Ghostly Curse

Ch 10

Ch 10 - Waking the Sleeper

Hermione yawned and stretched before cracking her eyes open to be greeted by the early morning light. Smiling, she hugged her pillow close and considered what had transpired between Lucius and herself the night before. It had been very empowering to her to feel him shake when he finally found release the instant before he had vanished.

It made her that much more determined to find his body. The man drove her to distraction with just his spirit. She couldn’t wait to see how it would feel to have him in the flesh. The smile that graced her lips at the thought was short-lived however when she began to consider what that would mean to her ownership of the manor.

Suddenly feeling defeated, Hermione sighed and sat up in the bed. She would be able to find a place. It just might take a while. She chastised herself mentally for even letting herself worry over things so trivial as where she would move when this was all over.

Draco was in the depths of a sleep that he may never wake from. Lucius might never find his body. It didn’t seem like there was much for her to worry about right now as far as a roof over her head.Just as she pulled her robe on, there was a gentle tapping at her door. “Yes?”

As the door opened, Mud peaked inside with a smile. “Good morning, Mistress. Professor Snape is here with a Miss Devine. They are quite eager to look in on Master Draco.”

Squaring her shoulders, Hermione nodded. “Yes. Well then, offer them some breakfast while I make myself presentable.”

Mud nodded and closed the door behind him as he left. Hermione rolled her eyes at the prospect of being in the same room with Severus again. Even though he was married now to the woman of his dreams, he still made her feel quite uncomfortable. His constant stares had made her feel as if she resembled a rare steak to a starving man.

Shaking her head, she pushed the thoughts from her mind. She was just being ridiculous. He had chosen Ginny. He had wanted Ginny. Surely her imagination was playing tricks on her. There was no reason for him to want her. Not when he had tossed her aside for her friend.

Ignoring that nagging feeling once again, she left her room and headed to the dining room, where her guests were seated, each enjoying a small breakfast. Severus was chatting softly with a woman that Hermione had never seen. So this was Professor Devine. The woman had hair blacker than Severus’. But that was where their similarities ended.Angelina’s skin was deeply tanned and her eyes were a vibrant deep shade of green.

She looked up as Hermione walked in and gave her a brilliant smile that was warm and friendly. Standing, she moved to greet her.”You must be Hermione Granger. I must tell you, this is the most wonderful honor. I have always wanted to meet you.”

She shrugged then. “I liked all the stories I ever read about the golden trio and your amazing adventures. I would have liked to meet any of you. But I really felt a kinship with you.” Her relaxed nature made Hermione like her immediately. “I’m somewhat of a bookworm myself.”

When she fell silent, Severus added, “Professor Devine graduated at the head of her class in Salem. In addition to having a special talent for Defense against the Dark Arts, she is also a renowned Charms Mistress.

Hermione raised an eyebrow, turning to smile at the other woman. “Wow! I daresay I am impressed. You must have doubled up on classes.”

Angelina nodded. “I would have been lost without my time-turner. Too many of the required classes were offered at the same times.”

Hermione laughed, reaching out to pat Angelina’s shoulder. “I certainly know what you are talking about in that department!”

Severus smirked and shook his head. “I knew the two of you would become fast friends.” He tried for a moment to act as if the very idea was repugnant to him, then droned in a flat voice, “I suppose we should begin our work with Draco Malfoy. Or would the two of you prefer to continue with your conversation? What’s next? Shall we compare bra sizes?”