Usual disclaimer applies…Harry Potter is the property of J. K. Rowling.
A/N: Sorry for the delay. Been studying like mad for finals, which will be over this week! And then it's summer, and I'll be able to update write and update much more! Enjoy the chapter…read and review! Thank you so much to all the reviews I have already…I love you all for reviewing! Thank you!!
The Secret
Chapter Fourteen; Decisions
Something is making noise… the noise is not stopping…it was very annoying. Is that…tapping? What is tapping? Why is something tapping while I am trying to sleep? Why isn't anyone stopping the tapping?!? Draco thought sleepily, as he was awoken by an incessant tapping on the window of the bedroom shared with four other fifth year Slytherins.
"Stop the tapping!" he yelled to no one in particular, his voice muffled by his pillow.
When the tapping didn't stop, Draco dragged himself out of his bed, grumbling when he realized that not one of his roommates had even stirred. As he made his way over to the window, where an owl was trying to get in, he glanced at the clock in the dormitory and groaned.
Five-thirty in the damn morning!! Who in their right mind would send an owl this early for Merlin's sake?!?
Still mumbling to himself, he opened the window and let the owl in, not really caring who the letter was for.
His attention was piqued however, when he saw that it was his mother's personal owl, a beautiful multi-colored owl who refused to carry letters for anyone but his mother.
He walked over to the perch by the window and gently removed the letter from the owl's leg.
"Hello Minda," he said sleepily, stroking her feathers with one hand as he fed her an owl treat with another. After the owl was taken care of, Draco sat down in on the edge of his bed and opened the letter curiously.
Draco,
I am sorry for the time, but it is urgent you receive this message before you hear from your father. After reading this, go immediately to Albus, he will discuss with you your options.
Your father has met with the Dark Lord about you and your loyalty to the Cause. It has become apparent that the Dark Lord wishes you to join his ranks before the end of this term, preferably during Christmas holidays.
You have a number of choices open to you, and whatever you choose to do I will support you fully. Just be careful in making your decision. Have Albus contact me as soon as you make your choice.
Please send Minda back immediately, without any answer. Your father must not know that I contacted you. Albus will know how to reach me. After your meeting with him, burn this letter and tell no one.
Choose wisely, Dragon and please be well.
Your Mother
After Draco read the letter once, he reread it twice more. In a kind of daze, he finally got up and went over to the preening owl by the window.
"You have to go back, Minda. I've no response for you to take, but please fly quickly," he said softly, stroking her feathers with one hand while opening the window with the other.
Minda looked at him for several seconds, then turned and flew out the window.
Draco quickly shut the window and hurried to get dressed. Once finished, he quietly slipped out of the dormitory and made his way to the Headmaster's office.
Standing in front of the gargoyle, he belatedly realized that he didn't know the password to allow himself entrance to the office.
Starting to worry slightly, Draco quietly called out, "Headmaster?"
When no answer came, he called out a little louder.
After a couple of more minutes of silence, Draco was starting to become slightly worried. Just as he was about to call for the Headmaster once more, a voice startled him from behind.
"Draco, why are you awake so early and what are you doing here?"
Draco jumped at the sudden break in silence, and spun around, startled when he encountered the curious gaze of his Head of House.
Something is different about him…something has…changed, Draco thought immediately but couldn't put his finger on it.
"Pro-Professor Snape, sir," he said haltingly, then pulled himself together. "I need to talk to the Headmaster, but I don't know the password."
Severus looked at Draco in silence, then asked, "What do you need to see Dumbledore for?"
Draco glanced down at the note that was crumpled in his hand, then back at Severus. "I can't really say, sir. I just really need to speak with Professor Dumbledore."
Severus nodded, and gave the gargoyle the password (Fizzing Whizbees). He followed Draco up the steps and stopped outside the door when Draco turned to him uncomfortably.
"Um, sir…I…kinda of need to speak to Professor Dumbledore by myself…if you don't mind," he said awkwardly, slightly embarrassed.
Before Severus could answer, however, the door swung open and a smiling Headmaster stood in the doorway.
"Ah, Draco. I've been expecting you. Come in, come in!" he said warmly, then gestured to Severus. "You too, Severus. I've been expecting you as well," he said with a knowing smile. Draco was surprised to see is Head of House blush slightly, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Albus turned back to Draco and, after seeing some hesitation in the young man, he said, "Don't worry, Draco, anything you have to talk to me about, Severus probably already knows."
The two were ushered into Albus's office, and all three sat down in front of the fireplace.
"Now then, what is it you wanted to speak with me about, Draco?" he asked, after offering the boy a lemon drop.
Hesitating for a second, he finally handed the Headmaster the note he had received from Narcissa. "My mother's personal owl woke me up this morning to bring me this. My mother said you would know what to do," he said and then sat back while Albus and then Severus read the note.
Draco became increasingly uneasy as he saw the twinkle slowly leave the Headmaster's eyes as he read the note. His discomfort multiplied once more when his Head of House released a long, distressed sigh.
"It's true, Albus. He wants the initiation earlier this year than ever before, with younger members as well. I didn't realize that he is so desperate for recruits that he's looking at fifth years, though."
Draco was surprised by this statement, then suddenly remembered his mother's advice a few days before, that not everything is as it seems. He glanced sharply at his Head of House as he recalled Severus's comments and congratulations at their meeting at the Leaky Cauldron. Thoughts of Severus Snape working for the Order like his mother ran through his head as he listened to the conversation between the two men.
"How many recruits are we looking at, if we include current fifth-years?" the Headmaster was asking tiredly and looking very much like the old man he was.
"From recent graduates and seventh years? I'd say around eleven, fifteen at most. With fifth and sixth years, however, it might be close to twenty or so," Severus said dejectedly, raking a hand through his hair.
Albus looked at Severus closely for a second before commenting, somewhat harshly, "Severus, it is no way your fault that these children are joining him! You have done all you can for them, and much more, so stop blaming yourself this instant!"
Draco looked on in surprise as the incensed Headmaster berated the usually cold Potions Master, who was holding his head in his hands.
"Severus, you do as much as you can, which is a lot compared to what might happen if you weren't here at all," he continued, trying to get a response from the man.
"Um…Professor Snape?" Draco interrupted hesitantly, wringing his hands nervously. He was slightly afraid that the professor would blow up at him and deduct house points for interrupting the conversation, even though he was from Slytherin.
The two older men glanced at Draco in surprise, as if they had forgotten he was there. Severus didn't answer him, just nodded in acknowledgement.
"Um…well…is this what you were talking about at the Leaky Cauldron when you congratulated me? Was it because of working for the Order?" he asked somewhat shyly, especially for a Malfoy.
Severus nodded once again. This time however, he eyes had lost some of their anguish and he straightened up slightly.
Albus smiled to himself as he saw the reaction Draco's question had on Severus.
Draco continued, less uncertain than before. "Does this mean that you work for the Order as well? As a spy, I mean, just like Mother?"
Severus nodded once again, glancing at Albus who was now smiling openly.
"That's correct, Draco. I've been a spy almost as long as your mother, she's been working for Albus just slightly longer."
"So that's what Mother meant when she said that not everyone was what they seem."
"Yes, I am pretty sure that that is what she meant."
Albus interrupted the two, bringing their attention back to the original reason they were all congregated in his office.
"Speaking of your mother, Draco, we have to do something about this letter."
Draco nodded, then looked expectantly at the Headmaster. "Mother mentioned that you would be able to tell me the different options I have."
"That's correct. As of right now, Voldemort believes you are loyal to him. Whether this is because your father felt he was in danger if he told Voldemort anything besides that, or that your father actually believes that, I have no idea and neither does your mother. I am confidant, however, that your father knows absolutely nothing about your decision to aid us."
"No, he definitely doesn't," Draco interrupted with a shudder. "If he did, I would be out of this school and back in those dungeons before anyone could blink," he continued miserably.
Severus patted his shoulder and turned to Albus.
"What are his options, Albus? Surely you are not thinking of a role as a spy, are you?"
"Actually, Severus, as of right now that is a possibility. Now, before either of you say anything else, these are several options that I feel you have, Draco. Now, assuming that you do not want to become a Death Eater, the option of accepting your father's preferred line of work and pledging your loyalty to Voldemort is not actually open for discussion, is it?"
Draco looked at him in shock and disgust and hastily replied, "Of course not! I told you that during the summer. If I were to do that, why would I even be here?"
Albus chuckled, and quickly tried to calm Draco. "I did not mean to insinuate that you were loyal to him, I was just stating a choice that is definitely open to you, one that many people will want you to choose. However, now that we have that out of the way, if you do choose to accept your father's offer and receive the Dark Mark, you could become a spy for the Order, like Severus and your mother."
Severus snorted in frustration at this option, but kept silent.
With a quick glance towards the irate Potions Professor, Albus continued, "You could openly denounce Voldemort and work publicly against him. This could be highly dangerous given your current living arrangements and your father's temper."
Draco nodded and agreed.
"This might not be the most favorable option, but we could place you in a safe-spot, so to speak. It would be an unplottable location where neither your father, Voldemort, nor anyone else would be able to find you, save myself and whoever is chosen to be your caregiver at the time. You would continue your education in this location, and would be able to immerge from the safe spot either when the danger for you has passed, or when the war is over."
"You want me to run and hide?" Draco asked, incredulous at the idea of a Malfoy running away like a coward.
"It is just a suggestion, Draco, and nothing more. However, if such circumstances arrive and it becomes too perilous for you to stay here, then it might be the course of action we will be forced to take."
Draco slumped in his seat glumly, but looked expectantly at Albus for his other options.
"The next option is slightly more difficult that the others. It would entail convincing Voldemort that you are indeed loyal to him, yet not able to receive the Dark Mark yet, because you are still in school. In the past, Voldemort refused to seek recruits from any person younger than graduating age. Whether this was because of the actual age of the person, or the fact that the recruit was no longer under the watchful eyes of professors and other students, I have no idea. As you can see, for reasons known only to himself, Voldemort has decided to recruit those of a much younger age than before. I am actually quite surprised that he would be willing to risk these new recruits by branding them with the Mark while they are still under my care, with the risk of someone seeing the Mark."
He paused for several seconds, thinking about what he was about to propose, and glanced at Severus before continuing.
"We would have to find a way to convince Voldemort that by forcing the recruits still in Hogwarts, and any other school for that matter, to take the Mark would be foolhardy and harmful to his Cause. However, there are a few problems with this. Firstly, as of right now, we have no way of actually convincing Voldemort of this. It would be extremely detrimental to the health of the person who tries to tell Voldemort that he is wrong or his judgment might not be correct on a certain subject. Another problem arises if someone does actually manage to convince Voldemort to spare those in school from taking the Mark. Those of you still in school will probably be forced to prove your loyalty to Voldemort in ways that would replace actually taking the Mark."
He paused again, letting his words sink in.
"This could prove to be extremely dangerous. You have mentioned, more than once, your detestation and revulsion of repeating what your father has told you about. If you were to choose this option, you may be required to replicate many, if not more, of these acts, all without giving your abhorrence or disloyalty away. This can also be detrimental to your mental health. I have seen what the guilt and shame of committing such acts can do to a person, and you must be completely prepared for what might happen, and what you might feel as a result," he finished quietly, glancing unobtrusively at Severus, who was staring at his hands.
There was silence in the room as the three pondered the different outcomes that could take place if Draco were to choose that option.
Albus finally broke the silence when it became too thick with tension.
"That is not the final choice though. The next choice is somewhat like the safe-spot choice. However, instead of going into hiding and continuing your education in an unplottable location, you would travel in the company of two of my informants, gathering information for the Order. They would be responsible for your safety, as well as your education."
Before Albus could continue explaining this option, Severus looked up sharply and interrupted loudly, "You cannot possibly be thinking of sending Draco with them! Am I correct in assuming the two who you are insinuating?"
Albus nodded and answered calmly, "Yes Severus, I do believe we are thinking of the same people."
"Are you mad? He would be killed within a month, if not earlier! They are foolhardy and reckless and I refuse to let Draco be put in their care!"
"It is not up to you, Severus. And furthermore, I would trust my life with the two of them, something I say the same about you. Yes, they can jump to conclusions a bit quickly sometimes, and yes, they have gotten themselves into a great amount of trouble in the past, but they do not take their job lightly. They would not take the job of caring for Draco lightly, either. They have spent the last two years gathering information that has proved invaluable to the Order, and would be willing to tutor a new member."
"Um, Professor? Who are you talking about?" interrupted Draco as he realized that Severus was about to explode with rage.
"I'm afraid I cannot tell you who these men are as of yet. If you decide that this option is best for you, then the information will be disclosed to you at that time. If not, it would be beneficial to not know the names of these informants, for if you do not know the information, then no one would be able to extract said information from you," Albus answered gravely, staring solemnly at Draco.
"Alright, that makes sense," Draco replied, nodding as he thought about what Albus had just said.
"Now, then, there are still one or two options left to discuss…"
* * * *
Albus smiled as Draco left his office, caught up in his thoughts about the choice he would have to make.
Turning and looking at the other young man that was sitting thoughtfully in his office, Albus's smile gradually left his face as he thought of the events of the day before.
He felt exceedingly guilty about the pain he had inadvertently caused both Severus and Rose the day before. He berated himself harshly, trying to find the reason behind his momentary lack of memory.
He had known Rose when she was a student at Hogwarts, and later when she trained to be Potion's Mistress like Severus. He had often been a visitor at the Snape household after Rose and Severus had married. For Merlin's sake, he had been the wizard who had married Severus and Rose! How could he possibly have forgotten that Rose Fitz had been the ex-Mrs. Snape?!?
His smile returned somewhat at that train of thought. He glanced at Severus and was extremely happy to see the changed in his young friend. When he had opened the door this morning to Draco and Severus, he had known that both would be coming. Draco's reason had been apparent, thanks to the letter he had received from Narcissa that morning.
Severus's reason, however, was not as clear at first. Albus knew that Severus would be knocking on his door, yet whether it would be to torture and murder the old man for causing him pain, or to tell him that he and Rose had reconciled their differences, he wasn't sure.
When Albus had opened the door, he had been ecstatic to see signs of the old Severus…the one who had been so happy with Rose. He had known then that most of the issues had been worked out between the two, and that Severus had come to him with good news. That had had to wait, however, until the more pressing matter of Draco's future was discussed.
That being over now, Albus was excited to hear from Severus how Rose was and about their plans.
"Severus," he said, breaking the silence hesitantly.
As much as he was certain that everything was alright between Severus and Rose, he was still slightly nervous about the inevitable confrontation from the young man in front of him.
"Hmm? Yes Albus?" he asked, stirring from his thoughts.
Albus watched him quietly for a few minutes before answering, "Did everything go alright yesterday after lunch?"
Severus glanced sharply at Albus, but relaxed slightly as he saw that the Headmaster was serious and genuinely asking about what had happened and not sitting there with that damned all-knowing twinkle in his eyes.
He nodded, a kind of glazed look coming over his eyes, to which Albus's mouth twitched and curved slightly, unseen thanks to his immense white beard.
"Yes, everything was fine. After you left, we…talked through some things," he said with a slight smile.
Albus was now beaming freely and coughed softly to get the younger man's attention.
"I gathered as much, seeing as how none of the staff were able to gain entry into the Staff Room until after dinner," he said, eyes now twinkling madly.
Severus tried to scowl for several seconds…he truly tried…but was unsuccessful as a grin spread across his face.
Albus was thrilled to see Severus happy. It had been so long since he had seen Severus smile, or care for anything other than working for the Order and keeping the students from blowing up the dungeons.
It has been close to eight years, in fact, now that I think of it, he thought to himself, quietly wondering why he had never attributed his friend's depression and sudden anti-social behavior to the separation with Rose, instead of assuming it had to do with the fight against Voldemort.
"Have you two discussed any plans for the future, Severus?" he asked cheerfully, playing with his beard as he leaned forward, elbows resting on his desk.
Albus chuckled quietly as Severus blushed slightly once more. Twice in one morning…must have been a very good night indeed, he thought slyly to himself.
"Actually Albus, I proposed to her again, and she agreed. We want to be remarried as soon as possible," he said softly, smiling as he thought of the beautiful woman who he had left in his bed that morning.
Albus clapped his hands together like a small child. "Wonderful!" he exclaimed. "I am very happy for you Severus. Merlin knows you deserve the happiness that I know you had when you were with her."
"We were wondering if you would marry us again, Albus. And when we said as soon as possible, we both meant literally as soon as possible. We were thinking this weekend or the weekend after," he said quickly, unsure of how his mentor would take the information.
Albus beamed and stood up, walking quickly over to where Severus was seated. He gathered the younger man in a tight hug. Releasing him from the hug, he grabbed Severus's shoulders and scolded playfully, "Like you even need to ask that! How could you think I would do anything but marry you two again!"
Severus relaxed as he heard this, and smiled at Albus. "Thanks you, Albus. This means so much to Rose and I."
Albus nodded and patted Severus's shoulders once more before walking back over to his chair.
"I think that next weekend would be a perfect time for a ceremony. I'm sure you both want to contact your families and give them enough time to make arrangements so they can all be here, is that correct?"
Severus nodded and asked, "We were discussing whether or not to have the ceremony here at Hogwarts, or somewhere in Hogsmeade. We know that either way, the students are definitely going to find out that we are being married, but which would be safer for the rest of the family?"
"You mean your family, am I correct? The ones who have changed their names and appearances to escape the danger of being related to Alexial?"
Severus nodded, sobering a great deal as their talk turned to what was such a sore subject for him.
Albus didn't answer at first, silently contemplating the best way to ensure that the wedding would be safe for all members.
"I think it would be best for all if you were to be married here at Hogwarts then. We would tell no one besides both of your families, and the few students who you decide to invite. This would ensure that no one but us few know of the wedding, limiting the chance of unexpected visitors. It also helps that all guests will have to arrive either by carriage or by foot, so you can know exactly who is at the ceremony, without the thought that someone could just apparate in at any moment. If you feel like we need it, I can employ the aid of a few of my most trusted acquaintances to be at the ceremony and ensure protection in the slight chance that something happens."
Severus nodded and replied, "I'm sure that will be fine. The fewer people who know of this, the less likely there will be a problem."
"I agree, but it is always better to be safer, rather than sorry afterwards. Now, will we be having the ceremony outside? If so, I will have to set up wards to keep the extra students at bay. And furthermore, will there be a reception afterwards, and where?"
"Rose and I were talking about that. She suggested maybe having some type of fair or party of some sorts in the Great Hall, to be attended by all who are not invited to the wedding. The Prefects and Head Boy and Girl will be put in charge, so that members of the faculty can attend the ceremony."
"Excellent idea. I'll discuss it with Minerva and the Heads tonight, and get started on the planning. And what about a reception?"
"We would love a small one, but where would we hold it? I know the castle is huge and probably has more than one Hall, but surely the students would notice such a large group of people heading to one room. And, contrary to what I normally say, they are not all so stupid to realize that something is going on, especially if none of the teachers are there."
Albus chuckled at these last sentences, and thought for a second before replying.
"If you would like, we will set up the reception in one of the unknown and less used Halls in the castle. There is one room that I am thinking of, that actually has a side entrance from one of the older classrooms. The only thing I need to do is remember where it is, and instruct the House Elves to ready it for the party. How does that sound?"
Severus nodded after a moment, "Sounds like a good idea, Albus. Thank you."
"What about music?"
"Rose has one of those enchanted music box things, and she has a number of those round circle disc things that play music when she puts them in the top part of the box. She has quite a large amount of the disc things, so I'm sure she can handle the music for the reception. Would the House Elves be able to prepare for a Feast in two weeks for so many people?"
"Yes, I'm sure they could manage something," Albus said smiling at the thought of the hundreds of House Elves scampering around the large kitchens. "Now, who among the students will you be inviting?" he asked.
"Jordan, Niki, Casper, Max, Andrew and Alexial, of course. I suppose that they could each bring a few of their friends, but their names will have to be cleared with me before they invite their friends, for security purposes, of course," Severus replied.
"Naturally," agreed Albus. "Especially with Jordan, Niki and Casper. Even though I know that there are a number of children who turn to the Dark whom are not from Slytherin, they are the most likely to have friends with parents loyal to Voldemort," he continued.
"Yes, I know. I know that my parents and the rest of my nieces and nephews will be thrilled to see Rose again. I'm not sure, however, how Rose's family is going to handle the news or who she is going to even be telling," Severus said, running a hand through his hair nervously.
"Relax, Severus. I am sure that everything will work out fine. Are you planning on inviting everyone from the staff?"
Severus nodded and answered, "I suppose it would be the best thing to do, wouldn't it. Although the only ones I truly want there are Filius, Minerva and Poppy, but it would be rude not to invite everyone, wouldn't it?"
Albus chuckled, answering, "Yes Severus, just a bit."
They sat in comfortable silence for several minutes before Albus suddenly burst into laughter.
"What's so funny, old man?" Severus asked with mock indignation.
"You do realize that Harry, Ron and Ginny will be attending your wedding, do you not?" he asked with a smile.
Severus groaned with that realization, then chuckled once or twice as he realized the irony of having the bane of his existence invited to such a private moment.
Before he could say anything, Albus patted his shoulder and said, "Why don't you go and find Rose and start writing to your family? Oh, and I have a feeling that if you would like to tell you nieces and nephews in person, they will be in the classroom next to the Great Hall right before dinner tonight," he said with a smile.
Severus shook his head, as answering smile on his face. "How do you know these things, old man?" he asked good humouredly.
Albus laughed and shook his head, "A wizard never tells his secrets, my friend," he said with a grin, eyes twinkling mischievously.
Severus shook his head and sighed in mock disappointment before smiling and leaving the office.
* * * *
"…yea, and she was gone for like an hour!"
"Where did she go?"
"I don't know, but she was trying to be really, really quiet, like she didn't want us to know or anything, so where else could she be going if it wasn't to see a boy!?!"
"NO! There's no way she would do that! She wouldn't break the rules just for guy!"
"I know! But where else would she be going?"
"I don't know, but who do you think it is then?"
"I have no clue, but whoever it is, he has to be really smart."
"I know! She definitely wouldn't go with any guy that wasn't smart like her."
"Do you think it was someone in Ravenclaw then?"
"Probably, but it's definitely not anyone from Gryffindor, because she snuck out of the Common Room."
"Didn't you say that she woke up two nights ago also?"
"Yea, and then when I went to check on her again, she had left."
"Do you think she was with him then also?"
"Maybe…I can't believe she's seeing someone!"
"Who would go with her though? I mean, I guess she's really pretty, but she can be sooo annoying!"
"Yea I know, but Ravenclaws like smart people, so maybe she's not annoying to whoever it is."
"Oh my god!! I can't wait to tell Padma!"
"You will do no such thing, thank you very much!" Hermione interrupted the whispered conversation angrily.
Two squeals, emitted by Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil, were heard through Hermione's closed bed curtains, which she ripped open irately.
"Hermione!" exclaimed Parvati, looking at her guiltily. "We didn't know you were awake!"
"Obviously not, or else you wouldn't have been talking about me behind my back, getting ready to spread stupid rumors that you know nothing about!"
"We were not going to tell anyone!" exclaimed Lavender adamantly, after glancing quickly at Parvati.
Hermione rolled her eyes before answering sarcastically, "Suuure you weren't. And that's why you were so ready to tell Padma, who would then tell all her friends, and so on. Listen, I was not going to see a boy, I am not 'going' with anyone, and even if I were, it wouldn't be a Ravenclaw, alright?"
"But Hermione, if you weren't sneaking out to see a boy, where were you?" asked Parvati, instantly reverting back to gossip mode.
"None of your business, Parvati. But next time you think you know something about me, before you start spreading false rumors, just ask me, alright?" Hermione asked, pleading somewhat.
"Oh, come on Hermione, just tell us!" said Lavender beseechingly.
Hermione glanced from one expectant face to the other before sighing in defeat. Quickly running through scenarios in her head, she finally chose a half-truth.
"I had to go see the Headmaster," she answered, waiting for the outburst of questions that would inevitably come.
And of course, they did.
"Why were in the Headmaster's office?"
"What did you need him for?"
"Why couldn't you just come to us?"
"Why didn't you just tell us that to begin with?"
"All right, all right, all right!" Hermione interrupted, raising her voice above those of the two gossips. "I'll answer your questions, just calm down!"
When the girls finally calmed down, she turned to Lavender and asked, "Do you remember how I told you that I haven't been sleeping well? And that I've been having those dreams where I can kind of feel what's going on?"
When Lavender and Parvati both nodded (Hermione assumed that Lavender had told Parvati (which of course she had, being the gossip she was)), she continued.
"Well, lately they've been getting much worse. Instead of just feeling a little of what is going on, its like I'm actually there, and when I wake up, I still feel every emotion and remember everything that happened in the dream. After you went back to sleep, I went to the Headmaster and told him about it, and he said he'd help look for a cure or something to tell me what's happening. I had another one last night. It wasn't as bad as the first one, but it was still pretty bad, so I went to him again. I've been telling him all the dreams I could remember that I had over the summer, and we're trying to figure out what's going on and how to stop it."
Finishing, she looked at the two awestruck girls before her, suddenly worried that they'd tell everyone about her dreams.
Frantically, she spoke before they could say anything. "You both have to promise not to tell anyone!!! Alright? Professor Dumbledore said that it would be better if no one knew, so you really can't tell anyone…even Padma, alright Parvati?" she asked them, chocolate brown eyes wide and pleading.
They both nodded emphatically, and spent the rest of the time before breakfast trying to console their roommate.
Hermione found it slightly odd to suddenly be the center of attention of her two eccentric roommates, who usually ignored her because she wasn't as boy-crazy as they were. However, she found it rather pleasant and enjoyed talking to them.
After performing their morning rituals, Hermione was sandwiched between the two girls as they went down to the Common Room. Before she could say anything or greet anyone, the two herded her towards the Portrait hole.
On her way out, Hermione frantically sought out the gaze of Harry, who was watching with amusement, and pleaded with her eyes to save her from the two. By the time she was dragged out of the room, Ron and Ginny had joined Harry and all three were laughing at her obvious distress. Still laughing, they followed the three girls down to the Great Hall where they all enjoyed breakfast.
* * * *
A/N: Hope everyone enjoyed the chapter! I know that as of right now, nothing really big is happening, but I'm trying to get through all the rudimentary stuff before it gets really interesting. Besides, most of this stuff will be important for later chapters. Anyhoo…please, please, please update! I love getting reviews, and they help a lot!
A/N2: It was brought to my attention that in the previous chapter, I mentioned that a Weasley was brought up in the dream, but I didn't say whether it was Percy or Arthur, who both work at the Ministry. Just to clarify, I was talking about Arthur. I had completely forgotten that Percy also worked at the Ministry, sorry about that!
A/N3: This A/N is about the Severus/Rose relationship. Normally, I wouldn't have a relationship go anywhere near this fast. However, there are a couple of points that should be kept in mind. First off, the two were together for almost sixteen years, and were extremely in love with one another. Their only daughter was killed in order to pry information from Severus, all because he worked for Dumbledore as a spy in Voldemort's circle. This had a really, really big impact on their marriage, and eventually drove them to divorce, as you saw in previous chapters. Their separation had such an effect on both of them that Rose left the country and Severus transformed into the 'Greasy Git' that everyone knows and loves today. They hadn't seen in other for close to eight years, and then all of a sudden, they're in the same school, in the same room and standing right in front of each other. You can imagine that with so many unresolved issues between the two, plus the fact that they were both still so desperately in love, that their first meeting couldn't be anything but extremely dramatic. The whole thing with rushing the marriage, was because neither one can believe that it's actually happening and they want it to be official again as soon as possible…etc. etc. etc. Anyways, hope that explains it! If anyone else has questions, just ask them in reviews! Sorry about the long author's note, but people asked, so I responded. Hope you enjoyed the chapter!