Never the Two Shall Meet

The day seems to be moving slower than molasses running out of a jar. All I want is to get through dinner so I can go to meet him I thought as we walked into the Great Hall. Three more hours to go.

“So how much homework do you have Hermione?” Ron asked, “We only have the work Flitwik gave us. Trelawny saw in her crystal ball that a war was coming to the school so she thinks we need to be prepared to handle sudden deaths. So we are supposed to comfort each other about the upcoming battle.”



“Yeah right Ron, as if she wasn’t looking straight at me as she said it. As if we all aren’t already aware that I may be dead in a few days time. I don’t really need her to remind me. Not to mention comforting me isn’t going to help any. Although maybe I should be happy since she has been predicting my death for five years running and I am still here.”



“That old bat couldn’t see anything in a crystal ball if it jumped out and hit her. Don’t worry about what she said Harry, like you pointed out she has been killing you since you walked into her class the first day.”



“Don’t worry ‘Mione, Trelawny and her predictions are the last thing to concern me at the moment. I know I have bigger problems to deal with. Dumbledore told me to meet him in his office tonight so we can go over what is going to happen. After the dream I had last night I know it will be soon.”



“Wait, what dream? You didn’t tell us anything about a dream.”



“I forgot, I got up during the night and sent Dumbledore a message telling him about it. I didn’t want to upset you by telling you about it. I changed my mind after I saw how worried you have been all day. I know something is bothering you that you aren’t telling us about ‘Mione, but I am willing to be patient until this is all behind us. I just hope when it is all over you will be ready to trust us enough to explain.”



“You’ve been hanging around Dumbledore so frequently you are getting to be as insightful as he is. Let’s just get past the battle before we worry about anything else. Now what about this dream?”



“Well I woke up to my scar hurting again. It took a few minutes for the pain to ease up enough for me to make sense of the dream. I was seeing through Voldemort\'s eyes as he spoke to the Death Eaters. He was going over his plan for attacking the school. I couldn’t remember everything, but I know he was planning for a night attack. He’s going to hide in the Dark Forest, sending his minions to fight for him. His only interest is getting me out of the castle. He already has it set that all the newer members of his group will find a way to get me to him. They are more than willing I’m sure. He has promised their fathers, rewards to the ones who succeed. He also has a back-up plan to use Snape if the others fail.”



“Oh my!” Hermione gasped.



“So that confirms our suspicion that most of Slytherin has joined his ranks. No surprise there. No doubt Malfoy is planning on being the one to drag you off,” Ron said in between bites taking just enough time to comment before shoving in another mouthful of food.



“More than likely. Like I said he has it all worked out figuring if he hides there is no chance of anyone being able to take him out. Not that he thinks they can. Good thing he doesn’t know what Dumbledore and I have been up to all year. He might not feel the same if he knew we had destroyed all except for two of his Horcruxes.”



“Or that you know what at least one of the remaining ones is. I wish we knew how Dumbledore had gotten the information. It almost seems like he has someone on the inside. Wonder who it is?” Ron gulped some pumpkin juice.



“I don’t know if we have a spy or not. Dumbledore won’t say and no one from the Order will tell us anything since Mrs. Weasley said we are too young to know. Wish we could find out for sure though. Any ideas Hermione?”



“Me? Why would I have any ideas? Dumbledore talks to you, Harry, so if anyone has a clue it would be you,” I squeaked guiltily.



“A little defensive tonight aren’t we ‘Mione? Anything you want to share?” Harry asked looking at me suspiciously.



“No, sorry, I guess I’m just worrying about what is going to happen. Make sure to tell us what Dumbledore says. The sooner we get rid of Voldemort the sooner we can go back to having normal lives,” I say adding, “Hopefully this war won’t mess up our exams. That has happened way too often. I think I have all my studying done so it would be a shame to miss out.”



“Now that sounds like our ‘Mione,” Ron smiles at me.



“I’ll fill you in as soon as you get back from your detention. Will you be alright spending the time alone with Snape?”



“I’ll be fine. It’s not like it’s the first time I have had detention. Not that I had it before I became friends with you two mind you. But since then I seemed to become a bit of an expert at it,” I laughed.



“Very funny,” Ron commented.



“I know that, but you haven’t had to serve them alone before. Usually we are there with you,” Harry pointed out, “Besides we all know he is a Death Eater and in on the plan. I just don’t want him to try to hurt you or use you to get to me.”



“I’m sure I’ll be fine. If he were supposed to do something to me you would have seen it last night wouldn’t you. For now the best thing is for me to go and keep up appearances so they don’t know we have any new information.”



“She has a point, Harry. Besides Snape wouldn’t be dumb enough to try anything on her. She is the best student in the school. If anyone would know what to do its our ‘Mione,” Ron patted me on the back a bit roughly as he replied.



“I guess your right. I’m worrying about everything at the moment with the end almost in sight. Just make sure to keep your wand in reach at all times.”



“I promise I will.”



We ate quietly for a few more minutes. I was enjoying some pudding when Harry stood.



“I think I’ve had enough so I’m going to head up to Dumbledore’s office now. Just be careful Hermione. I’ll fill you both in later.”



“Alright see you later mate,” Ron said still shoveling food in like he was afraid it would disappear.



“I’ll be careful I promise. Just don’t leave anything out when you talk to Dumbledore. He can’t help if you don’t tell him everything.”



“I will. How did you know I was holding something back?”



“I just know you, Harry. You always hold stuff back thinking your protecting someone.”



“Alright, well, see you.”



“See you.”



“Ron are you done yet? I want to go up to the Common Room for a bit.”



“Sure ‘Mione, we can head up. I need to work on my paper for Flitwik anyway. Umm…no chance of getting a little help with that is there?”



“Honestly Ron if you didn’t have me to help you what would you do?” I laughed as we made our way out of the Hall.



“I don’t right know. I can guarantee I wouldn’t have gotten the grades I have if it weren’t for you,” He said as he nudged me playfully.



“So true ,so true!” I say rolling my eyes with exaggeration.



“Now that Harry is gone, are you sure you’ll be alright tonight?” He asked suddenly serious, ”I could always grab his cloak and go with you.”



“Oh for heaven’s sake I’ll be fine. Just wait in the Common Room and you’ll know as soon as I get back. Besides it would get pretty boring if you have to stand there while I scrub cauldrons for two hours. Don’t you think?”



“Yeah alright. Just make sure you come straight back as soon as he let’s you leave.”



“I will. Romanian Longhorn,” I tell the Fat Lady.



“Yes, yes. Are you going to give me a chance to open this time?”



“Of course we are,” Ron answered before climbing through the hole. “Wonder what she’s on about now?”



“I have no idea,” I look at my feet as I lie, knowing that the truth was probably written on my face.