Disclaimer: look chapter one

Chapter 2:

2 September – 13. October

The first three weeks of school had been rather uneventful. That was if you asked someone other than Hermione Granger.

The most brilliant witch since Rowena Ravenclaw herself, wasn't called that, because she spent her time doing nothing.

And a few weeks into the new term she was already frustrated with the fact, that the day had only 24 hours. How could a witch possibly achieve perfect marks, when there wasn't enough time to do her work properly?

Hermione liked to be at least one month ahead of schedule, she had done that ever since she had started her first year. But this year it was more complicated since she tried her best to make up as much time for socialising as possible. At least one or two hours after dinner on Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays as well as Saturday afternoons which were spent with Remus and Teddy.

Today was Friday and once again, her friends had told her off. Harry wanted to spend his evening with Ginny, while the way Ron and Lavender where eating each others faces showed her that he wasn't interested either. At first she had been still too angry with Ron, to care much about the fact if he spent some time with her or not and she could understand that Harry and Ginny wanted some time together. She usually spent her free periods with Luna.

But now she felt a ping of sadness. None of them seemed overly interested in spending time with her. She had really hoped, that once they were back at Hogwarts, things would go back to normal. Like they have ever been. Obviously the others weren't interested in that.

"Sorry Mione. I promised Ginny to spend the whole weekend with her. Maybe another time, yeah?"

"Sure Harry. No problem."

"Maybe Ron-" Harry interrupted himself after a quick look at his friend. He was snogging Lavender, making nauseating sounds, while doing so. "Maybe not," he corrected himself. "Sorry!" He shrugged his shoulder before he turned to Ginny again.

And that was it.

She ate her meal in silence and was considering to ask Luna if she was up to something, or if she should finish her essay for History of Magic.

But before she could make up her mind, Professor McGonagall was standing beside her.

"Oh, Professor. Can I help you with something?"

"Yes, Miss Granger. The headmaster wishes to speak to you. Please come to his office when you are finished with dinner."

"I am finished!" she assured her favourite professor quickly.

"Very well. Than follow me please!" Without waiting another minute she turned around and rushed away, like always. And for once Hermione was glad about it. It spared her to answer to the curious faces of her friends.

Quickly she gathered her things and followed McGonagall.

Five minutes later she was standing in front of the Gargoyle statues.

"Sugar quills!"

Hermione wasn't at all astonished to hear that the password was some sort of candy, but was surprised that it was so easy.

"There you go, Miss Granger!" And with a firm nod, the professor walked away. Hermione was a little bit taken aback that McGonagall wasn't accompanying her.

What could the headmaster possible want from her?

Finally she stood in front of the door to Dumbledore`s office, knocked and waited patiently. A few minutes later, there was still no answer.

Maybe he hadn't heard her?

She knocked again, but stepped in, after waiting another two minutes.

"Professor Dumbledore?" she asked hesitantly and stopped after a few steps into the room.

"Don't be a funk, Granger."

"Malfoy?" she asked stunned and looked around.

Sure enough, Draco Malfoy was sitting in one of the chairs in front of the headmasters desk. His white blond hair shone in the dim light like a halo, which made her frown because of how unfitting it seemed.

"What are you doing here?"

"The same as you, I guess: Waiting! Now sit down, will you?" His tone wasn't harsh just firm.

The two of them hadn't exchanged more than a handful of words since the incident on the train, but on every occasion he had been polite. He always tried to hold their conversation, as short as possible, but that was alright with her. She noticed that he had changed and on some fields was still doing his best to try. For someone who had been raised with so much prejudice, it couldn't be easy and she respected his effort greatly.

Still looking around, she was just about to follow his words, as she heard long high-pitched chirp. Well chirp wasn't the right word. It was a unique and heart-stopping trill.

She twirled around, till her eyes landed on the source of the sound: Fawkes.

The proud and beautiful Phoenix sat on his usual spot, in the middle of the room. Dumbledore`s pet was simply magnificent. Hermione had thought so before, the few times she had seen him from nearby. But today more than ever.

The feathers on his head surrounded him like a crown, which she found fitting for a creature such as precious as Fawkes. Every time he moved, his his red and gold feathering seemed to shimmer in a way, that let her hold her breath awe. Magic was indeed something wonderful and to look at Fawkes always seemed like watching a living incarnation of it.

Without realising it she smiled and drifted slowly towards him. Before she could reach him however, he pushed off fhis perch and her smile faltered.

Of course, why would he let her touch him? She thought sadly as she watched him glide gracefully through the room.

"Come on, Granger!" Draco's mocking voice sounded up behind her.

For a moment she had totally forgotten about Malfoy's presence and she cursed herself inwardly, for her thoughtless daydreaming. But unlike the old Malfoy who used every chance he got, to mock and taunt her with hurtful words, the new one simply sounded amused.

"Everyone knows, that Phoenixes are very selective about whom they allow to touch them."

"Wh-"

"Oh, don't get your knickers in a twist, Granger!" he snorted. "That was merely a fact, not an insult. Or have you already forgotten, what we've learned in forth year?"

She was about to answer, when Fawkes suddenly changed direction, circled her and with a trill that sounded like a mix of a scream and a laugh, landed on her shoulder.

Her face must have shown the same surprised and shocked expression as Malfoy's, but she couldn't be sure. However the shock, as well as the sudden weight on her shoulder, were quickly forgotten, as Fawkes started to sing.

Not a trill, a chirp or a sharp single sound. No. An entire song.

It was beautiful, heart-melting and likewise tear-stirring. Her cheek was brushing his plumage, it was soft and warm, which let her lean slightly more against it. This time, the Phoenix didn't seem to mind her touching him.

The song reminded her of her dream, but at the same time, was so much more than a dream could ever be. His song flowed through her like a soft breeze, made her skin tingle and did funny things to her mind.

Without wanting to, she closed her eyes and let the music take her over.

With her eyes shut, the music seemed even more intense and she was able to downright feel it. Every little nuance was making her shiver, lulling her deeper into the vision he was creating.

There was such a sad note into his song, that her heart went out for him.

So much hurt. So much sorrow and so much loneliness was filling the air that she couldn't hold back her tears.

She was long past the point where she just felt the pain of the singer. It was her pain. Her longing and her desire for salvation.

It was filling every pore of her and made her ache.

And then...then there was hope. A golden shimmer, covering her with warmth and confidence.

Everything would be fine.

A few minutes in absolute silence must have past, before she felt ready to open her eyes. Hermione felt dazed and for a moment she wasn't sure where she was.

That was till her eyes landed on Albus Dumbledore, who was standing beside Malfoy. Other than the blonde whose face was still converted in shock, the headmaster looked at her with an odd expression before he sent her a little smile.

"Ah, Miss Granger. A wonderful song wouldn't you say so?"

Dumbly she nodded. It was really the only thing she could do right now. While doing so, she realised that she was still leaning against Fawkes and tilted her head slightly back, so she could have a better look at him.

As if he sensed her intention, he turned towards her. His glistening black orbs were focused directly on her and Hermione was taken aback by the intensity in them.

Out of an impulse, she let the crook of her finger glide through his feathers on his neck and smiled, as he leant against her, as if he was asking for more.

He nipped affectionately on her finger and than with a flash he was gone. She stumbled slightly as he used her shoulder as base to push off.

A few minutes later she was sitting in a chair beside Draco, still a bit bewildered about everything that had happened.

Fawkes was sitting on his perch again, as if nothing ever happened. But the curious twinkle in Dumbledore's eyes as well as Malfoy's penetrating silence told her a different story.

She didn't need the headmaster or someone else to tell her, that what just happened wasn't normal. Like Malfoy said before, Phoenixes were very selective about whom they allowed near them and even more about who was allowed to touch them.

But she had never heard about something quite like this. It wasn't the fact that he had allowed her to touch him or that he sung. More that he sat on her shoulder while doing so and...

She shivered at the thought.

It was as if he had sung his song just for her. As if to tell her a secret, a sad but beautiful little secret just between the two of them.

Hermione remembered what Harry had told her about his moments with Fawkes. The times in this office, as well as the night in the Chamber of Secrets. The Phoenix seemed to like Harry just fine, but he never told her anything like that.

Maybe it had been Fawkes` way to comfort her? Could Phoenixes sense it, when someone was in need of comfort?

She made a mental note, to look it up in the library.

"Miss Granger?"

"Hmm?" With a start she realized, who she was talking to. She blushed to the root of her hair and started stuttering an apology. "Sorry, sir. I guess I'm still a little overwhelmed about Fawkes` behaviour."

The headmaster nodded and smiled in understanding. "Yes, I remember the first time I heard him sing a song. It's not something one hear everyday and certainly nothing you'll ever forget."

"No, certainly not!" She agreed.

"As wonderful and interesting Fawkes may be, the reason I summoned you today is different."

Hermione sneaked a glance at Malfoy, who had been awkwardly quiet, the whole time and didn't look as if he was to change that now.

"I heard that you spend a lot of time with Teddy Lupin, Miss Granger?"

Frowning slightly, she nodded. "Yes. I live with them now."

That definitely caused Draco to straighten up in his seat.

"Yes, Remus told me about that, too. He speaks very highly of you and is very grateful for your help, especially where young Teddy is concerned."

Hermione wasn't sure what to make out of this. Dumbledore had the annoying little habit to straight out facts and then when you were confused about everything he would change the topic.

She hated to be confused.

"It's no big deal, actually. I like spending time with them and look after Teddy. We are looking out for each other, these days." Without knowing what possessed her to do it, she added: "Like a family."

Again she noticed, Malfoy shifting in his chair, but he remained silent.

"Yes. I'm sure we all know, how much comfort a family can offer."

Okay this time, she flinched along with Malfoy and she couldn't blame him. What was Dumbledore playing at?

"Both of you lost a lot in this war." Before either of them could find a way to express their thoughts on his words, he continued. "I didn't tell you this to taunt you, but to ask you a favour."

"A favour, sir?"

"Yes, Miss Granger."

After a few minutes, she wanted nothing more than to give in to the urge to ask him further. But if she had learned anything in the last seven years, concerning Dumbledore, it was to shut up and let him talk in his own speed. Even if it was killing her.

Instead she watched Draco out of the corner of her eyes. He appeared a little stiff and although his facial expression was bare of any emotions, he couldn't bluff her. Being enemies for years taught you more than efficient ways to rile each other up. After a while you got quiet good in reading each other. If you wanted it or not.

And at the moment he felt clearly uncomfortable.

Hermione had to admit that she didn't know much about his family situation. Mostly out of the newspaper and she had enough experience with reporters to know, that they loved to publish trash. So as likely as not, most of her information was rubbish.

The only things she definitely knew, was that his father had been killed in the battle. He had jumped in front of Draco to shield him with his body from the killing curse, one of the other Death Eaters had sent in his direction for betraying their Lord.

Lucius Malfoy may have been a cruel, prejudiced bastard, but he loved his son.

Narcissa Malfoy survived the battle. Because of the lie she told Voldemort, concerning Harry's death, she was still free and not in Azkaban. She was spending most of her time at Malfoy Manor these days and was only seen rarely in Digeron Alley or on social events.

Apparently family wasn't something, Draco Malfoy wanted to discuss, least of all with her and Dumbledore and for the first time, she was completely on his side.

She definitely didn't want to speak about her family, the war or any other hurtful topic, the headmaster may come up with.

"If the circumstances where different, the two of you would be head girl and head boy, as you certainly know yourself!"

Dumbledore's voice ripped her out of her thoughts.

Malfoy, head boy?

Okay he was second to her in most classes, but to become head your social behaviour count as much as your grates. And nobody in their right minds would call Malfoy's behaviour as exemplary. Specially after he tried to kill Dumbledore in his sixth year.

Whatever the circumstanced had been for him.

"The war had left us all with many scars and some of them will need a lot of time to heal. Some maybe never will. The wizard world is still recovering from everything what happened and I fear it will take a while, till our world is able to look over all the things, which must be taken care of."

Slowly but stead, Hermione was getting impatient. Why couldn't he get to the point?

"One of this things -and I fear, it's not very high on the governments list -are the orphans of the war."

"Sir?" She asked unsure, as he fell into another period of silence. "What exactly are you asking us to do?"

"Oh, that is quiet simple Miss Granger. I'm asking you to find a way to help those orphans."

Simple, alright!

"You-"

"I think we will manage!"

She nearly jumped in her seat, as Draco interrupted her in mid-sentence. It was the first time he had said anything since Dumbledore entered the room.

"What?"

"Oh come on, Granger. I thought you Gryffindors were not only known for your thoughtless bravery, but also for your ambition to help everyone. If they want it or not!"

Well that sounded more like the old Malfoy and oddly enough she started to laugh.

"Yeah, whatever you say!"

Saturday:

"Mi!" Teddy laughed happily, while his hair turned curly and a darker shade of brown. He was running towards her, as quick as his little feet were carrying him.

Willingly she sunk down to her knees, so he could wrap his arms around her neck and give her a slobbery kiss to her cheek.

"Me missed you !"

"I missed you too, honey!" The little boy never failed to cheer her up. Even after she spend the whole supper time, listening to Ron's adventures and how he helped to defend Voldemort.

It wasn't a lie, he did help to defend that megalomaniac hypocrite, but the way he told the story it sounded as if single handed killed every Death Eater with an easy move of his wand.

Why couldn't he stuck with the truth?

Well for one, it wasn't as dramatic, as he let it sound or at least less heroic.

"What did he do this time?"

"Who?" She asked and looked up to see Remus coming out of the bedroom.

"You know who!"

Of course she knew, who he was talking about. "Later!" She assured him and pressed a sounding kiss on Teddy's chubby cheek.

"Want to see my new toy?"

Two and a half hours later, after playing with Teddy's new toys, four exhausting rounds of hide and seek and a very long fairy tale, Hermione managed to put him into his bed for a little nap.

With a sigh she sunk in a seat beside Remus, who was grinning brightly while he poured her a cup of tea.

"Thank you!"

Remus laughed openly about her weary expression.

"Oh wait till it's your time again, to tell him a tale."

Teddy had a knack, to question everything the persons in the fairy tales did. Why was his favourite word. Harry and Remus used to tease her, when she brought it up. Both loved to remind her of her own need to question everything.

In short they thought it served her right!

"He loves the tales you tell him. Every time I try it, he keeps telling me how you would imitate the characters and I got it all wrong!" He laughed softly and she couldn't help but blush.

"So how are you doing?" He asked gently after a few minutes of comfortable silence and enjoying a good cup of English tea.

"I'm fine!" She replied automatically. It was her standard answer to that question and usually people were not interested to hear more than that. It was a set phrase nothing more.

Hermione winced though, as Remus amber eyes focused on her and she could feel her traitorous cheeks heat up a little.

Remus wouldn't be satisfied with that answer. He knew her quiet well and was interested into the truth, so guiltily she gave in.

Remus was more than a little interested, about her yesterday activities, so she told him. Even the part where Fawkes had sung for her. To say that he was interested in that piece of information, would be an understatement and for a moment she wondered if she should tell him about her dream.

This night she had dreamt again, about the door with the golden light behind it. When the door swung open, the light was bright but not so much that she couldn't see Fawkes flying threw it.

Like in Dumbledore's office he was singing that beautiful song of his, but instead of sitting down on her shoulder he flew past her.

Finally, she decided against it. It was just a silly dream and she was sure she would have one or two more about Fawkes in the future. It wasn't every day a Phoenix sings for you, so it was only natural to dream about it afterwards.

For now, she ignored the fact, that her dream started before she met Fawkes yesterday.

"And what about Ron?"

Ripped out of her thoughts she shrugged her shoulders.

And what about Ron?

Good question. One she asked herself every day and was still not able, to come to a satisfying answer beside, that these days Malfoy acted less like an asshole than the redhead.

She snorted unladylike as she told him about his latest heroic deed.

"Maybe he should tell Teddy his fairy tales, he is really good in creating them!" Hermione suggested with a bitter tone. "I swear to you, if I have to hear about his master plan about breaking into Gringott´s and his spectacular escape on the dragons back, one more time I will go mad."

"That bad?"

She nodded. Yeah that bad, but when she had learned one thing in the past, then that it could always get worse.

One way or the other.

Two weeks later:

There it was again. She knew that scenario already. Once more she was standing in front of the heavy wooden door, which led to the great hall.

Nothing had changed since the last time she had visited this place in her dream.

It was still dark, cold and the golden light was flickering threw the splitting of the door. Although she had experienced this scenario quiet a few times by now, she never knew what would happen next.

There was always the bright light, when the door swung open. Sometimes so harsh she had to close her eyes. On some nights it was Fawkes who would glided towards her and on others the light would fade and envelope her with darkness. Or she would simply wake up, before anything could happen.

Every time though, she heard the music and she started to crave for these strange dreams simply to hear it once more.

Hermione still couldn't describe the dimension, of how it was affecting her but it did. In a good way she thought.

She wasn't addicted to it or couldn't wrap her mind about anything else, it just had found its way into her system and she guessed it wouldn't leave her so quickly.

The rest of the dream though, was starting to get on her nerves.

So this time she was standing rather impatiently in front of the door, waiting for it to swung open already.

She tried to concentrate on the music, but the flickering light behind the wood was teasing her. Every moment it would surround her, even if it was for just a tiny moment and then it would be over. Again.

For some people, dreams had a deeper meaning. For her it was just a way to handle the events of the day or things which were affecting her. What was angering her though, was that she couldn't catch what it was, that kept her mind so busy that she had to dream of it again and again.

Now she could watch the door slowly opening. Her arm twitched in an attempt to cover her eyes. And she did only seconds later. This time the light was brighter than normal. So bright indeed, that she needed a few minutes to adapt her eyes anew after it died down.

Blinking she tried to look around.

There was no Phoenix, which gliding through the air and it wasn't dark either. As a matter of fact she was confronted with an entire different situation.

Dumbfounded she looked at the bunch of dancing people in festival robes. The great hall was decorated much like the time during her forth year for the Yule ball.

The enchanted roof showed a beautiful night sky. The stars were shining brightly reflecting themselves in the breathtaking amount of crystal in the hall.

Other as in her forth year, where Dumbledore had turned the hall into a beautiful winter wonder land, the décor was in rich autumn colours.

It seemed fitting as she admired the fancy and surely expensive robes. There was no colour she couldn't make out, though blue, red, violet and green seemed to be the favourite ones.

It was a Masquerade ball and as she watched the dancing crowed, she could feel her lips turn into a smile as she recognised some of the costumes.

There were historical personalities such as kings and famous heroes. She could make out tragic legends from Greek mythology, as well as characters from fairy tales.

She sighed as she remembered that she was only wearing jeans and and a lousy fitting t-shirt. Hermione had never been one for fashion, but she didn't want to enter the room dressed like she was. It seemed wrong.

Had she been in the possession of her wand, she would have transfigured her clothes in something more fitting. But that was no option, so she would just stand here and watch.

The moment she thought that, she could feel a ripple of magic wash over her and as she looked down her form she gasped.

Her muggle clothes had transformed into a breathtaking gold and green robe, which corset was glittering as if it was covered with diamonds. It possessed a snug fit, and even without a mirror Hermione could tell, that the neckline was deeper than she was used to.

Her arms were bare, but covered with a gold glittering powder, which got along nicely with the rest of her dress.

She couldn't be sure about her hair or her mask, which was now covering the upper half of her face, but from what her fingers could make out it had to be okay.

Taking a deep breath she was about to step into the hall, but something was keeping he from doing so. It took her a moment to notice what it was.

Then it hit her. There was no music. Well there was music, but it was the rhythm of an old and slow waltz not the magnificent sound she was used to.

If she thought about it now, it stopped the moment the door swung open, but she had been too stunned by the scene in front of her to notice.

That had never happened before. Whatever had happened, there was always the heart-melting sound filling the air. It was the first and the last thing she would register about this dream.

Not this time, it seemed.

Whatever the reason was, she was over the ever-repeating scenario of the opening door. However it was sad, that the music had to vanish as well. Now it was nothing more than a soft memory in the back of her mind.

She sighed and sifted through her options. Not that she had many. Stand here and watch or enter the room and find out would happen.

Bringing herself to wake up, would have been option number three, but she had tested it often enough to know that it wouldn't happen just because she wanted it.

Finally she realised that moving was the only reasonable possibility and more than that she wanted it. She was dressed in this beautiful dress and she was curious to see more.

So after another deep breath, to calm herself down she stepped into the room and...

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"Granger!" Malfoy's annoyed voice could be heard in front of her door.

"What in Merlin's name...?" she muttered groggily and tried to fight her way out of her blankets.

"Granger! I haven't all day! So if you don't move your butt to this door and let me in, you can do the work all by yourself."

Malfoy again, though this time he sounded more whiny than angry.

With a quick look at her alarm clock, she noticed that she had slept over. Luckily for her it was a Sunday -unfortunately that meant she had to deal with Draco.

Normally she didn't mind. They had met a few times in the past two weeks, to work on their project and oddly enough, they worked well together.

Draco did try to change, though he really had to work on his consuming personality. He was used to that things were always done the way he wanted it, when he wanted it.

"Coming," she finally yelled back and stumbled towards the door to open it.

"What took you so long?" The blond boy snapped and marched in, without looking in her direction at first. As no answer came he looked over his shoulder.

"Merlin, Granger you look like hell. Ever heard of a brush?" he mocked her in an good imitation of his old self. A few weeks before she might have been hurt and kicked him out of her room, but even after the short while they had spent together she knew better than that.

She could see the amusement in his silver eyes, so she only muttered something unintelligible about stupid ferrets and showers and made her way to the bathroom.

Draco obviously knew better, than to bother her further, before she was out of the bath and didn't say anything more.

Odd how things turned out.

„I really hope, you know what you are doing, my old friend!" the old wizard sighed.

The only answer he got was an irritated glance.

"Of course you know, what I mean is if you are aware of the consequences? Not only for you but for her as well?"

Again there was no answer, but sometimes silence said more than words ever could. So Albus Dumbledore only nodded and sighed again.

"Very well, than. Don't doubt that I'm happy for you, but you should not forget what put you into the place you are momentarily in. I hope you've learned from your former doings."

This time, the other made a sound that suspiciously sounded like a huff, which only made the headmaster smile.

"You know, you shouldn't underestimate her. She is not very fond of predestination and fate. You will have to make an effort to win her over."

This time his old friend sounded offend at his well-intended warning, which only caused him to chuckle.

Ah, things would get truly interesting, and Albus didn't intended to miss one bit.

TBC

A/N:

preciousteddybear: Thank you so much for your review. I really hope I can live up the expectations and provide you with a refresher, furthermore.^^