Song Of The Guardians

Diversion

The start of term was rather uneventful, especially in comparison with the way the summer had gone. Severus started out his classes by terrifying the first years and reminding the older students of how much they disliked him. Of course, this was the way he preferred it. It prevented many impertinent questions that he wished to avoid. Speculation on his relationship with Professor Granger began on the very first day.

Hermione and Severus carefully avoided overly affectionate displays in front of the students. However, they were often seen together and on occasion Severus would kiss her on the cheek or forehead when they had to part ways. His forbidding glare stopped any giggling or open questions. Minerva greatly approved of the way they chose to handle their relationship while the students were around. Andy was less approving. He seemed to enjoy watching them together, which annoyed Severus to no end.

Just two weeks before Halloween, the attack they had all been expecting finally came. Everyone was in the Great Hall for the evening meal when Harry felt the galleon in his pocket grow warm. He took the coin out to look at it, going pale almost instantly. His eyes jerked to Hermione and he saw that she and Severus were looking at her coin with wide eyes.

"My parents," Hermione said quietly. She looked up at Severus, her eyes wide with sudden panic. They stood up together and looked at McGonagall. She nodded anxiously, understanding what was going on. The pair hurried down the aisle together, hearing the footsteps of Harry, Neville, Caroline and Draco right behind them.

Ginny glanced at Minerva anxiously. She sighed in relief when Minerva reached for baby James and nodded for Ginny to follow the others. Ginny kissed her son and took off after her husband. Had they received the warning quickly enough? Or was it already to late for Hermione's parents?

Once outside the Hogwarts gate, the group apparated to the Granger home. Severus had at first suggested that Hermione remain behind, but she had stubbornly refused. They found themselves in the Grangers' backyard, standing under a blanket of stars. They could hear voices coming from the front yard, so they hurried through the gate after Hermione.

Ron, Luna and George were already there, helping Percy and Arthur bind four vampires with rope. Molly and Bill and gone off to check the neighboring homes and determine if anyone needed to be obliviated. Sam, Jenna and Andy joined them just a moment later, but it was clear that the situation was under control. "Looks like we missed the fun," Sam said with a smile. "Ya'll did a great job Mr. Weasley."

"Ya'll?" Percy asked, wrinkling his nose. Sam just grinned in response.

Feeling only slightly relieved, Hermione dashed into the house followed closely by Severus and Harry. She saw her mother standing with her back pressed against the wall looking terrified. Mr. Granger was holding her hand, looking shaken and worried. Hermione frowned when her mother burst into tears upon seeing her. "It's ok mum," Hermione said gently.

"You're all lunatics," Mrs. Granger sobbed. "You'll get yourselves killed running around like you do. We had no idea if they had killed you before coming for us or not."

"Mum, I'm fine," Hermione said, her tone firm but gentle. "I am well protected and more than capable of defending myself. We were concerned about you. This is why we put some many wards and charms on the house. Did anyone get in?" Her brow creased in concern as she looked around to find signs of a struggle.

"No, the magic kept them out," Mr. Granger supplied. "I think they were working on breaking through though. It might be weakened."

"We will reinforce the wards, Severus assured them stiffly.

"I think we've got them all," Harry added, pleased to see the Grangers sigh in relief. "Your guards did a great job. They alerted us quickly and then defended your home. You're in good hands with them keeping an eye on things." He glanced at Hermione with a grin. "And you should know that there are a good number of people that are a bit afraid of Hermione. You don't have to worry about her."