Power Within

Chapter 12

Hermione's Visitors

Snape reached out and removed the invisibility cloak. He glared at Draco, who should have known better in Snape's opinion, and then he took a look at Hermione. The girl's giggles had returned and this irritated Snape more than her normal demeanor. "Hello Professor Snapey." She giggled more. Snape looked back at Draco, raising an eyebrow and crossing his arms over his chest. Snape was obviously expecting Draco to explain.

"Shut up, Granger."

"Professor Snape, is there a problem? I heard some commotion from my chamber..." Professor McGonagall halted at the site before her. Her face was purely expressionless for the first time in her life. Her best student in a fit of giggles hiding behind Malfoy calling Snape "Snapey" and trying to pinch his cheeks with Malfoy trying to keep her back.

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Harry returned noticing Draco was not back, but he was not expecting him either. It was a longer walk to the Gryffindor tower. He was also worried because he saw Filch and Ms. Norris running scared from that direction. He sat at the table with the others and pulled out the map.

"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." The map appeared along with the dots labeled Malfoy and Granger.

"oo" Pansy didn't realize how resourceful Harry could be. It seemed the difference between Gryffindors and Slytherins were the Gryffindors knack for getting caught. Then he saw Ms. Norris and Filch's dot. And then...

"Harry, why is Malfoy's dot on Hermione's?" Ron asked Harry looking up from the map. Harry just looked at him."Oh...oh...ew! Malfoy?"

Pansy and Millicent giggled.

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Hermione sat in potions very uncomfortable under Snape's gaze. She had not received her punishment--yet. She was told they all had to wait to see Dumbledore until after lunch. The wait was punishment enough, like a small child who has to wait until dad comes home for their punishment. The worse part was that she could not remember everything. Draco apparently remembered. He kept throwing that damn smirk at her as they worked on the next potion--Truth Potion.

"What, Malfoy?"

He sniggered.

Snape glared.

"So, has Snapey said anything to you yet?"

"Snapey?"

Oh this is too perfect.

"You don't remember, Granger? You called Snape Snapey and tried to pinch his cheeks."

"WHAT!"

"Ms. Granger, does there seem to be a problem?"

Draco continued laughing. Hermione could not figure out why, he was in trouble for the night before too.

"No, Professor Snape." He just glared at her.

"Ten points from Gryffindor."

"Thanks, Malfoy."

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Hermione's reputation was ruined from her mishap with the pumpkin juice. The good thing was--not completely. Everyone knew she had no idea it had been peppered up in any way. But the rumors flew about her calling Snape 'Snapey' before lunch even arrived. She kept her head down and refused to look anyone in the eye. She did not even raise her hand to answer any questions in class.

It was hard to eat lunch knowing that afterwards she would be going to Dumbledore's office. She just knew she was going to lose her prefect badge.

"Harry, what if we are expelled?" Ron and Harry exchanged a look and rolled their eyes. That was always Hermione's main worry--not we might be killed, but we might get expelled. They laughed and that did not help her any.

Finally, Professor McGonagall approached the Gryffindor table as Snape did the Slytherin. The main parties were caught that night and the whole of Hogwarts quieted to watch Hermione, Ron, and Harry follow McGonagall to the back of the Great Hall where they met Snape with Draco, Pansy, and Millicent. This was an odd sight to see. After all, they were all known to hate each other. The whispers started as soon as the doors closed.

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McGonagall and Snape reached the stone Gargoyle. Hermione swallowed the lump forming in her throat not knowing what to expect.

"Pepper Imps," McGonagall said to the gargoyle that leapt aside to reveal the circular staircase. Harry had experienced this staircase many times, but this was new to Hermione. She watched in awe all around her as it pushed her up to a door. Snape entered first followed by McGonagall.

Professor Dumbledore sat behind his desk watching over his half-moon spectacles as they entered. There were others in the room. Six chairs sat in front of his desk for the students and standing in between the fireplace and his desk were three people animatedly talking to each other. Hermione took the first seat she came to understanding she fully deserved any punishment she was to receive. It happened to be in between Ron and Harry. She looked up from the ground at Dumbledore to the three people again.

"Mom? Dad?"