A Time for Understanding

Chapter 16: A Sunrise

Weaving its way amongst brambles and branches, a restless wind prowled the forest. Pine needles were unsettled, tender stems bent, and amidst a mess of fading orange, green, and red, a lone browning leaf tenaciously clung to its appointed spot on a trembling branch, desperately grappling with gravity and the force of the cool current.

It was a short struggle. Fixed and stubborn though it may have been, the leaf was no match for a malevolent wind. A single snap and it was undone, ripped from its home and sent spiraling downwards towards the forest floor. It twisted and turned as it sank, preparing to take its place upon the variegated blanket of other fallen foliage. But before it could hit the earth, it was caught in the wind's icy grip, soon finding itself dragged across the ground, whispering as it beat against the pointed blades of grass.

The green sea abruptly ended as a sleeping form came into view. Entranced, the wind slowly moved closer, winding its way into a thick cloth that had been born to protect from such an intruder. Hovering for a moment, its chilled fingers probed into a bushy nest of hair, stealing all heat and warmth. Gently stroking the tangled tresses, it placed the brown leaf reverently atop the mass of curls before disappearing into the night, cooly brushing across a bit of pale skin as it did so. It was that, coupled with the low tones coming from her companion, which roused the peaceful dreamer from her sleep.

"Hermione," Severus murmured, "you need to wake up."

Fingers tightly clutching to the folds of his cloak, Hermione groaned, burying her head further into the warm space that had acted as her pillow for the greater part of the night. She rubbed her cheek against the layers of scratchy material, sighing contentedly as she further settled into his chest.

"Hermione," Severus urged again, this time less softly.

She did not respond, and a moment later felt herself being lifted through the air and set upon none too steady feet. She stumbled a bit, reaching to his arm for support. With bleary eyes she peered up at him. "What is it? It's not even light yet."

"I know," he stated, brushing the forest debris from his clothing with a singular interest. "I'm to go to before you."

The scowl that had instantly formed upon hearing his words was made even more visible as Hermione haphazardly brushed the hair from her face. "You're leaving? But I thought--"

Sensing a coming protest, Severus preemptively held up a hand. "In situations such as this, plans often change. For safety's sake, I'd like to confirm our course of action before the four of you enter the fray. As it is, Albus doesn't want Potter at the scene until it is absolutely necessary." Seeing the concern still on her face, he added, "The battle can't very well take place without the Boy Who Lived, can it? I will be back."

Hermione frowned at his words. While not overtly cruel, still they weren't what she expected. Not after what they had shared last night. Disconcerted, she took a step closer to him. "It's just...it's happening so fast. I thought there'd be a bit more time to, to..." She stopped at the knowing look on Severus' face, his words from the previous night suddenly ringing in her ears. I assure you, Hermione. It will be very real come morning.

The truth of those words instantly washed over her, dispelling any lingering denial. Morning had come.

"I suppose I'll wake the boys. It takes Neville a while to be fully functional," she said with an unsure smile.

Severus nodded as his fingers adroitly secured the intricate fastening of his cloak. "I will see you in a few hours," he stated impersonally, his shoulders stiff as he addressed her. Turning abruptly, he made to leave.

Hermione watched his retreat, still feeling unsettled. She'd felt so close to him just a few moments before. But now.... She bit her lip nervously.

"Severus," she called, watching as his steady pace came to a halt. Quickly covering the steps he had taken, she stood in front of him, now needing to squint her eyes at the narrow sliver of sun that had just crept up over the trees. "Be careful," she implored

Now having access to her entire body, the chill of the wind nipped at any exposed bits of skin, causing her to shiver almost imperceptibly. Her arms tightly surrounded her small frame as she met his gaze worriedly. Slowly, Hermione saw his hand reach out to her, and she closed her eyes, a faint smile on her face in expectation of his caress. There was a tickle by her ear, a soft rustling, and then nothing. Opening her eyes, she saw Severus standing even further away.

He was still, studying her intensely for a long moment. "I will," he finally promised, turning his eyes from her. "Now go inside."

Hermione's eyes clouded over in disappointment. She wanted, no--needed some kind of resolution. But one glance at him told her that now was not the time. He stood dark and motionless, so very stern and imposing--more so than he ever had in the classroom. He looked...he looked ready to fight, she realized suddenly. His stature, his expression, even the fists at his side spoke of a man who was readying for battle. And such a man would not be anywhere near willing to listen to what she had to say.

Remembering that he was waiting for her to follow his instructions, she met his eyes, desperately trying to curb the urge to disobey. She gave him a small nod, quickly turning before she could change her mind. A moment later and she was gone, swallowed into the shadows of the cabin.

Severus had observed the maelstrom of emotions rushing through Hermione's face. As such, he was more than surprised when with a curt nod she had turned, striding towards the cabin. He had watched her every step, his eyes steadfast until the door was securely shut behind her. Upon hearing the latch of the door click into place, he looked down at his hand, curled into a loose fist. Slowly, he opened his fingers. Lying there was the frail, wilted shape of a small brown leaf that had once poked out its head from among a wild, curling formation of hair. He stared at it for a moment, and then turned to leave. As he walked away, he fiercely clutched the leaf in his hand, letting it crumble, the shards settling into the lines of his palm. They were still there upon reaching his destination.

Hermione let out a soft sigh as she closed the door, the familiar, musty scent of the cabin invading her nostrils. She blinked rapidly, her eyes attempting to adjust to the darkness.

"I was wondering when you'd come back," a voice whispered quietly.

Still not seeing, Hermione advanced a few steps towards the voice and then sank to a sitting position on the floor. The wood was cold and unforgiving, and for an instant she found herself wishing to return to the outdoors.

"It's morning. Severus already left to meet with Dumbledore. I told him I'd wake the three of you up."

"Harry slept like a log," Ron responded. "I thought I'd have to force him to get some rest, but he's been asleep since you left."

"He probably needed a break from worrying. Although," she amended, "if anyone should worry about today, it's Harry. I wish we could help. But I don't know that there is anything that we can do."

"What do you mean? We'll be there right with him, next to him--like always," Ron answered reproachfully.

"This is different, Ron, and you know it. Of course we'll be there--fighting-- just like everyone else. But in the end...it's all up to Harry." She turned to look at him but only saw the rough outline of his shape on the bed.

They stopped talking for a while. Hermione could hear the sound of Neville turning about as he lay on the floor, murmuring soft unintelligibles before drifting back to sleep.

"When will he be back?" Ron asked, his voice cutting through the silence.

"A few hours. We should probably get ready to leave soon," Hermione said. Despite her words, she leaned against the wall tiredly, the coming events of the day overwhelming her. She tried to rid herself of her growing concern for Severus but failed miserably. Frustrated, she pushed back the tendrils of hair that had fallen around her face.

Sensing her change in thoughts, Ron said quietly, "You didn't have to stay outside all night. You know I'm not really angry, don't you?"

Her eyes now used to the darkness, Hermione could just make out the outline of her friend, his eyes looking to her earnestly.

"Well...no, I didn't know that. I'm glad to hear it," she said with a small smile. "But that wasn't the reason I didn't stay here last night."

There was a pause and then a heavy sigh. "You wanted to talk to Snape," Ron stated glumly.

"Yes," Hermione responded unsympathetically. "We had some things to work out."

"And did you?" Ron asked.

"I don't know," Hermione answered quietly. "I hope so." She sighed again, stretching her arms, feeling the tension that had settled between her shoulder blades. Hauling herself to her feet, she extended a hand to her friend who quickly came to a standing position at her side. "Come on. Time to wake these two up," she said, motioning to their two sleeping companions.

"Already?" Ron questioned. "I thought we'd let Harry sleep for a bit longer."

"No, best get an early start. It will leave us time to prepare."

"Prepare?" Ron asked skeptically. "What do you mean?"

Hermione just smiled. "Let's wake them up first, shall we?"

Panting, Hermione hesitantly peered around the width of a tree trunk, her eyes rapidly scanning her surroundings. Fingers pressing into scabrous bark, she braced herself against the gnarled wood, willing the wild beat of her heart to slow. She exhaled quietly, listening for the tell-tale sounds she knew should be somewhere to her left. There was the soft echo of wind rustling branches, the ever present choir of singing insects, her own panting breath...and then...the snap of a twig, almost indiscernible among the other noises. Hermione's eyes narrowed suspiciously.

"Expelliarmus!"

With a violent movement of her hand, Hermione's voice surged forward, cutting across the thicket, the spell shooting from her wand towards its intended target. However, it was easily deflected, and Hermione's eyes opened wide at the sneer that appeared on her enemy's mouth before issuing an offense.

"Densaugeo!"

Hermione's brows rose in surprise. "Protego!" she cried, her hand gripping her wand tightly as she watched the spell dissipate before her eyes. Hands on her hips, she glared, small lines of discontent forming at the corners of her mouth as she pursed her lips disapprovingly.

"That was not at all amusing, Harry Potter," she stated irritably.

"That's funny, because I thought it was bloody brilliant!" Ron exclaimed, moving to stand next to Harry, whose lips continued to twitch in unexpressed mirth.

"Oh, come on, Hermione. It was a good choice, really. You'd just as soon see that as an Unforgiveable," he teased, winking at her cheekily.

Hermione shook her head and let out a hopeless sigh. "You boys are really terrible, do you know that?" she asked. Ron snickered as Harry took a bow. Hermione looked from one to the other and then rolled her eyes. "That's enough. Serious practice now, all right? Back to our groups. This time I start."

Moving to her place at the top of hill, Hermione gazed down at her three friends fondly, the light of the morning sun bathing them in a yellow glow. They were powerful, determined, gifted. And for now, they were happy. Looking at each of their smiling faces, she hoped she would always remember them like this.

Grinning, Hermione extended her wand. "Serpens Sortia!"