Chapter 2 A Mission Offered
Hermione walked slowly towards her mentor's office. Minerva McGonagall had been a dear friend to her since they first met. She couldn't help but wonder what her old proffessor had found so interesting as to merit pulling her away from the strategy meeting with the Order. She had become a member of The Order of The Pheonix before she had even graduated and had quickly climbed the poles until she was one of the highest ranking members. She had been poring over her strategy for tomorrow nights attack with her team which must mean that whatever McGonagall had found was of the utmost (sp?) importance to the mission. She took a deep breath to clear her mind before knocking on the great oak door in front of her.
"Enter." called the rather stiff voice of the new Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Hermione knew that tone which caused her to take another cleansing breath before opening the door to McGonagall's private office. "You wanted to see me, Proffessor?" she said as she closed the door behind her. McGonagall looked up from the stack of papers on her desk with a sigh. "Yes, Miss Granger, and how many times must I ask you to call me Minerva?" Hermione smiled at this old question. At twenty-two years she had long since graduated and McGonagall was far from still being her proffessor. She answered, "As many times as I must ask you to call me Hermione, Proffessor." McGonagall's lips formed a slight smile at the familiar answer as she nodded towards an armchair facing her desk.
Hermione seated herself all the while watching the face of the woman before her. Many students in her day had feared McGonagall for her stern face and manner though Hermione had not. She had always known the softer side of McGonagall having shared her love for rules and regulations. The woman had always been someone that Hermione had looked up to and respected. She strived to one day be as strong as the proffessor who meant so much to her, and she felt as though she was succeeding in nearing her goal.
Minerva studied the young woman sitting in the chair before her. She had aways seen how strong Hermione's spirit was and that had earned her infinite respect as well as her disciplined attitude. Hermione Granger was a humble woman though she was easily the most brilliant witch that the proffessor had ever encountered. She was the glue that held the 'Golden Trio' together and everyone knew it besides Hermione. As she realized this she couldn't help but wonder if Hermione's spirit was strong enough for what she was about to ask and if not was she willing to risk losing Hermione and risking the sanity of the other two thirds of the 'Golden Trio' who were so vital to the outcome of the war. If Hermione were to fail it would surely cost her life which in turn would be the downfall of Harry's very spirit as well as Ron's. Harry needed all of the strength and support he could get in these trying times. To take away Hermione would make the very foundation of the Order crumble. As all of these thoughts ran through her head she looked into Hermione's eyes and saw there a spirit so strong that she had never seen one to match it. She knew in that instant that she must ask this of her and that if Hermione were to accept she woud not fail. The woman in front of her had never before admitted defeat and McGonagall doubted that she would even think of doing so now. She cleared her throat as she came to the end of her musings.
"Miss Granger, I have something I need to ask of you. You may refuse if you like but it is very important and I ask that you consider it thoroughly before giving me an answer. At least sleep on it. Do you understand?" When Hermione slowly nodded her head McGonagall continued. "As we all know we have a nameless ally out there. The Death Eaters have taken to calling him 'the hunter' as you well know. He has been taking them out as often as he can. He struck again last night. He took out Bulstrode, Flint, Crabbe Jr., and Goyle Jr. This is a great advantage to us as we recently found that they were to attack Hogsmeade tomorrow night. However, he is only one man and it has come to our attention that Parkinson has received a private mission, passed down from the Dark Lord's own lips. This is oviously a very important task as it was given directly to one of his most trusted followers. We don't know much about this mission though we have discovered that he will be at the Devil's Wrath in two nights. As you should know that is a very popular inn among the dark followers. He is said to be staying there for the night and is to complete his task the following morning. We need someone to get past the security and assassinate Parkinson before he has a chance to carry out his task. We normally would rather detain a Death Eater for questioning before shipping them off to Azkaban, but seeing as Parkinson is one of the highest ranking in the Dark Lord's league we feel that it woud be safer to just take him out. Since you are one of the highest ranking that we have and are also the most skilled in stealth and... finesse... we feel that you are the best choice. After all we don't have many among us who were trained in the arts that you were and none are as skilled at this type of mission. We have it from the highest authorities that you trained as an assassin when you left Hogwarts. It is said that a wizard of very high standing taught you secrets that even the aurors do not know. Is this true?"
Hermione nodded slowly before answering. "Yes, Proffessor. I took lessons when I realized that we were now in the middle of a war. When I disappeared shortly after graduation that was my quest: to learn things that would help us win this war. I eventually found a Master and convinced him to allow me to study under him which is quite unusual for someone of that age. However, he was thankfully a wizard also and knew of the delicate situation when I explained to him that I was one of Harry Potter's best friends. That was what changed his mind. I studied with him until he was killed last year by the Death Eaters. I was there and only escaped because of his training. Why, may I ask, is this important?"
McGonagall looked at her for a long while before answering her question. "Well, Miss Granger, there are wards around the Devil's Wrath that detect the use of magic. We fear that the hunter would not take this mark as he is a wizard, but with your skills, seeing as you are a muggle-born, you could slip in undetected. I wish for you to consider this task carefully, for there will be great danger if you are to accept. Parkinson is not to be underestimated. He is strong and very wise. We feel that you would not lose yourself for a moment and become cocky or overly confidant. Am I correct in assuming this, Miss Granger?"
"Confidance is ignorance, Proffessor. If you are feeling cocky it's because there is something you don't know." Hermione answered, certain that her proffessor would understand.
"Very wise answer, Miss Granger. So am I to assume that you will think of my offer?"
Hermione seemed lost in thought for a moment as she stared at the cold stone floor. "Yes, proffessor. You would be correct in that assumption. I will consider this offer." She rose to leave and paused when McGonagall cleared her throat. "Miss Granger, I suggest that you share this with Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley. They would wish to know and they might have helpful advice. After all, they are your two other parts. Just a suggestion though."
Hermione smiled to herself and, without even turning, answered. "Yes, proffessor. I believe you may be right." She walked briskly to the door and exited the office with one thing on her mind... she had to find her two best friends.
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A/N: Alright. I decided that having Hermione as a ninja in this story was not absolutely necessary. It was getting under my skin so I changed it. I hope that you all like this version better. Bria/gemini69
