CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Summary: Hermione's secret is discovered by The Order of the Phoenix. Before Harry is rescued, she needs to be first. But from who? With the help of Sirius she learns to put the past behind her, and with the help of two Weasleys, they show her a happy future. But Hermione isn't who she thinks she is, what she discovers will change her life for good. Rated M for a reason.

Disclaimer: All original characters and canon events belong to J.K. Rowling. Non-canon events are my own ideas. I am not making any profit from posting this fanfic.

Page count: 9

Hogwarts – Friday 20th December 1996

Hermione had long since returned to Hogwarts, fully reinstated in her position as Gryffindor Prefect. Dumbledore was Headmaster again and though that brought her some comfort, she was far from settled.

Things were happening outside the protection of Hogwarts, things that were kept from Harry for fear of putting even more pressure on him. But she, as The Blue Mage, had been present at all of The Order meetings over the summer and she was privy to far more information than she would like to be. They knew that she hadn't chosen a side, but they still needed her to be present for reasons they wouldn't divulge. In a sense she was glad to know what was happening because she could prepare herself, but also, she wished she didn't know the horrors that were currently occurring under the command of Voldemort.

Things at Hogwarts had been strange. Now that everyone knew the truth about Voldemort being back, the populace avoided her as much as they could. When her gaze caught that of another, they would immediately stiffen and pale or look away and walk in the opposite direction. They had not believed her and as a result, they were worried that they would be punished for disrespecting The Blue Mage.

Of course Hermione rolled her eyes, if her magic wanted them punished, it would've done it. No, there were several people her magic was longing to teach a lesson to, but unfortunately, it didn't feel it was the right time. She could feel it, it was always buzzing and she was always on edge. Her magic was waiting for something, but she didn't know what.

She tried to keep to herself busy, listening to Harry when he needed to tell her about his lessons with Dumbledore and filing away information he had learned about Voldemort from Dumbledore. She ignored Ron and his disgusting displays with Lav Lav, which Harry found amusing. Well, he was disgusted but he found enjoyment in her reactions to it, once she almost threw up and accidently caused a wind storm, sending food literally flying around the room. There was not one clean surface, wall or person without food covering them. Poor Dumbledore had gravy in his beard, Harry had a carrot in his collar and Snape somehow had asparagus up his nose. It caused many laughs and detentions, not for her though, it hadn't been intentional.

When she wasn't with Harry, completing her duties as Prefect, in classes and doing homework, or writing to the twins, she was worrying about Draco.

She had noticed a huge difference in him. He was quieter, he didn't bother with tormenting other students. Hell, Ron had walked into him the other day and he simply looked at him, turned and walked away. He didn't speak at the Slytherin table, he didn't answer questions or pay attention in class, he always had bags under his eyes and his hair was unkempt. He was falling asleep in class and getting detentions, he was getting thin due to not eating and stress, he didn't even tease her about her being The Blue Mage and he often didn't turn up to their weekly 'cousin time' sessions. And, to top it off, there was that awful incident that happened with Katie Bell at the weekend during the Hogsmeade trip.

She was very worried and she knew it was time to do something about it. She would be returning to Grimmauld for Christmas the coming Sunday and she didn't have a lot of time.

So with that thought she cornered him that night in an abandoned classroom. When he left the great hall after dinner, she followed him and when they reached the dungeons, she used her ability to control air, to push him into an unused classroom, she stepped in behind him and the door slammed shut behind her. She didn't bother locking the door, but she did put up a Silencing Charm.

Malfoy turned around looking furious but it immediately turned to worry when he saw who it was that had pushed him.

"What the hell is going on with you?" Hermione demanded, it wasn't in her usual kind tone either, which just added to the anxiety he was feeling in being trapped in a room with her.

There was no denying it, he knew he wasn't leaving until she had her answers, in all honesty, he was surprised it had taken her three months to do something about his behaviour, he had been betting on a week.

"What do you mean?" he said defensively.

"Don't be obtuse, you're smarter than that!"

His signature smirk almost appeared on his face at hearing her compliment him, but it vanished before it could take root.

"What the hell is going on with you?" she repeated, glaring at him. "I know there's something that's causing you so much stress. You don't eat, you've lost weight, you don't sleep, you look a mess, you sneak around the castle at night, like to the Room of Requirement." He was surprised at her knowledge of his nightly trips to the Room of Requirement and it was evident. "Yes, I know about that, Draco, if you don't tell me what's wrong with you, I can't help you."

"There's nothing wrong."

"Don't lie to me," her voice darkened and he could feel the shift in the atmosphere in the room, causing him to shuffle on his feet. "I can't help you if you don't tell me what's bothering you. What have you gotten yourself into?"

"I haven't gotten myself into anything," he spat bitterly. "My father has, he failed Him and now I've been punished."

He lifted his robe sleeve up to reveal the dark mark. Hermione didn't gasp or make a sound of disgust, she just stared wide eyed before she pulled herself together and looked at him.

"Tell me everything," she said calmly.

Hermione listened for close to two hours. Draco told her everything, from his father's failure, to him being forced into taking the dark mark to his task to kill Dumbledore, or his mother's life would be taken. She didn't judge, she didn't interrupt, she listened to him as he cried and shook in fear.

"You're going home for the holidays," she stated.

"No, I'm not, I'm staying here."

"No, you're not, you're going home, pack your trunk and meet me at the Hogwarts' gates at noon on Sunday." He stared at her. "I'm going to help you."

"You're not choosing a side for me."

"No, I'm not choosing a side, but my magic wants Him punished even more now that I know what he's done to you, and his punishment will be given in due time," she promised and he shivered as her magic swirled in the air around them, he didn't doubt her words.

~000~000~000~

12 Grimmauld Place – Sunday 20th December 1996

"Bloody hell," Draco cursed as he and Hermione appeared in the middle of an empty street covered in snow.

"Side-along," she shrugged as he looked like he wanted to hex her, and she smiled cheekily knowing he couldn't without receiving pain.

"Where are we?"

"Home," she replied whilst removing a piece of parchment from her pocket and she handed it over to him. "Read it."

He looked confused but did as she asked. "The home of Sirius Black is number twelve Grimmauld, between houses eleven and thirteen." She took the parchment from him and burned it until it was ash.

"Why did you make me read th..." he trailed off when he saw two houses suddenly begin to shake, before they slowly moved apart, another house appearing in the centre. She walked forward and when she reached the door she turned to look at him, he stood in shock.

"Are you coming in or standing outside in the freezing cold?" she asked amused. He nodded dumbly and walked over to her, she opened the door and gestured for him to enter first.

She looked around before stepping inside and closing the door. The warmth of the house immediately hit her, as did the sound of laughter and terrible out of tune singing, a song she didn't recognised but she knew the voice well; there was only one person that could incorporate the word 'Snivellus' into a song without issue.

"Welcome to The Order of the Phoenix's Headquarters," she spoke with a smile.

He rounded on her, spinning around so fast it was a wonder he didn't fall over.

"Are you insane? I can't be seen here, I'll be killed!"

"No one knows you're here. The house is under the Fidelius, Voldemort thinks you're at school to complete your task and no one will harm you if I order them not to. I brought you here for a reason. You may think that you don't belong here, but you do. This is where you belong, where your family is. You have just as much right to be here than anyone else. We'll inform The Order of your situation at the next meeting tonight and a discussion will be had to determine the best course of action. Now, follow me and don't make any smart arse comments."

He gawked at her. She smoothed down her jumper and then squared her shoulders, preparing for battle, before walking down the corridor and into a large room, filled with far too many red heads for Draco's liking.

When they entered the room, everyone turned to look at them, a smile on their faces, that was until they noticed Draco standing beside her and they dropped, well, except for Fred's and George's. Those present included, Bill and Charlie, Ginny and Ron, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Harry and Remus, Sirius and Tonks and finally the twins.

The twins rushed over to her and crushed her between them, hugging her tightly as they peppered kisses to her face and she laughed at them.

"I missed you," she whispered softly.

"Well, there's two of us, we missed you doubly," they replied. She laughed at them, before they lowered their head and each stole a quick kiss from her, grinning widely.

They were brought out of their greeting when someone spoke.

"What is he doing here?" Ron sneered at Draco; the others had arrived home the night before taking The Hogwarts Express, whereas Hermione had stayed behind for a further night since she had an apparition licence.

"He's here for Christmas," Hermione said lightly.

"He doesn't belong here, he's a Death Eater!"

A dark look took over Hermione's face and to everyone's surprise, Sirius walked over to Hermione and Draco and he stood on Draco's left side, where Hermione stood on his right.

"He has the blood of the House of Black in him, he has just as much right to be here as you do, more even, if you don't like it, you know where the door is. I don't care whether you stay or leave, I've never particularly liked you anyway," he spoke calmly, his dark eyes boring into Ron's challengingly.

Everyone stared at him with their mouths hung open.

The twins shared a snigger. Sirius turned to a pale looking Draco.

"Don't worry, Kid, we won't let anything happen to you, you're welcome here any time and make yourself at home. It's a bit of a dump though," he clapped him on the shoulder and turned to Hermione.

'I assume you've brought him here for a reason, how did he get access?'

'Dumbledore gave me the parchment to give to him. He knows that I wish to speak to The Order tonight about Draco's situation.'

'Situation?'

'It's bad, Sirius, very bad.'

Everyone watched as they had a silent conversation until Sirius nodded, signalling the end of it.

"Like I said, Kid, make yourself at home, and watch out for Kreacher, he's a grouchy bastard. Ow!" He rubbed his arm where Hermione had hit him and he scowled at her.

"Don't be a baby, I could've used magic."

~000~000~000~

Later that night The Order meeting was drawing to an end.

"Before we all head home for the night, Miss. Black, you wanted to discuss something with us," Dumbledore spoke, his eyes twinkling knowingly.

Everyone turned to look at her curiously.

Those present included, Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape, all The Weasley's bar Ron, Percy -for obvious reasons- and Ginny, Remus, Sirius, Tonks, Kingsley and Moody.

"Yes, I'll be right back," she spoke, before standing and walking out of the kitchen and into the living room, taking a reluctant Draco's hand and dragging him behind her and into the room.

The reactions were mixed; some looked curious, others shocked, some confused and others furious, and then there was Fred and George who laughed at the look on Draco's face.

"Don't!" Hermione warned coolly, as she knew what was about to leave Moody's mouth. He seemed taken aback by her tone and the twins shared a look of pride. "If any of you raise your wand to him, I will not be responsible for the actions of my magic, he is under my protection whilst in this house," she let her words sink in. "Draco, the floor's all yours." She moved slightly away from him so that the attention would be on him and not her.

He took a deep breath and slowly lifted the sleeve of his shirt, revealing the dark mark.

The response she had been waiting for broke out, gasps and several shouts of spells. She willed the air around her to protect Draco and it did, much like it had her and Sirius during the battle at the Department of Mysteries. A tornado whirled around him until the spells had lost momentum and vanished, the tornado leaving with them.

Everyone stared in disbelief and Draco looked at her in awe.

"Don't test my patience," her voice darkened.

"She's a Black," Sirius said proudly, breaking the silence.

"Draco, tell them what you told me," she encouraged him.

He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth.

"My father failed his mission from Him, for his failure and for being captured I was punished. I was forced into taking the dark mark. I never wanted to be a Death Eater, I was raised by one. He's given me a mission; I must kill Professor Dumbledore by the end of my sixth year and fix the vanishing cabinet in the Room of Hidden Things, so that he can have a safe passage for his followers to allow him to take control of the school. If I fail, I will be killed, as will my mother." They stared at him.

"You're the one that cursed Katie," George spoke, his eyes cold and so different to his usual warm and mischief expression.

"That was an accident," Draco muttered and looked down at the floor. "I couldn't go through with it, so instead I used a necklace that would cause pain, not kill. Bell was supposed to deliver the package, instead she ignored the warnings of the danger the package contained and she opened it. It's as much her fault as it is mine. If she had followed the orders given to her she would've been fine."

"We are aware of your mission, Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore spoke; everyone's eyes snapped to him in shock as his twinkled knowingly, that's when Draco noticed Snape.

"You're here," he said dumbly.

"Obviously," he drawled in reply and rolling his eyes.

"But you're supposed to be at the manor."

"That is my next destination."

"But you're working for Him."

"Severus has been a spy for The Order for many years," Dumbledore informed him.

"But, he's a spy for Him!"

"I assure you, Mr. Malfoy, Severus is a valued member of The Order." Sirius snorted, but otherwise didn't comment.

"Now, we best discuss your situation, please take a seat," he gestured to the only empty seat in the room.

~000~000~000~

Saturday 4th January 1997

It was the night before Hermione would be returning to Hogwarts. She had loved Christmas this year. Everyone seemed to get along quite well, once Draco's true loyalties had been revealed to The Order, all The Weasley -bar Ron and Ginny- had warmed to him, even involving him in many of their traditions, including The Weasley jumpers, much to Ron's disgust.

Bill and Charlie teased him as older brothers do, Fred and George pranked him as usual, though it was less cruel, Mrs. Weasley mothered him when she could and Mr. Weasley often could be found offering fatherly advice to Draco before dinner. Harry had been shocked yet he didn't interact with him, Hermione spent time with him in the library, Sirius the study and Ron shut himself away in his room, not that many cared.

All in all, Christmas had been one of the best she'd had, rivalled by the year before when Sirius adopted her.

She was currently laid in bed with the twins, they had taken to sleeping in the same room since she returned, Molly had a thing or two to say about it, but Sirius had quickly silenced her, stating it was his house, Hermione was his daughter and she and the twins were both of age, they could make their own choices, besides, he knew that nothing was amiss, Hermione would tell him if there was.

"We have something we want to show you," Fred spoke quietly, his finger running up and down her back lightly, George's doing the same on her stomach and she hummed in content.

"Where?" she muttered with her eyes closed.

"Not here, you'll need a coat."

"But I'm comfy," she grumbled, they laughed at her.

"Come on, let's go," George kissed her cheek and them moved away and off the bed, offering his hand to her.

She sighed and took it, before they all left her room and headed down stairs, taking their coats off the coat rack and slipping them on.

"Does Sirius know about this?" she asked them.

"Yes, he does and he approves," Fred assured her.

"We're flooing, but it's a surprise, so..." with a wave of his wand and a muttered incantation, a blindfold appeared, covering Hermione's eyes.

Fred took her hand and carefully led her to the floo, George covered her ears so she couldn't hear Fred speak as he threw the powder into the grate.

~000~000~000~

When she felt Fred take her hands again and tug lightly, she moved her feet, moving in the direction she was being guided in.

"Where are we going?"

"Just a second," George replied and she huffed, causing them to chuckle.

It was a couple minutes later when they stopped her and the blind fold was removed. She blinked as her eyes accommodated to sight once again and then looked around her. She was stood in the middle of a large field, the grass short and buried underneath a heavy layer of snow, trees littered the grounds, also covered in snow.

Her eyes turned upwards and she almost gasped, in the clear night sky she could see every star, bright and beautiful, something that you couldn't do in foggy London. Her eyes then moved in front of her, landing in the not so far distance, where a quaint cottage sat with a gravel pathway and snow covered flower beds.

It was obviously wizarding made; the sheer impossible number of windows on the cottage gave it away. Hermione thought it was pretty and rather large for a cottage and since it was wizarding made, it was likely bigger on the inside too. The white brick was overcome with grown vines and plants, blossoms and flowers would be present in the spring and summer, but for now, snow stuck to it. The large glass windows were framed by white wood, the large brown door looked old fashioned, but the same colour as the roofing. A large chimney sat on the roof of the house, but no smoke was leaving it meaning the cottage was unoccupied.

Hermione had noticed that the twins had been exceptionally quiet and she turned around to face them.

"Where are we?"

"Cornwall," they replied softly.

"And the cottage? Who does that belong to?" she raised an eyebrow.

"Us, all of us we hope." George, for once in his life looked nervous. He was pale, his eyes darting about her face and he wiped his hands on his jeans as he shuffled on his feet, Fred wasn't any better.

"I'm sorry, what was that?" she asked surprised.

Fred and George both looked at each other and then looked back to Hermione. They took a deep breath and promptly dropped to the snow covered ground on one knee. George fished something out of his pocket.

A ring box.

"Marry us?"