Emptiness

Three months later

Appearing in front of the large gates of the school, Hermione took a deep breath and lightly touched her hand to the iron. After a second, they swung open without a sound. Smirking, Hermione started the long walk up to the castle. She knew she could easily just magic herself up to the castle like Regina had taught her to, but she wanted the time to think. She knew that arriving early would cause questions, most likely ones she didn't want to answer, so she used the time it took her to walk the path to come up with her carefully worded answers. When she finally saw the castle, once more whole, she felt the smallest surge of happiness fill her. It didn't take her long after that to make it to the main entrance of the castle.

Before she could reach out to push open the large wooden doors, they parted to reveal the Headmistress standing there as regal as ever in her emerald green robes. A shock of anger ran through Hermione at seeing the woman who crushed her heart, but Hermione pushed it aside, remembering Regina's warning. 'Do not let anger take over Hermione, it does nothing but blackens your heart and soul.'

For her part, Minerva was looking her over very closely, noting the form fitting slacks and blouse she had on. While it wasn't that unusual for her to see the muggleborns wearing such items, the all black outfit under the trench coat was not something she had expected Hermione to wear. The only colour the girl had on at all was a pair of red gloves.

Having enough of the older witch starring at her, Hermione walked into the castle, her black boots clicking sharply against the stone floor. "Headmistress," Hermione dipped her head respectfully, stopping a few feet in front of her.

Minerva frowned at the cool tone, "You're early Miss Granger." She stated, nodding her head for Hermione to follow her.

"Yes I am."

Watching the younger woman from the corner of her eye, Minerva asked, "Why?"

"I missed the train."

Stopping, Minerva turned and looked at her, surprise colouring her tone, "You missed the train?"

"I arrived later in London than I expected to." Hermione explained, tugging off her gloves, "I figured it would be best if I came straight here so no one would worry when I did not arrive with the rest of the students." She felt the corner of her mouth twitch, "I wouldn't want anyone to think I was missing."

"Missing." Minerva repeated softly. Suddenly her eyes were ablaze with anger, "You've been missing for three months Hermione! No one knew where you were or if you were alive until you replied to your Hogwarts letter!"

Looking up at the enraged witch, Hermione spoke calmly, "That was my intent," before continuing on her way down the hall, forcing the older woman to follow her.

"Your intent!" The Headmistress repeated, her voice becoming shrill, "You left without a single word; we were worried about you Hermione!"

"You needn't have, I can take care of myself." This time it was Hermione who stopped and faced the other woman, "Surely you understand Headmistress that I needed time to myself. I just came out of a war, after a year on the run, to have my heart crushed by the one person who I trusted not to intentionally hurt me."

Hermione took pleasure in the barely concealed flinch. Smiling sharply, she tilted her head, "It was lovely talking to you Headmistress." Turning, she walked up the stairs, heading for Gryffindor Tower, only to stop when she heard the Headmistress call after her.

"You've changed Hermione."

Turning her head to the side, she smirked, "No Headmistress, I gave my heart away and got nothing in return. Now I'm empty."

Later that day, Hermione was standing in front of the statue leading to the Headmistress' office. From the corner of her eye, she saw the man in the portrait disappear, no doubt about to inform the Headmistress of her guest. Smirking, she closed her eyes and focused on the image of the door of the office. In a swirl of dark red smoke, she disappeared, reappearing on the level above. Three sharp knocks later, Hermione entered the office at the surprised 'Enter.'

"Headmistress." She acknowledged, bowing her head once more. "I wish to speak to Professor Snape."

The other woman was surprised at the requested, but quickly covered it, "His portrait is over here." She said, gesturing to the left of her desk.

Nodding once more, Hermione walked up to the second level and around the side of the desk, coming face to face with the former Headmaster. "Professor."

"What do you want with me Granger?" He sneered.

"I was hoping you would guard something for me."

Eyebrow arched, the older man glared down at her, "And what would I be guarding?" He drawled.

Curling her hand like Regina had shown her, she summoned the small golden box from her trunk with a puff of red smoke. Smirking at the low gasps and whispered from the others in the room, Hermione held it out, "My most prised possession."

"And what is that?"

Smirking fully now, Hermione carefully unsealed the box and held it up so only Snape could see its contents. Behind her, Minerva watched in confusion as an eerie red glow shone from whatever Hermione was holding. Looking up, she was surprised to see the unguarded expression of sadness and horror on Severus' face.

"Is that-"

"Indeed it is Professor," She said, sealing the box once more. "Will you guard it for me?"

The previous Heads of the school, as well as Minerva were shocked to see the man nod, just once. Nodding back, Hermione focused on the box in her hands. When it was covered with the smoke, she blew on it lightly, sending it into the portrait. There, beside the late Potions master, was the golden box that contained her heart.

"You won't be able to open it."

"I didn't intend to try."

Smirking at the dry humour, Hermione tilted her head, "Thank you Professor."

For the second time that day, the others were surprised by the man, "You're welcome, Hermione."

Turning to leave, Hermione was stopped by the voice of her previous Headmaster, "Miss Granger."

"Professor Dumbledore."

"Is everything alright dear girl, you seem-"

"Cold? Emotionless? Heartless?" Her eyes flicked to Snape, her bare lips twitching up in a smirk once more at her joke.

"Not like yourself." He finished, concerned.

Looking back at the bearded man, Hermione smiled with what little emotion she felt, "War changes people."

Sighing, the white haired man sat back, "That it does."

When no more was said, Hermione nodded once more to Snape, turned and left, ignoring the strange looks and whispers as she went. Once the door was closed, Minerva was up and in front of Severus. Her green eyes fell instantly to the new addition to the painting. "How did she-"

"I do not know, Minerva."

Looking up, she asked the one thing every other portrait wanted to know. "What's inside of it?"

"Her most prised possession."