A Dance Through Thyme (Harry Potter)

Godric's Hollow

You guys are damn lucky that I've given you another update this weekend. I accept votes and comments as payment ;)

The breeze was cool as it ruffled through Snape’s long cloak. He hoped that Dumbledore would not take too long.

It was strange that he had asked to meet in Godric’s Hollow, of all places. What was the significance of this tiny village?

Hearing the gentle clicks of high-heeled boots on stones, Snape turned his body around. One hand was inside his cloak, ready to pull out his wand if needed.

“Ah, Severus. You are already here,” Dumbledore stated the obvious attempting to lighten the mood. “Good, good. I’d like you to follow me please.”

Dumbledore turned to lead the way, whistling quietly as he went. However, Snape was not so trusting.

“Where are you leading me?”

Dumbledore stopped whistling, but continued to walk across the cobbled path at the village square. An obelisk stood in the centre of the square, carved with names, it served as a memorial.

“We are here to meet a friend of mine. She will be able to shed bit of light on a lot of matters.”

The two men made an odd couple as they meandered down streets, only to turn swiftly down almost hidden alleyways. There were so many lefts and rights that Snape was sure that he would never be able to find his way back here on his own. Finally they came to what seemed like a dead end.

“What now Dumbledore?” sneered Snape. “Does this friend of yours live in a trash can?”

Dumbledore wordlessly reached into his midnight blue robes. From the pocket of which he pulled out a small, crumpled piece of paper. It was this paper that he handed to Severus.

The residence of Hermione Granger is located at Peverell Lane, Godric’s Hollow.

“I want you to read that over in your mind, I will then explain further,” said Dumbledore in a quiet tone, looking over his shoulder as he spoke.

Snape had barely gotten to the end of the sentence before the paper seemed to combust within his fingers, and a wooden door began to materialise out of the bricks.

“The next time that you are here, you will only need to pace in front of the wall three times whilst thinking of the address,” said Dumbledore, hitching up the sleeve of his robe slightly so that his hand was free to form a loose fist and knock on the now solid door. The knocking, although unfamiliar to Severus, seemed to follow a set pattern.

The door opened just a fraction to reveal a young woman with bushy, brown hair. Her eyes, also brown, were wide with fear until she saw who was behind the disturbance.

“Hello, Professor,” she said, opening the door to allow both men to enter. “Please come in.”

Dumbledore stepped over the threshold first, and Snape followed closely behind. He was not sure how far his trust of Dumbledore extended, and he did not want to take any chances. What did this young girl have to say that would keep his Lily safe?

“Hermione,” said Dumbledore once they had seated themselves in the cosy lounge room, “may I please introduce a recently graduated student from Hogwarts, Severus Snape. Although I believe that you are familiar with him under slightly different terms.”

Snape could not be more confused. He had never met this girl in his life. How could she possibly know him already?

“Correct,” replied Hermione, her voice quiet. Too quiet. Perhaps she had misgivings about this situation as well. It was then that the true extent of Hermione’s uneasiness was revealed with several crashing sounds emanating from the area the kitchen seemed to be in.