A Spiteful Tiff
Sirius: The castle was full of gossip as always. People started to talk for no other reason than they were bored. “Have you seen her yet? I’ve heard she dresses in the strangest clothes and most of the teachers are confused about why she’s here.” James peaked Sirius’ attention. “No we haven’t. Peter and I were trying to find his bag. We were on the 1st floor before we even heard about the newcomer.”
“I don’t think it’s that interesting if I’m being honest.” Sirius said more to himself than he was to his mates. What could be so interesting about some strange woman walking about the castle. “Well not everyone can be so unbiased. It’s also the most interesting news we’ve had all year.” Remus quipped back at him. Pulling himself closer to Peter and James at the table.
The Great hall was abuzz with news of this new guest of Hogwarts. Dumbledore was noticeably absent from the Head table and the newcomer has yet to appear for the meal. “When did she even get here? Surely someone saw her arrive.” Sirius seemed to have interrupted James talking with the other two boys. “We already said that. We don’t know. She wasn’t here after Peter finished his detention at eight last night.” Peter nodded his head with James’ statement.
Looking up from his watch Remus looked around and stood. “We’re going to be late.” The four of them set off for class. They were indeed late to class, and McGonagall was less than pleased. She warned them with the threat of detention. Sirius was unfazed. He had detention already with Flitwick for hitting Snape with the Leg Locker Curse.
Everywhere he went all day all he heard about was the lady on the seventh floor. The last period of the day was a free period so he headed back to the Gryffindor common room. On his way he passed through the seventh floor and caught the new scent very quickly. Citrus and chamomile. Simple, and lovely.
It was very strange. Sirius couldn’t help but follow the mouth watering scent. “Oh, really. I don’t understand. It works like this in the-” there was a very feminine voice seemingly very irritated. “Hello?” the voice inquired. “Who’s there?” Sirius answered back. “Not someone creeping about, spying on other people.” she seemed to be joking but Sirius wasn’t positive.
“I am not spying, or creeping.” he replied rounding a corner. There was a sharp intake of breath from both parties. She looked as if she’d seen a ghost, and he was shocked at what he saw before him. Standing just in front of a tapestry where a wizard is teaching trolls ballet.
“Wh- What are you doing up here?” Shouldn’t you be in class?” she stammered out. “I have a free period. I was heading to my common room.” nonchalantly walking further around the corner. She was wicked hot. Curls framed her face and appeared like a lion mane around her head like a Halo of curls. The way the sun was hitting them from behind her only magnified the halo theme.
“Well then head along. I’m quite busy as of this moment and would like some peace and quiet if you could.” she seemed to dismiss him almost, and if you know anything about Sirius Black know this. He doesn’t take rejection very well. Dismissing him doesn’t do much either. It’s not like it’d ever actually stop him from trying to get to know this woman.
“I heard you showed up here in the middle of the night, and no one knows who you are.” he said with an equally dismissive attitude but he was filled with intrigue. “I’m here on business with Dumbledore. He knows who I am and that’s all that matters really. Who am I to be concerned with what children have to say about me?”
“That was precisely my question though wasn’t it? Who are you” she seemed to be uncomfortable talking to him. Nervousness or truly uncomfortable he was unsure. “Hermione. My name is Hermione. Now may I please be left alone? I really am busy right now.” Sirius nodded at her. He continued walking up to her, which she seemed uncomfortable with and proceeded past her and took a right towards the common room.
Hermione. What a different name. He’d certainly never heard it before. Only when he was climbing through the Portrait hole did he realise he’d never given his own name, but she had seemed to know him. At least, that's how her reaction to him felt. Familiar.
Hermione
Having had run-ins with several students and teachers today, Hemione seemed very out of spirits. She had tried for several hours pacing in front of the Room of Requirement and it had basically refused to appear. She wasn’t sure if it was the constant hustle and bustle of people about the castle or if it was something different. She was sure she had the correct corridor. It had never moved as long as she’d known it existed. Feeling overly frustrated she was even more nervous about trying to go down to eat. She’d been here for almost twenty four hours and she hadn’t eaten yet.
Hermione considered her options and begrudgingly got up from her bed and threw on her gold robe jacket with the crimson runes detailing the edges. Buttoning it closed and looking in the mirror Hermione couldn’t help but think of the future and all she was sent here to do.
The Great Hall was packed with both students and staff. Coming down the stairs it was quite noticeable, whereas from upstairs the noise was almost unpreceptable. Entering the Hall Hermione was very aware of the stares and the almost immediate quiet that took over. She could feel her face warm.
Dumbledore hadn’t told her if she was to eat at the staff table or if she was to eat at the house tables. Glancing up to the high table she saw him nod at her and look to an empty seat at the end of the staff table near Hagrid. She gave a small nod back and made her way. Walking past the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables and could hear and see the entire room swivel to keep her in view.
Not knowing what else to do, Hermione sat down at the empty seat and she was soon met with a very warm “Hello there. I’m Hagrid.” the half giant was sticking out his very large hand in her direction. She beamed up at him and grasped it with both of hers. “It’s a pleasure Hagrid. My name is Hermione.” The brilliants of her smile seemed to take him back for a second.
“Well isn’t this nice to see.” Hermione turned and saw Dumbledore standing off to the side. “Ah, Professor Dumbledore. Have you heard back, about our plans?” she asked not caring if she was overheard. There was no way anyone currently knew what she was up to. Not even if the letter was intercepted. “Actually yes I do have an answer, but only partially so.” he said, his hands clasped together. “I would request an audience with you in my office after the meal. I know you haven’t eaten all day, and would like to give you the chance to do so. Happy eating.” Dumbledore lifted his hand and the table changed from empty plates and goblets to overfilled plates of food and deserts.
Hermione talked with Hagrid about what he was doing with his time, and how he liked the Castle. He was very happy to talk about himself. Telling her all about Dumbledore getting him the job. He asked Hermione about her visit and if she was finding whatever it is she’s looking for. She nodded her head and didn’t answer out loud. It had made her remember that the Room wasn’t appearing for her. She wondered if it was because the school doesn’t know her at this time, but that never seemed to matter before. Malfoy used the room in sixth year to let Death Eaters into the Castle and killed Dumbledore.
After finishing her meal Hermione watched across the sea of faces, and noticed she was still being watched. Especially from the Gryffindor and Slytherin tables. Several groups all stared at her. So curious, others wary. She wondered if anyone had written to their parents about her being here yet.
She held the Time Turner threw her coat and caressed it. Narcissa had told her to be wary of the Black family of this time. They were highly suspicious of new people in the school and around Dumbledore. There was a war going on after all. Glancing back to the other side of the Hall she saw who she could only guess were the Marauders.
Seeing Peter with the people he betrays didn’t sit well with her. She could break up the friendship but she didn’t know what that would do to the future. She could try to befriend them all and get Peter to trust them more than he is scared of Voldemort, but there were alot of risks to that plan as well. She could just as easily mean to do one thing and it triggers other things to change. There was a lot of care to be taken when meddling with time.
“I wish you all a fine weekend and hope to see you outside while the weather is still nice.” Dumbldore said with a wave of his wands and the meal disappeared. Getting up from the table and moving to follow the students out to the front hall, Hermione’s eye was caught by Dumbledore who ushered her to follow him to the doors behind the Staff table. She turned and followed.
Following Dumbledore to his office was easy enough through the back ways the teachers got to use. She only saw a handful of students all the way there. Upon entering the room Dumbledore took out his wand and curtains appeared on every portrait in the room. “I wouldn’t want anyone snooping for family advantage.” Dumbledore said looking at the painting Hermione knew to be Phineas Nigellas Blacks portrait. “Honestly that's probably for the best.”
“So Fabian and Gideon have agreed to vouch for you, even Molly had agreed should the Ministry show up.” Seating herself across from Dumbledore. “They’ve agreed as long as they can meet you and establish a more concrete background for you. They understand that you are in need of a cover, while also joining the Order. I imagine as soon as you're done here you will wish to move to the Order headquarters. To get started the plans on acquiring the rest.” he said conjuring a tea set and table. “So you’re searching for the Diadem.” Hermione saw his eyes flash in her direction. Keenly aware of herself, Hermione sipped the tea she was given. It’s here in the castle I am unaware if it is where w- where I found it the last time. The door only appears when people are in need of it. I’ve been trying all day. I just can’t seem to get it to surface.”
“My theory is that Hogwarts doesn’t know me. My magic isn’t familiar to it like it is from when I’m from. It takes a few days for the Castle to have me in it’s favor. Having Dumbledore meet with me repeatedly surely should help me move things along.” she continued. Dumbledore laughed once, and sipped his own tea.
“I am sure it will indeed help your case. Are you aware of any other objects that need removing from the school, or is it just the one?” he sat back in his chair putting off the illusion that this wasn’t intriguing to him. “There are a great many things in this Castle that I deem inappropriate to be around children, and there are surely more to come. I will not however put my feelings above what I already know, which is that these students mean everything to you. Their futures mean more to you than a lot of things in your life.” Hermione sipped her tea again.
“I imagine that is very hard for you. Judging from how you present yourself, you are very intelligent which is only solidified by the end of school exams you showed me. I do hope we can get this all taken care of, and stay on your timetable.” he brought the cup to his mouth. “And I must say the very magic that brought you here must be strong indeed to create the ripples you’ve caused today. I’ve had a few parents write into me demanding to know who you are, and your purpose at this school. Walburga Black was the first this morning.” his eyes flashed to the covered painting.
“The walls have ears in this place Professor. We learned that in our first year. Not much gets by the school-” There was a very loud metallic crashing sound which made them both jump to their feet. Hermione drew her wand from her inside pocket and followed Dumbledore down the stairs. “Stay close.” Reaching the bottom of the stairs they heard more commotion to the left.
Hurrying along they found they weren’t the only ones in the halls. The closer they got they could hear the words come into context. “Shut your git mouth!” someone yelled. A spell went wide and the crowd ducked. Dumbledore shielded the two of them from the jinx and they got their first look at the show. A boy was on his back on the ground, while another was being held back by two other boys while another coward scared seeing Dumbledore. He countered the jinx and the boy lifted himself off of the floor. Looking very embarrassed. “My apologies, Headmaster. I was just trying to speak with my brother about some family business. He’s quite hot headed as you well know, Professor.” The boy seemed to be sucking up but being reproachful about it.
“Well Regulus I suggest that in the future you write to him less and you be jinxed again.” looking past Regulus to Sirius, Dumbledore looked like an irritated parent. “My office if you please Sirius. Your friends may return to their common room and await your return.” Remus and James let go of Sirius and shoved him in the direction of Dumbledore. She watched as Sirius walked past his brother. Gripping his wand in his hand still, she could see his thumb worrying against the stock of it.
“If you all would please disperse and return to your evenings please.” Dumbledore said, raising his hands to the crowd. They slowly began to disperse. The last to leave the area was Regulus and the Marauders. “Put your wand away Mr.Black.” Dumbledore eyed the boy. “I am aware that you’ve been staying with the Potters when not at school. I also know your mother so I won't pretend to understand what just happened, but you know spells used against other students are strictly forbidden.”
They reached Dumbledore's office and Hermione noticed the tea table was gone.. “I am also aware of the fact that you already have detention the next few nights with Flitwick. So I’ll level with you. I won't give you a week's worth of detentions if you could explain what your brother wanted.” Hermione stayed by the stairs as Sirius and Dumbledore walked into the room. “Honestly Professor, he was asking about some for my Mother, and then when he didn’t get the answer he wanted he called me a blood traitor, and brought up the fact that he asked Mother what she wanted from me, but she insisted I allow her to write to me.” Looking over his shoulder at Hermione he whispered “She wants to know about the resistance I’m sure of it, Sir.”
Hermione smiles to herself, and turned looking at the books on the shelf. Still listening fully to their conversation. “Sir, I’ve already told you we plan to join once we’re all done with school. I’m of age now. I want to join.” Sirius said quietly to the Professor. “And as I have told you Mr.Black I will not allow anyone with in this school be an active member. Now I thank you for your time, and wish you a good night.” Dumbledore said dismissing Black.
“Hermione, I'm afraid we’ve run out of time tonight. I have a meeting with Slughorn down in the dungeons in five minutes. I’m going to be late as it is. Could you please see Mr.Black in his common room.” Hermione nodded and started down the stairs ahead of Black. She heard muffled voices for another moment and then more footsteps following behind her. She walked a few paces towards the common room's direction and waited. It took Sirius only a few moments to reach her. “You were having a meeting with Dumbledore. You can’t be much older than I am. Why does he talk to you, but not me. He won't even hear me out.” Sirius said, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his robes.
“I’m here with his permission, so it would be rude for him to ignore me.” she said, not really answering him. He made a frustrated noise and walked just a hair faster. His deep breaths were noticeable though. She could hear the wind coming in and out of him. Walking past her own room and continuing towards the Gryffindor tower, “What are you doing here?” Sirius asked quietly. Hermione paused for half a second before following through with her step.
“Quite frankly it isn’t of your immediate concern. Though until the Castle gets used to me I’ll be here looking around. Keeping an eye out of everything, and here we are. I don’t currently know the password from The Lady, but I’m sure you’ll manage. Good Night Sirius.” she said, nodding at him.