Remus and Hermione decided to turn in early and walked back to Gryffindor Tower in relative silence. The day had been stressful for both of them and they were each glad it was almost over.
Remus was still slightly shaken up over Hermione's comment to him by the lake. If she hadn't trembled in his arms the way she had, he would have made light of it, but he could tell she was really worried.
"Hermione," he said tentatively. "I wish you wouldn't worry. Nothing's going to happen to you."
"It's not me I'm worried about," she said. "I can take care of myself. It's the rest of you."
He smiled and put his arm around her shoulder. "Don't worry, we can take care of ourselves." She smiled back, but she didn't feel any better. "I just want this day to be over," he said with a sigh.
Hermione nodded sympathetically. "I know." He gave the password to the Fat Lady and they entered Gryffindor Tower. The eyes of the Gryffindors sitting in the common room were instantly on them. Many turned away, but a few stared unashamedly. "Why don't we go hang out in your room for a little while," offered Hermione, shooting menacingly looks at anyone who dared to meet her eyes.
Remus didn't answer, but without taking his arm from around her shoulder, led her upstairs.
Lily was standing outside of the boy's room, her face pale. "You guys are back early," she stammered.
"Yeah," answered Hermione. "We're a bit tired." She noticed that Lily was trembling slightly. "Lily, what's the matter?"
"Nothing," she said quickly. "Hey, do you guys feel like going to the kitchen and nicking some desert. I think I'm having a bit of a sweet attack."
Hermione and Remus exchanged a glance. "Lily, are you sure you're ok?" asked Remus, his voice full of concern.
She nodded emphatically. "Never better. What do you say? Desert?" From inside the room they heard a muffled series of curse words. Remus made to go inside, but Lily put her hands on his chest. "Remus don't," she begged. He gently, but firmly pushed her aside and barged into the room with Hermione hot on his heels.
When she entered the room she had to clap her hand over her mouth to prevent herself from crying out. On the far wall, written in red were the words "Die Werewolf." James and Sirius both had their wands out and appeared to have been trying to rid the wall of the ugly graffiti. They stared at Remus.
"It was a Gryffindor," he said softly. Nobody responded, but they each knew he was right. Nobody else could have had access to the room.
Hermione moved forward and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Come on," she whispered. "Let's get out of here." Remus didn't move. "Come on," she urged, taking his hand and pulling him around. She shot a look at James and Sirius. "Get it off the wall," she mouthed angrily.
She took Remus to the only place she knew where they wouldn't be disturbed. When they entered the room of requirements, Hermione couldn't help but blush. She hadn't wanted anything but a place where she could take Remus's mind off what they had just seen, but it seemed she had gotten more than she had bargained for.
It looked like a typical bedroom. The furniture was simple. There was a medium sized bed on one side of the room and a large desk with a chair on the other side. Next to the desk was an ornate armoire. The room was softly lit, though Hermione couldn't see a light source anywhere.
Remus sighed then laughed lightly.
"What?" questioned Hermione.
He smiled at her. "This is my room, back home."
"Oh," said Hermione in understanding. Of course, she thought. He'd need to be someplace that comforted him now. Then she blushed again recalling her initial thought.
Remus moved around the room touching things and opening drawers. "This is incredible. Everything is just like it is at home." He turned back to Hermione. "I think this is slowly becoming my favorite room in the castle."
She moved forward and put her arms around his shoulder. "I know it's mine." He smiled and leaned down to kiss her. She closed her eyes and tried to push everything but the feel of his lips from her mind. They held each other and kissed for a long time, coming up for air only when it was absolutely necessary. After a little while he pulled away and Hermione groaned in protest.
"What's the matter?" she asked breathlessly.
"We have to stop," returned Remus.
"Why?"
"Because if I don't stop now, I won't be able to later."
Hermione considered this and then moved back into his embrace. "Who says I'd want you to stop later," she said softly, willing herself not to blush.
He smiled and kissed her gently. "I want the first time we're together to be special. I don't want anything on our minds when we make love except each other."
Hermione hugged him tightly, wondering how it was possible that he made her love him more every day. "Should I go then?" she asked quietly.
"No," he returned. "Don't go. Let's sleep here tonight, like last night."
"Ok," she agreed. She probably would have said yes to anything he asked her. They moved to the bed and she lay in the crook of his arm resting her head on his shoulder.
"I love being this close to you," he said. "I wish we could stay here, like this, forever."
She nodded in agreement. "Go to sleep," she whispered back. "I'll be right here when you wake up."
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The weekend and following week was probably the worst of the Marauders lives, although Sirius and James joked about getting excellent training as Aurors. The only good thing was that Peter had gone home for the week, claiming his mother was ill.
Friday morning the mail started and it hadn't stopped yet. Most of it was ugly hate mail with the occasional howler thrown in. The worse bit however was a small package containing a tiny silver dagger. The package had sent both Lily and Hermione into near hysterics and James and Sirius into a rage. After that Dumbledore had demanded that any mail coming to Remus be seen by him first.
True to their word, Hermione, Lily, James, and Sirius dealt swiftly with anyone who dared bother Remus. More than once, they had been forced to disarm Remus, but they had managed to prevent him from performing magic against anyone. By the end of the week they had racked up about three or four detentions each.
Worse for Remus than all the ugly names he was called and dirty looks he was given was the way his friends were beginning to be ostracized. By midweek most of the anti-werewolf crowd, which consisted mostly of Slytherins, didn't bother to distinguish between Remus and the rest of them. They, of course, couldn't give a damn. It only brought them closer together.
By the following Friday, they were all definitely ready for the weekend. They were in their final class of the day, potions with Professor Phillips.
At the end of class, Professor Phillips handed back their Potions Essays from the week before. Professor Phillips handed papers to James, Remus, and Lily before returning to the front of the class. Sirius and Hermione exchanged a confused glance.
"Class, I am going to let you go a few minutes early today. Enjoy your weekend and don't forget to begin those practice N.E.W.T.'s I handed out at the beginning of class." Everyone began gathering their books. "Mr. Black, Miss Granger, may I have a word," said Professor Phillips from the front of the classroom.
Sirius and Hermione gathered their books and made their way to the front. "We'll wait outside for you," called Remus.
Professor Phillips was sitting behind his desk with a very serious expression on his face. He waited until everyone left before speaking. "Do either of you have anything you'd like to tell me?"
Hermione glanced up at Sirius and then back to the professor. "No sir," she said, the confusion evident in her voice.
"No sir," echoed Sirius, sounding equally confused.
With a great sigh, Professor Phillips opened the top drawer of his desk and pulled two pieces of parchment out. He laid them down in front of Hermione and Sirius.
"Can you explain this then," he asked, waving one hand at the parchment.
Sirius and Hermione leaned over and read the tops of the parchment. "These are our essays, professor," said Sirius.
"Keep reading," he returned sternly.
Hermione read the paper rapidly. It was her name at the top of the paper; the title and first paragraph was her own, but she didn't recognize the second paragraph. She picked up the paper closest to Sirius and read it quickly. Beginning with the second paragraph it was identical to the paper in front of her.
"I don't understand," she whispered to herself.
"Perhaps I can explain then," said Professor Phillips through tight lips. "One or both of you have been cheating. If you confess now I won't recommend to the Headmaster that you be expelled."
Sirius gazed intently at Hermione. He had written the paper in front of them, but he couldn't believe she would cheat. Hermione looked up at him, her face stricken. She shook her head.
"Mr. Black, do you have anything to say?" asked Professor Phillips. Sirius didn't know how to respond. He wouldn't rat on Hermione if his life depended on it, but he knew they were in serious trouble.
"Sir," began Hermione tentatively. "I didn't write that paper."
"I see," said the professor sadly. "Miss Granger, I don't know how cheaters were dealt with in your last school, but here at Hogwarts we consider it a serious offense. If you are confessing to copying Mr. Black's essay then I will have no choice but to give you a failing grade for the term."
"Please sir," interrupted Hermione. "You don't understand. This is not the paper I turned in. I would never cheat, ever!"
Professor Phillips sighed deeply. "Is that your name at the top of the parchment?"
"Yes sir," she answered quietly.
"And the title and first paragraph, those are yours as well?"
"Yes sir," she said even quieter.
"But the rest is not."
"No sir," she said adamantly.
"Well I'm at a loss," he said almost sarcastically. "How did the rest of these words get on your essay?"
"I don't know sir."
Professor Phillips turned angry eyes on Sirius. "Mr. Black, is this your paper?" Sirius glanced at Hermione. "Don't look at her," he said sharply. "Look at me. Is this your paper?"
"Yes sir," Sirius mumbled.
"And did you give your paper to Miss Granger to copy?" Again Sirius turned to look at Hermione and again Professor Phillips chastised him. "Look at me."
"No sir, I didn't, but I..."
"That's enough Mr. Black. You may go." Sirius didn't move. "I said you're dismissed," said Professor Phillips firmly. Sirius hiked his bag higher on his shoulder and left the room in silence. Once he had closed the door, Professor Phillips returned his attention to Hermione.
"I am giving you one more chance to confess, Miss Granger and before you answer me let me remind you that your future at Hogwarts is at stake here."
Hermione tried to hold back the tears threatening to leak from her eyes. "I swear Professor. I've never cheated in my life." She picked up the essay. "This is not the essay I handed in."
He sighed. "Those essays have not left my office since I collected them last week." His face was full of regret as he continued. "I'm sorry to do this. You seemed to me a very bright witch with a promising future, but cheating cannot and will not be tolerated. I have no choice but to fail you. You will not be allowed to take your Potions N.E.W.T.s at the end of term." Professor Phillips gathered the papers in front of him, stood and walked around his desk. "I'm afraid you'll have to come with me now to see the Headmaster."
He led the way out of the classroom and Hermione followed with her head bent low. When they emerged into the hallway, Hermione couldn't look any of her friends in the eye.
"Professor," began Remus coming forward.
"Not now, Mr. Lupin," dismissed Professor Phillips.
"Sir, you can't really believe she's cheated," continued Remus.
"It's just ridiculous, sir," added Lily. "Hermione would never cheat."
Professor Phillips stopped and turned toward them. "I appreciate what you're trying to do," he said in a gentler voice. "You're all good friends, but I really have to insist you go back to Gryffindor Tower now."
"Can't you see what they're doing," said James angrily.
"Yes," agreed Sirius. "Hermione never copied my paper. She's been set up."
"That's enough," said Professor Phillips, his kind voice gone. "Go back to Gryffindor Tower before I give each of you detention."
"Go," begged Hermione. "Don't make it any worse."
Professor Phillips continued on his way to the Headmaster's office and Hermione followed quickly, leaving her friends to stare after them.
Professor Phillips made Hermione wait outside the Headmaster's office while he went in and talked to him. She sat with her head down trying desperately to figure out how it had happened. Someone had obviously gotten their hands on her paper and altered it somehow, but how could she prove it. Her only hope was the Professor Dumbledore would believe her.
After about twenty minutes the door to his office opened and she was called in. Hermione walked silently into the room, finding it hard to meet anyone's eye.
"Please sit down, Hermione," said Professor Dumbledore in a gentle voice. She sat, knowing she looked as miserable as she felt. "I'm very disturbed by the allegations made by Professor Phillips," he began. "Would you be kind enough to give me your side of the story?"
"I didn't cheat," she said firmly. "And frankly sir," she continued, anger suddenly dominating all her other feelings. "I think you owe it to me to believe it. I believe I've proven," she paused, afraid her trembling voice would give way to more tears. "I believe I've proven that I am neither dishonest or untrustworthy."
Hermione was infuriated to see the Headmaster's mouth slightly curve upward in what she thought was the beginning of a smile. She opened her mouth to continue her angry outburst when the door suddenly burst open behind her admitting Lily, Remus, Sirius, and James.
"We're very sorry to come into your office uninvited, Professor Dumbledore, but we have proof Hermione didn't cheat," said Lily breathing loudly. It was obvious that the four of them had run all the way to the Headmaster's office.
Hermione stared at her friends with questions in her eyes, but none of them met her gaze. Remus stepped forward and placed a pile a rumpled parchment on the Headmaster's desk. Dumbledore picked the pieces up and examined them, then turned them over to Professor Phillips. "Those are drafts of her potions essay," explained Remus. "Hermione usually does at least three, but as you can see there are four there."
"If you look carefully," said Sirius stepping forward. "You'll see that even her first draft is better than my final one. Hermione would have had no reason to cheat."
"She's obviously being set up," injected James. "They probably thought they could get both her and Sirius in trouble."
Dumbledore smiled and turned to Professor Phillips. "I think we've heard enough, haven't we Professor?"
Professor Phillips was still shuffling through the drafts. "These are quite good," he admitted. "But that still doesn't explain how Hermione's name got on that other paper." He placed the papers back down on the Headmaster's desk. "However, Hermione is right. She has never given us any reason to distrust her before today. In fact, I have to admit she is one of the most promising witches I've ever had the pleasure of teaching." He stood and faced Hermione. "I will take the parchment to Professor McGonagall to see if it has been charmed somehow. If it has, you will have my public apology. In truth, I should have taken it to her before I accused you in the first place."
"Thank you Professor," whispered Hermione. He nodded kindly to her and left the room. Hermione jumped up from her seat and threw her arms around Remus, then quickly released him and hugged, Lily, James, and Sirius in turn. From his desk, Dumbledore cleared his throat. They all turned and faced the smiling Headmaster.
"I'm glad that's been cleared up so quickly. And Miss Granger, you were correct when you said I owed it to you to believe you and I hope you believe me when I say I did."
She nodded, feeling properly ashamed for thinking any less of him. "I'm sorry Professor."
"My dear," he said lightly. "You have nothing to apologize for. Sit down, all of you." He waved his wand and summoned some additional seats and they all sat quickly.
"I've been watching the five of you this week and I wanted to let each of you know how exceptionally proud I am of all of you. You've had to deal with something few wizards ever have to deal with and you've met your challenges as honorably as I knew you would."
Hermione smiled proudly, but was somewhat puzzled. She had probably jinxed more people this week than she had ever done in all her years at Hogwarts. Though she knew in her heart she'd done nothing wrong, she hadn't expected praise for it from any of her professors, least of all the Headmaster. But then again, Dumbledore had always walked to the beat of a different drummer.
"That being said, I think it's time we discussed all the detentions you've racked up this week." The smiles on all their faces instantly vanished and Dumbledore chuckled. "I have decided that you will be spending your hours of detention back home."
"Home," repeated Lily. "You're sending us home?"
"I think the five of you need a break from Hogwarts. Just before Professor Phillips came to see me, I was making arrangements for your families to meet you at King's Cross Station this evening. You will take the Hogwarts Express back to London and will return on it Sunday afternoon. You will be excused from any weekend homework you've been assigned and I expect you all to relax and enjoy the company of your families. "Now, off with you. You will need to pack quickly. I will meet you at the front entrance in an hour to escort you to Hogsmeade."
They all rose and left his office excitedly, except Hermione. She remained sitting and when Remus noticed she hadn't followed him, he waited at the door, letting James, Sirius, and Lily go on ahead.
"Apparently," began Dumbledore before Hermione could speak. "Your Mr. Lupin has written a great deal about you to his parents and they are very eager to meet you. If you're agreeable, you'll be spending this weekend at the Lupin's."
Hermione smiled widely. She got up and went around Dumbledore's desk and gave him a quick hug and peck on the cheek. "Thank you, sir," she whispered. She turned quickly and went to Remus. They joined hands before hurrying after their friends to get packed for their weekend.
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A/N: I got quite a few responses to my question about what should be done with Peter, some of them were very amusing. For now, I'm leaving him alone. But he won't be safe from me forever. Teaser alert!!! The next few chapters will be dealing almost strictly with Remus and Hermione and yes she will be going to the Department of Mysteries. I hope you all liked the way I got rid of everyone else. I had the hardest time trying to figure out how to get everyone else out of the story for a little while. I hope you liked the chapter!
Remus was still slightly shaken up over Hermione's comment to him by the lake. If she hadn't trembled in his arms the way she had, he would have made light of it, but he could tell she was really worried.
"Hermione," he said tentatively. "I wish you wouldn't worry. Nothing's going to happen to you."
"It's not me I'm worried about," she said. "I can take care of myself. It's the rest of you."
He smiled and put his arm around her shoulder. "Don't worry, we can take care of ourselves." She smiled back, but she didn't feel any better. "I just want this day to be over," he said with a sigh.
Hermione nodded sympathetically. "I know." He gave the password to the Fat Lady and they entered Gryffindor Tower. The eyes of the Gryffindors sitting in the common room were instantly on them. Many turned away, but a few stared unashamedly. "Why don't we go hang out in your room for a little while," offered Hermione, shooting menacingly looks at anyone who dared to meet her eyes.
Remus didn't answer, but without taking his arm from around her shoulder, led her upstairs.
Lily was standing outside of the boy's room, her face pale. "You guys are back early," she stammered.
"Yeah," answered Hermione. "We're a bit tired." She noticed that Lily was trembling slightly. "Lily, what's the matter?"
"Nothing," she said quickly. "Hey, do you guys feel like going to the kitchen and nicking some desert. I think I'm having a bit of a sweet attack."
Hermione and Remus exchanged a glance. "Lily, are you sure you're ok?" asked Remus, his voice full of concern.
She nodded emphatically. "Never better. What do you say? Desert?" From inside the room they heard a muffled series of curse words. Remus made to go inside, but Lily put her hands on his chest. "Remus don't," she begged. He gently, but firmly pushed her aside and barged into the room with Hermione hot on his heels.
When she entered the room she had to clap her hand over her mouth to prevent herself from crying out. On the far wall, written in red were the words "Die Werewolf." James and Sirius both had their wands out and appeared to have been trying to rid the wall of the ugly graffiti. They stared at Remus.
"It was a Gryffindor," he said softly. Nobody responded, but they each knew he was right. Nobody else could have had access to the room.
Hermione moved forward and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Come on," she whispered. "Let's get out of here." Remus didn't move. "Come on," she urged, taking his hand and pulling him around. She shot a look at James and Sirius. "Get it off the wall," she mouthed angrily.
She took Remus to the only place she knew where they wouldn't be disturbed. When they entered the room of requirements, Hermione couldn't help but blush. She hadn't wanted anything but a place where she could take Remus's mind off what they had just seen, but it seemed she had gotten more than she had bargained for.
It looked like a typical bedroom. The furniture was simple. There was a medium sized bed on one side of the room and a large desk with a chair on the other side. Next to the desk was an ornate armoire. The room was softly lit, though Hermione couldn't see a light source anywhere.
Remus sighed then laughed lightly.
"What?" questioned Hermione.
He smiled at her. "This is my room, back home."
"Oh," said Hermione in understanding. Of course, she thought. He'd need to be someplace that comforted him now. Then she blushed again recalling her initial thought.
Remus moved around the room touching things and opening drawers. "This is incredible. Everything is just like it is at home." He turned back to Hermione. "I think this is slowly becoming my favorite room in the castle."
She moved forward and put her arms around his shoulder. "I know it's mine." He smiled and leaned down to kiss her. She closed her eyes and tried to push everything but the feel of his lips from her mind. They held each other and kissed for a long time, coming up for air only when it was absolutely necessary. After a little while he pulled away and Hermione groaned in protest.
"What's the matter?" she asked breathlessly.
"We have to stop," returned Remus.
"Why?"
"Because if I don't stop now, I won't be able to later."
Hermione considered this and then moved back into his embrace. "Who says I'd want you to stop later," she said softly, willing herself not to blush.
He smiled and kissed her gently. "I want the first time we're together to be special. I don't want anything on our minds when we make love except each other."
Hermione hugged him tightly, wondering how it was possible that he made her love him more every day. "Should I go then?" she asked quietly.
"No," he returned. "Don't go. Let's sleep here tonight, like last night."
"Ok," she agreed. She probably would have said yes to anything he asked her. They moved to the bed and she lay in the crook of his arm resting her head on his shoulder.
"I love being this close to you," he said. "I wish we could stay here, like this, forever."
She nodded in agreement. "Go to sleep," she whispered back. "I'll be right here when you wake up."
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The weekend and following week was probably the worst of the Marauders lives, although Sirius and James joked about getting excellent training as Aurors. The only good thing was that Peter had gone home for the week, claiming his mother was ill.
Friday morning the mail started and it hadn't stopped yet. Most of it was ugly hate mail with the occasional howler thrown in. The worse bit however was a small package containing a tiny silver dagger. The package had sent both Lily and Hermione into near hysterics and James and Sirius into a rage. After that Dumbledore had demanded that any mail coming to Remus be seen by him first.
True to their word, Hermione, Lily, James, and Sirius dealt swiftly with anyone who dared bother Remus. More than once, they had been forced to disarm Remus, but they had managed to prevent him from performing magic against anyone. By the end of the week they had racked up about three or four detentions each.
Worse for Remus than all the ugly names he was called and dirty looks he was given was the way his friends were beginning to be ostracized. By midweek most of the anti-werewolf crowd, which consisted mostly of Slytherins, didn't bother to distinguish between Remus and the rest of them. They, of course, couldn't give a damn. It only brought them closer together.
By the following Friday, they were all definitely ready for the weekend. They were in their final class of the day, potions with Professor Phillips.
At the end of class, Professor Phillips handed back their Potions Essays from the week before. Professor Phillips handed papers to James, Remus, and Lily before returning to the front of the class. Sirius and Hermione exchanged a confused glance.
"Class, I am going to let you go a few minutes early today. Enjoy your weekend and don't forget to begin those practice N.E.W.T.'s I handed out at the beginning of class." Everyone began gathering their books. "Mr. Black, Miss Granger, may I have a word," said Professor Phillips from the front of the classroom.
Sirius and Hermione gathered their books and made their way to the front. "We'll wait outside for you," called Remus.
Professor Phillips was sitting behind his desk with a very serious expression on his face. He waited until everyone left before speaking. "Do either of you have anything you'd like to tell me?"
Hermione glanced up at Sirius and then back to the professor. "No sir," she said, the confusion evident in her voice.
"No sir," echoed Sirius, sounding equally confused.
With a great sigh, Professor Phillips opened the top drawer of his desk and pulled two pieces of parchment out. He laid them down in front of Hermione and Sirius.
"Can you explain this then," he asked, waving one hand at the parchment.
Sirius and Hermione leaned over and read the tops of the parchment. "These are our essays, professor," said Sirius.
"Keep reading," he returned sternly.
Hermione read the paper rapidly. It was her name at the top of the paper; the title and first paragraph was her own, but she didn't recognize the second paragraph. She picked up the paper closest to Sirius and read it quickly. Beginning with the second paragraph it was identical to the paper in front of her.
"I don't understand," she whispered to herself.
"Perhaps I can explain then," said Professor Phillips through tight lips. "One or both of you have been cheating. If you confess now I won't recommend to the Headmaster that you be expelled."
Sirius gazed intently at Hermione. He had written the paper in front of them, but he couldn't believe she would cheat. Hermione looked up at him, her face stricken. She shook her head.
"Mr. Black, do you have anything to say?" asked Professor Phillips. Sirius didn't know how to respond. He wouldn't rat on Hermione if his life depended on it, but he knew they were in serious trouble.
"Sir," began Hermione tentatively. "I didn't write that paper."
"I see," said the professor sadly. "Miss Granger, I don't know how cheaters were dealt with in your last school, but here at Hogwarts we consider it a serious offense. If you are confessing to copying Mr. Black's essay then I will have no choice but to give you a failing grade for the term."
"Please sir," interrupted Hermione. "You don't understand. This is not the paper I turned in. I would never cheat, ever!"
Professor Phillips sighed deeply. "Is that your name at the top of the parchment?"
"Yes sir," she answered quietly.
"And the title and first paragraph, those are yours as well?"
"Yes sir," she said even quieter.
"But the rest is not."
"No sir," she said adamantly.
"Well I'm at a loss," he said almost sarcastically. "How did the rest of these words get on your essay?"
"I don't know sir."
Professor Phillips turned angry eyes on Sirius. "Mr. Black, is this your paper?" Sirius glanced at Hermione. "Don't look at her," he said sharply. "Look at me. Is this your paper?"
"Yes sir," Sirius mumbled.
"And did you give your paper to Miss Granger to copy?" Again Sirius turned to look at Hermione and again Professor Phillips chastised him. "Look at me."
"No sir, I didn't, but I..."
"That's enough Mr. Black. You may go." Sirius didn't move. "I said you're dismissed," said Professor Phillips firmly. Sirius hiked his bag higher on his shoulder and left the room in silence. Once he had closed the door, Professor Phillips returned his attention to Hermione.
"I am giving you one more chance to confess, Miss Granger and before you answer me let me remind you that your future at Hogwarts is at stake here."
Hermione tried to hold back the tears threatening to leak from her eyes. "I swear Professor. I've never cheated in my life." She picked up the essay. "This is not the essay I handed in."
He sighed. "Those essays have not left my office since I collected them last week." His face was full of regret as he continued. "I'm sorry to do this. You seemed to me a very bright witch with a promising future, but cheating cannot and will not be tolerated. I have no choice but to fail you. You will not be allowed to take your Potions N.E.W.T.s at the end of term." Professor Phillips gathered the papers in front of him, stood and walked around his desk. "I'm afraid you'll have to come with me now to see the Headmaster."
He led the way out of the classroom and Hermione followed with her head bent low. When they emerged into the hallway, Hermione couldn't look any of her friends in the eye.
"Professor," began Remus coming forward.
"Not now, Mr. Lupin," dismissed Professor Phillips.
"Sir, you can't really believe she's cheated," continued Remus.
"It's just ridiculous, sir," added Lily. "Hermione would never cheat."
Professor Phillips stopped and turned toward them. "I appreciate what you're trying to do," he said in a gentler voice. "You're all good friends, but I really have to insist you go back to Gryffindor Tower now."
"Can't you see what they're doing," said James angrily.
"Yes," agreed Sirius. "Hermione never copied my paper. She's been set up."
"That's enough," said Professor Phillips, his kind voice gone. "Go back to Gryffindor Tower before I give each of you detention."
"Go," begged Hermione. "Don't make it any worse."
Professor Phillips continued on his way to the Headmaster's office and Hermione followed quickly, leaving her friends to stare after them.
Professor Phillips made Hermione wait outside the Headmaster's office while he went in and talked to him. She sat with her head down trying desperately to figure out how it had happened. Someone had obviously gotten their hands on her paper and altered it somehow, but how could she prove it. Her only hope was the Professor Dumbledore would believe her.
After about twenty minutes the door to his office opened and she was called in. Hermione walked silently into the room, finding it hard to meet anyone's eye.
"Please sit down, Hermione," said Professor Dumbledore in a gentle voice. She sat, knowing she looked as miserable as she felt. "I'm very disturbed by the allegations made by Professor Phillips," he began. "Would you be kind enough to give me your side of the story?"
"I didn't cheat," she said firmly. "And frankly sir," she continued, anger suddenly dominating all her other feelings. "I think you owe it to me to believe it. I believe I've proven," she paused, afraid her trembling voice would give way to more tears. "I believe I've proven that I am neither dishonest or untrustworthy."
Hermione was infuriated to see the Headmaster's mouth slightly curve upward in what she thought was the beginning of a smile. She opened her mouth to continue her angry outburst when the door suddenly burst open behind her admitting Lily, Remus, Sirius, and James.
"We're very sorry to come into your office uninvited, Professor Dumbledore, but we have proof Hermione didn't cheat," said Lily breathing loudly. It was obvious that the four of them had run all the way to the Headmaster's office.
Hermione stared at her friends with questions in her eyes, but none of them met her gaze. Remus stepped forward and placed a pile a rumpled parchment on the Headmaster's desk. Dumbledore picked the pieces up and examined them, then turned them over to Professor Phillips. "Those are drafts of her potions essay," explained Remus. "Hermione usually does at least three, but as you can see there are four there."
"If you look carefully," said Sirius stepping forward. "You'll see that even her first draft is better than my final one. Hermione would have had no reason to cheat."
"She's obviously being set up," injected James. "They probably thought they could get both her and Sirius in trouble."
Dumbledore smiled and turned to Professor Phillips. "I think we've heard enough, haven't we Professor?"
Professor Phillips was still shuffling through the drafts. "These are quite good," he admitted. "But that still doesn't explain how Hermione's name got on that other paper." He placed the papers back down on the Headmaster's desk. "However, Hermione is right. She has never given us any reason to distrust her before today. In fact, I have to admit she is one of the most promising witches I've ever had the pleasure of teaching." He stood and faced Hermione. "I will take the parchment to Professor McGonagall to see if it has been charmed somehow. If it has, you will have my public apology. In truth, I should have taken it to her before I accused you in the first place."
"Thank you Professor," whispered Hermione. He nodded kindly to her and left the room. Hermione jumped up from her seat and threw her arms around Remus, then quickly released him and hugged, Lily, James, and Sirius in turn. From his desk, Dumbledore cleared his throat. They all turned and faced the smiling Headmaster.
"I'm glad that's been cleared up so quickly. And Miss Granger, you were correct when you said I owed it to you to believe you and I hope you believe me when I say I did."
She nodded, feeling properly ashamed for thinking any less of him. "I'm sorry Professor."
"My dear," he said lightly. "You have nothing to apologize for. Sit down, all of you." He waved his wand and summoned some additional seats and they all sat quickly.
"I've been watching the five of you this week and I wanted to let each of you know how exceptionally proud I am of all of you. You've had to deal with something few wizards ever have to deal with and you've met your challenges as honorably as I knew you would."
Hermione smiled proudly, but was somewhat puzzled. She had probably jinxed more people this week than she had ever done in all her years at Hogwarts. Though she knew in her heart she'd done nothing wrong, she hadn't expected praise for it from any of her professors, least of all the Headmaster. But then again, Dumbledore had always walked to the beat of a different drummer.
"That being said, I think it's time we discussed all the detentions you've racked up this week." The smiles on all their faces instantly vanished and Dumbledore chuckled. "I have decided that you will be spending your hours of detention back home."
"Home," repeated Lily. "You're sending us home?"
"I think the five of you need a break from Hogwarts. Just before Professor Phillips came to see me, I was making arrangements for your families to meet you at King's Cross Station this evening. You will take the Hogwarts Express back to London and will return on it Sunday afternoon. You will be excused from any weekend homework you've been assigned and I expect you all to relax and enjoy the company of your families. "Now, off with you. You will need to pack quickly. I will meet you at the front entrance in an hour to escort you to Hogsmeade."
They all rose and left his office excitedly, except Hermione. She remained sitting and when Remus noticed she hadn't followed him, he waited at the door, letting James, Sirius, and Lily go on ahead.
"Apparently," began Dumbledore before Hermione could speak. "Your Mr. Lupin has written a great deal about you to his parents and they are very eager to meet you. If you're agreeable, you'll be spending this weekend at the Lupin's."
Hermione smiled widely. She got up and went around Dumbledore's desk and gave him a quick hug and peck on the cheek. "Thank you, sir," she whispered. She turned quickly and went to Remus. They joined hands before hurrying after their friends to get packed for their weekend.
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A/N: I got quite a few responses to my question about what should be done with Peter, some of them were very amusing. For now, I'm leaving him alone. But he won't be safe from me forever. Teaser alert!!! The next few chapters will be dealing almost strictly with Remus and Hermione and yes she will be going to the Department of Mysteries. I hope you all liked the way I got rid of everyone else. I had the hardest time trying to figure out how to get everyone else out of the story for a little while. I hope you liked the chapter!
