Chapter 4: Truths
Emma paused once she was out of sight of them. Did she understand Dumbledore correctly? Did he just say that her little girl was in love? At least now she knew why Hermione seemed so obsessed with Harry for the last few years. It all seemed to fit; Harry was by far the biggest topic of conversation within the Granger household. Hermione seemed to be constantly thinking about how Harry would love to watch a movie or read a particular book. Well if her little girl was in love then she needed all the support she could provide. Emma refused to act like her own mum who had told her that she couldn't possibly know what love was. She took a deep breath, wiped her eyes dry and proceeded to her daughter's room.
"Hermione dear" she spoke as she opened her daughter's door. Hermione was sitting in her favorite reading spot, that same massive book she had been obsessed with for the last few days propped in front of her. She was bent over scribbling some notes on a piece of parchment. Emma spoke a little louder "Hermione Dear!"
"Oh Mum! Sorry is dinner ready?"
"Nearly dear, you have a visitor downstairs."
With that Hermione leaped up "Harry is here to see me?" Her face was lit with excitement.
"No dear I'm sorry, Albus Dumbledore is here." Hermione's expression was immediately clouded with concern.
"OH NO! What can have happened?" Hermione went to rush past her mother.
Emma quickly wrapped her worried daughter into a tight hug as she tried to pass her in the doorway. "Hermione, we have just spoken with Albus and nothing new has happened to your dear Harry in the last few days." She felt Hermione stiffen with her choice of words but continued nonetheless. "Albus has told us of your letter to him, he seems to be nearly as concerned about Harry as you are. Let's go downstairs; Albus apparently needs your help dear"
"Me?" Hermione spoke meekly, "What can he need my help for? He is the greatest wizard there is!"
Emma gave her daughter a quick hug and then let her go so they could walk downstairs. "Well let's go see shall we."
They walked downstairs Hermione in the lead. Emma could tell she was still a bit anxious but she hoped she had quelled her daughter's immediate fears as to Harry's current state. She could hear her husband's voice as they approached the living room. When Hermione entered the room they broke off their conversation.
"Ahh Miss Granger so good to see you again so soon." Dumbledore spoke immediately, a small smile appearing upon his face.
"Professor Sir. I assume this is in response to my letter this morning?" Hermione got right to the point.
"Why yes it is. First I have a few questions for you. I need you to answer them before I continue. First I understand that you have begun studying Occulmancy?" She nodded her head. "Good hopefully Harry will be able to learn it from you."
"That was my intention Sir" Hermione spoke up.
"Now since you have been studying Occulmency you are aware of Legilimency?" She nodded her head again. "I, in case you haven't guessed have some skill in both."
"Yes Sir, you are probably the best at them in the world I would dare guess." Hermione challenged.
Smiling Dumbledore replied, "Ahh what a wonderful mind you have there dear. I dare say some day you will surpass me!"
Hermione blushed and looked down.
"Now on to the questions: In your opinion what is Harry feeling now?"
Hermione seemed a bit surprised by the question but met Dumbledore's eyes before she replied in a calm steady voice. "He feels alone and unloved."
"What will help Harry get through this?" Came the next question.
Hermione seemed to think for a minute before answering that one "He needs to acknowledge Sirius's death and understand that he is not alone."
"What are your feelings towards Harry Potter?"
Hermione looked away from Dumbledore at this, looking down she blushed. She took a deep breath and once again met Dumbledore's sparkling eyes. "He is my very best friend in the world; I would do anything to help him." Then looking down again she spoke barely above a whisper "and I love him!"
Dan seemed to catch on at last. "What?"
Dumbledore suddenly sat down in a lounge chair and smiled triumphantly at Hermione.
Hermione looked up at Dumbledore and seeing his expression exclaimed, "You knew!"
Dumbledore simply answered "yes."
Hermione turned to face her parents. "Yes, I love Harry; I can't stop thinking about him. He has become the reason I work so hard on my studies. I need to help him prepare to face Voldemort. I need to prepare myself to be worthy of standing beside him and to help him in any way I can in the final battle with Voldemort." Hermione was crying now, Emma went to her and again embraced her daughter.
Dumbledore broke the silence that followed that stunning statement. "Excellent."
The Grangers all looked at Dumbledore for an explanation of that remark
Dumbledore stood again "Precisely what Harry needs, you!"
"Yes Professor, I know. I have been there for him for the last five years. Even if he can never love me I will be there for him. I swear it!" She spoke never looking away from Dumbledore's eyes.
"And now I must ask a favor of you Hermione."
"What is it Professor?"
"I need you to go to Harry now and stay with him until he works through his grief. Harry must not despair or Voldemort will win. Harry must know he is loved; Love is the key to defeating Voldemort. Your love for Harry, and his love for you. Don't look so surprised Miss Granger Harry may not realize it yet but he does love you with all his heart. Hopefully this summer you can help him realize this."
"So, let me get this straight, you want me to go and live with Harry at the Dursley's?" Dumbledore nodded yes "Ok when can we go?" Hermione turned back to her father. "Oh sorry, I need to go help Harry, may I?"
Dan still looking a bit shocked nodded his head yes.
"Oh thank you, thank you!" Hermione crushed her father in a hug.
"After dinner and when you get packed I will take you to him." Dumbledore announced.
Hermione gave Dumbledore a quick hug before turning to run upstairs and pack. The three adults heard her excitedly exclaim as she ran "I am going to see Harry! I am going to see Harry!"
Author's Note: Thank you all for your reviews. I have thru chapter 10 written currently. I have thru about chapter 20 outlined. I am posting this one before my Beta's get back to me so it may change a little. As to chapter length; well some of them are huge, they seem to get longer and longer. I am ending the chapter when I feel I have covered a particular point. Chapters 5-10 are awaiting my Beta's. Probably not until the end of the week, though I am bugging them a bit.