Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or places associated with
the Harry Potter books and/or movies. I only take claim to the situations
in which I place them in.
Chapter Four - Some Things Never Change
"Miss Granger, welcome back to Hogwarts. Or Should I call you Hermione now?" Dumbledore smiled upon her entrance and embraced her like she was a child of his own.
"Please, Sir, call me Hermione. I have known you far to long for such formalities." Hermione took a seat in one of the plush chairs in front of Dumbledore's desk. Dumbledore picked up a small candy dish from his desk and offered her a lemon drop. Hermione popped a small piece into her mouth and thanked him.
"Well, now that you are no longer a student at Hogwarts, I would like you to call me Albus. Also, feel free to use all of the staffs' first names. We all are much less formal around here behind closed doors." Dumbledore picked up a small envelope from his desk and glanced quickly at the outer writing. "I trust your trip was pleasant?"
"Oh yes, it felt like old times."
"That's good." Dumbledore handed Hermione the envelope that he fingered nervously. "This letter arrived for you this morning. It has no markings to indicate where it is from. Only that it is Urgent."
Hermione took the letter and studied the outside carefully, trying to decipher its owner. "It is probably another letter from the Ministry with more instructions pertaining to my behavior and activities while I am away from them." Hermione said the last remark with a little more frustration and sarcasm than she had intended, and Dumbledore eyed her knowingly. "Do you mind if I open it now?" She looked at Dumbledore for his approval. He simply nodded and gestured for her to proceed.
Hermione had just begun to open the outer seal when the door to the office flew open. Snape barged in the door in his usual huff, and startled Hermione from her seat.
"Albus, I am very busy these days and do not have time for your little games. What is the meaning of summoning me here so early in the day?" Hermione looked flustered at the sudden interruption and put the letter in her robes.
"Severus, there is no need for such grumpiness. I have brought you here to welcome Hermione back at Hogwarts."
Severus turned on his heel and scowled in Hermione's direction as he looked her up and down. "You have come earlier than I expected."
"I am sorry if I have upset any of your plans. The Ministry was determined to get me here as quickly as possible."
"Ahh, yes, the infallible Ministry. Looking for another glorious cure to take credit for again no doubt." Severus dripped out each word with thick sarcasm; unable to hide some of his feelings for the way the ministry was handling things in the times of peace.
Dumbledore jumped in between the two of them and stared at Severus with that little twinkle in his eyes. "Now, now, let's get off to a pleasant start, shall we? Severus, I was hoping that you could show Hermione to her new quarters. She will need her password for the dungeons, and all of your private labs."
Hermione spoke up from behind the two men. "I am sure Minerva can show me to my quarters in the Gryffindor tower."
"Normally that would be fine; but Albus, in his infinite wisdom, has seen to it that you will be staying in the adjoining rooms to my quarters in the dungeons."
Hermione gasped quietly as the shock of realization hit her. She was going to be forced to deal with Snape constantly. At least she would have had the retreat of Gryffindor tower if her rooms were there; but now even that luxury was taken away. Hermione gathered all of the confidence that she could muster and faced Snape directly. "If you do not mind escorting me to my quarters now, I would like to settle in before lunch."
Snape look rather irritated and turned toward the door of the office. "Follow me. Please do try to keep up."
Hermione saluted in a mocking way, "Yes Sir!" She quickly waved to Dumbledore as she followed Severus out of the headmaster's office.
******
Once Hermione was directed to the inner workings of the dungeons, she was given access to Snape's labs and office. He bitterly asked that she respect his privacy and not look through his papers while he was not around. Hermione plastered on a small smile in reply and assured him that she was not here to snoop, but to finish the research for the cure.
Finally, Snape turned one last corner and brought her to a large wooden door. The door creaked from lack of use when he said the password to gain entrance. "These rooms will be your quarters while you are staying at Hogwarts."
Hermione's eyes grew in amazement at the lush surroundings and comfortable decorations. A large fireplace loomed over the far corner with a blazing fire to warm the rooms. The walls were covered with bookshelves filled with books from many centuries. Every inch of the room was covered by a multitude of brightly colored rugs, and plush leather chairs and sofas lined the sitting area. In one small corner was a dining table with two chairs that seemed mildly out of place compared to the grand scale of the rest of the furniture. "This is amazing. I never knew there was such a place in Hogwarts."
"Despite popular belief, I prefer to be comfortable. I do not live in a hole with dark walls and cold surroundings." Snape muttered out the comment.
"There are two doors here, where do they lead?"
"The one on the left leads to your bedroom and bath. The other is the adjoining door to my private quarters. I have taken the liberty to lock it for the duration of your stay."
"Oh, I didn't realize that I would be taking over some of your quarters. I do apologize." Hermione turned one last time to gain perspective of the rooms. "It is very nice, and I am sure I will enjoy the massive collection of books that are here." She said the last remark as she fingered the golden titles of a few of the books that loomed over the entire room.
"The books are from my own collection. These rooms are typically used as my library. Please be careful with the books. You are free to read them if you like; but be warned that some are irreplaceable and hundreds of years old."
"I will do my best to take care of them."
"Please see that you do." Snape turned on that last remark and began to stride out of the room with his robes swelling out behind him. When he reached the doorway he stopped suddenly and turned only his head to make one final statement. "Albus would like me to inform you that your presence has been requested tonight in the Great Hall. It seems that you will be the guest of honor at tonight's dinner."
"Thank you." Hermione let out a long sigh as Snape finally left her rooms with a loud thud, as the door slammed behind him. She plopped down in the nearest chair and cradled herself in the comforting folds of fabric. "That man truly infuriates me! I can not believe how arrogance and rudeness oozes from every ounce of him." She was mulling over his behavior when she heard a small purr from the door to the left of her.
Remembering that the door led to her bedroom, she decided to investigate. When she opened the door she came face to face with a bounding Crookshanks on her king size bed. "What are you doing here?" The cat purred in delight at her entrance and rubbed up against her hand for attention. Hermione noticed a small note tied to his collar, and quickly pulled it from him to read it.
Hermione,
Thought you could use a familiar face of comfort while staying at Hogwarts. Please try to be nice to Snape and remember that it is for a good cause, greater than the both of you. I have also sent along an enchanted music box. Simply open it when you need comforting and it will play the song that is needed to soothe and calm you. I have used it this last year, and it did wonders for me.
I hope to be able to come visit you in the near future. I will need your help in planning my wedding (Yes, he finally made the plunge and asked me. Can you believe it?), since you will be my maid of honor.
Your Forever Friend, Ginny
Hermione smiled in utter joy at the thought of Harry and Ginny finally getting married. "Isn't it a great day Crookshanks? They're getting married." Crookshanks let out a loud meow as he pounced off of the bed and went into the living room area to explore his new temporary home. Hermione looked around her bedroom and saw the small music box that Ginny had mentioned in her note. It sat on the nightstand, next to a small vase filled with blooming lilies.
"Well, at least I will be comfortable here. Plus, Minerva and all of the other staff members will be a great diversion to be around." Hermione thought to herself as she pulled out her shrunken bag from her inner robe pocket and brought it back to its normal size. She quickly unpacked all of her things, and took the time to explore every detail in her rooms.
When she was finished she sat in front of the large fireplace and thought about the research that she would like to discuss first with Snape. She was lost in complicated calculations, when her hand brushed over her outer robe pocket, and felt the forgotten note from Albus.
Removing it gently she studied the outside one last time. Curiosity finally got the better of her, and she opened the letter. Her jaw dropped in shock as she began to read the inner note.
Miss Granger,
I have recently been informed of your new title and position at the ministry. Congratulations, it would seem that you have fooled many people in your quest to become greater than the mere mudblood that you are.
Before the fall of the Dark Lord, I had great plans for you. Circumstances have changed, but the outcome will be the same. Be careful, mudblood. Severus is not all that he seems.
Lucius Malfoy
Hermione dropped the letter to the ground as her mind swirled with the possible meanings of his words. A loud hiss from Crookshanks brought her out of her stupor as the fireplace began to glow green with the head of Minerva floating in the flames.
"Welcome Hermione, I was told that you were already settled in and wanted to come by for a visit."
"Thank you Minerva, but I am going to have to ask that we meet another time. Could you meet me in the Headmaster's Office as soon as possible. There's something that I need to tell the both of you."
"Minerva wrinkled her brow in concern. "Of course, Hermione, I will be there in a few minutes."
"Thank you." Hermione gathered up the fallen letter and quickly made her way out of her rooms. She turned in a frantic motion, as she warded her doors in an attempt to make her feel a little more secure. "I hope Albus will know what to do. This is all too strange."
TBC
Author's Note: I'm writing frantically to keep the chapters coming quickly, but I have suffered from writer's block on occasion. Please keep the reviews coming. I'm enjoying the praise and encouragement, along with the constructive corrections. Hopefully, the story will continue to flow. Thanks
Chapter Four - Some Things Never Change
"Miss Granger, welcome back to Hogwarts. Or Should I call you Hermione now?" Dumbledore smiled upon her entrance and embraced her like she was a child of his own.
"Please, Sir, call me Hermione. I have known you far to long for such formalities." Hermione took a seat in one of the plush chairs in front of Dumbledore's desk. Dumbledore picked up a small candy dish from his desk and offered her a lemon drop. Hermione popped a small piece into her mouth and thanked him.
"Well, now that you are no longer a student at Hogwarts, I would like you to call me Albus. Also, feel free to use all of the staffs' first names. We all are much less formal around here behind closed doors." Dumbledore picked up a small envelope from his desk and glanced quickly at the outer writing. "I trust your trip was pleasant?"
"Oh yes, it felt like old times."
"That's good." Dumbledore handed Hermione the envelope that he fingered nervously. "This letter arrived for you this morning. It has no markings to indicate where it is from. Only that it is Urgent."
Hermione took the letter and studied the outside carefully, trying to decipher its owner. "It is probably another letter from the Ministry with more instructions pertaining to my behavior and activities while I am away from them." Hermione said the last remark with a little more frustration and sarcasm than she had intended, and Dumbledore eyed her knowingly. "Do you mind if I open it now?" She looked at Dumbledore for his approval. He simply nodded and gestured for her to proceed.
Hermione had just begun to open the outer seal when the door to the office flew open. Snape barged in the door in his usual huff, and startled Hermione from her seat.
"Albus, I am very busy these days and do not have time for your little games. What is the meaning of summoning me here so early in the day?" Hermione looked flustered at the sudden interruption and put the letter in her robes.
"Severus, there is no need for such grumpiness. I have brought you here to welcome Hermione back at Hogwarts."
Severus turned on his heel and scowled in Hermione's direction as he looked her up and down. "You have come earlier than I expected."
"I am sorry if I have upset any of your plans. The Ministry was determined to get me here as quickly as possible."
"Ahh, yes, the infallible Ministry. Looking for another glorious cure to take credit for again no doubt." Severus dripped out each word with thick sarcasm; unable to hide some of his feelings for the way the ministry was handling things in the times of peace.
Dumbledore jumped in between the two of them and stared at Severus with that little twinkle in his eyes. "Now, now, let's get off to a pleasant start, shall we? Severus, I was hoping that you could show Hermione to her new quarters. She will need her password for the dungeons, and all of your private labs."
Hermione spoke up from behind the two men. "I am sure Minerva can show me to my quarters in the Gryffindor tower."
"Normally that would be fine; but Albus, in his infinite wisdom, has seen to it that you will be staying in the adjoining rooms to my quarters in the dungeons."
Hermione gasped quietly as the shock of realization hit her. She was going to be forced to deal with Snape constantly. At least she would have had the retreat of Gryffindor tower if her rooms were there; but now even that luxury was taken away. Hermione gathered all of the confidence that she could muster and faced Snape directly. "If you do not mind escorting me to my quarters now, I would like to settle in before lunch."
Snape look rather irritated and turned toward the door of the office. "Follow me. Please do try to keep up."
Hermione saluted in a mocking way, "Yes Sir!" She quickly waved to Dumbledore as she followed Severus out of the headmaster's office.
******
Once Hermione was directed to the inner workings of the dungeons, she was given access to Snape's labs and office. He bitterly asked that she respect his privacy and not look through his papers while he was not around. Hermione plastered on a small smile in reply and assured him that she was not here to snoop, but to finish the research for the cure.
Finally, Snape turned one last corner and brought her to a large wooden door. The door creaked from lack of use when he said the password to gain entrance. "These rooms will be your quarters while you are staying at Hogwarts."
Hermione's eyes grew in amazement at the lush surroundings and comfortable decorations. A large fireplace loomed over the far corner with a blazing fire to warm the rooms. The walls were covered with bookshelves filled with books from many centuries. Every inch of the room was covered by a multitude of brightly colored rugs, and plush leather chairs and sofas lined the sitting area. In one small corner was a dining table with two chairs that seemed mildly out of place compared to the grand scale of the rest of the furniture. "This is amazing. I never knew there was such a place in Hogwarts."
"Despite popular belief, I prefer to be comfortable. I do not live in a hole with dark walls and cold surroundings." Snape muttered out the comment.
"There are two doors here, where do they lead?"
"The one on the left leads to your bedroom and bath. The other is the adjoining door to my private quarters. I have taken the liberty to lock it for the duration of your stay."
"Oh, I didn't realize that I would be taking over some of your quarters. I do apologize." Hermione turned one last time to gain perspective of the rooms. "It is very nice, and I am sure I will enjoy the massive collection of books that are here." She said the last remark as she fingered the golden titles of a few of the books that loomed over the entire room.
"The books are from my own collection. These rooms are typically used as my library. Please be careful with the books. You are free to read them if you like; but be warned that some are irreplaceable and hundreds of years old."
"I will do my best to take care of them."
"Please see that you do." Snape turned on that last remark and began to stride out of the room with his robes swelling out behind him. When he reached the doorway he stopped suddenly and turned only his head to make one final statement. "Albus would like me to inform you that your presence has been requested tonight in the Great Hall. It seems that you will be the guest of honor at tonight's dinner."
"Thank you." Hermione let out a long sigh as Snape finally left her rooms with a loud thud, as the door slammed behind him. She plopped down in the nearest chair and cradled herself in the comforting folds of fabric. "That man truly infuriates me! I can not believe how arrogance and rudeness oozes from every ounce of him." She was mulling over his behavior when she heard a small purr from the door to the left of her.
Remembering that the door led to her bedroom, she decided to investigate. When she opened the door she came face to face with a bounding Crookshanks on her king size bed. "What are you doing here?" The cat purred in delight at her entrance and rubbed up against her hand for attention. Hermione noticed a small note tied to his collar, and quickly pulled it from him to read it.
Hermione,
Thought you could use a familiar face of comfort while staying at Hogwarts. Please try to be nice to Snape and remember that it is for a good cause, greater than the both of you. I have also sent along an enchanted music box. Simply open it when you need comforting and it will play the song that is needed to soothe and calm you. I have used it this last year, and it did wonders for me.
I hope to be able to come visit you in the near future. I will need your help in planning my wedding (Yes, he finally made the plunge and asked me. Can you believe it?), since you will be my maid of honor.
Your Forever Friend, Ginny
Hermione smiled in utter joy at the thought of Harry and Ginny finally getting married. "Isn't it a great day Crookshanks? They're getting married." Crookshanks let out a loud meow as he pounced off of the bed and went into the living room area to explore his new temporary home. Hermione looked around her bedroom and saw the small music box that Ginny had mentioned in her note. It sat on the nightstand, next to a small vase filled with blooming lilies.
"Well, at least I will be comfortable here. Plus, Minerva and all of the other staff members will be a great diversion to be around." Hermione thought to herself as she pulled out her shrunken bag from her inner robe pocket and brought it back to its normal size. She quickly unpacked all of her things, and took the time to explore every detail in her rooms.
When she was finished she sat in front of the large fireplace and thought about the research that she would like to discuss first with Snape. She was lost in complicated calculations, when her hand brushed over her outer robe pocket, and felt the forgotten note from Albus.
Removing it gently she studied the outside one last time. Curiosity finally got the better of her, and she opened the letter. Her jaw dropped in shock as she began to read the inner note.
Miss Granger,
I have recently been informed of your new title and position at the ministry. Congratulations, it would seem that you have fooled many people in your quest to become greater than the mere mudblood that you are.
Before the fall of the Dark Lord, I had great plans for you. Circumstances have changed, but the outcome will be the same. Be careful, mudblood. Severus is not all that he seems.
Lucius Malfoy
Hermione dropped the letter to the ground as her mind swirled with the possible meanings of his words. A loud hiss from Crookshanks brought her out of her stupor as the fireplace began to glow green with the head of Minerva floating in the flames.
"Welcome Hermione, I was told that you were already settled in and wanted to come by for a visit."
"Thank you Minerva, but I am going to have to ask that we meet another time. Could you meet me in the Headmaster's Office as soon as possible. There's something that I need to tell the both of you."
"Minerva wrinkled her brow in concern. "Of course, Hermione, I will be there in a few minutes."
"Thank you." Hermione gathered up the fallen letter and quickly made her way out of her rooms. She turned in a frantic motion, as she warded her doors in an attempt to make her feel a little more secure. "I hope Albus will know what to do. This is all too strange."
TBC
Author's Note: I'm writing frantically to keep the chapters coming quickly, but I have suffered from writer's block on occasion. Please keep the reviews coming. I'm enjoying the praise and encouragement, along with the constructive corrections. Hopefully, the story will continue to flow. Thanks