Dreams and consequences

Disclaimer: See chapter one.


I am not a morning person. After last night, I would just like this day to be over. Today is graduation day. My last day here at Hogwarts. Mum and dad won’t be here, but as I’ve charmed a camcorder to work around magic, they should still be able to watch me graduate.
The sun is pouring through my window, which the houself pulled the curtains on earlier this morning. I am quite sure that a look of sympathy crossed the eyes of the unknown elf as she went about cleaning my chambers in the morning hours. Had she realized that I was watching her, I am sure she would have found other work to do. As she finished magically packing my belongings I startled her by thanking her.
“Misses isn’t supposed to be seeing me, begging your pardon miss.” The elf stammered, a blush staining her cheeks. Hermione, thanked her again and assured her that she would finish up anything else. The elf, anxious to be away nodded briefly and to Hermione’s surprise blurted, “Master Snape needs attending to also. If Pinky isn’t so bold in saying miss, it wasn’t kind to obliviate him. Pinky heard it all, she did, and was ever so glad to know you love him, but missy undid all her kindness by taking the memory.” The elf shook her head, “Master Snape has never heard those words spoken in Hogwarts in all the time he has been here.” Her look to Hermione was full of reproach. “To leave him obliviated, well someone had to watch over him, so Pinky is watching over the professor. The professor drank himself to sleep, not even sure why he was awake. Pinky puts him away in his bed she did, and never has she seen such a sadness in his face, and Pinky is telling herself to say nothing. Well, Dobby asks Pinky what is wrong and Pinky tells Dobby, Miss, and Dobby tells Pinky that I must be talking to miss. Dobby says miss is a great witch, and that you will make things right. So Pinky is here, telling miss, when no elf should tell a witch what to do, but Pinky loves the professor too, and wants everything to be right.
With a pop she vanished, leaving Hermione with a load on her mind.
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Severus woke with a pounding behind his eyes, and a sour taste in his mouth, Why had he drunk himself into oblivion? Rolling over he opened the drawer his bedside table and reached for hang-over potion he kept there for occasions such as these. He pulled out a phial, and uncorked it, swallowing the slightly sweet concoction with a grimace. Moments later the pounding in his skull subsided, and the sour stomach quieted. He tried to remember what happened last night, to the best of his knowledge he’d fallen asleep reading in front of the fire. But why drink so much. The details were foggy. He set them aside in favor of readying himself for the ordeal of graduation.
I hate graduation, the ungrateful students, the parents who cast disparaging glances and pass their judgements upon me. The only good thing about it is getting rid of Dream Team, how I yearn to see the backs of their heads. Would that I never lay eyes on them again.
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Hermione dressed hurriedly and finished packing away the tidbits of her life these last seven years at Hogwarts. She would miss this place. Not sure what she was going to do with her education, she was going home to review her options. Perhaps furthering her education would be the best option, as she loved learning. Taking her camcorder to the great hall, she asked for permission to set it up. Professor Flitwick was delighted to see that she had developed a charm for it’s use, and started to question her about it. As she was about to explain the resonance, frequency, and wavelength of magic, he was called away. Granting his permission with the wave of his hand.
Two more hours and the graduation would be under way. Feeling lost in a sea of students, peers, and their parents, she headed to the library with the last of books she had borrowed.
Madam Pince was organizing all these last minute returns, and her sharp features were pinced, her displeasure apparent with each student who dared enter the library on this day. For a moment her features eased at the sight of Hermione. Indicating the books that needed re-shelving she silently asked a question that had become habit over the years. Nodding, Hermione placed her own borrowed items down and picked up a pile of already organized materials heading in the directions of the shelves. Lovingly placing each book away, she was surprised when Madam Pince started talking to her.
“I will miss you, Miss Granger, such a methodical student, much like myself. How I love these books, as I know you do. Perhaps you will consider my offer?” Watching for her reaction, and none being forthcoming, she sighed. “Well, think about it. It will only be for a year after all, another year for you to read all these books, and, I am sure most of the professors will gladly assist you with furthering your education.”
Hermione smiled. Having finished with the first stack, she returned to the circulation desk for another stack. “Thank-you Madam Pince, it is kind of you to offer. I am still considering it. I will let you know when I have made my decision.” Taking the last stack she moved quickly among the shelves, placing each item in their correct spot. Having finished her task she looked at the hourglass and was relieved to see that soon the graduation ceremony would be starting. Feeling a little dusty and grubby, she headed towards Gryffindor tower intent on getting a shower.
Along the way she could hear the portraits whispering among themselves, and feeling self-conscious, she presented herself to the Fat Lady for entrance.
“Miss Granger, I have heard rumors about you leaving a teachers quarters late in the night. I had thought better of you.” Her censure apparent with the frown gracing her other-wise kindly features. Taken ouard, He, Hermione neither denied the accusation, or confirmed it, only muttering the password to the tower, probably the last time she would have need of it.

author\'s notes: Well. whaddya think? let me know by reviewing.