Chapter Five: Masquerade
"So here we are
Fighting and trying to hide the scars
I'll be home tonight
Take a breath and softly say goodbye
A lonely road
The one that I should try to walk alone
I'll be home tonight
Take a breath and softly say goodbye"
--Here We Are
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As September turned to October each house awoke to find a bulletin posted announcing a Halloween Ball. The buzz was immediate throughout the school; girls chattering about what to wear, third years complaining about not being able to go, some excited about the first ball since the Tri-wizard tournament and some wondering if it wasn't just some big joke.
"I for one hope it's a joke." Ron said. "Padma just started looking at me again after what happened at the last ball, I really don't need another ball to screw up."
"I'm sure you'll be fine if there's another one." Hermione told him as she sat down across from him.
"I'm just hoping that I don't need to dance." Harry said as he began piling food on his plate.
"Yeah, no one needs to see that again." Ron said with a laugh.
"At least he tried." Hermione said, "It's more then you can say. And you really weren't that bad at it Harry. It was just a difficult dance."
"You didn't have such a hard time with it." Harry told her.
"Yes, well…I didn't have to lead." Hermione said blushing
The Great Hall quieted in anticipation as Dumbledore stood. Everyone was waiting to hear what Dumbledore said about the prospect of a Halloween Ball.
"Good morning everyone." He said, "As I'm sure all of you have heard by now, bulletins have been posted in each of the houses announcing a Halloween Ball. This is not a joke. The Head Boy and Girl approached me a few weeks ago about the idea of another Ball this year and I thought that it was an excellent idea."
"So this Halloween, along with the annual Halloween Feast, we will be holding a masquerade ball." Dumbledore continued.
The silence was broken at the announcement that this would be a masquerade. It made it that much more exciting.
"Everyone should have adequate time to reach Hogsmeade to get a costume before then, but if you are unable to both Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick have volunteered to help students transfigure their own. Just make an appointment to see them. Any other question should be able to be answered by your Head boy and Girl, thank you."
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The next two weeks before the Hogsmeade weekend were filled with talks about costumes and discussions about who was going with who. Lavender Brown was going with Seamus Finnegan. Padma Patil was going with Michael Corner. Neville was going with Luna Lovegood.
"Still don't know how that one happened." Ron said as they trekked towards Hogsmeade, "I mean Neville and Luna? That makes about as much sense as me and Lavender."
"Luna's a nice girl." Hermione said, "She's a bit…odd sometimes….well most of the time, but she's a nice girl and that's good for Neville. He deserves someone nice."
"I guess its better then him going with Ginny again." Ron said.
"Especially considering she has a boyfriend." Harry told Hermione with a grin. Ron still seemed to be in denial over that.
"So where are we going first?" Harry asked as they reached the entrance to the town, "The Three Broomsticks?"
"Actually…" Hermione said causing them to look at her, "I was thinking we could go to Madame Malkin's, she's supposed to be carrying a whole bunch of costumes for the Ball."
"Oh come on Hermione." Ron groaned, "I don't want to spend my whole trip looking for some stupid costume."
"It won't be your whole trip I promise." She said as she started towards the shop.
"Oh come on, you didn't drag us along with you the last time we had a ball and you looked great." Ron exclaimed as he followed her, "Why do we have to this time?" Hermione blushed at the compliment and glanced at Harry who was shaking his head at his friends. Something's never changed.
"Ginny came with me last time." She told him, "And I would have asked her, but we barely see each other lately. Please, it'll just take a few minutes and while I'm changing you guys can look around for your own costumes. You still need to find yours."
"She's right." Harry said, "I for one don't want to have to ask Professor McGonagall for help."
"I guess." Ron said as he followed them through the door.
"Go ahead Hermione." Harry told her. "Will be out here waiting to tell you what we think. But remember, we are guys and as you tend to point out we can be insensitive warts." He said mimicking Hermione.
"Thanks Harry." She said with a large smile before walking over to the woman behind the counter who shortly handed her a bag over the counter.
"Come on Ron." He said, "I'm sure there's something in here that we can get."
"You know that Hermione impression is kind of scary mate." Ron said, "The last thing we need is two of her..."
Harry and Ron searched for costumes fifteen minutes and there was still no sign of Hermione. "Do you think she got lost or something?" Harry asked scanning the large store.
"No, I just think she has a different definition of short amount of time then the rest of the world." Ron said, "I'm going to go look for her, can you hold my costume?"
"Sure." Harry said.
Five minutes later Harry got tired of waiting by himself and went searching for whoever he could find first. He heard Ron before he saw him. "Come on Hermione!" Ron called through the dressing-room door, "We don't have all day!"
"Okay…just be nice but honest." She said nervously back.
"We promise Hermione, just come out here." Harry said coming up next to Ron.
"Okay…" The door slowly opened revealing a nervous looking Hermione wearing a long black gown with dark wings magically attached to the back.
"I'm not quite sure about it." She said stepping in front of the mirror, "The idea is that George would go as the devil, which is…well perfect for him, and I would go as his dark angel."
"But I don't know…Do you think it looks alright?" She asked turning to look at them.
Harry wasn't quite sure what to say as he looked at her. She looked beautiful as she stood there in her ball gown, somehow managing to look confident despite how nervous she was. There was something different about her he realized. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but it was as if…if she had grown up while him and Ron had stayed the same.
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"Are you sure it looked alright?" Hermione asked as they exited the store.
"For the millionth time, yes Hermione." Harry said.
"I'm sorry, I just want to be sure." Hermione said.
"How about we head over to the Three Broomsticks now?" Ron suggested.
"Actually I need to stop by the bookstore." Hermione said.
"Hermione" Ron groaned, "I thought you said we were done."
"You and Harry are." She said with a smile, "I'll go by myself and meet you guys there."
"You sure?" Ron asked, though he sounded as though he would be greatly disappointed if she said otherwise.
"Yes, I'm sure." She said with a laugh. "I shouldn't be too long, just save me a seat."
"Should we save George a seat too?" Harry asked.
"No, he and Fred went to check on there shop. They should be gone all day." She said, "It's just the three of us unless you guys invited someone."
"No." Ron said quickly. He seemed to perk up after hearing that George wasn't going to be there all day. "It's just the three of us. You sure you don't want us to come with you?"
"No, I'll meet you guys there in about fifteen minutes…maybe a little more." She said as she turned and began walking towards the bookstore.
"Knowing her that means she'll meet us there in two hours." Ron muttered as he followed Harry in the opposite direction.
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Hermione sighed as she sniffed the air of the bookstore; it always smelled of fresh parchment despite the age of many of the books. She always loved that smell, it made her feel welcomed and content and all she had to do was walk in the door.
"May I help you Miss?" the man behind the counter asked.
"Oh no, I know what I'm looking for." She said before heading towards the potion section. Recently Professor Snape had been having her help brew potions, it wasn't much just usually her handing him ingredients or stirring for him while he was grading papers, but it was something. She was hoping if that she learned more about the subject he would let her help more like the other teachers did. Professor McGonagall already had her helping grade first year essays and Hagrid and Remus were both always asking her opinions on their lessons and future plans. She didn't think that Professor Snape would ever trust her or like her that much, but he at least might let her brew a potion by herself if she showed the aptitude for it.
"Healing potions…Healing Potions…" she muttered as she scanned the shelf. "Healing Potions!" she exclaimed as she found it on the top shelf. She quickly grabbed for it, opening it almost immediately, before she began walking down the aisle and straight into one of the other customers, knocking them both over.
"Oh I'm so sorry." She said setting up. She had sent all of his books and him sprawling across the floor. "I wasn't paying any attention and I didn't see you at all." She rambled as she began restacking his books, "I always do this. Ron's been warning me for ages that I'm going to run into a wall while reading a book someday…not that you're a wall, I just mean—"
"It's quite alright Miss" The man said putting his hand over hers; stopping her from collecting any more books. "I wasn't looking where I was going myself."
"I really am sorry." She said finally looking at him. He seemed to be in his mid-thirties, with dark brown hair pulled back into a pony-tail and pale eyes that seemed vaguely familiar to her, though she couldn't figure out why.
"I got that." He told her standing up and offering his own hand, "I accept your apology and offer one of my own."
"Thanks." She said as he helped her up.
"Well isn't that something." He said pulling her wrist towards him slightly. He seemed to be examining her bracelet.
"My brother and I are looking for an anniversary present for his wife, poor bloke's horrible at it, and she would love something like this." He said examining the bracelet more closely.
"Oy, Rod! Rod!" he said calling over another man from the other side of the store. "Don't you think that Belle would love something like this?" he asked holding up Hermione's wrist.
"She'd be absolutely mad over it." The other man said walking over. He too looked eerily familiar, though Hermione didn't know where she would have met them before. Maybe they were just locals or they did there shopping a lot at Hogsmeade. "Where did you get this, Miss…"
"Hermione. My name's Hermione, but I'm sorry, it was a birthday present from my boyfriend." Hermione told him, "I don't know where he got it."
"Well is your boyfriend here?" he asked looking around, "I hate to be a bother, but Bella is a pain to shop for."
"No, George is checking in on his shop in Diagon Alley." She said, "He won't be back all day."
"Diagon Alley, you say?" Rod asked.
"Yes..." she said.
"There you are Hermione." Remus said coming up beside her; she hadn't even realized that he was in the shop as well. "I was looking all over for you."
"Well she's been in here for awhile." The first man said, Hermione noticed he didn't seem so friendly when he was talking with Remus as he did with her. "Perhaps you weren't looking in the right places."
"Perhaps." Remus said. He looked as if he was trying to control himself, though Hermione couldn't figure out why. "Hermione I was wondering if you'd be willing to help me out with something at the castle." He said. Hermione noticed there was an almost pleading look in his eyes.
"Surely you don't want to deprive the dear girl of her Hogsmeade Weekend, do you?" Rod asked. "Must be her first one this year."
"Oh I don't mind." Hermione said with an unsteady smile. "I'm sure Rem--Professor Lupin wouldn't ask me if it wasn't important. It was nice meeting the two of you...I hope you find something that your wife will like."
"Come along Hermione." Remus said taking her elbow and guiding her towards the exit.
"Goodbye Hermione, it was a pleasure meeting you." He called after her. When Hermione glanced back she noticed them both staring at her almost hungrily, much different then when they had first met her. Gone were the friendly smiles and the kind men asking her polite questions, and in their place were maniac smiles and a look she had only seen one place before, her dreams.
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"Professor, Professor Lupin!" Hermione said as he continued to lead her through the town. His grip had not loosened on her elbow and Hermione was beginning to wonder where they were going. He hadn't mentioned once why he wanted her to go back to the castle. "Remus!" she said when he continued to ignore her, "Remus where are we going?"
"Somewhere far away from them as we can." he told her.
"Why? Remus what's going on? Who—"
"They were Rodolphus and Rabastan Lestrange." He said whipping around to look at her. His face instantly softened at the look of fright and bewilderment on her face. She obviously hadn't had any idea.
"But their…They, they couldn't be…Why didn't someone recognize them?" Hermione asked.
"It's been a long time since the last war Hermione," He said softly, "We've all changed since then."
"Now let's get you out of here." He said as he resumed walking, "It wasn't just a coincidence that they ran into you."
Hermione remained silent as Remus continued to lead her towards the castle. Past Honeydukes, past the Three Broomsticks where a part of her realized that Harry and Ron were still waiting for her, past Zonko's where she knew George would be if he was there.
"George!" she breathed in realization. "Remus! Remus stop!" she said pulling at his arm.
"Hermione—"
"I told him where George was." Hermione said, "They kept asking questions about the bracelet and my boyfriend and I…I can't believe I told them but I didn't think anything of it…."
"What did you tell them Hermione?" Remus asked.
"I told them that George was in Diagon Alley. Alone."
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Remus watched Hermione worriedly as they hurried up the path to Hogwarts. She had remained silent after her announcement that George could be in danger. She hadn't so much as cried. She just continued following him, occasionally looking behind her, as if hoping to see George looking coming up the path behind them.
"Everything will be okay." He promised. She couldn't bring herself to believe him.
Remus never removed his hand from Hermione's elbow as they came into the Entrance Hall. He noticed a lot of students staring at them, Hermione especially but he was past caring about what others thought. Not after what he had just seen.
Rodolphus and Rabastan should never have been able to get that close to her. Someone should have noticed something. If he hadn't seen her, if he hadn't recognized them from his school days…Merlin knows what might have happened.
He spotted Severus in the Hall talking with Filch and nodded for him to follow him. They might not get along but Hermione was as much Severus' responsibility as he was his, even if they had different feelings towards her. A few moments later he heard Snape's quiet steps behind him and he knew he was following. They should both be there for this meeting.
He spoke the password quietly ("sour sugar quills") and helped Hermione onto the winding stairs. Severus was looking at him questioningly but he ignored him. He would find out soon enough.
Remus wrapped loudly on the door and the Headmaster called for them to come in. That alone seemed to snap Hermione out of whatever daze she was in. Suddenly she was alert and attentive, and Remus knew that she was willing to do anything to help.
"Well this is certainly a surprise." Dumbledore said as he watched the odd trio enter the room. "I hope that Miss Granger didn't do anything that would require punishment from all three of us." He said with a small chuckle.
"No Headmaster." Hermione said quietly.
"Remus?" he asked.
"I found Hermione in Hogsmeade unknowingly talking with Rodolphus and Rabastan Lestrange." Remus said as Hermione sat down.
"You what?" Severus snapped looking away from Hermione and sending a sharp look at Remus.
"I ran into them at the bookstore, literally." Hermione said quietly, "I didn't realize….they seemed nice. A little strange maybe, but perfectly nice. They didn't change until Remus, uhh…Professor Lupin appeared, but then they were different…."
"Hermione was talking with them several minutes before I realized what was going on." Remus said, "She's…Hermione's afraid that she might have let something slip about George and Fred Weasley's whereabouts."
"I'll send Alastor to check on them." Dumbledore said. "Does anyone know where Mr. Potter and the youngest Mr. Weasley are?"
"They should still be at the Three Broomsticks." Hermione told them, "I'm supposed to—I was going to meet them there after I was done at the bookstore. I never did get that book on healing potions like I want to…"
"I'll go get them." Remus volunteered. "They'll be wondering where Hermione is by now anyways."
"Make sure not to tell them anything while their still in Hogsmeade." Dumbledore said, "No need to upset the entire town if someone overhears."
"Of course." He said nodding at the Headmaster. "Everything will be fine Hermione." He said putting a hand on her shoulder, "You're safe now."
Hermione nodded and smiled, but they could both tell that it was forced. Deatheaters had just penetrated one of the few places that they still thought was safe.
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Hermione was vaguely aware of the Headmaster talking into the fire as Professor Snape moved in front of her, leaning against the desk as he watched her.
"Yes professor?" she asked, cursing as her voice shook slightly. The incident had shaken her up more then she cared to admit.
"I would like you to tell me exactly what happened." He said still watching her closely. "Something important might have happened that you didn't realize at the time."
"Of course." She said, though her mind was still on other things. She would never forgive herself if something happened to George or Fred because of something she said. "I walked into one of them, literally. I proceeded to apologize profusely, thinking that it was my fault. Though looking back at it now, it was probably planned."
"Most often the best way to ensure you talk to someone is to give them a reason to talk to you." He told her. His eyes were locked with hers and she was sure that he was using Legilimency to find out what happened himself.
"He asked about my bracelet claiming he and his brother were looking for a present for his brother's wife. They continued to question me about where I got it and when I couldn't answer them, they asked me about George who I had mistakenly told them was the one who had gotten it for me. After that Re—Professor Lupin showed up and—"
"Did you call him Remus or Professor Lupin?" He asked her.
"I was going to call him Remus but I quickly corrected myself and called him Professor Lupin." She said surprised by the question. "I've been doing it all year." She explained "As hard as it was to call him anything other then professor originally, it's hard to change back after I had gotten used to calling him by his first name."
"Have I said something wrong?" she asked him.
"You have inadvertently given information about two personal relationships to two Deatheaters, who I'm sure will immediately tell the Dark Lord what happened Miss Granger." He said, "So yes, however accidental it may have been, you did say something wrong."
Hermione lowered her eyes and remained silent until the Headmaster came back over. He and Professor Snape talked briefly and Hermione continued to look at the floor. She had far worse things to worry about then what Professor Snape thought of her, even if he was right.
"Miss Granger? Miss Granger?" Dumbledore asked, "Would you like some tea or maybe some biscuits while we wait for your friends? Perhaps a lemon drop?"
"No thank you Headmaster." She said, "I'm not very hungry."
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Hermione was staring out the window when she heard the door open behind her. She quickly looked around to see Remus coming back into the room but there was no Harry or Ron behind him like she had hoped. She tried not to sigh as he closed the door behind him.
"Harry and Ron are back in the Gryffindor Tower." He said, "They said that they hadn't noticed anything suspicious when they were in the town and I kept an eye out but I didn't see anything either. I told Minerva to keep a close watch when I saw her in town but I don't think anything will happen."
"I agree." Dumbledore said. He looked as if he was going to say something more but the fire roared to life and Mad-eye Moody's head appeared in the fireplace.
"Everything's fine over here." She heard him tell Dumbledore, "I've had a look over everything and they said they haven't seen anything. Their keeping the shop open a little while longer and I'll stay with them until then and then escort them to Hogwarts. We should be there before sundown."
"Thank you Alastor." He said.
"Wait, why is the shop open?" Hermione asked, "George said that they were just going to check on it, he didn't say anything about opening it."
"Apparently there were some kids beggin' them to open," He explained, "Or something like that, you'd have to ask him."
"Thank you Alastor, we'll see you when you get here." The Headmaster told him.
"Everything's fine Hermione." Remus told her, "There's no reason to worry."
"Of course not, why would there be reason to worry?" she asked him, the sarcasm evident in her voice.
"Hermione…"
"I think that I'll go back to my room unless there's anything else." Hermione said turning towards the Headmaster.
"Not at the moment no." He told her, "But if there's anything else that you remember later or you would just like to talk about what happened, you can come to speak with any of us."
Hermione sent a fleeting look at Snape, where she was sure that she had seen him roll his eyes, before looking back at the Headmaster. "Thank you Professor." She said, "I'll make sure that I do."
She left the room trying to ignore the looks that the three men were giving her, one concerned and two unreadable.
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Hermione made her way back to the Gryffindor Tower in daze. She kept replaying the conversations she had with the two men over and over in her head. There were clues; they weren't even trying to be subtle. They had mentioned Bellatrix at least twice, even if they hadn't used her full name, and she hadn't even picked up on it. She was naïve and trusting, despite how cautious she was when she knew she was around people she could depend on.
She had been too open; she had risked all of their live without her even knowing it and she had to make sure that that didn't happen again.
Hermione had barely been able to make it into the common-room before Harry and Ron were on her. Each one had grabbed an arm and started leading her towards the boys' dormitories. They passed a few first years, who looked at them oddly, but saw no one else as most of the older students were still at Hogsmeade.
When they entered the sixth year dormitories Harry dropped his hold on her arm as he turned and closed the door. Hermione heard him muttering a locking charm and a silencing charm as Ron continued to lead her over to the beds.
"You know this would look quite suspicious to anyone who saw it." She said as Ron stopped in front of his bed. His hand quickly moved away from hers.
"Yes, well…that's what the spells are for." He said as she sat down, "We didn't think you'd want everyone to know what had happened."
"No." she said quietly, "No, I don't."
"What exactly did happen?" Harry asked as he and Ron sat down on his bed across from her. "Remus told us a little but he said that he couldn't explain very much where others could hear."
"Yeah, that's what Dumbledore said. No reason to worry the locals or any students who might overhear."
"Is there reason to worry?" Harry asked.
"When I was at the bookstore I ran into two men, we talked for a little while before Remus came over and had me leave." She said quietly, not looking at either of them. She had never found someone's quilt quite so interesting. "I wasn't sure why at first but then he explained that they were Rodolphus and Rabastan Lestrange."
She heard Ron make some sort of strangled sound and she was sure that he had gone white. She heard no definite sound from Harry but she thought that she heard him shifting on the bed. Most likely he was trying to think of something to say.
"They were…I mean…and you were…." Ron didn't seem to be able to come up with anything to say either.
"I'm fine." She said finally looking up at them. "They didn't do anything. They didn't even really try. It was just…it was really unnerving." She said, "To have them there, so close…if Remus hadn't recognized them…Well I know I certainly wouldn't have."
"You would have realized something was wrong eventually." Harry told her, "I know you. You would have picked up on something they said."
"But when? What else would I have told them before I realized that something wasn't right?" she asked.
"Hermione…"
"I told Professor Snape what happened." She said quietly, "In the little I talked to them I gave them information. I told them where George was. I told them that he was alone...What if they had asked about the two of you? What if I told them that you were at the Three Broomsticks? What would have happened then?"
"Hermione none of that matters," Harry told her, "All that matters is that you're okay."
"I don't care about what happen to me!" she said suddenly standing. Harry and Ron were both looking at her questioningly, wondering what she meant by that. She took a deep breath before continuing, "I know that came out harsh but I spent a very long walk back from Hogsmeade worrying that I had done something that could hurt the two of you, hurt George and Fred…"
"We understand Hermione." He told her. And he did. He was constantly worrying about the repercussions of his actions would be for his friends. He had learned that the hard way in the Department of Mysteries. "Maybe…maybe you should lay down for awhile." He said trying to stop his thoughts from traveling to what had happened last June. "That's what everyone tells me to do when something like this happens."
"No, no. I want to be awake when George gets back." Hermione said, "But I do think that I'm going to go take a bath. That should calm me down."
"Are you sure your okay Hermione?" Harry asked as she reached the doorway.
"I'm fine." Hermione said turning back around. "Don't worry about me Harry, I'll be fine. I always am." She added quietly.
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Hermione stared transfixed as the water filled the tub. She hadn't bothered with exquisite smells or with different kinds of bubbles. All she wanted was nice hot relaxing bath to wash away everything that had happened today. She didn't have the patience to wait for bubbles nor did she need them to do that.
She doubled checked that the door was locked before stepping out of her robe and into the tub, tensing at the hot water. She had come to love hot baths, they helped relax her, helped her to forget her problems and focus on practically nothing. But not today.
Today the bath didn't help. Instead it seemed to make her more tense and more nervous. She had managed to remain calm since she had found out who they were, she had remained as collected as possible but she could only take it so far. Here in the quiet she allowed herself to break down. She finally let the tears fall. She allowed herself to feel everything that she had been suppressing while talking with Remus, with Professor Snape, with Harry and Ron… She allowed herself to think about what could have happened, all of the what ifs.
She cried for everything that she, Harry and Ron had had to face over the years. She cried for everything that Harry had to endure. She cried for Cedric and Sirius, who died never having been able to experience the full potential of life. She cried for everyone who had lost someone in the war. She cried for everyone who lost a part of themselves. She cried, not for the first time since the dreams began, berating herself for not being strong enough to tell someone about them. For not being strong enough to face them and lying awake at night instead.
And she continued to cry, never noticing the figure outside her door listening to every heart wrenching sob.
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"Harry. Harry wake up." A voice said. Whoever it was was shaking him lightly, not enough to scare him but enough to keep him awake. "Harry wake up."
"What, what is it?" He asked opening his eyes. Hermione was perched on the edge of his bed. She was wearing the short muggle nightgown he had seen her in over the summer. He hoped she didn't notice him blushing. "Hermione what are you doing in here? Somebody's going to get the wrong impression you sneaking in here like this. It is the wrong impression, right?"
"Don't worry." She said with a giggle, "They won't be able to see me."
"What do you mean they won't be able to see you? Hermione what are you talk—" Hermione interrupted, placing a finger on his lips.
"They can't see me Harry, only you can." she told him, "I had to see you. I had to tell you something."
"What you mean they can't see you? Hermione—"
"I need you to know its okay." She said moving closer to him. "I need you to know that."
"I need to know what's okay?" he asked her setting up.
"That you couldn't save me." She said smiling softly at him. She leaned down slowly, almost as if in slow-motion, giving him a chaste kiss on the lips. "Remember that Harry." And then she was gone, disappearing as if she had never been there in the first place. The only reminder was the feeling on his lips.
"Hermione no!" Harry yelled. He awoke with a jolt, setting up in bed and gasping for air. It took him a minute to realize that there were four boys all standing around him.
"You okay Harry?" Ron asked.
"Yeah, yeah." Harry said shaking his head. "It was just a dream….that's all."
"You sure?" Neville asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Harry said forcing a weak smile.
"So, do dream about Hermione often?" Seamus asked with a grin.
"Yeah, all the time." Harry muttered sarcastically, he grabbed his covers and rolled over before anyone else could ask anymore questions. He didn't care what they thought his dreams were about; all he cared was what they meant. He didn't know what Hermione had meant when she said he couldn't save her but he was going to make sure that didn't happen. He would make sure that she was safe. No matter what the cost.
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"Hermione hold still." Ginny said as she pulled at her hair.
"Well stop doing that and I will." Hermione said.
"You know you asked me to help with your hair, not the other way around." Ginny told her.
"I know, but that was before I realized that you were doing it to get back at me for all the times I made you study when you didn't want to." Hermione said. "Ow! Ginny."
"Sorry." Ginny said. "I'll try something else. Better yet, how about we just try it down in waves." She said waving her wand. Instantly Hermione's tangled locks turned soft and silky, flowing down her back. "Nothing beats a nice hair charm." Ginny said, "Makes things much simpler too."
"Yes, now if only we had thought of that before we started." Hermione muttered. "Do you want me to help with yours?"
"No, I already know what I want to do." She said taking Hermione's place in front of the mirror.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Ginny asked as she watched her friend set down on the bed. She had been noticing something different about her for awhile now.
"For the last time, I'm fine Ginny." Hermione said.
"I know I know." Ginny said, "It's just, you know Ron told me what happened in Hogsmeade and I'm just worried."
"Ron told you that so you'd know better then to talk to strangers. Trust me, I learned that lesson. You don't need to worry about me." Hermione said as she looked over her costume. She was still a little nervous about it.
"I know, I just…"
"Ginny I'm fine. I promise—"
"I heard you crying." Ginny interrupted. "In the bathroom, after it happened. I came home early from Hogsmeade and one of the first years said that you came up here. I wasn't trying to spy or anything, I just heard you crying and I couldn't bring myself to knock."
"I'm not mad Ginny." Hermione said. "It explains why you've been hovering over me so much these last couple of weeks."
"I just wanted you to know that I'm here if you weren't okay." Ginny said. "Harry and Ron may not be the best shoulders to cry on, but I'm here too."
"I appreciate that Gin," Hermione said, "Really I do. But I don't need a shoulder. When I say I'm fine I mean it."
"You're sure?" Ginny asked.
"Yes." Hermione said with a big smile. She knew she was lying, but sometimes it was necessary. "Now come on and let's get dressed. No need to keep the boys waiting too long. If we do, they'll just complain about it all night."
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"This is great!" Ron said as he and Harry had entered the Ball.
"Yeah!" Harry called back over the loud music. The Great Hall resembled little of what it normally did, decked out it blacks, grays and reds. There was mist swirling without and candles and other decorations floating magically about the room. People were off dancing to the right and there were tables set up to the left, much like at the Yule Ball. But with everyone in costume and the music that was playing, it made it seem much less formal and more fun. Harry even expected to enjoy the night.
"I wonder where Hermione is." Ron said scanning the crowd. "I haven't seen much of her lately."
"Yeah, neither have I." Harry said quietly. The truth was that it was mainly his fault. He had been trying to separate himself from her. He figured if he was around her, then there was no reason for anyone to come after her. However distancing himself wasn't an easy thing to do alone, at least not inconspicuously, so he had taken to flying with Ron a lot. It took up a lot of their free time and it gave a reasonable excuse for them not be there. He just hoped neither Ron nor Hermione caught on.
"Hey guys." Ginny came up beside them. She was dressed as a princess, or at least that was what Harry assumed from the tiara on her head. The dress she was wearing was also white, so he guessed she could be a bride.
"Hey Ginny." He said.
"What exactly are you supposed to be?" Ron asked looking her up and down.
"Frankenstein's bride." Ginny said with a laugh, "Dean's here as Frankenstein."
"What's a Frankenstein?" Ron asked, "And why does he need a bride?"
"Apparently it's a muggle thing." Ginny said, "Dean told me about it but I don't really know how to explain. It might be better if you ask him.
"Yeah, maybe…" Ron said as scanned the crowd again. "Have you seen Hermione?"
"I saw her before I left, I was helping her get ready, but I haven't seen her since then." Ginny said. "She's probably around here somewhere though. You'll find her eventually."
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Ron continued his search for Hermione, Harry following close behind him secretly hoping that he wouldn't find her. This distancing thing was harder then he thought it would be as Ron seemed rather focused on finding her. So far he had ignored several comments on his costume, two girls asking him if he wanted to dance, and a barb about his family from Malfoy and they had yet to find her.
"Maybe their not here yet." Ron said stopping in front of the punch bowl.
"Yeah, maybe." Harry said though he didn't quite believe it. He was sure she was here, somewhere. He just didn't know if Ron would be happy when he found her, especially if she was in George's arms.
"There she is." Ron said pointing across the room. Hermione was standing next to George, a smile playing on her face as they talked with Angelina, Katie and Fred. Angelina and Katie seemed to be watching her closely and Harry noticed Hermione move closer to George as she scanned the crowd, apparently having no interest in the conversation. Knowing the group of people she was with and the hand movements Fred was making, it was probably about quidditch.
Harry noticed her spot them and saw her smile. She whispered something to George before hurrying over to them.
"I've been looking for you two everywhere." She said, "I'm glad I finally found you. You two look nice."
"So do you and George." Harry said.
"Thanks." Hermione said blushing, "But I don't think we'll be winning the best costume award like George had hoped. Angelina and Fred's costumes are pretty good and so are Luna's and Cho's."
"Speaking of Angelina…you two wouldn't mind if I hung out over here for awhile, would you?"
"No" Ron said quickly.
"Why?" Harry asked.
"Well Fred's always nice to me. Probably something to do with the fact I'm dating his twin and in the beginning occasionally got them mixed up…but so are the other seventh year boys. But Angelina and Katie…I don't know, they just always seem to act like I shouldn't be there. That I'm doing something wrong."
"You don't have much luck with girl friends do you?" Ron asked.
"Ginny is all I need." Hermione told them, "Other then that I'm happy with you guys. I find you much less annoying."
"Gee thanks." Harry said.
Hermione stayed with them for awhile, convincing each of them to take a turn with her on the dance floor, claiming that they never did dance with her at the Yule Ball and who knows when they'd have the chance again. Ron seemed more eager to dance then Harry thought he would. But it was long before George had turned up again. Harry had noticed that he was around a lot more since what had happened in Hogsmeade. Apparently Harry wasn't the only one feeling guilty about having left her alone.
"May I have this dance?" George asked offering Hermione his arm.
"Certainly." She said handing her punch glass to Ginny who was grinning at her.
"There cute together." Ginny said as she watched them dance.
"Ginny." Ron groaned.
"Well they are." Ginny said, "And she's good for him. Mum would be happy."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
"Well if you haven't noticed, he hasn't pulled any pranks tonight. When have you known George to give up an opportunity as good as this?" she asked, "And if that's not enough, he hasn't been able to keep his eyes off of her all night. Even when she was over here, he was watching her. Giving the two of you some right proper dirty looks when you were dancing with her as well."
Harry noticed Ron watching Hermione and George closer as Ginny explained everything to them. Harry hadn't noticed either but they were become more serious then he thought they ever would.
As the song ended George took Hermione's hand and led her to the doors leading to the gardens. Ron didn't wait to see if they left before he stormed off, Harry quickly following him.
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"This is much better." Hermione said coming outside. All the people and noise had been getting to her. She had been more jumpy lately and the large crowd was making her nervous. She couldn't help but think that with everyone in costumes it could be anyone behind those masks. She couldn't help but shiver every time someone bumped into her or came too close.
"I agree." George said guiding her down the path. "There are far too many people in there."
"It is a ball." Hermione said, "There's supposed to be a lot of people."
"True…" George said, "But Angelina's been acting strange, which is making Fred act strange—"
"Fred always acts strange." Hermione told him with a smile.
"Okay stranger then normal." He corrected himself, "And some alone time with my girlfriend sounded like a good idea."
"Alone time?" Hermione asked. "Just what exactly do you think is going to happen out here George Weasley?"
"I have absolutely no expectations." George said with a large smile of his own.
"Is that so?" Hermione asked turning to look at him. But as she turned the ground swayed beneath her. Everything started to spin as her eyes rolled back in her head.
"Hermione. Hermione!" George called. Hermione felt him wrap his hands around her waist as the world continued to sway.
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"Ron!" Harry called following him through the common room. "Ron, will you stop?!"
Either Ron didn't hear him or he wasn't listening to him, as he continued up the stairs to the dormitories. When Harry finally caught up to him he was already throwing off his robes.
"You knew they were dating Ron." Harry said. "It's been over three months now."
"But they were just supposed to be dating." Ron said as he threw his bow hat across the room. "They weren't supposed to be like that. He wasn't supposed to take her away from me…"
"Ron…" The truth was Harry didn't know what to say to him. He knew that Ron had been denial about Hermione and George; he knew that it was going to hit him eventually but he had never thought of something to say when it did. This was when he needed Hermione.
"She wasn't supposed to fall for him." Ron said miserably as he sunk down onto his bed. "She was supposed to realize how bad he was for her. She was supposed to realize that she had the wrong Weasley…I don't think that's going to happen."
"Things could happen." Harry said trying to be encouraging, "It's only October and Fred and George will be out of here after December. Anything could happen."
"Yeah, anything could happen." Ron snorted disdainfully, "But it won't."
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"Hermione, are you sure your okay?" George asked crouching in front of her. She was as white as a ghost and shivering.
"I'm fine." Hermione said with what she hoped was a comforting smile, "I just got a little dizzy."
"That wasn't a little dizzy, Hermione." He told her, "I should go get a teacher."
"No!" she said quickly. "Don't do that. I'm fine, really I am."
"Hermione I know you don't want my opinion on this. I know you think you can handle this on your own but I don't think you can." he said, "This is the third time I've been with you and you've had a spell like that and who knows how many times you've had them and conveniently not mention anything about it." Hermione did her best not to look guilty. "And you've said so yourself that these dreams aren't going away. Maybe this is more then just a few nightmares."
Hermione's eyes met his, the tears shining in the moonlight. He was right. She knew he was. She had been in denial about it for awhile now but whatever was going on was too big for her to handle on her own. She had wanted to protect Harry. She hadn't wanted to distract the Order because of her own troubles. But in trying to protect everyone else, she had never thought about what she was doing to herself.
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Hermione stared at the opposing door in front of her. She had never been to Dumbledore's office alone. She had been there plenty of times before, but with Harry and Ron, or with Remus or Professor McGonagall. Never had she gone alone. Never had she had a reason to.
George had offered to go with her. He would have happily came with her, help her explain when she had difficulties. But she had told him no, thinking that it would be easier if she did it by herself. She would have hit herself for her stupidity but she didn't need a bigger headache then she already had.
Just as she was about to knock, the door swung open before her. "I wasn't sure how long it would take you, so I decided to help you along." Dumbledore told her. He was setting behind his desk, a small smile on his lips and his hands clasped in front of him.
"I'm sorry Headmaster." Hermione said coming farther into the room. "I'm just a little…"
"Nervous?" he supplied for her.
"Among other things." Hermione said.
"I'm sure there's no reason to be nervous child." He said, "Now, I believe you have something that you'd like to tell me. May I ask what it is?"
"Yes, of course." Hermione said, suddenly remembering why she was there. "I…I don't think your going to like this very much."
"I'm sure everything will be fine." He reassured her.
"I've been having dreams." Hermione said quietly.
"There's nothing unusual about that." He told her.
"There is about these." Hermione said. "I…They've been happening since the beginning of the summer. At first I just thought that they were nothing. That it was just because of what happened in the Department of Mysteries, anyone would have nightmares after that….But they didn't go away. They just kept getting worse. Every night I have one. Every night there different but equally real. And there horrible, nothing I could have ever imagined on my own….They've become so bad that I can't sleep. That I'm afraid of sleeping…."
"I know this must sound ridiculous." Hermione said wiping at the tears that had fallen as she had explained. "But there so incredibly real, sometimes its as if I never even fell asleep at all….And I know that there different, but I keep remembering everything that happened with Harry last year and I just don't want the same thing to happen."
"Not that I'm comparing myself to Harry!" Hermione said quickly, "I just—"
"I understand Miss Granger." Dumbledore interrupted. Hermione noticed that he looked much more serious then when she had begun explaining her dreams. "I think this conversation requires Professor Snape as well." He said moving over to the fire. "I'll return in a few moments." He told her before throwing Floo powder into the fire, calling out 'Severus Snape's quarters', leaving Hermione alone in his office.
It was a good ten minutes before he came back, Professor Snape coming through the fire behind him.
"I'm sorry that took so long." Dumbledore said moving back behind his desk, "I had a little trouble finding Professor Snape."
"It's no problem." Hermione said glancing over at Professor Snape. She didn't think that she would like the reason he was here.
"Professor Snape would like to ask you a few questions, if that is alright." He told her.
"Of course." Hermione said turning her attention to Snape.
"These…dreams that you told the Headmaster about" he said, "Are they reoccurring?"
"No, no I don't think so." Hermione said, "In the beginning maybe. But then, when they first started they were different. They were more indistinguishable, just images and darkness. They're much different now, always realistic, most of the time I don't realize that I'm dreaming until I wake up."
"Do you have more then one dream a night?" he asked watching her carefully.
"I don't know what you mean." Hermione said.
"Have you ever woken up from one, to fall back asleep and have another or perhaps fall back into the same one?"
"No." Hermione said, "No, normally I sleep through the night and am just…upset or I wake up and can't fall back to sleep."
"So you can't bring yourself out of them?" Snape asked, though it seemed like it was more to himself.
"I—I don't know." Hermione said, "I've never really tried, like I said I don't realize I'm asleep. George has woken me up a few times I guess, so have Ginny and Viktor, but I've never really been able to snap myself out. Is that important?"
"It's good to know Miss Granger." Dumbledore told her. "Anymore questions Severus?"
"No, not at the time." He said, "I think you were right in your suspicions Albus."
"I had hoped that I was wrong." He said.
"What are you talking about Headmaster?" Hermione asked.
"I do not know the cause of these dreams." He told her. "But I do not think that you have any control over them. We need to change that."
"Every night you are to go to the Hospital Wing and Madame Pomfrey will supply you with a vial of dreamless sleep potion. You will return to your quarters and take it there. If you the potion doesn't work or you show any effects from it, I want you to come to me immediately."
"Yes sir." Hermione said quietly.
"You will also begin Occlumency lessons with Professor Snape." He said.
"Yes sir—Wait, what?" Hermione asked. "That's what you had Harry do when—"
"Don't misunderstand Miss Granger; this is a very different situation then Mr. Potter's." Dumbledore told her. "However we do not know the cause of the dreams and I think it is important that we do. Occlumency should help Professor Snape gain insight on what exactly is going on."
"I understand." She said. "When will I have my lessons?"
"No one would believe that you were taking remedial potions. You still have your teacher's aid duties with me every week" Professor Snape said, "We will do it then."
"Yes sir." She said not quite meeting his eyes. She didn't like the idea of him probing her thoughts. Harry hadn't told her a lot but he had told her enough that she knew it was not a fun process. It was a hard skill to master and the memories that you were trying to repress always seemed to be the ones that came to the surface. She knew there were a lot of things that she didn't want Professor Snape to see.
"Professor Snape has been kind enough to supply you with a vial of dreamless sleep potion for tonight." Dumbledore said lifting a potion vial out of his robes and onto the table. "I was inform Poppy of the situation tomorrow and you can report to her tomorrow night. She should be expecting you around nine."
"Yes sir." Hermione said standing and taking the vile off of his desk, "Thank you."
"Now, I believe it is much past curfew." He said, "Professor Snape will walk you back to your quarters."
"Before I go." Hermione said as Dumbledore stood, as if to leave himself. "Is there anyway that we can keep this between the three of us?"
"What do you mean?"
"I just…I understand if you have to tell the Order or the other professors but….I don't want Harry to know about this. He doesn't know about this. Any of it. And I'd really like to keep it that way. If he finds out he's only going to blame himself, and that's not good for anyone but especially him."
"I can find no reason for Mr. Potter to know." He told her. "Don't worry Miss Granger; your secret is safe with us."
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Hermione felt uncomfortable still in her costume as she walked beside Professor Snape. She had long since vanished her wings but she still felt like something heavy was on her shoulders. She had thought that confessing to Dumbledore would make her feel better, that it would make everything better but it had left her just as confused. He didn't know what was going on, and if he did he wasn't going to tell her.
"You're shivering Miss Granger." Professor Snape's baritone voice came from beside her.
"Yes, well this costume is made for effect, not for warmth or comfort." Hermione said as she rubbed her arms. The castle had gotten much colder then usual tonight. It must be the beginning of November; everyone was still pretending that it was summer. She heard Professor Snape shuffling beside her but continued walking, he wouldn't have stopped for her and she knew he would have considered it foolish if she did so for him. A minute later she felt his outer robes wrapped around her shoulders.
"Thank you Professor Snape." She said pulling them closer, unable to suppress a confused smile. She would never have expected that from him. It was entirely too human of thing to do.
"Next time you should wear more clothing." He told her. She knew there was a sneer in his voice but this time she didn't mind. The robes had been a comforting gesture. They made her feel safe and secure as she held them around her. She hadn't felt completely safe in a long time.
"I find it odd that you do not want your friends to know of this." Professor Snape said as they neared Gryffindor Tower.
"I find no need for them to know." Hermione said stiffly. She had wondered if anyone would question her motives for not wanting them to know anything.
"Really?" he asked. She couldn't see it in the dark but she was sure that he had raised an eyebrow at her.
"They're already shaken up about what happened in Hogsmeade." She said, "I don't think it's necessary to worry them any more. Professor Dumbledore knows, you know. That's all that really matters right now."
"I think your friends would have a different opinion." He said as they stopped in front of the Fat Lady. She was looking at them both reproachfully.
"Yes, well they often disagree with what's best for them." Hermione said. He noticed she was smiling, but it was a sad smile.
"You should be ashamed of yourself" The Fat Lady said interrupting them, "Keeping a student out this late. It is hardly proper. As a Professor you should know better."
Hermione rolled her eyes but otherwise ignored the portrait. She was always butting in where she didn't belong, assuming she knew what was going on when most of the time she didn't. "Thank you Professor Snape." She said carefully sliding his robes off her shoulders. She could already feel the coldness setting in. "I'll see you Monday for lessons."
"Make sure to be on time. Miss Granger." He said nodding his head in acknowledgement. He sneered at the Fat Lady, who seemed appalled at his actions, before striding away.
"You should know better missy." She said turning on Hermione, "There's to be no close contact between staff members and students, and this is the second staff member I have seen escort you back after curfew."
"I can assure you there's nothing go on." Hermione said blushing at the implications. If she was to choose a teacher to be involved with it certainly wouldn't be Professor Snape. "Pickleberries," she told the portrait, "Will you please let me in now?"
The Fat Lady sent her another reproachful look but the portrait swung open and Hermione climbed quickly inside. The common room was dark and there wasn't even a fire in the fireplace. All that was left was a few scattered pieces of parchment and a red-headed boy asleep on the couch.
Hermione smiled at George sleeping serenely on the couch, he almost looked as if he was smiling in his sleep. She would give anything to be able to sleep like that. Hopefully the vile in her pocket would allow her too.
"George. George!" she said shaking his shoulder gently.
"Hermione?" he mumbled his eyes opening slightly.
"Yeah, it's me." She said.
"What did Dumbledore say?" he asked quickly setting up.
"He said that he'd look into it but that it's probably me working myself up over nothing." She lied. She had thought long and hard on the trip back to the common room. Until they knew what was going on she was going to keep this as secret. "But he said that I could use dreamless sleep until I was comfortable trying to sleep without it."
"If everything's fine why'd he keep you so late?" he asked her.
"Well I spent a good twenty minutes just staring at his door before I had the nerve to go in." she told him with a small smile. "And after that he asked me to drop something off at the hospital wing when I picked up my dreamless sleep. And Madame Pomfrey was still awake when I got there….and well you know how she can be. I talked longer with her then I did Dumbledore."
"But he said everything's fine?" he asked her, "There just dreams?"
"Trust me, as far as anyone knows, they're just dreams." She told him.
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