"Messing with Fire, Dealing with Ice"

Summary: Snape has assigned an unusual project to our Griffindor and Slytherin 6th years.

Pairings: her/r her/d d/pa pa/h h/lav lav/r

Rating: PG-13 may change

Disclaimer: I don't own them!

A/N: *First fanfic* please review with suggestions or comments. Only constructive flames. The more reviews I receive, the faster the chapters will go up. I have the plot all figured out, but since this is my first fic ever, I need the motivation. I think that's it, so happy reading!

Chapter 1: It's Just Begun *Hermione's house, summer after 5th year*

Her eyes fluttered open and a smile formed upon her deeply colored lips. She sat up and looked towards the window, it was a beautiful day. The sun was shining brightly, and a faint breeze occasionally blew through the weeping willow positioned out side of her huge, elegant bedroom. Suddenly, a small, brown, ball of fluff flew into her room and landed on Hermione's shoulder. She knew at once that it was Amber, the owl that she had given to Ron as a gift for their six-month anniversary. She removed the letter from Amber's leg and carried it over to her bed.

Hermione anxiously tore open the envelope, revealing two cards, one from Ron and the other from Harry. (Harry was staying at the Burrow until school started up again.) Hermione picked up a letter and read:

i Dear Hermione,

Happy 16th birthday! I'm having a blast here at the Burrow. I have been playing Quidditch everyday with Ron and the Twins. We will definetly beat Slytherin, now that I'm captain! Your gift is on its way. Mr. Weasley wanted to try sending packages in the muggle mail. Not to worry, I supervised! Well, I'll see you at Diagon Alley next week. We miss you!

-Harry /i

Hermione smiled at the thought of school starting in a little over a week. She put down Harry's letter and picked up Ron's.

I Dearest Hermione,

I miss you so much! I hope you have a great 16th birthday. I wish that I were there to spend it with you! I can't wait to see you at Diagon Alley next week. Harry and I will meet you outside of Flourish and Blotts after we go to Gingotts. I love you!

Always and forever,

Ron /i

Hermione kissed the letter and placed it next to Harry's. She fed Amber, then showered and dressed. She wore a jean mini-skirt and a medium blue halter top. She looked at her reflection in the mirror, realizing how much she had changed over the past year. She had now reached a steady 5'6, below Ron's 5'8. Her hair had been chemically straightened, thanks to Daddy's credit card, and blonde highlights framed her face. She had filled out in all of the right places, creating a competition between her male peers. Satisfied with her outfit, she walked out the door and went downstairs.

Hermione sat down in her usual seat at the dining room table between her parents and in front of a large pile of gifts.

"Happy birthday honey!" Her parents told her. "Hurry up and open your presents, we have a lot to do today and we have to tell u something as well."

Hermione wondered about what news was coming her way, but set her thoughts aside as she tore open the paper concealing her presents. So far she had received new clothes, new robes, cds, and a lime-green apple I-book (complete with wireless internet.) Two present remained, a small gold box and a slightly larger silver one. She opened the gold one to reveal a white gold ring. A ruby was embedded between two emeralds. She loved it! There seemed to be some kind of magical aura about it.

*Hmm.I wonder.nah, couldn't be! They're muggles, this couldn't be the real one! It must just be a coincidence.yeah that must me it!*
Hermione placed the ring on her finger and turned to open her last present. She opened the box revealing a key. Realizing what it was, she screamed with glee and sprinted to the driveway. A mint-green 2003 convertible Bug was parked. (A/N my favorite car of all time!) She pressed the button on the car that unlocked the door, and hopped inside of her new car. Her parents came into the car just after she had put the top down. She thanked them as they drove to the DMV to get her license.
After Hermione had received her license, the three Grangers returned to their mansion. They entered the house and sat down in the living room. Hermione was growing anxious as she waited for her parents to speak.

"Hermione, now that you are sixteen, you must take on new responsibilities. Before we inform you of these, we must be honest with you. You are our daughter, and whether or not you agree with our beliefs; a part of us is instilled within you. Through this connection, our beliefs will become yours as well." Thoughts of worry filled Hermione's head as her father continued on. "You mother and I are not muggles, and you are most definetly not a mudblood. Before you were born, we were great supporters of the dark lord. As you know, you were born shortly after the attack on Harry Potter. At this time, we had made a promise to the dark lord that you become his heiress one you had come of age. We know that this will talk a while for you to process, take you time."

Hermione was shocked. She grabbed her car keys and ran out the door.

b A/N: How'd you like it? The explanation of the ring and more of the previous conversation will be in the next chapter if u guys like this story. So click that button and tell me what you think of it! /b