Warnings
It had been several days since Minerva healed Hermione, and Hermione was finally allowed to leave the infirmary. Poppy Pomfrey wanted to observe Hermione for a few days to make sure there were no ill effects from the transference. Minerva made sure that she brought her schoolwork to her every day – which Hermione was grateful for. She was terrified about falling behind in her classes. Harry, Ron, and Ginny visited her every day and told her that she was no longer the topic of gossip. The students and other professors believed the story Minerva circulated around about Hermione having a bad case of the flu. The new rumor the students were spreading around was a suspicion that Professor Sprout and Professor Grubbly-Plank were secret lovers.
The only problem that Hermione was still wrestling with were her nightmares and flashbacks. The dreamless draught still had no effect on her for some reason, and Hermione frequently woke up screaming. Minerva, Molly and Arthur took turns spending the night with her, so they could bring her back to earth when she was in panic mode.
Even though Hermione had her own private prefect's quarters, the decision was made for Hermione to sleep in the spare bedroom that Minerva had in her quarters. This way Minerva would only be a room away if Hermione needed her. After she was settled in, the Weasley's moved out of the infirmary's hospitality room and back to the Burrow.
"We are only a floo-call away if you need us, dear." Molly reminded Hermione, holding her face in her hands. "And we will be visiting often."
Hermione took a deep breath, then exhaled quickly, mustering her courage – not wanting to see her parents leave. "Don't forget you have your brothers and sister, and Cedric, Minerva and Dumbledore – make use of your support systems dear, but know we will be thinking about you when we are not here. We love you so much." Molly said as she planted a kiss on Hermione's forehead, pulling her into a tight hug.
"Be strong, dear." Arthur said, getting in on the family hug. "Don't hesitate to floo, and remember that we will be back very soon."
"Thanks mum, thanks dad. I love you guys." Hermione said, pulling back from the hug.
"We love you too." Arthur said as he and Molly walked over to Minerva's floo and disappeared.
Hermione sighed, looking after them, but seeing nothing more than an empty floo.
"Don't worry, dear, they will be back soon. It's time to concentrate on your classes now – and your friends. Why don't you search out Ron and Harry?" Minerva suggested.
"Good idea, Ron's probably been failing all of his classes without me there." Hermione chuckled.
"Well I can't speak for the other professors, but I will say that there has been a certain, how should I say, 'decline' in his transfiguration work?" Minerva said with a smile.
"I figured." Hermione laughed.
"Alright dear, off you go – I have a meeting to go to." Minerva said.
"Ha, have fun." Hermione said sarcastically as she left.
Minerva smiled as she watched her cub leave her private quarters. Hearing Hermione make jokes lightened her heart – this is the best Hermione has looked since before Christmas break. Minerva followed her out the door and made her way to Dumbledore's office. When she arrived, she saw not only Dumbledore, but Severus Snape, Lupin, Tonks, and Kingsley.
"Oh Merlin." Minerva groaned. "What now?" she asked.
"Have a seat, Minerva." Dumbledore said. "Apparently our secret is out, we are suspecting a leak at the ministry."
"What kind of leak?" Minerva asked suspiciously.
"The kind of leak that has Miss. Granger - or should I say 'Miss. Weasley', the latest target of the death eaters." Severus said in his usual cold tone.
"Well of course she's always been a target, she is muggle-born and one of Potter's best friends". Minerva said.
"I'm afraid it's a bit more than that." Severus continued. "She is now at the top of their – for lack of a better word – 'hit-list'."
Minerva slumped in her chair, holding her forehead in her left hand. "How? Why?" she asked.
"The dark lord did not name his source when he informed us at our last meeting that the Blood Rite was performed between the Weasley parents and Hermione – changing her from muggle-born, to a pure-blood. The commotion that went around the room was epic, Minerva." Snape said. "Belatrix and Lucious took a more personal offense to it than the rest. They consider it an abomination – turning a "mud-blood" (their words) into a pureblood. They believe that this conversion is a stain upon the pureblood community. A stain…that must be removed."
"It had to be Fudge." Tonks spoke up, "No one from Hogwarts would ever have said anything, we took an oath. He must have gone blabbing."
"That, or someone has been snooping around his files. The Blood Rite and new guardianship of Hermione has to be on official record, and we already know that there are Death-Eaters in the ministry." Dumbledore said thoughtfully.
"We may never know," Severus said, "However, that point is moot now, given that they know. Before I left, the dark lord was speaking privately to Lucious and Bellatrix…I have reason to believe that he has ordered them to kill the new Miss. Weasley."
The room went silent with everyone deep in thought.
"So what do we do now?" asked Minerva, "should we tell her?"
Some people in the room thought she had a right to know, others thought it not so wise.
"She is barely on the mend, Albus." Minerva said in a tired voice. "She's staying in my rooms because she can't make it through the night without a nightmare. How do you think she will react when she hears that now someone else wants to hurt her?"
Dumbledore sat thoughtfully for a moment. "I agree, Minerva. I can only imagine her reaction if she were to know." He thought for a moment more before saying. "This is what we will do. The wards around the grounds and school will be refreshed daily – keeping them at their strongest. All floos in the castle will be locked, and only able to be opened by professors and aurors. Until the matter is settled, Hermione is not to set foot outside of the grounds – not even to the Burrow. We will inform Molly and Arthur of the situation, as their lives may be in danger as well. Kingsley, you will return to the ministry and organize a group of aurors to patrol the school 24/7 in shifts. Say that there was an anonymous threat against the school by Death Eaters."
Kingsley nodded, then returned to the ministry using the floo.
"Remus, Tonks – I assume you wish to be part of the patrol?" Dumbledore asked.
"Absolutely." They said together. "We protect our family." Tonks added in a definite tone of voice.
"We will have to ensure that Hermione is not out of anyone's sight at any time. We will have to inform the other professors to the situation as well. They have a right to know, and need to know what they may be up against. Plus it will give us extra eyes on Hermione." Dumbledore said. "Minerva, please send word to the professors that there will be a staff meeting during lunch today – we will convene in the staffroom."
Minerva nodded, and left the room.
"Remus, will you please go to the Burrow and explain the situation to the Weasleys?" Lupin nodded and disappeared through the floo.
"Tonks, Hermione is probably with Harry, Ron or Ginny. Will you please seek her out and keep an eye on her? Keep your distance and don't let her know. If anyone asks about the presence of aurors, just say that with the return of Voldemort the ministry has decided to increase the security of Hogwarts. That should be believable." Tonks nodded and left the room.
Dumbledore focused his attention back to Snape. "I thank you for your warning, my dear friend. Please keep us updated on any new information you may hear."
"Yes, headmaster." Snape replied curtly as he swept out of the room.
Dumbledore walked over to the pensieve, looking once again at the memory of Hermione's attack. He sighed, thinking "This is the last thing we need…this is the last thing she needs."
By the time lunch rolled around, there were 15 aurors patrolling the school and grounds. In 12 hours, they would switch off with a different set of 15 – keeping patrol going round the clock. Their presence was noticed by students and professors, but the rumor that the ministry wanted increased security due to the return of Voldemort was believed by all – much to Dumbledore's relief.
Dumbledore made his way down to the staff room. He opened the door and saw all of the Hogwart's staff milling around speaking in hushed voices over what the meeting could possibly be about.
"Welcome friends, I want to thank you all for gathering here on your lunch hour, I will not keep you long." Dumbledore said as he sat on the edge of a table. All of the staff members gave Dumbledore their undivided attention, anxious to hear what was going on.
Dumbledore took a deep breath and sighed before beginning. "First of all" he began, "I am sure you are all aware of the presence of aurors around the school. There is a rumor going round that this was at the request of the ministry. This is the rumor that we want to have going around with the students, and I trust you will all keep that up – but I feel you deserve to know the truth as to why they are here."
The room was so silent that you could hear a single cat hair hit the floor. Dumbledore continued: "I feel you all have a right to know that it concerns a student in this school being in grave danger."
"I knew it!" Exclaimed Professor Trelawney, "I have seen it!"
"Sybill PLEASE!" Minerva hollered, trying to quiet her.
"And I am sure you all have noticed the odd behavior in Hermione Granger since her return from winter break." Dumbledore continued.
There was a collective murmur of agreement amongst the staff - …."hand never up once", "…back of the class",…"distracted." Were some of the phrases Albus heard around the room.
"You no doubt have also heard the rumor that she has been out of classes do to the flu. I feel you now need to know that was not true. Hermione has not had the flu. What happened to her was much worse."
"What are you saying, Albus?" Filius Flitwick asked.
Albus looked from Minerva to Poppy, concern in his eyes. They both nodded to him. It was time.
"Hermione Granger was viciously attacked over winter break. She was held captive in a basement, starved, beaten, and raped." Albus said solemnly.
The staff members all gasped at once. "Death Eaters?" Pomona Sprout asked, clapping her hand to her mouth, worry in her eyes.
Albus closed his eyes for a moment, envisioning what he saw, "No, Pomona. By her father and some of his drunken friends at their home."
The room was once again silent, everyone in complete and total shock. This is not what they expected to hear. "Oh sweet Merlin. That poor girl." Pomona said, a tear rolling down her cheek.
"She was outnumbered and wandless – we have seen her memory of the event. She didn't stand a chance. She has been in the infirmary this whole time. She sustained many injuries – cuts, bruises, welts, malnourishment, a concussion." Albus listed.
"Wait, Albus – I just saw her in the hall, she looks physically well." Flitwick said.
Albus looked to Minerva, "Yes, that would be courtesy of our dear Professor McGonnagall, through the art of magical transference."
Some people in the room had no idea what he was talking about, others gasped and looked at Minerva, "Really Minerva?" Flitwick squeaked. "I have never known a witch or wizard who has been able to successfully pull that off!"
Poppy went ahead and explained magical transference to the staff members who didn't know what it was – it left them gaping in awe at their venerable Minerva McGonnagall.
"It was the most amazing thing I have seen in my entire life." Said Poppy.
Attention went back to Albus when he began to speak again, saying "Yes, she is physically healed, however she is still emotionally fragile – she still has a great deal of flashbacks, and she can't seem to sleep through a night without at least one nightmare, reliving what happened to her. She wakes and thinks she is still being attacked – she even feels the pain from it, until someone reassures her that she is in the present and is safe."
"Of course, it's understandable – no one can get over something like that overnight. What can we do to help?" Pomona asked.
"Well," continued Dumbledore, "We have Hermione living in Minerva's spare bedroom in her private quarters for the time being. That way she is only one room away if Hermione needs her. Unfortunately the dreamless draught has no effect on Hermione – therefore she needs a great deal of emotional support right now. However…" he continued, "we do not want Hermione to know that the rest of the staff knows what happened to her – or about this new threat. We have only just gained her trust and it is teetering on the edge of a knife. We trust you will respect that."
"Of course, Albus," said Pomona, "But I still don't understand, what is this new threat you spoke of?"
Albus sighed before tackling the new issue. "The Weasley's have chosen to adopt Hermione. We needed to protect her from her father, and had no intention of ever sending her back to that place. As you know the Weasley's have become a second family to Hermione over the years. They love her so much that they chose to take the adoption one step further by taking part in the Blood Rite with Hermione. She is officially Hermione Weasley – body and soul, and no longer traceable as 'Hermione Granger.'"
The staff in the room looked at each other, eyes wide in disbelief over what has been transpiring at Hogwarts without their knowledge.
"The reason only a handful of us have been involved," Albus continued – obviously reading their expressions, "is because of security concerns, our attempts to build trust in order to help her, and she is too emotionally unstable right now for anyone else to know. What happened to her was so tragic and private, it is up to Hermione whether she chooses to tell students or staff. We didn't want anyone treating her differently, or asking too many questions which may upset her."
"Then why are you telling us this, Albus?" Madame Hooch asked.
"Because I must also consider the safety of my staff. I trust you all to respect the request to not let on in any way to Hermione that you have any knowledge to her situation. She is still to be addressed as Miss. Granger – she knows that – in order to protect her privacy. However, the reason I am informing you of this in secret is because there has been a threat made against Hermione's life by Bellatrix Lestrange and Lucious Malfoy – a direct order from Voldemort himself." Albus said.
The room gasped, "Why? Because of her friendship with Potter?" Hooch asked.
"No." Albus said gravely. "We believe there has been a security breech at the ministry, which led to the Death Eaters gaining knowledge of the Blood Rite. Severus informed us that they were infuriated because Hermione has gone from muggle-born to pure-blood. She is now a flesh and blood Weasley, thereby making her pure-blood. They feel that she has tainted and poisoned the esteem of the pure-blood 'superiority'. They mean to eliminate her. This is why we have aurors patrolling, and this is why I am informing you. We need to have all eyes on Hermione's whereabouts – the more eyes, the better. But I want to impress upon you all once more the importance of maintaining the confidence between us here today. Hermione is not to know."
"Don't you think she should be informed Albus?" Pomona asked, "So she can stay on her guard?"
"We discussed that as well," Minerva added, "Hermione is in no way stable enough to handle that information right now. We can't risk a backslide – we may never get her back. The wards will be strengthened daily, aurors will be patrolling and keeping an eye on her, and we ask you to keep an eye on her as well – she will not be out of anyone's sight during the day, and she is sleeping in my quarters at night. If we receive more information from Severus regarding any plans or action that will be taken – then we will inform her if we need to. This is a precarious situation right now, and it needs to be handled delicately."
The room went silent again, everyone deep in thought. Minerva exchanged a glance with Albus, wondering what was going through their minds. Slowly they began to see the staff members in the room nod in agreement.
"Alright, Albus." Pomona said. "You have never led us astray before, we trust your decision and respect your privacy request. Right?" she looked to the rest of the room. The staff members once again nodded in confirmation.
"Excellent." Albus said, relieved at the outcome. "If you have any further questions, do not hesitate in coming to me. If we receive any further information, we will of course pass it on. But for now, remain vigilant and keep our young ones safe."
The staff members filed out of the room to go to lunch, leaving Albus and Minerva behind. They looked at each other before Minerva said, "No turning back now." She and Albus then went to join the others in the Great Hall.
For the next week it seemed as though the entire Hogwart's staff were on pins and needles, expecting something to happen. But nothing did. They were being extremely careful about security – and kept an eye on Hermione at all times. Hermione seemed to be doing well, she returned to her seat in the front of the class, raised her hand to answer questions or ask them, and even started socializing a little again.
She still was unable to make it through the night. Minerva was almost able to time it down to the minute when Hermione would start screaming every night. The first night it terrified Minerva, hearing a blood-curdling scream she ran into Hermione's room to see her huddled in the corner, as though she were trying to become part of the wall itself. Her eyes were wild – clearly not seeing the room in front of her, but seeing herself back in the Granger home. Minerva rushed over to her and called to her until Hermione's eyes focused once more. Recognizing her mentor, Hermione laid her head in her lap – sobbing and apologizing, saying 'God help me' under her breath. Minerva stroked her hair and led her back to bed. She lied next to Hermione, holding her like she did in the infirmary. Hermione slept through the rest of the night soundly.
The next 2 nights went exactly the same way, until Minerva gave up and decided to move Hermione over to her own bed. If having Minerva sleep in the same bed with her was what kept the nightmares away, then so be it – she couldn't handle waking up to screams anymore. On the 5th night, Hermione padded into Minerva's room, wearing a white tank top and a pair of boxer shorts. Minerva tried not to think about the clearly visible breasts under Hermione's shirt – but she felt some sort of discomfort nonetheless. Hermione crawled under the covers and watched Minerva take the pins out of her tight bun and let her long dark hair fall down her back. She watched curiously as Minerva's hair quickly braided itself into one long braid with nothing more than a flick of her wand. Minerva got under the covers, smiled at Hermione and said "Good night dear."
"Good night Minerva." Hermione said as she rolled onto her side, grabbing a pillow.
Several hours went by without incident until Hermione sat up in bed. Her eyes were dazed and unfocused. She turned to sit on the edge of the bed, legs dangling over the side. Minerva did not stir. Slowly Hermione stood up and she walked out of the bedroom. Something was calling Hermione, something was calling her out of the room. It wasn't anything audible, but it was instinctual – as if she knew where she had to go. She was being called to the dungeons. Hermione walked barefoot to the door of Minerva's quarters and tugged at the handle. It would not budge. This didn't deter Hermione. Still unblinking – staring straight ahead, she tugged at the handle again and again.
Minerva woke to hear the sound of the clanking door handle in the outer room. Before going to bed every night, Minerva cast a charm on the door so that she alone would be able to open it. She worried that some night Hermione would have a nightmare and try making a break for it.
Minerva sighed, rubbed her face and sat up. She grabbed her tartan robe and shuffled into the outer room to see Hermione pulling the handle over and over, not noticing Minerva enter the room.
Minerva cleared the frog out of her throat and said softly "Hermione."
Hermione didn't turn, apparently still not noticing Minerva.
"Hermione." Minerva said louder. Nothing. "Hermione?"
Hermione was still performing the same action – trying to get out of the room.
Minerva walked right next to her and waved her hand in front on Hermione's face, she didn't even flinch – her eyes were glazed over, as though she were in a trance.
"HERMIONE!" Minerva yelled, grabbing her shoulders and shaking her slightly. Hermione shook herself back to reality and looked around the room. "What's going on? What are we doing out here?"
"I was about to ask you the same question." Minerva said, her heart skipping a beat, "Did you have a nightmare?"
Hermione looked straight ahead, still a little dazed. She shook her head. "No. I don't think so."
"Then what are you doing here, Hermione? Where were you trying to go in bare feet and bed clothes?"
Hermione shook her head again. "I don't remember." She said slowly.
Minerva put her arm around Hermione's shoulders and led her back to the bedroom. "Come on, let's get back to sleep."
They both crawled back under the covers. Hermione dozed off within minutes, but Minerva did not. She was wide awake and vigilant. She was concerned about how out of it Hermione was, that was something altogether new, and it concerned Minerva. She remained awake the rest of the night, observing Hermione.
At one point during the night, Hermione rolled over and draped her arm over Minerva – who was lying on her back. Hermione was in a deep sleep and Minerva dared not move for risk of disturbing her. Her breathing became shallow though when she realized that the side of Hermione's face was pressed against Minerva's right breast. She could feel Hermione's warm breath through her long under-shift and felt her nipple harden. It was an involuntary reaction, but it made Minerva's face flush nonetheless. A few minutes later, Hermione shifted once more, her leg draping over Minerva's - Hermione's right knee now in between both of Minerva's. Minerva didn't know what to do. She suddenly felt an unwelcome warmth in her pelvis – as she was trying to remain rational, not allowing her body to betray her – or Hermione.
"She is my student, my cub, my mentee." Minerva repeated over and over in her mind, trying to stay grounded. No matter how many times she repeated those words, Minerva soon discovered that her heart was pounding and her breath was become short and shallow, worried that any type of movement might send the heat she felt once before rushing back through her body.
Hermione did not stir the rest of the night, and morning could not come fast enough for Minerva. Hermione finally woke at 5:30, stretched and said "Good morning" in a sleepy voice.
"Good morning, lamb." Minerva said as she walked to the bathroom, not wanting Hermione to see how flushed she was. Minerva got ready for the day, and heard Hermione doing the same in the other room. When Minerva finished, she went to the outer room and saw Hermione giving her work one last 'look-over'.
"Stop it, Hermione, you know it's perfect." Minerva said.
Hermione chuckled as she loaded up her school bag.
Minerva decided this was the time for her to ask Hermione if she had spoken to Cedric or not since their row in the infirmary. Hermione lowered her eyes and said quietly, "No. I'm ashamed of how I treated him. I'm worried he won't want to speak to me."
"I think we both know that will not be the case. You two know each other better than anyone I have ever met. He is waiting for you I think, dear. He doesn't want to push – but he is ready for you to come back to him, lamb. I think you need to speak to him." Minerva suggested.
Hermione blinked at her a few times before saying quietly "you're right. I miss him so much."
"Then you know what you need to do." Minerva said as she removed the locking charm from the door and they walked together to the Great Hall for breakfast. They walked in silence, Hermione thinking about Cedric, Minerva thinking about Hermione. Minerva was hoping that Cedric might help stabilize Hermione more – decreasing her nightmares, and giving Minerva her own bed back. Minerva's head was full with one thousand confusing thoughts – all demanding her attention at once. She was confused to what she was feeling, how she was reacting to Hermione's touch – as she continued the attempts at convincing herself that it was just because she has hidden herself away for so many years that she forgot what basic human connection felt like. It was nothing more and never would be.
The pair of them entered the Great Hall, Minerva taking her seat at the head table, Hermione taking a seat with Ron, Harry and Ginny. Hermione kept looking towards the door, waiting for Cedric. When she saw him enter, she walked down the aisle towards him. Minerva watched them talk for a short while, unable to hear what they were saying, but she assumed they patched things up when they hugged and kissed…kissed for a long while.
"Well, it appears that Hermione and Mr. Diggory have reconnected." Albus said as he poured Minerva a glass of orange juice.
"Yes it does, doesn't it?" Minerva replied as she buttered a piece of toast.
They preoccupied themselves with their food, but when they looked up – Hermione and Cedric were walking out of the Great Hall, their arms around each other. Albus stood up and looked at the corner of the room where Tonks was standing. Their eyes met and she waved to him in acknowledgment. She waited for a few more moments before following Cedric and Hermione out of the Great Hall – trying to remain inconspicuous.
Hermione and Cedric walked through a couple of hallways before finding themselves in the Transfiguration courtyard. Cedric led Hermione by the hand to a bench where they sat, Hermione's head resting on Cedric's shoulder. Tonks was hiding behind a pillar – giving them privacy, but making sure that she would know if they got up and left.
"I'm sorry Ced." Hermione said.
"Stop apologizing bebe, just trust us. Trust me. Believe me when I say that I am yours and you are mine. We are one – and I would be lost without my other half. Don't forget when I told you how strong my back is. I will help you carry the load. I wouldn't keep telling you the same thing over and over if I didn't mean it." Cedric said.
Hermione thought for a moment, realizing how much sense that made. She looked into his eyes and asked "What could I have possibly done to deserve you?"
He kissed her nose and said, "I should ask the same question of myself, but I will tell you what I think happened: We were born. We were destined for each other the second that air entered our bodies. The only thing we had to do was find each other."
She turned into him, resting her head on his chest as he enveloped her into a protective hug. "Come on bebe, time for classes." Cedric said as they saw students starting to make their way through the halls.
The next 3 weeks went by without incident. Molly and Arthur visited every few days, concerned with Hermione's safety – they typically stayed the whole day, but it pained them every time they had to leave. Hermione was still sleeping in Minerva's quarters, but two nights after reconciling with Cedric, Hermione's nightmares decreased enough for her to feel comfortable returning to her own bed. The nightmares did not cease completely, but they lessened in frequency and intensity – showing Hermione that Cedric was the medicine her body, mind, and soul needed. She found her mood lightening, her sense of humor returning, and her mind focusing once again on the present and future. When she felt lonely, she would find herself drifting back to what happened in the Granger house, but she managed to make use of her support systems to snap her out of it. All in all, everyone thought that Hermione was on an unexpectedly fast road to recovery. She was showing how much of a true Gryffindor she was.
Towards the end of the 3rd week, Hermione and Cedric were sitting at breakfast when the mail came. A letter dropped in Cedric's lap and Hermione looked at it curiously while munching on a piece of toast. Cedric opened the letter, scanned it quickly, then sat there – just looking at it with sad eyes. "Cedric?" Hermione asked. He didn't respond. "Ced?" she asked again, taking the letter from his hands. She read it then hugged him immediately, "Oh Ced, I'm so sorry."
Cedric got up and started to leave the Great Hall, with Hermione running after him, "Wait, Ced!" This didn't go unnoticed by those at the head table, who exchanged glances. Hermione caught up with him and stopped him just as he exited the hall. The head table had a clear view of Hermione spinning Cedric around and pulling him into a hug. Cedric's shoulders were visibly shaking, it was obvious he was crying.
Albus stood up and waved off Tonks. He was going to see what was going on for himself. When Albus reached the couple, he heard the sobs coming from Cedric. Several students turned to look at him with curiosity.
"Mr. Diggory? Are you alright?" Albus asked.
Hermione lifted her head and looked at Albus with a sad expression as she handed him the letter. Albus scanned it, folded it calmly, then looked up to where Minerva was sitting at the head table, waving for her to come over. Minerva made her way up the aisle, watching as Albus put his arm around Cedric and led him away with Hermione in tow. Minerva followed them to Dumbledore's office. Once inside, Albus sat Cedric down and handed the letter to Minerva. The letter was from Cedric's mother, informing him that the illness his father has had the past few weeks which he waved off as 'nothing' didn't turn out to be 'nothing' after all. She finally forced him to St. Mungo's where it was determined that cancer was ravaging his body, and spreading quickly. The healer's were going to team up today with the doctors on the muggle-medicine floor to try and combine their efforts to rid his father of the disease. It was advised to Mrs. Diggory, however, that she may want to consider getting her husband's affairs in order. They thought it was a good idea for Cedric to come to the hospital and spend time with his father.
Minerva handed the letter back to Cedric, gave him a squeeze on the shoulder and said, "Cedric, I am so, so sorry. I can't imagine how hard this must be for you."
Cedric sniffed and wiped his face, composing himself. "I need to go, I need to see him" he said.
"Of course, Cedric," Albus replied in a gentle tone. "We will give you time off from school to stay with your family – your family needs you and you need your family. Take as much time as you need – don't worry about falling behind, you will not be withdrawn from the school under the "Extenuating Life Circumstances Act". When you feel able to return, we will see to it that you are caught up with everything."
"Thank you professor." Cedric said in a low tone, he then looked at Hermione, "But what about you? I don't want to leave you."
Hermione held his face in her hands and looked deep into his eyes. "Do not believe for a second that I think you are 'leaving' me Cedric. Your dad is sick, he needs you right now, and you need to be with him. I am not alone here, don't forget about all these people you keep telling me I have." She said with a smile.
Cedric smiled and touched his forehead to hers. "I will be back." He said quietly.
"I know you will, love." Hermione said, kissing him on the nose.
While Hermione and Cedric were saying their goodbyes, Albus stood and waved his wand – unlocking the floo. Cedric stood, pulling Hermione out of the chair and into a hug. When they separated, she wiped a tear from his eye. He directed his attention to Minerva and Dumbledore. "I am counting on you." Cedric said. "I am counting on you to look after her, to protect her, and to keep her safe while I am gone. I know that's what you have been doing already, but I want to hear you promise out loud to me – that when I come back to her, she will be ok. That you will look out for her and keep her safe for me." His expression was deadly serious.
"Of course, I promise" Albus said. Cedric turned to Minerva and she said, "You can count on me, Cedric. I will keep her safe."
Hermione and Cedric walked to the floo and held each other once more. "Give my love to you parents for me. Tell your father that I am thinking about him and sending positive energy his way."
"I will, petite bebe, thank you. I will owl you, and I am expecting for you to owl back – otherwise I will worry." Cedric said.
Hermione nodded, they kissed once more, told each other "I love you", and Cedric disappeared through the floo.
Hermione looked at the empty fireplace for a moment before burying her face in her hands.
Minerva laid a hand on Hermione's shoulder. "Hermione…"
Hermione shrugged away and walked quickly towards the door. "Don't." she said. "He's not leaving forever. But that doesn't mean I won't miss him desperately." She left the office and Minerva followed at a distance until she saw Hermione return to the Great Hall. Minerva explained the situation to Tonks and asked her to keep an extra-keen eye on Hermione. She then went to her classroom to begin her first class of the day. It came as no surprise to Minerva when the news of Cedric's father circulated around the school by lunchtime. She knew Hermione wouldn't have broken the news, it had to have been whomever was sitting on the other side of Cedric at breakfast – taking a peek at the letter as he was reading it.
A few more days went by. Cedric owled that there was no change in his father – for better or worse, and he didn't know how long he would be at the hospital. Hermione owled her love back to him, assuring him she was fine – and was more concerned about him.
No more whispers were heard from Severus as he reported that there has been no news of an impending attack, or even a plan for one. The staff thought they were out of the woods. Maybe after the initial shock, the Death Eaters lost interest and directed their attentions elsewhere, or maybe they knew they couldn't get into the castle so they didn't try. Vigilance was still maintained at the highest level, and Hermione was still observed by someone at all times. Security was high, but there was still an oversight…something no one anticipated as a possibility. Something that would cause everyone to blame themselves for in the end.
It was 6 weeks, to the day, since Hermione had left the infirmary. History of Magic was the last class Hermione had before lunch. Tonks watched from a distance as Hermione exited the room with Ron and Harry – discussing how Professor Binns could not possibly be any more boring. They were making their way to the Great Hall for lunch when Hermione smacked her head and said, "Ugh."
"What?" Harry asked.
"I thought my bag felt too light." She said as she rummaged around inside of it. "I left my Ancient Runes book in the classroom – I need it for after lunch, I will catch up to you guys."
"Alright." Ron said, as he and Harry watched Hermione go back in the direction of which they came.
Tonks double-backed down the hallway to avoid being seen by Hermione. She watched from around the corner as Hermione entered the classroom, exiting a minute later, book in hand. Hermione took a step forward in the direction of the Great Hall, and Tonks made to follow her – when all of a sudden, Hermione stopped. Tonks watched as a strange expression came over Hermione's face. Her eyes glazed over and she looked as though she were in a trance. Tonks' gut told her that something wasn't quite right, so she instructed her patronus to lead Remus back to her.
Hermione felt that strange feeling come over her – as though there was somewhere she was supposed to be. She felt the dungeons calling to her – felt that strange pull she felt a few weeks ago. Hermione changed direction and headed slowly towards the dungeons.
Tonks hoped that her patronus would find Remus soon – as she followed Hermione to the dungeons. Tonks made it to the bottom of the stairs, still trailing Hermione, when she heard someone running down the stairs after her. "Oh Remus, thank Merlin!" Tonks said breathlessly.
"What is going on?" he asked, out of breath. "Where is she going?"
"I don't know." Tonks replied. "She has this bizarre look on her face – really out of it, and she started heading down here instead of up to lunch. I've been following her since the History of Magic classroom."
"I think we need to find out what's going on, this doesn't feel right." Remus said.
They started hurrying up the hall to Hermione, but before they were even halfway there – they saw Hermione fly against the wall on the right side of the hallway – as though she were stunned. They pulled their wands and ran, but she was magically dragged into Snape's office before they could reach her. Their ears told them all they needed to know about who snatched Hermione as they heard the haunting cackle of Bellatrix Lestrange. They reached the office, wands drawn, and tried to run into the room – but bounced back hard off of an invisible barrier that was across the entire doorway. They looked in horror as Lucious Malfoy had Hermione in his arms, his wand pointing under her chin. Bellatrix was standing on the desk, dancing and laughing psychotically. "We've got your mud-blood!" she said in a sing-song voice.
Tonks and Lupin threw spell after spell against the barrier – trying to bring it down, but to no avail. Tonks turned and conjured her patronus. "Get Dumbledore and McGonnagall here, NOW!" she told it – watching it take off up the hall.
"Did you really think you would get away with poisoning the pure-blood line with the mud in your blood?" Lucious hissed into Hermione's ear. "Crucio!"
Hermione screamed in pain as she collapsed and writhed on the floor. Remus and Tonks were still trying to bring the barrier down – but it wouldn't budge.
Meanwhile, Albus and Minerva were standing at the entrance to the Great Hall, talking to one Mad-Eye Moody when they saw a patronus in the shape of a wolf come running full speed towards them. They knew it was Tonks'. Minerva felt her stomach drop as it came up to them and ordered them to follow it to the dungeons. Something told Minerva to look at the Gryffindor table. She saw Ron, Harry and Ginny, but…"Where's Hermione?" she asked in a panicked voice.
"Seal off the Great Hall, no one is to go in or out – instruct the other aurors to round up the students who are not in the Great Hall and have them return to their dormitories immediately." Dumbledore instructed Moody before he and Minerva took off after the patronus. They found themselves running down the dungeon stairs – hearts beating fast, hoping they weren't going to find what they both feared. They saw Remus and Tonks casting spell after spell into the doorway of Snape's office. They drew their wands and ran down the hall. Their fears were confirmed, however, when they heard a blood-curdling scream. Minerva's heart stopped. She knew that scream all too well. It was Hermione's.
Please review! Why the heck doesn't anyone review? If it's crap I'd rather know about it so I can fix what you don't like, or add something you might want to see!