A/N: Yay, more reviews!!! I love you all. And I would like to thank
Atalaya...who single-handedly was responsible for most of my new reviews.
LOL. Also a thanks to my new beta readers...Sarah and Sierra
(QTpIeCoYoTe17). Without them I would probably be a wreck right now, as
this is the first new chapter since last year!! WOOO! Now on with the show!
"We have heard the accounts of yesterday." Dumbledore began. "You are accused of trapping Hermione Granger, blackmailing her, and giving her over to Death Eaters. I am not an unfair man," Dumbledore looked at her, but there was no smile in his eyes for the young woman in front of him. "And I allow and expect you to tell your side of what transpired. Begin."
Emily sighed, then looked Flitwick in the eye, who nodded to her, and began to
speak.
"Yesterday I received a letter from my father. The package also contained a
potion. I had told my father about my upcoming Astronomy exam, and how it all
had to be done at night. I explained to him that I'd been having trouble
staying awake for the night classes, because the amount of homework and stress I have. I was told in his letter that this potion would help me to stay awake,
keep me alert, and at the same time give my body enough rest to seem as if I'd had a full night's sleep.
Grateful, I took the potion quickly. The instructions were that I should take it the night before the night of the test, meaning yesterday. I found out shortly after that it was not the potion my father had described, and was something like a liquid Imperius curse." At this Flitwick gasped. Dumbledore's expression never changed, he merely looked at the girl, waiting for her to continue.
"By the time I realized what was happening to me, it was too late. I'd drunk the entire bottle. Soon it was what I remember the Imperius curse that Professor Moody had put on us fourth year to be like; I had no control over my own actions. I heard a voice in my head that instructed me, and no matter how much I disagreed, my body followed those instructions. The voice, I then came to realize, was my father's." Emily spat out the word, and she managed to squeeze another tear down her cheek. In another occasion, one would've commented on how well she could act.
"I soon found myself owling the bottle back to my father, and then later, at dinner, I determined the reasons my father had for doing this to me. I did hear the words I gave to Hermione, and I am sure she told you exactly what I said.but I had no control over them. My father then had me go to him, with Hermione. When I handed her over to him, he even made me hug him, looking to the others with him as if nothing was wrong. Nothing could be farther from the truth." She had spun the perfect amount of rage and despair into her voice, and the small, cheery Flitwick even looked determined, convinced by the beautiful robe of lies she had placed on him.
"I have, of course, always protected my father and denied his involvement in any of his.darker activities, but I will not do so after this. As you surely know by now, my father is a Death Eater. I will give you the passwords to the seals on our house, and tell you how to get there so that you may search for him. I believe that people like this should be brought to justice, and I will aid the Ministry now that I have actually seen what my father is capable of." Dumbledore opened his mouth to speak, but Emily started once again. Her tears had stopped, and she looked at her Headmaster challengingly.
"I have a witness, besides Hermione, that can verify that I was indeed under the influence of this potion." She thought she saw something spark in the old wizard's eyes, but the next second it was gone, and she shook her head, regained her confidence, and went on. How could he possibly know she was lying?
"I have had sort of, an um...." She paused and blushed, looking shyly at the floor. "Relationship with Draco Malfoy." Flitwick's eyebrows rose. Emily paid him no attention.
"Before dinner, he approached me. We were walking in the halls of the school, and he leaned in to kiss me. Had I been myself, he and I both know that I would've let him. As it happened, my father had me slap Draco across the cheek, glare at him, and storm off. I will tell you, as will Draco, that I had no reason, no instigation to do this. If you'd like, he will tell you what happened, and about his conviction that I was not myself." Emily went on, and it would have been extremely hard to catch the hint of triumph creeping into her voice now that she had almost finished her practiced speech, but Dumbledore was not an ordinary man, and saw it like a giant red flag.
"I will apologize profusely for what I have done under my father's control, and for his actions. My family has been disgraced, and I assure you I have been nothing but a friend to Hermione Granger. She will surely tell you that. I could wish no more harm to her than I would to my own mother." She stopped, and looked at the two men in the room, finally finished.
Albus Dumbledore stared at the student before him. She was much calmer now then when she had entered, and he was not exactly pleased with that fact. There are signs even without magic to show that someone was lying, and he had seen every one of these in the girl facing him. This would prove quite difficult to deal with. The Ministry could scour the Samantha residence all they desired; Dumbledore was sure they would not find a trace of the man they searched for.
No, he was somewhere else by now, that was undeniable if that man had any sense in him whatsoever.
Her story was, however, one cleverly concocted plan. There was nothing substantial enough to be cause for her expulsion, and there was nothing that could be done to find John Samantha. And there was also the threat that faced with punishment; Emily could tell the Daily Prophet whatever she knew about Hermione and Snape. Knowing that even though there was no mention of blackmail in Emily's version, it was clearly there, Dumbledore found himself between the hypothetical rock and a hard place. The Daily Prophet had enough reader loyalty, no mind its horrid writers, that the people would be outraged at such a story of the student and teacher relationship Emily would reveal. If the
Ministry fell into this and demanded an investigation; Dumbledore would have no choice but to allow them. The people in portraits, house elves, and students could be called into questioning, and they would eventually have more proof than they could know what to do with. It appeared; Dumbledore thought with a frown, that he would have to let Emily go. His tired eyes sought out the girl in front of him, and he spoke with an air of resolution.
"You are surely aware that your story fits in with everyone else's. You have indeed spoken of exactly the same events, telling them in tune with the others' accounts. I do not doubt that you are also aware that your story cannot prove or disprove your version, and that there is not much myself or anyone else can do about it either way. I am therefore regrettably forced to let you go."
Emily's face broke out in a smile of relief, but Dumbledore gave her a glare that wiped the smug look from her eyes.
"I do not, however, believe you." And at this she looked shocked. "I would advise you to stay out of this sort of trouble. You cannot possibly imagine what you are dealing with, and if you can." He paused, his brow furrowing.
"Then you are already lost to dark side. I will be watching you very closely,
Miss Samantha, and if something like this happens again, you will be expelled and you will never set foot in Hogwarts again." His eyes twinkled with his promise and threat, and Emily avoided his eyes, choosing to glare at the floor.
"You are dismissed." She walked as fast as she could in order to not look suspicious, but when she heard the click of the door behind her and turned to find herself alone, she ran blindly, tears falling from her cold eyes.
*************************************************
Hermione woke to find herself completely rested and comfortable in Snape's bed. She smiled, realizing that it was the weekend, and that she could spend as much time as she desired just lying here next to him...well, by herself actually. Hermione frowned, and picked up the note that was left where a tall, dark and handsome man had lain the night before.
Hermione,
Gone to Diagon Alley to pick up some ingredients for potions I'm working on. Should be back shortly after lunch. Will cook you dinner if you'd like. I'm truly sorry, but it was imperative I went today.
Love,
SS
The bushy-haired brunette smiled. 'He's going to cook me dinner!' She could hardly wait. Then something began tapping from the back of her mind. She would have to deal with Harry and Ron today, and for that she COULD wait. Sighing, she dragged herself out of the luxurious bed and began to dress. It could turn out to be an awfully long day.
************************************************
Ginny Weasley sat next to the famous Harry Potter, trying to get a reaction from him. He was staring moodily into the fire. Ron had not left his room, and had uncharacteristically missed breakfast. When Ginny had prodded Harry to go up and talk to him and attempt to cajole him to come downstairs, Harry had told her angrily that there was nothing he could do.
"You and I both know that Ron's like this, Ginny." Harry said finally, and the youngest Weasley almost jumped. "He gets all steamed up, and he just needs to boil down some of that anger before anyone can talk to him. He'll come down when he's ready."
Ginny sighed. "Have you talked to him at all? What about last night?"
Harry rolled his eyes before throwing little bits of parchment into the fire, watching as they lit up with a small 'pop'. "He wouldn't speak last night. After...well, you know, he just went straight up to the room, not talking to anyone. I talked to him though, and he listened. I told him that we have to love Hermione no matter what, because that's what good friends do."
Ginny smiled, and went to hug the boy sitting next to her. Harry scowled as he allowed her arms to encircle him.
"That doesn't mean I'm happy about it. And I still think he's a greasy awful git."
Ginny nodded and only squeezed tighter. "I know Harry, I know. We'll just have to get to know him better, that's all. Hermione wouldn't love someone as horrid as you make him out to be, she's the smartest girl I know."
"I suppose Ginny, I suppose." Harry mumbled, and let the girl hugging him entwine her fingers with his. They sat like that for what seemed like hours, and a few minutes before lunch a very tired looking Ron made his way past them.
"Let's get some food." He muttered, not even attempting to smile. Harry and Ginny glanced at him, then at each other, and grinned. It was the first stage of the Ron Weasley Acceptance Ritual.
*****************************************************
Harry and Ginny tensed visibly as Hermione walked into the Great Hall. The three of them, including Ron, were already seated for lunch. Not knowing (and perhaps not wanting to know) where Hermione was, and thinking it best not to disturb her, they had spent a quiet morning together. Ron was getting progressively better at talking, and had managed to string a few sentences together as they waited for the majority of students to arrive, and for lunch to commence. Ron was staring, still a bit moodily, at his empty plate. When he realized that the two had stopped talking he glanced up. Trying not to frown, Ron plastered an indifferent look on his face and attempted to look her in the eyes.
Hermione smiled nervously as she approached the table and took a seat next to Ginny and across from Ron.
"'Ello!" She had a false cheeriness, and dropped it immediately when Ron gave her an odd look. "Sorry, I just..." They all turned to look at her as the peers filled up empty seats around them. "I don't know quite how to act around you now."
As Hermione looked at Ron, who had given up looking at her and was now greatly interested in the wood grain of the table, she frowned. Ginny put a hand on her should.
"You should act like you always do, 'Mione. There's nothing different about any of us, we just know things now."
Harry muttered "And what a thing to know", and Ginny and Hermione both stared.
Hermione looked a bit hurt; Ginny, angry. Harry sighed. "I'm sorry Hermione.
I'm really going to try to be accepting, it's just bloody hard!"
Ron nodded slightly, but said nothing. Hermione gave a small smile in Harry's direction. "Thank you Harry. It means a lot to me. And Ron..." Ron looked up, but refused to meet Hermione's eyes. "I know this is especially hard for you. You have to remember that I love you, I just love you as a friend, and only that." Ron's expression fell even lower.
"I don't expect you to like Severus," Ron cringed. "Sorry, Professor Snape, but
I do expect you to treat me exactly the same as before. Like Ginny said, act the same. I'm still the same person Ron. Do try to see that, please."
Hermione smiled as Ron nodded and looked her in the eyes.
"I'll always love you, Hermione." He confessed, and watched as a small tear rolled down her cheek. He blushed, and Harry and Ginny turned their eyes away and pretended to be listening to what Seamus was saying a few seats down.
"Then you know how I feel about Professor Snape." Hermione stated, and Ron looked surprised.
"I hadn't thought of that." He squeezed his lips together, thinking. Hermione put her hand over his and nodded.
"However much you love me, I love him. And however much you love me, he loves me, I assure you of that. Now, can anyone who loves me as much as you do be all that horrible?"
"I suppose not." Ron admitted, and Hermione squeezed his hand and smiled.
"Oh Ron! I know this is going to be hard for you, and for you Harry," She turned to him, and he stopped pretending to listen to someone else and looked at her. "But I'm just so happy, and if you three will accept our relationship it will indeed be the most wonderful day in the world!" Hermione gushed, and hugged each of them in turn.
"I know we have a long way to go in this, and that everyone is not just going to get along right off the bat...but if everyone makes an honest effort and tries I think you all will be pleasantly surprised as to how we might get on with each other. Oh, I can't wait to tell Severus that I really do have the best friends in the world!" Hermione blushed, and all of them smiled at each other. They would make this sacrifice for their friend, and they would stay her friends.
"We'll stand by you no matter what Hermione, right boys?" Ginny asked. They nodded, and Hermione grinned even wider. "Food!" She exclaimed, and they watched as mounds of food magically appeared on their plates, silencing them for quite a while. And when they were so full that they thought they would explode, they were all in a much better mood, and talks of Snape vanished, drifting away as laughter rang throughout the Great Hall.
"We have heard the accounts of yesterday." Dumbledore began. "You are accused of trapping Hermione Granger, blackmailing her, and giving her over to Death Eaters. I am not an unfair man," Dumbledore looked at her, but there was no smile in his eyes for the young woman in front of him. "And I allow and expect you to tell your side of what transpired. Begin."
Emily sighed, then looked Flitwick in the eye, who nodded to her, and began to
speak.
"Yesterday I received a letter from my father. The package also contained a
potion. I had told my father about my upcoming Astronomy exam, and how it all
had to be done at night. I explained to him that I'd been having trouble
staying awake for the night classes, because the amount of homework and stress I have. I was told in his letter that this potion would help me to stay awake,
keep me alert, and at the same time give my body enough rest to seem as if I'd had a full night's sleep.
Grateful, I took the potion quickly. The instructions were that I should take it the night before the night of the test, meaning yesterday. I found out shortly after that it was not the potion my father had described, and was something like a liquid Imperius curse." At this Flitwick gasped. Dumbledore's expression never changed, he merely looked at the girl, waiting for her to continue.
"By the time I realized what was happening to me, it was too late. I'd drunk the entire bottle. Soon it was what I remember the Imperius curse that Professor Moody had put on us fourth year to be like; I had no control over my own actions. I heard a voice in my head that instructed me, and no matter how much I disagreed, my body followed those instructions. The voice, I then came to realize, was my father's." Emily spat out the word, and she managed to squeeze another tear down her cheek. In another occasion, one would've commented on how well she could act.
"I soon found myself owling the bottle back to my father, and then later, at dinner, I determined the reasons my father had for doing this to me. I did hear the words I gave to Hermione, and I am sure she told you exactly what I said.but I had no control over them. My father then had me go to him, with Hermione. When I handed her over to him, he even made me hug him, looking to the others with him as if nothing was wrong. Nothing could be farther from the truth." She had spun the perfect amount of rage and despair into her voice, and the small, cheery Flitwick even looked determined, convinced by the beautiful robe of lies she had placed on him.
"I have, of course, always protected my father and denied his involvement in any of his.darker activities, but I will not do so after this. As you surely know by now, my father is a Death Eater. I will give you the passwords to the seals on our house, and tell you how to get there so that you may search for him. I believe that people like this should be brought to justice, and I will aid the Ministry now that I have actually seen what my father is capable of." Dumbledore opened his mouth to speak, but Emily started once again. Her tears had stopped, and she looked at her Headmaster challengingly.
"I have a witness, besides Hermione, that can verify that I was indeed under the influence of this potion." She thought she saw something spark in the old wizard's eyes, but the next second it was gone, and she shook her head, regained her confidence, and went on. How could he possibly know she was lying?
"I have had sort of, an um...." She paused and blushed, looking shyly at the floor. "Relationship with Draco Malfoy." Flitwick's eyebrows rose. Emily paid him no attention.
"Before dinner, he approached me. We were walking in the halls of the school, and he leaned in to kiss me. Had I been myself, he and I both know that I would've let him. As it happened, my father had me slap Draco across the cheek, glare at him, and storm off. I will tell you, as will Draco, that I had no reason, no instigation to do this. If you'd like, he will tell you what happened, and about his conviction that I was not myself." Emily went on, and it would have been extremely hard to catch the hint of triumph creeping into her voice now that she had almost finished her practiced speech, but Dumbledore was not an ordinary man, and saw it like a giant red flag.
"I will apologize profusely for what I have done under my father's control, and for his actions. My family has been disgraced, and I assure you I have been nothing but a friend to Hermione Granger. She will surely tell you that. I could wish no more harm to her than I would to my own mother." She stopped, and looked at the two men in the room, finally finished.
Albus Dumbledore stared at the student before him. She was much calmer now then when she had entered, and he was not exactly pleased with that fact. There are signs even without magic to show that someone was lying, and he had seen every one of these in the girl facing him. This would prove quite difficult to deal with. The Ministry could scour the Samantha residence all they desired; Dumbledore was sure they would not find a trace of the man they searched for.
No, he was somewhere else by now, that was undeniable if that man had any sense in him whatsoever.
Her story was, however, one cleverly concocted plan. There was nothing substantial enough to be cause for her expulsion, and there was nothing that could be done to find John Samantha. And there was also the threat that faced with punishment; Emily could tell the Daily Prophet whatever she knew about Hermione and Snape. Knowing that even though there was no mention of blackmail in Emily's version, it was clearly there, Dumbledore found himself between the hypothetical rock and a hard place. The Daily Prophet had enough reader loyalty, no mind its horrid writers, that the people would be outraged at such a story of the student and teacher relationship Emily would reveal. If the
Ministry fell into this and demanded an investigation; Dumbledore would have no choice but to allow them. The people in portraits, house elves, and students could be called into questioning, and they would eventually have more proof than they could know what to do with. It appeared; Dumbledore thought with a frown, that he would have to let Emily go. His tired eyes sought out the girl in front of him, and he spoke with an air of resolution.
"You are surely aware that your story fits in with everyone else's. You have indeed spoken of exactly the same events, telling them in tune with the others' accounts. I do not doubt that you are also aware that your story cannot prove or disprove your version, and that there is not much myself or anyone else can do about it either way. I am therefore regrettably forced to let you go."
Emily's face broke out in a smile of relief, but Dumbledore gave her a glare that wiped the smug look from her eyes.
"I do not, however, believe you." And at this she looked shocked. "I would advise you to stay out of this sort of trouble. You cannot possibly imagine what you are dealing with, and if you can." He paused, his brow furrowing.
"Then you are already lost to dark side. I will be watching you very closely,
Miss Samantha, and if something like this happens again, you will be expelled and you will never set foot in Hogwarts again." His eyes twinkled with his promise and threat, and Emily avoided his eyes, choosing to glare at the floor.
"You are dismissed." She walked as fast as she could in order to not look suspicious, but when she heard the click of the door behind her and turned to find herself alone, she ran blindly, tears falling from her cold eyes.
*************************************************
Hermione woke to find herself completely rested and comfortable in Snape's bed. She smiled, realizing that it was the weekend, and that she could spend as much time as she desired just lying here next to him...well, by herself actually. Hermione frowned, and picked up the note that was left where a tall, dark and handsome man had lain the night before.
Hermione,
Gone to Diagon Alley to pick up some ingredients for potions I'm working on. Should be back shortly after lunch. Will cook you dinner if you'd like. I'm truly sorry, but it was imperative I went today.
Love,
SS
The bushy-haired brunette smiled. 'He's going to cook me dinner!' She could hardly wait. Then something began tapping from the back of her mind. She would have to deal with Harry and Ron today, and for that she COULD wait. Sighing, she dragged herself out of the luxurious bed and began to dress. It could turn out to be an awfully long day.
************************************************
Ginny Weasley sat next to the famous Harry Potter, trying to get a reaction from him. He was staring moodily into the fire. Ron had not left his room, and had uncharacteristically missed breakfast. When Ginny had prodded Harry to go up and talk to him and attempt to cajole him to come downstairs, Harry had told her angrily that there was nothing he could do.
"You and I both know that Ron's like this, Ginny." Harry said finally, and the youngest Weasley almost jumped. "He gets all steamed up, and he just needs to boil down some of that anger before anyone can talk to him. He'll come down when he's ready."
Ginny sighed. "Have you talked to him at all? What about last night?"
Harry rolled his eyes before throwing little bits of parchment into the fire, watching as they lit up with a small 'pop'. "He wouldn't speak last night. After...well, you know, he just went straight up to the room, not talking to anyone. I talked to him though, and he listened. I told him that we have to love Hermione no matter what, because that's what good friends do."
Ginny smiled, and went to hug the boy sitting next to her. Harry scowled as he allowed her arms to encircle him.
"That doesn't mean I'm happy about it. And I still think he's a greasy awful git."
Ginny nodded and only squeezed tighter. "I know Harry, I know. We'll just have to get to know him better, that's all. Hermione wouldn't love someone as horrid as you make him out to be, she's the smartest girl I know."
"I suppose Ginny, I suppose." Harry mumbled, and let the girl hugging him entwine her fingers with his. They sat like that for what seemed like hours, and a few minutes before lunch a very tired looking Ron made his way past them.
"Let's get some food." He muttered, not even attempting to smile. Harry and Ginny glanced at him, then at each other, and grinned. It was the first stage of the Ron Weasley Acceptance Ritual.
*****************************************************
Harry and Ginny tensed visibly as Hermione walked into the Great Hall. The three of them, including Ron, were already seated for lunch. Not knowing (and perhaps not wanting to know) where Hermione was, and thinking it best not to disturb her, they had spent a quiet morning together. Ron was getting progressively better at talking, and had managed to string a few sentences together as they waited for the majority of students to arrive, and for lunch to commence. Ron was staring, still a bit moodily, at his empty plate. When he realized that the two had stopped talking he glanced up. Trying not to frown, Ron plastered an indifferent look on his face and attempted to look her in the eyes.
Hermione smiled nervously as she approached the table and took a seat next to Ginny and across from Ron.
"'Ello!" She had a false cheeriness, and dropped it immediately when Ron gave her an odd look. "Sorry, I just..." They all turned to look at her as the peers filled up empty seats around them. "I don't know quite how to act around you now."
As Hermione looked at Ron, who had given up looking at her and was now greatly interested in the wood grain of the table, she frowned. Ginny put a hand on her should.
"You should act like you always do, 'Mione. There's nothing different about any of us, we just know things now."
Harry muttered "And what a thing to know", and Ginny and Hermione both stared.
Hermione looked a bit hurt; Ginny, angry. Harry sighed. "I'm sorry Hermione.
I'm really going to try to be accepting, it's just bloody hard!"
Ron nodded slightly, but said nothing. Hermione gave a small smile in Harry's direction. "Thank you Harry. It means a lot to me. And Ron..." Ron looked up, but refused to meet Hermione's eyes. "I know this is especially hard for you. You have to remember that I love you, I just love you as a friend, and only that." Ron's expression fell even lower.
"I don't expect you to like Severus," Ron cringed. "Sorry, Professor Snape, but
I do expect you to treat me exactly the same as before. Like Ginny said, act the same. I'm still the same person Ron. Do try to see that, please."
Hermione smiled as Ron nodded and looked her in the eyes.
"I'll always love you, Hermione." He confessed, and watched as a small tear rolled down her cheek. He blushed, and Harry and Ginny turned their eyes away and pretended to be listening to what Seamus was saying a few seats down.
"Then you know how I feel about Professor Snape." Hermione stated, and Ron looked surprised.
"I hadn't thought of that." He squeezed his lips together, thinking. Hermione put her hand over his and nodded.
"However much you love me, I love him. And however much you love me, he loves me, I assure you of that. Now, can anyone who loves me as much as you do be all that horrible?"
"I suppose not." Ron admitted, and Hermione squeezed his hand and smiled.
"Oh Ron! I know this is going to be hard for you, and for you Harry," She turned to him, and he stopped pretending to listen to someone else and looked at her. "But I'm just so happy, and if you three will accept our relationship it will indeed be the most wonderful day in the world!" Hermione gushed, and hugged each of them in turn.
"I know we have a long way to go in this, and that everyone is not just going to get along right off the bat...but if everyone makes an honest effort and tries I think you all will be pleasantly surprised as to how we might get on with each other. Oh, I can't wait to tell Severus that I really do have the best friends in the world!" Hermione blushed, and all of them smiled at each other. They would make this sacrifice for their friend, and they would stay her friends.
"We'll stand by you no matter what Hermione, right boys?" Ginny asked. They nodded, and Hermione grinned even wider. "Food!" She exclaimed, and they watched as mounds of food magically appeared on their plates, silencing them for quite a while. And when they were so full that they thought they would explode, they were all in a much better mood, and talks of Snape vanished, drifting away as laughter rang throughout the Great Hall.