Hey again pals, hope everyone is well! Now I know I said this the other week and then changed my mind, but I actually am going to take a week off from posting next week. I want to split my time between writing and getting ready for 4th year and this will allow me to not feel rushed or guilty for prioritizing one over the other :)

Rest assured, regular updates will resume after next week!

Thank you again for all of the support on this story, it's great to see so many people interested in where it's going to go!


The Great Hall was once again filled with activity. The long house tables were filled with students excitedly chatting away, eager to catch up with each other's holiday news and discuss their plans for the year. The newly sorted first years sat nervously among their peers, some jumping head first into making friends while others hung back, listening and smiling away or focusing purely on the feast. The second years were beginning to feel more at home, no longer the terrified first years they had been before. Some of the older students compared NEWT subjects or further study, others gossiped as teenagers were wont to do. From above them sat hundreds of candles dancing in the air, illuminating the walls and shining light onto the giant house tapestries hanging around the room. The tables had been filled to the brim with food, roast meats, piping hot vegetables, potatoes of multiple descriptions, gravy, and all the trimmings. Goblets were overflowing with pumpkin juice and the atmosphere was joyous.

Hermione sat poking at her food, her appetite barely making an appearance. She was a bundle of nerves and wanted more than anything for the feast to be over with. She nudged her bag with her foot once more, another check to make sure it was still next to her. She would usually never take a satchel to the welcoming feast but inside it held her essay for Professor Snape and one of the many Occlumency books she had purchased just a fortnight ago. She needed something to read on the train and this particular tome was a favourite. She had been surprised to hear of the Professor's transfer to Defense, she imagined he must be thrilled to finally acquire the coveted spot. Everyone knew Professor Snape had been after the position for years, surely his hard work must have finally paid off. She was also, however, nervous over the state that Harry had been in when he eventually dragged himself into the Great Hall. He hadn't been with them on the ride up to the castle, and Hermione had been about to get up and look for him when he'd turned up, clearly having just been in a fight. He refused to talk about it, murmured that he was fine, but that didn't stop the onslaught of questions that hurried into Hermione's mind the second he began to eat. After the fifth 'But Harry..' he had finally snapped and bit out for her to leave it alone. She'd stayed quiet since.

As the hall began to clear, Hermione hurried to the entrance to gather up the first years and lead them back to the common room. She had tried to make the walk back to their shared house as quick as possible, even though she knew she was hurrying through some of the explanations. More than once she had needed to repeat information when a student hadn't heard her, and she mentally chastised herself for not upholding the standards that any Prefect should hold their self to. When the new students were safely inside Gryffindor Tower and being given the familiar ground rules lecture by McGonagall, she turned and made her way down to the Defense classroom. She assumed the Professor would be in his new office, at least she hoped so - how she would manage to find his quarters was beyond her.

She arrived at the Defense classroom and tentatively pushed the door open, it felt strange to be here instead of the potions office she was so used to. The classroom was dimmed, a few sconces along the walls were lit but not enough to fully bathe the room in light, so she quietly hurried past the desks and up the stairs to where the office sat. She remembered the few times she had stood inside, and wondered how much different it would look now that Professor Snape called it his own. One deep breath later, and she knocked on the door.

"Enter." Smiling, she stepped inside.

The office looked surprisingly normal, she thought. There were still boxes waiting to be unpacked off in a corner, but it wasn't all darkened furniture and blackout windows like she had stupidly considered. Instead, it appeared oddly homely. There were books, naturally, everywhere. Almost every free space on the wall had been lined with a bookshelf, and she wanted nothing more than to drop her bag and engross herself in the miniature library, but she resisted the urge. Instead, she took the comfortable looking high back chair in front of his desk and waited for him to finish organizing the work strewn across it. When he finally looked satisfied with his layout, he sat across from her and rested his head onto the tops of his hands, elbows propped on the desk. As if only remembering, she reached into her bag and produced the essay he'd requested. Taking it, he gave a cursory look over what she had written before setting it down to the side.

"Did you acquire the texts I listed?" His dark eyes never left her, his face carefully schooled into something between neutral and curious.

"Of course. All of them read, annotated, and notes taken from each." She smiled, it had basically been a two week mini crunch, but she'd done everything he'd asked, and she was a little more than proud.

"Let me know how much the total was, and I will reimburse your Gringotts account. I am aware of the price tag on some of the older tomes, it would be remiss of me not to foot the bill. Especially if your lessons do not continue on." She couldn't hide her disappointment at the idea that she might not get to put her plans into action, but she understood his logic. Besides, it had been a ridiculously expensive Flourish and Blotts bill, even for her standards.

"I'll need to find the receipt, I can bring it with me to our next lesson?" She knew she was being confident in her implication that yes, in fact, they would be pursuing occlumency lessons, and hoped that Professor Snape saw her confidence as assuring and not arrogance. He sighed out through his nostrils and leant back in his chair, his eyes still studying her.

"There are two things I require from you, Miss Granger, if I am to teach you. First, I will need to inspect your current barriers. This will involve examination, and attempt at destruction. At times it will not be pleasant and you will need to put your full strength into keeping me out. Do you understand?"

She nodded, trying to hide the small fear that was bubbling up inside her. She knew she wouldn't always be able to keep him out, but there were certain things she hoped he would never see. As if reading her mind, he continued.

"Rest assured, this isn't an exercise in privacy invasion," She thought back to Harry's blunder last year. "Anything you wish for me not to see may be stored in a pensieve during the lesson. I will be doing the same. The pensieve I give you is for your use only, there will be no other student or staff member able to access it."

She nodded again, relieved at his words."I understand Professor, thank you."

"The second request, Miss Granger, is to understand why. If I am to pull time out of my busy schedule to attend to your wishes, I need to know your reasons for having them. If it is merely to broaden your ever-expanding knowledge base, know that I have no interest-"

"No, sir! Nothing like that!" She hurried out. "My reasons for learning actually pertain to the Order, and to the war.." He leaned forward in his chair, head resting once more on his hands. She couldn't ignore the silky tone in his voice.

"Go on."

Hermione took a deep breath, and began. "The answer is two-fold, sir. I'm joining the Order this year, most likely in the next week. I've actually been eligible since before the end of last term but with everything that happened.. It just wasn't the right time. I spent a long time wondering what use I could actually be to the Order. I'm still a student, I can't go out on missions, I'm not very useful at all, really. But then I thought about it, and I realised that what I am is a logical thinker, with an almost eidetic memory and a fierce loyalty." She paused for a moment, then leaned forward in her chair, almost mirroring her Professor.

"It always seemed bizarre to me that an organisation shrouded in secrecy would continuously meet up in the same place and share the same information with everyone. Perhaps in times of peace that would work, but we're talking about a war, sir. Grimmauld Place will only be secure for so long, I mean, do you know how much information I was privy to last year even though I never attended a single meeting? It's far too easy to eavesdrop, and if it's easy for a child then it's easy for one of You-Know-Who's followers. It's also a prime location for an attack, with every major Order figure holed up in a tiny kitchen. Honestly, it makes no sense." She knew she was rambling, so she stopped, took another breath, and continued.

"It is much more logical to have information fed out on a need-to-know basis, by a singular figure. Someone trusted not to betray the Order, and someone with the ability to retain large amounts of information, categorize it, and regurgitate it at a moment's notice." She smiled. "I'm going to ask Dumbledore if I can be the.. Well… to coin a muggle term, the runner, for the Order. It eliminates large-scale meetings, keeping information secret and harder to find the source. To be able to do that, I need to know how to keep the information I have truly secret." She looked at him, her face a picture of determination and excitement. She had thought long about this plan of hers.

"The second reason is slightly more.. Personal." He raised an eyebrow. "Out of Harry, Ron, and myself, I am by far the weakest. Although Harry's wand work isn't as good as mine, his reflexes are miles ahead. In a fight, he has the instinct required to stay ahead of his opponent. I'm too slow, I think too much about what I need to do, and I spend too long on the little victories without concentrating on the bigger picture." Her thoughts turned briefly to the battle, and without realising it she rubbed at her collarbone, the scar still painful there. "Ron, while no one would ever think he was better at using magic than me, is physically much stronger. If the worst came to the worst, Ron could win a brawl at a moment's notice. In a fight, I'd be the first to drop." Her smile faltered, it was hard to think of herself as incapable, true as it might be. "I also know that out of me and Ron, I'm far more valuable a prisoner to the other side. Despite my blood status, my association with Harry means that I'd be worth more to them alive than dead. If that happened, I need to be able to shield myself from whoever tries to take the information I hold. I need to be able to defend myself in a way that only you can teach me."

Professor Snape was silent for a long time. Her ideas held considerable merit, and she was right - for a secure organisation the Order had flaws. However, if he was to teach her occlumency then she would also be privy to the information he kept as well, no doubt Albus would see to that. Despite her increased age, she was still a student, and this felt like a heavy weight to put on someone so young. She had also been right about her value to the Dark Lord. She wasn't aware, but since the battle at the Ministry her name had come up a number of times, mostly when referring to Dolohov and his botched attempt to put her down. It both infuriated and amused his master that a muggleborn child like Miss Granger had held her own so well during the fight, and Snape knew well enough that if she had caught the Dark Lord's attention, it could only end badly. The idea that she would be a target for Death Eaters was enough to have him almost blurt out.

"Very well." He stood, moving around to Hermione's side of the desk, levitating the seat to move with him. Sitting back down in front of her, he brought out his wand. "Let's see how good you are, Miss Granger. Legilimens!"

She had guessed what he was about to do, and had begun bringing up her barriers before he'd sat down. She'd read about the process of having your mind entered, but no amount of reading could prepare her for what she felt. It was like a tremendous pressure, the mind was not built to have more than one consciousness residing inside it, and she desperately wanted to push him out. Instead, he attacked the walls she'd erected mercilessly, attacking over and over. The harder he pushed, the more she concentrated, willing herself to create more barriers, more blockades, anything to stop him. She was tiring, however. Her barriers were strong but her stamina lacked, and soon she could feel the walls cracking and splintering within her mind. Before she could renew them, he was through into the clear expanse of her memories. As quick as that, he was back out and she was left panting and clutching her head. The familiar throb of a headache had come on fast, and she felt a small amount of blood in her nose. She tried to raise her head but she was incredibly dizzy. Was this what repelling an attack felt like? She hadn't noticed her Professor leave his chair, but registered his approach when a vial was handed to her.

"Drink up. It will relieve the headache." He also handed her a tissue which she took gratefully, dabbing her nose as she downed the mild potion.

"It feels like the room is spinning." She breathed out, not daring to open her eyes.

"It will pass. Unfortunately side effects such as the ones you're experiencing can be common after a prolonged defense." She was confused, prolonged? It had only been minutes.

"Sir? What time is it?"

"A little after 8pm, Miss Granger." 8pm? That meant she'd been defending herself for nearly an hour! Again, as if reading her mind, he continued. "Time feels different inside one's head. I had not expected you to keep up your barriers for so long, well done."

"I still let you through, though.."

"And you always will, until you can build up the stamina and resilience required to withstand a repeated attack. Further, you need to experience what it feels like to have that barrier broken before you can truly put the foundations in place to steady it. Miss Granger, that was.. A good first attempt."

It was unheard of for Professor Snape to use the word 'good' for anything, she wasn't even sure it existed in his vocabulary. Still he had used it to describe her ability, she couldn't help but break into a smile. "Thank you." She murmured.

"Now, I would like to examine your shields further. Not in a way that is meant to break them, but to see how they have been built, an exploration of sorts. I had planned to do this tonight, but after seeing your defensive abilities it would be wise to wait. Until our next lesson." The last sentence was said low, a smirk on his face.

"You'll agree to teach me? Really?" Her grin broke wider, even though she still felt slightly off, she couldn't hide her excitement. "Thank you so much, Professor!"

"Quite. You may tell the Headmaster that I have agreed to teach you how to adequately protect your mind to the level required for an Order.. Runner. We will need to meet once a week to work on your shields, are your Friday evenings still free?" She hurriedly checked her timetable, annoyed that she hadn't studied it during the feast.

"Umm.. yes! Still free, sir."

"Good, we shall meet here directly after dinner. I expect you to continue your meditation exercises, I also expect you to run." She looked up at him, confused.

"Run, sir?"

"Yes, run. Physical stamina is directly attached to mental stamina. The more of one, the more of the other. It is much easier to increase your physical stamina through something as simple as running, than it is to increase your mental stamina. I would suggest early mornings, so as not to break curfew or intervene with your Prefect rounds."

She got up, closing her bag and slinging it over her shoulder. This would need to be worked in to her schedule, not to mention whatever work she would need to do for the Order. Smiling again at her Professor, she held out her hand.

"Thank you again, sir, I promise I won't let you down."

Snape stared at the proffered hand a moment, before hesitantly reaching out to shake it. Despite the professionalism of their situation, it still felt wrong to be gripping a student's hand in such a way. "Until Friday, Miss Granger."


As she had climbed the winding staircase that led to the illustrious Headmaster's office, Hermione felt a calm she didn't expect. The hardest part was done, convincing her stubborn, stand-off potions - well, Defense now - professor to help her advance. Considering the speech she'd listened to from Dumbledore last year, it would be ridiculous if he didn't accept her proposal. She had been right, the elderly wizard's face practically twinkled as he listened to her proposal. She had declined the lemon drop but taken him up on the offer of tea, and they had spent the better part of an hour discussing the ins and outs of how her role would work.

"I'll need to inform the other staff of your situation, Miss Granger. Fear not, I won't give the specifics unless they need to know. I'm afraid your social life may suffer, although I imagine you've considered this before now."

"I wouldn't worry sir, my social life isn't exactly thriving. Besides, this role should help to ensure there is actually an option for a social life somewhere down the line. I'm sure I can forsake it for now." She gave him a reassuring smile but the reality was she had barely considered the impact it would have on her free time. She didn't feel it was important, at least not as important as winning this damnable war. Harry and Ron were sure to understand, once she explained it to them. If they couldn't accept it, well then they weren't very good friends.

"The other obstacle we face is one of complete secrecy, Miss Granger." She went to question him but he held up a wrinkled hand and smiled. "A precaution I would take with anyone in your position, believe me. While I do not underestimate your morality, unfortunately I cannot speak for every member of the Order. It would not do to have such an important member sold out to the wrong people."

"Would you like me to take a wand oath, sir? I will, absolutely." Dumbledore shook his head, a breathy laugh escaping him.

"No no, my dear. I have a much better idea in mind." With that he rose up from his chair and strode to the crackling fire. Hermione watched him as he walked, it always fascinated her that he could carry himself with such power and grace even at the age he was. Dumbledore threw some powder into the fireplace, watching the flames dance green, and stuck his head through. She could hear chatter on the other side, but couldn't make it out. A moment later, Dumbledore removed his head, brushed the small amount of soot that had settled in his beard away, and returned to his seat. She retained the puzzled look on her face as a further moment passed and Professor Snape strode out of the floo, an irritated scowl on his face. He glanced at her, nodded, and leant against the wall nearest the fire.

"Apologies for disturbing you this evening Severus, I'm sure you're eager to finish preparing your new classroom."

"Indeed. If we could hurry this along, Headmaster. Miss Granger has already requested lessons in occlumency from myself and I am willing to provide them. It is my belief that she will be occluding to the required level before the Christmas holidays. Now.." Snape moved to exit back through the floo, but Dumbledore stopped him.

"Ahh Severus, I see you've misunderstood my request. I am already aware of your teaching commitments with Miss Granger, this matter instead pertains to her position within the Order." Snape raised an eyebrow at both of them, and stepped back away from the floo.

"I see. Go on."

"Miss Granger's request to become a.. What did you call it Miss Granger, a runner? Her request to become a runner is a smart move, one I am keen to enact immediately. I need you here to confirm her entry to the Order." Dumbledore stood as Snape nodded, his eyes fixed on the space between them. The elder wizard moved around the desk and motioned for Hermione to stand, which she did hurriedly and with a hint of fascination on her face. He motioned for her to hold out her hand, and when she did he brought his wand down to her palm and began to speak.

"I, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, as leader of the Order of the Phoenix, protector of the Light and Headmaster of Hogwarts, hereby grant you, Miss Hermione Jean Granger, entry into our organisation with the understanding that you will uphold our values, fight alongside us, and maintain your secrecy of these commitments." A small golden light emanated from the tip of the wand, snaking up Hermione's arm and disappearing around her neck. It felt like moisture soaking into her skin. From her left, Professor Snape added his wand to her palm.

"I, Severus Tobias Snape, as Order member and trusted confidant, hereby confirm Miss Hermione Jean Granger's Order status and vouch for her laurels." Another golden glow appeared, this one sinking into her palm and leaving the same strange feeling. Both wizards stood back and Hermione slowly lowered her hand.

"Now, with that out of the way, we must also sort out this matter of secrecy. I require your services for this also, Severus." Snape sighed and rolled his eyes, a little too dramatically Hermione thought. It was as though he didn't really mind being asked to stay. Dumbledore lowered his head to look down at her, eyes twinkling.

"A wand oath could work, Miss Granger, but I'm afraid it would not put my mind at ease. It is not you who I worry for, but others who perhaps do not have as strong a hold on the side of Light as we may like.. Therefore I would like to propose something else." He looked to Snape. "I wish to make you Miss Granger's secret keeper."

Hermione was confused, she'd read a small amount on the idea of a secret keeper, but it was generally used to protect places or objects, not people.

"I'm sorry sir, you want me secret kept? How does that work exactly? I've only heard of inanimate things having a secret keeper." Dumbledore chuckled at this, but it was Professor Snape who spoke up.

"In circumstances where an occupation, or mission perhaps, requires complete confidentiality, such as where the person's life may be put in danger, then the secret can be placed on themselves. In this instance, the knowledge of your position within the Order and the work you do for us will be held to secrecy. Your companions and those outside the Order will have no knowledge of your status. Other than myself and the Headmaster, no other Order member will know your true identity."

Hermione worried her lip, this meant that Harry and Ron would never know her role, at least not until the war was over. It would be hard to make up reasons and excuses for not being around, although something related to studying would probably placate them.

"Okay.. well then I think we should do it." Her eyes widened and she looked to Snape. "If you're fine with that sir, of course." She hadn't thought about what that meant for her professor. She knew he had to occlude heavily when at Death Eater meetings, and although as secret keeper he could never divulge the information, he could be tortured or manipulated for it. Snape simply nodded.

"As you wish, Headmaster."

Again, Snape moved to stand next to her, this time holding out his hand for hers. She flushed pink as she placed her hand in his, her hand so small she felt more like a child than she had in years. He closed his fingers around her fist, and Dumbledore rested his wand above them. This time, blue strands flew from the wand, curling around both their arms and down their bodies. As the strands swirled around them, Severus Snape said the words to solidify her position.

"Hermione Jean Granger is the runner for the Order of the Phoenix."


A/N: I took some liberties with how Secret Keepers work, based on the little I could find about the idea. I hope you like it!