Raised with Magic
Chapter Fifteen: A place to go
I was surprised that during my enthusiastic hug with the Headmaster, Professor Severus Snape had followed behind me.
"Ah, Severus, my boy, I trust you have met my goddaughter during your time at the Lovegood's." The Headmaster stated keeping his hand on my shoulder. Our reactions, my blush and the Professor's 'indeed', had the Headmaster grinning. "Dear me, I do believe I am being left out of the loop." He pouted. It was odd to see a man of the Headmaster's age pouting. Even odder was it became the second time that I believed Professor Snape wanted to roll his eyes. Then again, one can never be sure with the Professor.
"My presence at the Lovegood residence startled Miss Lovegood-"
"Granger. Please." I interrupted. Never before has my voice ever sounded quite so meek to my own ears or so desperate. I really would work on that, I promised myself.
"Yes," He responded, almost uncomfortably, maybe. "It would seem that my presence startled Miss Granger. As a result I was sent through a wall." Professor Snape attempted and really did succeed in sounding angry at this. I don't think anyone in the room really believed him about that anger. But it sure sounded genuine. The annoyance was genuine I'm sure.
"Impressive." I blushed again at the Headmaster's approval and Professor Snape took the opportunity to dismiss himself.
The Headmaster should have scolded me, not praised me. I lost control, the display had been nothing but brute force and I hurt and innocent person in the process. What's more is that the Headmaster showed his approval in front of the very man I wronged. I read a book that followed alone these lines. The ending turned out bad for everyone.
To be completely and truly honest, I probably would not have been so troubled by this if the fact that the Headmaster seems to revere magical strength didn't make me so uncomfortable.
I tried to make myself forget, I really did. I think I succeeded because I could feel those thoughts go away into the back of my mind.
When both of us were seated and had tea in front of us my reason for coming needed to meet the light. I did notice that the tea cups weren't the nice ones that they had been before. I was grateful but I can't for the life of me understand how he knew.
"Now, what can I do for you dear?" He asked as he sipped his own tea that had lots of sugar in it.
I drink my own tea with lots of cream and only one sugar. Daddy and Mother never liked me having too much sugar, it's bad for a person's teeth.
"I'm sorry to take up your time like this Headmaster-" He put a hand up to stop me. It's weird that he doesn't like the formal speech. I learned how to talk with my professors so they could take me seriously a while back.
"First of all, child, you are always welcome at Hogwarts. I daresay the majority of my staff, myself included, are quite taken with you. Also please call me Uncle Albus. I find myself quite jealous of Minerva in that regard." I smiled at him, a full scale grin that had almost become rare since my parents left me. All my practiced words that had dominated my thoughts as I had sat on the laboratory stair case jumped out of the window of my mind.
"Well, Uncle Albus, I was hoping you could help me with something. I got a letter from my cousin Jared and I get the feeling that he may know that I am a witch." I admitted bluntly with none of the flowery words I had planned.
Uncle Albus thought for a while and I believe it had to do with his own interactions with my extended family. Interactions which he had never told me about. "I did get the impression that young Jared was suspicious of me. I did not get the chance to speak with your Uncle. It is possible that one or both of the males in their family could be magical."
"But, Uncle Albus," I started my mind going over everything I knew about the situation rapidly. "Jared had mentioned your persuasion of my aunt. I think you used magic. If that's true wouldn't my aunt have reacted to the sight of your wand?"
"Very good, Hermione." I could tell that he was reverting to a teacher persona and I found that I really didn't mind. "However, what you understandably have not taken into account is the differences between British and American schooling. In America the curriculum is a mix between Wizarding and muggle studies. Therefore, it is not uncommon for a parent of a half blooded child to be unaware of the child's abilities. I do believe that you are connected to your cousin by his mother being your mother's sister." I nodded to confirm. "Then it is possible that magic is in his Father's side of the family. I will gladly look into this for you dear. I admit, I am interested in seeing this outcome as well."
"Maggie's husband isn't Jared's father. You might need to know that. And he doesn't live with her. Jared lives with his Grandmother. " I didn't mention that Maggie was currently on husband number three, it seemed rude. At least, none of the adults had ever felt it necessary to explain to me how or why she had three different husbands over time.
Luckily, Uncle Albus didn't find it necessary to poke at the weirdness of my family. I don't know if I could even answer any questions if he had any.
After my worries were put to rest, Uncle Albus talked with Mum and they decided that I could spend the night and tomorrow at Hogwarts. Mum sent me a bag which Uncle Albus and I left in his parlor with the assurances that it would be moved to the room I would be staying in.
Maybe Hogwarts really would become home too. I only wish that Mum had sent Leo with the bag. Or even instead of the bag. After all, I obviously would rather have Leo than a small clustering of stuff. Stuff doesn't mean much, especially when compared to my Leo.
When we left the parlor we once again entered the Headmaster's office. This time I allowed myself to indulge in my curiosity and study the room. Only a minute later I got sidetracked once I set eyes on the beautiful bird perched in the far corner. I couldn't look away. I have no idea how I had missed him before. He's absolutely the most beautiful subject I have ever seen.
Standing next to the wonderfully beautiful bird I felt plain and unimportant but I couldn't being myself to like the bird even a tiny bit less.
"That's Fawkes, feel free to say hello."
"Hello Fawkes," I was surprised when the bird leaned into the hand I had offered. "Are you a Phoenix then?" Fawkes nodded and again I found myself grinning. "Well it's wonderful to meet you. Are you Uncle Albus's familiar?" I would read more about phoenixes later.
After Mum had made the comment about Leo being my familiar I had done some reading on the topic and it fascinated me. Fawkes nodded again in a wise bird manner and gave a grateful ruffle of feathers when I stroked his feathers in a way I assumed he liked. Uncle Albus gave us a few more minutes to bond. Seemingly very satisfied with the event, before calling me to leave with him.
The two of us arrived during what I think was the second half of dinner. The great hall was only occupied by three other people. Aunt Minerva and Hagrid seemed exceptionally happy to see me and Professor Snape did not seem particularly unhappy to see me. At least I hope not.
When Uncle Albus took his normal chair, I went to sit in an empty chair next to Hagrid. Last time I had joined the Hogwarts staff for food seating myself had been difficult but manageable. This time Hagrid picked me up with no hesitation and sat me down in the noticeably oversized chair.
"It's so nice to see you child!" Aunt Minerva greeted switching from her seat further down the table to come sit on my other side. Without consulting me she started filling my plate and I really didn't mind. Although, she gave me a lot of cauliflower. Cauliflower is gross, but I'm good at making a plate look like some of it has been eaten so I'll manage fine.
"Thank you, Aunt Minerva." I responded, careful that none of the dislike of cauliflower came through my voice.
" 'S nice ter see yeh Hermione." Hagrid commented grinning.
"Thanks Hagrid. I think I'm going to be here tomorrow and I was hoping you were still willing to show me some of the creatures you told me about." Both Hagrid and I turned to Uncle Albus pleading with our eyes. He nodded and both of us grinned. Albus's eyes twinkled, maybe he is part star or something.
I also think Hagrid's a big kid at heart which will likely mean we'll get along real well.
"Are you staying the night child?" Aunt Minerva asked as I shoved a large piece of chicken in my mouth. Not a disgustingly large piece or in a way that showed awful manners, just a particularly large mouthful.
"Yes, she is. I thought that it would be appropriate to give her some chambers in the faculty wing for when she stays here." Even without a mirror I knew my face was showing disbelief. Aunt Minerva was positively gleeful.
I swallowed.
"Oh, Albus, do give her the chambers off my own." I really like Aunt Minerva. I just have to wonder if she treats me nicer because of my age. She doesn't talk down to me, but sometimes I wonder if she will like me when I am older.
At least I know for sure that Luna and the Twins will. If nothing else, that's still enough for me. I took another bite as people continued talking about me.
"I'll let the house elves know." Before I got the chance to ask about what house elves could possibly be, I was being shuffled out the door by Aunt Minerva.
Shame I didn't get any pudding. Luna would be horrified.
The faculty wing was not far from the Great hall and Aunt Minerva explained that when there were entrances here there were also entrances by each of their respected classrooms. Each of the doors were marked with their last names and I was surprised to see my name on a door too. Granger.
Aunt Minerva had me open the door and explained that now it would only open for myself, Uncle Albus, her and my parents. The room was large and the walls were a light purple when the furniture was dark woods. Directly across from the entry way was a large sized bed with a dark purple comforter. My bag sat at the foot of the bed. A nightstand sat to the right of the bed. On the wall to my left there was a dresser and a vanity with a large mirror. On the wall to my right was a desk and a door way.
"Go on through." I did so and the doorway brought me to Aunt Minerva's chambers. It opened up to a common room of sorts. The room was round and inviting with a large fire place, plush chairs, friendly portraits and multiple full bookshelves, "you're welcome in here when ever you like, consider it an extension to your own quarters. The bathroom is through that door," she pointed to the door next to the stair case. "my sleeping quarters are up the stairs if you ever need me." I couldn't help it, I latched onto her in a big hug and to my horror I felt my eyes water.
I was surprised when she picked me up to carry me over to the sofa. I wasn't heavy and the task wasn't difficult but it was surprising because besides that one time at the bank, no one had picked me up since Daddy. I started to cry. Daddy used to carry me a lot.
Aunt Minerva stayed with me in her lap and stoked my hair while making noises to calm me down.
"Sorry." I muttered still sniffling.
"Don't apologize child. Now tell me whatever is the wrong?" I felt embarrassed by my reaction but I owed her the truth.
"Nothing's really the matter. I'm grateful for all this. Then I just really missed my Daddy." She pulled me closer, my tears returned.