CHAPTER 4

Strange woke up the next morning, as the sun shone throughout the room. He got out of the bed, yawning, despising the morning breath.

The dinner last night went great. It was just a dinner, Strange thought. Though there were many people at the table, it didn't really matter to him. No. Matter to them.

Strange found Hermione talkative, in a good way. She asked her about his life at Kamar Taj, and how she wanted to visit it.

"If you want, I could be your guide," suggested Strange, "This weekend?"

"Why not! I would love to!" Hermione smiled.

Both of them had agreed to use their first names. Strange didnt like to be called Professor Strange. Though Hermione was a bit reluctant.

Strange also found out that she was a bookworm too. Nerd, he thought. He liked nerds. On the way back to their respective places, Strange followed Hermione to her office, just so that he knew, and also because she wanted to discuss their schedule.

"What place would you prefer?" asked Hermione.

"I don't think place and time would matter to me," smirked Strange, "So I would suggest a place you would prefer."

"Well, since there would be no students around, I would suggest the library."

Strange wanted 60% Hermione's office, 30% his own office and 10% library.

"Lovely!" he said.

It was quarter to nine, when Strange went to the dining hall for breakfast, all deserted. Am I so late? He sat on the chair he sat on last night, hoping Hermione would be there too. Shit! I'm thinking about her too much!

As soon as he was done, he went to the library. They were to meet in the library at 9 o'clock.

But to his disappointment, Hermione wasnt there yet. Madam Pince was arranging some books, which seemed new.

"Good morning!" greeted Pince.

"Good morning," said Strange as he went over to her, "Will you suggest me a book to start with? Professor isn't here yet."

"Why not, start with Fantastic Beasts," as a book hovered in front of Strange.

Strange plopped himself just behind the librarian and re-read the title. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Did Hermione plan a date on their first day? But then he realized that he was being irrational.

Strange found the book pretty interesting. He knew some of the creatures from the book. He had encountered an Obscurus about a year ago, one of the students of Kamar Taj had been it's host. The Lethifold, which was known to Strange, as Wong had one told him, by the name of the Living Shroud. It had almost killed Wong in his sleep. But Strange presumed that Wong knew the Patronus Charm since it was the only way to ward off a Lethifold, according to the book.

Strange got up with the book in his hands, and glanced down at his watch. 9:48! Was Hermione so forgetful? He gave a huge sigh, and thought of waiting a little longer. Madam Pince was busy reading a newspaper. He could see the pictures moving. He walked across the library to the shelves from where the book had hovered to him, and browsed the columns for similar books.

Just as he was going to pull put a peculiar looking book, a loud screech got his attention. He turned his head to his right, and saw an owl flutter towards him. It perched on the table beside him, a piece of parchment held in its beak. All Strange did was stare at the owl. Ugh, hi? Then the owl started nudging him. Strange tried to shoo it, but got hurt by its claw.

"Madam Pince," Strange yelled, "A bird is physically harassing me!"

Strange heard a snort, "It must have something for you," yelled back Pince.

Obviously, Strange tried to get the parchment off its beak. Without any effort, the owl released it and flew away. "Should have known," murmured Strange, as he caressed the wound. He opened the piece of parchment:

Prof. Granger won't be able to assist you today, as she woke up with a fever. Madam Pomfrey is with her. You may spend the day at your leisure.

Prof. McGonagall.

Strange was quite disappointed, and worried. Hermione was quite jolly and normal yesterday. The weather was pleasant too. He rubbed his forehead, trying to think. Should I go and meet her?

He left the huge tower of books on the desk and left the library, walking briskly towards Hermione's office. On the way, he bumped into McGonagall.

"Oh! I'm sorry," squeaked McGonagall, picking up a letter, "Good morning, Stephen!"

"Good morning," said Strange, "Umm, is Professor Granger alright?"

"Like I wrote, she woke up with a high fever. I-"

"May I meet her?" asked Strange.

"Well, she wants to be alone for a while," explained McGonagall, with a blank expression, "Won't even let Madam Pomfrey stay. There is no need to worry. She will be alright by tomorrow."

Strange nodded. McGonagall patted Strange's shoulder and walked away. As she walked away, he could see that the letter was unusually damaged.

Strange couldn't help but worry. He started towards his office but his feet were too hesitant. His urge to talk to Hermione grew every passing second. He stood in the deserted corridor, all alone, devising his next move (literally). As much as he wanted to meet her, he thought of her privacy. This is about her, not me.

Strange went back to the library, all his thoughts about Hermione in a corner of his mind. He went back to where he had left the books, but couldn't find them. Did I miss a shelf? He bent back on a leg and peered at the desks. Nothing.

"There you are!" yelled Pince.

Strange turned around, in a way he thought was like the cartoons, slow motioned. He could see Pince stride towards him.

"With all due respect, Sorcerer Supreme, may I request you to not forget to return the books from where they have been took?"

Helluva librarian. Strange said the next words with a bit of a stutter.

"Please don't call me that. And I apologize for my carelessness. But, can I have them back?"

"Sure you can," said Pince as she went over to the shelf and picked them out, "Are you going to read them all?"

"I intend to do so."

"All of them? Today?" asked Pince as she looked down at the mound of books.

"Yup."

Strange tried to get the books manually, but they obviously were too heavy. With a few swift hand movements, he made them float in the air. He thanked Pince and was about to start towards his office when Pince abruptly giggled,

"You know, I never had such a devout read since Hermione, until today. Are you sure you are not a lost brother of hers?"

Strange could see his mind bawling like a child.

"I hope I am not." said Strange, forcing a smile on his face.

I really hope not.

_

A/N - The delays are quite long. I'm sorry. Hope it isn't too bad. :)