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Hermione entered the library, feeling a lot better than before. It was as though an enormous amount of weight had been taken off her shoulders. She was still quite anxious about the fact that she was no longer Head girl, as she had absolutely no idea of what she was going to say to her friends. Anything but the truth was her only option.

She sat down on her usual chair next to a rather small table in a quiet corner. Hopefully she would be able to focus on her studies for a while.

"'Mione!," Harry called as he entered the library. He walked up to her and patted her on the shoulder to get her attention.

"Harry!?," she exclaimed. "You didn't have to scare me…"

"Sorry," he apologised. "Where have you been? I haven't seen you since dinner yesterday."

"I was up all night studying. Then I had to visit Professor Snape this morning," Hermione paused a few seconds, thinking rapidly. "I...well, I've decided to quit being Head girl. It was too much stress and I feel I have to focus on my N.E.W.T.s.".

"Really? I thought you loved being Head girl," Harry said astonishedly.

"Well, I did, at first. But it's just been so much with all these night patrols and other stuff, " Hermione lied quickly. She felt bad for lying to her friend, but saw no other option.

"I see. Do you wanna go for a walk or something?," Harry suggested.

"I'd love to, but I've really got to finish this Arithmancy essay. But I'll see you later, okay?"

"Yeah. See you!," the boy replied and left the library.

-----

Snape walked through a busy London street at lunch time the same day. He entered a small restaurant and was ushered to a table for two in the back of the restaurant.

Professor Artory rose when he saw Snape arrive and they shook hands, before sitting down.

Artory was a man in his mid 30:s though his looks made him look like 25. His brown hair was neatly combed and he was wearing a black, well-fitting suit. Nature had indeed been very kind to him, he had perfect features and a muscular body. It was only the small area around his ears that betrayed his age.

"Hello, how do you do? I haven't heard from you in a long time," Artory greeted, smiling broadly at the other man.

"I am well, thank you. I am aware of that, I feel I have to apologise for neglecting you. I have been busy, old friend. Unfortunately there is something important I have to discuss with you. I hope that you will understand," Snape said, eyeing the man very closely. He admired the other man's face jelously and immediately understood what his student saw in the man.

"I see, it is alright. What is the matter at hand?," Artory questioned curiously.

"I have it on good authority that you have been involved with a student of mine. She was by the time of your relationship under the age of 17. I never thought you one of bending the rules, William," Snape explained amusedly.

A waiter stopped by their table to take their orders.

"I understand that there is nothing for me to deny. Did she come running to you?," he asked.

"When I was out in Hogsmeade last night, I found Miss Granger in a club. She was half naked, drunk and high. I later found out that she had been smoking cannabis," Snape paused to breathe. "We had a very interesting conversation last night, which resulted in her telling me about your relationship. You may be interested in knowing that she is no longer Head girl,".

"I'm sorry to hear that," Artory said despondently. "I met her this summer at a restaurant. Her friend introduced her as 21. As she is intelligent beyond her years, you may understand me when I say I thought her to be of age. Apparently Hermione was not aware of her friend's lie, because when she told me that she was going back to Hogwarts, she did not intend to surprise me. She was rather shocked when she learned of my mistake. I saw her a couple of times in Hogsmeade during September. Believe me when I say that I did not encourage her to sneak out. I think I also ought to mention that I ended our sexual relationship the moment I got to know her real age," the professor explained. "I am rather embarrassed at the fact that I 'used' a girl who was not of age,".

"Don't tell me you shagged one of my students," Snape moaned. He had a hard time trying to remove the picture of Hermione and Artory from his head.

"You have to believe me when I say I thought her to be of age. It never occurred to me that she was still a student. You have to admit that she both looks and acts very mature,".

"Miss Granger's looks are none of my concerns. What I am interested in knowing, though, is if she was drinking a lot when you were involved with her. Did you see her taking any drugs?," Snape asked questioningly.

The waiter appeared with their food.

"Well, it would be a lie to say that she didn't drink alcohol, though I can not recall seeing her drunk at any time. She did not take any drugs, as far as I'm concerned. However, you must know that she's not as innocent as she looks. It's not like I was her first shag or anything. Hell, she was really good in bed," Artory smirked as he recalled the memories.

"How can you speak of her in that disrespectful manner?," Snape snapped. It was obvious that he was disgusted by the other man's behaviour. "You ought to be lucky that she will not press charges against you. She could devastate your career if she wanted to," he warned.

"She won't. Anyway, who would believe her? She's 16 for Merlin's sake,".

"17," The Slytherin corrected. "I believe we are done here. Stay away from her. Apparently you are not the one I thought you were," Snape finished and left the restaurant.

-----

Dinner came far too quickly for Hermione's taste, as she feared for the moment when the Headmaster would announce the new Head girl. She hardly ate anything, she was too nervous and too tired.

At the end of the dinner, Professor Dumbledore rose and attracted everyone's attention.

"Good evening, students!," he greeted them. "I have a few announcements to make. Firstly, I have assigned a new Head girl, as Miss Granger decided to step down,".

"What?!," Ron exclaimed, looking at Hermione in disbelief.

"Hush," Harry said.

"The new Head girl is Padma Patil. I hope that you will treat her with respect. Secondly, Professor Flitwick has asked me to say that he will be holding extra classes for all seventh years interested, on Mondays at 7 p.m. in his usual classroom. That will be all, good night!,".

"Hermione? Why?," Ron asked when the headmaster had finished his speech.

"I felt it had too much influence over my studies. I really want to focus on my N.E.W.T.s as they're approaching," she said and avoided his eyes.

"'Mione, they're in like, eight eight months!," the redhead protested.

"Well, yes, but I'm behind in my revision schedule already," she glanced at her watch. "Now, if you don't mind, I've got to study. I'll see you guys later, okay?"

"Sure," Harry smiled at her while Ron just nodded at her.