A Favor, Please?

Before Hermione could say or do anything the tabby leapt off of her lap and into the floor. Then the cat emerged into a tall, older woman.

"Hello, Miss Granger...how are you doing?" the former cat asked.

"Pro.... McGon..." Hermione couldn't even begin to talk. She was staring at her former Transfiguration Professor in awe.

"Yes, Miss Granger. I know it's quite a surprise. Forgive me for intruding on you like this. But we need you to do us a favor."

"But...huh...what...favor? How...? When...? How long..." Is all the she could get out.

"A former death eater, which was working undercover as a favor to The Order was captured by the Ministry, and was sentenced to life in Azkaban. But of course, our dear headmaster got him out. But of course, there's a catch."

"Always a catch..." Hermione was finally able to speak. "But, forgive me for being so blunt...where do I fit in this? I left the wizard world almost four years ago. And Professor Dumbledore promised not to bother me. So, I left my old home...everything. I was careful so no one could find me."

"One thing at a time, please, Miss Granger."

Hermione just sat and nodded, slowly.

"Now...about this catch. The Ministry trusts Albus' decision about this death eater. So, they have released him. But he is under probation. They still don't fully trust him. They have sentenced him to live with a muggle for six months. He can't use any magic, unless in an emergency. He killed a few muggles and muggle-borns. And the ministry feels by living with a muggle and truly seeing how they act and live, he will learn his lesson."

"Uh huh..." Hermione was scared to hear the rest of McGonagal's speech.

"Well, Albus and I were a little precautious to let him live with just full-blown muggles. So, Albus is asking you to take him in since you are living the muggle way."

"WHAT?!? I can't...I'm sorry...I have to protect my kids, Professor. I can't. I would love to help out Professor Dumbledore. But my kids' safety comes before anything. I'm sorry."

"I know, Miss Granger. But we will have Aurors working around the clock to keep you and your family safe. Please, Miss Granger, think about it...please. If he does not come to stay with you, he will go back to Azkaban."

Hermione sat there for a while, contemplating on what to do. Who could it be? What should I do? Professor Dumbledore has helped me out many times. I owe him this...Dammit...why am I so damn nice. "If this doesn't work out in the six months, can he leave?"

"Yes, you have control over all of this man's actions. If he acts up in any way you may send him back to Hogwarts and we will deal with him from there."

"Okay...I'll do it. But he has to understand that I have two kids."

"Yes, Miss Granger, he will understand. Thank you. You won't regret this."

"Hmm..." Hermione nodded, "Professor...who is this?"

"Just an on old fellow school mate, sweetie. I will be back shortly with him." She said as she went back to cat form, but before she did she added, "Oh, and Miss Granger, you may want to set your fireplace up with the floo system, and contact young Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley; they both miss you very much."

And with that she walked over to the door, hinting at Hermione to open the door. So, she stood up and opened the door. The small cat walked out and looked back at Hermione and with one last meow she was gone.

"Dammit...I really hope I'm doing the right thing." Hermione thought aloud.

"What right thing?" She heard Katie's voice as she walked up to the door.

"Oh...hey, set the TV that quick huh?" Hermione asked hoping she didn't have to explain that she was indeed a witch and a wizard was going be living with her for a while.

"Oh yea...it wasn't that hard. Kevin couldn't fit behind it to plug it in. Men are so helpless. And why are you out here talking to yourself, hmm?"

"Oh, I was letting that cat out. I guess I'll keep it, but it wanted out as soon as you left."

"Oh...but that still doesn't why you were talking to yourself."

"Oh, an old professor from school called and asked me to do her a favor."

"Really...I thought you said nobody from 'your past' knew where you lived, much less your number."

"I guess they have their ways of finding these things out."

"Oh...so, what's the favor?"

"She asked me if a former class mate could stay here for a while. He just got out of...." Hermione had no idea what to say, "...a hard situation in life, and needs to get settled somewhere for a while."

"And you agreed?"

All she could do was nod; she was starting to regret her decision.

"Hmm...a guy living here with Angel 'all be alone for the rest of my life' Fletcher. The world has turned itself upside down, hasn't it?"

"Oh shut it...we're not going to be living together just living under the same roof for six months, after that I probably never see him again."

"For six months, hmm? A lot could happen in six months. Who is it...is it one of your friends from school? Is he cute..."

"Merlin, Katie...how old are we now? Besides, I don't think its Harry or Ron." Oh Merlin I hope its not either of them...it can't be McGonagol told me to contact them.

"Merlin??? You've been saying that a lot lately. Anyway...it could be...besides I bet you he's cute. Your professor is probably sensing that you need a guy in your life...that's probably why she asked you and no one else from your school."

Oh if that was only true. Before Hermione could respond there was a knock at the door.

"I'll get it. I want to see if this guy is cute or not." Before Hermione could stop her friend, the door was already opened. She didn't open it wide enough for both of them to see. So, Katie was the only exposed being to the world outside.

"Gran...I mean...Fletcher...you really went all out when you said that you didn't want anyone to notice you from our world. About time you realized that you didn't fit in." The male voice said from outside the door. "Damn, did you lose your manners...oh I forgot Mudbloods never actually had manners...invite me in. Or are you going to make me sleep outside?"

Katie didn't know what to say or do...she opened the door and let the person in. As soon as she did Hermione glanced over and just froze.

"MALFOY?!?!"