Chapter One
Fall was a beautiful time of year, especially, on the campus grounds. The sun shone, brightly, and looked as if it was pinned against a never ending blue sky that stretched for miles. The lake shimmered and sparkled by the sun's touch and the light breeze carried the smell of the pine and evergreen trees that engulfed the rolling hills and mountains that surrounded the school. The other trees had their leaves changing colors into brilliant splashes of browns, reds, yellows, and oranges. All of this made the scenery quite breathtaking and beautiful to anyone who happened to glance outward.
Hermione Granger was walking to her next class from Advanced Transfiguration when she stepped over to a balcony and gazed across this splendor of nature. She had always loved the campus this time of year. Though, she was only two months into her term this year and was on her sixth year here, she still had a breathless moment every time her eyes soaked in the view.
She fluttered her eyes to a small cut clearing in the middle of the forest. Her mind had begun to flash memories of what had happened in that small clearing and throughout the forest from all her years there. Lupin as a werewolf, Sirius and Harry being fed upon by dementors, not to mention, her run in with Hagrid's giant half brother, and having to serve a night of perimeter watch with Hagrid. The thoughts left her weak, somewhat, as she started to lose her balance, but regained her composure by leaning up against the rail.
There have been many things happening, things that have happened. Her hand made it to her head for she rested it there, rubbing her forehead with her fingers in a massaging motion. She started to feel a bit flushed after the memories had made their entrance and left. The brunette took a deep relieving breath before returning to her day.
Turning, she walked down the corridor, snaking around corners and down flights of stairs towards the Great Hall, only to be stopped dead in her tracks by the cloud of black cloaks surrounding the entrance.
What in the world? Her curiosity getting the best of her, she approached the crowd and pushed herself to the front, barely nudging with her elbows. There she was struck with awe like the rest of the blank minded students standing around her.
"You're an American witch?" Hannah Abbott asked with wide eyes and a gaping mouth.
"Yes. Does my accent give me away?" the woman laughed. "Why do you guys look so surprised?" The woman asked, scratching the back of her neck after calming down from her funny fits.
Hermione found herself transfixed. The woman stood in front of her about five inches taller and without the proper Hogwarts attire. Instead, she wore distressed, light blue jeans with a heavy pair of black, leather, steel toe boots and a solid black T-shirt that clung to her body, cutting into a V at the neck, a pair of Aviators dangling from the point. She had jet black hair that reached her shoulders, pin straight without any flaws to the flow. She had to have been an American by how she had tattoos baring unknown things going down both arms and the hint of one on her chest, poking out from the collar of her shirt. Hermione, however, wasn't focused on the girl's body, entirely. She was drawn to the woman's eyes. They glowed, but not by the light. It had a deep radiating glow that projected a rather beautiful emerald green.
I've never seen eyes like that before. Gods! She's hot! Whoa! Where the hell did that come from? She's just another American git. Hermione mental halted as she made a noticeable huff, without meaning to, causing the crowd to turn towards her.
She felt her breath get caught in her throat and sudden increase in speed with her heart rate as she seen the American look straight into her eyes, piercing her with that marvelous green. She felt a wave of an unknown feeling spread through her chest and wrap itself around her, seeping into her skin.
"And who are you, dear?" The woman asked Hermione with a raised eyebrow. She studied the brunette, closely, watching her start to shift her stance.
Hermione breathed in, deeply, before answering, "I'm Hermione Granger."
"Ah." The woman started to laugh, lightly. "I've heard about you and your friends, Hermione." She noticed how the brunette furrowed her eyebrows along with everybody else. "What?" the woman then noticed all the other eyes staring at her. "You all think that Americans don't know what's happening here? We have witches and wizards and schools over there too, you know." the raven haired woman shrugged her shoulders.
"Well… We don't really get foreigners around here. It's kind of boggling whenever we hear stuff from across the pond." Seamus Finnigan lowed his head, slightly.
"I'm only messing with you, dude." The woman laughed as she pat Seamus' arm. She turned and seen every mouth muttering 'dude' under their breaths before answering the obvious question, "Dude is like… a nickname you give to people. Same as 'dear'." She paused and had a hint of annoyance in her voice. "You guys don't have to look at me like that anymore."
Hermione shook her head and burst out with her question, "Who are you then?" She realized the way she sounded. It was as if her life depended on knowing who this new, mysterious person is.
I don't understand why I can't stop looking at her and I don't know where that came from… However… She's rather attractive.. Wait! Hermione had just come to a mental halt. Where did that come from? She shook her head and stopped as she seen everyone looking at her with strange stares.
The woman, merely, turned in her direction. Her eyes weren't narrowed, but they were still intense as she brazed the retinas of the brunette. Just as she opened her lips, Dumbledore parted the crowd to get to the woman.
"Sorry for the interruption of your interrogation, students, but I need to borrow your new object of interest. Miss McCain, if you please?" The headmaster gestured for the woman to follow him.
"Yes, sir." The woman gave a half attempted salute towards the old bearded man with a wide smile.
She then turned towards Hermione, slightly, easing the smile into a charming kind. With a wink she said to the brunette, "I'll get back to you on that one. Catch you later, darlin'." The woman turned again in Dumbledore's direction and proceeded to follow him down the corridor towards the ever changing staircase, the resounding clump of her boots echoing and ricocheting off the student's eardrums until fading away. The two had left the crowd mumbling and whispering.
Why is that woman even here? Hermione thought as she bit her thumbnail.
It seemed that everyone was hit with the same feeling for they were all were struck with curiosity and amazement by the newcomer. All murmuring amongst one another. One voice in particular was heard above all the others.
"She's rather hot, if I must say. Quite the attractive woman." Pansy Parkinson flashed a seductive smile.
"Shut up, Parkinson." Hermione huffed as she rolled her eyes, "No one cares about your thoughts are, that is, if you ever have any."
Pansy bursted with laughter before pushing past the frazzled brunette.
McGonagall's Scottish voice cut through the whispering and tension and was heard over the intercom, "All students and teachers report to the Great Hall at once."
Letting out sighs of aggravation, the huge black mass flowed through the gigantic oak doors and sat down at their appropriate tables. Hermione made her way over to the middle most section of the Gryffindor table to find Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Neville patting a spot for her to sit by them.
"Who was that girl? The one that was standing at the entrance?" Ginny Weasley leaned over to the brunette.
"I don't know. She knows of me, Ron, and Harry, though." Hermione shook her head, answering the red head's question to the best of her capabilities.
Ron leaned in, "What I want to know is why we're here." Looking amongst the small group, he hoped that one of his friends knew. However he was only met with disappointment when his friends either shook their heads or shrugged their shoulders.
Everyone was in wonder. Why did they summon the whole school into the Great Hall? What was so important for them know? Many were curious while others were irritated for this random announcement cut into their only free period of the day.
Just as quickly as everyone was huddled in, a sharp repetitive clank broke through the chatter of the school, but then stopped as soon as the crowd was quieted. Then, as if in a herd, the teachers and the new comer, hastily, made their way to the end of the hall, Dumbledore stopping at the steps before his pedestal, the teachers lining up on either side of him while the strange woman stood somewhat in front of them.
The students looked confused mixed with worry as they casted their eyes at their mentors and headmaster, jetting between them and the figure.
"Students! I suspect you all are wondering why it is you are gathered here." Dumbledore's voice echoed as he rested his clasped hands in front of him. "War is upon the wizarding world. Voldemort indeed has come back and I trust that everybody knows this." His ice blue eyes skimming across the mass. "There is no doubt that he will come here and kill anyone who stands in his way. However, we must defend this castle. It is considered home to so many of us and hold close to the hearts of those who have walked it."
Panic, slowly, started to spread through every soul's mind. The tingler found a few spines to snake up for there were many gasps both by males and females.
Dumbledore raised his hands up as he continued, "For that reason, we have to take extra precaution. Miss McCain, if you will." The old man turned everyone's attention towards the woman who had now had stepped in front of Dumbledore.
"Thank you Professor Dumbledore." The woman turned and bowed her head. Her attention brought straight back to the students in front of her.
Hermione gazed at the woman, her heart beating faster and faster. An incredible urge type of feeling snaking its way through her body. Her mind began battling thoughts of why she felt that way, why she couldn't stop staring at her, why whenever the woman looked at her, she went blank. She's only seen the woman once and she couldn't stop fidgeting about her. The sound of the woman continuing broke her train of thought.
"For those of you who don't know who I am, I'm Renee McCain. I'm a witch from America who works for the Ministry that's there." The woman bowed, slightly, as she made her introduction. All eyes were fixed on her, especially, Hermione's. "I have been requested by the Minister and Professor Dumbledore to help with the protection and preservation of this school." The woman walked back and forth in front of the teachers. Her voice was calm, but carried a dominant lace. "I will do whatever it is necessary to make sure that this castle will still be here at the end."
"We really are at war, aren't we?" Neville leaned back and whispered in Hermione's ear, panic evident in his tone.
"I believe so." Was all Hermione could say to her nervous ridden friend. Her mind was racing with too many thoughts. Thoughts, mostly, revolving around the newcomer, who now has a name.
Hermione was one to not be confused. She always had a way to figure things out without a problem and when she was stumped by something, she did everything within her power to figure it out. However, this time, she was at a mental standstill. Her mind was too wrapped around Renee to hear her name being addressed.
Neville nudged the blank faced girl.
"Huh?" Was the only word she could spill out.
"Miss Granger. Could you come here for a moment?" Renee stared at the brunette. Hermione felt as if she had been petrified by those emerald orbs.
All eyes watched, closely, as Hermione got up and, slowly, made her way towards the raven haired woman, wringing her hands, nervously. Her face turning crimson as she felt the piercing stares of the other students. She ducked her head when she reached the spot where the woman was standing. What does she need me for?
"Miss Granger, here, will help as well. If you happen to be having some kind of a mental breakdown over this, talk to her." Renee gestured towards the brunette. A small smile spread on her face as she watched Hermione's knees shake, almost, unnoticeably. She placed her hand on the brunette's shoulder only to draw back, quickly, for she felt a warmth spread up her arm.
Hermione didn't know what to think. She had felt the heat, as well as the American, and looked at Renee, trying to search her eyes for some kind of answer.
Whoa. I didn't expect the feeling to be that strong. Man! Renee shook her head, "Yo-you can g-go back to yo-your seat now, Hermione." The woman leaned over and whispered to the brunette. A hint of nervousness evident in her tone. She gestured Hermione towards her seat before returning to her lecture.
Hermione was in shock. She felt the warmth lingering where the raven haired woman had placed her hand. She just hugged herself with her brows furrowed as she went back to her seat. Her eyes hesitating to stare up at the American. They, finally, rested on Renee.
"Umm… So yeah. Uhh.. Also, I will be in charge of discipline. If any of you decide to do something stupid, you will have to answer to me." Renee continued, a dominant tone making itself present. She had stopped her pacing and stared hard. Her body language and posture screamed confidence while her eyes reflected the same.
The woman, still having her eyes locked on Hermione's before skimming across the room, bowed once more before heading out of the Great Hall. All eyes were on her, following her towards the exit.
"War? War?! Why does it have to be here?!" A girl's voice shot out through the crowd. "We have what the Dark Lord wants. Why not just give it to him? He wants Harry. So, give him scar head." The voice was identified as Pansy's. She was standing at her seat looking over at Harry and pointing, aimlessly, out the window.
"You daft bimbo! Giving him Harry won't stop him from killing you, Parkinson." Hermione stood fast and whipped around, "What? Do you think that he would spare everyone if we hand him over? Not a chance!" Hermione snapped.
"What if he does? Then we all will be alright!" Pansy snapped back. Her arms somewhat stretched out in front of her.
Hermione, positively, snarled. Her dark brown eyes burned a hole into Pansy and steam pushed out of her ears, hotly. "You're just a coward!"
The Hall erupted with voices before falling, deathly, silent when they all noticed Renee standing in the doorway with her chest heaving, rapidly. Anger was, obviously, written in her face.
The crowd's eyes debating on who to stare at: Pansy, Hermione, or Renee.
"That.. Is quite enough." Renee breathed in, deeply, "Miss Parkinson, is it?" the American's voice bombing as she set her eyes down on the Slytherin and made her way around to her.
"Ye-yes ma'am." Pansy, quickly, dropped her head.
"'So, give him scar head', huh?" Renee repeated the girl's statement. Her eyes narrowing. "Hermione is right. What makes you think that he would spare your life for his? You think that, really?" The woman had, finally, come to a stop in front of Parkinson, her arms crossing over her chest.
"I-I.. We-well.. Umm.." Was the Slytherin could get out. The stare she was receiving was too intense.
"Just shut up. You sound like a fucking idiot, Parkinson." Renee spat out. "He will have no problem killing you or anybody else with or without turning in Potter." She said, matter of factly.
Pansy just stood there, her mouth dropped open and her brows furrowed as she realized that the American was, probably, right. Everyone in the room followed suit. Slowly, she fell to her seat with a soft thud. Renee, obviously, didn't want that at all.
"Umm.. No sitting for you. Stand up." The woman had put a hand on her hip and used the other to gesture a "follow me" signal to Pansy.
Without a word, the Slytherin stood up again and followed the American towards and out the door, leaving Hermione still standing with a angry gaze, teachers looking in concern, and the rest of the students speechless.
"Thank Merlin she showed up. You would've cast Pansy into oblivion." Ginny somewhat laughed glancing up at the brunette.
Hermione's anger sizzled as she stood, her eyebrows furrowing more as she pondered.
"Everyone, return to class!" Dumbledore shouted, breaking everyone's concentration on the event that had just transpired in front of them.
With a snap, the populous collected their things and walked out of the hall. Every one of them replaying or talking about what had just happened. The teachers were following behind their students to make sure nothing else happened along the way.
As for Hermione?
She was more deep in thought than ever. She wanted to know more about the American. Wanted to know who she is and what she was capable of doing. Was it more harm or more good to have her here, Hermione had to know. She placed her hand where Renee had touched her shoulder and still felt the warmth that was present. A small blush and a smile appeared on her face, but she, quickly, wiped it away as she realized where her thoughts were going.
Hermione has never thought of women in that fashion. Never wanted a dating relationship with one. But why was she so caught up with Renee? She didn't understand.
Her mind was in full gear as she made her way to the library. She set her bag down on Her favorite table in the back of the library and began her research.
Bookshelves that towered over her were lined with millions of books on everything and anything. She started her search from end of the library with only one goal in mind: to figure who Renee McCain is.
H/P
"Hey, darlin', you know curfew is in about ten minutes." a voice entered the brunette's ear and shook her from her slumber.
"What? Huh?" groggy, Hermione blinked, rapidly, at the face staring down at her. She jumped when she noticed whose face it was.
Renee chuckled at the girl's surprised manner. "Did you enjoy your nap?" the woman asked with a raised eyebrow and crooked smile.
Hermione nodded, slowly, as she, furiously, wiped the sleep from her eyes, not noticing Renee glancing down at the book she was reading.
"If you wanted to know about me, you could just ask." the American laughed.
Hermione, in a panic, slammed the book shut and began shoving her belongings back into her bag. Her face turned red at the statement.
With the brunette being who she is, she couldn't let a remark like that slide without saying something about it. "Someone is conceited." with a huff, she whipped around to stare at the emerald eyed beauty. Instantly, the girl's knees became wobbly.
"Not conceited, but confident." the woman winked with a charming smile. "Can I walk with you to your common room?" she asked after seeing the look on Hermione's face.
With a half attempted smile, the brunette nodded in agreement.
Without another word spoken between the two, they finished packing up the books and exited the library, winding around corners and ascending staircase after staircase with only small talk between them before stopping at the fat lady's moving portrait.
"Hey, Hermione, I was wondering if you'd like to join me on a perimeter search this evening." the American asked. Her hand scratching the back of her neck as she twisted her toe of her boot on the ground. Nervousness was obvious in her question.
She's nervous? That is a trait she doesn't seem to have in her wiring. Hermione mused as she watched the spectacle. It seems that she wasn't the only one who got nervous around other people.
"It's okay if you say no. I was only asking considering that you had a pretty lengthy nap in the library." Renee chuckled at the image of the brunette, cutely, snoozing away at the wooden table.
After a few seconds of silence, Hermione smiled softly, "Sure. I don't see why I shouldn't. Let me put my things away."
With a whispering of a word, the brunette disappeared behind the portrait.
With a sigh and a smile, Renee sat down on a nearby step and hummed a tune to herself, her thoughts being swept away by the girl. Boy, she is something. No wonder she's my mate.
Hermione made her way up the girl's dormitory. She eased open the door and, lightly, walked over to her bed. Patrol, huh? I wonder what she's up to. But she's so cute! Gods! Hold up there. Why are you even thinking about her like that! You don't like girls like that… do you? The brunette battled with herself as she got changed from her school uniform into more of a casual attire.
I can get her attention. I know I can… hopefully, I can win her over. But how? Renee was pondering ideas, oblivious to the fact that Hermione had exited the common room.
The brunette looked down at the raven haired woman. She noticed the muscular structure of her. She didn't seem like the type to exercise or lift weights, but her body was toned. The way her shirt wrapped around her and clung to her made it even more impressive, plus the color deepened the tan the woman had. The all around look of the woman made Hermione, practically, drool over her. She then felt a sudden dampening between her legs. Something that has never happened before.
Renee, suddenly, whipped around to see the brunette with a blank stare on her face. "You good, darlin'?" The woman laughed as she watched the girl shake herself out of her concentration.
"Ye-yeah. I'm fine." Hermione answered with a red face.
"Well, let's get going, shall we?" Renee turned her body and gestured towards the staircase that winded down.
The two walked down the stairs to begin the long night of patrol.