Author's Note: I know the summary is short but I don't think many words will be appropriate or enough to describe what this story will be about. You can always ask me if you are confused. =) Though it is only the 1st chapter so it's normal to not know where things are going. =P
English is not my native tongue so mistakes could be possible for which I apologize in advance.
I am not sure about the title yet so it might change if I think of something better or someone gave me a good idea. =)
Reviews from users will be answered with pms and the guests could see my response below this chapter that will be edited.
Hope you like it and enjoy the idea!
Enjoy! ^.^ ,\,,/
Chapter 1
Beep, beep… click.
The rustling of the sheets sounded as the body beneath it started to move. Without much delay the said figure sat on the bed and yawned. It was still dark outside so the room was engulfed in darkness. That did not faze the now awake girl, as she maneuvered around the room with eased practice. Getting in front of the desk that was by the window, she opened the laptop, waking it from its sleeping mode.
"Good morning miss Granger." A male voice sounded from the machine.
"Morning." replied the girl as she went to the other side of the room where another desk and a big mirror were stationed next to the closet and the exit. She touched a quad glassed panel on the wall and after a second of scanning it beeped and turned the lights of the bedroom on.
"Should I begin with the usual for the day miss?" the A.I. program asked.
"Yes."
Soft soundtrack mix started playing. The volume went down as the A.I. started reciting the usual so it could be heard.
"The time is 05.14am. The temperature outside is 13 degree Celsius. It's partly clouded with 86% chance of light rain. The wind will reach 7.0m/s moderate breeze."
As it talked the girl fully stretched, moaning in pleasure as everything seemingly went into place inside her body. It was strange to her how an action as simple as that can fix the unpleasantness of getting up. She felt like a robot whose parts were all in the wrong places every time she got up. This so cold act readjusted her just right, making her daily life and performance reach 90% out of a 100%. Almost like magic.
The silly thought made her smile as she inspected her profile on the mirror and trying to focus on what her A.I. was saying this early in the morning.
What was staring back was neither the most beautiful being you have ever seen nor the ugliest. If she had a say in this, she would say average, less likely to draw any unnecessary attention which will also be unwanted. She had pale and flawless skin and a round face that gave her somehow childlike features, something she really hated because people could hardly take her seriously. The only good thing that happened to her in her 17 years old life is that somehow she was able to skip the teenage acne faze that most teenagers go through. Well, she wasn't most teenagers anyway. Average and most common brown eyes were assessing everything that she was. Her height was also normal for a girl in her years, despite some people's dumb opinions. 5.5ft or 165 cm. is a completely normal size for human females. It's more appropriate to say that the new generation is freaking tall mutants. What do their parents feed them at home? Probably the chemicals people use to make food are the cause of this.
It was time for the ugliest and least favorable part of her, her wild curly brown hair which is also one of the reasons why she gets up early every day. It takes her like 30 minutes to calm it down to simple long curls that will not be in the way constantly.
"One day…" the teenager threatened as if the 'birds nest' as some fraise it could understand. "I will get you out of my hair for good."
She would have laughed at her own joke if the upcoming taming was not such a drag and an unpleasant thing to do every day. Till the time she was done, the artificial intelligence had stopped briefing her of what's she has for today, allowing the good instrumental music from movies, games, concerts etc. that she liked to play at its normal decibels.
"Miss Granger, I have received an audio message from your mother's mobile phone. Would you like me to play it?"
"Go ahead." the brunette said as she took the already prepared school uniform from last night to get changed in. She started to remove the plain white shorts and same color singlet with the logo 'knowledge is power' on its front.
A single beeping noise was the only indication that the message is starting. "Hermione, we have been successful and will be home soon. No funny business."
The simple message was short and clear. Even though they have never once stumbled upon any of these supposed 'funny business' moments, her parents always felt the need to warn her. Even though she was one of the smartest people on the planet they still worried that the teenager inside will prevail for a day or two over her brain. The young girl knew the complications a brainless act could cause her family.
"Would you like to send a reply miss?"
"No, delete message." Hermione ordered and left the bedroom.
The lights automatically turned on and off the moment she descended the stairs to the hall separating the living room and the kitchen. Behind the stairwell was another bathroom like the one on the second floor and a study in the far end.
As she headed to the kitchen, the big plasma TV that was visible even from her end switched on and directed toward the early news channels.
Hermione glanced toward the screen clock seeing that it was barely over 6 which gave her like an hour for breakfast. She opened the fridge that was filled up. The choice was limitless and she could make anything since she had all the ingredients but she was not in the mood for self-making anything. She only took the milk and moved to open one of the top rafts to get the box of cereal. Lastly she grabbed the bowl and a spoon, placing them on the bar plot. The milk was too cold so she used the microwave to slightly warm it up. There was barely anything in the box and it didn't even fill half the bowl.
Have to buy some after school. The brunette thought as she disposed of the container.
She sat on one one of the stools and started to eat though mostly she played with her food. As she watched the morning news a second screen appeared with a map of London, showing all the roads on repair, closed off ones during an accident, movie shoot or something else. She took the entire hour memorizing everything. She was so concentrated that it was a good thing the A.I. was there to warn her she has less than 10 minutes. Hermione quickly fetched the one strap backpack that she had left near the exit the night before. As she left the house, the door behind her closed and after less than 5 seconds a few clicks were heard.
"Run a full diagnostic check to see if everything is sound. The last thing I need is any surprises before my parents get home."
"Affirmative." The panel outside that she told people it was a doorbell spoke as the words appeared. "Have a good day miss Granger."
"I wish…I hate Mondays."
"Miss?"
"Nothing, thanks Anon. Be good and keep the house safe."
"Acknowledged. "
Hermione didn't have to walk long till she reached the stop where the school buses usually picked students.
Her touchscreen phone vibrated and she saw a message from her A.I. warning her she have forgotten to take anything for lunch. She quickly typed that she will eat outside and shoved it in one of the side pockets of her backpack.
"Hermione!" someone shouted from quite the distance causing her to turn.
She saw Katrine, her classmate and one of her only friends in school. Remember what I said about mutants? Well she kind of falls in that category. She is really tall, like a head over her and she is not even playing any sports. She is more into observing the boys in there top naked glory than participating. If we are talking about looks, Hermione considered her average just like her. Small nose, normal sized hazel eyes, well-spaced eyebrows, plush lips, a thin well shaped body form and a rack that most girls would kill to have at their age. Her long straight brown hair was cooperating perfectly in not getting in her way as she ran towards her. Okay, maybe if someone paid more attention to this girl they would certainly find her attractive.
"Beat me yet again." Katrine started as she was calming her breath down from the sprint.
"Always, I do live closer to the stop then you." Hermione stated something they both knew.
"I knew you were cheating, that's probably how you ace every dry and boring subject in school." mocked the taller teenager.
"Hey, you can say whatever you like about my lack of motor skills and reaction time but never insult the brain or next time we have an exam you are on your own." Hermione jokingly warned.
"Fair enough, forgive my doubts in your capacity of gray matter your all-knowing brainess." and to show how sincere she was, she bowed better than a prince could ever do with hand gestures and everything.
"Good,good…now it's time to pay taxes." Hermione grinned evilly.
"Nooo…"
"And I'm pretty sure you just came up with that word."
"I did and you know what." Katrine beckoned her closer so she could whisper it in her ear.
"What?"
"I didn't get paid!"
They both made some strange prolong gasping noises that made them laugh really loud, causing other students that were waiting for their own bus to look at them weirdly.
Katrine started pulling on her sweatshirt and making faces of discomfort.
"You really need to stop pulling on that thing, one day you will rip it or dug holes in it." Hermione warned and tried to contain the other girl's hands.
"Amin, then I'll finally have an acceptable excuse not to ware this itchy thing."
"No, it will only cost your parents more money to order the making of a new one."
Katrine grumbled and started cursing everyone who voted for wearing things like this and the stupid rich people that fund their school and their sick desires to see kids looking proper and acting something they are not. It was a form of slavery for her and the sweatshirt was the brand.
"It's cardigan made and it will only itch if you wear nothing beneath it and I can clearly see your polo underneath, plus I'm pretty sure you probably have something underneath it too."
"You done undressing me pervert?" Katrine questioned with her hands on her hips.
"Hermione saw the badly contained smirk and knew better then to respond and just dig a deeper hole then the one she was on. She shook her head negatively showing that she won't play that game. "You can always try the jumper."
The tall girl snorted. "No way, that thing makes me look fatter then the white house."
"Just bare it till we pass the front school inspection and then take it off."
"Is the option to tear it still on the table?"
"No one is stopping you but even with that excuse you won't be allowed inside because you have a spare one at home." Hermione said doing what she was best at, being logical.
"Damn…" Katrine pouted and shoved her hands in the school skirt pockets. After some silence and no bus in sight she spoke. "I have forgotten what's like to travel with the school bus."
"You feeling nostalgic?"
"Neah, I just thought that since I got my driver's license I won't ever get the need to use that scrap of metal." only the memories could make her feel discussed. "I've lost count how many gums I had to remove from my shoes, cloths and bag."
"That is something I won't miss too." Hermeone confirmed as she retrieved her phone to see the time. It was pass the time the bus should be arriving.
"So, what happened?" Hermione asked her friend so they could kill more time.
"Hm…with what?"
"Your car obviously. You usually drive us to school."
"Oh…I had a bit of an accident, nothing serious though, a bum and scratch here and there. My parents made a big fuss about it and grounded me of using it for unknown amount of time. It wasn't even my fault." The tall girl grumbled getting frustrated.
Hermione smiled and comforted her heated up friend. "What's important is that you're okay."
"I guess…" Katrine rubbed the back of her neck. It usually helped her to calm down and think things through. But it was not helping much with that blasted bus being late. "Where is that bloody junk of a vehicle at?
"I don't even remember for it to have ever been late before."
"Well it is now! Stupid piece of garbage, incompetent driver's goanna make us be late."
Katrine's foul mood worsened when parents started picking up children with their cars after they called that the bus is not coming.
"The one time I can't use my car and this happens. Fuck you karma and whomever is responsible for this." the tall girl cursed cause that is what she was good at when she was angry.
"You know, nothing will change no matter how much you swear at things." Hermione tried to calm the girl down more for the children's supposed innocent ears that were left standing like them. Better to leave that reputation to the internet.
"I know but it makes me feel better." Katrine shrugged but obeyed and stopped using censored language. "What now?"
"Call a taxi?" Hermione suggested since she didn't have any other idea how they can be in time for their 1st class.
"We might or we can…" and she turned her head towards Hermione's house.
In closer inspection the smaller of the two saw where exactly her friend was looking at – the garage. "No! I'm calling a taxi."
"Common, please!" Katrine begged, stopping the curly brunette before she could dial anything. "Why waste cash for a taxi when you have a perfectly mobile car in your garage?"
"You just want that so you can show off." Hermione accused.
"A bit, yes... but this is an emergency and we do need something fast to get to school before we are late."
Hermione crossed her arms still not convinced that they should use her car.
"It's a sin to keep a beauty like that in a garage. Do you even drive her?"
"Yes, sometimes."
"I bet you can count on your fingers how many times you have driven it." the look the tall girl gave was enough of a warning for her to stop. "Look, the longer we argue about this the more late we get so can we please... just go."
As much as Hermione wanted to argue that she have used it more than the fingers she had and in situation that no one will believe, Katrine was right but that didn't mean she was off the hook. "Fine but I'm driving."
"Wha… why? We both know I'm a better and faster driver than you." Kat argued.
"That might be true but a little birdy told me you wrecked your last car and I don't want mine to have the same faith or me."
The self-centered curses Katrine used to beat herself up made Hermione smile as they headed toward the garage of the house. She used the garage remote that was on her keys to open it and reveal the metallic Acura NSX inside. Hermione didn't even bather a lash at this magnificent peace of technology while Katrine just wanted to bow down and worship it.
"Are you done drooling cause we really need to go."
The starting of the engine snapped Katrine out of her daze and she quickly took the second seat. She waited a few seconds but they were still not going. Katrine turned to see Hermione staring at her.
"What?"
"Belt."
"Oh, right, sorry." and as soon that was done they were finally off.
Katrine could barely even feel it move and the seats were really nice too. It took her a while to inspect the interior. It was obvious this car was made for speed but Hermione didn't seem to know that since she was following every sign they passed.
"If dental work pays to be able to afford a car like this I'm becoming one."
"They didn't…it was a gift." Hermione corrected herself.
"Talk about a generous gift."
Hermione shrugged. "I guess, it does the work."
"I have no idea how can you be so passive about things." Wondered the tall girl as her hands ran through everything.
"Lots of practice and…" a loud horn cut her speech and both girls looked at a guy in a Dodge Challenger, challenging them by making the car make a lot of noise. Hermione shook her head and returned her attention towards the red lights.
The guy blew them a kiss which made Katrine make a disgusted face. "This guy is a pig, I hate people like him. I bet he loves his car more than his family."
"It's his life, let him ruin it."
"Make him eat dust."
"What?" Hermione looked in disbelief at her friend. "You must be joking."
"I'm not, he is obviously mocking us, mocking your driving skills."
"Playing his game can make this worse." Hermione tried to persuade her hot headed friend.
"Maybe or it could make him cry like a baby to his mom and make my day."
Hermione stared at the grinning yet pleading face. Like usual her brain was telling her what was the best and right thing to do but her heart wanted to make this small thing for her best friend. Once won't hurt, right? And it was worth it if it made her happy.
"Grab tight to something."
Katrine quickly did as she was told as the last seconds of the red traffic light was coming to an end. Their car started to do the same as the one beside them, indication that the challenge was accepted. Hermione quickly surveyed the terrain. She had to give it to the guy. He has picked the perfect street for a speed match. No turns at all just another light in the distance. She could barely see the seconds on the other one but it did allow her to calculate what speed she needed to go with to be able to pass when it is still green. The map of London she has studied also gave her insights where to turn and where not to till they reach their destination.
The bozo did something expected when he hit the gas on the 1 second before the red lights turn off instead when the yellow one appears. But this did not worry the brunette. He might have pimped his car to rival the new models these days but hers was made by the best of the best. And in a manner of seconds she proved that when she went ahead of him with almost twice the speed.
Hermione didn't stop until they were at the parking that the school had. The brunette took a slow calming breath and glanced towards her friend who was slowly sliding of the car.
"Land!"
The exclamation made Hermione giggle. And she was putting such a tough and bad ass front. She circled the car to get to her kneeling friend. "Are you okay? I'm sorry about that."
"No, no… it's fine." Katrine assured and quickly got up when she noticed other students staring. She had embarrassed herself enough for one day. "I was just, surprised."
"I will try to give you a heads up next time."
"That would be best."
The bell rang indicating the start of the 1st period.
"Crap, after all this we are still late." Katrine cursed. "Let's go." grabbing the other brunette and rushing them both inside.
The day was going the way Hermione predicted for the exception they were yelled at in the lobby. Their only savior for not getting kicked out for a day were the properly worn school uniform and that Kat had no choice but to use the school bag that most called fashion killer. Only if someone wanted to get into the good graces of a teacher, principal or some other staff member would use them or if they had no other choice and try to hide it in the lockers.
Many considered Hermione one of those face lickers or teacher's pet. She wasn't bothered by what anyone thought of her nor did she care to explain to them. If doing what is asked of her made her all those things then so be it. Whenever they were given homework she would do it instantly and the best she could like with everything she did. This was not to impress anyone or to boost her grades, it is just the way she was. It was not her fault that she A plussed everything 'dry and boring' like her friend phrased it. It was just in her DNA to easily memories everything she read. With what she did something like this was key.
This school was held in real high regard in England and other countries. Like everything in this world there was rivalry between each and every school. They all tried to prove they had the best students and educational staff via competitions. Through them her school got this popular and the fact that the tax for signing a kid in it was much cheaper than most elite ones. That did not mean that if you do not wave lots of cash you will get your kid to study here. It's easier to get in then to stay. Her school did not forgive bad grades or missing classes. The moment you do something bad or do not meet the standards of this prestigious place you are out. Then no matter how much money you have, you won't be able to bribe for the kid to be forgiven and expended. It does have its good sides when you have many contributors. It was founded by the richest people on the planet. The only difference which is a big one is that it's not only what it seemed to be.
Someone snoring interrupted her thoughts as she also, like most pretended to be listening on the European history class. She was excused to not listen since she had already read all the material for the year. She could pass the exams for the end of the year at this moment and ace them. The same could not be said to Katrine who was actually the one snoring quite loudly. Her tall friend was not stupid and if she actually tried, she would get a B or more easy but that's the problem, she doesn't. Hermione had lost count how many times she warned her that doing homework at the last possible moment would bite her on the ass. Thankfully luck has not abandoned her and during exams Hermione was somehow able to help her when needed.
Hermione waited for the teacher to turn and write something on the white board until she shoved the sleeping girl. She might have pushed harder then she thought because her friend almost fell from the stool but thankfully was able to react fast enough and catch herself. The glare that came was met with a whispered 'sorry' to which it was responded with a hand gestures that she is being closely watched.
'This will be a long day.' Hermione said to herself and supported her head with the right hand in a gesture of boredom.
Just as Hermione predicted the day went as it should. The only problem was the sudden interest of high school students about this morning and the sports car she and Katrine appeared. She wasn't interested in explaining what the deal with it was which allowed room for speculations. This attention she did not need. Hermione did everything to avoid being noticed.
Sadly, while she avoided speaking to anyone Katrine happily answered question which answers she did not know. What a giant bummer. This will teach her not to do it again. Now she only had to talk to Katrine not to drag this out so everyone can forget about it and for everything to go back to normal with her being a 'teacher ass licker', 'nerd', 'book worm' and whatever other nickname the kids had given her.
It was easier said than done. Her friend was surrounded by people and approaching to interrupt so she could steal Katrine away would only end up in all this attention to be turned to her. How bad can the tall brunette make things for a day? Hermione decided after classes to go to the library to do her homework, knowing that when Katrine was done she will find her.
Hermione was done with one of her tasks for next week when her tall friend decided to brace her with her presence.
"What a day, my mouth hurts from so much talking." Katrine said as she sprawled on one of the 5 available seats. As she got comfortable, she saw the angry glare she was receiving. "What?"
"You know exactly what."
"Don't be such a stick in the mud. If you weren't so busy hiding I wouldn't have had to deal with them." Katrine threw the blame boll in Hermione's field.
"And what exactly did you tell them?" Hermione questioned, placing both hands on the table and crossing her fingers to look more intimidating. It was more to hold back frustration that also lead to a lot of thinking which lead to headaches and those she hated the most.
Katrine rubbed the back of her neck, obviously thinking of what to say that will soften Hermione's anger but in each scenario the same thing happened. "I might have told them you were filthy rich."
"What!?"
"Before you start yelling and trying to hit me with these heavy books know that I plan on going to college so be careful and what was I supposed to say. No one gives a car like that as a gift. Only the taxes of it for a year costs a fortune." Katrine defended herself while getting out of hitting range, unless Hermione started throwing things but she loved books too much to do any of that.
"Ugh, you know how much I hate attention and now they won't leave me alone." Hermione rubbed her temples trying to think of a way to kill this rumor so they could continue to dislike her. Many kids these days dream of being famous and rich and one way to do that is to befriend or be close to someone like that. Her life is not exactly glamor and will make people stay as far away from her as possible. Well, normal people at least but with kids these day, they find everything fascinating, especially the dangerous things.
"I know and I'm really sorry but I couldn't think of anything. They jumped me out of nowhere and I kind of slept through classes to think of anything good."
"As much as I want to yell at you I know it will not change what happened and I know that partially you are happy for what happened."
Katrine raised her hands in surrender. "Guilty as charged."
"So you are going to help me think of something to make all this as it was, starting by telling them I'm not rich."
"It is the least I can do for what you did for me today." Katrine promised and took all the books, returning them from where Hermione took them.
"What are you doing? I was using those." Hermione questioned and followed.
"I think that head have had enough knowledge for today. Now we are going to relax."
"If by relax you mean going to watch half naked boys playing soccer then I'd rather go home and watch some cheesy movie while stuffing my face with popcorn." Hermione explained as both girls exited the library.
"Oh, sounds nice and something we can do after we watch some cute half naked boys play." the displeased noise that came out of Hermione's mouth made Katrine grin.
"I have no idea what you see in Jace Barren, lots of brawn and barely any brain power."
"And I have no idea how you can't see that he is the type of guy that girls would commit suicide for."
"That's a good thing?"
"No…stop smirking. All I'm saying is that he is a good catch unlike most in here."
Hermione rolled her eyes. They constantly had a conversation going about that guy. It was more Katrine trying to somehow prove that he was one of the decent ones even when she had barely exchange any words with him. As much as Hermione wanted to be happy for her friend liking someone even without knowing that person, Jace was not a good match. And every time she was asked why she thought that, she always answered that it was just a hunch.
"You're probably the only one that dislikes him in the entire town." Katrine accused.
"I am pretty sure I can find a lot of boys that share my opinion." Hermione assured. People are just so predictable. Males like females and get jealous when someone is better looking. It makes things worse when the good looking also has talent for things like sports.
As they were walking through the long hall filled with lockers they were stopped by their psychology teacher.
"Ah, miss Granger, I was looking for you. The principal desires to see you in her office."
"If this is about this morning it wasn't Hermione's fault. I dared her to do it." Katrine tried to defend her friend, jumping to conclusions and the worst scenarios.
Hermione squeezed her shoulder before she starts ranting and say something unnecessary. Katrine stopped and nodded in thanks.
"I don't know what about but I am positive it's not about your little show off this morning." The teacher said and looked at Hermione. "Excellent job during the competition last week miss Granger."
Hermione nodded politely and responded. "Thank you Mrs. Clayfield."
As the middle aged woman walked away, Hermione apologized since she did promise to spend after school today with her friend.
Katrine shrugged not minding. "Want me to wait for you so we can get home together?"
Hermione shook her head knowing that whatever she was called for would take a long time to finish. "No, but I do need someone to get my car back in the garage."
Kats' eyes gone wide, unable to contain the bubbling excitement. "Are you serious? Please do not joke with something like that."
"I'm sure, as long as you promise to not do what you did with yours." and as Hermione said that, she removed the remote from her keys to give to her friend.
Katrine placed her right hand on her heart and raised the left. "Scouts honor."
"You've never been a scout."
"Nothing's going to happen to her as long as I'm alive. I'll even kiss her good night."
That made Hermione speechless for a few seconds as she observed the tall brunette with open mouth seeing that she was actually serious. "Okay… that is not necessary, just get it back safely and leave the keys inside."
"Roger." Katrine yelled and saluted.
Hermione knocked on the wooden door and when she was permitted to enter, she did.
"You've asked for me?"
"Yes, I have a task for you Hermione." the principal said as she got off her leather chair and walked to the only painting on one side of the wall.
Sierra Winter is a woman in her early 40s but she didn't even look like it. Hermione had actually thought she was barely 30 for some years until she might have accidentally seen her biography. Thankfully instead of getting in trouble, the woman straight out told her everything she needed to know which wasn't much. The principal was yet another tall woman in the brunette's life, filling the black suit and knee length skirt more than better, somehow not restricting her at all. Black shoulder length hair and darker then the night eyes. Hermione have read that some professionals can tell when someone is lying by looking in their eyes. Well, she wished them luck with that if they one day have to interrogate her boss. In more than one occasion Sierra had told her that it is good to shorten her hair so it won't get in the way but Hermione refused. It was strange how much she actually cared about it even though every morning she threatened to cut it.
"Hermione?"
The said girl lifter her head, realizing she had spaced out and apologized, walking to stand next to her. Sierra placed her palm on the picture portraying various mythical creatures and the image disappeared. Both women waited till the fake picture did it's scanning, showing a green sign of completed when it was done. A few metallic sounds were heard as the frame and half the wall moved aside to reveal an elevator.
This was it, the line where her normal life ends and the other one starts, the real one.
Life of an operative from an organization dealing with beings that humanity considers unnatural. Nature's freaky accidents. Monsters that were worshiped as Gods when humanity was yet young and stupid. Creatures of myth and fairytale.
Thank you for reading and hoped you enjoyed the chapter. ^.^
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