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Chapter Ten – The great set-up

After arriving home, she quickly flopped into bed, savoring the few hours of sleep she had left. Her eyelids dropped slowly .. taking her off to a far-away dreamland.

The day passed quickly. Hermione spent most of the day finishing homework, despite the fact that summer had only begun two days ago. "Hermione, lunch is ready!" Anna-Marie yelled, from the kitchen. Hermione made her way downstairs.

"Mmm, something smells awfully good, mum" Hermione said, smiling. Draco wasn't here. Narcissa wasn't here. It was just her and her mom. Although, she was a little disappointed that her dad wasn't present—but he was at work.

"So dear, tell me. How was your 4th year at Hogwarts?" Her mom asked. Hermione was quiet for a moment. Then it all came out. All of it. Once she was done, Hermione's mom looked shocked. "This, Voldemort person .. He's truly horrible, isn't he?" Mrs. Granger asked, surveying Hermione. Hermione nodded.

"Do you have a boyfriend, Hermione?" Her mother asked rather bluntly. Hermione looked shocked for a moment.

"No, of course not." Hermione replied truthfully. Hermione's mom looked thoughtful for a moment.

"I think I've found a wonderful young man for you" Hermione's mom said, smiling. Hermione look rather horrified.

"You want me to date?!" Hermione asked, shocked. What is she thinking? Whats wrong with her? And who might this "young man" be?! Hermione thought wildly. Hermione's mom seen the look on Hermione's face and chuckled.

"You're old enough, responsible enough, your grade are exceptional. As long as everything stays the way it is, I see nothing wrong" She mom said.

"Well then," Hermione said awkwardly. Hermione stared out the window, deep in thought.

"Do you have anyone in mind, dear?" Her mom asked.

"Yes—uh, I mean no" Hermione said quickly, realizing her slip-up. Her mom looked at her carefully.

"Who?" She asked curiously. Hermione sighed.

"No one. Forget it. I'm going upstairs" Hermione said rather coolly.

Hermione sat down at her desk and pulled out a piece of parchment.

Dear Harry & Ron,

How is your summer? Mine has started off oddly, ever since I got off the train. My mom met Narcissa Malfoy while waiting for our train. They've become rather close. As horrifying as the sounds, Narcissa is rather nice. Very nice, really. She is nothing like Lucius Malfoy. She despises the Dark Arts. However, whats bad is Draco Malfoy. We went over the Malfoy Manor yesterday—A HUGE place. I was technically forced to spend the day with Malfoy. I played the best prank on him. I'll have to tell you about it in person, it was priceless. We made a truce. Before you start yelling at me, consider this: I'll probably be spending most of the summer with him. I also have so me very interesting information about Lucius, but I can't tell you here. Perhaps we could meet sometime?

Love,

Hermione.

And with that, she folded the letter up and walked out of her bedroom. "Mother, could I go to Diagon Alley? I need to mail a letter to Harry and Ron" Hermione asked. Hermione smiled.

"Of course. I'd love to meet them again. Maybe you should suggest that they come for a visit?" Anna-Marie suggested. Hermione nodded.

Grabbing some floo powder from the mantle, she stepped into the fire and shouted "Diagon Alley!"

Hermione smiled. She hadn't been to Diagon Alley for awhile. After she owled the letter, she walked around for a bit. Suddenly something caught her eye. It was a grin-looking dog.

Hermione panicked. What is he doing here?! Sirius could be spotted! Or worse! She thought angrily. She walked up to the dog. "Snuffles, come with me" she said blankly. She flooed back to her house with the great shaggy dog.

"Transform" she commanded. Sirius transformed. She ran over and hugged him. "I missed you. Where have you been? Have you seen Harry or Ron yet?" She asked. He grinned.

"Just came back from the burrow, actually." He said. Her face suddenly turned stern.

"So, do tell me.. What were you doing in Diagon Alley. A place, may I remind you, that is full of people who think you are an escaped murderer" Hermione asked crossly.

Sirius laughed hollowly. "Relax, McGonagall. I was in my dog form, remember?" He said, as if stating the obvious. Hermione nodded. "Still.." she said, unable to let it go.

A small cough came from the couch in the far corner of the living room. Hermione and Sirius spun around at once. "Mum!" Hermione squeaked.

Sirius eyes narrowed. "Is she to be trusted?" He asked, as if she wasn't even there. Hermione nodded.

Sirius turned to Hermione's mom. "Hello, Mrs. Granger. My name is Sirius Black, pleased to meet you" He said smoothly. He noticed the nervousness in her eyes. "I'm sure you have lots of questions.." He asked, referring to their conversation that she had overheard.

But what Hermione's mom said next, surprised Hermione greatly.

"Is he the one you had in mind, dear?" Hermione's mom asked, her eyes sweeping over Sirius. He was wearing black robes, his hair was ruffled in a charming way. But he was also 18 years older than Hermione.

Hermione gasped. "MUM!" She screeched. "This is Harry's godfather" she said pointedly. Hermione's mom blushed.

"Oh, right. I remember now.." she said, smiling.

"So, if its not him, then who is it? You know, Hermione, Draco is quite charming, and handsome, and sweet" Her mom said.

Sirius choked. Hermione looked torn.

"Draco MALFOY?" He roared, Turning to Hermione. Hermione ignored them both.

"Yes, Sirius. I believe that's his name." She said, laughing. He, in turn, did not seem amused.

"Explain." He said. Hermione sighed. "Narcissa met my mom at the train station.." she started.

Sirius's eyes darkened. "Narcissa? What did she do?" He asked hurriedly.

Hermione turned to her mom. "Narcissa is Sirius's cousin, mom" She explained. Her mom nodded.

"Well, my mom and Narcissa have become close friends" Hermione explained quickly, trying her best to avoid a scene. Sirius Black was known for his temper.

"They're WHAT?!" He roared, yet again. Hermione's mom looked rather frightened.

"Sorry" he added hastily, smiling at Anna-Marie.

"Honestly Sirius, shes very nice. If you know her whole story" Hermione said, carefully putting emphasis on 'whole'. Sirius slightly nodded.

"Mother, would you mind if we could catch up on things?" she asked, kindly, yet pointedly. Her mom got the drift. "Of course, dear. I'll get us some tea".

Then Hermione proceeded to tell him about the visit to the Manor, carefully omitting the encounter with Narcissa. Sirius looked ready to kill when he heard what Draco had done to her. But she silenced him, and smiled wickedly. Then she told him about the prank she pulled on him. Sirius howled with laughter. "That's bloody brilliant, Hermione! Up to the Muarder's standard!" He exclaimed, beaming. Hermione smirked. "I know"

Time passed, as Hermione, Anna-Marie, and Sirius had a nice chat over tea. Then Sirius turned serious.

"Hermione, I'm sure you've heard of The Order before?" He asked. Hermione nodded. She remembered reading it in a book.

"We've created another one. The Weasleys are going to the headquarters today. Of course, you're invited to come." Hermione beamed. "I'd love to come, but I came here to visit my family, since I haven't seen them all year. Would it be alright if I joined you in a week or so?" She asked. Sirius nodded. She looked over at her mom. She seemed perfectly fine with it.

Then Hermione looked at Sirius curiously. "How are you getting there?" she asked. She assumed the Headquarters would be protected by all concealment charms available. Sirius pulled something out of his robe pockets. "I'm getting home by this. Its a—"but he was cut off by Hermione "Concealment Transporter" she finished, smiling. This magical device had the power to transport the beholder to a specific place, similar to a portkey. But the beholder had to be a certain person, and in order to arrive at the correct location, he or she had to concentrate very very hard on the located he or she wished to go. The incantation was "Occultus Transicio!" (means "concealment transport" in latin)

After hugging Hermione and saying goodbye to Mrs.Granger, Sirius left.

The Grangers had a late dinner. Mrs. Granger had cooked up some wonderfully delicious mashed potatoes and roasted turkey. After dinner, Hermione and her Dad, Andrew Granger, discussed Hogwarts. Hermione told him about all the adventures she, Harry, and Ron had gone through in the last school year. She told him about what happened at the end, about Cedric's death. After a couple hours, Hermione noticed the time. 10pm. "My goodness, I'm rather tired" Hermione said, yawning. A similar feeling was upon the parents. "Goodnight Dad, Goodnight Mom" She said sleepily, before proceeding upstairs.

The next morning came. Hermione was awoke by a shrill voice coming from outside her door. "Hermione! Get up! Honestly dear, you'll be late for your date" Her mom said. Hermione choked. "Date?" she asked, uncertainly. How long did I sleep? What year is it? She thought, horrified.

Her mom ended up choosing appropriate clothing for her, while Hermione just followed aimlessly. Just get the date over with. Bloody mother. Hermione thought angrily.

Half an hour later, Hermione was dressed and ready to go. She had to admit, her mom had done a good job. Hermione was dressed in a emerald green form-fitting top and long black snug-fitting jeans. Her hair was done up into a messy bun—the way Hermione liked it.

Hermione was slightly curious about her "mystery boy." In the car, she turned to her mom. "Mom, you know, I don't really want to date muggles.." she said, sighing.

Hermione's mom was smiling, however.

"He's not a muggle, Hermione. He's a wizard" she said. Hermione gaped.

"But .. How did you find him?" she asked, spluttering. Hermione's mom grinned again.

"When we were at Narcissa's .. Me and her got talking about you. She said she knew some wizard whom you might like" Anna-Marie said. Hermione muttered darkly. Any wizard the Malfoys knew was bound to be trouble.

The car parked in front of what appeared to be a coffee-shop. Hermione stared at it suspiciously. Passer-bys seemed oblivious to the shop. The windows were clear, yet you couldn't see through them. It was clear that it was magical, but the shop gave Hermione a very bad feeling. A very bad feeling indeed.

Hermione's mom dropped Hermione off at the door. She pulled the door open and walked inside. She scanned the room. It was completely empty. Except for a young man. A very blonde, pale young man. Hermione thought she might be sick.

It was none other than Draco Malfoy.

Author's Note: I must be truly evil to leave you there. Never fear! I shall update soon, but it will most likely be a shorter chapter. This is a record! This chapter was EXACTLY 5 pages, plus authors note & review replies (in total, 7 pages!) As you can see, things are starting to sway towards HG/DR :)

Mucho Luff to all of you who reviewed ..

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Wowee! 21 Reviewers! Sorry I didn't reply personally to you all, I don't have that much time today. Thanks to ALL of you who reviewed. You guys are sooooo enthusiastic and make me want to write more, and more!! I OFFICIALLY HAVE OVER 100 REVIEWS!! Yay!! :D