AN: In case anyone was wondering, we're not doing any of that switching off chapters crap. We both lock ourselves in Addison's room whenever there are no tests or papers to keep us otherwise occupied and write. This process usually involves me typing and Addison pacing, or him typing and me playing with his fluffy Wal-mart pillow. OK, well with that said, enjoy. Remember to review or we'll send a big guy named Alphonse to hunt you down. He'll do it, too.

Amanda

Chapter 3: The Predicament

As nine 'o clock rolled around, everyone was already busy with new things to do for the week. People were moving in and out of the office like it were rush hour, and the day had just started. That is what the life Hermione chose was like, fast-paced and never ceasing. She was always able to function in hectic environments, and not only did she function, she excelled.

Hermione really wasn't thinking about anything in particular, rather she was just sorting out everything that had happened over the weekend. Normally she would never waste as much time as she had been today, but something was telling her if she didn't take time right now, she might not have the opportunity later. So there she sat, staring off into space, as she slowly realized her name was being yelled across the workroom. She decided it was time to stop loafing around, get off her lazy ass and move to her boss' office.

"Hermione. Jocelyn. In my office, now!" Roared the boss.

Great, what now? I hope this isn't about that tabloid shit. She got up from her desk and looked across the room at the other woman. She was very tall, almost statuesque. She had short, jet black hair, dark blue eyes, and pale skin. Jocelyn had a walk of confidence that demanded authority.

Hermione couldn't stand her. For one thing, Jocelyn was two years her younger, and just as talented. And she's a condescending bitch.

"Now ladies, I know you've both been waiting for an opportunity to move forward in the department. I have an assignment for the both of you, but you'll be working separately." The boss walked over to the desk and picked up a newspaper.

No, don't let that be what I think it is. Not now.

"I want to know if there is any truth to the claims made here. If there is, then we may finally have a chance to nab these vigilantes. You are both going to work towards finding and exposing this so called "new" Order of the Phoenix. Now I'm sure you both know I can't make a contest out of this, but let's just say when thinking about the new position opening up soon, I favor those who show significant progress in their work."

As she left her office and walked back into the chaos, Hermione could feel her heart sinking into her stomach. She hurried back to her desk dodging couriers and mail boys. There was no longer calm, only the storm of thoughts in her mind. Finally, here was the chance she had been waiting for, her window of opportunity. It wasn't supposed to be this way, she should have been able to take this chance and run with it. She should have been able to show Jocelyn her place. If she was going to do that now, she'd have to do the worst.

I'll have to betray Harry.

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It was unexpected to receive a call from her Monday evening, but Harry was thankful for it.

"Hello?"

"Harry, it's me. I really need to talk to you. Can I come over there?"

His heart skipped a beat. "Okay."

"I'll be there in five minutes."

Harry hung up the phone, took a look around his small apartment, and immediately he began to clean up. As he threw the last bit of papers and things into his linen closet, a thought entered his mind. Hermione works halfway across town. She can't possibly make it here in five minutes. Just then the doorbell rang.

When he opened the door, he noticed there was something wrong with Hermione. She was flustered, her hair falling out of the clip she always kept it in. Harry let her in, taking her jacket and offering her some tea.

Hermione drank her tea, but it didn't seem to have the calming effect Harry thought it would. She was looking at Harry, but whenever he caught her eyes, she looked away. "Just tell me what's wrong. You know you can tell me anything."

But I can't. You'd hate me if I did.

Harry noticed her continued discomfort, and he moved to sit next to her. He slipped his arm around her in an attempt to comfort her.

She began to relax, and finally she was able to talk. "I heard something at work. They're assigning someone to expose you."

Harry stood up. "Great, talk about good timing. This is just what we need right now." Hermione looked up at him. "Yesterday I called a meeting. We talked about the tabloid, and to make a long story short, everyone blew up. There was so much argument, the whole Order is split." Hermione felt that familiar pit in her stomach. "That's not the worst of it. Ron doesn't even trust you, can you believe that? He thinks you're a threat, and people agree with him! They actually believe you'll betray us to get ahead at the Ministry." Harry sat back down next to her. "It got so bad I stormed out on them. I've never been that angry, that disappointed."

"Why would you do that? How can you simply walk out on them like that?"

"You didn't hear them Hermione, you didn't hear Ron. Our best friend. The things that were said about you…I just couldn't listen any longer. I won't have them talk about you like that."

Hermione looked down at the ground. "What are you going to do now, Harry?"

Harry placed a hand on her cheek, forcing her to look into his eyes. "I don't know. But I need you right now, Hermione. If nothing else, I can be sure of that. You'll be on my side; you'll be there for me. I need you." There was silence between the two of them as they both took in what Harry had just said. Slowly both leaned in, their lips meeting for a soft, gentle kiss.

As she opened her eyes and caught Harry's smile, Hermione's heart sank once more.

I don't want to betray Harry.