Bound to Him

by georgesgurl117

At the behest of Lord Voldemort, Severus Snape is forced to commit a deplorable act against one who should have been under his protection. Bound by Dark Magic, he and Hermione Granger must learn to trust one another and themselves as they work together to thwart the dark plots surrounding them.

78. Out of Control

A/N: Boom! New chapter! Looking forward to your thoughts on this one. And I hope you appreciate I chose not to leave you on the cliffhanger the last chapter was supposed to have (the first scene here) for such a long time. I swear the next update will be posted sooner than in three months.

---

Bound to Him

Chapter 78

"Severus."

"Headmaster," Snape replied, meeting his employer's critical stare. He moved at a sedate pace across the office and waited until he had settled into the chair to murmur, "You summoned?"

Dumbledore frowned and shifted in his chair. "Did you enjoy your social call this afternoon?"

"Oh, immensely," he sneered.

"May I ask what business led you there?"

Severus gracefully draped one leg over the other. "Merely catching up with an old friend."

"I was not under the impression that you and Mrs. Dursley were friends," Albus returned. "Nor that you knew where she resides."

"Perhaps friends is a generous description," the spy admitted, "but one does not need to be friends to know another's address. You yourself asked that I look after the boy after Li—his mother died. To accomplish that, I thought it might behoove me to know where the brat-who-lived actually lived."

"And how did you come across that information?"

Snape resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "I recalled Petunia's married name from the announcement in the Cokeworth papers and had once heard from Mrs. Evans that she settled in Surrey. I used my knowledge of the Muggle world to simply… look her up."

Dumbledore blinked suddenly. "I see."

You did not expect that, did you? The supposed Great Muggle-lover flummoxed by the concept of a Muggle telephone directory. Suppressing a smirk, the wizard almost wished he had been telling the truth. It would have been far more satisfying to know he had outwitted the puppet master rather than asking Minerva to give him directions.

"Why, after all these years, would you opt to visit her now?" Albus pressed.

Allowing his face to fall momentarily, Severus cleared his throat and picked at his robes. "Lupin was asking questions about the Dursleys, and though I dismissed him as being overdramatic… I suppose I wanted to verify that I was not wrong to do so. I wanted to be certain I had not… failed her."

"And did you discover anything?"

The Slytherin grimaced. "Merely that Petunia Dursley is as delightful a creature as she ever was."

The Headmaster relaxed somewhat and let out a soft chuckle. "Perhaps you have found some empathy for our young Mr. Potter?"

"Perhaps," he sighed.

"I must admit, I am surprised she allowed you in the house."

Severus shrugged. "I find I can be quite convincing at times."

A small grin appeared on the old man's face. "I do believe you have your moments."

The dark-haired wizard smirked, privately enjoying the irony of that statement.

"While I am relieved there was no evidence to suggest Remus's fears were not unfounded," Dumbledore stated, "I do wish you had come to me first. The risk to your person…"

Snape nodded slowly, recognizing there was likely more meaning behind the Headmaster's words than he was intended to glean from them. "I realize I acted hastily and…"

He trailed off upon noticing that Albus's attention had wandered away from him, shifting to the door instead.

"Headmaster?"

Dumbledore's face was twisted into an expression of consternation, but he did not reply.

Severus frowned in confusion as a few seconds passed in silence. Upon hearing muffled thumps, he turned in his seat in time to see the door open. His eyes widened exponentially as Professor Sinistra entered, tugging behind her an ashen-faced Potter, with one of the Aurors on their heels.

Eyeing them all in turn, Albus slowly rose to his feet. "Aurora, Harry… Mr. Diggs. What is it that brings you all to my office this evening?"

Sinistra flicked a brief glance of acknowledgement in Snape's direction before raising her chin. She tightened her grip on Potter's upper arm, and stated, "There's been an incident, Headmaster."

XxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxX

"I want to thank you, Hermione, for assisting me tonight though it isn't one of your scheduled nights."

The young witch smiled as she finished changing the bedding on one of the cots. "You don't need to thank me, Madam. I didn't actually come in on the nights I was scheduled, and since Professor Snape cancelled our lesson tonight, I thought it was the best use of my time."

"Regardless," Poppy murmured. "I managed fine this week without you, but tonight… I cannot quite explain it, but there's something happening. It's comforting to have another set of hands standing by."

Hermione frowned and glanced toward the darkened windows. Though Snape had been absent from lunch, he had returned by supper, and did not look any worse for wear. He had departed the Great Hall after the Headmaster, but she supposed it was possible he could have been or would be summoned in the coming hours. She hoped that was not the case, however, since it had only been a handful of days since they had been called before the Dark Lord. To be called again so soon could only bode ill.

"I don't think it's Severus."

The girl startled somewhat at realizing that her mentor was standing beside her. "What? How can you tell?"

Pomfrey inhaled slowly. "To be honest, I'm not entirely certain. It's something that's come with experience. You start to sense when things will go wrong. It isn't a perfect system, mind you, because I am still caught by surprise on occasion or will spend nights suffering anxiety over nothing, but I'm correct a decent percentage of the time. Severus is my most frequent customer, so I can usually tell if he's involved. This doesn't feel like him."

"Oh." Hermione relaxed a bit, but wondered how many of the nights the matron nurse stayed up unnecessarily were actually nights that Severus had been injured, but too stubborn to seek help. Or, for that matter, whether they had been the nights she herself had avoided the Hospital Wing in favor of letting Severus tend to her wounds.

"Would you mind gathering together a basket of supplies from the storeroom?" Poppy asked. "Just in case?"

"Of course," she nodded, moving in that direction. With one last look at the Healer tidying up the infirmary, the girl ducked into the storeroom and snatched her usual apron from a hook on the wall. After fastening it, she grabbed a basket and set to filling it with the supplies that Pomfrey had taught her were generally included in a Healer's kit.

Just as she picked up a jar of burn balm, she heard the doors to the infirmary slam open.

"Granger!"

At the matron nurse's shouting of her name, Hermione dropped the jar into her basket and went back out into the main infirmary. Her eyes went wide as she took in the scene: Professor McGonagall levitating in the unconscious, bleeding body of Dean Thomas with a hysterical Ginny following quickly behind.

"Need your help, Granger!" Pomfrey barked as the boy was placed upon the nearest cot.

Jerking out of her stupor, Hermione rushed to the opposite side of the bed and placed the basket on a small table. Attempting to tune out the sounds of Ginny's loud sobs, she grimaced at the sight of several deep slices in the boy's torso and limbs.

"What happened?"

"I'm not fully certain, Poppy," McGonagall answered, forcing the youngest Weasley to a sit on a bed out of the way. "Near as I can tell, Potter was responsible for that."

"Potter?"

"What?" Hermione hissed; her stomach dropping. "Harry did this?"

Her Head of House nodded fretfully as she struggled to keep Ginny seated. "Aurora and I heard screaming… rushed to… to find… Miss Weasley! Sit down!"

"Granger!"

Hermione snapped her head around to look to Madam Pomfrey, who pointed briefly toward the storeroom.

"Get the girl a Calming Draught."

Realizing she had not managed to stow one in the basket, the young witch sprinted back into the storeroom and grabbed a vial from the shelf. After handing the potion to McGonagall, she returned to Dean's bedside and forced herself to focus on what needed to be done. Panicking over what had happened would not neither prove Harry's innocence nor keep Dean alive.

"Check lower for bleeders," Poppy instructed without looking up from the deep slashes she was attempting to close on the boy's bare chest. "I hope you've been practicing your wand motions, Granger. We need to keep as much blood inside him as possible."

With a gulp, Hermione removed the injured boy's trousers and began working on the few gashes she found on his legs. Thankfully, they were not terribly deep, and she felt confident enough in her abilities to close shallow wounds.

"Minerva?"

The Deputy Headmistress, having successfully dosed the youngest Weasley practically into a daze, stepped closer. "What do you need, Poppy?"

"Fetch his file from my office," the Healer replied. "I have a niggling concern about Mr. Thomas that I want to verify."

While the professor left the room, Madam Pomfrey quietly instructed Hermione on how best to assist her. As the girl was coaxing a Blood Replenisher down her classmate's throat, McGonagall returned and cracked open the patient folder, holding it up so Poppy could peer at her notes.

"That's what I thought," she sighed, glancing back down at Dean. "You just have to be allergic to my standard pain reducers, don't you?"

"He's allergic?" Hermione repeated.

Poppy nodded and then leaned closer to whisper, "Can you call for Severus?"

Nodding, the girl closed her eyes and found enough focus to send a mental Patronus.

'Yes, Granger?'

'Madam Pomfrey needs your help right away.'

"Do you need anything else, Poppy?" Minerva asked. "I need to check in with the Headmaster."

"No, I think we can handle it," the mediwitch replied.

'I am surrounded by witnesses in the Head Office. Send an elf or something, and I will come immediately.'

"Professor!" Hermione called. "Can you send Professor Snape back through?"

The woman nodded before disappearing through the Floo. A few minutes later, her Slytherin counterpart spun into view and strode quickly across the infirmary.

"What is it you need, Poppy?" Snape's eyes flicked over the boy's injuries as he picked up the file she indicated. His brow furled as he read the notation in the file. "Right. Thomas's allergy. What have you given him thus far?"

"Just the Blood Replenisher since it was imperative. I held off on everything else when I recalled he was allergic. I'll continue to do so until you tell me it's safe to proceed."

Severus pursed his lips as he considered what ingredients he would need. After a moment, he closed the folder and set it back on the table. "I can have the alternative ready in an hour."

"Thank you. I'll keep him asleep until then."

"Use a spell. Sleeping draughts might interact poorly with the altered brew." With a brief glance toward Hermione, the wizard turned on his heel and made his way to the brewing laboratory.

XxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxX

Once Dean's wounds were all closed, and he was in a magically-induced sleep, Madam Pomfrey sent Hermione to the brewing lab to offer assistance there.

Severus glanced up momentarily from his cauldron at her entrance. "Mr. Thomas is…?"

"Stable," she replied, approaching the workbench. She noticed him frowning down at the cauldron as though he were thinking through something. "Do you need any help?"

He shook his head as he picked up his stirring rod. "Mr. Thomas is not the first student to have an unfortunate allergy to the standard brew. I figured out this formula many years ago, and brewed it for Thomas already once this year."

"You did?" the girl asked, confused.

"When Weasley broke his face into several pieces, yes."

"Ah," she winced. "I can't believe I forgot about that."

Severus rolled his shoulders. "We've had more pressing issues to attend to."

Hermione watched him for a moment, concerned somewhat by the look of consternation on his face. Soon, though, all of the thoughts and feelings she had stifled began trickling back through her head until she blurted out, "Is it true?'

"Is what true?"

Her eyes locked onto his face. "Did Harry… did he…"

The man's jaw twitched. "I don't know."

"It doesn't make any sense!" she cried. "Harry wouldn't do that! I mean, I know he and Dean have been at odds all year because of Ginny, but this?! He wouldn't do this!"

Though he silently continued stirring, Snape's eyes followed her as she paced about the small space. Finally she came to a stop and slammed her hands down on the bench.

"Why aren't you saying anything?!"

He sighed. "I don't know what you want me to say, Granger."

"You don't know what to say? Say you don't believe it! Say you agree with me!" Her voice dropped suddenly. "You don't believe it, do you?"

Severus grimaced, but held her gaze. "I do not know what to believe right now."

"What?!"

He held up his free hand to stay the rest of her protests. "Do I want to believe Potter brutally attacked Thomas? Of course not. But right now the only thing I know is that while I was in the midst of being interrogated by Dumbledore, Potter was dragged into the office by Sinistra and an Auror. Dumbledore was squaring off with the Auror when you sent for me. Potter was protesting his innocence, but there were no further details given while I was there. As such, I will neither defend nor accuse Potter until I have more evidence. Right now, my priority is reducing Mr. Thomas's pain. Then we can work on figuring out what the fuck happened."

Hermione took in several quick breaths and clutched at her head. "Goddamn it, Severus! Why is it that every time we have something to do, everything else goes unbelievably wrong?"

"Granger, I have pondered that question every day of my life," Snape commented without looking up from his stirring.

"I cannot believe Harry could do that," she muttered, pressing her face into her hands and shaking her head.

The wizard exhaled sharply. "You did not teach him the Sectumsempra?"

Her eyes flashed, and she crossed her arms. "No. I didn't teach him any of the spells you said could be attributed to you. You told me not to!"

He narrowed his gaze at her in warning before scrutinizing the potion's surface. "One of the other slicing hexes?"

"We've practiced with the basic one, but I haven't taught him anything beyond that." Hermione leaned against a countertop. "But to do that much damage with the basic one…"

"Would require extra time and an incredible amount of rage," the man finished. "I cannot truly imagine he had either one of those, which means Potter must be doing some questionable reading of his own. I'm not certain where he could have stumbled across a spell that dark, however."

With a whimper, the girl slumped onto a stool and hid her face.

After a tense moment, Severus cleared his throat. "The Auror seized Potter's wand and searched his pockets. The map was not on his person."

Hermione peeked through her fingers before lowering her hands. "Then it's in his room somewhere."

"I imagine the Aurors will search there as well, and before the night is out."

She focused on his face for a few seconds and then sat straighter. "Dobby!"

The wide-eyed creature popped into sight and bowed deeply. "Hermione Granger needs Dobby?"

"You are familiar with the charmed map Potter uses to monitor the castle?" Snape questioned. When the elf nodded emphatically, he continued, "We need you to locate it in the Gryffindor dormitory and bring it to us."

Dobby's ears fell, and he shifted nervously. "Dobby must steal from Harry Potter? But Harry Potter freed Dobby! Dobby can't steal from Harry Potter!"

"Ohh…" Hermione slipped off her stool and knelt in front of the creature. "Dobby, Harry is in trouble. We want to help him. Aurors are going to search his room, and it will not be good if they find the map. Severus and I need it in order to help Harry. We'll keep it safe for him."

Dobby blinked twice and twisted his hands in the apron he was wearing. "Hermione Granger and Master Snape, sir, are wanting to help Harry Potter?"

"Yes, we do."

The elf gave her a nervous grin before turning his head toward the Potions Master.

"Severus," Hermione hissed.

"Of course we want to help the idiot boy," Snape finally muttered.

"Dobby wants to help Harry Potter, too!"

When the elf disappeared, the young witch let out a tired puff of air and glanced up at her partner.

"Well, you weren't actually lying to him."

She grimaced. "I know, but it still feels like I am."

"More often than not, helping Potter requires saving him from his own stupidity. We cannot adequately do that if he continues watching either Draco or myself. If the Aurors do overlook the map for a spare bit of parchment – which they'd have to be idiots not to notice the magic seeping off of it – then Potter will have little else to do during his likely dorm arrest than play voyeur."

Eyeing the clock, Severus set down his stirring rod. "Would you tell Poppy it should be ready for application in about twenty minutes?"

With a quiet nod, Hermione did as he requested. After checking on Ginny, who was still quietly curled up on a cot, she returned to the brewing lab just as the house elf appeared once more.

"Dobby found Harry Potter's map under Harry Potter's pillow!"

"Thank you, Dobby," Snape murmured, taking the folded parchment.

Surprised by the quiet statement of gratitude toward the elf, Hermione smiled at the wizard and repeated the sentiment. Once the beaming creature left, she crept around the edge of the worktable toward Snape. As she approached, he raised an eyebrow and slid the map closer to her.

With a smirk, Hermione drew her wand and pressed the tip against the parchment. "I solemnly swear I am up to no good."

"How apropos," he sputtered, then rolled his eyes at the ostentatious greeting by the Marauders.

The witch flicked her gaze to him and felt a twitch in her gut. For days, she had felt animosity toward him, but she realized it had been unfair. Despite the impression of impassivity he portrayed to the world, she knew that he was dealing with the same frustrations, confusion, and fear that she was. It was entirely likely that he had cancelled their lesson that evening to give her space. While she had appreciated that at first, she recognized now that that really was not what she wanted. She wanted to be near him. She did not want to let the tension that was separating them perpetuate any further.

Sliding closer to the wizard, Hermione opened her mouth to speak, but paused when realizing she did not know what to say. Deciding a simple apology was probably the best way to start the conversation she wanted to have, she gently cleared her throat. "Severus, I –"

"Shite." Snape launched to his feet, nearly causing his stool to topple over, and strode quickly out of the room.

Confused and embarrassed by her failed attempt to speak with him, she stared after him. When he reappeared a second later, she perked up.

"In three minutes, that should be taken off the heat and then chilled for ten," he instructed before gesturing to the map. "And keep that safe."

"Okay," she whispered, watching him disappear again. Face flushing, she sank back onto the stool he had vacated and pulled the map toward her. Looking to the Headmaster's Office, she noted Harry's name sandwiched between Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall. Movement drew her eye to the staircase leading up to the Head Office, and she realized why Severus had rushed off without explanation.

Draco Malfoy was being escorted up the stairs by an individual she presumed was an Auror.

XxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxX

With a steely expression, Severus flooed back into the Headmaster's Office just as the Auror dragged the young pureblood into the room. Seizing hold of Malfoy's elbow, he tugged him into his side. "I'll take that, thank you."

"Sir!" Draco exclaimed. "I didn't do anything, I swear."

The Slytherin Head flashed him a glance of warning before turning to address the Auror. "Mr. Ulton. Is there a reason you have imposed yourself upon my student?"

"I caught the little creep lurking near the scene of the incident," Ulton replied with a glare.

"I wasn't lurking anywhere! I was walking down the staircase, you –"

"Quiet," Severus snapped, pushing Draco behind his person. "You have no reason to detain this student."

The other Auror in the room, Diggs, cleared his throat. "Actually, we do."

Snape whirled about and caught sight of the uncomfortable expression on Minerva's face.

"Mr. Potter believes he was under influence of a compulsion charm," Diggs explained. "He named Mr. Malfoy as a possible suspect."

"Did he now?" Snape's narrowed gaze focused on Potter, who was looking remarkably comfortable for someone who had nearly killed a fellow student. Like father, like son.

"What?" Malfoy gasped, looking back and forth between the other occupants of the room. "I wasn't anywhere near Potter. How could I have compelled him to do anything? And to do what?"

"Draco," his Head of House cautioned.

The blond swallowed nervously but held his tongue.

Minerva cleared her throat. "Regardless of Mr. Potter's testimony, which even he cannot be certain of, there is no evidence connecting Mr. Malfoy to the event."

While both students looked to her in shock, Ulton folded his arms. "Yet. I'm sure we'll find something. If we examine his wand, for instance."

"On what grounds?" McGonagall questioned before Snape could utter something less pleasant.

The Auror snorted disdainfully. "On the grounds that he was identified as a suspect, was found near the scene, and has no alibi for the time of the attack."

"Attack?" Draco whispered, glancing suspiciously at Harry. "I've been in the library working on my Arithmancy project since supper."

"Yeah?" Ulton scoffed. "Any witnesses to that, boy?"

"Madam Pince," he answered immediately. "As well as Professor Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks."

"There now," Minerva stated, stepping forward. "Mr. Malfoy has provided an account of his whereabouts, which can be testified to by two members of the Hogwarts staff and one of your own Aurors."

"We'll see if that holds water, but in the –"

"Yes, let's." The Deputy Headmistress drew her wand and sent her cat patronus streaking out of the room. "Until then, you will stand down. Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Potter are both underaged and under our protection. We will not allow you to malign either of them without proper proof."

Severus dipped his head in appreciation as he steered his student toward the nearby sofa. After pushing the boy onto the seat, he folded his arms and returned the Auror's bitter glare.

"And just where were you, Professor?" Ulton sneered.

"That is out of line!" McGonagall snarled.

"Professor Snape has been in my presence since the evening meal," Dumbledore stated loudly. "You will cease these baseless accusations, or I will demand the removal of Auror presence from the grounds of Hogwarts."

"There is no need for that," Diggs commented, holding up a hand. "Ulton, why don't you relieve Druthers on grounds patrol? Send him up here to stand sentry."

With a huff, the man stalked out of the room, while Tonks flashed into the room through the fireplace, followed momentarily by Remus.

"You summoned, Professor?" the pink-haired witch stated, taking note of all of the occupants of the office. Her mien was serious as she moved to stand next to Diggs. "What is it I can do?"

The elder Auror gestured toward the sofa. "Mr. Malfoy has claimed you witnessed his presence in the library this evening."

"I did, yes. I witnessed him working in the library shortly after supper, where he remained until an hour ago."

"He could not have slipped away without your notice?"

"Considering I was speaking to him, I should say not." Tonks cleared her throat. "What is this about?"

Diggs took her by the elbow and moved them toward a corner. As he spoke in hushed tones, the witch stiffened, glancing first at Harry and then at each of the Order members in turn.

On the other side of the room, Lupin coughed and leaned into Snape's shoulder. "What's happened?"

Severus turned his head to quietly reply, "Potter appears to have grievously injured Mr. Thomas –"

"What?!"

" – but claims no memory of the incident, alleging a compulsion charm of some sort must have been used."

Remus blanched and wiped his face. "Is Dean going to be alright?"

"Thanks to Poppy and Miss Granger," he murmured. "Had Minerva and Sinistra not heard the screams, Potter very well could be facing a murder charge at present."

The werewolf sucked in a shaky breath. "I don't think Harry is capable of such a –"

"Apparently neither does anyone else, which is why they've decided Mr. Malfoy must be the guilty party," Snape spat.

Lupin glanced down at the blond, who was watching the conversing Aurors in concern. "But he was in the library. Dora and I both saw and spoke to him."

"Which is the only reason you are here at present, wolf. To testify to that fact."

"Not the only reason," Minerva stated as she approached. "Remus, I'd also like you to stay with Potter in my place. The Headmaster cannot be partial to one student –"

Severus snorted in disdain.

"—over the other, and Severus is here as Malfoy's advocate. I must return to the infirmary to check on Mr. Thomas and Miss Weasley."

"Ginny?" Remus asked, flashing a questioning glance toward his former schoolmate. "She was involved in this? Is she alright?"

"Quite shaken up, but unharmed as far as I could tell," Minerva replied. "Whatever happened, she witnessed it."

"She saw what happened?" Tonks asked, stepping away from Diggs. "You're going to the Hospital Wing, Professor? I'd like to accompany you, then."

"Of course," McGonagall replied. "The Calming Draught should be have worn off enough now. We had to double dose her."

"Merlin's pants."

XxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxX

Once Hermione had chilled and delivered the potion, she sat on the edge of the cot on which her roommate was resting. "Ginny?"

Blinking through tears, the redhead turned over and slowly sat up.

"How are you feeling?"

The younger girl shook her head before looking at the curtain shielding Dean's cot from view.

After a moment, Hermione squeezed her friend's hand. "Ginny, what happened?"

Ginny's lips trembled. "Harry… Harry… he… he…"

"Harry did that?" the brunette asked. "Harry attacked Dean?"

She nodded and wiped her hand across her nose.

It doesn't make any sense. Hermione breathed deeply. "Gin, please tell me what happened."

"Dean and I were having a row in the corridor," the redhead finally responded. "He was trying to tell me he missed me, asking me to give him another chance. S-said he knew I still had feelings for him –"

The older girl grimaced, knowing she had been the source for that particular tidbit of information.

" – but I was horrible to him! I told him I didn't ever want to speak with him again because… because he was…" Ginny sucked in a gulp of air. "He refused to admit he was wrong about Harry, so I told him he was an idiot. I said if he couldn't accept my friends, then I wanted nothing to do with him. He… I swear, Hermione, there were tears in his eyes. He told me he missed me, and I nearly made him cry! Gods, I love him, but I told him to sod off and then…"

Struggling to hold back her frustration, Hermione slipped her arms around her friend's shoulder. At the sound of voices, she looked up to see Tonks and Professor McGonagall approaching.

"Wotcher, Hermione," the former murmured quietly. "Ginny, I need to hear from you what happened tonight… between Dean and Harry. Okay, love?"

Ginny sniffled and nodded. "Dean and I were arguing. I told him I didn't want anything to do with him and tried to walk away, but he grabbed my hand. That's all he did, I swear. He was holding my hands, and then suddenly Harry's ripping me away from him, screaming at him to keep his filthy Muggle hands off of me."

Hermione gasped, but kept quiet after receiving a cautioning glance from Tonks.

"I tried to tell Harry to back off, that Dean wasn't hurting me," the girl continued, "but he… he wouldn't listen to me. He pushed me backwards, and I tripped over his foot or mine – I'm not sure which, but I fell on my bum. Dean started shouting at Harry for it. I said I was fine, but they just kept yelling at each other, and then Harry drew his wand… and Dean pulled his… and it all happened so fast. Before I could even get off of the floor, Dean was… there was all the blood."

"Oh god," Hermione whispered.

"He was right," Ginny moaned. "Dean was right about Harry the whole time, and I didn't believe him."

Tonks cleared her throat. "What do you mean?"

"Dean thought that Harry was paying too much attention to Ginny," Hermione explained.

"I thought he was just being a jealous berk, but he wasn't. I should have believed him. Harry was… it was scary. He wasn't like himself. He looked like he was crazy… or evil… or…"

"Possessed?" the brunette offered, thinking of all of the moments in which she had seen Harry suddenly go cold or insensibly irate.

"Yeah," Ginny nodded. "Dean was lying there, and I… I think I was screaming. Harry… he just turned toward me and said that Dean would never dare touch what wasn't his. Like I belonged to him or something!"

McGonagall grumbled under her breath, exchanging looks with Tonks and Hermione.

"I was so upset, and before I could really think about it, I punched him in the face. He fell, but I didn't care." The redhead heaved in a deep breath and looked toward her Head of House. "That's when Professor McGonagall and Professor Sinistra arrived."

The Deputy Headmistress touched the girl's shoulder in support. "Aurora and I quickly cast medical containment spells to keep Mr. Thomas from bleeding out, and I immediately moved him and Miss Weasley to the infirmary. Aurora then revived Potter and escorted him up to the Headmaster's Office. I presume Auror Diggs happened upon the scene just after we were on our way here."

"Revived Potter?" Tonks repeated. "He was unconscious?"

Minerva nodded toward her student. "Miss Weasley throws the most efficient right hook I've ever seen."

Though her purple eyes glinted in admiration, the Auror maintained her sober expression. "Potter seem aware of anything when he came to?"

McGonagall sighed, rubbing Ginny's shoulder. "I cannot personally testify to that – we'd already set off in this direction – but from what Potter claims, and what Aurora mentioned to me, it does not appear he had any idea of what had taken place."

Tonks grunted. "It's plausible, then, that Potter could have been bewitched in some fashion."

"He didn't… he wasn't like Harry," Ginny sniffled in agreement. "He was different."

"So." The pink-haired witch crossed her arms. "Potter and Thomas have been squaring off over your attention. Who might have known about that?"

Hermione snorted sadly. "At least half of Gryffindor Tower, if not all."

"And anyone they might have told," Tonks muttered wearily. "Piss. Can't make anything easy these days. Are you certain, Gin, that you didn't see anyone else in the vicinity?"

"Just Harry."

"I didn't notice anyone, either," Minerva added.

"Right." The Auror paused in contemplation for a few seconds before glancing at Hermione. "Might I speak with you for a moment?"

Blinking in surprise, Hermione nodded and extricated herself from her friend. As McGonagall took over consoling Ginny, the other two witches moved near the windows. "What is it?"

Tonks grimaced and leaned against the wall. "Harry claims Draco is likely responsible."

"What?" she gasped, praying that the Aurors had not discovered his Dark Mark.

"Yeah. Remus and I happen to be his alibi for the time of the incident, but that doesn't necessarily exclude the possibility that he bewitched Harry prior to that. Do you think it at all possible –"

"No."

"Look, I understand you care about him – I do as well, surprisingly – but I need you to really think about this. You probably know Draco better than anyone, and you're friends with Harry. I need you to tell me your honest opinion: could Draco have influenced Harry to do something illegal in retaliation for the incident last month?"

Hermione took in a deep breath and turned to stare out at the dark night. She knew Draco was not involved in the incident; he was meant to be keeping his head down and staying out of trouble until the assassination was set to occur. The question, though, was how to convince the Aurors of his innocence. Undoubtedly, convincing Tonks was the best way to do that.

She raised her chin and met the older witch's gaze. "I swear to you, Tonks – I know Draco had nothing to do with this. He and Harry have a lot of issues, but this isn't like him. I don't want to think that Harry was responsible for harming Dean, but it wasn't Draco."

Tonks studied her intently for several seconds before exhaling loudly. "You realize this is going to be wicked difficult to prove he had nothing to do with it, yeah?"

"It shouldn't be a matter of proving he isn't guilty. They should be working to find who did do it," Hermione growled, crossing her arms.

"I know," the Auror acknowledged, "but when you're the son, grandson, and nephew of Death Eaters…"

"It shouldn't matter."

Tonks rubbed at her neck. "As much as I hate to agree with them, these days it's best to be cautious."

"But that –"

"Love, listen to me," the woman interrupted, touching Hermione's elbow. "I will do what I can to help Draco, I promise. But unless we can find solid evidence that points elsewhere, I don't think I can rid him of suspicion."

XxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxX

"Sir, I swear I–"

"Keep quiet, Draco," Snape hissed, glancing at the pale boy seated beside him on the sofa. He glared briefly at the Auror posted in front of the office door before swinging his gaze past Lupin to settle upon Potter, who was staring accusatorily at Malfoy.

Folding his arms to his chest, the spy narrowed his gaze and wordlessly slipped past the Boy Wonder's mental defenses, pathetic as they were. He determinedly pushed through the images and feelings fluttering about Potter's head, but found nothing to explain what had led to the violent exchange. The confusion upon being revived by Sinistra, horror at seeing the blood and hearing what he had done, desperation to find an explanation, suspicion of Draco, fear and anger about having been forced to do something so horrid – all of those were present, but there was nothing of the actual attack.

"Severus," Dumbledore stated sharply, drawing the attention of all the wizards present. "Is there something you'd care to ask?"

Recognizing the warning, Severus shifted slightly in his seat and cleared his throat. "I merely wondered if you ought to notify the Thomases as to their son's injuries."

"I shall send them word tomorrow morning," the Headmaster replied.

So you have time to figure out how to cover your and Potter's arses. The Slytherin Head sighed and looked toward Lupin, who had moved in his chair and looked relatively constipated. Likely he was torn between the need to obey the master's every command and wanting to hound the man to notify the Thomases sooner. As for which will win…

"Would it not be better to make the effort now?" Remus finally asked.

Interesting. Snape raised one eyebrow when Dumbledore's blue eyes snapped to the wolf. Your pawns are starting to make their own moves, aren't they? Chipping away at your control.

"I would not wish to worry them unnecessarily," the old man explained. "I am certain that young Mr. Thomas is no longer in any danger. Wouldn't you concur, Severus?"

"I think Poppy's managed to bring him back from the brink of death, yes," Severus stated coolly, making sure to observe Potter's reaction. The boy flinched, and all color drained from his face. At least the little shit finally realizes the severity of the situation.

Lupin did not seem entirely mollified by the explanation. "If it were my son, I would want to know immediately."

It was evident his dissention rankled the Headmaster for his voice took on an authoritative edge usually reserved for Snape. "I will contact Mr. Thomas's parents when we have a better understanding of his condition and the situation. With the spring holiday so soon upon us, he will be released into their care soon enough."

"But, sir –"

"I appreciate your concern, Professor Lupin," Albus replied, "but seeing as his family are Muggles, I do not think it best to worry them when they are unable to visit and verify his condition for themselves. Should Madam Pomfrey decide it necessary to send the boy to St. Mungo's, it would be a different matter. Or do you still disagree?"

Letting out a tense breath, Remus shook his head. "I understand."

"Muggleborn, eh?" Druthers murmured, focusing his attention toward the sofa. "Well, that certainly puts a new shine on things."

While Draco stiffened under the Auror's scrutiny, his Head of House donned a shocked expression. "Are you insinuating that Mr. Thomas somehow deserved what happened to him because he has not been claimed by an established Wizarding family? A rather antiquated, intolerant view, wouldn't you say?"

Druthers snapped his mouth shut, uncertain of how to respond.

Satisfied with his temporary victory, Severus returned his focus to the Boy-Who-Lived to be a perplexing pain in the ass.

XxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxX

When Hermione finally returned to Gryffindor Tower, she found the Common Room filled with students who were all staring at her. Feeling rather self-conscious, she tucked behind her ear a strand of hair that had escaped her braid.

"Hermione," Ron called, displacing a disgruntled Lavender from his lap before standing. "You're back late."

"Oi, Granger! Where've you been, eh?" Seamus asked.

The witch frowned as she stepped down into the room. "I had Hospital Wing duty tonight."

"Can ya tell us what in under fuck is going on?"

"Erm…"

"Why that boggin Auror kicked us outta our room, tore through all our shite?"

"I'd just gotten everything packed for home," Neville murmured quietly, prompting Seamus to nod.

Hermione grimaced and suddenly wished she had waited until McGonagall had finished with the Aurors before coming back to the dormitory.

"Do you know where Harry is?" Ron asked. "Or Ginny?"

"Or Dean, for that matter," Seamus added. "Haven't seen him since supper. S'not like him to be out after curfew like the rest of you lot."

The girl took in a deep breath. "Erm, something happened after supper –"

"Yeah, we managed to work that out for ourselves."

"Shut up, Seamus!" Ron grumbled. "Let her answer."

"Go on, Hermione," Katie prompted.

"I don't know for certain what actually happened –"

"Give us your best guess," Seamus muttered.

"—but it seems someone bewitched Harry, who then hexed Dean."

"What!?"

As murmurs erupted in the room, Ron pushed Seamus out of his way. "And Gin? What about Gin?"

"She was with Dean, but wasn't injured," Hermione answered. "Well, I mean, she bruised her knuckles punching Harry's face and had to take a couple Calming Draughts, but she's alright."

Ronald sighed in relief and then scrunched up his face. "What do you mean she was with Dean? I thought she threw off that tosser."

"Watch who you're callin' a tosser, mate!" Seamus hissed. "I'd rather my sister go with Dean than let her go with either you or Potter."

"You don't even have a sister."

"I've got a sister, yeah," the Irish boy retorted. "In fact, I've got two of 'em. Neither of whom I'd let you have."

"I don't want your mangy sisters!" Ron snapped.

"Oh, for Merlin's sake!" Hermione hissed, smacking into Ron's shoulder as she passed by him. "Dean's a good person, and he and Ginny care for one another. Grow up and accept it."

The boys continued glaring at one another until the portrait door opened again. The room plunged into tense silence as McGonagall stepped through with a subdued Harry trailing behind her.

"What are you all doing out of bed?" Minerva asked with a frown. "I know very well at least half of you have exams tomorrow. Dormitories, now!"

Seamus crossed his arms. "Not sure I want to go up there. Who says someone won't bewitch Potter to bludgeon me in my sleep."

"Mr. Finnigan!" the Head of House snapped.

"It'd probably be an improvement," Ron retorted.

"Mr. Weasley! One more word out of either of you, and I'll have you in detention immediately following classes tomorrow." McGonagall straightened her spine. "And I'll send a note home to both of your mothers so that they'll be fully informed of your attitudes by the time your train pulls into the station."

Both wizards blanched and shifted their feet.

"Thought as much. Bed, both of you. Weasley, take Potter with you."

"Hermione," Harry grabbed hold of her arm briefly. "I didn't do what they said I did. You have to believe me."

Hermione nodded at him before heading in separate directions. I really want to, Harry.

The Deputy Headmistress watched the progression of her students toward their dormitories. "And no one will be bludgeoning anyone tonight, except me if I have to come back up here to deal with you lot again!"

XxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxX

"Minerva?" Snape looked up from searching through a drawer of his desk.

"I realize you only have a moment before class," she murmured, stepping forward, "but we didn't get a chance to speak last night."

"We were a bit preoccupied, yes."

McGonagall nodded and rubbed her face. "How is Mr. Malfoy?"

"Resigned to his fate."

"There wasn't anything incriminating in his room, was there?"

Severus straightened upon finding the exams he had been seeking. "If there was, I'll kill him myself."

Minerva sighed loudly. "Severus… I saw it."

The man frowned in confusion. "Saw what?"

"How Potter looked at you," she replied. "He was defensive, fearful, confused – a bit accusatory, yes – when I arrived in the office, but when you came back… there was something in his expression that changed. Almost as if he was –"

"Smug, arrogant, superior?"

The witch exhaled loudly. "I was going to say suddenly self-confident, but I suppose those work. Is that normal?"

"Par for the course with Potter."

"I don't understand it."

Severus shrugged as he moved around his desk. "Well, while you're contemplating that, also contemplate the fact that Petunia Dursley is currently under an oath of silence."

Minerva's eyes widened. "But she's a Muggle! She couldn't have understood the ramifications of an oath like that. To swear her to one is a violation of –"

"I know," he stated, holding up a hand. "And yet, the fact remains she choked on her own tongue while complaining about Potter and the Headmaster."

"Damn it, Albus," she snarled. "Did you learn anything else?"

"That the Dursleys have an incredible animosity toward Potter, that he was as much of a nuisance as a tot as he is now, that Petunia is aware of the Dark Mark's meaning, and that Dumbledore is greatly relieved I did not find anything incriminating. As for whether the boy was physically abused… I can't say either way. Frankly, I have more questions than answers."

"Don't we all," Minerva muttered. "I suppose you ought to head to the classroom. I'll speak more with you later?"

"Of course." Snape strode toward the door, but paused before opening it. "Should anyone question her whereabouts this evening, would you be willing to say Granger was assisting you?"

"Absolutely. Why?"

"Since Mr. Malfoy is confined to the Slytherin dormitory for the moment, Granger and I are going to examine one of the Hogsmeade tunnels for a possible entry point for the Dark Lord's merry band of undesirables."

"I see," McGonagall responded before raising her head. "What Hogsmeade tunnels?"

XxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxX

Seeing no one in the corridor, Hermione quickly cast a Notice-Me-Not charm and then slipped the Marauder's Map out of her pocket. She scanned the parchment until finding the name Severus Snape hovering above a set of footprints.

'You should be clear the rest of the way. Professor Sprout is at the staircase, but she's descending. You may pass her, if anything.'

'I'm not concerned about Pomona. Where are the Aurors?'

The witch leaned against the wall as she searched through several layers of the map for the names Severus had given her earlier. 'Druthers is outside… Ulton is… on the sixth – no, seventh floor now. Diggs is in the Entrance Hall, and Tonks… she's in Remus's office.'

'And Potter?'

Hermione frowned. 'He's restricted to Gryffindor Tower, remember?'

'And when has Potter ever respected restrictions?'

I suppose he may have a point.

'Of course I do, Granger.'

Sighing, the girl flicked back to the section of the map showing Gryffindor Tower. 'I really dislike the fact you can hear all of my thoughts.'

"I'm not too chuffed about it either," Severus replied, having arrived within sight.

"I presume you've silenced it then?" When he grunted in response, she finally looked up at him. "Harry's frantically moving about his room, I'll have you know."

"No doubt looking for that." He pointed to the map as she folded it up and stuffed it back into her jacket.

"More than likely, yes. I was so nervous that the Anti-Summoning charm wouldn't work," Hermione answered. "Harry had a meltdown today upon discovering it gone, according to Ron."

"I'm not surprised. Though, we should probably reapply the charm periodically," Snape mumbled, moving to examine the statue of Gunhilda of Gorsemoor. "One just gives the password?"

The girl nodded while stepping forward. "Dissendium."

With a low rumble of stone grinding on stone, the rear of the statue's hump slid open to reveal a dark void. Severus crept forward and wordlessly lit the end of his wand to explore the space. Seeing the slide descending into darkness, he sighed. "Of course we can't be civilized enough to have a staircase."

Hermione snorted as he sank onto his bottom and slid down into the tunnel. When he gracefully landed on his feet, she started down the slide, but could not manage the smooth finish that he had. Instead, she stumbled forward, caught her foot in the bottom of Snape's robes. She grabbed hold of him for balance, but with the momentum she had from sliding, only succeeding in pulling him down on top of her as she fell.

"Fuck," the Slytherin gasped upon hitting the tunnel floor. Raising his wand hand, he checked to make certain his wand had not been damaged, and then produced a small flame which hovered in front of him. "Are you alright, Granger?"

Covering her face with one hand, the witch began to giggle. When her giggles turned into laughter, the man sighed and stood.

"I'm going to take that as a yes."

"I'm sorry," Hermione moaned, sitting up. "I just… it's sad, but that's the funniest thing that's happened in… weeks probably. It's not even that funny!"

Severus extended a hand to assist her to her feet. "One must take their enjoyment when and where they can, I suppose."

"Quite," she agreed before following him down the gradually descending tunnel, which was too narrow to allow them walk abreast of each other. After several minutes passed in silence, Hermione cleared her throat. "Has anyone figured anything out about what happened yesterday?"

"Mr. Thomas confirmed upon waking what Miss Weasley described, but had nothing new to offer. He admitted it may have been possible that Potter was under some form of magical compulsion. Thus, the Aurors have no evidence to move forward, and I give Mr. Thomas a few hours until the Headmaster convinces him not to press any charges."

The witch frowned. As much as she did not want to see either Draco or Harry face criminal charges, she did not think it fair to Dean to not press the issue.

"Unfortunately for Mr. Thomas, he is of age, and thus will be forced to make his decision before leaving the castle. His parents no longer have the legal right to press charges on his behalf in the Wizarding World. I'm doubtful the Headmaster even bothered informing them, though he claims an owl was sent first thing this morning. But, until Mr. Thomas opts out of the investigation, both Potter and Draco will be confined to their dorms."

Hermione let out a sigh. "So we also need him not to push for investigation, or Draco will not be available to attempt assassination."

"Indeed."

"Bollocks." She rubbed her forehead in frustration. "What about Dean? He nearly died!"

A moment passed before the man finally responded, "Well, when the Dark Lord has shriveled up and blown away, I would be willing to hold Potter in place while Mr. Thomas gets a few good hits in."

"You would, would you?" she smirked at the back of his head.

"I live to be of service."

Hermione laughed quietly before glancing behind her. "Goodness, how far down does this go?"

"You don't know?"

She shook her head. "I've never actually used this before. I've just heard of it from Harry and the Weasleys."

"I see," he murmured. "Well, eventually this must rise, seeing as Hogsmeade is at a higher elevation than the Hogwarts grounds."

"What do you think this was? Another escape tunnel?"

"Damned if I know," Snape responded. "It doesn't seem a very effective escape tunnel if none of the staff were aware of its presence, nor if it would only allow a single file line of students through. Were they actually being pursued by anyone, it would become a bottleneck quite quickly."

"That's true," she admitted, "but if you had time to get them out ahead of an attack… it's better than nothing."

The wizard slowed his pace unexpectedly, causing her to bump into him with a muffled grunt. "Apologies. This tunnel can no longer be used to remove students since the Dark Lord will know of it, but you mentioned there are others?"

"Yes, I… I don't exactly know where they are, but if we study the map, maybe we could tell? Or I could write to Fred and George." A second later, she shrugged. "Or you could ask Remus. He ought to know where they are, yeah?"

Severus grimaced at the thought. "I'd rather you write the Weasleys. I don't think it wise to arouse further suspicion from the werewolf."

"Right," the girl nodded. She shivered a bit and rubbed her arms. "It's rather cold now."

"I imagine we're a ways underground now," he responded, glancing back in time to catch her arm when she tripped on a rock. "Careful."

"Thanks," she whispered before noticing that the tunnel had widened enough to let her walk beside him. Lighting her wand, she noted the walls and floor were dirt instead of stone. "We must be outside of the castle."

"I expect we have been for some time. We should be nearing the edge of the wards soon."

Hermione remained quiet for what seemed like several minutes until the silence began to gnaw at her. "Severus?"

"Yes?"

"I want to apologize for… for being angry with you earlier this week. I realize you were only doing what was best for both of us, and I shouldn't have behaved so poorly."

"You do not need to apologize."

"Yes, I do. I was the one who reacted like –"

"Like a human being," Snape interrupted. "I could have handled the situation differently."

Hermione paused briefly, but then caught up to him again. "But you were right!"

The man sighed and looked down at her. "There is a difference between being correct and being right, Granger. I was relying solely on logic and did not take emotions into account when I broached the subject. I should have, and I apologize for not having done so."

"But I'm supposed to control my emotions," she mumbled.

"In most situations these days, yes, you should rein them in," Severus replied, "but letting them loose when it's safe to do so is probably wise. If you suppress them too much… you're likely to turn out like me."

"I don't know," the witch smirked. "You're not so bad."

He raised an eyebrow at the comment and then shook his head. "Controlling your emotions does not strictly mean suppressing them; it also includes controlled release. You've done incredibly well with disciplining yourself, Hermione. A slip-up here and there after encountering Dark Magic is not something to be ashamed of."

Feeling incredibly lighter, Hermione stepped closer to him as she debated over what to say. It became a moot point, however, when he suddenly stiffened and halted his steps. "Severus? What is it?"

"We should have crossed the wards by now. It is impossible that we're still under the Hogwarts grounds."

"I didn't feel them."

"Nor did I," he muttered, striding forward at a quicker pace. "That's what concerns me."

"You don't think the wards are down?" she asked as she attempted to keep up with him.

Severus shook his head. "No, but perhaps they don't extend this far underground. Perhaps that was why we continued descending for such an extent."

"Merlin, what does that mean?"

He balled his free hand into a fist. "It means we could quite possibly smuggle in a contingent of Death Eaters without the Headmaster having any idea."

XxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxX

The pair remained quite somber for the rest of the trek under Hogsmeade. Upon reaching the small door at the end of the tunnel, which slid open behind a stack of crates in the cellar of Honeydukes, they discovered the same password worked to open that end of the tunnel as well. They were nearly a mile back into the tunnel when Hermione came to a sudden stop.

"Granger?"

"At any time…" She grimaced and closed her eyes. "At any time, Severus, Death Eaters could have entered the castle. We didn't even consider that they could…"

"You were children. To you, this represented a means to contraband sweets and curfew violations; it did not represent a threat."

"But I should have thought of that!" Hermione hissed, poking her chest. "I made Professor McGonagall take away Harry's broom just to check it for jinxes, but I didn't think to report to her about the fact tunnels existed… tunnels which were known to the very man who brought the Dark Lord back! Why didn't I?"

"Should the tunnel have been sealed off? Perhaps. It should have been warded, yes," he finally responded. "But we shouldn't dwell on the what-could-have-happeneds. They did not happen, so let's not waste the energy reflecting on them. Pettigrew does not appear to have told the Dark Lord of the tunnels, and now he's dead. Instead, I am the one who is going to explain how a bunch of murderous psychopaths can enter a school full of innocent children without being detected."

The girl heaved in a deep breath and stepped toward him. "You're not going to let Draco tell them?"

Severus shook his head as they continued walking. "Draco is the sole heir of a prominent pureblood line. The Dark Lord may be angry with the Malfoys now, but when he perceives the tide turning in his favor, it will not take as much effort to argue Draco's life be spared. I'm more concerned with keeping you valuable to the Dark Lord."

"Me?" Hermione exclaimed. "You're going to tell him I was the one who –"

"Who solved the near impossible task of sneaking in Death Eaters under the Headmaster's nose, avoiding detection by Aurors and staff alike?" he retorted. "You're damn right I am."

"So it will be my fault…" she whispered.

The wizard turned his head toward her. "It will not be your fault, Hermione. No matter what happens. I am the one who took your knowledge to the Dark Lord under the direction of Albus Dumbledore, and whatever actions Bellatrix and company take are solely theirs to own. The Dark Lord will know of your contribution before it even takes place, and then you have nothing else to do with this. If it fails – or if someone besides the Headmaster is injured or killed – that will not be on you."

Hermione swallowed the lump in her throat and quietly moved closer to him. After a moment, she slipped her hand into his. Half expecting him to extract his hand, she was pleasantly surprised when he instead squeezed her hand. Though they said nothing else to one another, they continued holding hands until again reaching the point in the tunnel where they had to walk single file.

XxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxX

Exhausted from their late-night excursion, Hermione opted to avoid the giddy horde of students shoveling down breakfast before making their way to the train station for the trip home. Instead, she set a course for the infirmary, and was mildly surprised to find her roommate already there.

"Ginny?"

The redhead looked up from where she sat on the bed, holding hands with a sleeping Dean. "Morning."

Hermione crept up and perched on the chair nearest them. "Are you not going home on the train?"

Ginny shook her head. "Madam Pomfrey wants Dean to rest a few more days before going home."

"I suspected that, yes. You're staying with him?"

She nodded. "I managed to convince McGonagall to let me stay until Dean can go. Then she's going to escort us both home for break."

"Ah. How is he?"

"M'fine," Dean mumbled, keeping his eyes closed as he pressed his head against Ginny's abdomen.

His girlfriend gave a tight grin as she gently traced her fingers through his short hair. "Tired and sore, but he'll live."

"Migh'not be s'lucky next time."

"What do you mean 'next time'?" Ginny asked, looking down at her boyfriend.

Dean propped open one eyelid. "Twice this year, someone's put me in hospital over you. I might not survive the next one."

"Don't even joke about that!" she snapped, poking his neck.

As the boy chuckled wearily, Hermione averted her eyes to the window. War was coming, and people would die. It scared her to think how many of her friends could be among that number. Inhaling sharply, she stood up and cleared her throat. "I'm glad you're improving, Dean. Ginny, I'll see you later."

The rest of the cots in the infirmary were empty, so she headed into the storeroom to check which potions needed to be re-brewed. After compiling her list, she re-entered the main infirmary just as Dumbledore stepped through the doors.

"Ah, Miss Granger. Good morning."

Hermione frowned and clutched the basket she carried to her chest. "Professor Dumbledore, can I help you?"

"I am merely here to see if I might have a word with Mr. Thomas."

"Erm, actually it might be best if you were to come back later," she replied, raising her chin. "Dean's sleeping right now, and Madam Pomfrey was rather explicit in her demands that he remain undisturbed while resting."

"I see," Dumbledore murmured, crossing his arms behind his back. "Very well, Nurse Granger. I shall follow your direction. Have a pleasant morning, my dear."

"You, too, sir." Hermione remained in place until the man had ambled back out in the corridor. She then turned and caught sight of Madam Pomfrey standing in the doorway to her office. As the mediwitch silently applauded, the girl gave a small smile and made her way toward the brewing lab.

XxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxX

On Sunday afternoon, Hermione finally escaped Gryffindor Tower and a stir-crazy Harry by promising she was heading to the library in search of some explanation for how he could have been made to attack Dean. She was incredibly grateful that Severus had taken the Marauder's Map with him upon parting ways after their tunnel trek. Harry had attempted two summoning charms on it just that day and had demanded she try to Accio it as well. He had not reacted well when she suggested perhaps the Auror had confiscated it after detecting the parchment was charmed.

Given that the majority of the students had gone home for break, it was not surprising that the library was empty. She had not the faintest idea what was wrong with Harry – except that he was adamant it had not been the Imperius Curse – so she decided instead to start with some of the questions about her own situation that she had not had an opportunity to research. As Harry was stuck in the dormitory, Ron had travelled home the day before, and Ginny was entertaining Dean in the infirmary, she was quite certain she would not be interrupted.

With a surprising spring in her step, Hermione made for the stacks where the book she had come across the other day was located. Pulling out the faded copy of Magic and the Higher Self, she tucked it under her arm and then settled into one of the comfier chairs near the library windows.

The witch began casually reading but, after a few minutes, sat forward and digested the pages with greater urgency. Before long, the pages stopped turning, and she stared unseeingly at the words, lost in her own head. Eventually, with little care for the fact she was in a library, she uttered an expletive, launched from the chair, and sprinted for the exit.