This is the shortest chapter I will ever post. Sorry about the length, but it is a segeway into the next portion of the fic.

Disclaimer: These aren't my characters. They belong to JK, no part of them came from my brain, but I do enjoy playing with them.

Warning: Language, Substance Use and Sex. Turn back if this isn't your cup of tea.

Thank you to all of my lovely reviewers. I love to hear what you think. In particular thanks to Shadow-Sleeper, Kay Revoloution, BB Macintosh, LilyMorolas, Phoenix Electra, WhiteLight 72, chemical heart-x, elliee505, Bella Leux Bazireth, EmeraldGlance, Shaeya Sedjet, Sweet Revenge16 and lilnicky21. Knowing someone will read this as I continue gives me the heart to keep typing away.

Questions, comments, concerns? I am all ears.

And then there were Seven

Hermione had no idea how she made it through November and most of December without blowing her cover. Nothing new came from the Order of the Rose.

The double life was killing her. Days meant her charade as a perfect Gryffindor, nights were spent with her consort, and Christmas holidays were rapidly approaching.

She took her seat at the breakfast table between Ron and Harry. Ron viewed her nervously; he really hadn't said much in the past months. She supposed he was ashamed of his former behavior. Damn well ought to be, she thought saucily.

Hermione startled as Rob took her hand under the table and squeezed it gently, "Hey Mione?" She smiled at him, this sounded like her old Ron.

"Yes Ronald?"

He took a deep breath, "I know I have been an utter prat, but, go to the Yule Ball with me?"

Her eyes went wide, "Ron that is very sweet, but I can't, the Head Girl always has to attend with the Head Boy." She squeezed his hand tight as his face fell downcast.

Suddenly Ron jumped in his seat, "Bloody hell!"

Hermione fell back against Harry as Ron sprang to his feel and pawed at his sleeves. "What is it Ron?"

The whole table was now watching his twitches in earnest. Ron pulled back his left sleeve. "What the fuck!" Hermione jumped to her feet and pulled him out of the hall with Harry and Ginny hot on their tails.

Ron was dancing about clutching his wrist. Harry caught Hermione sharply by the arm, "The Order?" She grinned, "Yep!"

Hermione rushed to where Ginny was gaping at Ron's arm. The red head turned testily towards Hermione, "Mione what is this?" Hermione took Ginny by the arm, "Hey Gin, this is sort of private, would it be okay if we talked about it later?"

Ginny bristled at her touch and yanked her arm away hissing, "What the hell!" She pulled back her sleeve to reveal a rose, "What are these Hermione?"

Harry took the two Weasleys by the hands, "Welcome to the Order of the Rose mates." The two looked at him like he was speaking parseltongue. Harry nodded to Hermione, "Go get Malfoy Mione, meet you at Dumbledore's."

Hermione heard Ron mutter a few obscenities interjected with a why the fuck Malfoy as she returned to the hall. Hermione gathered their satchels from the table before catching Draco's eye and inclined her head to the door. To her relief Dumbledore and Snape were already gone.

She waited outside of the Head Master's office and smiled broadly as Draco came and took her hand with a ghost of a kiss to her lips.

"Well Mina, marking the Weasel, eh?"

She smirked, "Both Weasleys actually, Malfoy." Hermione took utter delight in his confused expression.

"So Mina, there are seven?"

"Exactly."

A/N Well, well, well. Looks like we have a full order. Does this mean it is time for the real fun to begin? And where is Zabini? I thought I said she was important...well she just might be, and she will make her appearance soon enough, maybe in three more chapters. Blaise Zabini seems like more of a spring fling than a winter formal.