CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN: Out in the Open
There was something to be said about the amount of noise surrounding the Great Hall on Thursday morning. With the weekend so near, many of the students were already making plans for Saturday. For Harry, he could care less about what day it was. His two-week separation from everyone was finally over. Such a routine thing like eating at the Gryffindor table seemed to put him in a good mood. He had of course felt a bit awkward at first joining his house table after a fourteen day hiatus, but once a conversation broke out between himself and Dean about the upcoming Quidditch World Cup in the summer, it was as if he had never been away.
"Did you read my note?" Hermione asked, sitting down and swinging her legs around the bench.
Swallowing a mouthful of cereal, Harry said, "hi, Hermione. It's good to see you too. I'm fine after being alone for the last two weeks with no one to talk to, thanks for asking."
"Sorry," she apologized sheepishly. This was the first conversation they had had since Lupin's initial extra Defense class and she had completely bypassed even a simple hello. "Well, did you?"
"Yeah, I read it."
She was taken aback by his nonchalant attitude. "You don't seem overly concerned."
He shrugged, taking another mouthful of cereal. "Why should I? It's Malfoy. He's been threatening the three of us since day one. It's getting a bit tiresome."
"Harry, I was there. This wasn't one of Malfoy's usual empty threats, okay? You hurt him – badly, and he wants payback."
"Then tell him he can take a number and wait in line like everyone else."
"This isn't some simple school boy's grudge anymore, Harry," she said, trying to impress upon him the seriousness of the situation. "I can't believe the whole light attitude you're taking about this."
"Lecturing him already? Leave the poor bloke alone, Hermione, he's been in complete isolation for two weeks," said Ron, sliding onto the bench beside her.
"If Harry would just take me seriously – "
"Drop it, Hermione," Harry said, with some edge in his voice. He didn't want Ron to know what they were discussing. He was bound to get as worked up about it as Hermione.
"What are you two fighting about?" Ron asked, looking from Hermione to Harry.
"It's nothing, Ron," Harry said before Hermione could speak.
Hermione was silently glaring at him, but she kept her mouth shut. Ron still had his suspicions that it was not nothing, but they both seemed to be in such foul moods by this point that he didn't want to put himself in the middle of whatever row they were having.
It was one of the few times Harry was grateful to be going to Divination, because it meant that he wouldn't have to endure Hermione nagging him about Malfoy all morning. As it turned out, he didn't have to worry about her mentioning it for the rest of the day. She simply refused to speak to him at all. Harry didn't try getting her to talk to him either. If she wanted to be ridiculous and blow the whole thing out of proportion that was her business – he had enough to deal with. He figured if it were like any of the fights she had with Ron, she'd be speaking to him again by tomorrow morning.
Ginny Weasley thought hard, her brow furrowed in concentration. "Proteus and Triton… those are the last two right?"
Harry looked down at the open book in his hands and wordlessly shook his head.
"Are you sure? Neptune only has eight moons and I know I didn't miss any."
She took the book from him, quickly scanning the page with her index finger, before taking the textbook and hitting Harry in the arm with it, who laughed loudly.
"You're a right prat, Harry," she said, pretending to be angry with him. "Next time I think I'd be better off studying for Astronomy on my own."
Harry pretended to look hurt. "I'll have you know I'm a fantastic study partner," he said proudly.
"Says who? My brother?" She teased, tucking a strand of loose hair behind her ear.
The door to the 'room of research' – as Hermione had adequately named the cozy room Lupin had showed them – creaked open, and the Head Girl herself entered, cradling a lone book in her arms. Harry was about to tell her she should give herself a break and take the night off from research when he remembered they weren't speaking.
"If you still want help with Potions we should get to work on it," she said to him.
Helping him with Potions was the code Hermione had developed for whenever one of them needed to mention their secret defense lessons in the presence of someone else. It made sense, considering Harry was indeed just scraping by with a half decent mark in Snape's class.
"I don't think I'm going to bother with it tonight," he said firmly.
"It's important," she insisted.
Blowing out an impatient breath, he turned to Ginny, "if you want to review some more I can stay."
She waved her hand dismissively. "Don't worry about it. Go study with Hermione, I'll be fine."
He wanted to say more, but it felt weird with Hermione watching them. As soon as they were out of the room and taking the tunnel back to the broom closet, he knew she was itching to ask about him and Ginny. But she had the presence of mind not to ask knowing their argument from early that morning still hung between them.
When they were back out into the hallway she handed him the book she had been carrying. "I checked this out of the restricted section," she told him. "Now that Professor Lupin has allowed us to borrow books from there, I thought we should make the most of it."
Frowning, Harry read the title aloud, "Arming Yourself Against Deadly Assassins." He snorted. "And they call Mad-Eye Moody paranoid."
"If you're not going to do anything to protect yourself I thought you would at least read this," she said, ignoring his comment.
"Hermione, this is ridiculous," he said, finding it particularly difficult to keep from shouting. "Malfoy's all talk, you know that."
Hermione was rapidly losing her patience with him. "I was right about Ginny and that nightmare spell she was doing, wasn't I?"
"Let this go, all right?" He snapped at her. "I've got enough on my mind without worrying about whether Crabbe or Goyle planted a canary cream on my dessert plate." He shoved the book back in her hands before angrily storming off down the hall.
The sick feeling in Harry's stomach that had started since joining his house table was bordering on severe nausea while he watched Professor McGonagall speak to the assembled students and faculty. He really wanted to know how his Head of House could stand there and say what she was saying without looking like she wanted to retch.
"Lucius Malfoy has always been a very generous contributor to this school," McGonagall began, and failing somewhat to keep the note of disgust out of her voice. "And the school governors have decided that in this time of crisis there is no one better suited to take up Albus Dumbledore's honoured position as Headmaster of Hogwarts."
The corners of McGonagall's face twitched slightly, and Harry had a feeling she was fighting off a look of revulsion. She sat down and Lucius Malfoy, sitting at the center of the table – the spot that had been vacant since Dumbledore's death – stood up.
The students at the Slytherin table stood up to applaud and whistle loudly, while the rest of the House tables and professors remained seated, applauding only for the sake that it was a nicety.
Lucius Malfoy grinned broadly at the assembled students, but there was no kindness in that smile. "I was as surprised as the rest of you when the Head Governor came to me home last night to inform me that I had been chosen to replace the late Albus Dumbledore," he said to all of them, though his tone showed he had been anything but surprised. "I promised him that he would not be disappointed in his choice. I will do everything in my power to protect this school, and to ensure that each student – no matter what his or her background, be treated with the utmost fairness."
Harry's hands balled into fists under the table and Ron put a protective arm around Hermione when Lucius Malfoy let his gaze fall on her as he spoke those last words.
There was another short round of polite applause, and it was hardly finished when Hermione said to them both, "let's get out of here."
There was no argument from Ron or Harry and they began pushing their way through the other students, equally as grateful to finally be able to leave. They weren't fast enough though, because Malfoy purposely cut a path towards them so they would meet up at the entrance.
"I think it's fair to say this school will finally be run the way it's supposed to be," Malfoy sneered, flanked on either side by Crabbe and Goyle. "Father says mudbloods will be the first to go," he stated, glaring icily at Hermione, "followed by anyone else who doesn't embrace proper wizarding values."
Ron stepped protectively in front of Hermione. "Keep saying things like that, you slimy bastard – "
"I'd watch what you say from now on, Weasel," Malfoy interrupted, not at all phased by the threatening sound in Ron's voice. "The new Headmaster will have you thrown out of here faster then you can say 'poorhouse'."
Crabbe and Goyle sniggered appreciatively.
"Let's go, Ron," Harry urged his friend. He had just gotten out of being isolated from his classmates and was not keen on the idea of having to endure it again.
"Not so tough now, are you, Potter?" Malfoy taunted. "Don't think I've forgotten how much I owe you."
Harry crossed his arms over his chest and moved so he and Ron were standing side-by-side. Together, they looked impressively intimating. "You talk a big game, now that daddy's here to protect you."
"You have no idea what you're in for, Potter," said Malfoy darkly.
He thumped Harry's shoulder hard with his own before stalking passed with Crabbe and Goyle at his heels.
"He's all talk, Harry," Ron assured his friend. "He doesn't even have the guts to come up to us unless Crabbe and Goyle are at his side."
He went to voice his agreement but catching the disapproving look Hermione was throwing his way, settled for simply nodding his head instead.
Harry wondered what had happened to the Saturday nights when they would lounge around Gryffindor Tower, he and Ron playing wizard's chess, and Hermione reading a book with her feet curled up on Ron's lap. Now, day and night seemed to be comprised of finishing off assignments, researching through the mountainous pile of books from Dumbledore's office, and squeezing in any amount of time no matter how small for N.E.W.T.s revisions.
It was still early in the evening, but Harry was finding it very difficult to concentrate. He was still to riled up about Lucius Malfoy's nomination to Head Master the other day. Ron was equally as angry.
"I wonder what curse he threatened the governor's families with?" Ron wondered aloud.
"He probably just paid them off," said Harry. "Malfoy's like to throw their money around."
"Are you two going to talk about anything else?" Hermione said irritably. "I've had to listen to the both of you spend all day cursing Malfoy's father. If only you put half that effort into your N.E.W.Ts revision you two wouldn't be so far behind."
"I want to know how you can sit there and study when there's a known muggle-born hater running our school now," Ron said to her.
"I don't like Malfoy's father any more then you do, but we have to be careful," she said to them both. "You know Lucius Malfoy's going to look for anything he can to get rid of Harry, and the same goes for you, Ron. He's made it publicly clear how he feels about your family – and mine," she added silently.
"Nothing's going to happen to you," said Ron, getting up and kneeling in front of her. He clutched her hands tightly in his. "I won't let Draco or his father lay a hand on you. I don't care if they expel me for it."
"But Ron, you have to care. If they throw you out you won't graduate and – "
"I think she's feeling better, now," said Ron, grinning at Harry.
Harry, who had been starting to feel that maybe he should leave because this was turning into a private moment between the two of them, felt the awkwardness subside, and grinned back at Ron.
"At least all the magical barriers protecting the school are still in place," Harry said brightly. "We won't have to worry about any of Lucius Malfoy's Death Eater apparating on school grounds."
When Ron nodded his acknowledgement, Hermione broke free of his grasp and threw her hands up in exasperation. "Honestly, are you two ever going to read Hogwarts, A History?"
Ron threw her a lopsided grin and patted her leg. "Why would we when we've got our own walking, talking version right here."
She rolled her eyes at him before speaking. "The magical barriers currently protecting Hogwarts were put in place by Professor Dumbledore."
"Look at that, Harry, we actually knew something from Hogwarts, A History without even reading it."
Hermione turned a scowl on him and continued. "Professor Dumbledore had to put those barriers in place after the last Headmaster died, because after death the magic in place eventually disappears."
Harry quickly understood where she was going with this. "So you're saying that with Dumbledore gone, it's only a matter of time before his spells break down and Hogwarts is defenseless?"
She gave a small nod. "But no one knows exactly when that will happen. Dumbledore was a very powerful wizard. The residual magic he left behind could last for decades."
"But there's no guarantees, right?" Ron said.
She nodded again. "That's why Professor McGonagall started sending the younger students home everyone home. She didn't know how long they would be protected here."
Ron's face darkened. "I guess it's safe to say that Headmaster Malfoy won't be in a hurry to set up any new protection barriers."
After that, they made the unspoken decision to drop the subject of Lucius Malfoy and the safety of Hogwarts for the night. At the moment, there was nothing they could do about either one of those things. Harry was positive that the teachers of the school were already working on a new protection spell. He could not envision McGonagall leaving the school unprotected for any length of time.
Harry and Ron actually managed to get in a few hours of decent studying, without Hermione harassing them to do so, before Ron looked at his watch and swore under his breath when he saw the time. He announced he was going to bed, and tried to convince the two of them to do the same. When that didn't work, he kissed Hermione goodnight – causing Harry to immerse himself deeply in the page he was reading. Afterwards he said goodnight to Harry, and the two of them exchanged a quick look before Ron trudged up the stairs to the boys dorm.
A couple of hours after Ron's departure, the common room had emptied out completely. Harry's vision was becoming more and more blurry that he was having to remove his glasses and rub his eyes every five minutes.
"So did you get the night shift tonight?" Hermione asked, while her quill scratched away on the parchment in front of her.
"Sorry?"
She stopped writing and looked at him. "You two haven't let me out of your sight since Professor McGonagall announced Malfoy's father as the new Headmaster. I appreciate how much you and Ron want to protect me, and maybe it was even a little endearing at first having my own personal bodyguards, but now it's starting to border on smothering. I'd like to be able to go to the loo without Ron standing outside, scaring anyone who comes near."
"We should be careful, you said so yourself," Harry pointed out.
"Draco's father has waited too long for this opportunity. He's not going to get careless and start killing off muggleborns. He's here for a reason, and that's to be a spy for Voldermort. He won't jeopardized that position and make his Dark Lord unhappy."
"Still - "
"Harry, go to bed, please," she said, exasperated. "He can't get into Gryffindor Tower."
"Maybe that's not the reason I'm waiting up."
"Of course, that's the reason! You're just as bad as Ron, honestly," she said, shaking her head and trying to sound annoyed, which was rather difficult because he and Ron were just trying to look out for her.
"I was wondering how late you were going to make me stay up before you open that letter you got from the Swiss Ministry of Magic." She didn't say anything, but her change in expression told Harry he was right. "I saw your reaction when the post arrived this morning, and the way you shoved your letter into your bag, saying it was from your mum."
"You weren't supposed notice," she said, smiling slightly.
"Stop stalling, and open it," he ordered her. When she scowled, he said cheekily, "it's not fun being bossed around, is it?"
Normally, she would have a clever retort in mind, but her fingers were trembling so bad as she pulled the envelope from her schoolbag, she couldn't think straight. Ever so carefully, she opened it and pulled out the contents, which consisted of a single piece of parchment. She started unfolding it, then stopped herself and thrust it into Harry's hands.
"You read it," she said in a meek voice.
He unfolded it completely and started reading aloud:
Dear Miss Granger,
The Switzerland Ministry of Magic has received and processed your application. We would be most grateful to have a person with your talent and abilities working with our ministry. Below is a list of positions we believe you would be qualified for. Further information on the below mentioned postings and other ministry information will be sent to you shortly. It is our hope that upon finishing Hogwarts you will choose to join the Switzerland Ministry.
Sincerely,
Hans Cabrara,
Senior Ministry Recruiting Officer
"I think this means they like you," Harry said wryly.
It took nearly a full minute for what Harry had read to set in. When it did, she demanded to see the letter – not that she didn't trust him – but she needed to see for herself. It was all there – every word Harry had read. She threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly, while still clutching the letter in her one hand.
"Congratulations," said Harry, hugging her back.
"Do you realize I'll have to find a place to live over there? I don't even know what the housing situation is like in Switzerland."
Harry chuckled at her excitement, but as she was saying the words, she realized she had already made the conscious decision to go. How could she not? The Swiss Ministry wanted her, and they were even going to send more information when they didn't even know if she would accept their offer.
She felt the excitement being punctured out of her when she caught sight of Ron standing on the stairs, watching her. The gloating expression fell off her face because one look at him told her he had heard every word of it.
"Leaving, are you?"
He tried to sound casual but she knew from experience that was when his temper was at its deadliest.
Harry took that as his cue to leave. Extracting himself from Hermione's grasp, he said, "I'm gonna head up to bed. I'll see you in the morning. Congratulations, again. I knew they'd accept you."
He said those last words hoping they'd have some effect on Ron, and make him realize he would be a fool to try and make her stay. But he doubted they had any effect, considering this was the first Ron was hearing about the Switzerland Ministry.
Hermione barely heard what Harry said. She was too busy staring at Ron, waiting for the inevitable shouting match to begin.
"You didn't answer my question," he said after Harry had gone. He still had not moved from the stairs.
"I haven't decided anything yet," she told him.
"Don't lie to me, Hermione. I saw how excited you were, and throwing your arms around Harry as if it were the best news you'd ever gotten. You were already talking about where to live."
"Ron, please don't be angry. I wanted to tell you – I tried to tell you a hundred times, but I couldn't go through with it."
"But you could tell Harry, couldn't you?" He walked down the reminder of steps and did not stop until he was directly in front of her. "He's known since the beginning, hasn't he?"
"Don't get mad at Harry. He wanted me to tell you."
"How could you tell him and not me?" Ron demanded.
"I didn't know how to tell you, and I needed to talk to someone."
"You mean you needed to talk to someone who would understand. And who better then Harry?"
"Don't put words in my mouth, Ron. I never said Harry was more understanding then you."
"You didn't have to," he bit off angrily.
"I'm sorry you had to find out this way, but don't stand here and make me feel guilty for confiding in a friend!" She shouted at him.
"And that's all you two are, friends?"
"I can't believe you even have to ask me that. You know there's nothing between Harry and me."
"No, I don't know that." He pointed an accusing finger at her, and shouted, "you two have been acting so goddamn secretive lately that I'd like to know what the hell is going on. I tried keeping my mouth shut, but things aren't getting any better. I'll walk into a room and you'll stop talking. I'll ask you to do something with me, and conveniently you and Harry are always busy at the same time. You both make these excuses and disappear for hours. Do I need to go on?"
Oh god… he thinks I'm having an affair with Harry. "Ron, you have to trust me. There is nothing going on," she pleaded with him to understand.
"Then tell me why the hell I feel like I'm being left out here."
She bit her bottom lip. "I can't."
Ron had already reacted so badly to her having confided in Harry, how was she supposed to tell him the reason she was spending so much time with their mutual best friend was because she had all but begged him to help her better protect herself?
"Jesus, Hermione, you can do better then that," he said, taking his fingers and raking them through his hair. "If you're snogging Harry, you could at least come up with some plausible excuse – "
"You'd like that, wouldn't you?" She said, placing her hands on her hips and throwing him her steeliest gaze. "Give yourself an excuse to ends things with us because you're so unbelievably scared at how everything has changed."
"You don't deny it then?"
She was so furious she couldn't stand the sight of him anymore. She turned her back to him and said, "if you don't already know the answer, I don't even know why we're still together."
"Not for much longer. You're already packed and looking at flats in Switzerland, and we haven't even graduated yet!"
She reached around the back of her neck to undo the necklace she wore and spun around to face him, hot tears spilling down her cheeks. "I actually considered staying here, for you, but what kind of future do we have if you can't even trust me?"
She thrust the chain into his hand that she kept the engagement ring on. She saw the hurt play across his features before it was covered up by anger. He squeezed the ring in his hand and made a fist. Ron was so furious and hurt he couldn't speak. Hermione's face was red and covered in tears and Ron didn't want to have to look at her anymore. He bolted from Gryffindor Tower, forcing himself to keep going and not turn back – telling himself that it was better this way. But as his mind began to comprehend what had just transpired, how quickly he had let everything end, it was becoming increasingly hard to keep his own tears in check.