Hearts on Fire

Sorry it took me so long to update. I was having a writer's block. But here's chapter three. Thanks to all the reviews. I'm sorry if the story seems confusing, but I promise all will be explained.




Draco and Hermione kneeled on the floor before the Dark Lord. “My Lord, Dumbledore suspects nothing. We have revealed our relationship like you asked. Potter and Weasley both were stunned. They do not know that Draco has joined the Order.” Hermione stated.


“At the next meeting reveal it. Make sure they trust him to the fullest extent. I don’t want anything to stand in my way. This plan is very essential in securing my victory. Now Draco how are the repairs coming along?”


“Very well Master. I believe that they will be complete at the end of the month. However, I have some doubts about Borgin. He seems to be a little hesitant. I don’t think he fears the Malfoy name. My parents have had to go into hiding, placed by the Order.”


“State your concerns to the Order, perhaps they will come up with a way to help you complete this task. I’m trusting you to finish. This is very important. Ms. Granger have you come any further in your task?”


“I think I may have found a way to replicate it. But it seems it only lasts for a short while. I am thinking that combining multiple spells together, the life of it to last longer. Once I figure that out it should be easy to make the copies. And when Draco’s task is completed they can stay in the room, and even on the original they wouldn’t show. Hogwarts chooses which rooms should appear. The Chamber also doesn’t appear. I’ve come to the conclusion that the Marauders didn’t know it existed.”


“When shall this be completed?”


“By next meeting.”


“Very well. I expect them to be finished. The sooner the better. The longer we are there, infiltrating the halls, the more we can know about the secrets the school holds. Making it easier to crush. Remember what you all must accomplish. I am believed to be recuperating from my last battle with the boy. You’re dismissed.”


A swarm of darkness left the room, leaving the Dark Lord to contemplate these latest developments. That crock-pot old fool would never see this coming.


Hermione and Draco stumbled out of the green flames and almost landed face first on the Headmaster’s floor. “Ms. Granger, Mr. Malfoy, how good of you to return. I hope you two have good information for the order.” His blue eyes twinkled in amusement. “We’ll be telling the others that you and your family have joined the order Mr. Malfoy. I hope the meeting went well. I was a little afraid that you two wouldn’t return. However I am glad that you have. We will be meeting at midnight, after everyone is in bed.”


“Yes, sir.” They responded together. As they were leaving the office Hermione whispered low, to low for the professor to hear, “what on earth will we do until dinner?” Draco looked at her and smirked. He knew what they would be doing.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


GINERVA MOLLY WEASLEY’S BODY FINALLY FOUND! PARKINSON STILL MISSING


The Dark Lord looked at the newspaper and smiled. “Let it begin.” He whispered to himself.


In a large house out in the countryside a mother was reunited with her daughter as three people looked on with smiles on their faces.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Harry threw angry glances at Hermione and Draco, their heads were close together whispering lovingly at each other. He saw an evil smirk cross Hermione’s face. Ron poked Harry in the ribs. “Mate get over it. We both know they’ll break up. And we’ll be there for her. Gin’s right. We have to support her.” Harry didn’t look very happy with this little speech.


He saw Ginny enter the hall. Harry scooted over making room for her. She looked around and he noticed a smile on her face as she found who she was looking for. He saw her waltzed down between the tables. His body straightened as she came closer, but fell as he saw her pass him by without a smile, without out a look. She made her way down to sit with Draco and Hermione. Harry’s body stiffened in anger as he saw Blaise had joined them. Ginny sat down with a smile. He could see them talking and laughing. The entire hall had gone silent as the four teens carried on a conversation that was more than civil. They remained however ignorant of all those around them. Harry glared in anger. Ron looked pasty. But with a shrug he accepted his sister’s choice. He knew she would stop hanging with the Slytherins after Draco and Hermione broke up. Harry however wasn’t as accepting, especially when he saw Ginny blush a violent red at something Hermione said. He also noticed that Draco and Blaise smirk. Ginny then said something causing Hermione to blush.


“We’re going to be at the meeting tonight.” Hermione said to Blaise and Ginny. They looked at her and Draco with a knowing look.


“What are you going to tell them?” Blaise asked.


“Well, first we’re going to say that Draco and his parents have joined the Order. So they are in hiding. Unfortunately, they can’t do anything to help our cause. We’ll also tell them about the plan to finish the vanishing cabinet. However Dumbledore already knew that. He believes that the Dark Lord will use that way to get into Hogwarts. Also there is the matter of Borgin to deal with. The Dark Lord wants him taken care of.”


“What about our tasks? Are you going to report what we have to do?” Ginny asked.


“No one knows you’re a Death Eater. They believe you are utterly naïve that Hermione and I are in their ranks. Dumbledore will explain that Hermione has been spying on the Death Eaters besides me. Remember to look shocked when it is revealed that I am a spy for the Order.”


“What about Snape? I know he wants to believe that Snape is loyal to our side, but Blaise and I agree that there seems to be something off.”


“Draco and I also have concerns. But I believe that we will have to wait until we have proof of his betrayal.”


Draco leaned over to whisper in Hermione’s ear. Blaise could see her eyes darken with lust. He let out a hearty laugh. Ginny looked at him confused. Blaise growled low in his chest. But the three of them could hear it, and Ginny realized what made him laugh. She gulped. “I feel a little sick. I shall retire to my room. Wait to see if I get better. ‘Mione I’ll see you at the meeting. Draco, I shall be appalled that you would even dare to show your face there.” She smiled. “Blaise wait a few minutes before you chase me.” Ginny sauntered out the hall without a glance at any one of her friends.


“Draco I do believe we have Head duties to see to.”


“Yeah, Head duties.” He smirked.


“I’ll walk with you. I somehow forgot to do the essay Snape assigned us.” The three of them got up and walked out. Hermione a little in the lead with Draco and Blaise behind her, so it would appear she had nothing but a professional relationship with Blaise. That however didn’t stop Harry from glaring at the three of them with suspicion.


“Ron what do you make of Zabini?”


“What about him?” He responded stuffing his face full of food.


“I think he may be a Death Eater. I’ve never seen his bare arms. In potions he always has on long sleeved shirts.”


“Harry I don’t know. Maybe. His parents are for sure. But don’t you think you should be more worried if Draco is a Death Eater. I mean sure I trust Hermione and I’m grudgingly supporting her, but I still worry and I’ll be watching him.”


The rest of the night passed slowly. Both Ron and Harry were worried when Hermione and Ginny never showed up to walk with them to the meeting, that Dumbledore decreed was a mandatory meeting. The two boys waited until the common room had cleared out to sneak up to Dumbledore’s office. From there they would floo to wherever the meeting was being held.


“Mr. Weasley, Mr. Potter, how good of you to come. I believe you two are the last to arrive. Please step into the flames and say ‘Room of Requirement’.”


Without hesitation the two boys did just that. They were soon followed by Dumbledore. Harry and Ron could see that all of the Order was there except Hermione. “Professor where’s Hermione?” Ron couldn’t help but ask.
“Ahh….yes she will be here momentarily. There are some things that must be spoken about before she arrives. I am most please with these turns.” Everyone looked at each other in confusion.


“You all know that I’ve served the Order with loyalty. I have spied for you and for many years. However, there are some things that only those in his inner circle know. The rest of the Death Eaters and I included are ignorant to certain tasks. I don’t know the number of people he meets with, but there must be meetings for them. There are times during the meeting when the Dark Lord will say something and only a few understand. Now you all know it would seem a little unsettling to the Dark Lord if I start to show that I want to rise in ranks as long as Dumbledore lives. Which I hope will be many years to come.


Anyway I know for a fact that there is one family for sure who are in the inner sanctum, if you will.” At this Ron and Harry started to look nauseous . Together they glanced at Ginny, on her face was a look of fright. They all had a feeling they knew who Snape was talking about. “It appears that they may be our only way in and I feel that…..”


“Snape that’s great and everything. But really how the hell are we going to kidnap the Malfoys? Seriously! And if we are even successful, how are we going to maintain their forms. Polyjuice potion only lasts for so long before it runs out.” Harry interrupted.


“And you wonder why I always complain about him in class Albus. He never lets anyone finish. Always interrupting. As I was saying before I was rudely cut off by Mr. Potter, I feel that Ms. Granger was right. Those of you who don’t understand what I mean I think it is time Albus told you.”


“Right. Over the summer Ms. Granger started to receive owls from an anonymous tipster. They always had the right information. And this allowed many Order members to survive. Eventually we were able to discover who this person was and I must say I was quite shocked. However the person still remains in the ranks of the Death Eaters. Mr. Malfoy is able to provide us with enough information.” The uproar this piece of new brought was extremely overwhelming, that no one noticed a door on the right side of the room open and two figures stepped out to face what appeared to be their executioner.


“Honestly!” Hermione shrieked. “You would think you were raised by a banshee, with the way you lot are carrying on.” The group of people around the table fell into silence as they saw one of their own holding hands with the enemy.


Tonks who was unaffected by the news, for she already knew what would be said-she was Malfoy’s family after all, surprised most everyone with a simple “Wotcher S-M.”


“Hey Nympho,” Draco responded in kind to the nickname given by his cousin.


“You two stop. Only three people know what you two mean.” Hermione blushed.


“Yes. Well as you can see Mr. Malfoy will be joining us for this meeting. I am to assume you have information.” An angry Snape said.


“Severus, please calm down. Before we get to whatever information young Malfoy has, I believe there are few matters we must address.”


“Yeah, for example. What the hell is that ferret doing here?” Ron spat.


“Please be seated you two. As you can see Ms. Granger and Mr. Malfoy are in a relationship. I asked them to reveal it yesterday, and I have asked him to join in on this meeting with the Order. I expect you all to treat him with the same respect you treat each other. I suspect his information will have more of an impact on us than anything else would.” Dumbledore said with a subtly hint of menace.


Hermione and Draco sat down between Tonks and Ginny. As spoken of before Ginny had a visage of utter shock. Inwardly the three of them smirked at each other. Fury fought for its hold on Harry and Ron’s face. They didn’t look pleased at all.


“The Dark Lord has plans for your death professor. He hasn’t decided who will be the one to kill you, but he has talked about it more everyday.” Draco began. “He was very hesitant to accept what you and I had discussed.” He looked around cautiously. “I don’t know how much everyone here knows, but he finally has accepted and it won’t be forced.”


“What the hell are you talking about boy?” Moody demanded.


“I’m not sure I’m allowed to tell you. Dumbledore had told me not to tell anyone, so I haven’t. I don’t know if I’m allowed to now.”

“You may Mr. Malfoy.” Dumbledore’s eyes twinkled.


“Well I know you all will be very hesitant to believe what I say, that is why Dumbledore asked Mia to monitor me. I agree that I should be monitored. I truly want to bring down that monster. What he’s done to my family is not acceptable.”


“What Draco means is that over the summer I have been accepted into the inner circle. It took a lot of effort on my part and Voldemort truly believes that I did in fact kill Draco’s parents. And Draco wanting to retain his spot was there to witness the act. I am glad to say that they are alive and well, thanks to Dumbledore.” She smiled at Draco and Dumbledore. But it didn’t last long.


“What do you mean accepted into the inner circle?” Ginny quietly asked.


“The repairs that you have asked of Draco isn’t coming along as well as we wanted. Borgin seems to have some doubts. We fear he may go to Voldemort and tell him of our plans. Albus I don’t trust him. Draco doesn’t trust him. Hell even Voldemort doesn’t trust him. Both Draco and I have caught him in lies. I feel we must lock him someplace where he isn’t a threat and yet he is protected.” Hermione continued as if the question wasn’t asked.


“The Dark Lord has placed a bounty on his head. As you know Dumbledore, he also wants the repair to move along faster and he believes that he may prove to be a hindrance and not an asset.”


“What are you guys talking about. I mean I am just getting over the fact that Malfoy is here in a meeting with us and you three are carrying on a conversation that no one has any clue about. And back to what Ginny asked and I demand to know the answer.” Harry’s green eyes blazed with fury.


“Well like Draco said he should be monitored for validation of his facts, so I’ve joined the Death Eater.” Silence dominated the room. “I’m always seen beside you Harry, so Voldemort will think I can provide him with information and I will, but only with information that Dumbledore has approved of. I know this is a lot to ask but you have to trust me and Draco. We will do whatever we must to help you stop Voldemort.”


“Ms. Granger what makes you think you can retain your spot?”

“Simple. I have B on my side.” Severus paled.


“She’s dead.” Hermione laughed.


“No she isn’t. You saw what the Dark Lord and B wanted you and the rest of his minions to see. Only the inner circle knows the truth.”


“I saw her DIE!” He screamed.


“She was there that night so many years ago. It’s funny if you think about. Two Slytherins in love with a Gryffindor. Even he knew what the two of them did together, eventually it became a ménage. That horrible night is forever in her memory. She was there, so she became protected. How on earth could you not know?” Hermione glared at Snape.


“Ummm….guys who are you talking about?” Fred moved his head between Hermione and Snape.


“Really? Who is the most loyal follower Voldemort has?” Hermione sneered.


“Bellatrix Lestrange.” Neville answered with contempt in his voice.


“Exactly. As long as she believes me Voldemort won’t question me. She would never stir him wrong. She’s too devoted. Unlike the rest of his followers she has only had one indiscretion, but that one was ordered by him, so it really doesn’t count.” Her eyes narrowed at Snape. “Unless you have a just reason for him to doubt her and if you do please keep it to yourself. This is our only way.” No one dared to dispute her, they all could see she wouldn’t back down on this issue.


“’Mione, you do know what you’re doing right?” She nodded. “Very well, I don’t like this but it is your choice, I only hope it isn’t the wrong one.”


She looked over to Harry only to see his posture was still stoic. “Harry, believe me, if there was another way, I would do it without a blink of an eye. But there is no other alternative. We need some one we trust to validate the information Draco provides. You yourself have stated concerns about Severus. Who else do you suggest? You, the boy-who-lived? Or a Weasley? No offense but they are considered blood-traitors. Sure I’m a mudblood, but to Voldemort I’m a good asset. I’m the best student in hundreds of years.”


“Harry I think Mia is right. There really is no one else that we can trust, like we can trust her.” Ginny put in. “No one really would buy one of my family members infiltrating, and as long as you don’t trust Snape there is nothing else we can do.”


He thought about all the options and realized that there really was no alternative. “I don’t like this, but I trust you.” Sadly, he thought, I’m going have to watch her even more closely. Draco picked up on this thought and stored it for later.


“Well, I think this concludes this meeting. I’ll let you know when the next one is.” Albus decreed. Three people let out silent breaths, thankful they weren’t caught. In pairs everyone flooed back to Dumbledore’s office or back to wherever they needed to return.


Elsewhere......


An owl dropped a letter on his mahogany desk. The note was simple ‘I’m in.’ Red eyes gleamed.