Chapter 7: Frustrations

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Chapter 7: Frustrations

Hermione and Ernie were sitting in the Snape chambers. Both looked at the end of their wits. Her hair was frizzier than normal, owing to the fact that she kept running her hands through it.

Ernie was sitting with his chin resting on the palm of his hand. He was unsuccessful at stifling a yawn.

“It’s been twenty-four hours, Ernie. I’m sure if they were going to get in touch, they would have already done so.”

“Hermione, we have no idea where the Epps live. The owl may have just gotten there.”

Hermione turned to look at Ernie. She really needed this to move forward. After witnessing the memory yesterday, Ernie had sent off an official owl requesting a meeting with George Epps. As time wore on, Hermione became more and more frustrated.

“Why don’t you try and get some sleep?” Ernie suggested after a moment.

“Severus is sitting Merlin knows where, and you expect me to be able to sleep? I couldn’t. I miss him.” This last was said in a whisper.

“I’m sure we can set up something for tomorrow. It’s the middle of the night. First thing in the morning, I’ll contact Law Enforcement. I need to speak with Professor Snape, anyway.”

“And until morning? What shall we do until then?” Hermione implored.

“I must go home. Hannah will be worried. I’d also like to see my children.”

“Oh, Ernie, I’m sorry. I am being terribly selfish. Please go home to Hannah and tell her it’s my fault you are late,” Hermione said, abashed.

Ernie simply smiled.

“Goodnight, Hermione. I’ll be back early tomorrow, and we’ll go see Professor Snape. Do try to get some sleep. You’ll be of no use if you’re exhausted."

“Goodnight, Ernie, and thank you. I may take something and sleep for a few hours.”

Hermione woke with a start. After a moment, she realized that she was asleep in her chambers. The bed felt large and foreign without Severus’s presence.

Taking a few deep breaths, Hermione decided that sleep had left her, so she might as well get up. She pulled on her dressing gown and made her way to the study. Hermione knew she should have a list of questions written out to ask Severus.

A muttered “Lumos” illuminated the room. Picking up her quill, she sat behind the desk and started to think.

Hermione couldn’t get over the fact that she, well they, were in this position at all. Severus had been cleared. It had been a reluctant decision on the part of the Wizengamot, but he had been cleared nonetheless. Voldemort was gone, and people were finally moving on with their lives.

Now they had encountered this atrocity. Hermione had heard enough of Dawlish’s description to know that Anna Bloom was probably no longer recognizable as the young woman she had been. Hermione could feel in her very soul that the one responsible was an absolute monster. Most of the people fitting that description had been taken care of right after Voldemort’s fall. Lucius Malfoy was the only one she could think of who was free and had the vileness to commit such a crime. Conveniently enough, he had just happened to be here the day Anna’s life was so brutally taken.

Hermione shook herself to get the images and thoughts out of her head. Her questions were not going to write themselves. Maybe if she wrote down topics, instead of specific questions, she would get somewhere.

George Epps, she wrote. He especially bothered her. When Dawlish mentioned Mr. Epps, he resembled a kid who’d been told Christmas was happening twice a year.

Other motives. Hermione didn’t believe Severus held anything against the girl, but it was better to know for certain.

Lucius Malfoy’s job and habits as a Death Eater. If Severus had seen Lucius commit acts of a similar nature, it might help in clearing his name.

As Hermione finished making her list, Ernie Macmillan stepped out of the fireplace. She looked up and stifled a yawn.

“Please, Hermione, tell me you got some sleep,” he asked, sounding worried.

“Don’t worry. I haven’t been up very long. I was wide awake and decided to make good use of my time.” She indicated the parchment. “I’ve made a list of topics to discuss with Severus.”

“That will be helpful. I have some notes as well. We won’t be able to see Professor Snape until ten o’clock. To kill that time, we should compare notes, and you should eat breakfast,” Ernie said.

“Yes, Father,” Hermione said with a small smile.

Author's Notes: A huge thank you to Zen Lady for beta reading.

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