Circle of Love

a/n: Thanks to Ramona for the speedy beta. I heart you. Hope you all enjoy =). Tell me what you think.

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Hermione sat across from Ginny and Harry in the library at number 12, Grimmauld Place. Harry shuffled the pack of Exploding Snap cards and dealt them out between the three of them. It was almost 7 o'clock, and downstairs they could hear the door bell announcing each Order of the Phoenix member's arrival. Draco sat near them, a book he was reading in his hands. His eyes glanced from the pages to the clock on the wall, and finally he shut his book and stood up.

“I need to get to the meeting,” Draco said to them, and bent to kiss Hermione's cheek after wrapping his arms around her chest in a quick but brief hug. “Don't have too much fun without me,” he whispered into her ear and gently nibbled on it. Looking back to the others he caught Harry's glare and Ginny's giggling grin. Draco winked at them and Harry looked away.

The door clicked shut behind him, and Harry looked back to Hermione. “Does he have to do that in front of us?” He said, and slapped a card down on the table and took another.

“Nothing worse than what I have seen between you and Ginny lately.” Hermione retorted and grabbed the card Harry had discarded. “Deal with it Harry.”

“I am trying to. Just it's weird seeing the ferret all over you.” Harry said and looked over to Ginny for support.

“I think you both look cute together.” Ginny said finally, and giggled again at Harry's groan. “You obviously like him, Hermione. How does he feel?” She asked and slid her hand over to Harry's and gripped it loosely.

“I'm not sure past the like,” Hermione answered, and sighed with a look at her hand. Her cards sucked and she definitely did not have a poker face. She laid them down on the table. “I'm too nervous to play cards.” She stood up and paced the room.

“Nervous over Malfoy or the meeting?” Ginny asked and set her cards on the table to go to her best friend. Putting a hand on her shoulder, she gave Hermione a hug. Harry leaned back and watched them, his cards discarded also.

“I guess both,” Hermione said, and finally sat down in the chair Malfoy had recently left. Ginny sat on the arm and glanced towards Harry. She gave him a smile and his eyes softened behind his glasses.

“Malfoy has changed for the better since he's left Hogwarts.” Ginny said, still looking at Harry. She frowned at Harry's snort. “Harry!”

“Ginny!” Harry said, a goofy grin on his face. “You ladies want me to leave? I am not discussing Malfoy with either of you.” He frowned and began to put the cards away.

“Exactly Harry!” Hermione said, and sat up in the chair. “You never want to discuss anything. You just make assumptions. Your mind is set on hating him, even if he's grown up since we left school.” Her brown eyes looked angrily at Harry. “You need to grow up where some matters are concerned. You have, finally, with Ginny!” She grabbed Ginny's hand that held Harry's ring. “What if I doubted you on this? Fought with you over the fact that you both are too young for this step?” She dodged Ginny's swat from her free hand. Letting go of Ginny, she stood and walked over to Harry.

“I love Ginny!” Harry shouted and stood up. “I don't have to prove it. I've changed-”

“You've changed from the git that pushed her away last spring? So has Malfoy! So have I! Harry, let me be happy.” Hermione said and sighed again.

“What do you see in him then? He's still the prat you slapped a few years ago and who hexed your teeth to grow.” Harry stood close to Hermione, and Ginny grabbed his arm. He pulled away and continued, “Tell me. Make me see what is so special about him now.”

Ginny went back to the chair and glared at Harry, a bat bogey hex forming on her lips. She bit it back, musing how the things she loved about her Harry also made her hate him sometimes. She folded her arms across her chest, and watched silently. About time these two talked, but you are so dead later, Harry James Potter.

“Harry! Why are you doing this?” Hermione bit her lip again, and Harry tapped his foot on the floor. “Fine! He, Draco Malfoy, makes me feel like I am alive. Makes me feel special. His kisses make my heartbeat faster. That enough for you?”

“No! It's not,” Harry said, and grabbed her by the shoulders. “I don't want him to hurt you like Ron did.”

“Like Ron did? Is Lav-Lav lurking somewhere?” Hermione said and her gaze went from shadowed corner to shadowed corner of the library. “Life is full of hurts Harry. Without risks, we stagnate.” Hermione pulled away from Harry and poked a finger in his chest.

“Do you love him?” Harry asked.

“I don't know Harry. It's too soon to ask that type of question. I like him- a lot.”


Draco entered the sitting room packed with Order members and took a seat by Snape, who was off in a corner glaring at the assembled Weasleys. “They’re here!” Draco whispered to his mentor and chuckled. Snape snapped his eyes at him in a glare.

“Please don't remind me,” Snape retorted and shifted in his seat to arrange his robes. “I can only take so much of them.”

“Weaselette isn't that bad,” Draco comment and smiled towards his cousin Tonks sitting beside Remus. She was looking better, for the color had returned to her cheeks. He gave her a smirk when she leaned into Lupin and the professor wrapped his arm around her and kissed the top of her head. One day I want that, he thought. The vision of a brunette hair girl with brown eyes popped into his mind, and he felt a pounding in his chest. He brushed his thoughts away.

“I want to thank you all for arriving so promptly,” Remus said and stood up and walked to the from of the room. “Minerva has been unavoidably detained, so we'll start. I have asked you here to officially induct three new members to the Order. They've trained with us, fought with us and one is basically the reason we are able to be here.” Remus waved his hands wearily around the room.

A few began to murmur on who Remus was talking about, “Silence please. They are Harry Potter, Ginny Weasley and Hermione Granger. Can any of you find a good reason to exempt them?”

“Ginny's too young!” Bill Weasley stood up, a hand on his wife's shoulder. “It's too dangerous for her.”

“Arthur,” Remus said and rubbed the back of his neck. “I think yours and Molly's words on Ginny will suffice.”

Arthur stood up and looked around. A lot of these in the room were his family. “Ron not being a part of the Order didn't keep him safe.” He nodded to his oldest son and Bill sat down. “Plus it won't be long until Ginny is of age and she is, as of this morning, engaged to Harry. Life is too unpredictable at this time to hold them back.” Arthur added when Bill opened his mouth to speak again.

“I for one stand up for the three of them to join.” Arthur said, and looked around the room. “Anyone else?” He looked to Remus and nodded. Slowly all in the room stood up but for Bill and Fleur. “If it helps Bill,” Arthur said, “Know that I love all of my children, and losing any of you is like cutting off my own limb. I didn't give Harry permission to marry Ginny lightly, or stand here in support of her joining the Order lightly either. They face the dangers, they deserve what little happiness they can scrape up and they also deserve to be recognized as adults.”

Fleur leaned in closer to her husband, and squeezed his hand. “What ever you decide.” She told him. Bill glanced around the room and looked to Remus who nodded. Slowly he stood, and Fleur joined him.

“Thank you,” Remus said, and they all sat down again. He opened up a drawer in the desk and pulled out three boxes. “Draco, would you like to go get the others please.”

Draco stood up and nodded. “Yes sir.”

Draco made his way up the stairs, past the bedrooms and another flight before reaching the library. He could hear their voices long before he reached the door. He smirked when he heard Hermione reply to Harry's question. Hate to tell you Potter, she more than just ‘likes’ me, Draco thought and remembered the feel of her in his arms, and the kisses they shared.

And I more than like her, popped into Draco's head. With that thought, he pushed the door open and entered. “It's time.” He told them and snaked an arm around Hermione's waist. “You two go ahead, we'll be down in one minute.”

Ginny gave him a look then winked and pulled Harry out the door without a word. Draco pulled Hermione closer and kissed her forehead.

“Potter giving you trouble over us?” Draco asked her, and brushed her hair back with a finger.

“Not really,” Hermione said. “I think he's finally accepting us. Finally.” She leaned up to kiss his lips, forgetting for a moment they had a place to be.

“We'll continue this when the meeting's over, yes?” Draco murmured against her lips, regretfully pulling away. His hand lingered on her cheek, his thumb rubbing her bottom lip. Hermione smiled and nodded, a grin upturning her lips.


Remus looked up from his notes when the last of the four entered the room. Minerva still hadn't arrived, and he was worried. Remus turned his thoughts to the matter at hand. He picked up the three boxes and opened them, revealing three identical phoenix charms. One each for Harry, Ginny and Hermione. His own he kept on a watch fob with the antique watch he had inherited from his father. Every Order member had their own way. Remus wanted to chuckle at the thought of where Tonks wore hers, but kept the facade up. Only Tonks would wear hers pierced through her belly button.


Snape had sponsored Draco when he joined, and Remus would be sponsoring Harry. Minerva was Hermione's and Molly was for Ginny. They couldn't proceed until Minerva got there. He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. Tonks could stand in if she didn't arrive soon.

“While we wait on Professor McGonagall, do any of you have any questions?” Remus asked, feeling like he was stalling.

“What do the charms do?” Ginny asked, and looked at them from her chair beside Harry and her parents.

“The charms are a symbol, and they have also been charmed with a spell that checks for Dark magic. If they are found, they will burn the Dark wizard.” Remus smiled. “A poly-juiced Death Eater can not wear it pretending to be you. Unlike the Dark Mark though, it's not permanently attached to you. You want to leave, you can.”

With a huge smile of relief Remus heard the sound of the entry doors opening, and Minerva entered and walked up to where Remus stood.

“I'm sorry to be so late,” Minerva said. “Had some school duties to attend to.” She shrugged off her heavy outer robe and laid it over the back of a chair.

“Today I have the extreme and long overdue pleasure of officially bringing you three into the Order. Stand please, and come forward. Sponsors take your place beside them.” Remus began, and took his spot next to Harry.

“Ginevra Weasley do you promise to uphold the meaning of the Order of The Phoenix? Do you also promise with your life to protect others?” Remus asked with a smile. He could almost hear the mutterings from Bill, but Fleur and Arthur just glared at him.

“I do,” Ginny said, and controlled the squeak that suddenly came into her voice. She realized that this wasn't for fun or games, or a token promise.

“Because you are under seventeen, Arthur please step forth and with Molly invoke the Wizard's Oath,” Remus said solemnly. Arthur came and stood beside Molly and his daughter. An incantation was said and the magical oath was performed.

The other two were invoked also, and Remus smiled fondly at Harry. “Your parents would be proud of you. This was your father's charm,” he said and handed Harry the box. “I've given your mother's to Ginny. It seemed fitting somehow.” He placed a hand on Harry's shoulder and squeezed it firmly.

Hermione sat down beside Draco, and let her finger trail over the charm. “It reminds me of Fawkes,” she whispered and pulled a chain from beneath her shirt. On it was a locket and she attached the charm to it. She leaned against his shoulder and sighed.

“Fawkes is around I bet. Like all Phoenixes, he's arisen from the ashes. He'll be back when we least expect it. When he's needed,” Draco said and slipped his arm around her shoulder. Meeting Bill Weasley's glare with a smirk. He watched Fleur touch Bill's arm to turn her husband's attention away from the younger pair.

“Bill Weasley isn't happy about us,” Draco whispered, and received a swat from Hermione's hand. He felt the sigh she let out and watched her tuck the charm under her blouse.

“I am sure everyone will get used to it,” Hermione said. “Harry has, finally.” She added with a giggle.

The rest of the meeting passed quickly as they talked over the Longbottom encounter and other Death Eater sightings. Minerva brought up that some of the muggle-born students were upset over what was going on, and feared for their lives and their families.

“There is an American Healer that has some skills in the Muggle form of counseling. Before Albus died he had suggested contacting him to see if he could come out to Hogwarts to help. Albus knew that some of this stuff was going to come to pass,” Minerva added, and looked towards the painting on the wall with sad eyes. She shook her head to clear it, and Albus's eyes twinkled back at her.

“Do you have a way to contact him? Do you think he's trustworthy?” Remus asked and rubbed at the bridge of his nose again. His eyes strayed over to see if Tonks was feeling okay. Resilience of youth, he thought.

Minerva looked at the portrait, and Albus nodded with a smile. “His name is Caleb- Caleb Sanders. His mother was a Muggle doctor. Amazing boy actually, took both Healer's studies in his local magical hospital and Muggle doctor studies also.”

“I've know the boy most of his life,” Albus added from his portrait. “He and his family are trustworthy. He's also got an advantage of living in both worlds, which I am sure the students at Hogwarts need.” He smiled and popped one of his candies in his mouth.

“Okay, if business is concluded, meeting over.” Remus said and looked around. When the room was almost emptied, he looked at Minerva and smiled.

“I think I will leave you two alone,” Remus said with a nod towards Dumbledore's portrait. He placed a hand on Minerva's shoulder and squeezed slightly. “Night Minnie and Albus.”

Minerva smiled at the wizard she had watched grow from a small boy struggling with his condition to a fine young man filled with conviction and strength. “Thank you Remy. Good night.”

“Night Remus,” Albus answered from his portrait, and his eyes twinkled as he looked at Minerva. The small click of the door went unheard as Minerva walked closer to the portrait. She smiled sadly and gazed into the familiar eyes. Her hand reached out and touched the painting and her fingers rested upon his cheek.

“I miss you Albus.” Minerva let her finger trace the fine line of his jaw.

“I'm with you at Hogwarts also,” Albus chided her, and let his eyes wander over her.

“It's different there, I'm Headmistress McGonagall, but here I am Minerva. Minnie.” Minerva's eyes filled with past longings and remembrances. Her hand reached into the bowl of sweets that sat beneath the portrait and plucked a gaily wrapped yellow one.

“Minnie it's time to bring our girl home,” Albus said with a smile.


Draco followed Hermione up the stairs behind the other two new Order members. His hand was slipped casually through hers, and he squeezed it lightly as they reached her door. He watched with a grin as Ginny giggled and pulled Harry into her room.

“Night you two,” Hermione called as the door closed behind the other two. She giggled herself and looked back towards Draco. “So... about that later?” Her eyebrows arched and she winked. Draco grinned down at her and pulled her close.

“Later is now,” Draco breathed out and with one hand reached behind her and turned the knob to her door, using his whole body to guide her into the room. Pressing close against her, he leaned down and captured her mouth with hers. The door shut behind them and he wrapped his arms around her, groaning when he deepened the kiss.

Slowly they walked back towards the bed, Draco's hands roaming up to clasp Hermione's face and his fingers tangled into her hair. The back of her knees hit the bed, and she sunk down to sit. She opened her lips and his tongue did a gentle dance with hers. Her hands traveled up his torso to pull him with her as she laid back.

Draco straddled her hips, a knee on each side to keep his full weight off her. Crossing his arms and grasping the hem of his shirt, he drew it over his head and threw it to the corner of the room. He undid the two top buttons on her shirt and buried his face into the crook of her neck. Breathing deeply, he nuzzled her skin with his nose. Gently Draco nibbled at the exposed flesh before laving it with his tongue.

Rising up he looked down to see both of their necklaces nestled in the vee and he smiled. “You make me want more than anyone has before,” he admitted to her. His hands brushed through her hair to spread it across the pillow. Groaning again, he pressed his lips to hers in a hungry kiss and moved against her.

Hermione returned the kiss and parted her lips. She ran her hands up his chest to his shoulders and pulled him in closer to her. Her back arched as he moved against her sensuously.

Feeling breathless, Draco broke the kiss and rolled gently onto his side. Pulling her into the cradle of his shoulder, he wrapped one arm around her. The other hand gently toyed with her necklace.

“As much as I want you, I don't want to rush it,” Draco said and kissed the top of her head. His fingers gently touched her chin to tip her face up for him to look into her eyes. Silver held her brown ones as his fingers softly caressed her skin.

“What if I don't want to wait anymore?” Hermione asked, a frown on her face. She could feel both of their hearts pounding in a similar rhythm. “I took that potion this morning.” She spoke firmly without looking away.

Draco smirked and bent to kiss her forehead. “I want our first time to be special, not here in this house. Not at the same time as them.” His hand curved around her neck and he kissed her lips again. “So tempting.” His words drawled out. “Do you trust me?”

“Yes Draco.” Hermione smiled at him. “But where is this special place?” She shifted when she felt his arm settle across her stomach. Draco grinned at her when he felt her reaction and laughed softly when he felt her hand tickle at his wrist.

“One more day, and you'll know,” Draco teased with a mischievous glint in his eye. Hermione laid her head on his chest, and he tightened his arms around her. Feeling her breath on the skin just above his heart, he almost changed his mind.