Circle of Love

Hermione stood in front her mirror and combed out her wet hair before pulling it back into a long ponytail. Some days she wished it wasn't so long but knew she'd miss it if she cut it. She did up the last button of her blouse, slipped on her shoes and headed out her door for the kitchen. She could hear her stomach rumbling.

“Granger,” Draco said from his position against the wall between their rooms. He too had showered and changed, his hair slicked back in the old way and he was dressed in black pants and a forest green shirt.

“Malfoy,” Hermione nodded at him. One step forward, how many steps back this time? She wondered.

“How was the talk?” Draco asked her and crossed his arms across his chest. Hermione walked closer to him and looked up into his eyes. She reached up her hand and let her finger trace down his jaw and leaned up against him. He unfolded his arms to reach up a hand to hers and clasped it lightly.

“Mrs Weasley understands now, and its Her-my-oh-nee, don't forget.” She reached up her other hand to go around his neck, pulling his face nearer to hers.

“Hermione,” Draco repeated and closed the distance between them, kissing her. Hermione reached up and ran her fingers through his hair, messing it up.

“Now that we have that settled,” Hermione smiled at him, and kissed him back. She felt his arms pull her closer, and got lost in the kiss. She felt his hands roam her arms and back, and drew even closer into him. Hermione broke away finally and laid her face in the crook of his neck.

“We need to get downstairs before Mrs Weasley sends the troops after us.” Hermione said into his neck, her warm breathe tickling at his neck. She felt his arms tighten around her at the mention of the name Weasley before loosening his hold.

“She doesn't approve of us.” Draco said and pulled back and lifted her chin with his hand to look Hermione in the face. “What did she say?”

“Mrs Weasley is just worried. I”m like one of her children remember, and not because of Ron either.” Hermione told him. Their talk had brought up all the emotions she had thought safely tucked away and managed.

“Ah yes good old Weasel,” Draco said and sneered. “Mrs Weasley come out and say I killed him to get you?” Hermione smacked his arm with those words, her face shocked.

“If that was even a thought of anyone in this house Draco, you'd have been dead before you had walked through the door with Professor Snape.” Hermione retorted. “But yes, she thinks you are using me.”

“What's important is if you think that. Do you?” Draco said, keeping his fingers firm on her chin so she couldn't look away.

Ginny followed behind Harry up the stairs. She couldn't believe it, he had asked her to marry him. Her eyes kept glancing to her left hand and the ring that she now wore.

“Can't believe Professor Lupin sent us to get Hermione and the ferret.” Harry grumbled, and jumped slightly when Ginny swatted his arm. “What was that for?” He asked.

“I thought you agreed to lighten up on them?” Ginny said as they hit the top of the landing.

Harry stopped suddenly, the gentle 'umph' from Ginny smacking him in the back had him raising his fingers to his lips in a 'shh' motion. He couldn't believe the sight that met his eyes. He looked back to Ginny, and she shrugged her shoulders and clasped his hand.

Harry turned back to look at Hermione and Malfoy. So far the other two hadn't noticed them, and he had never seen Malfoy like this before. Unguarded. Instead of his usual sneer or smirk, he had an uncertain look, and was staring into Hermione's face. He looked at Hermione and saw she was looking intently into Malfoy's face. He almost moved when Malfoy touched Hermione's chin, but Ginny held him back.

They weren't close enough to hear their whispered words, and Harry wished he had one of the Twins Extendable Ears on him. Hermione shook her head, and Harry saw Draco smile and pull Hermione's face closer to his, a look on his face Harry had never seen on Malfoy's before. He saw the same look Ginny gave him before they kissed on Hermione's face.

“Draco Malfoy cares about her.” Harry said in a soft voice of wonderment, seeing the two of them as if for the first time. “How?”

“I tried to tell you Harry,” Ginny whispered back. “We've all seen it. Professor Lupin would have ended this if he didn't think it was so. And love has no 'how', Harry. It just happens when you least expect it, and often where you least expect it also.”


Draco touched Hermione's chin lightly again and waited for her answer. “Do you think I am using you?” He repeated, and let his uncertainty show. His gray eyes stared into her brown ones, holding their gaze until she answered.

“No Draco, I don't think that.” Hermione said and leaned her face closer into his hand. She felt the caress of his fingers and smiled up at him. “Anymore than I am using you.” She admitted.

“You're not,” Draco smiled down and placed his lips upon hers, gently pressing them to hers. He felt her lips open and he wrapped his arms around her, and deepened the kiss.

“Okay, this is.. gah. Enough.” Harry whispered to Ginny, still in shock that his best friend was snogging the ferret in front him. He could handle that they shared feelings, but he still wasn't ready to watch this.

“I think it's kind of sweet.” Ginny said to Harry and stuck her tongue out him when he made a face. “It's time to move on Harry. Remember Ron, but stop making Hermione suffer for living.” She told him.

“That's not-” Harry said, but stopped in realization. “I've been taking Ron's death out on her?” Harry pulled Ginny back into the shadows a bit, his face in shock.

“Yes Harry. I loved Ron, he was my big brother for Merlin's sake. But Hermione isn't to blame, and shouldn't have to take the grief over moving on. Look at us Harry, it's a time of War and things move quicker because of it. Allow Hermione to take the comfort Malfoy offers her. She needs him, like I need you.” Ginny snuggled closer to Harry and pulled his face down to hers to kiss him. “She doesn't expect you take Malfoy as your new best friend, just accept him.”

“I'll try,” Harry said, and held Ginny close. He felt her face press into his chest, and tightened his arms around her. “I love you so much Ginny. You are my sanity.” Harry admitted to her. “I was a fool to push you away. I will never do that again.” He kissed the top of her head.

“I love you too Harry.” Ginny said and lifted her face to his. Once more he kissed her, and felt the completeness she gave him. “It's time to drag the lovebirds downstairs before Professor Lupin sends someone after us. Knowing my Mum, she'll come flying, and she'll expect the worse out of all of us.” Ginny laughed, and Harry smiled at her before turning back to look at the other two.

“You think they realize how they feel?” Harry asked Ginny.

“No Harry and that's a road they have to travel down themselves. Hermione's like a sister to me, and my best friend. Just trust her to do the right thing.” Ginny told him, and pulled him from the shadows in the hallway and coughed.

Hermione broke the kiss, and buried her face into Draco's shoulder. “We need to-” she began to say, but a cough from the top of the stairs had them both turning to look.

“Great it's the Weaselette and Potter,” Draco whispered, letting his facade back up as he looked at them. “Bet they saw the snog of all snogs,” Draco said and sneered. Hermione sighed and took his hand in hers.

“You have a cold Ginny?” Hermione asked, and squealed when she saw Ginny's hand. “Harry? Ginny?” She ran over to them, pulling Draco with her. She let go of his hand and took Ginny's to look at the ring. “It's your mum's ring, isn't it Harry?” Harry nodded and blushed.

“Yes,” Ginny answered, understanding like only a girl could Hermione's question. “Dad said it was okay.”

“Congratulations,” Draco said, moving behind Hermione and placing his hands on her shoulders. Slowly he ran his hands down her arms till he wrapped them around her waist and placed his head on her shoulder. Hermione leaned back into him.

“Thank you Malfoy,” Ginny said, wanting to giggle at Draco's display of possession. She watched Harry stiffen slightly before nodding. It was going to take some getting used to, he realized.

“Thanks,” Harry said shortly, “We were sent to bring you both downstairs by Professor Lupin. He wants to talk to all four of us together.”

Draco smirked over Hermione's shoulder and slowly released her. “We were just headed that way.” Taking Hermione by the hand, he started walking down the stairs.

Remus Lupin sat beside Tonks and held her hand. He want to insist she go upstairs to rest, but she wasn't leaving until the adults at Grimmauld Place had all talked with the 4 younger wizards in the residence. He loved her, but sometimes she could just be so stubborn. The elder Weasleys, plus Bill and Professor Snape all sat at the table with them waiting.

A tired looking Kingsley Schacklebolt arrived a few moments later. “Morning,” He said and drew a hand over his head as to smooth his none existent hair. “Our prisoners are safely tucked away in Azkaban.” He slid into a chair next to Snape and grabbed a plate. “Mrs Weasley you are a fine cook!” He exclaimed, and filled it and began to eat. His eyes traveled to his partner's tired face and sent Lupin a questioning look. He nodded and smiled when Remus shrugged.

“You should be resting Tonks,” Kingsley said between bites, a smile of pleasure plastered on his face.

“I will go up in a few moments, as soon as the kids have arrived.” Tonks said, and leaned back into Lupin's chest to rest.

“I see you have finally made Tonks an honest witch,” Kingsley commented when he saw the ring. “About bloody time you two woke up.” He laughed at the glare Tonks sent him before she closed her eyes tiredly.

The sounds of the four younger wizards entering the kitchen soon filled the room. Harry and Ginny took a seat by her parents. Draco pulled Hermione with him to sit by Professor Snape. He looked with concern towards his cousin, and grinned back at her when she opened her eyes long enough to smile at him.

“You two need to eat!” Mrs Weasley said to Draco and Hermione. “You both look like you haven't had a good meal in weeks!” She pushed plates towards them, and tapped her foot till they began to fill their plates.

“I called you all-” Remus began to say when Hermione interrupted him.

“Tonks! Is that an engagement ring?” Hermione jumped from her seat and looked at it. Draco looked up at Remus before looking back to Tonks.

“Yes Hermione,” Remus answered tiredly and pinched the bridge of his nose. “May I continue? Sit down please.” He said, and gave Tonks a concerned look. He smiled gratefully at Hermione when she took her place back by Draco.

“Please get this over with, I left some important potions brewing.” Snape snorted and filled a plate for himself. Storming out earlier meant he hadn't gotten to eat.

“Will you all let me speak!” Remus said with exasperation. “Thank you,” He said when they all nodded. Tonks lifted her hand to hold his and brought it to her mouth to kiss. He let his hand caress her cheek before turning back to the others.

Finally all eyes were upon him, and he looked to the kids. “Tonight we are having an Order Meeting,” Remus said and watched their faces. Harry, Ginny and Hermione looked away in disappointment. They would all be stuck in their rooms while this meeting was going on. Draco smirked and continued to eat. His hand went to clasp the Phoenix charm around his neck. “At tonight's meeting the three of you will join the Order. If that is your wish. We've all discussed it here, and realize that since you are learning to fight with us, you should be with us in name.” The three murmured, and Remus held his hand up. “Be ready at 8pm, the meeting starts at 7pm to let the other Order members discuss it also.” Remus reached down and helped Tonks up. “Now young lady it's time you put this old wizard to bed.”

Remus and Tonks exited the room with all eyes on them filled with concern.