Chapter Eight
"I'm so incredibly sorry that we had to do this," Remus said from where they stood in the park across the street from Hermione's childhood home. They watched in the darkness of the night as Hermione's recently obliviated parents pulled out of the driveway after packing their luggage in the boot of their car.
Hermione had begged Remus to help her make certain that her mother and father would be safe from the growing threat of Voldemort and his followers. They had decided that a strong need to relocate to Australia would be the safest thing for them. Artie and Helen Granger no longer knew that they had a daughter, or that she was a witch.
Nothing.
To them, Hermione was a stranger.
"It had to be done," Hermione's voice was calm, but her heart was shattering. She knew their obliviation, due to how thorough it had been, was permanent. She turned to look at Remus standing next to her. "We should return to the Burrow. Mrs. Weasley is probably worried that something's happened to the two of us given how long it's taken for mum and dad to leave." She raised a brow. "I don't have the energy to deal with her… overbearingness. Not today."
"Of course." Remus reached for her hand, grasping it tightly, and began to count down. "Three, two, one."
They Disapparated with a soft crack and reappeared a short time later just outside the wards of the Burrow. The fact that Hermione could see the home from where she and Remus stood was the first indication that something was terribly wrong.
The bright green glow of the Dark Mark hanging high in the sky over the ramshackle home of the Weasley family was the second.
The Burrow stood dark and eerily silent.
They both quickly crouched down, and Hermione grabbed her wand from the holster on her forearm. "Do you see anything?" she hissed. The hair on the back of her neck stood tall.
"No spells are currently being cast," Remus replied, his voice tense. "I can't see anyone moving inside either." He turned his head slightly to peer at her. "It could be a trap."
Hermione nodded. "I know." She exhaled slowly. "You go first. I'll keep watching behind us."
They cautiously made their way up the long dirt driveway, sticking close to the treeline to keep their position as hidden as possible from any potential threat still inside the Burrow. Remus gestured for Hermione to stay behind him with his left hand and held his wand aloft with his right as they travelled up the creaking stairs of the wooden front porch.
Remus kicked open the front door and leapt to the side, waiting for the barrage of curses to react to his intrusion.
None came.
Hermione met his alert gaze from the other side of the opened front door, tightened the grip she had on her wand and gave him a curt nod of her head.
She was ready for whatever the Death Eaters had left for them.
Remus conjured a ball of blue light in one hand and silently entered into the family home, stepping into the cozy drawing room. Hermione followed closely behind him.
The air had a metallic taste from a recent duel.
Hermione spotted a leg sticking out from behind the lumpy sofa.
No. This wasn't a duel. It was an ambush.
Percy lay prone on the floor, his eyes blank in death.
Next to him was Mr. Weasley sitting slumped against the back of the sofa. His glasses were crooked on his face while his mouth was opened wide in a silent scream or a desperate last gasp for breath.
Hermione knelt down and checked for a pulse in both Weasley men.
"Anything?" Remus questioned as he stood alert for any unwanted guests.
Hermione shook her head. "No."
Percy had obviously been hit with the killing curse given his vacant expression, but Mr. Weasley looked grotesque. He had undoubtedly suffered greatly.
She tugged his jumper up and hissed at what she saw on his pale flesh.
A thick, purple scar, similar to the one that she had received at the Department of Mysteries a few months earlier, travelled up his stomach and across his chest.
She peered knowingly at Remus. "Dolohov," she whispered. Arthur hadn't been able to silence the dark wizard before being hit with his curse. He'd experienced its full strength.
A gurgling sound could be heard coming from the kitchen, drawing her and Remus' attention.
Hermione rose to her feet and gestured for Remus to lead the way into the hub of the home.
Bill was slumped awkwardly against the hob with his wand drawn and pointed towards the entry into the kitchen.
His face was torn open just below his right eye, across his cheek and nose before curling underneath his chin. He had a dish towel pressed against his neck in an attempt to stop the bleeding.
"Bill," Remus cried out. He rushed to the Curse-Breaker's aid and began muttering healing spells at once.
"Greyback," Bill slurred. "Can't… stop… bleeding."
Hermione awoke with a jolt and blinked rapidly, taking in her surroundings.
She was in her four poster bed, with the curtains pulled tightly closed, at Hogwarts after having been sorted into Slytherin.
In 1976.
What she had just dreamt about hadn't happened yet. Wouldn't happen.
Exhaling slowly, Hermione snatched her wand from the holster on her forearm and cast a nonverbal Tempus Charm.
The faint blue light, similar to Remus' glowing orb from her dream, lit up the canopy above her bed and indicated that it was in the early morning of the second of September. She still had a few hours to go until it was time for breakfast.
Hermione sighed as she sat up in her bed and rubbed her face. She wouldn't be able to go back to sleep. She never could after a dream like that unless she had a measure of Dreamless Sleep.
Perhaps she would read one of her textbooks down in the common room.
...
...
Hermione sat on the stiff leather sofa near the massive fireplace that she had recently reignited, her Ancient Runes textbook lying open in her lap. She had been reading the same thing over and over, having already taken the majority of her sixth year lessons prior to her arrival in the past, when the door to the common room creaked open.
Her gaze shot up in alarm as two older Slytherin students made their way into the room.
Pressing her lips tightly together, Hermione took note of the two grinning men. Noticing they weren't alone, they made their way closer to her.
"Miss Granger," the taller of the two said as he reached for her hand while giving her a low bow. His lips brushed over her knuckles before he straightened out. "I'm Sebastian Mulciber, heir to the House of Mulciber and a seventh year student here at Hogwarts."
Hermione swallowed, her throat was tight with fear. She plastered a small smile on her face. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Heir Mulciber." Walburga's rules regarding introductions amongst pure-blood families were screaming through her head.
"Please call me Sebastian." Mulciber smiled down at her. He gestured to the other student standing silently next to him. "This is my friend Antonin Dolohov, another seventh year student."
Hermione wanted to flee out of fear. Instead, she stayed rooted in her seat as she took in the wizard's appearance. He looked far different without a beard, but his eyes were just as dark and cold as she remembered.
"Miss Granger," Dolohov's accent was thick as he reached for her hand. He planted a firm kiss on her knuckles. "Please call me Antonin."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Antonin." Hermione noted that he didn't bother introducing his House like Mulciber did.
The two men sat down on the sofa facing her, obviously not wanting to leave her alone.
Hermione closed her Ancient Runes textbook and gave them her full attention.
"Couldn't sleep?" Sebastian asked her as he gestured to her book.
Hermione shook her head. "I've got a lot on my mind."
They both hummed understandingly.
"Black mentioned that you were tutored," Sebastian stated quietly. "I would think that being here is a very different environment from what you're used to."
"It is," Hermione admitted. "There are a lot of people here. A lot of families." A lot of future Death Eaters, she needn't say aloud. Her eyes darted between the two as they closely watched her, noting that Sebastian was cradling his left forearm. Current Death Eaters then, returning from wherever their Dark Lord had called them. It was good to know even if it wasn't at all surprising. "I'm afraid that I might accidentally insult someone without realising it, given my lack of association with a number of families thanks to my parents' keeping me away." She smiled tightly at the young men. "It's causing me concern."
Antonin chuckled quietly. "You'll be fine, Miss Granger. You're betrothed to the House of Black."
Sebastian nodded thoughtfully, obviously agreeing with what his friend had said. "You could tell us both to 'fuck off' if you'd like and it would still be acceptable." He gave her a cool grin. "One of the perks of being a part of an Ancient and Noble House such as the Blacks, even if it is just through eventual marriage."
Hermione hummed noncommittally. It was the same thing that Walburga had reassured her about.
"Speaking of which," Sebastian interrupted her thoughts. "I can't help but notice that you aren't wearing a ring, Miss Granger."
Hermione clasped her hands together on her lap, hiding her left hand from view. "It's being cleaned," she whispered quietly. "Lord and Lady Black insisted on it."
"Ah," Sebastian smiled. "How very kind of them."
"You're taking Ancient Runes?" Antonin changed the subject and gestured to the book on her lap.
Hermione nodded. She peered down at her textbook to give herself a moment to calm her nerves before focusing on him. "Yes, I am." She cleared her throat. "Are Runes something that you're also interested in, Antonin?" He had been able to break through the wards that had been constructed around the Burrow. No small feat considering Bill Weasley had been the one to build them.
He nodded. "Yes. I plan to find a position as a Curse-Breaker after graduation."
"How intriguing," Hermione murmured. "I was hoping to work with the Ministry, myself. In the Department of Mysteries specifically."
"Well, this is all cheery and informative," Sebastian interrupted with a low chuckle. "However, Miss Granger, I highly recommend that you conduct your early morning reading in your dormitory next time."
Hermione quirked her head at the suggestion. Returning to the school in the early dawn was evidently a regular occurrence for Mulciber and Dolohov. She sighed, giving the two men a smirk. "Is this the part where I can tell the both of you to 'fuck off' without worrying if my behaviour is unacceptable?"
Antonin shook with silent laughter as he slapped his friend's shoulder. "You walked right into that one, tupoy ublyudok." He pushed up onto his feet. "Come. We should get back before the rest of our dormitory wakes up."
Mulciber slowly stood up from the sofa, brushing his hands over the creases in his wizarding robes before he focused once again on Hermione. His expression was cold. "Careful, Miss Granger. Your betrothed can't protect you from the snakes. He is a lion afterall."
Hermione rolled her eyes and gave an inelegant snort. "He may be a lion, but he was raised by a family of snakes. Something that you seem to have forgotten, Sebastian." She gave them both a smile that she knew didn't reach her eyes. "Good day, gentlemen."
She waited until she heard the click of Mulciber and Dolohov's dormitory door closing before she hid her face behind her hands and silently wept. She never realised that Dolohov was at Hogwarts the same time as Sirius and the others. She had always thought he was older than them. A lot older.
Azkaban hadn't been kind to him.
...
...
Hermione felt an overwhelming sense of relief the second she spotted Sirius waiting for her just outside the Great Hall.
He was leaning lazily against the stone wall as he ran a hand through his dark hair. His robe was unclasped and his crimson and gold Gryffindor tie was slightly loosened around his neck.
A grin lit up his face the moment he noticed Hermione amongst the sea of Slytherins making their way towards the Great Hall.
Hermione came to a stop directly in front of Sirius and hesitated for only a second before her hands found themselves on his chest desperate for some sort of comfort. She blinked her eyes closed and parted her lips slightly as she leaned in to kiss him.
He tasted of spearmint.
Sirius wrapped one arm around Hermione's body, tugging her closer while his other hand made its way into her thick curls and deepened the kiss.
A throat cleared from somewhere behind Hermione, interrupting them.
Hermione pulled away to catch her breath and peered up at Sirius. He was staring at her knowingly as he brushed his thumb over her cheek.
"Well good morning to you too, little lion," Sirius murmured softly. He shared a look with Regulus who stepped closer to the pair. "Shall we go for a walk? Mother owled me late last night."
Hermione nodded eagerly. "I'm thinking that I'm going to be needing the ring sooner rather than later. It's already been noticed that I'm not wearing one."
Together, the three of them made their way towards the front entrance.
"Bring her back at a reasonable time, Black!" a jeering voice called out.
Sirius squeezed Hermione's hand tightly. "I plan to," he replied without looking back at whomever had called out as he led them out of the castle.
"Where are we going?" Hermione asked as her shoes crunched on the gravel path.
"There's a spot near the lake that looks nice," Sirius muttered. "I asked Evans how Muggles proposed and she said that it should be somewhere beautiful."
"Muggles?" Hermione tugged Sirius' hand, slowing his pace. "You told her that I'm Muggle-born?" she hissed quietly before having a quick look around to make sure no one else was nearby.
Sirius adamantly shook his head. "I asked her years ago. When James was all," he waved his free hand around, "obsessed with her."
"Is he no longer obsessed?" Hermione questioned as they came to a stop by the large beech tree just off the shore of the Black Lake.
"Unlikely," Regulus muttered under his breath. "I'd eat my socks off of my feet if that were the case."
Sirius looked like he was fighting a grin. "He hasn't asked her out or proposed marriage yet this term, so that's something." He turned to face Hermione. "He said last night that his mother and father sat him down and told him that his behaviour was inappropriate when it came to Evans. She'd owled them apparently and told them all about Prongs' raging stiffy for her."
Hermione slapped his chest and grimaced. "I don't need to know about Potter's hard-on please," she begged.
"Anyway, James is attempting to be more mature after everything that went on last school year."
Hermione nodded, but remained silent.
Regulus snorted. "I wonder how long that'll last. Perhaps I should start a betting pool to see how long it takes before Potter makes a fool of himself once again."
"Oh piss off, Reg," Sirius complained. Although he had a wry grin on his face. "Gryffindor already has one going. I'm betting he'll last until the first Hogsmeade visit before he asks her out again."
Hermione chuckled, looking between the two brothers before throwing caution to the wind. "They'll start dating in their seventh year." She snickered at Sirius' surprise. "And marry shortly after graduation."
"Prongs really does it, huh?" Sirius shook his head with amusement.
"Perhaps I'll start a betting pool on that instead," Regulus said as he rubbed his chin in thought. "Potter and Evans dating. I wonder if I can get Snape's input. Potter may have a ridiculous crush on Evans, but Snape is different. He's got an uncomfortable fascination with Evans, you know. Possessive almost. The entire Slytherin section of the train was ribbing him on the way here about his lust for the Mud—I mean—Muggle-born."
Hermione gave him a pointed look. "Don't kick the hornet's nest, Regulus." She frowned. "I need to build up a rapport with Snape somehow."
"Seriously?" Regulus looked uncomfortable with that fact. "Why?"
Hermione hesitated. "I have my reasons. But, I'm keeping them private for now."
Sirius cleared his throat. "Moving on, mainly because I have no desire to talk about Snivellus. I wasn't expecting a kiss from you this morning. Is everything alright?"
Exhaling slowly, Hermione shook her head. "Dolohov is a seventh year student," she whispered. "I didn't expect him to be here."
"Shit." Sirius frowned. "I had forgotten that he was still here. What did he do to you that made you so afraid of him?"
Hermione pointed to her chest. "My scar. The one you saw at Twilfitt and Tattings. He almost killed me."
She watched as alarm flashed across Sirius' face. "When did that happen?"
"June 1996, the same day you were killed." Hermione sighed. "We were ambushed by Death Eaters in the Department of Mysteries. You, Remus and a few others came to rescue us." She searched his eyes. "You didn't make it out of there. You fell through a veil instead."
"Well that's rubbish," Sirius scoffed. "We'll have to prevent that from happening, yeah?"
Hermione gave him a teary chuckle and nodded adamantly. "That's the plan."
"Aside from Dolohov, was your first night in Slytherin okay?"
Hermione cleared her throat. "For the most part, yes. I had a bad dream, but remembered to silence my bed. No one heard me."
"Did you forget to practise your Occlumency?" Regulus asked her with concern.
Hermione shook her head. "I remembered. It's just… being here again… it brings up a lot of memories for me." She gave him a tearful smile.
"What was your dream about?" Sirius questioned as he held her hands in his.
"My parents." Hermione paused as she searched for the right words. "And the Weasleys. There had been a Death Eater raid at the Burrow. My mentor and I… there weren't many survivors."
Hermione struggled to keep her tears in check as Sirius pulled her in for a hug.
"I promise that we will prevent any of that shit from happening, little lion," Sirius murmured in her ear. "I swear to you that we will fix it."
Hermione pulled back slightly. "I know… it's just… there are Death Eaters at this school, Sirius. Mulciber is definitely one. He was cradling his left arm this morning when we spoke to one another, so he must've recently been marked. Dolohov is most likely one as well."
"Mulciber is no surprise, the guy's a creep. He's got an odd fascination with Mary MacDonald, the girl we shared a carriage with. But, even if Dolohov did hurt you in your past, he's a fool. It was honestly probably just luck that he was able to," Sirius argued. "He had to repeat his fifth year after transferring from Koldovstoretz half way through the term because he couldn't understand English."
"You're wrong," Hermione insisted, looking between both brothers. "In my time, Dolohov is considered to be one of the most powerful Death Eaters around. He's considered second only to Bellatrix up until her death. And the difference between your cousin and him is important. Dolohov is sane." She gave Sirius a pointed look. "He took out four Aurors single-handedly before he was captured and sent to Azkaban. He's also capable of creating his own dark curses," she gestured to her chest, "and can break through wards constructed by a highly skilled Curse-Breaker."
"Dolohov is definitely friendly with Mulciber and Rowle," Regulus agreed with Hermione. "He's taking a full course load as well. He's no fool, Sirius. I don't think he likes the attention. He leaves that to Sebastian and Thorfinn."
"Don't underestimate him, is what you two are saying," Sirius muttered.
Hermione nodded. "It's what got people killed in my time."
"Understood." Sirius sighed and rubbed his face before giving her a cheeky grin. "May we do this vow now? I'm only rushing it because Mary was summoned by McGonagall and I'd not like to miss out as to why. She's put up with a lot of shit here because of her blood-status."
"Of course," Hermione assured him. "You don't have to make it a big deal. I understand that it's not real."
"Oh, I don't know about that." Sirius had a grin on his face as he pulled a little black velvet box out of his trousers pocket. "It could be real. Mother and father certainly are treating it as such."
Hermione blushed. "Your father made sure that the betrothal arrangement stated that we are permitted to act like we're in a committed courtship, much to your mother's dismay."
"It's best if we piss her off then, I think. It's my motto in life," Sirius said with a smirk as he popped open the box.
Hermione's breath caught in her throat as she inspected the ring. While the diamond wasn't massive — something that she was thankful for — the ring was unlike anything she had ever seen before. The thin band was black, with a green tinge to it when the light hit it just right, and was complemented by a large solitaire emerald-cut diamond, also black in colour. "Sirius… it's beautiful."
"The House of Black doesn't like to flaunt our wealth like the Malfoys or MacMillans. We prefer to keep our influence hidden away from prying eyes and ears," Sirius told her quietly. He removed the ring from the box and gently grasped Hermione's left hand. "That being said, with this ring anyone who's anyone in the Wizarding World will know that you are a part of this family."
Hermione nodded, her heart was racing from nervousness.
"I have to say a few words after Sirius puts the ring on," Regulus informed her as he pulled a piece of parchment out of his pocket and gave it a quick lookover. "It's going to test your blood to see if you're a suitable witch for the House of Black."
"Here's hoping the jeweler knew what they were doing," Hermione couldn't help but joke.
Sirius chuckled quietly before he slid the ring on her finger and grasped both of her hands in his.
Regulus cleared his throat and waved his wand in an intricate pattern. "With this ring, the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black will protect you, Hermione Jean Granger, with its magic and with its honour."
Hermione winced as she felt something sharp prick through her skin from the underside of the ring. It stung more than she'd expected it to.
"The Heads of the House of Black will protect you with their cunning and with their intellect."
The diamond began to glow a pale grey.
"Sirius Orion Black, Heir to the House of Black, will protect you with his resourcefulness and with his skill. And I, Regulus Arcturus Black, Second Heir to the House of Black, will protect you with my guidance and with my friendship. So it is sworn, so mote it be."
The diamond flashed a bright white before settling down to black once again.
Hermione shivered, feeling the House of Black's magic brush over her skin and seep into her blood. She searched Sirius' eyes for any indication that it hadn't gone as planned, but all she saw was arrogance subtly etched on his face.
Sirius cupped her face with his hand, brushing a thumb gently over her cheek, before leaning in to kiss her.
Hermione whimpered as soon as their lips touched, feeling a surge of magic envelop the pair of them and effectively sealing the vow. She let herself melt in his arms and eagerly kissed him back.
Sighing quietly as Sirius gently pulled away from her, Hermione peered at her betrothed. "Thank you for vowing to protect me," she murmured softly.
Sirius grinned and tucked a stray curl behind her ear before pressing his forehead to hers. "I know that I come across as someone who despises my family, my mother at least, and all she stands for. But, I just have to say that I am honoured and relieved that it was you who was sent back to save us all." His adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. "To save me and Regulus."
He kissed Hermione's forehead before she could reply and then pulled further away. "Come, little lion," he said as he grasped her hand in his. "I'll walk you to breakfast."
He squeezed Regulus' shoulder and the trio headed back towards the castle.
...
...
Hermione sat tensely on the stiff leather chair in the Slytherin common room, waiting for Professor Slughorn to call her name to determine her class schedule for the school year. Normally, she wasn't one to worry about such a trivial thing. She knew which lessons that she wanted to take and was confident that she had the grades to be successful in whatever she chose.
However, she'd just returned from breakfast in the Great Hall where she had learned the reason why Professor McGonagall had summoned Mary MacDonald.
The Muggle-born witch's entire family had been slaughtered by Death Eaters.
Hermione began a slow inspection of the handful of students in the common room. It was a mixture of sixth year students, waiting for their schedule to be determined, and a few seventh year students, who hadn't had lessons during the first period.
The sixth year boys were all huddled together, whispering amongst themselves. She could easily pick out Severus Snape, who was hunched over slightly and gossiping with those that would be part of the next round of future Death Eaters. Wilkes, Avery, Macnair and Carrow.
Next to them stood Mulciber and Dolohov. Both of whom were watching Hermione closely.
The door to the common room opened, admitting Professor Slughorn and Alecto Carrow, the latter of which rushed over to the waiting sixth year girls while clutching her schedule.
"Amycus Carrow, if you would come with me to my office please." Slughorn's smile was tight on his face as he gestured for Alecto's twin brother to follow him out of the common room.
As soon as the door clamped shut, Alecto spoke. "Dumbledore is sitting in on the meetings. He insisted that I had one of his ridiculous lemon drops and asked questions about the Mudblood whose parents were killed last night." She gave Hermione an apologetic look. "I couldn't help myself, Granger. I told him that you were out of bed when I awoke to use the bathroom."
"He's laced his sweets with Veritaserum," Mulciber warned the students in the room. "I do hope that pretty ring on your finger is able to withstand the effects of the potion, Miss Granger."
Hermione raised a brow at the unspoken threat. "The use of Veritaserum is illegal outside of the Ministry."
Mulciber nodded slowly. "That it is. But that's never stopped Dumbledore before."
"Does he regularly question Slytherin students?" Hermione asked.
"He distrusts anyone who is a Slytherin and favours his bloody Gryffindors over everyone else," Snape answered her this time. Sneering as he did so. "They could attempt to murder someone in cold blood and only get a slap on the wrist."
Hermione smirked at the pale, hook-nosed boy. "That wasn't Dumbledore's doing, Snape. It was Lord and Lady Black." She gave him a pointed look. "It would look abhorrent if the heir of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black were to be expelled, you know."
"She's right," Mulciber agreed before Snape could argue. "I suggest you drop it, Severus, before the House of Black gets word that you're planning retribution against their heir."
The common room door swung open once again, preventing Snape's response.
Slughorn stepped in after Amycus. "Hermione Granger. If you would follow me, dear."
Hermione rose to her feet and held her head high as she followed her Head of House out of the common room.
She gave a surprised gasp as soon as she stepped into Slughorn's office. "Oh! Headmaster Dumbledore, sir. I didn't expect you to be sitting in on this meeting." She knew that he knew that she was lying if his amused expression was anything to go by.
Slughorn closed his office door and conjured an Imperturbable Charm around the room. There would be no one listening in on this conversation.
Hermione slowly sunk down into the offered chair and watched the wizened wizard's blue eyes sparkle.
"I must say, Miss Granger, that I've an interest in what young pupils plan on doing after graduation. It's a joy to learn of their interests." Dumbledore said by way of greeting.
"Of course, sir." Hermione smiled at him as he pushed his dish of sweets closer.
"Lemon drop?" Dumbledore asked.
There had to have been a Compulsion Charm on the dish because Hermione found herself reaching for a sweet. She made a point of reaching for the lemon drop with her left hand, showing the men in the room that she was wearing her ring. She popped the sweet into her mouth and sucked silently as she waited for the barrage of questions that she knew were coming.
"Miss Carrow mentioned that you were not in your bed when she awoke this morning," Dumbledore began. "Where were you?"
Hermione felt the Veritaserum hum through her blood. The compulsion to answer, while still there, was nowhere near its full strength. She cleared her throat and pushed her sweet to the side of her mouth to answer. "I couldn't sleep, so I was reading my Ancient Runes textbook in the common room by the fire."
"And during that time did you notice any students entering the common room?"
She frowned at the specificity of the question and wondered if the portraits told him that students were out of their beds and wandering the halls. She quirked her head at the Headmaster and wondered if she could outright lie to him even with her ring. "No, sir. I was engrossed in what I was reading." She felt a slight compulsion to expand on her answer, and continued to speak, "I'm intrigued by the subject, you see. I hope to do something with Runes once I graduate. Perhaps with the Department of Mysteries."
Hermione pressed her lips tightly together and thought of her fellow Muggle-born student who no longer had a family to go home to. The same as her.
She no longer wanted to lie. It made her feel cruel.
Hermione hesitated for only a moment before making her decision. "Dolohov is also interested in Runes, sir. I'm not certain if you're aware of that fact."
Dumbledore peered at her through his half moon spectacles. "I see." His eyes twinkled. "He's friendly with… Mister Mulciber, I believe?"
Hermione raised a brow, pleased that he wasn't as clueless as she had expected him to be. "Is he now? You see, I wouldn't know, having just arrived here." She gave him a small smile.
"Of course, Miss Granger." Dumbledore had what appeared to be an understanding look on his face.
He now had the names of the two who most likely had a hand in killing Mary MacDonald's family. Hermione hoped that he'd actually do something with that information, although she had a feeling that he wouldn't.
"May I say something, Headmaster?" she questioned quietly after a moment. "Something that I highly recommend that you listen very closely to."
"Please do." Dumbledore gestured for her to continue.
"The use of Veritaserum outside the strict control of the Ministry of Magic is prohibited by law," Hermione began coolly as she gestured to the bowl of lemon drops on the table. "That's ignoring the obvious Compulsion Charm that you've placed on your sweets dish which is also illegal. This blatant disregard for said laws to question only Slytherin students not only ostracises the members of this House further, but fully encourages other students to do the same." She glared at Dumbledore who had the nerve to look surprised. "Not only that, it basically tells us Slytherins that you view each and every one of us as dark witches and wizards. You are telling us that you view us all as future, or even current Death Eaters and supporters of Lord Voldemort! It's no wonder why so many distrust you, sir. They've no reason to." She took a quick breath. "Not only that, but you are about as subtle as a raging hippogriff in a jewelry shop. That won't work with students in Slytherin House. At all!"
"Now listen here—"
"I will not!" Hermione snapped. She turned her attention to her Head of House sitting silently beside the desk, watching the proceedings and fighting a grin as he did so. "I'd like my schedule, Professor Slughorn. I'm certain my housemates are wondering why my meeting is taking so long and I'd hate to give them any ideas."
Slughorn chuckled as he pulled out her schedule from his file. "I can assure you, Miss Granger, that they won't hear a word from me." He gave her a pointed look. "You're permitted to continue all of the lessons that you took for O.W.L.s, given your exemplary scores. Is that something you wish to do?" He handed her the piece of parchment.
Hermione shook her head as she peered down at her schedule. "I don't want to continue Care of Magical Creatures. I see no need for it any longer."
Slughorn waved his wand over the schedule, erasing the lesson entirely. "Better?"
"It is." Hermione gave him a curt nod of her head. "If that's all, professor. I'd like to head back to my common room and begin studying."
She didn't wait for his reply before rising to her feet and turning to leave the office.
"Miss Granger," Dumbledore called out once she reached the door. "I do apologise for appearing to single out Slytherin students when faced with Dark Magic. I am only attempting to protect all students, regardless of their blood status."
Hermione peered down at the floor and thought of Harry being sent to live with his Muggle relatives. She thought of the abuse he had suffered because of Dumbledore's quest for his Greater Good and his willful blindness to Harry's horrific treatment. She thought of his blatant favouritism for Gryffindor and obvious distrust for Slytherin whilst she'd been at Hogwarts in her own time. Finally, she remembered her time at Grimmauld Place the summer before her fifth year and of Sirius who could barely make it through each day without attempting to drown his demons in a bottle, or two, of Firewhisky.
No. She wouldn't let the Headmaster talk his way out of this.
Hermione cleared her throat. "Coming from you, sir, apologies are only words," she said as she met his gaze. "Nothing more."