Broken Enigma

Chapter Seven – Black


Leisurely, she made her way down the long and otherwise empty corridor. A soft mewing behind her caused her to pause in her steps, turning; she faced her familiar and raised a brow in response.

“Well, c’mon then. You know you’re not really allowed to be out and about, especially while classes are in session,” Hermione said.

Crooks mewed in response; he then trotted right up alongside her. Stopping in front of the familiar, large, ornate gargoyle, the password tumbled from her lips, causing the statue to spring to life. The half-breed hissed in agitation before moving to sit behind his mistress’ legs. Hermione just rolled her eyes in response. “C’mon, Crooks,” she cooed softly before making her way up the large, spiral staircase. The sounds of paws scuffling softly against the stone reassured her that Crooks was indeed following her up and into the Headmaster’s office.

A smile curled on her lips at the sight of the Headmaster’s nose pressed into a book as he absently nibbled on one of his sweets. Fawkes’ gentle song caused Dumbledore to look up. Spotting her and her familiar at the door, he couldn’t help but smile at the sight of them; silently, he waved both of them further into the large office. Crooks mewed in response and trotted deeper into the office and up the stairs that lead right to the desk that was raised on the dais. Finding the large plush cushion opposite the bottom of Fawkes’ perch, Crooks curled up right on top of it and settled in for a nap.

“Ah, I see your Crookshanks has taken a liking to his spot here,” Albus said, smiling.

“So it would appear; and to think he used to hiss and snarl near the door at the mere sight of Fawkes. Now you’d think they’re the best of friends, with the way the two of them act around one another,” Hermione said, laughter coloring her voice.

“Well, come sit. What is it I can do for you today, my dear?”

Hermione’s lips quirked in response. She then dropped a sack onto the Headmaster’s desk. Albus’ eyes widened in delight when he caught sight of the Honeydukes’ insignia scrawled along the side.

“When I was in town yesterday, I caught sight of them, and I know all too well about your penchant for Muggle candies. I also just wanted to do something nice for you. You’ve been really good to me, so… just… thank you,” she said softly.

Albus merely smiled in response and popped one of the sugary sweet, tangy candies into his mouth. Hermione couldn’t help but giggle at the almost euphoric expression that had now settled on the Headmaster’s face.

“Hermione, tell me, how was your trip to Gringotts yesterday?” Albus asked curiously.

“Oh, it went just fine; like I said yesterday, I deposited half of what my parents sent me and decided to keep the other half of this package for myself. There’s the Hogsmeade weekend next month, and then, of course, there’s Christmas. I may need to take out a bit more by then, but I doubt it… especially with all that has happened.” She trailed off.

“I won’t claim to know what exactly occurred between you, Ron and Harry, nor am I asking. Just know that you will always have a place with me, no matter what happens,” Albus said softly.

“Thank you, sir. I suppose it’s just that everything that seemed so certain before isn’t any longer. It’s a bit disconcerting, I guess.”

“Things will sort themselves out, dear. They always do, you know? Now, how about a game of wizard’s chess; it’s been awhile since you and I have spent some time together,” Albus said brightly, hoping to lift his young charge’s mood.

“Oh goodness, you know I’m absolutely terrible at that game, Headmaster.”

“Come on, indulge an old man,” he said, his eyes twinkling brightly with laughter.

“First off, you’re not old, but because I can never say no to you, I’ll play.”

“Wonderful,” Albus exclaimed happily. With a wave of his hand, his normally cluttered desk cleared, and in its place was a beautifully stone-carved chess board with equally exquisite pieces.

“Wait. Why don’t we make this game a bit more interesting?” Albus asked slyly.

“What did you have in mind?” Hermione asked curiously.

“If you win, you get half my lemon drops…”

“And just what do you want, if you win?” Hermione asked, knowingly.

“Just half of your chocolate, which you bought in Hogsmeade yesterday,” Albus answered, a bright smile curling on his lips.

“Not on your life, Headmaster,” she said giggling.

“It was worth a try,” Albus said, a slight pout curling on his lips.

Hermione rolled her eyes heavenward at the Headmaster’s antics; it was rare that he teased with her like this while classes were in session. Pulling her chair up closer to the desk, she waited for Albus to make the first move.

“Pawn to E3.”

Hopefully, she’d win at least one game.

…:::…

“Five points from Ravenclaw; now get moving,” he hissed out angrily.

Professor Snape was in top form. It was only late afternoon, and he had already taken a total of thirty points from all four Houses. Normally, his Slytherins got off with a curt warning and a swift jerk of the head. However, today he was in no mood to deal with any of the children. Snarling softly, he continued to stalk through the outer corridors in search of students on their way back from Hogsmeade. Many loitered just outside the school, wanting to put off coming back onto the grounds down to the very second. It was then he caught sight of Potter and Weasley on their way back from their own trip into town.

Probably drunk and sugared up on sweets from Honeydukes and those damned Butterbeers the Three Broomsticks is infamous for serving, he thought to himself. It was then he noticed their rather sullen demeanor and soft, yet urgent tones in which they spoke to one another. About to come out from behind one of the large stone pillars, he halted in his steps when he saw a young Hufflepuff saunter up to the Weasley boy. Severus was taken aback when he saw how the young girl tried to plaster herself to Weasley’s side. The last he’d heard, Miss Granger was with the youngest Weasley boy… not this young thing. Moving closer, he realized just who the young girl was. Her name was Samantha Reese. A pureblood if I recall correctly, more middle class than anything else…I believe her father works for the Ministry. That’s right, now I remember where I know her from. Her father works for the Department of ‘Muggle Interaction’… Fourth year Hufflepuff. Gods, she’s an abysmal potions student. What on earth is he doing with her? he thought to himself. Quietly, he decided to try and get closer.

“Hello, Ron,” Samantha purred, as she moved to place her hands on his shoulders. Ron’s hands immediately came up to stop her movements, and he placed her hands back at her sides. Taking a step back, he moved closer to Harry before responding.

“What is it you want, Samantha?” Ron asked.

“Oh c’mon, don’t be like that. She knows that we’ve been together… We don’t have to hide it anymore. I mean besides all that, now you don’t have to keep playing the part of the dutiful boyfriend to that Mudbl—”

“I wouldn’t finish that statement, if I were you. Finish it and you’ll wish that facing Hermione be the least of your problems,” Ron bit out harshly.

Samantha’s eyes widened in surprise, but she recovered quickly and smiled beautifully in response to Ron’s statement. Clumsily, she swished her hips and sauntered up even closer to him.

“Forgive me, love. I didn’t realize that you still harbored such feelings for the girl. No worries though, I’ll be sure to work all of that rubbish right out of your system,” she said with a saccharine sweetness.

It was then that Ron exploded at the audacity of the girl in front of him.

“Look, I’ve already told you that what we were doing was wrong! I never had any real interest in you. You were… convenient, at best. I’m sorry if you thought it was more, but it wasn’t. I’ve never wanted to be with you, Samantha. You were a… you were a quick piece and nothing more. I want to be with Hermione. I love Hermione… Now you need to leave me alone. I’m going to fix things, and when everything’s settled, I will be with Hermione.” Ron then stalked off into the castle without a backward glance.

Samantha’s eyes began to glitter with unshed tears; Harry merely sent her a sympathetic glance before turning to jog after Ron. Severus watched as a torrent of tears began to slip down the young girl’s cheeks before she, too, ran back into the castle. Shaking his head slightly, he couldn’t help but wonder if he’d stepped into one of those Muggle teen soap operas.

For Merlin’s sake, that was ridiculously dramatic. Although it does explain Miss Granger’s actions as of late, it still doesn’t explain that rather impressive display of wandless magic. He then quietly and swiftly made his way back down toward the dungeons. Dunderheads, the both of them. She may be a Gryffindor, but she is still a very intelligent witch. What the hell were those two thinking when they thought they could keep something like that a secret from her? Well, they weren’t thinking, now were they? Although that’s not much of a surprise either, he thought to himself, chuckling softly.

Pleased that he didn’t have to attend dinner that evening, he settled down in his private library to catch up on some reading. It was then that he began to remember his own childhood and experiences at Hogwarts. The teasing and name calling he’d received for spending time in the library then, rather out in the Quidditch pitch. It wasn’t until he truly befriended Lucius that the taunts stopped, and even then, he knew there were a few that continued to talk about him. Of course, none of it was ever to his face; no one dared to cross Lucius back then. However, he had done a fair job of creating a persona for himself. He no longer needed Lucius’ protection like he once did. Sighing heavily, he realized he probably wouldn’t get any reading done at this rate. Even though she was a Gryffindor and a Muggle-born, Hermione Granger was probably one of the most able witches he had ever had the pleasure of teaching… Not that he’d ever tell her that.

The Potions master cursed himself, for once again his mind had wandered back to a witch that he’d thought more about in the past two days than almost the past five years since she started her schooling here. Growling in frustration, he left his rooms and headed out of the dungeons. Unsure of what to do with himself, he decided to do what he did best, patrol the halls in search of miscreants… although Albus would more than likely just call them students. Twenty minutes and fifty points later, Severus quickly came to realize that this particular activity wasn’t the most productive. He had classes all day tomorrow, so it wouldn’t do to leave the castle on an impromptu excursion.

Severus suddenly felt in the mood for a game of wizard’s chess.

He quickly made his way to the second floor and greeted the large gargoyle curtly. The password tumbled from his lips, and he was soon riding the spiral stairs upward. However, the sight that greeted him caused him to pause in his footsteps.

There sat the Headmaster and Miss Granger, locked in a heated game of wizard’s chess, as the paintings sat quietly cheering for both Gryffindors, former and current. Hermione was seated comfortably with her back to her Potions professor, gleefully sucking on a lemon drop, while Albus was laughing joyfully and picking at a small hunk of chocolate.

It was then the Headmaster noticed a rather reluctant Severus hovering near the entrance. A bright smile lit up his face as he waved the young man to enter. Knowing that there wasn’t any way around it, Severus slowly entered the room. He sunk down into one of the large chairs near the fire. Albus continued to give him a toothy grin, while Hermione smiled tentatively at the Potions master now seated across from her.

“To what do we owe the pleasure of your company, Severus?” Albus asked happily.

“I came here to speak with you, but I can see that you are busy—”

“Nonsense, my boy. Come join us. We’re just finishing up a game. You shall play next.”

“I don’t think—”

“I’ll hear none of it.” And with a wave of the Headmaster’s hand, the board was wiped clean.

“Headmaster—”

“In fact, you and Hermione shall play. I’ve much to do and have spent far too much time procrastinating as is.” The Headmaster then turned to face Hermione. “Forgive me, my dear, but I’ve spent the afternoon playing games and eating sweets when I have a school to run. However, I’m sure that you and Severus will fare nicely without me.” And with that, the Headmaster sailed out the door. Smiling to himself, Albus leisurely made his way down the corridor to Minerva’s office. Whether Severus liked it or not, he and Hermione would be working together, and now was as good a time as any to become acquainted with one another.

Back in the office, Severus was silently cursing the Headmaster a thousand times over.

“Professor, you don’t have to stay if you don’t want to. I mean, I know the Headmaster was just trying to be nice about things. I understand if you have better things to do,” she said softly.

Severus merely eyed her for a moment before taking the seat the Headmaster recently vacated. With a wave of his hand, the chess board was set up once more; he gave the young Gryffindor a rather expectant look.

“Ah, well… what’ll it be? White or black… sir?” she said softly.

“Black… of course.”

End of Chapter Seven

Next: Harry and Ron do their homework…