Alright so here is yet another story by... me! Okay so Two of my reviewers pointed something out that I can't believe I missed! So this is an edited version! Thank you so much to those two reviewers! Hope you like it, and make sure to review!
Disclaimer: I don't own anything but the plot!
Note: Italics Thoughts
Through the Veil
Chapter One
Black and Blue
Hermione Granger sat in the Gryffindor Common Room. It was 5:29 in the morning, and although normally she would still be asleep at this time, this morning she had the energy of a five year old after a few fizzy drinks. In about thirty seconds the 7th year exam choices would be posted. There were five options and three slots per subject; it was first come first serve, and Hermione wasn't going to let anyone get in her way.
Five, four, three, two... one, there it was across the room from her. On the announcement board an almost blank piece of parchment appeared. Hermione rushed over to the paper and slowly read the top note:
Dear 7th years, I hereby announce that the license exams are now UP FOR GRABS! The following categories have three openings per house. It is first come first serve so tarry not my dear students. Assignments will be handed out to those of you who are committing to this during your first class next Tuesday. Happy trails and good luck!
Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster
Hermione already knew all of this, however she never skipped directions, whether they be unnecessary or not. She was however a little ticked off at the fact that her assignment would be given to her a week later and in her advanced potions class too. However, she had no time to dilly dawdle; after all she didn't get up almost three hours early for nothing, she had business to attend to. Looking below the note, she saw the five categories and the three name slots below them:
Medi-Witch/Wizard:
Ministry Offical:
Professor:
Auror:
"And finally..." Hermione said as she found her preferred choice...
Unspeakable:
As she signed her name with a fully fledged smile, she asked herself if she should sign Ron and Harry's name to the auror category, as she knew from past conversations that that was the profession they wished to be. Usually she would, but today, she decided, was about her. If they wanted a spot as badly as she did they could have woken up early like she had. No, today Harry and Ron would be on their own, it would be a start to a new era. The era where her two best friends were done with relying on her smarts and her responsibility to get them places. She knew they wouldn't like this, but from now on they would just have to bite the bullet... or at least for today.
After rubbing out her name a few times, and finally deciding on one of her many signatures, Hermione decided that she was way too frenzied to go back to sleep. Instead, she settled on wandering the grounds and catching some of that morning fresh air.
Hermione reached the huge oak fronts doors and opened them without even trying. The fresh air hit her almost instantly but she didn't mind. It was late March, and the weather was actually quite mild. The sun was about to rise, something that Hermione loved to watch, and the grass had tiny droplets of dew upon each blade. Her bare feet were in heaven as they squelched through the damp luxury. She could sense the moisture in the air, and guessed that it had most-likely rained during the night.
Walking alone in complete silence did not come around often for Hermione. She probably had this privilege about five times in her past seven years at Hogwarts. Almost everyday was spent with Harry and Ron, doing schoolwork, helping Harry and Ron with their schoolwork, going ahead with her Head Duties (unfortunately with Head Boy, Draco Malfoy) or catching up with friends and family in the muggle world, by owling. So when Hermione wandered the grounds in complete silence with no interruptions, she didn't care if her feet got dirty or if it was 5:30 in the morning, all she cared about was watching and enjoying the sun rise.
It was an isolated part of the grounds that she finally ended up in. A large rock that turned into a cliff with pine trees all around, and the best view of the horizon that one could ask for. Hermione sat down on the cliff and gaped at the sight before her. She realized that since this was her last year at Hogwarts (that only had a few months left), and the fact that she rarely received this chance, that this would probably be the last time she would ever see such a peaceful, and beautiful sunrise.
As Hermione sat and viewed her heaven she began to think about her friends and family, and her friends family, when all of a sudden a name popped up in the back of her mind... Sirius Black. Then she realized Harry had nowhere to go after the year was done.
"If only Sirius were here, things would be so much easier." Hermione said to herself.
"Well you know Ms. Granger, he is here."
Although she couldn't see his face, Hermione knew the voice belonged to the Headmaster. She turned in her seat to see the Headmaster of the school coming around to sit next to her.
"Oh, hello Headmaster." She said solemnly, "And I know, he's in my thoughts and in all of our hearts, and in spirit he will never leave us, but forgive me when I say I'm talking about a different presence."
"I understand, you are only thinking of Harry's well being and that is a noble thing to do."
"Well once again forgive me, but I don't want to be noble, I want to be able to do something about it."
"Well, I'm sorry to say I don't have a way to change the circumstances, but I'm pretty sure I have a way of cheering you up and I'm guessing it is also the reason for why you are up so early."
"It has to do with the license exams?" This did perk Hermione up, for she was most excited about learning to become an auror.
"Indeed Ms. Granger, and therefore I am happy to present you with this." With a swish of his hand, a letter appeared and he gave it to Hermione.
She took the letter from his wrinkled hands and looked at the top left hand corner of the envelope. "License Assignment Administration," Hermione read out loud. "But Headmaster, we aren't supposed to hear for a... week." She turned to where he had been sitting, but he was gone.
However confused she was about the letter in her hands and the Headmaster disappearing she was extremely excited to read what her license assignment would be.
Hurriedly ripping open the envelope, Hermione couldn't stand the pressure of waiting for her assignment that when she pulled the letter out it almost ripped.
Dear Ms. Granger,
We are glad to inform you that you have hereby been accepted into the license examination program. Usually it takes a week to place a student with his/her assignment, but you, Ms. Granger, are a special case. We have been informed that you were, although unconscious, present at the time of one Mr. Sirius Black falling through the veil. The veil has been a long reigning mystery to the wizarding world. We have been informed of your excellence. Therefore we hereby assign you to investigate the many mysteries of the veil, and report all of your findings to us. Your research will reflect upon whether you receive your license or not.
Many Thanks,
The LAA (License Assignment Administration)
Hermione could not believe her eyes. How did Headmaster Dumbledore know this would cheer her up, after all this had to be his doing, not many other people know about what had happened two years ago at the ministry.
A few hours later at 8:30, Hermione pranced into the Great Hall wide awake to find all her classmates sitting, or more like laying, seeming as they all looked exhausted. Normally Hermione would join these ranks of sleepy nincompoops, but today, today was not only the start of a new era, but also the day when she was able to start her career (or chance at a career). This was something she had awaited ever since she had started school.
"Hey guys! How are you this lovely morning?" Hermione asked cheerfully.
Harry, Ron, and Ginny all looked at her as though she were mad. They gave her that look that said, 'Are you off your bloody rocker, do you know what time of day it is?'
Hermione sat down and began piling food on her plate, after all she had been up for over three hours and unlike her friends she rarely ever visited the kitchens. The less work those elves had to do, the better. So Hermione was starving, and not awaiting that wonderful breakfast anymore.
"Bloody hell woman, what have you been doing lately, starving yourself?" Ron said waking himself and the other two up.
"Oh for goodness sakes Ronald! Might it ever occur to you that I might just be really hungry, and I am merely finding a way to stifle that hunger?" Hermione said.
Shocked at her tone, Ron replied, "I'm sorry, it's just I'm so used to the 'oh my word, I have no time for breakfast, I think I'll just have a piece of toast to go,' Hermione . I'm not used to seeing you like this."
"Well, if that is the Hermione you are so used to, don't you think your first question was a bit superfluous?" Ron frowned at how right she was, "second of all, I know you aren't used to me eating a lot, that's your job, so I'm sorry for snapping at you." To this Ron just kind of shrugged, "and third of all there is a reason for my appetite."
"Thank goodness!" Harry said with a sigh.
"HAHA! Five galleons says they thought you got a visit from Aunt Flo!" Ginny laughed, Hermione soon following.
"Hey it would explain the weird appetite change." Ron said blushing.
"Besides it wasn't the appetite we were worried about, more like the massive mood swings that come with it." Harry said, also turning a little pink in the face.
"I DO NOT HAVE MASSIVE MOOD SWINGS!" Hermione yelled, earning her three eyebrow raises saying 'are you crazy!' "Ok maybe I do, but that is not the reason this time." Hermione popped a piece of bacon in her mouth and swallowed. "It just so happens that I was up very early, and I didn't really feel up to going to the kitchens."
"Oh." Both Harry and Ron said together.
"Why were you up so early?" Harry asked.
"Oh my word! You boys are so thick! She obviously got up early to beat the rush of students to the license sign-up sheet." Ginny pointed out in an aggravated voice.
"So that's how you got your name on there first. We had to beat people down to get our names under Auror." Harry said.
"Well there you see? If you would have gotten up early like me, it would have been much easier. Plus you would be much more lively now, and less harsh on me." Hermione said.
"So you got up early, whoopee, that can't be the reason you are so happy." Ron pointed out.
"Well it just so happens I just received my assignment."
All three of her friends spit out their pumpkin juice, and yelled "WHAT?"
"But we don't get them until Tuesday!" Harry yelled.
"Yeah, even I saw the paper." Ginny added.
Hermione pulled out her letter and handed it to them. They all gaped at the piece of parchment, and then rushed her with questions. After explaining and receiving her congratulations, and the usual complaints from Ron about how it was 'completely unfair and sexist towards all of the wizards,' the bell rang.
It was Tuesday, week one, so her usual potions class that would take place on weeks two, three, and four was actually a free period. Hermione headed to her dorm to get her bag, and then walked off towards the Headmaster's office.
As she arrived at the gargoyle that opened up towards Dumbledore's office, she spoke the password and ascended the stairwell. Before she had the chance to knock on or open the door she heard, "enter," come from inside. Slowly opening the door, Hermione entered the Headmaster's office.
"Ah Ms. Granger, right on time as usual, please have a seat." She did as she was told, and realized how could she be on time if they never even made an appointment, this meeting was just a by chance occurrence, however she knew that this was Albus Dumbledore, knowledgeable of all, and decided not to ponder it. He continued, "now, how did you like the assignment?"
"It's amazing, thank you so much! But... why me? Harry and Ron were there too, plus I wasn't even conscious! Why should I get this honour?"
"Well it just so happens that, although they are brilliant wizards, Harry and Ron are still just a few cards short of a full deck." Hermione just giggled. "But that is just between us two. If it should come up, it is strictly because you were first to sign up."
"I completely understand sir, my lips are sealed."
"Well then, down to business. The veil is in the same chamber that the Mirror of Erised was kept in, in your first year. I know you didn't go all the way to the mirror, as Harry went part of the way by himself, but I trust you remember it's whereabouts quite well." Hermione nodded, "However the trapdoor is no longer being protected by Fluffy. You will soon become knowledgeable of the new system. All you need to do, to get past the obstacles is to project clearly your full name. It is all voice activated and only yourself and a few select others, such as myself, can get into the chamber. I'm told by all professors that you are welcome to any of their supply cupboards, and to take whatever you are in need of. Now I'm aware that you have an hour and a bit of free time, so I suggest you use your time to get situated and start on your research. Remember you only have two months until you have to turn in your assignment. Good luck and have some fun at the same time."
"But not to much, right professor?" she asked with a smile, the Headmaster merely replying with a nod, and a twinkle of his eye.
Hermione left the office with a smile on her face. It was time to get working. She headed to the third floor corridor where in her first year she and her best friends had found Fluffy, the three headed dog. When she opened the door, the room was pitch black. She could barely see anything, however at the back of the room, she could make out a big black lump of which she had no idea what it was.
"Lumos." She whispered. All of a sudden, instead of the tip of her wand lighting up, a spark was sent into the air and four or five wall torches were lit. This was something Hermione had never see before in all her years as a witch, however she know not to question for she knew that anything was possible in this abstract location. She looked around the familiar stone foundation, when out of nowhere she heard something like an Arabian flute playing. Her eyes searched the room for the instrument, but they were soon drawn to the lump on the ground, and it was no longer a black lump. There before her eyes was a long, green serpent.
Normally Hermione wasn't scared of snakes, but the hissing that was emerging from this creature went straight through her, making her stand dead stiff. She couldn't move, however she soon found out it wasn't just because she was afraid, but also because... she was stuck. It was as if she was in a severe leg-locking spell. The serpent's hissing grew louder and ever more frightening to Hermione as it kept progressing upwards. It looked like it would lunge at her any second now, and she was now beginning to panic, not able to think of anything but her safety.
"Think Hermione think!" "Shit what did Dumbledore say?" "Great job Hermione, look what you've done n-" "Wait that's it!" She looked once more at the hissing beast and spoke, "Hermione Jane Granger." The serpent dropped instantly and the music stopped. The trap door was now visible. Hermione went over to it, cautiously avoiding the motionless beast (just in case), and lifted it open.
As she looked inside, she remembered all to well just how she had attempted this jump in her first year. It was all much easier then, of course she had the motivation of a three headed dog trying to kill her, now she had an unconscious snake and a tunnel which she couldn't see the bottom of... 'great, that's just bloody marvelous.'
Realizing there was no other way around it, and that her future somewhat depended on it, Hermione reluctantly slid into the black abyss.
Holding her breath, then screaming, then more holding her breath took place as Hermione tumbled down the dark tunnel. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Hermione was no longer falling through a tunnel, but thin air. Too afraid to open her eyes, it came as a shock when she fell into what seemed to be a huge ocean. Panicking as she plunged under, Hermione tried to reach the surface to 1) get air, and 2) speak the password.
"Hermione Jane Granger!" She screamed.
The ocean surrounding her vanished. She fell about ten feet before she landed on a soft cushion of green grass. Surprisingly, she was no longer wet (but yet again one of those, everyday don't ask occurrences in the land of Hogwarts). Standing up, she looked about her new surroundings and noticed she was in a lush green meadow, with oak trees enclosing the area. The sun was shining and the flowers were blooming. Typically, this would be Hermione's everyday paradise, but she knew any second now, that something would go wrong. There had to be some kind of obstacle to overcome; a giant snake, a large ocean awaiting her, but nothing came. No matter how she looked at the location it was still perfect all around. She was about to give up when she thought, maybe, just maybe this paradise was the obstacle.
"An obstacle of temptation... it's original." Hermione thought. "Hermione Jane Granger." Then it was gone. The meadow, the trees, the sun, the flowers, all gone. Hermione sighed and said, "talk about Paradise Lost." In replacement of her paradise, a classroom was set out, minus all the chairs and desks. Oddly enough, instead of blackboards and paintings, five doors were positioned around the room.
She walked up to the nearest oak door. On it, engraved on a plaque were the words, "Potions Supplies." Hermione walked around to the other doors and found that she had supplies to five other subjects including, DADA, Herbology, Charms, Transfiguration, and Divination.
"Oh yeah, I can see where that one will come in handy." Hermione scoffed. Then turning to the center of the classroom, she saw the key ingredient, the veil. Standing in the middle of the room, a stony archway stood, with the veil hanging between it. She barely remembered it, but did recall that last time she saw it, it was black. This time, however, it was blue. Hermione, remembering reading something about this, whipped out a book from her bag, and found a certain page.
'Black – Enabled
Red – Dormant
Blue – Disabled.'
"Someone must have shut it off for safety."
"My money's on Dumbledore." Somebody said from behind her.
Turning around she saw Professor Remus Lupin. "PROFESSOR!" She ran into his arms for a big hug. "How did you know I was here?"
"Hermione dear, the castle may be huge, but news does travel fast!" He laughed, "Congratulations!"
"Thanks, I still don't know why they chose me though, after all I was unconscious. I barely even remember seeing the veil, let alone did I know at the time what it was, and-"
"Hermione slow down! You'll wear yourself out before you even do any research."
"But-"
He cut her off again, "no buts. You were chosen to do this because one, you were very close to Sirius-"
"But Harry was closer! He should get to do this, not me!" She had already forgotten what Dumbledore had said.
"Which brings me to my second point. Hermione, you are one of... heck you are the smartest witch I have ever known!" This made her blush, and give a small laugh. "Now forgive me if I'm wrong, but neither Harry nor Ron possess the knowledge that you do... am I right?"
Hermione giggled, "Are you sure you haven't been talking to Dumbledore?"
"No. Why?"
"Because that's exactly what he said."
Lupin laughed and said, "maybe that's because it's true."
"Fine it's true! But it doesn't mean I have to believe that I deserve it."
"Whether you deserve it or not, you have it. So on that note I will love you and leave you with good luck."
"Bye Professor, thanks for stopping by!" Hermione waved as the once professor, former professor, and now professor once again (although only for years 1-4), closed the door behind him.
Hermione sighed as she turned around to look at the work ahead of her. "Well thent, might as well get on with this."
Hermione walked over to the potions supply cabinet, opened the door and was taken aback to find one Mr. Severus Snape inside.
"Ah Ms. Granger, I see you're skipping my class again."
"Ah Professor, I see your senescence is taking a turn for the worse as you seem to have forgotten that it is week one, and that I do not attend your class during that week." She had now gathered what she needed, and just as Snape was about to deduct points she slammed the door in his face saying with a mischievous smile, "good day Professor!"
Laughing to herself as she prepared for the Deciphering potion, Hermione realized what she had just done, and soon enough thought of the punishment awaiting her next time she would see her darling Potions Professor.
However, today she did something she never even thought of doing before now, she shrugged, said, "Oh well," and was done with it.
About 45 minutes later, while she had her back turned to the veil, working on the potion that would detect any exterior clues, the veil itself took to a change. It turned black.
Hermione, not noticing the change, poured the last ingredient into the cauldron, which to her surprise was one ounce of dust. After tipping the dust in her potion, it did the unexpected. First it bubbled, then it spat, and as Hermione was taught, she didn't panic, but went to turn the gas off. However she was too late... BANG! Everything went black.
I hope you liked it! Please review! More to come soon!