The Stranger (Dramione)

10 - Hermione Granger

The Headmaster was already onto them. Enola wished for the second time that Draco or Narcissa would've prepared her a little better for awkward questions. Her palms were getting sweaty.

"Forgive me, but it is shall we say out of character for Narcissa to be such a good samaritan." Dumbledore searched Enola's face for a reaction.

"She just did what any other mother would do, I think." Enola said.

"Very maternal." Dumbledore commented. "It's an odd occurrence for Hogwarts, taking on a sixth-year student so late."

"I'm very grateful." Enola said.

"It is my duty to ensure our magical youth are schooled, I would not like to leave anybody behind." Dumbledore smiled. "However, I've called you to my office as this is the second of two strange occurrences during the school year."

Enola was at a loss of what to say to the old man. "Oh."

"Another student has not returned this year. Hermione Granger." His blue eyes were searching hers with such intensity she almost looked away. "Does the name mean anything to you?"

"No." Enola said truthfully. "Sorry, it doesn't."

"I think that Miss Granger's disappearance may be related to your arrival at our school." Dumbledore pressed.

"Why?" Enola blurted.

"It is always wise to question coincidence." He said, his eyes burning into hers.

"With all due respect, I don't know how to respond to that, Sir." She started to feel uncomfortable.

"All I ask is that if you remember anything you  might think important, you come to me."

"I will." Enola managed.

"Now, do you have any questions for me?" He asked kindly, turning his intense stare off.

"Could you tell me anything about this?" She undid the clasp around her neck and passed the necklace over toward Dumbledore nervously.

"Serpens." Dumbledore said with uncanny resemblance to Narcissa. "They were a very old wizard family whose bloodline ran out years ago. Where did you get this?"

"I was wearing it when I woke up. I don't know what it means." Enola said, then hastened to add, "I think it belonged to my attacker, it doesn't feel like mine."

"What do you mean by it doesn't feel like yours?" Dumbledore asked.

"Sometimes I get a feeling in my gut that something is familiar. This necklace gave me the opposite feeling."

"The Serpens were an odd family." Dumbledore said. "They were some of the greatest minds that ever graced the wizarding world, albeit known for their incredible use of dark magic. That was until their youngest generation started to see things differently and fought for good. Sadly, the older generation could not be swayed and the Serpens family essentially wiped themselves out."

"Thank you." Enola said.

"Has Narcissa Malfoy seen this necklace, Enola?" Dumbledore asked gravely.

His tone startled her, prompting the lie that came next. "No, she hasn't. I keep it hidden beneath my robes."

The headmaster turned the necklace over in his hand, adjusting his spectacles to get a closer look.

"I think, for now, that is a good choice." He stated, passing the necklace back reluctantly. "Might I suggest the library for further research? I know Miss Granger found it to be very useful."

"Thank you, Sir." Enola gave an unconvincing smile.

"That's all for now." He said. "To reiterate, if you remember anything at all, do let me know. I know Miss Granger's parents and friends are terribly worried... And I for that matter."

Enola nodded awkwardly.

"Thanks." She said, as she backed away from the Headmaster's desk.

*

Enola's timetable magically updated itself following her chat with Dumbledore. She was headed to the library for 'Independent Study' with books in hand when Draco cornered her.

"I need to talk to you." He said in a low voice.

"Talk." She said irritably.

"What were you thinking, are you stupid?" He asked.

"Excuse me?" She fumed.

"What's a Death Eater?" He imitated in a high voice. "Oh, my surname? It's Serpens."

"I panicked. I'm sorry, but what help have you been? You and Narcissa have told me nothing!"

"Because I would've left you in that fucking alley had I known this would happen. How do you know about the Serpens anyhow? I thought you had no memory." He asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Look, I didn't ask to be taken in by your mother, Draco. It was something Narcissa said in the bedroom when she took my necklace."

"So this is all my mother's fault?" He asked, eyes blazing.

"No." She said in a small voice. "But it's not mine either. It's not my fault you're sneaking about. If you told me a thing or two, it might help, you know."

His anger faltered and he dithered for a couple seconds, gathering his thoughts. "What lesson do you have now?"

"Free period for study." She said, holding up 'A History of Magic'.

He did a double take at the book. "You're actually having to start from scratch...? And to think they thought you might be of use to- never mind. I'm on free period, too. I'll join you."