A/N: Hello all! For a start, I'm sorry for the late update, but I had a row with the internet, and just didn't want to connect the little bugger. Anyway, thank you all for the lovely reviews, and hope you still enjoy reading. Secondly, I might delay further chapters a bit, seeing as my mother will be visiting me, (haven't seen her in two years) and I'll probably spend a lot of time with her. I'll try to keep my updates at once a week, but I won't promise anything. Kisses everyone…and don't forget to review.

Enjoy!

Chapter 13:

''What time is it?''

''Two minutes later than the last time. Mione, he's the one that wants to talk to you…he'll be here.''

''Harry do you understand that if the Slytherins understand our point of view the war is as good as won? Lucius Malfoy is Voldemort's second in command, or at least he was until the demons butted in. Lucius Malfoy has the best information we can get at the moment. If we get Draco to convince his father to trust him and spill the beans they're ours. Crabbe and Goyle Sr. are the ones that lead the teams in assaults. Crabbe and Goyle Junior follow Draco in everything. If we get the information from them before they do it, we can save a lot of lives. This meeting tonight is the most important of all. We have the new DA, they're progressing wonderfully, imagine having the Slytherin house as our spies. Voldemort won't be able to make a bloody step without us knowing.'' Hermione ranted. ''So if you want me to calm down, well it's not going to happen.''

''Miss Granger, you will have to calm down, your eyes are turning red. Is that the way you want to greet him? Or them, knowing my godson, he won't be alone.''

Huffing in annoyance, Hermione ceased her pacing and sat down on the couch. 'Patience is a virtue' suddenly came in her head. She snorted. Well, there was a reason she always did the research on her own and didn't wait for someone else to give her the answer, there was a reason why she never took the appropriate time and rushed everything as much as she could when doing something, there was a reason why she pushed Snape to his limits that night. Patience wasn't her virtue. Especially in this case, time was more precious than even Phoenix tears, and tonight's announcement in the Great Hall was bound to bring Hogwarts upside down.

Hermione's eyes narrowed as she sensed different feelings coming trough the door, and she could hear more than two sets of feet approaching. She didn't even wait for them to knock. Getting up, she quickly snatched the door open to reveal even more than she had expected. With a toothy grin she stepped aside so they could enter.

Draco Malfoy, Theodore Nott, Vincent Crabbe, Gregory Goyle, Daphne and Astoria Greengrass, Pansy Parkinson and Millicent Bulstrode, Blaise Zambini, Adrian Pucey, Eloise Midgen and about another fifteen from the lower years that Hermione either hadn't had time to learn their names, or didn't care. She was about to anyway. The important was that every Slytherin in sixth year was there…but no seventh year. No matter.

Silence ensured after Hermione closed and warded the door. Twenty-six Slytherins were more than Hermione had ever dreamt. But now she had to know why exactly they were inside that office and what were they expecting.

''So…start speaking.'' Hermione ordered, her face blank. Their emotions were pretty mixed, but she could make out nervousness, fear, shame…but there was one amongst them that was deceiving.

''Granger, all of us here have agreed on one thing. Joining the Dark Lord is not an option we want to embrace. We've seen what he does to our fathers and we don't want that. We were taught to be above the others because we are purebloods, we were taught that muggles and muggle-borns especially should bow down to us…and yet they are bowing in front of a half-blood. We've done some research and discovered who the Dark Lord really is. It's enough that our fathers treat us bad at home, we don't want the same when we get the Dark Mark. That's why we've come to you. I can't speak of what I saw, but I know you will help us. We hope at least…'' Draco said.

''I can see that you say the truth, but tell me Draco…did you know you had a traitor amongst you?'' Hermione asked with narrowed eyes.

''No!'' Draco said, looking at his housemates. He'd trusted each and every one of them with this, and they had all agreed with him. If there was a traitor, he would deal with it himself.

''Well, you do, and after I'm done with him, he won't remember anything of what you've told them, or that you came here.'' Hermione started scanning their thoughts, until she came upon the one she wanted. Smirking, she started walking towards him, already feeling the fear rolling off of him in waves.

''Adrian Pucey…why have you come here? Did you really think you would escape with information and report to your master? Well…tough luck buddy…'' Hermione boringly waved her hand at the boy a few times and he fell to the floor unconscious. ''Dobby…please return mister Pucey to his bed.'' she said to the elf as soon as he appeared in the room. Dobby quickly nodded and vanished with the sleeping student. ''Now, anyone else have the same thoughts?'' she asked, knowing very well that the others were true.

They shook their heads.

''Good. One question though. On the battle field you will be on the other side of the camp…facing your parents. What are you going to do?''

Hermione watched their faces as a myriad of feelings passed trough their eyes, but slowly determination won. Hesitating a little, Pansy Parkinson stepped forward.

''I believe I speak for all of us when I say that at the moment we don't care. They are willing to give their sons to a blood lusting maniac, and their daughters as his followers' whores. We have come here tonight to avoid those fates. We don't want to kill for his sick satisfaction, and we certainly don't want to become mothers to bastards conceived during a rape session in a Dark Revel. If our parents think we should be honored for receiving such a treatment, they don't know what honor is, although they are Slytherins.'' Hermione's eyes softened, glad that they indeed understood what awaited them within Voldemort's ranks, although, a shudder went down her spine as she remembered certain moments of her own torture session at the hands of Lucius Malfoy. Promptly shoving the thoughts away, she inhaled deeply and started talking.

Harry sat on his chair, just observing the Slytherins that had done everything in their power, for the past five and a half years, to verbally abuse them, especially Hermione. And now they were standing in front of her, listening to what she had to tell them, about the DA, about the special groups that they intended in forming, about the training they were to endure, and about anything else they needed to know for them to survive the upcoming battle…

He vividly remembered the way he trained the former DA, and how when they had asked for help none but Ginny, Neville and Luna had answered. Now that he thought of it, the training in fifth year had been pathetic, looking at what they were being taught now.

Both Hermione and Snape were brilliant. Harry knew for sure that under them, the students not only would be learning a lot more than the school, or Dumbledore, would teach, but they would also learn more rapidly. Hermione had an obsession with time, and she was always pushing a little. But no one complained, they all knew her reasons and accepted them.

Voldemort was a threat that couldn't be overlooked, and the training they were receiving was to their advantage and survival. The least they could do was follow their orders and hope for the best. Harry just hoped that the announcement had been enough to snap the others out of their dreamlands, and make them understand the danger they were all walking in…willingly or otherwise.

The meeting ended a good three hours later, with the Slytherins leaving with a charmed galleon in their pockets, after Hermione explained how they worked. Although Hermione and Snape had been the ones to do all the talking, Harry was exhausted. One thing though, had entered his mind about half way trough the meeting, and refused to leave.

Hermione and Snape.

The way they sometimes knew what the other was thinking, the way they would unknowingly complete each other's sentences, the way they moved around each other, the way Snape kept looking at her…

Harry didn't quite like it. He had never loved, or given love, but could say she was family, his sister. She knew him better than anyone else, she always understood him and comforted him. She was the closest person he had left. And he knew her secrets.

Snape on the other hand, Harry knew nothing about. Yes, he had changed towards them, yes, they were more comfortable with each other, they could talk about different subjects without growling or snarling at each other…but the man's past was as unknown as ever. Both himself and Hermione had told him about their lives, but Severus Snape betrayed nothing.

Well, if he were to pursue Hermione, Harry would have to make sure Snape gave back everything he would receive from her.

Yawning, Harry removed his glasses and fell on his pillow. With the Slytherins on board, the upcoming months would be torture…er, hard training.

'Greater good…Harry told himself…keep that in mind.'

The headache that Albus Dumbledore was spotting at the moment was unbearable. The night had been unbearable, howlers kept coming every two minutes or so, rendering him unable to silence them. Thankfully none of the letters had shredded themselves, and he was able to just sit and read them, but the chaos that the shouting had created almost left him deaf, it was a miracle he could still think.

Indeed, Harry Potter's statement at dinner had created quite a bit of a stir, and having everyone asking questions wasn't the best of things.

It was only the Granger girl's fault. Dumbledore had known ever since she helped Harry with the Philosopher's Stone in first year that she would be a problem. Whatever danger was thrown her way, she was still standing. She was too smart for her own good, and Harry seemed to follow whatever she said. Well, that wouldn't do…that wouldn't do at all.

Albus had hoped that her third year would make her back away after the broom incident…or that maybe she would encounter her other self somewhere…no one could know what would have happened. Forth year Dumbledore had accepted the Triwizard Tournament in the hopes that he would concentrate on that instead on his friends, but no! Ronald Stupid Weasley had to go and mess that up. Fifth year he had convinced Harry that Hermione was to blame for the DA club and Dumbledore's fleeing from the school, but again, the girl just wouldn't back away. And now, it was worse. Harry Potter was slipping trough his fingers and he couldn't allow that.

There was one option though…

Popping another lemon drop in his mouth, Dumbledore slowly made his way towards the fireplace. Grabbing a handfull of Floo Powder, he threw it in and spoke loud and clearly 'Molly Weasley'.

''What can I do for you headmaster?'' Molly asked as her head popped in the green flames.

''Where are you?''

''Grimauld Place of course. As you know, during the year we live here.''

''Yes, yes. Anyway, are you alone? We have some serious matter to talk about.''

''What happened? Is Ron alright? Did something happen to Ginny?''

''Neither. Our problem is Miss Granger and Harry. It seems the boy has taken quite a liking in her, Ron has some time to speak to them because of that, and your daughter seems set on having every male in sixth year and above. I thought I told you to take care of that.'' Dumbledore said sternly.

''Yes, well, can you blame her? She wants to have some fun before she has to marry him. She doesn't even like him. No offence, but he isn't the brightest star on the sky, his vaults on the other hand…''

''Enough. Step away so I can come trough. Miss Granger has to be removed from the picture and we need a plan.'' Molly nodded and disappeared.

Taking another handfull of Floo Powder, Dumbledore stepped in the fireplace and said his destination. By the end of the year Hermione Granger would be history if he had anything to say about it.

The holidays reached Hogwarts in no time. December had started with light snowflakes covering every window and settling a thin white cover on the grounds, only to have the weather gain full force on December 20th, rendering the castle completely burrowed under a few feet of snow. Of course, the students had seen it as a white playground, every muggle-born especially, was out and building snowmen, or engaging in snow fights. Hagrid and Fang, of course, amongst them. It was quite an amusing view the one of Hagrid's big frame amongst the small first and second years, either helping them with the snowmen, which often passed even Hagrid's height, or seeing the half-giant sprawled in the snow with students in red, yellow or blue robes, trying to overpower him. The DA had decided to stay at the castle for training mostly, but also to protect their families since they knew for a fact that some of the Death Eaters wanabe knew they had started the club, but not who was in it, or what they were doing, and seeing as some of their families were in safe houses, they knew it would be a greater risk to leave. So the day the castle had been mostly cleared of students, Hermione, Severus and Harry had engaged the DA in a mock snow fight, in order to improve their aim, and that way Dumbledore wouldn't know what exactly they were doing.

Of course, Severus had been reluctant at first…until he received a well aimed snowball in the face from Hermione. Seeing her flushed, laughing and running, in order to avoid the snowballs, drove him crazy, urging him to pull her in his arms and kiss her senseless, but she somehow managed to always crash into Harry, or him pulling her from the path of a well aimed shot. It was only a game, but it irritated him nonetheless. Seeing her laughing with him, or hugging him was like seeing Lilly and James all over again…

It was a fruitless hope. She was young, beautiful, powerful…why would she ever look at him? Severus Snape, whom the students hated, mocked, feared…fruitless hope indeed.

Dumbledore's contest went pretty good…students bounced ideas on each other since the first day it had been announced, ideas of traditional Christmas, of Hawaiian Christmas, of role playing, or more macabre…of vampires gatherings, with actual vampires invited, finally to have it settled on a masque ball. The attending students and teachers were required to transfigure their own costume, not necessarily a character, and they were to find their partners amongst the masks by midnight.

The girls in the DA had gathered in the Room of Requirement the day before the ball, in a struggle to complete their costumes, and avoid having two identical at the same time.

Being the best in Transfiguration, Hermione had taken it upon herself to help the others and provide some ideas. She was transfiguring a devil's costume for Lavender as the thought of the potions professor came to her. Seeing as the staff also required costumes, she started thinking what his costume would be, knowing how much he despised these sort of celebrations. Thoughts of the vampire Lestat, or Batman came to her mind and she started giggling. They didn't have to follow a certain pattern in the costume making, but she just couldn't imagine him dressed as Robin Hood, or King Artur, too bright colors for him.

''Hermione…'' Parvati's voice startled her out of her thoughts, ''…you've helped all of us with our costumes, but you didn't do yours. What are you dressing as?''

Hermione grinned and shook her head. ''I'm not telling. You'll have to wait until tomorrow.''

''You're evil, did you know that? Why can't we see your costume, and who are you going with?''

''Well, Harry asked me, but I can't know what his costume is, that's what the challenge is all about. And I'm not telling you what my costume is.'' The finality in her voice put a stop in any other question or protest the girls may have had. It was a challenge, and she would make it difficult for Harry to find her. That way he could also improve his observation skills.

By six o'clock the next day, the castle looked deserted, as everyone was preparing for the ball, or making last minute changes to their costumes. Hermione stood in the prefects bathroom, looking at herself in the mirror, thinking if her idea was indeed a good one…but who would know any better?

Closing her eyes, she started murmuring the necessary spells for her change. The image in the mirror started blurring as her hair started growing and becoming black with red highlights, her skin taking a lighter hue and her eyes becoming a brilliant violet. Grinning at her reflection, a thought of Buffy the vampire slayer popped in her mind. Magically curling her hair and gathering it in a messy bum on top of her head, leaving a few tendrils that framed her face, she started on the actual outfit. Dismissing a few thoughts, she finally decided and started waving her hands over the clothes she was already wearing. She transfigured her plain t-shirt into a black leather bodice, with the back half exposed, a generous deep cleavage, the red strings that held the front exposing a bit more than she would usually have. Well, no one would know who she was until midnight…or until Harry found her anyway. She continued with a pair of black leather pants and red knee-high, high heel boots. It wasn't too far from her battle outfit, except for the revealing bodice and the color of her boots that is, but looking back at herself she saw a very sexy woman, a temptress…Lillith would be proud. Conjuring a few daggers, she placed them at her belt and placed a red mask over her eyes.

It would be difficult for Harry to find her, but at least she could have some fun…

When she reached the Great Hall, her thoughts went to her fourth year and the bright room with the twelve decorated trees, the fake ice that had covered the windows and every corner, the silvery dust that had covered the walls and floor, but not this time. This time the Great Hall was decorated almost as a romantic dinner for two. The light was enough for one to see across the room, but not enough to easily recognize someone, tables for two were scattered along the walls, with roses in the middle of each one, sparkling silver sheets were magically attached to the ceiling, begging you to play 'hide and seek', the band was unknown to her, but were already playing a soft song. It was very different as a theme for a Christmas ball, but it was a welcome change.

Looking around, she recognized Lavender's red costume, but her blonde hair was now a vibrant pink and in a plaint, Padma in her 'Poison Ivy' costume, with her black hair now blonde, Ginny Weasley in a ridiculous imitation of 'Little Red Riding Hood', with her red hair in two braids. It was tempting to just use her powers to feel who everyone was, but it was much more fun to just be surprised.

Dumbledore-a shocker- was dressed as Merlin, while McGonagall was dressed as an elder wood nymph, Flitwick as one of Snow White's dwarfs, but her eyes were searching for a certain bad tempered, sarcastic, black-haired potions master. Hermione didn't know why but she just couldn't see him in any costume, or even any other color. Didn't want to, really. It suited him. That dangerous allure, the billowing robe, his dark penetrating look, his sharp features…he didn't even know how bloody attractive he was…or what he did to her senses whenever he was near for that matter.

Spotting Harry's disheveled hair, blonde at the moment, a mischievous smile on her lips, she entered the room. She was attracting a bit of attention, but she didn't care. Harry was her target, and toying with him would be fun, if only…

''Well, well, well…what do we have here…''

A/N: Liked it? Hated it? Leave me your thoughts, or any idea you might have. Thank you all.