Chapter 13:
Hermione and Ginny walked into McGonagall's office for the meeting. They were surprised to see Hagrid, Kingsley and the Weasleys there.
"What is going on?" Ginny asked when she saw her parents and brothers.
"Ginny, we're all here to explain your mission," Mrs. Weasley said.
"Really? It takes," Ginny took a quick head count, "twelve of you to explain it?"
"Well, Percy doesn't really know what's going on but he decided to tag along and be the prefect leader he's meant to be!" George joked.
"Oh ha, ha," Percy said rolling his eyes.
"Alright boys, settle down. Now, Hermione, since receiving the letter, have you any idea who it could be?" Kingsley asked.
"No, Ginny and I have been thinking about it all day in classes and we've come up with no one as of yet."
"Well, keep looking, but let me explain in a little more detail what I need done." He explained everything to them. How they've had suspicious activities going on in some parts of the country but they don't know who's behind any of it and how they suspect the works of Death Eaters but can't pinpoint who it may be.
"And now we think they may have invaded Hogwarts because they want to recruit members."
"But, that's ridiculous," Hermione said, "who in their right mind would join them after everything, I mean Voldemorts dead."
"That's the just the thing we don't understand Hermione," Kingsley said. "And the reason we want to stop them before they do. We have no idea what they are saying to these people to have them fall into the trap."
Hermione nodded in understandment.
"So, you need to be careful who you trust girls," Albus said from his portrait.
"Of course Professor," Hermione and Ginny assured.
"Excellent,"
"Are we looking for specifics? Will they try to recruit muggle borns or half bloods?"
"We believe they may be going for anyone with power and strength. If you get a lead, go with the flow. We believe they may be after the two of you. You're both such powerful witches after all."
"Don't worry everyone, we'll look out for ourselves and look for anything suspicious."
"Very good," they spent a while talking and catching up before Hermione and Ginny had to return to their common rooms.
"Remember, watch carefully," they nodded and started walking towards their common rooms.
"Intense stuff huh Hermione," Ginny said.
"Yes, I feel so trusted though that they left the job to us."
"Let's not mess it up,"
"Agreed," they parted ways and Hermione spent the rest of her night before going to sleep talking with Cassie, Richard and Sally before they all went to bed.
For the next few weeks, Hermione and Ginny had been searching and looking for odd behavior of students who could be the Death Eaters at the school but both have come up short. They suspect Slytherins, of course, but couldn't be sure no other houses were involved and that worried them. It was nearing December now and Hermione was working hard in her classes.
"Mione, relax, the term doesn't end for another three or four weeks." Ginny said as Hermione read through her potions text book once more.
"I just can't seem to figure out the difference between these two plants, look, they are both used in the blood clot potion, but they look identical and if you add the wrong one at the wrong time, it'll explode."
"One's got a stripe down the middle leaf, see," Ginny pointed to the plants, "It's very faint but it's there."
"Oh, thanks Gin, I need it for my essay." Hermione started writing away on her parchment at quick speed, ink squirting over her hand and a bit on her face. Ginny giggled.
"Why are you stressing yourself so much? I thought this essay wasn't due until after the holidays?"
"Well, that's true. But I want to get any work I can done before the holidays arrive so I can spend more time with Richard," Hermione blushed.
"Oh…" Ginny said and they were silent for a bit. "Did I tell you Zeek asked me to go to his house for a few days during the holidays?"
"No," Hermione said.
"Yea, it was in the box of chocolate frogs."
"What'd you say?"
"I said I'd have to ask my mother but I would go regardless," Ginny giggled.
"That's great,"
"Mione, are you alright," Ginny asked suddenly concerned, "you seem a little out of it today."
"It's just everything that's going on. With my parents and the whole going to Richard's thing and Ron and Harry, I don't know. I guess I have too much on my shoulders."
"You need to relax, I mean put down the books and take a day off."
"You think it'll help if I slack off my work?"
"Hermione look at me, I slack off every once in a while and I'm totally relaxed." Hermione took that into consideration. It was true Ginny seemed as if she had nothing on her shoulders. Ever. But, homework and school were important to her. If she slacked off on one assignment, which could lead to two, then three. No she couldn't risk it.
"Just once Hermione," Ginny said as if reading Hermione's mind. Hermione sighed.
"Fine, one assignment." She closed the books surrounding her and put her still wet essay in her bag, smearing the ink.
"Now let's go find Cassie and Richard, I heard they wanted to sneak off to the kitchens but don't know where it is. I said we'd help them, that's we've known where it was for years."
"Well I have, you only found out because you needed a sugar rush that day you and Dean were fighting and I showed you the kitchen."
"Still," Ginny said. The girls walked out of the library and towards the Seventh Years common room where Cassie and Richard were waiting for them.
"This way," Ginny led them towards the marble staircase. As they made their way down to the Entrance Hall, Richard turned to Hermione and asked her how her essay was coming.
"Er-," Hermione said, "Well, Ginny thought it would be best if I slacked off a bit so my essay is destroyed. I put it in my bag when the ink was still wet and it smeared."
"Hermione Granger slacking off?" Cassie asked, "That'll be the day." Ginny and her giggled and even Richard chuckled a bit.
"It's true,"
"I bet you couldn't go a week without writing an assignment and handing it in."
"Oh yea," Hermione said, playing along, "I bet I could go two!"
"Ha!" Richard said. Hermione glared at him. "Sorry, it's just your so uptight about school work and things, I can't see you going two weeks, let along one, with out doing your homework."
"I'll prove it,"
"Let's make it a little more interesting." Ginny said, "If you don't succeed, you have to…" she trailed off in thought. "Oh I know, you have to help us with all of our homework for a month."
"And if I do succeed?"
"We'll lay off on jokes,"
"Fine, it's a bet!"
"The only work you can do is in potions. I like the competition," Richard joked. Hermione grinned.
"Turn here," she said leading them down the stairs. Soon enough they were by the fruit painting and Hermione had Ginny glace around to make sure no one was watching so she could tickle the pair. When she had the thumbs up, Hermione ticked it and opened the handle that appeared. Ginny went in first and she ushered the others, who had shocked looks on their faces, in as well. She was the last one in and closed the door.
"Miss Granger and Weasley and guests!" Squeaked a voice. Hermione looked around and saw Winky standing there.
"Winky," Hermione greeted, "How are you?"
"Winky is doing fine Miss." Winky was looking healthy again. Her clothes were clean, she wasn't drinking Butter Beer anymore and was working again. Hermione thought Winky would be in terrible shape after Dobby died, but she was the total opposite.
"Good to hear,"
"Hello Winky," Ginny waved.
"Winky, this is Cassie and Richard, friends of ours." Hermione introduce them.
"Hello friends of Miss Weasley and Miss Granger," Winky greeted.
"Winky, I hope you don't mind me asking but, why are you in such a wonderful mood? I thought… after Dobby," Hermione couldn't continue.
"After Dobby was killed Miss, Winky was in bad shape. She drank more then she used to, but Winky recovered, knowing Dobby was happy now that he wasn't a free elf anymore. All us house elves are happy to not have to worry about being free now."
"Oh," Hermione said, "well, that's great I guess."
"Winky still misses Dobby though, but whenever she feels sad she pulls this out." She held the sock Harry had first given Dobby to set him free. "Dobby gave it to Winky when he went to save Harry Potter and friends and told her to keep it safe. Winky cried when he first handed it to her thinking he was trying to set Winky free until Dobby explained. Winky feels special to have Dobby's favorite sock."
"That's wonderful to hear Winky," Ginny said with a few tears in her eyes. She never knew Dobby too well but knew Harry loved the little creature.
"Really great," Hermione agreed with tears falling down her face. Richard put a comforting arm around her waist and kissed the top of her head. She smiled at him and turned back to Winky.
"Is Kreacher still here or did Harry take him home with him?" She asked Ginny.
"As far as I know Harry took Kreacher back with him. Some company you know,"
"Yea,"
"So, uh, Winky, can we get a few treats?" Richard asked.
"Winky would be pleased to get treats for friends of Miss Granger and Miss Weasley." She rushed off with some other house elves and they scurried around the kitchen gathering different treats and putting them in a basket for them to carry away.
"Thanks Winky,"
"Visit anytime Miss," Winky said as they waved goodbye and left the kitchen. They spent the afternoon eating snacks and talking. Hermione felt free, not having to worry about homework and essays. She could spend her time the way she wanted to, and that was with Richard.
A/N: Well, what'd you think? Did you like Winky's return? I couldn't remember if she was mentioned in the final battle or not or if she was killed in the series but if she was (which I don't think she was...) then we'll pretend she wasn't. Anyways, what's you think of Hermione's bet? Pretty interesting though… anyways, please leave me a review!!