Five minutes later, she was striding into the lobby of her office building. There, looking utterly and totally out of place in a particularly eye-watering set of robes, sat Albus Dumbledore who seemed totally at ease despite the stares he was getting from the receptionists, security guards and whoever else was passing by.
He sprang to his feet as she approached, moving far more briskly than a man his age was expected to.
"My dear Miss Granger, how truly wonderful it is to see you again after so many years," he cried.
"It's wonderful to see you as well, Professor," said Hermione politely as she ushered him back into his seat and sat down.
"I hear you're doing very well for yourself. I hear you're one of the shining stars in the Potion's field. It's always such a pleasure to see the success of one's former pupils. Oh, if only Professor Snape could see you now. He would be so proud." Dumbledore wondered why Miss Granger gave such an extraordinarily brittle smile and a shudder when he said that.
"The thing is Hermione, may I call you Hermione, Miss Granger. Thank you. The thing is... I require your help with a little problem I'm facing."
Things became absolutely clear for Hermione as to why Albus Dumbledore had looked her up after so many years. The poor man. The poor, poor man. Suddenly so many of his actions made total sense. No wonder. He must have been suffering for years, she thought. Probably, since before she had ever met him. Nitwit, blubber, oddment and...Oh Dear, the poor, poor man.
"Oh, of course Professor," she cried. "We're just starting human trials and the subjects have already been selected but I'm sure I'll be able to pull some strings and get you into one of the test groups. Of course, you understand, that I cannot guarantee any results even if our preliminary tests and results have been very promising. It all depends upon the severity of your condition. We should get you up to our medical wing for an examination right away. If the healers give me the green light, we should be able to start treatment immediately."
Dumbledore looked quite thoroughly confused. Then his expression cleared.
"Oh no, Miss Granger. I am not ill at all. That is not the reason I am here. No, No. But... just to satisfy my curiosity, what ailment did you think I was suffering from?" he asked, chuckling a bit.
Hermione was mortified. She had not been as embarrassed as this in... Well, quite a long time. How on earth do you tell someone you thought they'd come to you because you were developing an anti-senility and dementia potion.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Professor, I quite misunderstood," she said with flaming cheeks. "But... if you don't need my help with a medical problem then... Why are you here?"
"Miss Granger, I am seeking the aid of a certain person in the fight against Voldemort. I know this person is crucial to the fight against Voldemort but unfortunately he is currently unwilling to help. I was hoping you would be willing to come with me for a few days and help me persuade this person to take up arms, to join me in the fight against the tyranny that has gripped our land," said Dumbledore.
"I'm sorry... What? But... What could I possibly say? Who is this person?" she asked.
"Alas, I am bound my vows of secrecy against disclosing this person's identity. As to what you could say - I think it would be very beneficial if you would simply tell this person your story. How you were forced to flee your homeland and the hardships you've faced. Simply that?" explained Dumbledore.
"Hardships?" asked Hermione in a puzzled tone, looking around at the utterly luxurious setting they were in. The company she worked for certainly did not believe in stinting on the décor.
"Yes, you know I cannot imagine how difficult the last few years have been for you, my dear child. Being forced to live away from Britain. Away from our green and verdant land. Not being able to return to your true home due to the fear of Voldemort."
Hermione was wondering whether her initial impression had not been the right one. Perhaps she should force Dumbledore to join the Test Group after all. Had the man never even heard of the beaches in Australia?
"Professor, while I would love to help you, I'm afraid it's just a very bad time," said Hermione politely. "You see, we're just starting human trials for a new potion I'm developing. I cannot possibly leave for a few days as you put it. At this point, I'm lucky if I can get away from work for a few hours. So you see, it's quite impossible."
Dumbledore looked taken aback for a brief second then he simply smiled benevolently at her and started to persuade her.
.....
Dumbledore was exhausted. It had taken him months. Months! Months and months of persuasion. Of begging and pleading. Of entreaties to their better nature. Months of hopping back and forth between Australia and Brazil. Months of Sirius slamming doors in his face. Months of Hermione Granger coming up with one excuse after another as to why she was still not available. Months of wearing them down little by little. Months of grinding away at and eroding their resistance.
It had taken months but finally he had done it. He had persuaded them to meet him in America.
Unfortunately, due to the restrictions that Harry's contract had placed upon him he was not free to just have them meet him at Harry's residence as he was absolutely prohibited from disclosing Harry's location to anyone.
No, he had persuaded them to portkey to a small town in the North of California. From there he would have Fawkes transport all three of them to Harry's door. He wished they would agree to be blindfolded, but neither of them trusted him enough for that. They would surely balk at being blindfolded. Still as long as he prevented them from finding out Harry's address the terms of the contract should remain unbroken. All he had to do was make sure they were not able to see any street signs or house numbers for the few moments they would be waiting outside Harry's door.
He was practically buzzing with anticipation. Soon they would be here. Soon he would have them meet Harry. Harry would then be forced to reveal his secret to them and then... Then their stories would move Harry. Harry would see the results of his inaction. See how his former friends and family were suffering as they were forced to stay in places like Brazil and Australia. Yes, soon Harry would see the light. Soon they would take the first steps towards Voldemort's downfall.
Soon.
...
....
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