Stolen child
Chapter 12
Wish You Were Here
"Ms. Granger?" Professor McGonagall slowly approached the young woman, sitting slouched on the bench, her arms wrapped tightly around herself. "Hermione?" Dread welled up inside of the Headmistress when there was still no response. She moved a bit closer, and reached out, touching one of the girl's slouched shoulders.
Alarmed, Hermione leapt off of the bench, whirling around to face McGonagall, thrusting her hand into her pocket, as if she'd find something there to strike out with, and was again disappointed for reasons she couldn't understand.
McGonagall held up her hands to show that she was unarmed. "It's all right, Hermione, it's just me." She looked at the girl's hand in her pocket and smiled, though there was a hint of sadness mixed in with her amusement. "I'm afraid you lost your wand while you were away, as you came back with nothing."
Hermione just stood there for a moment, the adrenaline slowly draining from her blood, and then slowly removed her hand from her pocket. "I..I'm sorry Minerva, I was just thinking." Clearing her throat, she brushed the snow off of the back of her robes, looking embarrassed. "Has lunch ended so soon? I meant to meet you in the entrance hall afterwards."
Nodding, the Headmistress frowned slightly, looking from Hermione to the statue not to far away. Hermione had known or been acquainted with many of the individuals on the list, how awful it would be for her when her memories finally came back.that is, of course, if they did return.
They stood in awkward silence for another few moments. McGonagal knew that she should say something, probably about the statue and how those listed had died valiantly defending Hogwarts and the Wizarding world, but she found herself unable to speak of such things, it had only been a few years, and she had only seen the statue when it had first been placed in the courtyard, purposely avoiding it after the emotions it stirred the first time around.
Watching the Headmistress's expression change while looking at the statue Hermione felt a wave of sympathy for the woman; she too had probably known almost every person on that list. "Minerva, do you have time to show me my room? I've been looking forward to it all day." She forced a smile, though tears threatened to spill from the corners of her eyes.
Minerva forced a smile as well, grateful for the suggestion. "Of course dear, follow me." She hesitantly turned and headed back towards the doors, lifting her green robes to keep them dry.
Hermione paused for a moment before following, her eyes on the statue of Dumbledore. She swallowed against the lump threatening to rise in her throat and then followed, head down, her hands stuffed deep into her pockets.
*~~~~~*~~~~~*
They went back through the hallway with the classrooms, and into the entrance hall which was now completely devoid of people and Hermione wondered exactly how long she had been sitting there, reading the list of those who were either dead, or 'gone', trying to make something click, trying to remember their faces. The only one she had success with, had of course been Dumbledore, though she could only conjure of the picture of him in the yearbook, and a certain warm feeling that came over her when she thought of him.
The Headmistress continued across the entrance hall, past a narrow stairway leading down a passage way around the large marble staircase the lead upstairs, to a stone set of stairs leading downward. They began to descend them and it wasn't long before Hermione noticed it getting chilly and dank, apparently they were heading under ground.
"I know it seems a bit inhospitable, Hermione, but I assure you, your room is lovely, I had the house elves decorate it quite nicely for you. You see, I hadn't quite counted on what I would find when I attempted to use some of the other rooms." She turned to look back at Hermione, the expression on her face one of both amusement and annoyance. "No one has had much use for the spare rooms for many years now, we don't usually have guests, and when I attempted to access a few of them yesterday I found that they had sealed themselves. When, I do not know, but apparently the castle in a bit angry over the absence of the previous Headmaster and does not wish to cooperate with me. The dungeons did not mind, however, and so we have your room."
They had stopped in front of a door at the end of a rather long, dark corridor, and had passed by several other doors without Hermione even noticing, she had been too engrossed by McGonagall's explanation. The door in front of them was completely plain and Hermione hoped that she'd be able to remember which one was hers.
Professor McGonagall opened the door and stepped in, Hermione following closely behind, a smile lifting the corners of her mouth. The room was simply lovely. To her left there was an enormous four poster bed with a deep purple, velvet comforter a large trunk at the foot, a dresser to the right and an end table to the left. Across from the bed was a large fireplace that already had a fire crackling merrily in it. To the left of the fireplace was a tall book shelf, set cattycorner, and stuffed full of books. On the right side was a door propped open to reveal a spacious bathroom. In front of the fireplace were a wide oval jewel tone area rug, and three overstuffed arm chairs gathered around a circular table. The highlight of the room, though, were the enormous bay windows directly across from them, which looked out across the grounds and forbidden forest.
"Minerva.it's wonderful! You didn't have to do all of this for me!" Hermione walked slowly around the room, her heart pounding with excitement as she examined the books on the shelf.
"I assure it, it was nothing, Hermione. We were forced to put you in the dungeons, might as well make them feel like a real home and not.well.dungeons."
Hermione smiled, and moved to stand in front of one of the windows, the afternoon sun streaming in on her, healing the sadness she had felt earlier. "I thought we were underground."
"Ah yes, well, the windows weren't here before, I enchanted the wall to create them, this wall actually faces the far end of the lake, but it makes it feel so much nicer with a bit of sunlight." McGonagall laughed and moved to stand next to Hermione.
Nodding, Hermione continued to bask in the warmth of the sun.
"You'll find clothes in the dresser and in the trunk, they're not much, but when you feel up to it, I'll have one of the Professors take you to Diagon alley to pick up anything else you might need, or want, including a new wand." McGonagall watch Hermione for a moment and the girl nodded absently, and she smiled, pleased that the room had turned out so well, and that the younger woman approved of it. The Headmistress had been afraid that perhaps her sense of style had begun to slip in the past few years. "I must be going, dear, but I do hope I'll be seeing you at dinner.".
Hermione was suddenly pulled from her revelry, back into reality, and she suddenly looked apprehensive.
"If you would feel more comfortable, perhaps we could meet several minutes before dinner begins, and then we could both be seated before anyone else arrives?"
Nodding, Hermione swallowed hard, her palms clammy once again.
"It will be alright, Hermione, no one is expecting anything spectacular from you, they are simply glad that you are home. Now I really must be going. I'll see you tonight and say, five thirty in the entrance hall?"
Slowly Hermione nodded once more, and then watch the Headmistress turn and leave after offering her one last reassuring smile. Letting out a long, slow breath she wiped the sweat from her palms on her robes. She stood there for a moment longer before once again surveying her room; it wasn't long before her eyes once again came upon the large book shelf. Instantly the anxiety melted from her and she crossed the floor in and instant, her hand immediately reaching towards the nearest book, caressing its spine which read 'Achievement in Charms.' Slowly she moved both her hand and her eyes over the books, trying to decide which one to explore first. 'Hairy Snout, Human Heart', 'Fifteenth Century Fiends', 'Magical Me', 'Self Defense Spellwork', 'Hogwarts, a History', 'Year with the Yeti', and then her hand stopped, grasped a book, and pulled it from it's place, studying the cover, 'Conquer the Unconquerable, A Detailed Account of The Defeat Of Lord Voldemort.'
Worrying her bottom lip she sank into one of the nearby overstuffed chairs, laying the book on her lap. Did she honestly want to open this book? Would it mention her parents and what happened to them, would it explain what became of Professor Dumbledore? Slowly she opened the book and began to skim through it, searching for interesting details.
The first five chapters were dedicated to the rise of Voldemort, and she recognized several names of those who fought him and failed from the plaque in front of the statue in the courtyard, including those of Harry's parents. It was in the following chapters that she began to become interested. The book went over the events surrounding the Sorcerers Stone, and she was shocked to find her name, Harry's name, and Ronald's name mentioned, apparently having been the ones to foil Voldemort's plan the return. Then Harry was mentioned again in the section about the chamber of secrets. Then apparently Voldemort had been reborn at end of the school year in Harry's fourth year, and Cedric Diggory had been killed. It wasn't until the end of the following year, though, that Voldemort's return had been officially recognized after the Order of the Phoenix battled him in the Ministry of Magic.
The following year there were only skirmishes as Voldemort and his army gained strength, and support, corrupting the Ministry of Magic from within, recruiting employees to their dark cause. Hogwarts, on the other hand, became a beacon of light to the rest of the wizarding world. Dueling classes became mandatory, and private counseling became available for troubled students, and even students who were considering joining Voldemort's army. The Order of the Phoenix moved it's headquarters to Hogwarts, which became a fortress standing against not only Voldemort, but the Ministry.
Every week more and more Wizards and Witches would find their way to the castle. It in the middle of the following year that Voldemort and his army made their first bold move, kidnapping all of the known Muggle parents of Wizards and Witches, and sending a severed pinky from each one to Dumbledore by way of an enormous Vulture. Somehow the news leaked to the students, and when the adults wouldn't fall for the blatant trap, the muggles had been tortured until killed, and their bodies apparated to the front of Hogwart's gates by scores of death eaters.
The children of those slain revolted against Dumbledore and the others, causing near anarchy. Sensing the beginning of the true battle, hundreds of wizards and witches came from around the world to Hogwarts, there were so many, that they had run out of rooms to place them in, and they began camping on the lawns. The night after the muggle massacre Voldemort and his followers finally attacked, and many were shocked to find that he had nearly as many on his side as Dumbledore had on his.
The Battle had been fierce, but Dumbledore's army had the advantage of higher ground, a castle warded in their favor, and many, many brave wizards and witches. Even the children who had lost their parents fought bravely. At the end of the battle, it had been Voldemort's army who had truly fallen, the number nearly triple the number who had fallen on Dumbledore's side. When the smoke finally cleared, though, there were several unaccounted for. Severus Snape, Harry Potter, Voldemort, and several of his death eaters were all missing. Word got around to Dumbledore, that several people had seen the death eaters viciously beat Professor Snape, calling him a spy and traitor. Harry Potter had gone to defend him, and they had captured the young man as well, drug them both outside of the gates and had apparated along with Lord Voldemort. Dumbledore did not hesitate and immediately left.
The details of the ensuing fight were sketchy at best. Those present who lived did not wish to disclose details, but Dumbledore had apparently fought off the death eaters single handedly, only to be subdued by Voldemort. He and the few remaining death eaters had then taken his wand and gleefully tortured him physically and magically until his mind had simply snapped. This distracted them long enough, though, for Harry and Professor Snape to recover their senses. The battle had been brief but fierce, Snape taking the death eaters, and Harry taking Voldemort, and then they had both returned with Dumbledore who was told to be currently living in St. Mungo's Hospital, and it was seriously doubted that he would ever recover.
Hermione skimmed through the remaining chapters, which were dedicated to the restructure of the ministry of magic, and the aurors who now searched for the remaining death eaters. She closed the book, and used the corner of her sleeve to dry her cheeks and eyes, and then barely stifled a sob. Her parents and Dumbledore had been tortured to death. The thought slowly set in, and she shook her head, trying to free it of the morbid images that flooded her thoughts. And Snape, poor Snape, that was why he was so bitter. A deluge of sorrow poured over her and she curled up, her sobs turning into near screams of rage and pain.
*~~~~~*~~~~~*
Hermione scaled the stairs leading up from the dungeons, her fresh, gray robes brushing lightly on the steps, her hair pulled back in a plain bun. Her overcast exterior mirroring her interior.
Finding the Headmistress standing at the doorway to the great hall, now dressed in black robes with green plaid accents, she feigned a smile and a little wave. McGonagall waves back, smiling warmly. "Glad you could make it, Hermione."
She motioned for the younger woman to follow her, and lead the way into the great hall, which, if Hermione wasn't mistaken, had been decorated a considerable amount more. The Headmistress led her across the room to the head table, taking her seat in the middle and then motioning to the one directly to her right. Blushing, Hermione took the offered seat, feeling strangely out of place.
Only a few moments passed before a middle aged witch and a young wizard entered the great hall, arguing animatedly, they approached the head table and had nearly taken their seats before they looked up, noticing Hermione, they're bickering ended abruptly. "Hermione." The young wizard hurried forward, his round face brightening considerably.
She paused briefly and then stood shakily, holding out her hand, trying her Dobby strategy.
The young man looked perplexed for a moment, and then realization seemed to wash over him and he reached out, grasping her hand, his smile widening once again, "Neville Longbottom, Herbology. We were in Gryffindor together, welcome back."
Hermione relaxed visibly and forced a very convincing smile, "Nice to meet you again, Neville, and thanks."
Smiling again, he took a seat, two down from Hermione on her right, still grinning broadly. The middle aged witch smiled warmly and took his place, holding out her hand. She was tall and slender, her skin a dark tan, eyes pitch black, her robes gold and purple, embroidered with intricate designs. "Justina Vespera, Astronomy. I've only been here a year." She laughed and smiled brightly.
The younger woman took her hand and shook it, smiling back. "A pleasure to meet you, Professor Vespera."
Nodding, the woman took a seat to Neville's right just as three more adults reached the table, Hermione hadn't even noticed them approaching. Before she could greet them the first one had already grasped her hand and wrapped his arms around her briefly before pulling back, positively beaming. "Hermione! Welcome back!" He was a middle aged wizard, his robes shabby though clean, brown hair dusted with gray. When all she did was look around uncomfortably he smiled reassuringly. "Remus Lupin, I was your defense against the dark arts professor in your third year, and a member of the Order."
"Of the Phoenix?" Hermione wasn't really sure how many Orders of what there were, so she felt that she should make absolutely sure.
Lupin nodded, still holding her hand.
"Nice to meet you again, sir." Hermione squeezed his hand and forced her smile a bit broader, thankful for the warm welcome.
The man patted her on the back, and gave her a wink before taking his seat to McGonagall's left. Next in line was an elderly witch with closely cropped gray hair. She immediately held out her hand, which Hermione took, smiling gratefully. "Willhelmina Grubbly-Plank, Care of Magical Creatures, and keeper of keys and grounds."
"Nice to meet you." Hermione shook the witch's hand, but something felt strange, the words the woman had said didn't seem like they should be coming from her, but she was careful not to show her anxiety as the witch took a seat three down from Lupin's left.
The next in line was tall, dressed in solid black, and looked extremely displeased, his arms folded, scowling at Hermione.
Her smile faded, remember how he had acted early, and her eyes dropped. "Professor Snape."
Much to her surprise he nodded and then pulled the seat out which was directly to her left and gracefully sat, folding his hands on the table in front of him, not acknowledging any one else at the table. Before Hermione could protest though, she was accosted by a very excited Dobby who hugged her around the middle and then beat his head against her chair for it before sitting at the far right of the table, next to Professor Vespera. Behind him was a girl named Parvati Patil dressed in purple robes, a scarf tied around her head and many rings adorning her fingers. She hugged Hermione as well but looked upset when she realized that she didn't recognize her and took her seat at the far left of the table. Thankfully the next two Professors apparently had not known her, Pandora Quinn, the librarian, who took a seat to Lupin's left, and Devon Aldrich, the Arithmancy Professor who sat to Quinn's left. Hermione smiled brightly when she introduced herself to the latter, remembering that Snape had told her it had been her favorite subject. The last one to approach her was Madame Pomfrey who hugged her warmly, "Glad to see you made it," before taking her seat to Parvati's right.
Finally Hermione was able to sit and did so thankfully just as students began to file in, and her heart began to pound once more. She glanced from Snape to McGonagall, though the Headmistress was the only one who seemed to notice. Folding her hands in her lap she watched the children take their seats, everyone chatting happily.
When everyone seemed settled in, there was a brief pause before McGonagall abruptly stood, startling Hermione into Snape, who, with catlike reflexes caught her before she could back into him, and then immediately released her. Their actions had gone completely unnoticed, and the Headmistress began to speak.
"Quiet everyone, I have an announcement to make." She paused for a moment, waiting for the students to comply before continuing. "After waiting six long years, one of our own has finally returned home, everyone please welcome back, Hermione Granger." McGonagall clapped enthusiastically and searing heat traveled up the younger woman's neck to her face and she looked around, alarmed.
It took a few moments, but the rest of the students then joined in, and Hermione could see a few of them whispering to each other, apparently a few of them did know who she was and were spreading the word.
McGonagall too her seat once more, waved her hand, and the previously empty plates at the table miraculously became filled to overflowing with a grand feast. She looked over at Hermione and smile reassuringly who weakly smiled back, and then glanced back over to Snape who was looking a bit surprised, though she couldn't understand why. The food was wonderful, and Hermione was greatful. Her meals in the infirmary had been much different, and limited by Poppy. She found the feast itself to be quite tedious, though, and after an hour, her began tapping her foot anxiously, something which Professor Snape seemed to notice.
"I expect you haven't forgotten our meeting tonight." He did not even bother looking at her.
Hermione stopped fidgeting, "No, I haven't." It was a lie, of course. She had been so wrapped up in what she had learned about the war, and meeting the Professors that indeed, she had forgotten.
"I will be leaving, I suggest you say goodnight unless you wish to find your own way. I will meet you I the entrance hall." He then gracefully stood and exited, and she couldn't help but notice that he didn't say goodnight to anyone sitting near him.
Hastily Hermione leaned over to the Headmistress, "I need to go, Professor Snape and I are supposed to talk tonight." McGonagall nodded and smiled.
"Thank you for coming tonight, dear, and welcome back."
She smiled and stood, nodding and making her excuses to those who asks where she was going, and then followed in Snape's footsteps, heart pounding, her mind hungry for more knowledge.
*~~~~~~*~~~~~~*
Wish you Were Here-Pink Floyd
So, so you think you can tell Heaven from Hell, blue skies from pain.
Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail? A smile from a veil?
Do you think you can tell?
And did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts?
Hot ashes for trees?
Hot air for a cool breeze?
Cold comfort for change?
And did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?
How I wish, how I wish you were here.
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year,
Running over the same old ground.
What have you found?
The same old fears.
Wish you were here.
Notes: *twitch twitch* gods I've been writing for awhile *LOL* but I'm happy with this chapter, especially the summary of the book, hope you all didn't find it to be too boring *L* and I hope their aren't too many mistakes, I can barely see the screen so I'll reread it tomorrow and repost it after correcting everything *L*.also, I'm going to start including the lyrics of the songs/poems that have inspired me at the end of each chapter..and I'll go back to the old chapters and tack those on to.not sure if anyone's noticed almost all of the chapter names are named after songs or lyrics, but well, there it is *LOL*
HunnySnowBunny: ok, the statue of dumbledore, I suppose I should have clarified *L*, he was the only one without wings, and so, the only one represented that did not die, though he did figuratively loose his life. *LOL* I had so much trouble with the entrance hall thing..I was like..uuuuhhhhh.what the heck should I call it? Big room? Large corridor? Then aha! Entrance hall *LMAO*.and sorry Hermione and Professor Mcgonagall didn't talk.I wanted to keep with Minerva not being up to talking about poor old Albus, speaking of which, finally got his mystery out of the way *L*..oh! and thankyou for the plushie! *dances around holding the plushie, holding his arm out so he can point at one of her cats.* Ten points from Gryffindor!...*LOL* anyways..gotta try and get some sleep! *LOL*
Sarah
Sweetygirl420: Thank you! And NP!
AZ: Ahhhh!!!! *holds up her fingerless hands* I can't do it any more! Sorry, just kidding, NP, I will, thanks for reading!
Dryade: don't worry, it'll get sadder ;) glad you're reading!
Someone28: thank you! I have! *L*
Risi: *L* after what he's gone through, can't blame the poor guy! ^_- And the fate of Malfoy the you know what will be revealed this coming chapter, if I can remember *L* thank you for continuing to read!
Chapter 12
Wish You Were Here
"Ms. Granger?" Professor McGonagall slowly approached the young woman, sitting slouched on the bench, her arms wrapped tightly around herself. "Hermione?" Dread welled up inside of the Headmistress when there was still no response. She moved a bit closer, and reached out, touching one of the girl's slouched shoulders.
Alarmed, Hermione leapt off of the bench, whirling around to face McGonagall, thrusting her hand into her pocket, as if she'd find something there to strike out with, and was again disappointed for reasons she couldn't understand.
McGonagall held up her hands to show that she was unarmed. "It's all right, Hermione, it's just me." She looked at the girl's hand in her pocket and smiled, though there was a hint of sadness mixed in with her amusement. "I'm afraid you lost your wand while you were away, as you came back with nothing."
Hermione just stood there for a moment, the adrenaline slowly draining from her blood, and then slowly removed her hand from her pocket. "I..I'm sorry Minerva, I was just thinking." Clearing her throat, she brushed the snow off of the back of her robes, looking embarrassed. "Has lunch ended so soon? I meant to meet you in the entrance hall afterwards."
Nodding, the Headmistress frowned slightly, looking from Hermione to the statue not to far away. Hermione had known or been acquainted with many of the individuals on the list, how awful it would be for her when her memories finally came back.that is, of course, if they did return.
They stood in awkward silence for another few moments. McGonagal knew that she should say something, probably about the statue and how those listed had died valiantly defending Hogwarts and the Wizarding world, but she found herself unable to speak of such things, it had only been a few years, and she had only seen the statue when it had first been placed in the courtyard, purposely avoiding it after the emotions it stirred the first time around.
Watching the Headmistress's expression change while looking at the statue Hermione felt a wave of sympathy for the woman; she too had probably known almost every person on that list. "Minerva, do you have time to show me my room? I've been looking forward to it all day." She forced a smile, though tears threatened to spill from the corners of her eyes.
Minerva forced a smile as well, grateful for the suggestion. "Of course dear, follow me." She hesitantly turned and headed back towards the doors, lifting her green robes to keep them dry.
Hermione paused for a moment before following, her eyes on the statue of Dumbledore. She swallowed against the lump threatening to rise in her throat and then followed, head down, her hands stuffed deep into her pockets.
*~~~~~*~~~~~*
They went back through the hallway with the classrooms, and into the entrance hall which was now completely devoid of people and Hermione wondered exactly how long she had been sitting there, reading the list of those who were either dead, or 'gone', trying to make something click, trying to remember their faces. The only one she had success with, had of course been Dumbledore, though she could only conjure of the picture of him in the yearbook, and a certain warm feeling that came over her when she thought of him.
The Headmistress continued across the entrance hall, past a narrow stairway leading down a passage way around the large marble staircase the lead upstairs, to a stone set of stairs leading downward. They began to descend them and it wasn't long before Hermione noticed it getting chilly and dank, apparently they were heading under ground.
"I know it seems a bit inhospitable, Hermione, but I assure you, your room is lovely, I had the house elves decorate it quite nicely for you. You see, I hadn't quite counted on what I would find when I attempted to use some of the other rooms." She turned to look back at Hermione, the expression on her face one of both amusement and annoyance. "No one has had much use for the spare rooms for many years now, we don't usually have guests, and when I attempted to access a few of them yesterday I found that they had sealed themselves. When, I do not know, but apparently the castle in a bit angry over the absence of the previous Headmaster and does not wish to cooperate with me. The dungeons did not mind, however, and so we have your room."
They had stopped in front of a door at the end of a rather long, dark corridor, and had passed by several other doors without Hermione even noticing, she had been too engrossed by McGonagall's explanation. The door in front of them was completely plain and Hermione hoped that she'd be able to remember which one was hers.
Professor McGonagall opened the door and stepped in, Hermione following closely behind, a smile lifting the corners of her mouth. The room was simply lovely. To her left there was an enormous four poster bed with a deep purple, velvet comforter a large trunk at the foot, a dresser to the right and an end table to the left. Across from the bed was a large fireplace that already had a fire crackling merrily in it. To the left of the fireplace was a tall book shelf, set cattycorner, and stuffed full of books. On the right side was a door propped open to reveal a spacious bathroom. In front of the fireplace were a wide oval jewel tone area rug, and three overstuffed arm chairs gathered around a circular table. The highlight of the room, though, were the enormous bay windows directly across from them, which looked out across the grounds and forbidden forest.
"Minerva.it's wonderful! You didn't have to do all of this for me!" Hermione walked slowly around the room, her heart pounding with excitement as she examined the books on the shelf.
"I assure it, it was nothing, Hermione. We were forced to put you in the dungeons, might as well make them feel like a real home and not.well.dungeons."
Hermione smiled, and moved to stand in front of one of the windows, the afternoon sun streaming in on her, healing the sadness she had felt earlier. "I thought we were underground."
"Ah yes, well, the windows weren't here before, I enchanted the wall to create them, this wall actually faces the far end of the lake, but it makes it feel so much nicer with a bit of sunlight." McGonagall laughed and moved to stand next to Hermione.
Nodding, Hermione continued to bask in the warmth of the sun.
"You'll find clothes in the dresser and in the trunk, they're not much, but when you feel up to it, I'll have one of the Professors take you to Diagon alley to pick up anything else you might need, or want, including a new wand." McGonagall watch Hermione for a moment and the girl nodded absently, and she smiled, pleased that the room had turned out so well, and that the younger woman approved of it. The Headmistress had been afraid that perhaps her sense of style had begun to slip in the past few years. "I must be going, dear, but I do hope I'll be seeing you at dinner.".
Hermione was suddenly pulled from her revelry, back into reality, and she suddenly looked apprehensive.
"If you would feel more comfortable, perhaps we could meet several minutes before dinner begins, and then we could both be seated before anyone else arrives?"
Nodding, Hermione swallowed hard, her palms clammy once again.
"It will be alright, Hermione, no one is expecting anything spectacular from you, they are simply glad that you are home. Now I really must be going. I'll see you tonight and say, five thirty in the entrance hall?"
Slowly Hermione nodded once more, and then watch the Headmistress turn and leave after offering her one last reassuring smile. Letting out a long, slow breath she wiped the sweat from her palms on her robes. She stood there for a moment longer before once again surveying her room; it wasn't long before her eyes once again came upon the large book shelf. Instantly the anxiety melted from her and she crossed the floor in and instant, her hand immediately reaching towards the nearest book, caressing its spine which read 'Achievement in Charms.' Slowly she moved both her hand and her eyes over the books, trying to decide which one to explore first. 'Hairy Snout, Human Heart', 'Fifteenth Century Fiends', 'Magical Me', 'Self Defense Spellwork', 'Hogwarts, a History', 'Year with the Yeti', and then her hand stopped, grasped a book, and pulled it from it's place, studying the cover, 'Conquer the Unconquerable, A Detailed Account of The Defeat Of Lord Voldemort.'
Worrying her bottom lip she sank into one of the nearby overstuffed chairs, laying the book on her lap. Did she honestly want to open this book? Would it mention her parents and what happened to them, would it explain what became of Professor Dumbledore? Slowly she opened the book and began to skim through it, searching for interesting details.
The first five chapters were dedicated to the rise of Voldemort, and she recognized several names of those who fought him and failed from the plaque in front of the statue in the courtyard, including those of Harry's parents. It was in the following chapters that she began to become interested. The book went over the events surrounding the Sorcerers Stone, and she was shocked to find her name, Harry's name, and Ronald's name mentioned, apparently having been the ones to foil Voldemort's plan the return. Then Harry was mentioned again in the section about the chamber of secrets. Then apparently Voldemort had been reborn at end of the school year in Harry's fourth year, and Cedric Diggory had been killed. It wasn't until the end of the following year, though, that Voldemort's return had been officially recognized after the Order of the Phoenix battled him in the Ministry of Magic.
The following year there were only skirmishes as Voldemort and his army gained strength, and support, corrupting the Ministry of Magic from within, recruiting employees to their dark cause. Hogwarts, on the other hand, became a beacon of light to the rest of the wizarding world. Dueling classes became mandatory, and private counseling became available for troubled students, and even students who were considering joining Voldemort's army. The Order of the Phoenix moved it's headquarters to Hogwarts, which became a fortress standing against not only Voldemort, but the Ministry.
Every week more and more Wizards and Witches would find their way to the castle. It in the middle of the following year that Voldemort and his army made their first bold move, kidnapping all of the known Muggle parents of Wizards and Witches, and sending a severed pinky from each one to Dumbledore by way of an enormous Vulture. Somehow the news leaked to the students, and when the adults wouldn't fall for the blatant trap, the muggles had been tortured until killed, and their bodies apparated to the front of Hogwart's gates by scores of death eaters.
The children of those slain revolted against Dumbledore and the others, causing near anarchy. Sensing the beginning of the true battle, hundreds of wizards and witches came from around the world to Hogwarts, there were so many, that they had run out of rooms to place them in, and they began camping on the lawns. The night after the muggle massacre Voldemort and his followers finally attacked, and many were shocked to find that he had nearly as many on his side as Dumbledore had on his.
The Battle had been fierce, but Dumbledore's army had the advantage of higher ground, a castle warded in their favor, and many, many brave wizards and witches. Even the children who had lost their parents fought bravely. At the end of the battle, it had been Voldemort's army who had truly fallen, the number nearly triple the number who had fallen on Dumbledore's side. When the smoke finally cleared, though, there were several unaccounted for. Severus Snape, Harry Potter, Voldemort, and several of his death eaters were all missing. Word got around to Dumbledore, that several people had seen the death eaters viciously beat Professor Snape, calling him a spy and traitor. Harry Potter had gone to defend him, and they had captured the young man as well, drug them both outside of the gates and had apparated along with Lord Voldemort. Dumbledore did not hesitate and immediately left.
The details of the ensuing fight were sketchy at best. Those present who lived did not wish to disclose details, but Dumbledore had apparently fought off the death eaters single handedly, only to be subdued by Voldemort. He and the few remaining death eaters had then taken his wand and gleefully tortured him physically and magically until his mind had simply snapped. This distracted them long enough, though, for Harry and Professor Snape to recover their senses. The battle had been brief but fierce, Snape taking the death eaters, and Harry taking Voldemort, and then they had both returned with Dumbledore who was told to be currently living in St. Mungo's Hospital, and it was seriously doubted that he would ever recover.
Hermione skimmed through the remaining chapters, which were dedicated to the restructure of the ministry of magic, and the aurors who now searched for the remaining death eaters. She closed the book, and used the corner of her sleeve to dry her cheeks and eyes, and then barely stifled a sob. Her parents and Dumbledore had been tortured to death. The thought slowly set in, and she shook her head, trying to free it of the morbid images that flooded her thoughts. And Snape, poor Snape, that was why he was so bitter. A deluge of sorrow poured over her and she curled up, her sobs turning into near screams of rage and pain.
*~~~~~*~~~~~*
Hermione scaled the stairs leading up from the dungeons, her fresh, gray robes brushing lightly on the steps, her hair pulled back in a plain bun. Her overcast exterior mirroring her interior.
Finding the Headmistress standing at the doorway to the great hall, now dressed in black robes with green plaid accents, she feigned a smile and a little wave. McGonagall waves back, smiling warmly. "Glad you could make it, Hermione."
She motioned for the younger woman to follow her, and lead the way into the great hall, which, if Hermione wasn't mistaken, had been decorated a considerable amount more. The Headmistress led her across the room to the head table, taking her seat in the middle and then motioning to the one directly to her right. Blushing, Hermione took the offered seat, feeling strangely out of place.
Only a few moments passed before a middle aged witch and a young wizard entered the great hall, arguing animatedly, they approached the head table and had nearly taken their seats before they looked up, noticing Hermione, they're bickering ended abruptly. "Hermione." The young wizard hurried forward, his round face brightening considerably.
She paused briefly and then stood shakily, holding out her hand, trying her Dobby strategy.
The young man looked perplexed for a moment, and then realization seemed to wash over him and he reached out, grasping her hand, his smile widening once again, "Neville Longbottom, Herbology. We were in Gryffindor together, welcome back."
Hermione relaxed visibly and forced a very convincing smile, "Nice to meet you again, Neville, and thanks."
Smiling again, he took a seat, two down from Hermione on her right, still grinning broadly. The middle aged witch smiled warmly and took his place, holding out her hand. She was tall and slender, her skin a dark tan, eyes pitch black, her robes gold and purple, embroidered with intricate designs. "Justina Vespera, Astronomy. I've only been here a year." She laughed and smiled brightly.
The younger woman took her hand and shook it, smiling back. "A pleasure to meet you, Professor Vespera."
Nodding, the woman took a seat to Neville's right just as three more adults reached the table, Hermione hadn't even noticed them approaching. Before she could greet them the first one had already grasped her hand and wrapped his arms around her briefly before pulling back, positively beaming. "Hermione! Welcome back!" He was a middle aged wizard, his robes shabby though clean, brown hair dusted with gray. When all she did was look around uncomfortably he smiled reassuringly. "Remus Lupin, I was your defense against the dark arts professor in your third year, and a member of the Order."
"Of the Phoenix?" Hermione wasn't really sure how many Orders of what there were, so she felt that she should make absolutely sure.
Lupin nodded, still holding her hand.
"Nice to meet you again, sir." Hermione squeezed his hand and forced her smile a bit broader, thankful for the warm welcome.
The man patted her on the back, and gave her a wink before taking his seat to McGonagall's left. Next in line was an elderly witch with closely cropped gray hair. She immediately held out her hand, which Hermione took, smiling gratefully. "Willhelmina Grubbly-Plank, Care of Magical Creatures, and keeper of keys and grounds."
"Nice to meet you." Hermione shook the witch's hand, but something felt strange, the words the woman had said didn't seem like they should be coming from her, but she was careful not to show her anxiety as the witch took a seat three down from Lupin's left.
The next in line was tall, dressed in solid black, and looked extremely displeased, his arms folded, scowling at Hermione.
Her smile faded, remember how he had acted early, and her eyes dropped. "Professor Snape."
Much to her surprise he nodded and then pulled the seat out which was directly to her left and gracefully sat, folding his hands on the table in front of him, not acknowledging any one else at the table. Before Hermione could protest though, she was accosted by a very excited Dobby who hugged her around the middle and then beat his head against her chair for it before sitting at the far right of the table, next to Professor Vespera. Behind him was a girl named Parvati Patil dressed in purple robes, a scarf tied around her head and many rings adorning her fingers. She hugged Hermione as well but looked upset when she realized that she didn't recognize her and took her seat at the far left of the table. Thankfully the next two Professors apparently had not known her, Pandora Quinn, the librarian, who took a seat to Lupin's left, and Devon Aldrich, the Arithmancy Professor who sat to Quinn's left. Hermione smiled brightly when she introduced herself to the latter, remembering that Snape had told her it had been her favorite subject. The last one to approach her was Madame Pomfrey who hugged her warmly, "Glad to see you made it," before taking her seat to Parvati's right.
Finally Hermione was able to sit and did so thankfully just as students began to file in, and her heart began to pound once more. She glanced from Snape to McGonagall, though the Headmistress was the only one who seemed to notice. Folding her hands in her lap she watched the children take their seats, everyone chatting happily.
When everyone seemed settled in, there was a brief pause before McGonagall abruptly stood, startling Hermione into Snape, who, with catlike reflexes caught her before she could back into him, and then immediately released her. Their actions had gone completely unnoticed, and the Headmistress began to speak.
"Quiet everyone, I have an announcement to make." She paused for a moment, waiting for the students to comply before continuing. "After waiting six long years, one of our own has finally returned home, everyone please welcome back, Hermione Granger." McGonagall clapped enthusiastically and searing heat traveled up the younger woman's neck to her face and she looked around, alarmed.
It took a few moments, but the rest of the students then joined in, and Hermione could see a few of them whispering to each other, apparently a few of them did know who she was and were spreading the word.
McGonagall too her seat once more, waved her hand, and the previously empty plates at the table miraculously became filled to overflowing with a grand feast. She looked over at Hermione and smile reassuringly who weakly smiled back, and then glanced back over to Snape who was looking a bit surprised, though she couldn't understand why. The food was wonderful, and Hermione was greatful. Her meals in the infirmary had been much different, and limited by Poppy. She found the feast itself to be quite tedious, though, and after an hour, her began tapping her foot anxiously, something which Professor Snape seemed to notice.
"I expect you haven't forgotten our meeting tonight." He did not even bother looking at her.
Hermione stopped fidgeting, "No, I haven't." It was a lie, of course. She had been so wrapped up in what she had learned about the war, and meeting the Professors that indeed, she had forgotten.
"I will be leaving, I suggest you say goodnight unless you wish to find your own way. I will meet you I the entrance hall." He then gracefully stood and exited, and she couldn't help but notice that he didn't say goodnight to anyone sitting near him.
Hastily Hermione leaned over to the Headmistress, "I need to go, Professor Snape and I are supposed to talk tonight." McGonagall nodded and smiled.
"Thank you for coming tonight, dear, and welcome back."
She smiled and stood, nodding and making her excuses to those who asks where she was going, and then followed in Snape's footsteps, heart pounding, her mind hungry for more knowledge.
*~~~~~~*~~~~~~*
Wish you Were Here-Pink Floyd
So, so you think you can tell Heaven from Hell, blue skies from pain.
Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail? A smile from a veil?
Do you think you can tell?
And did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts?
Hot ashes for trees?
Hot air for a cool breeze?
Cold comfort for change?
And did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?
How I wish, how I wish you were here.
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year,
Running over the same old ground.
What have you found?
The same old fears.
Wish you were here.
Notes: *twitch twitch* gods I've been writing for awhile *LOL* but I'm happy with this chapter, especially the summary of the book, hope you all didn't find it to be too boring *L* and I hope their aren't too many mistakes, I can barely see the screen so I'll reread it tomorrow and repost it after correcting everything *L*.also, I'm going to start including the lyrics of the songs/poems that have inspired me at the end of each chapter..and I'll go back to the old chapters and tack those on to.not sure if anyone's noticed almost all of the chapter names are named after songs or lyrics, but well, there it is *LOL*
HunnySnowBunny: ok, the statue of dumbledore, I suppose I should have clarified *L*, he was the only one without wings, and so, the only one represented that did not die, though he did figuratively loose his life. *LOL* I had so much trouble with the entrance hall thing..I was like..uuuuhhhhh.what the heck should I call it? Big room? Large corridor? Then aha! Entrance hall *LMAO*.and sorry Hermione and Professor Mcgonagall didn't talk.I wanted to keep with Minerva not being up to talking about poor old Albus, speaking of which, finally got his mystery out of the way *L*..oh! and thankyou for the plushie! *dances around holding the plushie, holding his arm out so he can point at one of her cats.* Ten points from Gryffindor!...*LOL* anyways..gotta try and get some sleep! *LOL*
Sarah
Sweetygirl420: Thank you! And NP!
AZ: Ahhhh!!!! *holds up her fingerless hands* I can't do it any more! Sorry, just kidding, NP, I will, thanks for reading!
Dryade: don't worry, it'll get sadder ;) glad you're reading!
Someone28: thank you! I have! *L*
Risi: *L* after what he's gone through, can't blame the poor guy! ^_- And the fate of Malfoy the you know what will be revealed this coming chapter, if I can remember *L* thank you for continuing to read!