The Inevitable

Chapter 18 - First Plan of Action

Hermiones POV

"You two expect me to believe this incredulous story?!" Professor Snape hollered. He was angry at us for waking him. I would be too if two of my students came in with a story of time travel.

"Severus, I know it makes no sense whatsoever, but you need to believe us," Draco pleaded leaning against Snapes desk.

"I agree with the professor, this is insanity," Harry said rubbing his neck. He was confused too. When I had rushed into the common room and up the boys dormitory stairs, I hadn't even thought about what I was going to say. He wanted to take me to Madam Pomfrey. He thought I had gone mad and decided to throw on my best sundress.

"If it isn't true, how do I know that you're a spy for the order?" Draco asked staring at Snape. The professor stood stoic.

"How would I know Draco was tasked with killing Professor Dumbledore, but you are going to do it Professor? How do I know Dumbledore told you that you must kill him to protect Draco's soul?" Snapes demeanor changed then. His eyes went wide and he swallowed hard.

"What?!" Harry yelled jumping to his feet.

"Harry please, just stay calm. We had to get you because we had to tell you everything. Draco must become a spy for the order, just like Snape." Snape sighed as he sat in his chair. Harry looked between the two of us clearly fighting an internal battle.

"What the fuck do I have to do with any of this?" Theo asked from where he slumped in a chair.

"I have to say, I'm confused about that part as well," I said turning to Draco. "Theo had nothing to do with this part. Neither did Snape...what's going on?" Draco sighed and removed his glamour charm from his arm. Harry didn't react. He had guessed it long ago. Draco turned toward me with a sad expression.

"This," he said pointing to his mark. "I can't let Theo share my fate. I need him to be safe. You know we can change a few things, I want to change his fate." I began to understand. Draco feared for Theo. He wanted to get Theo out.

"He can come with us," I said quickly gesturing to myself and Harry. Harry widened his eyes as he looked at me.

"What? No!" Theo was on his feet now. "Drake I'm staying with you mate. I can't let you do all this alone."

"I know you want to be the hero Theo, but I need to be that for you. You're not safe if you stay. You must leave with Hermione and Potter." He then turned to Snape. "This is where you come in. We need to make Theo's disappearance look like a murder. No one must question where he is. Everyone on the dark side must believe he is dead." I couldn't help the small smile that came to my face. Theo was like his brother. I felt a swell of pride.

"Mister Malfoy, what you're asking is dangerous. What you're wanting to do with your life is dangerous. I made a vow with your mother I would keep you safe."

"I know this. This is my decision. I'm done fighting myself over what's right and wrong. I don't want to live in a world like the one the dark lord wants. I want to live a life full of happiness." He turned to look at me. "I want to live a life full of love." I smiled at him feeling my emotions get the better of me. He turned back toward Snape. "I'm done being in the dark. This war will end and I will be on the wining side helping Potter every step of the way. Either you help me, or I do it myself." I wanted to kiss him then. I hadn't kissed him since that morning in the kitchen, but I so badly wanted to now.

"I'm convinced," Harry said quietly stepping beside me. "I may not fully understand what all went down, but I know Hermione. If she's in one hundred percent with you, then I'd be an idiot not to follow. I'll do what I can." I couldn't help myself, I turned to Harry and hugged him tight. "This doesn't mean I trust him completely. I do believe that will take some time." I rolled my eyes but smiled nonetheless.

"Thank you Potter," Draco said before turning back to Snape. The old man sighed heavily. He turned to look at Theo who chewed on his bottom lip in thought.

"Will you go willingly?" Theo looked to him then. He turned his face to Draco.

"Yeah," he nodded. "But I won't hide Drake. I will be in this fight whether you like it or not."

"I know Theo. All I ask of you, is you watch their backs and they watch yours." I nodded as Harry stepped toward them.

"I'll do my best," he grinned causing Theo to chuckle. Snape was muttering under his breath drawing our attention back to him.

"This has been such an odd hour..." he sighed standing to his feet. "You three must go. Get Mister Weasley and Miss Weasley." He opened his drawer and pulled out a piece of parchment. "Remus gave this to me, use it wisely." Harry took the marauders map from Snapes hands and nodded. "The death eaters will be coming through the vanishing cabinet tomorrow evening. Once Dumbledore has fallen, leave before anyone sees you. Until then, you may use the potions classroom on the first floor to sleep in for the night. It is abandoned, no one will look in there. Miss Granger, you should know the proper charms to keep it safe." I nodded in return. "I will handle Mister Nott's dead body double. I will only place it before we take the castle. Mister Nott, you will stay in this classroom as well. Mister Potter, I suggest you go see Dumbledore." With that we nodded once more and left his office.

"I'll meet you there okay?" Draco whispered kissing my cheek.

"Okay." I turned with Harry heading toward the Gryffindor tower.

"How do you think Ron will take all this?" He asked casting a lumos.

"I have an inkling," I sighed thinking of the man I met in the future. "Perhaps we wait to tell them until we get into the classroom?"

"Good idea. Although, you may want to keep the public displays of affection to the ferret to a minimum," he snickered.

"I know it's odd. I promise I'll tell you everything." He smiled and grabbed my hand.

"I trust you Hermione. Besides, it seems you're both quite smitten. I don't think I could talk you out of it even if I tried."

"Too true Mister Potter," I laughed. Once we reached the fat lady, we whispered the password and stepped inside. Harry squeezed my hand before heading up to the boy's dormitories. I made my way to Ginny's dorm quietly. Stepping inside, I crept my way to her bed. Casting a quick silencing charm, I slipped inside the drawn curtains. She was already awake with her wand drawn.

"What the fuck Hermione?" She whisper yelled dropping her wand.

"I cast a silencing spell Gin, no one can hear us," I said sitting onto her bed.

"Oh good, what the fuck are you doing?" This girl and her cursing.

"I need you to pack your trunk. We have to go." She looked at me as if I had gone insane. She raised her hand sassily before speaking again.

"I'll ask you again, what the fuck?" I chuckled. Terrible time for me to be laughing though.

"I know it makes no sense, but I need you to trust me. Harry is getting Ron right now. We need to go. I'll answer all your questions as soon as we get to the classroom."

"Classroom? Good Gods woman it's three in the morning!" She huffed as she grabbed her book from beside her pillow.

"We aren't going to learn anything Gin. Just please trust me?" She stared at me with her eyes squinting. She took a heavy breath but scooted to the edge of her bed.

"Fine. Just please don't tell me you're pregnant or something and we are running away." I shook my head and moved off her bed. Packing her trunk was a bit of an ordeal. We had to move carefully and slowly. Once we had gotten everything in it, we shrunk it down and made our way down the stairs. Ron and Harry were already there waiting.

"What's going on?" Ron asked mid yawn. "Harry said you'd explain." They were both dressed in jeans and tshirts now.

"I will, but we need to get to the first floor of the castle." He shrugged but followed me out the portrait hole anyways. I took a deep breath. This was going to be an interesting night. I could only hope and pray that it went smoothly. Maybe we could save Ron too...