The Return of an Old Enemy
The Christmas break ended sooner than Hermione would have liked. Her last night before term started, she found herself sitting in the library at #12 Grimmauld Place. Dobby had just brought her a cup of hot chocolate and cookies when she sat down in front the fire. She cautiously took a sip of the hot drink and set it down. Wrapping her blanket around her new Weasley sweater adorned with a giant "H" on it, and she remembered how good it felt to be surrounded by every Weasley alive and thankful she had Luna there.
Mr. Weasley's Christmas toast was, of course, heartfelt, and brought a tear to everyone's eyes. The moment after shifted to fun with the twins popping magical crackers, each going off with a loud bang. The dinner Mrs. Weasley prepared was of course delicious with more than enough to feed an army of witches and wizards. Hermione had loved her patented Weasley sweater and had immediately put it on, noticing a very happy Mrs. Weasley as she did. Luna had received a sweater too. Although unlike Hermione's light blue with a gold "H", Luna's was a myriad of bright colors with a bold pink "L".
The fire popped loudly and Hermione was brought out of her reverie. She took another sip of her hot chocolate, looking at the journal on the table next to her. She, along with Luna and Valdore, had been researching in it every spare moment with little luck. The author of the journal and why it had been written still remained a mystery. The information Madam Pince showed them only showed the book was donated by Albus Dumbledore in 1942 from his private library. Hermione was starting to get frustrated and her two friends could see it.
Unbeknownst to Hermione, her frustration at not finding any more information was the topic of Luna and Valdore's conversation at dinner one night while Hermione was staying at Grimmauld Place.
"She's obsessed!" Valdore exclaimed.
"I wouldn't say that she's obsessed," Luna replied evenly, taking a bite of her dessert.
His eyebrows rose in shock at Luna's statement, "Then what, pray tell, would you describe it as?"
Luna put her fork down quietly on her plate and thought for a moment, "She is focused. Engaged," she regarded him with a look of approval of Hermione's actions, "This is a good thing."
Valdore looked at her incredulously, "And how is that…," he struggled for a word to describe Hermione's obsessing and failed, "… good?"
Lune looked at him with a seriousness that was rarely seen on her face, "She has been out of touch with the world since the battle. It was if that Hermione died the day with Harry and was replaced by the woman who now moves through life lost without her other half," Luna paused to take a drink before she continued, "I have, as well as others, have been trying to reignite that spirit she used to have. This journal seems to be helping her spirit come back to life."
Valdore looked away in thought, "I hadn't thought to consider that," he shook his head quickly and shrugged, "Of course why would I? I haven't seen her in years and even then barely knew her when I was here."
"Then you missed out on knowing such an amazing woman," Luna replied matter-of-factly.
"So it seems," he replied, "I just hope she solves this riddle before she goes completely nutters."
Luna smiled at his wording, "I don't think we have anything to worry about. I think she's, as the Muggles would say, shaking off the rust."
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However, rust was not the problem for Hermione at the moment. Lack of information was. She sat in her arm chair trying to fit the few bits she had into something that made sense. She growled to herself. She had spent her holidays in Grimmauld Place buried in the Black, now Potter family library. Hermione had almost died from shock and excitement when she had stepped into the library for the first time and saw all four walls covered in floor to ceiling bookshelves full of books, including some she found were in the Restricted Section at Hogwarts. She had poured over many of the books before this holiday just out of sheer curiosity, but now it was out of need for information.
She closed the most recent volume on wandless magic that she had pulled to examine for any information. She was exhausted from her research efforts and had almost fallen asleep reading yet another passage about wandless magic. "At this rate I'll know more about wandless magic than Arithmancy," she mused as she stretched in the chair.
She looked over and saw that the mug and cookies had been removed, but the fire was crackling merrily. Dobby or Winky must have taken care of this and didn't want to disturb her. She was suddenly hit with a wide yawn. She grunted from the pop from her jaw and decided that she needed to go to bed. She had an early morning the next as she had to get back to Hogwarts, and arriving dead tired and sleepy was not going to be good for anyone.
She wrapped the blanket back around herself and went to the shelf to put the book she had read back. She placed it in its spot and then walked towards the door. But she stopped suddenly and turned back. She blinked tiredly at a book on the shelf. Reaching out, her fingers brushed the gilded lettering on the dark green book.
Ancient Wandless Magic by Charlie Bode
She couldn't remember seeing this book here before, but something unexplained was pulling her to it. She pulled it off the shelf and opened the cover, flipped to the first chapter, and read the page.
The use of wandless magic by witches and wizards goes back to before this author's research. The author is left to surmise that wandless magic is as old as magic itself, although not as widely practiced by many through the millennia due to the power and skill required by witches and wizards…
Hermione stopped reading, flipped back to the title page and looked for a date. The book was written in 1722. She closed the book with a scowl of confusion on her face. She stood there for several minutes thinking while tapping her finger on the book. Her thoughts were interrupted by the loud chime of the old grandfather clock in the room. Realizing she needed to sleep, she tucked the book under arm and went to her room. She tossed it into her trunk to take with her to Hogwarts. She had a feeling she might need this book.
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Two days later, a soft knock came from her door and she mentally groaned on the inside. She was reading the book by Bode and was feeling like she was getting closer to an answer. She put the book down and called out in somewhat of an annoyed tone, "Come in!"
Sheepishly, Chandra entered her office with a nervous smile, "I'm sorry Professor. I can comeback if you want?"
Hermione shook her head and waved the young girl into her office, "No, please come in. What can I do for you? Did you have a good holiday?"
The girl shrugged, "It was nice to go home for a bit."
There was an uncomfortable pause between them and Hermione sensed that there was more that happened during the holidays. She waited patiently for the girl to speak up, which wasn't long in coming.
"I'm sorry Professor, but I have no one else to talk to about this and was hoping I could get some help?" she asked.
Hermione became concerned as the girls tone of voice changed to one of almost panic.
"Sit please," Hermione said, "What happened?"
The girl sat in her chair and wiped a tear from her face, "Jackson broke up with me."
Hermione silently smiled on the inside. She had known that the girl could do better than Jackson since he was a negative influence on her and everyone else and she should have moved on sooner.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Hermione replied with some sympathy for the young girl, "Are you okay?"
The girl cried and nodded, "He just got angry at me and said I was becoming less fun and he didn't want to be with someone like that."
Hermione shook her head. Jackson's insensitivity and immaturity were reaching an all-time low with Hermione.
The girl pulled herself together enough to look at Hermione and ask, "Why?"
Hermione leaned forward in her chair, "Listen to me Chandra. Jackson dumping you is honestly a good thing, in my opinion. He's rude, abusive, immature and irresponsible. He's the wrong guy for you. You can do much better and you will."
She paused a moment before continuing, "Use this pain and anguish to push yourself forward. You're stronger than he is. You smarter, more mature and more responsible now than he or any like him will ever be. Don't ever forget that."
Chandra wiped her tears on her sleeve and nodded, "Thank you Professor."
Hermione smiled at the girl, "You're welcome. I've been hurt like you have before so I know what you're going through. It'll pass and you'll soon wonder why you were ever with him."
Chandra just nodded and stood, "Thank you Professor. I'm sorry to have bothered you."
Hermione stood and held up her hand to stop the girl, "Stop. It's no bother my door is always open to a Head Girl," she smiled at Chandra.
The younger girl nodded and turned to walk away, but suddenly stopped and turned to Hermione who had gone back to packing her things, "Um… Professor?"
Hermione looked back at her, "Yes, Chandra?"
The girl looked nervous, but managed to ask, "There's a dueling club starting soon and I was thinking of joining, but could use some pointers. One Head Girl to another?"
Hermione sat back in her chair, "I'm not exactly the right person to ask. I haven't dueled since the day Voldemort was defeated," the young Head Girl was visibly deflated at Hermione's comment. Hermione paused and then added, "But come by my office tomorrow after morning session and maybe I can give you some pointers."
Chandra smiled and left with a bright expression on her face. Hermione was still smiling as she grabbed her bag and walked to her room. A sudden memory of Harry helping her practice for her NEWTs entered her thoughts. She prayed that she was as good a teacher as he was.
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Hermione walked into the Great Hall at breakfast to a lot of chattering and lowered voices. As she approached the teacher's table she noticed many students were reading The Daily Prophet and talking excitedly. She then noticed some were looking from the paper to her and quickly looked away to continue to chat with their friends.
"What's going on here?" she thought, suddenly feeling self-conscious.
She sat down in her chair, filled her plate and began eating. She felt and sensed the stares from people on her. She subtly looked up from her breakfast and noticed a few looks from students directed at her. After a few minutes of this, she was suitably annoyed and was just about to stand and ask the Hall at large what the commotion was about, when Luna suddenly appeared in the doorway and came swiftly towards her. Hermione saw her pale face even paler and she was holding a copy of The Prophet rolled up and crunched in her hand.
Luna reached her and spoke quickly, "Hermione, he's escaped!"
Hermione looked at Luna in confusion, "Luna slow down! Who's escaped?"
"Snape!" Luna said and handed Hermione the crumpled roll of paper.
Hermione took it and saw it was The Daily Prophet and the front cover showed the picture of Severus Snape, in full prison garb and his black greasy hair even greasier than usual. The headline read: 'SNAPE ESCAPES AZKABAN!'. It now made sense why everyone was looking at her. They had already known. Hermione sat back in disbelief as she read the article.
Severus Snape, Voldemort's former trusted Death Eater and Potions Master at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry escaped in a daring prison break from Azkaban. Snape was the man who killed Albus Dumbledore on top of the Hogwarts Astronomy Tower a year before the Dark Lord's demise. The second prisoner to escape in the prison's long history, Snape vowed vengeance for the Dark Lord's demise when he was first imprisoned. Azkaban's Warden, Kivas Holtran, spoke at a press conference and assured the wizarding world that he and the Ministry's Auror Department were working around the clock to track down and capture this notorious Death Eater.
This reporter learned that Snape has been preaching of his escape since his arrival, but the guards paid him no heed. One guard, speaking in confidence to this reporter, reported that Snape was less volatile and quieter recently for no known reason. Details as to the actual escape have not been released, but this reporter suspects the use of dark magic in Snape's quest for freedom. What this means for the wizarding world and what his plans are is unknown at this time. This reporter however speculates that those who were responsible for his initial capture and incarceration should be on the lookout for this evil wizard.
She finished reading the article and looked up at Luna in shock. She quickly stood and rushed around the table, "Come on Luna, we have to see McGonagall!"
Adding to the students' already frenzied conversations about the prison break, the two teachers raced out of the Great Hall towards McGonagall's Office.
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"This is outrageous!"
"I agree, but shouting at me will solve nothing, Miss. Granger," McGonagall replied evenly from her chair behind her desk.
Hermione closed her eyes, balled her hands into fists, and took a deep breath to relax herself, "You're right. I'm sorry."
"Thank you for saying Miss Granger" the headmistress said.
"How did he escape?" Hermione asked with barely contained anger in her voice.
"The ministry doesn't know," McGonagall replied shrugging, "It wasn't until the midnight rounds that he was discovered to be missing."
"Surely there must be some clue as to how he accomplished this?" Luna asked, trying to counter Hermione's frustrated anger.
McGonagall shook her head sadly, "There wasn't, but I spoke with The Minister and he has assured me that they will not rest until they find him and figure out how he escaped."
Hermione stopped her pacing as a sudden thought hit her. She became a little panicked and spoke, "Headmistress… what about Harry? He's not exactly in any position to stop him."
"The Minister's way ahead of you and added extra security to his ward. He will be safe," McGonagall replied hoping the news would quell some of her former pupil's anger, "The only question is now what to do with you two?"
"Us?" Hermione asked.
McGonagall's mouth quirked upwards, "Well my dear, you were the one to stop him last time if I remember right, and Miss. Lovegood helped defeat Voldemort's other Death Eaters."
"So you're thinking he'll come for us to seek revenge?" Hermione asked.
McGonagall just nodded, but Luna spoke up, "It does make sense, but he wouldn't risk coming to Hogwarts would he?"
McGonagall shrugged, "I wish I could answer that Miss. Lovegood. Regardless though, I must ask you both not to leave the grounds unescorted."
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Oh please," she blurted out, before she realizing what she had said.
McGonagall's eyes flashed in brief anger, "You will both adhere to that order for both your safeties."
Hermione nodded, "I'm sorry. Of course."
"The Minister's mobilized the entire Auror Department and several other magical law enforcement agencies. They'll find him and what he does not need you two…," she said sternly looking pointedly at Luna and then fixed her steely gaze at Hermione, "to go off half-cocked and possibly get in the way, or worse… killed."
Luna quickly put a hand on her friend's shoulder, squeezed to stop Hermione from speaking, and replied, "Of course Headmistress. I'm sure the Minister has things well in hand."
"I hope so," Hermione said wincing at the tight grip on her shoulder, "But if Snape's out then he has a plan."
McGonagall's lips pursed in contemplation, "I'm sure he does. But until we know anything more we will remain on guard here."
Hermione and Luna turned to leave knowing there was nothing left to say, "Oh, and Miss. Granger and Miss. Lovegood?" came McGonagall's voice as they reached the door.
Hermione and Luna turned back. They saw McGonagall's face stone like in seriousness to match her tone as she said, "I know my predecessor gave you and your friends a wide leeway regarding his instructions when he was in this post, but I expect my instructions to be carried out to the letter."
"Yes, Headmistress," they both replied simultaneously and left.
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A few days later Hermione found herself sitting in Hog's Head Inn drinking a butterbeer and reading the journal. Snape was still at large and the Ministry was no closer to finding him. Hermione was in a bad mood since Snape's escape and everyone, except Luna, was steering clear of her because of her mood. In fact, none of the other professors even wanted to escort her to the Hog's Head. She had to breakout Harry's Marauder's Map and use one of the secret passages to leave the castle.
She wasn't really focused on the journal as her mind was miles away from where she was. She was going over in her mind where Snape might be or what he might be doing. She knew Snape very well and was convinced that he had some dark and grand plan. What that plan is, was vexing her. She had let that part of her past go so many years ago, that she was angry she was stumped and couldn't figure it out by herself. She needed Harry and Ron.
A full glass of butterbeer suddenly appeared at her elbow, "Here you go, my dear," Aberforth said, picking up her empty glass.
She looked up at him and smile, "Thanks."
He stood for second and then spoke, "I know you're upset, but they'll find him."
Hermione took a quick sip and nodded slowly, "I hope so," she said watching a drop of condensation roll down the side of the glass, "I just wish they would sooner rather than later so this would be over."
"I'm sure this is difficult."
"Ha… difficult isn't the word I'd choose," Hermione replied, "Difficult was finding the Chamber of Secrets or helping Harry's godfather escape from prison again while avoiding Dementors and a werewolf. This… this is something else."
"What are you concerned about?" he asked with an expression of genuine concern, "I wouldn't expect you to suddenly back away from this."
"Really?" Hermione said with an edge to her voice, "I've spent the last eight years sitting around doing nothing. And if Luna hadn't pushed McGonagall to offer me this teaching job, I'd probably still be doing nothing," she stopped and then finished almost in a whisper, "Plus, I haven't done anything real with magic in years."
"So you're out of practice then," he paused when he saw a flash of emotion across her face, "But it's something even deeper isn't it?"
"Aberforth… I'm not a fighter anymore," she said with urgency, "I've had my fill of combat and I have no ambition to run off and find him like I used to do. If Harry were here we'd be going after him without a thought, but," she stopped and paused before finishing in almost a whisper, "he's not."
She looked away for a moment, in deep thought, before she shrugged and took a larger sip. Aberforth looked at her with some concern before sitting down heavily across from her. He saw the pain and conflict in her face and eyes and knew that this was bringing back memories that she'd soon just forget. Or was it more, he thought. Could it be, that she'd been running from something and now it has caught up with her? He knew many things in her past that she would rather forget and he sympathized. But he also had that experience and knew that you needed to face it down to.
He'd watched Albus' students from a distance grow and face challenges they should never had to face, which was part of his anger towards his late brother. But now his brother was gone and unable to guide them. "If you could call what Albus did as guidance," he thought bitterly. His mind considered the conflicted woman in front of him for a few more moments before standing and letting out a heavy breath.
"Well then, it's settled. You need help," he said authoritatively, nodding and pointed his finger at her then to his chest, "And I will help you."
Hermione blinked herself out of her thoughts at his proclamation, and taking a second to put two and two together, and she started shaking her head, "Oh no, you can't…" she stammered.
He interrupted her with indignation in his voice at her inference, "Oh yes I can, young lady. Albus was not the only duelist in the family and I am certainly not out practice. I fared pretty well during that final battle and was never touched once by any spell. Took my share of Death Eaters and made them regret showing up at the castle."
Hermione looked at him for a few moments, thinking through all the possibilities. Was this what she needed or wanted? She wasn't so sure that training with him would be the best option and she tried to find a way to let him off easy.
"Well what about…," she trailed off and waved her hands at the half full tavern.
He scoffed and waved his hand dismissively at the bar, "You let me worry about that," he pierced her with his blue eyes and said in a voice that brooked no opposition, "Look Miss. Granger, I've know you since you were this high," he put his hand out parallel to his waist, "And I know you're just waiting deep down to do something to find and stop Snape."
She inhaled a breath but he plowed on, not allowing her to interrupt him, "And don't sit there and tell me about you having no ambition to do it. Codswallop your statement in my opinion, because you do. Sooner or later, you'll get the bit between your teeth and go and decide to do it. But you can't go off and do it yet."
She gave him a look of derision, which he caught, "Don't look at me like that young lady," he said in a tone with a hint of anger, "You're not ready. I know you're not and so do you."
He pointed at her, "You need help. And help you can't get at that fancy school," he finished waving his hand in the general direction of Hogwarts.
She sat and thought about what he had said. He was right, she was horribly out of practice and even if Snape was caught before she found him, it would be useful to get back into form. But was he right about her going after Snape? And if she didn't, and Snape came to her, the practice would come to go use.
She nodded once and said in a firm declarative voice, "Okay."
"Good," he said with a smile and stood, "I have to get back to the bar, but send me an owl when you get back to the castle and tell me when you're free. I'll meet you there and we can get you trained up."
He stopped and turned back to her, "That Room of Requirement still exists? It didn't get blown up during the last battle?"
She nodded, "Yes."
"Good," he replied, "We'll practice there. I'll come through the passageway in the basement here, so you best be ready when it's time."
He turned and went back to the bar. Hermione watched him for a few moments longer, before returning to her journal, feeling excited for the first time in a long time.