Hurt

Chapter 4

2 weeks later

Despite reassurance from Anastasia and her family, Hermione was finding it extremely difficult to fit in with her peers in Gryffindor. She seemed to have nothing in common with the rowdy, loud and proud lions and she was becoming quite lonely.

Early on Professor McGonagall had taken Hermione under her wing and kept her spirits up and invited her to have tea and a chat at the weekends. It was during the first of these chats when Minerva noticed something wrong with her cub. "Miss Granger, have you been eating enough? I've missed you at mealtimes" She asked one day when there was a lull in conversation. "Um, yes, I think? I've accidentally missed meals a few times when in the library studying. But other than that I attend every meal." Hermione answered carefully.

"If you miss a meal, come to me. I always have some other Gryffindors who miss a meal at dinner for some reason or other so you're more than welcome to join us then. It also doubles as a study group." Minerva smiled.
"Thanks Professor, I'll keep that in mind" The young girl replied quietly.

A few hours later Severus met with his new Prefect. "Miss Morgenstern, the other staff and I will meet with you now. Quirrel is busy so he won't be involved as you requested. Everyone else is in the staff room." He said to Anastasia who flicked her auburn hair behind her. "Merci, Professor. It's vital that this meeting takes place and people listen to me. Oh and watch Trelawney, she might get handsy." She added with a grin as they walked in.

"Everyone, Miss Morgenstern claims to have vital information that is not to leave this room. No one is to tell Quirrel, apparently." Severus explained, to the others who were sitting at the staff table looking at Anastasia suspiciously. "Thank you, Professor, if we all could all stay at the table I promise this won't take long. And no, Professor Sprout this could not wait. I'm late enough telling you all this as it is. It concerns the Philosopher's Stone. Yes, Professor McGonagall, I know about it. I'm a Seer. I'm going to tell you all in great detail what is going to happen and by the Morrigan you better listen. This is important because we need to plan around these events.

The Dark Lord has inhabited  Quirrell in order to steal the Philosopher's Stone. And he's going to cause a ruckus while he's doing it. Harry Potter is in danger but we must act as if we are unaware of these events if we're going to catch him, that way we keep the element of surprise. If the events i've seen are anything to go by we're all in for a rough seven years." Anastasia explained, her expression serious and her eyes daring anyone to challenge her.

"Does Quirrell get the stone?" Asked Minerva worriedly. "I can't tell you just yet. During this conversation people are making decisions which will change what I see. Each time a choice is made, I see it's impact on the world. It is stored into my Seer's Skull through my magic so I don't go into a trance all the time. I've become quite sensitive in the last two years or so. I've seen up till the end of the war, and the Final Battle. If we don't stop this many innocent people will die. On Hogwarts soil. Children as young as eleven will not fight in the actual war, but they'll still die in the crossfire trying to get home. Slytherin house will be forced into choosing between their families, and what they know, and what is right. it may destroy any chance we have left of redemption, that is if Hogwarts survives." Anastasia said sadly, looking out the window.

"I already saw these visions. Nothing you can say will help us! We are all in danger! Catastrophe will happen and our peace will crumble, we can only postpone our fates for so long!" Trelawney raved. "Forgive me Professor but I don't take advice from Seers who don't use skulls to record visions, but then proclaim to have the Gift." Said Anastasia calmly. "You really use a Seer's Skull? Those are dark objects!" Minerva cried. "How? It can also be used for good, Minerva. By your logic wands are also dark objects because they can be used to cause harm. Intention is what matters." Albus said gently. "If we use a Skull between me and Professor Trelawney, I will be able to show you what is fated to happen until Potter's fourth year. After that it keeps changing, depending on the steps we take. I will do all I can to help you." Anastasia explained.