Disclaimer: is there any need for this. I suppose there isn't. but still.
Not mine people, d'you think it 'd here if they're mine. The answer's no.
so like you might have heard from other reliable sources, and sorcerers
they belong to J.K. Rowling. And there's no harm intended in me borrowing
them a little.
Chapter VII
It was another rainy day of September. It was cold and though it wasn't thunder storming outside, it was wet and muddy enough for assuring a depressive mood to sweep through the castle.
Hermione was still seated in her bed although it was breakfast time down in the Great Hall. She hated today. She hated it more than any other day: more than yesterday, and a lot more than tomorrow.
Today was her birthday and she hated it. She hated it for it only reminding her how happy her other birthdays had been. It also helped to remind her of how many stupid things she had done since her last birthday, with which she did not need any help, thank you very much.
So, there she still sat, holding Crookshanks in a bone-crushing embrace. She still remembered her birthday last year. She had been so happy on that day. She was there with her most intimate friends, and with Ron; they were trying to decide on the date of the wedding. She whimpered softly. How she wished she had accepted his offer. Maybe with her mind filled with all the wedding preparation she would have put a stop to the madness she called a project.
She still had Ron's present from that day--a pocket-sized foe glass. But it didn't work too well, and it was still foggy.
She dragged herself up from her bed to her bathroom.
'Deary, you look like you've seen the bad end of a firecrab' the bathroom mirror exclaimed. Comments would have continued in this vein, if not for a superb silencing charm that only Hermione could manage.
She slowly slipped into her work robes, her spirit only deteriorating more and more, moment by moment. By the time she got to the teachers' table in the Great Hall, she looked like Moaning Myrtle. She silently took the place between Professor Sprout and Mrs. Weasley. It proved to be a rather bad choice as Bubotuber pus wasn't her favourite topic during meals. On the other hand, neither was hearing about dragon pox, Mrs. Weasley's current topic with Lupin, who was seated on the far side of Mrs. Weasley.
It wasn't really the topic of the conversation that was annoying her, Hermione admitted, but the fact that no one had even noticed her, and no one seemed to remember what day was today. She couldn't blame Mrs. Weasley. After seeing the state she had been in last night, Hermione was surprised Molly had not tried to curse her earlier for getting Ron Imprisoned, or at least give her a long lasting cold shoulder. It seemed the woman's heart was bigger than even Hermione imagined. Though apparently not so big, as to remember Hermione's birthday, she harrumphed to herself.
It was when the post arrived that she felt totally forgotten. She didn't receive any message, not even a lousy postcard.
People were starting to flock out of the great hall to morning classes, but she stayed behind a bit longer. A few moments later, owls started coming back to the great hall, a pack of owls, carrying all sorts of things, all of them landing in front of Hermione. She was speechless.
She had hoped someone would remember her birthday, but this was too much. She immediately started opening the packages. They were from old schoolmates, colleagues from the ministry, other people she knew; she even got one from Victor Krum-they hadn't spoken in a long time.
One of the last owls to arrive was Hedwig, soaring into the Great Hall, still white as ever, gliding confidently down to where Hermione sat.
Happy birthday Hermione!
Hope everything's going as you wanted at Hogwarts. And I hope Malfoy Jr. isn't giving you too many headaches There, because Malfoy Sr. is meddling in things that are not to be meddled with, here at my department.
Hope to see you soon; Maybe this weekend, or next one.
P.S. Sorry for the prank Hermione; I had to do something convincing with Cora from the post department, in order to get her to hold up all of your presents for a while. It was just for the surprise. Hope it wasn't too mean.
Hermione smiled. It was difficult to get all the presents and messages to her office, but a couple of Gryffindor seventh years on their way to class offered to help. She still managed to get to her class in time.
She entered her room just before the bell rang. The students were already seated and quiet. Hermione was just about to begin the day's lesson when a coughing from behind distracted her. She turned around sharply to see Malfoy Jr., as Harry had called him, sitting on a stool near her desk.
'I was wandering, Professor, if you received my note telling you of the date and time of my inspection?' Malfoy asked her, his voice cloyingly sweet, plastering a smile that could have melted half of Hogwarts female population on his face. But not Hermione.
'Yes.' She replied curtly. She hadn't really seen it; it must have ended up under the pile of presents. However, she was not going to admit this in front of Malfoy. Besides, she was expecting him around anyway.
'However Mr. Malfoy' she continued on, 'I hope that your inspection will not interfere with my teaching methods.' She warned him, keeping her voice as calm as possible.
This did not appear to faze Malfoy in the slightest; during her class he had followed her around like a persistent shadow, scribbling notes on his clipboard, asking students different questions, and whenever close enough to Hermione to be sure she could hear, giving a snort or smirk. She could have just slapped him and be done with it, but Snape's words kept ringing in her ears. And no matter how cruel Snape had been, she knew he was right. However, she just wasn't on with her teaching, catching herself before she explained to the class that vanishing spells could be used against teachers, even if the thought of magicking Malfoy away was tempting just now.
Hermione could not believe how unnerving Malfoy could be. He not only disrupted the entire first class but also stayed to 'inspect' her next two classes. By the time Malfoy closed the door behind him, it was time for lunch. As Hermione left her classroom, she was contemplating hexing him all the way to St. Mungo's and back.
Lousy birthday this was.
She made her way through the rest of the day slightly disappointed, Malfoy having dampened her breakfast good mood. After dinner, most of the staff gathered in the staff room for sort of a celebration, in an attempt to atone for their earlier slight. With drinks and cake prepared by the house elves, at Dumbledore's request, along with other sweets, notably lemon drops, which made several of the teachers, give Dumbledore the look.
The party did not last long, everyone muttering about papers to be graded; everyone retired early. As Hermione looked around the room, Harry's invitation to visit was sounding more and more alluring. Before she knew it, she had already made it out the great doors of Hogwarts and was at the main gates.
It was a long walk between the castle and the main gates near Hogsmeade, but Hermione had changed into her animagus form as soon as she was out of the castle. Hermione stopped, perched on the gates, for a moment. It was already night making is slightly difficult for the hawk to see. Hermione regretted not choosing an owl as her animagus, but managed nevertheless to fly her way out of the protective wards around Hogwarts that stopped her from apparating.
With a deep breath, she apparated. She was just outside Harry Potter's house. It wasn't hidden like other wizards houses, and was situated in the middle of a muggle town. However, it was surrounded by protective spells, and the interior of the house was far more wizard then muggle. Though, from the exterior it looked perfectly normal. Hermione knocked lightly, opened the door, and entered. Before she could even close the door behind her, a squeak came from upstairs.
'Mione, Mione, Mione...' a child's voice chanted from the top of the stairs, and a little red headed girl made her way down, skipping several steps at a time. The girl threw herself at Hermione, however Hermione's reflexes were still in tact, and she managed to catch the child without being knocked off her feet.
'Mel, I'm happy to see you as well.' Hermione said laughing. The small girl had wrapped herself onto Hermione, clinging to her.
'Mione, it's you!' an amazed Harry cried from the living room. He came as quick as he could to greet her. After removing the little girl from Hermione, he gave her a fierce hug, almost leaving Hermione senseless. They both hung to one another for a moment longer.
'Well...I don't know what to say.' Harry said a bit awkwardly, while gently pushing her away. 'Happy Birthday, Hermione' he added sheepishly.
'Thanks Harry' tears were sliding down Hermione's cheeks now, overwhelmed by emotion, and she gave him a small, watery smile.
'Don't cry Mione' the little girl told her. Mel had stayed quiet up till now, and waited her turn for another hug from Hermione, one that she got.
'Little Miss, what are you doing up at this hour?' Harry scolded Mel in a sort-of stern voice. 'It's far past your bedtime, besides I've already sent you to bed at least two times tonight.'
'And I've already read you a story' a voice came from the leaving room. Hermione turned abruptly. It was Luna Lovegood, and Hermione wondered if her last name did not have something to do with her presence her.
'Hello, Hermione. She called in her dreamy voice, 'Happy birthday, by the way.' She added, sounding bored. 'Do we continue that article now Harry, or shall we leave it for another time?'
Hermione did not miss the significant look between the two, but did not want to seem intrusive.
'I think later.'
'Ok, I'll contact you, Harry. Though you'll have to wait at least two weeks. I'm going on a visit to a Crumple-Horned Snorkack nursery, for a special article.' She did not seem to take in Hermione's snort, and went on. 'This article is going to be a really good one. Oh, Hermione, could you please tell Sânziana I need to take an interview with her as well.' Luna rattled on.
'The new teacher?' Hermione was amazed at this. How was it that those two knew each other?
'Yes. Do you know any other Sânzianas that has worked for nearly all their lives around Blibbering Humdingers or Crumple-Horned Snorkacks, I mean, the girl had an Ortos dog, when she was in school, she's one of the best in the business.' Luna said, impatiently.
'An Ortos dog?' Hermione asked. At Harry's bewildered expression, Hermione turned to explain to him. 'They're a lot like Fluffy,' referring to the three headed-dog Hagrid had once owned, 'only they have two heads.'
'Well, at least you know about those.' She said withering to Hermione. 'Right. I'm on my way. Bye Mel. Bye Harry.' Luna said, and kissed Harry on the cheek, a bit too close to the mouth in Hermione's opinion. She swept from the house. Even her walk was airy.
'What was Luna Lovegood doing here Harry?' Hermione asked in a falsely sweet tone.
'Oh, just leave it Hermione. I already have enough problems with all the letters I get from jealous witches from all over the world.'
'So you mean there's a reason to be jealous?' she asked smiling mischievously.
'Yeah, but they should be jealous of that little witch that you hold there.' He said, pointing to Mel. 'Cause she's the only one who has me for the time being.' He said, ruffling Mel's red curls.
They moved to the living room, where they seated themselves comfortably in the two armchairs seated by the empty hearth. Mel curled up in Hermione's lap, snuggling closer to her chest. She kept nodding her head, showing she was slowly falling asleep.
There was a heavy silence between Harry and Hermione. It hadn't been that long since their last discussion; the one they had hold on the day she had left for Hogwarts.
'So how's the new job working out?' Harry asked nervously.
'Fine. It's not bad. The students are nice. And even if most of my colleagues were my teachers a few years ago, it's not as awkward around them as I had imagined.'
'Really? Thought I might know of two teachers that might still not be to your liking.' Harry teased.
'Yeah, Trelawney, and his royal highness, the high inquisitor.' Hermione snorted.
'Really? Well, then it's three of them, because I'm finding it hard to believe you get along well with Snape.'
'We'll Snape's a different story Harry.' Hermione said quietly.
'Yeah, not only do you have to have him as a colleague, but you're also working with him on your project. I know all about it.' He said his tone a bit down. 'How's the work getting on, by the way? Any breakthrough's yet?'
'Well,' Hermione admitted, 'to tell the truth, I haven't spoken to him in about a week.'
'WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU HAVEN'T SPOKEN TO HIM IN ABOUT A WEEK?' Harry shouted at her, waking up the little girl in Hermione's arms, who gave him an annoyed look. This seemed to settle him down a little.
'You go through all that trouble, you waste years of your life researching like a mad-witch, and then, when you finally have all the support and facilities you need, you give up.' He continued, glaring at her, but keeping his tone under control for his little girl's sake.
'How can you Hermione? You wanted it so much just months ago that you broke every possible rule to try and get it.' He continued, his voice by this time quiet and plaintive.
'Harry please...stop it.' Hermione pleaded, knowing his frustrations were hers.
'Stop what?' he said dangerously. 'Is this why you went to Azkaban? Is this why Ron gave up his freedom? So you can sit there in Hogwarts with your hands crossed, like nothing has happened?'
'Harry don't say that.'
'You were so desperate to find that cure that you would have sold your soul to the Voldemort had he offered you the solution, and no you gave up just because you have to work with Snape.' Harry continued, ignoring Hermione's pleas.
'You're not the one to scold me about this, Harry. Your history with working with Snape one on one isn't any better.' She shot out defensively.
'Yeah, but I never defended the bastard, while you did. What happened to 'I trust Snape because Dumbledore trusts him', eh?' he shot back.
'Nothing. I still trust him, I just don't like being around him.' She said bitterly.
'Well, you'd better get bloody used to it, as you'll be doing it a lot this year.' He said with a tone of finality.
Hermione gave him a questioning look.
'Look Hermione' he continued, after checking if Mel was still soundly asleep. 'Just a couple of days ago, I went to see Ron.'
'How is he?' She desperately asked him, her eyes searching his.
'He's still got all his marbles, that I can say. He's not in his best shape, but considering the looks of the other poor blokes he's fine.' He said weakly. 'And he told me to make sure you're still looking for the cure. Look, Hermione, he still has faith in you. We all do. Just don't give up.'
Hermione was silently crying. Carefully, not to wake the little girl in her arms, she shifted and responded to Harry, 'I did that to him, Harry. I got him there, and he still trusts me.'
'Hermione, don't exaggerate. Ron's not dead; he'll be out of there in no time.' He told her, losing the edge in his voice. 'You know Dumbledore wouldn't have left him there. He just had to steal some time. He'll be out of there before Christmas, you'll see.'
By this time, Hermione tears wouldn't stop streaming down her cheeks unchecked.
'He'll be back, 'Mione. He's not gone yet to see Mommy,' said the little girl in her arms, stirring, and who was now facing her. Her big green eyes were fixed on Hermione.
Neither of the adults had realized she was awake and had been listening to them. However her words had a strong impact on both of them.
'She's right Mione; he's not dead, like Ginny. You'll still see him. And soon, I might add.' Harry's tone was filled with sorrow, and his own eyes were shining now with unshed tears.
'Daddy, don't be sad. Mommy's fine, you know, and she says she loves you very much.' Mel said, in a soothing voice, 'I see her in my dreams, you know. She's my guardian angel.' The little girl added.
A weak smile played on Harry's lips. Hermione embraced the little girl, rocking her comfortingly. She didn't dare say a word, for fear her voice would fail her.
'Well, it's way pass your bedtime, Little Miss. Come here, and let's put you into bed' Harry said, lifting the child out of Hermione's embrace. 'So you can dream of mommy.' He added a bit uncomfortably.
Hermione remained behind. Sitting in the armchair, and looking out the window through the pitch-black darkness.
A while later, Harry returned alone. 'You know I'm sorry for what I said earlier. I know you're not like that. And though you say it's not that hard being a teacher, I still remember being a student, and there wasn't really a boring day for us. This usually meant there wasn't a good day for the teachers.' He said apologetically.
'Want a drink?' he offered, pouring himself a glass of wine.
'No, I've already had a glass or two before I left Hogwarts.' She answered. This entire situation was strange. Up till now, she had been the one giving Harry counselling, just being there to listen to his sorrows. She was good at that.
She wasn't good at being the one to spill her secrets. She felt broken inside, yet she could not come to Harry and tell him all her problems. Yet she was more than sure he already knew most of them.
'I heard about Malfoy and all the trouble he's been doing around there.' Harry said, trying to get her to talk.
'Yeah, there's some trouble. Just today I had him in class, and I swear to you, Harry, I was this close to showing my class the how vanishing spell works on people.' She told him, holding her fingers about an inch apart.
'Well, then I'm sure you need some rest. Come; you can stay in the room next to Mel's. Some of your books and things are still there.'
'Alright, good night.' Hermione called from the doorway.
Next day was far better than her birthday had been. She hadn't known it, of course, but Harry and the others had planned a surprise party. However, her late night visit to Harry and Mel had ruined some of the surprise. Nevertheless, it was still nice. She was amazed at how many people showed up for her birthday. She knew not everyone was there for her, after all, the party was thrown at Harry's place; some people simply wanted to be seen.
Among the first to arrive were the Weasley twins; just to be sure the atmosphere was right they arrived, their arms filled with all the required sweets, things that Hermione was sure she would never touch, her childhood teaching from her parents still firmly ingrained.
Almost immediately, a gang of ex-colleagues from the Ministry appeared. Some of them she was glad to see, some of them she could not remember their names. Of course, the time was spent mainly for gossiping, and though she tried to keep out of it, she just could not escape the clutches of Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil. Lavender was working now for Witch Weekly, so she had all the fresh news, while Parvati was a famous clairvoyant already, and many famous wizards came to her, so she was just as informed.
'Hermione, I found out today, while talking to Susan Bones, that there's a new decree, which will take away some of the High Inquisitor's privileges. Seems the Malfoy's vault is emptying little by little. Wonder if Pansy has anything to do with it.' Lavender told her, grinning.
'Pansy? That cow, Parkinson, what about her?' Hermione was really out of touch with the daily gossip, and the two of them were going to give her extra tutoring
'Nothing, just that she's Malfoy's wife and, well, you know her, always one to have the latest robes.' Parvati commented.
'Draco's wife?' Hermione asked shocked.
'Where have you been living for the last five years Hermione? Lucius's wife.' The both of them exclaimed. They could not believe how ignorant she was. 'Don't you remember the scandal? I mean, I thought I would not get to write about anything else.'
'What scandal?'
'The one that happened about a year after graduation; the one with Malfoy and Parkinson.' Lavender said as if it was crucial information.
Hermione was getting tired of it. She had never liked gossip, and to tell the truth, anything that involved the Malfoys, especially Lucius Malfoy, was not something she wanted to know, regardless of how lurid it might be.
'You know, it was all over the papers. Draco, who was Pansy's fiancé at the time, found her enjoying the attentions of his father. He did not take it well. There was even a rumour that Pansy herself didn't know who of two was the actual father of her child.' Parvati told her.
Well, she knew now why she had not wanted to hear this, but there was no escaping from the two of them at this point.
'Hermione, how are you.' but yes, Merlin did exist, Hermione thought, as a voice cut across the ladies' voices. Neville had come; she was saved from the two tattlers. 'How are you?' he asked her, a bright smile on his plump face.
'Fine, Neville' she told him smiling. She excused herself from Lavender and Parvati, who seemed to have found a new victim, in the form of Hannah Abbott, who looked rather frightened at the ferocity with which they attached themselves to her.
Hermione informed Neville of his niece's 'progresses' with melted cauldrons. He laughed half-heartedly.
'She's just as bad as me in potions. Though I have always been told that both my parents were good at it, and she is from my mum's side. You know my uncle, her grandfather, was renowned for his pacifying potions.' He told her.
'Well, it happens. By the way, how is the work with the cross-over between mimbulus mimbletonia and spiky bushes?' She asked him, genuinely curious.
'Disastrous.' He told her flatly.
'You know Neville, you should help us with the new snack boxes. I bet it would be a success.' One of the Weasley twins said, butting into the conversation, a huge grin playing in his face.
'Yeah, I'd love one of those.' Came the voice of Mel from somewhere under a pile of gift-wrappings. She had assigned herself the job of opening each and every one of Hermione's presents.
'Oh no, I will not hear any more of that.' came the stern voice of Mrs. Weasley. She, Lupin, and some other teachers had showed up for a little while as well. 'I can't believe you two still don't want to give up those jobs and do something really worthwhile.'
It was hours before everyone left, and even though Hermione knew she should have gone back to Hogwarts with the other teachers. She stayed for another night at Harry's. Mel had insisted so much that she had given up explaining that she was a head of house and had to take care of other children. The little girl wanted her here a bit more.
Finally, on Sunday evening, she regretfully left Harry and a disgruntled Mel, to return to the old castle, with promises to return soon, and feeling better than she had in awhile.
A.N.: ok so what do you say about this. I know, I've kind of forgotten to mention Snape. But don't worry; he'll be back next chapter. And so will Draco. And let's not forget about the project Hermione and Snape are working on. Though after that I'm not so sure what I'll right. Halloween approaching means after all that disaster is lurking in every corner. By the way you could after all send a couple of reviews to tell me your opinion.
Chapter VII
It was another rainy day of September. It was cold and though it wasn't thunder storming outside, it was wet and muddy enough for assuring a depressive mood to sweep through the castle.
Hermione was still seated in her bed although it was breakfast time down in the Great Hall. She hated today. She hated it more than any other day: more than yesterday, and a lot more than tomorrow.
Today was her birthday and she hated it. She hated it for it only reminding her how happy her other birthdays had been. It also helped to remind her of how many stupid things she had done since her last birthday, with which she did not need any help, thank you very much.
So, there she still sat, holding Crookshanks in a bone-crushing embrace. She still remembered her birthday last year. She had been so happy on that day. She was there with her most intimate friends, and with Ron; they were trying to decide on the date of the wedding. She whimpered softly. How she wished she had accepted his offer. Maybe with her mind filled with all the wedding preparation she would have put a stop to the madness she called a project.
She still had Ron's present from that day--a pocket-sized foe glass. But it didn't work too well, and it was still foggy.
She dragged herself up from her bed to her bathroom.
'Deary, you look like you've seen the bad end of a firecrab' the bathroom mirror exclaimed. Comments would have continued in this vein, if not for a superb silencing charm that only Hermione could manage.
She slowly slipped into her work robes, her spirit only deteriorating more and more, moment by moment. By the time she got to the teachers' table in the Great Hall, she looked like Moaning Myrtle. She silently took the place between Professor Sprout and Mrs. Weasley. It proved to be a rather bad choice as Bubotuber pus wasn't her favourite topic during meals. On the other hand, neither was hearing about dragon pox, Mrs. Weasley's current topic with Lupin, who was seated on the far side of Mrs. Weasley.
It wasn't really the topic of the conversation that was annoying her, Hermione admitted, but the fact that no one had even noticed her, and no one seemed to remember what day was today. She couldn't blame Mrs. Weasley. After seeing the state she had been in last night, Hermione was surprised Molly had not tried to curse her earlier for getting Ron Imprisoned, or at least give her a long lasting cold shoulder. It seemed the woman's heart was bigger than even Hermione imagined. Though apparently not so big, as to remember Hermione's birthday, she harrumphed to herself.
It was when the post arrived that she felt totally forgotten. She didn't receive any message, not even a lousy postcard.
People were starting to flock out of the great hall to morning classes, but she stayed behind a bit longer. A few moments later, owls started coming back to the great hall, a pack of owls, carrying all sorts of things, all of them landing in front of Hermione. She was speechless.
She had hoped someone would remember her birthday, but this was too much. She immediately started opening the packages. They were from old schoolmates, colleagues from the ministry, other people she knew; she even got one from Victor Krum-they hadn't spoken in a long time.
One of the last owls to arrive was Hedwig, soaring into the Great Hall, still white as ever, gliding confidently down to where Hermione sat.
Happy birthday Hermione!
Hope everything's going as you wanted at Hogwarts. And I hope Malfoy Jr. isn't giving you too many headaches There, because Malfoy Sr. is meddling in things that are not to be meddled with, here at my department.
Hope to see you soon; Maybe this weekend, or next one.
P.S. Sorry for the prank Hermione; I had to do something convincing with Cora from the post department, in order to get her to hold up all of your presents for a while. It was just for the surprise. Hope it wasn't too mean.
Hermione smiled. It was difficult to get all the presents and messages to her office, but a couple of Gryffindor seventh years on their way to class offered to help. She still managed to get to her class in time.
She entered her room just before the bell rang. The students were already seated and quiet. Hermione was just about to begin the day's lesson when a coughing from behind distracted her. She turned around sharply to see Malfoy Jr., as Harry had called him, sitting on a stool near her desk.
'I was wandering, Professor, if you received my note telling you of the date and time of my inspection?' Malfoy asked her, his voice cloyingly sweet, plastering a smile that could have melted half of Hogwarts female population on his face. But not Hermione.
'Yes.' She replied curtly. She hadn't really seen it; it must have ended up under the pile of presents. However, she was not going to admit this in front of Malfoy. Besides, she was expecting him around anyway.
'However Mr. Malfoy' she continued on, 'I hope that your inspection will not interfere with my teaching methods.' She warned him, keeping her voice as calm as possible.
This did not appear to faze Malfoy in the slightest; during her class he had followed her around like a persistent shadow, scribbling notes on his clipboard, asking students different questions, and whenever close enough to Hermione to be sure she could hear, giving a snort or smirk. She could have just slapped him and be done with it, but Snape's words kept ringing in her ears. And no matter how cruel Snape had been, she knew he was right. However, she just wasn't on with her teaching, catching herself before she explained to the class that vanishing spells could be used against teachers, even if the thought of magicking Malfoy away was tempting just now.
Hermione could not believe how unnerving Malfoy could be. He not only disrupted the entire first class but also stayed to 'inspect' her next two classes. By the time Malfoy closed the door behind him, it was time for lunch. As Hermione left her classroom, she was contemplating hexing him all the way to St. Mungo's and back.
Lousy birthday this was.
She made her way through the rest of the day slightly disappointed, Malfoy having dampened her breakfast good mood. After dinner, most of the staff gathered in the staff room for sort of a celebration, in an attempt to atone for their earlier slight. With drinks and cake prepared by the house elves, at Dumbledore's request, along with other sweets, notably lemon drops, which made several of the teachers, give Dumbledore the look.
The party did not last long, everyone muttering about papers to be graded; everyone retired early. As Hermione looked around the room, Harry's invitation to visit was sounding more and more alluring. Before she knew it, she had already made it out the great doors of Hogwarts and was at the main gates.
It was a long walk between the castle and the main gates near Hogsmeade, but Hermione had changed into her animagus form as soon as she was out of the castle. Hermione stopped, perched on the gates, for a moment. It was already night making is slightly difficult for the hawk to see. Hermione regretted not choosing an owl as her animagus, but managed nevertheless to fly her way out of the protective wards around Hogwarts that stopped her from apparating.
With a deep breath, she apparated. She was just outside Harry Potter's house. It wasn't hidden like other wizards houses, and was situated in the middle of a muggle town. However, it was surrounded by protective spells, and the interior of the house was far more wizard then muggle. Though, from the exterior it looked perfectly normal. Hermione knocked lightly, opened the door, and entered. Before she could even close the door behind her, a squeak came from upstairs.
'Mione, Mione, Mione...' a child's voice chanted from the top of the stairs, and a little red headed girl made her way down, skipping several steps at a time. The girl threw herself at Hermione, however Hermione's reflexes were still in tact, and she managed to catch the child without being knocked off her feet.
'Mel, I'm happy to see you as well.' Hermione said laughing. The small girl had wrapped herself onto Hermione, clinging to her.
'Mione, it's you!' an amazed Harry cried from the living room. He came as quick as he could to greet her. After removing the little girl from Hermione, he gave her a fierce hug, almost leaving Hermione senseless. They both hung to one another for a moment longer.
'Well...I don't know what to say.' Harry said a bit awkwardly, while gently pushing her away. 'Happy Birthday, Hermione' he added sheepishly.
'Thanks Harry' tears were sliding down Hermione's cheeks now, overwhelmed by emotion, and she gave him a small, watery smile.
'Don't cry Mione' the little girl told her. Mel had stayed quiet up till now, and waited her turn for another hug from Hermione, one that she got.
'Little Miss, what are you doing up at this hour?' Harry scolded Mel in a sort-of stern voice. 'It's far past your bedtime, besides I've already sent you to bed at least two times tonight.'
'And I've already read you a story' a voice came from the leaving room. Hermione turned abruptly. It was Luna Lovegood, and Hermione wondered if her last name did not have something to do with her presence her.
'Hello, Hermione. She called in her dreamy voice, 'Happy birthday, by the way.' She added, sounding bored. 'Do we continue that article now Harry, or shall we leave it for another time?'
Hermione did not miss the significant look between the two, but did not want to seem intrusive.
'I think later.'
'Ok, I'll contact you, Harry. Though you'll have to wait at least two weeks. I'm going on a visit to a Crumple-Horned Snorkack nursery, for a special article.' She did not seem to take in Hermione's snort, and went on. 'This article is going to be a really good one. Oh, Hermione, could you please tell Sânziana I need to take an interview with her as well.' Luna rattled on.
'The new teacher?' Hermione was amazed at this. How was it that those two knew each other?
'Yes. Do you know any other Sânzianas that has worked for nearly all their lives around Blibbering Humdingers or Crumple-Horned Snorkacks, I mean, the girl had an Ortos dog, when she was in school, she's one of the best in the business.' Luna said, impatiently.
'An Ortos dog?' Hermione asked. At Harry's bewildered expression, Hermione turned to explain to him. 'They're a lot like Fluffy,' referring to the three headed-dog Hagrid had once owned, 'only they have two heads.'
'Well, at least you know about those.' She said withering to Hermione. 'Right. I'm on my way. Bye Mel. Bye Harry.' Luna said, and kissed Harry on the cheek, a bit too close to the mouth in Hermione's opinion. She swept from the house. Even her walk was airy.
'What was Luna Lovegood doing here Harry?' Hermione asked in a falsely sweet tone.
'Oh, just leave it Hermione. I already have enough problems with all the letters I get from jealous witches from all over the world.'
'So you mean there's a reason to be jealous?' she asked smiling mischievously.
'Yeah, but they should be jealous of that little witch that you hold there.' He said, pointing to Mel. 'Cause she's the only one who has me for the time being.' He said, ruffling Mel's red curls.
They moved to the living room, where they seated themselves comfortably in the two armchairs seated by the empty hearth. Mel curled up in Hermione's lap, snuggling closer to her chest. She kept nodding her head, showing she was slowly falling asleep.
There was a heavy silence between Harry and Hermione. It hadn't been that long since their last discussion; the one they had hold on the day she had left for Hogwarts.
'So how's the new job working out?' Harry asked nervously.
'Fine. It's not bad. The students are nice. And even if most of my colleagues were my teachers a few years ago, it's not as awkward around them as I had imagined.'
'Really? Thought I might know of two teachers that might still not be to your liking.' Harry teased.
'Yeah, Trelawney, and his royal highness, the high inquisitor.' Hermione snorted.
'Really? Well, then it's three of them, because I'm finding it hard to believe you get along well with Snape.'
'We'll Snape's a different story Harry.' Hermione said quietly.
'Yeah, not only do you have to have him as a colleague, but you're also working with him on your project. I know all about it.' He said his tone a bit down. 'How's the work getting on, by the way? Any breakthrough's yet?'
'Well,' Hermione admitted, 'to tell the truth, I haven't spoken to him in about a week.'
'WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU HAVEN'T SPOKEN TO HIM IN ABOUT A WEEK?' Harry shouted at her, waking up the little girl in Hermione's arms, who gave him an annoyed look. This seemed to settle him down a little.
'You go through all that trouble, you waste years of your life researching like a mad-witch, and then, when you finally have all the support and facilities you need, you give up.' He continued, glaring at her, but keeping his tone under control for his little girl's sake.
'How can you Hermione? You wanted it so much just months ago that you broke every possible rule to try and get it.' He continued, his voice by this time quiet and plaintive.
'Harry please...stop it.' Hermione pleaded, knowing his frustrations were hers.
'Stop what?' he said dangerously. 'Is this why you went to Azkaban? Is this why Ron gave up his freedom? So you can sit there in Hogwarts with your hands crossed, like nothing has happened?'
'Harry don't say that.'
'You were so desperate to find that cure that you would have sold your soul to the Voldemort had he offered you the solution, and no you gave up just because you have to work with Snape.' Harry continued, ignoring Hermione's pleas.
'You're not the one to scold me about this, Harry. Your history with working with Snape one on one isn't any better.' She shot out defensively.
'Yeah, but I never defended the bastard, while you did. What happened to 'I trust Snape because Dumbledore trusts him', eh?' he shot back.
'Nothing. I still trust him, I just don't like being around him.' She said bitterly.
'Well, you'd better get bloody used to it, as you'll be doing it a lot this year.' He said with a tone of finality.
Hermione gave him a questioning look.
'Look Hermione' he continued, after checking if Mel was still soundly asleep. 'Just a couple of days ago, I went to see Ron.'
'How is he?' She desperately asked him, her eyes searching his.
'He's still got all his marbles, that I can say. He's not in his best shape, but considering the looks of the other poor blokes he's fine.' He said weakly. 'And he told me to make sure you're still looking for the cure. Look, Hermione, he still has faith in you. We all do. Just don't give up.'
Hermione was silently crying. Carefully, not to wake the little girl in her arms, she shifted and responded to Harry, 'I did that to him, Harry. I got him there, and he still trusts me.'
'Hermione, don't exaggerate. Ron's not dead; he'll be out of there in no time.' He told her, losing the edge in his voice. 'You know Dumbledore wouldn't have left him there. He just had to steal some time. He'll be out of there before Christmas, you'll see.'
By this time, Hermione tears wouldn't stop streaming down her cheeks unchecked.
'He'll be back, 'Mione. He's not gone yet to see Mommy,' said the little girl in her arms, stirring, and who was now facing her. Her big green eyes were fixed on Hermione.
Neither of the adults had realized she was awake and had been listening to them. However her words had a strong impact on both of them.
'She's right Mione; he's not dead, like Ginny. You'll still see him. And soon, I might add.' Harry's tone was filled with sorrow, and his own eyes were shining now with unshed tears.
'Daddy, don't be sad. Mommy's fine, you know, and she says she loves you very much.' Mel said, in a soothing voice, 'I see her in my dreams, you know. She's my guardian angel.' The little girl added.
A weak smile played on Harry's lips. Hermione embraced the little girl, rocking her comfortingly. She didn't dare say a word, for fear her voice would fail her.
'Well, it's way pass your bedtime, Little Miss. Come here, and let's put you into bed' Harry said, lifting the child out of Hermione's embrace. 'So you can dream of mommy.' He added a bit uncomfortably.
Hermione remained behind. Sitting in the armchair, and looking out the window through the pitch-black darkness.
A while later, Harry returned alone. 'You know I'm sorry for what I said earlier. I know you're not like that. And though you say it's not that hard being a teacher, I still remember being a student, and there wasn't really a boring day for us. This usually meant there wasn't a good day for the teachers.' He said apologetically.
'Want a drink?' he offered, pouring himself a glass of wine.
'No, I've already had a glass or two before I left Hogwarts.' She answered. This entire situation was strange. Up till now, she had been the one giving Harry counselling, just being there to listen to his sorrows. She was good at that.
She wasn't good at being the one to spill her secrets. She felt broken inside, yet she could not come to Harry and tell him all her problems. Yet she was more than sure he already knew most of them.
'I heard about Malfoy and all the trouble he's been doing around there.' Harry said, trying to get her to talk.
'Yeah, there's some trouble. Just today I had him in class, and I swear to you, Harry, I was this close to showing my class the how vanishing spell works on people.' She told him, holding her fingers about an inch apart.
'Well, then I'm sure you need some rest. Come; you can stay in the room next to Mel's. Some of your books and things are still there.'
'Alright, good night.' Hermione called from the doorway.
Next day was far better than her birthday had been. She hadn't known it, of course, but Harry and the others had planned a surprise party. However, her late night visit to Harry and Mel had ruined some of the surprise. Nevertheless, it was still nice. She was amazed at how many people showed up for her birthday. She knew not everyone was there for her, after all, the party was thrown at Harry's place; some people simply wanted to be seen.
Among the first to arrive were the Weasley twins; just to be sure the atmosphere was right they arrived, their arms filled with all the required sweets, things that Hermione was sure she would never touch, her childhood teaching from her parents still firmly ingrained.
Almost immediately, a gang of ex-colleagues from the Ministry appeared. Some of them she was glad to see, some of them she could not remember their names. Of course, the time was spent mainly for gossiping, and though she tried to keep out of it, she just could not escape the clutches of Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil. Lavender was working now for Witch Weekly, so she had all the fresh news, while Parvati was a famous clairvoyant already, and many famous wizards came to her, so she was just as informed.
'Hermione, I found out today, while talking to Susan Bones, that there's a new decree, which will take away some of the High Inquisitor's privileges. Seems the Malfoy's vault is emptying little by little. Wonder if Pansy has anything to do with it.' Lavender told her, grinning.
'Pansy? That cow, Parkinson, what about her?' Hermione was really out of touch with the daily gossip, and the two of them were going to give her extra tutoring
'Nothing, just that she's Malfoy's wife and, well, you know her, always one to have the latest robes.' Parvati commented.
'Draco's wife?' Hermione asked shocked.
'Where have you been living for the last five years Hermione? Lucius's wife.' The both of them exclaimed. They could not believe how ignorant she was. 'Don't you remember the scandal? I mean, I thought I would not get to write about anything else.'
'What scandal?'
'The one that happened about a year after graduation; the one with Malfoy and Parkinson.' Lavender said as if it was crucial information.
Hermione was getting tired of it. She had never liked gossip, and to tell the truth, anything that involved the Malfoys, especially Lucius Malfoy, was not something she wanted to know, regardless of how lurid it might be.
'You know, it was all over the papers. Draco, who was Pansy's fiancé at the time, found her enjoying the attentions of his father. He did not take it well. There was even a rumour that Pansy herself didn't know who of two was the actual father of her child.' Parvati told her.
Well, she knew now why she had not wanted to hear this, but there was no escaping from the two of them at this point.
'Hermione, how are you.' but yes, Merlin did exist, Hermione thought, as a voice cut across the ladies' voices. Neville had come; she was saved from the two tattlers. 'How are you?' he asked her, a bright smile on his plump face.
'Fine, Neville' she told him smiling. She excused herself from Lavender and Parvati, who seemed to have found a new victim, in the form of Hannah Abbott, who looked rather frightened at the ferocity with which they attached themselves to her.
Hermione informed Neville of his niece's 'progresses' with melted cauldrons. He laughed half-heartedly.
'She's just as bad as me in potions. Though I have always been told that both my parents were good at it, and she is from my mum's side. You know my uncle, her grandfather, was renowned for his pacifying potions.' He told her.
'Well, it happens. By the way, how is the work with the cross-over between mimbulus mimbletonia and spiky bushes?' She asked him, genuinely curious.
'Disastrous.' He told her flatly.
'You know Neville, you should help us with the new snack boxes. I bet it would be a success.' One of the Weasley twins said, butting into the conversation, a huge grin playing in his face.
'Yeah, I'd love one of those.' Came the voice of Mel from somewhere under a pile of gift-wrappings. She had assigned herself the job of opening each and every one of Hermione's presents.
'Oh no, I will not hear any more of that.' came the stern voice of Mrs. Weasley. She, Lupin, and some other teachers had showed up for a little while as well. 'I can't believe you two still don't want to give up those jobs and do something really worthwhile.'
It was hours before everyone left, and even though Hermione knew she should have gone back to Hogwarts with the other teachers. She stayed for another night at Harry's. Mel had insisted so much that she had given up explaining that she was a head of house and had to take care of other children. The little girl wanted her here a bit more.
Finally, on Sunday evening, she regretfully left Harry and a disgruntled Mel, to return to the old castle, with promises to return soon, and feeling better than she had in awhile.
A.N.: ok so what do you say about this. I know, I've kind of forgotten to mention Snape. But don't worry; he'll be back next chapter. And so will Draco. And let's not forget about the project Hermione and Snape are working on. Though after that I'm not so sure what I'll right. Halloween approaching means after all that disaster is lurking in every corner. By the way you could after all send a couple of reviews to tell me your opinion.