Chapter 6
They sat facing each other; Hermione had let her sentence drop off not finishing.
"Why don't you tell me?" Hermione finally said.
"Why should I tell you if you already know the answer?" Primus answered her with a question of his own.
"Because I am asking you to trust me," Hermione said her eyes downcast. She didn't want to ask too much of him. She walked over and sat in the armchair across from Primus.
"If I didn't trust you then I would never have brought you to my home." Primus said, he stood up and walked over to the fire that was crackling merrily in the hearth.
"That is true, but then you never had any intention of us leaving there, well you leaving there at the least." Hermione said.
Hermione watched him as he lifted his hand and grasped the edges of his hood. Time seemed to stand still, so that a second felt like an hour, inch by inch Primus drew back his hood so that finally his face was revealed to her. At first his features were distorted by the fire light and then his face became clear and Hermione smiled.
"It's been a long time since I have seen you." Hermione shook her head and laughed derisively at herself, realising how that sounded.
"It has been a long time... Granger."
"I think that I knew it was you from our first meeting Malfoy, but I just didn't want to admit it to myself." Hermione looked into the eyes of her once enemy and one time friend.
"I always wondered, ignorance can sometimes be a blessed thing."
"Yes it can, I have missed you Draco... Even if we didn't part on the best of terms." Hermione looked up at him, but he had his back to her, facing the fire. "Why did you really pick me to relay information to Draco?" Hermione asked him.
"You were the only one who I knew was smart enough or perhaps not so smart, to trust me and what I was telling you. A lot has happened to me over the years, some of which you know. I am a Deatheater, not by choice but by history. It was time for me to stand up and make some choices of my own... some right choices." Hermione smiled at his back, not really sure if she was complimented by his choice of her, but flattered none the less.
"What are you going to do now Draco?" Hermione asked, one question that had been weighing heavily on her mind.
"I have spoken with Dumbledore and Severus, they both think that it is best if I stay here and help the Order, just as you wished. I have agreed to spend some time here, but I am not going to make my final decision until I am ready." Hermione nodded at him, he was a lot closer to agreeing to fight than he had been since they met so she was happy not to push him.
"What about your appearance Draco, I know that you are not fond of Harry and Ron, nor they of you. What do you wish to do?" Hermione asked, anxious of his answer. Instinctively Hermione knew that Harry and Ron would come around to the idea of Draco helping them, just as the had eventually acknowledged the fact that Hermione and Draco had been friends during their seventh year at Hogwarts, until knowledge of his becoming a Deatheater was found out.
"You think that Potter would let me stay here after he finds out who I am?" Draco said a scowl on his face.
"Yes, I do. I know that you and Harry have never been the best of friends and I know that the two of you have never seen eye to eye on just about anything. But I also know that Harry will listen to what I have to say, and if I tell him that you are to be trusted then he will listen, and so will Ron... well eventually he will." Hermione said.
"You have too much faith in them," Draco said and he took up pacing in front of the fire as Hermione had been doing moments before.
"Probably, but remember this Draco, I am always right. If I tell Harry and Ron that you are to be trusted then they will listen, even if I have to threaten to hex them into their next lives. I told you once that Harry and Ron are like brothers to me, and if I say something they will listen." Hermione finished, watching Draco pace back and forth. Draco finally shook her head at her.
"Give me a little time before you reveal my identity, Severus, Dumbledore and you know and that is enough for the moment. I want to be sure about Potter and Weasley before you tell them." Draco lifted the hood up and once again his face was shielded from her. Hermione nodded at him.
"If that is what you want then I will respect your wish, but Draco please don't leave it to long. I know Harry and Ron and the longer you wait to tell them the harder it will be for me to convince them that you are to be trusted." Draco nodded at her and made his way towards the door.
"I think that I will go to bed now, not that I will be missed by anyone," Draco said before leaving the room and making his way up the stairs.
Hermione silently stared into the flames, deep in thought. That was how Harry found her and the frown lines on her brow worried him.
"What's wrong Hermione?" Harry asked and Hermione jumped in fright.
"Harry! Did you really have to scare the living daylights out of me?" Hermione asked as Harry walked over and sat in Primus' vacated seat.
"Sorry about that, what's wrong?" Harry repeated.
"Nothing is wrong, I was just... thinking," Hermione said looking once again into the flames, their flickering was almost hypnotic.
"Hermione, I know that there is something wrong, I have known you for eight years, your part of my family, you're my chosen sister, and I know when there is something wrong." Harry said and tears sprang to Hermione's eyes, she got up and gave Harry a hug.
"You know I feel the same way about you and Ron, when my parents died you both became my family. There isn't anything really wrong, apart from the war and all of that." Hermione paused and began to pace in front of the fire again. "So much has happened to me in such a short time, and I guess I am having a little trouble in working out how to deal with everything." Hermione rubbed her face wearily and sighed deeply. Harry got up from his chair and walked over to Hermione, giving her another hug.
"Primus didn't... do anything to you while you were alone together... did he?" Harry asked and Hermione, shocked looked up at him in alarm.
"Of course not! Primus saved my life, and I owe him the biggest debt of gratitude a person could owe." Harry nodded.
"Well you have Ginny, Ron and I to help you deal with everything then, you know that," Hermione nodded and she gave Harry yet another hug. Ginny walked in at that moment and smiled at her husband and her best friend.
"You know if I were the jealous type the two of you would be in a slight bit of trouble right about now," Ginny said and Hermione and Harry took a step away from each other, Hermione laughed and Harry placed a lingering kiss on the lips of his wife.
"I guess now would be a bad time to tell you about the madly passionate affair that Harry and I have going on, then wouldn't it?" Hermione said in a dry, joking sort of way and Ginny laughed at her.
"That is about as believable as you telling me that Ron was dancing naked on the kitchen table to entertain the members of the Order," they all laughed at that, Hermione shaking her head trying to remove the images of a naked dancing Ron from her mind. They finally stopped when the person in question walked in, starting them all laughing again. Ron looked slightly put out that he was obviously being laughed at and he hadn't even done anything stupid.
"Well then are you three going to explain yourselves?" Ron demanded the three looked at each other and shook their head, knowing that the temper of that particular Weasley was best left unprovoked.
"What did you manage to save from my house?" Hermione asked Ron, instantly diverting his attention.
"Well I managed to get a few of your books, and some clothes and a few of the photos you had on your mantle survived. All of your furniture was gone, but I found this box, almost missed it really. It's heavy and brown and I couldn't open it, you put some good charms on it Mione," Ron said, and Hermione laughed at him.
"How many times did you attempt to open it?" Hermione asked, curious.
"On my third try it started to sit out green sparks that burnt when they touched my skin, left it alone after that," he admitted ruefully and they laughed at him. "I will show you everything tomorrow if you want," Hermione nodded at him and then yawned.
"Think that I might head up to bed now, I've had a busy day and I need to get some sleep I think," Hermione bade them all good night and made her way up the stairs to her room. Hermione briefly paused outside of Draco's room, she lightly caressed the wood internally debating whether to knock or not, finally she decided against it and walked on to her own room.
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Over the next two days everyone settled into a routine and Harry and the rest became accustomed to Primus' hooded face. In fact Primus and Harry spent much time together debating many topics. Hermione was happy to see them get along in a way that would never have happened if he had revealed himself sooner. Hermione had decided that it was time for Draco to tell them who he really was that way they would be able to deal with it and move on before the war began. She could tell that he was beginning to feel comfortable at Grimmauld Place, this would be his new home for the time being and as such he should be honest with its owners.
Hermione was finally able to get him alone when Ron went to visit his parents at the Burrow and Harry and Ginny were having some 'alone time'. They were sitting in the same lounge room where Hermione had found out who he really was. As soon as Hermione locked the door behind them Draco pulled back the hood and ran a hand over his face
"Draco, I think that is time for you to tell everyone who you are." Hermione said, not in the mood to be subtle, Ginny had been looking at her with a knowing glance since she had arrived and it was starting to get on her nerves. Draco sighed and leaned back in his chair, eyes closed.
"You're right, I know I have to but there is a part of me... a large part that doesn't want to." Draco said, not bothering to open his eyes. He had strain lines around his eyes and his usually impeccable appearance was marred but the bluish smudges under his eyes.
"Harry and Ron like you Draco," Hermione said and Draco knew it was true, well partly true.
"No, they like Primus the guy who saved the life of their best friend, the hate Draco Malfoy the Deatheater scum that made their time at Hogwarts a living hell," Draco opened his eyes and steel grey bored into whiskey brown eyes.
"They know that Primus is a Deatheater and they still like you, come on Draco I know you're brave you can do this," Hermione said, not flinching from his penetrating gaze.
"What's in it for me if I tell?" Draco said, teasing her.
"I promise to stop them hexing you..." Hermione said, a smile on her face, laughter dancing in her eyes. Draco gave a low rumble of a laugh and hoisted himself out of his chair. He readjusted his hood and made his way to the door.
"As soon as Weasley gets back for his parents home we will tell them," Hermione nodded and Draco made his way out of the room and up the stairs to his room.
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Hermione had told Harry, Ginny and Ron to meet her and Primus in the kitchen after dinner had been eaten. Ron and Harry keep passing confused looks at each other and Ginny just looked at Hermione, that irritating knowing look still present.
"Ok guys, Primus and I have decided that it is time for you to know who he is," Hermione said, once again getting straight to the point. Ron looked at her a slight pink tinge spreading over his cheeks.
"I thought that you didn't know who he was," Ron said the beginnings of anger could be heard in his voice.
"She didn't when we arrived, I only told her today," Draco lied smoothly and Hermione looked at him gratefully. She hated lying to Ron and Harry but if it spared her the Weasley temper then she would, besides little white lies never hurt anyone. Ron seemed calmer but the red tinge lingered in his cheeks and Hermione knew that they would have to tread carefully.
"Before I tell you who he is, or he in fact shows you who he is I want you all to remember a few things," Hermione paused and took a deep breath before continuing. "Primus, of his own accord has been giving us important information, information that has given us an important edge in this war. Primus risked his own life to save mine, and has agreed to fight with us to finally rid the world of Voldemort." Hermione said, and she was happy to see Ron finally not flinch when the word 'Voldemort' was uttered. Harry and Ron nodded when Hermione finished.
"All right Hermione, we will keep that in mind." Harry said and Hermione looked at Draco, waiting. Finally he raised his hands and took a hold of the sides of his hood, he paused as he had done before he revealed himself to Hermione, but this time the pause was much longer. Hermione could tell that Ron was growing impatient but she ignored it looking into what she thought was Draco's eyes, silently encouraging him. Hermione could feel him looking at her and she gave him a half smile. He pulled back the hood and slowly his long aristocratic nose came into view then his chin and brow and finally his white blonde hair, his grey gaze was locked onto Hermione's, Hermione heard Ron give a gasp of horror behind her but she ignored it.
Ginny nodded as if she had guessed correctly, it was only she that knew of the friendship that had existed between Hermione and Draco while they had been at Hogwarts, it was one of the only secrets that she had kept from her husband.
"Y-y-you?!" Ron finally got out, he was half standing looking at Draco with an utmost look of alarm.
"Yes me Weasley," Draco drawled looking at Ron who was blinking stupidly.
"Hello Draco," Ginny said as if it was the most normal thing to have her husband's high school enemy sitting at her kitchen table.
"Hello Virginia," Draco said as if he had been calling her by her first name her whole life. Harry looked at Ginny in shock not really knowing what to make of it. Ginny looked at Harry and smiled.
"Harry, I know that Sirius told you all about Pureblood families, were all related in some way, shape, or form, Draco is a cousin of mine, a distant one but he is family." Hermione smiled at the look on Harry's face, but it quickly slipped from her face when she looked at Ron. His face was brick red, his freckles looked like pale pots on his face making him look quite alarming. He was now standing at his full height of 6 feet, 4 inches and his hand was groping for his wand. Hermione quickly drew her wand and pointed it at Ron.
"Ron don't be stupid, put your wand away. There will be no hexing in this kitchen." Hermione said in a tone of voice that would have made Professor McGonagall proud, and Ron looked taken aback when he saw that Hermione had her wand drawn, Hermione looked at Harry pleadingly willing him to say something... anything.
"Hermione is right Ron, put your wand away," even though he was talking to his best friend his eyes were on Draco. "Why?" Harry finally asked him no anger was apparent in his demeanor, only curiosity.
"Why what Potter? Can you be a little more specific?" Draco asked, not in his usual condescending drawl he used when he spoke to Harry, but a normal tone that one would use when they were talking to a friend. Ron looked like he was going to jump in and say something but Hermione silenced him with a look and waited for Harry to speak.
"Why to everything I guess, why become a Deatheater if you were going to give Mione information? Why risk your own life to save the life of someone you hated while we were in school? Why come here? Why?" Harry finished. Draco sighed and settled himself getting ready to explain.
"I became a Deatheater because there was no other option for me. You've met my father what other choice could I have made? Besides a part of me wanted to," Harry looked shocked by this admission but Draco spoke before Harry could say anything. "The Dark Lord believed in everything that I had believed in, during our seventh year my thoughts changed dramatically before something happened and it validated my previous beliefs," Draco cut a glance at Hermione but she was looking down at her entwined hangs listening.
"So with my beliefs validated I willingly went to the Dark Lord and swore an oath of allegiance to him. Almost instantly I regretted my decision, for reasons that I don't care to go into at the moment. After a moth I decided that if I was going to suffer with being a Deatheater then some good could come of it, it was then that I sought out Hermione and began to relay information to her." Draco paused and got his thoughts in order again.
"When I was told of the Dark Lords plan to kidnap one of your best friends, I instantly went to Hermione to give her the information. I didn't realise that they would go after her, I thought that they were going to go after Weasley," Draco nodded his head towards Ron. "After I met with her, I watched he leave, to make sure that she was safe, and I apparated to where we were having a meeting. When I got there, Nott spoke up and claimed that I was a spy and as such deserved to die. I protested my innocence however, the Dark Lord was not entirely convinced of my sincerity. He thought that if I was tortured a bit then I would realise that any thoughts of turning against him would be erased. As soon as they were finished I overheard Nott speaking to Goyle saying that they were going to go after Hermione that night I apparated away and landed at Hermione's but she wasn't home. I lay down and waited for her. I'm sure that Hermione has told you what happened next," Draco said and Harry nodded.
"The reason I came here with Hermione was because she had convinced me that I would be an asset if I were to fight with you all, but I also wanted to see Severus, I had many things that I wanted to discuss with him," Draco said and then he waited for what Harry was going to say. Ron was looking much calmer about Draco's presence but still not happy about him being there. Harry stood and looked at Draco hard in the eye, an internal battle was being wagered inside of him and finally a decision was made. Harry stuck out his hand and waited to see if Draco would accept it. Draco looked at it a moment before rising and grasping Harry hand, they shook and Harry smiled.
"Welcome to my home Draco Malfoy," Harry said.
"Thanks P-Harry." Draco said and Hermione blinked back tears, it was a relief to see that peace had been made between the two now former enemies, it felt as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. There was only one real hurdle to face... Ron.
"Look Malfoy, I'm not exactly happy that you are here, but I am grateful that you saved Hermione's life," Ron stopped looking down at the wooden table trying to work out what he wanted to say. "Hermione is like family and even though I don't always agree with her," Ron smiled sheepishly at that, "I have learnt that is often best to follow her lead, she always knows what's best. If she says that you are trustworthy then I will believe it and I will give you a go. But you only get one chance, got that?" Ron said a frown evident on his face, the seriousness of his words radiated around him and Draco gave him a nod and Ron nodded back, a truce had been made between the two and Hermione silently prayed that it lasted.
The five sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts until Hermione finally broke it.
"Well that when better than I thought," she said and the others laughed. "I didn't have to deflect one hex, I really am quite proud of you all." Hermione said and smiled at them all to let them know she was teasing.
"Well I was doing my best to get one out but you and that McGonagall voice, I never could do anything wring when you say stuff like her, makes me feel so guilty," Ron said and everyone laughed while Hermione looked at him with an evil glint in her eye.
"I know, why do you think I use it so often!" The five sat around the table talking softly about safe topics. They had talked about enough serious topics for one night and quite frankly everyone was tired of grave situations. It was quite nice for them all to have a relaxing time after the excitement of Draco's unveiling.
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Hello All! :)
Well here is chapter 6, posted A LOT sooner than chapter 5 I might add, lol! Hope that you liked it! As always comments and suggestions are appreciated so if anyone has and for me please send them my way!
Sorry if you found it a little boring but it needed to happen, I can assure you that things are going to get more interesting from here on it, I have some plans for where this is going, but if anyone has any suggestions for me I would love to hear them! If I think that the suggestions will fit into the story I will use them, and of course I will give credit where credit is due! :)
As before this chapter is unbetaed so I apologise for any mistakes. Also I am not really happy with that chapter as I said, it is a little boring but things should start to pick up from now on! I hope to get you all another chapter shortly! I have the week off so I should have some time to do a little more writing!
Spaced Out Space Cadet
P.S. I hope that everyone (who believes in it that is) had a great Easter, and that you got loads and loads of Easter eggs!
P.P.S. I am soooooooo excited! I am going to see Maroon 5 on Wednesday night! Am really looking forward to it! And then I am going to see Nickelback on the 1st May OMG!! *screams madly* I can't wait!!!! :::
Thanks to all who reviewed!!
Dawn1 – Since I left it so long to update I just had to add in the evil cliffhanger! Sorry bout that, lol!
Shedraconis – You're right! DRACO and HERMIONE FOREVER!! Lol! Glad that you are liking it!
Disneydoll0424 – Awww! Thanks soooooo much! :) I'm happy that you thought it was good, I wasn't to sure about it myself but now I feel better about it! :) Lets just say that things are going to get more and more interesting... Thanks for wishing me a good break, but it is autumn break here, I wish it was spring again though! And I LOVE your story! I am really into time travel ones at the moment... was thinking of writing one myself after I finish this but I'm not sure! Do you know on any other god ones out there for me to read?? :)
Meg – Thanks for reviewing! I guess your just going to have to wait and see what happens next... :)
Scholz03 – Sorry about that! Lol! I was going to get her to say who he was in the last chapter but then I thought you have all waited this long another week isn't going to matter! Lol Glad that you still liked this chapter though, and sorry it took me so long to update! :)
Jaye-Ven1988 – Glad to see that you are still alive, no matter how long I made you wait! Love the new name by the way! Was this quick enough???
Mesmer – No the story isn't finishing just yet, this will be a war fic, I just have to get them to the war... so I hope that your in it for the long haul because this may take a while! :) I loved the kiss on the cheek as well, thought that it was appropriate.
Jenny – Thanks! I don't know if I can remember either...
Hells Angel – Nice work on the shoulder!! How did you manage that?? Hope that it gets better real soon, and thanks for the one armed review!
Azn-Sweetie – Hey!! Nah I wasn't busy I just couldn't get motivated to get of my butt and write something good for this story! I hope that you like this chapter! :)
Alka – I will try not to wait so long between updates from now on, hopefully I get some better direction for where this fic is going and I don't catch writer's block again! I will try to make Hermione and Draco tragedy free!
Dangerkitteh13 – Hey! Glad that you like it so far, I will try to answer your questions without giving too much away, this story is a romance... sparks happen when two people who are attracted to each other touch. They aren't visible sparks, more like tingles up your arm. Hope that cleared things up for you!
They sat facing each other; Hermione had let her sentence drop off not finishing.
"Why don't you tell me?" Hermione finally said.
"Why should I tell you if you already know the answer?" Primus answered her with a question of his own.
"Because I am asking you to trust me," Hermione said her eyes downcast. She didn't want to ask too much of him. She walked over and sat in the armchair across from Primus.
"If I didn't trust you then I would never have brought you to my home." Primus said, he stood up and walked over to the fire that was crackling merrily in the hearth.
"That is true, but then you never had any intention of us leaving there, well you leaving there at the least." Hermione said.
Hermione watched him as he lifted his hand and grasped the edges of his hood. Time seemed to stand still, so that a second felt like an hour, inch by inch Primus drew back his hood so that finally his face was revealed to her. At first his features were distorted by the fire light and then his face became clear and Hermione smiled.
"It's been a long time since I have seen you." Hermione shook her head and laughed derisively at herself, realising how that sounded.
"It has been a long time... Granger."
"I think that I knew it was you from our first meeting Malfoy, but I just didn't want to admit it to myself." Hermione looked into the eyes of her once enemy and one time friend.
"I always wondered, ignorance can sometimes be a blessed thing."
"Yes it can, I have missed you Draco... Even if we didn't part on the best of terms." Hermione looked up at him, but he had his back to her, facing the fire. "Why did you really pick me to relay information to Draco?" Hermione asked him.
"You were the only one who I knew was smart enough or perhaps not so smart, to trust me and what I was telling you. A lot has happened to me over the years, some of which you know. I am a Deatheater, not by choice but by history. It was time for me to stand up and make some choices of my own... some right choices." Hermione smiled at his back, not really sure if she was complimented by his choice of her, but flattered none the less.
"What are you going to do now Draco?" Hermione asked, one question that had been weighing heavily on her mind.
"I have spoken with Dumbledore and Severus, they both think that it is best if I stay here and help the Order, just as you wished. I have agreed to spend some time here, but I am not going to make my final decision until I am ready." Hermione nodded at him, he was a lot closer to agreeing to fight than he had been since they met so she was happy not to push him.
"What about your appearance Draco, I know that you are not fond of Harry and Ron, nor they of you. What do you wish to do?" Hermione asked, anxious of his answer. Instinctively Hermione knew that Harry and Ron would come around to the idea of Draco helping them, just as the had eventually acknowledged the fact that Hermione and Draco had been friends during their seventh year at Hogwarts, until knowledge of his becoming a Deatheater was found out.
"You think that Potter would let me stay here after he finds out who I am?" Draco said a scowl on his face.
"Yes, I do. I know that you and Harry have never been the best of friends and I know that the two of you have never seen eye to eye on just about anything. But I also know that Harry will listen to what I have to say, and if I tell him that you are to be trusted then he will listen, and so will Ron... well eventually he will." Hermione said.
"You have too much faith in them," Draco said and he took up pacing in front of the fire as Hermione had been doing moments before.
"Probably, but remember this Draco, I am always right. If I tell Harry and Ron that you are to be trusted then they will listen, even if I have to threaten to hex them into their next lives. I told you once that Harry and Ron are like brothers to me, and if I say something they will listen." Hermione finished, watching Draco pace back and forth. Draco finally shook her head at her.
"Give me a little time before you reveal my identity, Severus, Dumbledore and you know and that is enough for the moment. I want to be sure about Potter and Weasley before you tell them." Draco lifted the hood up and once again his face was shielded from her. Hermione nodded at him.
"If that is what you want then I will respect your wish, but Draco please don't leave it to long. I know Harry and Ron and the longer you wait to tell them the harder it will be for me to convince them that you are to be trusted." Draco nodded at her and made his way towards the door.
"I think that I will go to bed now, not that I will be missed by anyone," Draco said before leaving the room and making his way up the stairs.
Hermione silently stared into the flames, deep in thought. That was how Harry found her and the frown lines on her brow worried him.
"What's wrong Hermione?" Harry asked and Hermione jumped in fright.
"Harry! Did you really have to scare the living daylights out of me?" Hermione asked as Harry walked over and sat in Primus' vacated seat.
"Sorry about that, what's wrong?" Harry repeated.
"Nothing is wrong, I was just... thinking," Hermione said looking once again into the flames, their flickering was almost hypnotic.
"Hermione, I know that there is something wrong, I have known you for eight years, your part of my family, you're my chosen sister, and I know when there is something wrong." Harry said and tears sprang to Hermione's eyes, she got up and gave Harry a hug.
"You know I feel the same way about you and Ron, when my parents died you both became my family. There isn't anything really wrong, apart from the war and all of that." Hermione paused and began to pace in front of the fire again. "So much has happened to me in such a short time, and I guess I am having a little trouble in working out how to deal with everything." Hermione rubbed her face wearily and sighed deeply. Harry got up from his chair and walked over to Hermione, giving her another hug.
"Primus didn't... do anything to you while you were alone together... did he?" Harry asked and Hermione, shocked looked up at him in alarm.
"Of course not! Primus saved my life, and I owe him the biggest debt of gratitude a person could owe." Harry nodded.
"Well you have Ginny, Ron and I to help you deal with everything then, you know that," Hermione nodded and she gave Harry yet another hug. Ginny walked in at that moment and smiled at her husband and her best friend.
"You know if I were the jealous type the two of you would be in a slight bit of trouble right about now," Ginny said and Hermione and Harry took a step away from each other, Hermione laughed and Harry placed a lingering kiss on the lips of his wife.
"I guess now would be a bad time to tell you about the madly passionate affair that Harry and I have going on, then wouldn't it?" Hermione said in a dry, joking sort of way and Ginny laughed at her.
"That is about as believable as you telling me that Ron was dancing naked on the kitchen table to entertain the members of the Order," they all laughed at that, Hermione shaking her head trying to remove the images of a naked dancing Ron from her mind. They finally stopped when the person in question walked in, starting them all laughing again. Ron looked slightly put out that he was obviously being laughed at and he hadn't even done anything stupid.
"Well then are you three going to explain yourselves?" Ron demanded the three looked at each other and shook their head, knowing that the temper of that particular Weasley was best left unprovoked.
"What did you manage to save from my house?" Hermione asked Ron, instantly diverting his attention.
"Well I managed to get a few of your books, and some clothes and a few of the photos you had on your mantle survived. All of your furniture was gone, but I found this box, almost missed it really. It's heavy and brown and I couldn't open it, you put some good charms on it Mione," Ron said, and Hermione laughed at him.
"How many times did you attempt to open it?" Hermione asked, curious.
"On my third try it started to sit out green sparks that burnt when they touched my skin, left it alone after that," he admitted ruefully and they laughed at him. "I will show you everything tomorrow if you want," Hermione nodded at him and then yawned.
"Think that I might head up to bed now, I've had a busy day and I need to get some sleep I think," Hermione bade them all good night and made her way up the stairs to her room. Hermione briefly paused outside of Draco's room, she lightly caressed the wood internally debating whether to knock or not, finally she decided against it and walked on to her own room.
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Over the next two days everyone settled into a routine and Harry and the rest became accustomed to Primus' hooded face. In fact Primus and Harry spent much time together debating many topics. Hermione was happy to see them get along in a way that would never have happened if he had revealed himself sooner. Hermione had decided that it was time for Draco to tell them who he really was that way they would be able to deal with it and move on before the war began. She could tell that he was beginning to feel comfortable at Grimmauld Place, this would be his new home for the time being and as such he should be honest with its owners.
Hermione was finally able to get him alone when Ron went to visit his parents at the Burrow and Harry and Ginny were having some 'alone time'. They were sitting in the same lounge room where Hermione had found out who he really was. As soon as Hermione locked the door behind them Draco pulled back the hood and ran a hand over his face
"Draco, I think that is time for you to tell everyone who you are." Hermione said, not in the mood to be subtle, Ginny had been looking at her with a knowing glance since she had arrived and it was starting to get on her nerves. Draco sighed and leaned back in his chair, eyes closed.
"You're right, I know I have to but there is a part of me... a large part that doesn't want to." Draco said, not bothering to open his eyes. He had strain lines around his eyes and his usually impeccable appearance was marred but the bluish smudges under his eyes.
"Harry and Ron like you Draco," Hermione said and Draco knew it was true, well partly true.
"No, they like Primus the guy who saved the life of their best friend, the hate Draco Malfoy the Deatheater scum that made their time at Hogwarts a living hell," Draco opened his eyes and steel grey bored into whiskey brown eyes.
"They know that Primus is a Deatheater and they still like you, come on Draco I know you're brave you can do this," Hermione said, not flinching from his penetrating gaze.
"What's in it for me if I tell?" Draco said, teasing her.
"I promise to stop them hexing you..." Hermione said, a smile on her face, laughter dancing in her eyes. Draco gave a low rumble of a laugh and hoisted himself out of his chair. He readjusted his hood and made his way to the door.
"As soon as Weasley gets back for his parents home we will tell them," Hermione nodded and Draco made his way out of the room and up the stairs to his room.
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Hermione had told Harry, Ginny and Ron to meet her and Primus in the kitchen after dinner had been eaten. Ron and Harry keep passing confused looks at each other and Ginny just looked at Hermione, that irritating knowing look still present.
"Ok guys, Primus and I have decided that it is time for you to know who he is," Hermione said, once again getting straight to the point. Ron looked at her a slight pink tinge spreading over his cheeks.
"I thought that you didn't know who he was," Ron said the beginnings of anger could be heard in his voice.
"She didn't when we arrived, I only told her today," Draco lied smoothly and Hermione looked at him gratefully. She hated lying to Ron and Harry but if it spared her the Weasley temper then she would, besides little white lies never hurt anyone. Ron seemed calmer but the red tinge lingered in his cheeks and Hermione knew that they would have to tread carefully.
"Before I tell you who he is, or he in fact shows you who he is I want you all to remember a few things," Hermione paused and took a deep breath before continuing. "Primus, of his own accord has been giving us important information, information that has given us an important edge in this war. Primus risked his own life to save mine, and has agreed to fight with us to finally rid the world of Voldemort." Hermione said, and she was happy to see Ron finally not flinch when the word 'Voldemort' was uttered. Harry and Ron nodded when Hermione finished.
"All right Hermione, we will keep that in mind." Harry said and Hermione looked at Draco, waiting. Finally he raised his hands and took a hold of the sides of his hood, he paused as he had done before he revealed himself to Hermione, but this time the pause was much longer. Hermione could tell that Ron was growing impatient but she ignored it looking into what she thought was Draco's eyes, silently encouraging him. Hermione could feel him looking at her and she gave him a half smile. He pulled back the hood and slowly his long aristocratic nose came into view then his chin and brow and finally his white blonde hair, his grey gaze was locked onto Hermione's, Hermione heard Ron give a gasp of horror behind her but she ignored it.
Ginny nodded as if she had guessed correctly, it was only she that knew of the friendship that had existed between Hermione and Draco while they had been at Hogwarts, it was one of the only secrets that she had kept from her husband.
"Y-y-you?!" Ron finally got out, he was half standing looking at Draco with an utmost look of alarm.
"Yes me Weasley," Draco drawled looking at Ron who was blinking stupidly.
"Hello Draco," Ginny said as if it was the most normal thing to have her husband's high school enemy sitting at her kitchen table.
"Hello Virginia," Draco said as if he had been calling her by her first name her whole life. Harry looked at Ginny in shock not really knowing what to make of it. Ginny looked at Harry and smiled.
"Harry, I know that Sirius told you all about Pureblood families, were all related in some way, shape, or form, Draco is a cousin of mine, a distant one but he is family." Hermione smiled at the look on Harry's face, but it quickly slipped from her face when she looked at Ron. His face was brick red, his freckles looked like pale pots on his face making him look quite alarming. He was now standing at his full height of 6 feet, 4 inches and his hand was groping for his wand. Hermione quickly drew her wand and pointed it at Ron.
"Ron don't be stupid, put your wand away. There will be no hexing in this kitchen." Hermione said in a tone of voice that would have made Professor McGonagall proud, and Ron looked taken aback when he saw that Hermione had her wand drawn, Hermione looked at Harry pleadingly willing him to say something... anything.
"Hermione is right Ron, put your wand away," even though he was talking to his best friend his eyes were on Draco. "Why?" Harry finally asked him no anger was apparent in his demeanor, only curiosity.
"Why what Potter? Can you be a little more specific?" Draco asked, not in his usual condescending drawl he used when he spoke to Harry, but a normal tone that one would use when they were talking to a friend. Ron looked like he was going to jump in and say something but Hermione silenced him with a look and waited for Harry to speak.
"Why to everything I guess, why become a Deatheater if you were going to give Mione information? Why risk your own life to save the life of someone you hated while we were in school? Why come here? Why?" Harry finished. Draco sighed and settled himself getting ready to explain.
"I became a Deatheater because there was no other option for me. You've met my father what other choice could I have made? Besides a part of me wanted to," Harry looked shocked by this admission but Draco spoke before Harry could say anything. "The Dark Lord believed in everything that I had believed in, during our seventh year my thoughts changed dramatically before something happened and it validated my previous beliefs," Draco cut a glance at Hermione but she was looking down at her entwined hangs listening.
"So with my beliefs validated I willingly went to the Dark Lord and swore an oath of allegiance to him. Almost instantly I regretted my decision, for reasons that I don't care to go into at the moment. After a moth I decided that if I was going to suffer with being a Deatheater then some good could come of it, it was then that I sought out Hermione and began to relay information to her." Draco paused and got his thoughts in order again.
"When I was told of the Dark Lords plan to kidnap one of your best friends, I instantly went to Hermione to give her the information. I didn't realise that they would go after her, I thought that they were going to go after Weasley," Draco nodded his head towards Ron. "After I met with her, I watched he leave, to make sure that she was safe, and I apparated to where we were having a meeting. When I got there, Nott spoke up and claimed that I was a spy and as such deserved to die. I protested my innocence however, the Dark Lord was not entirely convinced of my sincerity. He thought that if I was tortured a bit then I would realise that any thoughts of turning against him would be erased. As soon as they were finished I overheard Nott speaking to Goyle saying that they were going to go after Hermione that night I apparated away and landed at Hermione's but she wasn't home. I lay down and waited for her. I'm sure that Hermione has told you what happened next," Draco said and Harry nodded.
"The reason I came here with Hermione was because she had convinced me that I would be an asset if I were to fight with you all, but I also wanted to see Severus, I had many things that I wanted to discuss with him," Draco said and then he waited for what Harry was going to say. Ron was looking much calmer about Draco's presence but still not happy about him being there. Harry stood and looked at Draco hard in the eye, an internal battle was being wagered inside of him and finally a decision was made. Harry stuck out his hand and waited to see if Draco would accept it. Draco looked at it a moment before rising and grasping Harry hand, they shook and Harry smiled.
"Welcome to my home Draco Malfoy," Harry said.
"Thanks P-Harry." Draco said and Hermione blinked back tears, it was a relief to see that peace had been made between the two now former enemies, it felt as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. There was only one real hurdle to face... Ron.
"Look Malfoy, I'm not exactly happy that you are here, but I am grateful that you saved Hermione's life," Ron stopped looking down at the wooden table trying to work out what he wanted to say. "Hermione is like family and even though I don't always agree with her," Ron smiled sheepishly at that, "I have learnt that is often best to follow her lead, she always knows what's best. If she says that you are trustworthy then I will believe it and I will give you a go. But you only get one chance, got that?" Ron said a frown evident on his face, the seriousness of his words radiated around him and Draco gave him a nod and Ron nodded back, a truce had been made between the two and Hermione silently prayed that it lasted.
The five sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts until Hermione finally broke it.
"Well that when better than I thought," she said and the others laughed. "I didn't have to deflect one hex, I really am quite proud of you all." Hermione said and smiled at them all to let them know she was teasing.
"Well I was doing my best to get one out but you and that McGonagall voice, I never could do anything wring when you say stuff like her, makes me feel so guilty," Ron said and everyone laughed while Hermione looked at him with an evil glint in her eye.
"I know, why do you think I use it so often!" The five sat around the table talking softly about safe topics. They had talked about enough serious topics for one night and quite frankly everyone was tired of grave situations. It was quite nice for them all to have a relaxing time after the excitement of Draco's unveiling.
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Hello All! :)
Well here is chapter 6, posted A LOT sooner than chapter 5 I might add, lol! Hope that you liked it! As always comments and suggestions are appreciated so if anyone has and for me please send them my way!
Sorry if you found it a little boring but it needed to happen, I can assure you that things are going to get more interesting from here on it, I have some plans for where this is going, but if anyone has any suggestions for me I would love to hear them! If I think that the suggestions will fit into the story I will use them, and of course I will give credit where credit is due! :)
As before this chapter is unbetaed so I apologise for any mistakes. Also I am not really happy with that chapter as I said, it is a little boring but things should start to pick up from now on! I hope to get you all another chapter shortly! I have the week off so I should have some time to do a little more writing!
Spaced Out Space Cadet
P.S. I hope that everyone (who believes in it that is) had a great Easter, and that you got loads and loads of Easter eggs!
P.P.S. I am soooooooo excited! I am going to see Maroon 5 on Wednesday night! Am really looking forward to it! And then I am going to see Nickelback on the 1st May OMG!! *screams madly* I can't wait!!!! :::
Thanks to all who reviewed!!
Dawn1 – Since I left it so long to update I just had to add in the evil cliffhanger! Sorry bout that, lol!
Shedraconis – You're right! DRACO and HERMIONE FOREVER!! Lol! Glad that you are liking it!
Disneydoll0424 – Awww! Thanks soooooo much! :) I'm happy that you thought it was good, I wasn't to sure about it myself but now I feel better about it! :) Lets just say that things are going to get more and more interesting... Thanks for wishing me a good break, but it is autumn break here, I wish it was spring again though! And I LOVE your story! I am really into time travel ones at the moment... was thinking of writing one myself after I finish this but I'm not sure! Do you know on any other god ones out there for me to read?? :)
Meg – Thanks for reviewing! I guess your just going to have to wait and see what happens next... :)
Scholz03 – Sorry about that! Lol! I was going to get her to say who he was in the last chapter but then I thought you have all waited this long another week isn't going to matter! Lol Glad that you still liked this chapter though, and sorry it took me so long to update! :)
Jaye-Ven1988 – Glad to see that you are still alive, no matter how long I made you wait! Love the new name by the way! Was this quick enough???
Mesmer – No the story isn't finishing just yet, this will be a war fic, I just have to get them to the war... so I hope that your in it for the long haul because this may take a while! :) I loved the kiss on the cheek as well, thought that it was appropriate.
Jenny – Thanks! I don't know if I can remember either...
Hells Angel – Nice work on the shoulder!! How did you manage that?? Hope that it gets better real soon, and thanks for the one armed review!
Azn-Sweetie – Hey!! Nah I wasn't busy I just couldn't get motivated to get of my butt and write something good for this story! I hope that you like this chapter! :)
Alka – I will try not to wait so long between updates from now on, hopefully I get some better direction for where this fic is going and I don't catch writer's block again! I will try to make Hermione and Draco tragedy free!
Dangerkitteh13 – Hey! Glad that you like it so far, I will try to answer your questions without giving too much away, this story is a romance... sparks happen when two people who are attracted to each other touch. They aren't visible sparks, more like tingles up your arm. Hope that cleared things up for you!