Circle of Love

a/n: the word ' obeisance' means bow down before or to pay homage to.





Harry sat a glass of pumpkin juice and a plate of Molly Weasley's oatmeal cookies in on the kitchen table at number 12, Grimmauld Place. Hermione ignored them as she sat staring blankly at an imaginary spot on the wallpaper.



“Ron's funeral is tomorrow,” Harry said as Ginny took a seat beside him. The radio softly played a song from the Weird Sisters in the back round.



“I want to see him.” Hermione said.



“Hermio-” Harry started to object, but felt Ginny squeeze his hand and kick his leg.



“She needs to.” Ginny whispered, her voice filled with grief. She laid her forehead on Harry's shoulder for a second. “Take her.” She mumbled as she wiped her tears into his shirt.



“Hermione,” Harry said as he stood up and offered his hand to her. Hermione pushed back out of her chair and clasped his hand. Harry winced at the the tightness, but walked out with her. Ginny took a bite of the cookie and sipped on her juice as a tear rolled down her cheek.



Remus and Draco stood in the entry way and watched as Harry slide the sitting room doors open and guided Hermione in. Behind them, the doors closed with a soft click.



The music of the Weird Sisters played softly throughout the house.



Hermione let go of Harry's hand and walked to where Ron lay. She slowly pulled the drape back and gasped. “He looks so peaceful,” She ran her fingers through his bright red hair and smoothed down a patch that stubbornly refused to lie down, then let the back of her hand caress his cheek. “So cold,” Her words stuck in her throat as she uttered them. She ran a finger across the his bottom lip and bent to give him one last kiss. “Good bye, my love.” Wrapping her arms around him she laid her head upon his chest and closed her eyes.





Harry stepped closer, his heart breaking as he watched Hermione saying her last goodbye to their best mate. He laid a hand upon her shoulder in comfort.



“Why?” She turned and looked into Harry's emerald eyes. Her shoulders shook, but she refused to cry again.



“I don't know, Hermione.” The music continued to softly play in the background.



“We're sorry to interrupt our concert series for breaking news just in! The Dark Mark has been sighted over Hampstead in North London and there is also a report of a fire blazing on Templewood Avenue in the same area.. We will update you as more news comes in. This has been a special report from WWN-- World Wizard News. Now back to our show!!”





“No!” Hermione cried, loud enough that Remus opened the sitting room door and entered with Draco. “Hampstead is my neighborhood! Templewood Avenue is my street!” She looked at Remus. “Professor, please I have to go-” She started to apparate.



“No, don't.” Draco said forcefully. “The Dark Lord is most likely trying to draw you out. It's not safe.”



Hermione looked at him then at Harry and then to Remus.



“Professor, please. I need to know!” She cried over the sound of the music.



“I agree with Mr Malfoy, Hermione. I'm sure the Aurors will have already arrived there to investigate and Tonks will be here in a flash if it's your house.” Remus said, his heart troubled. Nothing could be done now, and she would only open herself to more danger.



“Harry?” Hermione looked back to him, desperately trying to get someone to agree with her.



“No, I agree with Malfoy. For once.” Harry stated. “I couldn't bear it if I lost you also.” He turned away, to look at Albus Dumbledore's portrait. It only nodded back at him as if to agree also before disappearing to a portrait at the ministry.



“So we just sit and wait?” Hermione felt like pulling her hair out and screaming. Her world was falling apart and all they wanted her to do was sit and watch as it crumbled to dust.



Ginny walked into the room, eyes bright with unshed tears. “You heard it also?” She felt Harry's arms wrap around her.



Draco slowly pulled up his left sleeve, exposing the angry Mark as it seemed to glow and writhe on his forearm in a macabre dance. “I will go and find out.” He looked at Remus. “I will be back soon with any information I can obtain.” And he disapparated.



“It has begun, hasn't it?” Ginny looked to Remus for answers.



“Yes, I need to contact the rest of the Order.” Remus looked at her sadly.



Sorry to break into our concert series starring the Weird Sisters again, but it has been confirmed. The Dark Mark has been sighted over the Muggle home of Hermione Granger. She is the best friend of Harry “The-Boy-Who-Lived” Potter and the girlfriend of the recently murdered Ronald Weasley. Ronald was the son of Arthur Weasley, a prominent member of our Ministry. Ronald will be laid to rest tomorrow in an undisclosed location. Reports show the Death Eater who committed these crimes to be none other then the former Potions master and Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Severus Snape. You will remember that Snape is also the one who killed Albus Dumbledore, the beloved Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry--”



Harry waved his wand, and blessed silence reigned. They had heard more then enough to confirm Hermione's worst fears.



Tonks and Shacklebolt walked into the sitting room. Followed by Molly and Arthur Weasley.





****





Draco landed with a pop at his aunt's Manor. Death Eaters' arrival pops could be heard all around him as he walked up the steps to the door and walked in. The sounds of raucous entertainment could be hard from the hardly used ballroom. A Death Eater brushed past him in a hurry to gain admittance to the Dark Lord's party. Draco steeled his features and cleared his mind as he took a deep breath and walked into the chaos within.



He looked around at the merry makers as he wound his way through them inwardly disgusted.



“My Lord,” Draco fell to his knees, eyes bowed as he paid homage to the monster that stood before him, Tom Marvolo Riddle aka Lord Voldemort. His blond hair feathered to cover his face as he allowed himself to bow low enough to almost kiss the floor. Hopefully his speedy arrival and his obeisance was enough to appease for his lack of obedience the other day.



“Young Malfoy, so nice of you to come. Arise and greet your father!” Voldemort said.



Draco breathed an inward sigh of relief as he stood. “Thank you my Lord.” He turned to look at his father.



“Father, you look well.” He almost gasped in shock. His father's face was a maze of scars going down his cheeks, his neck and disappeared into the high collar of his shirt. He wanted to smirk but controlled his enjoyment. So this was what Snape did to him. Glorious. Actually worse then death would have been.



“Your Uncle's healing skills leave something to be desired.” Lucius looked across the room to where Rudolphus and Bellatrix danced gracefully.



Sounds of clapping and cheering could be heard as Severus Snape walked into the ballroom and made his way towards the Dark Lord.



“Ah, the guest of honor has arrived. Greetings, Severus.” The Dark Lord said as Snape bowed down to him.



“Mission accomplished, my Lord. The Muggles named Harold and Jane Granger are no more.” Snape stood at Voldemort's request.



“Celebrate with us, Severus.” Voldemort nodded Draco's way. “We will discuss our further actions soon. You will take him with you for the next Dark Marking.” The Dark Lord nodded his head in pleasure.



“Yes, my Lord.” Snape nodded his affirmation. He sneered as he watched Lucius talk to Draco.





****





Remus looked at Tonks and saw her head nod slightly as she blew a big bubble and popped it.



“Was it the Grangers' house?” He asked the Auror team.



“Yes,” Tonks said, watching the very silent form of Hermione Granger. “Both bodies have been taken to the Ministry for confirmation. I'm sorry, Hermione.”



The room full of people watched for Hermione's reaction to the news. As if a statue, she stood there in shock. Slowly she turned to Tonks and said, “Thank you.” Then she turned to Harry, “My old room is available?” He nodded. “I think I shall go to bed now. Good night.”



“Hermione?” Remus said to her back as she walked through the door, “You really--” She continued walking out the door, and the click of the door cut off the rest of his words.





****





“Professor?” Draco stood beside him in a quiet area of the ballroom. Snape gave him an admonishing look.



“Not now, Draco. We'll be leaving soon. Enjoy the party if you can.” Snape snorted as the now scarred face of Lucius past by in a dance with the elder Crabbe's wife. He watched as Bellatrix walked towards them.



“Aunt Bella,” Draco kissed her cheek as he hugged her. He wisely hid his fear of her behind a smile.



“Leave Snape and I alone.” She ordered.



“Yes, Aunt Bella.” He turned and walked over to a table ladened down with food. Draco picked up a plate and picked through, placing tidbits from one platter or another on it. He walked out to the garden and dumped it in a bush. The thought of actually eating in this chaotic mess sickened him.



He watched as his aunt and Snape talked; neither of them revealing what they thought behind veils of insincerity. Finally they parted ways and Snape came out to the garden. With a look of warning, Snape nodded towards Lucius Malfoy.



“I don't feel one iota of guilt.” A smile of genuine pleasure crossed Snape's somber face. “Time to go. Hopefully we get the 'nod' of approval.” Snape said.



They walked back into the ballroom to Lord Voldemort's chair and bowed, almost as one.



“I need to process the potions ingredients that Draco has brought for me, and I would like to show him the correct procedures. If we may take our leave, my Lord?” Snape asked respectfully.



Voldemort looked at Draco. “A new journey for you begins. You will be going with Severus to learn further in the Dark Arts.” Voldemort looked at Lucius. “No more weakness. Do not make the same heedless mistakes your father has. The next will be his last. Pity, he was such a pretty boy in his youth.” The Dark Lord cackled. “You may both go now.” Voldemort nodded.



They left the ballroom and made for the apparition point set up on the grounds. Snape pulled a Portkey from his pocket, motioned for Draco to take hold and whispered the activation word. The familiar tug and they entered the spinning vortex. They landed with a plop at the Druid circle.



Not again. Draco sighed.



“Welcome to my new home.” Snape smirked. He pulled out his wand and transfigured one of the stone pillars into a tent, and a rock into a bed.



“What happened tonight?”



“Two innocents died by my wand tonight, Draco. I cannot return to Grimmauld Place.” Snape pulled another Portkey from his pocket. “This is to a nearby spot to the Headquarters. It will be best if you go there for tonight. You can now confirm anyone's doubts as to my guilt.”



“Professor--”



“Go Draco.” Snape's eyes were hardened with pain. He now had nowhere to go, and no friends.



“I don't believe--” Draco sputtered out. This was the man who had helped him through his mum's death.



“Draco, the deed has been done. If you are wise, you will not heed the Dark Lord's call again.” Snape said bitterly, looking up into the wand Draco held pointed at him.



“I want to know what happened. I'm not leaving till you tell me. I want the truth.” Draco's grey eyes met the black ones of Snape in a mental duel.



“Wizard's oath this goes no farther than Remus Lupin.” Snape said as he pulled his wand out. The tips touched.



“I promise that what I hear tonight will go no farther than Remus Lupin,” Draco uttered as the wands glowed.



“I arrived at the Grangers' house, pushed Granger in.......” Snape began to spin his tale.





****





Harry made his way up to Hermione's bedroom door and knocked. He had promised Remus that he would give her time, but his worry nagged at him. When she didn't answer he tried the knob, and opened the door slowly as it turned.



“Hermione? Ginny and I are going back to the Burrow, and were hoping you'd join us. I feel guilty leaving you here on your own.” He said in a low tone as he entered the room.



“Harry, please. I need a little time.” Hermione answered from a chair sitting next to the unlit fireplace, He bent down in front of it and looked up into her face.



“Hermione, it's not good for you to sit here alone. At least at the Burrow--” His words stopped at her look.



She lifted her hand and touched his. “I really want to be alone. I'm okay, Harry. Let me grieve in peace.” She wrapped him in a hug. “Ginny needs you more than I do.” She kissed him on the cheek. “If I need anyone, Professor Lupin and Tonks are here to help.”



Harry looked into her eyes once more and nodded. “We're only a floo call away if you need one of us.”



“I know, so please go.” Hermione practically pushed him out the door. One hand on the frame she pushed the other one against his chest. “I'm sorry, Harry. We all are grieving.” And she shut the door and placed the locking charm on it.



Harry stood dumbfounded as he stared the closed door. He felt Ginny's hand as it slipped into his; he turned and walked with her, for once not knowing what to do.



“Professor Lupin will floo if we are needed, Harry.” They joined her parents and flooed to the Burrow.





***





Draco slowly opened the door to number 12, Grimmauld Place. The words he had heard from Professor Snape weighed heavy on his mind. For the first time he truly understood just what he had gotten himself into by joining the Order.



Professor Snape had not encouraged Draco to take the Dark Mark. He could have easily run, but his Pureblood pride had gotten in the way. His thirst for revenge over his own mother's death had been the push. Draco had wanted Voldemort and and his father to pay, and he thought being a spy would be the way to do it.



Now, Draco had his doubts. He entered the sitting room and poured himself a tall glass of pumpkin juice and settled into a chair.



“Everything okay, Mr Malfoy?” Albus Dumbledore spoke from his portrait. It looked sadly at the young man that brooded before him.



“You're dead, my mum's dead and even Weasley is dead? For what? A maniac's desire to control the wizarding world. More deaths are to come. I don't know, Professor.” Draco drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair.



“You have doubts of being in the Order, son?” The portrait asked.



“No, that's actually the only truly right thing I have done with my own life!” Draco stood to walk to the portrait. “My father was wrong about the Pureblood superiority crap he taught me my whole life. He treated my mum like an object he owned, the facade of love he showed us was just that-- a show for the world to see. Lucius Malfoy only loved me when I did what he wanted. I made one mistake, he would treat me like I wasn't more worth more than a house elf!” Draco threw his glass into the fireplace. “He tried his best to drive a wedge between mum and I. He tried to control what we did, what we said. I am not Lucius Malfoy!” Draco shouted.



“My mum died because she loved me. She tried to turn me from the evilness he wanted me to be a part of. I am as guilty as him of her death.” Draco lowered his head into his hands and cried.



“My mum stepped in between my father and me in one of his rages, and she died because of it, because of me.” Draco looked back up to the portrait, his grey eyes swollen from the tears he tried to hold back.



“Professor,” Draco said, forgetting for a moment that this was just a painting, not a human being. “What do I do? I know I promised the Order to spy for them. But Snape told me not to return to the Dark Lord's side.” Draco pulled his mother's necklace from his pocket and place it around his neck; the gemmed eye of the Phoenix charm twinkled in the firelight. “I'm as good as dead if I don't. I'm as good as dead if I do.” His hands fisted into his pale blonde hair; making it stand on end.



“I remember the day I gave Narcissa that necklace, Draco. Wear it proudly, she was a brave witch. Her love for you surpassed any fear she had of your father, and of Voldemort.”



“My mum would hate this,” Draco said as he drew up the sleeve on his left arm, exposing the Dark Mark.



A gasp came from the doorway. Draco turned to see Hermione standing there. How much had she heard? He wondered.



“Granger.” Draco pushed the sleeve down. “Can't you for once just mind your own bloody business?” Albus's portrait coughed and he left for a different painting. “Why are you sneaking around in the dead of night anyhow?”



“I was hungry, and I heard noises. I'll leave,” Hermione turned to walk out, his confidences to the portrait on her mind. While she still didn't like Draco, she felt a small sense of trust in him. Sometimes eavesdropping was good.



“Granger, wait.” She heard him say behind her. “I'm sorry about your parents.”



Hermione's eyes widened with shock. Did Malfoy just say sorry?.