saving granger; a theomione

Chapter 13

The rest of the day could be described as something of a blur. 

Long classes, decidedly uncharacteristic behaviour of her friends, and after-class assignments piling up kept her mind thoroughly occupied as the hours ticked by. 

Following supper, Hermione was layed up in the common room working on homework by the fire. Once she had finished her six-inches of parchment on a charm of her choice and an essay on werewolves for Defence Against the Dark Arts, she took a look at the clock and noted it was nearly ten in the evening. Quietly, she packed up her belongings and slipped out of the common room unnoticed.

Hermione decided to make an impulsive stop at the kitchens before heading to the Astronomy tower for some hot cocoa. This was something she did often during her Sixth year, as the stress of the incoming war grew heavier to carry. She hadn't even noticed how far she'd made it, lost in her thoughts, when she approached the portrait of the prickly pear. 

"Honey?" she called. 

The portrait swung open, to reveal a timid house-elf clad in a pink children's dress. "Ah Miss Hermione, Honey hasn't seen Miss Hermione in a long, long time. Honey has missed Miss Hermione's company!" 

Honey had been a close friend of Dobby before the war, and Hermione had spent a lot of time  helping the small house elf get through his passing. "Hello Honey," she said with a smile, "you wouldn't happen to be able to get me some hot cocoa would you?"

The elf beamed at her, stepping aside to usher her through the portrait hole. "Of course Miss Hermione, Honey would be happy to! Come in."

The kitchen was bustling with elves preparing for the next morning's breakfast. Hermione was forced to duck due to the low ceilings, but she did not mind one but. Chatter echoed in the wide room, as pots and spoons clanged together and furniture was moved back and forth. Greetings to her rang out from different places across the room as the other elves caught sight of her. 

What Honey was about to say next, was not something she had prepared for. 

"Mister Nott, Miss Hermione is joining you tonight sir."

She froze in her tracks. 

From around the corner, she strained to hear his response. "What a pleasant surprise, Honey." 

Now that he knew she was there, she certainly could not turn around and leave. It would be an act of cowardice. With a frustrated sigh, and a roll of her eyes, Hermione lifted her shoulders and continued around the bend that led to the small sitting area.  

"Hello darling, I  didn't expect you out of bed at this time of night." He rose to pull out the chair across from him with a wide smile, and reached out a hand as if to help her settle in. She slapped it away with a hiss. 

"What are you doing here?" she whispered furiously. 

His expression was one of amusement, which did nothing to soothe her ire. She had never run into him in the kitchens before, but of course he would choose now to make this his new hangout spot. 

"It's funny that you ask, because my question is what are you doing here? You're aware that it's against the rules right?"

With a huff, she took her seat at the table. "Why is the fact that I occasionally break rules so shocking?"

"Well your reputation precedes you, Granger, I thought that was obvious."