Ties Chapter 13
Chapter 13~ Demands and Compromises
Hermione’s short visit to the Burrow had been happier than she had ever envisioned. Mrs Weasley had kept their initial conversation to herself and when everyone gathered for dinner, George didn’t say a word about his proposal. It was as if things were back to normal again. Everyone was talking at once, joking and having a good time. Even the train ride to Hogwarts had been enjoyable. Hermione felt in her element as she held the usual prefects meeting, patrolled corridors, intervened in arguments and helped find lost pets. She didn’t have much time to spend with her friends on the trip, but taking the happy couple into account, it was just as well.
When they pulled into Hogsmeade station, she helped ensure the first years all made it to the lake with Hagrid and that all other students had a carriage before taking one herself. She watched the black horses pawing at the ground in the dim light and suppressed a shiver. Broomstick, hippogriff, thestral... it didn’t matter how she experienced it, flying was not her thing. All things considered, she preferred to keep her feet firmly on the ground, thank you very much.
Once at the castle, she found herself ushering and herding the mass of students once more, trying to get everyone settled into the Great Hall. When she entered the room, Hermione felt a strange sensation, as if she were being watched, but chose to ignore it. It wasn’t until Professor McGonagall entered with a trembling group of first years that Hermione got at chance to sit down. Looking up at the front of the room, she immediately knew why she felt like she was being watched.
Severus’ eyes were focussed on her. Not menacingly, angrily or even with pleasure. His face was totally expressionless and the intense look unreadable. His gaze didn’t waver when the first student was sorted into Slytherin. She felt like she was under intense scrutiny and couldn’t escape. She looked back at him directly, raised an eyebrow and smiled a little. His face remained expressionless, but he nodded very slightly at her.
Hermione felt quite unsettled. She chatted with her friends during dinner, but could feel his eyes remain on her. She was so distracted she didn’t laugh when Professor Dumbledore mentioned that any students wanting a full product listing of Weasley Wizard Wheezes should consult Filch’s banned items list. After the usual start of term announcements, she helped escort the new Gryffindors to the tower dormitory and did a quick corridor sweep looking for any students who might have been missed or gotten lost. Her Head Girl duties done, she returned to the common room briefly before going to bed.
The hippogriff in the painting looked irritated with her. She had just interrupted his preening and he glared at her when she gave the password. Entering the room she muttered at the picture, "Join the club."
Any tension she had been feeling previously melted when Hermione entered her room. The welcoming interior enveloped her like a warm blanket, and she felt ready for a peaceful sleep. In her bedroom, she shed her school robes and dressed for bed in cozy pyjamas with a distinctively Christmas print. She shook her head at the garment. It was a bit of a tradition now for her to receive new bedclothes for Christmas, but she never understood why they always had to be covered in trees, stars, holly and the like.
Standing in front of her dresser, she prepared for her evening war on her hair. She had seriously thought about cutting her hair short before classes started this year, but in the end didn’t have the heart to do it. Another time, she decided. She picked up her brush from the dresser top and noticed something odd. Her locket was sitting out. ‘Funny’ she thought, ‘I didn’t think I had brought it with me.’
Hermione Granger didn’t wear jewellery. Oh, there were the rare occasions, of course, like the Yule ball or some events she went to with her parents, but for the most part she didn’t. She never quite understood why Parvati and Lavender always insisted on dressing up for classes. Hermione didn’t even have pierced ears. The small locket she was now holding was the only exception to her no jewellery rule. It was about the size of a knut with a fine gold chain. She had received it from her parents for her sixteenth birthday and found it tasteful and unobtrusive enough to wear regularly. Opening the locket’s tiny clasp she smiled at the faces looking at her. It was a muggle photo of Ron and Harry she had taken at the Quidditch World Cup. They had been so happy that day, anticipating the match.
She closed the locket and shrugged. It was entirely possible she had brought it with her without thinking. She wore it often enough, she might have forgotten about it. Deciding not to worry about it she grinned at the thought of wearing it. She could drag Ron to class tomorrow after all. It was a bit macabre to think it was the only way he wouldn’t complain about going to class, but she couldn’t help being amused. Not giving it a second thought, she did battle with her hair and went to bed.
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The next morning, Hermione was up early and down in the Great Hall helping Professor McGonagall hand out new class schedules. Sitting down beside Ginny, she smiled at the thought of a fresh start to the new year. Advanced Transfiguration and Arithmancy this morning and a full afternoon of Herbology and Advanced Potions. A no nonsense sort of day she thought.
When selecting which courses she wanted to take at a NEWT level, she had spent a great deal of time weighing the merits of each subject she had taken thus far. History of Magic had been easy to leave behind. She could pick up a book any day to find information she needed about that. Astronomy too had fallen by the wayside. The hardest class to give up had been Care of Magical Creatures, but in the end experience decided that taking too many classes wasn’t a good idea and she really wanted to try Flitwick’s Spellcrafting class. It was a very exclusive course about the building of spells and a bit of an introduction to the research and development aspect of Charms work. It was too fascinating to pass up, so Hagrid’s class was gone. The core classes of Transfiguration, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Charms and Potions had stayed, naturally, along with Arithmancy because she loved the class. Herbology was her least academic subject, but she justified it with its potions applications. It was no accident the senior classes in the two subjects had been scheduled together. Overall she was satisfied with her choices, even if letting classes go had been hard to do initially.
Ginny leaned over and peered at Hermione’s schedule and whistled. "Wow, that’s a heavy day. Are you sure you’ll be able to think properly by the end of that?"
Hermione shook her head at her friend. "Of course. I enjoy all my subjects. I’m quite looking forward to all my classes today."
"Even Potions?" she asked.
Hermione glanced briefly at the staff table where Severus, once more, was looking at her intently. Hermione’s brow furrowed a bit. "Yes, even potions. I’m not sure what I’ll do if he keeps doing that though."
"Doing what?" said Ginny, perplexed.
"Since I got here last night, he’s been staring at me. I hope he’s not angry." Hermione answered in a low whisper.
Ginny whispered back, "Why would he be angry?"
"I left sort of suddenly last week. I’d rather not talk about it, especially here." she hissed gesturing to the packed hall.
Ginny nodded in understanding. Hermione had explained that both her and Severus agreed that it was best if their marriage was kept quiet. Neither of them wanted the sort of attention that might result from such a disclosure and Hermione had threatened Harry and Ginny with a nasty collection of curses if they told anyone. Picking up her bag, she bid Ginny goodbye and pried Harry away for Transfiguration.
Hermione was having a really good day right up until the end of Arithmancy. This year in Transfiguration they would be working on advanced conjuring as well as personal transfiguration, topics of particular interest to her and Professor Vector had given them a couple intriguing problems to solve after his start of term lecture. She was thrilled by the topics available for their independent research projects this year. Everything had been really enjoyable until the bell for lunch had went and she left the Arithmancy class.
Taking a minute to let the rush in the corridors pass, she left the classroom alone, the sound of her shoes echoing in the empty stone passage. Then, from out of nowhere, Draco Malfoy shoved her against a wall and pinned her there with his hands. "You think you’re so clever, don’t you Mudblood. I’d watch your step, if I were you. The Ministry may have stopped watching you, but father is watching your every move."
"Get off of me! If you think you can just sneak about in corridors and threaten me-"
"Looks like I already have. There are things worse than curses, Granger. A particular -spell- you’re affected by. Oh yes, I could have some fun with that." He sneered.
Hermione’s blood was boiling, but she wasn’t physically strong enough to overpower Draco. The hallway was empty and she didn’t have a good plan to escape. His hands tightened on her as he leaned in and thrust his mouth upon hers. The only logical plan she could devise was to allow him entrance to her mouth. Bruising her lips, he parted them and plunged his tongue into her mouth. She bit him as hard as she could. His tongue clamped painfully between her teeth, Draco screeched and tried to pull back. Hermione kneed him in the groin and released his tongue, shoving him away from her as hard as she could and ran down the corridor as quickly as possible.
By the time she approached the Great Hall, her heart rate had begun to return to normal. The few people outside the hall were looking at her strangely, but she ignored them and went to find Harry. She found him sitting with Ginny, entirely too close in her opinion, and sat down across from him. They both looked at her wide eyed.
Harry was the first to find his voice. "What happened to you?!"
Her brows drew together, "I had a little run in with someone. How can you tell?"
"You’ve got blood all down your front, is how!" Ginny exclaimed and a few heads close to them turned to look.
Hermione ran a hand over her mouth and chin and looked at the front of her robe. There were blood spatters all over. A surge of panic ran through her and she tried breathing deeply to calm herself. There were whispers all the way down the table as Professor McGonagall left the head table and came directly to her. "Ms Granger, come with me please."
People at other tables were beginning to stare at her as well. On her way out of the Hall, people from all tables were looking at her, and she felt one pair of eyes in particular trained on her. In the entrance way, Professor McGonagall moved briskly to the stairs and up into her office. Once inside, the older woman conjured a basin of water and a cloth. "You’d best clean yourself up and tell me what happened."
Ten minutes later, Hermione felt a good deal calmer. She had cleaned up and told McGonagall about her encounter with Draco and the things he had said to her. Minerva was frowning, but maintained her composure. "What Mr Malfoy has done merits severe punishment, and normally would be delivered by his head of house. However, given the circumstances, I will be bringing the matter to the Headmaster. I am unsure what will happen, but in the meantime, I suggest you avoid travelling through the castle by yourself."
Hermione’s head was bowed and she was looking at the floor. "I just can’t believe he’d do that on school grounds. I’d expect it elsewhere, but not here."
McGonagall looked sad, "It is terribly unsettling, I know, but you are safe. I’ll inform the other staff and have them keep an eye on Mr Malfoy until it is decided what will be done about the situation. For now, I suggest you eat some lunch and prepare for class this afternoon."
Conjuring a plate of sandwiches and a pot of tea they ate in silence, the professor too ruffled to make small talk and Hermione lost in thought about what had just transpired. When they were finished, Professor McGonagall escorted Hermione back to the Great Hall and left her with Harry before seeking out the Headmaster.
People all around Hermione were whispering, "Are you alright?" "What happened?" "Did someone hurt you?" but she refused to answer them. Harry was looking at her with a worried expression, but knew better than to ask just then. Exchanging a glance, they stood without a word and left for Herbology class, each very conscious of their wands, ready for the slightest provocation.
*********
At the head table, Severus had been busy surveying the student body while eating lunch. He was usually one of the last teachers to arrive at meals due to the location and nature of his classes and most often the Great Hall was full of noisy students talking with their mouths full by the time he arrived. Normally he wouldn’t pay much attention to the students, only noting disturbances and situations which might require the presence of a teacher, but today he was busy looking for Hermione. He expected to find her sitting with Potter and the youngest Weasley, but when he had looked she was not there, nor anywhere else at the Gryffindor table. He felt compelled to keep watch over her, since she wasn’t yet aware of the letters he had been receiving, but kept reminding himself Hermione was a competent young woman.
When she had appeared in the hall with blood on her face and down her front, he had nearly bolted from the table to ascertain what had happened, but had refrained when Minerva put a hand on his arm, informing him she would deal with the situation. She had disappeared with Hermione for about twenty minutes and while Hermione had returned looking shaken but somewhat recovered, Minerva wore a grim expression. Obviously whatever had happened was as serious as he had presumed. With a glance at both himself and Albus, they stood and left the Great Hall for the headmaster’s office.
Up the spiral staircase and comfortably seated in the office, Severus looked expectantly at Minerva. "Was it young Malfoy?"
The head of Gryffindor’s eyebrows shot up. "What do you know? Yes, young Mr Malfoy confronted Ms Granger in the Arithmancy corridor. She says she had been waiting for the rush to die down and he caught her off guard."
"Why wasn’t Potter with her?!" Severus said angrily, more to himself than anyone else.
Professor Dumbledore cleared his throat and leaned forward on his desk. "Be calm a moment, Severus. Let us hear everything. Please continue, Minerva."
When McGonagall had relayed the complete account Hermione had provided, Severus sat with his face in his hands muttering. "I had meant to warn her about something like this. Idiot boy. At least this time was a mistake and Lucius will likely flay him alive for the slip up."
"Perhaps," said Albus, "we would all understand the situation better if you would tell us something of the letters you have been receiving these past couple weeks."
Severus sighed deeply. "They’re threats, Albus. Although I expect you are aware of that already. I have about a dozen now, all pertaining to Hermione in some way. I’ve got Shacklebolt investigating the matter now."
Minerva gasped. "Why didn’t she mention this? Severus?!"
"Because I haven’t told her, obviously." Severus snapped back at her. "I had figured they would end once the Ministry was placated, and she was gone afterwards. Do tell me precisely when I was supposed to have imparted this knowledge?"
"You could have sent a note, flooed or gone in person! It isn’t that onerous a task to ensure your wife’s safety!" Minerva shot back at him.
Severus scowled. "Just pop up at her family’s home? You know full well I can’t do that! I had intended on having a word with her after class today. How very irresponsible of me for not divining today’s events. Perhaps I should have consulted Sybil."
"Enough." Dumbledore intervened in a weary voice. "What’s done is done. I will deal with the matter as far as the school is concerned. Severus, I suggest you inform Hermione of those letters today as you had intended. In the meantime, it is nearly time for afternoon classes to begin. I will begin a search for Mr Malfoy after the students have left for their lessons. It is doubtful he will appear at his own lessons, and I will inform the other Professors of the general situation."
Striding down the corridors towards the dungeons, Severus felt anger welling up inside him. He kept his composure as the raw emotion burned his insides, not caring for the irrationality of it. Anger wasn’t what he had expected, but it was also mingled with other emotions; shock at the sudden attack, pride at her quick thinking and concern about Lucius’ plans were all roiling about uncomfortably beneath the surface. As he walked, he knew he would need a clear head to teach, and began systematically clearing his mind of the turmoil and employing his Occlumency skills until he was completely blocked off from the swirling maelstrom of emotion. Sweeping into his classroom, the sixth year students fell silent, and he knew his mask was well in place. Later he would have time to sort through his thoughts and devise a suitable solution to a continually growing list of troubles.
*********
Hermione really wasn’t certain what to expect from Potions class that afternoon. She was certain he had seen her walk into the Great Hall with blood down her front and she was just as sure he would have heard about the incident with Draco by now, but she didn’t know what being in his class would be like. Prior to events this morning, she had figured class would become much more like McGonagall’s for her. Strict, but without the scathing comments she had always received before. He had said as much, but nothing prepared her for the intense scrutiny she would face in class.
Wild rumours about Hermione’s vicious attack on Malfoy had flown through the school after someone had seen Draco holed up in a washroom, trying to clean up the mess she had left behind. People were staring at her openly, and Malfoy was conspicuously absent from class that afternoon. Snape had difficulty keeping the class’ attention during his brief lecture and barked orders at them when they began to brew their potion for the day.
Prowling through the rows of students, he ruthlessly deducted house points for inattentiveness. By the end of the class he was incensed. "Generally by this level of study, those who do not care about the study of Potions have left my class. Your carelessness and inattention will not be tolerated. If you wish to return to this class in the future, I suggest you arrive focussed and prepared to work. Those who do not will find themselves preparing for their NEWT independently. I will not waste my time with foolishness in this class! Is that clear?"
The entire class of seventh years looked severely chastened and nodded. Professor Snape scowled and barked, "Pack up your things and get out of my sight. Three feet of parchment on the hazards associated with the ingredients we used today, due by Friday."
Hermione packed her things quickly, while Harry waited for her, attentive of the people around them. Snape’s frustration had been entirely justified, as people were still dawdling and staring at Hermione, hoping for more fuel for their gossip. They were just about to leave the classroom, when Severus called out, "Ms Granger, a word in my office. You may leave, Mr Potter. I assure you an escort will be provided."
Harry shot her a questioning look, but left without comment. Hermione turned back to the classroom and saw the rest of the students scuttle out, away from the malicious glare being cast at them by their professor. When everyone had left, he gestured towards the door of his office wordlessly. When they entered, he closed the door and wrapped his arms around her in a tight embrace.
"I hadn’t thought he would try anything while you were at the castle." he spoke in a quiet voice.
Hermione returned the embrace uncertainly and said simply, "I’m fine. It doesn’t matter now. Professor Dumbledore will see to things I’m sure. Nothing to worry about."
Severus drew back and held her eyes. "It isn’t ‘nothing’ and you should be worried. The Malfoys are a dangerous family. The punishment for assaulting a student in such a way can be as severe as expulsion, but it is unlikely Albus will be able to impose that. Lucius has too many connections. I’m not sure what will be done."
"I’m not going to walk around the school frightened all the time." she said stubbornly.
Severus looked slightly exasperated. "You shouldn’t have to, but you must be careful."
They lapsed into silence for a moment, before Hermione asked, "Are you angry?"
"About what?"
"About my leaving so quickly. About my run in with Lucius in the Leaky Cauldron. About nearly taking off a student’s tongue. About anything."
He looked at her sharply, "You saw Lucius in London? What happened?"
Hermione nodded. "I was with some friends in the pub, and he and Draco came in. Nothing happened per se, just words."
Severus shook his head. "There has to be some way... Do you keep a diary?"
"I try, but I don’t write very often." she replied.
"I’d like you to document these encounters. A written record might be helpful in the future. In the mean time-"
Hermione sighed, "I know, be careful."
"Yes, that too, but I was going to suggest you forgo hall monitoring until there is some sort of resolution to this." he said firmly.
"No. I won’t do that." she said resolutely.
He sighed in exasperation, "Fine, then I shall go with you."
"That won’t look conspicuous at all." Hermione countered sarcastically.
Severus strode across the room, unlocked the top drawer of his desk and pulled out several envelopes. He slapped them down on the table angrily. "Do you know what these are?"
Hermione shook her head.
"In the past two weeks I have received no less than a dozen threats against you." his voice was shaking slightly.
She gasped softly, "I didn’t know."
He let out his breath heavily, "Of course you didn’t. I should have told you, but chose not to. For that, I apologise. It was dangerous for you not to know."
"What should be done?" she asked practically.
"I have passed on copies of the letters to Kingsley Shacklebolt. He is launching an investigation into the matter. I know the letters are coming from Lucius, he knows the letters are from Lucius, but we need more proof. With a small amount of fortune, it may be possible to bring Lucius to court on other charges and crack his case open." he explained.
"That doesn’t work if he’s already bought everyone off."
"Your attack will go on school record as well. That will bring a different level of officials into the matter."
Hermione had a sense of hopelessness about the whole thing. "It may not make any difference in the end."
A hand gripped hers, "Lucius Malfoy has gotten away with far too much for far too long. I won’t let this slide. I won’t let him rape you!"
"What?!"
"That’s what the letters threaten. Read them yourself if you like." He moved around the desk and pulled out his chair for her. Hermione sat down and began reading the letters, shocked by their contents. While Severus prowled the room, she read horrifically detailed accounts of what would be done to her given the proper opportunity.
"Hogwarts is the safest place in the world." she said to calm herself, forgetting Severus was even in the room.
His voice was low and menacing when he spoke. "Don’t think it wouldn’t be easy enough for such a thing to happen in the school. Young Messrs Crabbe and Goyle may lack intelligence, but are plenty capable of holding someone down."
She felt her panic increasing by the minute. "Are you trying to frighten me? I’m trying very hard to retain some sense of calm, but you are doing an awfully good job of destroying it."
He came up to the desk and put a hand on her shoulder. "I’m not trying to frighten you, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you are anyway. I’m not sure what to do, but I want you to be safe."
"Patrol the halls with me." she said quietly.
He nodded. "Of course. When are you scheduled?"
"Tonight, a half hour before and after curfew." she answered.
"Then I shall be at the library for eight thirty."
Hermione agreed and picked up her bag. "I have plenty of work to finish before then and I need to go back to Gryffindor tower before supper."
Before they left Severus’ office, he took her hand and kissed the back of it. Hermione held his eyes for a long moment and smiled lopsidedly. "Thanks."
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Chapter 12
Chapter 14