Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix- Chapter 20
Hermione was silent as she watched the snow fall lightly on the grounds of Hogwarts. The whole castle was covered in powdered white frosting. The trees in the Forbidden Forest didn't look as ominous as they usually did. Crookshanks jumped on to her lap and rubbed against her gently, begging for attention. Hermione absently stroked her ginger cat, thinking about Harry. He had had that dream again last night. Harry had, as promised, woken Hermione and Ron up after he had been woken up by the voices. There was no orb involved this time, just the dream. Hermione shifted in her seat and sighed. Her heart jolted as she thought of her best friend in danger. Ron was just as worried as she was; of course, he just had a different way of showing it. Ron would brush it off, agreeing with Harry when he said, "it was just a dream", so as not to upset him. Hermione would wear her worries out there, right on her sleeves. She wished that Harry would tell the teachers, or at least; not have made her and Ron promise not to. Hermione sighed again and shifted in her seat by the window, causing Crookshanks to glare angrily up at her.
"Watcha thinkin' 'bout, 'Mione?" Ron asked lazily from his spot by the fireplace. He was thumbing through a book about Animagi, which he had taken a deep interest in. Hermione shrugged and looked around the common room. There were too many people, she couldn't voice her thoughts across the room without being heard. Hermione stood up, forgetting that Crookshanks was on her lap. The cat slid off and turned to her. His yellow eyes flashed angrily and he hissed at her.
"Sorry boy." She muttered as Crookshanks shot off across the room. Hermione joined Ron at the fireplace. She knelt beside him and looked up at Ron in the big easy chair.
"I'm worried about Harry." She whispered to Ron. Ron put his book down and looked at Hermione. Even though his face was calm and relaxed his eyes were full of the worry Hermione was feeling.
"Me too." Hermione looked guiltily around, as though expecting Harry to appear out of the crowded room and get mad at them for talking about him behind his back. She shook her head softly; Harry was at his extra lesson with Professor Lupin.
"I hate the idea that his life may be in danger and we can't do anything about it." She complained, sounding frustrated. Ron leaned closer to Hermione his brown eyes concerned.
"So do I, 'Mione, but Harry is adamant about his idea that it's 'just a dream'. We can't convince him that it could be another attempt on his life. I think he is trying to protect us and stop us from worrying." Hermione blew out a breath of air impatiently.
"It wasn't just a dream, we all know that. What is he trying to protect us from? We're his best friends, we have a right to worry!" Ron nodded and gently brushed a strand of hair off her face.
"I know Hermione, of course we do. We'll just have to stick by Harry and accept the fact that he doesn't want anyone else to know." Ron was being the wise one for once and Hermione realised, from her spot at his side, just how much the events of last year had changed him. Ron had matured, got older, as had Harry and Hermione couldn't help but feel sad at the change. She looked at the twinkling lights on the small Christmas tree in the corner of the common room and thought of the approaching Christmas. In two weeks they would be sitting here thanking each other for their presents and wishing each other a Merry Christmas. Hermione couldn't feel the excitement of Christmas in the air; she knew it was there, she just couldn't find it. The whole school was decorated for the season, but between Hermione, Harry and Ron, there wasn't many holiday vibes. Hermione rested her chin on the arm of the chair as she thought. Ron still hadn't picked up his book and he was watching her quietly. Their tranquillity was interrupted by Fred and George.
"Hey'ya! Look what we have! Mistletoe!" Hermione smiled up at Fred and George, ignoring the fact that her cheeks had become very warm, and quickly moved away before they could hold it above the chair she was leaning against. Standing up, she dusted herself off.
"I must be off, have to do Transfiguration homework that I forgot about." Ron seriously doubted Hermione had any homework to do, she NEVER forgot, but was relieved she had got them out of the situation Fred and George were trying to put them in. Fred and George looked disappointed about their inability to hook their youngest brother up with Hermione. Harry came striding over just as Hermione had disappeared and Ron was about to tell Fred and George off.
"Hi! Sorry, my classes ran a bit later than usual. What's up?" Harry looked between the three curiously and suspiciously.
"Nothing." The Weasley twins chorused.
"Look there's Ginny! Hey, Gin! Come here for a minute!" Fred called, hiding the mistletoe behind his back before Harry or Ginny could see it.
"Don't, Gin, Harry watch out. Hey have mistletoe." Ron said "mistletoe" as though it were the most horrible word in the world. Harry backed away and Ginny stopped.
"Awww, Ron. You can't do that! You are stopping 'Weasley and Weasley matchmaking inc.' from progressing. Jeez, just because Hermione bailed doesn't mean you should jeopardise other peoples' hopes of a long lasting relationship and true love!" Ron just laughed at George.
"Why don't you Cupid's go bother someone else?" Ron opened his book and pretended to read it. Harry followed his example and sat on the couch, which was beside Ron's chair. The twins got the hint and left, creeping up on people from behind.
"He tried that on you and Hermione, eh?" Harry asked casually. Ron kept his face in his book so Harry couldn't see his flushed face.
"Uh, yeah, they did. Hermione got us out of it though." Harry chuckled and Ron wondered why, but wasn't about to risk Harry seeing him so flustered to ask.
"Where is Hermione anyway?" Ron was focussing on composing himself and took a minute before he realised Harry was talking to him.
"Oh! I mean, Hermione went upstairs, I think. Why, is there something you have to tell us?" Ron put his book down feeling the familiar sense of concern for his best friend.
"No, no. I was just wondering." Harry trailed off and Ron knew he had something on his mind.
"What's wrong. Before you protest- I know there is something. I'll go get Hermione." Ron made a movement to get up, but Harry grabbed his arm, pulling Ron back into his seat.
"No! I mean, no. Nothing's wrong, really. Don't bother her." Harry settled back into his chair and looked into the fire. Ron studied his friend's face, knowing that there was something bothering him.
"Harry, what's wrong? Did you have another 'dream'?" Ron looked concerned.
"No. I was just wondering where she was. Just making sure you guys weren't planning to do something to 'solve' this 'mystery' as Hermione likes to refer to it." Ron was silent, then leaned forward and put his book on the end table in front of him.
"Levitate it." He ordered. Harry looked surprised.
"What? Why?" Ron shrugged at him.
"Wanna see what you've learned in all those lessons." Harry concentrated and Ron watched as the Animagi book rose in the air and travelled to Ron's lap where it dropped neatly. Ron raised his eyebrows.
"Impressive." He commented. Harry shrugged, tapping his finger to his lips.
"I don't think I should be doing that in a crowded room, though." He muttered looking around. Luckily no one had noticed.
"Excited about the Hogsmeade visit on Saturday?" Ron asked, changing the subject. Harry nodded.
"I'm getting yours, Hermione's, Snuffles' and Lupin's presents there." Ron nodded.
"Me too, except I have to get presents for everyone in my family too." Ron fell silent and realised that this year's Christmas might not be as happy as previous ones. Not with the return of Voldemort, the loss of Hermione's parents, Harry's voices, orbs and dreams and whatever else was happening in the world.
* *
*
"Severus, you do understand the seriousness of this situation, don't you?" Minister Rockman asked Snape softly. He was twisting his hat in his hands. Severus nervously licked his lips. He could not believe that it was happening.
"Y-Y-Yes, Minister." He muttered, without looking Richard Rockman in the eye. Arabella stood beside him, one hand lightly on his arm.
"That is the fifth attack in four months. All that has been revealed to them is classified, only members of the Order know. I am the Minister of Magic. Something has to be done." Rockman was interrupted by Arabella.
"But, sir! Severus wouldn't- I mean- I know Severus and he would never- I mean-" Arabella cut off looking worried. Minerva nodded at the Minister. Dumbledore stood with his back to the small party assembled in his room.
"Please, Minister. As much as I hate to say it, I must agree with Arabella. I have grown up with Severus. Known him since we started at Hogwarts together when we were 11. Known him ever since. We may hate each other deeply, but I can't accept seeing an innocent man accused of something he didn't do. No matter who he is." The room all looked at Remus in shock. He and Severus hated each other almost as much as Sirius and Severus. He had never made any movement to support Severus before today. Even Albus turned around and stared at Remus. Rockman waited a few moments then spoke again.
"I see you all would never stand it if I took Severus into custody, so I will leave with a warning. Severus, if there is any more of this atrocities you will be questioned." Severus nodded. He was quite pale. Rockman nodded to Dumbledore, Minerva, Lupin and Arabella and left.
"Remus, thank you." Severus looked at Remus with an air of surprise and gratitude as well as suspicion and hatred. Remus shrugged and turned away.
"It was nothing." He bid good day to the others and left after the Minister with Snuffles following along side.
Hermione was silent as she watched the snow fall lightly on the grounds of Hogwarts. The whole castle was covered in powdered white frosting. The trees in the Forbidden Forest didn't look as ominous as they usually did. Crookshanks jumped on to her lap and rubbed against her gently, begging for attention. Hermione absently stroked her ginger cat, thinking about Harry. He had had that dream again last night. Harry had, as promised, woken Hermione and Ron up after he had been woken up by the voices. There was no orb involved this time, just the dream. Hermione shifted in her seat and sighed. Her heart jolted as she thought of her best friend in danger. Ron was just as worried as she was; of course, he just had a different way of showing it. Ron would brush it off, agreeing with Harry when he said, "it was just a dream", so as not to upset him. Hermione would wear her worries out there, right on her sleeves. She wished that Harry would tell the teachers, or at least; not have made her and Ron promise not to. Hermione sighed again and shifted in her seat by the window, causing Crookshanks to glare angrily up at her.
"Watcha thinkin' 'bout, 'Mione?" Ron asked lazily from his spot by the fireplace. He was thumbing through a book about Animagi, which he had taken a deep interest in. Hermione shrugged and looked around the common room. There were too many people, she couldn't voice her thoughts across the room without being heard. Hermione stood up, forgetting that Crookshanks was on her lap. The cat slid off and turned to her. His yellow eyes flashed angrily and he hissed at her.
"Sorry boy." She muttered as Crookshanks shot off across the room. Hermione joined Ron at the fireplace. She knelt beside him and looked up at Ron in the big easy chair.
"I'm worried about Harry." She whispered to Ron. Ron put his book down and looked at Hermione. Even though his face was calm and relaxed his eyes were full of the worry Hermione was feeling.
"Me too." Hermione looked guiltily around, as though expecting Harry to appear out of the crowded room and get mad at them for talking about him behind his back. She shook her head softly; Harry was at his extra lesson with Professor Lupin.
"I hate the idea that his life may be in danger and we can't do anything about it." She complained, sounding frustrated. Ron leaned closer to Hermione his brown eyes concerned.
"So do I, 'Mione, but Harry is adamant about his idea that it's 'just a dream'. We can't convince him that it could be another attempt on his life. I think he is trying to protect us and stop us from worrying." Hermione blew out a breath of air impatiently.
"It wasn't just a dream, we all know that. What is he trying to protect us from? We're his best friends, we have a right to worry!" Ron nodded and gently brushed a strand of hair off her face.
"I know Hermione, of course we do. We'll just have to stick by Harry and accept the fact that he doesn't want anyone else to know." Ron was being the wise one for once and Hermione realised, from her spot at his side, just how much the events of last year had changed him. Ron had matured, got older, as had Harry and Hermione couldn't help but feel sad at the change. She looked at the twinkling lights on the small Christmas tree in the corner of the common room and thought of the approaching Christmas. In two weeks they would be sitting here thanking each other for their presents and wishing each other a Merry Christmas. Hermione couldn't feel the excitement of Christmas in the air; she knew it was there, she just couldn't find it. The whole school was decorated for the season, but between Hermione, Harry and Ron, there wasn't many holiday vibes. Hermione rested her chin on the arm of the chair as she thought. Ron still hadn't picked up his book and he was watching her quietly. Their tranquillity was interrupted by Fred and George.
"Hey'ya! Look what we have! Mistletoe!" Hermione smiled up at Fred and George, ignoring the fact that her cheeks had become very warm, and quickly moved away before they could hold it above the chair she was leaning against. Standing up, she dusted herself off.
"I must be off, have to do Transfiguration homework that I forgot about." Ron seriously doubted Hermione had any homework to do, she NEVER forgot, but was relieved she had got them out of the situation Fred and George were trying to put them in. Fred and George looked disappointed about their inability to hook their youngest brother up with Hermione. Harry came striding over just as Hermione had disappeared and Ron was about to tell Fred and George off.
"Hi! Sorry, my classes ran a bit later than usual. What's up?" Harry looked between the three curiously and suspiciously.
"Nothing." The Weasley twins chorused.
"Look there's Ginny! Hey, Gin! Come here for a minute!" Fred called, hiding the mistletoe behind his back before Harry or Ginny could see it.
"Don't, Gin, Harry watch out. Hey have mistletoe." Ron said "mistletoe" as though it were the most horrible word in the world. Harry backed away and Ginny stopped.
"Awww, Ron. You can't do that! You are stopping 'Weasley and Weasley matchmaking inc.' from progressing. Jeez, just because Hermione bailed doesn't mean you should jeopardise other peoples' hopes of a long lasting relationship and true love!" Ron just laughed at George.
"Why don't you Cupid's go bother someone else?" Ron opened his book and pretended to read it. Harry followed his example and sat on the couch, which was beside Ron's chair. The twins got the hint and left, creeping up on people from behind.
"He tried that on you and Hermione, eh?" Harry asked casually. Ron kept his face in his book so Harry couldn't see his flushed face.
"Uh, yeah, they did. Hermione got us out of it though." Harry chuckled and Ron wondered why, but wasn't about to risk Harry seeing him so flustered to ask.
"Where is Hermione anyway?" Ron was focussing on composing himself and took a minute before he realised Harry was talking to him.
"Oh! I mean, Hermione went upstairs, I think. Why, is there something you have to tell us?" Ron put his book down feeling the familiar sense of concern for his best friend.
"No, no. I was just wondering." Harry trailed off and Ron knew he had something on his mind.
"What's wrong. Before you protest- I know there is something. I'll go get Hermione." Ron made a movement to get up, but Harry grabbed his arm, pulling Ron back into his seat.
"No! I mean, no. Nothing's wrong, really. Don't bother her." Harry settled back into his chair and looked into the fire. Ron studied his friend's face, knowing that there was something bothering him.
"Harry, what's wrong? Did you have another 'dream'?" Ron looked concerned.
"No. I was just wondering where she was. Just making sure you guys weren't planning to do something to 'solve' this 'mystery' as Hermione likes to refer to it." Ron was silent, then leaned forward and put his book on the end table in front of him.
"Levitate it." He ordered. Harry looked surprised.
"What? Why?" Ron shrugged at him.
"Wanna see what you've learned in all those lessons." Harry concentrated and Ron watched as the Animagi book rose in the air and travelled to Ron's lap where it dropped neatly. Ron raised his eyebrows.
"Impressive." He commented. Harry shrugged, tapping his finger to his lips.
"I don't think I should be doing that in a crowded room, though." He muttered looking around. Luckily no one had noticed.
"Excited about the Hogsmeade visit on Saturday?" Ron asked, changing the subject. Harry nodded.
"I'm getting yours, Hermione's, Snuffles' and Lupin's presents there." Ron nodded.
"Me too, except I have to get presents for everyone in my family too." Ron fell silent and realised that this year's Christmas might not be as happy as previous ones. Not with the return of Voldemort, the loss of Hermione's parents, Harry's voices, orbs and dreams and whatever else was happening in the world.
* *
*
"Severus, you do understand the seriousness of this situation, don't you?" Minister Rockman asked Snape softly. He was twisting his hat in his hands. Severus nervously licked his lips. He could not believe that it was happening.
"Y-Y-Yes, Minister." He muttered, without looking Richard Rockman in the eye. Arabella stood beside him, one hand lightly on his arm.
"That is the fifth attack in four months. All that has been revealed to them is classified, only members of the Order know. I am the Minister of Magic. Something has to be done." Rockman was interrupted by Arabella.
"But, sir! Severus wouldn't- I mean- I know Severus and he would never- I mean-" Arabella cut off looking worried. Minerva nodded at the Minister. Dumbledore stood with his back to the small party assembled in his room.
"Please, Minister. As much as I hate to say it, I must agree with Arabella. I have grown up with Severus. Known him since we started at Hogwarts together when we were 11. Known him ever since. We may hate each other deeply, but I can't accept seeing an innocent man accused of something he didn't do. No matter who he is." The room all looked at Remus in shock. He and Severus hated each other almost as much as Sirius and Severus. He had never made any movement to support Severus before today. Even Albus turned around and stared at Remus. Rockman waited a few moments then spoke again.
"I see you all would never stand it if I took Severus into custody, so I will leave with a warning. Severus, if there is any more of this atrocities you will be questioned." Severus nodded. He was quite pale. Rockman nodded to Dumbledore, Minerva, Lupin and Arabella and left.
"Remus, thank you." Severus looked at Remus with an air of surprise and gratitude as well as suspicion and hatred. Remus shrugged and turned away.
"It was nothing." He bid good day to the others and left after the Minister with Snuffles following along side.