Author's Note: The first chapter has been revised, so I suggest re-reading that. The changes aren't major, but I think it will still be worth reading. Also, I apologize deeply for taking so long to update. I basically wrote myself into a corner and had to go back and re-write everything I had. I trashed about 15 pages of handwritten story, but I like what I have now and I hope you do too.

Disclaimer: Anything you recognize belongs to J.K. Rowling, and everything else is mine.

Chapter 2

The room was deadly silent. Draco liked times like this; it allowed him to just sit and reflect on things. He often thought about Hogwarts and everything that happened in those seven years. Mostly, he thought about the unhappy times. Those weren't the only kind of times he had there, but they were the most abundant and the least painful to think about. He hated reflecting on the happy times. Remembering those times with Hermione only made him feel miserable, reminding him of what a horrible person he had become. The boy who had learned to love grew up into a man who killed others. Draco was a horrible person, and he reminded himself about it every chance he got.

The sound of the doorknob turning dragged Draco from his thoughts. Through the door entered Lucius Malfoy, outlined by the bright light seeping in from the hallway. Draco rose to his feet as Lucius slammed the door shut.

"Hello, Father," Draco said anxiously. "Do you have any more information about my task?" Draco figured he might as well jump straight to the point; he and his father were never ones for small talk.

"Yes, that's why I'm here. The Dark Lord wants you to infiltrate the Ministry of Magic. You must be covert. If anyone in the Ministry believes information is being compromised, your job becomes worthless." He paused, surveying his son with interest to see his reaction. Draco remained cool.

Lucius continued. "Use whatever connections you have, and do not disregard any information you hear. It is the Dark Lord's job to decide what information is importatn, not yours. I don't think I need to mention the severe punishment you will receive if you neglect anything. You start tomorrow." He turned sharply on his heel and exited the room, leaving his son alone to absorb his task.

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Dear Hermione,


Things are going well here- well, as well as things can go in the middle of a war. My family is still safe and healthy; thanks for asking. So much has happened since my last letter. Ron's found a new girl- even Mum likes her, and that's saying something. Everyone really thinks she could be the one. Bill and Fleur just had their second child. It's another boy. They've named him Albus, after Professor Dumbledore. I think it's a great name; Ron thinks they're loony. Fred and George are talking about opening another shop- in Paris! It's mostly because of you. They think that you've been deprived from quality pranks for far too long. As for me, I finally took the Healer Qualifying Test- and passed! I'm now a fully qualified healer, and I can't even begin to describe how happy everyone is for me.

There's so much more I'd love to say that I can't put in a letter, so I'll just end like I always do- we miss you so incredibly much and we want you to come home soon!

Love, Ginny

Hermione loved every single letter she got form Ginny. Ginny had always been so understanding and never prodded into uncomfortable areas. Others had written to Hermione, including Ron and even Mrs. Weasley, but Ginny's letterswere always her favorite. She had a knack for writing in a way that made Hermione feel like she was really there.

Hermione glanced over the letter, smiling. She was surprised yet pleased to her about the possibility of a Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes in Paris. The poor, unsuspecting Parisians could soon be exposed to Fred and George's wild yet amusing pranks. The only thing Ginny never told her about was the war. Hermione could only get that news from the papers. Information could not be trusted by owl; the chance of a letter being intercepted was too great to risk saying anything. Hermione didn't know who was fighting for which side or what either side was doing until after something happened. The isolation from her family and friends was beginning to take a toll, and she was tired. Hermione began to think that perhaps, a change was necessary.

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