Chapter 25 - Year 4, part 6
February 25th, 1995
Hermione was furious. Seethingly so.
She was currently sitting in the headmaster's office with her grandmother behind her, her hands securely on Hermione's shoulders. Present in the room were also Harry, Daniel and Aunt Em, William, Ellinor, and her dad, Professors McGonagall and spout - and of course the headmaster himself.
There were no smiles in the room, though not from lack of trying from Dumbledore's side.
People were tense and angry and action needed to be taken. Immediately.
"Come seek us where our voices sound, We cannot sing above the ground, And while you're searching, ponder this: We've taken what you'll sorely miss, An hour long you'll have to look, And to recover what we took, But past an hour — the prospect's black, Too late, it's gone, it won't come back." Harry quoted, his eyes glued angrily to the headmaster. "That's what it said. Not 'you'll get it back afterwards but will lose points!'."
"It's all about rhymes and metaphors, Mr. Potter."
"'Metaphors'?!" Em exclaimed, angrily, "You made children think that whatever had been taken from them would be lost forever. He's FOUR-TEEN What did you think would happen when the Champions saw that it was PEOPLE who had been taken from them?! And what about Hermione who was awake during her time as a captive?"
"An unfortunate mistake. She was not supposed to wake up until she reached the surface again." He said matter of factly as he leaned casually back in his chair. He had skated directly around the part where children think they've lost their best friends for good. Simply just ignored it.
Her grandmother's fingers seemed to grab onto her a little harder, not uncomfortably so, but she could still feel it.
"A mistake?! Who do you think you a-"
"Do you know what it feels like, to think that you are dead, Professor?" Hermione interrupted in a small voice, not knowing whether she should just sit tight and let the adults solve the issues - or interfere. Someone gasped somewhere in the room, but she couldn't find the mental capacity to figure out who it was right now. "Do you know what it feels like to be paralyzed and only see what your eyes are looking at? To see your friends hanging beside you, looking like they're…" She choked, and looked to Harry and Daniel who were looking back at her with wide, horrified eyes. "Like they're dead." She whispered.
"I spent the entire night going in and out of consciousness, thinking that I was… Dead… And someone had just forgotten to pay the ferryman. That I would never see my brother again, my family, my friends… There are so many things I still want to do, and in those hours - I had lost everything.
"Then I finally started remembering our conversation the night before. How none of us - Gabrielle included - wanted to do it, but didn't have a choice. You had already made the decision for us when you served that tea."
She waited for someone to say something. Anything. But Dumbledore simply looked at her - While McGonagall and Sprout were looking at him in utter disbelief.
"That's it. I'm contacting the rest of the Governors of the school board. I'm having you removed." Em stated firmly and authoritatively, "I will also be starting an official investigation into you since you have just confirmed drugging students under the age of 18. As of this moment, you are to stay on the premises." She said, looking directly at the headmaster.
Looking at her two professors, she noted that they looked shaken, but surprisingly not like they disagreed with what Emmeline had just said.
The group of people walked together down the hallways in silence. When they made it to the Entrance Hall Em sighed hard and rubbed her face. "It's times like these where I wonder why we didn't pull you guys and send you to Beauxbatons instead." Harry opened his mouth to say something when suddenly a group of girls from said magical school strolled by, and while looking Harry's way, giggled a 'Bonjour Harry.', before hurrying along. Some of them kept sending stolen looks his way.
"Oh, that's why… Maybe Hogwarts isn't so bad after all." She sighed and rolled her eyes, hard.
…
February 27th, 1995
Hermione had, for once, arrived before Theo to one of their study sessions. She had finally gotten used to being in here without all of the noise that normally followed when all of them were together - so being here alone felt strange to say the least.
She was standing by the window, looking out over the forest and the lake.
The damn lake.
She could still feel the cold water wrapping around her.
The void pulling her in.
The sound of singing, dragging her to her death.
Pulling her very soul out of her body and into the nothingness that she would soon become.
"Hermione?"
Hermione whirled around and pressed herself against the stonewall by the window. Her chest was rising and falling rapidly as she heaved for breaths to bring air into her lungs.
She could feel her pulse hammering away on her neck, and hear the rushing of blood in her ears.
"Hermione? " Theo was standing right in front of her. She would be able to touch him if only she reached out for him. He was so close.
"Why are you crying? What's wrong?" He looked so worried; she couldn't take it.
"I - I'm not." She stuttered.
With wide, scared eyes, she looked on as Theo reached forward and rested the palm of his hand against her cheek while the pad of his thumb carefully ran right under her eye.
"What's wrong sweetpea? Tell us what's wrong, so we can help." He begged as he removed his now wet hand from her cheek.
When had she started crying?
"W-we?" Who was he talking about? She didn't understand any of it.
Theo looked over his shoulder and then took a small step to the side, revealing Daphne who stood by the door, clutching her hands to her chest. "She wouldn't let me go alone when I told her where I was going. She missed you."
Wouldn't let me go alone.
She missed you.
She felt her bottom lip start to tremble as she stepped forward towards Daphne, who ran towards her and engulfed her in a hug so tight it gave Hermione a renewed ability to just breathe.
This girl that she had come to care for during the last eight months had actually missed her, and Hermione had barely spared her a single thought. She was Pansy's friend and roommate after all. She had wholeheartedly believed that Daphne would be on Pansy's side.
Hermione was just… Hermione.
"I'm so sorry." She whispered between sobs she didn't know how to hold in. Everything just came rushing out of her, and she didn't know how to stop it again.
"Don't be! You were the one who was just crying for some reason you still haven't told us."
Us. Right, Theo was here as well.
Turning away from them to try and dry her eyes and face, she sat down on a chair, still feeling slightly emotionally unstable. At least she wasn't openly sobbing anymore. Damnit, she would kill for a piece of chocolate right now.
Fuck.
"I… Uhh… Was thinking about… The lake." Unknown to her, her two friends shared a look before going to the table and sitting down.
"Was it… Bad?" Theo asked apprehensively. "We were just told that something had been hidden at the bottom, and then an hour later you emerged in all your glory trying to fight off Krum - not that I blame you, mind you." Hermione had told him what had happened with Viktor that night at the ball, and the blond hadn't taken it too kindly that one of his friends had been assaulted while he was just next door.
"I… Ehh… You know... Dumbledore… Put us into some sort of sleep so that we… Would wake up when we reached the surface… And… Ehh… The others did, but I… didn't…"
"You… Didn't? What do you mean 'you didn't' wake up? We saw you. You were wide awake!" Daphne reasoned, looking extremely confused.
Theo on the other hand, looked like too many pieces were falling into place at the same time.
"I was wide awake - because I had been so for most of the night already."
"You didn't go under." Theo whispered; his eyes wide in horror as she shook her head. "Oh, Sweetpea."
"I mean, I was under at the beginning… and there were times where I was blacking out because I was thinking too hard and it's really hard to breathe underwater and the lake is so deep and so dark and my friends looked dead and I were dead and everything was wrong and -"
"Hey, hey, hey! Breathe, Hermione! Breathe!" Daphne called back to her as she started spiralling once again, the blond girl had her hands on her shoulders and was shaking her softly. "You're not dead - it's alright!"
Wasn't she? She felt dead.
How couldn't she be dead, when everything felt like she was looking in from the outside? Detached.
And dead.
Some time later she was calm enough to actually open a book, and they worked quietly for some time.
"I guess we now know why Lucius was so furious earlier." Daphne suddenly stated like the conversation hadn't been dead for close to an hour.
"What do you mean? Has Lucius been here?"
She didn't know how this information made her feel.
"Yeah, right after dinner. Refused to tell us what was wrong but he was clearly agitated about something. I think I saw some of the other Governors as well heading directly for Dumbledore's office."
It's happening.
It's happening.
It's happening.
Daphne looked at Theo as if an afterthought hit her. "He did pull Draco to the side to talk to him, though, so he might know something we don't. But for us, talking to Draco at the moment is a bit… Sparse…" A ball of lead instantly formed in the pit of her stomach. Were they not on speaking terms with him… Because of her?
Was it her fault?
"I mean - it's kind of hard talking to either of them when they're either attached by the hip or… Snogging." Theo said, looking at Hermione apologetically.
He was so kind; always skirting around the elephant in the room, being Draco and Pansy's relationship. She had never told him that she didn't want to neither talk nor hear about their blooming love… But somehow, he knew.
She looked away, trying to ignore the nausea building up.
"Em did talk about going after him. She must have done something about it." She reasoned instead, hoping the change of topic would help.
"Em? Who's that?" Daphne asked with a small frown, like she was trying to remember a detail that had only just slipped off her tongue.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize I hadn't mentioned her. Emmeline Vance Black - she's Daniel and Harry's mum. Well, mum and stepmum really. To William and I, she's 'aunt Em'."
"Ohh, the woman with the long black hair? Yeah, I've seen her - just didn't know her name. She looks sweet though." Daphne gushed, happily. Hermione was also happy, though - Happy that they didn't have to talk about Draco… Or Dumbledore… Or anything of importance.
…
February 28th, 1995
She had finally crumbled after her talk with Theo and Daphne two days prior, and moved to the opposite side of the table. Harry and Daniel had sent her curious looks, but she had just straightened her back and shrugged.
He wouldn't be the reason why she couldn't sit wherever the fuck she wanted to sit.
Her new seat also meant that when The Daily Prophet was dumped on the table in front of her, she could catch Theo's eye instantly, after reading the headline.
ALBUS DUMBLEDORE REMOVED AS HEADMASTER WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.
They knew, of course. The students had been told at breakfast yesterday, that as of that moment, Professor McGonagall was acting headmistress until a solution was found. How she would handle that while still doing all of her Transfiguration classes, Hermione couldn't fathom at the moment - but if anyone could do it, it would be McGonagall.
Not having Dumbledore at the school - that they knew of - was something that had both made students feel every spectrum of emotions at the revelation and throughout the day. Some had been angry at whoever had had him removed. Others were happy to see someone new step into his shoes, and others beyond that were scared for the future of the school yet relieved to finally be rid of the sort of manic happiness and ever-present extreme optimism.
Hermione was a part of all of those groups at the same time, though she most of all was happy to be rid of his ignorance and God-complex.
She also hadn't dared to tell anyone that she was a part of the reason why he had been removed. Nor, that that was the reason why it had been done so swiftly. She knew she could hold her own against most people, but she wasn't stupid enough that she could do everything. And there were definitely some people at school who would want revenge for their beloved headmasters leaving.
Reading further into the article, there were several questions raised about children taking part in the Triwizard Tournament against their will, the planning and executing the task that had unfortunately resulted in minors in a lake, and who should be held accountable for such mistakes.
Names such as Ludo Bagman, Barty Crouch and Albus Dumbledore, among others, were named on the very extensive list of names where Hermione didn't even know half.
At least they had gotten rid of Dumbledore for the time being, so now they just had to see who would show up in his stead and what that would change about the school and the remaining Tournament.
…
Later that day the Gryffindors and Slytherins were sitting in their seats waiting for Professor Snape to return their essay on Amortentia to them. It was strange, really, having a potions subject where they were only allowed to learn the theory behind something seeing as 'Amortentia is only to be taught in practice, at 6th year, I'm afraid.'.
She had huffed at that.
A parchment was laid softly in front of her. "Please see me after class, Ms. Granger." He said softly. No malice and no hint of her having done anything wrong - or right, yet her heart stuttered at the prospect of having done anything wrong with her essay.
She barely managed to stop herself from ripping the seal off, as she opened it and looked at the 'O' at the top of the scroll. She let go a breath she didn't know she was holding.
"Uuhhh, Granger's in trouble." Zabini sang tauntingly.
She wasn't ignoring him on purpose, she was simply so focused on figuring out why he had asked her to stay, that she couldn't focus on him.
"Look guys, the know it all is so scared she can't even talk." Bullstrode continued in the same voice the Zabini had just used. It just didn't work.
"Bullstrode, Zabini - be quiet if you have nothing nice to say." Snape said in a low voice that still didn't hold any emotions. It was like he was a robot walking around the room.
She heard the low noise of whispering and laughing, before a tingle went down her spine.
Silence.
A tingle yet again, albeit more persistent.
"Why isn't it bloody working?!" Zabini shouted, and as Hermione turned around to see what the fuss was about, she saw this wand pointed at her. "Furnunculus!"
Hermione didn't have much time to think, but covered her face with her arms to protect herself against the spell. But nothing happened.
Removing her hands carefully, she looked forwards and into a black set of robes. Looking further up, she saw the back of Daniel's head.
Eyes widening in horror at what had just happened, she carefully lifted her hand to the middle of his back and whispered: "Daniel?"
He looked back at her, and in one full smooth turn, was suddenly facing her, looking her over like she was the most precious thing in the entire world.
She didn't like it.
But even then, she couldn't stop herself from looking him over as well.
"You okay?" He asked, frowning.
"Yeah. You? You look okay? Why - why did you do that?" She asked, and smacked him on the chest. "What is wrong with you?" She smacked him one more time even as she frowned up at him, wondering why they were okay. He should be covered in boils… As would she have been, had he not stepped in front of her.
Looking around the classroom, she noticed Goyle cradling his face and whimpering, while Zabini ignored him and looked angrily at her.
"20 points from Slytherin, Mr. Zabini," Snape sneered angrily, lowering his wand from where it had been pointing at Hermione and Daniel. He walked forward past Hermione, until he was right in front of Blaise, before continuing: "- for attacking a student while in class, resulting in harm to your housemate. Also, detention every night for the next two weeks. Get Mr. Goyle to the Hospital Wing. Now. The rest of you are dismissed."
The entire class hastened with picking up their essays, books and notes before hurrying towards the door. It wasn't often that Professor Snape was in such a foul mood, but when it did? No one wanted to be near him. "Granger, stay back."
She did as told.
There was no way she was going to be the reason why his mood soured further. Also, she still hadn't figured out why he had asked her to stay.
As the rest of the class left the room, Theo and - surprisingly - Draco, looked back at her with surprise and… Pity.
She didn't need their pity. She had done nothing wrong. She hoped.
"Are you alright, Ms. Granger?" He asked after the door had clicked shut. This voice was now much softer again. Maybe she hadn't done anything wrong after all?
"Yes Professor, though, I'm not sure why." She said, and he waved her forward from where she had been waiting by her table.
"The Protego charm." He said, lifting his wand slightly from the table before putting it back down again. "Is a strong shield charm that you will learn in your sixth year, and when done well, can protect an entire group of people."
"Amazing." She whispered, eyeing the wand and then her professor before standing taller and nodding her head at him. "And thank you. I rather like not having to bring Daniel to the Hospital wing with me."
"What he did was very brave. 10 points to Gryffindor."
"Thank you, Sir." She echoed, though this time it was different and she knew Daniel would be happy to know that his action hadn't gone unnoticed by their professor. It wasn't that he was a teacher's pet in any way… But everyone liked being praised for doing something good, didn't they? "Was there a specific reason you wanted me to stay back, Sir?"
"Oh yes, I'm sure you remember our agreement about the Gillyweed?"
Ah, there it was.
"I've taken a look at your schedule, and I would like for you to come down here every Wednesday after Lunch - only the first lesson."
Her body was jittery from leftover adrenalin. But apart from that little mishap, she was almost buzzing with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Therefore, there was little to do but smile brightly as she replied; "Yes, sir."
…
March 1st, 1995
While the newspaper the day before had brought somewhat good news, today - it was bad.
The entire front was plastered in a picture of Hermione and Krum dancing at the yule ball, with two smaller ones underneath. One of her hugging Harry, right before he was to go into his dragon at the first task, and one where she walked quietly beside Neville.
HERMIONE GRANGER - SEDUCTIVE SCHOOLGIRL OR GOLD-DIGGER
"What in the actually fuck?" She would have whispered, but it came out a bit louder than she had intended - and a bit shriller.
"What?" Ginny asked from a bit further down the table. When she saw what Hermione was looking at, she held her hand out for the paper and had it sent from hand to hand, down into hers.
"I guess you were pretty correct. 'What in the actual fuck?'" She grimaced and motioned for it to be sent back. Hermione just waved her hand at it.
"Don't bother. Just read it out loud so that I don't have to explain fifteen times over, what it says." Hermione called to her friend, while hiding in disbelief behind her hands.
What is wrong with the world?
Rita Skeeter was apparently the answer to that question as Ginny started reading the article:
"As we are all aware of, The Triwizard Tournament is currently being hosted by our very own Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. To take part in the tournament are the beautiful witches and Wizards of Beauxbatons and the handsom and crafty pupils of Durmstrang. An insider from Hogwarts had revealed to us, dear readers, that Durmstrang has brought with them none other than Viktor Kurm. Yes, you read that correctly, the one and only, Viktor Krum, seeker of the Bulgarian National team and heartbreaker of all girls across the British Isles and the continent.
But no sooner had the hunky Quidditch player set foot on Scottish grounds, before he was snatched up by Hermione Granger.
As I'm sure no one has remembered this basic, bland and boring girl, I will of course freshen your minds. Ms. Granger is none other than the girl who previously caught the attention of our very own Harry Potter. The two of them were seen getting nice and cosy during the first task, now it seems she has moved on to larger prey.
But, alas, it had only just come to our attention that the Bulgarian Seeker had brought this dull courtesan ('What in Merlin's name is a courtesan?' sputtered Ginny between lines) as his date to the Yule ball, intending to swoop her feet away, before she was seen parading yet another wealthy boy, this time a pureblood and one from her own year.
We here at the Daily Prophet, detests, the way this girl parades around the Wizarding world pretending like she can get anything she wants by simply opening her mouth. We, along with our dear readers, I'm sure, hopes that Mr's Krum and Potter will get over these horrendous heartbreaks soon enough, and even further, we have confidence in the males of her social circle, that they will soon develop better taste in women.
Written by yours Truly,
Rita skeeter"
"That absolute bitch." Ginny sneered at the table and threw it down the table.
Hermione was only half-listening at this point, feeling like she had thoroughly taken a few too many punches to the gut.
It was all lies, of course, she knew that. Well, most of it was lies. He had taken her to the ball intending to swoop her feet away.
"I'm sorry, I'm not really hungry right now." She said quickly, too quickly, stood and left the room in a hurry. She had her hand on the doorhandle of the Great Hall and flung it open, coming face to face with Pansy.
"Oh, hi, are you alright?" She asked chipperly, too chipperly, and had the immediate want to punch her one directly in the face. No one was that bloody happy on a Wednesday morning after having spent most of the night freezing their toes off in an Astronomy Tower.
"Move. I'm not letting you throw it in my face today." Hermione said instead, not wanting to go to Madam Pomfrey with a broken hand.
"Throw what in your face, Hermione? Oh, hi Draco darling." She answered with a big bright smile directed at Draco who arrived just behind her from the Dungeons. Though her smile was kind, her eyes were razor-sharp.
Hermione physically pushed them out of her way, ignoring the way her hand pushed at Draco as well. Ignoring the feeling of too cold against too warm.
She ran up the stairs, even as he called after her. Even as Pansy, dragged him into the Great Hall.
…
Author note:
Song for this chapter:
(Un)lost - Maine
I don't wanna see you with her - Maria Mena
Turning tables - Adele
Stone cold - Demi Lovato
Best of you - Foo Fighters
playlist/1P5krpjY9txJkVXx1kTMJO?si=aa47171deb0f44fb