Hermione Granger was casually sipping a cup of coffee in the early morning hours of December. She was home during Christmas week. Even after enjoying every bit of Christmas celebrations she had with her parents, she could not dismiss the feeling of uneasiness in her chest. She could not pinpoint what exactly was wrong, well apart from impending war with a tyrant off course. Something which was looming just around the corner. Something which could be at the most delayed or maybe escalated but certainly not ignored.
As far as Christmas was concerned, she had sent and in turn, received customary gifts and greetings from friends and family alike. Though she did not feel happiness from within, she could not help but feel a pang of nostalgia on seeing her parents' excited faces. Who knew if she would get another chance to celebrate Christmas with them. They were ignorant of the impending doom and she preferred it that way. She had a plan forming in her head about what she would do if things got totally out of control. She, one must not forget, was the Hermione Granger. She was somebody who had a considerable amount of grey matter in her head and a sufficient amount of adrenaline in her blood. Her longtime friendship with books didn't hurt either.
Hermione was staring blankly into space. Her empty cup of coffee was lying on the small stool next to her. Certain ideas were forming in her head. Some were being stored for further analysis, some were being completely disregarded and some were being finalized thereupon. She knew that the time had arrived long back when she must take her strings in her own hands.
"Mione, come down. There is someone to see you" she heard her mother's distant call. Hermione frowned. The feeling of uneasiness grew in her chest. She inadvertently picked up her wand from her side stool and dashed out of her room. As she reached the bottom-most step of the stairs she abruptly came to halt. Nothing could have prepared her to find the Minister of Magic, Rufus Scrimgeour, himself in her drawing-room. Hermione was not a fan of the Ministry but she was one to follow rules and maintain decorum. Had it been ex- Minister Cornelius Fudge in her drawing-room though she would have given him a piece of her mind, respectfully off-course. But it was the new minister and Hermione Granger for one believed in giving everyone a fair chance.
"How can I help you, Minister," Hermione asked politely. Then she turned towards her parents and introduced him. "Mom, Dad, this is our esteemed minister, Mr. Rufus Scrimgeour."Her parents sprinted forwards at the mere mention of the word 'minister' to shake hands with their honorable guest. But Hermione's shrewd eyes were constantly assessing the situation and so were the minister's.
"An intelligent girl I perceive ."The minister said benignly. Hermione plastered a polite smile on her face. She was not somebody to get befooled but she had decided to give this man a chance.
"I have heard a lot about your girl. You are lucky to have such a smart daughter." The minister addressed her parents. Hermione could see the pride in her parent's eyes. And she could also not help but spot the minister's calculative gaze upon her.
"How can I help you, Sir " Hermione repeated her question. Her pacific gaze locked with the minister's scrutinizing gaze. The minister shifted uneasily in his armchair. "I really admire your straightforward attitude. " He paused to assess her reaction but there was none so he continued." I have matters of utmost importance to attend and I am in a hurry myself, therefore I would like to come to the point directly."Hermione smiled at him and nodded encouragingly. "You are well aware of the current circumstances in the wizarding world. It's just that I would like to discuss the situation with you in private."
"Not to sound impolite, sir, but I think there are many more experienced people in the ministry who could offer you valuable advice, why me? Hermione asked in a monotone.
"Because you are more valuable than any of them".
Hermione blinked.
Hermione Granger found herself sitting in a posh office in the Ministry of Magic. Everything around her spoke of order and luxury. She was sitting in a secret meeting room with numerous magical objects laid out on shelves and adorned on walls. She would have been extremely inquisitive had the circumstances been any different. But under the current circumstances, she was engrossed in her own ruminations. She had decided to at least listen to the minister before outrightly refusing his offer. Who knew if this man had a better solution to the currently prevailing perilous circumstances. This was a tumultuous time and you could not underestimate anyone. She found herself transfixed by a rotating globe that sat on the table. Now and then certain parts of the globe would glow a bright shade of red. She would inquire about it later.
The minister entered the office in aristocratic blue robes. He smiled at Hermione and then pulled the chair and sat comfortably on it as though he had all the time in the world. He then picked up the globe, rotated it in his hands, and scrutinized it. He frowned at it and then kept the globe back on the table. Hermione watched him keenly. Her brain was trying hard to fit pieces of some puzzle.
"I believe Dumbeldore has told you about the Horcruxes."Hermione was startled at the nature of the question.
"I have no idea what you are talking about."She quickly answered. The minister smiled."I see, but I expected that an intelligent and inquisitive witch such as yourself would not leave a topic untouched."
"I have no interest in dark arts whatsoever."Hermione retorted. The minister smiled again. "And yet you know that it pertains to dark magic."
Hermione felt cornered and spoke icily. "Minister, as you have judged by now I do not appreciate beating about the bush, I will come to the point. As I have gathered from your question, you want information about Dumbledore and I am not up for the task. That's it and that's all. If you permit, may I leave?.
"Sometimes I wonder what Dumbeldore does to inspire such sycophancy in his subjects."The minister wondered. Hermione got up to leave. "I always knew that your friend Harry was a bit temperamental and sycophantic but I expected better from you. My sources told me that you are a logical and smart witch."
"Didn't your sources tell you that I am a woman of integrity and fiercely loyal to those I care about ?" Hermione asked hotly.
"Please don't lose your temper just yet and listen to me at least once."The minister was looking tired as he spoke. She stared at him and then sat down. There was something in his voice that was compelling her to listen. The minister continued, "Truthfully speaking, Dumbledore is an enigma and I myself don't know where to place him, he has been the leader of light for a long time but I don't forget that he was the one who defeated the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald. I don't know about his reasons for leading a rebellion against You-know-who, but you can't be sure that his intentions are purely noble."Hermione gave an indignant look but the minister paused her with a gesture of his hand. "Let me finish, he has had quite a history and what you don't know about him would fill volumes. Knowing that you are a bookworm, saying that is something. Did you know that he and Grindelwald were friends? Presumably no. Did you know that he was responsible for his sister's death? No. Now if you don't believe me, go and ask Dumbeldore's own brother Aberforth. You could go to Hogs Head and catch him for a quick talk. Dumbeldore is not as forthright as you believe him to be." Hermione sat in uncomfortable silence.
"I had gone to the Weasley's place yesterday to win your friend's confidence" the minister audibly sighed " but all in vain. I see your friend doesn't realize his own predicament. He trusts your headmaster blindly."
"So do I".Hermione claimed fiercely.
"And yet what has your headmaster thought about you?"The minister questioned. "You were living unattended with a muggle family in a muggle neighborhood. If Death eaters had decided to attack you, who would have come to help you in time?"
"I can very well defend myself", Hermione said confidently.
"And what would happen to your parents in your absence?"
"I have a plan."
"And yet Dumbledore has no plan for you."The minister remarked casually." Moreover, he is using your friend as a scapegoat to lure you know who out of his liar. Is it wise I ask? I may be wrong in judging Dumbeldore, but he is not somebody who should be taken lightly. You are a wise girl and I have heard you aspire to become The Minster of Magic yourself one day."The minister had an unusual glint in his eyes" I for one believe in you."
Hermione sighed. "Alright, I'll take your advice and keep an eye on him. But don't expect me to give you regular reports. I will inform you if and when I find anything extremely suspicious."
The minister looked visibly relaxed. " I will take full responsibility to give you adequate training and protection. Your parents will be guarded by capable Aurors round the clock and the entire ministerial resources would be at your disposal. "The minister paused for a dramatic effect."I need someone who could spy on both You know who and Dumbeldore at once."
"What?" Hermione was shocked. " Dumbledore is one thing, how do you expect me to spy on Voldemort?"
"You misunderstand me. I don't require you to spy on Dumbledore nor do I require you to spy on You-know-who?"Hermione's eyebrows knitted in confusion. "I require you to spy on the man who is a vital link between these two."
Hermione's eyes sparkled at the realization.
"I require you to spy on the spy Severus Snape."