Previously in Summer: Harry and Hermione are at last back at Hogwarts.
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Part 8: Confrontations
*********
Professor McGonagall was just exiting the Great Hall as Harry and Hermione arrived.
"You two do look a sight better, I imagine," she remarked not unkindly, giving each a glance-over.
"Thank you," Hermione replied for them both.
"I trust you got a few hours sleep this time, Mr. Potter?" She asked, frowning at him a bit.
"Yes, Professor."
"Hmph. Very well then." She straightened and was halfway to the stairs before turning back. "When you've finished your supper, someone will be sent to take you to your quarters."
"Yes, Professor," they echoed each other.
*********
Headmaster Albus Dumbledore was waiting for them when Harry and Hermione opened the doors. He looked just the same as he had three days before when they'd last seen him. His blue eyes twinkled above half-moon spectacles as he smiled merrily at the sight of his students' clasped hands.
"Come, my children," he called to the door, half-rising from his seat. "You must be starving."
Harry smiled and reached out his hand as they approached, only to be pulled into a tight embrace.
"Hello, Professor," squeaked Hermione as soon as she was able.
When he released them at last the two Gryffindors feasted on a thick vegetable soup, hot crusty wheat bread, and goblets of pumpkin juice. As they ate, the Headmaster seemed to drift into his own world.
"I dare say that I've always been fascinated by the mixing of magic and young people." He sighed longingly. "The tricks I've seen in all my years hear."
Harry and Hermione grinned at each other as the headmaster continued.
"Ah, yes….boys in white dresses with blue satin sashes…snowflakes that stayed on your nose and eyelashes." He frowned softly. "Those were made of soap, actually."
"Of course," nodded Hermione.
"Oh, these were a few of my favorite things." The wizard paused and looked up at the starry ceiling above him, eyes wandering in thought.
"I say, about 25 years ago, Hogwarts had a group of young people in this school who had taken it upon themselves to embarrass every other student here, as well as some of the professors. A detention record they gathered themselves, held until the days of the Weasley twins, of course. What was that name they went by?" Dumbledore stroked his chin and glanced at Harry.
"The Marauders."
"Yes, yes, of course. Your godfather was one of them, as well as James and Lily."
Harry grinned. "Sirius never told me my mother was a Marauder. And I know he never mentioned white dresses and blue satin sashes."
"Well no, I imagine he wouldn't, as he was the one wearing the dress."
When Harry and Hermione stopped laughing, he continued.
"I'm sure he can tell you all about it when he arrives in the morning."
"Sirius is coming here?"
Dumbledore smiled at Harry's obvious excitement. "Yes, of course. He'll be here to help with your training."
"When will he arrive?" asked Harry.
"How will he arrive?" Hermione's thoughts had drifted for a moment back to Snape's disappearance from her house, and his apparent arrival back at Hogwarts. They had yet to see the Potions master.
"We're to meet him at half past nine in the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade," he answered to both of their questions.
Harry was satisfied with this answer, but knew Hermione wouldn't be until the Disapparating question was answered.
Dumbledore frowned when she told him the problem. "Between you and me, Severus Snape too often takes the shortest and trickiest route. For whatever reason. Yes, my dear – although it goes against what your favorite book says, it is possible to Apparate onto the grounds.
"Entrance onto the grounds is closely guarded, I assure you. There are, of course, catches in this mode of transportation. The trip takes much energy out of the individual, the window is opened only every third day or so of the summer holiday, and once here, you cannot leave." He smiled gently at the look on Hermione's face: shock. "You can see then, why that little-known fact is left out of the history book. I trust you both to keep it as well.
Hermione sat back, satisfied with an answer, and even a bit smug that she knew something about the school even the editors of Hogwarts: A History didn't know.
"You'll take care, children, to remember that while this castle is a school, it is also a magical place filled with magical things. Even now, I see everyday a new thing around the corner. There is always something new to be found."
**********
When they'd finished the meal, Professor Dumbledore cleared away the dishes with a flick of his wand. He twirled his beard one last time before folding his hands in front of him. Harry and Hermione made themselves as comfortable as possible.
"Professor McGonagall has told you as much as we know about the background of this situation, so I'll spare all of our heats and move on to another topic.
"It is my duty to prepare all of my students for the magical world outside of this school. In special cases, however, I work with them to achieve something while they remain in my care. Although I'll admit now that in all my years here, I've never come across such a – unique – problem.
"I've called you all back to begin your training under the teachers here. They all know well the need to prepare for any event. You will study healing under Professor Sprout and Madame Pomfrey, potions with Professor Snape, charms and transfigurations. You will learn physical, mental, and magical strategies for defense. We will work to prepare you for what will come – in any way possible."
When he finished, both listeners nodded silently, absorbing his words. Things had settled down from the lightheartedness of a few minutes before.
"Thank you, Professor."
"May I ask what for, Ms. Granger?"
Hermione was silent for a moment. She stared down at her twisting hands.
"Just – in case I never get a chance to say it again. Thank you for what you've done for us, and what you will do. Thank you for saving us."
"No, Hermione. Thank you for being willing to save us all."
********
Their guide was waiting outside the great Hall when Harry and Hermione exited.
"Harry Potter! Hermione Granger!" came the shrill cries.
Harry smiled as Dobby locked his short arms around his knees and squealed loudly. The little creature did the same to Hermione before stepping back slightly. His large pale green eyes were wet with tears.
"Mr. Harry, I am so happy to be seeing you again! Both of you!"
"It's good to see you, too," they replied.
And it was, despite Dobby's interesting and rather eclectic choice of clothing. His current attire was a pale green and bright yellow kilt worn below someone's old torn and faded Gryffindor necktie. Between his large, drooping ears sat a raspberry beret.
"What have you been doing with yourself?" asked Harry.
"There's been so much to do!" exclaimed Dobby. "Washing windows, cleaning cloths, scrubbing stones…" He was obviously happy to be talking about his work. "Professor Dumbledore is reminding us to take our breaks and leave some work for the next days."
Harry and Hermione couldn't resist smiling at each other, amused by the house-elf's persistent chattering.
"But now, Dobby is to show you to where you will stay."
The pair had believed they'd be in their own rooms in Gryffindor tower, but as Dobby led them up the main stairs and to the right, they were heading in the opposite direction.
At the top right of the stairs, Dobby whispered a password at a lamp bracket on the otherwise empty wall. Pastor. The wall shimmered for a moment, allowing the trio to quickly step through it. The hall went on for at least another hundred feet. As they went along, Dobby explained what was behind many of the doors along the way – mostly magical artifacts they shouldn't concern themselves with. Occasionally Hermione would glance behind her, only to see a blank wall where there'd once been a door. She was never able to catch the rooms in the midst of their changes.
"I feel like I need to leave a trail of breadcrumbs," she remarked to Harry as they followed the short creature through the maze of corridors. He grinned at the reference to the folk tale.
"Dobby is taking Harry and love to where many professors live," recited the house elf.
"The professors' quarters?" questioned Harry.
"They have to sleep somewhere, Harry." Hermione put a hand o her mouth, yawning. At this point, she was too tired to make a mental map and could only hope they were able to make their way out in the morning. Her earlier nap had refreshed her momentarily, but that energy was fading quickly.
They reached their destination a few moments later after passing through another pass worded door. Felix.
The corridor was made of stone, not unlike that of the Great Hall. Bright chandeliers of candles lit the way down the dark carpet, decorated every so often with the outline of the Hogwarts seal. The wall opposite a series of wooden doors was covered mostly by windows, which – Dobby assured them – let in daylight at all hours.
Each door was crested with a symbol of what Hermione assumed to be the professor's area of expertise: a plant, a crystal ball, a unicorn. Obviously these rooms were kept even when the professor chose to room elsewhere. After a long string of these doors, Dobby led them up a short flight of steps and leaned to the right again.
"Harry Potter and Hermione will find their rooms up here, across from Teacher' library. Study rooms are back down the stairs, along with a few more guest rooms."
Hermione blinked hard. Had she heard him correctly? Another library.
"Say Dobby, this library…" started Harry.
"Dobby was told to make it open to Harry and Hermione to help with their special projects."
Her heart soared.
******************************
Not the usual ending, I know, but I was eager to get on with it : )
Thank you for all of the reviews!
P.S. Is anyone besides me really really curious to know exactly where the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw common rooms are?
**********
Part 8: Confrontations
*********
Professor McGonagall was just exiting the Great Hall as Harry and Hermione arrived.
"You two do look a sight better, I imagine," she remarked not unkindly, giving each a glance-over.
"Thank you," Hermione replied for them both.
"I trust you got a few hours sleep this time, Mr. Potter?" She asked, frowning at him a bit.
"Yes, Professor."
"Hmph. Very well then." She straightened and was halfway to the stairs before turning back. "When you've finished your supper, someone will be sent to take you to your quarters."
"Yes, Professor," they echoed each other.
*********
Headmaster Albus Dumbledore was waiting for them when Harry and Hermione opened the doors. He looked just the same as he had three days before when they'd last seen him. His blue eyes twinkled above half-moon spectacles as he smiled merrily at the sight of his students' clasped hands.
"Come, my children," he called to the door, half-rising from his seat. "You must be starving."
Harry smiled and reached out his hand as they approached, only to be pulled into a tight embrace.
"Hello, Professor," squeaked Hermione as soon as she was able.
When he released them at last the two Gryffindors feasted on a thick vegetable soup, hot crusty wheat bread, and goblets of pumpkin juice. As they ate, the Headmaster seemed to drift into his own world.
"I dare say that I've always been fascinated by the mixing of magic and young people." He sighed longingly. "The tricks I've seen in all my years hear."
Harry and Hermione grinned at each other as the headmaster continued.
"Ah, yes….boys in white dresses with blue satin sashes…snowflakes that stayed on your nose and eyelashes." He frowned softly. "Those were made of soap, actually."
"Of course," nodded Hermione.
"Oh, these were a few of my favorite things." The wizard paused and looked up at the starry ceiling above him, eyes wandering in thought.
"I say, about 25 years ago, Hogwarts had a group of young people in this school who had taken it upon themselves to embarrass every other student here, as well as some of the professors. A detention record they gathered themselves, held until the days of the Weasley twins, of course. What was that name they went by?" Dumbledore stroked his chin and glanced at Harry.
"The Marauders."
"Yes, yes, of course. Your godfather was one of them, as well as James and Lily."
Harry grinned. "Sirius never told me my mother was a Marauder. And I know he never mentioned white dresses and blue satin sashes."
"Well no, I imagine he wouldn't, as he was the one wearing the dress."
When Harry and Hermione stopped laughing, he continued.
"I'm sure he can tell you all about it when he arrives in the morning."
"Sirius is coming here?"
Dumbledore smiled at Harry's obvious excitement. "Yes, of course. He'll be here to help with your training."
"When will he arrive?" asked Harry.
"How will he arrive?" Hermione's thoughts had drifted for a moment back to Snape's disappearance from her house, and his apparent arrival back at Hogwarts. They had yet to see the Potions master.
"We're to meet him at half past nine in the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade," he answered to both of their questions.
Harry was satisfied with this answer, but knew Hermione wouldn't be until the Disapparating question was answered.
Dumbledore frowned when she told him the problem. "Between you and me, Severus Snape too often takes the shortest and trickiest route. For whatever reason. Yes, my dear – although it goes against what your favorite book says, it is possible to Apparate onto the grounds.
"Entrance onto the grounds is closely guarded, I assure you. There are, of course, catches in this mode of transportation. The trip takes much energy out of the individual, the window is opened only every third day or so of the summer holiday, and once here, you cannot leave." He smiled gently at the look on Hermione's face: shock. "You can see then, why that little-known fact is left out of the history book. I trust you both to keep it as well.
Hermione sat back, satisfied with an answer, and even a bit smug that she knew something about the school even the editors of Hogwarts: A History didn't know.
"You'll take care, children, to remember that while this castle is a school, it is also a magical place filled with magical things. Even now, I see everyday a new thing around the corner. There is always something new to be found."
**********
When they'd finished the meal, Professor Dumbledore cleared away the dishes with a flick of his wand. He twirled his beard one last time before folding his hands in front of him. Harry and Hermione made themselves as comfortable as possible.
"Professor McGonagall has told you as much as we know about the background of this situation, so I'll spare all of our heats and move on to another topic.
"It is my duty to prepare all of my students for the magical world outside of this school. In special cases, however, I work with them to achieve something while they remain in my care. Although I'll admit now that in all my years here, I've never come across such a – unique – problem.
"I've called you all back to begin your training under the teachers here. They all know well the need to prepare for any event. You will study healing under Professor Sprout and Madame Pomfrey, potions with Professor Snape, charms and transfigurations. You will learn physical, mental, and magical strategies for defense. We will work to prepare you for what will come – in any way possible."
When he finished, both listeners nodded silently, absorbing his words. Things had settled down from the lightheartedness of a few minutes before.
"Thank you, Professor."
"May I ask what for, Ms. Granger?"
Hermione was silent for a moment. She stared down at her twisting hands.
"Just – in case I never get a chance to say it again. Thank you for what you've done for us, and what you will do. Thank you for saving us."
"No, Hermione. Thank you for being willing to save us all."
********
Their guide was waiting outside the great Hall when Harry and Hermione exited.
"Harry Potter! Hermione Granger!" came the shrill cries.
Harry smiled as Dobby locked his short arms around his knees and squealed loudly. The little creature did the same to Hermione before stepping back slightly. His large pale green eyes were wet with tears.
"Mr. Harry, I am so happy to be seeing you again! Both of you!"
"It's good to see you, too," they replied.
And it was, despite Dobby's interesting and rather eclectic choice of clothing. His current attire was a pale green and bright yellow kilt worn below someone's old torn and faded Gryffindor necktie. Between his large, drooping ears sat a raspberry beret.
"What have you been doing with yourself?" asked Harry.
"There's been so much to do!" exclaimed Dobby. "Washing windows, cleaning cloths, scrubbing stones…" He was obviously happy to be talking about his work. "Professor Dumbledore is reminding us to take our breaks and leave some work for the next days."
Harry and Hermione couldn't resist smiling at each other, amused by the house-elf's persistent chattering.
"But now, Dobby is to show you to where you will stay."
The pair had believed they'd be in their own rooms in Gryffindor tower, but as Dobby led them up the main stairs and to the right, they were heading in the opposite direction.
At the top right of the stairs, Dobby whispered a password at a lamp bracket on the otherwise empty wall. Pastor. The wall shimmered for a moment, allowing the trio to quickly step through it. The hall went on for at least another hundred feet. As they went along, Dobby explained what was behind many of the doors along the way – mostly magical artifacts they shouldn't concern themselves with. Occasionally Hermione would glance behind her, only to see a blank wall where there'd once been a door. She was never able to catch the rooms in the midst of their changes.
"I feel like I need to leave a trail of breadcrumbs," she remarked to Harry as they followed the short creature through the maze of corridors. He grinned at the reference to the folk tale.
"Dobby is taking Harry and love to where many professors live," recited the house elf.
"The professors' quarters?" questioned Harry.
"They have to sleep somewhere, Harry." Hermione put a hand o her mouth, yawning. At this point, she was too tired to make a mental map and could only hope they were able to make their way out in the morning. Her earlier nap had refreshed her momentarily, but that energy was fading quickly.
They reached their destination a few moments later after passing through another pass worded door. Felix.
The corridor was made of stone, not unlike that of the Great Hall. Bright chandeliers of candles lit the way down the dark carpet, decorated every so often with the outline of the Hogwarts seal. The wall opposite a series of wooden doors was covered mostly by windows, which – Dobby assured them – let in daylight at all hours.
Each door was crested with a symbol of what Hermione assumed to be the professor's area of expertise: a plant, a crystal ball, a unicorn. Obviously these rooms were kept even when the professor chose to room elsewhere. After a long string of these doors, Dobby led them up a short flight of steps and leaned to the right again.
"Harry Potter and Hermione will find their rooms up here, across from Teacher' library. Study rooms are back down the stairs, along with a few more guest rooms."
Hermione blinked hard. Had she heard him correctly? Another library.
"Say Dobby, this library…" started Harry.
"Dobby was told to make it open to Harry and Hermione to help with their special projects."
Her heart soared.
******************************
Not the usual ending, I know, but I was eager to get on with it : )
Thank you for all of the reviews!
P.S. Is anyone besides me really really curious to know exactly where the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw common rooms are?