Part Five:
Professor Snape's Office:
"Come." An irritated voice called out to the knocker. Dark eyes glared at the blonde who entered the room. "I don't believe you are serving a detention, Mr. Malfoy."
"I'm not." Draco said calmly, staring back until the black eyes softened.
"What is it?" The smooth voice was once more present.
"Sir, I just wanted to tell you that the word has been spread. If you-know...Voldemort hears about your sister, it won't be from any one of us." Though he shivered a little at the name, he was proud of himself for saying it.
Severus sighed and stood up, approaching his student. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." He responded. "We Slytherins need to stick together."
"Your father once said that." Flat voice, no inflection in it at all.
"My father is a fool. He meant that you needed to support him. I mean that we need to be there for each other because no one else will." Draco's voice was also flat.
There was an aborted snort from Severus. "I quite agree with you." He asked, when Draco didn't leave. "Was there something else, cousin?"
"Yes." The slight hitch in his voice betrayed his nervousness.
The professor gestured for him to join him in front of the window. They sat down, watching the storm outside for a while before he spoke. "Draco, you know that rumors of my violent tendencies are greatly exaggerated. What is it?"
He cleared his throat a few times, staring at the lightening. "I ran into Hermione after I left the infirmary."
"You let it slip that I have a sister." A hand pinched the bridge of his nose.
"I didn't mean to."
"Draco, peace." His hand rested on the young man's shoulder. "This has not been an easy situation for you or anyone else in Slytherin."
"Especially you, sir." He was quiet, watching his cousin's tired face in the glass. "How is she?"
"She woke for a moment, had a moment of clarity. If Potter is to be believed, that is." There was bitterness in his voice now.
"Potter?"
"Ironic, isn't it?" He was venomous. "My sister's first sight is of that wretched boy."
"Are you sure of this?"
"Mr. Potter paid me a visit earlier. I won't go into details but he tried to find out who she was." He sighed, rolling his shoulders to ease the tension in them. "I should not have expected it to remain a secret for long-especially in this school. At least Miss Granger is the one who found out. I trust you know how to handle this situation. Without resorting to magic." The warning was clear.
Draco nodded, then explained when his cousin just looked at him. "I thought she might be the best person to help me considering her past experiences. If not, she would make a great sounding board."
"Excellent. You'd better make an appearance in the dinning hall. Professor Dumbledore has an announcement relating to classes."
"I will see you there, won't I?" Silence. "Cousin, you need to eat. Starving yourself doesn't help your sister."
"That will be all, Mr. Malfoy." It was a clear dismissal. Severus stood up and went to his desk, beginning to do his work. With a sigh, Draco left the office.
Dumbledore's Office:
Albus waited patiently for the two to return. Finally, when the clock chimed that it was almost supper time, he pulled them out.
"What was that all about?" Sirius asked, face pale with shock.
"No time to explain now." Albus was cheerful. "We shall address this after dinner. Here, this will allow you a chance to eat with us."
Sirius looked doubtfully at the pollyjuice potion before tossing it back. Then he thought to question the headmaster. "Who am I to be?"
"Why, Professor MacGonagal."
As he felt himself change, he grimaced. Never thought I'd agree with Snape, but Dumbledore has a cruel sense of humor, Sirius thought resentfully. "But won't there be confusion with two of us present?"
"There should be no trouble at all. The Professor is rather busy." The headmaster led the way out the door. "Let's go, professors."
Dining Hall:
Hermione rushed into dinner that night. As she had expected, Ron and Harry didn't notice her behavior. They were involved in a discussion on the differences between the house Quidditch games and professionally played ones.
She glanced casually across the hall and saw Draco staring down at the table. The Slytherin youth was tapping the table restlessly. He seemed to feel her eyes on him and glanced up, giving her a tiny nod of acknowledgment. The sound of clapping hands brought their attention to the headmaster.
"I would first like to thank everyone for their patience in what may have been the oddest first days this institution has ever experienced." There were some smiles around the room. "I would also like to apologize to the students for the awkwardness they experienced due to certain changes in their schedules that were never announced. Professor Binns no longer teaches History of Magic, due to an unfortunate incident with Peeves. He has been replaced by Professor Nicholas Flamel."
Albus waited, allowing the students a moment to mourn for the loss of their old teacher. "As you can see Professor Lupin has resumed his job as teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts. We are deeply grateful that he was available. Now, I'm sure many of you remember him from your third year and will welcome him back. Professor Snape, would you explain to the students about his condition and reassure them." There was humor in the voice, it neatly disguised the warning that coexisted with it.
In the shadows of the hall, Professor Snape was standing. He was startled by Albus' directing attention to him but slid up to the dais calmly. Dark eyes met each one of the students in the room, assessing them carefully before he spoke. "Thank you, Headmaster. As I am sure you all know, Professor Lupin is a werewolf."
Ignoring the frightened cries of many students, he continued to speak. The flow of his voice was oddly comforting to them. "This should not alarm anyone. He presents no danger to anyone here, I will personally testify to that. I trust him." He paused, allowing that to sink in. "As students in my class, are aware there is a potion that calms the wolf and allows the man to be in control. Anyone interested in making it will report to me after classes are finished for the day. That is all."
He moved to sit down by Remus, a move that did not go unnoticed. Nodding at his Slytherins, he indicated that they should pay close attention to what the Headmaster had to say next.
"Thank you, Severus." Albus said, it was echoed silently by Remus. "The Forbidden Forest is off limits to all students this year. Do not approach it for any reason. If you suspect something is wrong, notify one of the faculty. Immediately." This was said with a warning glance towards Harry, who nodded that he understood.
"One last thing, the Potions and Defense classes will no longer be held together as they have in the past. Due to certain circumstances, our teachers need to concentrate more on teaching and not refereeing grudge matches. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin will have their own classes starting next week." Albus sat down and began to talk quietly to Minerva.
"Severus." Remus tried to get the potion teacher's attention. "Severus." He emphasized the name, almost angry with him.
"What?" He growled, glaring over at him. "I'm trying to eat."
"Is that what you call it? It looked to me like you were trying to kill it. Trust me when I say that it is already dead." Remus joked, then his face grew serious. "Severus, you didn't have to say those things."
"Yes, I did." His tone was final.
Down among the students, there was a moment of uncertainty as they stared suspiciously at Remus as if they expected him to suddenly transform and kill them. But the appearance of good food drew their attention and they ate.
Draco watched his cousin and saw him force a few bites down. Though food was the last thing on their minds, he followed suit. Their eyes met for a moment and held before Draco recognized the 'look away' in those dark orbs. His gaze connected with Hermione's again and he could see the worry in her eyes as she subtly gestured towards Professor Snape. He could only shrug in response to the question he saw there as well.
"Can you believe what Professor Snape said about that werewolf?" Millicent scoffed, pulling him from his thoughts. "As if he would really believe such a thing. Mark my words, Professor Dumbledore is behind it. Don't you agree, Draco?"
"If there's one thing I've learned from Professor Snape, it's never trust outward appearances. I believe he trusts the wolf as far as he can because he believes in his potion skills. Don't you?" He challenged quietly, daring the brown eyed girl to contradict him.
She looked away after a moment. "You're right. What was I thinking?" It was a humble question.
"What you had every right to based on the knowledge he's given us." Draco responded, resting his hand on hers for a moment. Then he got down to business. "Listen, have you heard anything from that cousin of yours in Ravenclaw?"
"No. There were some whispers but I put a stop to them quickly enough." Her voice was hard. "I will not tolerate anyone spreading such lies about him."
"Excellent." Draco congratulated her. "How about from the Hufflepuffs?"
Blaise spoke up. "Not a word. I never thought that I'd be grateful for their blind loyalty but it has helped us immensely. In their minds, Professor Snape is a teacher. Therefore, he deserves their devotion and silence."
"Interesting." Draco mused. "Keep up the good work."
"What about Gryffindor?" Parvatil asked. "They have no love of our professor."
"I will handle them." There was no malice in his voice, just grim determination.
Parvatil studied him. "I see. Granger?"
"Do you have a problem with that?" He asked, directing the question to the whole table.
"No." It was an answer that included everyone. Parvatil went on to explain the answer, though it wasn't necessary. "Granger is friends with Potter and his ilk. She is the brains of the whole tribe, the only one worth anything in the whole house. If anyone can keep them out of this, she can."
"My thoughts exactly." Draco said, glancing towards the Gryffindor table again. Hermione was still watching them, a contemplative look on her face. For the first time in a while, he could relax. He smiled, surprised when she returned it.
"Hey, 'Mione. Why do you keep looking at Malfoy? It won't make him less annoying or make him disappear." Ron asked, interrupting her study. "If you don't stop, people are going to think you've got a crush. But may be he has one on you." Those who heard him, laughed at the idea.
She looked at him irritably, then smiled sweetly. "So what if I do? It's none of your business if we find each other attractive." That silenced the table, she thought with some satisfaction.
"But he's Draco Malfoy!" Ron stuttered, flushing. "You know, Harry's tormentor-and your own!"
"I know who he is, Ron. After all, I pay attention to what's going on around me." She chided, standing up. "But people change. People grow up. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to go."
"Where?" Harry asked, searching her face. By now, he knew her well enough to know when something was up. She definitely knew something and he wondered if it had anything to do with that mysterious patient people refused to talk about.
"I have an appointment." She said, walking away. Then, with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, she looked straight at her friends. "Or a date, if you prefer. See you later!" With a jaunty wave in their direction, Hermione left the room, whistling.
Draco took that as his cue and rose.
Crabbe looked at him, a question in his eyes.
He shook his head, "Only come if it looks like the Gryffindors might want to cause trouble." He left the room, ignoring the stares of the students who were well aware of the animosity of the two factions.
The Astronomy Tower:
Hermione shivered a little in the wind. The storm had ceased as suddenly as it had sprung up but left a chill in the air. "Would you like to go to your room and get your coat?" A solicitous voice asked.
She turned and smiled uncertainly at Draco. "No. I'll be fine."
"Don't be a stubborn Gryffindor, we might be out here for a bit." He snapped, then sighed when her eyes turned frosty. She's here to help you, Draco. Don't blow it he thought. "I'm sorry. Come on, we'll go to my common room."
"Won't you get into trouble?" She asked, following him.
"No. Surprisingly, they rather approve of you." He said, aborting an attempt to wrap an arm around her shivering form. Pulling off his coat, he offered it to her. "Here. I'm used to the chill."
Gratefully, she accepted it. It smelled like the earth, she thought with some surprise, and it was warm. "I...thank you."
"Our symbol may be a snake, it doesn't mean that we are as cold blooded as they are, Hermione." But it was gentle reprimand. He caught her stare. "What?"
"You called me Hermione."
"Did I?" He thought back, realized she was right, and shrugged. "Does that bother you? I mean, as conspirators, I figured it would be easier than calling you Granger all the time."
"No. In fact," she paused, fighting the smile. "It gives credence to my claim of a date tonight."
"What?" He asked, looking at her before hitting some of the stones to open the passage.
"Well, Ron was insinuating that I had a crush on you. Or vice versa." She stopped at the comical look on his face. "I know, but we did look at each other an awful lot over the dinner table. And there was earlier."
"Clever idea, Granger. So, which one of us is crushing who? And when was I to be told of this little development?" He teased, kneeling in front of the fireplace. After a little work, he had a nice blaze going.
"Had to be you." She remarked, sitting on the ground. "You're the one who started it all."
With a surprised laugh, he leaned back against a chair leg. "We Malfoys do pride ourselves on being first in everything. But I must admit that I've never been in this position before. What am I supposed to do?"
"I think you're supposed to attempt to snog me." She said, seriously.
"And you?" He asked, watching her in amusement.
"Are supposed to feign shock that you would think I'm that kind of girl." Her face became stern, even though her eyes twinkled. "I'm rather disappointed in you, Mr. Malfoy. I thought debauchery was the first thing a Slytherin learned."
"Not so. The first thing we learn is charm. For without that, how can we expect to lead anyone, anywhere." Then his face lost all amusement. "Seriously, Hermione, if anything you hear makes you uncomfortable, you may leave. I don't want to pressure you into doing anything."
"Draco, I meant what I said. I want to help." Drawing her legs up so that she could rest her face against her knees, she studied him.
"Why are you so willing to trust me?" He asked. "You know what I've done, I've tormented you in the past. My father, I don't even want to go there. Why?"
"You let me in." Her answer was simple. "For one moment, you were real. There was no mask, no hiding. It was just you. Draco Malfoy, a living, breathing, real, person."
"Hermione, you are exactly what I always thought Lily Evans was like." He mused thoughtfully.
"What?" She was shocked, but tried to quiet her voice. "What do you know about Harry's mother?"
"More than most people," he admitted, reluctantly. "Professor Snape and she were friends."
"Harry's mom!?!" Now she was loud but she couldn't keep it inside.
"Keep your voice down." He cautioned. "You may be tolerated but you haven't proven yourself yet."
"Sorry. But I don't understand. Professor Snape hates Harry."
"No." Draco corrected her. "This doesn't go any further than us, understand? Professor Snape hates the fact that Harry gets the credit for killing Voldemort when in reality it was Lily's pure love for her son that did it."
"Oh. Were they close?" She was numb. Did Professor Snape love Lily and lose her to James Potter, is that why he hates him?
"Not in the sense that you mean." Then he shook himself, "This really isn't the point. Right now, we need to discuss the situation I mentioned earlier. Professor Snape knows that you are aware of his sister. He wants me to handle this but he will take over if he thinks that you do not understand the severity of the situation."
She shelved aside her questions for later, becoming strictly business. "I will not betray you. You can tell Professor Snape that."
"I believe you," he paused, struck by something. "You know what, I think that is why he offered to teach the wolf's bane potion. He wants you to seek him out, reassure him yourself."
"I'll do that." She said, then asked the question that had been haunting her all day. "What is this all about?"
It was one word. One answer that summed up the fears of many. "Voldemort."
After dinner:
Remus waved Sirius along. "Go on, that potion is due to wear off soon. I just want to talk to Severus right now."
"Severus is it now?" Sirius asked bitterly.
"Siri, please." Remus pleaded. His friend nodded and walked away. Making his way down to the dungeons, he paused when he saw Draco and Hermione enter the Slytherin dorm. Blinking, he could only question what he saw. He moved to interfere but she didn't look afraid. In fact, he thought she looked quite comfortable in his company. He knocked sharply on Severus' office door.
"What did I do, bath in an exploded popularity potion?" He heard the smooth voice ask irritably. The door ripped open and the potions master stared down at Remus. Sneering, he asked, "Where's Rin Tin Tin? Out getting his shots?"
"The whole time we were in school, you knew." Remus stated calmly.
"Yes. I knew. Now, go away." The door swung closed-stopped only by Remus' foot. "What do you want?" He hissed.
The dada teacher pushed his way in and closed the door behind him. "Answers. You knew what I was in school, at least from our fifth year. You didn't betray me or Dumbledore then. And you didn't do it four years ago. So, why did you take the fall?"
"Because I can take the scorn and anger of my colleagues. You don't see Slytherins as vulnerable, but they are. They are so fragile and so delicate, it frightens me to think about it. And not one of you cares!" He yelled, then he visibly forced himself to calm down. "It was the same when we went to school. It is the same today. The stereotype of the cold, evil Slytherin prevails and no one sees that they are just children.
"They are children, Remus. Children." He emphasized. "Children that no one listens to. Children that no one truly sees. No one gives them a chance and they feel that scorn. They feel it and they react to it. They become all that everyone believes they are because they have no hope. How do they form hope in a world that condemns them outright based solely because of the house they are in. Is that satisfactory? Have I answered your questions?"
Remus nodded, numb.
"Good. Get out." Severus went into the next room and closed the door behind him.
He was left with no choice and slowly walked away, shaking his head. There was too much truth in the professor's words to deny. And he knew he was guilty of the same crime he'd been victim to ever since the truth about him had come out.
Professor Snape's Office:
"Come." An irritated voice called out to the knocker. Dark eyes glared at the blonde who entered the room. "I don't believe you are serving a detention, Mr. Malfoy."
"I'm not." Draco said calmly, staring back until the black eyes softened.
"What is it?" The smooth voice was once more present.
"Sir, I just wanted to tell you that the word has been spread. If you-know...Voldemort hears about your sister, it won't be from any one of us." Though he shivered a little at the name, he was proud of himself for saying it.
Severus sighed and stood up, approaching his student. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." He responded. "We Slytherins need to stick together."
"Your father once said that." Flat voice, no inflection in it at all.
"My father is a fool. He meant that you needed to support him. I mean that we need to be there for each other because no one else will." Draco's voice was also flat.
There was an aborted snort from Severus. "I quite agree with you." He asked, when Draco didn't leave. "Was there something else, cousin?"
"Yes." The slight hitch in his voice betrayed his nervousness.
The professor gestured for him to join him in front of the window. They sat down, watching the storm outside for a while before he spoke. "Draco, you know that rumors of my violent tendencies are greatly exaggerated. What is it?"
He cleared his throat a few times, staring at the lightening. "I ran into Hermione after I left the infirmary."
"You let it slip that I have a sister." A hand pinched the bridge of his nose.
"I didn't mean to."
"Draco, peace." His hand rested on the young man's shoulder. "This has not been an easy situation for you or anyone else in Slytherin."
"Especially you, sir." He was quiet, watching his cousin's tired face in the glass. "How is she?"
"She woke for a moment, had a moment of clarity. If Potter is to be believed, that is." There was bitterness in his voice now.
"Potter?"
"Ironic, isn't it?" He was venomous. "My sister's first sight is of that wretched boy."
"Are you sure of this?"
"Mr. Potter paid me a visit earlier. I won't go into details but he tried to find out who she was." He sighed, rolling his shoulders to ease the tension in them. "I should not have expected it to remain a secret for long-especially in this school. At least Miss Granger is the one who found out. I trust you know how to handle this situation. Without resorting to magic." The warning was clear.
Draco nodded, then explained when his cousin just looked at him. "I thought she might be the best person to help me considering her past experiences. If not, she would make a great sounding board."
"Excellent. You'd better make an appearance in the dinning hall. Professor Dumbledore has an announcement relating to classes."
"I will see you there, won't I?" Silence. "Cousin, you need to eat. Starving yourself doesn't help your sister."
"That will be all, Mr. Malfoy." It was a clear dismissal. Severus stood up and went to his desk, beginning to do his work. With a sigh, Draco left the office.
Dumbledore's Office:
Albus waited patiently for the two to return. Finally, when the clock chimed that it was almost supper time, he pulled them out.
"What was that all about?" Sirius asked, face pale with shock.
"No time to explain now." Albus was cheerful. "We shall address this after dinner. Here, this will allow you a chance to eat with us."
Sirius looked doubtfully at the pollyjuice potion before tossing it back. Then he thought to question the headmaster. "Who am I to be?"
"Why, Professor MacGonagal."
As he felt himself change, he grimaced. Never thought I'd agree with Snape, but Dumbledore has a cruel sense of humor, Sirius thought resentfully. "But won't there be confusion with two of us present?"
"There should be no trouble at all. The Professor is rather busy." The headmaster led the way out the door. "Let's go, professors."
Dining Hall:
Hermione rushed into dinner that night. As she had expected, Ron and Harry didn't notice her behavior. They were involved in a discussion on the differences between the house Quidditch games and professionally played ones.
She glanced casually across the hall and saw Draco staring down at the table. The Slytherin youth was tapping the table restlessly. He seemed to feel her eyes on him and glanced up, giving her a tiny nod of acknowledgment. The sound of clapping hands brought their attention to the headmaster.
"I would first like to thank everyone for their patience in what may have been the oddest first days this institution has ever experienced." There were some smiles around the room. "I would also like to apologize to the students for the awkwardness they experienced due to certain changes in their schedules that were never announced. Professor Binns no longer teaches History of Magic, due to an unfortunate incident with Peeves. He has been replaced by Professor Nicholas Flamel."
Albus waited, allowing the students a moment to mourn for the loss of their old teacher. "As you can see Professor Lupin has resumed his job as teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts. We are deeply grateful that he was available. Now, I'm sure many of you remember him from your third year and will welcome him back. Professor Snape, would you explain to the students about his condition and reassure them." There was humor in the voice, it neatly disguised the warning that coexisted with it.
In the shadows of the hall, Professor Snape was standing. He was startled by Albus' directing attention to him but slid up to the dais calmly. Dark eyes met each one of the students in the room, assessing them carefully before he spoke. "Thank you, Headmaster. As I am sure you all know, Professor Lupin is a werewolf."
Ignoring the frightened cries of many students, he continued to speak. The flow of his voice was oddly comforting to them. "This should not alarm anyone. He presents no danger to anyone here, I will personally testify to that. I trust him." He paused, allowing that to sink in. "As students in my class, are aware there is a potion that calms the wolf and allows the man to be in control. Anyone interested in making it will report to me after classes are finished for the day. That is all."
He moved to sit down by Remus, a move that did not go unnoticed. Nodding at his Slytherins, he indicated that they should pay close attention to what the Headmaster had to say next.
"Thank you, Severus." Albus said, it was echoed silently by Remus. "The Forbidden Forest is off limits to all students this year. Do not approach it for any reason. If you suspect something is wrong, notify one of the faculty. Immediately." This was said with a warning glance towards Harry, who nodded that he understood.
"One last thing, the Potions and Defense classes will no longer be held together as they have in the past. Due to certain circumstances, our teachers need to concentrate more on teaching and not refereeing grudge matches. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin will have their own classes starting next week." Albus sat down and began to talk quietly to Minerva.
"Severus." Remus tried to get the potion teacher's attention. "Severus." He emphasized the name, almost angry with him.
"What?" He growled, glaring over at him. "I'm trying to eat."
"Is that what you call it? It looked to me like you were trying to kill it. Trust me when I say that it is already dead." Remus joked, then his face grew serious. "Severus, you didn't have to say those things."
"Yes, I did." His tone was final.
Down among the students, there was a moment of uncertainty as they stared suspiciously at Remus as if they expected him to suddenly transform and kill them. But the appearance of good food drew their attention and they ate.
Draco watched his cousin and saw him force a few bites down. Though food was the last thing on their minds, he followed suit. Their eyes met for a moment and held before Draco recognized the 'look away' in those dark orbs. His gaze connected with Hermione's again and he could see the worry in her eyes as she subtly gestured towards Professor Snape. He could only shrug in response to the question he saw there as well.
"Can you believe what Professor Snape said about that werewolf?" Millicent scoffed, pulling him from his thoughts. "As if he would really believe such a thing. Mark my words, Professor Dumbledore is behind it. Don't you agree, Draco?"
"If there's one thing I've learned from Professor Snape, it's never trust outward appearances. I believe he trusts the wolf as far as he can because he believes in his potion skills. Don't you?" He challenged quietly, daring the brown eyed girl to contradict him.
She looked away after a moment. "You're right. What was I thinking?" It was a humble question.
"What you had every right to based on the knowledge he's given us." Draco responded, resting his hand on hers for a moment. Then he got down to business. "Listen, have you heard anything from that cousin of yours in Ravenclaw?"
"No. There were some whispers but I put a stop to them quickly enough." Her voice was hard. "I will not tolerate anyone spreading such lies about him."
"Excellent." Draco congratulated her. "How about from the Hufflepuffs?"
Blaise spoke up. "Not a word. I never thought that I'd be grateful for their blind loyalty but it has helped us immensely. In their minds, Professor Snape is a teacher. Therefore, he deserves their devotion and silence."
"Interesting." Draco mused. "Keep up the good work."
"What about Gryffindor?" Parvatil asked. "They have no love of our professor."
"I will handle them." There was no malice in his voice, just grim determination.
Parvatil studied him. "I see. Granger?"
"Do you have a problem with that?" He asked, directing the question to the whole table.
"No." It was an answer that included everyone. Parvatil went on to explain the answer, though it wasn't necessary. "Granger is friends with Potter and his ilk. She is the brains of the whole tribe, the only one worth anything in the whole house. If anyone can keep them out of this, she can."
"My thoughts exactly." Draco said, glancing towards the Gryffindor table again. Hermione was still watching them, a contemplative look on her face. For the first time in a while, he could relax. He smiled, surprised when she returned it.
"Hey, 'Mione. Why do you keep looking at Malfoy? It won't make him less annoying or make him disappear." Ron asked, interrupting her study. "If you don't stop, people are going to think you've got a crush. But may be he has one on you." Those who heard him, laughed at the idea.
She looked at him irritably, then smiled sweetly. "So what if I do? It's none of your business if we find each other attractive." That silenced the table, she thought with some satisfaction.
"But he's Draco Malfoy!" Ron stuttered, flushing. "You know, Harry's tormentor-and your own!"
"I know who he is, Ron. After all, I pay attention to what's going on around me." She chided, standing up. "But people change. People grow up. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to go."
"Where?" Harry asked, searching her face. By now, he knew her well enough to know when something was up. She definitely knew something and he wondered if it had anything to do with that mysterious patient people refused to talk about.
"I have an appointment." She said, walking away. Then, with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, she looked straight at her friends. "Or a date, if you prefer. See you later!" With a jaunty wave in their direction, Hermione left the room, whistling.
Draco took that as his cue and rose.
Crabbe looked at him, a question in his eyes.
He shook his head, "Only come if it looks like the Gryffindors might want to cause trouble." He left the room, ignoring the stares of the students who were well aware of the animosity of the two factions.
The Astronomy Tower:
Hermione shivered a little in the wind. The storm had ceased as suddenly as it had sprung up but left a chill in the air. "Would you like to go to your room and get your coat?" A solicitous voice asked.
She turned and smiled uncertainly at Draco. "No. I'll be fine."
"Don't be a stubborn Gryffindor, we might be out here for a bit." He snapped, then sighed when her eyes turned frosty. She's here to help you, Draco. Don't blow it he thought. "I'm sorry. Come on, we'll go to my common room."
"Won't you get into trouble?" She asked, following him.
"No. Surprisingly, they rather approve of you." He said, aborting an attempt to wrap an arm around her shivering form. Pulling off his coat, he offered it to her. "Here. I'm used to the chill."
Gratefully, she accepted it. It smelled like the earth, she thought with some surprise, and it was warm. "I...thank you."
"Our symbol may be a snake, it doesn't mean that we are as cold blooded as they are, Hermione." But it was gentle reprimand. He caught her stare. "What?"
"You called me Hermione."
"Did I?" He thought back, realized she was right, and shrugged. "Does that bother you? I mean, as conspirators, I figured it would be easier than calling you Granger all the time."
"No. In fact," she paused, fighting the smile. "It gives credence to my claim of a date tonight."
"What?" He asked, looking at her before hitting some of the stones to open the passage.
"Well, Ron was insinuating that I had a crush on you. Or vice versa." She stopped at the comical look on his face. "I know, but we did look at each other an awful lot over the dinner table. And there was earlier."
"Clever idea, Granger. So, which one of us is crushing who? And when was I to be told of this little development?" He teased, kneeling in front of the fireplace. After a little work, he had a nice blaze going.
"Had to be you." She remarked, sitting on the ground. "You're the one who started it all."
With a surprised laugh, he leaned back against a chair leg. "We Malfoys do pride ourselves on being first in everything. But I must admit that I've never been in this position before. What am I supposed to do?"
"I think you're supposed to attempt to snog me." She said, seriously.
"And you?" He asked, watching her in amusement.
"Are supposed to feign shock that you would think I'm that kind of girl." Her face became stern, even though her eyes twinkled. "I'm rather disappointed in you, Mr. Malfoy. I thought debauchery was the first thing a Slytherin learned."
"Not so. The first thing we learn is charm. For without that, how can we expect to lead anyone, anywhere." Then his face lost all amusement. "Seriously, Hermione, if anything you hear makes you uncomfortable, you may leave. I don't want to pressure you into doing anything."
"Draco, I meant what I said. I want to help." Drawing her legs up so that she could rest her face against her knees, she studied him.
"Why are you so willing to trust me?" He asked. "You know what I've done, I've tormented you in the past. My father, I don't even want to go there. Why?"
"You let me in." Her answer was simple. "For one moment, you were real. There was no mask, no hiding. It was just you. Draco Malfoy, a living, breathing, real, person."
"Hermione, you are exactly what I always thought Lily Evans was like." He mused thoughtfully.
"What?" She was shocked, but tried to quiet her voice. "What do you know about Harry's mother?"
"More than most people," he admitted, reluctantly. "Professor Snape and she were friends."
"Harry's mom!?!" Now she was loud but she couldn't keep it inside.
"Keep your voice down." He cautioned. "You may be tolerated but you haven't proven yourself yet."
"Sorry. But I don't understand. Professor Snape hates Harry."
"No." Draco corrected her. "This doesn't go any further than us, understand? Professor Snape hates the fact that Harry gets the credit for killing Voldemort when in reality it was Lily's pure love for her son that did it."
"Oh. Were they close?" She was numb. Did Professor Snape love Lily and lose her to James Potter, is that why he hates him?
"Not in the sense that you mean." Then he shook himself, "This really isn't the point. Right now, we need to discuss the situation I mentioned earlier. Professor Snape knows that you are aware of his sister. He wants me to handle this but he will take over if he thinks that you do not understand the severity of the situation."
She shelved aside her questions for later, becoming strictly business. "I will not betray you. You can tell Professor Snape that."
"I believe you," he paused, struck by something. "You know what, I think that is why he offered to teach the wolf's bane potion. He wants you to seek him out, reassure him yourself."
"I'll do that." She said, then asked the question that had been haunting her all day. "What is this all about?"
It was one word. One answer that summed up the fears of many. "Voldemort."
After dinner:
Remus waved Sirius along. "Go on, that potion is due to wear off soon. I just want to talk to Severus right now."
"Severus is it now?" Sirius asked bitterly.
"Siri, please." Remus pleaded. His friend nodded and walked away. Making his way down to the dungeons, he paused when he saw Draco and Hermione enter the Slytherin dorm. Blinking, he could only question what he saw. He moved to interfere but she didn't look afraid. In fact, he thought she looked quite comfortable in his company. He knocked sharply on Severus' office door.
"What did I do, bath in an exploded popularity potion?" He heard the smooth voice ask irritably. The door ripped open and the potions master stared down at Remus. Sneering, he asked, "Where's Rin Tin Tin? Out getting his shots?"
"The whole time we were in school, you knew." Remus stated calmly.
"Yes. I knew. Now, go away." The door swung closed-stopped only by Remus' foot. "What do you want?" He hissed.
The dada teacher pushed his way in and closed the door behind him. "Answers. You knew what I was in school, at least from our fifth year. You didn't betray me or Dumbledore then. And you didn't do it four years ago. So, why did you take the fall?"
"Because I can take the scorn and anger of my colleagues. You don't see Slytherins as vulnerable, but they are. They are so fragile and so delicate, it frightens me to think about it. And not one of you cares!" He yelled, then he visibly forced himself to calm down. "It was the same when we went to school. It is the same today. The stereotype of the cold, evil Slytherin prevails and no one sees that they are just children.
"They are children, Remus. Children." He emphasized. "Children that no one listens to. Children that no one truly sees. No one gives them a chance and they feel that scorn. They feel it and they react to it. They become all that everyone believes they are because they have no hope. How do they form hope in a world that condemns them outright based solely because of the house they are in. Is that satisfactory? Have I answered your questions?"
Remus nodded, numb.
"Good. Get out." Severus went into the next room and closed the door behind him.
He was left with no choice and slowly walked away, shaking his head. There was too much truth in the professor's words to deny. And he knew he was guilty of the same crime he'd been victim to ever since the truth about him had come out.
