A/N please review
Chapter 2-Simply Act of Kindness.
For the next 24 hours they all took turns guarding their 'guest' all except Ron. Remus decided that Ron could not be trusted. Secretly Hermione knew that Remus was right. It would not have been wise to leave Draco and Ron alone together for any length of time. There was no way that Draco wouldn't goad Ron and no way Ron would resist the temptation to hex their 'guest' or worse, although this precaution did not stop Ron from sulking because 'they didn't trust him.'
It was almost exactly twenty-four hours later when Snape finally returned.
"I assume you have viewed it?" was Snape's opening stratagem referring to the memory he had left behind.
"Yes," Remus replied stoically giving nothing away.
"Then you understand why we came here?" Snape asked.
"Not entirely but I do believe you did as Dumbledore asked."
The tension in Snape's shoulders visibly eased.
"Then perhaps you will allow me to explain further? But I would speak with you alone," Snape demanded.
"You can have nothing to say that you cannot say in front of my wife," Remus responded.
"Very well," Snape agreed glaring at Ron and Harry as a visual clue that they should leave. The door closed with a resounding thump as Harry and Ron exited the room.
Hermione had not intended to close her eyes but she must have nodded off. She awoke to find herself warmly wrapped in the blue herring bone weave blanket that usually sat across the back of the chair Malfoy was now sitting in. Had Malfoy covered her to keep her warm? It was a simple act of kindness but she had difficulty believing he would have done that. Who are you really Draco Malfoy? She suddenly found herself wondering. You could have killed me, but you didn't, you should have killed Dumbledore, but you didn't. Why? She couldn't break the feeling that there was something about the blond Slytherin that she was missing. His voice suddenly broke her reverie.
"You make a poor guard Granger," he said clearly aware she had awoken although he did not look at her. "I could have hexed you and made my escape," he continued, removing his wand from the sleeve of his now very crumpled robes.
Hermione's eyes bugged out of her head. He had been armed; she had slept in a room with an armed Death Eater. He could have killed her at any moment.
"I know what you're thinking," he continued his monologue, "The Order's security is rather lacks but relax Granger, you're perfectly safe as I said before 'I have nowhere else to go.'"
Unable to rein in her curiosity about him any longer she asked, "Why did you do that?" pointing to the blanket that covered her. She expected some snide remark not the simple response he gave:
"You were cold."
For the first time since she had known him Hermione looked at Draco Malfoy with something other than distain.
"I know my part in these events Remus, I have known for some time that things will not end well for me." Snape began by way of explanation. "I can best serve The Order by remaining close to 'He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named'. You must surely understand that by my actions I have achieved an unparalleled level of trust."
"Yes I see that," Remus confirmed, "but where does young Malfoy fit in?"
"Dumbledore knew the boy was not evil. Draco was compelled to do the Dark Lord's bidding by the need to protect Narcissa, his heart wasn't in the task but he was left with little choice. Dumbledore was almost certain the boy would fail and he gave his life willingly so that my Godson would survive and I would not be exposed as a double agent."
Remus nodded in understanding.
It was Tonks who spoke next, "but what do you propose we do with him now Severus? We don't have the manpower to guard him 24/7."
"Albus was sure the boy would defect-turn to the light."
"You can't be sure of that Severus," Remus responded, "what about his mother, isn't she still in his hands? Surely Draco's loyalty lies there."
"It might except for a certain Miss Granger."
"What are you suggesting Severus?" Remus enquired, although in truth he suspected he knew the answer.
"There is a prophecy about my Godson, in part it is the reason why Lucius was so harsh on the boy, so determined to indoctrinate him against 'mud-bloods'. The prophecy claims Draco will break the pureblood line and marry a muggle-born witch of unparalleled intelligence and power."
"And Albus thought his was Hermione?" Tonks enquired.
"He was certain it was Hermione."
"But they hate each other," Tonks asserted.
"Ah, but do they? Do they really?" Snape asked.
"I find it hard to believe that Hermione has any feelings for Draco at all, she has been in love with Ron since she was 13 years old," Tonks said her tone now incredulous.
"I cannot speak for Miss Granger, but I suspect Draco's 'attentions' were born of frustration. He was cruel because it was the only way to gain her notice and he wanted so much for her to notice him."
"So what are you asking us to do Severus?" Remus demanded.
"For the moment keep him safe, keep him alive and allow him to show Miss Granger that he is not who she thought he was. Trust that Draco Malfoy is her match and when the time is right they will save each other."
Remus considered for a moment before acquiescing.
"Alright Severus the boy will be safe with us but he does not leave this house."
"Agreed but there will come a time when he will help and you will need him to leave."
"Too much of a risk," Remus said shaking his head sadly.
"At least give the boy a chance and for Merlin's sake don't leave him alone with Weasley."
"I will do my best." Remus agreed solemly.