Five:

"Sandy Carson!"

The flames roared, turning a vicious poisonous green. Hermione waited until she saw a flash of blonde appear, and then Sandy was looking into the room nervously from amidst the flames. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Is everyone there?" she asked impatiently. Sandy nodded. "Send them through."

Soon, Hermione's bedroom was filled with students and their combat trainers. Hermione surveyed the faces in front of her. Many of these students were already well trained almost ready to join the Movement. Others…her gaze fell upon one pimply faced teenager and he winked at her roguishly…others needed more work.

She waved her hand and the room was once again turned into an impromptu practice arena. Hermione silently thanked Albus for its size. She drew a small dagger from her hair and threw it at the nearest male student. He ducked, and the fight was on.

~*~

Severus impatiently made his way down the halls. His partner walked behind him, following at a safe distance. Albus had told them to be present at Hermione's training session. He felt they could help, and she had yet to meet his partner for the Order.

Of course, this wasn't all Albus had shared. And the way he had twinkled as he told Severus of his plans only infuriated him more. His partner knew this, as he had egged the old man on, much to Severus' annoyance. So he walked behind, safely out of harm's way.

When Severus knocked on her door, Hermione was just seeing the last student through the Floo. Only she and Sandy remained. With a wave of her hand, the door opened. Severus entered, followed by--

"Lucius Malfoy?" Hermione hissed incredulously, "THIS is your partner?"

"Good day to you too, Miss Granger." Lucius said smoothly, smirking at her angered expression. "And who is your lovely friend?"

"Sandy Carson." the tall blonde stepped forward, her hand extended.

Lucius lowered his lips to softly brush against her skin. He winked at her as he came back up. Hermione made a strangled noise and threw her hands up in the air. She stalked back to the Floo and flew some powder in, glaring pointedly at Sandy.

"Charmed." Lucius smirked.

"Ditto." Sandy bounced happily over to Hermione and the fireplace. "I've changed my mind." She said in an obvious stage whisper, "You can have Mr. Dark and sexy, I get the blonde."

She disappeared in to the flames, leaving a very angry and embarrassed Hermione to turn to face her two male companions. Lucius was regarding her with amusement, while Severus refuse to meet her gaze.

Great, now he thinks I'm infatuated or something…

Oh, you know you are! Sandy's voice smiled in her head.

Shut. Up. Sandy.

"Well, isn't this perfect?" Lucius grinned mischievously, "You can ask her, Severus."

"Ask me what?" Hermione said suspiciously.

"Lucius I will not--" Severus started.

"Ask her, or I will…" Lucius said, his voice held a warning tone.

"Miss---Hermione, Albus is planning a Ball to be held on Halloween. Teachers are expected to chaperone…" he shot Lucius a glare,"…with dates."

"I believe Severus is asking you to be his date, Miss Granger." Lucius said slyly.

"Oh! Well, um…I…I'd love to." Hermione stammered.

"Excellent!" Lucius said briskly, "Well, I must be going. I'll see you both tomorrow for the training session."

With a loud "Pop!", he disappeared. Hermione stared at the spot where Lucius had stood seconds before. Thoughts of Hogwarts, A History ran through her mind. She blinked in confusion and turned to Severus.

"How? He…you can't…" she stuttered.

"Lucius activated a Portkey." Severus explained calmly.

"Oh." Hermione suddenly felt very stupid.

"Quite…Miss--" Severus started briskly.

"Hermione." she interrupted.

"Hermione." he said with a more gentle tone, "I must be going. I have essays to grade and it is getting late."

"Yes, I should start my grading as well. I'll see you tomorrow then." She walked him to the door.

"Goodnight, Hermione." Severus said softly.

Hermione watched him as he walked down the hall, his robes flying out behind him. When his figure had almost disappeared she shut the door and leaned against the smooth wood. She sighed with confusion.

"Good night."