Chapter Three
Dear Ron,
I know this will be close on the heels of my last letter after assisting with the Wolfsbane, but I need to ask you a favor…
Hermione sat in a quiet alcove of the library. It's true that she could have written all of her correspondence in her room, but it had become awfully lonely after six weeks of solitude. At least out here, she would occasionally see someone while still being able to enjoy the silence.
Not much had changed for her in the wake of the discovery of the Snape-Granger Wolfsbane. It was now in testing at the Ministry, and, once approved, it would be given to all werewolves. She hoped that Professor Snape hadn't objected to her adding her name onto the potion. She knew she hadn't done much of the work, had only gotten lucky really. An extra set of eyes. That was all. He would have gotten it.
He was surely furious with her.
Well, it didn't matter at present. She held the next coin in her hand. Only a sickle this time, but she strongly felt that this was not only a wish she could grant, but one that needed to be granted as well.
The wisher had never had anything positive in life. That she was fairly certain of. Everything she heard was hate, or manipulation. Hermione was going to try and correct that, and she wouldn't need anything from Professor Snape this time.
Though it would be nice to have Ron.
Hermione worked on letters to her other friends after bringing Ron's up to the Owlery. Harry and Ron's Auror training didn't begin until the same time that classes did at school, so she could only imagine the mischief they had been getting up to. Harry was supposed to be at his house, and Ron at the Burrow, but Hermione had a guess they would be spending their time together at one home or the other, enjoying their freedom. Perhaps Harry had been bright enough to invite Ginny along on occasion. If Ron invited Luna, then they would be set.
She decided to write her parents as well. She had quickly sent them a copy of the Daily Prophet but she knew it wouldn't mean much to them until they received her explanation of the potion and its importance.
When all of her letters were signed, sealed, and ready to be delivered, Hermione headed back up to the Owlery to send them on their way. However, she only made it halfway before she was intercepted by her first owl carrying a return letter from Ron.
Anything for Hogwarts' latest celebrity. I'll be there around dinner tonight.
Love,
Ron
Well that settled that then! Tonight, she would work on the second of the major wishes.
~~HGSS~~
Hermione prepared for her evening with Ron. She took a pack and filled it with a few hiking supplies, and she made sure to wear clothing appropriate for the Forbidden Forest.
As she walked to dinner, she was suddenly grabbed in a big hug.
"Hermione!" bellowed Ron. "It's been ages!"
"It's been six weeks, Ron. Put me down!"
Ron set Hermione on her feet as he pouted. "Well, it feels like it's been longer. And besides, it sounds like things are much more interesting here than at home. You created a bloody cure!"
"There are more people at the Burrow then in this whole castle, Ron. Probably including the ghosts. And I didn't create a cure, I got lucky."
"Is that why Snape put his name first? Git. It was your work! He probably never would have gotten it on his own.""
Ron was very close to entering the main hall now, and Hermione was not sure who was in there at the moment. With her hand pressed against the door to bar his entering, she told him, "Professor Snape, Ronald. He may not be your teacher anymore, but he still is one. And he didn't put his name first, I did. I got lucky and I wouldn't have if I hadn't had his research to go on. Now, are you going to be willing to help me tonight or are you just going to be a berk?"
"Good grief, Hermione. Yes, I'll help you. Just let me get a bite to eat first."
The pair walked into the hall for a quick bite. Quick for Hermione because she ate little. Quick for Ron because he was Ron.
Soon, they were out at the edge of the forest. Since they were no longer students, they didn't have to ask permission to enter. And since Hermione didn't really want to try and explain her reasons for going into the forest, she had decided just not to mention it to anyone.
Timidly, they began their search. Ron pointed out where he had last seen what they were looking for.
"Wow, there are a multitude of plants out here I haven't seen in the wild! I wonder if anyone has come out here to do an herbology study. Maybe I can see when Neville has an afternoon free."
"Are you daft, Hermione? We're in the Forbidden Forest!" exclaimed Ron.
Hermione huffed and kept quiet as she listened to the crack of branches and leaves beneath her feet. Crickets were chirping and a few frogs could be heard, but they grew quiet as the two came close. A dark mist hung over the ground as they walked between large trees and ducked under the long branches.
"Where do you think it could be, Ron?" asked Hermione in a whisper.
"Who knows now. It's been ages since I saw it last. It could be anywhere. Maybe it ran off or died or something. Maybe it was eaten by something. Like the spi-spi-spiders," he told her with a shudder.
"Honestly, Ron. They are just spiders. We're not looking for them, we should be fine. And we've mostly made peace with the centaurs. Even Grawp has moved to the hut beside Hagrid's. I really don't know what your problem is."
"Problem? My problem, Hermione? There are loads of things in here that are dangerous! Like the spi-spiders. They could be anywhere! They could be over there," he said, pointing to a large tree, "or over there!" indicating a small shrub. "In fact, I think I see one right there!" he yelled, as he looked at a fallen log with a large shadow cast over the top.
"What?" asked Hermione. "I think you're paranoid. That looks like a, I don't know, a den or something."
"Exactly!" said Ron.
At that moment, they heard a rustle from close by the tree. Slowly, the form began to rise. Through the mist, they could see little but the whispers of fog swirling around the hulking form. Hermione was tempted to call out to see if the creature was friendly, but her fear kept her paralyzed. She thought about asking Ron what he thought it was but she didn't want to make noise. And honestly, he was probably useless right now anyhow, if the past was anything to go on.
Suddenly, she saw a long and thin appendage extending from the mist.
"An acromantula!" screamed Ron as he took off like snitch through the underbrush.
"Ron!" Hermione screamed after him. "Are you a wizard or aren't you? Lumos!"
Light flared from the tip of Hermione's wand, lighting up the areaall around her. As it reached the creature, it bolted, and Hermione saw the familiar tail of a unicorn as it dodged around a tree and ran out of sight.
She turned to tell Ron to come back, that he was being a big baby, honestly, to run at the first sight of danger — how was he ever supposed to be an Auror? — when she heard him yell out in the darkness.
"Ron?" called Hermione. "It was just a unicorn! Ron?"
He didn't answer her.
"Ron? This isn't funny! Alright, look, I know I made light of being out here but it was just a unicorn! You don't have to play games like this. I get it. I'm sorry. Now where are you?"
Hermione moved toward where Ron had taken off, carefully picking her way over the ground since branches were strewn from the overhead trees onto the uneven forest floor. Suddenly, she saw the familiar ginger hair of her friend.
"Ron!"
Hermione ran to where he was sitting against a tree. A grimace was all he gave her as he held his leg, which she noted was at an odd angle.
"Did you break it?" she asked.
"Yeah. I think so. Tripped on that log over there."
"Well, that was a stupid thing to do, wasn't it?" snapped Hermione. "I hope you don't think I can Mobilicorpus you all the way to the castle! I'm not going to try to set both bones at once. Can you walk? Or hobble?"
Ron tried to stand while leaning against the tree but as soon as he got off the ground it was evident he was not going to be mobile.
Hermione gave an exasperated groan. This was not how the evening was supposed to go! This was supposed to be an easy wish! And now, here she was. Stuck out in the forest with a broken Ron, who knew how far from the castle.
Suddenly, she remembered her training from Harry.
"I can send my Patronus! I haven't been able to use him before! Expecto Patronum!"
White wisps appeared, followed by an otter who playfully dived around Ron and Hermione.
"I need help," Hermione told him. "Can you go to Hogwarts and find someone to help us?"
The otter chattered and took off in what Hermione hoped was the direction of the school.
"Him?" asked Ron with a laugh. "You have a boy Patronus? Did you name him?"
"Goodness gracious, Ron! You are stuck out in the Forbidden Forest at nightfall with a broken leg and all you can ask is if my Patronus is a boy?" Hermione was wildly using her arms as she spoke, trying not to work herself into a panic. She dropped her pack to find something for them to eat while they waited for help to arrive mostly to give herself something to do.
"His name is Oliver."
"His name is? Oh, that's rich, Hermione! You named your Patronus!" Ron leaned forward in laughter as Hermione shot red sparks in the air to help guide any help that was coming.
"You know what? Fine. You can stay here. You have a wand. I hope that they find you soon, Ronald Weasley." Hermione walked off, accidentally on purpose hitting Ron's leg as she passed.
"Ow! Hermione! I'm sorry! I'm sorry, alright? I promise I won't say a word!"
The first thing their help heard as he flew through the forest on a broom was Ron's pleading words. With a scowl, Professor Snape dismounted and took stock of the situation. He frowned at them both. "As curious as I am to know what could have Weasley begging at your feet, I'm afraid it doesn't overpower my desire to not talk with either of you. I'll tell Pomfrey you are here."
Hermione opened her mouth to protest but as she did, the matron herself came through the trees.
"Not necessary, Severus. I'm here. Now let's see. Oh dear. A good break there, Mr. Weasley," Madam Pomfrey said as she examined Ron closely. "Come now, Severus. Help me get him strapped to my broom. Who knows what muscle damage he's done."
Suddenly, the end of her broom widened to the width of a stretcher and the two carefully maneuvered Ron onto it and strapped him down for safety.
"Well, I'm off then," said the medi-witch. "Mr. Weasley here will be in the infirmary until morning. Severus, please see Miss Granger to safety."
And with that, she was gone.
"Come on then," said Hermione as she headed back into the forest.
Her ex-professor stood still behind her, arms crossed over his chest. "The castle is in the opposite direction, Miss Granger."
"Good, then you'll know how to get us back after we're done."
"I think not. Come along."
Hermione looked back at her professor with the same look often on his face. "No."
"Pardon?" he growled.
"No. I'm not going back yet. I came out here to find something, and I'm sure I'm close. If I go back now, I'll just come back out again, but next time I won't have Ron. I'll probably do something stupid, and you'll just end up out here again too, so really, it saves us both time if you just follow me now. And besides, Madam Pomfrey only asked you to escort me to safety, and I think anywhere you are in this forest is going to be safe."
Snape looked at her, dumbfounded. He couldn't really find a flaw in her logic. He knew her type—foolish Gryffindors—and her friends—stupid Potter and reckless Weasley—enough to know she'd make good on her promise to come out here alone.
"Miss Granger, I have no doubt of the width and breadth of your irresponsible behavior. However, this forest is out of bounds and if you don't follow this instant, I shall be forced to-"
"What? Take points from Gryffindor? Not very sporting, considering I'm not even a student!" Hermione had started the sentence talking but ended it with a yell. She was well past irritated with her evening and her old professor was pushing her into dangerous territory. If Harry had been present, he would have yelled "Mayday!" and abandoned ship. "And another thing, this forest? It's not off limits. I'm. Not. A. Student! Yell at me all you want. I don't care! Be angry with me and hold a grudge because I added my name to the potion! Go ahead! But either way, I am heading back into that forest and I am not coming out until I find a Ford Anglia!"
Snape opened his mouth to retort but couldn't find the words. "An Anglia? You're out in this forest to find an arsing car? What in the blue blazes for?"
Hermione answered him over his muttering of "stupid car" and "daft girl." "Because. I'm, well…" She wasn't about to tell him she was answering wishes. That would certainly elevate his opinion of her. "Just, well, because. Someone wants it and I'm going to return it. Now are you going to help me or not?"
Hermione and Professor Snape stared at each other in the dark of the forest. By now, not even the crickets were chirping. Finally, with a grand flourish, Snape stomped over to his broom and swung a leg over.
"Well?" he asked after a pause. "Get on."
Hermione's felt like her eyes about jumped straight from her head. "Get on? What? And ride?"
"If I am to help you, Miss Granger, we are getting this done as soon as possible. Do you have a faster mode of transportation through a forest?"
"Well. No."
Snape gestured to the broom.
Hermione walked a little closer, paused, and then continued over to the broom. Standing in front of her professor—old professor, ex-professor—she swung a leg over the handle.
She did not like to fly. And she did not like Snape.
She was not going to like this.
Slowly, the broom lifted off the ground as Snape wrapped his arms around her to grab the handle, almost causing an "eek!" to escape Hermione. She instinctively reached out and grabbed his wrists for support. He wisely didn't say a word.
Hermione told him briefly about where the car was last seen, and he pointed the broom headed that way.
"Just guide me, Miss Granger," his deep voice rumbled and she actually felt the tip of his nose rub against the shell of her ear. Hermione felt her chest constrict and her legs go wobbly. That was not the reaction she was expecting. She suddenly had to fend off the wild idea of doing things just to get him to keep talking.
"And I'm not angry with you about the potion. I shouldn't have been on it at all," he offered, rendering Hermione silent for the rest of the ride.
Shortly, they came upon the banged-up blue Ford. It was covered in dirt and moss, and was silent.
"Hello?" called Hermione as she slid off the broom. "Um, Car?"
When it gave no response, she walked closer, working through the brush, and gently rapped on its hood. "Hello?"
Startling Hermione, the car suddenly gave a roar. The headlights flashed on, the horn honked, the engine revved, the trunk opened and closed. At first, it seemed as though the car would attack, and Hermione backed away, but suddenly, it began to drive circles around both of the humans in the clearing.
Laughing, Hermione told it, "Whoa, whoa! Slow down! We want to take you out of here. Is that okay?"
"Beep beep!" answered the car.
"Well, c'mon then! There is someone waiting for you."
Hermione strode over to the broom and was halfway through swinging her leg over when she paused and glanced at her possibly amused professor. "Is this okay?" she asked.
"By all means, Miss Granger. I am apparently at your service."
"My knight in black, billowing armor," Hermione told him, and she felt a chuckle as her seatbelt of arms closed around her waist.
"Hold on," he warned her this time, and they led the lost car out of the forest.
As they neared the edge, Snape told her, "You never told me our destination."
"Um, can you just take me over to Hagrid's hut?"
With an eyebrow arch that was lost to her, the professor steered the broom to Hagrid's and made a gentle touchdown.
"Thank you, sir," said Hermione.
"And just who, exactly, is waiting for this blasted car? Arthur? Molly?"
Just then, with a triumphant vroom, the car burst from the forest and tore across the lawn. It zoomed up to its waiting companion and drove around in circles, dodging the outstretched arms.
Had he not been there to see it, Severus Snape would have thought that the Whomping Willow had no friends.
He would have been wrong.
Hermione watched the two play a moment, knowing how long it had been since the car had gotten lost in the forest. Finally, she looked up at her own companion.
"Come on, sir. Let's go inside and let them have their fun."
The professor nodded to her and followed her into the castle.