"Nymphadora's late," commented a tight-lipped Mrs.Weasley. No one mentioned anything about Draco. Everyone was trying to make light of the fact that a Death Eater was about to enter 12 Grimmauld Place and quite possibly cause the destruction of them all. Hermione remembered squeezing Ron's hand when she heard the huge row Mr and Mrs Weasley had from their room upstairs, which happened to be exactly above the kitchen. Mrs.Weasley, like the rest of them, didn't trust Draco at all. Especially after the last time the Order of the Phoenix took in a Death Eater claiming to rennounce You-Know-Who, but Mr.Weasley continued to defend Draco, saying Draco gave the Ministry of Magic some very useful information about the dealings of You-Know-Who.

Ron had looked so... sad, but Hermione was comforted when the short squeeze succeeded in making him smile. It was a quick reluctant smile, but... well, at least it was something.

Now, they were all sitting around the table. After much discussion, it was decided that Draco was to sit between Harry and Hermione. Hermione decided to stay quiet for the entire supper.

A door squeaking open, a clatter and an ouch announced Tonks and Draco's arrival.

Silence.

"Hello everyone," said Tonks cheerfully, "Merlin! Is that all the company we're having today? What's with the feast?"

Mrs.Weasley adjusted her seat awkwardly. More than anything, she did not want Draco Malfoy coming in and sneering at her table. She'd spent all morning choosing recipes from old tattered family recipe books and all afternoon working on those recipes. Hermione thought they looked absolutely scrumptous.

There was an unmistakable sound of a trunk being dragged and Draco's blonde head appeared in the room. Hermione checked Ron's expression who was eyeing the perfect apple in his hand mistrustfully.

"Welcome Draco," said Mr.Weasley, "to the Order of the Phoenix."

This is the Order of the Phoenix's secret hideout? It's nothing but a dusty pile of wood!

Draco decided to ignore the frosty looks that were shot at him. Instead, he swallowed a lump in his throat and sat on the only empty chair in the room. He casually met Tonks's gaze who was looking extremely threatening. Her hair was already bordering on the purple side but the mohawk was still very much there. Draco also noticed that Harry and Hermione were sitting as far away from him as they could.

Elbow-room is alright, but a meter on each side of me is a tad bit overdone. Oh well, at least I don't have to share their germs.

"So," said Hermione conversationally, "what made you decide to switch sides, Malfoy? Surely you don't expect we like you better."

"Nice ice-breaker," countered Draco.

"You didn't answer the question."

"No...that's true, I didn't."

Draco wasn't about to back down. He'd had too much experience in games like these, and he watched Hermione take a deep breath and slump her shoulders with great pleasure. Clearly, he had won.

"The Dark Lord wants me dead," answered Draco finally, "I'll be very frank about this... I need protection and this is the best way. In exchange, I help you get rid of him. I'm not asking for your friendship, so you can go on calling me 'Malfoy that rotten git' and I'll go on calling you 'Mudb---'"

"You call her that word again and I'll personally crucify you on top of the highest hill for You-Know-Who to find you," said Ron vehemently.

"Right," sneered Draco, "I'll hold you to that."

Draco sniffed at the drumstick set in front of him and slowly sliced a piece. No one else was picking up their knives and forks, but Draco chose to pay no mind. Slowly he slid the piece of chicken into his mouth and chewed. Mrs.Weasley watched him nervously.

"Mmm," nodded Draco, "this is delicious, thank you Mrs.Weasley."

Mrs.Weasley blushed, Mr.Weasley beamed and everyone else simply stared in shock. Ron stared down at his plate and took a large bite of the chicken as well. Compliments about the food were randomly popping up all around the table. Mrs.Weasley smiled gratefully at Draco, who smiled back.

I had no idea this was going to be so easy. Merlin, what an idiot parade.

After dinner, the mood was somewhat more relaxed. Harry, Ron and Hermione sat on their beds looking totally puzzled.

"What just happened down there?" asked Harry.

"Isn't it obvious?" said Ron, "he's just trying to suck up to us."

"Not to me," Hermione rolled her eyes.

"I don't know... his story sounded... I don't know, real." Harry stared at the floor, "I mean, of course Voldemort is mad. Of course Voldemort wants to kill him. I mean, he was honest at least, right? All he wants is to use us as some sort of shield and be as far away from Voldemort as possible. Not that I'm on his side or anything," he added quickly.

"I guess that's true," conceded Hermione, "I guess it's just not easy to forget six years of bad treat--- Malfoy!" Hermione suddenly pointed excitedly out the window, "I just saw Malfoy walk out the street!"

Author's Note: If you read and like this fic, please review. I'm concerned that only 10 people have reviewed "Deceptive Dragon" but it holds160 hits? If you haven't reviewed yet, please review now. It really means a lot, thank you!