginny.

"That's enough! I can't stand talking about them when we're on this sort of mission! Besides, we're walking too slowly. At this rate we won't reach the house on time. We've already wasted enough time by waiting until today. Let's hurry,"

"But why do say we've waited too long? Why was it so urgent that this be done today?"

However, Draco said nothing and they continued down as fast as they could. Potion or not why did it seem that time would be an even worse enemy then Lord Voldermort?

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A/N: Hey Everyone! Please go and check out my other stories as well! They're getting very lonely!

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A/N: Awww! Now see what happens? Only 4 reviews so you have to wait a week for more! It's very simple friends! Under 5 reviews – 7 days. Under 10 – 5 days. Under 15 – 3 days. Under 20 – 1(the day after) 20 + within the day! And I want signed reviews too! ^_^ So, tell everyone who reads this to come back cause I will be posting double time!

And this is the way it's gonna be from Now on!! ^_^

~Burning Artist~