Dumbledore's Return (Ending)

Hermione sat up groggily in her bed. The hospital wing of Hogwarts had none of the cold, clinical feel of a regular hospital, nor did it smell of bleach and chemicals as other wards would. All in all, it was one of the better places to recuperate from battle.

It had been two days since she fought the **** Eaters with her friends in London. She was the only one to suffer any real injury; well, Ron had apparently broken an ankle, but Madame Pomfrey had mended it in less than a minute. Hermione pondered the new scars on her back, recalling what Madame Pomfrey had explained to her the day before. Bellatrix's whipping had involved a whip, conjured through dark magic, that would increase the pain of any strike sevenfold.

"You're lucky, we got you here as soon as we did." Pomfrey was often want to tell Hermione, "Another minute more, those scars would have been stuck with you for life, it is a blessing I had Professor Snape to help me." Hermione cringed at the thought of Professor Snape attending to her injuries in her **** state, but it was intriguing to picture him in some kind of care giving role.

Despite making constant noises of disapproval, Pomfrey also assured Hermione that the scars would eventually fade and heal completely.

Hermione's thoughts were interrupted by a the Matron announcing a visitor. Just as Hermione asked herself who could convince Madame Pomfrey to let her receive a visitor during her "recovery period" Dumbledore walked through the stone archway and into view.

"Good afternoon, Miss Granger," he said seriously, "When I found you in London I assumed your condition was part of the cruelty of the **** eaters, but coming back to Hogwarts, I feel like I am owed an explanation as to why almost half the student population, seems to be dressed in such a bizarre fashion?"

Only as he said that, Hermione realised that she was sitting with her bare tits on display to the headmaster!

Blushing, but feeling no urge to cover up, Hermione began, "It started with Educational Decree Number Sixty Nine..."

Once Hermione had finished, Dumbledore seemed, for the first time Hermione could remember, surprised.

"I see," he said, "Well, now that I have returned, all of Umbridge's educational decrees are revoked as of this moment. I shall inform the faculty immediately!" Dumbledore turned to leave.

"Wait, Professor!"

"Yes, Miss Granger?"

"Could you maybe... er... keep one rule, perhaps just change it slightly?"

"Which rule exactly?"

"Well... um..." for the first time Hermione actually felt naked in front of her headmaster, "would it be allowed for us to stay... unrobed... if we wish?"

There was a sudden twinkle of amusement in Dumbledore's eye.

"You know, Miss Granger, I think that is a rather good idea."

The End