Chapter 18 ~ Not-So-Happy New Year
"When you walk away, you don't hear me say,
Please, oh baby, don't go.
Simple and clean is the way that you're making me feel tonight,
It's hard to let it go."
- "Simple and Clean" Utada Hikaru
The Gryffindor common room grew into silence very quickly as the deafening scream echoed throughout the castle. Stillness consumed the common room, and the only thing that could be heard was the constant whistling from the fireworks in the fireplace, which obviously didn't know that something serious and probably frightening had just occurred.
Hermione was transfixed among the silence. She looked around the room at the familiar faces of her fellow Gryffindors. No emotions were expressed on their faces - except for complete horror. Their eyes were open wide, some were covering their ears from the noise, others looked like they had lost complete control over their jaws because they were hanging loosely.
A creaking noise was suddenly heard - the portrait door was opening. Everyone turned their heads towards the portrait door; some of the younger ones were whimpering, thinking that something bad was going to come through the door, while some of the older ones drew their wands in defense.
McGonagull stumbled in, which relieved many of them. Her hat was lopsided and full of confetti. Hermione figured that the faculty was also celebrating, but now McGonagull looked worried.
"Head Boy and Girl and Prefects, follow me," she ordered. "The seventh years, take care of the younger ones and do not leave roam outside of the common room and your dormitories."
Hermione did as she was told and began to follow McGonagull along with Seamus and the Prefects. "I'll be fine," she mouthed to Harry and Ron, who looked slightly concerned.
The hallways were pitch dark, and all the torches were unlit. "Light your wands," McGonagull instructed them. Hermione followed her instruction and lit her wand with a murmur of 'Lumos'.
"Remain calm," she whispered to them. She said it in an unusual tone, as though struggling to remain calm herself.
They climbed down many stairs in silence, Hermione wondering what was going on during that time.
Finally they reached the slightly comforting staff and faculty room. Inside were Dumbledore, Snape, Filch, Hagrid, Sprout, Musetta, and some other professors but a select few were missing.
"Gather around here," Dumbledore instructed the Prefects and Head Boy and Girl. "Now, we are not quite sure what has just occurred, but your job is to make sure that everyone remains calm. The professors and I will be doing an extensive search throughout the castle, since we aren't too sure where the scream has come from."
Hermione looked at Dumbledore and realized how serious and alert he appeared. Although he was wearing a pink wizard's hat (no doubt from a Wizard Cracker), his face was stern and his bright blue eyes that were usually twinkling now looked concerned and worried.
The door opened, and Hermione saw McGonagull swiftly take out her wand but it was Oliver who came in. "I'm sorry for interrupting," he apologized. "Peeves tried to distract me by dropping a bookshelf on me."
Dumbledore nodded and motioned for Oliver to join in. "We would also please ask you," Dumbledore continued, "to tell the students not to utter a word of what's going on to their families. We want them to feel safe and protected, but if this should leak out.I'm afraid that there could be serious concequences."
Hermione nodded, realizing what Dumbledore was talking about. Although Kylie Skeeter (Rita Skeeter's younger sister) hadn't written anything too devastating lately, it was only because she didn't know about the sudden attacks on the school. Hermione knew what would happen if it got out. It would be a repeat of what took place in her fourth year, when Rika Skeeter just happened to know everything about Hogwarts and its students.
"Now," Dumbledore went on, "Prefects and Head Boy and Girl, you may return to your dormitories, make sure that everything's under control. Professors, follow me except for Professor Snape and Professor Wood. I have some special tasks for you which I will explain once I explain what's going on to the other professors."
The door to the staff room opened, and the professors gathered exited, as did Seamus and the Prefects. Snape, Oliver, and Hermione remained, however, and Hermione approached Oliver with a look of concern on her face.
"Peeves try to throw a bookshelf on you?" Hermione asked in disbelief.
"Yeah, and he almost succeeded," Oliver replied, pointing to a cut on his face. "Stupid Peeves!"
"Do you know what's going on?" Hermione asked urgently, desperate to know their current situation. "I mean - who was attacked and everything, and will everything be all right?"
"I have no idea," Oliver admitted. "But for now, just stay put. It isn't good to worry all the time. You become too stressed, and I don't want to see you stressed."
Hermione sighed, as though knowing that she should agree. "I suppose so," she said eventually. "But what.what if something happens to the students? What if someone gets attacked?" She was referring to Harry, knowing that he would be in danger should Voldemort be the one behind these attacks. And she had good reason to believe it was Voldemort as well since she was almost attacked by the snake. She had almost completely gotten over it now but she still jumped at sudden noises.
"Listen to me Hermione," Oliver told her, reaching for her arms. Snape was watching protectively, but Oliver paid no attention to him and instead, chose to ignore him. "Nothing will happen - not with Dumbledore, the Professors, and all the students. Together we can.we can get rid of any danger here at Hogwarts. And I promise.nothing will happen to you."
Hermione smiled. "Don't promise until you know you can keep it," she said with a grin. "But I suppose you're right. I better go inform the Gryffindors before Seamus accidentally mutters something he shouldn't have." She gave him a big grin and left the staff room, leaving Oliver and Snape alone.
"You seem a little concerned about Miss Granger," Snape said after he cleared his throat.
"Just want to assure her that nothing will happen," Oliver replied. "Just wanting to be friendly so she won't be so stressed as she can sometimes get."
"All I want to say, is that it would not seem, appropriate, to be seen 'friendly' with your students. You know how quickly rumours can, and will, spread." Snape spoke each word slowly, sharply, and clearly to Oliver.
"If you care to notice professor, I am friends with MOST of the students here, as I was once a student amongst them when I attended it in my younger years. And I also find it is rewarding to be friends with students, it helps them relax around me, therefore they learn more. Maybe you should try it," Oliver replied calmly, trying to hide the faint nervousness in his voice. Snape raised one eyebrow and opened his mouth to take a slow breath in before talking again.
"As we both know, a certain 'friend' of yours does not require to learn more than she already knows. And especially...about...Quidditch," Professor Snape finished. Narrowing his black eyes, Snape spun around on his heels, and stormed out of the door, black cloak billowing behind him, not bothering to wait for Dumbledore to show up.
Oliver watched as his ex-Potions master sped down the corridor to Dumbledore and the professors, and blinked, as he slowly took in the hint. He knew about him and Hermione. He knew about their relationship. He knew.
************************************************
The Gryffindor common room was still quite silent, except for the voices of Seamus and Hermione, who were explaining what was going on. Harry and Ron were listening with deep interest - in fact, they were so interested that they had fallen asleep. Hermione didn't blame them as she continued her little speech about the students' safety - it was now five in the morning, and although the students would normally be awake because of the New Year celebrations, now they were just desperate to go to sleep.
The first years, however, we're hanging onto every word that came out of Hermione's mouth, as though desperate to follow the rules. Eventually Hermione grew tired of her own voice, and told everyone to rest before it was time to wake up for breakfast, and that although it was a hard time for them, as long as they remain loyal to each other, then they would get through the hard times.
Hermione sat herself down in a couch nearby Harry and Ron, who were sound asleep. She closed her eyes, but couldn't fall asleep, even though she was dead tired. She had too much on her mind, and even though she knew Oliver had told her not to worry, she couldn't help it. Sighing with discontent, she shuffled around on the couch, her eyes still tightly shut. She didn't know when she had fallen asleep, but the next time she had opened her eyes, weak sunlight was peering through the windows amongst the snowflakes. Harry and Ron were still asleep, but after a few pokes and a hit with a pillow, they were both soon wide-awake.
"So what's going on?" Harry asked, as soon as he had rubbed his eyes frantically.
"Weren't you listening?" Hermione questioned. "Seamus and I gave out a huge speech just a few hours ago."
"Honestly Hermione," Ron replied, stifling a large yawn. "Didn't you watch us? We both fell asleep just as you began."
Hermione sighed. "Well I'm not going to explain it again," she said hotly. "It's not my fault that you two fell asleep, and I'm not going to bother explaining it."
"Well, someone's off to a cheery new year, now aren't we?" Ron asked with a laugh.
Hermione widened her eyes as she realized that it was now a brand-new year. Three hundred and sixty-five days ago, she was also celebrating a new year. It had been more cheerful, but she was less mature and quite younger than she felt now. "I'm sorry," she apologized. "It's just - I'm worried, you know? I don't know what's going to happen."
"We'll be with you all the way 'Mione," Harry promised her. "You just have to ease up a bit!"
"Easy for you to say," Hermione told him. "I have to deal with the pressure of completing all my homework and studying for the N.E.W.T's, which you have to do as well. I also have to be Head Girl, dealing with all the stuff that's going around the school. Then I have my." She was about to say 'relationship with Oliver' but she couldn't tell them. She loved Oliver deeply, but it didn't seem the time, and she knew Harry and Ron wouldn't accept it. "All you have to concentrate on besides studies is Quidditch, which I might add, isn't even in occurrence at the moment, so how can I ease up?"
Harry readjusted his glasses and looked at her. "This New Year has definitely had an effect on you Hermione," he said. "Look outside - look at your fellow students. Look at this castle. I know you want to protect all of it and do good and all, and even though they say one person can make the difference, you can't put all this stuff upon your shoulders. Sit back and relax once in a while because this is your last year here Hermione. You want to spend it knowing that all you did was have your knickers in a twist worrying about others constantly?" Ron snorted with laughter but Harry continued without the slightest hint of amusement. "I know that you want to be sort of in control, but you have to lay back once and a while and let others do the work for you. Have some 'me' time for a change, do you know what I mean?"
Hermione widened her eyes yet again in disbelief. Everything that Harry said was true, almost as if he was gaping inside her soul. She smiled slightly and nodded. "You're right Harry," she began. "And I'm sorry.I'll try and ease up, but it won't be an easy task. Anyways, who's up for a little breakfast?"
Ron's stomach growled, and he laughed weakly. "Guess my stomach spoke for me," he said, so they headed to the entrance of the Common Room, past all the sleeping bodies and made their way to the Great Hall.
When they had arrived, it was completely empty except for five or six students arranged at their tables. Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat themselves down at their usual spots at the Gryffindor table, feeling sort of odd, as they were the only ones at their table.
McGonagull suddenly rushed in, just as the trio began to order their breakfast from Dobby. She looked very distressed and hurried to Hermione saying, "Oh good Miss Granger, there you are. Please, come with me it will only take a moment."
Harry and Ron looked at Hermione carefully and curiously. McGonagull seemed to notice for she said, "Perhaps you better come along as well. You might be able to help."
They told Dobby to hold their orders for a moment, to which Dobby excitedly replied with, "Of course sirs and misses!" and they followed Professor McGonagull out of the Great Hall.
McGonagull led the three of them onto the second floor corridor, walking as though she was struggling to get through a crowd. She turned towards an empty corridor, which had a very large window with a curtain over it.
Professor McGonagull led them closer to the drapes, as though she was about to show them something, but Hermione could see nothing. Harry and Ron walked apprehensively behind her, as though they knew something bad was going to happen.
Suddenly, Professor McGonagull came to a halt, right in front of the drapery. Hermione looked around, wondering why on earth Professor McGonagull had brought them here, when she noticed something. On the hanging red drapery, was a certain accessory that Hermione was sure didn't belong here. It was a body.
Along the top where the curtains were supposed to be hung, was a long rope, leading towards the centre of the drapery, which covered a very large window, from floor to ceiling. And the long rope was tied around a girl's neck. She had long flowing black hair, which covered most of her face, but Hermione could make out her distinct eyes, which were bloodshot. Hermione gasped as she watched the lifeless body, just hanging as though it was a decoration. The girl's sleeves were rolled up, and Hermione noticed the Dark Mark deep in her arm.
Professor Mcgonagull lowered her head, but then turned towards Harry and Ron. "Do you recognize this girl?" she asked. "She's apparently in Slytherin.she was found just this morning as Professor Trewlaney was going to the washroom."
Hermione shook her head, and saw that Ron had shook his as well. Harry, however, was looking closer at the body, almost as though he was a doctor examining a corpse. "She's on the Slytherin Quidditch team," Harry said. "The Keeper.that's Vanessa Pritchard."
"Oh dear," Professor McGonagull said. "Thank you for your help. Ms Granger, kindly go to the Great Hall and tell everybody to go to their dormitories; they may bring some food with them for breakfast and tell them that some professors will be bringing some food for the rest of the students when they wake up. Everybody must stay in their dormitories.this is too serious, and is for the well-being of the students. I will notify the other Professors of this."
Hermione nodded, taking one last look at the stiff and dead body before she turned around. Harry and Ron followed, but Ron had a horrific expression on his face, as though somebody told him that a spider was right behind him. Harry had his eyes wide open, looking extremely disturbed.
"That's.that's terrible," Ron spluttered out finally, as they made their way down the staircase towards the Great Hall. "That girl didn't even deserve it.and she was a Slytherin!"
"So?" Hermione asked.
Ron looked at her with his jaw wide open as though he had lost ability over it. "Hermione, I thought you were supposed to be the know-it-all!" he exclaimed. "Don't you understand? All along it's been Slytherin's heir, so the Slytherins were never harmed and all that, as though they were the supposed holy ones. And then all of a sudden, a Slytherin is attacked! That throws absolutely everything out of proportion!"
"How so?" Hermione asked him, as they continued towards the Great Hall.
Ron scoffed. "Honestly Hermione, it seems as though we're switching minds or something!" he cried. "Think about it. Slytherin's always been the one to cause the chaos, to wreak havoc at Hogwarts. Everybody pretty much blames them for everything bad that happens around here. Then, all of a sudden, a Slytherin is attacked, so the rest of the students could no longer blame them as one of their own has been.murdered." He gulped slightly and shrugged. "So if it isn't Slytherin, then who on earth could it be?"
Hermione shrugged as well. She didn't know why she was putting on this sudden act of being incredibly stupid, but she was shocked. Looking at that girl, Vanessa - seeing her bloodshot eyes, her pale face, her lifeless body that would never draw out breath again - it disturbed Hermione. All of her life at Hogwarts, she felt that she was safe. Even when the chamber of secrets had indeed been opened, she was reassured when it stopped and it had never killed anyone. Now, all of a sudden, a student was murdered. Hermione no longer felt so reassured, safe, and protected now, and she wasn't quite sure what to think.
When the three of them finally reached the Great Hall, they found that it was already vacant, with not a student in sight. "Hagrid!" Harry exclaimed suddenly. Hermione turned and noticed Hagrid.
"I already got rid of the lot of 'em in the Great Hall," Hagrid explained, who had a very pale face at the moment. "Yeh better head off to the dormitories. Yeh never know what could happen and yeh're safe in yer houses."
They all nodded and headed towards the Gryffindor tower. When they said the new password ('Phoenix Wings'), and went inside to the Common Room, they found that everyone was sitting and eating in squashy red armchairs and couches.
"What's going on?" Seamus Finnigan asked immediately as Hermione stepped through the portrait door.
"I'll tell you later," Hermione whispered. She wasn't ready to tell Seamus that someone had been murdered right in the middle of the Common Room for everyone to hear. Hermione knew that it would only worry everyone, especially the younger students. Seamus looked offended by her statement and so she whispered, even more quietly so that not even Harry or Ron could hear, "It wouldn't be good telling you about this in front of the students. Somebody has been murdered, but please don't act alarmed, because it will only alarm the students."
Seamus nodded confidently, although his eyes were also gaping in fear. Hermione walked past him, sitting herself down in an armchair, watching the other students eat their breakfast quietly.
"So much for a 'happy' new year," Ron groaned, grabbing a piece of toast and sitting down on the arm of the chair Hermione was sitting in.
"You're right Ron," Harry told him, also grabbing two pieces of toast from a large plate that was on a table near them. He handed one to Hermione, who accepted it gratefully.
"I don't understand this all," Hermione said through a mouthful of toast. "The beginning of a new year is supposed to be exciting, full of new resolutions and a way to start over. These devastating things aren't supposed to happen. It's just not the way it's supposed to happen."
Ron swallowed his piece of toast before he began. "Sometimes.things happen in a way that you wouldn't wish them too," Ron explained. "And although we can't help what just happened, we can definitely change the future. Although we probably get involved way too much in these things, something serious just happened, and.and I don't like it." His voice was rising higher and higher as he spoke, as though he was worried. "And even though it's a bit hard to just forget about this and try and have a happy new year, we should at least try because you wouldn't want to spend a new year thinking about a murdered girl!"
The Common Room went unusually quiet. Ginny dropped her goblet suddenly, and it landed to the floor, staining the carpet with pumpkin juice. Ron suddenly realized what he had just done and tried to chuckle weakly, but instead it came out muffled, making him sound like a mouse.
"HAPPY NEW YEAR!" Ron suddenly erupted, as though it was a festive joke to talk about a murdered girl. The rest of the Gryffindors didn't seem to get the hint, however; they were still in silence and now Ginny began to sob quietly, her face buried in her hands.
Ron's whole entire face had turned crimson. "I'll uh.just be upstairs if anyone needs me," he said. He suddenly grabbed another piece of toast and sprinted up the stairs to the boys' dormitories, but almost tripped over a step. His face came dangerously close to one of the steps, and he stood up, smiling weakly yet again, before shutting himself in the boys' dormitories.
The Common Room was now buzzing silently in hushed whispers, wondering what was going on. Hermione sighed as she finished her piece of toast, and she stood up from her chair quickly and cleared her throat loudly. Everyone turned to look at her, and Hermione felt once again in the spotlight, which was something she was slightly uncomfortable about.
"Please everybody, do not panic," Hermione began, looking at Harry who gave her a reassuring nod to continue. "A girl has indeed been murdered, which is why we must spend a few hours in our dormitories while the teachers continue their conductive search." Some of the students began to gasp, but Hermione continued, trying not to notice their worry. "The student was Vanessa Pritchard.a Slytherin." Seamus Finnigan, who was listening tentatively on the arm of a chair suddenly fell off at these words.
"A Slytherin?" he blurted out. "A SLYTHERIN?"
"Seamus, please," Hermione begged of him. "We'd ask you to please not panic, and try and enjoy yourselves, because as Ron mentioned, you shouldn't waste the start of a brand new year thinking about.this tragedy. Try and have some festive cheer and just pretend that everything is normal, all right? Happy New Year!" she cried, managing a large smile.
Finally, it seemed as though her speech had finally worked, and the Gryffindors smiled at her and cried back, "Happy New Year!" before beginning to chat quite happily, although some Gryffindors did have panicked looks on their faces.
"Great job Hermione," Harry commented, coming up to her with two goblets. He handed one towards her and raised the goblet. "To a great new year."
"To a great new year!" Hermione repeated, taking the goblet and touching Harry's goblet for a toast. She swallowed some of the pumpkin juice and smiled. "I just hope that everything will be okay."
"Don't worry 'Mione," Harry told her, taking a sip from his goblet. "You've done all that you can do, so let the teachers handle the rest, all right? Just sit back and relax while I go get Ron - I think he's trying to strangle himself."
Hermione laughed as Harry ran upstairs to tell Ron that everything was all right, and was glad that the students were beginning to get into the festive cheer - Seamus made a spell on the fireplace, so that the mini- fireworks were now whistling again.
It seemed as though the new year had just begun - everyone began to cheer and finished off the last of the toast and the last of the pumpkin juice with great excitement and anticipation - everyone promised each other and themselves that they would make an effort to make this the greatest year, and that they would rid of the danger.
Finally, at around noon, Professor McGonagull told them that the conductive search had ended, and they still hadn't found the culprit. Hermione crossed her fingers and hoped that Professor McGonagull wouldn't do her famous 'Unless the culprit is caught, the school is likely to be closed' speech, but she didn't and instead said that a funeral would take place at the day before the beginning of term, which was in four days, and that even if the students didn't know Vanessa that well, that they should try to mourn for her for she was an excellent student.
The students headed towards the Great Hall for lunch, and although many of the students were festive and cheerful, some looked extremely depressed and mournful, especially the Slytherins.
Hermione, Harry, and Ron, whose face had finally returned to its normal shade of colour after his embarrassment, sat down at the Gryffindor table just as some of the professors adjourned towards the table at the front where all the professors sat. Hermione noticed Oliver, and gave him a smile, but it was either because he didn't see her or he didn't feel like smiling, because he didn't return the smile.
In fact, Oliver had indeed seen her, but he was so deep in thought he didn't know what to do. Oliver loved Hermione deeply, she meant everything to him - well, besides Quidditch - and if Professor Snape truly knew what was going on between Hermione and himself, then - "I'm finished," Oliver thought. "If Snape really knows.then Hermione will probably get expelled, and I'll be fired." He grabbed his head as though he had a large migraine coming along, but no one noticed since Dumbledore stood up at that moment.
"It seems as though you've heard too many speeches at the moment," Dumbledore began, "what with the holidays, but this terrible tragedy calls for yet another speech. A young student by the name of Vanessa Pritchard.has been murdered."
This was a surprise to some, but the rest of the students hung their heads in sorrow at the thought. Hermione hung her head as well, even though she had never even talked to Vanessa Pritchard before.
"She was an excellent student from Slytherin house," Dumbledore continued, "and we will forever remember her in our thoughts." He raised his goblet and said, "Vanessa Pritchard."
The rest of the students mimicked him, and Hermione, feeling like she was having déjà vu from her fourth year when Cedric had died, said, "Vanessa Pritchard," and drank from their goblets.
"Now, we will have to take some safety precautions," Dumbledore told the students. "The Chamber of Secrets has not been opened, but there's obviously some dark force that wants to terrorize the students and force the Dark Mark on their arm. We believe.that this is the work of Voldemort - " At the mention of his name, several of the students at each table gasped while others flinched. " - however, we have not found any clues except for the Dark Mark that could possibly lead us to finding this culprit. Therefore, we must have certain safety precautions and procedures to ensure that no other student is harmed. These will be told to you later during the day by the Head of the houses, and they must be followed. This is not meant to be strict, just to make sure that we don't have to go through this type of tragedy again." He smiled reassuringly at all the students who had remained for the holidays and concluded with, "Although some people are at home for the holidays, please tell them the tragedy and what has happened. Otherwise, enjoy your lunch and try to enjoy the rest of the holidays!"
Hermione quickly finished her lunch, wondering why on earth Oliver wasn't coming over to the Gryffindor table as he so often did during meals. Hermione looked at him, seeing that he hadn't touched his food at all, and he looked deep in thought.
"Hey we should go visit Hagrid's sometimes," Ron suddenly said through a mouthful of shepherd's pie. "We haven't seen him in quite some time."
Harry agreed that they would go after lunch, but Hermione was still concentrating on Oliver and what could possibly be the matter.
"Hermione, are you coming along with us?" Ron asked Hermione as he took a gallop of eggnog.
"I don't think so," Hermione replied absentmindedly, still keeping her eye on Oliver, who happened to be sitting in the distance behind where Ron was sitting. "I've got to finish up on my Arithmancy essay, I really won't have any time later.perhaps tomorrow I will, though."
Ron shrugged but knew better than to question Hermione's decision. With a small, "See you later, Hermione," Ron and Harry left the Great Hall as the other students slowly departed as well.
Oliver remained in his seat as well as the rest of the students left for their dormitories to celebrate the remainder of their holiday. When Oliver was sure that no one was watching, and that Snape had definitely left the Great Hall and towards his office, Oliver left his seat at the high table and approached Hermione.
"Hey Oliver," Hermione greeted with a smile. Oliver managed a weak smile, but did not reply as he sat down beside her.
"Look, do you want to come up to my office for a bit?" Oliver asked her. "Just for a little chat, you know."
Hermione didn't seem to notice the depression in his voice for she accepted quite cheerfully and practically skipped up the staircases and down the hallways towards Oliver's office. Oliver trailed behind, rehearsing a conversation in his head on what he was going to say. He still hadn't decided what to do - because Oliver was quite certain that Snape knew about Hermione and Oliver's relationship.
Almost too soon for Oliver and not too soon enough for Hermione, they had reached his office door without any interruptions from anyone else. Hermione opened the door and she walked in, Oliver following behind.
"D'you want a cup of tea?" Oliver asked her, his tone of voice slightly depressed.
"Of course Oliver," Hermione replied.
"Perhaps you should address me as Professor Wood from now on," Oliver told her, putting a teabag into some hot water.
"Professor Wood?" Hermione repeated. "But I thought you liked being call by your first name, Oliver."
"You're a student, I'm a Professor, Miss Granger," Oliver told her, handing Hermione a cup of tea. "You shall address me properly."
Hermione took the tea but looked at him with a puzzled look, which slowly turned into a smile. "Nice prank, Oliver!" Hermione said after a small sip of her tea. "April Fool's is not for another three months, though!"
"This isn't a prank Miss Granger," Oliver told her. He hated to treat Hermione like this, and in truth, he didn't want to, but he wanted to prepare Hermione for what would happen if indeed they were to stop their relationship.
"Look," Oliver sighed, "I know this is probably confusing you, but perhaps it's for the best.because I think that Snape knows about our relationship.between me and you."
Hermione was shocked beyond belief, and was just about to drop the cup when she suddenly came back to her senses and managed to keep a hold of it. "H- he knows?" she stuttered eventually. "B-but how?"
"I don't think we've done a good job at keeping it a secret," Oliver replied, running a hand through his coarse brown hair. "I mean.what happened in the staff room and all, with Snape just standing there.and me coming over to the Gryffindor table during all the meals, I guess it was just becoming too much."
Hermione lowered her head. "But, you had reasons didn't you?" Hermione asked him. "You had excuses.you came to the Gryffindor table during meals because you were once a Gryffindor yourself, and you wanted to 'talk' with Harry about Quidditch tactics, and sign autographs for your crazed fans."
"I suppose so." Oliver sighed. "But I have a feeling that Snape somehow knows, since he was talking about a certain 'friend' of mine, and how I should stop being so friendly, and I think he was referring to you."
"So what does this mean?" Hermione asked him, not really wanting to hear his reply. "What's going to happen.between us?"
"I'm not sure," Oliver admitted. "You have to know how much I love you, Hermione. I do, more than you'll ever know. But if loving you means risking what we have here at Hogwarts, than I don't want to risk it. You don't know what Snape could do. He could report our little 'affair' to Dumbledore, he could blackmail us, he would probably do anything it takes to make himself satisfied and to have me fired and you facing a suspension or maybe even worse."
Hermione nodded, not knowing what else to do. Her cup, which was still full of tea, remained in her hands, but Hermione didn't take any notice of it. Oliver looked at with her concern - he didn't want to hurt her, but it seemed like the only way that he could keep them both out of trouble. It was his only solution at the moment.
"You have got to know how much I love you Hermione," Oliver repeated. "But this is the only thing that I can think of so that we're both safe. Maybe if we only broke up for a while, or just pretended not to like each other than Snape will be satisfied. But for now, this seems like the only way out of his problem."
Hermione nodded again, although it was more of her lowering her head in depression. "I feel like this is all my fault," Hermione whispered.
"Never, not once, think that it's your fault," Oliver told her sternly. "It's nobody's fault. We just became attracted to each other, and that eventually turned to love. Loving somebody isn't wrong at all. It's just we can't do it now, especially since there's a risk that we'll both get in trouble, someway or another."
"I know," Hermione said exasperatedly. "But I wish it didn't have to be this way."
"Everybody ends up having regrets, or they either want something to happen another way. But sometimes we have to let life run its course. Some things are out of our control, out of our hands, and maybe, soon, we'll be able to start up our close relationship once again. But for now, because of Snape, it has to be on a slight hiatus," Oliver said. "Do you remember when we first met?"
"What?" Hermione asked. "Back in my second year? When Malfoy called me a Mudblood?"
Oliver shook his head. "Not then," he replied. "It was in your third year, and my last year at Hogwarts. During that match against Hufflepuff. Harry was having trouble seeing because of the rain, so you cast that brilliant spell of yours to repel water. The first moment I lay eyes on you, I felt as though I wanted to kiss you. That was partly because that spell just strengthened my thoughts of winning even though we lost - it was as though it was the first proper time that we were introduced, even if we never said a word to each other."
Hermione looked deep into Oliver's eyes. His dark brown eyes looked concerned and worried all at once, and Hermione could see that he was sincere. She wanted to say something meaningful in return, but instead came out with, "But Oliver, we met each other before than, didn't we? We saw each other plenty of times in the Common Room, and plus that time when Malfoy called me a Mudblood in my second year."
Oliver waved a hand dismissively, still keeping one hand on his steaming cup of tea. "I know we did," Oliver answered. "But that was the first time that I felt I really knew you. All those other times, it was just as though you were an acquaintance. But then, that match during my last year.I don't know, it's almost as if we connected."
"Thanks Oliver," Hermione said awkwardly, not knowing what else to say. "I really appreciate it. But you know, saying these things will only make it harder for us to go on this little hiatus."
"I know," Oliver said with a sigh. "You're right. You're always right."
"I'm not always right!" Hermione retorted. "I just.happen to be correct most of the time."
Oliver laughed, setting down his cup of tea and giving Hermione a soft kiss on the cheek. "Until next time," he told her.
"And what will happen next time?" Hermione asked with a grin.
Oliver shrugged. "Who knows? Only time will tell. But for now, let's just be patient, shall we?"
"Before I go," Hermione began, "What was that task that Dumbledore appointed you to? Earlier this day when we were in the staff room?"
"You'll find out soon enough," Oliver told her mysteriously. He gave her a small smile. "Dumbledore told me not to tell anybody just yet, but you'll find out soon. I promise you."
Hermione set down her cup as well, and she stood up with Oliver. Carefully, she walked over to his office door and opened it, giving him a small wink. "Goodbye Oliver," she told him, closing her eyes slightly as though trying to remember this.
"Goodbye.Hermione," Oliver said.
Hermione shut the door behind her without another glance at Oliver, and walked down the hallways with a bittersweet feeling deep down inside of her. Oliver still loved her, but they could no longer be together. A girl had been murdered, and yet she, herself, had told the students to try and relax, and to enjoy the holiday.
As she made her way towards the Gryffindor Tower, she suddenly realized how tired she was. It felt as though she had just been using the Time-Turner that she had been given in her third year; she kept seeing the murdered Slytherin girl, she kept replaying her conversation with Oliver in the staff room, and then again in his office. Hermione felt like falling asleep right then and there in the halls as she continued to make her way towards the Common Room, but knew it would be better in the comfort of her bed at night.
Hermione reached the Gryffindor Tower, and told the Fat Lady the password. Once she was inside, she found it was slightly full, but that Harry and Ron hadn't returned from their trip to Hagrid's. Hermione sat herself down in her usual chair, looking around for Ginny or for someone to talk with, but found nobody.
She leant back in her chair, pressing her feet against the very edge of the squishy armchair, when she felt paper touching the back of her shoes. Hermione looked underneath her chair, and found a small package, almost as if it were a present. Then Hermione realized - this was her present, her last present that she never opened after she had opened the necklace, which was still hung gracefully around her neck.
Hermione picked up the package and glanced at it from all angles. It had silver wrapping paper, and written in ink was 'To: Hermione', but it didn't note who it was from. With a final glance at it, Hermione turned the present around to where the person had Sellotaped it, and began to tear it open.
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A/N: Dear Readers, I am extremely sorry for the delay of updates. I realize I haven't updated in over two months, and I'm desperately sorry for it. But at least now the present time in real life has almost caught up with the place in my story!
Anyways, my reasons for not updating are pretty much the same as everyone else's - I have so many other priorities that I have, so many stories to write, that I just didn't have the time that I desperately needed. I had school (unfortunately, for my sake) and other things, and I just couldn't put them aside for the one thing I wanted to do most - write this story.
But I just want to let you know - this fic is definitely not dead, and although I won't be updating it as frequently as I did before, I am still working on it. I will probably update a chapter a month, maybe two if I can manage it, and I'm sorry that I can't spare more time for this. I also have my other fics to write as well, and I hope you understand the pressure that I'm under. Thank you everybody for your concern and your reviews, you know how much I appreciate them.this story has gotten over 100 reviews, and I am ecstatic and thrilled that you have all enjoyed this fic as much as I've enjoyed writing it. There are still over ten more chapters to go, so you can expect loads more of me and if you're sick of me and all these chapters, than, well.you better get some medicine!
This is more of a letter than an author's note, but I just wanted to let you know that I'm not dead, and neither is this fic, so please review and have faith in this story, because I know that there are plenty more fics out there that are probably far more interesting than this one, but I'm just happy that some people took the time to read it.
Now this feels more like a speech than anything else, like I just accepted an Oscar award. Thank you, thank you! *lol* Well, really, I want to thank all the reviewers and all the readers, and for everyone who's helped me write the fic (including you, Jenni). All the characters belong to J.K. Rowling, so she helped me greatly as well, I just controlled the characters, like I manipulated them or something.
This chapter took a great deal of effort to write, and I found myself at a dead end, even though the end of this chapter finds itself at a cliffhanger (but please don't sue me because of it since all I have is five cents and a black pen!), but I did put a lot of determination in it, so please don't say it sucks or I will literally, um, do something!
But thanks everybody for your support, and although I cannot say when the next day, Chapter 19 (yikes) will be updated, I can only say this - it will be updated within three months or you can.kill me. Thanks again everybody!
Love, princess*n (aka Nicole)
"When you walk away, you don't hear me say,
Please, oh baby, don't go.
Simple and clean is the way that you're making me feel tonight,
It's hard to let it go."
- "Simple and Clean" Utada Hikaru
The Gryffindor common room grew into silence very quickly as the deafening scream echoed throughout the castle. Stillness consumed the common room, and the only thing that could be heard was the constant whistling from the fireworks in the fireplace, which obviously didn't know that something serious and probably frightening had just occurred.
Hermione was transfixed among the silence. She looked around the room at the familiar faces of her fellow Gryffindors. No emotions were expressed on their faces - except for complete horror. Their eyes were open wide, some were covering their ears from the noise, others looked like they had lost complete control over their jaws because they were hanging loosely.
A creaking noise was suddenly heard - the portrait door was opening. Everyone turned their heads towards the portrait door; some of the younger ones were whimpering, thinking that something bad was going to come through the door, while some of the older ones drew their wands in defense.
McGonagull stumbled in, which relieved many of them. Her hat was lopsided and full of confetti. Hermione figured that the faculty was also celebrating, but now McGonagull looked worried.
"Head Boy and Girl and Prefects, follow me," she ordered. "The seventh years, take care of the younger ones and do not leave roam outside of the common room and your dormitories."
Hermione did as she was told and began to follow McGonagull along with Seamus and the Prefects. "I'll be fine," she mouthed to Harry and Ron, who looked slightly concerned.
The hallways were pitch dark, and all the torches were unlit. "Light your wands," McGonagull instructed them. Hermione followed her instruction and lit her wand with a murmur of 'Lumos'.
"Remain calm," she whispered to them. She said it in an unusual tone, as though struggling to remain calm herself.
They climbed down many stairs in silence, Hermione wondering what was going on during that time.
Finally they reached the slightly comforting staff and faculty room. Inside were Dumbledore, Snape, Filch, Hagrid, Sprout, Musetta, and some other professors but a select few were missing.
"Gather around here," Dumbledore instructed the Prefects and Head Boy and Girl. "Now, we are not quite sure what has just occurred, but your job is to make sure that everyone remains calm. The professors and I will be doing an extensive search throughout the castle, since we aren't too sure where the scream has come from."
Hermione looked at Dumbledore and realized how serious and alert he appeared. Although he was wearing a pink wizard's hat (no doubt from a Wizard Cracker), his face was stern and his bright blue eyes that were usually twinkling now looked concerned and worried.
The door opened, and Hermione saw McGonagull swiftly take out her wand but it was Oliver who came in. "I'm sorry for interrupting," he apologized. "Peeves tried to distract me by dropping a bookshelf on me."
Dumbledore nodded and motioned for Oliver to join in. "We would also please ask you," Dumbledore continued, "to tell the students not to utter a word of what's going on to their families. We want them to feel safe and protected, but if this should leak out.I'm afraid that there could be serious concequences."
Hermione nodded, realizing what Dumbledore was talking about. Although Kylie Skeeter (Rita Skeeter's younger sister) hadn't written anything too devastating lately, it was only because she didn't know about the sudden attacks on the school. Hermione knew what would happen if it got out. It would be a repeat of what took place in her fourth year, when Rika Skeeter just happened to know everything about Hogwarts and its students.
"Now," Dumbledore went on, "Prefects and Head Boy and Girl, you may return to your dormitories, make sure that everything's under control. Professors, follow me except for Professor Snape and Professor Wood. I have some special tasks for you which I will explain once I explain what's going on to the other professors."
The door to the staff room opened, and the professors gathered exited, as did Seamus and the Prefects. Snape, Oliver, and Hermione remained, however, and Hermione approached Oliver with a look of concern on her face.
"Peeves try to throw a bookshelf on you?" Hermione asked in disbelief.
"Yeah, and he almost succeeded," Oliver replied, pointing to a cut on his face. "Stupid Peeves!"
"Do you know what's going on?" Hermione asked urgently, desperate to know their current situation. "I mean - who was attacked and everything, and will everything be all right?"
"I have no idea," Oliver admitted. "But for now, just stay put. It isn't good to worry all the time. You become too stressed, and I don't want to see you stressed."
Hermione sighed, as though knowing that she should agree. "I suppose so," she said eventually. "But what.what if something happens to the students? What if someone gets attacked?" She was referring to Harry, knowing that he would be in danger should Voldemort be the one behind these attacks. And she had good reason to believe it was Voldemort as well since she was almost attacked by the snake. She had almost completely gotten over it now but she still jumped at sudden noises.
"Listen to me Hermione," Oliver told her, reaching for her arms. Snape was watching protectively, but Oliver paid no attention to him and instead, chose to ignore him. "Nothing will happen - not with Dumbledore, the Professors, and all the students. Together we can.we can get rid of any danger here at Hogwarts. And I promise.nothing will happen to you."
Hermione smiled. "Don't promise until you know you can keep it," she said with a grin. "But I suppose you're right. I better go inform the Gryffindors before Seamus accidentally mutters something he shouldn't have." She gave him a big grin and left the staff room, leaving Oliver and Snape alone.
"You seem a little concerned about Miss Granger," Snape said after he cleared his throat.
"Just want to assure her that nothing will happen," Oliver replied. "Just wanting to be friendly so she won't be so stressed as she can sometimes get."
"All I want to say, is that it would not seem, appropriate, to be seen 'friendly' with your students. You know how quickly rumours can, and will, spread." Snape spoke each word slowly, sharply, and clearly to Oliver.
"If you care to notice professor, I am friends with MOST of the students here, as I was once a student amongst them when I attended it in my younger years. And I also find it is rewarding to be friends with students, it helps them relax around me, therefore they learn more. Maybe you should try it," Oliver replied calmly, trying to hide the faint nervousness in his voice. Snape raised one eyebrow and opened his mouth to take a slow breath in before talking again.
"As we both know, a certain 'friend' of yours does not require to learn more than she already knows. And especially...about...Quidditch," Professor Snape finished. Narrowing his black eyes, Snape spun around on his heels, and stormed out of the door, black cloak billowing behind him, not bothering to wait for Dumbledore to show up.
Oliver watched as his ex-Potions master sped down the corridor to Dumbledore and the professors, and blinked, as he slowly took in the hint. He knew about him and Hermione. He knew about their relationship. He knew.
************************************************
The Gryffindor common room was still quite silent, except for the voices of Seamus and Hermione, who were explaining what was going on. Harry and Ron were listening with deep interest - in fact, they were so interested that they had fallen asleep. Hermione didn't blame them as she continued her little speech about the students' safety - it was now five in the morning, and although the students would normally be awake because of the New Year celebrations, now they were just desperate to go to sleep.
The first years, however, we're hanging onto every word that came out of Hermione's mouth, as though desperate to follow the rules. Eventually Hermione grew tired of her own voice, and told everyone to rest before it was time to wake up for breakfast, and that although it was a hard time for them, as long as they remain loyal to each other, then they would get through the hard times.
Hermione sat herself down in a couch nearby Harry and Ron, who were sound asleep. She closed her eyes, but couldn't fall asleep, even though she was dead tired. She had too much on her mind, and even though she knew Oliver had told her not to worry, she couldn't help it. Sighing with discontent, she shuffled around on the couch, her eyes still tightly shut. She didn't know when she had fallen asleep, but the next time she had opened her eyes, weak sunlight was peering through the windows amongst the snowflakes. Harry and Ron were still asleep, but after a few pokes and a hit with a pillow, they were both soon wide-awake.
"So what's going on?" Harry asked, as soon as he had rubbed his eyes frantically.
"Weren't you listening?" Hermione questioned. "Seamus and I gave out a huge speech just a few hours ago."
"Honestly Hermione," Ron replied, stifling a large yawn. "Didn't you watch us? We both fell asleep just as you began."
Hermione sighed. "Well I'm not going to explain it again," she said hotly. "It's not my fault that you two fell asleep, and I'm not going to bother explaining it."
"Well, someone's off to a cheery new year, now aren't we?" Ron asked with a laugh.
Hermione widened her eyes as she realized that it was now a brand-new year. Three hundred and sixty-five days ago, she was also celebrating a new year. It had been more cheerful, but she was less mature and quite younger than she felt now. "I'm sorry," she apologized. "It's just - I'm worried, you know? I don't know what's going to happen."
"We'll be with you all the way 'Mione," Harry promised her. "You just have to ease up a bit!"
"Easy for you to say," Hermione told him. "I have to deal with the pressure of completing all my homework and studying for the N.E.W.T's, which you have to do as well. I also have to be Head Girl, dealing with all the stuff that's going around the school. Then I have my." She was about to say 'relationship with Oliver' but she couldn't tell them. She loved Oliver deeply, but it didn't seem the time, and she knew Harry and Ron wouldn't accept it. "All you have to concentrate on besides studies is Quidditch, which I might add, isn't even in occurrence at the moment, so how can I ease up?"
Harry readjusted his glasses and looked at her. "This New Year has definitely had an effect on you Hermione," he said. "Look outside - look at your fellow students. Look at this castle. I know you want to protect all of it and do good and all, and even though they say one person can make the difference, you can't put all this stuff upon your shoulders. Sit back and relax once in a while because this is your last year here Hermione. You want to spend it knowing that all you did was have your knickers in a twist worrying about others constantly?" Ron snorted with laughter but Harry continued without the slightest hint of amusement. "I know that you want to be sort of in control, but you have to lay back once and a while and let others do the work for you. Have some 'me' time for a change, do you know what I mean?"
Hermione widened her eyes yet again in disbelief. Everything that Harry said was true, almost as if he was gaping inside her soul. She smiled slightly and nodded. "You're right Harry," she began. "And I'm sorry.I'll try and ease up, but it won't be an easy task. Anyways, who's up for a little breakfast?"
Ron's stomach growled, and he laughed weakly. "Guess my stomach spoke for me," he said, so they headed to the entrance of the Common Room, past all the sleeping bodies and made their way to the Great Hall.
When they had arrived, it was completely empty except for five or six students arranged at their tables. Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat themselves down at their usual spots at the Gryffindor table, feeling sort of odd, as they were the only ones at their table.
McGonagull suddenly rushed in, just as the trio began to order their breakfast from Dobby. She looked very distressed and hurried to Hermione saying, "Oh good Miss Granger, there you are. Please, come with me it will only take a moment."
Harry and Ron looked at Hermione carefully and curiously. McGonagull seemed to notice for she said, "Perhaps you better come along as well. You might be able to help."
They told Dobby to hold their orders for a moment, to which Dobby excitedly replied with, "Of course sirs and misses!" and they followed Professor McGonagull out of the Great Hall.
McGonagull led the three of them onto the second floor corridor, walking as though she was struggling to get through a crowd. She turned towards an empty corridor, which had a very large window with a curtain over it.
Professor McGonagull led them closer to the drapes, as though she was about to show them something, but Hermione could see nothing. Harry and Ron walked apprehensively behind her, as though they knew something bad was going to happen.
Suddenly, Professor McGonagull came to a halt, right in front of the drapery. Hermione looked around, wondering why on earth Professor McGonagull had brought them here, when she noticed something. On the hanging red drapery, was a certain accessory that Hermione was sure didn't belong here. It was a body.
Along the top where the curtains were supposed to be hung, was a long rope, leading towards the centre of the drapery, which covered a very large window, from floor to ceiling. And the long rope was tied around a girl's neck. She had long flowing black hair, which covered most of her face, but Hermione could make out her distinct eyes, which were bloodshot. Hermione gasped as she watched the lifeless body, just hanging as though it was a decoration. The girl's sleeves were rolled up, and Hermione noticed the Dark Mark deep in her arm.
Professor Mcgonagull lowered her head, but then turned towards Harry and Ron. "Do you recognize this girl?" she asked. "She's apparently in Slytherin.she was found just this morning as Professor Trewlaney was going to the washroom."
Hermione shook her head, and saw that Ron had shook his as well. Harry, however, was looking closer at the body, almost as though he was a doctor examining a corpse. "She's on the Slytherin Quidditch team," Harry said. "The Keeper.that's Vanessa Pritchard."
"Oh dear," Professor McGonagull said. "Thank you for your help. Ms Granger, kindly go to the Great Hall and tell everybody to go to their dormitories; they may bring some food with them for breakfast and tell them that some professors will be bringing some food for the rest of the students when they wake up. Everybody must stay in their dormitories.this is too serious, and is for the well-being of the students. I will notify the other Professors of this."
Hermione nodded, taking one last look at the stiff and dead body before she turned around. Harry and Ron followed, but Ron had a horrific expression on his face, as though somebody told him that a spider was right behind him. Harry had his eyes wide open, looking extremely disturbed.
"That's.that's terrible," Ron spluttered out finally, as they made their way down the staircase towards the Great Hall. "That girl didn't even deserve it.and she was a Slytherin!"
"So?" Hermione asked.
Ron looked at her with his jaw wide open as though he had lost ability over it. "Hermione, I thought you were supposed to be the know-it-all!" he exclaimed. "Don't you understand? All along it's been Slytherin's heir, so the Slytherins were never harmed and all that, as though they were the supposed holy ones. And then all of a sudden, a Slytherin is attacked! That throws absolutely everything out of proportion!"
"How so?" Hermione asked him, as they continued towards the Great Hall.
Ron scoffed. "Honestly Hermione, it seems as though we're switching minds or something!" he cried. "Think about it. Slytherin's always been the one to cause the chaos, to wreak havoc at Hogwarts. Everybody pretty much blames them for everything bad that happens around here. Then, all of a sudden, a Slytherin is attacked, so the rest of the students could no longer blame them as one of their own has been.murdered." He gulped slightly and shrugged. "So if it isn't Slytherin, then who on earth could it be?"
Hermione shrugged as well. She didn't know why she was putting on this sudden act of being incredibly stupid, but she was shocked. Looking at that girl, Vanessa - seeing her bloodshot eyes, her pale face, her lifeless body that would never draw out breath again - it disturbed Hermione. All of her life at Hogwarts, she felt that she was safe. Even when the chamber of secrets had indeed been opened, she was reassured when it stopped and it had never killed anyone. Now, all of a sudden, a student was murdered. Hermione no longer felt so reassured, safe, and protected now, and she wasn't quite sure what to think.
When the three of them finally reached the Great Hall, they found that it was already vacant, with not a student in sight. "Hagrid!" Harry exclaimed suddenly. Hermione turned and noticed Hagrid.
"I already got rid of the lot of 'em in the Great Hall," Hagrid explained, who had a very pale face at the moment. "Yeh better head off to the dormitories. Yeh never know what could happen and yeh're safe in yer houses."
They all nodded and headed towards the Gryffindor tower. When they said the new password ('Phoenix Wings'), and went inside to the Common Room, they found that everyone was sitting and eating in squashy red armchairs and couches.
"What's going on?" Seamus Finnigan asked immediately as Hermione stepped through the portrait door.
"I'll tell you later," Hermione whispered. She wasn't ready to tell Seamus that someone had been murdered right in the middle of the Common Room for everyone to hear. Hermione knew that it would only worry everyone, especially the younger students. Seamus looked offended by her statement and so she whispered, even more quietly so that not even Harry or Ron could hear, "It wouldn't be good telling you about this in front of the students. Somebody has been murdered, but please don't act alarmed, because it will only alarm the students."
Seamus nodded confidently, although his eyes were also gaping in fear. Hermione walked past him, sitting herself down in an armchair, watching the other students eat their breakfast quietly.
"So much for a 'happy' new year," Ron groaned, grabbing a piece of toast and sitting down on the arm of the chair Hermione was sitting in.
"You're right Ron," Harry told him, also grabbing two pieces of toast from a large plate that was on a table near them. He handed one to Hermione, who accepted it gratefully.
"I don't understand this all," Hermione said through a mouthful of toast. "The beginning of a new year is supposed to be exciting, full of new resolutions and a way to start over. These devastating things aren't supposed to happen. It's just not the way it's supposed to happen."
Ron swallowed his piece of toast before he began. "Sometimes.things happen in a way that you wouldn't wish them too," Ron explained. "And although we can't help what just happened, we can definitely change the future. Although we probably get involved way too much in these things, something serious just happened, and.and I don't like it." His voice was rising higher and higher as he spoke, as though he was worried. "And even though it's a bit hard to just forget about this and try and have a happy new year, we should at least try because you wouldn't want to spend a new year thinking about a murdered girl!"
The Common Room went unusually quiet. Ginny dropped her goblet suddenly, and it landed to the floor, staining the carpet with pumpkin juice. Ron suddenly realized what he had just done and tried to chuckle weakly, but instead it came out muffled, making him sound like a mouse.
"HAPPY NEW YEAR!" Ron suddenly erupted, as though it was a festive joke to talk about a murdered girl. The rest of the Gryffindors didn't seem to get the hint, however; they were still in silence and now Ginny began to sob quietly, her face buried in her hands.
Ron's whole entire face had turned crimson. "I'll uh.just be upstairs if anyone needs me," he said. He suddenly grabbed another piece of toast and sprinted up the stairs to the boys' dormitories, but almost tripped over a step. His face came dangerously close to one of the steps, and he stood up, smiling weakly yet again, before shutting himself in the boys' dormitories.
The Common Room was now buzzing silently in hushed whispers, wondering what was going on. Hermione sighed as she finished her piece of toast, and she stood up from her chair quickly and cleared her throat loudly. Everyone turned to look at her, and Hermione felt once again in the spotlight, which was something she was slightly uncomfortable about.
"Please everybody, do not panic," Hermione began, looking at Harry who gave her a reassuring nod to continue. "A girl has indeed been murdered, which is why we must spend a few hours in our dormitories while the teachers continue their conductive search." Some of the students began to gasp, but Hermione continued, trying not to notice their worry. "The student was Vanessa Pritchard.a Slytherin." Seamus Finnigan, who was listening tentatively on the arm of a chair suddenly fell off at these words.
"A Slytherin?" he blurted out. "A SLYTHERIN?"
"Seamus, please," Hermione begged of him. "We'd ask you to please not panic, and try and enjoy yourselves, because as Ron mentioned, you shouldn't waste the start of a brand new year thinking about.this tragedy. Try and have some festive cheer and just pretend that everything is normal, all right? Happy New Year!" she cried, managing a large smile.
Finally, it seemed as though her speech had finally worked, and the Gryffindors smiled at her and cried back, "Happy New Year!" before beginning to chat quite happily, although some Gryffindors did have panicked looks on their faces.
"Great job Hermione," Harry commented, coming up to her with two goblets. He handed one towards her and raised the goblet. "To a great new year."
"To a great new year!" Hermione repeated, taking the goblet and touching Harry's goblet for a toast. She swallowed some of the pumpkin juice and smiled. "I just hope that everything will be okay."
"Don't worry 'Mione," Harry told her, taking a sip from his goblet. "You've done all that you can do, so let the teachers handle the rest, all right? Just sit back and relax while I go get Ron - I think he's trying to strangle himself."
Hermione laughed as Harry ran upstairs to tell Ron that everything was all right, and was glad that the students were beginning to get into the festive cheer - Seamus made a spell on the fireplace, so that the mini- fireworks were now whistling again.
It seemed as though the new year had just begun - everyone began to cheer and finished off the last of the toast and the last of the pumpkin juice with great excitement and anticipation - everyone promised each other and themselves that they would make an effort to make this the greatest year, and that they would rid of the danger.
Finally, at around noon, Professor McGonagull told them that the conductive search had ended, and they still hadn't found the culprit. Hermione crossed her fingers and hoped that Professor McGonagull wouldn't do her famous 'Unless the culprit is caught, the school is likely to be closed' speech, but she didn't and instead said that a funeral would take place at the day before the beginning of term, which was in four days, and that even if the students didn't know Vanessa that well, that they should try to mourn for her for she was an excellent student.
The students headed towards the Great Hall for lunch, and although many of the students were festive and cheerful, some looked extremely depressed and mournful, especially the Slytherins.
Hermione, Harry, and Ron, whose face had finally returned to its normal shade of colour after his embarrassment, sat down at the Gryffindor table just as some of the professors adjourned towards the table at the front where all the professors sat. Hermione noticed Oliver, and gave him a smile, but it was either because he didn't see her or he didn't feel like smiling, because he didn't return the smile.
In fact, Oliver had indeed seen her, but he was so deep in thought he didn't know what to do. Oliver loved Hermione deeply, she meant everything to him - well, besides Quidditch - and if Professor Snape truly knew what was going on between Hermione and himself, then - "I'm finished," Oliver thought. "If Snape really knows.then Hermione will probably get expelled, and I'll be fired." He grabbed his head as though he had a large migraine coming along, but no one noticed since Dumbledore stood up at that moment.
"It seems as though you've heard too many speeches at the moment," Dumbledore began, "what with the holidays, but this terrible tragedy calls for yet another speech. A young student by the name of Vanessa Pritchard.has been murdered."
This was a surprise to some, but the rest of the students hung their heads in sorrow at the thought. Hermione hung her head as well, even though she had never even talked to Vanessa Pritchard before.
"She was an excellent student from Slytherin house," Dumbledore continued, "and we will forever remember her in our thoughts." He raised his goblet and said, "Vanessa Pritchard."
The rest of the students mimicked him, and Hermione, feeling like she was having déjà vu from her fourth year when Cedric had died, said, "Vanessa Pritchard," and drank from their goblets.
"Now, we will have to take some safety precautions," Dumbledore told the students. "The Chamber of Secrets has not been opened, but there's obviously some dark force that wants to terrorize the students and force the Dark Mark on their arm. We believe.that this is the work of Voldemort - " At the mention of his name, several of the students at each table gasped while others flinched. " - however, we have not found any clues except for the Dark Mark that could possibly lead us to finding this culprit. Therefore, we must have certain safety precautions and procedures to ensure that no other student is harmed. These will be told to you later during the day by the Head of the houses, and they must be followed. This is not meant to be strict, just to make sure that we don't have to go through this type of tragedy again." He smiled reassuringly at all the students who had remained for the holidays and concluded with, "Although some people are at home for the holidays, please tell them the tragedy and what has happened. Otherwise, enjoy your lunch and try to enjoy the rest of the holidays!"
Hermione quickly finished her lunch, wondering why on earth Oliver wasn't coming over to the Gryffindor table as he so often did during meals. Hermione looked at him, seeing that he hadn't touched his food at all, and he looked deep in thought.
"Hey we should go visit Hagrid's sometimes," Ron suddenly said through a mouthful of shepherd's pie. "We haven't seen him in quite some time."
Harry agreed that they would go after lunch, but Hermione was still concentrating on Oliver and what could possibly be the matter.
"Hermione, are you coming along with us?" Ron asked Hermione as he took a gallop of eggnog.
"I don't think so," Hermione replied absentmindedly, still keeping her eye on Oliver, who happened to be sitting in the distance behind where Ron was sitting. "I've got to finish up on my Arithmancy essay, I really won't have any time later.perhaps tomorrow I will, though."
Ron shrugged but knew better than to question Hermione's decision. With a small, "See you later, Hermione," Ron and Harry left the Great Hall as the other students slowly departed as well.
Oliver remained in his seat as well as the rest of the students left for their dormitories to celebrate the remainder of their holiday. When Oliver was sure that no one was watching, and that Snape had definitely left the Great Hall and towards his office, Oliver left his seat at the high table and approached Hermione.
"Hey Oliver," Hermione greeted with a smile. Oliver managed a weak smile, but did not reply as he sat down beside her.
"Look, do you want to come up to my office for a bit?" Oliver asked her. "Just for a little chat, you know."
Hermione didn't seem to notice the depression in his voice for she accepted quite cheerfully and practically skipped up the staircases and down the hallways towards Oliver's office. Oliver trailed behind, rehearsing a conversation in his head on what he was going to say. He still hadn't decided what to do - because Oliver was quite certain that Snape knew about Hermione and Oliver's relationship.
Almost too soon for Oliver and not too soon enough for Hermione, they had reached his office door without any interruptions from anyone else. Hermione opened the door and she walked in, Oliver following behind.
"D'you want a cup of tea?" Oliver asked her, his tone of voice slightly depressed.
"Of course Oliver," Hermione replied.
"Perhaps you should address me as Professor Wood from now on," Oliver told her, putting a teabag into some hot water.
"Professor Wood?" Hermione repeated. "But I thought you liked being call by your first name, Oliver."
"You're a student, I'm a Professor, Miss Granger," Oliver told her, handing Hermione a cup of tea. "You shall address me properly."
Hermione took the tea but looked at him with a puzzled look, which slowly turned into a smile. "Nice prank, Oliver!" Hermione said after a small sip of her tea. "April Fool's is not for another three months, though!"
"This isn't a prank Miss Granger," Oliver told her. He hated to treat Hermione like this, and in truth, he didn't want to, but he wanted to prepare Hermione for what would happen if indeed they were to stop their relationship.
"Look," Oliver sighed, "I know this is probably confusing you, but perhaps it's for the best.because I think that Snape knows about our relationship.between me and you."
Hermione was shocked beyond belief, and was just about to drop the cup when she suddenly came back to her senses and managed to keep a hold of it. "H- he knows?" she stuttered eventually. "B-but how?"
"I don't think we've done a good job at keeping it a secret," Oliver replied, running a hand through his coarse brown hair. "I mean.what happened in the staff room and all, with Snape just standing there.and me coming over to the Gryffindor table during all the meals, I guess it was just becoming too much."
Hermione lowered her head. "But, you had reasons didn't you?" Hermione asked him. "You had excuses.you came to the Gryffindor table during meals because you were once a Gryffindor yourself, and you wanted to 'talk' with Harry about Quidditch tactics, and sign autographs for your crazed fans."
"I suppose so." Oliver sighed. "But I have a feeling that Snape somehow knows, since he was talking about a certain 'friend' of mine, and how I should stop being so friendly, and I think he was referring to you."
"So what does this mean?" Hermione asked him, not really wanting to hear his reply. "What's going to happen.between us?"
"I'm not sure," Oliver admitted. "You have to know how much I love you, Hermione. I do, more than you'll ever know. But if loving you means risking what we have here at Hogwarts, than I don't want to risk it. You don't know what Snape could do. He could report our little 'affair' to Dumbledore, he could blackmail us, he would probably do anything it takes to make himself satisfied and to have me fired and you facing a suspension or maybe even worse."
Hermione nodded, not knowing what else to do. Her cup, which was still full of tea, remained in her hands, but Hermione didn't take any notice of it. Oliver looked at with her concern - he didn't want to hurt her, but it seemed like the only way that he could keep them both out of trouble. It was his only solution at the moment.
"You have got to know how much I love you Hermione," Oliver repeated. "But this is the only thing that I can think of so that we're both safe. Maybe if we only broke up for a while, or just pretended not to like each other than Snape will be satisfied. But for now, this seems like the only way out of his problem."
Hermione nodded again, although it was more of her lowering her head in depression. "I feel like this is all my fault," Hermione whispered.
"Never, not once, think that it's your fault," Oliver told her sternly. "It's nobody's fault. We just became attracted to each other, and that eventually turned to love. Loving somebody isn't wrong at all. It's just we can't do it now, especially since there's a risk that we'll both get in trouble, someway or another."
"I know," Hermione said exasperatedly. "But I wish it didn't have to be this way."
"Everybody ends up having regrets, or they either want something to happen another way. But sometimes we have to let life run its course. Some things are out of our control, out of our hands, and maybe, soon, we'll be able to start up our close relationship once again. But for now, because of Snape, it has to be on a slight hiatus," Oliver said. "Do you remember when we first met?"
"What?" Hermione asked. "Back in my second year? When Malfoy called me a Mudblood?"
Oliver shook his head. "Not then," he replied. "It was in your third year, and my last year at Hogwarts. During that match against Hufflepuff. Harry was having trouble seeing because of the rain, so you cast that brilliant spell of yours to repel water. The first moment I lay eyes on you, I felt as though I wanted to kiss you. That was partly because that spell just strengthened my thoughts of winning even though we lost - it was as though it was the first proper time that we were introduced, even if we never said a word to each other."
Hermione looked deep into Oliver's eyes. His dark brown eyes looked concerned and worried all at once, and Hermione could see that he was sincere. She wanted to say something meaningful in return, but instead came out with, "But Oliver, we met each other before than, didn't we? We saw each other plenty of times in the Common Room, and plus that time when Malfoy called me a Mudblood in my second year."
Oliver waved a hand dismissively, still keeping one hand on his steaming cup of tea. "I know we did," Oliver answered. "But that was the first time that I felt I really knew you. All those other times, it was just as though you were an acquaintance. But then, that match during my last year.I don't know, it's almost as if we connected."
"Thanks Oliver," Hermione said awkwardly, not knowing what else to say. "I really appreciate it. But you know, saying these things will only make it harder for us to go on this little hiatus."
"I know," Oliver said with a sigh. "You're right. You're always right."
"I'm not always right!" Hermione retorted. "I just.happen to be correct most of the time."
Oliver laughed, setting down his cup of tea and giving Hermione a soft kiss on the cheek. "Until next time," he told her.
"And what will happen next time?" Hermione asked with a grin.
Oliver shrugged. "Who knows? Only time will tell. But for now, let's just be patient, shall we?"
"Before I go," Hermione began, "What was that task that Dumbledore appointed you to? Earlier this day when we were in the staff room?"
"You'll find out soon enough," Oliver told her mysteriously. He gave her a small smile. "Dumbledore told me not to tell anybody just yet, but you'll find out soon. I promise you."
Hermione set down her cup as well, and she stood up with Oliver. Carefully, she walked over to his office door and opened it, giving him a small wink. "Goodbye Oliver," she told him, closing her eyes slightly as though trying to remember this.
"Goodbye.Hermione," Oliver said.
Hermione shut the door behind her without another glance at Oliver, and walked down the hallways with a bittersweet feeling deep down inside of her. Oliver still loved her, but they could no longer be together. A girl had been murdered, and yet she, herself, had told the students to try and relax, and to enjoy the holiday.
As she made her way towards the Gryffindor Tower, she suddenly realized how tired she was. It felt as though she had just been using the Time-Turner that she had been given in her third year; she kept seeing the murdered Slytherin girl, she kept replaying her conversation with Oliver in the staff room, and then again in his office. Hermione felt like falling asleep right then and there in the halls as she continued to make her way towards the Common Room, but knew it would be better in the comfort of her bed at night.
Hermione reached the Gryffindor Tower, and told the Fat Lady the password. Once she was inside, she found it was slightly full, but that Harry and Ron hadn't returned from their trip to Hagrid's. Hermione sat herself down in her usual chair, looking around for Ginny or for someone to talk with, but found nobody.
She leant back in her chair, pressing her feet against the very edge of the squishy armchair, when she felt paper touching the back of her shoes. Hermione looked underneath her chair, and found a small package, almost as if it were a present. Then Hermione realized - this was her present, her last present that she never opened after she had opened the necklace, which was still hung gracefully around her neck.
Hermione picked up the package and glanced at it from all angles. It had silver wrapping paper, and written in ink was 'To: Hermione', but it didn't note who it was from. With a final glance at it, Hermione turned the present around to where the person had Sellotaped it, and began to tear it open.
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A/N: Dear Readers, I am extremely sorry for the delay of updates. I realize I haven't updated in over two months, and I'm desperately sorry for it. But at least now the present time in real life has almost caught up with the place in my story!
Anyways, my reasons for not updating are pretty much the same as everyone else's - I have so many other priorities that I have, so many stories to write, that I just didn't have the time that I desperately needed. I had school (unfortunately, for my sake) and other things, and I just couldn't put them aside for the one thing I wanted to do most - write this story.
But I just want to let you know - this fic is definitely not dead, and although I won't be updating it as frequently as I did before, I am still working on it. I will probably update a chapter a month, maybe two if I can manage it, and I'm sorry that I can't spare more time for this. I also have my other fics to write as well, and I hope you understand the pressure that I'm under. Thank you everybody for your concern and your reviews, you know how much I appreciate them.this story has gotten over 100 reviews, and I am ecstatic and thrilled that you have all enjoyed this fic as much as I've enjoyed writing it. There are still over ten more chapters to go, so you can expect loads more of me and if you're sick of me and all these chapters, than, well.you better get some medicine!
This is more of a letter than an author's note, but I just wanted to let you know that I'm not dead, and neither is this fic, so please review and have faith in this story, because I know that there are plenty more fics out there that are probably far more interesting than this one, but I'm just happy that some people took the time to read it.
Now this feels more like a speech than anything else, like I just accepted an Oscar award. Thank you, thank you! *lol* Well, really, I want to thank all the reviewers and all the readers, and for everyone who's helped me write the fic (including you, Jenni). All the characters belong to J.K. Rowling, so she helped me greatly as well, I just controlled the characters, like I manipulated them or something.
This chapter took a great deal of effort to write, and I found myself at a dead end, even though the end of this chapter finds itself at a cliffhanger (but please don't sue me because of it since all I have is five cents and a black pen!), but I did put a lot of determination in it, so please don't say it sucks or I will literally, um, do something!
But thanks everybody for your support, and although I cannot say when the next day, Chapter 19 (yikes) will be updated, I can only say this - it will be updated within three months or you can.kill me. Thanks again everybody!
Love, princess*n (aka Nicole)