Chapter the Second
Out in the corridor, Hermione was walking quickly to Dumbledore's office. Hopefully, he would let her floo home for a bit, so she could show this to her parents. The Key had shown up… and it was hers now! It was finally back in the family, but Grandmother had to know that she had it.
Finding herself in front of the gargoyles, Hermione called out all the candy names she could think of, until she ran out of ideas. Getting frustrated, she started to beg the gargoyles to let her through, when suddenly, someone came up behind her.
"Arguing with statues, Miss Granger? Clearly, they won't answer you," The voice was that of the last man she wanted to see at that instant.
"I need to talk to Professor Dumbledor, sir. It's a private matter of some urgancy," Hermione said as politely as possible, despite the desire to tell him off.
"I suppose I can help you out, as that is where I am going as well," Snape said, absently, turning to the gargoyles. "Candy Canes and Lemon Drops."
Hearing the password, the gargoyle turned allowing Hermione and the Potions Master to ascend the stair. As they approach the door, it opens, and Dumbledore ushers them into his office.
"Miss Granger, I need to talk to Professor Snape for a moment, but I would love to talk about that key of yours when we're done," The Headmaster's eyes twinkles at the surprised look on Hermione's face. Even after seven years, Hermione wondered if he was truly omniscient about the events that took place in the castle.
"Yes Headmaster. Should I wait outside?" Hermione asked.
"No, no, child, you can go look through my library until we are finished. It's through that door." Professor Dumbledore waved his hand, and a door appeared off to the side. Hermione nodded to both men, and went into the Headmaster's private library. It was not large, but it was filled with some of the most interesting books Hermione had ever seen. Hermione chose a book on modern interpretations of the source of magical ability.
Shortly thereafter, the headmaster called her back into the office. Replacing the book on its shelf, Hermione left the library, and walked up to the Headmaster's desk. "Please sit, Miss Granger" Dumbledore waved his hand again, conjuring a squishy armchair. Hermione thanked him and took a seat.
"Now, Miss Granger, it seems that you have not been entirely forthcoming about the nature of your family. We had been lead to believe you were simply a Muggleborn, not a grandchild of the goddess. What do you know about that rod?" Dumbledore's eyes twinkled at her over his half moon glasses.
"It is the Key of Circe, which is gifted to a grandchild of that Goddess each generation. The lapis lazuli rod detects lies and deception, while strengthening the relationship between the Grandchild and the Goddess. The top stone is a tanzanite, a stone known to bring success in more areas of life. It relieves stress and enhances composure, poise, and harmony. It's connection to the Goddess is in it's nickname: the "workaholic's stone," for just as the stone is most helpful to those who work too much, it reminds the bearer that the Goddess will not let you fail, and that she wants you to relax and enjoy your life." Hermione fell silent after this recitation. She hesitated before asking, "But sir, I'm a bit confused. You see the Key was given to one of her Grandchildren over two hundred years ago, and no one, not even Grandmother knows where it went. How did it end up in Harry's vault?"
"When Circe gave the rod to her grandson, he failed to keep in touch with her. As he grew up, he forgot the importance of the stone rod, and left it in the Muggle world when he died. It went to his sister after his death, and she passed it to her fist born, and so on. Eventually, it came into Lily Evan's hands. I believe she must have known that it was not for her to wield, so she left it in it's box, and put it in the vault, intending to find out the rod's true owner when she had the time. That is you, Miss Granger. Now, I believe it is your birthday today, is it not?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yes, sir. I came of age today." Hermione smiled, as she realized that despite the horrible beginning, her birthday suddenly seemed much better. "And speaking of that, I need to get into contact with my mother. Since I have the rod, I need to consecrate it tonight, or wait until next year. The ritual only works on the bearer's birthday."
"Of course. I will owl your mother now, and have her expect you right after dinner."
:"But sir, I have detention tonight with Professor Snape, and I don't want to make him more angry with me than he already is." Hermione told him.
"I believe that Professor Snape will be amenable to postponing your detention until tomorrow, Miss Granger. Now, I think it is time for dinner."
At that, the Headmaster and Hermione went to the Great Hall for dinner, the rod tucked safe in her robes.