8 March 1997 — Saint Nick

Hermione sniffled as she trudged slowly back to Gryffindor Tower, completely alone. It was after curfew, but she hadn't noticed. She had spent all afternoon in the hospital wing, seated between Ron and Harry's beds. Madam Pomfrey had insisted that she leave her friends when visiting hours ended, though Harry had not yet woken up. From there, Hermione had wandered to the library, only to be ousted once again by Madam Pince. After that, she had taken to wandering aimlessly about the corridors, unaware of the lateness of the hour.

Hermione and Ron had sat together for a long time in the hospital, playing Exploding Snap, but not talking much. There was still a thin layer of awkwardness between them, though Hermione was coming to forgive Ron for his…indiscretions. And Ron, well, he was just glad to have Hermione back. They each tried to show how glad they were to be friends once again.

Just. Friends.

Hermione sighed, knowing that her eyes were red and puffy from crying. She hadn't even known why she was crying, but as soon as she'd said goodbye to Ron and patted Harry's hand as she had left, she had been overwhelmed with tears. She wasn't hungry or tired, so she went to the library and tried to work. That became an extended perusal of all the shelves crammed with books, and she never really sat down to do her Rune translations.

All she could think about was the things she should have, but hadn't said to Ron. Hermione felt fresh tears spring to her eyes, feeling foolish.

"Miss Granger?"

Hermione looked up, startled. "Oh," she said. "Hello, Nick."

Sir Nicholas de Mimsy Porpington floated before her. Had he not said her name, Hermione would have walked right through him.

"Hermione, are you all right?" the ghost asked, looking concerned.

Hermione wiped her cheeks. "Of course, I'm fine," she said, briefly smiling at him. "I was just going back to the tower."

"My dear, it's well after nine o'clock," Nick told her. "If Mr. Filch should catch you, you could be in very serious trouble."

Hermione's eyes widened. "Is it really? I had no idea! Oh dear, I'd better hurry—"

"Who's there?" a voice growled from the far end of the corridor.

"Too late," Nick said. "Quickly, follow me!" Hermione trotted after him into the classroom he led her to. "Stay quiet," he told her as she pulled the door shut. After a few moments of silence, Hermione pressed her ear to the wood, listening.

"Mr. Filch," Nick's voice said.

"Who else is here?" Filch asked gruffly. "I heard someone else."

"I haven't seen anyone," Nick said politely. "Perhaps it was one of the portraits?"

"It wasn't no portrait," Filch growled. "There are students out of bed. You've seen them."

"I haven't seen anyone," Nick repeated, slightly more forcefully.

"What about in the classroom?"

"This classroom?"

Hermione held her breath, terrified, wishing for a miracle.

There was the distant sound of a crash. "Peeves!" Filch shouted. "I'll get you, I swear!"

Hermione closed her eyes in relief as she heard Mr. Filch hurrying away. After a few moments of silence, Nick spoke.

"It's all right, Hermione. Come out."

Hermione quietly opened the door and looked at Nick. "Thank you," she whispered.

"I didn't do a thing," Nick smiled. "I believe Peeves was just on our side for once, if only unintentionally."

"Thank you anyway." Hermione smiled a little and turned to leave.

Nick stopped her: "Hermione." She turned. "I know things haven't been easy lately," he told her kindly. Hermione stared at the floor, feeling more tears building. "You're a good girl, and an amazingly gifted witch. Mr. Weasley will be just fine. He has you."

Hermione managed a watery smile, her eyes full of tears.

"You'd better get upstairs," Nick said, patting Hermione's arm. "Oh—sorry," he added, seeing her shiver.

"It's all right," Hermione said. "I'll get going. Thanks again. You're a saint, Nick."

"Of course, my dear."

Because yes, I *am* up at four-thirty-four...five in the morning, because yes, I *should* be writing the ten pager due in seven hours and twenty-six...five...minutes, and most importantly because YES, I do so love you all this much. Someone really amazing that I haven't written back to yet (sorry, I can't remember who it was!) said, "can you even write a bad chapter?" in their review. I just wanted to let you ALL know that hearing how happy you guys are shoots me off over the moon. I checked my email at one point today and had about half a dozen reviews, and I started crying because you were all loving this story. So thank you all-you'll be getting personal notes as soon as this damn paper's done, and I'm so glad you like it. A few of you have also given me suggestions for future projects...if you have anything like that that you might like to see me try, or you'd like my help with a project, don't hesitate to drop me a line. I'll be there. Thank you for your support, and long live the memories of Remus, Tonks, Freddy, Colin, and the fallen fifty of Hogwarts.

Lucy