Questions, Quests, and Quizzical Looks

Hermione knew that she was standing there with her mouth agape, but she couldn't help herself. Of all the people that had sent her the owl, Professor Dumbledore was one person she didn't expect. Still in shock, she didn't realize, at first, that there was another person in the room.

“I can see that, for once, you have nothing to say, Miss Granger.”

There was no mistaking that voice. That was the voice that had put fear into the hearts of students in every house but Slytherin over the years and had chastised her many times for helping out Neville Longbottom.

“I can tell that you have many questions,” Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling, “and they will all be answered. Why don't we have a seat and I will answer them all.” He used his wand to draw up three comfortable chairs and gestured for her to sit down.

“How do I know that you are really Professor Dumbledore and not someone who is Polyjuiced to look like him?” Hermione's face remained stoic, and she refused to take a seat until he answered the question. Her right hand was at in her pocket where she kept her wand, ready to grab it at a moment's notice.

“Alert as always, Miss Granger. Ask me something that only I would know.”

Hermione thought for a moment. “What made my third year of Hogwarts different from every other year, and what did you tell me that we needed?” She knew that only Dumbledore would have the answers to these questions because as far as she knew, he hadn't shared it with anyone else.

Dumbledore smiled. “Your third year was different due to the fact that you were given a Time Turner so that you could take more classes. I told you that we needed more time in June, and also that more than one life could be saved.”

Hermione nodded and accepted the proffered chair, sitting down, but keeping her eyes trained on Dumbledore.

“Still afraid of me, Miss Granger?”

Hermione narrowed her eyes at him. “You have been alive all this time and you weren't there when we needed you!”

“Miss Granger —” Snape started but Dumbledore held up his hand.

“Your anger is founded, but I cannot explain now. I promise you that all will be revealed in time. Just know that I was there helping everyone.”

Seeing the sadness in Dumbledore's eyes, Hermione was placated for a moment.

“Let me put your mind at ease by explaining what I can. Harry had to believe that I was dead because that gave him the strength that he needed to face what he had to do. The body that was in the grave was a transfigured item, made to look like me.” Dumbledore stopped and Hermione knew that he wouldn't volunteer any more information until he was ready. She knew then, without a doubt, that he was truly Dumbledore. No one else could be so annoying.

Several moments passed without another word being spoken. Finally the silence was broken.

“I am sure that the two of you are wondering why I have brought you here.”

Hermione looked at Snape in surprise. She had assumed that he knew the reason, but she could tell that he was in the dark as much as she was.

“As you are aware, Severus, there has been a problem of late with the Wolfsbane Potion. It's not as effective as it used to be, and chances are that it won't be long before the current potion recipe is completely useless. To this end, I am sending you out to do research and see if you can develop a new potion that will work better during the full moon. I chose you because you are the best Potions master I have ever known, and I know that you can get the job done.”

“Very well.” Snape's expression remained stoic, but Hermione could tell that he was pleased.

Hermione was wondering where she fit into the plan when Dumbledore spoke again.

“Miss Granger will be accompanying you on your quest.”

Hermione and Snape exchanged looks, then looked at Dumbledore.

“What?”

Their combined voices echoed through the room, and Dumbledore just stood there, his eyes twinkling and a knowing smile on his face.