The Price Of Knowledge

The Price of Knowledge



Chapter Twenty Two


Bugger, bugger, bugger!

My mind was a haze and I was lost in it. I looked at Draco, wanted to blame him. He said he warded the room. Was that a lie? Was it a trick? Or did Harry see us? Did he tattle? Could it have been someone else? What was going to happen?

Draco squeezed my hand, but the warmth was wasted on me. I was numb to everything but the rapid, pulsating beat of my own heart.

I was sitting in Dumbledore’s office, my body shaking, and combined fluids stained along my thighs. I probably would have been laughing hysterically if not for my overwhelming terror. (Which naturally won over my sense of humor.)

Surprisingly enough, he was not in his office when we arrived. I half expected us to be separated, at least by Professor McGonagall, but she did no such thing. She stood primly by the fire, her face void of color. Professor Snape stayed as well, looking mildly annoyed. Professor Snape was likely accustomed to finding students mid-coitus, from what I heard, and likely more open-minded than my Head of House when dealing with students and sex – all things considering.

I was eighteen years old, so was Draco. Most Wizards and Muggles alike lost their virginities in their teen years. So reasonably, they should not be alarmed that we were having sex; only in the manner we were having it.

Poor Professor McGonagall. I doubt any of us will look at her desk the same way.

I should have felt guilty, but I didn’t. And for that reason, I knew I was in for it.

“Professor Dumbledore is on his way – he was previously called out on non-Hogwarts business.” Professor Flitwick reentered. “I’ve also just Owled the Grangers and Mrs. Malfoy.”

“You notified my parents?” It was incredulous. I was eighteen years old, what the bloody hell were they doing calling them?

“Isn’t that a bit excessive?” Draco drawled out. He was now leaning back, his fingers laced together and resting on his chest. He looked eerily collected. I wondered if he got that from his mother.

Professor Snape shot him a look that almost screamed the question, are you obtuse? “Given the situation, no.”

They shared a cryptic look as if they knew something I didn’t.

“Good afternoon, Miss Granger, Mr. Malfoy. Professors.” Professor Dumbledore swept into the room, his long purple robes twinkling in the ribbons of sunlight. He bowed his head to each Professor before he took a seat at his desk. Fawkes flew down onto the oak perch at the corner of the Headmaster’s desk and cooed.

“I thank you for returning so quickly, Headmaster.” Professor McGonagall spoke in the same clipped, stern tone. “I would not have asked for you if the circumstances were not as serious as this.”

“Understood Minerva, understood. I would actually like the opportunity to speak to Mr. Malfoy and Miss Granger alone, as I already am aware of your account of the recent events. Thank you, Severus, Filius as well, but I will ask you to leave.”

“But Headmaster –”

Professor Dumbledore held up a hand to silence Professor Snape. “That is all, Professors.” Professor Snape and Flitwick left slowly, reluctantly, but Professor McGonagall wasn’t moving. “Minerva,” the Headmaster chastised.

“Albus, you can’t possibly-”

“But I do. Please, Minerva,” he asked in a tone that was gentle, although his demand was not.

Professor McGonagall didn’t look pleased, but she complied with his wishes, leaving much quicker than the previous Heads of House.

Secure in the fact the others had left, Dumbledore smiled at us both. It was almost comforting.

“So. You both are an…item, is it?”

Now that was unexpected. Small talk. Oh my fucking god. This wasn’t happening. This couldn’t be happening. If anything, this was more embarrassing than being caught in flagrante delicto. If he started relaying his own experiences…Merlin, I was going to box my own ears.

“Professor, I can explain-”

“That’s all right, Miss Granger. No explanations are required.” Professor Dumbledore appeared thoughtful. “I was young once. I was in love once. Or should I say, I fancied myself in love. I was also quite the rebel. I can honestly say I never decided to venture outside the bedroom and onto a teacher’s desk.”

“Professor-”

“It was inappropriate, juvenile, discourteous and precarious. Right now I am very disappointed in you both to say the least,” Professor Dumbledore interrupted Draco. “But there are much more pressing matters I believe we need to address.”

Professor Dumbledore’s wise eyes fell onto Draco’s. They remained that way for a while.

“What?” I interrupted their staring contest. “Well? What is it?”

“The problem is me.” Draco sighed. “I’ve put us in a…delicate situation.”

“Situation?” I repeated.

“There are students at Hogwarts who still have ties to the Dark Lord. When it is discovered that you and Mr. Malfoy are something of an item, there could be retaliation.” Professor Dumbledore stroked his beard thoughtfully. “Not to mention the inheritance issue.”

“I inherit most of the fortune when I marry,” Draco turned to look at me. “A few of the Slytherin girls have tried to ball and chain me, probably why you held so much appeal.” He winked roguishly, and I likely would have found it charming if I wasn’t in an interrogation chair. “Ultimately, I’m worth a lot to a disillusioned and disbanded group of junior Death Eaters who walk among us. You are a threat to that.”

“But I don’t want to marry you.” I felt ill. Was that what this was all about?

“That doesn’t matter. You will be perceived as a threat and be taken care of,” Draco replied. “You’re being watched.”

“I’m always being watched. I’ve sort of been the center of attention for the past couple of weeks – in case you didn’t know.”

“Yes Miss Granger, you have received quite a bit of notice as of late. Not only because of your own actions but also because of your involvement with Mr. Malfoy. You have attracted much of the wrong type of attention.”

“I don’t want any attention.” I was likely being a whiner, but I was overwhelmed. I was now on a hit list because of my involvement with Draco. Not only by Pureblood snots but Mrs. Draco Malfoy Wish-to-be’s. Just ruddy great.

“Sadly it is too late for that.” Professor Dumbledore shook his head. “I warned you to be prudent, Miss Granger. I wish you had heeded my warning, and taken yourself out of danger’s way.”

“How do you know for certain there is any danger? I’m sure most people just think I’m a notch on Malfoy’s bed post anyway.” I had my arms folded across my chest and was now standing. My position was aggressive, but I was angry. I was in a situation of embarrassment and powerlessness. I didn’t like it. I was feeling like I was trapped, suffocating. I wanted out.

“The threat is real, that I can assure you. Although you and Mr. Potter are at recent odds, you are still perceived as a risk to the Pureblood ideal and a contender in the race to the Malfoy fortune. The person who reported you to your Professors was none other than Millicent Bulstrode.”

Millicent! I was amazed. I thought for certain it had to be Harry…but it made sense when I thought about it. She was always hanging off Draco, like before the fight in the library – and she even committed herself to getting Pansy to invite him into a three way with the two of them…She was desperate to get his attention. She was probably watching me closer than everyone since the fight in the library. I didn’t even notice…

“So what do we do now?” I asked, although I didn’t really want to hear it.

“We have to make sure you’re not seen as a threat anymore.” Draco answered. “That means…”

“I don’t like this.”

“Well no one asked if you liked it, we need to do something.” Draco ran a hand through his normally coiffed hair. “Shite. This is all my fault.”

“You are being too hard on yourself, Mr. Malfoy. You aren’t a Seer – you could never have predicted events would unfold as they have. I think at this point…we should think of possible ways to ensure your safety in the meantime…perhaps a transfer to Beauxbatons or Durmstrang.”

“You’re sending me away?!”

“To ensure your safety – I think it’s a viable solution. You can continue your education unhindered for the remainder of the year.” Professor Dumbledore steepled his fingers under his chin and nodded, contemplating.

“This is absurd. I’ve been in far worse danger than this. It’s not like I even want to be the next Mrs. Malfoy! How can you send me away like a common criminal?” I turned my angry gaze on Draco. “This really is all your fault!”

He nodded sadly. “No kidding. Professor, there must be a better way-”

Dumbledore frowned. “This is the best solution, I am afraid. I plan to speak to both of your parents separately. Mrs. Malfoy will likely be the first to arrive – so in the meantime, Miss Granger, I would like you to pack your things. Once I review everything with your parents, and confirm with the other Headmasters, you will be leaving Hogwarts.”

I couldn’t believe it. It just seemed surreal. I was being forced out of Hogwarts….my home, my home for the nearly half my life. My mind was spinning, my heart thundering, my stomach knotted. I rose on wobbly knees.

“This is for your protection, Miss Granger.”

“That doesn’t make me feel better,” I said. “There is nothing I could say that could change your mind…is there?”

Professor Dumbledore shook his head.

I turned to Draco, who was staring away, his jaw fixed and his expression unreadable. “Fuck, I should have known better,” he muttered.

Big fucking help he was. This seemed so orchestrated, so well played – and I was helpless. I didn’t like this. I didn’t like the lack of control. I bit my lip to keep myself centered.

I wasn’t in my element. I admit, thinking on my feet wasn’t my strong suit. Waiting, researching, planning, I could do, but I was currently trapped.

“Is this what you wanted all along?” I asked Professor Dumbledore. “You knew – you always do. Is sending me away worth it?”

“I told you previously you were destined for great things, and the same sentiment is still true. While you might not know your value, there are others that do. While I don’t doubt the feelings between you two, there is more at risk with your affair than either of you may realize.”

I couldn’t take it. I don’t remember leaving the Headmaster’s office, or walking towards the tower.

However, I would always remember her. She was waiting for me in the corridor leading to Gryffindor tower. She was leaning against a bust of Rowena Ravenclaw, arms folded under her heavy breasts. Her heavy features were contorted in disgust and vaguely concealed hatred.

“I hope he expelled you.”

Millicent. Come to gloat. What a lying, skanky little gold digger. I put my hand in my pocket – reached for my wand.

“I suggest you run along, maybe find someone who cares about your pathetic schemes.” I dismissed her, not even stopping.

She jogged up to face me. “I hope it was good for you,” Millicent’s face was contorted in contempt. “Because when I’m through with you…you’ll be begging for mercy.”

Right-o. Talk about delusions. “I really doubt that. Don’t you have classes to get to?”

“It would have been perfect if not for you and your tricks. All I had to do was show him I was on par; I was a force to be reckoned with. Pansy was my means to do so…. with her, I could have drawn him in. But you had to ruin it. How exactly did you do it, I wonder?” She was closing in on me, reaching. Millicent grabbed my arms aggressively, squeezing. “Pansy and I had asked him to join us, it what would have been every man’s fantasy…and he gave that up for you. Mousy, boring Mudblood. How did you do it? Love potion, a charm, an incantation? How?”

She was insane. I decided to push past her; she wasn’t worth a well-aimed hex. She didn’t even deserve justification. “Go back to your dorms, Millicent.”

Millicent was larger than I was – not only taller but also wider in build. She easily pushed me against the wall, held me there pinned. Her eyes were stormy black, her jaw set firm. “How?” she demanded, her fingers digging into my shoulders painfully.

“Fine! No charms or potions. I don’t want his money, I don’t want to get married, and I actually don’t want anything from him. He’s a person capable of making his own choices, not some animal you can trick and trap into marriage for your own gain.” I tried to shrug myself out of her hold, but she was too strong. I tightened my hold on my wand. “Now if you know what’s good for you, let me go before I jinx you so badly, you’ll be celebrating graduation with Madam Pomfrey.”

“I’m not afraid of you.” Millicent laughed, squeezing my right arm with so much force I dropped my wand. “Not so impressive without your wand, are you, Mudblood?”

“You might want to be careful. She knows Wandless spells.”

As her grip loosened, I pushed away only to find myself staring into emerald green eyes.

“Potter. What do you want?” Millicent demanded harshly.

Harry stepped forward. “I was here to take Hermione back to our common room, only now I find a snake in our midst.”

With the distraction of Harry I was able to break free and pick up my wand. I didn’t trust either of them.

Millicent raised her hands in mock surrender, her lips were still curled into a sneer. “Fine. Protect the slut. By all means. I have class anyway.” Her eyes flashed back onto me. “Watch your back, Mudblood.”

Harry and I watched her head down the hall, leaving us alone. I turned to him, not sure what to say. He likely just saved me from a world of hurt…but he was far from being back into my graces. Why did he help – what was his purpose?

“So you’re being sent away.” He knew. At Hogwarts bad news spread like wildfire.

I nodded. “This must make you happy.” There was no point in hiding the disdain in my voice.

“It doesn’t.” His voice was cool. “But I figured this would happen. I warned you.”

“Warned me!” The thought was ludicrous, I almost laughed. “You threatened me! You physically hurt me! This was exactly what you intended. I’m leaving Hogwarts. In fact, I’m leaving the bloody country. Why aren’t you gloating more?”

“Do you want me to be happy that one of my best friends betrayed me? That they fell for my enemy? That they put themselves in needless danger? No, gloating isn’t exactly high on my priority list.” Harry signed. “He didn’t even fight for you, did he?”

I said nothing.

Harry snorted. “I thought as much. Let’s go get your stuff.”


When Harry walked me back to Dumbledore’s office my belongings shrunk. With Crookshanks purring in my arms, I wondered what I was going to say to my parents. I imagined they would be there already, their faces when they heard the news. They had always stressed academia over relationships. Whereas they understood I obviously couldn’t follow in their footsteps – Muggle med school – they did expect me to excel in the magical world. They wanted the best for me, and instilled the same belief in my set of values.

Fuck. Libido won over common sense in the end, didn’t it? How quickly the values they instilled in me went out the proverbial window the moment I realized I was more to life than books.

Harry said nothing as I stepped into Professor Dumbledore’s office with my shoulders back and my head high. I didn’t know what to say to him, so I stayed quiet.

“Hermione!” My mother rushed me into her arms, rested her cheek against the top of my head. “Oh honey!” Crookshanks meowed – my mother had crushed us both.

I smiled weakly, watching Professor Dumbledore’s expression.

My mother let me go and my father hugged me. “Pumpkin, Professor Dumbledore let us know what’s been going on.”

Did he really, I wondered. They were taking my getting caught having sex in a classroom very lightly. I expected yelling and something along the lines of, “but you’re such a smart girl!”

“Why couldn’t you fall in love with a nice boy like Ron or Harry?” My mother asked.

So they didn’t know everything. I supposed I owed the Headmaster one for that. I wonder why he didn’t tell them. “Well, you know me…I like a challenge.”

“So now we have to make the arrangements for her to go…where again?” my father asked.

“Beauxbatons. The Headmistress there, Madam Maxine knows Miss Granger and is getting room set up for her. Please, rest assured that Beauxbatons is an excellent school, and the faculty is first rate. Miss Granger’s education is in very capable hands.”

“Will she be able to come back home after those Death-killer-people realize she isn’t a threat to that Malfoy boy?”

“Likely not right away. We need this situation to blow over so it seems like Mr. Malfoy has forgotten about Miss Granger. You had considered university abroad, right, Miss Granger?”

I looked at Professor Dumbledore evenly. I had, in fact, intended to go to a prestigious Wizarding university in Florence – this he knew. All the more reason for me to go away and stay there.

“So Madam Maxine is expecting us via Floo. I wanted you both to see the school campus and meet the Headmaster. Miss Granger, I trust you have everything packed and ready to go?”

“I do,” I answered, patting my pocket. I had shrunk my belongings so they would fit into my pocket. It was depressing to think how quickly I had packed everything – there hadn’t been much to fit into my trunk aside from books and miscellaneous personal effects.

“Then I believe we are all set.” Dumbledore led the way, throwing a handful of Floo dust into the hearth. “Beauxbatons, Headmistress’s office.”

To be continued…