Song Of The Guardians

A Little Change

Hermione sat in front of the piano and waited patiently for Caroline's instructions. Caroline placed some sheet music in front of her and motioned for her to play. Hermione eyed the music for a moment and then began to play. Harry, Draco and Severus looked on with expressions of interest. They were surprised when Caroline stopped her. "I think that sounded nice," Harry said in confusion.

"It did," Caroline agreed. "However, it's not what I was looking for." She gave Hermione a reassuring smile. "This time, I want you to really feel it. Concentrate on the emotions that the music evokes."

Hermione frowned in uncertainty. This was a new challenge for her. She was well-known for her logic and intelligence, not for emotional displays. She took a deep breath and began playing again, trying to focus on any identifiable feelings that manifested themselves. She knew that it wasn't really working, but she hated to give up.

"Just keep playing," Caroline said, standing just behind Hermione and placing one hand on her back. Caroline began to sing along with the music. Harry's eyebrows rose as he noticed a subtle shift in Hermione's playing. It was gradual, but it wasn't long before Hermione was swaying slightly to the music. Her eyes were closed and a single tear trickled down her cheek.

Caroline carefully moved her hand away from Hermione's back and after a moment she stopped singing as well. Hermione went through the rest of the song on her own, but she held on to the emotions the music stirred within her. When she finished playing the last notes of the song, she held still for a moment. She drew in a shaky breath and swiped at her eyes before looking at Caroline.

Caroline was beaming. "That was wonderful!" she enthused. "That was a fantastic start. That rush of emotion is what we're looking for. You've got to use that to make the magic work. The next part will be singing, but we'll start that another day. You'll want a bit of a break after that." She turned and caught Harry's eye. "Now it's your turn Harry. Let's see if I can teach you a new trick."

Harry rose and approached Caroline, winking at Hermione when she gave him an encouraging smile. Hermione hesitated as she got to the seat that Harry had just vacated. Severus rose from his chair and nodded pointedly toward the door. Hermione sighed but gave a reluctant nod. Severus caught Caroline's eye and she nodded and waved in understanding before turning back to Harry.

Hermione allowed Severus to usher her out into the hall. There were students everywhere, laughing and talking. They quieted a bit when they saw Professor Snape. "Care for a walk by the lake Professor Granger?" he said, eyeing all of the nosy students with distaste. She nodded and he led the way through the halls and out of the castle.

Hermione stood at the water's edge, avoiding her companion's gaze for as long as she could. She was grateful for the extra warmth her teaching robes provided against the cool air. Winter was drawing closer and she could feel the chill in the wind clinging to her skin. Severus stood at her side, considering what he should say. After a few moments, he turned his gaze to her. "You are most impressive pianist, Professor Granger," he commented.

Hermione smiled slightly. "Thank you," she said quietly. "I've never played that way before. When Caroline joined in, it was as if I had begun playing a completely different song, and it took over." She shivered a little at the memory.

"It was exquisite," Severus said, earning a surprised look from Hermione. He turned to face her more fully. "I wished to speak with you about what happened a few days ago," he said carefully. "I trust that Caroline informed you that Draco had been drugging me?"

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Yes," she replied dryly. "Not his most brilliant move."

"Agreed," Severus said with a trace of annoyance. He cleared his throat and looked her in the eye. "That being said, I want to tell you that I did not mean the things that were said. It is no excuse, for the way I behaved. I simply wanted you to know that I did not mean it and I regret causing you pain." He said all of this rather stiffly, and once he was finished he looked away.