Love's Last Refrain

Chapter 2: Musings and Detention

                         

            The potions period seemed to drag on forever for the most of the students, almost all struggling though the exam, especially the practical application part. Finally, after a tenuous three houres in the dungeons, the students were dismissed from the classroom, aa of them only too happy to get out of there and not have to deal with Snape for an entire two months. Even if that dismissal entailed a ten-foot essay for the next class when term restarted.

            As they made their way up toward the Great Hall for lunch and the trio fell into next to each other. "That exam was just pure torture! NO teacher should be allowed to give an exam like that!" Ron complained form beside Hermione.

            "It's N.E.W.T level potions Ron. Did you expect anything less form dear old Snape?" Harry responded to Ron from Hermione's other side.

            "No," the lanky red head replied. "I'm glad to be rid of that bat for awhile. But Hermione, you have to deal with him tomorrow too! How can you stand him?!" Ron practically shouted at Hermione.

            "He's not as bad as you make him out to be Ron," Hermione said in defense of Snape as they stood outside the doors of the Great Hall.

            "'Not that bad'?" Harry quoted her, his voice displaying his disbelief at her defense. "Hermione you're talking about the person who has made it his soul purpose in life to make our lives miserable, and delights in getting me into trouble for the smallest thing! Please, enlighten me as to how he's not that bad."

            Anger rising, Hermione snapped out, "I'm not going to argue this with you. You're entitled to your own opinions. For that matter, I don't even have to eat lunch with you two. I'm just going to go to the library. See you in Transfiguration," And with that parting remark, Hermione continued down the hall and quickly climbed the stairs.

            "What was that all about?" Ron wondered aloud.

            "Dunno mate," Harry replied, "Its almost as if there's some thing more between them then what we know about…"

            Looking at each other they both responded in unison, "Nah!" and headed into the great Hall, forgetting the confrontation had happened. Instead they struck up a conversation about the Quidditch World Cup that was taking place that year in Argentina.

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            "Of all the immature things!" Hermione muttered as she walked into the library. "Can't those boys ever get past grudges?!" Hermione continued to murmur under her breath as she roughly slammed her bag onto the table, catching the attention of Madam Pince.

Looking up form the latest editing of 'Enchanting Literary', a relatively recent magazine, she greeted her regular student. "Miss Granger, good afternoon. Why aren't you at lunch?" she asked with concern.

"Don't worry about it Madam Pince, it was only a quarrel with Harry and Ron."

"I see. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't anything to do with those horrific events," Seeing Hermione smile at her she asked, "Is there anything in particular you with form the library dear?"

"May I use the restricted section? I know I'm suppose to have a note from a teacher…but I just wish to do a little reading," Hermione asked hopefully.

"Miss Granger, you know the rules b-" Madam Pince started to say but was cut off by a deep voice.

"Then I'll give her the permission if it's so important she has it," came the voice of Professor Snape form directly behind Hermione once again. Jumping slightly she turned around to face him as he passed a signed scrap of parchment to the librarian.

"Professor," Madam Pince greeted, "and as I was going to say, I was going to give her permission anyway. Miss Granger, as there is no specific book given for permission, choose what you desire. Sign them out for the summer if you like. Let me know if you need anything." After making her statement she disappeared behind a row of books, presumably to organize before the term ended.

Realizing Professor Snape was still there she replied quietly, "Thank you Professor."

"It's fine Miss Granger. But why aren't you at lunch with the remainder of your pack?" Snape questioned her with curiosity.

"The pack? Where did that come from?" Hermione inquired after her giggles subsided.

Shrugging he replied with a smirk, "Just found it to be fitting," then realizing she was trying to change the subject he demanded, "Why are you not at lunch?"

"I uh…wasn't hungry," Hermione stuttered out under his scrutinizing gaze.

Seeing through her lie Snape let it pass and replied, "Nonsense. Here, eat this," he said and conjured her up a turkey sandwich and goblet of pumpkin juice.

"Thank you Professor."

Nodding, Snape turned and headed toward the doors of the library, but halted when he reached them. "Oh and Miss Granger, don't think you're off the hook. Detention tomorrow at two still. Remember that."

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            When Harry and Ron entered the Transfiguration classroom, they noticed that Hermione had taken a seat at the front of the classroom next to Lavender instead of her normal place in the back between them. Harry and Ron seated themselves as normal, and thought nothing of Hermione's attitude toward them. Clearly she was still ticked at them because of their Snape comments. They decided on just letting her cool off before apologizing to her.

            Transfiguration passed normally and their exams were over for the year. Hermione brushed by her companions and headed back to the Gryffindor tower without a word to either. Dinner came and passed but still Hermione didn't emerge from the girls' dormitory. Instead she lay in her bed with the hangings securely closed, pondering how her summer would progress.

            Thoughts and question ran rampant through her normally calm and organized mind. But tonight that wouldn't be the case. 'Why haven't they talked to me? Or at least told me what's going on! And even better, why haven't they responded?! I can't do this on my own. I just can't!'

            Hermione sighed quietly and rolled over onto her stomach, folding her arms under her head. 'Harry and Ron have been so supportive these last few months, they're the best friends a person could hope for. If it weren't for them and Professor Snape I don't…I don't even want to think about it. Hum… Professor Snape. Who would have thought? I never expected it to be him, but when he came for me and then what occurred…' Hermione trailed off from her thoughts as she stood up and walked over to the tower window and placed her hands on the sill and stared across the grounds. The warm spring breeze blew in through the window, tangling in her mass of brown curls. A flowery fragrance spread through the room and Hermione's mind wandered to her dark, cynical Potions Professor as she watched the younger students traipsing around outside.

            'It seems as if he's been my confident since then. I can't recall a time he wasn't there for me if I needed somebody. That seems strange coming form him, but it seems to fit too well. He's not as bad as Harry and Ron make him out to be. They just don't understand. They haven't spent as much time with him as I have. Besides, they had no right to insult Severus like they did. He…Wait a moment. Where did Severus come from? I shouldn't be thinking of him on a first name basis.'

            Reluctantly Hermione pulled away form her place at the window when the cool night air came in contact with her exposed flesh. She had been so lost in her thoughts that she hadn't realized the time that had passed by while she was staring out the window. She glanced toward the clock oh her bedside table and noticed it was nearly 9:30, well past dinner, but she had no appetite and decided to change for bed and go to sleep.

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Dawn slowly crept into the room through the still open window and caused the perspective brunette to arise from her undisturbed slumber. Checking the time she saw that it was quarter to seven, and knew she'd never get back to sleep. Hermione made her bed, still trying to save the house elves trouble, and then grabbed a fresh set of robes and her uniform, whilst putting on her dressing gown. Silently she exited the Gryffindor tower and walked to the Prefects bath. Afterwards she went to the Great Hall to get some breakfast. Unsurprisingly, she was the only student already there along with professor Flitwick and Dumbledore. Finishing her breakfast of waffles and an orange she walked up to Professor Dumbledore to get the answers she wanted.

            "Professor?" She questioned when she stood in front of the headmaster.

            "Yes, Miss Granger?" Dumbledore acknowledged her when looked up from his meal.

            "Has- Have you heard anything about what's going to happen? The train leaves tonight at 6:30," Hermione said, her tone soft at the headmasters grim expression.

            "No, Miss Granger. I am afraid that the Ministry has yet to respond to anything pertaining to the matter at hand. If neither you nor I receive any further information by 1:30 today then meet me in my office at 2:30 and we will arrange something.

            Shaking her head no, she smiled while saying, "I'm afraid that is not possible Headmaster."

            Surprised at the answer he received, he pried, "And why not Miss granger? Surely you have nothing of more dire importance to attend to than this."

            "I have detention with Professor Snape at two today. Please do not ask why, for it is rather important now," Hermione informed.

            "I see. In that case, I will just report to you then," Dumbledore responded, the twinkle normally in his bright blue eyes returning. Nodding, Hermione turned and left the Great Hall, just as a group of 5th year Ravenclaws entered. Once again lost in her private thoughts, Hermione walked out onto the grounds, taking her time to take in the serene aura cast around her. She walked undisturbed to the lake and watched the giant squid as she silently sat there. As students had no classes that day, Hermione sat alone until noon when she went in for a small lunch. When she entered, she was mildly surprised to see Harry and Ron eating in silence.

            Hermione quietly walked behind them and asked, "May I join you?"

            Both of their heads shot up and whipped around to her. "Of course you can 'Mione," Ron said and he and Harry both moved down to allow her some space to sit.

            "Listen guys, I'm sorry about yesterday. I didn't mean to yell at you guys," Hermione apologized after filing her bowl with soup.

            "Don't apologize Hermione, "Harry began, "you had every right to yell at us. It wasn't our place to say those things."

            "He's been good to you 'Mione and we appreciate that from him. Even we realize there are some things we wouldn't be able to help you through," Ron finished or Harry. Apparently they had planned out their apology.

            "Thanks guys, you're the best," Hermione said and gave both of them a hug. At 1:30 the trio was sitting in the Gryffindor common room playing wizards chess, when all of a sudden there was a tapping on the window. When they looked up they saw a barn owl with a letter clasped in its talons. Hermione got up and let it in and the owl perched on her shoulder. It held out its leg for her to take the letter. After she took it and gave it an owl treat it left without a problem. Opening the letter she read over it and her face fell slightly.

            Noticing her expression, Harry asked, "What's wrong Hermione?"

            "Nothing Harry. Listen, I'm going to be late for detention. Would you please inform professor Dumbledore that the problem had been fixed and that my aunt and uncle have volunteered?"

            "Sure Hermione," the boys chorused together and Harry asked while Ron was making his move, " Good luck with Snape," Upon this statement; Hermione left the Gryffindor common room.

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            "Enter!" Professor Snape snapped when he heard the knock at the door. When the door opened and shut behind the intruding person, he growled without looking up, "What is it? I'm rather busy."

            "Professor," Hermione meekly answered. "I'm here for my detention."
Hearing her quiet proclamation his head snapped up to her. "Miss Granger, you're early."

            "I'm sorry, Professor," she quietly replied.

            Snape softened his tone and responded while pulling out a stack of papers from his desk, "No matter. Grade these and then you may leave."

            "Yes sir," Hermione responded, taking the stack of 3rd year potions exams and the offered quill.

            They worked in silence for many minutes until it was broken by Professor Snape saying, "Well done Miss Granger."

            Bewildered by the compliments she asked, "What?"

            "Your exam, Miss Granger. 112%. Not something that usually happens, considering the dunderheads I normally teach," seeing her only nod and turn back the to the papers, he became suspicious. Snape took the quill out of her hands and she was making a read slash on the paper, causing her to turn and look at him. "Something is troubling you Miss Granger. What is it?" Snape questioned her.

            Sighing, Hermione gave in, knowing he would get his answer no matter what. She handed him the letter and replied, "This Professor." Taking the letter, Snape began to read.

                        Dear Hermione,

            It has come to our attention that you are in need of a guardian and a place to stay this summer. However, first of all let me say once again that we are incredibly sorry for the loss you have endured, because your aunt and I are also suffering from it. The loss of you parents, Diana and Leon, in the shooting has had a traumatic affect on the entire family, but you the most. Thus, we are willing to bring you into our home for the summer. But be forewarned that things will change. For one, you are expected to always present yourself properly, which you haven't always done to our knowledge during our visits. Secondly, no contact with anybody we do not know of and approve. And the third ground rule is fairly simple. You will act normally all of the time. We will pick you up at 9:00 PM at Kings Cross Station. Don't be late and do be presentable.

Your Aunt and Uncle,

Roland and Alize

            "They don't seem too concerned about you Miss Granger. One would think that their aunt and uncle would care about them," Snape responded while folding up the letter and handing it back to her.

            "That's the point! They hate me Professor and so does their seventeen-year-old daughter Eliza! They hate me for what I am and they despised my parents for letting me become what I am. A witch! I can't live with them! I just can't!" Hermione cried indignantly, tears streaming down her cheeks.

            Gently Snape pulled her trembling form into a tight embrace on his lap while he uttered soothing words to her and wiped her tears away. After a few minutes, she calmed down and just sat there with her head on his shoulder while his hand ran comforting circles along her back. "Thanks Professor," Hermione said after a while and then pulled away. As she moved to get up Snape grabbed her shoulders and tuned her back to him.

            "Miss Granger, just because you are staying with your aunt and uncle, doesn't mean you can't talk with me. Just send me an owl all right? I'm here for you to talk with, you're not alone, Promise me you'll owl me if something is wrong," Snape said, concerned for her.

            "I promise, Professor," Hermione responded.

            He nodded his head as he gave her a hug and told her she could leave, which she reluctantly did.

*****************

            Hermione finished packing her trunk and together she, Harry, and Ron went to the leaving feast, chatting about what they were planning for the summer. After the feast they were escorted to Hogsmeade by Hagrid, where they said their good-byes to him and boarded the train, ready for the summer. Reluctantly, Hermione watched as Hogwarts disappeared and she waited quietly for the train to arrive in London. But if she only knew what awaited her there...

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R&R please.

*dama_de_tinieblas*