The corridors of Hogwarts where dark and empty. Every step Hermione took echoed in the darkness. A cold wind made the flames of the torches lick the wall. Hermione didn't know why, but the warmth and hospitality of the Hogwarts she knew seemed to have disappeared.
She arrived at the spiral staircase of Dumbledore. She hesitated for a moment and ran over the things she had arranged at the Ministry. If Dumbledore would agree, he would be put in a cell and he would get every comfort he needed. Lucius wouldn't know this of course. Mr Malfoy was allowed to go the secret house of one of the Death Eaters, under severe surveillance of a great number of Aurors, to make sure he wouldn't escape.
Hermione had sent dozens of letters to Azkaban, the Ministry and Hogwarts. Dumbledore only had to sign the contract now. She spoke the secret password to get acces to his office and stepped on the moving staircase.
When she entered the office, no one was there. Not even Fawkes. It was only enlighted by a few candles, making it look dark and spooky.
The door behind her went open with a shrieking sound. Snape came inside with billowing robes. He took a candle, went to Dumbledore's desk and sat down. He indicated without a word that Hermione could sit down too. Hermione took place in front of Snape.
"Good evening, Miss Granger."
"Good evening Professor Snape." Hermione replied.
"Dumbledore gives you his apologies, but he couldn't be here tonight and asked me to handle this. I understand you're here to get the contract signed?"
"Yes I am." Hermione said. She wondered why Dumbledore couldn't be here. This wasn't his normal behaviour. He would never let her come if he couldn't come himself.
"Alright then, the Headmaster has given me a special quill that will sign the contract in his name. Can you give me the contract?"
Hermione opened her briefcase and gave Snape the contract. She showed him where he could sign. Snape first read the contract and then put the quill on the parchment. The quill began to scribble Dumbledore's signature.
"There you go. Dumbledore insisted that I gave you this letter too. I suggest you read it carefully before you leave." Snape whispered. He stood up and left the office without another word.
Hermione opened the letter and began to read. The letter seemed to be written in a hurry.
Dear Miss Granger,
I am very sorry to be absent, but an urgent case needed my attention more. I assume that Prof. Snape has signed the contract. This means I agree with the terms. I think fifty Death Eaters is worth a visit to Azkaban.
There's one more thing I need to say, because I think your life is way too precious to ruin it. I hope you take these next words very serious.
NEVER FREE LUCIUS
Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
Hermione read the letter a few times more. What was that all about? Why would she free Lucius? Dumbledore should know she hated that man. He had murdered Muggleborns.
Hermione tugged the letter away and left the office. She walked through the corridor, feeling very cold. This was getting creepy.
She had just thought this when she bumped into Trelawny. The Divination Professor looked at her like if she had seen a ghost.
"Oh dear, Miss Granger..." she whispered.
"What?" Hermione asked bewildered.
"Oh dear, the twentieth star..." was all that Trelawny said and suddenly she started to cry. She went back inside the room she had left and closed the door with a slam.
Hermione got goosebumps from the whole situation. She ran through the corridors, opened the gate and hurried outside.
Author's note : Yes another mystic chapter and it's a little short, but I'm slowly getting where I want. Thank you for all those wonderfull reviews!