Chapter 19
Hermione followed Professor Dumbledore up to the seventh floor and to his office, thoroughly confused. She blinked as he stopped by a large phoenix statue in an alcove, and held out his hand to her, signalling that she move into the corner.
"Sherbert Lemon," he said after she did so, and she was slightly startled when the phoenix began to move, or rather the floor beneath it as the statue itself remained stationary. The floor rose, the sound of stone on stone grating on her ears as the floor shifted, and rotated forming a circular stairway. She turned back to see him step into the alcove a bit behind her, but not close enough to crowd her in the small space, and they rode the escalator like stairs up to a large wooden door.
Moving out of the way, Hermione saw him flick his wrist and turned at the sound of the door creaking open.
"After you, Ms Granger," he said, and held the door open for her, then shut it behind him.
"Th-thank you, sir," Hermione stammered slightly, not sure why she was here and if she really was in trouble.
Dumbledore smiled at her and motioned for her to have a seat, she swallowed, perching on the edge. "Lemon drop?" he asked, moving behind his desk and offering her a small bowl from the corner of the desktop after he sat down.
"Um," Hermione smiled slightly. "N-no, thank you, sir."
"Relax, Ms Granger," he said kindly. "I have asked you here to get more details on what happened, that is all."
"Oh," Hermione said, somewhat relieved, though a slight tenseness remained.
He studied her for a moment, and then sighed. "So, Ms Granger," he began. "I believe I heard you say that young Harry believed that it was Professor Snape who was after the Stone?"
"Yes, sir," Hermione said with a nod.
"I see," he replied. "Well, I suppose the first question I should ask is how the three of you found out about it yourselves." He arched a brow as he studied her again, and she shifted under his gaze.
"W-well, sir," she stammered. "I-it wasn't easy."
"No," Professor Dumbledore answered. "Nor was it intended to be, however, please humour me."
"Yes, sir," Hermione said. "W-well, it all started with Draco Malfoy..."
Hermione spent the next half hour explaining to the Headmaster what had happened over the year. He remained quiet most of the time, but would interrupt every so often for clarification. The more she talked, the more Hermione began to relax. It was so good, she realised, to get it off her chest, whether or not she got in trouble for it.
"That is quite the adventure," Professor Dumbledore said when she had finished. "I can assure you that Professor Snape was not the villain in this tale, although you will have to take my word, for I cannot divulge the reason behind my claim."
Hermione swallowed and nodded.
"Now," Professor Dumbledore said. "There was one other matter I wanted to discuss with you."
"Yes, sir?" Hermione asked, a renewed sense of dread filling her.
"I couldn't help noticing while we were on our way to Mr Potter's aid, that you used some spellsfarbeyond that of a first year."
Hermione shifted uncomfortably, feeling small and scolded as the man peered over his half-moon glasses as he studied her. "Yes, sir," she replied quietly.
"I have to wonder," Professor Dumbledore continued, "How a first year student, like yourself, would know such spells?"
"W-well, Professor," she said uneasily. "I - I was so excited to be accepted here, never having heard of it before, being Muggle-born, that I got everything I could get my hands on to learn about the new world I was entering. I love reading, and can make it through books fairly quickly, so when I went to Diagon Alley for my textbooks, I got the rest of the Charms books as well," she finished with a blush.
"A wise move, for certain, Ms Granger," Professor Dumbledore replied. "I do hope that you kept to basic spells and reading in your studies and not Potions? That could be very dangerous for the untrained."
"Yes, sir," Hermione answered. "And I made certain that I didn't do anything in front of anyone else until I reached Platform 9 3/4."
"Why until?" Dumbledore asked, curiously.
"Well, sir," Hermione said. "I knew I'd be safe around other wizards, and that was how I met Ron and Harry. I was helping Neville look for his toad and we stopped and asked Harry and Ron if they'd seen it. Harry's glasses were broken, and I fixed them for him."
"Splendid!" Dumbledore said with a chuckle. "Well, Ms Granger," he said, collecting himself. "You have certainly proven your abilities to me, and having such a bright, motivated young witch such as yourself is a rare thing for Hogwarts. So rare in fact, that this is the first time I can recall it ever happening, although I suppose I could be mistaken. Anyhow, it provides us with an unusual opportunity."
"Sir?" Hermione asked, her voice filled with uncertainty.
"I was wondering, Ms Granger," Professor Dumbledore said. "If I might interest you in testing to bypass a few of your years at Hogwarts?"
Advancement? Hermione wondered, flushing. Professor Dumbledore was right, that hadn't happened at Hogwarts, at least as far as she'd been able to read about. How far could she go? What could she do?
Reality hit as she realised a few things. One, if shedidtake the advancement, would others take her seriously or not, because of her age? She'd already dealt with that before, tonight with Professor McGonagall was only the latest occurrence. Second, she would leave behind Harry and Ron; what would that do to their friendship? Would Ron be so jealous that their friendship dissolved to be what it was before the incident with the troll? Third, if she wasn't around Harry and Ron, who would keep them out of trouble?
After a few moments to think about it, she sighed and shook her head. At Professor Dumbledore's inquiring look, she explained, "Thank you for thinking me capable, sir, I really appreciate it, but I'm afraid I'll have to decline. I think it might be a mistake on my part if I accept your offer."
"Oh, how so?" Professor Dumbledore asked, arching a curious brow.
"Well, if tonight is anything to go on, sir," Hermione explained. "My friends need me, and I can't be there for them if I leave them behind."
"Ah, that is understandable, Ms Granger," Dumbledore said with a smile. "You are wise beyond your years. Well, then," he said, standing once more. "I thank you for your time, explaining the circumstances that led to you and your friends discovering the truth of what was going on and your resolve to see that Voldemort was thwarted."
"You're welcome, sir," Hermione replied, getting up as well.
"Now, I will bid you goodnight, Ms Granger," Professor Dumbledore said.
"Good night, sir," Hermione replied and headed for the door but paused. "Sir?" she said, turning back.
"Yes, Ms Granger?" Dumbledore asked.
"Voldemort," she said. "H-he can't come back...can he?"
Her heart fell when she saw the grave look upon her Headmaster's face. "I am afraid, Ms Granger, that there are indeed other ways in which Voldemort can return. It is for this reason that I applaud your refusal to part with your friends. They will need you in the future if this year is any indication of what lies ahead."
Hermione nodded. "Yes, sir."
"Off you go."
Hermione nodded once more and left his office, heading for the common room. She thought of writing to Oliver when she got there, but decided against it. The room was dark and it was late, the only light from the dying fire. She gave a small cry of alarm as she tripped over something lying in her way and fell over it.
"Oh! Oh, gosh, Neville!" She apologised. "I am so sorry! Finite!"
Neville let out a breath as the spell was removed. "Thanks," he replied.
"Oh, Neville, I really am sorry, I forgot that you were here," she said. "Are you alright? You're not mad are you? I thought for sure someone would come down and find you."
"You didn't get into trouble again, did you?" Neville asked.
"No," Hermione replied, and shook her head. "Well, Harry and Ron are up in the infirmary, but Professor Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey think they'll be alright. They just got knocked out, but other than that, no, we didn't get in trouble."
"Good," Neville replied and smiled. "In that case, no, I'm not mad."
Hermione smiled at him.
"So, what happened anyway?" Neville asked.
"Oh," Hermione said. "It's areallylong story, and it's late... Can I tell you tomorrow?"
"Sure," Neville said. "Good night, then."
"Good night, Neville," Hermione answered, and they went their separate ways.
Hermione yawned and didn't bother changing as she collapsed onto her bed, but it was some time before she fell asleep. Professor Dumbledore's warning of Voldemort's return rang in her mind for quite a while before exhaustion finally claimed her.