Disclaimer: I don't own them, yadda, yadda, yadda, got it? Good.
Chapter 6
Cursius mentalot trevirema evila
"Well, that does appear to be very serious indeed," said Dumbledore, who had gone very white in the face.
"Professor, why has this happened?" asked Hermione anxiously.
"Did either of you hear a spell or incantation of sorts mentioned, while I'm assuming you were dreaming?" Dumbledore asked them, as he slowly started to regain color.
"Yeah, I heard, and I'm assuming she did too, Cursius mentalot trevirema evila. I think that's what it was. And then there was a lot of choking smoke that filled the room." Said Draco, speaking for both of them.
"Then, the dark mark you both have, is indeed real. Now let me explain," he said, holding up a hand to stop them from talking. "The incantation that was said, allows the speaker to cast the dark mark on two people. It only works once, and can never be used again by the same person. It allowed Voldemort, through a powerful connection that was made through the dream, to bestow the mark upon you. He must want you for a special cause, to choose you two, when there are many who are more loyal and powerful than you might be. But I think I know why. You two have the potential to become some of the most powerful wizards and witches this world has ever seen. And I think that Voldemort will try to encourage or force a union between the two of you. That would result in someone Voldemort might deem worthy enough to be his heir. But also, through the mark, Voldemort will be able to summon you. Of course you can refuse to go, but I wouldn't recommend that. I know, absurd, isn't it, but if you go when and if he summons you, we will be able to receive information. You do not have to pledge allegiance, since he will not kill you, as you are the link to the child and heir he so desperately wants. I'm also afraid this is irreversible, and it also goes with out saying, but you are not allowed to inform anyone of this. If you ever have concerns about this, or just want to talk about it, you may confide in each other, and me, but no one else, is that understood? Not even your professors."
They both nodded, stealing a quick glance at each other, silently forming a bond. A truce of sorts, if you will.
"Good. I'm afraid there is nothing else I can do. Your parents will not be notified, as it might put you in danger. Please return to your common rooms now, I'll escort you if you give me a few moments."
Again, both of them nodded, silently standing up while waiting for Dumbledore to gather his things together. As soon as he did, they walked first to Gryffindor Tower. When they were outside of the tower, Dumbledore handed them what appeared to be a wrist guard.
"I ask that you wear this at all times, everywhere, even in the shower or when doing potions. It will shield the mark, so that we do not cause a panic among the staff and students. I said earlier I would not inform any of your professors, and I will hold true to that. But, Professor Snape might notice the wrist guard, since I'm sure you already know, he also wears one. He may call attention to it, but never in front of any other students. I also ask that you two, if ever you notice the other being pestered about it, or if someone is trying to take it off, please come to their aid. I don't think that's too much to ask, is it?" Dumbledore asked them, almost pleadingly.
"No Professor, we can do that," said Draco speaking for both of them as he put his wrist guard on, while Hermione did the same.
"Wonderful! Now, Miss Granger, this is where we leave you. May the rest of your night be uneventful."
And with that, Professor Dumbledore and Draco left, moving out of her sight as they rounded a corner. She sighed and turned back to the portrait, said the password, and went inside. After checking to make sure the wrist guard was firmly on, she headed up to her dormitory. Parvarti and Lavender were sitting on one of the spare beds, and looked up quickly when she came in.
"Hey guys, nothing's wrong, I just had to get medicine from the infirmary. I felt an asthma attack coming on. That's all, so if you don't mind. I'm very tired, and I would like to get some sleep, which is what you two should also do." Said Hermione quickly as she climbed into her bed and prepared to draw the curtains shut.
They seemed to accept the excuse she gave, because the next thing she knew, she heard their beds creak as they climbed in, and followed soon by the rhythmic sound of their breathing. Hermione's brain started analyzing everything that had happened in the past hour, but before she got very far, she too fell into a deep, dreamless, sleep.
The next morning, Hermione woke up to see the sun shining in bright and warm on her face.
"Oh not now, it's too early to wake up," she grumbled, even though it was almost time for breakfast to start.
Oh well, she thought, I'm hungry anyways, so I guess it's just as well. And with that, she got up and dressed after a quick shower, and headed down to the great hall. Harry and Ron were already there, and were just starting to pile up their plates with food when she sat down beside them.
"Morning Hermione," said Harry since Ron's mouth was full.
"Hi Harry," said Hermione, very sleepily, since you have to remember, she didn't get a full night's sleep last night.
"Hey Hermione, how's your asthma? Are you okay?" said Lavender coming up to the trio.
"Oh no," muttered Hermione under her breath before speaking up. "It's fine, and so am I. I told you that last night, but thanks for asking."
"What happened?" asked Ron with concern as Lavender ran off, having just seen Parvarti come in.
"Nothing, I just had a bad dream and woke up short of breath, so I went to the infirmary to get some medicine for my asthma."
"You have asthma?"
"Well, not really, but sometimes I just need the inhaler anyways, okay? Can we just drop it now?" said Hermione who was beginning to get annoyed.
"Sure."
"Anyways, where's Malfoy?" Asked Harry, looking around the great hall.
"Oh, he's not a chicken anymore, so don't bother looking for him," answered Hermione without even thinking.
"What? How do you know? That girl last night, A.J. or whatever was gonna change him back during breakfast."
"Uh, I saw him last night in the hall when I was coming back from the infirmary, and he was back to normal."
"oh, okay, but man, I wish she waited till now, that would've been great," said Harry, a smile crossing his face as an image of Malfoy the chicken passed through his head.
"Granger." Came a cold voice from behind the trio.
The three of them turned around only to come face to face with Draco.
"What do you want?" asked Hermione, as Harry and Ron gave Draco menacing looks.
"Professor Dumbledore needs to see us, now, so hurry up," said Draco, as he stood there while she gathered her things up.
"Harry, Ron, I'll see you guys later," said Hermione as she quickly left with Draco.
"Why on earth does she have to leave with that git?" said Ron, his voice filled with annoyance.
"I don't know, but you heard ferret boy, Dumbledore needed to see her. It's probably just for some school thing. You know Hermione, she's always doing those extra credit assignments. So don't worry about it, we'll see her later and ask her then." Answered Harry as he finished eating.
But little did they know what Hermione's visit really entailed, and why she was being summoned by Dumbledore. In fact, it would be days before they knew, or for that matter, days before they would see her again.
A/N: Hee hee, cliff hanger, but what can I say, I'm evil. Hope you liked it, next chapter will be up in a week or so, maybe less. Thanks for reading!
