Hermione thought as she stared at her breakfast. She didn't even start eating. It's not that she didn't have an appetite. It worried her that she was still waiting for an answer from the facility Draco had told her about. She also wondered about the boy himself. In the days since their first, almost civilized conversation, they saw each other in the library every day, and to her surprise, she really appreciated the time we spent together. They were both concerned that their relationship would be discovered before they were sure they wanted to continue. Unexpectedly, they found an ally in the person of Mrs. Pince. The strict librarian promised to help them keep their secret.
- Hermione, the mail has arrived for you. - She heard the sleepy voice of her friend Harry.
The girl first looked at the boy in surprise, in the end he didn't speak to her for a long time, then she looked at the little white owl carrying an envelope with a green wax seal. She wasted no time and immediately put the letter in her bag and left the Great Hall, ignoring the surprised faces of Harry and Neville. She just made a quick stride towards the Library.
- Finally. - she said to herself and sat down to read. - It worked. - She whispered and a wide smile appeared on her face, contrasting strongly with her usually irritated facial expressions.
- What happened? - The girl jumped at the sound of a slightly hoarse voice. - It's me, Draco. Potter didn't follow you, because his attention was drawn to the younger Weasel, who was clearly pleased that you had already left.
- Ginny?
- And who was I talking about? Okay, let's just leave it. Did you get the answer? - She could see he was as excited as she was.
- Yes, I got it. They'll take it, understand? They will. The Wizengamot agreed that he would come to them for a one-year trial period. - To her surprise, she hugged the boy again.
- That's good. - he grunted and she noticed the blush on his cheeks. - But don't hug me that often, okay?
- Because I'm a mudblood? Hermione felt tears welling up at the corners of her eyes.
- Oh, you're oversensitive. I know it's my fault, but that's not what I meant this time. I'm not used to it. Hugging hardly exists in my family. I feel embarrassed when you hold me. And I would also be embarrassed to be hugged by someone pureblood.
- I see. I guess ... It was just the opposite for me, but I still felt weird as before Christmas I had to go through the arms of every aunt or uncle.
Draco smiled at the girl with one thought in his head. Although he has never met her, the image of his aunt emerging from his mother and father's stories doesn't encourage him to be hugged by someone like Bellatrix Lestrange.
xxx
Ron was still sleepy as he went down to breakfast. He was upset that no one had woken him, but he allowed himself to think that he might just not wake up. He's had a rough night because he thought about what Hagrid had told them. They did not speak to Hermione for a long time and could, at their own request, make them lose her. And he didn't want to lose her. Even though she was annoying, all-knowing, overbearing, she was still their friend.
- Hi Harry, Hi Ginny, where's Hermione? - He looked at his friend and his sister. - She hasn't come down to breakfast yet?
- She was, but after receiving the letter, she took it and ran out of the room.
- Why didn't you follow her? Something might have happened. - Ron was anxious. They could be arguing but if something was happening to her, they should know. - Do you know where she could go?
- How's that, where did she go? To the library. Where else could she go? - Ginny replied instead of Harry.
xxx
Severus waited in front of the fireplace. He didn't want to mention Lucius with owls for fear of intercepting the message. He knew the director liked to randomly check his correspondence. By meeting your friend face-to-face, the situation will be different. Albus will know who he is talking to, but Severus will be able to avoid revealing what they talked about.
- When will he finally come? He's already 10 minutes late. It's not like him. - He said to himself nervously walking around the room.
- I'm sorry to you, but Cissa wanted to know what we were going to talk about and wouldn't let the thought that I didn't know either. She finally let me out on the condition that I told her everything. - Lucius Malfoy sat down in the leather armchair beside the fireplace.
- What was it that bothered her? - Severus asked, passing the glass to his guest.
The blond looked at the contents, sniffed and raised his eyebrows in surprise. He put his glass down on the coffee table and sighed.
- Now I'm worried too. Don't get me wrong, but you've never asked for an appointment this early. And you never handed me a glass of fire whiskey before we even started talking. What's happening?
- Lucius, you know how I value you. - The man's concern grew, he had never heard Snape openly praising anyone, at least since the days of Lily Evans, - We both noticed Dumbledore playing us. Not only with the so-called side of the light, but also with those on the other side. I think I found the first gap that would allow us to join the game and not just be his pawns.
- And that's what you were so concerned about? This is rather good news.
- Don't interrupt me. Your son seized the opportunity and, noticing the split between Miss Granger and Mr. Potter and Weasley, crept into the girl's favors. I don't think they've become friends yet, but judging by the fact that they only see each other every day, they're on the right track.
Blood boiled in Lucius. How could this child put them at such risk. When the Dark Lord rises, he will not be pleased that the son of one of his Death Eaters is familiar with the mudblood. What was the kid thinking?
- I know what's on your mind. However, I think this might be an opportunity. A chance to save you and rub the old man's nose. - Severus knew he had to rush to explain. At this point, he thanked Abraxas for having taught his friend the control of emotions.
- What do you mean? - Lucius asked, taking a sip from his glass. Now he knew why he had been offered alcohol at breakfast time.
- Look. If the Dark Lord returns, you can convince him that you sacrificed your son to separate Miss Granger from Mr. Potter. You know how many times this boy has relied on her knowledge. However, if the Dark Lord does not arise, such an acquaintance can forever remove from you suspicions about your loyalty. - the potions master was preparing for the last arguments.
- Forever? Just don't say you are talking about what I think. the man felt that the remnants of his control were about to collapse. - Speak before I burst and the conversation will not make sense because it will turn into quarrel.
- She could be the perfect daughter-in-law to House Malfoy. Intelligent and learns quickly. Faster than the rest. She could be a supplement to refresh your blood. Needless to say, your son is more and more fascinated by her. After all, you've been complaining about it yourself since Draco returned for his first Christmas break. - Severus was amused by the way the jaw of the man sitting in front of him quiver.
- But pure-blood legacy ... Although I won't say, at this level of interest that he didn't devote to any other girl, I wouldn't hesitate a moment before drawing up an engagement contract, when her blood was at least slightly different.
- Enough of Lucius. That's an argument I didn't want to talk to you about. Narcissa is afraid you won't have grandchildren. She remembers what difficulty you had in conceiving Draco. She remembers how many miscarriages there have been. I remember it too… I don't think it will be a crime to thin the blood slightly if you make it clear to the public that you have chosen the right girl.
- Let's say I agree with Narcissa. How are you sure that something can spark between them? And what does this have to do with Dumbledore? - a bit reassured Lucius wondered what his wife would think about it. Despite the disgust he felt, he knew that Severus was at least partly right.
- Draco and Miss Granger are talking to each other more and more. They talk, not insult, as if they were sitting in a minor Muggle bar. When I saw them for the first time, Draco offered to help rescue the hippogriff that had injured him. He found a place for him in a rehabilitation center.
- The one in Bulgaria? I know that. I got a notice for my seat payment. I wanted to congratulate Draco on keeping a worthy man, but he doesn't want to do it through an owl. How did the girl react? - Lord Malfoy refused to admit aloud that he had thought of saving the beast himself. After all, he wanted to fire a teacher without qualifications. His son was injured but believed it was the gamekeeper's fault. He did not take care of the appropriate security measures.
- He did get hugged for it .. And recently I noticed that every time someone mentions Miss Granger, your son blushes like a maid on release.
The father chuckled involuntarily at the mere idea of his son in this situation.
- As for Albus ... I want to split the strength equally." The director only looks after his griffons. Don't you think he would be touched by the fact that one of them would approach with a Slytherin? And not just any Slytherin, but with Malfoy? A strong connection with her, due to her background, could shed a different light on your family, and we both know that he and those around him would love to see you, and not only you, in Azbakan.
- I'll talk to Cissa. Voldemort will be your biggest concern. If he hadn't come back, we would have dealt with the Blood Traitor patch. We have too much money and too much influence for anyone to tell us. It will be worse when he comes back.
- This is only a preliminary concept. You have always been the strategist. Severus walked over to the potions shelf to reach for the center of sobering. He knew that his friend's wife would not be pleased if he returned under the influence of alcohol.
- Just tell me how can I make my son not be afraid to talk to me about the progress with this girl? If he is silent, I will have no room for maneuver so that I can "soften" opinions in relation to mudbloods like her.
- I will divide the class in pairs according to achievements. Draco and Miss Granger are first in the rankings so they will be working together in my class. Encourage the boy to tell you about everything and listen to him. I think it should be enough for a start. Looking from the side, you can clearly see that Draco is afraid of failing you. He tries to be first, but hasn't defeated Miss I-know-everything yet.
- I thought you would play on Dumbledore's side. - he said to his friend's surprised eyes. - Don't think that I don't know you played both sides. And when the need arises, you will do it again.
- I play one side. Your. The Dark Lord killed Lily, Dumbledore broke his promise to protect her. I'll keep Harry alive, but that doesn't mean I can't do it on my own terms. Riddle was close to return twice, so it's time to formulate a plan to protect our loved ones. I will not count on the director who keeps the Cerberus behind a door that can be opened with a simple alohomora. I've already come to terms with the fact that this man is getting old.
- At last. What if my son or this girl finds out what we're trying to do? - Lucius discovered one of his fears.
- This is the beauty of my idea. I am asking you for your opinion because I want to give them a chance to meet you. You were to push the boy to this acquaintance. Though maybe your wife would be better for the job. Narcissa is much more subtle than you are. However, the most important thing is that we are as honest with her as possible. Without revealing the main motive. We cannot work completely behind her back the way Dumbledore works behind Mr. Potter's back.
- Severus, you are crazy.
- You just figured it out? - Severus Snape smiled, which paradoxically caused fear in Lord Malfoy.
xxx
Ron looked anxiously for Hermione between the shelves. She wasn't at the table she usually used for work. He was so focused that he didn't even notice when Mrs. Pince appeared by his side.
- What are you looking for, Mr. Weasley? Can I help you?
- Hermione Granger, I heard she was nervous and after receiving the letter she ran out of the Great Hall. I'm worried that something happened. Have you seen her?
The elderly woman smiled at the concerned boy. He was very violent but how could you blame him. To this day, he remembers the argument that his parents had in this library. Molly, then still, Prevett in a fit of anger had an uncontrolled attack of magic. She set fire to the bookshelf with the Transfiguration books. It was one of the worst days of her career.
- Yes. But she left saying she was going back to the Great Hall for a few sandwiches. Maybe you missed each other.
xxx
- All right, kids, you can leave now. she smiled at Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger. "But the next time you go on a date, choose the room on the second floor next to the Nicolas Black statue." It started to work similar to the Come & Go room. You enter the same. Don't give away the location. Few know about this room and most don't study here anymore, so you will have some privacy.
- We're not on a date ! - they replied almost simultaneously.
- Yes, yes … - the older librarian smiled. She had worked too long and had seen too many students not to be able to notice the growing sympathy between the two teenagers. - Go ahead, or you will be late. Professor Snape doesn't like latecomers.
xxx
Well, we have the end of the next chapter. I don't know why, but I've always liked Mrs. Pince. This is fanfiction written by me, so don't be surprised how this librarian will have a much larger share in my story than she had in the canon. Does it bother you?