Disclaimer: I do not in any way claim to own, nor did I create, Harry Potter or any related material. All of my credit goes to J.K. Rowling and her publishers.
Hermione, though she had been told of the wonders of Dumbledore's office from Harry and Ron, was still amazed with the astonishing assortment of magical devices, many brightly colored, some mysterious. Unlike her usual impressions, Hermione found the lack of order inviting, and most certainly intriguing. Her eyes were immediately drawn to Fawkes, Dumbledore's fiery colored phoenix, whose glimmering eyes enchanted Hermione. Basking in all of the wonder of the Head's office, Hermione stood awestruck in the center as Dumbledore observed, his eyes twinkling in amusement.
"Yes, she is beautiful isn't she?"
Hermione startled, remembered immediately why she was in the office and cast her eyes away in embarrassment; she did not want to make a bad impression on the man for whom she had so much respect. Though Hermione, of course, knew Dumbledore well from being a Hogwart's student in the sixth year and especially after the adventures of her third year, Hermione still felt a certain uncharacteristic shyness around the brilliant Headmaster. She valued his opinions and knowledge more than anyone and had read extensively on his previous work.
With no answer, Dumbledore tried again, "Such marvelous creatures."
"Exquisite," Hermione whispered softly. Then, almost too suddenly, she questioned with false curiosity, "What did you want to see me about? I do hope I am not in trouble."
"No, my dear, you are not in trouble. Though, if you were, there are far worse things. It would do you well to remember that failure is not measured by the blunders you make along the way, but by the failure to seek correction."
"Oh," Hermione answered rather awkwardly, losing the masked voice.
"However, I was curious as to if everything was alright, Miss Granger. Anything you might want to discuss?" Dumbledore asked mildly.
"Oh, no, Professor. Everything is quite fine," Hermione said, her voice cracking with nervousness. In her mind, Hermione wondered, does he know? Could Dumbledore possibly know? Trying the reassure herself, in a matter of a few days, I could not have lost more than two or three pounds, so it could not be because I look any different. However, Hermione knew that not much went past Dumbledore.
"Well, you were in the Hospital Wing as a result of, what was it? Dehydration?" Hermione nodded, and Dumbledore continued, "You, at the very least, need to be taking extra care of yourself. Am I not correct, Miss Granger?"
"Well, I am extremely sorry to have brought upon all this trouble on everyone. I am quite fine now, and I will be more careful. I just have been so busy with all of my classes…" Hermione's voice trailed off.
"Perhaps this extra workload is adding unnecessary stress," Dumbledore commented wisely, attempting to prod whatever was bothering Hermione into the open.
"No Sir. It was just a very busy week. I love all of my classes. I promise to be careful."
"Very well, Miss Granger, you may go. However, I must impress upon you the need for you to act responsibly. I will be forced to lighten your class load if you do not. And if you ever want to talk about anything, please come see me." Dumbledore ended simply and shook his head.
"Yes sir, thank you," Hermione said as she quickly rushed out of the room, but not before Dumbledore added that she needed to go back to the Hospital Wing to see what Madam Pomfrey thought best she do. As she grudgingly descended down the stairs and out of the office, Fawkes flew Dumbledore's desk and stared him down accusingly in the eye.
"Yes, it would seem that way," Dumbledore whispered. Fawkes ruffled her golden and ruby feathers in disgruntlement. "First Harry, now Hermione."
Author's Note: I am once again incredibly sorry for the unusually long time increment between this chapter and the last update. I have final exams until next Wednesday, so please do not expect another review until then. However, once that is over, it is summer! I will be able to update much more frequently and provide longer chapters. I, once again, cut down a long chapter. I know most of you enjoy the longer ones, but this is all time could provide, and I really try to avoid substandard writing. I am truly sorry: your romance and longer chapters are coming!
Once again, I want to give a huge thank you to all of you who reviewed last chapter. By all means, tell me how you feel about the direction this is going. Am I moving too slow? Too fast? Is the plot to your liking so far? Anything.
Now, Have a wonderful week! Review!