Snow Melts

by Marauders2003

Sequel to Snow Drifts: Genevieve is going through a lot this year, what with O.W.L.s, an escaped convict, the trial of a hippogriff, and burgeoning feelings for a certain Weasley. But when she discovers something about Professor Lupin, the first competent DADA teacher she’s had, it ropes her into a mystery she can’t - and doesn’t want to - escape.

6. Chapter 6: Hermione’s Isolation

A/N: Essentially, what you recognize belongs to the goddess that is J.K. Rowling, and what you don't belongs to lil' ol' me.

~0~

Genevieve entered the library, hoping to get some studying done, to hear quiet sobs. It was none other than Hermione, crying into a massive book.

"Are you okay?" She asked tentatively. The last thing she wanted to do was upset the girl more.

"I'm fine. Just . . . looking into some old cases for Buckbeak's trial."

"Buckbeak's what?"

"The school governors don't blame Hagrid for Malfoy's injury, but they've called a trial for Buckbeak, so unless I can find some record of another case where the animal was acquitted, or something to prove he's innocent, Buckbeak's going to be killed," the young witch explained. "What are you doing here?"

"I was studying for my O.W.L.s, but not anymore. I reckon I've reviewed enough to know the difference between a Knarl and a hedgehog anyway. Let's get to work."

The girl smiled, tears still glistening on her cheeks.

"If you don't mind me asking, what else happened?"

"Crookshanks again, and Harry got a Firebolt for Christmas," Hermione started.

"A Firebolt?" Genevieve asked in awe. They were the newest, most expensive, and fastest brooms in existence. "That's amazing."

"It would be," Hermione muttered. "If there was a note or something. Who would send Harry a broom that good without saying who they were?"

"It is suspicious," Genevieve agreed. "So you went to McGonagall?"

"And now neither of them are speaking to me," Hermione finished, her voice cracking.

Genevieve put a hand on her shoulder comfortingly. "Look - boys can be idiots, but Harry and Ron are good people. I'm sure they'll come around eventually. And, until then, bad news: you're stuck with me."

Hermione grinned. "Alright. Let's get to work," she repeated.

•~0~•

With both Hermione and Genevieve's full schedules, it was a wonder they found time to work on Buckbeak's case, but together, they'd managed to scrape together enough evidence to work. Hagrid was extremely grateful for the help. Genevieve just hoped it'd be enough.