A/N: Thank you everyone for following, reviewing, and favoriting! It seriously makes my day when I get those notifications! A huge thanks to Muggle Jane and Krissy for being my awesome betas! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: The characters and canon situations in the following story belong solely to JK Rowling, Scholastic and WB. I also don't own Beauty and the Beast, which serves as the inspiration for this story. I am not making any money from the publishing or writing of this story.

Chapter 11

The next day, Hermione found herself in the library once more. She had already read three of the books, and was excited to get her hands on some new material.

When Pipsy came to deliver her lunch, Hermione asked if the elf knew where Remus was. Sadly, the elf shook her head saying he had left earlier in the day and hadn't returned.

Hermione wondered what he was up to. Most likely Order business of some sort, but what kind? She knew that the Order wanted to defeat Voldemort and restore balance to the wizarding world, but she didn't really know what they did specifically. Professor Dumbledore had never really explained it to anyone; he thought they were too young. She was of age now, and she wanted to know what was going on. She wanted to be included.

She cringed, and realized that in her foolish anger, she had pushed the thoughts of the Headmaster from her mind. Headmaster Dumbledore was dead. Feeling ashamed, she pulled her knees up to her chest and curled up in the armchair. The Headmaster was dead, and she didn't even grieve for him.

Although Hermione didn't know him very well on a personal level, she knew that he was a great man. Dumbledore had done so much for the school and all its students. He had given his life to fighting evil. He was brave, smart, and loyal – everything that the world needed in this time of darkness.

Harry. Hermione froze. Oh poor Harry. He had barely healed from losing Sirius, when he had abruptly lost the Headmaster as well. She felt a few tears leak from her eyes, imagining the grief her friend was going through. Dumbledore had been a father figure to Harry, guiding and caring for him since he entered the magical world. And now, Harry was alone with no one to help him.

Hermione hoped that wherever he was, Ron was with him. That way, he wouldn't be completely alone. They would have each other.

She heard the door to the library open. Snapping her head up, she quickly wiped away the tears. It was Remus, but he wasn't alone. There was someone with him, a man dressed head to toe in white. Hermione stood, smoothing out her clothes.

Remus smiled softly at her. "Hermione, this is Zachary. He'd like to ask you a few questions, if that's all right."

Hermione eyed the gentleman warily. Something about him seemed strange, but Remus seemed to trust him, so she nodded. What could this man possibly want from me?

Remus bowed slightly then exited the library, leaving the two of them alone.

The man nodded to her. "Miss Hermione Granger," he spoke, his voice soft. "What a pleasure to meet you." He reached out his hand.

Tentatively, Hermione placed her small hand into his larger one. He shook it lightly, and then guided her towards the couch. He sat next to her, facing her. "My name is Zachary. I'm a member of the Order, and I do research."

Hermione arched her eyebrow. "Research? What sort of research?"

Zachary smiled. "Well, it depends on what is needed of me. Currently, my focus is you."

"Me? But… Why?" she asked, feeling shocked. Weren't there more important things for the Order to be focusing on?

He smirked at her. "Well, don't you want to know about why you don't have magic?"

Hermione's eyes opened wide.

"Remus and I have been searching for some answers, interviewing people, et cetera," he said with a wave of his hand. "He's kept you away from me long enough, but now, here we are. Just the two of us."

Hermione fidgeted. This man was definitely making her feel uncomfortable. But if he was a member of the Order . . . She mentally shook her head. "So what is it you wanted to ask me?"

Zachary pulled out a pen and a notebook. He looked at her, narrowing his eyes. "How do you feel?"

"Currently?" she asked. He nodded. "Like normal, except I feel tired more easily. I don't have the energy I did."

"Interesting," he said, scribbling in his notepad. "Do you ever try doing magic? Just to see if it comes back?"

Hermione shrugged. "It hasn't been very long, but not really. I did the first day or two, but after the same thing every time, I felt discouraged. I tried this morning, but still nothing. Not even first year level."

More scribbling. He looked at her once more. "What would you do if your magic never returns?"

Hermione bit her lip. "I haven't really thought about it. There are a lot of factors that still need to play out."

He narrowed his eyes. "What if you had no choice?"

"Beg your pardon?" she asked, unsure if he asked what she thought he meant.

"How would you feel if you were forced from the magical world?"

Hermione couldn't speak. She had never considered that. She knew it would surely break her heart.

Zachary stood. "I have all I need."

Hermione stood. "But you can't possibly! You've barely asked me anything."

He shrugged. "I've got enough." He turned to face the door. "Remus, I know you're there. You may come in."

Remus came in, looking a bit sheepish for being caught eavesdropping. "Well?" he asked.

Zachary nodded. "It's as I thought. The spell drained all her magical energy. Usually, it would have worn off by now, but there's something trapping the dark magic inside her. Every time her body tries to strengthen itself, the magic depletes her core. This is why her normal strength weakens every few hours."

Hermione bit her lip. "Is there anything we can do to fix it?"

He shrugged. "More research, perhaps. We need to find out how to release the dark energy that has entangled itself within you."

Hermione felt dejected. "Is it hopeless?"

Zachary shrugged once more. "We shall see." He bid the two of them goodbye, then quickly strode from the library.

Remus turned to Hermione. "Are you all right?"

She nodded, wrapping her arms around herself. "He made me feel rather uncomfortable."

Remus made a face. "He does that. He used to be an Unspeakable, but now he mostly dabbles in the dark arts. He's very knowledgeable, but knowledge comes with a price."

She pressed her hands together and glanced at him. "Well, thank you anyway." She offered him a feeble smile.

He arched his eyebrow. "For what?"

"Trying to find out what was wrong with me. I didn't want to think about it, but I'm glad one of us did," she said softly.

He leaned forward, gently cupping her cheek. "We'll fix it. Don't worry." And with that, he left the library, leaving Hermione alone with her thoughts.