Chapter 5- I Volunteer

Sunday has arrived. It was Hermione's house warming party. She has invited a few of her close friends. The caterers have just arrived and now setting up. Hermione returned to her bedroom and pulled out an almond beige coloured, snoop neck polka dot dress from her wardrobe. The walk in wardrobe was one of Hermione's favourite things about her apartment. After she put the dress on, she stood in front of the creamy white full-length mirror, took a few turns. The dress fitted her perfectly, she put on a caramel cardigan, touched up on her make up before she headed back to the living room. By now, the caterers had turned her living room into a floral greenhouse, the room was now fill with apple blossom and pink carnations, different mini bite size foods have now laid out on the round table set up in the middle of the room like an artwork in a museum, there were even a drink area set up with 3 water fountains each filled with different drinks tailored for the guest taste. Hermione was more than satisfied with the caterers. The guest should be arriving soon, she looked at her watch.

"Oh Hermione, this place is absolutely stunning. I see why you didn't waste any time and put in the rental application! I really like the high ceiling here!" said Harry with one of his arm around Luna, the other resting on her pregnant belly, admiring Hermione's apartment.

" Wow, Hermione the food is awesomely great. This foie gras on toast! Holy shit no words to describe how delicious it is." Said Ron with food in his mouth, putting more foie gras on toast onto his plate.

"Seriously Ron it has been so many years, have you learn not to speak when you have a full mouth? How do you stand him like this Blaise? Honestly!" said Hermione to Blaise, never understood how he could stand Ron for the past 2 years.

"Well, I can't just overlook the good things he possess from just one little thing right? Beside his eating habit clearly bother you a lot but not me. I found it quite adorable somehow." Blaise was stroking Ron's hair. Blaise and Ron had been dating for 2 years. No one would have guessed that this two would end up together, not even their good friends. When they first announced their relationship, Harry had choked on his drink and almost fainted.

Floop! The Weasley family, Lupin and Tonks had arrived through the floo network. Hermione headed over to the fireplace and gave every member from the family a hug. Ginny and Tonks handed over Hermione the house warming presents they have prepared.

"Oh, its so good to see you guys! I am sorry I have been really busy lately." Still hugging Ginny tightly, said Hermione.

"Oh No, don't be I have been pretty busy myself too! Our team has been doing our training session at the Sahara desert for the past 3 months. I can't tell you how much I am please to be back in Britain." Ginny has been playing chaser with the Holy Harpies after the war, she is going for the captain position next year.

"Ah Ginny, I am sorry Manuel and Jacqueline just arrived. I am going to quickly greet them. Harry and Ron are just near the drink fountain. Help yourself with the foie gras on toast before Ron finishes them all. " Hermione apologised to Ginny and head over and greeted the Faith.

A

A

It has been months since the capture of the Bones. It was unfortunately both Emmett Bones and his wife did not survive the tortured and were personally killed by Lord Voldemort. Draco has secretly sneaked the bodies of the Bones out from the Manor. Hermione and him buried their bodies next to Susan's grave where the family could finally reunited here in this world and the other world. During this time, The Order managed to hunt down most of the horcruxes. They have successfully destroyed 5 of them. Now there was only one left, but the question was what was the last horcrux?

Pointing at the now destroyed horcruxes displayed on the table, Hermione said "So here are Marvolo's ring, Tom Riddle's dairy, the Hufflepuff cup, Slytherin locket and Nagini. We are just missing one horcrux which I believe it would be something from Rowena Ravenclaw since we have the Gryfinndor's sword." She then turned to Harry. "But do you think Voldemort knows we are hunting down his horcrux?"

"I don't believe he knows. Nagini was killed during one of the battles, the dark lord's killing curse rebounded and Nagini practically took the curse for him. The kill was completely unintentional. Nothing seems to be suspicious after nor he has implicated anything during the meetings." Draco replied instead of Harry, who has sank himself on the chair feeling exhausted. He just returned from one of his guarding shift.

Hermione found herself behaving strangely around Draco, maybe it was the talk they had after Susan Bones's death. She saw another side of Draco. She hated him for being nice and warm to her one day and then the next day he became extremely cold and distance. She wished he would just told her he suffered from a bi-polar disorder, that way at least she wouldn't be as frustrated as she is now. The strange thing was, the more Draco acted like this to her, the more she wanted to be closer to him, whether to find out how his brain operate or just this weird feeling she gets whenever he was looking at her.

"Well, thanks Malfoy. So back to my point, what kind of item do you guys think would possibly be the last horcrux?" Hermione was most certain it has to be something associated with Ravenclaw. But she has been doing a lot of reading and research in the past month but nothing came up slightly that suggested something Ravenclaw would have left behind.

"What about The Lost Diadem of Ravenclaw?" Luna said with her usual dreamy voice at the end of the table.

"Well, Luna as you said Lost Diadem, it is lost isn't it? So there are no chance Voldemort could have turn it into a Horcrux. We have discussed this many times before." Hermione never really agreed with Luna's opinion, Luna has too much imagination for her own good.

"Yeah it is lost but doesn't mean it can not be find again right? Voldemort is much a powerful and resourceful wizard. Who say there is no chance he end up finding it?" Luna argued trying to prove her point.

"Its true, we can not rule out this possibility." Harry agreed that Luna did make a fair point.

"Sometimes it is good to keep our minds open. So anyone have an idea what this diadem might look like?" Lupin appeared to agree with Luna's point too.

Luna now feeling extremely delightful, for the first time in a long time, people have agreed to what she had suggested. She took out the journal she had been carrying with her since her first day at Hogwarts. She showed the members a picture Colin Creevy had took for her years ago. It was a painting hanging in front of the Ravenclaw dormitory. Inside the picture, you could see Rowena Ravenclaw wearing this diadem. The diadem had this platinum frame, ornamented with clear blue apatite crystals, simple yet exquisite.

"Wait a minute, I have seen this before." Everyone's attentions immediately draw to Draco as he spoke. " It is in our Manor. Voldemort had rewarded it to our family for being a loyal and faithful servant years ago. We were told not to wear it in public and most importantly keep it safe. Mother couldn't resist the beauty of the diadem so she had secretly put it on once. She said it gave her the biggest headache and never ever in her life she felt so unpleasant. Ever since then we had locked the diadem away in our secret vault." Draco was now sure that diadem Voldemort has presented to his family was the last horcrux. After months of hunting down horcrux down with The Order, seeing one himself he was positive what his mother described to him years ago was definitely how a living being would feel when they got too close to a horcrux.

People started to exchange conversations between each other, excited about they had possibly found out the location of the last horcrux. If they managed to destroy the final horcrux, just like the previous ones. They could face Voldemort finally, killing him and put an end to this war. They learnt it requires a Malfoy's blood to open the vault, the manor was protected by a lot of ancient magic, how the only way to apparate in and out the manor was limited to the drawing room, they could not apparate in unless accompany by a Malfoy member. All these factors made the mission appeared to be almost impossible. They exchanged ideas, planning what would be the best possible way to sneak into the Malfoy manor without Voldemort knowing, stole the horcrux and destroyed it for good.

After days and days of meetings, they were all exhausted but the good news was they have all agreed to a plan, which appeared to be a less dangerous approach.

"So we have all agreed it would be best and safest, Draco will be in charge in stealing the diadem from the Malfoy Vault and pass it to one of the member who will accompany him to the manor. He will then help the member to apparate back to Head Quarter." Kingsley was glad everyone has finally come to a mutual agreement on the plan. "And no, I will say it one last time. We will only need one person to accompany Draco, if we have more people we will only be risking drawing attention to ourselves and we do not want Lord Voldemort know we are hunting down his horcruxes, do we now?" No one say anything this time.

"Now that we all come to an agreement, we have to decide who would go along with Draco?" Kingsley looked around, Hermione's hand was up before the rest of the members.

"I would like to volunteer myself for this task." Said Hermione, she knew there were people in The Order much suitable for this task, but may be this is an opportunity for her to spend some time with Draco alone?

"No way, do you know you are currently sitting on the Top 3 of the death eater's 'we love you so much we would like to torture you until you start screaming out our names and beg for death' list? Granger no offense but I thought you were the brightest witch of our time?" Draco was shocked when he saw Hermione's hand shot up in mid-air. As much as he has secretly wished he could spend some alone time with her, this was not how he would have planned not even close. What was she thinking? Putting herself into ultimate dangerous like this, thought Draco. There was no way he would let her come with him. He would like to keep her safe, far away from that dark lord he has secretly wished to shove two chop sticks up his nasals.

"Hermione, are you certain? We do not doubt your ability, but you have to understand this task is dangerous and you are risking your life from the moment you enter the manor. If you got caught it would be the end for you. On the other hand I am happy to volunteer to do the task." Said Manuel Faith one of member from The Order who worked as an Auror before the Ministry has been taken over by the Lord Voldemort.

"Please, I believe I have proven myself enough in the past I am competent enough for this task. I have not underestimate the danger that comes with the task. But all I ask was a chance." Hermione knew her case was not strong but at least a girl could hope.

"Hermione, if this is really what you wish. You will partner up with Draco." Kingsley ignored Draco attempted to object. Deep down Kingsley has learnt how stubborn Hermione was from the past, there was no point trying to argue with her. "Now should you be caught during the mission, Draco will pretend to discover you as a death eater. That way he could remain as a spy. Do both of you understand?" Hermione and Draco both nodded their head, although Draco irritated face has betrayed him the fact he was not please with Kingsley's decision.

The meeting was over and Molly went to prepare dinner for everyone. The meeting had gone on for 5 hours straight, everyone was starving. Ginny, Tonks and Hermione followed Molly into the kitchen and offered Molly their hands to prepare for dinner.

Draco still sitting at the table, frustrate with everyone. How could they allow Hermione to go on such a mission? He would kill himself should anything happen to Hermione.

"Hey mate, that frowning look doesn't look good on your handsome Slytherin Prince's face. Why are you stressing?" said Harry. Harry and Ron joined Draco at the table. They didn't get along well when Draco first joined The Order. When Draco saved Ron's life in The Bones Mission and been fighting side by side together in the past few months had built up their trust and a friendship has since blossomed.

"Just leave me alone, guys! Really not in a mood." No one knew about Draco's secret feeling for Hermione. Even though he could call Harry and Ron as his friends now, but this was a secret he didn't want to share with them, yet.

"Well, in that case why don't you join me for a game of wizard chess? Maybe it will help you take your mind off, you know whatever you are stressing about." Ron pulled out a set of wizard chess, he was never good at comforting people but he has Draco best interest in his heart.

"Yeah Draco, do play! I love to watch you and Ron play. Tough battle between you too!" Neville sat next to Draco, encouraging Draco to join in the game.

"Well, Weasley prepare to be defeat, there will be no tissue for your tears this time." Draco picked up the chess piece and made a first move across the chessboard.

When you have good company, time tend to flies pass. It was time for Draco to return to his manor. Still mad at Hermione's decision he decided he would leave without saying goodnight to her. He just couldn't talk to her right now. He was scared he would not be able to control his emotions.

"Why are you so angry with me? Does it really annoy you that I have volunteered to work with you? Do you not want to work with a muggle born?" Hermione has been waiting for the opportunity the whole night to confront Draco. She managed to intercept him, when he was making his way to wash his dishes.

"No, Granger. There has nothing to do with your parentage. In case you haven't notice, ever since you have given me the second chance I have never implied anything regards to your muggle-born status. I told you long ago, I no longer see us as different people we are the same. I thought you are more observant than the reset here." Draco knew Hermione was always tenacious when she wanted the truth. He told himself he needed to get away from her now, before he says something he will regret it later.

"Well then tell me why? You appear so repulsive about the idea of us working together?" Hermione walking closer to Draco, demanding him to give her an answer.

"Seriously Granger, are you always that stubborn? Haven't you seen the face of everyone in the meeting? They all worry about you. For you to volunteer to go on this mission is like putting yourself on an offering plate to the Aztec god and guess what the story doesn't end happily you end up dead in the end!" Draco could not believe Hermione could be so frustrating. Did she have to be that pushy? Or was it that time of the month?

"Well? Since when you cared about my well-being? Malfoy?" Hermione determined she was not going to let him go until she has the answer she was looking for.

"Forget it Granger! I know what you are thinking and the answer is no. I would have said the same thing if it was Harry, Ron or Neville who had volunteer themselves. So don't you get ahead and think you are a little something special to me now." Said Draco, attempting to remain a distance between him and Hermione. Although from where he was standing he could smell the lavender scent from her hair, the smell was always calming.

"Fine, you know what? Yes you have stopped calling me that dirty word. But you are still who you were. Your words to me were always like a pointy knife never cease a chance to hurt people." Hermione turned her back at Draco and raced back to her room. She had left Draco standing next to sink, feeling extremely confused by her word.

"Pointy knife huh?" Draco said to himself, he didn't understand why Hermione has to stress over his words, which clearly means nothing. Why does she always want to hear the truth from him, can't she just see it from his action? Does his action mean nothing to her?

Hermione closed the door behind her. Tears kept flushing out from her eyes. She did not understand why she was crying over Draco. She hasn't cried like this since the day she obliviated her parent's memory sending them to Australia. She was a bit overjoyed by how he reacted when she had volunteered for the task. She thought she meant something to him and he cares for her. But now is not the time, she must prepared for her upcoming task. A task where one mistake, she would have put her life in major risk.

A

A

Hermione thanked everyone for coming to her house warming party and the gifts they have brought along with them. Saying goodbye to each of them before them disapparted or floo themselves back to their home.

"Luna, are you sure you will be fine?" asked Harry.

"Yes, now go and enjoy your boys evening." Luna kissed Harry on his cheek before she apparated back to their house.

"Where are you guys going tonight?" Hermione turned to Harry, Ron, Neville and Blaise. Who were now standing together at her door ready to leave.

"We are having a boys night. And no females are invited. No exception for you Hermione." Said Blaise.

"Well, thank you very much for coming then. And Blaise, special thanks to you. Thanks for letting me know about this place." Hermione smile hugged each of the boys before they leave.

After leaving Hermione's apartment, the boys made their way walking up the spiral staircase towards to Draco's penthouse. Draco opened the door and greeted them. Walking in they found Theodore Nott was sitting on the couch with a glass of fire whiskey on his hand waiting for them.

"Theo! What a lovely surprise, Draco didn't tell us you are going to be here! Thought you were still travelling around Asia!" Blaise made his way to Theodore, they made their special Slytherin handshake and sat down.

"Well, someone got to keep me company while you guys are having your own party downstairs right?" Draco returned to the lounge area with a tray of drinks for the boys. "How was the party?" He asked.

They spend their time talking about how everyone life has been. It has been a long time since all 6 of them got together. They laughed about the fact if someone told them 6 of them would be good friends together in the future back at Hogwarts, they would never believed it. Theodore shared his experience during the trip he just got back from Asia how he met a witch from Japan and she might come and visit him later in the year. Neville now a professor in Hogwarts teaching Herbology, told his student if they achieved good grades he would award them with Harry's autograph and it was working splendidly, most ingenious idea he ever came up with. Ron was planning to retire from his Auror career and open up an ice-cream shop in the Diagon Alley and Blaise would be funding it. Harry told the boys Luna was expecting twins and they were due in March. They spent a long time laughing about how kind of ridiculous names Harry would name his kids and who would be the godfather.

"So Draco, what about you? And don't bore us with what kind of potions you are working on or what kind of potion prize you managed to achieve. Cause we all know from the papers!" Harry asked.

"Yeah, go on Draco. You know exactly what we want to hear! Spill Spill Spill!" said Ron. He clearly had too much drinks tonight, spilling his drink onto Draco's carpet.

"Have you run into Hermione yet? Now both of you are living in the same building? Maybe invite her over for a cup of tea?" Blaise teasing Draco. The boys clearly knew how to annoy Draco.

"You just shut up won't you? I can't believe you told her there was an opening in the building! What were you playing at?" Draco shoved Blaise back to his sit.

"Draco, just because you no longer exist in her memory, just because she doesn't have any memory of the past you two have shared. It doesn't mean you can't start off fresh again with her." Said Neville. "Why don't you give yourself an other chance? I am sure after all this years, people do not hold any more prejudice to you?"

"You will be surprise." Draco rolling his eyes and emptied his glass of fire whiskey. Maybe what Neville said was right he thought to himself.

Finally another chapter! Honestly, this is my least favourite chapter to write from the twenty-something chapters I have planned. Actually Chapter 2 was my least favourite, so for those who had made it so far! I am so glad you have stuck with the story after the incredibly boring Chapter 2 :P

Also I am trying to decide whether Harry Twins baby will be 2 boys, 2 girls or 1 boy 1 girl! The expected due date would be in March but I am not sure if I want them to be an aries baby or a picses baby! Let me know what you think!

Coming up Next: Hermione walked into her office and find out today she has to pay a visit to Malfoy Potion Inc? And Draco and Hermione's first mission together! Will things go according to the plan? What will happen in the Malfoy Manor? STAY TUNE!

OMG! I am getting really excited to write the rest of the story~ I hope you guys will enjoy the rest of the story as much as I enjoyed writing them! follow my story or give me a review on how you think about it!