Purple Rain.

Chapter Forty-Three.

(Y/n) was extremely alarmed at the sight of a frantic Hermione jogging in her direction.

"(Y/n), have you seen Ron or Harry?" Hermione asked, breathing shallowly to catch her breath.

"No," (Y/n) said, not even needing to think about if she had. "Why?"

"They weren't here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner or for any of our classes," Hermione said. (Y/n) pursed her lips.

"Have you asked Ginny, Fred, or George?"

"They aren't here either!" Hermione said.

"Something must've come up with their family then," (Y/n) said worriedly.

"That would be correct, Miss (Y/l/n)," Professor Dumbledore said as he and Professor McGonagall rounded the corner (Y/n) had just turned before sighting Hermione. "Shall we step into Professor McGonagall's office and further discuss the matter?" Hermione and (Y/n) nodded in unison, trailing after their professors whilst looking around and wondering if Professor Umbridge would see them.
Professor McGonagall walked around her desk and took off the lid of her container of biscuits. Dumbledore pulled one of the chairs partially away from the other two in order to be able to see both girls. Hermione and (Y/n) exchanged a nervous glance before taking a seat beside one another. Nobody said a word until both Hermione and (Y/n) accepted one of Professor McGonagall's biscuits.
"Late last night, early this morning, Arthur Weasley was admitted into St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries," Dumbledore began grimly. Hermione and (Y/n), much to the professors' amusement, seemed to gasp in unison. Hermione's hand flew over her mouth and the napkin which held her biscuit on her lap started sliding. Before either of them could ask any questions, Dumbledore held up his hand, silencing them.
"He was attacked by a loose snake in the Department of Mysteries," Dumbledore continued. "And I fear he might have been left for dead if Mr. Potter hadn't had the vision he had. I believe Lord Voldemort chose to show Harry that Arthur had been attacked and I believe Lord Voldemort will use those visions to Harry's disadvantage." Hermione and (Y/n) exchanged a look.

"What are you trying to imply?" (Y/n) asked.

"What was Mr. Weasley doing in the Department of Mysteries?" Hermione asked at the same time.

"Miss (Y/l/n) will find that out soon enough," Dumbledore answered Hermione before turning his eyes back to (Y/n). "Harry will need to learn Occlumency." (Y/n) rose an eyebrow.

"I don't think you want me being the one to teach him," (Y/n) said. Dumbledore chucked and Professor McGonagall's lips twitched.

"Of course not," Dumbledore mused. "But I am expanding the offer to you too."

"Who will be teaching us?" (Y/n) asked. A dreadful look crossed Professor McGonagall's face.

"Professor Snape," Dumbledore answered.

"No," (Y/n) said instantly. "I'm completely fine with my mind staying open... even if it's a little too open." Dumbledore sighed heavily.

"If that is your choice, I will accept it," Dumbledore said. He looked between Hermione and (Y/n). "I'm afraid I cannot send you to the Weasleys until the term has ended, but if you wish to halt your vacation, I will arrange for the Knight Bus to be here tomorrow evening."

"Yes please," Hermione said pleading. (Y/n) nodded in agreement. As much as she wanted to be selfish and go on the ski trip, her need to know what was going on with the Order overpowered that.

"Then I will be off," Dumbledore said, rising from his chair and pushing it back to its original place. He clasped his hands behind his back and walked smoothly from the room.