AN: This chapter was originally another 1000 words, but I decided to cut it short so that the next chapter will post sooner. Also, the next scene didn't really fit this chapter. Please let me know what you think.

Chapter 8: Through Ron's Eyes

All through the night Hermione thought of what to do. She knew that first she had to tell Ron and Harry what she'd found. She had also been lucky enough to be woken by a loud noise and peered out her door. She had quietly watched a stumbling Draco return much later than he should have from rounds.

The Head Girl could tell that Draco was drunk. Drunk enough to not close his door when he staggered to his room. She was clearly able to see him throw some things around, and then cast a harmless evaporato spell on a bunch of his things.

Suddenly things got easier. If Draco was drunk and rid himself of some of his things, then perhaps he wouldn't be able to remember if said things included the locket or the note from his father. Even though trace spells could be made to locate and retrieve special items, such as a locket, they took time. And time was what she needed. It also meant that she would not be able to report him, but sometimes other things were more important. Yes, they were indeed.

That night another plan started to form in her mind. She knew from Harry and her meeting with Dumbledore that Professor Snape was a spy for the Order. Perhaps she could bring the locket to him.

The next afternoon Hermione was studying with Harry. Ron was still sulking, and was, according to Harry, out practicing Quidditch. Hermione had already told him earlier what she had seen in Draco's room, but left out the details where she took the locket and the note, which were currently locked and warded in her desk drawer.

"Hermione…" Harry said as they were currently working on their Transfiguration essays. "I wanted to talk to you about Ron."

"I'm sorry, Harry, but I can't help but be mad over what he did."

Harry frowned. "Well, that's what I wanted to talk to you about. You see, growing up with the Twins wasn't easy for Ron."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Oh, yes, fun and pranks. I'm sure it was horrible."

"More likely horrifying. You see, the two have always been on Ron's back. Not in a hard way, more like in…well, pulling pranks on him. In fact, he has more often than anyone else been a guinea pig for their products."

Hermione paused, letting this new bit of information sink in. "Oh!" She exclaimed. "I…I think I see your point, Harry. He didn't really think it was wrong, since he is quite used to what they do, mainly to him."

"Yeah. I'm sure he didn't think one little prank would set you off. And to be honest, he isn't really good with other people's feelings, so he really didn't have time to think what it might do to you…or how you would feel about it."

Hermione nodded. "I guess it's been hard on him, what the twins do."

"Not only that, but they've been quite successful at it."

"What does that have to do with this? I mean, wouldn't he be proud that his brothers have become successful at something so lucrative?"

Harry shook his head. "No, I mean yes, but you see…Ron grew up with a whole slew of older, successful brothers. Bill is a highly successful cursebreaker, Charlie trains dragons in Romania, Percy, a real git, is a high achiever kissing arse in the Ministry, and then there are the twins. Where does that leave Ron?"

"I never thought of that. I mean, I never knew." Hermione mused.

"Not to mention, he grew up quite poor. Others like Malfoy are always making fun of him and his hand-me-down clothes or school supplies. In fact, he only got new robes when he grew so tall no one else's would fit him. That and his family has been doing much better, not only from his brothers but his father now being the Minister of Magic."

Hermione smiled. "I've heard wonderful things about Mr. Weasley. I mean, Minister Weasley. I hope I can meet him one day soon."

Harry laughed. "He's quite the lovable old man. And so is Mrs. Weasley. They've been the closest thing to a real family to me." Suddenly Harry's expression turned to sorror as he thought about his parents, Lily and James Potter.

"Oh, Harry," Hermione smiled as she placed her hand over his. "I'm so happy that you have such wonderful people in your life."

Harry blushed. "Yeah…but I'm sure you'll meet them all soon enough."

"How so? Do the others regularly visit Hogwarts?"

Harry realized he just put his foot in his mouth. He had said the last part expecting that Ron would eventually invite Hermione to the Burrow, just as he had been invited for the first time. Or rather, taken there by Mr. Weasley's "stolen" magical car.

Ron wiped the sweat from his forehead. He had been practicing for hours, determined to improve his game. Although he often played well, he sometimes made costly mistakes. And he wanted to play great. After returning his broom he went in search of Harry…and Hermione. He inwardly groaned, wondering if she was still mad at him. He hadn't been able to stop thinking about her, and wondering how he could make things right with her. Again. What if we're meant to always row with each other? He laughed at the thought.

But inside he was still worrying about his feelings for Maria. Although she'd never given him a reason to think she cared for him, in that special way, he secretly thought that her letters in the last couple of years were a bit more…thoughtful…with him as opposed to the letters she wrote to Harry. His best mate had even teased him a couple of times, but he never seemed serious or asked what Ron felt for the girl.

Ron felt his hand touch his cheek. Hermione had kissed him there. Had she done that to Harry? He hoped not. He was thrilled when she had kissed him. It had even made him feel better than any of Lavender's kisses. He grimaced. The girl had come on to him again. He was repulsed. And he had enough troubles trying to think…or trying not to think…about his feelings toward two other girls. There was no way in Hades he was going to let anything start anything with that girl again.

Ron soon found himself in the library and looked around for his two friends. He saw them. Just as Hermione laid her hand on Harry's. He felt himself go angry with jealousy, but then saw the look on Harry's face. He knew that look. Harry was probably talking about family, and a girl like Hermione was likely sympathetic toward his friend's loss. He straightened himself up as he walked over. I guess things will work out the way they are meant to be.

Hermione was the first to spot him. "Ron!" She called out with a smile, earning her a first "shush!" from the librarian. She groaned, but looked back at Ron. She turned her voice to a whisper as the tall red-head tentatively sat down. "We were hoping we'd find you. We need to tell you something." Ron waited as Hermione and Harry packed up their school supplies. "How about we ask Dobby to bring us some treats to my room?"

Ron smiled at this. Not only for the idea of food, but Hermione seemed to be over being mad at him.

And so the trio went to Hermione's room to tell Ron about the locket and note found in Draco's room. Hermione even apologized to Ron for being so mad at him. The three also agreed that Dumbledore should be told, and sooner rather than later.

The next day the three went to the statue outside Dumbledore's office. It slid open, as if the Headmaster was waiting for them. Harry and Ron let Hermione climb the winding stairs first, Harry wondering when Hermione would tell them about her late night visit to see Dumbledore.

When they stepped up to the office, Dumbledore was sitting at his desk, Fawkes perched by his side.

"Ah! I was wondering when you three would stop by." He waited as they approached. His hand gestured toward a glass bowl filled with treats. "Lemon drop? A Lifesaver? Or my newest discovery, a Starburst?"

The three shook their heads.

"Now, let me guess. You've come to tell me something, correct?" He chuckled. "Of course you have? What I am assuming is that is has something to do with an upcoming meeting of Lord Voldemort and his followers."

He waited to see the look on their faces, which pretty much gave them away. It was exactly why they had come.

Harry turned to his right. "Hermione, why don't you start?"

The Head Girl cleared her throat politely and then began telling their Headmaster what she'd seen. Soon all three were telling him everything, finding the book, subtly probing their fellow students, and finally what Hermione had seen in Draco's room. Hermione finished by telling him what was written on the letter to the Head Boy, but left out the part where Draco returned intoxicated and that she'd already taken the two items.

"And so you see, Sir," Harry finished, "We thought that perhaps you'd want to know so that you can stop…"

"I can do no such thing, Harry." Dumbledore interrupted. "Draco must make his own decision, for which I am certain he is considering carefully. One thing I can tell you for certain, the boy has no desire to become a Deatheater." He paused as the three flinched at the thought. "But life as a Malfoy has been very difficult on the boy. His father rules with, how do the muggles put it? A silver hand?"

"An iron fist." Hermione corrected.

"Ah, yes…an iron fist. Much more sounding and to the point. But that is all I can tell you, for those matters are Draco's and his to deal with. I am grateful that you came to me with this news, it will aid the Order immensely. Professor Snape is Draco's godfather, and he has been carefully watching the boy, carefully guiding him to hopefully make the best decisions. Now, it's getting late and I am sure you all have homework to deal with."

The three started to get up, but Dumbledore stopped them. "Ms. Granger, I do need to have a word with you privately. Nothing too serious, a project for the Head Girl and Boy we need to discuss."

Harry and Ron looked at each other, then bid their goodnights to Hermione and the Headmaster.

When they were surely gone by the sound of the statue panel sliding closed, Professor Dumbledore continued. "Now Hermione, I know you have left some details out, or more precisely some items? And with good reason." He knows! Hermione thought. "I trust your judgment and hope that you are extremely careful. Having possession of such…knowledge…is dangerous. You'd be wise to tell someone that can help you. Someone more experienced in such matters. I hope that if it isn't me, you have thought of the matter?"

Hermione was shocked. "I have, sir. And I think I know just the person."

Dumbledore winked at her. "Then perhaps it is time to go to that person. Oh, by the way…Professor Snape is needing some assistance in the potion lab. I was wondering if I could recommend you for the job? I will, of course, excuse you from some of your other duties?"

Hermione nodded. "Yes, that sounds like an excellent opportunity. I'll go and see the Professor at once."

Dumbledore smiled. "Excellent! Then I bid you goodnight. Are you sure you don't want one of my treats before you leave?"

Hermione smiled and took a couple of Starburst. "Thank you, good night Headmaster."

Without wasting any time, Hermione fled toward the dungeons. Dumbledore was right. Keeping the locket and note was dangerous, and she didn't want to waste any more time. She pondered returning to her quarters and retrieving the items, but Draco might be there. And she certainly didn't want to run into him.

She found the door to the Potions classroom closed but unlocked. Looking in she found no one, and closed the door behind her as she entered. She saw a light coming from the Professor's office, and tentatively knocked.

Professor Snape opened the door with such vengeance she nearly fell back.

"What do you want? If you've come to beg for the mere half-point I deducted from your most recent paper, I do not, or rather, I never return points." He said in a silky manner that shook Hermione.

"Sir, I need to discuss something with you. Please. It's urgent."

Professor Snape glared at the girl for another moment before finally stepping aside to let her in. As she entered he practically shut the door on her rear end and then cast a locking and silencing spell. He folded his arms on his chest. "Well, what is it, girl?"

"I…" Suddenly her Gryffindor bravery failed her. She knew Professor Snape was intimidating in class, but that was nothing to now being alone with him. If any person could make the confident girl doubt herself, it was this man himself. She drew a deep breath and refocused herself. "Well," She said now confidently, "I've come to discuss that afternoon when you had me follow you."

Professor Snape raised a brow. "I know of no such occurrence, silly girl."

Hermione frowned. "You well know what I am speaking of. The first Hogsmead visit, when only seventh-year students were allowed to go. You saw me in the book store, I know it, and I followed you. I heard you talk with that deatheater, and what you said."

"Continue. But do not waste my time with your school girl fantasies."

Now Hermione was irritated. "I know about the locket." She drew in a breath. "And I know that it belongs to Draco. From his family. I saw it myself along with a note Draco's father sent him."

Professor Snape slumped. "You found it? Where is it?"

"I took it, sir, it is currently locked and warded in my desk drawer, in my Head Girl room."

"You fool! Draco is no doubt thinking it has been stolen!"

"And what have you done for the matter? Just sit back and continue to berate your students?"

"Well, miss know-it-all, let me tell you. Sometimes it is best to not interfere, and best for others to interfere."

"Then you must agree I did the right thing."

Professor Snape snarled.

"So he hasn't told you yet? To help him find it? Or to help him with what his father expects him to do?" Hermione asked

"No, he hasn't. He merely complains about his duties as a Malfoy. That and all the play time taken away by his duties as Head Boy." The Professor rolled his eyes at his own comment.

"Well, he may come to you soon. You see, the night I took the locket Draco returned to his quarters…well, he was not in the right state of mind…"

"I am not a fool, Ms. Granger. And for the record, I did in fact see him on most likely that very night. I know what my students do. As long as they are not caught and do not do anything foolish or endanger their fellow students I have no choice but to tolerate it. You have no idea what their parents are like, and I would rather remain a trusted confident to my house students."

Now it was Hermione's turn to roll her eyes. "Sir, he returned and was apparently still upset. He cast an evaporato on some of his things. No doubt this has bought us some time, and no doubt he will turn to you or someone to help him retrieve the locket through one of the locating spells."

Professor Snape knew he could now trust the girl. He inwardly gloated to having her follow him that day. "And where does that leave us, Miss Granger. What do you expect us to do with the locket in the meantime?"

"We make a forgery. A forgery with a spell inside, one that can possibly fool Lord Voldemort."

Professor Snape was shocked. This girl really was the brightest of her age. Of course, he had his own similar ideas, but for such to come from a student, and to think that it could actually be done?

"And how do you expect to make such a forgery, or better yet, a spell to fool the Dark Lord himself?"

"I thought perhaps we could work together. Professor Dumbledore has already informed me he is to recommend me for the job as your assistant. We could do it then."

Professor Snape nodded. "Very well. Your new job will begin the very evening Professor Dumbledore announces it to the school. If anyone asks, your duties will consist merely of helping me make and restock potions for Madame Pomfrey and grading of first and second year student papers. Now if you don't mind, I have some matters that require my attention. Draco will be gone this weekend, at the request of his parents. You will return the locket to me then. It is best that I keep it. Not only for your safety, but I have stronger wards placed in my quarters."

Hermione left with a quick farewell then made her way back to her quarters.

Coming next: Hermione accepts a date with Seamus? Why? Does Lavender have anything to do with this? Also more Neville/Parvarti. I like this couple!