3 days after graduation day.
Hermione Granger could be found in her parents' kitchen discussing Wizarding Universities three days after her graduation from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She had the highest grades in the last 20 years, grabbed more N.E.W.T.'s than she could carry and any school would be lucky to have her grace their halls. Her enthusiasm for learning and thirst for knowledge was something rare and universities fought for her.
As much as Hermione loved her father and valued his opinions she would much rather him just be supportive then helpful. For her definition of helpful was different than his. David Granger's definition of helpful was him finding something he liked and forcing it on her.
"So have you decided what college you wish to go to?" David Granger asked. He was wary of letting his only daughter out into the world. Alice Granger was making coffee, but listening closely nevertheless.
"Scotland looks most promising. Plus Harry and Ron will be in the vicinity training to be Aurors," Here is where Hermione faltered. She could tell this would bring another argument but knew she had to say it any way. "I could just share a flat with them."
Hermione felt she was walking on eggshells when she discussed living arrangements with her father. Even though he loved Harry and Ron like they were his own sons that didn't dismiss the fact that his only daughter would be living with two guys. This was the usual argument when it came to schools and housing." I will not allow you to live with two boys. We've discussed this," David said firmly.
"Yes but you never did say why," Hermione said waiting to hear his reason's before she could soothe his worries.
"Because you're engaged to Ron. This might be rushing it." This annoyed Hermione to no end. David didn't have a problem with her going out with Ron or getting engaged to him three months later, so why does he have a problem with this? It was most likely his own rocky marriage. Hermione knew things weren't perfect between her mum and dad. They fought a lot. More so, now that she was out of the house and an adult, Hermione knew in three months time her parents would have different homes and be happy because of it.
Although Hermione couldn't complain. They made sure to be civil to each other around her and to keep their yelling at a bare minimum, but you could just tell the smiles were forced and not so real. She knew they loved her more than anything and wanted to spare her a childhood full of moving around, so they stayed together. That was the biggest sacrifice they could ever give her and was one of the many reasons why Hermione loved and cherished them.
"I am not moving in with just Ron, it's Harry too. You had no problem with us being engaged." Hermione stated.
"Yes but being engaged, and living together are two very different things."
Hermione sighed and rolled her eyes, impaitence getting the best of her. "The truth comes out in marriage doesn't it?"
"Listen here just one minute, you will not talk to me like that," Her father yelled.
"I'll say whatever I please--"
A crash coming from the living room made Hermione stop in midsentence and pull out her wand. Seconds later a cold voice drawled, "Look everywhere for them. Leave the girl, kill the parents."
Lucius Malfoy was here, along with his fellow death eaters.
Hermione silenced the kitchen and warded the doors and windows. Fear was coursing through her veins. In her heart she knew if he was here that was no easy way out. What did her want with her parents, or even her for that matter? Harry had always been the center of attention. What was going on? Had the tides turned? For the first time in her life she was truly scared for her parents safety. Throwing floo powder into the fire place she called "The Burrow" but nothing happened. They had blocked it.
"Shit! Mum, come over here," Hermione went into her thinking mode. She need to clam down and keep a level head. "Every couple of minutes throw powder into the fireplace and yell 'the burrow.' When you reach someone, tell Molly that Lucius Malfoy is here and to get Dumbledore. Do not open the windows or doors for any reason, even if you see me, do not open them until I say 'Evil Dragon'."
David looked at Hermione like he was about to say something but Hermione interrupted. "Dad, I know what I am talking about. These people are evil to the core and nothing will stop them from doing what they are here for except the order. I'm sorry but I have to go out there and do what I can. It's not a game anymore. It's survival."
"I know . . . I love you and be safe. May God grant you speed and accuracy," David said
"May he also grant you wisdom," Alice said quietly, throwing some powder in the fireplace.
Hermione nodded and left. Count on them to be religious, god-fearing people, even when they were about to be killed. Hermione herself had never believed in God. It just seemed too far fetched, but at this moment she was desperate to try anything. "Dear God if you are indeed real, grant me the things Mum and Dad wished for you to bless me with," Hermione prayed silently.
Making herself invisible she slipped out the kitchen window, warding it when she got out. Going around the house she ran to the front bedroom and unlocked the window, and crawled in. In the hallway she met Goyle Sr. Stunning him with ease, she moved on. On the stairs she saw Crabbe Sr. and McNair, she stunned them with pleasure and had to stop herself from jixning them. It wasn't fair to kick a man when he was down. Checking the upstairs bedrooms, she saw no one. There was at least one of them left. She still hasn't come across Lucius Malfoy.
Going back down stairs she saw Malfoy talking a man she did not know. Creeping down the stairs quietly with her eyes focused on them, she failed to notice Crabbe's fat foot sticking out and tripped down the stairs. 'Crap' Hermione thought. When she landed, she knew they knew where she was but she still managed to stun the other guy, before Malfoy knocked her out.
When she woke up, she saw Malfoy finally breaking though the wards and dragging her parents out. She was forced to watch them be tortured and killed. Every time her mother was hit, or kicked, even hit with a whip, was another stab to Hermione's heart. Hermione never felt so helpless. The more she struggled against her bonds the tighter they became. She tried to close her eyes and shut out the screams but couldn't."Where the fuck are they? When Harry is in trouble they are there immediately. Why the hell weren't they here yet?" Her dad was killed quickly and quietly.
"Dumbledore's here," Crabbe yelled. Everyone apparated. Lucius walked over to Hermione. She could see nothing but cold malice in his dead grey eyes. "Let that be a lesson to you," he said quietly before disapparating.
Dumbledore and 10 others came in. Hermione could pick out Tonks, Remus Lupin and Severus Snape. Hermione didn't see Ron or Harry. Gosh, how she needed them. Tonks went over to her and undid her bonds. Hermione put her head in her hands trying to block out the sound of her mother's screams echoing in her ears. Everyone was quiet. Hermione wanted to scream, but a part of her was numb. She was shocked more than anything. The pain was eating her alive, being here was suffocating her. She had to get out. They were too late, her parents were already dead.
Hermione got up and walked up stairs to her room. Throwing a duffel bag on her bed she started throwing things in it pell-mell. Where would she go? "Scotland it is," Hermione said bitterly. Hermione felt anger rise up in her and she threw her lamp against the wall. Hermione repaired the lamp and placed it back on the night stand. She felt defeated.
Throwing things in quicker she made a list of things in her head that needed to be done. They wouldn't get away with this. Not if she had any say in it. The Order didn't know where the escaped death eaters were so they couldn't do anything useful. Hermione would have to join The Order, and then she could attend Scotland. Once she was finished there she could travel the world, maybe pick up a few things–
"Ms. Granger?"
Hermione turned around to face Severus Snape. He looked clearly uncomfortable, but there was something different. His eyes weren't cold and harsh, but they seemed to say he understood how she felt. Hermione stood there, watching him for a moment before she turned around and went into her dresser. Pulling out a set of vials, she placed them on her bed. Opening one, she handed it to Snape. "You can just get the memory yourself."
Snape put his wand to her head and drew the memory out. He looked at the vials, and shook his head. Something was wrong with him, and it bothered Hermione. Snape never changed, for anyone, but here he was, in her room, actually showing some emotion. It scared her. This wasn't the Snape she knew.
"You know as well as I do that my account of what happened is utterly useless because nothing will be done. Not because they won't, but because they can't, Professor," Hermione said bitterly. She felt that somehow their roles switched.
Snape looked at a loss for words. Hermione smiled a bitter smile. "You should be happy, the insufferable know-it-all finally failed." Grabbing her bag, she went to the door. "You can have the vials. They mean nothing to me at the moment."
Hermione disapparated, leaving a stunned Snape in her wake.
A Year Later...
Hermione was sitting on the couch, bags at her side. She was waiting for Ron to get in before she said her good-byes. Her own words kept ringing in her ears. "The truth comes out in marriage doesn't it?"
She couldn't live with Ron anymore. She didn't love him as she used to. He would stay out later and later and she would become more distant. Her heart wasn't what it used to be. She just felt nothing for him and he knew it. They no longer communicated and deep down they both knew this wasn't the love they used to have. Hermione was ready to move on. She had things to do and trying to save a relationship that was already down the drain wasn't one of them.
Hermione laid the engagement ring on the table next to her favorite magazine and his favorite coffee mug. She looked around the flat last one last time. Harry was already in his room asleep. He didn't want to be awake when she left; he was well aware of what she was doing, but didn't wish to see it.
About 1:00 A.M. Ron stumbled in. His clothes were in disarray and lipstick smudged on his collar. He reeked of fire whiskey. Upon seeing Hermione he paled and looked guilty. Hermione shrugged and grabbed her bag.
"I was expecting this, who am I to blame you? I can't give you what you need anymore, so I am setting you free. Be with Luna or whoever it is."
Hermione hugged him one last time and left. She heard him yell, "HERMIONE", but she didn't turn back.
Six Months Later
Hermione was aching. Turning on her left, less bruised side, she tried to go back to sleep. Knowing full and well that it was useless to even try she put on her robe and went outside. A moonlight stroll by the river might be what she needed.
China had the most beautiful nights. The starts shone bright and everything seemed to have a peace about it. The wind whispered in the night, blowing her hair in her face. She turned facing the wind and sighed. Was it only half a year ago that she first arrived? After she left Ron, she apparated straight here. She was among the only tribe left from the old magic times.
These people are somewhat like Samurai. They fight not only with magic, but with combat, and they were good at both. Swift and quick, they weren't to be underestimated. Moving with precision and thought, they weren't reckless. They had a plan and carried it though. Noble, fair, and tough. You earn respect, and Hermione quickly learned that.
It was hard at first. You had to learn self control. When and when not to speak but listen and learn, to observe your surroundings, and take note of things. Discipline and practice go hand and hand. It took her three months to control herself and learn. She wasn't a know-it-all anymore and she had to have patience. Not everything could be learned from a book. The other three months were spent fighting without a wand. That Hermione was good at. If she was weak in movements or too slow,she doubled her efforts. The called her the Raven because they at first underestimated her, but they were shocked at how feirce she worked to be on top of everything. That made her smile. Tomorrow she would learn to duel with wands. That made her nervous.
Hermione turned around quickly and quietly. She had heard something in the bushes. A big something, or was it someone? Hermione's heart was pounding. Her wand was in her room, what now? Hermione went into the shadows of the trees and crept quietly to the bushes.
There standing still was a tall, dark, figure; most likely a man's. He looked around 160 lbs and 5'11. Hermione was wondering how she could take him down when he suddenly turned around and drew his wand. Hermione kicked it out of his hand and caught it, while pinning him down to the ground. Pointing his own wand at his throat Hermione said, "State you name."
"Severus Snape."
"You have got to be kidding me," Hermione suppressed a sigh and let him go, throwing him back his wand. She went back to the lake's side. The last thing she needed was to be recognized by Severus Snape and have him run home to give Dumbledore a full report about her. She needed away from all of them.
"Who are you?" Severus demanded sharply.
"They call me Raven," Hermione said simply. Did he really not know who she was? Looking at her reflection in the lipid waters she saw herself differently for the first time. Hermione was much taller, her back was straighter, and was also leaner and tanner. Her hair was tamed and streaked with blond, from being out in the sun too much. Her teeth were no longer bucked, but perfect and white. Even her accent was much less English and more American. Then there were other things. Like the fact that she filled out and grew into her self. She was no longer that shy, timid, clumsy teenager she was a year and a half ago.
"Why are you here?"
"I need to speak to the chief."
"Why."
"That does not concern you."
"Fine," Hermione made her way back to her room. Severus was still standing there, watching her, like he knew her from somewhere. "She'll come back when she's ready. Not when foolish people wish for her to," Hermione said, tearing her gaze away from his face.
Severus nodded and vanished.
Hermione sighed and went back to her rooms oddly sleepy.
Two years and six months later
Hermione bowed to her chief. He smiled and bowed back. Hermione felt oddly happy. She was a master now. A master in combat and dueling with wands. She could do wandless magic, Occlumency, and Legilimency. She was now free to leave and go back to England. Free to go after Malfoy and his cronies that took everything away from her. It was her right and only hers alone. She was going to go for it.
"Go my child. I have taught you everything I know. May you be strong and fly high Raven," The Chief said in his deep voice. Hermione hugged him and said "I thank you. I am forever in your debt."
"Just remember. You can do whatever you want. That choice is yours."
Hermione nodded. She knew it was hers and she was going to make sure Lucius Malfoy paid.
One Year Later
"That was really good Harry, You are doing well. I couldn't even get in that time," Hermione said beaming.
Teaching Harry Occlumency and Legilimency was much easier than Hermione ever thought it would be. She wondered why Snape couldn't teach Harry.
"Thanks," Harry said. Sitting down Harry looked at Hermione for a full minute.
"What?"
"Well, why are you sitting here doing nothing. Didn't you train so you could be out there doing something?"
Hermione moved away from the table and over to the window. She knew what Harry was taking about. When she first came back, she joined the Order at once and was put on a mission with Draco Malfoy. She was to pretend she was in love with Draco and that she was one of Harry's old friends who wanted to see him dead so she would give Voldemort fake information. Everything went well until 6 months into it, when Voldemort had a funny feeling about her and wanted Draco to kill her. So she faked her death and was now in a safe house, god knows where. Only she wasn't talking this laying down. As soon as she gets the reply she sent off for, she will be out of this place.
Hermione asked Dumbledore for a bit of help. She needed a new identity. Her background needed to be faked, schooling records, everything. So far, what she could gather, an old wizarding family agreed to help her. She would be leaving any day to live there for a while, and then and only then, could she put her plans into motion. Her plan was to gather as much useful information she could from the death eaters and then finish them one by one. It was only fair after all, blood for blood.
Harry cleared his throat and Hermione blinked. Leaving her thoughts at the window she returned to the table and replied, "I don't know. It's safe here isn't it?"
Two weeks later
"Is that all?" Hermione asked.
"That's all he tells me," McNair said viciously.
"Well if that's all," Hermione said cold and carelessly. "Avada Kedavra." Hermione smiled as he hit the ground. She pulled out red lipstick, applied it, and then kissed the man on his right cheek before vanishing
Six months later
Hermione waited quietly and patiently for Malfoy to arrive. All the other baboons she had killed didn't mean anything to her, but this one was the one she worked for. Malfoy turned the corner, and Hermione aimed, but gasped.
A wand was pressed hard into her back.
"So, you are the one who is killing my men?" A cold voice hissed in her ear.
Hermione was caught by Voldemort.
"I am sorry my lord, but I was killing the unfit people in your ranks. They will betray you in the end," Hermione said quietly, closing her mind and thinking hard on the lie she had just told.
"So you think that you are helping me?" Voldemort asked
"You do not need my help, I am not worthy enough to look upon you, but I didn't want to see you stopped from killing the boy-who-won't-freaking-die."
Voldemort laughed softly, "I like your fire. Rise and you shall be one of my own. We shall see how loyal you really are."
"Thank you my lord. You are truly merciful."
Year Later
"I would die for you my lord, and I will proudly take the mark," Hermione said loudly. She was tried of their whispering and needed to be trusted. If she lost his trust then everything was worthless.
The Death eaters stopped talking. Voldemort looked at her for a second before saying, "You have proved yourself, now come here."
Hermione sat in the chair and bit her cheeks. Voldemort whispered some foreign language while tracing the mark on her arm. She was in so much pain, but she would never show it. Voldemort stopped talking and she saw the mark shining brightly on her arm.
Hermione felt disgusted but said nothing. When the meeting was over, she went back to the Leaky Cauldron and fell face first on her bed. Tomorrow she was to meet Albus Dumbledore about a teaching post at Hogwarts.
"Joy," Hermione mumbled. After what felt like hours she fell into a restless sleep.
Her dreams were filled yet again with the faces of the people she killed and her parents' screams.