Chapter 9: Hermione

Arriving in Dumbledore's office, I had but a moment to gather my bearings before he spoke. "Severus, Hermione. Thank you for coming so quickly. I'm afraid we have much to discuss. Please sit." His normally sparkling eyes were very serious.

I sank into a nearby chair, wondering what was in store for us. This is the first time since I'd been at the Manor that Dumbledore wanted to speak with me. The fact that this meeting came so quickly after Severus was sent to watch over me, worried me immensely. I knew that what he was going to say would change my life, though I could not have said how I knew.

Severus was the first to speak. "Albus, as I said when I spoke with you earlier, the Dark Lord called me to him earlier today." He paused to glance over at me. "He knows that I'm assigned to watch Mis…Hermione. For now he is content to let her be, but I'm afraid that soon he will wish to use her to his advantage."

My thoughts were muddled. What could he possibly want to use me for? As bait for Harry? No, it didn't make sense. Harry was too smart to fall for something like that. So, what could it be?

Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Yes, I'm sure you are correct." He surveyed the younger wizard before he spoke again. "I assume he again questioned your loyalty, my boy?" He looked at the younger wizard with concern in his eyes, which made me think, once again, of the sacrifices Severus had made for the Cause. An unexpected ache filled me as I thought of the isolation that surrounded him.

"He did nothing that I have not been through before. I had help on my return this time."

I flashed a surprised look at him, unwilling to believe he had mentioned my help. It was evident that he was struggling to control his tone, but he avoided my gaze and continued.

"The Dark Lord also gave me a warning, quite aware that I would pass it on to you. There are to be more Muggle attacks, and soon. I would be surprised if they haven't already begun."

"I see. It is as we feared." Dumbledore sighed and removed his half-moon spectacles, pausing to rub the bridge of his nose. He looked older than I remembered, and very tired.

I started to speak, but stopped due to Dumbledore's sudden hand gesture. "Please let me speak first, Hermione. There is a reason I had Severus bring you with him today. There is something that you must know. I trust that you've heard of the different forms of elemental magic, Hermione?"

"Yes, of course." I had naturally read all about elemental magic, but I was still having a hard time trying to get my mind around Dumbledore's point. "I don't see how that concerns me though, as most forms of elemental magic went out of practice ages ago." Racking my brain, I thought of the basic elements. Air, earth, water…and fire. With a start, I thought back to what I had seen earlier in the flames and the warmth spreading through me upon grasping the ruby amulet with Severus. No, it couldn't be! There must be some mistake. Dumbfounded, I could only stare at Dumbledore.

"Hermione, I've known for some time that you have a gift in the form of Pyromancy. However yours is much stronger than has been seen for years. You have no need of giving a sacrifice to the flames to see visions as you are capable of doing it on your own. With this also comes a level of elemental magic. The fire element is very powerful, as you well know."

At this point I looked over at Severus. I had assumed that Dumbledore had shared this information with him, but he was frowning and looked unconvinced. "If she has this gift, Albus, why have we not seen light of it before? I believe even Trelawney found her abilities at Divination laughable." The scornful tone was back in his voice as he spoke.

Anger boiled up once again. "As if anything that woman said could be relied on! I know she was able to make a few prophecies, but still, that doesn't mean she's a true Seer!" Just recalling that stuffy room and bug of a woman irritated me. And now to think I might be considered some form of a Seer?

Dumbledore remained silent, as did Severus. Once again, I spoke. "Besides, as Severus said, why haven't I known about this before? Why would it just appear to me now?"

"Because, dear girl, now we need you." Dumbledore bowed his head a bit and looked at his hands. "This will not be easy for you." He paused, and looked at Severus. "There is another reason I sent you to look after Hermione, my boy. While you do not have the intensity of elemental magic that Hermione has, you do have powers of your own. In other words, you are the one who can draw hers out."

Severus did not speak at all, and I knew he was also thinking of the amulet earlier and the radiating warmth that suffused us both. His brow creased into a frown, his countenance grim.

"There is a reason that your Portkey is a Ruby, Severus."

He said no more, for Severus and I both knew what he was referring to. Ruby is derived from the Latin word "rubens", which means "red". The most powerful characteristic of the stone is its color with two magical elements tied to the ruby red color. Fire and blood. The ruby is also a symbol of powerful feelings; the passionate and unbridled love which two people feel for each other. I felt my face flush at that remembrance. Passion and love? A shiver ran down my spine at the unbidden thoughts that came to my mind.

I thought again of the way in which the fire started earlier and the images that I saw there. "Earlier, I saw things in the flames, but thought I was just worried, however…" Trailing off, I took in the full effect of what I had seen. "I saw my parents. There was a flash of green light! And you're speaking of more attacks on Muggles!"

There were pitying glances from both Dumbledore and Severus, but I did not need pity! Standing up with my fists at my side, I screamed at them. "We have to do something! Since I obviously know what might happen, we have to protect them!"

"My child, we are doing what we can. There are protective measures in place. I have sent Nymphadora and Remus to watch over them. Still, there is a chance that it may not be enough." Dumbledore stood and moved toward me, grasping me by the shoulders.

"I must go to them. I have to do something!" I knew that I was repeating the same things over and over, but I didn't care. The only thoughts in my head were for my parents' safety.

"You can't go, Hermione. They are in enough danger as it is; going to them would only serve to make their plight more precarious. It will not be long until Voldemort learns of your powers and wants to use them for his benefit. In fact, Severus will be telling him shortly. "

Severus looked at Dumbledore in surprise. "Headmaster, surely that isn't the best thing to do under the circumstances." His face was strained and I could see that he was struggling to maintain his composure. He was obviously irritated at being put in more danger because of me.

"We have no choice. If you did not inform him and he found out through other channels, your place as spy would be forfeit. He would not believe that you knew nothing of it and would therefore make you pay dearly for keeping secrets from him."

This just served to unsettle me further. "Sir! You can't be serious. Surely there is a way…" I was cut off once again.

"Hermione, listen to me. You must be strong. There is a long road ahead, and you will be needed. You will be called on to do things that you would not do under normal conditions and you must do them in order to help Harry defeat Voldemort. We need you to be safe."

"Once the Dark Lord finds out about this, he will try to get me to bend the girl to his will. If that doesn't work, he will simply take her." Severus spoke without feeling.

"I'm aware of that. That is why it is imperative that you two work together. Not only do you two share a common bond Severus, you must train her to block her mind so that she will be ready to face Voldemort. I'm afraid there is no other way."

Face Voldemort? I was dimly aware that Dumbledore and Severus were still talking. My head was spinning with all of the information I had just learned. Pyromancy. My parents. Facing Voldemort. I was brought back to reality by Dumbledore speaking to me once again.

"I will call for you again soon, but for now, return to the manor with Severus. I am sorry, but I must have him come back to me, for there are other things that I need to discuss with him."

I did not protest when Severus reached for my hand and touched the amulet. My mind was racing so quickly that it was impossible to form words. Warmth suffused me as I felt the familiar pull on my naval.

A/N:

Ah, finally a new chapter. I can't tell you all how difficult this one was to write. This was my 4th attempt, and I feel that it's better than the first drafts, but I'm still not 100 happy with it. Anyway, thanks a ton to Judy and Jennifer for reading, re-reading, and reading again! You are the best!

So, there you go. The significance of the ruby amulet is finally in the open.

Sorry for the delay. You all are wonderful. Thanks again for the wonderful reviews.

Disclaimer: JKR rules.