"What the hell is that noise?" Hermione's brain demanded, as she
slowly pried her eyes apart.
There was a pounding from the other side of the portrait of the flower vase. Alarmed, she tore the bed sheets off of herself, as she grabbed her wand from her bedside table. "Alloggiamenti dell'ospite," she said, as enthusiastically as possible. When the portrait swung open, Jenny the house elf was found, standing there, looking quite embarassed.
"Jenny is sorry to have to wake you up in such a manner, Jenny is forgetting the house elf's passageway into the Gryffindor guest chambers!"
"Oh, that's alright, Jenny," Hermione yawned as she rubbed her head. Her vision wasn't all that clear quite yet, and she was feeling slightly dizzy from getting up so fast.
"Does Miss need help changing?" Jenny asked, as she peered around Hermione's legs towards the two untouched dresses.
"Oh, no, I'm sure I can manage," she replied as she waved her hand towards the clothes. "What's that you have in your hands?"
"This?" the house elf asked, as she lifted up a piece of parchment, "'tis your class schedule. The headmaster asked me to deliver it to you."
"Right, my schedule, thanks Jenny."
The house elf gave her a small grin as she waved goodbye, and headed back down the passageway. Hermione sighed. She felt exhausted just thinking about the amount of work she had ahead of her, to make herself look presentable for class. . .
One hour later, Hermione slipped out from behind the tapestry in the Entrance Hall. She found that her toils over her appearance that morning had really paid off; her confidence was much higher than it had been the previous night. Her hair was tied back in a nicely braided bun, and her dress had lace bordering the neckline. She had been anxious all morning to find out whether or not Dumbledore would find her attractive, what with her different dress and hairstyle. *I'll know the second I look into his eyes. . .* Hermione thought to herself, as she marched towards the Great Hall.
When Dumbledore spotted Hermione entering the room, he practically leapt out of his seat to meet her. His eyes were bright and shining, as he scuttled past the students and tables which, as of now, were simply obstacles in his path towards her. Hermione grinned when he offered her his arm, in order to escort her to a seat at the Gryffindor table.
*You'll go dopey for anyone who gives you this kind of attention, won't you?* Hermione hissed to herself, as she sat down next to him. *Remember, you still haven't decided if it's a good idea to get involved in this way!*
Hermione was just about to answer to her thoughts, when they seemingly evaporated, as she turned just in time to see Dumbledore's dashing smile. Her conscience was growing weaker by the second.
"So," Hermione began, "what have you been working on in charms class?"
"Renforcez, the strengthening charm. It allows the user to become five times as strong as they normally are," Dumbledore replied.
"Yes, I've heard of that one," Hermione paused as she attempted to recall what she had read about it, "the charm can be used on inanimate objects as well, in order to increase their durability."
Dumbledore seemed impressed. "The curriculum remains the same for quite some time, I see."
"Well, actually, we haven't gotten to that spell in our charms class quite yet. I've only read about them in the library. . ." at this, Hermione trailed off, slightly embarrassed. She must seem like such a bookworm, to have read ahead like that.
However, to her relief, Dumbledore replied, "I, too, often find myself studying independently. It allows me to better prepare myself for the upcoming material, and I believe it improves my test scores."
All Hermione could do was stare at him. No one could have said anything sexier to her. He uses his free time to, "better prepare himself for the upcoming material?"
Dumbledore glanced down at his silver pocket watch. "Ah, look at the time! Class will start soon, shall we go?" Standing up, he offered her his arm once again.
"Thank you," she said, as she took it.
When they arrived in the charms classroom, a tall, dark haired man stood at the front of the room to greet them. He was rather pale, with strongly arched eyebrows and deep, brown eyes.
"Ah, you must be Ms. Granger," he said as she strode towards her. "My name is Professor Grimqui, I hope you're finding your stay here comfortable."
"Yes, indeed I am, thank you, professor," she said nervously, as she gave him a slight bow.
He smiled warmly to her as he motioned towards the seats. More students were beginning to filter in behind them, and many of them whispered and pointed towards Hermione as they walked by. She heard a Hufflepuff boy remark, "I wonder if she's halfway decent. . ."
"Alright, students, quiet down now," Professor Grimqui said as he settled himself into a position in the center of the room. "As you all know, we have been working on the strengthening spell, renforcez. During this class period, I am going to allow you to pick a partner, in order to try performing the spell on him or her. Now remember, this spell is guaranteed to be seen on the practical section of your charms N.E.W.T, so make sure to practice it well."
Hermione gulped. Her N.E.W.T.'s, was she going to have to take them here? What if she hadn't studied the same material as Dumbledore and the others? Wouldn't the ministry be forced to make an exception, if that were the case? Create some sort of assessment that was appropriate for her? She had little time to ponder this, however; Dumbledore had already started to make his way towards the open area of the classroom. Alarmed, Hermione quickly stood up to follow him.
"Alright, do you want to go first?" Dumbledore asked, as he puffed out his chest. He seemed slightly fearful, as if she were about to hit him with a stunning spell.
"O.K.," Hermione mumbled as she took in a deep breath. She had performed the spell before, and quite well, she might add. He really shouldn't be so worried. "Renforcez!" she cried.
A jet of royal blue light shot from her wand. Dumbledore stumbled slightly upon contact; however, when the glow subsided, he had an excited look on his face.
"I-I think you did it!" he exclaimed, as he beamed at her. Professor Grimqui, who had been watching closely, strode over to the two.
"Incredible Ms. Granger, just incredible. There hasn't been one student yet who has performed the spell successfully, yet you stroll on in here and on your first try, you seal the spell flawlessly! Go ahead, Mr. Dumbledore, lift up one of the weights I have set out."
Dumbledore quickly made his way over to a 500-pound weight, which he seized up with ease. He held it high above his head, grinning all the while.
"Yes, that will do, Mr. Dumbledore. 20 points to Gryffindor, for Ms. Granger's impressive performance!"
A few of the students clapped, the rest of them simply glowered. Hermione imagined what it must be like to be shown up by a girl who already stood out because of her accident. Heat rose in her face as Dumbledore came rushing back to her.
"Are you ready for me to try the spell on you?" he asked.
"Ya, sure. . ." she mumbled as she attempted to shake her mind away from her worries.
The rest of charms ran smoothly after that. Dumbledore, too, managed to perform the spell on Hermione. She had some fun by lifting a 100-pound weight with one arm. Transfiguration, which Hermione had been looking forward to, turned out to be somewhat dull. The teacher, a short, scrawny and somewhat hunch-backed woman, assigned bookwork for the class period. Dumbledore, however, spiced things up for her a bit when he slipped her a sugar quill to suck on while she wrote. He himself was enjoying a sack of lemon drops, which he kept hidden in his robes. It wasn't hard to sneak candy during the class anyway; Ms. Rosenthal failed to notice most of the things the students were doing behind her back.
"She really is rather thick," Dumbledore whispered to Hermione, as Ms. Rosenthal leaned back lazily in her plush armchair, dazing off into space. The two of them giggled silently. When the laughter subsided, Hermione felt a slight tingling sensation on the back of her neck. She looked behind her only to see those three Gryffindor girls, Victoria, Emily and Margaret, in the far corner of the room, positively glaring at her. She grimaced slightly, and wondered whether it would be a good idea to tell Dumbledore about the other night.
*Best not to worry him,* she thought to herself.
When class ended, and Ms. Rosenthal bid them no means of a goodbye, rather than offer Hermione his arm, as usual, Dumbledore put his arm around her waist again. Hermione smiled at him. She was very appreciative of the gesture, but she was slightly nervous as to how Victoria, Emily and Margaret would react. She tried not to look at them as they exited the classroom, but it was to no avail. When they had traveled not far down the corridor, the three caught up to them, and cut them off.
"Good afternoon, Albus," they sang, as they grinned and curtsied.
"Ladies," he replied nonchalantly, nodding to each.
The girls gave each other knowing looks, as they turned their attention towards Hermione.
"We just wanted to congratulate you on a job well done in charms today!" Victoria exclaimed.
Hermione raised an eyebrow.
"Ya!" Margaret pitched in, "marvelously done!"
"Absolutely!" Emily added.
"Thank you," Hermione replied, still remaining skeptical.
"Yes, well, the three of us were talking and we were just wondering. . ." Victoria curled her hair between the fingers of her left hand, as she reached her right into her pockets, "How are you with curses?"
At this, Victoria whipped out her wand, as did the other three. Hermione, who had been keenly aware of what Victoria was doing, snatched hers out to meet them. Dumbledore, who was utterly shocked at the girl's behavior, withdrew his as well.
"Honestly, let's stop all of this Tom-foolery!" he exclaimed.
"I will if you will, Albus!" Victoria screeched. "Why is it that you fascinate over her so!? There's nothing extraordinary about the girl at all, to swoon over her is utter nonsense!"
"You think so? I happen to find her to be extremely intelligent, clever, witty, beautiful. . .and above all, moral; a trait that one sees less and less of these days."
Victoria, Margaret and Emily gawked at him.
"You don't honestly believe that no one heard about the scene in the girls' dormitories last night, do you? Please, that Meredith Trevethan is one of the biggest gossips I've ever met."
Panic was now clearly visible in the three girls eyes. All seemed frozen with fear, until,
"Rictusempra!" Emily shouted. Hermione found herself stumbling backwards, however, she still remained on her feet.
"That really was quite pitiful. You know, of course, that when done properly the victim is thrown off of his or her own feet, and forced back by at least seven feet?" teased Hermione, as she eyed Emily. The other two remained too shocked to do anything. "Here's a simple little jinx for you. Petrificus Totalis!"
The three froze, their limbs snapped to their sides, and their balanced failed. Victoria, Emily and Margaret were left face down in the center of the corridor for all to see.
"I learned that in my first year," Hermione said to Dumbledore, "I can't believe they didn't block it!"
All he could do was grin at her.
"What?" Hermione asked, "You don't disapprove of what I did, do you?"
"Not in the least," Dumbledore replied, still smiling.
"Well good then, I'd hate to lose my reputation for being, oh what was it, intelligent, clever, witty, beautiful. . .and above all, moral." She gazed up into his eyes, a smile spreading across her lips.
Dumbledore looked nervous now. He bit his lower lip, and began to shuffle his feet.
Hermione simply nudged him in the side. "That was quite sweet of you, thank you."
Relief seemed to flood over his face. "Anytime," he choked as he gingerly placed one shaky arm back on her waist. "And, might I add, I so do admire a woman who can defend herself."
Dumbledore was rewarded for his bold move with a return embrace. Hermione had wrapped her arm around him as well, pulling him closer to her. Lucky for them, the halls were nearly deserted; most everyone had made their way to the Great Hall for dinner. No one was any the wiser that the new comer, Hermione Granger, had seduced the desperately sought after Albus Dumbledore.
There was a pounding from the other side of the portrait of the flower vase. Alarmed, she tore the bed sheets off of herself, as she grabbed her wand from her bedside table. "Alloggiamenti dell'ospite," she said, as enthusiastically as possible. When the portrait swung open, Jenny the house elf was found, standing there, looking quite embarassed.
"Jenny is sorry to have to wake you up in such a manner, Jenny is forgetting the house elf's passageway into the Gryffindor guest chambers!"
"Oh, that's alright, Jenny," Hermione yawned as she rubbed her head. Her vision wasn't all that clear quite yet, and she was feeling slightly dizzy from getting up so fast.
"Does Miss need help changing?" Jenny asked, as she peered around Hermione's legs towards the two untouched dresses.
"Oh, no, I'm sure I can manage," she replied as she waved her hand towards the clothes. "What's that you have in your hands?"
"This?" the house elf asked, as she lifted up a piece of parchment, "'tis your class schedule. The headmaster asked me to deliver it to you."
"Right, my schedule, thanks Jenny."
The house elf gave her a small grin as she waved goodbye, and headed back down the passageway. Hermione sighed. She felt exhausted just thinking about the amount of work she had ahead of her, to make herself look presentable for class. . .
One hour later, Hermione slipped out from behind the tapestry in the Entrance Hall. She found that her toils over her appearance that morning had really paid off; her confidence was much higher than it had been the previous night. Her hair was tied back in a nicely braided bun, and her dress had lace bordering the neckline. She had been anxious all morning to find out whether or not Dumbledore would find her attractive, what with her different dress and hairstyle. *I'll know the second I look into his eyes. . .* Hermione thought to herself, as she marched towards the Great Hall.
When Dumbledore spotted Hermione entering the room, he practically leapt out of his seat to meet her. His eyes were bright and shining, as he scuttled past the students and tables which, as of now, were simply obstacles in his path towards her. Hermione grinned when he offered her his arm, in order to escort her to a seat at the Gryffindor table.
*You'll go dopey for anyone who gives you this kind of attention, won't you?* Hermione hissed to herself, as she sat down next to him. *Remember, you still haven't decided if it's a good idea to get involved in this way!*
Hermione was just about to answer to her thoughts, when they seemingly evaporated, as she turned just in time to see Dumbledore's dashing smile. Her conscience was growing weaker by the second.
"So," Hermione began, "what have you been working on in charms class?"
"Renforcez, the strengthening charm. It allows the user to become five times as strong as they normally are," Dumbledore replied.
"Yes, I've heard of that one," Hermione paused as she attempted to recall what she had read about it, "the charm can be used on inanimate objects as well, in order to increase their durability."
Dumbledore seemed impressed. "The curriculum remains the same for quite some time, I see."
"Well, actually, we haven't gotten to that spell in our charms class quite yet. I've only read about them in the library. . ." at this, Hermione trailed off, slightly embarrassed. She must seem like such a bookworm, to have read ahead like that.
However, to her relief, Dumbledore replied, "I, too, often find myself studying independently. It allows me to better prepare myself for the upcoming material, and I believe it improves my test scores."
All Hermione could do was stare at him. No one could have said anything sexier to her. He uses his free time to, "better prepare himself for the upcoming material?"
Dumbledore glanced down at his silver pocket watch. "Ah, look at the time! Class will start soon, shall we go?" Standing up, he offered her his arm once again.
"Thank you," she said, as she took it.
When they arrived in the charms classroom, a tall, dark haired man stood at the front of the room to greet them. He was rather pale, with strongly arched eyebrows and deep, brown eyes.
"Ah, you must be Ms. Granger," he said as she strode towards her. "My name is Professor Grimqui, I hope you're finding your stay here comfortable."
"Yes, indeed I am, thank you, professor," she said nervously, as she gave him a slight bow.
He smiled warmly to her as he motioned towards the seats. More students were beginning to filter in behind them, and many of them whispered and pointed towards Hermione as they walked by. She heard a Hufflepuff boy remark, "I wonder if she's halfway decent. . ."
"Alright, students, quiet down now," Professor Grimqui said as he settled himself into a position in the center of the room. "As you all know, we have been working on the strengthening spell, renforcez. During this class period, I am going to allow you to pick a partner, in order to try performing the spell on him or her. Now remember, this spell is guaranteed to be seen on the practical section of your charms N.E.W.T, so make sure to practice it well."
Hermione gulped. Her N.E.W.T.'s, was she going to have to take them here? What if she hadn't studied the same material as Dumbledore and the others? Wouldn't the ministry be forced to make an exception, if that were the case? Create some sort of assessment that was appropriate for her? She had little time to ponder this, however; Dumbledore had already started to make his way towards the open area of the classroom. Alarmed, Hermione quickly stood up to follow him.
"Alright, do you want to go first?" Dumbledore asked, as he puffed out his chest. He seemed slightly fearful, as if she were about to hit him with a stunning spell.
"O.K.," Hermione mumbled as she took in a deep breath. She had performed the spell before, and quite well, she might add. He really shouldn't be so worried. "Renforcez!" she cried.
A jet of royal blue light shot from her wand. Dumbledore stumbled slightly upon contact; however, when the glow subsided, he had an excited look on his face.
"I-I think you did it!" he exclaimed, as he beamed at her. Professor Grimqui, who had been watching closely, strode over to the two.
"Incredible Ms. Granger, just incredible. There hasn't been one student yet who has performed the spell successfully, yet you stroll on in here and on your first try, you seal the spell flawlessly! Go ahead, Mr. Dumbledore, lift up one of the weights I have set out."
Dumbledore quickly made his way over to a 500-pound weight, which he seized up with ease. He held it high above his head, grinning all the while.
"Yes, that will do, Mr. Dumbledore. 20 points to Gryffindor, for Ms. Granger's impressive performance!"
A few of the students clapped, the rest of them simply glowered. Hermione imagined what it must be like to be shown up by a girl who already stood out because of her accident. Heat rose in her face as Dumbledore came rushing back to her.
"Are you ready for me to try the spell on you?" he asked.
"Ya, sure. . ." she mumbled as she attempted to shake her mind away from her worries.
The rest of charms ran smoothly after that. Dumbledore, too, managed to perform the spell on Hermione. She had some fun by lifting a 100-pound weight with one arm. Transfiguration, which Hermione had been looking forward to, turned out to be somewhat dull. The teacher, a short, scrawny and somewhat hunch-backed woman, assigned bookwork for the class period. Dumbledore, however, spiced things up for her a bit when he slipped her a sugar quill to suck on while she wrote. He himself was enjoying a sack of lemon drops, which he kept hidden in his robes. It wasn't hard to sneak candy during the class anyway; Ms. Rosenthal failed to notice most of the things the students were doing behind her back.
"She really is rather thick," Dumbledore whispered to Hermione, as Ms. Rosenthal leaned back lazily in her plush armchair, dazing off into space. The two of them giggled silently. When the laughter subsided, Hermione felt a slight tingling sensation on the back of her neck. She looked behind her only to see those three Gryffindor girls, Victoria, Emily and Margaret, in the far corner of the room, positively glaring at her. She grimaced slightly, and wondered whether it would be a good idea to tell Dumbledore about the other night.
*Best not to worry him,* she thought to herself.
When class ended, and Ms. Rosenthal bid them no means of a goodbye, rather than offer Hermione his arm, as usual, Dumbledore put his arm around her waist again. Hermione smiled at him. She was very appreciative of the gesture, but she was slightly nervous as to how Victoria, Emily and Margaret would react. She tried not to look at them as they exited the classroom, but it was to no avail. When they had traveled not far down the corridor, the three caught up to them, and cut them off.
"Good afternoon, Albus," they sang, as they grinned and curtsied.
"Ladies," he replied nonchalantly, nodding to each.
The girls gave each other knowing looks, as they turned their attention towards Hermione.
"We just wanted to congratulate you on a job well done in charms today!" Victoria exclaimed.
Hermione raised an eyebrow.
"Ya!" Margaret pitched in, "marvelously done!"
"Absolutely!" Emily added.
"Thank you," Hermione replied, still remaining skeptical.
"Yes, well, the three of us were talking and we were just wondering. . ." Victoria curled her hair between the fingers of her left hand, as she reached her right into her pockets, "How are you with curses?"
At this, Victoria whipped out her wand, as did the other three. Hermione, who had been keenly aware of what Victoria was doing, snatched hers out to meet them. Dumbledore, who was utterly shocked at the girl's behavior, withdrew his as well.
"Honestly, let's stop all of this Tom-foolery!" he exclaimed.
"I will if you will, Albus!" Victoria screeched. "Why is it that you fascinate over her so!? There's nothing extraordinary about the girl at all, to swoon over her is utter nonsense!"
"You think so? I happen to find her to be extremely intelligent, clever, witty, beautiful. . .and above all, moral; a trait that one sees less and less of these days."
Victoria, Margaret and Emily gawked at him.
"You don't honestly believe that no one heard about the scene in the girls' dormitories last night, do you? Please, that Meredith Trevethan is one of the biggest gossips I've ever met."
Panic was now clearly visible in the three girls eyes. All seemed frozen with fear, until,
"Rictusempra!" Emily shouted. Hermione found herself stumbling backwards, however, she still remained on her feet.
"That really was quite pitiful. You know, of course, that when done properly the victim is thrown off of his or her own feet, and forced back by at least seven feet?" teased Hermione, as she eyed Emily. The other two remained too shocked to do anything. "Here's a simple little jinx for you. Petrificus Totalis!"
The three froze, their limbs snapped to their sides, and their balanced failed. Victoria, Emily and Margaret were left face down in the center of the corridor for all to see.
"I learned that in my first year," Hermione said to Dumbledore, "I can't believe they didn't block it!"
All he could do was grin at her.
"What?" Hermione asked, "You don't disapprove of what I did, do you?"
"Not in the least," Dumbledore replied, still smiling.
"Well good then, I'd hate to lose my reputation for being, oh what was it, intelligent, clever, witty, beautiful. . .and above all, moral." She gazed up into his eyes, a smile spreading across her lips.
Dumbledore looked nervous now. He bit his lower lip, and began to shuffle his feet.
Hermione simply nudged him in the side. "That was quite sweet of you, thank you."
Relief seemed to flood over his face. "Anytime," he choked as he gingerly placed one shaky arm back on her waist. "And, might I add, I so do admire a woman who can defend herself."
Dumbledore was rewarded for his bold move with a return embrace. Hermione had wrapped her arm around him as well, pulling him closer to her. Lucky for them, the halls were nearly deserted; most everyone had made their way to the Great Hall for dinner. No one was any the wiser that the new comer, Hermione Granger, had seduced the desperately sought after Albus Dumbledore.