Chapter 2

She stared at them surprised. Surely Kingsley didn't mean her. I mean, she thought rationally, why would he choose her? Malfoy hated her and she didn't think they would necessarily get along. And besides how was she going to face going back to that house. Her thoughts going back to the place where she was tortured.

Her left arm quivered as she thought of her mudblood carving and she vaguely heard Kingsley send everyone out as Harry gathered her in his arms. She forced herself to stop trembling as his panicked voice jolted her from her memory. "You're okay Hermione, you're okay." He cajoled her and squeezed her icy fingers.

Kingsley handed her a glass of water which she accepted gratefully and took a sip.

She handed it back to him and he smiled comfortingly at her. 'I know that the Malfoys are not people you wish to associate with ever again Hermione, especially considering what you've gone through. But I am extremely anxious to get one of our own on the inside, and with Malfoy looking for a wife, it is the best opportunity."

"But why me. Surely there are others more-'" she broke off as Kingsley interrupted.

"no one in this department let alone the entire Ministry is capable of carrying out this mission other than you Hermione."

Her cheeks turned pink at the praise, which coming from Kingsley Shacklebolt the Minister for Magic was a great deal. However she couldn't help but have her doubts. For one there was this panic state she was in a few minutes ago.

"But Kingsley I just had a near panic attack, and" she gestured towards Harry who was silently observing the exchange, deep in thought; "if It wasn't for Harry then I would have been like that for hours."

"It was just the shock, and I doubt this has happened for a long time, has it?" he asked her and both her and Harry shook their heads.#1

Kingsley looked apologetic "I'm sorry to put this on you, Hermione. But I really NEED you to do this…" he trailed off.

"you promise nothing will happen to her." Harry spoke up suddenly; his voice stern.

Kingsley nodded, "Harry I know that you're upset about this, but you have my word Hermione will not be harmed in anyway."

Hermione glanced at Harry, who was staring at Kingsley with an odd expression of worry and sadness.

Harry sighed, "It's not that I don't trust you Kingsley, I-we" he nodded towards Hermione, "We trust you, it's just that we-I don't trust-"

"-Malfoy," Kinsley finished for him and Harry nodded. His calm façade fading slightly.

"Well", Kingsley said smiling mischievously, "I may have acquired some knowledge from Mr. Malfoy that will prove that he will not let any harm come to Hermione."

He paused as they stared at him surprised. "What, you didn't think that I would actually consider Mr. Malfoy's request without considering the implications, did you?" explore these options

Harry had the grace to look sheepish.

Kingsley continued; "The reason why Draco wanted me to find a Muggle- born witch is because he has a son.

Harry and Hermione could only stare at him. Malfoy has a son, Hermione thought flabbergasted And what does being muggle-born have anything to do with it? She glanced at Harry who looked as shocked as she did.

"What!" he managed to say.

Kingsly on the other hand seemed perfectly calm and even half amused by their reactions. "Well I trust this has come as a big shock to both of you," He said in his calm booming voice. "I'll need you both to listen very carefully while I explain this to you. I am going to explain the aspects of this Assignment, and Harry will need to know this as well, as he as of now is the lead Auror in this investigation." He looked at Harry who nodded seriously before continuing, "But what I am disclosing right now is strictly confidential, only between the three of us and only us. Is that understood?"

Harry and Hermione nodded understanding the seriousness of this Mission.

"A couple of years ago, after the war; 20- year old Draco Malfoy married his betrothed Astoria Greengrass, as that was his parents' last request before their deaths. A couple of months later Astoria gave birth to Draco's child, Adrian Malfoy. She died shortly after that, due to complications during the birth. And since then Draco has been raising the child on his own, but now that Adrian is growing, Draco needs a wife to help him raise the child. Or so he says; the reason the reason why he choose to marry a muggle-born is unclear, however we have a strong suspicion that he has in some way reinstated the death-eaters, or has been aiding them in order for them to remain hidden, until he deems the time is right".

"And you're sources are?" Hermione questioned sharing a puzzled look with Harry who looked quite alarmed at the prospect of the Death-Eaters rising again.

Kingsley smiled apologetically; "I'm afraid, In order to protect them, they're identity must remain anonymous"-he continued on speaking over Harry and Hermione angry replies ("were Aurors for crying out loud, protect him from WHAT!" Harry said offended. "And honestly Kingsley anonymous source really! That from Hermione)-–"even to you both….Hermione you will go to Malfoy Manor as Draco Malfoy's wife; no one one is to know that you are spying on him for us."

Hermione nodded wordlessly.

"So Malfoy wants his name cleared by marrying a muggle-born, and he gets a mother for his child," Harry concluded

"Yes I believe so," Kingsly said looking relieved that Harry had gotten a hold of himself and was approaching this like any other mission.

"And that's a perfect opportunity for me to marry Draco and spy on him at the same time." Hermione stated, her mind trying to comprehend every detail.

Kinsley nodded, "This is a very dangerous assignment Hermione, you must play your part well, If not I fail to think about the consequences and knowing the Malfoys; and their position it will be severe. So I shall ask you one last time, are you positive you want to do this? You understand that… this is a marriage contract; binding clearly "till death do we part". Moreover, if broken, Death it is; unless it is consensual."

Hermione glanced at Harry who gave her a reassuring smile and nodded, "Yes I am sure."

Kingsly nodded "Very well." I will let Mr. Malfoy know that we have found a willing candidate. I want you to go home and prepare for tomorrow. Any questions?"

Harry and Hermione both shook their heads.

"Alright, you both are dismissed." They smiled wanly at him as they left.