Chapter 2
Frantic rushing could be heard throughout the Gryffindor common room as girls and boys alike searched for their warmest cloaks and sweaters for the visit to Azkaban that afternoon. Only sixth and seventh years were going and they were told that they would only be in the minimum security area and would not be visiting any occupied cells. Surprisingly Dumbledore was not chaperoning the trip, though he had orchestrated it: McGonagall was taking them through the security measures, the general layout, and the history.
Entering the prison everyone shuddered, the Ministry had kept the Dementor's in the prison after the War despite the Dementor's role in aiding Voldemort. Being insanely curious Hermione had asked Dumbledore why it was decided to keep the Dementors at Azkaban.
Flashback
"Good afternoon Miss Granger how may I help you today." "Hello sir, do you have a few minutes to help me?" "Of course Miss Granger, although I do have an appointment in about five minutes. What would you like?"
He'd only told her that the Dementors were harmless and that they just needed to stay under watch from the Ministry. Brushing off the rest of her questions the inarguable Headmaster stalks away with a swirl of his garish robes hurrying towards his office. Confused by the Headmaster's brusque attitude Hermione slowly made her way back to the common room.
End flashback
Once the classes arrived at the security desk they were told to hand over their wands, even the teachers. Having handed over her primary wand, Hermione surreptitiously checked her arm holster for her back-up wand: she'd gotten a second one after having lost hers during the War. Looking over at Harry, she noticed that he'd kept his secondary wand as well. Catching his eye, she nodded her head imperceptibly while on the other side of the group Ron complained loudly to anyone who would listen, which was really just Lavender.
While glancing over towards them Hermione let out a little snicker at seeing Lavender with a toque pulled low over her forehead. 'Looks like my spell still hasn't worn off yet. Sucks to be her I guess.' Smiling Hermione set off with group with Harry at her side.
Harry POV
As we approached the first set of security measures, I began to feel sad and all I could think of was Sirius, my mum and dad, and Remus and Tonks. As I got more and more desolate I saw an otter swim across my vision and suddenly I felt a million times lighter. Glancing over at Hermione I realised that the Dementors must have been affecting me already, so I readily cast my Patronus and Prongs came bounding out and began playing with Hermione's otter.
Looking back at Hermione I found myself caught staring at her smile as it danced across her lips, her chocolate eyes were shining as she turned towards me. 'Shit, I hope she doesn't think I was staring' 'But that is exactly what you were doing' 'Oh shut up!'
'Well great,now I'm arguing with myself. . . wait what's 'Mione saying' Tuning back into the conversation I heard 'Mione say "- we're coming up on the first set of cells, I hope there's no one in them. I know they said there wouldn't be, but they can always make mistakes-" "'Mione, you're rambling, again." With a smile on my face I told her to calm down. "You're right of course, I just get so excited - though I don't really think it's exciting to see someone suffering, but . . yeah." Grinning in my direction, I could feel myself getting lost in her eyes again, quickly snapping myself out of it I smiled back and we carried on down the corridor.
Hermione POV
Holding Harry's arm tight enough to block the blood flow, we walked towards the first set of cells. While passing each cell, I noticed that they all had a rough drawing carved into the stone at the head of each bed. "Excuse me, what are those markings on the walls of the cells?" One guard gave her a weird look, "There's nothing on the walls, are you sure you're seeing things right?" Returning the guard's question with a scathing look I replied "Not everyone can see thestrals yet some can, maybe this is one of those cases." Under my breath "you imbecilic moron.", of course Harry could hear and tried to keep his laugh down.
Hanging back I tried to get a closer look I saw that it was of a rough drawing of a phoenix with a snake wound around it's neck. Confused, I moved up to where Harry and the rest of the group were. Just as I leant in to tell Harry what I saw an alarm sounded and like a well oiled unit half of the guards around us herded us to the front while the other half ran off to wherever the alarm was coming from.
Ernie MacMillan turned to one of the guards as we were rushed out of the building "What does that mean?" After a couple minutes one of the other guards took pity on him and said "That means one of the prisoners has disappeared, so get hurrying!"
Catching the guard's phrasing I wanted to clarify, "Hold on, you said they disappeared, did the person not escape?" Rolling his eyes, the guard heaved a sigh "Yes for the past five weeks three Death Eaters have disappeared straight from their cells without leaving a trace. The cells we showed you today used to house the Carrow twins, Yaxley, Macnair, and Rowle are just a few."
By that time the group had reached the front gate and we were promptly locked out. I turned to look at Harry, I knew he could tell by the look in my eyes that I had stumbled on a new challenge to keep me occupied. I smiled at him and after rolling his eyes he gave me his adorable lopsided smile that I so loved. 'Hold on, bad Hermione, we don't lust after Harry, he'd never love you anyways. Best to just stay friends.'
Harry POV
As the classes grabbed onto the portkey that would take us back to Hogwarts I couldn't help but smile at Hermione's enthusiasm for mysteries, and her smile and . . . just her. Sighing knowing she would never love him that way I prepared myself for the ride back to Hogwarts.