Seeds of Seduction
Chapter 2: The Acceptation
Dumbledore's statement sent shock waves throughout the small room. Ron dropped his coffee that he conjured up and Harry's jaw dropped.Ginny, Harry, and Ron looked at each other in shock from Dumbledore to Hermione, who was staring at Dumbledore in disbelief.
"Excuse me?" said Hermione carefully. "Did you just say that I had to seduce Draco Malfoy?"
Dumbledore sighed as he stood up and walked behind the desk towards them.
"I thought that you would have this reaction," said Dumbledore chuckling lightly.
"Why can't I just put him under the imperious curse? I mean seducing him? I'm not seductive or alluring or beautiful," said Hermione desperately.
"My dear Hermione," said Dumbledore, "You have made the mistake that many aurors have made before. That's the one problem with the aurors of the Order; they didn't think very highly of Draco Malfoy. Incidentally, he was the second highest student in Hogwarts in your 6th year after you, Miss Granger. I had been watching him ever since he set foot into Hogwarts. As he showed extraordinary potential in Defense Against the Dark Arts, I hoped that he would abstain from the path that his father had walked upon. The Order and I had never considered Draco as a potential threat. Until we fought against him 4 months ago that is. I had never seen that side of Draco before. In one battle he snatched Alastor Moody and Kinglsey Shacklebolt from us. After that battle, we understood what a threat Draco was in our way to success. He is one of Voldemort's most trusted advisors and Death Eaters. He knows many secrets and contacts through Voldemort. He would easily be able to fight off your Imperious Curse Hermione, very easily."
"Then why can't we set him up in an isolated place through Severus? Then we could simply kill him," suggested Hermione.
"That was my initial plan," said Dumbledore, "But we need to get to Voldemort's plans through Draco. If we kill him, all we have gained in a dead body. Draco's death won't be of much use to us. If you seduce Draco and get through him through various potions, he will reveal secrets to us. If there is one feeling that Draco cannot resist it is lust. "
"Fine, how long does this farce need to last?" asked Hermione resignedly.
"Until we realize who this spy is that has been giving away all our secrets and have sufficiently crippled the Dark Lord's army. I have created for you a portfolio," said Dumbledore reaching behind his desk.
"But sir," spoke up Harry, "Voldemort is not stupid. He will know something is up if Malfoy sends him to certain places and his Death Eaters are killed. He'll start to suspect Hermione."
"That's true Harry,' said Dumbledore, "I'm very happy you brought up that point. But don't fear, I have taken care of that detail."
"That's not the only problem sir," continued Harry, "Malfoy himself will suspect something; after all now he knows that she is a member of the Order of the Phoenix."
"Another very good point Harry,' said Dumbledore, "But once again I have arranged it with one of my prominent spies."
"And who is this?" asked Harry suspiciously.
"Don't worry Harry," said Dumbledore reassuringly seeing where Harry was leading, 'I have confirmed the spy's intentions with the secret through Veritaserum."
Harry nodded and visibly relaxed.
Hermione stood up and took the smooth leather covered briefcase. She gently wrapped her arms around it as Ron. Harry and Ginny stood by her.
"The majority of the case is on you," said Dumbledore. "But you do have these 3 aurors next to you and myself for help and guidance. The folder has everything you need. Please read the assignment carefully and if you have any questions please see me."
"Thank you," said Hermione as she walked out of the room.
Harry, Ginny, and Ron followed her and went into the next room to give her privacy. T
. & .
Hermione sighed as she changed into a pair of lavender shorts and a white spaghetti strap. She pulled her hair back into a ponytail and conjured a cup of coffee. She pulled the curtains aside and lit up several candles, which created a cheery look around the stone room. Taking the file with her, she nestled herself in the middle of her bed. Opening the file, she took out the first document.
After two hours and 5 cups of coffee later, Hermione closed the file with a sigh and closed her eyes. Her head was spinning with the amount of information she had just read. She slowly condensed it to 3 major points in her head.
No one knew about this mission except Dumbledore, Harry, Ron, Ginny, and her.
She needed to find out the spy for Lord Voldemort
She needed to lure Death Eaters to spots where Aurors would be waiting
Nodding to herself, she took her folder, put a complicated charm and activated a password that no one that no one would know but herself. The whole mission was clear to her now. She knew how she had to proceed about doing things; she just wished with all her heart that everything would go OK. She carefully stowed it in her leather bag and walked next door.
"Come in," yelled Harry as she knocked.
"Hey you guys," said Hermione as she seated herself next to Ginny.
"Hey Hermione," said Ginny.
"Look Hermione," said Ron, "We really need to talk to you about this mission."
"We've decided that one of us will be near you whenever you're with Malfoy,' said Harry seriously. "Incase Malfoy finds out from the spy that you're using him for information, press this. I created this a few minutes ago before you walked in."
Harry handed her a bracelet that had several charms dangling from the silver chain.
"Each one of us will be wearing the bracelet. It looks very innocent but the dog charm has magical powers. When you press it, we will be alerted and we'll immediately be apparated there. And here, Sirius taught me how to make these 2 years ago."
Harry took out of his pocket 4 small mirrors. Hermione looked into it but when she saw her own reflection she look at Harry her eyebrows furrowing in confusion.
"See if you have to say the name of the person you want to talk to," explained Harry. "You MUST keep these mirrors with you at all times otherwise the person you wish to talk to will not respond. Try it."
"Harry," said Hermione clearly and sure enough Harry's face appeared into the mirror.
"Hey Hermione," responded Harry.
"Look you guys," whispered Harry, 'I know that Tonks is probably an unlikely suspect but even then I can't fully trust her. Hermione, don't tell her too much about the case. I know that I'm probably hallucinating but even then it's better to be on the safe side."
"Ok Harry," said the trio reluctantly.
At that moment a series of short knocks sounded on the door.
"Hermione," said Dumbledore's voice urgently, "This is extremely urgent. Please open the door!"
Sorry this was a short chapter. Please Review; the next one will be longer.