AN: It is one of those sleepless nights for me so I decided i'd write and post another chapter. To all of the people who have added my story to their story alerts/favorites, thank you! It makes me very happy to know that some people actually want to read my work. I would really appreciate reviews! I promise to reply back too. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: These characters are not mine, but JK Rowling's. *sigh * Guess I'm not getting paid today...

Hermione awoke to a small tapping sound at her window. Sounds like an owl. She rubbed her eyes, and slowly made her way to the window. Sure enough two beady black eyes looked back at her, waiting to be let in and rid of it's letter. When the bird was in she grabbed the letter and began to read.

Dear Hermione,

I am sorry about the news I had to give you yesterday. I hate the thought of you being mad at me, and us being on bad terms. I know that this assignment will be extremely hard for you, but I know that you will do your best. I spoke to Ron last night, well actually he yelled his bloody head off...but that's Ron for you. I have a meeting scheduled this afternoon with the Minister of Magic, and will get back to you as soon as I possibly can. Again, please don't be mad at me 'Mione. I was only doing my job.

Love, Harry

Hermione quickly flipped the note over, and wrote her reply.

Dear Harry,

I know you were only doing your job, and I am dreadfully sorry for the way I acted. I was being childish, and was taking my anger out on you. You're my best friend, and I love you to death. I will be eagerly awaiting your reply.

Love, Hermione

As soon as the owl flew off, Hermione grabbed her clothes for the day and went off to take a shower.

Time seemed to go by slowly as she waited for Harry's reply. Sighing deeply she whispered, " Accio book," and Hogwarts: A History landed with a small thump on the counter space in front of her. She stood there shuffling through the pages, but her mind was far from the words before her. What if nothing can be done? Would it be all that bad spending a year with the Malfoy's? She shivered, and answered her own question. Yes, yes it would.

Lost in her thoughts, Hermione failed to hear Ron's voice as he stepped into the room.

"Hey 'Mione." He noticed her posture and blank face. " 'Miooooneee."

She jumped as she felt a hand on her shoulder. "Oh hey Ron," she smiled halfheartedly.

He looked her over carefully and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder before heading towards the fridge.

Hermione rolled her eyes and let out a laugh.

Surprised by her sudden change of mood, Ron stuck his head over the door. "What?" He asked, an arrangement of food and drink in his arms.

"Ron, your appetite never ceases to amaze me," she giggled and skipped over to kiss his cheek.

As usual his ears turned a fiery red to match the likes of his hair, and he mumbled incoherently.

Hermione suppressed yet another giggle as she watched him set the large amount he carried onto the table for consuming. She sat down in the seat next to him and just watched him. With a mouth full of sandwich, he tilted his head in confusion at her gaze.

"What are you thinking?" He questioned before taking another bite.

"I'm thinking about you," she stated matter-of-factually.

"Me?" A hint of worry flickered in his eyes, but quickly died as Hermione closed the space between them with a kiss.

"What was that for?" He beamed, his eyes sparkling.

"You know you're gorgeous when you aren't eating like a pig," she joked, wiping a bit of lettuce from his mouth.

His face reddened a bit, and he let out a small laugh. "I'll take that."

About an hour had gone by when Hermione heard the familiar tapping coming from a window. She took a deep breath and grabbed the note the owl carried. She hesitated and handed it to Ron. "It's from Harry," she explained. "It's about whether or not he could get me off this assignment."

Ron took it, and read it to himself before speaking.

"Well?"

He frowned and muttered a 'bloody hell' before handing it over to Hermione.

Her heart sank as she read the news Harry had sent.

Dear Hermione,

I am very sorry to tell you this, but it's official. This assignment is yours. You are to be ready to leave for the manor in a few weeks. An owl will be sent to you with instructions on how you are going to go about completing this assignment, and a set of rules you are to follow while living at the manor. Again, I'm awfully sorry 'Mione.

Love, Harry

Without a word said between them, Ron and Hermione embraced each other. This was going to be a very difficult year.