Last Time:
Anger was not one of Hermione's strong points, and as Ron and even Draco Malfoy found out, there was a limit to the amount of anger that Hermione could accumulate before she burst out with the first most vicious thing that popped into her mind.
"Yes, I'd love to join you." She said with a smile as she watched Sirius pass her on the way out.
Chapter 20
"It was brilliant, the bludger was coming straight for my head and WHAM I hit…" Hitting was something Hermione felt very fond of at this particular point in time. Revenge was an awful thing when not executed properly. Perhaps she wasn't as intelligent as everyone made her out to be, she did the same thing to Ron in her sixth year, and regretted the choice then, some would call this stupidity, but going to Hogsmeade with Luca was turning out to be a very bad idea.
"Will you excuse me, I need to use the ladies." Three hours was a solid effort Hermione thought, listening to the incessant bragging from the Ravenclaw boy, it was time to make her escape. Making sure that none of the Ravenclaw's that were sitting with them was watching, she slipped out of the Three Broomstick's and into cold outside.
Jealousy really was unbecoming of Hermione. Although seeing Sirius so blatantly flirt with other girls had her seeing red. Hermione always liked to think she was level headed, broken hearts and persistent giggling over boys was something she associated with Lavender and Parvarti. But this was no better, she hated to admit it and so she only did so to herself, but she missed being with Sirius, missed their stolen little moments and hated herself for it. Especially since she noticed couples everywhere.
"Pathetic."
Wondering aimlessly for hours, stopping at a few shops to re-stock her school supplies, Hermione attempted to divert her own thoughts to something more productive. But even the Slytherin's and their ever growing menace didn't hold her attention for too long. Deciding it was time to take her one-man pity party back to school, she was halted by a scene that winded her.
There was Sirius. And there was also a bevy of sixth year girls. He was smirking like a cat that got the canary, while they simpered and giggled. Then for the briefest of seconds she could have sworn he gazed her way before casually slinging his arms around two of the girls and walking away, with the rest of the group hot on his heels.
Feeling utterly cheated and wounded Hermione began to high-tail it back to the castle, only to have her way impeded.
"I get it Miriel, but its okay, I just thought with you and Black -uh- that maybe you needed some cheering up." It was Luca, and on top of every other feeling storming through her, Hermione could now add guilt and shame. "I'll see you around school anyway, Happy Valentine's Day." He pulled out a single red rose from inside his robe and placed a kiss on her cheek before walking away.
"Why the long face?' Aranel, asked. As odd as the situation was, Hermione found herself unable to feel anything toward the girl. She and Hermione had been sitting in the common room for sometime, alone, undisturbed and in complete silence.
"Didn't realise it was Valentine's Day." Hermione found herself replying, despite the lengthy feud between them. If she were feeling in some sort of poetic mood, she'd go as far as say they were in the same boat now, but she wasn't feeling poetic at all. Silence engulfed them again as nothing more was said.
It wasn't Sirius alone that was plaguing Hermione's mind however. It was the fact that someone, relatively unknown to her, had tried to make her feel better. Where it should have been Sirius by her side in Hogsmeade, it was instead someone else giving her a rose, and worst of all, he expected nothing. Luca was just being a friend. And as if someone could hear her deepest thoughts, they were shouted for the world to hear.
"Sweet Merlin you're a cow!" Nearly falling off her chair, Hermione spun around, to see Summer standing at the entrance of the portrait hole. "Passed some lasses in the corridor, word is, you stood up the Ravenclaw wonder."
Opening her mouth to respond led no where as only a strangled breath came out. Closing her mouth and slumping even further, Hermione responded. "Yeah, I'm a cow."
"Well? Are you just going to sit there like a useless lump? You know I can't read minds despite whatever rumour you may have heard, I'm not that great, though I will take some credit, but…"
"Okay!" Hermione shouted, Summer's voice only seemed to get louder and louder with each encounter till it vibrated in her head. Recounting the ordeal was exhausting, made more so by the fact that all she ever seemed to be doing lately was studying and recounting situations.
"Well blossom," Summer said, a little more gently. "You don't need me to tell you what to do, although I will say this, he is in the Great Hall." And with that, she winked and sped off up to the dormitories. Hermione did know what to do, and as if powers not her own took over, she got herself up and headed to the Great Hall.
There weren't too many people, some were still braving the cold at Hogsmeade, however there he sat, looking jovial as ever. Every Ravenclaw that was there glared daggers at Hermione, who promptly ignored them. "Luca, I want to apologise."
"Uh, talk outside?" He said, appearing stunned. He got up and made his way out the doors, Hermione behind him. Once out of hearing range of all the ears, he turned around, but before he could say anything, Hermione cut him off.
"I was a cow for doing that to you," she blurted out, "you're a really nice guy and most girls would love to be with you, but…"
"You only have eyes for Black." He finished gently, no hurt visible on his face. "You're pretty obvious Hermione." He laughed at her stunned expression. "He is being a bit of prat though, but I won't get in anyone's way. But if you do need anything, you only need to ask, friends?" Hermione could only smile and nod at her good fortune as he held her in a one armed hug as they walked back into the Great Hall.
Hermione was so relieved as she sat at the Gryffindor table she failed to notice the fork falling from his limp hand and an incredulous, and some might even say hurt look sent in her direction by none other than Sirius Black.
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The weeks that passed were mundane at best. Hermione got back into the rhythm of school work again, Sirius' bachelorhood slipped to second place of Hogwarts hottest gossip list, being replaced by some sordid rumour in Hufflepuff that most likely never happened and James and Lily were being disgustingly sweet with each other over breakfast. Hermione pointedly ignored them, and hid herself behind her Daily Prophet. News of disappearances were rife through the paper, something Hermione was no stranger to. However halfway through the paper Hermione let out an audible gasp. Someone, probably Remus, asked her what the matter was, the only answer she gave was laying the paper flat for all to see. There, in an obscure corner surrounded by large, colourful advertisements was a small picture of a man Hermione was sure she had seen somewhere before. She read the story aloud.
Caradoc Dearborn, prominent member of the Ministry of Magic, was reported missing yesterday by his secretary. It hasn't been widely known, however in recent months it has been said Mr Dearborn has been seen increasingly less in his office. In an interview with his secretary it has been revealed that Mr Dearborn would often send in instructions to be carried out by owl.
"The few times he did show up, he looked really ill." Said his secretary who wishes to remain nameless.
The Ministry is set to make an inquiry into his disappearance in the coming weeks. Mr Dearborn has no known family. If anyone has any information please contact the…
"How is this disappearance any different from the all the other ones reported in the Prophet?" Asked James looking in askance at the paper in front of them all. However, Hermione couldn't put her finger on it. She was positive she'd heard the name before, and saw this man even. Everyone was looking to her for an answer now.
"He was…" in the order, she finished in her head. Her eyes widened as she made that connection, and as if that thought was a catalyst she blurted the next thought out before she could process it. "He was at the Malfoy's Yule celebration." And he was indeed as the memory of that night flooded her mind.
…a lumbering figure came stumbling out of one of the many numerous doors and nearly ploughed into Hermione had she not moved out of the way quickly enough.
It was some strange man, one that Hermione didn't recognise in the slightest. It seemed as though he had no idea where he was, or that he was talking in some garbled speech to the wall. Irked by the situation she found herself in, Hermione approached him cautiously wondering if she could help.
"Dearborn you old drunk you're talking to the wall!" A man called out from the room before Hermione could get any closer. The man in front of her took no notice of being called, and instead set his eyes on Hermione. His eyes looked like they were bulging out of his head and he was pointing at her, but the strangest thing was, he couldn't seem to string two words together where not two seconds earlier he was speaking quite fluently.
"Apologies Miss." The man that had called out previously appeared from behind the same door. "The chap can't hold his Firewhisky I'm afraid to say. Didn't mean to startle you." And with the hurried explanation, he forcefully turned the crazy man around and pushed him back in the room…
Realisation of the situation crashed upon Hermione, "He was…oh God, I can't believe I didn't realise it then!" Hermione gathered her books and bag and dashed out of the Great Hall. "I got to see Dumbledore!" She called over her shoulder.
"Hermione, what's going on?" Sirius called after her for the first time in months, showing concern that he hid so well during the months passed. Hermione didn't hear it, she'd fallen into the loop of what she'd seen and heard to what it meant and blamed herself. This had happened before, how can someone not pick up on it. Reaching Dumbledore's office, she was met with a problem that will forever plague these situations, she didn't know the password. Instead of screaming uselessly she started naming every sweet sold in Honeyduke's.
It was as she got to 'Exploding Bon Bon's' the stairs presented themselves, however she soon realised it wasn't her brilliant knowledge of Honeyduke's confectionary that opened the door, it was Dumbledore himself. "Professor! Thank goodness you heard me." Hermione exclaimed feeling utterly relieved.
"What a surprise Miss Miriel, can not say I did hear you, a lucky coincidence." He smiled, motioning her to come up to his office. "And what brings you here in such urgency?"
"It's regarding Caradoc Dearborn Sir." Hermione stated with out preamble. The Headmasters demeanour changed ever so slightly.
"I take it you read this morning's Daily Prophet Miss Miriel?" He asked, eyes searching. "Why does this distress you so?"
"Because I think the Death Eaters are behind it Professor."
"That is a very forward accusation Miss Granger," said Dumbledore gravely reverting to her real name, though Hermione did not feel he was chastising her, merely warning. "What would give you the idea that they were behind this?"
Hermione sighed to calm her racing mind before she started talking. "In the Prophet it says Dearborn has been funny for months. I know he was in The Order Sir," Dumbledore's attention turned to her sharply at the mention of The Order, though he did not interrupt. "I saw him at the Malfoy's during Christmas," she explained in detail what she saw. And in a hushed voice she voiced what she's been berating herself since read the paper, "I'm positive he had the Imperius Curse on him that night."
Dumbledore studied Hermione as she hung her head, disappointed in herself. "How can you be certain?" He asked in a gentle tone.
"It's happened before." Hermione mumbled, remembering fourth year and Harry's description of Barty Crouch Snr. Not wanting to look, Hermione continued to study her shoes. She could hear Dumbledore sigh heavily, the news obviously not what he wanted to hear. Feeling it was time to leave, Hermione got up and went to the door.
"Thank you Miss Granger for telling me this. I must confess the news is not favourable. I shall deal with your knowledge accordingly." Dumbledore's spirits appeared to be down. "May I ask, you mentioned Caradoc was in The Order." Hermione understood the question very well as she faced the door, not wanting to meet Dumbledore's eyes.
"They never found his body." She whispered, and promptly left.
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Caradoc Dearborn's disappearance wrought a change in Hermione. Whether anyone else noticed this change or not, did not concern Hermione. She finally understood the danger of this war. This is not her war, this is not the war she aided back home. She is not from this time. Lucius Malfoy is not his bumbling, silly son, he is dangerous and powerful. Voldemort's power is escalating at an alarming rate. Hermione knows the outcome of everything. And yet, at this moment in time, it pales in comparison to the personal mess she herself created.
Sirius was right, Hermione was wrong.
Hermione had become cocky and arrogant. Even though no one else knew, she felt confident that since she'd survived a war, one which put her in the front lines, she could survive this stint. Never once did it cross her mind that her luck may run out, that these were different circumstances all together. Caradoc Dearborn was a skilled fighter and wizard, and there isn't and never will be anything left of him.
Hermione kept to herself after her talk with Dumbledore. She had been silly, and caused more trouble than Sirius and James combined. Lily and Summer tried many times to include her, however Hermione was not interested. James, Remus and Peter tried cheering her up, only to be politely refused. Hermione even caught Sirius looking at her with concern on the odd occasion, but he always looked away quickly.
Weeks were melding together very quickly, studying was becoming a priority for everyone. With less than five weeks left before N.E.W.T's Hermione's stress levels were getting dangerous. People learnt quickly to just let her be after an unfortunate incident with James when his boxers found themselves on the outside of his pants, after he suggested she have some fun.
It was on just such a studying session in the library that found Hermione and Summer making their way back to the common room. They were just talking about the potions they studied when they walked into a group standing around the corner.
"Snape," Summer bowed in mock respect, she turned towards Bellatrix who was sneering at her. "And a good evening to you too you lunatic, what brings your sorry arses out at this time of the night, come to terrorise the firsties coming out of the library? Or is this your waking hour?"
"Delawney, one day someone will shut you up for good." Bellatrix threatened, looking for all the world like she would like nothing better than to do it herself.
"I'll be sure to pay them the same respect when that day comes." Summer retorted, a look of disdain aimed at Bellatrix. "Who are you terrorising back there anyway?" In all the banter between the two girls, everyone seemed to forget the figure standing behind all the commotion. Peter Pettigrew, shying away from the attention, looked like a deer caught in headlights.
"Hey, I thought I told you to leave him alone last time Black!" Summer exclaimed, drawing her wand out. However Hermione had a sickening feeling, was this where Harry's life was determined? In the hallways of Hogwarts by budding Death Eater's bullying a scared boy?
"Who says we're picking on him Delawney," sneered Bellatrix gleefully. "Maybe he wants to talk to us."
"N-no, she's lying!" Peter suddenly yelped, shocked into speech at the accusation. However, it now confirmed it for Hermione, she was witnessing the death of James and Lily from the very beginning, bile began to rise up her throat. Feeling she had to do something, knowing it went against everything she knew was right and wrong, she couldn't just stand by idly and watch the tragedy unfold.
"Peter doesn't need to speak with you." Hermione said softly, all eyes turning to her. "He has plenty of friends he can do that with, with out needing to seek out scum like you." Bellatrix did not get angry, instead a frightful smile stretched across her face. She did not speak to Hermione at all, although no words needed to be said. Instead she turned back to Summer.
"Be seeing you Delawney, unless you're otherwise occupied with the gents in this school. You must have gone through all the seniors by now, there are plenty of firsties about though." Bellatrix laughed manically at the stricken look Summer had. Snape cut in though.
"Enough Black, there is no need to belittle yourself to their level." And with that snide comment the two Slytherins departed toward the dungeons.
"Thank you Summer." Peter mumbled, not looking up from the floor. Anyone looking from far away wouldn't have noticed it, but Summer's jaw was working overtime to prevent any emotion surfacing.
"That's the second time Peter," she said sternly. "Next time I may just believe them." And she too stormed off. Hermione looked at Peter, he truly looked humbled. As irrational as she knew it was, Hermione believed that there was still a tiny little bit of hope that the disaster that will befall this group of people may be averted. With that small bubble of hope, she threw an arm around Peter's shoulders and turned him in the direction of their tower.
"I meant what I said about you having friends Peter," she said as they walked. "You have friends that you can talk to, about anything." All Peter could do was nod, as he blushed profusely.
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To say that the week before N.E.W.T's was mayhem, could very well be considered the understatement of the century. Madam Pomfrey was inundated with hysterics, faintings, foul plays, ingestion of dodgy elixirs, and that was only to name a few. The seventh years were high strung, annoyed and prone to moody outbursts for as little as loud breathing.
Hermione was sitting in front of the fire, it was getting late in the evening, and the only people around were seventh years using the last few days afforded to them to cram seven years worth of knowledge into their heads. She was revising chapter 10 of Advanced Book of Spells.
Thoughts of Peter, Sirius and pretty much the whole madness that was her current life were non-existent. It was odd though, that she felt the most home-sick now. She missed how Harry and Ron would whisper about how best not to annoy her, which only made it worse. And how they saved her favourite table in the common room should they reach it first. And even their attempts to draw her away from the work.
It was therefore a shock that the subject of her non-thoughts should happen to causally fall into the seat next to hers. He didn't say anything to her, for to Hermione it looked as though he did not know what to say. She was speechless herself. They had not said two direct words to one another since their heated explosion all those months ago. They were proud people.
"I'm sorry." Hermione blurted out as the silence between them was far too heavy for her to bear.
"Me too" Sirius replied. It was that simple. No explanations, no bumbling why's, what's and when's. Blasted pride got in the way of everything.
"You're hiding something Hermione, I can tell." It felt like a bucket of ice was poured down her back. Though Sirius did not appear angry. His eyes were searching her as if he were looking for something. The silence stretched on endlessly before Hermione replied.
"I am." Hermione stated truthfully. "Please trust me." She whispered, her voice faltering with emotion she didn't even know she was feeling. The answer she got was better than words could ever say. His warm lips were so familiar, and she'd missed them so much. They made her forget the stress of exams, the foreboding of what is to come. Everything ceased to exist for the briefest of moment.
"Will you two stop snogging so loudly people are trying to study!"
A/N: Another chapter written, taking an extremely long time. I've realised I can't write on demand. I need to just have an epiphany like I did this morning. Got up, and thought, I'll finish this today. And so I did. I tend to get halfway through a chapter and meander on endlessly creating more plots than this story can handle and complicating, confusing everything. I'm quite happy with the progress it has made. I believe it has moved the plot right along. Apologies for the delay. Big Thank You to those who reviewed, it is nice to know that people reading and enjoying. Constructive criticism is, as always, accepted. And in old school fan fic tradition…
Thank You:
.: I'm glad you're enjoying the fic, hope my lengthy delays have not dissuaded you from reading. I don't believe I mentioned Lily going to Hogsmede, no.
jkrowlingrox: Drama indeed! His reaction was, what any males reaction would be. Poor boy.
Jayd Scarlette: I will confess I like reading these replies too, so I have bought them back! Please have faith in me!
dat panda bandit: Is soon a matter of opinion? Hope you enjoy this chapter.
.x: I'm glad you are enjoying, hoping this is no different.
omgahitsbritts08: I'm happy you have, it's nice to know people are enjoying.
Tara: NEVER. Unless I'm suffering (and taken) by a fatality of some kind, I have promised my readers, and myself not to give up something I've started. This WILL get finished. Refer to my note above regarding the lateness. I unfortunately approach all things in my life in this manner to the eternal frustration of everyone in my life. As for brilliant, I pale in comparison, however thank you for that vote of confidence!
: An update is served! Not exactly soonish, better late than never I always say.
little miss michelle: I so hope you waited!
teeteeswirls: Hoping you were patient enough.
Sarhar Mystral: In the right setting I'm confident there will be =D
Herutsu Oshii: Hope the chapter answered your question.
Fun-SizedWitch: It's not terribly long since your review, right? (poor effort on my part, I know).
PS: I made the biggest blunder in my last chapter, I shall set to rectify. My stupidity amazes me sometimes! Hoping I haven't made more of them.HoJ