Everlasting

Things at Hogwarts were not as they seemed. Harry was battling with Ron over a chess board, and while the game seemed innocent to Harry, Ron was seeing a whole different game. Ron was intense, with sweaty palms and greedy green eyes that were always locked on the board, he seemed to be fighting for something in particular. Harry's pawn skipped a space on the board and was almost immediately dispatched of. The pieces scattered across the playing field. Harry sighed in contentment, his breath visible in the air. Hogwarts had gotten cold only a few days ago, and yet it was already snowing. Ron grinned as he sent his queen forward and practically shouted "Checkmate!" Harry stood and smiled, which made Ron feel less excited. He'd just won against the all mighty Harry Potter and Harry hadn't even looked upset. He felt mocked. Why could he never get ahead of the 'Chosen One'. Hermione looked to both of them and scowled. "Really that game is so silly, and messy as well." Her skin was pale, but the cold gave her rosy cheeks and a very red nose. Ron felt dejected again, did she not feel any pride in winning a game? Was she not watching him as he showed his dominance? 'One day' Ron told himself, 'one day she'll be mine.'

Hermione grew tired of watching the idiotic game between the boys and decided to find something to keep her attention. She went in search of him. The one friend who understood her desire for quiet and concentration. Severus would keep her company. Hermione thought back on the silly friendship that had blossomed between the two. Severus had become injured one night and she had happened to be there when he apparated back to the gates of the castle. She had been collecting ingredients that happened to be important to saving his life that night. Severus had ordered her to leave him alone but she was far too stubborn. Soon they became good friends, and now she couldn't imagine a time where he wasn't her very best friend. She and him had talked many times about where their friendship was to draw the line, and while neither wanted to draw one, it was necessary. Just last night they had almost crossed their line, with a far too coincidental hand brush by her, and a test of control for him. Hermione was bound and determined to push her limits. What she didn't know was how close Severus had been to allowing her to crossing that line. She did know that Ron was being very territorial over her towards Harry, and she had a feeling she'd have to put Ron in his place soon.

Harry had his own secret, having been sneaking out every night to visit with Dumbledore. He had been preparing to go rogue, that being said, Dumbledore knew he’d be dead soon. Harry needed to be separate from Hermione and Ron in order to put them in the best positions to succeed. Dumbledore was going to send Ron with Severus one day to a Death Eater meeting, where Ron would be playing the part of a jealous ex best friend fighting for the eradication of the woman who was ignoring his advances. Ron was the perfect pawn for this. Hermione was to stay at Hogwarts and make sure that the muggleborns who were in danger were kept safely hidden in the room of requirement. There she would be in charge of training the children and teens to defend themselves. Harry was being sent horcrux chasing. Things were definitely different at Hogwarts this year.

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