A/N: Chapter three... I think things are about to get interesting...

Disclaimer: I OWN NOTHING!

Chapter Three - The Order and Death Eaters

It was three hours after the ceremony. An hour after I had received the Dark Mark. The pads of my fingers caressed the Mark softly, the skin still inflamed and blotchy. I didn't know whether to hate it or to love it. It was a part of an order who's philosophy was morally and ethically repugnant to me, and yet, it was a part of my father, whom I loved dearly.

My mind snapped back into the present and I looked around. I couldn't think about that right this moment. I had to act fast now. Snape couldn't leave before I proved myself to him. I had to explain my actions to him before he could tell the Headmaster and Harry of my disloyalty. If the Order got wind of my treachery it would almost be impossible to change their minds again. Snape was my only hope. This reacquired getting away from Father, however, and Snape was already looking restless. We were in the Father's study at present, and we had just left Narcissa Malfoy to see the last of the Death Eaters out of the Slytherin mansion. I would take my chances after the meeting. For now, Father was giving his most faithful Death Eaters orders and the sensitive regulations surrounding me.

"She is my daughter, and therefore if I am not here to answer to, you answer to her. Her word is law. Question her and you question me. Understand?" he said dangerously.

Lucius Malfoy, Bellatrix Lestrange, Snape and Wormtail bowed to the both of us, accepting my authority. I couldn't help but sneer. Despite the fact I loathed being bowed to and shown superiority in anyway, I had to admit the fact that they were all bowing to me was laughable. Not even twenty-four hours ago they would have called me a Mudblood and hexed me as soon as bow. My eyes darted to meet the black, emotionless gaze of Professor Snape as my mind shifted to the dark Potions Master. He was worried. He was very good at hiding it, but I could see the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes as my eye met his. I raised an eyebrow and his eyes fell to the hem of my robes again. Ironic how things were playing out, especially where Professor Snape was concerned. Was it fear I sensed from the man?

"Also, as I told everyone before they left for the night, my daughter's name had better not make its way into the Prophet. If this does indeed happen, the consequences will be severe," he said his voice low. "Until I see fit, my daughters identity will stay away from the press and the Order. Understood?" There were whispers of assent in the dark room from the four dark wizards and witch.

"Tired, daughter?" Father asked, looking down at me with a small smile in his eyes.

"Yes, father," I replied. "Exhausted."

"The ceremony tends to drain even the sharpest of minds, daughter," he said, giving Mr. Malfoy a purposeful look that made the man nod and retreat from my father's side. "You would like to retire, I trust?"

"Please."

"You know where to go," Father said. "I must speak with Lucius on a matter, then I myself will retire to my library. If you are in need of me, I shall be there," He nodded to the three remaining Death Eaters. "They are here to use as you see fit. Goodnight, Hermione."

"Goodnight, father," I said, kissing his cheek before bowing lightly.

Father left, the only Death Eaters around now was Bella, Wormtail and Snape.

"Bella, Wormtail, you may go. You have both had an exhausting night," I said my voice firm and cool. I looked at them with hard, emotionless eyes and they exited quietly.

"My quarters, if you would, Professor," I said giving Snape a hard look before I grabbed his wrist and disappeared in a puff of smoke.

"You wanted to speak to me, my Lady?" Snape asked iciliy, as we appeared in my privet library, wrenching his arm away from me as if it burned.

I looked at him with annoyance. "Drop the formalities, Professor. You may call me Hermione when we are alone."

Snape raise an eyebrow. "Of course, Lady Hermione," he drawled.

I rolled my eyes. I could tell this was going to be a long night. "Make your move, Snape," I said, waving a hand as I made my way to my favorite armchair in front of the fire and took my seat. "We are alone now, please, speak freely."

He eyed me for a moment, as if sizing me up. Normally I wouldn't have appreciated this, but I would do just about anything to win his trust now. I knew if I won his trust, I would win the whole Order's. Snape had the Headmaster's ear and that was all I needed to gain a foot in the door. Convince Snape that I was loyal, and I knew the Headmaster would have to believe me. I would sit in this library for a week if it meant gaining his trust. I would do anything. Our eyes met in that moment. I willed him to see the truth in my eyes, but Snape's eye were as cold as ice and seemed unresponsive to my silent plea.

Snape had not moved from the doorway, still examining me as if I was a poisonous snake preparing to strike. He crossed the room slowly, our eyes still locked together in a silent battle of will and trust. Finally, he stood in front of me, not even a meter away from my crossed legs. It seemed an eternity before he spoke.

"So, you have turned against your home then, Lady?" Snape asked in his usual deep voice, his words piercing me to the core. I glared at him, my hand absently fingering the handle of my wand. "Your friends, your teachers? I'm surprised. Aren't Gryffindor's known for their loyalty?" I stiffened, averting my eyes. I would let him talk. I would let his anger and fear towards me come out first, then I would make my move. I knew that his immediate thought would be me blowing his cover, I had to sooth that fear as quickly as possible if we were to get anywhere.

"Did you always plan on using me to inform your precious friends about you true colors? Di you not have the nerve to do it yourself?" he asked, his voice dangerously low. "Do you plan to inform your father about my loyalty to the Order? Or would you have me beg as your father would?" I flinched. "Slowly playing with your pray. Making me panic, then tremble and beg?" His eyes bore into mine, searching for the answers I had yet to reveal. "I assure you, you will never get that satisfaction from me, witch. What do you want? Why am I still alive?"

He paused, waiting for me to answer. When I refused to break the silence, he continued, "The Order's secrets will be indulged as soon as possible, I'm sure. If you haven't already. Wiping us all out in one sweep so you won't have to worry about losing your new power."

Anger was bubbling in my chest. There was no truth in these statements, but I had to remain calm. I would have to show him that I was nothing like my father. I would never become him. Not the dark wizard he was now. Never.

"Will you kill the Headmaster?" he hissed. "Or Potter, or maybe Weasley? Perhaps even your former Head of House or myself?"

"I could have killed you all easily before now if I had set my mind to it, Professor!" I snapped. He stared at me with his dark black eyes. "I have had ample opportunities to kill you all, and tell my father what I know, and yet I haven't. Oh, he tried to get me to talk, but I never did." I silenced myself before I could say anything else.

After a long silence, Snape looked around, and sat down in one of the armchairs across from me. I breathed a heavy sigh, wringing my hands with worry. I had to make him understand, and bickering was not helping.

"I have brought you here to explain myself." I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "All I am asking is that you listen. Give me time to show you what my true intentions are."

He shook his head, looking at me. "Explain."

I told him. I told him everything that had happened for the past five years. From how I found out he was my father, from how I met him when he returned, his private lessons that helped me become more powerful in mind and in magic. Everything that I had kept from my closest and dearest friends now poured out of me into the Potions Master in front of me. His features never revealed his feelings as I told him everything my father was planning to do in the future, how I had wanted so desperately to tell the Order of my position, how I was terrified that they wouldn't let me use my relationship with the darkest wizard ever known to help their cause. I willed him to understand that all I had ever wanted to do was help. I wanted peace for the world, not the chaos my father would bring.

I hadn't realized that I had been pacing in front of him as I had told my story. I stopped in front of him, turning to meet his obsidian orbs.

"Professor, you have to believe me," I let my emotion show in my eyes. I kneeled before the dark wizard, ready to beg. I barely noticed him leaning forward, my eyes downcast. "Sir, please believe me."

A breath later I felt the pads of his fingers brush against my chin. He didn't need much pressure to bring my chin up so that my eyes would finally meet his. I understood his meaning, letting my barriers fall. I nodded. I felt him enter my mind. He was gentle, and slow, careful not to touch or prod into a memory he knew he wasn't allowed to see. Knowing I could force him out at any second, I let him see the memories of me and father, how I had figured it out, our meetings, everything. When he was inside my mind, I knew he wouldn't hurt me, or do anything I didn't want him to do. I felt protected and comforted by his mental touch.

When he withdrew what felt like seconds later, he looked at me, his own shields down. "I believe you...Hermione," he said his usual deep voice even lower. "I shall be sure to inform the Headmaster of your true loyalties."

I let out a small sigh of relief and nodded. "Thank you, Professor." The emotions between us were raw due to such a long mental contact. If I hadn't known myself any better, I would have said that tears were trying to break free. I cleared my throat and fought them back.

A small, rare smile flitted across his lips. "I think it time, considering our position, that you call me Severus from now on, Hermione."

"Very well, Severus," I replied, smiling back. I paused, then reached into my robes. "Can you please take this to Harry when you see him?"

Severus held out his hand and I placed the silver, ruby and diamond ring into it. He looked at it with astonishment. "Lily," he said, examining the ring.

"His mother's engagement ring," I said sadly. "Father let me go through the family jewels one day when the mansion was deserted. I found that in a secret cabinet he put things of his victims in. I knew it was his mothers the moment I saw it. Plus the engraving gave me a little hint."

Inside the band, was the engraving, James and Lily Potter, forever and always.

"Please give it to him," I said again. "Hopefully he'll believe me when you give it to him. I know he can be thick headed sometimes."

Severus smirked and pocketed the ring. "It will make its way safely to Mr. Potter, I assure you, Hermione."

I nodded my thanks. "How can I reach you, Severus, when I need you?"

He looked at me curiously. "Surely you father taught you how to use the Mark?" he asked.

"Aye, he did. But I don't want to cause you pain. My father has caused you enough already," I said my eyes falling to the floor. I wasn't a fool. I knew that my father and the Headmaster both had monopolized Snape's - Severus's - life since he had left school. Shame coursed through me at the thought of my father burdening him for so long.

He averted his eyes at this. After another short moment, he replied, "There is another method Lucius and I use," he said. "Press your wand tip to your own Mark, then say my name." He did so, saying my name, it was then I felt a warm sensation all over my body, as if someone had poured warm water on my skin. "Do you feel it?" he asked.

I nodded again, still feeling uncomfortable. "Very interesting," I said. "I will contact you tomorrow, if my father doesn't first."

He nodded woodenly. We stood in unison, and I watched him prepare to leave. At the last second I caught his arm.

"Please tell Dumbledore I intend to do everything in my power to end this war for the better. My father will not prevail if I have anything to do with it. The Order has my word."

He looked down at my hand and then into my eyes.

"I know."

He stepped away from me, our eyes never faulting. And then he was gone.

***One Week Later***

I was just taking a stroll in the garden. That's all I was doing! Minding my own business and I run up on some gang beating! For heaven's sakes, I thought at least Death Eaters my age would have a little more...self control. I laughed at myself. What was I thinking?

I heard cries of pain, at first. Then jeers and thuds. My first thought was someone was attacking the mansion, but when I rounded a bush, wand out, I found out I was very wrong.

Malfoy was on the ground, his nose bloody, his face swollen and purple due to the beating he was receiving from the three brutes. Two others were holding a screaming Parkinson back, as she fought tooth and nail to try to get to Malfoy.

This was my first situation I had to deal with without father, I realized and hesitated. I had to make my decision. Watch like my father would, or come to Malfoy's rescue like the Hermione Granger in my head was screaming? No one had seen me yet, except for Malfoy, and only with one eye. Growling under my breath, I pointed my wand at one of the young Death Eaters who was drawing his foot back to kick Draco square in the jaw.

"Crucio!"

The young Death Eater fell on the ground writhing in pain and agony, scream at the top of his lungs.

"Silencio!" I spat. His screams were silenced.

After a few more seconds I removed the curse. I glared at the young men around me. I recognized their faces faces. Marcus Flint, Vincent Crabbe, Gregory Goyle, Pansy Parkinson's older brother Hayden...

I walked slowly over to the leader of the group, who was breathing hard on the ground. It was Blaise Zabini. I kicked him hard in the ribs, remembering that this was my duty, that I had to act like Lord Voldemort's daughter. It was not the time nor place to feel sorry for him.

"Does it hurt?" I hissed, standing over him. "I sure hope so. Stand up!" I barked at him. He did so, holding his middle, and silently groaning in pain. I took his chin between my fingers pulling his chin down, making him look at me. "How dare you touch your fellow Death Eater! What has he done to deserve this?" Zabini was silent. "No matter. Punishments are given by either myself, or the Dark Lord. Judgment of your fellows is not your decision. Do you understand, Zabini?" He nodded. I pushed him away from me.

"Let her go," I ordered Crabbe and Goyle. Parkinson fell on her hands and knees with a grunt. "You all better be able to run fast. Father will be here soon," I said looking down at Malfoy. The five males ran.

"Thank you, my Lady," Parkinson said, pressing her forehead to the ground. "Draco and I would be dead if you hadn't have come."

"Please stand up, Parkinson, and help me help Malfoy," I said cooly.

Before I had the chance to even kneel down to check Malfoy's wounds I heard a deep voice behind me. "My Lady, what's going on?"

I turned to face Severus. A growl escaped my throat, and Severus seemed to understand at once. This was not the time for explanations or questions. His robes billowing as only his could he strode immediately to Parkinson's side, helping her to her feet.

"I'm glad I reached you when I did," I said ripping the front of his robes open to see the already purple bruises. Malfoy moaned as I touched a scrape on his chest. "What did you do to piss them off, Malfoy?" I asked, looking down into his glassy grey eyes.

He tried to responded, but began coughing, and that in turned caused him to scream. I clapped a hand over his mouth, forcing him to look at me.

"That won't help you," I said as he whimpered behind my hand. "It'll make it worse. Severus, could you do the honors?"

Severus pulled out his wand and pointed it at Malfoy's chest. The obviously broken ribs healed at once, enabling him to breathe easier. I took over after that, healing his bruises, scrapes and cuts easily.

"What happened, Pansy?" Severus asked while I worked.

I could practically feel Parkinson's pointed look towards me, I stopped my work and looked up at Severus, raising an eyebrow.

"She is your Lady, Pansy," Severus said rolling his eyes and sighing. I smirked and returned to my work. "Trust her."

There was a brief pause. "Draco and I met in the garden, we haven't seen each other in a week so we started talking about Death Eater life, about what our parents were saying about us," Parkinson emphasized. I shook my head. Everyone knew Malfoy and Parkinson had been seeing each other. "It was then they," she nodded towards the bushes where the five Death Eaters had fled, "came out of the bushes, and began attacking us. They said something about getting even with Draco and me, for ruling their lives in their school years."

I looked at Parkinson and smirked. "I don't really blame them, Parkinson. You controlled their lives with little blond wonder here's help for seven straight years. And you didn't help either," I said, turning my eyes on the black ones before me. Fire sparkling in Severus eyes as he glared at me, I smiled inwardly. I had to admit to myself that it was amusing messing with the man, especially now that he couldn't dock points. The tables were turned, now I was in control.

"Continue," I said nodding to Parkinson.

"Not much else happened, my Lady." she said. "They looked as if they were going to take advantage of me, but Draco stepped between us, and they started beating the crap out of him."

I clenched my jaw. If I had it may way, those boys would pay for the events of the day. Taking advantage of a woman was a line that not even father had stepped over since learning he had a daughter. I had made that perfectly clear at least. He had learned that day that his temper was something he had shared with his daughter. Oh yes, father would be informed about this. I would make sure of it.

I returned my gaze to Malfoy, "Anything else I need to heal before you stand?"

"Knee. Broken," he hissed through gritted teeth.

"Ah!" I said pointing my wand at his knee and healing it quickly. "Better?"

Malfoy gasped in relief. "Thank you, my Lady."

I smiled at him. "Severus, could you help him stand?" I asked. Severus did so, and I got up with the help of Parkinson. "You need bed rest, Malfoy. Are you staying here?" he shook his head. "Well, you are now. Severus, take him to Ravenclaw's rooms."

Severus nodded and with a turn of his heel and billow of his cloak they were gone.

I turned to Parkinson. "Would you accompany me, Miss Parkinson?"

"Of course, my Lady," Parkinson said. "But please, call me Pansy."

I nodded. "Take my arm, it will be much simpler. Don't you agree?" Pansy nodded, looking nervous as she took my arm, but with another swish of my robes and a puff of smoke, we were gone.

"Mmm..." I said pulling away from Pansy. "I have been in these rooms a million times it seems, and they never fail to astound me."

Ravenclaw's rooms were decorated all in different shades of blue. The bed spread was satin and dark blue with gold sheets, the floors were, midnight blue marble with tiny, sparkling stars, as was the ceiling. Three walls were the same dark blue, but the last was stained glass, but in it, with a blue background was a golden raven that moved. It was a beautiful sight.

Hermione spun on her heel as the door to the rooms opened and Severus strode in with Draco limping at his side.

"Make yourself comfortable, Malfoy," Hermione said, waving to the bed, as Severus led the blond to sit. She went to one side of the bed, watching him closely and preforming several diagnostic spells on him. Finding nothing a good days rest wouldn't cure, Hermione pocketed her wand. "I will have the House elves bring you anything you wish. All you have to do is ask."

"Thank you, milady," Draco said awkwardly, shifting down under the covers. I didn't respond to him. Only blinking.

"Father should be here any moment," I said a moment later, making them all look up at me with terrified eyes. "He would have felt my anger, and is probably tracking me down as we speak. Ah, and here he is."

At that very moment the door burst open, and Father strode in, his robes swirling around him.

"What happened?" he asked me, his eyes scanning the scene quickly before him before coming to rest on me again.

"Misters Crabbe, Goyle, Parkinson, Flint and Zabini thought this would be the perfect little idea to settle an old school grudge, Father." Father look at me questioningly. "They, as you can see, beat young Mister Malfoy to a pulp because he tried to protect Miss Parkinson's honor." I raised and eyebrow at my father, his nostrils flared in understanding.

Father hissed under his breath, making the other three in the room shiver. It didn't really bother me. "Well done, Draco." he said, fixing his eyes on the younger wizard. "You are true to your name and your word. You were right to protect Pansy's honor, even if it meant extreme pain." Father's eyes went to Severus, then to me, asking me silently.

"Severus helped me heal Malfoy's injuries, and transported him here. He came upon us after the attackers fled."

Father nodded to Severus. "Thank you for helping my daughter, Severus." He turned back to me. "I will call on you later tonight, daughter. Things have transpired that need our attention."

I bowed slightly. "Of course."

"I have punishments to hand out, daughter. If you will excuse me," And with a puff of smoke, he was gone.

I turned back to Malfoy, Pansy and Severus, who were presently trying to hide their look of terror and revulsion. I found it amusing and yet sad at the same time. It was a shame that I was the only one alive that knew who Tom Riddle was underneath Lord Voldemort's dark exterior.

"I assure you the people that did this will pay, Pansy, Malfoy." I said, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Thank you, my Lady," Malfoy choked out.

"Water?" I asked, my worry showing in my voice. He looked rather surprised, but nodded. I waved my wand at his hand and there appeared a glass of water with a straw.

"Drink," I said gently.

After a few minutes of silence, with Draco drinking two glasses of water, Pansy's voice broke it. "You're kinder than I thought you'd be," she blurted out.

"Pansy!" Severus said, his voice sharp.

"Severus." I looked at him, letting him know I had this, then I turned to Pansy. "I haven't been through what my Father has," I said simply. "I have lived a privileged life. My father didn't. There are many things I have had that my Father never did." I paused, looking down at my hands. "My father is powerful because of what life has thrown him, and in turn he has taught me many things, and more training from him is to come. Though, you are right, I am kinder, softer than he." I paused again. "I have yet to experience what must be experienced, to learn my Father's way."

Silence retook the room and I refilled Malfoy's glass.

"I almost believed you myself," Severus told me. He and I were alone in my quarters, after we had left Malfoy alone to sleep. Pansy had gone to let her parents know she was alright. They would've heard what had happened in the garden, and would be worried for her.

"Believed what?" I asked, leaning back in my chair

"Your little speech about you father," he said.

I smiled, and looked up at the ceiling. "Parts of it were true, that's why you almost believed it," I said. I could feel his eyes upon me, waiting for me to go on. "Actually almost all of it was the truth. I will tell you now that I will not become my father, neither will I learn his way."

"Hmm..." he nodded, steepling his fingers.

I looked over at him. "You have news for me?" I asked.

He turned his head to look at me. "As a matter of fact I do," he said. "I went back to Headquarters last night. They all were going mad, worrying about you. As you know, your father has ordered us not to tell anyone about your true name, until he puts his latest plan into action. Which should be in this coming month. I informed them of where you are, and what your position is..." he shrugged. "You can imagine the ruckus that caused."

I nodded. "I can. Who all were there?"

"The Weasley's minus Percy and Ginny, Potter, Minerva, the Headmaster, Remus, Nymphadora, Mad-Eye and Kingsley." he said, counting them of on his fingers. I winced.

"What happened when you told them?" I asked.

"Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter threatened me and told me to take it back, wands drawn." I moaned. "Molly began weeping into Arthur's shoulder, the twins began yelling something about dragging you back if it cost them their lives. As for the rest of them Remus and Tonks went white, Minerva went into shock, and the Headmaster knew about it."

"What?!" I cried, standing up from my chair. "How?!"

"I don't know," he said. "It's a mystery to me as much as it is to you, Hermione."

I looked at him, my lips pressed together. "Damn that man!" I hissed under my breath. "I could've used his help."

Severus smirked. "He keeps telling me that he wants others to find their own way."

I growled.

"What happened next?" I asked, sitting back down.

The windows to his eyes were cracked slightly, showing sadness. Then he said four words that crushed me. "They don't believe you." I stared at him, not moving, not breathing. "I tried to sway them, but they didn't buy your token." He set Lily's engagement ring in my out stretched hand. "Nor your story. Potter told me he wouldn't believe you unless he saw the truth in your eyes himself. The Headmaster remained silent. Whether he believes you or not, I could not tell you."

I looked away, my breathing irregular. "I shouldn't be surprised." I said, smiling a small smile. "But it still hurts that they would regard me so." There was a long pause, as I thought about how I could win them over.

"A knut for your thoughts, milady?" Severus asked after what seemed like hours.

I looked up at him. "When is the next Order meeting?"

A/N: Dun dun dun! More soon!