A/N- Awesome. You are all awesome. This week has been crazy and my updates are getting a little slower. I work the next six days in a row so hang with me!

Disclaimer: I don't own a durn thing. All my characters belong to the great J.K.R. and I haven't made a single knut from any of my writing.

Chapter 13

September 12, 1995

Harry scuffed his shoes on the scarlet carpet as he waited for Hermione to appear in the common room. He had decided to take Draco's advice and grovel to his best friend. When he really thought about it, he could see why she felt so betrayed. He had told her that he didn't tell her because a gentlemen didn't kiss and and tell, but he had given Ron every detail. After Ron's obvious lack of faith in Harry, he could see how it would hurt her feelings.

He was startled out of his thoughts by footsteps coming down the stairs. Harry glanced up to see Hermione making her way down the stairs that led to her dormitory, head bent as if she was watching where she placed her feet. He didn't know what that was all about, but if things went well he would ask her.

Harry had noticed that while the old Hermione had always worn her hair up because it was out of control and frizzy, the new Hermione almost always wore her hair down. He could only assume that it was because her hair now fell in soft curls down past her waist, frizziness gone forever.

When the beautiful Gryffindor realized that she had an audience, her head came up and she met Harry's eyes. He felt like he could drown in the brilliant blue orbs staring back at him. She gave him a soft smile and started to cross the common room so she could stand beside him.

"Good morning, Harry." He took her hand so he could kiss her palm.

"Morning, Hermione." She gestured for the portrait hole with her eyes. While Harry really didn't want an audience while he apologized, he really didn't want to do it while walking through the corridors. However, he relented since Hermione was the wronged party and she so obviously wanted to leave.

Harry followed her out of the common room and through the corridors until they reached the fifth floor. It took him the previous two floors to gather his nerve. Finally, he grabbed her elbow and pulled her to a halt so he could face her. He tried to sound confident and sure of himself, but knew he was failing miserably.

"I'm so sorry, 'Mi. I never meant to hurt you and I hate that you feel betrayed." She shook her head, casting her glance downwards.

"No, Harry, I had no right to get angry. You are in no way obligated to tell me who you sleep with, nor do I have the right to make you feel guilty for not wanting to share that with me." Harry crooked one side of his mouth up.

"Hermione, we both know that you're full of shite. I didn't tell you for a very specific reason, one that makes me look pretty pathetic, but I told Ron because I was stupid. I should have known you would feel betrayed when you found out he warranted the information but you didn't." Hermione sighed before she met his gaze.

"Why didn't you want to tell me?" Harry raked a hand through his messy hair before rubbing the back of his neck.

"I already knew that I liked you and I knew that if I told you all about my hook ups any chance I had with you would be gone since I know you're not that kind of girl." Hermione sighed. It was only a moment later that she went into his arms, her head resting on his chest and her arms hooked around his waist.

"I forgive you, Harry. Thank you for telling me, now I don't feel completely pathetic about still wanting you while you were dreaming about Cho." Harry made a moue of distaste.

"Yeah, I don't know what I was thinking." She chuckled before she laced their fingers together after stepping back. Harry took a chance and pressed a quick kiss to her lips before they started through the corridors again. They had made it to the second floor when Harry spoke again.

"Why were you looking at your feet so intently when you came down from your dormitory?" Hermione gave him a sheepish look.

"I think one of the girls messed with my shoes. They feel tighter than usual." Harry felt a flare of annoyance. Why did it not surprise him that Lavender or Parvati would mess with the girl he was actually interested in? He shook his head in irritation.

"Did you fix them?" She nodded.

"I did it on the stairs down to the sixth floor." Harry smirked and shook his head. He should have known that Hermione wouldn't need her wand for a simple spell to fix her shoes.

The pair made their way to the Great Hall where Harry saw Hermione throw a smile Draco's way at the Slytherin table. She took her usual seat next to Ginny so Harry followed her lead, sitting between Hermione and Dean. Food had already appeared on the table so Harry spooned himself up a heaping portion of pancakes and sausage. Hermione shook her head in amusement at the sheer amount of food on his plate. She had never been much of an eater, picking at most meals because she was too caught up in a book.

The meal passed without incident. Hermione finished her porridge and fruit, Harry put away two plates of pancakes. When the bell rang for the students to head to class, Hermione stood and Harry watched as she skipped across the hall to fling herself into Draco's arms in exuberance. Harry was still confounded at the fact that he didn't feel jealous of the attention that Hermione showered on Draco. It also didn't appear that Draco was jealous of Hermione's copious amount of attention for himself either. When Harry reached their sides, Draco flashed him a grin.

"Alright there, Harry?" Harry couldn't believe that he had actually gotten the cold fish Draco Malfoy to address him by first name. He supposed that he shouldn't be surprised, it was only a matter of time after all, but he was nonetheless. Draco seemed entirely aware of Harry's thoughts and smirked at him openly.

"Ready for t-rig?" Hermione burst out in laughter at his words. Harry just shook his head at the epic fail.

"You did not just call my favorite subject t-rig. That sounds like a gangster name." Harry snorted but Draco looked confused.

"What's a gangster name?" Now Hermione was laughing. Draco was just starting to look irritated when Hermione spoke.

"It's a muggle thing. One of these days, Harry and I will show you a gangster." Draco raised an eyebrow at her before he nodded.

"You two must teach me all about the muggle world. I don't like not knowing the inside joke." Hermione poked his ribs a few times before she relented with a smile.

"Alright, we'll teach you but for a price." Harry burst into laughter.

"There's that Slytherin you're so sure isn't there." Hermione poked his ribs this time as she stuck out her tongue.

"Pot meet kettle." Draco grinned at their antics before he spoke.

"What do you want?" Hermione turned serious.

"Teach us wizard customs. We both grew up muggle, we're ignorant about the wizarding way of life. The Weasleys are the only example we've had and I've heard they're extremely unconventional." Draco actually snorted, a most indelicate sound.

"You could say that again. I know you all thought I was just being a prick because the Weasleys were poor, but they really are quite unconventional. We'll use that word if you like." Harry and Hermione both narrowed their eyes at him and Draco sighed. Harry couldn't let the blond's words be forgotten however.

"Where the fuck did you get t-rig?" Draco blushed just a tiny bit.

"Blaise and I bet on how many pancakes Goyle could eat in the span of one meal. I lost and as a result, I have to call that class t-rig for the rest of the day." Hermione burst out in laughter once more.

"Boys will be boys, as they say."

The trio entered Transfiguration and Harry confessed himself happy that he didn't have to take the chance of McGonagall hearing him call her class t-rig.

The class continued with animal transfiguration. They were set to change a kitten into a fox, not a very difficult transformation if you knew what you were doing. Harry doubted that he would have been able to accomplish it if he hadn't had two tutoring sessions on the subject with Hermione and Draco.

Harry completed the spell on his fourth try, far better than anyone else in class aside from Hermione. Draco tied with him, but he was still proud of himself.

Once class was dismissed, the three of them left and headed for the library. While they certainly weren't behind on homework, Hermione was anal about doing her homework every day. He suspected that she was O.C.D., but he couldn't know for sure. Draco usually didn't seem to mind the trips to the library so Harry endured and congratulated himself when he got his graded essays back.

The trio worked amicably in the silence of the library. Harry was pretty proud of the fact that he actually finished the essay before lunch. He decided that while he was there, he would see if he could find any books on prophecies. While he did indeed have Divination after lunch, Harry really just wanted to see if he could figure out any alternate outcomes to the prophecies regarding himself, Hermione, and Draco. Hermione snorted in disdain at his book choice, but he let it roll of his back. Her opinion on divination had been quite clear for years.

Harry, Hermione, and Draco all adjourned to the Great Hall for lunch. They chatted about nothing in particular as they roamed the corridors. When they finally entered the Great Hall, the whispers started again as usual. Harry could tell that they still bothered Hermione a little. He supposed that he couldn't blame her. Nobody wanted their peers to think that their boyfriend was only with them because of who her father was.

Draco split ways and Harry couldn't help but think that he looked dejected as he took his seat next to Blaise Zabini. Harry watched in amusement as Pansy slid into the seat next to him and began petting his arm. Hermione seemed distracted by serving herself lunch and Harry could only hope that Draco got the pug off his arm before Hermione noticed.

Draco did indeed remove Pansy from his arm. He scowled and sneered at her and delivered what seemed to be a rather graphic dressing down in front of the whole table. Harry wanted to chuckle, but he didnt dare. The inside would have to work. He had never liked Pansy and not because she had been mean to him. She had always treated Hermione the worst of himself, Ron, and Hermione. He had let Hermione cry into his robes several times after hurtful comments from Pansy Parkinson.

Lunch was almost over when an owl soared down from the windows and dropped a small roll of parchment in front of Hermione. Harry watched as she fed the owl a piece of chicken and slowly unrolled the letter. Her eyes scanned it quickly before she handed it to Harry.

Miss Granger,

Yourself, Mr. Potter, and Mr. Malfoy are requested to meet in my office tonight directly after dinner. We have much to discuss.

Headmaster Dumbledore

Harry couldn't help but dread the things they needed to discuss. No doubt they dealt with Voldemort. Not to mention, he wasn't entirely sure that Hermione was going to play nice with the Headmaster. She was still livid that he had bound her magic. While she understood the reasoning behind it, as the wronged individual in this instance, Harry didn't blame her if she decided to hold a grudge.

He looked up from the parchment so he could gauge Hermione's reaction. Her eyes were filled with apprehension. Harry took her hand in his and stood, helping her up next.

"We better go show Draco." The pair gave their friends a hurried wave before making their way to the Slytherin table.

-O-

Draco watched apprehensively as Hermione handed the parchment for Harry to read. Moments like this made him detest having to sit away from the other two parts of their triad. While he wasn't jealous of Harry spending time with Hermione, he felt left out when shite like this seemed to happen.

When he realized that they had risen from their table and were headed in his direction, he hurriedly wiped his mouth and stood, casting his friends one last look before he took off. Nobody said a word when they met in the middle of the Great Hall, but they turned amd exited so they could find somewhere private to talk.

Harry led the way and he seemed to have a destination in mind. Hermione handed him the parchment to read while they walked after lacing her fingers with his. Harry swiped his wand across an empty expanse of stone on the far wall of an unused corridor, exposing a passage when the wall seemed to melt before them. They entered the passage, the wall sconces leaping to light. Hermione spoke first.

"I think it's about Voldemort. I also have an idea of what specifically." Draco turned her way, completely unsurprised that she already had a theory. Harry remained silent so Draco gestured for her to continue. She shoved her lovely curls back behind her shoulders and started.

"I think that our kisses that were of a fairly public variety were made known to Voldemort. It wouldn't surprise me if he knows that you two are my mates. I have a feeling it's a discussion about being protected or something along those lines." Harry looked skeptical.

"You really think one of the students would directly report to Voldemort that we kissed?" Draco gave him a sharp look.

"Don't underestimate them. I know for a fact that Pansy, Goyle, and sometimes Theo report information to their fathers. If they told their fathers, they would go directly to the Dark Lord. In turn, he would call Severus, who would be unable to lie by that point." Hermione scrubbed her hands down her face.

"Did either of those three people see us kiss?" Draco snorted.

"I know for a fact the whole table saw it. It was all they could talk about at breakfast." Harry seemed to accept it the fastest, probably because of all the bullshite that had happened to him through the years. With years of practice at accepting shitty hands of fate, he had become a pro.

"So Voldemort knows that we're all together. Knowing that Hermione is his granddaughter and she has now found her mates puts the ball in his court so to speak. I'm guessing that's what the conversation will be about, especially if Snape went and saw Voldy last night." While Draco cringed at his name choice, Hermione giggled. He could only shake his head at the Gryffindors; they had no sense of self-preservation.

Hermione seemed to be struggling the most with the direction the conversation had turned. He knew that he usually let Harry take the lead on comforting her, but he felt that he needed to step up his game. He wrapped an arm around her lower back so he could pull her in closer. His fingers found her chin and he tilted it up so he could stare into her eyes.

"It's going to work out, Princess. You're the strongest witch I know and together, we'll get through this." She gave him a sharp nod and he could see that she was burying her fear. Knowing that she needed to focus on something else, Draco held fast to her chin and lowered his mouth to hers.

Draco had been told that he was an aggressive lover. He knew it was the truth. He loved to be in control and while he got the hint that Harry was the same way, Draco still felt like he was much more dominant. He also suspected that Hermione would love for himself and Harry to take control of their encounters for the simple fact that she had been in control of every other aspect of her life until she agreed to be theirs. Now, he was determined that he and Potter could alleviate the stress of just one aspect of her life.

Her mouth was fire against his, her lips soft and warm, her mouth hot and inviting. His tongue found hers and while she tried to take control of the kiss, Draco tongue-fucked her into submission. It was surprisingly easier than he had suspected it would be. He heard Harry groan behind them, fully aware of exactly what Draco was doing to her even if she didn't.

Hermione whimpered into his mouth and he knew that he had achieved his goal. While some people considered his method during intimacy to be harsh and controlling, after the other girls had experienced it, they couldn't get enough.

Harry moved closer to Hermione from behind. Draco beckoned him forward, knowing exactly what the Gryffindor wanted. Draco was completely on board. Besides, when they took their relationship to a new level, it would be with all three of them present. There was no room for embarrassment at people seeing you when you were in a triad.

Harry wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and began to lave her pulse point. Their tiny Gryffindor moaned in Draco's mouth at the contact and he could only smirk inwardly. He was aware of Harry's mouth moving expertly against the tender skin of her neck, ear, and jaw; Draco now had her shoved against Harry's hard chest and he was grinding his own erection into her belly. He could tell the moment when she realized just what was poking her in the belly and back; she gasped slightly and he simply swallowed it.

When Draco finally gentled the kiss, he could see that Harry had left a lovely little bruise on her neck just below her ear. The mark thrilled him; even though he hadn't put it there, she was marked as theirs. Stupid as she would have found the mentality, Draco just accepted it. Harry seemed wildly pleased with himself as well.

Hermione wasn't speaking she seemed to be enamored with running her fingers over her kiss-swollen lips. Harry and Draco smirked at each other as she seemed to come back to her senses. When she finally looked up and noticed them watching her, she scowled.

"You two ganged up on me. Not fair." Harry chuckled as he tried to set her hair to rights.

"Life isn't fair, 'Mi. You should get used to that. It will happen again." Despite the fact that she was trying to be angry, Hermione smiled. Draco stepped forward with her satchel in his hand.

"We need to go. Ancient Runes in ten and you know Professor Babbling doesn't like me." She chuckled as she took her bag in hand. She turned and pressed a quick kiss to Harry's jaw before she took Draco's hand and started to pull him towards the door. He just shook his head. Nothing came between Hermione and her classes.

They made their way to Ancient Runes quickly since it was still three floors away. The pair arrived just in the knick of time and were forced to sit separately. Hermione took the seat by Ernie McMillan and Draco was forced to sit by Lisa Turpin. He remembered Harry's confession from the night before and he hoped that Hermione wouldn't think that he was flirting with the blond Ravenclaw. Hermione seemed oblivious to the fact that he had sat next to her and for that he was grateful.

The class passed quickly despite the fact that it was three hours long. Draco enjoyed Ancient Runes, admittedly not as much as Potions, but he did enjoy a good long translation. It gave him a sense of accomplishment that he didn't seem to garner from Arithmancy or the like. He finished his assignment with only a few minutes to spare. Since he had finished, Professor Babbling had seen fit to not assign homework for which Draco was also grateful.

Hermione had turned her assignment in long before him, so he knew that she would be ready to go as soon as the bell rang. He really hoped she hadn't been sitting there worrying and overthinking the meeting with the Headmaster. When the bell rang, Draco sedately rose from his chair and threw his bag over his shoulder. Hsrmione was doing the same across the room.

They exited the class together and Draco was considering his thoughts from lunch. He hated sitting separately from Hermione and Harry. He wondered what the worst thing would be that could happen to him if he sat with them?

The pair were silent as they travelled the corridors and Draco had decided to go for it. Without a word to Hermione, he took her hand and pulled her into the Great Hall. The ever-present whispers went up around them and Draco couldn't help but to roll his eyes. Some things would never change at Hogwarts.

Harry was already present at the table so when Hermione sat, he leaned over quickly and kissed the side of her head. Draco knew this was the moment of truth. Grasping for his inner Gryffindor, he flipped his leg over the bench next to Hermione and sat down, letting his bag fall to the floor behind him.

The whole hall went silent. Draco fought the blush that was threatening to creep up from his chest. Sure, he loved attention, but not like this. The Gryffindors all stared, some with confused looks on their faces, some with angry ones. Draco wasn't surprised either way. Finally, the muggleborn with the dark skin spoke.

"What the bloody fuck do you think you're doing over here, Malfoy? The dirty snakes sit on the other side of the room." Draco was just about to resort to insulting the boy back when Hermione snapped her gaze to Thomas (Draco thought that was who he was).

"Leave him alone. He hasn't done shite to you this year and you will be civil to him unless you want to answer to me." Fear crossed Thomas' features and Draco fought the urge to chuckle. The whole House apparently knew of Hermione's fiery temper and were scared to death of her. Just when Thomas had seemed cowed just enough, Weasley walked in, saw Draco's trademark blond hair, and blew up.

"What in the bloody fuck does he think he's doing sitting at our table?! He is NOT a Gryffindor, he's too much of a bloody coward for the lion's pride. Malfoy, get the fuck up and go back to your bloody snakes." Draco could see that McGonagall was now on her feet and starting in their direction. Weasley drew his wand and took a menacing step forward towards Draco.

This was the wrong thing to do. Hermione flew to her feet faster than he had ever seen her move and stepped in front of Draco. There was no wand in her hand, but the power emanating from her was enormous. Weasley stopped cold at the sheer amount of magic surrounding Hermione. While Weasley seemed uncomfortable, it felt like a loving caress to him. He wondered if Harry felt the same.

"You will not hurt him, you pathetic excuse of a wizard. If you come near him, or Harry, you will not like the outcome." Weasley sneered and took a daring step forward. Hermione's magic hit him like a hurricane wind and he was blown backwards into the Ravenclaw table. Draco knew he needed to de-escalate the situation.

He rose to his feet and placed his hands on the tops of Hermione's shoulders while Harry stood in front of her, hands cupping her cheeks. Draco rubbed softly, massaging the tension from her muscles. The amount of power that she was putting out was immense and Draco could feel himself soaking it in. For a moment, he even thought he could feel Harry's magic within him. He wondered if they could feel him. Professor McGonagall had finally reached their sides and took in the situation.

"Somebody tell me what happened here." The female Weasley volunteered.

She explained exactly what had happened to her Head of House, and Draco was surprised that she didn't seem the least bit angry that he was there. When she finished, the stern older woman turned back to the four of them since Weasley had once again joined them.

"Mr. Weasley, that will be thirty points from Gryffindor for cursing and making a scene. Go find a seat down the table and be quiet. I don't want to see you speak again during the meal." She turned to Hermione and she could see that there was something more going on.

"Mr. Malfoy, twenty points to Slytherin for taking inter-house unity into your own hands and being brave enough to sit with my fierce cubs." Draco was surprised. He had been sure he would receive detention for breaching the lion's table, but instead he had gained points. That had been unexpected.

"Furthermore, I would like you three to join me after dinner. I'm sure Professor Dumbledore would like to hear of your bravery." Draco had to give it to the old witch. She was shrewd. In one sentence, she had just covered for their meeting with the Headmaster in front of all their friends.

Weasley slunk down the table sit with a fourth year he was apparently friendly with. The trio took their seats again and Draco dished himself up a plate so he could eat before they had to go meet with Dumbledore. Hermione was picking at her food while Harry wolfed down his plate next to her. Draco laid a hand between her shoulders.

"You really should try to eat. McGonagall and Dumbledore are going to wear us out." Hermione giggled.

"It's Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore." Their conversation was put on hold when George spoke.

"What makes you think you can tell our little sister what to do?" Draco straightened and readied himself for another argument. Hermione slammed her fork down and glared at the twins.

"He's my boyfriend, he can encourage me to eat as long as he doesn't nag me." Fred sputtered next to his twin.

"I thought you were dating Harry." Hermione had an impassive look on her face and he realized she was going to do it. Before he could stop her, she had already said it.

"I am dating Harry. We've formed a triad and trust me, our magic clearly approves." It was no secret in the wizarding world that triads were far more powerful because your magic became linked. Most people just couldn't get past the jealousy issues. Draco thanked Merlin that he and Harry didn't seem to have those problems.

The table had gone silent around them and while everyone else looked surprised and confused, Weaselette looked victorious. She stood and waved at the Ravenclaw table. When she turned back and spoke, her tone was triumphant.

"I knew it, I knew you three would make it work. I'm so happy for you." While everyone else was still silent in their shock, Ginny wrapped an arm around the blond Ravenclaw's waist after she had approached.

"If Hermione is coming clean, so am I. Luna and I have been seeing each other since the end of last year. We're very happy together." Draco just sat back and watched the Gryffindor's finally start reacting around him. While it was amusing to watch, it was also tiring.

Harry looked completely surprised, but was congratulating the two girls anyways. Hermione had dragged the two girls into a hug and Draco got the odd feeling that she had already known their secret. The twins were still sitting there silent, quite uncharacteristic of them. He saw no disapproval in their eyes, though that might change once they absorbed what they had just been told. The Weasel had his hand clenched around his fork so hard that Draco was sure he was going to break it. He remained silent, however, the threat of McGonagall's anger too much for him to disobey in plain sight.

It was when people began leaving the Gryffindor table to go to the other tables and spread the word that Draco knew it was time for them to bail. He tapped Hermione on the shoulder and motioned towards the door with his eyes. She nodded and did the same to Harry.

The three of them gathered their belongings and left the Great Hall to the whispers and stares all around them. He knew that breakfast at the Slytherin table was going to be uncomfortable at best. While he wasn't embarrassed of either Gryffindor, he was afraid that his housemates would see him forming a triad with them as a betrayal of sorts.

Once they were on their way to the Headmaster's office, Hermione gripped her hair in her hands and turned towards Draco.

"I am so sorry, I shouldn't have made our lives so public. They'll give Harry and I some shite, but your friends won't leave you alone. Please forgive me." Even though he had just been thinking the same thing, he realized he wasn't mad at her. The thought that she was proud enough of the fact that they were all together made him happy.

"I'm not angry, Princess. I'm thrilled you're not ashamed of being with me, not ashamed of being with both of us together." She threw herself into his arms.

"Of course I'm not ashamed of you or the both of you together. I've been in love with you both for a long while. That wouldn't have happened if I was ashamed of you." He kissed her forehead before placing her back on her feet and beckoning for her to follow Harry.

Harry threaded his fingers with hers and led them to the Headmaster's office. When they reached the griffin, it didn't require a password, it simply hurried to jump out of their way as they entered. They followed the narrow steps to the door that actually led to Professor Dumbledore's office. Draco had never been there before, but he suspected that the other two of their trio had been.

The door also opened silently to reveal that Snape, McGonagall, and Dumbledore were already in attendance. Draco wasn't aware that McGonagall knew anything about what was going on, but he had assumed that she was a part of the Order of the Phoenix. Dumbledore gestured for the three of them to take their seats on the couch facing his desk. Hermione took the seat in the middle and both Harry and Draco sat to either side of her. Dumbledore gave them a twinkly smile before beginning.

"We must discuss our plan of action in terms of bringing about Voldemort' s demise. Severus was called to Tom's side last night and he learned some interesting information" The Headmaster steepled his hands under his chin.

"Before we go further, I want you to know that Professor McGonagall has been made aware of the whole situation. Merlin forbid it, but if anything ever happened to me, I wanted you to have another contact in the Order that knew everything." Draco didn't know how to feel about that, but he supposed that he understood. No matter what Severus said or did, there would always be those in the Order that didn't trust him because of the Mark on his arm.

"You three must be careful. Miss Parkinson followed you to Professor Umbridge's office and witnessed the whole altercation between Hermione and the defense professor. She knew that Severus had been summoned and that he obliviated her memories of the ordeal. Severus informed me that he had removed her memories to conceal the level of power you possess, Hermione, but Miss Parkinson wrote her father about it and he instantly reported it to Tom." Draco was going to make Pansy's life a living hell, the nosy little bitch. She just couldn't stand the thought of Draco with someone that wasn't her and she was forgetting herself. Severus stood before Draco could ruminate inwardly any further.

"The Dark Lord called me to his side last night. He had rightly guessed that Potter is one of your mates. Since your kisses yesterday were of a public nature, I had to tell him that Draco was a mate as well or endanger my own life.

The Dark Lord was almost giddy at the thought that Draco was your mate. Less so about Potter. He has devised a plan that he hopes will make everyone happy." Severus paused and Draco had a bad feeling about what was to come next. The older Slytherin sighed.

"The Dark Lord wants Hermione on his side more than he wants to kill Potter. He is determined that she is the pathway to a world that he rules as king. To try to dissuade him from that idea would be madness. He has asked that I bring Hermione to see him so he can speak with her. He has offered to put out a blanket order that Potter and Draco will not be harmed by himself or by his orders in exchange for all of yours allegiance. He has even said he would make the Unbreakable Vow, but I fear what he would ask you for in return."

Draco scrubbed his hand down his face before letting his face fall to the impassive mask he relied on daily. While this was a far from ideal situation, there were positives. The Dark Lord wanted Hermione more than he wanted to kill Potter. That meant that he would do just about anything to assure their trio's safety. This would come at the cost of siding with a megalomania madman, however. Hermione was a step ahead of him though.

"Obviously you have a plan. I don't know if I'll agree to follow it, but I'd like to hear it." Severus deferred to Dumbledore by a nod of his head. Dumbledore ran his fingers through his beard before he began.

"There are things you don't know about Tom Riddle. I need you all to take lessons with Severus before I go any further down that road. The information must be kept safe and while you three would be considered allies of Tom, I don't think that would spare you if he decided to look into your minds." The old man sighed.

"For now, I propose that Hermione meet with Tom and agree to his terms. Do whatever you need to get by until you've learned enough occlumentcy for me to share the means in which we will finish Tom Riddle forever. I know being in his presence and playing along with his games will be most abhorrent, but it is the only option that Severus and I can come up with that doesn't end with his violent death." Draco saw Hermione flick her eyes towards her father, apprehension and fear shining for all to see.

Hermione turned to meet Draco's eyes. He gave her an imperceptible nod. He didn't see any other option either and he could only hope that Dumbledore truly did have a way to kill off the snake-faced bastard. In turn, she turned to meet Harry's gaze and Draco could already see his answer in his eyes. Nobody could say that Harry wasn't brave to a fault. He was still surprised that the Sorting Hat had considered putting the man in Slytherin. He spoke though, which Draco hadn't been expecting.

"Are you certain that this secret of yours will kill Voldemort? I don't want to take the chance that this is a trap for Hermione if the possibility isn't real." Dumbledore nodded.

"I swear on my magic, Harry, that Tom Riddle will not die until we accomplish the task this secret holds." Harry nodded and turned to Hermione.

"I'm in. I say we do it. It's going to be terrible, faking to like that sadistic shite, but if Professor Snape can pretend, so can we." Severus snorted at his words, but said nothing. Dumbledore smiled again and it was like they hadn't just been discussing a major turn of events in their lives.

"Wonderful. Severus will get with you about the time and date of your first lesson in occlumency. I have a feeling we'll have to contend with Voldemort meeting Hermione first though."

The trio nodded as they wanted to be there any longer than necessary. Just as they were about to file out of the door, Severus spoke.

"Hermione, may I have a moment?" She turned and nodded bedore turning to Draco and Harry.

"I'll meet you in that passageway from earlier. I won't be long." Draco and Harry both nodded before continuing out the door.

-O-

Severus thought that she had taken the news beautifully, true grace showing through in her bravery and willingness to face her fears. He adored that his daughter was such a wonderful person.

He had had no idea that Minerva would be attending their meeting that night. While he had originally been extremely put out, he had gotten over it quickly as he listened to the fearsome witch scream at their headmaster for kidnapping an infant and illegally binding her magic. It was nice to see another adult that cared about his daughter wholeheartedly, not just for what she could bring to the cause.

Severus took her elbow and guided them down the stairs of the Headmaster's office and took her into the first empty classroom before warding and silencing it. When he turned, he saw Hermione looking sheepish.

"I'm sorry we were so foolish yesterday. We shouldn't have kissed like that in the corridors, but they kind of sprang it on me. I was upset because the Slytherins think Draco is just using me for sex and that he'll drop me afterwards to make a proper match since I'm only a halfblood." Severus wanted to snort at her words, but he refrained. Apparently, there was still a sliver of adolescent witch in his daughter after all. He put his hands on the tops of her shoulders to still her words.

"You know those words are false. You know how Draco makes you feel, you wouldn't have kissed him otherwise. Don't believe the words of those speculating when you actually know." She smiled at him tremulously.

"Thank you. I guess I shouldn't have worried so much, they've given me no cause to think that either one of them would use me like that." He smiled at her and laid a hand on her cheek.

"I didn't pull you in here to counsel you in love. I wanted to ask if you are alright from dinner? I know Weasley makes you nervous, as he rightly should. I could feel you three sharing power from the High Table, Minerva said the output was astronomical. She asked Albus what happened to you three and he was forced to tell her what was going on." Hermione moved in and hugged him.

"I'm not angry she knows. I've always respected her. As for dealing with Ron, I didn't think he would actually curse Draco, but I also didn't think that he would ever attack me either. I wanted to stop him before he made me hurt him badly like I did Umbridge." He kissed her hairline before speaking.

"It was a good plan. Had it been anyone other than Weasley it would have worked. Now, how do you feel about meeting the Dark Lord?" Hermione snorted.

"Nervous. A little scared. I know if he really wanted to kill me, not even you could stop him." Severus hugged her tighter.

"Sweet, I would die trying to save you. However, I truly don't think he wants you dead. He knows his own strength and magical power runs through your veins. He also knows that your power is magnified by the fact that you're part of a triad. He's fearful enough of losing that he would much rather woo you to his side." She nodded, but said nothing. Severus pulled her away from his chest so she could see his eyes.

"I'll be right there with you the whole tine." Hermione finally smiled before she pressed a kiss to his cheek.

"Thank you. I appreciate that so much." He smiled at her too.

"You're welcome, sweet. Now go on along, those ridiculous wizards are waiting for you, I'm sure." His daughter nodded and pulled away.

"I'm happy you're my dad, Severus." His heart warmed at her words and it seemed to explode outwards.

"I'm delighted to have my daughter back." She didn't say anything else before turning and cancelling his spell work like it was nothing. When she was gone, he couldn't wipe the stupid grin off his face.

His daughter had been returned to him, she was the most wonderful daughter a man could ask for, she accepted him even though he was rude, surly, snarky, and unkind. Even though their entire world had the potential of turning to complete shit, Severus was happier than he had been for nearly two decades.

A/N- Holy balls, this chapter was so hard to write. I just couldn't focus and I apologize if it just sucks completely. I have so much shit going on in my real life that it's finally bleeding over to my writing. Anyways, the "filler chapter" became a full-fledged chapter, lucky y'all. Let me know what ya thought.

Next chapter, Hermione meets Voldy face to face.

Love,

Alicia