When All is Lost One is Found

Chapter 57: Guard Up

When All is Lost, One is Found

Author: Rinoaebastel

Chapter 57: Guard Up

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and gain no profit from this fanfiction other than writing practice. JK Rowling owns Harry Potter.

AN: This story may contain scenes taken from the Harry Potter movies and books, but it's not exact dialogue, just rewording of dialogue or omission. It is not marked.

December, 1996

He was at the point of wanting to throw his cauldron against the wall. All ingredients were useless against that damn curse. He had isolated every trace he could, but nothing could be done. He had known it, but hadn't wanted to admit it. Dumbledore would die no matter how many potions he imbibed. Its nature was like the killing curse. It had only slowed because Dumbledore managed to break the ring that held it.

He'd failed. Not even his knowledge was enough. That imitation of a dark serpent moving around his cauldron was the proof.

He exhaled and covered his face with one hand. It was impossible to save him.

A small noise outside his lab made his head snap up. Someone was in his quarters.

The only one who dared to enter without being announced was the headmaster, and he didn't want to see or talk to him now. Even though he was just a pawn to the old man, he didn't want the man to die and leave him alone in this plan.

But he wasn't alone. He had Granger now. He shouldn't forget that she was in his plans too. This was going to be hard on her as well.

He summoned his wand and moved to the door. With Draco's planning, he had to be even more careful about people entering his quarters unannounced.

He opened the door. Without a sound, he peeked around the corner and sighed in relief when he saw the back that was looking at his bookshelves. It amazed him she hadn't come back earlier.

With a smirk, he moved, his footsteps like a shadow caressing his stone floor. When he was closer to her figure, he stopped. That girl needed to sharpen her senses.

"Miss Granger."

She jumped and turned around, her fluffy hair hitting his chest.

"P-Professor! Don't do that! You almost gave me a heart attack!"

"I told you that you should not try to sneak up on me." His tone was amused this time rather than stern.

"I didn't know where you were, and didn't want to intrude in places I shouldn't."

"Invading my living quarters is already intruding."

"Oh, come on, Professor, I've been here before. I'm a responsible witch. I'm not going to break your things or—"

"You already took the liberty to grab a book," he said, interrupting her babbling.

She muttered and after a few seconds, she shook her head. "Never mind. I was looking for you."

"What can I do for you, Miss Granger?"

He didn't have time to register that she'd grabbed his wrist, until she was pulling him towards his office door. It was unnaturally easy to let her guide him since she caught him off guard.