The Star-Patterned Ceiling


Hermione yawned, wishing she could simply lie her head on the book and have a nap. She had discovered in her research of the fey, so far, that there was quite specific information on how to deal with the after-effects. And, in fact, there were several books she had read already that had the spells to help one deal with the after-effects of fey magic. Her problem was that there had, so far, been nothing on how to duplicate the fey magic. She felt frustrated and at a loss.



"You seem a bit down, Miss Granger, is there a problem?"

The suave voice purred from directly behind her, but Hermione was too tired to react and simply looked up at Professor Snape as he perched on the Gryffindor table beside her.

"I've not finished my project, Professor Snape, and the term is almost over, I, I'm not quite sure what to do."

Hermione's voice caught for a moment and she looked away to surreptitiously wipe a tear. That must never happen; crying in front of McGonagall, yes, but Professor Snape?

Hermione took a shuddering breath and quickly stood up, still not looking at Severus.

"I would suggest, Miss Granger", he spoke almost kindly, "that you simply continue your project next year."

"Could I?"

Straightening her shoulders, Hermione turned to look at her teacher.

Perhaps it was the light, but for a moment Hermione thought she saw kindness in his dark eyes.

As if uncomfortable at her close scrutiny, Severus straightened quickly from his position and began to turn away.

"Of course you could, Miss Granger, you have plenty of time, you still have six years remaining at Hogwarts."

The last was spoken rather tersely as he began to walk away, but there was a smile on Hermione's face as she stared at his retreating back.

"Thank you Professor Snape."

Her voice was warm and for a moment his step stilled, then he continued towards the door. Over his shoulder he threw a rather quiet "your welcome" before moving out of sight.

~~*~~


By now, Harry was back in Gryffindor Tower and attending classes. He was however still weak and he had joked with Hermione and Ron that they would have to be the ones to use his invisibility cloak as he hadn't the strength to go up against Snape if they were caught. Hermione had laughed along with the boys, but didn't bother to mention that she'd already 'borrowed' it on several occasions...no point in worrying them after all.



That evening, after curfew, Hermione slipped out of the Gryffindor common room, ignoring the disapproving glare from the Fat Lady, and hurried to the library. She had a fortnight remaining so she might still be able to get more information.

As she rounded a corner on her way back to her room later that night, Hermione stopped suddenly as she spotted both Professor Snape and Dumbledore walking down the hall towards her deep in conversation.

Stepping back, Hermione looked about her and saw a niche in the wall with just enough space to squeeze into. Standing there, her heart pounding, Hermione waited for them to pass by when they abruptly stopped....directly in front of her hiding place.

"So, Albus."

It was Professor Snape and he leaned against the wall, practically close enough to touch the hidden girl, and looked curiously over at the Headmaster.

"You say Hagrid has found several more Fey rings, these ones much closer to the school?"

Hermione straightened imperceptibly at hearing that, not aware of Severus' ability to sense her presence under the invisibility cloak, his awareness of her movement nor his having hoped that she would have chosen to be out tonight using it.

"Indeed Severus, one in fact has been placed rather closer to the path to Hogsmead than I am at all comfortable with. It will have to be dealt with before the students return in September. Will you require any assistance in dealing with this problem?

The Headmaster spoke in his usual calm, well modulated voice, not looking anywhere but at Severus as he spoke.

"Thank you no, Albus, I have it under control."

Severus struggled to hide a smirk as he sensed Hermione leaning forward to catch their every word.

"Very good Severus, do let me know how things are going, won't you?"

The Headmaster nodded smilingly to Severus then turned and hurried back the way he had come when he had received a confirming nod from his DADA Professor. Straightening to his full six feel, Severus turned and headed in the opposite direction, towards the dungeons and the next phase of his plan to discover just what Miss Hermione Granger had been up to in the restricted books section.

Alone again, Hermione slipped from her hiding place, her heart beating painfully from barely controlled excitement. She now knew what she could do. She would use Harry's cloak and go and find one of those fey circles herself!

~~*~~


"Cousin Diamona."

Draco smoothed one hand over his blonde hair, his smile warm as they walked together towards the Slytherin common room, his other arm held tightly around her slender waist.

"Yes, Draco?"

At the warmth in her voice Draco seemed to stand even taller and he looked more genuinely happy than anyone had ever seen him, his usually pale face rosy and a sparkle in his grey eyes.

"I have a surprise for you cousin Diamona, and I know you'll truly love it."

Pulling her quickly towards the entrance to the Slytherin common room Draco smiled at her look of curiosity as he said the password, "parsle-tongue" and hurried with her into the room.

"Father, I brought her" he began happily but was cut off as Lucius Malfoy moved quickly from where he had been waiting beside the roaring fire.

"I'm not blind, Draco, obviously you brought her" he snapped coldly at his son, dismissing him with a curt look.

"Miss Malfoy."

Lucius nodded politely to the frowning young woman then started to walk towards the door.

"Yes sir?" she asked, frowning as he passed her without a look, his back straight and a stern expression on his pale, autocratic features.

"We need to talk young lady, privately" he emphasized, as Draco made to follow them.

"Where, sir?"

Diamona asked quietly as she looked sadly over at Draco, a pinched look on his pale face, his eyes a stormy grey as he stared angrily at his father's broad back.

"Follow me."

Without a further word, Lucius Malfoy swept through the doorway and headed along the echoing stone hallway not slowing nor looking back to see Diamona hurrying to keep up to his much longer stride. At the entrance to the Great Hall he stopped and waited till she caught up with him before silently opening the door and walking ahead into the large room.

As she entered the Great Hall Diamona couldn't help gasping at the sight that met her eyes. Thousands of twinkling stars, seeming almost within reach, hung from the ceiling. Along the walls several candles fluttered briefly as they entered then settled, their flickering lights like so many tiny faery lights.

Indicating the Slytherin table, Lucius perched at the end, one black booted foot resting on the bench. Diamona sat on the other bench and stared up at her uncle, for the first time in her life not too sure just how happy she was at being a Malfoy.

"You will leave Hogwarts immediately!"

Lucius barked the order, standing directly in front of her. He dusted an imaginary speck from his implacable white shirt before carefully considering the beautiful young woman before him.

"Wha?"

Diamona stared up at him incredulously. Draco was right, his father certainly was used to having his commands obeyed unquestioningly.

Before she could even open her mouth again, Lucius looked up at the starry ceiling, then spoke quietly, his voice as fluid as silk.

"Look up at the stars, Diamona."

His voice sent a shiver through her and despite herself she looked up.

Directly overhead it appeared to Diamona that the entire universe was swirling only inches from her eyes and as she stared, mesmerized, she felt rather than heard his deep, calming voice vibrate through her being as her consciousness slipped away into the swirling star patterns.