My Father's Only Rule {DRACO MALFOY X SNAPE'S DAUGHTER}

Chapter Thirteen: The Return Of Dumbledore's Army

October 1997 - Hogwarts

I woke up one morning in late October and was beyond excited to feel a piece of paper under my pillow.

Dear Grace,

I'm so relieved to hear back from you. Something horrible has happened. Ron has been wearing that horrible locket and it's been making him angry. We think we need The Sword Of Gryffindor to destroy it. But anyway, Ron is so frustrated that we haven't gotten far, and he's left us. I don't know where he's gone. He could be anywhere. We're all fugitives, and it's terribly important that we stay together. But he's gone and I don't know what to do.

Harry's been great at keeping me distracted from it, though. But it won't work forever. I'm sorry if it seems like I'm just venting to you. There's nothing that can be done and I don't know what to make of the situation. We're currently on our way to Godrick's Hollow. It's horribly dangerous, but both of us think we can find something there...possibly the sword.

I hope you're doing well. Seventh year sounds like it would have been great. You know, without the lingering sense of war and destruction. I miss you dearly, and I know Harry does too. I really can't speak for Ron, but let's just assume that he does as well.

Best wishes and lots of love,

Hermione

I read the note all over and over again all day long. I was reading it in the hallway on my way to class when I overheard three familiar voices whispering behind the pillar.

"I can't do it anymore, Luna. We've got to do something."

"Are you sure it's safe, Neville?"

"Of course, it's not safe. That's why we've got to do it." I turned the corner to see Neville, Luna, and Ginny. Neville had a horrible mark on his face.

"Neville!" I said. "What's that on your face?"

"Stupid Professor Carrow," he said.

"Which one?" I asked. Death eater siblings Amycus and Alecto Carrow were teaching DADA and Muggle studies. Muggle studies used to be optional after fourth year, but now it was required all seven years. Either one of them could have slapped Neville and it wouldn't have surprised me.

"Muggle studies," Neville said. "She's been teaching us that muggles are horrid beings. She's saying they're animals. And I'm done with it. I want to start up Dumbledore's Army again."

"Neville," I warned. "That's very dangerous."

"It's no more dangerous than Hogwarts being a headquarters for Voldemort's scheme."

"We want to put a stop to all the cruelty," Ginny said. "And possibly help Harry in any way we can. You'll join, won't you?"

"I would love to," I said. "But I can't."

"Figures," Neville said.

"But I can help," I said. "I, um, I got a letter. From Hermione."

"Hermione?" Luna repeated.

"Is she alright?" Ginny asked.

"They're fine," I said. "I didn't want to mention what happened to Ron in front of Ginny. "They need the sword of Gryffindor to destroy the Horcruxes they're finding. But they don't know where to find it."

"I know where it is," Neville said.

"What? How?" I asked.

"Carrow sent me to Snape's office. He's got it in there."

"We can get it," Luna said.

"That can be the first mission of Dumbledore's Army," Ginny said. "Come on, guys. Thanks, Grace."

"Of course. Oh, and guys?" They all stopped and turned around to look at me. "I really wish I could be part of this. But I've just got too much at stake. But I'll help. In any way I can. Just let me know. And good luck."