pursuit
pursuit
CHAPTER 1
It was a cool August afternoon in London; the skies were clear, and a soft breeze weaved its way through the crowd at King’s Cross. Sitting on a bench, on the other side of the magical barrier of which most passers-by were unaware of, was Hermione Granger. Hermione had grown from the bushy-haired know-it-all schoolgirl to a more refined version of herself. Her hair was now tamed into a more appealing length of wavy curls. She had grown into her body and held herself with more poise. She had the look of a proud scholar, which was enhanced by the book her nose was now buried in. Her reading was interrupted by the sound of a whistle blowing in the distance, signaling the arrival of the antique steam engine known as the Hogwarts Express. She placed her book in her bag and prepared to board the train that would bring her back to a place that held so many memories for her. Hermione had not been back to Hogwarts since graduation five years ago.
She slowly boarded the train with sorrow in her heart; it would be her first time riding to Hogwarts without her two best friends. Harry Potter, The-Boy-Who-Lived, fought bravely in the Final Battle against the evil forces of Lord Voldemort and his Death Eater minions. Harry had fulfilled the prophecy, but unfortunately sacrificed his life by jumping in the way of the Killing Curse to save the life of his best friend, Ron Weasley.
The ever loyal Ron had never been the same since that day. Harry’s death had badly affected him; he blamed himself for not being more attentive during battle, or at least stopping him from doing it. The youngest male Weasley was currently inhabiting St. Mungo’s, battling with Massive Depressive Disorder. Hermione came home one day after work to the flat she shared with Ron; he was lying on the floor, barely conscious from blood loss. He had cast a slicing hex on both of his wrists; it wasn’t the first time he had attempted suicide.
Hermione had nobody left in her world; even her beloved Crookshanks had passed on. Her parents had been killed by Death Eaters during her seventh year, leaving her with quite a bit of money to live comfortably on for the rest of her life. She never did get a full report of what happened to her parents, and it had left her with many unanswered questions.
The war had caused so many casualties; the wizarding world lost so many brave and misguided souls. Hagrid had died fiercely protecting everyone, using his giant strength and whatever spells his umbrella wand would fire off; unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to save his own life. Professor Flitwick fought and disarmed many Dark followers before he was caught off-guard and given the Dementor’s Kiss. Many of the upper class students fought to protect the younger ones; it was a time where house rivalry was forgotten, and they all united. The most surprising element was Draco Malfoy, leading as many of his fellow Slytherins as he could get to fight against the Dark Lord. She and Draco had formed a friendship over the years since the war had ended.
* * * * * * * * * *
The train pulled into the Hogsmeade station. Hermione wrapped her cloak tightly around herself and began her walk to the school. Hogsmeade was beautiful in the evening, but that didn’t lessen her uneasiness; she kept feeling that somebody was following her. She quickened her pace a bit and tightened her hand around her wand. Out of nowhere, an arm wrapped around her and pulled her into a dark cloak. Startled, she tried to get away, pushing and struggling against her attacker. Her futile attempts ceased when she heard a familiar drawl speak.
“Do calm down, love. I would not be very gentleman-like if I did not escort my favorite Mudblood back to the Castle safely.”
“Goodness, Draco. You scared me; don’t do that again!” Hermione said as she playfully smacked his arm. “What are you doing here anyway, ferret?”
“I do wish you would stop calling me that.”
“As soon as you stop calling me Mudblood.”
“Ah, point taken. I am actually here for the same reason you are, Professor Granger. I am teaching Defense Against The Dark Arts.”
“That is wonderful, Draco. Congratulations!”
“Same to you. I think Professor Flitwick would have been proud to hand the class over to you.”
“Thanks. Now let’s get to the Castle. It is cold out here.”
Draco had become a very handsome man, very similar in appearance to that of his father. He was still having issues dealing with everything that his father had taught him; becoming friends with Hermione was a big step in the process. Draco had become the sole heir of the Malfoy estates after his father died. His mother, Narcissa, still lived at Malfoy Manor. Free from the dominating hand of her husband, she was now socializing and making a place for herself in society.
As Draco and Hermione walked through the front gates to the school, she looked up at it and noticed that it had not changed. Death, war, graduation, and years had gone by; yet the structure remained strong, untouched, and constant. Draco interrupted her from her reverie.
“There is a staff meeting in five minutes. Just leave your things by the front door, and the house elves will deal with them.”
“I will not. Those poor elves have better things to do than slave over my luggage, when I am perfectly capable of doing it myself,” Hermione huffed. “Besides, my luggage is reduced and in my pocket.”
“If you say so. Come on; we will be late.”
* * * * * * * * * *
They walked along the corridors leading to the staff room. Since they were in a rush, she didn’t get a chance to reacquaint herself with the building. Hermione missed Hogwarts; it was a beautiful building, and she had always felt safe within its walls. Draco held the door open for her and followed her inside. All eyes were on the two new staff members who just walked in late. Hermione sat down in a chair by Professor McGonagall; Draco sat by Professor Snape.
“Miss Granger, it is so nice to see you again. May I call you Hermione?”
“It is good to see you too, Professor McGonagall; Hermione is fine.”
“Please, we’re colleagues now; call me Minerva.”
“Good evening, everybody,” the Headmaster’s voice interrupted their conversation. “Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts. A new year to mold the eager young minds of the wizarding world.” A snort was heard from somewhere in the room. “I would like to introduce two new professors to our staff this year. Professor Malfoy will be our new Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher, and Professor Granger will take over the Charms position. I would like you all to welcome them to the staff.”
The other teachers applauded. The staff meeting carried on for another half an hour longer before being dismissed. She heard a conversation going on that caught her attention at the mention of her name.
“It will be a miracle if any of the students learn anything this year in Charms,” said the Potions Master. “She will always answer her own questions before the students get a chance to. It is just another opportunity for her to show off just how much of a know-it-all she really is.”
“Oh, come on, Severus. She is not that bad; besides, she is pretty good looking for a Mudblood. I wouldn’t mind seeing what is under those robes.”
“Draco Malfoy!”
“Oops, sorry, Hermione. Uh, just guy talk, you know.”
“Don’t apologize to Miss Granger. She should have kept her nose out of other people’s business.”
“I see you are still your charming self, Professor Snape. I have got to get going. I will see you later, Draco; good day, Professor.” She left the staff room.
“Quite an attitude on her, hasn’t she?” Snape spoke.
“She wouldn’t be Hermione without it. I would get down on my knees and worship any man able to handle that.”
“Would you, now? You know never to put up a challenge in front of a Slytherin, unless you expect them to take it.”
“Are you trying to tell me that you are going to try and seduce Hermione?” Draco asked, shocked.
“Why not? It has been a bit boring since the Dark Lord has been gone.”
“Well, I mean no disrespect, but you are not exactly known for your people skills, especially with the opposite sex.”
“Thanks for your boost of confidence, Draco. I have my ways. I will have her by Christmas; you will see.”
“We will see, Severus; we will see.”
* * * * * * * * * *
“Hey, Hermione,” a voice called from down the hall.
She turned around and looked into the familiar blue eyes of Charlie Weasley. Ron and Charlie looked so much alike. After Hagrid died, Charlie had left Romania to take over the Care Of Magical Creatures position.
“Hello, Charlie. How are things?” Hermione asked.
“As good as can be expected. Do you know how Ron is doing?”
“Not so good. I am scared about what is going to happen to him. He is not the same person, Charlie. It is so sad; I can’t stand seeing him like that.”
“Mum is talking about bringing him home. She thinks she can do a better job at his recovery.”
“Oh, no. I do not think that is a good idea; Ron needs to stay in the hospital. She didn’t see him like I did; he will kill himself, if given the chance. You have to talk to her and get her to see reason, please!”
“I will see what I can do, Hermione, but you know how Mum is.”
“I hope for Ron’s sake that she doesn’t let her emotions cloud her judgment. Good evening, Charlie.”
* * * * * * * * * *
Hermione began walking down the hall to her quarters until she realized she didn’t know where they were. She turned around and headed back to the staff room, in hopes of finding the Headmaster. The door opened, letting out Draco and Professor Snape. Snape still looked the same as he did when she went to school here a few years ago, just a bit healthier and cleaner. He had the same dominating presence that used to make her nervous as a child. She caught eyes with him at the conclusion of her study of his person; he was looking at her with a predatory leer. Something in that look caused shivers to run down her spine; as if he knew what happened, he smirked at her.
‘What was that all about?’ she asked herself. She shook her head and addressed Draco.
“Do you know where the Headmaster is? I have no idea where my quarters are.”
“He is probably in his office, Hermione,” Draco responded.
“If I might, Miss Granger? I am aware of the location; it would be no problem to show you,” Professor Snape cut in, after deciding he would throw her off a bit.
“Um, well, sure, Professor; that would be fine,” she stammered.
“Very well. Draco, I will see you later.”
“Good night, Severus, Hermione,” Draco said as he left for his own quarters.
“This way, Miss Granger,” Professor Snape said, leading her away.
He walked up to the second floor and down a hallway she had never seen before, stopping at the end in front of a suit of armor, adorned in dark plate mail, that was holding a two-handed sword. Professor Snape walked up to it, causing the suit to come to life, drawing its sword up.
“Halt, who goes there?” the suit of armor demanded.
“I am Professor Snape, Head of Slytherin House.”
“State your business.”
“I am bringing you a new occupant, Miss Hermione Granger. She is a Professor at the school.”
“Very well. Password?” the knight’s suit huffed.
“Basilisk venom,” the Potions Master replied.
“Basilisk venom? That is horrid.”
“You can change it any time you want to, Miss Granger.”
“I think I will.” She then spoke to the enchanted armor. “I would like to change the password from basilisk venom to five points to Gryffindor.” She smirked at the Professor.
“Even with your obvious attempt at getting your house extra points, Slytherin will still win the House Cup this year.”
They walked through the doorway the knight was guarding and into a beautifully decorated living room. It was done in burgundy and black. The furniture was black leather with mahogany accented tables. She looked at the bedroom and almost gasped at the enormous size of the bed. The bathroom had a large tub and was all done in white marble. Hermione was very impressed with her living quarters; they far exceeded anything that she had expected.
“Wow, these rooms are wonderful! Are all the staff’s quarters the same, sir?”
“The rooms vary. I shall be getting back to my own rooms now. If you need anything, the first door to the right leads down to the dungeons.”
“Thank you, Professor Snape. Good night.”
“Goodnight, Miss Granger.” With that, he left.
Hermione set about enlarging her belongings and putting her things away; the bookshelves barley fit all of her books. After she got herself situated, she sat down on one of her large sofas in front of the fire and read until bedtime. She fell immediately asleep in her soft comfortable bed.