2. Chapter 1- Draco's Struggling

Disclaimer: The `Harry Potter Universe' happens to be the property of J.K. Rowling… not mine! If it were I would be filthy rich and own a Pacific Island… but I don't!!! so don't sue… not worth it…

A/N: This story is originally edited my Amna…to whom I am eternally grateful… I have about 3-4 chapters of this story up on ff.net and now I am finally getting it posted here. It is still in progress so the first 4 chapters will get loaded very quickly, but after that it might take some time. Oh and yes I know that the first chapter (prelude) was tiny… but that was just the prelude… I swear the rest are longer. And thanks to anyone who reviews!

9 months prior to Prelude: The Reluctant Servant

Chapter 1: Draco's Struggling

In a large room in a house far, far away sat a man, on a large throne-like chair which rested on a dais in the middle of the room, well, you couldn't really call him a man; he was more of serpent.

His eyes had an eerie red glow towards them; his skin was pale, as if the man hadn't seen the light of day in many long years. His long spider-like fingers gripped the arms of the throne-like chair in annoyance and impatience. His head was bald and as pale as his face; and in the place normally where a nose would be, were two slits cut into his skin and the surface was completely flat. At his feet lay a huge snake, coiled up and its' tongue flickering into the cold air every once in a while.

The room was large and dripping water could be faintly heard in the background somewhere. The temperature was the room was alarmingly low and it was a wonder that it's two occupants weren't shivering in the extreme cold.

`What news do you bring, Bella?' he questioned in a low hiss.

`My Lord, he expects you to attack, and soon My Lord.' The dark-haired woman paused to try and catch a glimpse of her master's reaction, but the snake-like face hadn't moved a muscle. `He can feel you growing impatient. My Lord, you mustn't underestimate him, he is no longer an annoying boy who always finds a way to ruin yo-.'

`You dare imply that I, Lord Voldemort, not strong enough you defeat that pathetic excuse for a child.' Hissed Voldemort in a harsh tone.

`No, My Lord, never.' Came the stammering reply.

`Bella, you of all people should know, to never, question my orders.'

`Yes, My Lord- I- I forget myself' she stammered, yet again, trying to change the subject. `Draco has to be official be made one of us, I fear his loyalties sway, I fear the only reason he doesn't flee is out of fear of you and also as he has no place to go. Snape is the only one he listens to…. He has even stop obeying Lucius… Narcissa fears for his sanity and I fear for hers.' She said Snape's name in great envy and loath.

`Please, My Lord, I beg of you to command Snape to order Draco to listen to either Lucius or Narcissa, please, My Lord, Snape is playing with his mind, making him turn against our side, he is making Draco turn against yo-'

`Bellatrix! Snape is my most loyal and one of my most trusted Death Eaters, he has bare the greatest of weight through all of this and it will do you good to respect my most loyal subject.' Even though his voice never rose from a hissing whisper, his tone of voice caused a chill to run down her spin.

`Yes, My Lord.' Muttered an envies voice.

`He is the only reason we no longer have to keep an eye for Dumbledore and his meddling ways. He is the only reason that Potter no longer has a puppet-master to pull his strings, to try and do any harm to me or to of my plans.' His patience's were hair-thin and growing thinner.

`Yes, but-'

`But? You dare question my judgment, again?' inquired a hiss so soft that it was a wonder that Bellatrix even heard him. `Crucio!'

Bellatrix fell to the cold-hard floor and tried not to scream out in pain as every bone in her body felt as if it were on fire.

`Leave, and return only when you know who you are allowed to question and to whom your loyalties lie with.'

`Yes, My Lord.' Her voice broke as she spoke.

As she existed the chamber with only one thought replaying in her head. `Snape was going to pay and dearly at that too.'

A young blond sat in his chamber, which were adored in green and silver, thinking of all the things that had ended him being landed here of all places.

He should have been going shopping to pick up his school equipment for his last year at school; not sitting on a bed thinking whether today was going to be the day that his freedom was snatched out of his grasp.

He should have been looking forward to being the eldest and torturing defenseless first years; but the only thing he had to look forward to in this prison were visits from the only person on his side in this god-forsaken place.

He should have been planning ways that he could get under Scarheads skin; not trying to figure out if should run or not.

This was defiantly not the way that Draco Malfoy had planned his life to go.

Well, at least dad is out of Azkaban and there is no more Dumbledore, that's good. Who was he trying to kid, the only person who would have believed him was dead and it was his entire fault. He hadn't really intending on killing Dumbledore or having Snape do it for him.

He had to find a way out of this mess that he had gotten himself into, and he had to do it fast before someone else got hurt or worse the Dark Lord decided he was ready to get the Dark Mark.

These were his last thoughts before sleep finally over took him and he was swept into the land of dreams…

A/N:::::::::::: Please Review!!! And let me know what you think!!!

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3. Chapter 3 Godric's Hollow

Disclaimer: I own NOTHING! The Harry Potter Universe is property of J.K.Rowling, who is an awesome author and I'm just someone who enjoys playing with her creations

The editing of story goes to Amna!

A/N: as anyone reading this ff will have realized, the next 7 chapters are going to about events before the prelude, it will keep going as 7,6,5 & ect. Until we get to where the prelude is left off, and by then you all will know who the female in the prelude is! Thanks to Amna who is a great beta and is also my co-writer, but she is mostly doing all of my Draco and Ginny scenes, which I promise will appear… later. Ok, enough talk, read on! AND REVIEW!

8 months prior to Prelude: The Reluctant Servant

Chapter 2: Godric's Hollow

A soundless wind rode through the peaceful country town of Godric's Hollow. The trees swayed and the dead leaves fluttered through the green meadows. Little cottages lined the streets, gardens adored with colourful flowers. People made their way through the market, minding their own business and going on about their lives. Little kids ran ahead of their parents and laughter rang through the main market street.

In this town, time hadn't been able to destroy the serene peace and quiet for a long era, but as is always the case, looks could be deceiving: you would never guess that it had been this little town that had been terrorized by evil; but the people of Godric's Hollow had learned to let that go and learn to live with their lives once again.

It was on one very bright and sunny afternoon that three youths found their way to this little piece of paradise. They made their way through the streets of the town until they came to the local cemetery.

It wasn't hard to find what they were looking for, for the graves they wanted to visit were clearly the most exquisite in all of the green meadow. A giant white marble angel stood looming over their graves and right under it engraved into the grave head was:

Here Lie:

Lily and James Potter.

Beloved parents

And

Friends to all they knew.

Their work and hardship will never be forgotten,

While they were with us.

A single tear rolled down Harry's cheek, as the three of them stood in the isolated graveyard. Harry bent down and placed a single red rose on their grave, before standing up and silently reading the engravings over and over again.

A quiet breeze picked up and blew a couple of dead leaves around, causing them to make a rustling noise. Ron and Hermione stood a little behind Harry to give a bit of space, until Hermione walked up to him and placed a comforting hand on his arm. The wind caused her hair to blow all over her face- a fact that, too, was wet with tears. They just stood there until the sun started to go down the west.

`Come on, Harry we better find a place spent the night, it's getting dark and cold' whispered Hermione.

With a silent nod of his head Harry agreed and subconsciously put an arm around Hermione's waist as they made their way towards the main part of the quiet town. The street lamps were just turning on as they made it to the main street. They spent the night at the local tavern, where every one was nice and welcoming, but where no-one really understood.

The sun rose in the east and danced across a certain burnet's face as she slept peacefully. As she opened her chocolate brown eyes, she noticed she was not in surroundings that were familiar to her; and then it came back to her, how the three of them had been traveling and how they no longer had to attend Hogwarts and how right now they were in Godric's Hollow and that they had only yesterday visited Harry's parents graves.

He looked so lost, just standing there. She thought to herself. He can't do this, but he'll never understand that… ok so I make him understand, he'll listen…eventually.

In the room next door to the 18-year-old girl, slept a redheaded boy of about the same age. He was lost in his dreams, until a knock was heard at his door, causing him to jump up in surprise.

`What do you want?' he gave a muffled yell as he tried to get out of bed to unlock the door.

`Ron, get up, we have things to do today you can't be expected to stay in bed all day, now can you?' Hermione yelled back through the door, until finally a very devilish looking Ron opened it.

`Thank You, now that you are up, get dressed and meet me down stairs in about 20 minutes, I'm going to wake Harry up.' She said all this in rather a hurry and then dashed off before he could protest any further.

`Busybody, Hermione! Doesn't she have anything better to do than be annoying people while we try to get a well deserved night's worth of sleep, in a proper bed?' he continued to mutter to himself as he went back into his room, only fall back onto the bed and succumb to sleep again.

Hermione practically ran up the corridor until she came to the room where Harry was staying. When she knocked on the door she got no reply. It wasn't like Harry to leave a door knock unanswered. Again she knocked, a little more loudly this time. Still no reply was heard. Taking a chance she turned the doorknob, and shockingly found that the door was unlocked. Slowly she walked into the room, only to find Harry in his bed, with his sheets all tangled up around his body. His face was twisted up in concentration, and he was sweating all over.

`Harry?' Hermione whispered, not sure how to wake him up. When nothing happened she called out his name again a little louder this time. This however she got a reaction, even though he was still asleep.

`Hermione?' came the whisper from his sleeping form. `Where are you? I can't see you, Hermione?'

`Harry, I'm right here, wake up, Harry.' This time she shook him a little.

`HERMIONE?!?' With that his eyes flew open and he bolted up in bed, breathing hard and sweating all over.

`I'm here, Harry, it's okay.' She soothed in a small voice, surprised that he had been dreaming about her.

The next couple of minutes were spent with her trying to reassure him that she was there with him and in no mortal danger.

He suddenly looked up at her and gave her a little smile, which she returned.

`Um- sorry, about that,' came his sheepish apology.

`Um- yeah, it's okay, everyone has nightmares, remember?' her question, followed by an awkward silence.

`Yeah, I guess.' Again the awkward silence continued. `So, what were you doing in here?'

`Oh- yeah, that… um, I came to um- wake you up, we have to get a move on and your door was unlocked and when you didn't reply to my knock I came in and found you-.'

`yeah okay, so I'll get changed and meet you down stairs in- say, 20 minutes, right?'

`Yeah, that'd be fine, I'll see you then.' With that she made her way out of the room, after she gave him one more smile.

When she got outside, a slight blush had risen to her cheeks. The fact that he had been dreaming about her was still surprising to her.

Okay- it was more like a nightmare. But still he was dreaming about me!

As she past Ron's door she could hear a faint snoring and this time without knocking she entered the room, only to find Ron in his bed- again, asleep and snoring rather loudly.

`RONALD WEASLEY! GET UP- NOW!' as she saw him jump and looking lost, she couldn't help but feel a little satisfied, to find that someone was as confused as she was.

With that she marched out of the door, slammed it just for good measure and made her way down to breakfast, where eventually Harry and a grumpy-looking Ron joined her.

The rest of the day the trio spent, exploring Godric's Hollow. Ron bought a present for Fluer and Bill's wedding, which would be taking place in a couple of weeks at the Borrow. They would go back to the Borrow and give the whole “looking-for-Voldemort-thing” a rest for a couple of hours on that day.

It was true that they spent a lot of time in Grimmauld Place nowadays and even had some visits to Hogwarts, once in awhile, but it was mostly official Order business. Since there was no more Dumbledore, the Order had some more help from the Ministry of Magic. True, the Minister wasn't all that fond of Harry, but still he didn't exactly like Voldemort either. Now that they had a little more of the Auror force on their side the number of Order members had increased.

Most of the orders came for Kingsley, as he was the representative for the Auror's, and Harry as most people looked on him as their unofficial leader. McGonagall had a lot of say too, as in to what happened in the Order, as she was the Head Mistress of Hogwarts. True the school was open to students but the population had dramatically deceased: very little parents wanted their children away from them and most wanted to just protect their children, since Dumbeldore's death.

They once more visited Harry's parent's graves, again so that Harry could say bye. They visited the property on which the Potter house had once stood. Now it was nothing but an empty field with wild flowers and lots of over grown grass and a couple of things that looked as if they were remains of the Potter home, but almost all of these items were old and unrecognizable.

`You know this will be a prefect place to live after this whole Voldemort thing is over, don't you agree Harry?' asked Hermione, in hope to lighten the mood.

`Yeah, it would be, if I survive,' came Harry's reply after a short pause.

`Of course, you will survive, Harry! We all will,' replied Hermione, in an optimistic voice.

`Yeah, you can't die on us, mate!'

Ron's statement got a small simile out of Harry and on a much lighter tone they made their way back to the Tavern to pack and get ready to leave Godric's Hollow, not knowing if they would ever return to the quite and peaceful town.

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4. Interlude 1

A/N: Ok, you guys want action… right!??!?! Ok get this…. You aren't meant to understand what is going on in this chapter---- just like the prelude…. Annoying but… true! get over it! Well, you will understand the last part… but before that if you don't get it, it's O-K! Anyway I hope you guys like this one. Please review

Interlude 1: Taunting Memories

His surroundings were damp and cold. Darkness crept in every corner, making the surrounding walls seem as if they were about to close in on him. Eccentric whispers could be heard if the ears were strained enough, but then again he might have been imagining it all, judging by the feel of the throbbing pain in his head. He couldn't see much either, as he didn't have his glasses, but the room had a familiar feel towards it, as if he had been here not so long ago.

Then it all came back to him, the torture and feelings of pain, loss and betrayal, all mixed into a great big vortex of darkness, which his surrounds seem to be encouraging. The thing he remembered the most vividly was her face, her laughter, her betrayal and her smile, no longer warm and welcoming, but twisted and evil…

`Are you going to kill me, Harry?' Mocked the soft, yet amused voice.

`Well? I don't like to be kept wait. You should know that by now. Come on answer me… are-you-going-to-kill-me?' The eerie figure inquired the last part of the question slowly, as if it were talking to an infant.

Again the figure's question was met with nothing but silence and the occasional heavy breath that was drawn in by either one of the two.

`FINE! Have it your way!' Spoke the voice harshly. `Crucio!'

The only thing that made this easier was the knowledge that it really wasn't her, it was just Voldemort playing around with everyone's minds, including his.

This would have never happened if it hadn't been for him. If only he had been strong enough to deny her, strong enough to go through with his plan to have all of them out of his life, but then again it was because of his plan that she had ended up in his grasp.

They were standing in the common room, it was past midnight and everyone except the two of them remained standing in front of the great blazing fire. Suddenly he turned his back towards her.

`This is the only way,' he thought to himself over and over again, as if he were trying to convince even himself.

`Hermione, I- I think we should break up.' He croaked, trying not to show how he was falling apart on the inside. `It just isn't working out, we ha- have to stop it before we destroy 6 years of friendship, it's the on-

`Why?' Was the only word that left her mouth as her chocolate brown eyes filled with tears.

` I'm not sure I- I love you anymore.' Mentally he kicked himself. Finally he turned back around and looked her straight in the eyes again.

For a few moments she just stood there, as if studying him very closely; and then all of a sudden her eyes widened and the tear falling down her face got bigger and angrier.

`This is one your `saving-people-thing' isn't it?' Before he could reply she continued. `Harry James Potter, what do you think, that I was born yesterday?' Again she didn't wait for a reply and by the look in her eyes she was getting very angry. `Don't you dare give me that “ruin our friendship” crap! This is part of one of your latest master plan isn't it??? You are pushing everyone away so you can save us all in the Final Battle, aren't you? Well, guess what? We are all going to be there whether you like it or not, you have NO RIGHT TO DECIDE ON WHAT GOES ON IN OUR LIVES!'

The last part of her speech was yelled at him in an angry and harsh voice that broke his heart.

`Hermione-' he began but was cut off, once again as she took a couple of steps so her face was only inches from his; he could see the tears that now slid freely down her cheeks, as they gleamed in the fire light.

`I-love-you, and nothing you say or do can change that.' And then she kissed him hard, before he could make any more protests; and then just as suddenly the impromptus kiss had began it ended with her turning around and fleeing the room with fresh tears filling up in her eyes.

That was when all everything had fallen apart and his world came crashing down around him. This was meant to be his fight, his destiny, his faith; not all the ones he loved and cared for…

But in all of this he had forgotten one of the most important things; his life was never fair.

It seemed like days since he had seen the sunlight. He was locked in the same room, and during the day he sat there eating the small piece of bread and the cup of water he was given and at night he tossed and turned in his sleep; her face always looking down at him in a way that he would never forget, her twisted smile and her bitter laugher ringing through his ears until he would awake only wait to for it to happen all over again the next night.

It was after what seemed like weeks that finally someone came to his exiled room. After not speaking for the longest of time, his voiced seemed lost. They blind folded him and then tied both his hand behind his back- not that it made a difference. He hadn't the strength to fight them. He limped to his new destination, his head throbbing once again from the new movements and his feet felt as if he were walking on hot coals.

He heard large doors being opened and then Voldemort give orders in his usual hissing tone.

`Lucius, bring the girl, it is time.'

As the door closed once again he heard scurrying feet take leave.

`So? Ready to give up yet?' mocked Voldemort.

`Not just yet,' he mocked softly, but the effect was ruined when his voice came out in nothing more than a tiny croak.

The doors opened once again, but this time the sound of the foot steps were quieter, as if the person was testing the very ground they stood on.

`You called, my lord-?' her voice hitched as she caught sight of him. `Harry-?'

And with that tears started to flow down her cheeks, until once again she felt herself being locked away as if someone else had taken control of her. Insistently her tears stopped only to be replaced by the cool and evil manner, similar to their last encounter.

`Well, well, if it isn't the hero of the world, all tied up and dirty? What I wouldn't give to see this on the front page of the Prophet?' mocked her malicious voice, as she staked towards him and started to remove the blind fold.

`Hermione-' was the only thing he got out of his mouth before he was hit with the Cruciatus curse, causing him to fall over in pain and to grind his teeth as if his life depended on it.

A/N: ok I know I really do have a thing for author's notes! Anyway, I'm not all that good with cliffhangers, so excuse me if you don't really like the way I ended this chapter. Umm…. Amna, my darling beta, the answer is YES! I did have fun writing the H/Hr scene in the flashback and yes it is meant to annoy you! :P

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6. Ships Sail

A/N: I'm so sorry! I didn't think it would take this long to have my computer up and working again! But I hope you guys like this one- I tried to make it long! The H/Hr ship finally takes off in this- enjoy! And lastly, PLEASE REVIEW! Even if it is to yell and scream at me for taking so long to update!

6 months prier Prelude: The Reluctant Servant

Chapter 4:

It was weeks before they had so much as a groan a from their new resident, even if he were the Dragon King, himself Mrs. Weasley had refused to leave him to die out in the cold of the night. She had said that he had no control over who his father happened to be and he had every right to explain himself as in what he had been doing at their doorstep in the middle of the night. But of course, Ron hadn't been much help in the matter, as it was his room that he lay unconscious in.

`Mum! This is Draco Malfoy we are talking about—who care what he was doing on our doorsteps- he's a Death Eaters! Look- I can prove it! Look at his arm the Dark Mark has to be there! Harry- Ginny- Hermione- back me up on this one! Mum! We know what he really is like… he's just as evil as his Death Eater of a father is!'

`Ronald Weasley- you take that back! He has no control over who his father is… and I will do no such thing as in to look at his arm in search for the Dark Mark—and nor will anyone else under this roof! He has every right to defend himself, when he wakes up!' with that Mrs. Weasley had stormed out of the kitchen, as if to make her point final.

`Well tell me that you guys are as against this as I am!' questioning Harry, Hermione and Ginny, who remained in the kitchen.

`Ron- I agree with your mother… he does have a right to tell us his side of the story, regardless of what he has ever done to us or to anyone else.' Hermione had agreed unhelpfully.

`I agree, with Hermione.' Had come Harry's muttered reply.

And when he looked expectantly at Ginny, who seemed lost in thoughts and hadn't even noticed that he was talking to her, she had just looked like she was faraway and then without a word walked out of the room, with a troubled expression playing across her features.

<><><><>

The sunlight shone through the open curtains and played across the features of Draco Malfoy, who wanted nothing better to just fall back to sleep and not wake till the head ach that throbbed in the back of his head, had disappeared, but of course he had no such luck. As he opened his eyes the shinning light of the sun that caused his eyes to water and sting, greeted him causing him to close them tightly again and groan.

After a while of just laying there and rubbing his eyes he opened them again, this time he saw that his surroundings were one of the most particular thing. All the walls and sheets the room were a bright orange. As his eyes adjusted to his surroundings he found that the wall were indeed orange, but not painted orange, they were plastered with posters with figures zooming in and out of view and what was worse was that all the figures also dressed in orange!

Urg! Who in the name of all that was holy would want an orange room?!!??! his thoughts were interrupted by someone coming in through the door that was in front of him. As soon as the figure stepped fully in the room his question was answered. Weasleys!

`Oh! You're finally wake!' exclaimed Ginny Weasley, even though her features showed neither shock nor surprise.

`What the hell are you doing here?!' was the only thing made it out of his mouth as he finally figured out that he was just sitting there and staring at the red-head.

`Malfoy- this is my house, you moron! As in—I live here!' this time her features showed something that a cross between shock and anger. `The question really should be: What are you doing here?'

But before he could reply in his usual manner of insults and witty remakes, his surroundings started to spin in and out of focus and he fell back into the bed, unconscious.

<><><><>

Ginny ran down the stairs and straight into the kitchen where she quickly notified her mother to the chain of events that had resulted in the young Malfoy fainting.

Soon Ron's bedroom was taken over by Madame Pomfrey, who had been Flooed out of Hogwarts for the time being, so she could make sure that there was nothing wrong with Draco.

It turned out that there really didn't seem to be wrong with Draco; he had just fainted from the lack of food and water for the long period of time. She gave Mrs. Weasley strict orders about Draco's well being before she hurried back to the school, claiming she had work to do.

<><><><>

Days past and no one heard so much as a word out of him, the only time he ever spoke was to either to make a very unenthusiastic thank you, or to request that he was left alone; but on both occasions he had only spoken to Mrs. Weasley, who had taken a very unique liking to him.

Of course, Ron tried to run into his room at least 5 times a day to try and kill Draco Malfoy himself, even if he had to use his own bare hands! But Mrs. Weasley had again put a stop to this by charming the door to Draco's temporary room, so it only open if the person opening it had no intention of hurting the rooms occupant, in anyway. Of course at this point Ron had tried to beg Hermione into telling him the counter spell, but that too had proven to be impossible.

Finally on one bright sunny day Draco Malfoy decided that he was willing to talk, but only to four people: Harry, Hermione, Mrs. Weasley and surprisingly Ginny. Ron, of course, was against the whole idea of listening to anything that came out of Draco's mouth; but as always he was over ruled.

While the chosen four listened to the Draco's story, Ron paced in front of his bedroom, and after what seemed like hours, the four walked out of the room and closed the door behind them. Mrs. Weasley apparently seemed to have what looked like tear stains running down her cheeks, but the rest of the group just had a lost look plastered on to their faces.

`Well?? What did he say? And do you really believe him—he's lying, isn't he? I know he is!' at this point a very annoyed and red Ginny stomped her foot while glaring at her brother, causing him to be quiet and start to listen.

` I think this best be done in the kitchen, while we all drink a big cup tea.' Called out a distressed Mrs. Weasley and she hurried down the staircase, in to the kitchen.

When they got to the kitchen and everyone was sited at the table with a cup of tea, Hermione took charge of the situation.

`He told us what happened to him. And I think I believe him- I know all the times that he was a pain and all but I really think-' at seeing the inpatient look on Ron's face she added `I believe him' at this Ginny nodded her agreement.

`Tell me what he said and then I'll tell you what I think of him' replied Ron.

`Basically- he spent his time at Voldemort's hideout since the incident at school last year- and he's give Dumbledor's words a lot of thought and he's on our side- whether we accept him into the Order or not. And personally if Dumbledor thought Draco could be on our side, then I believe him and accept him.' By this point Harry still hadn't said a word. `And Ginny and Mrs. Weasley agree.' She added just for good measures.

`Harry- what do you think of him?' asked Ron looking at Harry.

At first Harry remained silent, but then in a tiny emotionless voice he said `I'll give him one chance, but if he screws up, he's dead.'

At this Ron's mood changed considerably as he said. `I agree with Harry- he screws up and he's dead,- now where are those cookies?'

Ginny Weasley was not in a good mood and that was putting it mildly.

`The Nerve of him…' came a small mutter from under her breath as she stormed into her bedroom, which she was currently sharing with Hermione.

`Hey, Ginny do you have that book--?' called out Hermione fro behind her just as Ginny was slamming her bedroom door behind herself.

But Ginny hadn't hear a word that Hermione had said, as she was too busy muttering every vale and rude word or comment she could think of towards a certain Draco Malfoy, who just happened to be staying in HER house. I mean could you believe it? Draco-Bloody-Spoilt-Malfoy-Playboy- Extraordinaire was staying at the Weasley's- of all the families in the Wizarding World!

Curious to find out what had Ginny all worked-up about, Hermione wondered into the bedroom, where she found a very temperamental Ginny sitting on her bed still muttering and cursing.

`Umm- Ginny- are you okay?'

`Why wouldn't I be?' came a very scratchy reply as Ginny looked up with her hair a mess abd her face a deep shade of red.

`Okay—I get it!' Hermione said as she sat on the edge of Ginny's bed. `What did he do this time? Did he insult you or just tease you- again?'

Ginny looked up and counted backwards mentally from ten, before she spoke. ` the stupid ferrite had the nerve to tell me to get out of my own backyard, because he thought I distracted him! Do you know what he said to me? Well, I'll tell you! He said- and I quote: “I know you want my attention, because you are a stupid little weasel, but try and stay out of my way- you're too distracting with all the red!”

`I mean the nerve of him! ALL THE RED?!? In case he didn't notice- THIS IS MY HOUSE- NOT HIS!!!' by this time she was yelling and if possible, she was an even more deeper shade of red than before.

`He just needs space-' Ginny's yelling cut Hermione off before she could say anymore.

`Who does he think he is- royalty or something? Yeah, true he's good looking and just really misunderstood, after you learn to ignore all the sarcasm and witty remarks- but the Bloody-Brat!' At this she paused and groaned rather loudly to try and calm down. `How much time does he need? He spent the last month on his own and he would only talk to mum and- and- and I'm going to kill for stomping on my favorite flowerbed, last week-'

`Ginny- I told you- it was an accident. He didn't see them there while he was out walking at night- and he did say he was sorry-' Hermione tried to defend, but was cut off again by Ginny.

`Accident-My-Foot! What? Is he blind too?!?!' Exclaimed Ginny. `So far I have him for beginning: spoilt, arrogant, bossy, stupid, stubborn and just down right selfish! Do you want to add to that list?!' Screamed Ginny, as she counted down things on her fingers.

`Umm… you forgot good looking' Hermione replied in a mocking tone, as she fought down her laughter, until it was all too much to bear and she burst out laughing. At first Ginny seemed to get angrier, until she too had started to laugh. `Oh and you forgot: charming- when he wants to be! Finished a very giggly Hermione.

`Merlin preserve me from thick-headed, self-centred, cocky-teenage wizards.' Exclaimed Ginny when she had managed to control her laughter.

He just stood there and watched her stomp away; the way her hair bounced with every step and the way her body had a very unique rhythm to it, as she went into the Burrow.

As he had said: `all the red', did distract him, but not in a bad way. All he wanted to do was reach out and put her hair behind her ear, as the wing blew it into her eyes and on to her face. Really, he didn't mind having her there; she didn't ask questions and she dint judge him, but there was always something In her expression as she studied him and then there was a uncertainty deep in him, as he looked at her.

She made him want to drop whatever he was doing and just stare at her. He wanted to study her in anyway that he could, but then the reality would come crashing down on him. He was not someone she could ever look at with anything other than dislike. Sure, she didn't show the dislike, when he was around anymore, but they were too different.

In his minds' eye he saw her as a beautiful red and golden flame, dancing in front of his eyes; she was untamable and to tame to her would be to destroy her unique beauty of wildness and surprising nature. And as she flickered and teased him in her form as a wild fire, he was the lost animal, with no one to protect him, he had to get out before the fire destroyed him, but he was too scared and too stubborn to admit that all was lost.

But one thin was sure to him: she could either save him from his life of current mayhem and misery or she could destroy him. In time he would find out the answer, but until then he had other things to worry and trouble him, like his father and the rest of the Death Eaters.

They would find him and either take him back or kill him, either way he was too much of a threat to them; he knew too much.

But then again he was reminded of her and in the one moment he decided that no matter what happened to him he would make sure that's he at least was happy and content, whether this be with or without him.

After a little while- when both girls had stopped laughing hysterically- they say on Ginny's bed playing a simple game of cards, when Ginny burst out by saying, `You were defending him weren't you? You've been doing it all the time; you're acting just like Mum!'

`Well, I just think that he's misunderstood and his he's only human, so he has as much a right to be defended by me, as you Ron or Harry do.' Hermione replied all a little too quickly, but then added slowly, `I agree with your mother and I think that his story checks out- yes I know it might have some holes init, but he is telling the truth and I want to give him the a chance. I want to get to know him as Draco, and not has the boy that we've all had to put up with for the last six years.' She paused and then added, `I think he deserves that at least.

Ginny was silent for awhile before she nodded, as in to agree with what Hermione had said. As they continued their game of cards, but not much time had past before Ginny once again started to speak.

`So, all that being said and all… you wont mind OR tell Harry or Ron, if I told you' at this she paused to draw a deep breath, before she said in a very fast whisper, `that I sort of have a tiny crush on him?!?!'

At first Hermione didn't say or do anything, but then her face lit up with a smile, `I knew it! I knew you liked hi-'

At that precise moment Harry's head popped in through the door.

`Who does Ginny like?' hid features filled with amusement at seeing Ginny's discomfort.

`That, Harry James Potter, is one of your concern' came Ginny's reply, before Hermione could say anything. `You aren't meant to be interested in my love life, seeing as I happen to be your Ex!'

`What I don't what it has to do with me being your ex… I just want to jinx this guy- so tell me who is it?.' Came Harry's reply as he continued to grin.

`Harry, please! Stop teasing her!' Hermione said, with an expression that clearly said that she would fill him in later.

`Okay- okay, I just came in here to tell you -Ginny- that Luna is waiting downstairs for you.'

`Damn! I forgot! We were meant to go to her place today. Damn! Okay- out- both of you. I need to change- oh and amuse her—or something!'

`Oh, you don't need to worry about the amuse part, last I left her, she and Ron were discussing Quidditch and something or the other about she called a Chizpurfle- I think!'

`Okay, well then tell her to give me ten minutes, now- bye!' and with that he slammed the door in both their faces.

When Ginny finally came downstairs- a good twenty minutes later- she found Harry and Hermione nowhere in sight. Draco still seemed to be outside and didn't see her new summer dress (which she had secretly had only put on to get his reaction) but when her eyes fell to the couch she found a very flustered Luna sitting on the sofa, laughing at something that Ron had just said, and what was even more weirder was that Ron was watching her, with a huge goofy smile in place on his face. For a few moments all she could do was watch the two of them, totally oblivious to the fact that she was standing there only a few meters away from them. To prompt the two of her presence she cleared her throat.

`Hey Luna, sorry about that- I totally forgot- I hope you didn't get too bored.' Said Ginny, with a huge smile on he face and even though she was talking to Luna, she had been looking at Ron the whole time; whose face had got a very peculiar shade of red.

`No, not at all, your brother is quite interesting and funny, when he wants to be.' Came Luna's usual dreamy reply, as she smiled.

`So, ready to go?'

`Yeah, it was lovely of you Ronald to keep me entertained.' Luna's tone was almost a little disappointed. `Bye then.' And with that the two girls made their way out of the front door.

Meanwhile, Harry and Hermione were sitting in Ron's bedroom, discussing Ginny's new `crush'.

`Okay- so who is it?' asked Harry still very much amused.

`Oh- I promised Ginny I wouldn't tell you or Ron.' Came Hermione's reply as she took a seat on Harry's bed and started to flick through a book that had been lying on the bed.

`Come on Hermione- I was just kidding about jinxing the guy- I know for a fact hat Ginny is very capable of looking after herself.'

`Fine! If you must know it's- Draco.' But before he could say anything, she continued. `And Harry, if you so much as get close to him, to try and jinx him, I swear- you'll have to answer to me!'

`Hey I wasn't going to do anything- I'm not Ron!' think quickly to change the subject he spoke `Speaking of Ron, what is going on with you two anyway?'

`Well, if you must know- nothing.' But at the lost look on Harry's face she continued. `He kissed me and we both just didn't—fit… I like him, but he's ore of a brother more than anything else. I mean, we fight like cats and dogs. We're content with our current relationship- we don't want more in between us. Why the twenty questions anyway?'

`Oh, well- you guys seemed `close' last year- so just curious.' Said Harry before adding in a quiet voice `So you wont mind if- if umm if someone else asked you out?'

At this Hermione looked up from the book in her hand before answering, `Well no- no I wouldn't mind' her voice was very quiet.

`What if- what if that someone was-me?' asked Harry, not quite meeting her gaze. `What I mean is- would you consider going out with me?'

There was silence in the room, you could hear every breath drawn in my either one of them.

`Yes- I will go out with you' whispered Hermione is a very small voice. Harry finally looked up to met her gaze.

`You mean it?'

`Have I ever said anything to you that I haven't meant before?' came Hermione's reply, as she got off the bed and walked up to him. `Yes, Harry Potter- I will go out with you.' And to close the deal she kissed him. At first there was nothing but shock from both sides.

Hermione couldn't believe what she had just done, where as Harry was too surprised and shocked at the fact that she had said `yes' to begin with, let alone begin describing his shock of their current kiss.

But after a few moments, they were kissing each other like it was the world most natural this to them. When they finally broke apart Harry said, `So, umm, I guess it's a date then.' His voice was little breathless, but he was smiling nonetheless.

`I guess it is' Hermione too was smiling.

With that they both made their way down the stairs their fingers still intertwined.

AN: Please review. It's not fun when you have 300 hits per chapter and only 2-4 reviews. REVIEW!!!

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8. untitled

Ummmmmm guys I think that I missed a chapter… sooooo this one was MEANT to be BEFORE `Ships Sail'!!!! sry!!! I am soooooo sorry! But I don't wanna delete the other chapter! So I'm just gonna post this one after ships sail!

7 months prior to Prelude: The Reluctant Servant

Chapter 3: The Unexpected and The Uninvited

Music flowed through the air as the bride and groom twirled happily on the dance floor. The smiles on their faces could have outshone the brightest of stars. The dress robes that Fleur wore hug on to her perfect figure and her lovely hair was piled on top of her head. Bill still had a couple of scars that ran right through his cheeks, but apart from that, he looked quite handsome in his simple black dress robes.

As the song ended the bride and groom continued to dance while everyone else applauded and other couples joined them on the dance floor. The trio stood in one corner of the party with a simile on each of their faces, for one day all off their worries forgotten.

The rest of the day was spent in pretty much the same manner. Everyone danced, joked around and laughed, something that was become more and more rare in the dark times they were all being forced to face. By the end of the day the bride and groom had gone off to their honeymoon, after receiving good wishes from all that were present.

In the evening as all the Weasley's - excluding Charlie and his wife Fluer- along with Harry and Hermione sat in the kitchen with mugs full of hot chocolate, talking about the events of the day a loud noise that sounded like an explosion shook the whole structure of the Burrow.

`What was that-' but before Ron could finish his inquires another tremor broke out, again causing the house to shake and bits dirt and clay to land of everyone's heads. This time everybody finally seemed to accept that something was going on and scrambled to their feet.

Wands held up high in everyone's hand they ran out of the kitchen and into the dark shadows of the night, for a few moments nothing seemed to happen and then all of a sudden all that anyone could see were flashes of colour from all angles. Screams rose up high and fast. They were under attack and with barely any means of defense.

They all split up and charged head first into the battle that had unrepentantly broken out. Their attackers were merely a hand full of Death Eaters, and the Weasleys greatly seemed to out number them. As they got closer in they saw that there lay someone on the ground, almost as if they had given up and were expecting to be killed and any moment. Soon the Death Eaters too realized that they couldn't very well face this alone and win, so in almost a shameful manner of cowardice, they fled.

But as the scene cleared they once again saw the solitary figure, lying on the floor. On a closer inspection they saw that it was a boy barely elder than Harry, Ron or Hermione. His black robes were ripped and filthy, with dirt and mud. His face was bruised and his lips were torn as if he had bitten into them. His hair looked almost black with the amount of mud the seemed to cling onto it.

Mrs. Weasley, Hermione and Ginny all rushed forward to see if he was still alive.

`Oh my, the dear boy! He's cold as ice!' exclaimed Mrs. Weasley, after she had made sure the he was still alive. `Come on, stop you staring, come boys, help him up and get him inside, before he catches his death!'

`Mum are you sure—I mean, he could be one of them—but Ron was cut off as Ginny gasped rather loudly from near the unconscious boy.

`What?!' questioned Harry and Hermione at the exact same time, both their tones a little jumpy.

`I- I know who this is-'her voice trembled as she spoke. `It's Draco—Draco Malfoy!'

A/N: please leave a review…

PS: Amna did u really ignore all the H/Hr scenes in Cassandra's story?? :p LOL

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9. Chapter 5- part 1.

AN: Hope you guys like. Please Review! Love to hear what you guys think. And I would like to thank a certain Ms. Ambrosia for passing judgment on this FF even though of her disapproval on a certain ship. Thanks A.! :D the poem at the beginning of this is by a very good friends, Marissa, and I'd like to thank her for letting me use it!

~Alexa.

5 months prior to Prelude: The Reluctant Servant

The Hunt Begins: Part 1.

Love, what words to describe it?

Love. What descriptions have you for this word?

Never can one say that he has never felt it nor heard

It lives and charms ones senses, with every delicate touch

It gives you a picture of a warm sunset, which you'll love to watch

Delicate, pure and fragile as a butterfly's wing

The words of love, with soft silvery voices, sing

When you love, it is something beautiful and its peace

That rests and reassures one's soul, that never will cease

It makes you fly, reach the stars and beyond the moon

At night, golden stars, sliver moon and the nightingale's sweet tune

A magnificent waterfall, one lovely spring day

Or a green forest, where the tall elegant trees all sway

So many descriptions, so many words to describe

That sends your mind soaring and buzzing like a beehive.

By: Marissa E. Black

`~~~~~`

After Ginny's little `confession' all she could do was stare at Draco. Saying it out loud and admitting it to someone other than herself had only made the feeling seem more real than ever before. Before she could ignore him, but now she noticed almost everything that he said or did. The way he would always try to avoid being in the same room that had any Weasleys in it, unless it was Mrs. Weasley. The way he never said anything unless if it were absolutely unavoidable. The away he was always deep in thoughts, but still would catch her staring, almost as if he could feel her gaze on him. But still the strangest of all these were when she would catch him looking at her; most of the time it was nothing but a glance, but the look his eyes would hold as his gaze passed over her was so intense and so captivating, that all she ever wanted to do was stare into his eyes.

She had tried to get Hermione's point-of-view on what she should do next, but every time Hermione wasn't being lovesick over Harry she was with him! It was strange, the way that they could finish off each other's sentences or pass things to the other without having to utter a single word. Most of the time they were together, and it wasn't as if they spent all their time snogging or something, most of the time they just talked. And that's what I'm suppose you get for having a hard-core friendship for six years.

You'd think that Ron would be affected by any of this but, surprisingly, he wasn't. They were they the same as always, they did everything together, but now rather than spending time on their own once in a while, Ron would be off by himself and Harry and Hermione would be together. They'd read together; eat at the same time and always next to each other; went to bed at the same time after their goodnight's and kisses had been exchanged and when they wee together they'd be smiling or they would an expression that made their feeling quite obvious.

Why can't I have something like that? This was the only thought in her head as she watched them on an afternoon sitting in the backyard on the picnic blanket. Harry's head rested on Hermione's lap as he lay on the blanket and Hermione leaned back against a tree. They were `meant' to be talking about their `Trio-Plans', one things she wasn't allowed an `inside' about. But by the looks of the two, the only thing they were talking about was each other.

XXX

But of course, looks could be deceiving, as it turned out Harry and Hermione were talking about their plans. So far, they had come to the conclusion that they had already wasted too much time at the Burrow and really need to get back to their `Horcrux Hunt'.

`So if we leave tomorrow, we should be able to use Grimmauld Place for a little while to research, we don't know enough about them in general. Yes, sure they are piece of someone's soul, but how did he make them and more so- how do we destroy them when we find them?' Hermione spoke as her hand passed through his Harry's hair.

`Um-hum,' came his reply as he kept his eyes closed.

`We can't tell everyone else where we are going, so we'll have to come up with a story or something, but I highly doubt that we'll need one as everyone kind of expects you to stop him. I also think we need to pay Hogwarts a little visit; I'm sure Professor Mcgonagal wouldn't mind us spending some time there.'

There was the same silence, in which Hermione continued to run her hand through Harry's hair. When she bent down and took his glasses off, he still didn't open his eyes. She softly kissed the tip of his nose, then each of his eyelids and then finally his lip before muttering; `Open your eyes, I want to see your eyes.' Her face was barely an inch from his.

Harry opened his eyes and stared into her chocolate brown ones above his face, before getting up a little and kissing her.

`I love your eyes.' Hermione commented, as they broke apart from their kiss. At first he didn't say anything but then after a moment of staring at each other he said in an almost whisper: `I love you'

At this Hermione's eyes filled with tear, before bending again to kiss him.

`I love you too'

XXX

In the couple of days that they spent at Grimmauld Place, Hermione outdid even herself by spending every waking moment with a book in her hand.

So far all the library at Grimmauld Place had told them was that a Horcrux was a piece of someone's soul and that if one part of the soul was destroyed the Horcrux would be put into action, thus keeping the soul of the person Earth-bound. But this existence was a mere imprint on Earth and it wouldn't be able to do much without a body. (`And the Blacks were meant to be Dark Wizards- well, their library could tell you other wise!' Hermione had yelled when it became obvious the library had nothing of interest or importance to them.)

All this they had already known, meaning it didn't help their cause in the least. While they had been at Grimmlaud Place, Hermione had sent an owl to Headmistress Mcgonagal requesting permission to stay at Hogwarts for a few days to perhaps a week and within the same day they had gotten a reply from a very happy Minerva, who had said that they could stay as long as they wanted.

Their arrival at Hogwarts sent an uproar within the student-body (a very small student body, consisting of a handful of Slytherins, a dozen Hufflepuffs, thirty or so Rawnclaws and about forty Gryffindors.) The Trio was delighted to be with their remaining friends. Ron and Luna were talking in hushed, yet happy tones; Neville was saying something or the other about his Grandmother; while everyone else just seemed to be staring at the fact that Harry and Hermione were holding hands.

But soon everything died down and the Trio could get on with their hunt for information. Hermione was practically living in the Room of Requirement, where she had `thought' herself a library the size of the Quidditch Pitch, towering over everyone else in the room.

But like she had suspected, she found nothing. The Room could only provide her with information that students had access to and most of the books in Hermione's library were copies of the books from the Hogwart's library. Of course, she couldn't read all the books, but that wasn't from lack of trying. If it weren't for Harry she would probably have never come out. This matter had caused them to have their first fight as a couple.

`Hermione, you can't spend the rest of your life in here.' Harry had tried to reason.

`Don't tell me what I can or can't do, Harry.' Her head was still buried in a book that looked like it weighted a ton.

`These books are going to be the death of you, come on, you've barely eaten since we got here and you sleep a total of four hours at night and what for? Just so you can read the stupid boo-!'

`They aren't STUPID!' Hermione had screamed as she stood up, causing the book to the hit the floor with a loud thud.

`They are driving you nuts- so- yes! I'd say they are STUPID!' Retorted Harry.

`They have information- knowledge- which can help save your life! Is that stupid? Is it stupid that I don't want you to die? Well, is it?' the tears had been running down her face as she yelled and screamed.

`Well, maybe it is, if it means that you sacrifice your own health and life in return for mine.' He looked down at his shoes, not being able to hold her gaze any longer.

The tears had continued, as she walked up to him and hugged him like her life depended on it. `I don't want to you die- I couldn't live with myself if the answer were right here- in this room- and I'd just left it because I was too tired to read. I could never live without you in my life-'

`Hey, it's okay,' he whispered to her as he rubbed her back gently. `I'm all right; I'm not going anywhere. And you know I'd never leave you willingly. And I could never blame you for not reading enough or not knowing enough to save me. It's okay to not know the answer once in awhile- even for you.'

`But what if- what if when he comes and you aren't ready- what then? If you didn't make it through the fight- I would have failed you-!'

`Hermione- you could never fail me. And Moldywart hasn't got a thing on me and you know why?' when she shook her head, which was still buried in his chest. `Because I have you!'

Hermione looked up shocked at first, but then a small watery smile broke out across her face, as she muttered. `Modywart, I'd love to see the look on his face, if he ever heard you.'

XXXX

After Hermione had forcefully been stopped in her crazy rampage of the libraries she had calmly announced one morning that she if she couldn't find anything in a book to help, she was going to get them to learn every defensive spell that she could find or think of. Ron had choked at this announcement and had muttered something about Hermione and the word `mental', but Harry had agreed; he was just glad that she wasn't killing herself in the library.

So became their new routine: they would get up, have breakfast and while the students had classes they would train, then they would have lunch with the rest of the school which was followed by their leisure time, in which Hermione usually would read or spend time with Harry; Harry and Ron would either play chess or exploding snap, but sometimes Ron would decide to spend his time off with Luna. The two had grown exceptionally close in the last couple of weeks that they had spent at Hogwarts, but of course Ron denied that anything had happened between the two- according to him they were just friends. After dinner they usually had meetings with the Order or just Professor Mcgonagal in her office to discuss current situations around the Wizarding Community and security measures.

XXX

So far in their training they had managed to cover shielding spells for minor hexes and spells, most defending charms. Most of the things they covered they had already known, but Hermione said that they should be prepared and it was better to be safe than sorry, so they had revised them.

`Okay, I want to try and do something a little different today- I hope you guys don't mind?' Hermione said as got her wand out, as they all stood in the middle of the Room of Requirement, which had been transformed into a gym like area. `I want to have two of us in a team, to be the attackers and the third to be the defender. So it's sort of like a duel, but only a little more Death Eater style, with the odds against the defender. Of course, the defender doesn't only have to use defensive spells, but seeing as we aren't really Death Eaters, there are no dangerous hexes or spells to be used. Oh, and the game ends when anyone is disarmed- any questions?'

`Got it- so whose first?' called out Ron as he too got his wand out.

`How about: Ron and me first against Harry; then Harry and me against Ron and lastly you two against me?' inquired Hermione.

`Yeah, that works, but guys- don't hold back,' said Harry as he got his wand out.

They started out easy, with a spell from here and a hex from there, with simple shields to defend. But as their first duel continued the pace started to pick up. The spells were thrown at random and at a much faster pace. Soon, Harry had disarmed Ron.

`I win,' called out a grinning Harry.

So their second duel went under way, with Harry and Hermione against Ron. This one ended even more quickly than the one before it. Harry and Hermione worked great as a team, they drew off each others moves, assisting the other when needed and adding their own little twist to the others' spell or hex. Ron didn't stand a chance and soon he was disarmed, sweaty and sore as he got up from the floor.

`Merlin help anyone who has to put up with you two together,' muttered Ron sourly.

Lastly, it was Hermione's turn to go up against Harry and Ron. This duel seemed to take the longest of the three. They again started out slow, but soon they were at it like crazy. Hermione had taken to conjuring and transfigurating up things, such as armchairs and sofas, and then using them to shield herself rather than using shield spells. At one point Hermione even Disillusioned herself, but soon Harry and Ron found a way around that, as she hadn't thought about her shadow, which was clearly visible in the well-illuminated room. But finally the duel came to an end, as Harry managed to disarm Hermione while she was trying to run for cover behind one of her transfigured armchair.

`We win!' Ron jumped up and down and did a little victory dance just to make his point.

`Yeah, yeah- you guys got lucky,' at this Hermione stuck her tongue out at him.

`Oh, very mature Hermione!' retorted Ron.

`Cut it out- both of you,' called out an amused Harry.

`Okay, the whole point of that was to see what our weak points are; Harry since you happen to have won in all three of the duels, I suppose you'd be the one with the least amount of things to work on-'

`Surprise, surprise,' muttered Ron.

Hermione ignored him and continued. `Ron you need to be quicker. And I need to use more than one strategy at a time.' With that said the Trio made their way down to lunch.

XXXX

That evening they sat in McGonagall's office discussing their usual topic of order business. Currently they had McGonagall, the Trio and Tonks present.

`… the tabs work quite well. They function similarly to Tracking Charms, only they have a much wider range of coverage. If the subject is in any sort of suspicious situation an Order member is put on their trail and the best part: the Death Eaters have no idea that we have the tabs placed on them,' reported Tonks in her usual perky and cheerful tone. `But, of course, we can't have these placed on higher ranking Death Eaters, in case Voldemort finds them. So far we have had nothing that should alarm anyone-'

Almost as if on cue at that moment Remus burst in through the doors of the office looking very disorientated and out of breath.

`There's an attack!'

XXXX

A/N: this is part 1 of this chapter…as I didn't want to keep everyone waiting any longer, so this means that this `month/chapter' will be spread out over 2 chapters. If you would like to read any of Marissa's work here is the link: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2817236/1/ . Lastly- please review! And a huge Thank You to Amna…. Who is AMAZING!!! And takes time off her own busy life to help me with mine! And part 2 of this chapter is maybe gonna be co-written with her… she's the D/G maniac!! :D

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10. Chapter 5- Part 2: Hufflepuffs’ Help.

A/N: can you believe it- most of this chapter was written to avoid having to study for a grand total of three tests worth 10 per cent of my yearly course marks and also holiday homework, which my teachers felt obligated to give us?!??!!? I know I'm insane- but you have those tests to thank for getting most of this typed up!

Chapter 5- Part 2: Hufflepuffs' Help.

5 months prior to Prelude: The Reluctant Servant

Previously in Part 1 of this chapter:

That evening they sat in McGonagall's office discussing their usual topic of order of business. Currently McGonagall, the Trio and Tonks were present.

`… The tabs work quite well. They function similarly to Tracking Charms, only they have a much wider range of coverage. If the subject is in any sort of suspicious situation an Order member is put on their trail- and the best part: the Death Eaters have no idea that we have the tabs placed on them,' reported Tonks in her usual perky and cheerful tone. `But, of course, we can't have these placed on higher ranking Death Eaters, in case Voldemort finds them. So far we have had nothing that should alarm anyone-'

Almost as if on cue at that moment Remus burst in through the doors of the office looking very disorientated and out of breath.

`There's an attack!'

XXXXXXXXXX

They could barely remember how and when, but all of a sudden they had been carried away to battle (after a lot of pleading and begging on their part). It turned out that a whole bunch of Death Eaters with Tabs placed on them had been gathering at a weird location. The Order had been sent out to check out the situation, but had been spotted and forced into taking action to defend themselves. Just as they thought they had won more Death Eaters had shown up, clearly out numbering the few Order members on site. The amount of reinforcements sent by Voldemort clearly stated that he wanted something of great value from the site, so now the Order was doing everything to try and get more members out on field to help defend the Light Side.

As soon as the Trio had heard there was something that Voldemort wanted- presumably of great value- they had all jumped to the same conclusion- Horcruxes. After a lot of pleading and begging they were reluctantly allowed to accompany everyone else. They had used a portkey to get to a remote area at the base of a hill. On the other side of the hill lay their enemies.

The battlefield was not a pleasant sight. People from both sides of the battle lay hurt, injured or dead. It was not an easy sight to bear, but soon they too had been caught up in the fight. Before the portkey had taken them to the fight Harry had told Hermione and Ron that they had to get to stick together and basically try to get to the place a Horcrux would most likely be hidden. The second part of the plan hadn't been hard to follow as the only place a Horcrux could be hidden in a place like this was a castle, a lot smaller than Hogwarts but still big enough to catch ones' eye. It was in the center of a forest clearing and was surrounded by wild plants as if someone had really let the housekeeping out of hand. The first part of the plan was easier said than done; as they progressed into the battle they were being attacked from all sides and to remain uninjured they had to spread out.

Spells and hexes of all kind and colour were being shot out in all directions. Hermione currently had a shield charm up around her as she tried to deflect a random jinx that had been thrown her way as she tried to stun a Death Eater in front of her. Harry and Ron were surrounded by three Death Eaters, until Remus saw them and hit one of them with a Stunning Charm in the back, and while the other two Death Eaters had been distracted Harry and Ron managed to stun the last two. Meanwhile, Hermione had finally managed to knock the Death Eater she'd been fighting unconscious.

`Harry- this is impossible- how are we going to get to the castle at this rate?' screamed Hermione over the noise of war cries and curses.

Harry, who had spotted a Death Eater behind Hermione, fired a quick stunner, had a look around and then answered her, `We get to those bushes over there- Duck! -' Disarming spell. `That's as close to the castle we can get without them killing us.'

`And how do we manage that?' screamed a very jumpy Ron.

`Follow me!' was all Harry said before he ran towards the bushes in question. They made their way dodging and reflecting off random spells, hexes and jinxes. The thing they were all very grateful for was the fact that the use of Avada Kedavra was being kept to the minimum, even by the Death Eaters. After a couple of more close calls and lots more dodging they had reached their target point. As they ducked behind the un-kept foliage, making sure they were out of sight, Hermione began to study all the possible ways they could get into the castle without being detected, but so far all plans resulted in them being followed by the enemy or worse- being zapped before they even got anywhere near the door.

`What do we do?' Ron asked. `Hermione?'

But before Hermione could answer, Harry had stepped in to take over the situation. `We get in-'

But before the statement could be finished a large Death Eater came crashing into the foliage they were taking refuge in. It seemed he had been stunned with such force that that he had been thrown backward, hit the trunk of a tree and fell unconscious underneath it, causing screams and startled yells to be expelled by the Trio.

A large Death Eater who had been standing somewhat near their hide out had heard the sudden outburst and started to make his way towards them. Soon he had at least five others following him. Harry and Ron raised their wand to defend themselves, but Hermione silently shook her head in refusal, knowing that they were clearly out numbered. It was almost as if the rest of the battle didn't exist any more. Only about half a meter or so from their hide out the Death Eaters stopped and raised their wands; the head of the miniature gang gazed into the bushes almost as if he could see their fearful faces. And just when the boys thought that all hope was lost and they raised their wands again to fight till the end, Hermione grabbed the two of them by the upper arm and pulled them backwards; the last thing any of them remembered before blacking out was passing through the stone wall of the castle behind them and falling.

XXXXX

Hermione was the first to awaken, after their fall into the castle. Harry and Ron were slumped next to her on the cold hard stone floor. Her eyes took a while but soon they adjusted to her dark surrounds; they all seemed to be in an underground corridor, with a dim light at the end of the corridor that illuminated a winding stone staircase.

`Harry- Ron- get up,' Hermione called in a loud whisper, afraid that there might be someone who might hear her; and after a bit more whispering and shaking she had both of them conscious again.

`Where are we?' asked Ron as he picked himself up from the cold floor and rubbed the back of his head which had a small bump on it.

`Inside the castle- I think we fell in- through the wall,' answered a bewildered Hermione, her own words not making much sense to her.

`I think you might be right,' agreed Harry. `We just sort of fell in. It might have been a secret entrance or something.'

`Come on, we better try and find the Horcrux, before someone else does,' called out Hermione in a more confident tone as she made her way towards the light at the end of the corridor. Harry and Ron following her, and they made their way up the staircase and found themselves in a sun lit camber about the size of the Gryffindor Common Room.

The furniture of the room was an exquisite canary yellow and black. The yellow drapes hung in perfect flow and were drawn back with a black drawstring, enough to let the sun light pour in. The huge fireplace lay empty as if it hadn't been used in quite sometime and ornaments adored the shelf that over hung the fireplace. The rug in front of the fireplace was the same canary yellow as the furniture with the edging the same black colour. And above the fireplace hung a portrait of a beautiful woman in a pale yellow and black robe and hair the colour of mahogany, which cascaded around her elegant smiling face. It was almost as if the battle that they had just been plunged out of hadn't ever existed.

`I am glad you found your way into the castle,' spoke the portrait, in a serene and quiet tone.

At first they were startled that the portrait had been speaking to them, almost in a welcoming tone. `Hi, we are sorry to just drop in like this, but we sort of didn't have much of a choice in the matter. I am Her-`

`I know who you are child and I do apologize for the unpleasant way of entry, but it was the only way that I could think of at the time,' this was met by a bewildered silence. `I am He-'

`Helga Hufflepuff,' this time it was Hermione who cut her off, in an awed whisper. The portrait smiled and went on speaking.

`I am Helga Hufflepuff and welcome to my humble home. Again I do apologize for the abrupt way of entry, like I said before I could not think of a quicker way of getting you inside without the enemy's knowledge of your whereabouts.'

`Umm, so let me get this straight, Madam Hufflepuf-'

`Call me Helga.'

`Helga- you were the one who yanked us out of a battle, through a stone wall and into your castle just so you could introduce yourself to us?' scorned a very annoyed Ron.

`Ron!' Hermione scowled.

`Mr. Weasley- I assure you that I have better things to do than kidnapping random teenagers and introducing myself to them. I may be a portrait, but I still happen to have a social life!' Not knowing how to reply, they remained silent until Helga seemed to calm down and started talking again in her quiet tone of voice. `Now, I do hope you will be quiet and listen to what I have to say, as it may be worth more to you than most others.

`This castle is almost as old as I; it belonged to me in my time, then to my heir and then so on, until no more descendents of the Hufflepuff family remained; it has for quite some time now played host to a possession which belonged to me once and was stolen only to be returned to my home not long after its disappearance. The possession I am talking about and about which I'm sure you have heard of is a Goblet, which was once a family heirloom. This Goblet was stolen by the Dark Lord, Voldemort, and made into a very dark article. Bringing me to the reason I had you lot `yanked out of battle,' as Mr. Weasley put it, and into my castle: so I could make sure that the item was given to someone who would see to its destruction.'

The Trio stood there, shocked and not knowing how to react. This could be exactly what they had been after. Finally Hermione spoke. `So- the reason you brought us in here, is to tell us that you know where the Goblet, containing Voldemort's soul is?'

`That is precisely why I brought you here,' replied Helga.

XXXX

Not soon after their meeting with the portrait-Helga they made their way down an old corridor. This one, thankfully, was not underground.

`So, umm, we're just gonna believe her?' inquired Ron, who had been strangely very quiet ever since Helga had snapped at him.

`Yes, Ron, we're just going to believe her,' replied Hermione.

`And it's not like we have any other choice and-' continued Harry for her.

`How bad could she be anyway? She is meant to be a Founder!' finished off Hermione.

`Guys, stop that, you sound like the twins with you start finishing off each others' sentences.'

Harry and Hermione looked at each other queerly, before shrugging it off.

XXXX

They found the Cup in the hidden hall, behind the portrait of the emblem of Hogwarts. It sat there in the middle of the secret hall on a stone podium. It was gold with two finely wrought handles, with the engraving of a badger. It was exactly as Harry remembered from the memory that Dumbledore had shown him not so long ago.

`That's it,' muttered Ron, looking at the Cup intently.

`Yeah,' was about only thing that escaped Harry at the moment.

`Can we please just take it and go, I don't want to be here any longer than we have to be,' Hermione spoke in an apprehensive voice. `Helga said we should be able to just grab it, it's not meant to cause any harm.'

With that being said she stepped forward, before either of the boys could object, and grabbed it by one of the handles. When nothing happened she turned around and smiled at the two very anxious boys.

`See, nothing to it- Ouch!' she dropped the cup to the floor and then started to sway a little, as if she was going to faint.

`HERMIONE?!'

The two boys rushed forward and Harry caught her before she fell. Her eyes were half closed and her complexion had paled slightly, but she was still conscious.

`I'm fine,' her voice weak, as she tried to get up. `Some kind of a shock, nothing to worry about.'

`Your hand- it's bleeding. And yes, there is a cause to be worried about, Ron help me get her up.'

When Hermione was once again on her feet, Harry bent down and examined the Cup. It looked perfectly normal. Getting his wand out, he muttered a charm to make the small object start to float in mid-air and getting his robe he grabbed the Cup. He then Transfigured the robes into a back-pack, with the Cup inside it.

`Okay- now we can get out of here,' the back-pack on his back and an arm around Hermione's waist, they set off, making their way out of the castle.

XXXXX

The battle outside the castle had, it seemed, ceased in their absence.

All that was left were a couple of Order members and Minister personals `cleaning-up' the scene; by which meaning they were arresting the last of the captured Death Eaters and taking in any bodies that were left.

After tracking down Remus and make sure that everyone else was safe they made their way to Grimmlaud Place. Hermione's hand had stop bleeding a long time ago, but they had flooed Madam Pomfrey to have it checked out, just to be on the safe side. The Healer had found nothing that caused her any suspicion. After giving Hermione a potion to make sure the wound would cause no infections and telling Hermione to get some serious bed rest, she bid her farewell and was off, back to Hogwarts.

Totally disregarding the Healers instruction, Hermione had started to interrogate everyone in the room, until Harry had cut her off and sent her straight to bed, with threats of never letting her anywhere near a battle ever again.

Muttering and grumbling, she had complied.

XXXXXX

In her room Hermione got changed into her night suit, brushed her teeth and then crawled into bed just when Harry knocked on the door and came in.

`No one was killed from our side; a couple got hurt. They managed to capture about five Death Eaters, two of which are still unconscious. And no, none of them were of high rank. Is that all?' Harry teased, knowing that was probably the first thing she was going to ask him.

`Humph, no! I was going to ask whether you and Ron were okay!' scowled Hermione. `And then I was going to ask about what you thought I was dying to know!' she finished with a sheepish grin.

`See I do know you!' Not giving her a chance to reply, he changed the subject, `How's you hand?'

`It's fine. A little sore, but fine,' she replied as she let him have a look at her hand. `How are we going to destroy it?'

`I have no idea, but I'm sure we'll come up with something.'

`I think we need to start as soon as possible-`

`We aren't starting anything until your hand is perfectly healed again, got it?'

`But- Harry this is important!'

`But so is your health. So we don't start anything until your hand is healed- okay?' he countered in a perfectly calm voice.

`Fine,' muttered a gloomy Hermione.

`Now, come on, get some rest.'

`Yes Dad!' teased Hermione, at which Harry just stuck out his tongue at her.

`Night, Harry,' whispered Hermione as she shrugged under the huge quilt.

`G' night, Hermione,' he kissed the top of her head and then crept out of the room and closed the door after him, as her eyes fluttered close.

XXXXXX

AN: and that ladies and gents is the end of that… if you haven't read my One-Shot—Please do. It's titled `Our Secret' and is really short and in Hermione's POV. Thanks for reading and please leave a review!

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11. Interlude 2- Letters Hermione's POV

AN: this is another interlude- very short! (NOT A CHAPTER!) It is a dairy entry/letter from Hermione's POV and will NOT pick up where I left off in the last interlude. It's just sort of her thoughts on what is going on in her current timeline. I know this whole timeline thing is confusing and if you have any questions at all, please feel free to ask. Review me, email me, or leave a message on my LJ and I'll try and answer as best as I can! And rather than posting up a cookie on my LJ I just posted this! :D

Interlude 2: Dairy Entry (Hermione's POV)

I like boring. Yes, I think that's what I want- a boring life!

Strange thought, really it is. I like boring.

Boring is consistency.

Boring is waking up in the morning with the knowledge that everyone that you care for is safe.

It's having not to have to worry about the love of your life being killed, or yourself being killed, for that matter; or having to chose between your life and the people you care for.

But I don't think I can live without all the excitement that has led up to this moment. I guess in its own twisted way all the things that life puts you through shapes your persona and character.

Like a test, but you never find out if you passed or failed, you just have your own judgment and life lets you decided whether you passed or not. That's why I guess humans have a conscience.

I don't think I would be where I am today if it weren't for all the experiences that I have been through, or to know the happiness that I now know the people around me are capable of expressing even in this time of great lose and injustice.

It's weird to think that within the next couple of hours I might be dead. I'm not sure whether to be happy or scared at the thought anymore. At least this way I know I'm dying to protect someone I deeply care about.

But I guess he thinks I'm doing this of my own free will. On some level I know he would never believe that, but I don't think I can fight anymore. It gets harder with every passing moment. It grows off my will. The more I fight the more it grows and takes over me, it feeds off my will to want to survive.

It gets worse every time I'm near either Voldemort or Harry. Voldemort I can understand, Voldemort calls to it making it want to be whole again. But Harry I don't understand- it grows strangely afraid and stronger at the same time, it acts as though it has a secret to hide and only Harry knows how to find out what that secret is.

I guess writing this is my way of saying my last good-byes and having my last say even if no one ever finds this. I guess I want someone, someday to find this and know that I would never have betrayed the Order, that I would have never betrayed him. That I didn't do any of those horrible things even though I feel responsible for them. I watched as they happened, unable to do anything about it. Unable to help, unable to cry out and scream. Having no power over my own body.

When I was little I'd sit in bed and beg my parents to read me `one more book' and when I would fall asleep I would dream of being the beautiful princess and not the little unnoticed girl, that everything would turn out okay in the end; but I guess that's just what they were- dreams. Because life isn't as easy as it appears when written on paper, printed in black and white. Reality gives life colour. It gives it a meaning, a purpose; but what happens when that colour goes away, when the meaning and purpose is snatched out of your hands; what then?

Do you give in to your new unimportant, totally invisible existence, or do you fight and be the voice demanding justice?

Well, I guess that is my choice: to fight a battle I'm going to lose no matter what, or to let it consume me without objection.

Time is running out, not only for me to act but for itself and I will embrace death gratefully if it means I get to destroy a part of Voldemort with me.

If I ever get out of here I want a boring life. I want a life filled with everyday things. Things that others take for granted, because they see them everyday. A simple life, maybe after this war is over.

If I survive.

~Hermione.

Warm tears started to fall onto the paper as she lay her head down on to the wooden desk and cried herself to sleep in hopes of escaping the nightmare her life had become.

AN: thanks Am. For the quick beta job! points to: `I love my beta' sign

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The Reluctant Servant

1. Prelude: The Reluctant Servant

2. Chapter 1- Draco's Struggling

3. Chapter 3 Godric's Hollow

4. Interlude 1

5. A/N... sry!

6. Ships Sail

7. Structure of TRS

8. untitled

9. Chapter 5- part 1.

10. Chapter 5- Part 2: Hufflepuffs’ Help.

11. Interlude 2- Letters Hermione's POV

12. AN: NO MORE...