Haunted Memories

-Chapter Seven-

Long Awaited Breath

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters within J.K. Rowling's story.

Hermione sat across from the Headmistress in her office. The office changed very little. Although Hermione noticed that Fawke's perch had disappeared along with all the silver instruments which Professor Dumbledore had been so fond of collecting. The walls were a nice pale white color with golden leaves etched into an intricate pattern. Runes seem to cover the ceiling in a remarkable design which caught Hermione's eyes instantly. The moment that she stepped into the office, she felt herself calming down and attributed this to the Runes all above her head.

The magic that she felt floating around the room told her that most of the furnitures were transfigured to the Headmistress' liking. She smiled as she sat down in a beautiful marroon armchair placed across the wooden red oak desk. The fireplace gave off a gentle warmth and the previous Headmasters and Headmistresses all looked at Hermione with curiosity. She was pained to find Professor Dumbledore's painting hanging closely to the Headmistress' desk.

Although Professor Dumbledore had his painting up, the painting Headmaster seemed to enjoy taking frequent naps. At times the painted Dumbledore would disappear from his portrait altogether and not appear for three to five days. When he was back, he was seen in a deep slumber and could not be awakened no matter what. Sometimes, he would be seen talking to Headmistress McGonagall but he would not disclose what had happened at the time of his death, as the painting had no knowledge of that or was ordered not to say anything.

As Hermione explained to the Headmistress of her need for a vacation, Hermione didn't notice the painting of Professor Dumbledore stirr awake. His eyes were their usual twinkling blue, and they were currently fixed upon the young woman's face. Hermione finally finished talking and Headmistress McGonagall nodded pensively.

"Well Hermione, I must agree with Remus. You are in dire need of a break. Even in the summer time, you take on tutoring jobs. That is far too much work for one so young. I approve of your leave and I will have someone take over for your year. Do not worry Hermione and go visit Harry. Tell me how he is doing."

The young woman smiled brightly and stood. She walked around the desk and gave her Headmistress a hug. "Thank you Minerva. That's all I needed to hear."

With a lighter heart, Hermione stood and walked out of the room.

"What do you think, Albus?"

The portrait straightened up from it's sleeping posture and looked down at the current Headmistress. The woman before him sat with a straight posture in an uncomfortable looking chair. He smiled his usual smile. Minerva had always been strict. New wisps of grey now covered her temple and a few indistinct wrinkles were starting to show on the woman's face.

"I think she's a bright girl and she knows what's best for her." Turning, he noticed the other portraits stirr. He smiled down at Minerva. "You should rest too Minerva. After the end of year procedures, you should take a break."

The Headmistress nodded absently as she looked through some paperwork. The parchments before her were all names of the new first years attending next year. It was time to plan out the next year.

Albus sighed. He had been forgotten again. Shaking his head he decided to go visit his other portraits. He would have to return soon to make sure that Minerva didn't over due it and stay up all night.

Hermione stood on her balcony overlooking the grounds of Hogwarts. She smiled as birds sang around her and she could see movement in the Forbidden Forest. Her smile grew as she felt all her worries seemingly float awhile, making her suspect whether or not Remus had cast a Cheering Charm on her when she didn't notice. The wind toyed with her hair and she set to the task of braiding it before having to deal with a messy head that resembled a bird's nest. While she was braiding her hair, she watched the sun start it's descent. Finally able to tame her mane, she watched the shadows enlongate as the sun set behind the Forbidden Forest. Sighing heavily, she walked back into her room and prepared for dinner in the Great Hall. As she moved back into her warm interior, Hermione missed the lone figure standing just behind the area where Hagrid's shack used to be. Long black robes swirled around the figure, as it walked swiftly back into the Forbidden Forest.

In the Great Hall, Minerva was talking animately with Professor Flitwick about the coming N.E.W.T exams. There were many promising young students who were apt to achieve a great mark. Hermione joined into the conversation hesitantly as her mind tend to wander now that she knew she had time off to spend. But as she listened, a particular name caught her ear as a student passed towards their table. "Snape."

Her head swerved upwards and watched the two young seventh year Gryffindors head towards their table. Their heads huddled together closely as they chatted about something. Their face serious and sometimes laced with such malious, that Hermione became frightened for them. They were discussing Professor Snape?

Discreetly taking out her wand, she decided a little bit of eavesdropping wouldn't hurt. The students seemed to be flustered about something which could possibly lead them to making dangerous decisions.

"I heard them talking. You know how the adults are about being secretive when really they don't try hard enough."

The other student laughed silently and shook her head. "I know what you mean. But are you sure, you heard correctly?"

The student next to her nodded vehemently. "Snape was supposedly seen somewhere in Hogsmeade a few weeks ago. The adults were swarming all over the place. Didn't you notice how many there were compared to last trip?"

The student nodded and thought pensively. "You know you're right. But what would Snape be doing back here?"

The seventh years were interrupted by yet another student sitting across from them. "…Pass the peas please."

Hermione sighed as the conversation seemed to end and the students looked at each other knowingly. Soon they were back to discussing about quidditch and other things. Hermione ended the spell and continued to stare at her dinner. Beside her, the professors continued their discussions, unbeknownst to what she had just overheard.