Raised with Magic
Chapter Fourteen: What if?
Mum and the Professor compared their notes for hours and seemed to forget I was even in the lab with them. That was fine with me. I'm used to not being noticed and to be honest, everyone noticing me lately sometimes makes me uncomfortable.
Dad had popped down to see if I was hungry, I didn't move and inch. Mum's and the Professor's conversation was fascinating! I always treasured that I could read and listen at the same time. Although it did cause some problems in school, some teachers would initially believe that I was showing off, or that I wasn't paying attention to them and was reading instead.
A loud 'bang' stopped the conversation about using crystallized bat blood or mugswort as the potions stabilizer. "Sorry, Severus, but can you stay here, I'm just going to make sure everything is alright upstairs." The professor nodded seemingly a little annoyed, to be honest I think he was more annoyed at the lengthy explanation for her departure than the interruption.
Mum headed up stairs and I went back to my book. I'd never have thought that human toenails could act as a catalyst during the brewing of skin growth potions.
On some level, I was aware of the Professor pacing, even as I read. "What are you doing down here?" He asked me after two minutes of silence. I hadn't really thought that he would break a silence, I didn't mind.
"Reading." I answered honestly. If he didn't have self restraint I think he would have rolled his eyes at me. I don't think he liked my answer. I suppose it didn't really tell him anything he didn't already know.
"Obviously." He drawled. "I was questioning your location not the activity." He was really correcting his own mistake but he made it sound like I was stupid and hadn't understood. Which, in my opinion is both rude and mean.
I decided to disregard his unsociable behavior and his comments which had seemed insulting. After all, I had thrown him through a wall, I suppose being nice is the least I can do. "I like potions. Mum likes me here, I think it keeps her motivated. Besides, reading about potions in a potions lab is fun and exciting."
"Exciting?"
"Being here makes be feel connected to what I am reading and makes me even more eager to try the potions out."
"I hardly believe you understand your current reading material." He told me, bluntly.
"I do." My voice was confident. I liked this man. He seems like a good if not harsh teacher. Much better than Mrs. Puddlestum anyway. Now that was a horrible woman and a terrible teacher.
"Then tell me, what is the rule for choosing a caldron for a potion such as bone re-growth." The question was only hard by the amount of factors, but quite simple to walk through. Although I was thrilled that he was testing my potion knowledge along with my comprehension of my reading material.
Let's see, the unique part of the bone re-growth potions is that they all use ashwing leaves. That reacts violently with gold and copper. Both pewter or silver would work fine but cobalt would have the advantage of enhancing the perry root making the potion work over a shorter period of time.
"Cobalt." I answered when I worked through the steps. He raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
"Cobalt would not react negatively to any of the ingredients. It would however react positively with the perry root making the potion work on the patient faster." I could feel my eyebrows move around a lot when I spoke. I guess this means I'm expressive. I wonder if that is a good or bad thing in this new world of mine.
"Don't doubt her Severus." Mum called from the stairs. "Hermione, your father brought home some letters for you. " I needed no more then that before I was flying up the stairs to receive the mail. The Professor and his tests quite forgotten besides my abandoned book. Later I would cringe.
"Thanks Dad!" Called as I took the letters and ran to my room. I only almost tripped once.
Hermione,
Everyone here is really thrilled to hear from you! We have been worried and have only heard from some ancient dude at the funeral that you are safe and settling into a good foster home. Maggie was pissed, she wanted you to come here, with us, but then she talked to that guy alone and suddenly thought that you living with the Lovegoods is the best thing ever.
On a more serious note your parents would want you to be happy. Everyone knows you will always miss them so don't worry about it being wrong if you are not unhappy. From the sounds of things you are handling this well, that's good. Don't question that.
I'm glad you passed your test! Everyone knows my Hermione never fails. It's a good thing that you have friends with other interests, makes you grow.
Things here are kind of slow. I'm thrilled it's summer but Chris and Ted are both on vacation. I've been spending most of my free time with the horses and swimming.
A lot of what you said was vague. Anything you want to tell me?
Jared,
P.S. Maggie is sending you a letter.
The other envelope is pink, it makes be shudder and I almost don't open it.
I don't like Aunt Maggie. She's Jared's mother in the loosest use of the word. I'm not supposed to know the details but people often forget how sound travels. Maggie's first husband, Jared's father died when he was real young. Then Aunt Maggie remarried and he made her throw Jared out a few years ago. I don't know why he wanted Jared gone but he did. Jared ended up going to his Grandmother's place.
He likes it better there. I know that much. He even refused to move back with his Mum when she got divorced and wanted her son back. I'm glad he stayed with his Grandmother. She loves him and he loves her a lot. People need to be where they are loved.
My dear sweet Hermione,
How are you doing, love? I'm so very sorry for what happened, it was such a sad event. Don't worry sweetheart, everything will be just fine. A very nice elderly man came and told me of your situation. The Lovegoods sound like a wonderful family and environment for you. I'm here baby and I can fly over in a heartbeat if you need me. You did not deserve this. You are so young. This is not your fault! Give me a nice long letter and tell me all about how you are doing.
Hugs and kisses,
Your favorite aunt Maggie.
Okay, well then. I penned a quick response to Maggie, assuring her that I am fine, but I put off writing to Jared until I talked to the headmaster, because it was quite possible that Jared knew.
It didn't take me long to decide that I simply could not wait to talk to Headmaster Dumbledore. Dad wasn't around when I went downstairs, but there was a short note explaining that he and Luna took a quick trip to town to get some ingredients for dinner. Smells were still coming from the kitchen.
Plan B was asking Mum so I tip toed down the stairs to the lab. Mum and the Professor seemed to be in the mist of a break through so I sat on the stairs and lost myself in my own thoughts.
Is it possible that Jared could be aware of the magical world? Maggie hates all Jared's supernatural and conspiracy theories. I actually think that might be part of the reason he was thrown out. But, maybe his theories weren't theories? What if he had no idea at all and was only aware that I was hiding something? Would Headmaster Dumbledore even be able to help me? What if there was no way to determine if Jared was a wizard or was aware of them? Would I be allowed to take the risk and find out on my own if that was the case?
"Hermione!" I looked up to see two sets of eyes watching me. I ignored my Mum's facial expression which told me I had missed her other attempts to get my attention. It's not like that doesn't happen a lot.
"Can I floo Headmaster Dumbledore?" I blurted.
"It's getting late Hermione." Mum replied, confused about my request.
"Please, Mum."
Her brows furrowed and I felt bad but this was important to me. "Alright. Let me floo him first and make sure it's alright with him."
When Mum went up stairs both me and the Professor followed her. He was observing me and lost in my own thoughts, I hardly cared that he was. When I heard a happy laugh I broke out of my little world and caught the Headmaster's exclamation of, "Of course Kaya, my goddaughter is always welcome!" The Professor raised his left eyebrow, I think he likes doing that. It must make him feel intimidating.
Only hesitating for a short moment I quickly entered the green flames when my Mum activated the network for me. I really hate floo. I think I am starting to dislike this particular shade of green too.