Offering Life

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As they entered the kitchen a great silence spread like a wave. All eyes were on Draco. The only people who didn't look as surprised were those that were present at his induction. Even most of them half expected him to betray them almost immediately.

Dumbledore opened his mouth to begin to speak, mostly in an attempt to break the silence. He was interrupted though by Mad-Eye Moody. "Malfoys have no place here. They cannot be trusted. We all know what Lucius is involved in, even his son knows." He growled.

"Silence my friends. We are not here to judge and discriminate against our members. The reason Voldemort began was because of his hate for muggles, let us not follow in the same path." He looked around the room for any objection but Moody seemed to have gotten the message. The three newest members joined the group and sat down. "Firstly, I would like to welcome Miss Hermione Granger to the Order of the Phoenix." The members began to clap, somewhat apathetically. "Next I believe we need to begin immediate planning for our action plan to strike against Voldemort. Are there any preliminary suggestions or questions?"

"Why don't we ask Malfoy here if he knows any of Voldemort's or the Death Eaters' plans. He probably has the knowledge of a years worth of what Snape could obtain."

Hearing that Snape was a spy had been an immense shock to Draco at first, but he was gradually beginning to accept it. He wasn't sure whether to use that to his own advantage or if he should just inform his father, or Voldemort. Right now though he had some skilled acting to perform. He had known that someone would suggest this and so he had prepared what he would say.

"I am only aware of some of the smaller details of what my father is involved in. Even that is hardly worth mentioning because the things he discusses with me are usually when they have been discussed openly with all the Death Eaters. So Snape would already have informed you. I have not yet been asked to join Voldemort's circle, that will depend on how things go on my birthday."

"Thank you Draco." Dumbledore replied. "However, any information could be vital to our efforts. So I would ask if you would speak with me after the meeting so as not to put pressure on you now and also to give you some time to mull over any details." Draco nodded in reply. He had to think and fast.

"Now, on to more pressing matters. We are going to have to take some drastic measures. Tonight is not the night for this decision as all members were not able to attend and new members will be present at the next two or three meetings. Although Severus is working very hard to obtain any information he can, he has not been able to join Voldemort's inner circle because of the suspicion surrounding him. Draco may be able to do this and therefore is a huge asset and important contributor to our final plans. However, he will not be able to join Voldemort for another seven months and it will take some time for him to gain Voldemort's trust. Therefore I am asking that someone else take on this burden with Mr. Malfoy. Someone that is able to become a Death Eater almost immediately. I realize that this is a most difficult thing to ask of you, but I must stress that this could help to tip the favour of this war to our side."

"I am willing to do this." Hermione said, breaking the silence which had followed Dumbledore.

"That is very brave and I commend you for your efforts but I must ask that it be a male. Am I correct in saying that he does not take many women into his inner circles?" Draco nodded along with Snape. "It is not my choosing but unfortunately in order to aid the success of this mission, I'm afraid it must be a male. If we cannot find a successful candidate, then Hermione I will ask that you do this. In 10 days we must have a decision."

There was an echoing silence as people glanced around the room searching for someone to take the mission. Most of the Members however, were openly against Voldemort. Many were Aurors or had large families to consider.

"I would also like to ask whether anyone would be willing to lend a hand to Severus in making potions needed such as Polyjuice and Veritaserum."

Harry, Hermione and Draco all replied with a resounding yes. None of them particularly wanted to do so but they were aware that not many others had the time to come to the school and the ones that did were not exceptional in the arts of potions.

The meeting went on for another hour and a half and most left right away. They had discussed many other theories and most were not of as much importance as what they had discussed at first. Many were suppressing yawns and others were letting them out openly. Others though, like Mr. and Mrs. Weasley stayed to have something to eat and to have a chat with Harry and Hermione. Draco felt completely out of place as Harry and Hermione enjoyed themselves among their friends. He had no idea how being alone in this way could feel. Even when he had learned that Crabbe and Goyle would not be returning he had known that people would still surround him.

"I know how you feel." Remus Lupin said quietly, standing next to him. Draco jumped in surprise at being spoken to. Draco looked over to his him gratefully but was unsure of what he could say.

He was just thinking he could ask about his house or something of the like when Dumbeldore walked over to them.

"I don't know why you dislike this place so much Remus. It really is quite homey." He said with a tooth filled smile. Remus just grinned back kindly. "I'm sorry to end your conversation short, but I really must have a word with our young friend here." Again Remus nodded and together Dumbledore and Draco walked into the living room.

Dumbledore sat down on the large couch and motioned for Draco to sit also. He certainly did not feel like relaxing but he didn't want any of his apprehension to show. As inconspicuously as possible, he edged over to the plush chair across from Dumbledore with a small table in between them. Draco was thankful for the space.

Dumbledore sighed loudly and sank deeper into the chair. Draco had never seen him like this. He smiled at Draco again and said, "It's nice to sit and rest for a spell. Well, let's get this over with. I don't know about you but I'm itching to get back to the school and have a nice long bubble bath."

Draco had to try not to laugh. He had never seen this man in such a way. He knew Dumbledore had power and knew he could use it. Draco had seen him openly angered at his father and others but never like this. "What would you like to know?"

"Anything you have to tell."

"Well, you know that I haven't been asked to become a Death Eater yet and probably won't until my birthday. So I only have access to information that my father passes on."

"I see." Was all he said. He continued looking at him and Draco understood that that wasn't going to be enough to get himself out of this.

"Well I know when he kills muggles because he boasts of it very much. I know when he is sent away on 'business'. Sometimes he tells me of when there are events planned, when they are not important enough to keep completely confidential. I can tell you in a couple of days what he tells me. As of now I don't know if he has any plans. I will try to find out everything I can."

"I understand. Continue with your attempts at apprehending information and inform me as soon as you find anything. Come in person." He paused for a moment in thought. "I think that will be all. I think it's about time we returned."

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"You two were certainly out late." Ginny said in a viper tone.

"Gin, I was out practicing Quidditch with Ron. What's this all about?"

"Never mind." Ginny replied quietly. She had been quiet the whole morning until she said that. It gave Harry and Hermione a good hint of what was going on. Harry pecked Ginny lightly on the cheek to try and tame the fire somewhat.

"I wish you two wouldn't do that in public." Ron said with his face wrinkled in disgust. They began kissing more dramatically until the point where it seemed the world would be ending soon. They had to stop because Ron's reaction was causing them to laugh too much. Harry was glad that Ginny was beginning to cheer up. He hated having to keep more things from her, especially when this made it seem like something else was happening.

Hermione wasn't at breakfast this morning. She had had to leave early to help Snape this morning. Only one person was needed and she had volunteered.

"You needn't be so vigilant. I know what I am doing." Hermione said in irritation. She normally wouldn't have been so bold but he really was getting on her nerves. To add to it, she hadn't gotten much sleep and was bitter at having to get up early to be in the dungeons.

Snape only glared at her, he was obviously tired also and therefore not wanting to waste energy scolding her.

Miss Evans popped her head in the doorway and said, "Oh, I hadn't expected any students for a short while yet."

"She is here for an extra assignment. Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Potter are also partaking but will be here in variation." Snape said in his deep tones.

Her eyes widened for a moment. "I see. Well you must notify me when you have some spare time. I still hope you are able to give me some instruction."

Hermione was completely shaken by her presence. She had had no idea that they were involved. She had to bite her lip and cough somewhat not to giggle. It was about time someone cheered the git up.

"Yes of course Miss Evans. If you would like to meet me tonight after dinner we can discuss arranging further lessons."

She nodded in agreement and was gone.