The Hunted
Chapter 4: The Plan
To say that Hermione had any sleep that night would be an outright lie. For the first bit she just tossed and turned, rumpling her sheets and becoming frustrated. At times like these, Hermione usually knew the answers and what was to happen, but she felt she could almost guarantee there was no book on anything she was going through.
Hermione sighed and got up. Flinging her sheets off herself, she felt the cold air hit her legs, causing gooseflesh to appear. Getting changed into the mundane school uniform, she stepped into the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth.
Filling the sink with ice-cold water, Hermione splashed some over her tired face. Teeth chattering, she buried into a towel, feeling slightly more awake then she had been a moment ago. She brushed her teeth, and then looked at her reflection in the mirror before deciding to pull her hair into a messy bun. Glancing at the overall effect, she decided it worked and made her way out of the dormitory and down into the common room.
It was early in the morning and the sun was just peeking over the horizon. Long shadows were cast about and the crackling fire in the grate made the common room looking quite welcoming. Hermione found it quite tempting to sit down in one of the big cushy armchairs and read, or maybe fall asleep. But she wanted to think and felt somewhat like just walking around.
So out the portrait hole she went.
The hallways were dark and screamed suspicion as Hermione walked timidly down the halls. She didn't want to be caught by a teacher, but even her silent tiptoe seemed hugely magnified to her sense of hearing.
After what seemed like hours, she reached the astronomy tower and walked out onto the large balcony. Hermione walked over to the edge and leaned her head heavily on one arm. The Hogwarts grounds stretched out in front of her, and Hermione thought of the many times her, Harry, and Ron had crossed them. Whether it had been to attend Care of Magical Creatures, or they were sneaking about causing mischief, it brought tears to her eyes to even think of it.
Oh Harry.. It was as close to torture as you could get for Hermione to see his parents alive and well. She knew that Harry would have switched places with her in an instant. It felt so unfair. Harry had never known his parents, and Hermione had already seen them laughing together. Even Sirius was alive and well. She missed Harry more than anything. What would he and Ron be thinking right now. There was no doubt a search party going on. Having not arrived at Hogwarts with the rest of her class, they probably found her bags and panicked. What had they told her parents?
Also, how on earth was she going to hold herself together when she knew what would happen to all these lovely people. James, Lily, Sirius, Dumbledore, and so many more. Hermione had information that could save them all. Peter Pettigrew was under the same roof, sleeping a couple floors below her, unsuspecting. None of his friends had any idea that in a few short years, he would betray them to Voldemort. Hermione felt nauseous when she saw his face. There must be something she could do to dissuade Peter..
To top it all off, there was a prophecy that told of her being "the slayer". What in Merlins name was a slayer? Whatever it was, it was making her a magnet for evil.. Hermione could already tell she wasn't going to enjoy this. She would rather have nightmares for the rest of her life.
Hermione ran her hands through her hair. She was so frustrated. It seemed like she had no control over what was happening. Hermione wished that Harry and Ron were here. They would find some way to make her feel better. Hermione shut her eyes and tried hard to imagine what they would do if they were here. Harry would probably comfort her with one of those amazing hugs he gave and Ron would most likely think of something so utterly stupid to say that it would make her laugh.
Hermione smiled faintly before dissolving into tears. What a terrible mess she had gotten herself into! "I don't belong here," she whispered softly to herself.
"Yes you do," came the unexpected reply.
Hermione whirled around to see who it was.
Sirius…
Sirius could never sleep these days. There seemed to be something happening. He could sense the evil forces rallying together in the dark. They seemed to screech at him, taunting, and he didn't know what way they would strike from first so he was stuck thrashing around blindly in the dark.
Sirius wished he could fight. He wished there was something he could fight. He knew there was a war coming and there was no escaping it, he just wished that he knew what was coming so he could prepare for it.
Dumbledore also seemed troubled. This was something that was bothering him. He had noticed that Dumbledore didn't seem his lively self, something was different, something was wrong. Sirius could sense that something had happened and he wanted to know what had. Something big was brewing, and he knew Albus Dumbledore was in on it.
The last thing that was bothering him was Amaya. She seemed so troubled. Since he had first set his eyes upon her he knew there was something special about her. Something he liked. He wanted to get close to her. To know her on a more personal level and help her sort out her problems. He wanted to make her laugh and feel better. Sirius didn't know why, but he seemed drawn to her.
Snapping out of his reverie, Sirius headed out of the boys dorm and down into the common room. Pacing around for a while, he finally decided to take a walk to the astronomy tower. It was about sunrise and Sirius thought that perhaps he would like to watch.
The hallways seemed cramped to him and he wished to push at the walls and yell to stop closing in on him. He decided against using a light, in case a professor decided to walk over. The portraits on the wall made no complaint as he walked silently by and Sirius suspected that many of them were asleep.
The bluish-grey dawn was just started to spread when he reached the tower. He had taken his time walking here decided that coming would be worth it. The first birds had just started to sing and a light breeze accompanied the clear chirps and whistles, twisting their melody through the air in a sweet duet while time seemed to stand still. Sirius sat in a corner and shadows caressed him as he waited silently for the sun to rise.
Just as the sun started to peek over the horizon, a figure appeared in the doorway and walked over to the rail, leaning against it. Sirius realized that the figure was Amaya, and she hadn't seen him. Sitting absolutely still, he listened as every now and then she sighed and after a while she broke down in tears.
This was almost unbearable for Sirius and he had a hard time keeping himself from rushing over and holding her in his arms, whispering that everything would be all right.
He heard her whisper into the air, "I don't belong here." And couldn't help himself from replying, "yes you do."
Realizing that he had just blown his cover, he stepped up and walked over to her. At first, she seemed upset, but then she calmed down a bit, cautiously wiping the tears form her eyes and asked lightly, "Couldn't sleep?"
Sirius laughed, "Not really." After an awkward silence he asked, "Are you alright?"
Hermione shifted uncomfortably. She didn't like the fact that she had been caught crying. "Err, yea. I'm fine. Just tired."
Sirius moved closer to her so that he was partially out of the shadow but still half in. The position seemed to highlight his features and he looked so truly handsome. His long black hair fell wildly about his face and his eyes pierced her worriedly. His head was tilted in a way that told he was curious. The whole picture seemed largely poetic and Hermione could see the worry etched into his face. She wanted to wipe it away for him but she knew hidden under that worry was darkness and trouble. Standing in front of her was a very troubled and very handsome man and she didn't know what to say to him.
Sirius knew that something was wrong but he didn't know how to get her to tell him. Standing in the light of the newborn sun she looked amazingly beautiful. The light cast a golden look about her and a few wisps of her hair blew lightly in the wind. She seemed so fresh, so young, but somehow she also seemed wise beyond her years. He saw something flash through her eyes but in a moment it was gone.
Walking over to her, Sirius wrapped his arms around her. He felt her freeze for a moment, but then her grip on him tightened as though she would float away if she let go. Sirius felt her breathing harshly and knew that she was crying again. Rocking her back and forth, he whispered softly to her, "It's all right. Everything will be okay. I'm here for you if you ever need to talk. All you need to do is say when you want me and I'll be there, okay?"
Teary eyed, Hermione looked at him wondrously. How could he be so thoughtful? And how did he make her feel like this? She never wanted to let go of him. Nothing had ever felt so right as being in Sirius Black's arms.
Looking into his eyes, Hermione felt herself drawing forward, as if magnetized. Sirius was also leaning forward. Realizing that they were about to kiss, Hermione turned away. I can't do this! It's Harry godfather, he wouldn't like it. And he's twenty years older than me, it would be wrong.
"I'm sorry," Hermione breathed.
Sirius sensed her unease and hugged her tightly. "It's alright." He comforted her, feeling slightly disappointed.
Hermione relaxed back into his arms and together they watched as the sun rose, smearing warm colors across the sky and welcoming the new day.
Outside Dumbledore's office…
Hermione was poised outside Dumbledore's office at exactly eight in the morning, the appointed time she was supposed to meet her watcher. Just as she was about to knock, the door swung open and Albus whisked her down the hallway.
At Hermione's questionable gaze, the professor explained, "I have arranged to meet your watcher in his new classroom."
Hermione raised her delicate eyebrows; she didn't think her watcher would be someone she had already seen. "Classroom? My watcher's a professor?"
"He arrived early this morning," Dumbledore quipped in a crisp voice.
Hermione's eyebrows rose into her hair, "Who is it?"
Dumbledore peered at Hermione through the corners of his eyes and a small quirk of a smile appeared to be tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Someone you will grow to be very fond of."
Hermione felt a blush begin to rise in her cheeks and chided with herself. How was it that Dumbledore could avoid questions so well. "Is there anything I should know about him?"
Dumbledore steered her around a corner and chuckled lightly. "He will be exhausted I think. And I know you are his first slayer, so maybe remain sensitive to those facts. The council-"
"There's a council?" the confused teen asked.
"Yes, there is a whole group of trained watchers ready for when the next slayer is called. They all gather information about the creatures that you are to fight and keep it in secure places." Hermione opened her mouth to ask another question but Dumbledore cut her off with a swish of his hand. "How about you save any questions you may have for when we meet up with your watcher."
Hermione now glanced around to where her professor had been taking her and realized that she had no clue whatsoever to where she was. Taking it up with him she asked, "Where are we?"
"We are in a passage behind the hospital wing. There is a whole other part of the school here," Dumbledore answered.
Hermione furrowed her brow. "Why have I never heard of this part of the castle before?"
"This part of the school hasn't been used for years. When Salazar Slytherin left, it was forgotten," Dumbledore explained.
"And why was that? Why are you finally using it after all these years?"
Dumbledore could see why Hermione had been chosen as the slayer, she was so dedicated to seeking out the unexplained answers. "Well, this summer, the school board got together and decided to re-open it."
Hermione raised her eyebrows. "What for? If it has been closed for all these years, why would you open it now"
Dumbledore rubbed his temples and sighed, "the questions never end with you, do they?"
"Nope, why?" Hermione repeated, pestering the poor old man.
Dumbledore cleared his throat awkwardly before continuing, "He's going to be a counselor for troubled students. He's going to be there for students who just need to talk. He won't give any tests or anything, he's just going to be there for when people need him. With all of the terrible things that have, and will be happening, I feel as though it will be prudent for him to be here."
Hermione nodded, understanding. "Hopefully the students will take to him."
"I'm sure they will," Dumbledore said simply, not wanting to start up another round of debated speech.
Hermione just walked along next to Dumbledore, turning this new information all over in her mind.
Just then a voice spoke up from ahead, "is this she Albus?"
Hermione looked up as Dumbledore answered, "Yes Charles, I've brought you this generations latest slayer." The man standing in front of them was of medium height. Looking distinguished in his tweed jacket, Charles seemed to be in his late thirties. His light brown hair was swept back in a hopeless manor that made it look like he ran his fingers through it a lot. He was wearing a pair of rounded glasses and in Hermione's opinion was quite handsome.
Charles stepped over anxiously to shake his new slayers hand. "I am Charles Travers," he commented, sounding quite like a robot, "It's wonderful to finally meet you Miss Richardson."
Hermione smiled warmly, "it's nice to meet you to Mr. Travers, please call me Amaya. I take it we shall be spending lots of time together so I'll be going first name basis only."
Charles grinned widely, revealing extremely white teeth, "Alright then. You were right Albus, she is very friendly.."
Hermione shot Dumbledore a dark look. "You've been talking about me?"
Dumbledore just smiled and proceeded to ignore Hermione's question. "Overall, I believe this has gone quite well. There's been no shouting or threatening. I take it to be a success." Both Hermione and Charles looked at Dumbledore bewildered and Dumbledore continued to speak, filling the now uncomfortable silence, "how about we step into your office Charles, and discuss what is about to happen." Charles nodded graciously and they all stepped through the doorway they had been standing in to enter the classroom.
It was a large office with a high ceiling and big windows covered one of the walls. The rest were lined with bookshelves filled to the brim. Glancing at some of the titles, Hermione couldn't wait to get her hands on some of them. There weren't any desks, but there was a comfortable looking leather armchair on either side of Travers desk. There was an ancient tea set sitting on one side of the desk and the rest of it was filled with open books.
Hermione sat timidly in the chair on the outside of the desk and Charles took his rightful spot while Dumbledore summoned himself a simple looking stool.
"Well then, down to business," Charles exclaimed cheerfully, "what is it we need to discuss?"
Dumbledore cleared his throat, "well, there's the matter of when Miss Richardson is supposed to meet with you."
"Ah yes," Charles paused to clean his glasses before continuing, "If thought it'd be best if you came to see me everyday of the week, so we can train, say, an hour before classes start. That way, you won't miss anything and I won't interfere with your homework time."
Hermione nodded along with what the men were saying. "Train?"
"I almost forgot Charles," Dumbledore turned to face the slightly flustered watcher, "Miss Richardson hasn't started training. Nor slain any vampires. As a matter of fact her experience is quite low at this moment. I would take at least a week before making any plans to go scouting."
Hermione frowned, a little angry over the fact that Dumbledore had denounced her skills, "I did have dreams of bits of it."
Charles held up both his hands to stop the fighting. "Okay," he compromised, "I was going to start at the beginning of the training anyways. And Amaya, you'll have to tell me all about these dreams you've been having. And if there's anything else that happens I need to know about it. Has anything suspicious happened lately?"
Hermione felt a little uncomfortable about this for some reason and started into a long speech about the 'suspicious' happenings she had been through so far, "Well, I do have really weird dreams about killing vampires and Voldemort killing me and such. But on the Express I was attacked."
Charles interrupted, "Demon? Really? Could you describe them for me?" At the same time Dumbledore went, "An attack? On the Express?"
Hermione looked back and forth between the two men, deciding who to answer first. Deciding she might as well start from the beginning, the troubled teen turned to Dumbledore and began her story.
...
The two men sat in silence, absorbing what Hermione had just told them.
Suddenly remembering, Hermione turned to Albus, "Professor Dumbledore, when I was on the train, right before I fought those demons, there were no students around. It almost seemed as though they disappeared."
Hermione watched the professor closely for his reaction. The information didn't seem to surprise him and he nodded. "Yes, Miss Richardson. Students have been going missing. It's not uncommon in these times for anyone on the side of light to disappear. There are frequent death eater attacks. But I believe there is something more to this.." he trailed off, looking quite troubled.
"Exactly how many students are missing, Albus?" Charles questioned, looking worried.
The old wizard shifted uncomfortably, "As of now…eight…"
Hermione's eyes widened, "Eight? That's certainly a lot. How did anyone not notice anything yet. I would say it should be obvious that they're gone."
"No one knew them. They were all first years," Dumbledore replied.
"First years? Why would someone want to kidnap first years? They're no threat at all, they're only starting to learn magic," Hermione thought out loud.
Charles spoke up, "Maybe someone didn't want any first years to come to the school this year?"
"Of the nine that did arrive, five were sorted into Slytherin house."
"I can't believe I didn't notice.." Hermione rubbed her temples, "maybe whomever it is wants the light side narrowed down…"
All three sat in silence before Hermione jumped out of he chair, nearly knocking over Travers' tea set. "Voldemort!"
Dumbledore rubbed his nose thoughtfully. "We don't want to jump to those conclusions, my dear." Charles nodded along.
"Are you serious? Taking into account of the dreams I've been gifted with lately, I think it would be the most reasonable assumption." How do they not see what was happening? Hermione didn't know what Voldemort would be doing with the first years, but he had always used dark creatures in battle. They needed to investigate, research, find out what the dark lord was planning.
Charles could see that his slayer was very determined, and knew that she would do great things. Standing up, he took her hand in his. "If that is what you believe, Amaya, we will research and hunt until we find the answers.
Hermione smiled gratefully at her watcher and glanced to Dumbledore, whose eyes had that familiar twinkle.
"Then we have a plan."
As long as Hermione was stuck in the past, she would help save the many lives that had already been lost. And maybe, she could help defeat Voldemort so that her friends in the future would have some semblance of a normal life.
More determined then she had ever been, Hermione made herself a promise. The day is coming when the wizarding world would be a safe place. On the names on all good wizards and witches that have died in the fight with evil, she would vanquish the dark lord.
A/N: Dear, sweet readers, I hope you are ready for excitement! I know I sure am! I am not sure when my next update will be, as they are sporadic to say the least.. But I am hoping for sometime next week.
Let me know if you think I am developing the romance between Hermione and Sirius too quickly. It's hard for me to keep them apart, because I love them together!
To everyone who reviewed the last chapter; The Essence of-, cosmoGirl666, and Nala Moon. Thank you for taking time to read my story. It makes my day to hear what you think. :) I hope you all enjoyed the latest chapter!