A/N: I am very grateful to chucklesnola for the suggestion I was given as to how Severus could make it up to Hermione for the belittling of her abilities and the show of not trusting her to be prepared. I have included in this chapter how it comes about. Also, I used some of what said in the suggestion that pertains to the suggestion but yet separate.
Chapter 104
The silence lingered as a shock wave went through the Gryffindor common room. No one had expected to hear Ron ask the question he'd asked. Harry and Ginny just stared at Ron as though he had horns growing out of his head. And add in the fact that they were still processing what Ron had asked.
"Ginny, did you violate my best friend?" Ron asked again but this time a bit calmer.
"Ron." Harry said with an air of disbelief.
"Why would you ask such a question, Ronald?" Ginny countered as though insulted.
"Your track record." Ron answered without missing a beat. "Sure the two of you could have just gotten up early and went for a walk or something, but neither you nor Harry slept in your bed's last night and Ginny you are not an early riser…worse than me sometimes."
"Piss off Ron." Ginny growled. "Not that it is any of your business but nothing happened." Ginny said reluctantly.
"Ron, we just wanted to spend some time together. We had no intention of being gone all night. Obviously we were more tired than we thought and passed out in the middle of a conversation that I cannot for the life of me remember." Harry added with a slight fib, but it was for the best of reasons and Harry was not happy about fibbing to his best friend.
"One last thing Ron, Harry was not agreeable to my idea until I gave him my word as a witch that I would behave myself. New flash Ron, I do have self-control and always have; despite what I have chosen to do in the past."
"I have an announcement and it is the perfect time to make said announcement to defuse a sibling duel." Lavender Brown said breaking the silence that had fallen. "In two days Hogsmead will be ready for us to find something for the Yule Ball. It will be an all-day event for us, including younger students that have a date for the Ball."
The announcement from Lavender couldn't have come at a better time and it worked as the talk was not suddenly about the upcoming Ball.
Hermione rolled her eyes and left the common room and went straight to the Great Hall for breakfast. She was tempted to approach Snape but thought better of it and decided to wait as patiently as she could. Hermione tried to focus on her breakfast but it was hard since she wanted to get to work on rewriting what she and two other relatives had done for Harry not too long ago. Hermione chanced a glance towards the staff table to see if a certain professor was there. At seeing Snape sitting in his usual chair at the table Hermione began to feel anxious but did all that she could to keep herself from walking up to the table and asking him in person.
As Hermione's eyes slowly returned to her food she caught a glimpse of Mercedes. Hermione thought that Mercedes looked in good spirits considering what she had been informed of less than twenty-four hours ago. Hermione could also see a bit of a struggle in Mercedes' eyes witch was normal for one to have had such a bomb-shell dropped on them. Hermione then glanced around the Great Hall towards the Slytherin table in search of Draco. Hermione's eyes first found Dudley and sure enough just on Dudley's other side sat Draco. Hermione thought that Draco looked worse than Mercedes struggle that shown in her eyes. Hermione caught a look in Draco's eyes that had her thinking that he wasn't going to wait much longer to try and contact Mercedes. Hermione hoped that everything would work out alright for Mercedes and her birth family and soon. Hermione's musings were interrupted when a Hogwarts public barn owl dropped a small parcel on the table in front of her.
Hermione recognized the handwriting immediately and excitement began to fill the witch. As much as she wanted to take off and start on the project she set for herself, Hermione remained where she was and had to force her breakfast down. Being so caught up in her thoughts and her project she did not notice that the rest of her house had entered the Great Hall nor did she notice that her friends were just about to take their seats near her.
"What's in the package?" Ron asked curiously causing Hermione to jump slightly.
"Something I asked someone for." Hermione replied quickly as she shrunk the package and stowed it away in a pocket not wanting anyone to know who it was from. "It has to do with a project that I am working on. Ron it is not a project set by a teacher, I set it to myself. No questions right now. I promise to fill you all in about it later. I have to complete it first. My target completion date is Christmas Eve." Hermione vaguely explained.
"Hermione it's the Christmas holidays." Ron protested.
"I realize that Ron. It is the best opportunity for me to work on the project as I want to complete it by Christmas Eve." Hermione said in a reprimanding tone as she stood and left the Great Hall.
"Ron, why must you always piss her off?" Ginny asked in exasperation.
"It's the holidays Ginny, no one should be working on anything." Ron said defending what he had said to Hermione.
"I can think of something you should be working on." Ginny said with a smirk.
"Like what?"
"Finding a date for the Yule Ball, unless of course you're planning on going alone." Ginny replied.
"And you might want to get a move on it." Fred said adding his own thoughts.
"Before all the good ones are taken." George said adding his thoughts as well.
"Who are the two of you taking?" Ron asked worriedly.
"Angelina." George replied with a smile.
"What about you Fred?" Ginny asked curiously.
"Alicia." Fred answered grinning.
"There's plenty of time to ask someone." Ron said defensively. "Neville hasn't acquired a date yet." Ron added quietly.
"I overheard Neville talking to someone about asking Luna to the Ball. Then again that was a while ago so he may have already asked her. You do know that they fancy each other?" Ginny said smiling.
Ron suddenly and quite abruptly stood and stormed out of the Great Hall.
"Those two really need to be locked in a room until Ron asks Hermione to the Yule Ball." Harry muttered.
"That could be arranged." Fred commented.
"Providing one could actually catch her unscathed." George added.
"It was just a thought guys. I was not…okay so maybe I was a bit serious but, Hermione is working on a project that is not for her. She has set herself a dead line to reach and I will not interfere with it for more than one reason." Harry said with a small smirk.
"Anyone have an idea as to what Hermione's project is and who for?" Neville asked curiously.
No one answered Neville's questions. Though Harry had an idea as to what the project was and who it was for but was not going to voice it aloud. Harry knew that there was one exception to not voicing his idea out loud.
A few suspected that Harry did have an idea but before they could bug him about it they were distracted. Professor Flitwick departed from the Professor's table and made his way along Ravenclaw table and stopped next to Mercedes. Harry and his friends could not hear what Professor Flitwick had said to Mercedes but whatever it was seemed to have frightened the witch. The group, the occupants of the Great Hall watched as Mercedes stood nervously and followed Flitwick out of the Great Hall through the staff door behind the staff table.
Harry and Ginny noticed that the Headmaster was not at the table and realized that he had not been for some time.
"I wonder what that was all about." Violet wondered softly stating what everyone in the Great Hall was wondering.
"Well, it can't have anything to do with what she was informed of." Neville muttered so that only those that knew could hear. "Draco is still here." Neville added quietly and only knew that they had heard due to their reaction.
xxxXXXxxx
Mercedes sat at Ravenclaw table in a bit of a daze. Though she was feeling better after talking with Luna and sending a letter to her mum, Mercedes was still in a bit of shock and her fears began to creep up again. She had noticed that anyone was approaching until Professor Flitwick was standing next to her. Mercedes looked up showing that she did acknowledge his presence. At seeing the look on her Head of House's face a new fear, a new fright washed over her.
"Professor…" Mercedes began in a soft, quiet tone.
"Miss. Johnson, your mother has arrived and is in the Headmaster's office. She would like to speak with you. Unfortunately, I do not know what it is." Flitwick explained quietly.
Mercedes nodded so slightly that no one could tell. She felt as though she would faint, as though her world was falling apart around. Mercedes did her best to clear hear head of everything that was running through her mind and stood nervously before following her Head of House out of the Great Hall. The one thought that was going through Mercedes mind was that there was no way her mum had received her letter. This thought caused her stomach to twist and feel as though it was full of lead.
Mercedes was so caught up in her thoughts that he next thing she knew she was walking through the door to the Headmaster's office. Mercedes immediately saw the look on her mum's face and in her eyes nearly resulting in Mercedes fainting.
"Mum?" Mercedes asked in a questioning tone, shaky voice laced with a hint of fear. "What's wrong? Dad? Raine (Rene)? Did something happen to them?" Mercedes asked in a rush as she walked towards her mother.
"They are all fine." Mrs. Johnson said reassuringly. "I am worried about you sweetie. Are you alright? Has something happened?" Tamara asked concerned.
"You didn't get my letter…you're here…I…" Mercedes stammered confused.
"I sensed that you were afraid and thought that you were hurt or in danger. I dropped everything barely being able to leave your father and sister a note. I made my way to the Leaky Cauldron I would have contacted Professor Dumbledore when arrived but it was so late last night that I instead paid for a room." Tamara explained. "I couldn't sit around and wait to be contacted I had to come here to see for myself." Tamara said in concerned tone that only a mother could have. "You sent me a letter?"
"Yes. I needed…I need to talk to you about something…"
"You're obviously freaking out about whatever it is." Tamara said knowingly.
"Professor Flitwick and I will leave to give the two of some privacy to talk." Albus said compassionately.
"Honey what is troubling you so much?" Tamara asked with the same tone of concern in her voice once the two Professor's had left. "What does it have to do with?"
"My birth family." Mercedes said nervously.
Tamara sat in silence to calm herself down and to arrange her thoughts.
"In one of the letters I sent home I talked about friends I had made…Draco Malfoy…by blood he is my brother." Mercedes managed to say. "I met his parents….I…I panicked and ran out of the room."
"Have you talked to them at all? Do you know what they want from you?"
"No."
"Mercedes Cassiopeia (CASS-euh-PEE-ye) Johnson." Tamara said firmly but not in a reprimanding way.
"I freaked out. The stories I heard about in the news when I was younger, before Hogwarts…the kids that had been adopted similarly to my adoption…I couldn't get it out of my head…"
Tamara could not think of anything to say to her daughter that wouldn't make her feel worse than she obviously felt.
"I don't know anything about them…well not really."
"All you know is what little you have received from your friend Draco." Tamara thought aloud. "Sweetheart do not beat yourself up over all this. Fear consumes and doesn't allow anything else in, doesn't allow logic in."
"I know. I just…I feel so bad. I ran out of the room without a word." Mercedes said remorsefully.
"It is as I said a moment ago and I should add that fear is the base of what causes one to freak out."
"I don't know what to do. After how I have acted…I can't imagine what they think of me."
"I do not believe that the think anything bad or horrible about you. You, I am sure, are not the only one in shock. I am sure they are in just as much shock and experiencing their own fears. The only way to settle this and to fix this is to sit down and talk. I know you have always wondered why you were given up for adoption. I sense that you have part of the reason as to why you were adopted…you will not know everything behind the reason she gave you up nor will you know how difficult and hard it was for her to have given you up for adoption until you ask."
"But how though? To just bluntly out right ask…"
"Mercedes…" Tamara began but stopped as the door to the Headmaster's office opened.
Tamara's eyes darted to the door to see an average height, quite pale woman with platinum blood hair enter the room.
"I hope you both do not mind but Albus mentioned to me that the two of you were in his office. I would like the opportunity to explain my actions and what led me to the decision I made so many years ago. I want to explain all of that to both and not for my own benefit or peace of mind." Narcissa said right off.
Tamara and Mercedes kind of just stared at Narcissa, but for different reasons so they both remained silent.
"First and foremost my name is Narcissa Malfoy. It is your choice as to how you address me whether it be Mrs. Malfoy or Narcissa. I also, ask of both you as to how you wish me to address each of you." Narcissa said in a friendly tone.
"I am fine with you addressing me as Tamara." Tamara said in almost the same friendly tone.
"Feel free to address me as Mercedes." Mercedes said softly, nervously.
Narcissa took a seat near the two females but yet a distance away as to not cause them to feel as though she was encroaching on them. Narcissa took a deep breath and explained briefly the start of her relationship with Lucius up to a point before pausing.
"Once we found out that I was pregnant again we were excited and hoped we would have daughter." Narcissa said with a smile, a bit of sadness in her eyes. "The day I found out that I was indeed going to have a baby girl I was so excited and could hardly wait to tell Lucius that our hopes and dreams had come true. When my husband returned home after a meeting it was obvious that he was in a worse mood than he usually was after a meeting. I thought that telling him that we were going to have a girl would cheer him up and so I blurted out that I was pregnant with a baby girl." Narcissa said in a shaky voice.
"Doesn't sound like it went over well." Tamara commented.
"No it did not. He wasn't at all happy and I took as though the meeting had gone quite horribly so I left things alone for a while. Everything happened so fast that I felt as though I was spinning, I couldn't figure out what had happened, what went wrong. As my due date was nearing…he…he told me to get rid of the baby once she was born." Narcissa said as a few tears slid down her face.
"He didn't mean..?" Mercedes started to ask but couldn't finish the question. Mercedes was glad about one thing, she knew before hearing this that the man Narcissa was currently talking about wasn't actually Lucius Malfoy, but Amon Velius.
"Yes, Mercedes, he meant for me to terminate. At the time I was so horrified, frightened and numb that I could not see that there something off about him. I feared for y…my little girls' life, I knew that it would have been impossible to keep my eyes on her every second of the day and there would come a time where I would be away from the house for extended amounts of time. All I knew is that I had to keep her safe, I had to be sure that she would be protected. My heart was breaking, shattering knowing what I had to do. It was really hard, I wasn't sure if I could do it…could let go…" Narcissa stopped as she was son the verge of completely breaking down with reliving the painful, heart breaking moment. It was the only way that she could truly explain why she had given up her baby girl.
Mercedes was not aware of the tears that were flowing from her eyes and down her face.
Tamara wiped at her eyes and dried the tears on her cheeks as she stood and walked over to Narcissa. Tamara handed the witch a hanky and remained next her.
"Narcissa…" Tamara said with compassion but could not think of anything more to say.
Mercedes walked over to the two women, conjured a foot stood/rest and sat on it while taking one of Narcissa's hands into hers.
Narcissa was warmed by the kindness and compassion of the two females. It was more than she thought she would receive.
"You don't have to continue right now." Mercedes said in a soft, raspy voice.
"That is really sweet of you Mercedes. I don't dare put this off any longer as it will just make that much more difficult to explain…"
"I should call Madam Pomfrey to bring a calming draught for you." Mercedes said as she made to stand.
"That would be good." Narcissa said through a sniffle.
Mercedes used the floo in Dumbledore's office to call Pomfrey for some calming draughts for Narcissa.
Poppy flooed straight to Dumbledore's office with a strong calming draught quickly and remained until the effects began to take hold.
"Are you sure you wish to continue? I feel that it would be…" Poppy said but was cut off.
"I am sure Poppy." Narcissa said cutting off the medi-witch.
"You come straight to me once you have finished as you will be in need of something stronger than what I have given you." Poppy said in a no arguing tone of voice.
Narcissa gave Poppy a small smile letting the medi-witch know that she'd do as instructed.
Poppy left the office with reluctance. She did not agree with Narcissa continuing with the tale as it was such a traumatic one to tell. Poppy however, knew that the alternative was not appropriate. Mercedes did not need to see Narcissa's memories of that time, being told was bad enough to see what had happened could be detrimental.
"He became rather violent towards me and Draco after I delivered. I realized that it was only a matter of time until he turned his violence towards my little girl. I had to protect my children without endangering either of them or myself. He was quite clear as to what I was supposed to do, clear about what he was ordering me to do. The only thing to do was clear, crystal clear. I stayed in the nursery with my children for a few days. There was a meeting coming up and had to take the window of opportunity that was presented to me. I had no way of knowing when I would get another opportunity.
Once he left I waited half an hour before doing anything. I instructed our house elf, Dobby to tend to Draco while I stepped out of the house for a while. If it was odd to Dobby, he never showed it. It was really late at night and I was leaving with my baby girl. I didn't waste any time and quickly apparated out of the house to a secluded area I knew as a child. After catching my breath I placed protections, a notice-me-not charm to last until she was ready for it break and a glamor. It wasn't an ordinary glamor. The glamor I placed on my precious baby girl would ensure that her appearance would take on the characteristics of the family that adopted her. My heart broke again, I started to cry and couldn't stop for a while.
The only thing that kept me going, that kept me to stay on course was that I had to protect my baby from horrors that I couldn't imagine that could…that I knew without a doubt would happen to her. I then set off for a Muggle Orphanage. I knew the administrator that ran the Orphanage for many years. He was a Squib so I knew that he would place my baby with a good family that at least had knowledge of the Magical world.
I planned it all out to do this late at night as I didn't want to be seen by anyone that I had begun to detest more than I thought imaginable. I thought about leaving a note with you but was too afraid that the wrong the person would get it. I didn't have anything of the Administrators to key the note to him so no one else could open it. I conjured a small crib, placed my girl in the crib on the steps. I stood there stooped over her, crying. I couldn't say good bye to her…I told her that I didn't want to let her go but had no choice. I couldn't allow her to die…to be murdered just because of her gender. I told her that I love her so much and it hurt excruciatingly to give her up. After taking several breaths and drying my eyes and face I stood up to see that the administrator was watching me. I was terrified and tried to pass a message to him without a word. He gave me a nod that I took for understanding.
I left as quickly as I could. At the last minute I nearly grabbed my baby in my arms to take her home. I didn't go very far, just far enough away and in the dark shadows of the night I stopped and turned around. Though consumed with pain and grief I was a little relieved. The relief I felt was due to the fact that I had protected her and that protection would last and that I had prevented her from a horrid life. The Administrator at that time had stepped out onto the steps. He looked around for me for a moment. Once his attention focused on my girl nothing else seemed to distract him and he picked her up and took her inside." Narcissa had to take a breather and something to drink as well as pull it together.
"I was depressed for a while and if not for Draco I do not know what I would have done. Not one day passed without me thinking of my beautiful girl. Who had adopted her? What does she look like? How is she? Where is she? Will I ever see her again? Will she understand? Will she hate me? Will she want to get to know me and my son?" Narcissa could not continue as she had completely brock. The tears gushed from her eyes, her body shook and the sobs were nearly deafening.
Mercedes and Tamara could not leave the witches side, not even to call for Pomfrey. The two witches did everything they could think of to calm Narcissa and soothe her.
"Mrs….Narcissa…I wish…I don't hate you. I understand why you gave me up for adoption and do not hold that against you. I need time…I don't know…I…" Mercedes tried to explain but could not find the right words that she wanted to say.
Narcissa nodded in understanding as she could not form any words due to trying breath.
Mercedes quickly reached the floo and called for Pomfrey explaining that Narcissa was going to need a sedative of some sort. Mercedes had just stepped out of the way avoiding being ran over by the medi-witch.
Poppy managed to get Narcissa calmed down enough to dose her with a sedative. Narcissa did not fight it, she welcomed it. Narcissa also did not fight or argue with Poppy as the medi-witch pulled her to her feet and ushered her towards the floo.
"I can't imagine what it felt like for her to give you up." Tamara muttered as tears fell from her eyes, her heart breaking for Narcissa, for what Narcissa endured all those years ago as well as the years since.
"Mum." Mercedes said in a tone screaming importance. "There is something else that you need to know before…it's too complicated to finish that line." Mercedes said once her mother had looked at her.
"What is it?" Tamara said still trying to get a handle on her emotions.
"It has to do with Lucius Malfoy…and mum let me say it all, please."
"Go on." Tamara said reluctantly as she really did not have the desire to hear more about a sorry excuse for a human.
"All these years…from the time that Lucius Malfoy had appeared to return home that day different in hind-sight was not the real Lucius Malfoy."
"What…you mean another was using Polyjuice to…"
"Yes, Mum. Not too long ago it was discovered by Harry and he with the help of a house elf found the real Lucius Malfoy. He had been held captive in his own home for the past thirteen years, give or take a month or so."
"Is…is he…"
"He's alive but not out of the woods though. Pomfrey isn't telling us everything. I can see it in her eyes just like Gran taught me before she died." Mercedes said with worry in her voice.
"Honey, would mind terribly if I saw Lucius Malfoy? I would like to meet him…if he…"
"I would not mind."
"I know it seems strange that I would ask you if you would mind, but I…"
"I know Mum." Mercedes said with a smile.
(I did not see the point to state the names of who was talking every time unless a description was necessary as it was only Mercedes and Tamara talking alone.)
xxxXXXxxx
Hermione was once again angry at and with Ron. Though he rarely, if at all, understood her, she still wanted to go to the Yule Ball with him and was becoming frustrated that he has not yet asked her. Hermione began to wonder if he would ever find the courage to do so.
"Stop thinking of Ron!" Hermione quietly chastised herself. "There is something of more importance to focus on as someone's life very well could be in the balance."
Hermione had reached the portrait concealing the entrance to Gryffindor House before she knew it. Without any hesitation she gave the password and walked through and did not stop until she was in the fourth year's dormitory next to her bed. Hermione squatted down and pulled her trunk out from under her bed to get some extra parchment, a quill and an ink-well. She pushed her trunk back under her bed and made to leave but stopped.
Turning around and setting the items she had moments ago pulled out she pulled her trunk back out from under her bed. One opening the trunk Hermione grasped her school bag and then emptied it, carefully of course. With the school bag empty, Hermione set it on her bed next to the parchment, quill and ink-well and then closed the trunk and once again pushed back under her bed. After standing up Hermione pulled out the package she had received during breakfast knowing it was the book. She unwrapped the book quickly, set the book on her bed and returned the book to its normal size. The next moment, Hermione strategically placed her items in the bag and headed on to the library as she had work to do.
As Hermione entered the library she knew exactly where she wanted to work on the task she set for herself. She quickly made her way through the library to the most secluded area of the library. It was perfect for her to work on her project as it would not be easy for anyone to find her in the library, disrupt her concentration and determination and not likely to find out what she is working on until she was ready to explain it.
After taking a seat and setting up what she needed, Hermione went straight to work. She first read through the entire section to see if there might be an easier way and less taxing way for the Malfoy family to heal Lucius. Hermione set the book down once she finished reading. It was going to be somewhat easier than she had thought to rewrite it for the Malfoy's with only two points of difficulty…preventing any of them from going through what she had and skip the preparation as it would take a few days. Hermione knew that the deadline she had set for herself to complete the rewrite might not be reached by then but was going to do her best to meet that deadline. She also knew that if nothing else she could still let them know what she has worked on and explain about the preparations they'd have to do before actually attempting to heal Lucius.
Hermione had been working for a good four and half hours when she stopped. It was not because she was taking a break, it was due to something that had occurred to her. She realized that she was going to have to have two versions of the rewrite: one with Mercedes; one without Mercedes. Hermione hoped that Mercedes would be up to assisting with the healing. With Mercedes in the mix of the process it would boost the power of the magic and the healing itself. With this on her mind, Hermione sighed knowing that the rewrite without Mercedes was going to be quite difficult.
The witch was working so diligently that she was not aware that not only had lunch past her, but dinner had past as well. It was well into the night past Hermione's curfew. Hermione also had not comprehended that the library was quite dim almost completely without light. The moonlight surprisingly was shining through a few windows giving little light to the library. The brightest light was in the direct area where Hermione sat.
Hermione had not worried about keeping track of the time as the librarian would notify her. The problem was that Hermione had not factored in that she was in the most secluded area of the library and not knowing that Madam Pince rarely checked that specific area thinking that no student was aware of it. Then of course there was the Tournament and the Yule Ball taking the main focus and it was the holidays.
The witch worked through the night without sleep. She did not even notice that she was in need of food or drink as she was consumed with the project. Since she started on this task there were several piles of parchment cluttering the table. Hermione had piles of discard, possibilities, things to try and fix and put together. One set for with Mercedes and the other without Mercedes. There was a separate pile of notes dealing with the preparations and how to avoid them.
Lunch time had arrived and Hermione was still working on her project and did not notice the wizard standing in front of her on the other side of the table.
xxxXXXxxx
( A/N: The day before sometime after Hermione had left the Great Hall during breakfast and after the rest had left as well.)
RON
Ron took off out of the Great Hall as several emotions swirled throughout him. He did not go to Gryffindor House as he did not want anyone to find him just yet. Instead the wizard headed on outside without any specific destination in mind. Ron didn't stop until he was on the edge of the grounds near the forbidden forest. He looked around and spotted a small clearing that was open with a border of sorts that would prevent anyone from seeing him providing they didn't notice that there was a clearing. Ron did not hesitate and entered the clearing. After picking a spot, Ron sat down on the ground to think.
Did he want to go to the Ball with Hermione? Yes.
Was he terrified? Yes.
Was he fairly sure that someone had already asked her and she was going with him? Yes.
Did he fell somewhat inadequate? Yes.
Could he take the chance to ask Hermione to the Ball with the possibility that she already had date or just did not want to go with him? He did not know.
Why did he always make her angry and could he stop? He did not know.
HARRY AND GINNY
Harry and Ginny left the Great Hall without any notion to try to find Hermione or Ron. There was no doubt that Hermione was somewhere in the library and neither Harry or Ginny wanted to spend the morning until lunch looking for her knowing that it would useless to get Hermione to take a break. Having no idea as to where Ron had taken off to, the young couple had no desire to canvas the castle and grounds with the exception of Gryffindor House knowing that Ron would not have retreated there.
Harry and Ginny made their way to the Room of Requirement.
They talked about Hermione and Ron; the ball; the Hogsmead trip; the tournament and the Malfoy's and Mercedes. Mostly they spent the time together alone with Ginny wrapped in Harry's arms.
What was intended to be a sweet, quick kiss turned into much more, but not too much more. Before it could become too much more they were interrupted by a sound as though it was an alarm on an alarm clock.
"What…was…that?" A breathless Ginny asked.
"What…did it…sound like?" Harry said as breathless as Ginny.
"An alarm."
"I incorporated an…alarm of sort…to signal when it was lunch…"
"Good…thinking."
Harry Ginny remained as they were in each other's arms for a while as the internally fought to put some space in between them and head on down to lunch.
After several minutes Harry and Ginny untangled themselves and left the Room of Requirement holding hands. As they made their way it was not unnoticed by the two that the halls were flooded with fellow students. Once inside the Grate Hall they realized exactly how much time it took them to leave the Room of Requirement. The duo took their seats at their house table that was closest to them as they were going to be only ones sitting at their house table.
Harry and Ginny ate in silence without a thought about whether or not Hermione or Ron had been seen. Since the young couple had arrived so late they figured that the other two had already been there and left. Harry and Ginny had no way of knowing that they were wrong about Hermione.
The rest of the day past rather quickly for all occupants of Hogwarts that were aware of the day coming to a close. It wasn't until during dinner that night when a small group was talking about Hermione missing another that Harry and Ginny started feel the beginning twinges of worry. The worry subsided only slightly when someone mentioned that Hermione probably was granted special permission from Madam Pince to eat in the library. It made sense but yet still did not sit right.
Harry and Ginny, as they headed to Gryffindor House, decided that if Hermione was not at breakfast in the morning that they'd try to find Hermione and that if they didn't they'd alert staff.
In the morning Harry, Ginny and Ron headed down for breakfast early and stayed in the Great Hall throughout breakfast. Hermione had not shown for breakfast. Harry and Ginny feeling quite worried due to wondering if she'd eaten anything since breakfast the day before.
Though Ron was a little unsure about tagging along with Harry and Ginny to search the library for Hermione, he still went along to help. Ron was just as worried even if it didn't show or didn't say, his uncertainty about helping had more to do with his own insecurities.
The trio searched as much of the library as they could by lunch time and decided it was time to alert someone. On their way to the Great Hall they stopped by their Head of House's office but she was not there. Though they were hungry the first thing they did after entering the Great Hall was walk straight up to the staff table where Dumbledore sat.
"Professor Dumbledore, Ginny, Ron and I are worried about Hermione. No one has seen her since breakfast yesterday. Hermione had told us that she had a project to work on and that she set it to herself as well as a deadline for Christmas Eve. Knowing Hermione as long as I have…as long as we have we know that she is in the library. We looked right after breakfast until leaving when lunch began and had not found her." Harry said clearly worried.
"Thank you, Mr. Potter for bringing this to my…to our attention. We will find her, I promise you." Dumbledore said reasuringly.
"As thankful as we may be that you have brought this to our attention, I, however do wish that someone had mentioned something last night." Professor McGonagall added.
The three Gryffindor's said nothing more but nodded in understanding and then made their way to their house table for lunch.
Dumbledore and all staff with the exception of Professor Trelawney and Professor Binns left the Great Hall. As much as Dumbledore wanted to discuss the situation right then he knew that it was not private enough and struggled to remain silent while they walked to his office.
"I am sure each of you have noticed that as the years pass the library expands as new books come in." Albus said before turning his attention to Madam Pince. "Irma, if you can answer…what is the expanse of the library?"
"I wish that I could tell you, Albus. Alone I am only able to search a fraction of the library. The main focus is the Restricted Section of the library. In my spare time I do wonder around the library and have found several secluded areas. These areas are so secluded that there could be a light lit and I would not be aware of it from the front of the library." Irma replied regretfully.
"I will work on employing assistants for the primary purpose of assisting with searching the library throughout the day to ensure that no student is over staying their time in the library no matter the reason." Albus said with determination in his voice.
"We should have employed the assistants long before now." Minerva muttered.
"I agree." Albus said with an odd faint frown on his face. "Unfortunately, I have to go through the Ministry for approval. It is the only rule and regulation that the Ministry will at any given time have say in what happens at Hogwarts that is not illegal or sever misbehavior. It only applies to the library and certain curriculum books. I will put the pressure on the Ministry…on the Minister to approve of assistants." Albus said in a way that alerted everyone around that he was planning something that the Minister would not be all that happy with. "In the meantime and immediate future we need to search the library. It we do not find her by dinner then we will call on certain ghosts to assist. Irma it will be most helpful if you could diagram the areas that you check regularly so we are not wasting time in those areas."
"It will take a little time and I will get right on it." Irma said before starting her retreat.
"Irma, once you have completed the diagram call all staff to the library and then we will divide up the areas."
"Will do, Albus." Irma said and then left.
"I do believe that the students of Hogwarts have been left unattended for long enough. Argus and the ghosts can only do so much. With that said you are all dismissed." Albus said vaguely as though distracted. "Severus, I wish for you to remain a bit longer as there is something of importance that I need to discuss with you."
Severus nodded and sat back down as the rest of the staff left.
"Severus I feel that you should wait for Irma to call. The connection you have with Miss. Granger I believe will aid you in finding her sooner rather than later. I did not mention it previously as we are keeping this quiet for reasons I do not have to state." Albus said with a hint of desperation in his voice.
"I can say that she is working on something and quite lost in whatever it is. I am not sure how the connection will aid me in finding her sooner than if everyone was searching the library as I only sense what she feels." Severus said in an annoyed tone though he did not truly feel annoyed. He was ready to look for witch the instant Potter and the two Weasley children had walked away.
"Once you find your, insist that she go to the infirmary. If Miss. Granger has indeed missed as many meals as it appears to be she will be in need of Poppy's administrations." Albus added.
"I do believe that enough time has been wasted talking." Severus said tersely before standing and leaving before Albus delayed the importance of searching for the young witch.
Severus was thankful for the abilities he had developed over the years and certain abilities that he learned from the Dark Lord. One of which being the ability of stealth and some semblance of invisibility. This made it easy for him to maneuver through the castle and other areas without being detected.
Severus reached the library in next to no time. He slipped into the library unnoticed by Madam Pince which was not surprising in the slightest. Severus went straight towards the back end of the library without his scanning. Being unsure exactly the area that Irma had over the years been able to search aside from the Restricted Section, Severus decided to try and search from the other end and work his way back towards the front of the library.
Once reaching the farthest recesses of the library, Severus paused to think for a moment and to see if he could knowingly, willingly tap into the connection. It was unnerving yet a huge relief that he had not been successful at tapping into the connection. He took a moment once again to think and after a few minutes he had a thought. There were a few secluded areas of the library that he himself had found and retreated to on several occasions. There was one spot he would retreat to more often than the other one spots and that was his destination.
It did not take Severus long to reach his destination. And was not surprised to the witch at a table surrounded in piles of parchment and bent over another writing as fast as possible. It was obvious to Severus that the frustration on the witches face was due to not being able to write as fast her mind was going. Severus knew that look of frustration too well. With a soft sight he walked towards the table stopping just shy of the table directly across from the witch.
"Miss. Granger." Severus said in a tone that was reprimanding but to the point of startling the witch too much.
Hermione looked up with a jumped.
"Professor?"
"I believe that it is time for a break for you." Severus said firmly.
"But…I can't, sir. This important." Hermione said near hysterically.
"Miss. Granger your friends and most of the staff are a bit worried. Besides, the Headmaster ordered me to find you and escort you to the infirmary."
"No. I am not going…"
"Miss. Granger you have not had anything to eat or drink since breakfast yesterday."
"What? No. That can't be right…"
"I assure you Miss. Granger that it is right."
"How could I have not noticed a whole day pass by?"
"Whatever this project of yours is has fully consumed you. When you are studying for exams I do believe that your friends insist you take breaks and have meals."
"Well, yes, but…"
"Miss. Granger you are in an area of the library that does not get searched very often if at all. As each year passes the library expands as new books, articles and such arrive." Severus explained.
"I…I didn't know that. I thought that this would be a good spot to work on this and not be constantly interrupted but that Madam Pince would let me know when meals were and toss me out once the library closed up for the day." Hermione said in defense.
"That much is obvious." Severus said snarkily. "What the hell are you working on that has consumed you to the point of not being aware of your body signaling that you need to eat?"
"I…it's not for me. I…you're not going to like how I got the idea. I must say that I am rather shocked and all that comfortable what happened that gave me the idea but…"
"Miss. Granger." Severus said with a look of irritation by the avoidance of his question as he took a seat across from the witch.
"Two nights ago I was in the Gryffindor common room and I started to hear a voice…from in my head. I heard it more than once. I thought that I was losing it, but then I recognized the voice…"
"Go on."
"It was your voice…via the connection I heard your voice…your thoughts."
Severus though he did not show it was rather alarmed about this development.
"You were…it was about the Malfoy family…what I did for Harry…it got me thinking…"
"You are trying to rewrite what you did to help the Malfoy's." Severus stated with his interest piqued.
"Yes. It's not quite as difficult as I originally thought. The only difficult part is getting around the preparations without the taxing effect on them physically and magically like with me. I'm actually rewriting two sets, one with Mercedes and one without her. With Mercedes is the most optimal as it would boost the strength and power to heal Mr. Malfoy." Hermione explained. "I want to finish it by Christmas Eve…"
"I am…impressed Miss. Granger and it is an honorable thing to do, but not at the expense of your health. I must insist that you take a break, a day or so." Severus managed to say though he was a bit speechless and was not sure what to say. It was a very unselfish thing of her to do and it warmed his heart though he would never admit it to anyone.
"But, sir…if I take that much time off how will I meet my deadline?" Hermione argued.
"Well, during the time you take off from working on this…if you do not mind, I could assist you on this. Even if it is only looking over what you have already done. Fresh eyes in other words. I give you my word that I will not write on the parchment and instead make any notes on separate pieces of parchment. And of course discuss it with you."
"I suppose."
"Before I escort you to the infirmary to see Madam Pomfrey for the lack of nutrition you've had, I will allow you to label your piles so that for one I do not mix it all up and to make it more simplified for me as to what you are doing and where you are going with it."
Hermione nodded in reluctant agreement and okay knowing that I was useless to continue to argue with him. There was no way that she could win the argument with Snape.
It did not take Hermione long to label the piles of parchment and in an organized fashion stack the piles on top of each other. She placed the book on top of the stack of parchment before she handed it all over to her Potions Professor.
Without any argument, fight or much resistance, Hermione let herself be led out of the library.
"Severus." Irma said surprised at his presence as well as seeing Miss. Granger. There was also a hint of confusion.
"There was something that I needed to retrieve that I had seen towards the farthest recesses of the library a while back and figuratively stumbled upon Miss. Granger." Severus replied with an indifferent tone in his voice.
"Thank Merlin!" Irma said relieved.
"I am truly sorry for giving nearly everyone a fright. I just didn't want to be interrupted incessantly. I figured that you would shoo me out not knowing that the library expands every year. I will be more careful in the future and at the very least let you know where I'll be." Hermione said honestly and sincerely.
"Very well. I shall not delay you any longer." Irma said kindly.
Hermione followed Snape out of the library, through the castle and on into the infirmary. Throughout the trip just about the entire population of the school noticed and watched. Some in horror and thankful that it was him or her in Hermione's shoes while others were smirking and a few wondering what she had done wrong as she followed the snarkiest wizard ever known. Hermione paid them no mind and focused on reaching the infirmary without collapsing.
"Miss. Granger I cannot believe that you of all witches and wizards would be so careless and neglect yourself." Poppy chastised the witch. "It will be a bit of a stay in the infirmary, but nothing compared to the last time, a day at least and no more than two." Irma informed the witch with a no argument tone.
Hermione nodded in acceptance as it would ensure that she took a break from the project she set herself. She could not keep a small smirk from appearing on her face at the irony of it all. Snape had insisted she take a break for a day or two and Pomfrey telling her that she'd be in the infirmary for a day or two.
"Follow me Miss. Granger." Poppy said as she headed towards a private room near Lucius'.
Hermione did not hesitate and followed the school nurse. Hermione knew that Pomfrey was placing near Lucius so that the medi-witch did not have to go far. Hermione also knew that it was so that she would as close to Pomfrey as possible.
Severus left the infirmary as Hermione was following Poppy. Severus went straight to Albus' office to let him know that Miss. Granger was with Poppy.
"Good." Albus said relieved. "I do detect that there is something on your mind that has to do with Miss. Granger but not due to her health."
"Two nights ago through the connection, Miss. Granger heard my thoughts." Severus slightly growled.
"And what were your thoughts?" Albus asked nervously and not sure if he really wanted to know.
"I assure you that I was nothing inappropriate, nowhere near in appropriate. I had thought…wished that there was a way that Lucius' family could do for him what Miss. Granger, Mr. Evans and Ms. Evans did for Mr. Potter."
"And that is the project she set herself to work on."
"Yes."
"Why would she not tell anyone what she was working on?" Albus asked but more to himself.
"I believe that she wanted to keep it a secret in case she was unable to figure out it could work for the Malfoy family. To ensure that the family would not get wind of it and to save them from getting their hopes up and be let down. I do, however, believe that she intended and intends to tell certain others about it once she finished it regardless of being successful or not. I also believe that by keeping a secret from everyone while working on it has more to do with her self-doubt and insecurities she possesses."
"I agree."
"I know have everything she has put together to look over it and possibly shed some light on some things and possibly even figure out what she hasn't as of yet. When Miss. Granger is ready I am sure that she will go over everything."
"I understand what you have and haven't said. Though I am curious and intrigued as to what she has been able to put together I will respect Miss. Granger's unspoken request. You may go, Severus. I am sure that she is accepting everything graciously with the thought that you are going over everything she has on the project. It would do Miss. Granger a disservice by not getting to it."
Severus nodded and departed to his private quarters. A glass of Ogden's finest and all sets of parchment spread out on the table, Severus began reading over all of it one piece at a time.
The more he read the more impressed he became. He was astounded by what Hermione had done so far. It was a bit infuriating for Severus at the same time. Here it is a brilliant witch that can has the beginnings of something remarkable and said witch doubts her abilities. Severus wanted it to pan out and work and not just for his own mentality but for his extended family and for Hermione.
"This could very well help Miss. Granger with her self-confidence and believe in herself and her abilities. She is significantly affected by her self-perception, if she feels ineffectual or undermined in any way she tends to be ineffectual." Severus muttered aloud. "What did she have to deal with before coming to Hogwarts?" Severus wondered but then realized that it was the same as at Hogwarts but highly possible that it was worse. "With what she did for Mr. Potter…" Severus trailed off in mid thought as another thought came to mind.
Severus paced his small kitchen cursing himself out silently. Realizing that he has ignored her abilities at all times and that horrid day where he belittled her abilities as well as gave the impression that he does not trust her in any way. Severus tried to not mentally beat himself up too much since he had to keep his cover despite the fact that the Dark Lord for the time being is out of commission. He has had to keep the cover for his own safety, but it did not give him the right to have gone so overboard that day.
The following second, Severus made a decision to rectify…to hopefully rectify his horrendous error. The trick though, was how to publically acknowledge her abilities and show that he trust her without a backlash from the Dark Lord and dedicated followers and not end up dead. So much depended on him to aid the wizarding world in defeating the Dark Lord for good and Severus knew it. He also knew that the Dark Lord would return someday, he knew it long before Albus had said anything about the possibility. Sighing, Severus put this in the back of his mind for the time being so that he could get back to the project the young witch had begun.
Sitting back down at the table, Severus went back over everything and made his own notations on separate pieces of parchment. It was quite late once he finished reading everything and jotting down the last of his notes, suggestions and possibilities. Though he was feeling on the verge of being exhausted, Severus carefully arranged his notes with what the witch had written accordingly and took his time stacking the pieces, the piles of parchment and placing the book on top of the single pile. Severus stood, stretched and stifled a yawn before heading off to bed.
xxxXXXxxx
A few hours later Hermione was feeling a little better and realized how much of a mistake she'd made by being in such a secluded area of the library. The improvement she started feel slipped a fraction when Harry, Ginny and Ron had entered the infirmary to see her.
"What the devil were you working on that resulted in you missing so many meals?" Harry inquired concerned.
"I'd rather not say at the moment, Harry. I promised all of you that I'd tell you in time." Hermione answered in tired and weak voice while hoping that they'd leave it be for a little while.
"Guys let it go." Ginny said sternly. "Hermione will tell us when she is ready, besides right now is not the time to start questioning her." Ginny added.
Harry and Ron shut their mouths quickly and refrained from asking any questions.
"Thank you Ginny." Hermione said just as tired and weakly as before.
"Sorry, Hermione. I was and am just worried…I'll try to be more patient concerning the project that you are working on." Harry said genuinely.
Ron nodded in agreement afraid he might say something stupid or something to puss her off again.
Hermione gave a small smile in thanks and appreciation.
"How long does Pomfrey want you to stay?" Ginny cautiously asked.
"A day minimum; two days maximum." Hermione answered softly.
"We should get going so that Hermione can get the rest she needs." Ron interjected. "It's not that I don't want to visit, you just look like you are about to pass out."
"I know and you're right I do need rest. Any way I'm sure that Pomfrey will be in here before too much longer to chase you all out." Hermione said with a small but humorous smile.
The three visitors were about to leave as Pomfrey entered.
"We are leaving now Madam Pomfrey." Harry said. "Thank you for letting us see Hermione for a few minutes." Harry added truly thankful before leaving with Ginny and Ron following him out.
Hermione looked at Madam Pomfrey to see that the medi-witch had a few vials in hand and scrunched her face. It wasn't due to the taste though it wasn't the best tasting stuff, Hermione was tired of all the potions and remedies she had to drink down. She never fought the potions or remedies but still did not like to take them.
"I know it's my fault that I am in this situation." Hermione said barely above a whisper.
"This will be the last for tonight as long as you either improve or remain stable." Madam Pomfrey informed the witch.
"If I start to slip there will be more to consume during the night." Hermione muttered knowing what the medi-witch had not said.
Madam Pomfrey nodded confirming what Hermione had muttered as she handed over the vials one at a time.
Hermione thought it was odd that she was being handed one vial at a time as she had been given them all at once before. Without hesitation or any argument, Hermione accepted the first vial and drank it down. As the potion slid down her throat she could feel a soothing sensation and something else that she could not detect further than there being something else. Once the vial was empty Hermione handed it to Madam Pomfrey and accepted the next one.
As Hermione drank down the subsequent vials she noticed that there wasn't the slightest taste to them this time.
"The first one as you well know soothed your throat, but it also had a little something to numb the taste buds in a sense. I thought you might appreciate it."
"Indeed I do, thank you." Hermione said with a smile.
"Here is the last one." Madam Pomfrey said as she handed the vial over.
After finishing off the last potion Hermione handed the empty vial to the medi-witch. It wasn't until a few minutes after Pomfrey left that Hermione could feel the effects of the last potion and realized what it was as she began to feel drowsy and her eyelids slowly began to close. The last potion was to help her sleep. Within a minute Hermione was a sleep.
The following morning at breakfast Harry managed to silently let Draco and Dudley know that Hermione had been found and is doing alright. As breakfast gradually came to an end, Harry and Ginny left without being followed to their surprise and delight. They went for a walk outside but returned to the castle a short time later as they were not quite properly dressed for the outside temperatures. Thought the two of them wanted to go to the Room of Requirement for the privacy they both knew that it was not a wise option so soon after the last time they had been in the room so instead they opted for the Gryffindor common room.
The Gryffindor common room was devoid of house mates but did not worry Harry and Ginny knowing that their house mates would be in and out periodically. Comfortably sitting on the couch the two let the warmth of the fire wash over them and consume them in silence.
"I know we planned on for the next time we are allowed to go to Hogsmead that it would be a date…the trip coming up is a special one so that we can find something suitable for the Yule Ball…"
"We can spend part of the day browsing or shopping and the rest together like we planned. And as for which happens first is up to you." Harry said hesitantly wanting to let Ginny set the pace for the unofficial date.
"That is going to be a tough one. Opting for browsing with the possibility of purchasing first gives the best selection but could all day. Opting to do that later leaves a limited selection." Ginny said softly resulting with a smirk to spread across Harry's face.
"Well, we can always go with the option that gives the best selection. There is a fifty percent chance that we could find something before the day is over. And if it takes all day we will have spent the whole day together." Harry suggested.
"Okay, so we look first and then go from there." Ginny agreed.
"Do you have anything in mind as to what you want for the Yule Ball?" Harry asked curiously.
"Not really. If something I see screams to me that it is the one then I'll get it." Ginny said.
"I can understand having that attitude." Harry said thoughtfully.
"I don't see the point in having something specific in mind. There's too much of a chance that I won't find it. Of course it also depends on what it is I am looking for. There are some, or at least one instance where a woman should at least have an idea if not something specific in mind." Ginny explained further.
"Like what? I apologize if I am being a git for asking that question." Harry said with a sincere smile on his face.
"You are not being a git, but you're not exactly giving it any thought. I don't hold it against you though. A woman should have at the very least an idea of what her…wedding dress will be."
"So true." Harry said quietly.
"It was an example Harry. We're a bit young to be thinking about…you know I am not even going to finish that."
"I know it was an example Gin." Harry said softly chuckling.
Before Harry and Ginny knew it, it was time for lunch. Though both felt like calling a house elf to bring them something for lunch, they headed out to the Great Hall instead.
Harry thought it was quite odd that Madam Pomfrey flashed him a small smile. Harry wasn't sure as to what it could possibly mean. Though there were quite a few possibilities, there was one that had not crossed his mind. The following second the doors opened and who he saw nearly caused Harry to fall off the bench onto the floor and just about choke and gag on the mouthful of food.
xxxXXXxxx
"Good morning, Miss. Granger." Poppy said as she entered Hermione's room.
"Good morning."
"How are you feeling this morning?"
"Like my normal self."
"I have had diagnostic spells and a few charms running all night and everything looks as it should. Really late last night something impressive occurred. If I had set alarms I would have known about it sooner. Narcissa Malfoy, however, did notice and brought it to my attention. Your room was brightly aglow I must say. Your magic seems to have finished what I started when you first got here. I do believe that the sleeping potion enabled your magic to do what was needed."
"Wait…are you…are you saying that I don't…that I can go?" Hermione asked stuttering.
"Indeed, Miss. Granger, I am releasing you from the infirmary. I did not want to interrupt your sleep and since you are now awake, I see no reason to keep you longer."
Hermione smiled brightly and leaped out of the bed. As quickly as she could she located her clothes and
dressed in front of the school nurse not caring at that moment. Hermione was too excited to care and wanted to get out of the infirmary as quickly as possible. Once dressed Hermione nearly sprinted out of the infirmary with a quick thank you to Madam Pomfrey.
Poppy smiled and chuckled with a slow shake of her head. She had not seen any one bolt from the infirmary anywhere near similar to how Miss. Granger had just done. Poppy was not surprised though with the way Hermione had left, Poppy though was surprised that Hermione had not left even faster than she had. With the previous stay in the infirmary, Poppy knew that Hermione wanted to avoid the infirmary and any hospital as much as she could unless she was not the patient.
After checking on Lucius and requesting an elf from Hogwart's kitchens that a breakfast plate be made up and brought to the wizard, Poppy headed on to the Great Hall. It wasn't really about having breakfast herself as it was the need to see Harry's reaction to seeing his cousin when Hermione entered the Great Hall. Poppy was not worried about missing the reaction as she had no doubt that Hermione had gone to Gryffindor House to change into fresh clean clothes that she had not spent over a day in, regardless that the clothes had been laundered.
Poppy took her usual seat at the end of the table that was closest to the door in case she was needed in the infirmary. nearly halfway through breakfast, Poppy made eye contact with Harry and flashed a small smile knowing that he would be wondering what she was meaning by it. A few minutes later, Hermione entered the Great Hall practically glowing.
Poppy quickly looked towards the Gryffindor table barely in time to see Harry nearly fall off the bench.
xxxXXXxxx
Hermione took off in a sprint the instant she stepped out into the hall outside of the infirmary. She did not stop until she had to give the password to get inside. Once through the portrait hole, Hermione ran on through the common room and on up to her dormitory to change her clothes. Though the clothes were clean, Hermione did not want to wear the same clothes as she had already spent enough time in the outfit she had on. After a quick shower and dressed in a different outfit, Hermione quickly made her way to the Great Hall.
Before long the witch was just outside of the Great Hall and paused for a moment. With a smirk on her face at the unlimited possibilities of the expressions of everyone's faces, she pushed open the doors and walked on through. Hermione fought to not laugh at seeing Harry just about falling off the bench he sat on. What kept her from laughing was seeing that her cousin was almost choking on his food or juice. The feeling of laughter began to build once again at the surprised expressions on her friends faces. What caught Hermione a little off guard was the looks of relief on two wizards faces from across the room, though it was nice knowing that there were quite a few that did worry about her and her wellbeing.
"I thought you weren't going to be released until later tonight at the earliest." Neville said as Hermione reached where he was sitting.
"Pomfrey gave me a potion to help me sleep and therefore allowed my magic to fully take over and finish what she started. And obviously it worked a lot quicker." Hermione said excitedly.
"Welcome back Hermione." Ginny said truly happy. "So, have any ideas as to what you what you to wear to the Yule Ball?" Ginny asked changing the subject and was amused at the resulting look she received from Hermione.
"No I haven't exactly given it much…given it any thought."
"You just might find something in Hogsmead and we go tomorrow. All those going to Ball are allowed to spend all day in Hogsmead. Though, the younger students will have to return to the castle once the purchase their dresses or dress robes." Ginny said encouragingly.
"I suppose I could at least go and take a look at what they have for a selection." Hermione said with a faint hint of curiosity.
"You have a date for the Ball?" Ron said chocking on a mouthful of food and feeling as though his fears had come true.
"I've been asked by a few wizards but haven't accepted one yet. I am not sure who I'll be going with, but I won't wait much longer to answer them unless of course they've already found someone else to go with." Hermione said indifferently. She had been asked but had actually turned down each one that had asked her in the hopes that Ron would find the courage to ask her.
The rest of the day past buzzing about the Ball and the trip to Hogsmead to find something suitable for the Ball. Hermione was feeling restless, anxious and beginning to regret turning down every single wizard that had asked her to the dance. Dread was beginning to consume her as she thought that she would not have a date for the Yule Ball and having to hide in her dormitory missing the Ball.
Hermione could not take being in the same room as Ron and went for a walk. With it being the Christmas holiday the curfews were extended to a later for everyone so the witch was not worried about wondering around the castle. Though, it would not have mattered if it were a regular evening as it was not nearing the curfew for the fourth years.
She walked around the halls of Hogwarts thinking if she had made the right choice in waiting for Ron or not. Wondering if she should have said yes to one of the other wizards that had asked, wondering if she had made hints that were obvious enough but yet subtle. Being so deep in thought trying to figure out what Ron's problem was and if she hadn't done something that she should have done, Hermione was not aware of someone not too far in front of her and walked right into him. To Hermione it felt like walking into a brick wall. She was relieved and quite thankful that she had not fallen on her arse.
"Professor…sorry…I was…sorry." Hermione stammered as she realized that she had walked right into Professor Snape.
"Normally this sort of thing happens when you are walking with a text book in hand and in front of your face." Snape said in slight snarky tone.
"I said I was sorry." Hermione said tartly.
"Miss. Granger…"
"Sorry, Professor." Hermione said more respectful with a slight frown on her face.
"I have an idea as to what caused this mood, but will not ask. In fact I was about to owl you in regard to what you were working on unselfishly." Snape said to change the subject and hoping that the subject would improve the witches mood as he really wanted to talk to her about she had rewritten so far.
"What about my project?" Hermione said with uncertainty.
"I am quite impressed with what you have done so far. I believe that I may have figured out how to prevent…" Snape paused and quickly glanced around to be sure that no one else was in the hall. "The Malfoy's from the preparations." Snape finished quietly.
"You insisted that I not work on the project for two days. Have you changed your mind on that? Or just sharing a little and want to set up an appointment to discuss the project in detail?" Hermione asked though hoping that it would be the first thing.
"It would be the later of the two things you asked." Snape replied not completely honest. He had wanted to get working on putting the project together as soon as possible, but refused to let up on something he had said previously. Also, he felt that it would do the witch good to take a break.
"When do want to work on the project?" Hermione asked not knowing if she managed to mask the deflated excitement at the prospect of getting back to the project.
"Tomorrow evening should be sufficient to have allowed the time to find something for the…Yule Ball." Snape said the last word with as much distaste as he could muster.
Hermione was tempted to ask Snape why he was so down on the Yule Ball and Christmas for that matter, but she refrained from doing so as it would have been too personal. If it wasn't for the fact that are Student/Teacher and if they were on equal ground, possibly some kind of semblance of a friendship it would be another story. Regardless, Hermione felt that I was none of her business.
"I am sure that will be more than enough time to have allowed me to find something for the Ball." Hermione said agreeing to the time set.
"I will see you tomorrow evening in the Potions Office." Snape said politely before striding off.
Hermione remained where she was for a little longer going over the conversation she'd just had with Snape. He was acting odd. Hermione thought on it more and realized that Snape did want to work on the project before tomorrow evening. Hermione was not surprised that Snape had instead set it up for tomorrow evening, he was stubborn and in the years that she knew him, sort of knew him, the witch had never witnessed or heard about Snape changing his mind on anything. Hermione knew of only one instance where Snape had changed his mind and it was not to the positive, not even slightly.
With a sigh, Hermione headed back towards Gryffindor Tower. It wasn't nearing curfew, but she thought it would be best to return to her House as to insure that she did not end up in the infirmary any time soon need medical attention.
Upon entering Gryffindor House, Hermione was relieved that everyone had gone on to bed as she was not feeling up to explaining where she had gone, what she did and why. Hermione wasn't too thrilled about going shopping the next day as it was not really her thing and due to the fact that she didn't have a date to the Ball, but knew she was going to look for something that caught her eye.
Once next to her bed, Hermione quickly removed her clothes, dressed in night clothes and climbed into bed. She was asleep seconds before her head hit her pillow.
TBC…..forgive me for the delay in updating. Between the finger injury and having to go from scratch here and there makes for difficulties. And now…Chapter 105 is in process…
