Chapter 24
Ginny POV
"Game well played," Professor Dumbledore smiled as Ginny, still in her quidditch robes, came up to stand next to Hermione who was currently talking with the headmaster and Professor McGonagall.
"Thank you, sir," Ginny replied with a humble nod.
"The scouts will be attending your next game," Professor McGonagall announced with a quiet smile. "They've been talking about you for quite some time now, I understand. I imagine that would be a good game to attend," she commented as she gave Hermione a sly glance, which didn't go unnoticed by the smirking brunette.
"Well, it was kind of you to stop by, Miss Granger. Wonderful to see you again," Professor Dumbledore said with a quiet smile as he gave Professor McGonagall a subtle look and they departed down the hall, giving the girls some privacy.
"You were great, Ginny," the older girl complimented as she wrapped an arm around Ginny's waist and planted a light kiss on her cheek.
"Thanks," Ginny grinned before offering her girlfriend a wink. "Thanks for stopping by...for no reason at all..."
Hermione gave her an exaggerated look and muttered, "What are you talking about, I'm here to support you because that's the kind of girlfriend that I am." She cracked a grin. "And I have to make my presence known every now and then, what with all those girls in the stands with signs asking you to marry them..."
Ginny smiled smugly as she reached over to grasp the brunette's hand and began to walk them towards Gryffindor Tower. She purposely let Hermione's complaint go unacknowledged for a while just to rile her up, but eventually spoke, "Well, if you'll let me, I'll tell them all that I'm already very much taken." Ginny reached under her quidditch robes and pulled out her ring which was still on the gold chain and slipped the band onto her ring finger, showing Hermione. The redhead gave her girlfriend a teasing look and said, "You know these girls - they're so persistent. But I think something like this-" She waggled her fingers, "-would deter them."
The brunette gave a light, but derisive laugh. "If that's the best reason you have for marrying me-"
"No," Ginny argued, while she sought eye contact with the girl who was so casually avoiding her gaze. "You know that's not true. It's just one more reason, of many," Ginny stressed, "for me to marry you."
The redhead gave a quiet smile and looked down, suddenly bashful, as Hermione gave her a soft look.
"It's in your own best interest, really," Ginny finished in a lofty manner. She laughed as Hermione gave her a small shove.
The girls stepped into the Common Room and were instantly ambushed by enthusiastic Gryffindors whom were still high off of the House win. Ginny shot Hermione a coy smile as the students enveloped them, and only received a playful look of disdain from Hermione.
"Go on upstairs and get ready, I'll wait here," Hermione instructed as she waved Ginny off, talking loudly to be heard over the excited chatter.
"Yes, ma'am," Ginny replied flatly before shooting the older girl another grin and rushing upstairs to the dorms.
A short while later, Ginny came down in her casual clothes, but with jacket in hand and greeted a patient Hermione.
"I suggest we go while your fans are still unaware of your return," Hermione stated airily as she led the way out of the room.
Ginny headed down the hall and turned a few steps in as she realized that Hermione wasn't following. As she turned back, she saw the brunette walking in the opposite direction. A look of puzzlement crossed the redhead's face and she jogged to catch up.
"Where are you going?"
"I need to make a pit stop," Hermione announced, not bothering to make eye contact with the younger girl. Ginny frowned, but followed along nevertheless.
As she tried to determine where they were headed, her forehead creased furthermore. Eventually, it hit her.
"You couldn't have used the bathroom in the Tower?" Ginny asked in exasperation as she cocked an eyebrow.
"Wait here, please," Hermione stated as she smiled and disappeared into the Prefect's bathroom.
The redhead leaned back against the railing in the hall and tapped her foot impatiently. A few minutes later she checked her watched and sighed audibly before glancing irritably down the hall. She was about to get up and knock on the door when it swung open.
"Finally," Ginny complained as she rolled her eyes. She stood up and began to walk over, but stopped mid-step when she came upon a young woman she didn't recognize.
"Uh," Ginny said dumbly as she eyed the woman warily and took a step back.
"It's just me, Gin," the woman stated while giving the redhead a tired look.
"Mione?" Ginny asked in an uncharacteristically high voice.
"Yes," the woman chuckled and offered a smile.
"Why'd you take Polyjuice Potion?" Ginny asked as she eyed the new Hermione, who was a bit taller than Ginny, had blonde hair and green eyes.
"To be safe," the blonde girl responded easily as she began to walk. "I just have this feeling that the Ministry is watching closer than we originally thought. If they're watching my mail, I don't see why they wouldn't be curious to see where I'm going. They can track me to some degree at least through portkey travel, but I thought I'd at least attempt to not make it so easy for them."
"You don't think you're being just a little bit paranoid? You didn't seem this concerned a few days ago. We're just going to Hogsmeade and then apparating to Grimmauld Place," Ginny questioned.
"There could be Ministry officials in Hogsmeade and we don't know where Dobby will take us to meet with this house-elf. Better safe than sorry," Hermione stated. "And you should be off the watch now that they think we've split up, so you're fine as is."
Ginny nodded, though she still thought Hermione was being perhaps a bit too proactive, here. Though Ginny certainly had her apprehensions and anxieties over the recent discoveries, she had calmed down considerably compared to the other day. The thought that the Ministry could be watching Hermione here and taking these extra precautions hadn't crossed her mind. But, if this is what Hermione thought was suitable and wanted to do, then so be it.
As they navigated the corridors, Ginny couldn't help but peer over every now and then at Hermione in her new form. Of course Ginny had seen Polyjuice Potion used before, but she couldn't say that she'd seen Hermione use it before. The whole thing was rather intriguing.
"Well, I guess this is exciting," Ginny stated casually with a shrug as she reached out and let her fingers trace along Hermione's hip.
"Ginny!" The blonde exploded as she pulled away.
"What?" The redhead asked in innocence.
The older girl shot her a look of contempt and huffed before marching onward once more.
"What?" Ginny repeated, her voice rising.
Hermione exhaled angrily and replied in her most uptight voice. "It's me, but it's not me. I'm in an entirely different body," she exclaimed. "It's like cheating!" She cried indignantly.
Ginny was in the midst of a rebuttal when Hermione rounded on her, unfamiliar eyes flashing dangerously.
"Are you trying to say that you like this woman's body better than mine?"
Taken aback, Ginny began to sputter her defense and Hermione talked right over her.
"It's the hair, isn't it? Or my face? You think I look plain," the older girl rattled off as she pointed a finger at Ginny who continued to whither on the spot.
The redhead threw her hands up in defense, eyes magnificently wide, and protested as sincerely as possible, "Sweet Merlin, Hermione, I didn't mean a thing by what I said. Nothing! I think you're absolutely gorgeous-" Hermione's green eyes flared up once more and Ginny quickly recovered. "-the real you, not this you. And I adore your hair...and your face. I think you're perfect," she finished a little breathlessly.
Ginny stood motionless and Hermione studied her wordlessly for several moments. The redhead released a sigh of relief and dropped her defensive stance as Hermione walked on, only after huffing once more.
"We should get going," Hermione mumbled. "We're supposed to meet Harry at 5 - it's nearly time."
Ginny fell into step with Hermione and resisted the urge to grab her hand to give it a reassuring squeeze. Normally, during a moment like this, though they hadn't quite had one of this magnitude before, Ginny would reassure Hermione with hand-holding, a kiss or a hug. However, considering how the younger girl's last attempt at affection went over, perhaps such an approach was best put on hold for now.
"Harry." Hermione smiled happily as she rushed forward to give the bespectacled boy a large hug.
"Hi Hermione," Harry laughed as he was nearly knocked over by the overenthusiastic hug. Eventually, he pulled back from the embrace and eyed Hermione in amusement. "Changed your hair, I see."
Ginny stifled a laugh as she saw Hermione glower. The redhead decided to swoop in and save Harry before any harm came to him.
"Hi Harry," she greeted as she pulled him away and into a hug.
"Did you guys win today?" Harry asked as they broke their embrace.
"Of course," Ginny replied in her most matter-of-fact manner. "I gotta say though, Dennis has a lot to live up to, trying to fill your shoes on the pitch."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Sure." He began to walk down the hall and beckoned for both girls to follow. "So Dobby found this house-elf - apparently his name is Brumski," the dark-haired boy told them as they entered the kitchen. Dobby came to stand next to him, making Harry look much taller than he actually was.
Hermione nodded as she turned to Dobby. "Thank you for finding him, Dobby. Did you have much trouble locating him?"
"No, Miss," he said in his meek, small voice. "But he was very frightened when I showed up - he has not seen anyone in a very long time."
Hermione and Ginny shared a look.
"Is he being kept prisoner? He's isolated?" Ginny asked.
Dobby looked unsure and answered cautiously. "Dobby doesn't believe Brumski is being held prisoner. He disapparated at first when Dobby came!" He exclaimed. "But Dobby found him again and we went back. But yes, he is alone."
"Dobby, what did Brumski say to you when you found him?" Hermione asked.
"Not much, Miss," Dobby replied regretfully. "It's his memories, Miss. They're gone!"
Hermione and Ginny shared another look over this revelation.
"Gone?" Hermione reiterated. "As in, his memories have been removed?"
"Yes, Miss," Dobby answered with a solemn nod.
"Well, what could he remember?" Hermione asked, still clearly taken aback by this discovery.
"He did not want to share much," Dobby said wistfully. "But he only remembers his life in this home of his. He knows nothing of Ms. Blake."
That visceral distrust of Ms. Blake intensified in Ginny's gut as Dobby's words set in.
"How did you even find Brumski in the first place?" Hermione went on in latent disbelief.
"He's a house-elf, Miss" Dobby replied simply with a shrug. Ginny stared at him for a moment before shrugging herself, accepting his answer in delay.
"So Ms. Blake fired this house-elf, am I correct?" Harry asked as he leaned back slightly against the table behind him.
"Yes," Hermione answered. "For 'insolence', supposedly."
"I think you girls may have stumbled upon a very large mystery, here," Harry theorized in a light voice.
The redhead looked over to Hermione, who appeared to be very deep in thought. The group paused, essentially watching and waiting for her instructions. Eventually, Hermione brought her hand down from her chin and looked to Dobby once more.
"Dobby, you can you please take us to Brumski? And we'll need you to stay - I think it'll be a much smoother process if you're there since he knows you now. And if he's been alone all this time, he likely won't trust Ginny or I," she explained. Righting herself just so, Hermione spoke once more, her voice clear and decisive. "I'm going to try to restore his memories."
Everyone, even Dobby, raised their eyebrows in question as Hermione's proclamation hit.
"Hermione, that's no small task," Harry warned. "Memory restoration takes years and years of training." He stared back unfazed as Hermione shot him a fierce look.
"I'm well aware. I think I can successfully pull it off though," she replied resolutely. She must have seen that Harry was about to provide another piece of advise, and cut him off, explaining rather curtly. "I know I can do this."
"You haven't performed any memory charms before - at all," he retorted.
Hermione pursed her lips and stared back defiantly at Harry. "I just know I can do this. I know what to do."
Ginny searched the older girl's statement for any sign of hesitation or doubt and found none - thankfully. Ginny wasn't overly knowledgeable about memory modification, but she knew that restoring memories was even more of a skill than removing them. In addition, a botched attempt could be irreparable. The redhead gave a decisive nod of her head, drawing attention from the rest of the group - if anyone could pull this feat off, it was Hermione.
"Mione?" Ginny asked gently, not wanting Hermione to assume that she was doubtful of the older girl's abilities as well. Hermione turned, her expression considerably softer and waited expectantly. The redhead went on.
"If, presumably, Ms. Blake, has gone through the trouble of casting all these charms on Brumski, don't you think she'd have a way of detecting that we're tampering with her spells?"
Hermione looked thoughtful once more and slowly began to nod her head. "Right. I'll cast some anti-detection spells before I do anything else."
Silence permeated the room as everyone's minds processed the information and decisions recently revealed. A shake of blonde hair drew the group's attention to Hermione who spoke hurriedly.
"I'm not sure how much time I have left in this disguise, so we need to go now," she announced as she looked between Ginny and Dobby.
"I'm coming with you," Harry announced as he took a step towards them.
Ginny turned to Hermione to see the older girl giving a firm shake of her head.
"No, Harry," she said. "There's no need to get further involved."
"What are you talking about?" He asked incredulously. "Ms. Blake fires her house-elf, wipes his memory and stows him away in isolation - that's huge! I'm going to be an Auror for goodness sake, I can help you."
"I understand, Harry," Hermione said patiently, but just as firm. "But you're even closer to home than I am and she's watching me, she's got to be watching you, too - especially because you're an Auror. We'd need more Polyjuice at the very least and I don't have time or the supplies to brew more. I need to do this now." Harry still looked doubtful, but Hermione carried on. "Besides, Dobby says that Brumski hasn't been around anyone in a long time and he was even frightened by Dobby's presence. Just having Ginny and I there will be unnerving enough - having another person will make matters worse."
Ginny watched as Harry silently, yet reluctantly, withdrew his argument. Though she didn't want to do it, Ginny felt that she had to make a logical offer.
"I'll stay. Harry's right, Mione. He'll be useful - more-so than me," she professed.
"No," Hermione replied sharply as she shot a look Ginny's way. "I want you there." Swiftly, Hermione's stern demeanour softened and she frowned in uncertainty. "Unless if you'd prefer to stay. I don't want to endanger you, either, Gin."
"Well," Ginny spoke slowly, "I want to go with you. But, truly, Harry's the logical choice."
Hermione sighed and looked to Harry. "If we run into trouble, Dobby can come back and get you," she compromised. Initially Harry remained motionless, but eventually offered a resigned nod.
A moment of silence passed and Hermione let out a noise of nervous anticipation as she closed the space between her and Harry, pulling him into another fervent hug. "Thank you, Harry. I owe you."
Harry smirked, but quickly grew serious. "Be careful, okay? I don't know Ms. Blake as well as you, but she doesn't seem like a lady who messes around."
Hermione exhaled nervously and offered him a weak smile. "Not helping, Harry."
He gave her an apologetic smile and patted her shoulder in consolation. "Brightest witch of our age," he quipped. "Do me proud."
She gave him an eager, if anxious, nod and walked back over to join Ginny and Dobby.
Ginny caught her girlfriend's eye and gave her a reassuring smile. Hermione gave her a small smile in return, which grew more and more genuine in the passing seconds.
Dobby held his hands out to the girls. "Ready, Misses?"
Ginny gave Hermione one more smile and took Dobby's hand, Hermione reciprocating the action.
With a resounding crack, they disapparated.
AN: Hi everyone! So, a little bit more revealed about the house-elf situation. Thank you to everyone for their generous support - I really appreciate it. I'm hoping that as things progress, that the wait has been worth it. No pressure :p Have a great weekend!