Chapter Nineteen: Loyalties
"Enter." Sounded form within, and she walked in.
"Yes, Sir?" Hermione asked, smiling.
Dumbledore gestured to a seat, "I figured it was time the both of us talked, after all you have been training for a few weeks now." He smiled, his eyes holding their usual twinkle.
"Of course sir," she graciously took the seat offered.
"Lemon drop?" he asked holding out a tray.
"No sir." Hermione declined, respectably "What is it you wanted to discuss?"
"Why it is, you happen to be training for spy work, potentially dangerous spy work" The old wizard sat in his own chair and faced Hermione, "You are a bright young witch Ms. Granger, I doubt that you will hear it enough. Times, as they are, I was extremely concerned that you would not be able to venture out and grow like I know you would be able to in much different circumstances." He stood then and walked around the desks, going to his large collection of books. "As headmaster of this school, I have a certain responsibility to the students, not to only protect and educate them in the magical arts, but to train them to be able to succeed in whatever they may wish to peruse outside of these walls." He pulled out a dark black book and handed it to Hermione, "Whether for good or worse, please read the title Ms. Granger."
Hermione looked down at the old volume in respect, her hands caressing the sides as her finger rubbed over the old gold lettering, she read out loud "Journey into the Dark Arts." And looked up at the Headmaster, confused.
He nodded solemnly. "It is at this time that I wish to inform you Ms. Granger, that while being a spy, you have yet to announce your loyalties. Every spy is loyal to both good and evil, the trick is for the spy to know, which loyalty is true. I'm having you trained by Professor Snape, Ms. Granger because he knows best, what you will be getting yourself into, and can prepare you best. I'm having you trained, because with your knowledge of magic applied, you would find yourself, not only able to grow and still learn, but able to challenge yourself, the way you were meant to be challenged."
"I don't understand sir," she looked down at the tomb, "why give me this?"
He smiled, his eyes shinning, "As I said Ms. Granger, you are a bright young Witch, but I'm afraid, that both Severus and I have reached a point where we can no longer give you new things to learn. All the teachers in this school felt you were quite capable of graduating with the Weasley Twins, however, we kept you here, as support for Harry, and to see if you could find a way to pull foreword. We then realized, to do so, meant you would go into the restricted section, you by far did not disappoint us. Its just, best, Ms. Granger, that while you pursue your need for more information, that at least you have all the facts. To be prejudice that only non Dark Art magic is worth studying, would by far, hinder your growth. As I have seen also, through the ages, whence one knows how to decipher Dark Arts from regular magic, one can then also decipher what is Dark Arts, what is not, and what they would rather read." He nodded, and tapped the book before taking his seat. "you'll find that most informative, and Ms. Granger?"
"yes sir?"
"Do understand what is best for you, and not for the order, good day." He nodded and the door opened.
Hermione stood up, nodded respectfully to her headmaster and left the room.
"That took a great deal of courage, Headmaster." Minerva commented from her hidden place.
"She needs to understand both sides of the coin, no matter how risky it may be to us losing her. If she cannot fathom the draw of the dark arts, its power and history, she will be useless as a spy."
"I understand headmaster, but do you think it wise?"
"I trust not only Ms. Granger's decision on this matter fully, and have a great deal of trust in her, and her ability to not be tempted, but I also Trust Severus's opinion on this, it was he after all, that came to me with this."
"I understand Headmaster, I only hope you are right, she'd be a horrible asset to lose to the dark side."
Dumbledore chuckled, "No, Minerva, she'd be a horrible woman to lose. But I don't think Ms. Granger is capable of losing any battles."
McGonagall shook her head. "There you go again, speaking in riddles."
"Aren't I always my dear?"
Hermione opened the old book in her room, on her bed and noticed a slip of paper that fell out.
It was slightly tattered, but mostly crisp. She unfolded it and gasped.
"Ms. Granger, is here by given full access to the restricted section to use at her digression . Signed,
Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster"
She put the slip of paper into her robes thinking, how wonderful today as turned out.
"Hermione?" she heard Ron and Harry call up to her room.
"Be down in a moment!" she called back, slipping the book beneath her covers and going down the stair case.
"Hermione." Ron smiled, "want to play a game of chess with me?"
"Umm, sure." She sat down across from Ron, with the white pieces.
He made the first move.
Hermione thought of this as a challenge to herself. Was she ready to be a spy? This was one of Snape's tasks that she had not gotten down completely to quota. Ron still beat her at times.
Hermione moved.
Ron watched his friends eyes grow expressionless, "So, how have you been Hermione, with all of you extra studies from the professors and with detentions every night, we hardly see you."
A rock, Hermione glared at his next move, "I'm doing alright." She responded, focusing more on the game.
She moved and he did.
"So want to go to Hogsmeade with me and Harry for New years?"
A mountain.
Thankfully, though, one Snape had forced her to think about.
"Would love to, but I do have detention that night." She responded, making another move.
"Come on Mione, its not like he can keep you 'that' late?" he moved.
"He can and he is." She said not happy that he kept up the subject.
Ron interpreted this as anger at Snape for keeping her, no matter how illogical, come their closeness as of late. She moved.
"me and Harry could sneak you out?" he offered, her head shot up.
"No no, don't do that you'll get into more trouble for me!" she quickly lied.
"no problem," he smiled, moving, "I at least would have no problem, it'd spice up the night."
Hermione looked at the board carefully, figuring out the quickest way to win. Mind you he'd see anything to obvious....a way to hide it....
"Hermione are you not telling me something?" Ron asked, eyes concerned.
"Its nothing Ron, just understand that New years is off limits." She moved a pawn. "Check mate."
Ron blinked and looked down at the board.
Indeed he was in check mate, but by mainly pawns, and her queen and rook at a nice distance.
"good game Mione." He held at her hand.
"You were distracted," she smirked, grasping it quickly and getting up.
"no I mean it, your getting better at this at an alarming rate, I soon with be out titled." He smiled, faking concern.
"Oh I doubt that Ron."
"Its true though. Its not the only thing changing about you either, your become more passive, and secretive, you do know that talking keeps sane people sane? You see to have forgotten that." He nudged her shoulder playfully. "come on lets talk, I'll spill a load if you do."
Hermione blinked and considered if she had anything to talk about, she did, but could she?
"Come on, mines Huge, you'll be the only one to know." He prodded.
Hermione smirked.
This was her friend, and if she made him go first, she could gage the amount she should tell that way.
"fine," she sat back down, "you've convinced me, but you have to go first."
"yeah," her nodded sitting, "I figured you'd make me." He took a very deep breathe, "how to start?" he ruffled his hair.
"the beginning." Hermione said simply.
"Well, the fact is I'm Bi." Ron started, "but that's not it all." He shook his hair, "you and the rest of the school know I have dated nearly all of the girls in our year?"
Hermione nodded, fascinated.
"Well I have also dated most of the boy in our year too...." He blushed. Hermione smiled. "There's more."
Hermione was really interested now, more?
"I had a Crush on Snape back, when I was figuring all this out you know? He was my first male crush. I got over that pretty quick." He laughed, Hermione smiled.
"Hard to get close to isn't he?" she offered. He smiled and nodded.
"and he's a Git to boot," Hermione hid her feelings on this matter as her friend laughed. "But yeah, I have a Crush on Harry now." He blushed furiously.
Hermione chuckled, "Its fine, he is your best friend."
"I think I'm more Gay then straight." He ended, "so yeah, that's it."
"That's fascinating really Ron, I didn't know that, but the world does need all kinds." She smiled warmly to her friend.
That was a lot to spill.
"Your turn Mione." He said softly.
She sighed and nodded, "I know, give me a moment, if I don't say this right, you wont get it..."
"Alright, I'm working for Dumbledore." She started, and began to explain about the training sessions with Snape the spying, how much she had accomplished.
"You can change your looks like Tonks?" he was clearly impressed.
Hermione turned her head into his, shocking him good, before reverting back, chuckling. "Yeah, New Years is my first assignment, I'm going with Snape to the Malfoy holiday get together."
Ron did a double take.
"Whoa Mione...isn't that a bit much at first?" he asked concerned.
"Not really, nothing I can't Handle, Snape will be my escort so I wont be going to far from him all night, he can cover is I happen to slip."
Ron nodded, "that's why you declined."
She nodded sadly, "sorry, but I was truthful, it is a detention."
"Just not wholly truthful." He pointed out and she smirked.
"You get used to it."
"I guess." He rustled his hair again, "Wow Mione, no wonder you and Snape became closer, your like colleagues or something." Her face darkened for a moment. "though you don't like that."
She looked up at his quick and curious. "what do you mean?"
"work on your facial expressions Mione, its obvious to everyone, and you just confirmed it to me."
"Yeah, but he's my Mentor and Teacher." She muttered.
"Spy on him Mione, its not like he's doing any better than you."
She looked at him oddly, like she was lost on where this Ron came from.
"What? I'm a people watcher." He blushed. "Since my crush I also do know a thing or two about his actions too." This was quieter, but she heard.
"I see." She said softly, "Ron, I have a problem, care to help me with it?"
"Does it include a certain snarky Professor?" he asked.
"Nope, just Loyalties." She looked at him sternly, "The headmaster, Albus, told me to look over both sides of the story and choose, so that I can do my work level headed without temptation, but I really don't understand....I'm supposed to work for the light right? I'm 'his' spy."
"I think I understand Mione, what he wants you to do." Ron moved over and sat on the armrest of her chair, and hugged her. "Look at our dear potions professor, he decided, irrationally, to go to the Death Eaters, he didn't even consider the Light. Because of it he has more regrets then anyone should have for 10 lifetimes. Dumbledore only want you to be sure about what side you want, so that you don't have a burdened life like Snape does." He smiled and got up, "Plus, one of the best strategies is to 'know your enemies as your know yourself.' Without looking at all the facts, how can you know either? I'm sure you have nothing to worry about Mione."
He patted her shoulder.
"when did you become so wise?" Hermione asked disbelieving.
"You grow up with the family I do, it becomes survival, come on its almost lunch, we don't want to miss it do we?" he smiled.
"Ron, lunch doesn't start for yet another 3 hours." Hermione pointed out, smiling a little sheepishly.
"I know," he grabbed her arm and escorted her out.
Hermione couldn't think past the fact that she had just told Ron everything....how would Snape react?
AN:
Told you I would get it up after I returned!!! (well to those who read ODAF too....)
And its slightly longer so....please dun hurt me.
We are getting somewhere people.
I'm thinking 25 chapters may finish this one!!
and to boot, I have one of the ending ones already written.
So at one point you'll get a double post!!!
Review!!
RelenaS
"Enter." Sounded form within, and she walked in.
"Yes, Sir?" Hermione asked, smiling.
Dumbledore gestured to a seat, "I figured it was time the both of us talked, after all you have been training for a few weeks now." He smiled, his eyes holding their usual twinkle.
"Of course sir," she graciously took the seat offered.
"Lemon drop?" he asked holding out a tray.
"No sir." Hermione declined, respectably "What is it you wanted to discuss?"
"Why it is, you happen to be training for spy work, potentially dangerous spy work" The old wizard sat in his own chair and faced Hermione, "You are a bright young witch Ms. Granger, I doubt that you will hear it enough. Times, as they are, I was extremely concerned that you would not be able to venture out and grow like I know you would be able to in much different circumstances." He stood then and walked around the desks, going to his large collection of books. "As headmaster of this school, I have a certain responsibility to the students, not to only protect and educate them in the magical arts, but to train them to be able to succeed in whatever they may wish to peruse outside of these walls." He pulled out a dark black book and handed it to Hermione, "Whether for good or worse, please read the title Ms. Granger."
Hermione looked down at the old volume in respect, her hands caressing the sides as her finger rubbed over the old gold lettering, she read out loud "Journey into the Dark Arts." And looked up at the Headmaster, confused.
He nodded solemnly. "It is at this time that I wish to inform you Ms. Granger, that while being a spy, you have yet to announce your loyalties. Every spy is loyal to both good and evil, the trick is for the spy to know, which loyalty is true. I'm having you trained by Professor Snape, Ms. Granger because he knows best, what you will be getting yourself into, and can prepare you best. I'm having you trained, because with your knowledge of magic applied, you would find yourself, not only able to grow and still learn, but able to challenge yourself, the way you were meant to be challenged."
"I don't understand sir," she looked down at the tomb, "why give me this?"
He smiled, his eyes shinning, "As I said Ms. Granger, you are a bright young Witch, but I'm afraid, that both Severus and I have reached a point where we can no longer give you new things to learn. All the teachers in this school felt you were quite capable of graduating with the Weasley Twins, however, we kept you here, as support for Harry, and to see if you could find a way to pull foreword. We then realized, to do so, meant you would go into the restricted section, you by far did not disappoint us. Its just, best, Ms. Granger, that while you pursue your need for more information, that at least you have all the facts. To be prejudice that only non Dark Art magic is worth studying, would by far, hinder your growth. As I have seen also, through the ages, whence one knows how to decipher Dark Arts from regular magic, one can then also decipher what is Dark Arts, what is not, and what they would rather read." He nodded, and tapped the book before taking his seat. "you'll find that most informative, and Ms. Granger?"
"yes sir?"
"Do understand what is best for you, and not for the order, good day." He nodded and the door opened.
Hermione stood up, nodded respectfully to her headmaster and left the room.
"That took a great deal of courage, Headmaster." Minerva commented from her hidden place.
"She needs to understand both sides of the coin, no matter how risky it may be to us losing her. If she cannot fathom the draw of the dark arts, its power and history, she will be useless as a spy."
"I understand headmaster, but do you think it wise?"
"I trust not only Ms. Granger's decision on this matter fully, and have a great deal of trust in her, and her ability to not be tempted, but I also Trust Severus's opinion on this, it was he after all, that came to me with this."
"I understand Headmaster, I only hope you are right, she'd be a horrible asset to lose to the dark side."
Dumbledore chuckled, "No, Minerva, she'd be a horrible woman to lose. But I don't think Ms. Granger is capable of losing any battles."
McGonagall shook her head. "There you go again, speaking in riddles."
"Aren't I always my dear?"
Hermione opened the old book in her room, on her bed and noticed a slip of paper that fell out.
It was slightly tattered, but mostly crisp. She unfolded it and gasped.
"Ms. Granger, is here by given full access to the restricted section to use at her digression . Signed,
Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster"
She put the slip of paper into her robes thinking, how wonderful today as turned out.
"Hermione?" she heard Ron and Harry call up to her room.
"Be down in a moment!" she called back, slipping the book beneath her covers and going down the stair case.
"Hermione." Ron smiled, "want to play a game of chess with me?"
"Umm, sure." She sat down across from Ron, with the white pieces.
He made the first move.
Hermione thought of this as a challenge to herself. Was she ready to be a spy? This was one of Snape's tasks that she had not gotten down completely to quota. Ron still beat her at times.
Hermione moved.
Ron watched his friends eyes grow expressionless, "So, how have you been Hermione, with all of you extra studies from the professors and with detentions every night, we hardly see you."
A rock, Hermione glared at his next move, "I'm doing alright." She responded, focusing more on the game.
She moved and he did.
"So want to go to Hogsmeade with me and Harry for New years?"
A mountain.
Thankfully, though, one Snape had forced her to think about.
"Would love to, but I do have detention that night." She responded, making another move.
"Come on Mione, its not like he can keep you 'that' late?" he moved.
"He can and he is." She said not happy that he kept up the subject.
Ron interpreted this as anger at Snape for keeping her, no matter how illogical, come their closeness as of late. She moved.
"me and Harry could sneak you out?" he offered, her head shot up.
"No no, don't do that you'll get into more trouble for me!" she quickly lied.
"no problem," he smiled, moving, "I at least would have no problem, it'd spice up the night."
Hermione looked at the board carefully, figuring out the quickest way to win. Mind you he'd see anything to obvious....a way to hide it....
"Hermione are you not telling me something?" Ron asked, eyes concerned.
"Its nothing Ron, just understand that New years is off limits." She moved a pawn. "Check mate."
Ron blinked and looked down at the board.
Indeed he was in check mate, but by mainly pawns, and her queen and rook at a nice distance.
"good game Mione." He held at her hand.
"You were distracted," she smirked, grasping it quickly and getting up.
"no I mean it, your getting better at this at an alarming rate, I soon with be out titled." He smiled, faking concern.
"Oh I doubt that Ron."
"Its true though. Its not the only thing changing about you either, your become more passive, and secretive, you do know that talking keeps sane people sane? You see to have forgotten that." He nudged her shoulder playfully. "come on lets talk, I'll spill a load if you do."
Hermione blinked and considered if she had anything to talk about, she did, but could she?
"Come on, mines Huge, you'll be the only one to know." He prodded.
Hermione smirked.
This was her friend, and if she made him go first, she could gage the amount she should tell that way.
"fine," she sat back down, "you've convinced me, but you have to go first."
"yeah," her nodded sitting, "I figured you'd make me." He took a very deep breathe, "how to start?" he ruffled his hair.
"the beginning." Hermione said simply.
"Well, the fact is I'm Bi." Ron started, "but that's not it all." He shook his hair, "you and the rest of the school know I have dated nearly all of the girls in our year?"
Hermione nodded, fascinated.
"Well I have also dated most of the boy in our year too...." He blushed. Hermione smiled. "There's more."
Hermione was really interested now, more?
"I had a Crush on Snape back, when I was figuring all this out you know? He was my first male crush. I got over that pretty quick." He laughed, Hermione smiled.
"Hard to get close to isn't he?" she offered. He smiled and nodded.
"and he's a Git to boot," Hermione hid her feelings on this matter as her friend laughed. "But yeah, I have a Crush on Harry now." He blushed furiously.
Hermione chuckled, "Its fine, he is your best friend."
"I think I'm more Gay then straight." He ended, "so yeah, that's it."
"That's fascinating really Ron, I didn't know that, but the world does need all kinds." She smiled warmly to her friend.
That was a lot to spill.
"Your turn Mione." He said softly.
She sighed and nodded, "I know, give me a moment, if I don't say this right, you wont get it..."
"Alright, I'm working for Dumbledore." She started, and began to explain about the training sessions with Snape the spying, how much she had accomplished.
"You can change your looks like Tonks?" he was clearly impressed.
Hermione turned her head into his, shocking him good, before reverting back, chuckling. "Yeah, New Years is my first assignment, I'm going with Snape to the Malfoy holiday get together."
Ron did a double take.
"Whoa Mione...isn't that a bit much at first?" he asked concerned.
"Not really, nothing I can't Handle, Snape will be my escort so I wont be going to far from him all night, he can cover is I happen to slip."
Ron nodded, "that's why you declined."
She nodded sadly, "sorry, but I was truthful, it is a detention."
"Just not wholly truthful." He pointed out and she smirked.
"You get used to it."
"I guess." He rustled his hair again, "Wow Mione, no wonder you and Snape became closer, your like colleagues or something." Her face darkened for a moment. "though you don't like that."
She looked up at his quick and curious. "what do you mean?"
"work on your facial expressions Mione, its obvious to everyone, and you just confirmed it to me."
"Yeah, but he's my Mentor and Teacher." She muttered.
"Spy on him Mione, its not like he's doing any better than you."
She looked at him oddly, like she was lost on where this Ron came from.
"What? I'm a people watcher." He blushed. "Since my crush I also do know a thing or two about his actions too." This was quieter, but she heard.
"I see." She said softly, "Ron, I have a problem, care to help me with it?"
"Does it include a certain snarky Professor?" he asked.
"Nope, just Loyalties." She looked at him sternly, "The headmaster, Albus, told me to look over both sides of the story and choose, so that I can do my work level headed without temptation, but I really don't understand....I'm supposed to work for the light right? I'm 'his' spy."
"I think I understand Mione, what he wants you to do." Ron moved over and sat on the armrest of her chair, and hugged her. "Look at our dear potions professor, he decided, irrationally, to go to the Death Eaters, he didn't even consider the Light. Because of it he has more regrets then anyone should have for 10 lifetimes. Dumbledore only want you to be sure about what side you want, so that you don't have a burdened life like Snape does." He smiled and got up, "Plus, one of the best strategies is to 'know your enemies as your know yourself.' Without looking at all the facts, how can you know either? I'm sure you have nothing to worry about Mione."
He patted her shoulder.
"when did you become so wise?" Hermione asked disbelieving.
"You grow up with the family I do, it becomes survival, come on its almost lunch, we don't want to miss it do we?" he smiled.
"Ron, lunch doesn't start for yet another 3 hours." Hermione pointed out, smiling a little sheepishly.
"I know," he grabbed her arm and escorted her out.
Hermione couldn't think past the fact that she had just told Ron everything....how would Snape react?
AN:
Told you I would get it up after I returned!!! (well to those who read ODAF too....)
And its slightly longer so....please dun hurt me.
We are getting somewhere people.
I'm thinking 25 chapters may finish this one!!
and to boot, I have one of the ending ones already written.
So at one point you'll get a double post!!!
Review!!
RelenaS