Hermione quickly ate her supper in the Great Hall with the rest of the staff and students. The warm, viscous stew filled her stomach, and the pumpkin juice went down quite smoothly. She made little conversation at the head table that evening, most likely due to the fact that once again, her mind was caught wondering.
…Hermione thought about Helen Crawford. And how she was still missing...
She thought about Crookshanks.
She even thought back to how she tried to end her life just a few short days ago.
All that aside, she wondered to herself why she was brought here in the first place. What Harry and Snape meant when it was time for her to use magic again. To trust them. How it was absolutely necessary to bring her to the castle. And those people…those horrible and despicable people who work for you-know-who…how they had found her…
All the information was proving to be quite cryptic. And Hermione had a gut feeling that a huge piece of information was deliberately being kept from her.
…That didn't settle well with her. At all...
Hermione took a final sip of pumpkin juice. Even before she had a chance to swallow, her cheeks still puffed with liquid, she placed her empty goblet on the wooden table with a dull thud and pushed her chair out with her feet. She swiftly stood up, placing her red-colored cloth napkin haphazardly alongside her plate, and left the Great Hall without a word to anyone.
Harry frowned, his hand mid air with a fork full of cherry pie.
Though he was seated next to Ginny Weasley, not but two seats away from the young woman, he knew she was thinking. Something was going on in that brilliant brain of hers. She was quiet and reserved this evening. And she had gotten up rather quickly from her seat, making her way out of the Great Hall before anyone could question her.
Harry turned his head to look at Severus seated at the other end of the table. The Potions Master was watching the young woman leave, a look of disproval on his face. He turned his head towards Harry, as if he expected this silent interaction between them. The two looked at each other for a moment. Before Severus knew it, Harry had placed his fork down, a sliver of pie still placed on the fork' edge, and excused himself from supper.
Hermione trudged up the steps towards her quarters.
She wanted to be alone. To clear her mind, to think.
It had been a busy day. A good, but albeit busy day. Hermione craved a bit of silence.
…A moment to sort through her thoughts…
The young woman took hold of the old doorknob to her quarters and opened the door. Quietly, she closed it with a soft click and took off her white coat. She plopped herself down on one of the ivory armchairs in her quarters, tossing the coat onto the sofa that was seated across from her. She eased out of her clogs, letting them dangle and drop onto the floor below. Tucking her feet and legs under her, she inhaled and exhaled deeply. Her hand absentmindedly began combing through her brown locks.
Tonight, she would attend the meeting at Headquarters. A place she had not dared enter or think about for that matter for a very, very long time. She wondered if the place had changed any; if the house still had the same musty odor and had the same peeling regal wallpaper in most of the bedrooms. She wondered if anyone was living there permanently, or if the house was merely used for the occasional meeting or dinner gathering.
Hermione had many good memories within the confines of that particular house.
Thinking back to those times, she was unaware that her after-dinner reminiscing had placed a small smile on her face.
The young woman sighed.
Hermione stood up and grabbed her coat that laid idle on the sofa. Walking towards her room, she placed her coat on a silver hook located on the back of her bedroom door and took a moment to open one of the drawers in her dresser.
One of Hermione's favorite activities after finishing a hard day in the healthcare world was to come home and change into something comfortable. Or at least something she found comforting. And this was exactly what Hermione subconsciously found herself doing after her first day on the job.
She pulled out an old pair of jeans, a long sleeve v-neck dark green cotton shirt, and a pair of her most comfortable multicolored gray socks. She slipped on a dark gray pair of trainers that were horrifically old yet ungodly comfortable and tied the worn, tattered laces ever so carefully.
Hermione placed a dark blue kettle on the stove in her kitchen. She wanted to make herself a cup of tea while she read through more of the books that Snape had given her the other day. Though she had read through most of them, it never hurt to read and re-read she told herself. Besides, sometimes there are things that you miss while reading the second time around…
Without Hermione's knowledge, the neon alarm clock numbers in the young woman's bedroom flashed 10:00. Hermione had no concept of time. All she knew was that the sun was gone and she was about to get started on her third cup of tea. Suddenly, there was a soft rapping on the door to her quarters.
Hermione startled. She looked up from her book and took a moment to regard the knocking. She steadily stood up from where she was seated and headed cautiously towards the door. Hermione pulled back the door every so slowly and was surprised to see the figure of the woman before her.
'Hi Hermione!' Luna exclaimed, wrapping her slender arms around the young woman. 'Great to see you! You have such a lovely home! Is that a Muggle magazine?' she asked, peering past the young woman's shoulder. Luna abruptly broke the tight embrace to make a beeline for Hermione's coffee table.
Hermione stood dumbstruck in her doorway still facing the outside corridor. She blinked a few times and spoke out into the hallway.
'Hi, Luna. Yes, it is wonderful to see you as well. And yes, that is a Muggle magazine. Help yourself,' her words echoed into the hallway, as Hermione then closed the door and turned around to face her guest.
Luna had made herself quite comfortable in one of the white overstuffed chairs in Hermione's living quarters. In her hands was an old copy of 'House and Garden' magazine. She was thumbing through the pages with such fervor that Hermione couldn't help but stifle a smile.
Hermione cleared her throat.
'Find anything good in there?' she inquired dryly, staring down at the blond headed witch. Hermione watched Luna's eyes dart back and forth while skimming through the magazine.
'Oh yes, Hermione. I've always been fascinated with Muggle magazines. They cover so many topics, yet I feel they are lacking in some aspect or another,' Luna dreamily commented. She looked up at Hermione with eyes the color of the sky. 'Especially in the recipe section,' she added.
'Might I borrow this one?' she asked Hermione, lifting up the magazine with both hands as it was still open for browsing.
Hermione smiled softly.
'Luna, better yet – it is yours. Take it,' Hermione motioned with her hands, offering the slightly outdated piece of reading material to one of her old friends.
Luna beamed.
'Oh thank you, thank you! What a wonderful gift. Hermione Granger, you still have one of the kindest hearts I know of!'
And for the second time that evening, Luna leapt from her chair and gave Hermione a gigantic hug.
The young witch stood with her hands by her side, her eyes darting about the room as she wondered how many other times tonight she would be the recipient of an impromptu embrace by her old acquaintance.
'Oh!' Luna exclaimed, letting her hands fall and taking a step back from Hermione.
'-we must go. If we don't go now, I fear we will be late. And I always like to get a seat by the door in case I have to use the loo,' she said softly, taking Hermione by her hand leading her to the young witch's unlit fireplace across the room.
…Hermione need not ask where they were headed.
She watched Luna take a handful of Floo powder from a small light blue colored bucket next to the fireplace. Dragging Hermione into the fireplace with her, the blond witch dreamily stated, 'Number 12 Grimmauld Place' and with a green flash, they were immediately transported.
Hermione coughed, waving her hand in front of her as a natural reflex to the dust and smoke.
She remembered hating travelling by Floo. Almost as much as she hated flying. Flying would always be at the top of her list, but using the Floo system would remain a close second.
As the dust settled, Hermione took in her surroundings. She took one step forward from the fireplace, her other foot following. She dusted of her shirt and pants, and took out the rubber band from her hair allowing the dust particles to be freed from her tresses.
As Hermione combed her fingers through her hair, she continued to peer around the room.
She was in one of the bedrooms in Grimmauld Place, one of the bedrooms on the second floor. The century old wallpaper was peeling, naturally, and the bed was far from being made. One of the curtains was missing a tie and the rug looked like it hadn't been vacuumed in years.
Hermione closed her eyes and took a deep breath in.
…it even smelled the same…
…After all this time.
Apparently, Luna did not share in the same reminiscing because Hermione soon realized that she was being dragged down the rickety wooden staircase towards the narrow, dimly lit hallway that led to the kitchen.
Hermione heard voices coming from the other side of the door.
The young witch felt the adrenaline soar in her veins. She felt her palms grow sweaty and her mouth go dry.
Luna paused just before the door and smiled kindly at Hermione.
'Ready?' she asked quietly, a small smile on her face.
Hermione swallowed. Hard. The only reply she could offer was the nod of her head in the direction of the kitchen.
Luna swung the door open, and Hermione took a firsthand look at the people who now surrounded her.
An occasional glance here or there was all that Hermione received as she entered the cramped quarters. The young witch gathered that perhaps Harry or Professor McGonagall had told the Order Members ahead of time not to make a spectacle of Hermione's presence. For that, she was utmost grateful.
As predicted, Luna sat down in one of the empty seats directly by the door. She placed her newly obtained copy of 'Home and Garden' on the wooden table directly in front of her and began chatting with one of the Weasley twins.
Hermione took in her surroundings and thankfully found a somewhat secluded seat in the one corner of the kitchen by the stove. She believed this too to be a deliberate move on their part. She gingerly moved towards her seat, giving small curt smiles and nods to those that she passed as she made her way to the wooden chair in the corner.
Hermione sat down in the seat located next to Nymphadora Tonks.
'Hermione,' the purple-haired witch smiled genuinely, squeezing the young doctor on her shoulder. 'It is so, so good to see you! You have no idea. Missed you loads, so much has happened since you've been gone-'
Just then, Minerva McGonagle got up from her seat.
'Excuse me everyone, thank you. Thank you for your attendance tonight. Our meeting will be brief, yes?' she inquired, looking towards the direction of Severus Snape, seated at the opposite end of the cramped kitchen next to Kingsley Shacklebot.
Severus with his arms crossed in front of himself, offered no reply.
'Yes, well. We may have some insight into the disappearance of Helen Crawford. Severus?' Minerva gestured her hand towards the Potion Master as she gently sat back down in her seat located in the middle of the table.
Hermione crossed her legs and sat back in her seat. A hand shot out in front of her and placed a cup of tea directly in her vision on the worn wooden table in front of her.
Hermione looked up at the owner of the hand.
Molly Weasely kindly smiled down at the young woman, her eyes squinting in the dim light. Her cheeks appeared rosy considering the warmth of the stove that hovered within the corner of the room.
'Thought you'd like a cup. I always knew you to be an evening tea drinker,' she whispered to Hermione before going back to the stove.
Hermione felt her heart pang. That was a most kind gesture. An unexpected gesture. And Hermione, for the briefest moment, felt the walls of her defense begin to shake and start to crumble.
…Molly remembered…even after all these years…
Severus Snape got up from his seat and crossed his arms.
'Helen Crawford, as you may know, was an old friend of Dumbledore's. She was a simple squib who's help we could not do without.'
Snape managed to look towards Hermione's direction.
But Hermione didn't return his gaze.
Instead, she was looking towards where Luna was sitting. Hermione placed her gaze on the colorful magazine on the wooden table. Her eyes drifted down to the table, seated next to Luna was Harry, who instinctively had a protective arm around none other than Ginny Weasley.
Ginny, of course! Hermione thought to herself.
How stupid was I not to have asked! Have I been that consumed that I didn't even take notice? God, how daft I've become. I hadn't gotten a chance to ask Harry if the two of them were still together…well I suppose it's evident that the two of them are still dating. I wonder if-
But Hermione's thoughts were jilted. As if in slow motion, Hermione noticed Ginny's left hand remove a dainty seagreen-colored porcelain cup from its saucer. What caught the young witch's eye was not the cup itself. Rather, it was Ginny's hand.
A silver ring with three diamonds sat on her ring finger, the diamonds reflecting what little light there was provided within the kitchen. The exquisite set of stones were accompanied by a plain silver band closest to Ginny's pale knuckle.
…Hermione's eyes went wide.
While Severus was still speaking, Hermione leaned over towards Tonks' direction.
'Tonks,' Hermione whispered, '-Ginny's ring is beautiful, isn't it. I just took notice. Have…have Harry and Ginny been engaged for long?' she asked quietly, never bothering to take her eyes off the exquisite piece of jewelry.
Tonks tilted her head slightly towards Hermione's direction. She smiled sadly, looking at Ginny and then eyeing the young woman beside her.
'Hermione…I thought…I thought you knew…Harry and Ginny had gotten married… three years ago,' she said softly.
Hermione swallowed hard.
She felt slightly light headed, her mouth suddenly dry as cotton.
It's not that she wasn't happy for the pair of them. Rather, she was surprised. Stunned. And mildly upset. The news caught her completely off guard, that much was certain.
How could he hide such a thing from me? Hermione thought to herself. He wanted me to trust him, to let down my guard. And this? He failed to mention this? Did he not think this was a piece of information that he would share with an 'old friend' as he so-called it?
Hermione felt the anger begin to swell within her chest.
Suddenly, she heard Severus call her name. Her thoughts were interrupted as her head snapped up to look at the Potions Master, her eyes remaining wide.
'…and it is Hermione Granger that they are after,' he added with emphasis, willing the young woman to focus back on the matter at hand.
Hermione swallowed.
'The new information is that they will offer a trade. Hermione Granger in turn for Helen Crawford,' he stated solemnly, pausing to look at a water mark on the table in front of him.
Remus Lupin snorted.
'Well of course, Severus. It is a trap, nothing but. I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we will not participate in this deal. I don't believe any more discussion is necessary,' he stated matter-of-factly, his hands folded neatly in his lap.
The Headmistress nodded her head.
'I agree entirely, Remus. Severus, we have absolutely no way of knowing that this would work. More likely, this would be a trap for not only Hermione but for the rest of us as well,' she added with a look of worry on her face.
Harry piped up.
'I know that we are running out time, not one of us seated will deny that. However, this isn't the way we will conduct business. We're obviously not ready. We don't even have a plan,' he added, looking through crooked spectacles towards Hermione's direction.
Severus took this opportunity to quietly sit back in his seat. The chair gave forth a tired groan as he sat back down.
'I do not disagree with any of you. I am merely stating what has been overheard. To my knowledge via hearsay, Helen Crawford is still…very much alive. The DeathEaters are aware of Miss Granger's fondness towards the old woman, and believe that in her weakness she would go looking for the squib,' he added looking at Hermione.
Hermione frowned.
Unbelieveable, she thought to herself. She was angry that they were speaking about her, talking amongst themselves as if she weren't even in the room.
…But what angered her more was that she was too stunned to offer her own opinion to the crowd. It's as if Tonks' answer to her question temporarily left Hermione without a voice.
They were all talking about her and all she could offer was stunned silence.
Kingsley Shackelbot stood up.
'Well, then it is settled,' he bellowed. 'We will not make a move until we have more information. Severus, you have done well and we appreciate what you do for the Order. Now if you'll excuse me, I must get back to the Ministry,' he added with a small bow.
The rest of the table stood up. Some lined up by the fireplace in the kitchen to travel by Floo. Others gathered around a tan-colored boot that was placed on the table by Arthur Weasley. Tonks nodded towards the boot.
'Portkey back to Hogwarts, Hermione. Better grab a lace,' she winked. Remus appeared behind Nymphadora Tonks, guiding her towards the fireplace by the small of her back.
Hermione felt the anger rise in her chest once again.
The young witch slowly walked around the table. She took a deep breath and exhaled sharply. Placing her hand on the heel of the boot, several of the Order Members were swiftly transported back to Hogwarts castle, landing in front of the fountain in the courtyard.
Hermione spotted Harry across from her. She instantly felt her hands curl up into fists at her side.
Harry smiled at Hermione.
'Well Mione, how did you like your first meeting since you've been back? Been a few years, but nothing has changed really,' he added with a grin, his hand instinctively reaching for that of the red-headed woman beside him.
Hermione was furious. Her eyes narrowed.
'Oh Harry. A lot has changed. More than you realize.'
Hermione started walking towards the castle. She followed Hagrid inside Howarts, finally breaking her silence once she reached the top of the steps within the castle. Hermione quickly turned around towards Harry and Ginny who were closely behind.
'By the way…Congratulations are in order, I believe,' Hermione said dryly. She forced a fake smile upon her slightly damp lips.
Harry and Hermione looked at each other, puzzled by Hermione's statement.
Ginny Weasely smiled softly, subconsciously placing a hand on her abdomen.
'Hermione, how did you-' Ginny started, but never had a chance to finish her sentence.
'All this time Harry, you told me to trust you. To…to let the walls down. And tonight? Tonight I found out for the first time that the two of you are married? And not as if you were married last month. Three years! Three fucking years!
Hermione began pacing, not taking notice to the Order Members that formed a semi-circle at the top of the steps just outside of the Great Hall, keeping their eye on Hermione. As if by instinct, Severus Snape reached into his pocket to keep a hand on his wand as a precaution.
'I feel like such a fool! My God, you couldn't have told me? Have I missed everything? Do you have anything else you'd like to share with me since apparently I have no concept of anything anymore?' Hermione yelled, her voice echoing in the grand staircase.
…Harry looked at Hermione.
…Molly looked at Arthur.
…Minerva's lips formed a tight line.
…Severus closed his eyes.
'Hermione,' Ginny said softly in the most gentleness of tones, her eyes brimming with tears…
…'I'm pregnant.'