"Hermione, I need you to do me a favor."

The bushy-haired witch looked up from Ravenclaw's Book of Hope and Despair. "What kind of favor, Daphne?"

"I need you to research someone and pretend it's an extra credit project for History of Magic."

Hermione raised an eyebrow. "All right, I guess. I was thinking about doing some extra research there anyway. Who do you want me to learn about and why?"

"First the why," the Slytherin murmured. "You remember that some things didn't add up when you rescued me and the others from Malfoy?"

"Of course." She shuddered. "There was the storm, and the lightning, and you were hurt, somehow."

"Yes. I think I've found an explanation…." She explained her theory to a stunned, almost disbelieving audience of one.

The Ravenclaw's eyes bulged. "That- that makes perfect sense, but the odds against it are astronomical. It's almost as unlikely as- as-"

"As Blaise being a Seer, as Neville being an Herbology prodigy, as you inventing an anit-dementor amulet, or as Harry being a Parselmouth?"

"Oh." The older witch reddened. "When you put it that way, it doesn't seem odd at all."

"I know." She sighed heavily. "I've been looking through the prophecies, and I think they imply that I'm right, but I'd still like you to research this. I need to know for sure before telling the others." She snorted. "I don't want to get their hopes up just to have them dashed in the sand."

"That makes sense, I guess. I won't tell them. But why do you want me to do the research?"

A tiny smile. "You're smart, Hermione. You tell me."

The older girl's eyes narrowed. "Dumbledore, I suppose. He knows something didn't add up, too, and you're worried that if you explore the books yourself, he'll come to the same conclusions you did. And that would be… bad. Very, very bad, especially if you're right."

"I thought so myself," Daphne agreed. "So you'll do it?"

"Of course. It won't be the first time I've done extra credit for no reason, and if I play this right, I can get some for Charms class too."

The other witch rolled her eyes. "You don't need extra credit for Charms class, Hermione, but that's a good excuse as to why you're choosing her instead of another historical figure."

She smiled. "That's the idea."


"Blaise, I have an idea that might help you learn more about being a Seer."

"Really, Hermione? Shoot."

The Ravenclaw grinned. "It's simple, really. Research next year's classes. If anyone sees you, they'll just think you're trying to decide on the best path."

"That's smart. I'll have to do that. Thanks."

"You're welcome."

"You know, I wonder if we could get any other research done with that excuse. You know, learn about dragons and basilisks under the pretense of studying Care of Magical Creatures. No, wait, we already know more about them than any random author in the library. Ah, the joys of knowing a Parselmouth."

The witch tilted her head. "Hm… I could learn more about amulets and wards and say I'm preparing for Ancient Runes class. I'm taking that next year anyways, along with Arthimancy and Care."

"And we could learn more about Animagi in a Transfiguration project," the Slytherin speculated. "Moony and Padfoot great, but it's been a long time since they made their own potions."

"That is a good idea," chuckled Hermione. "Extra credit for two classes and valuable information for later on. And we can use this excuse to research almost everything we need. We'll have to thank Daphne for coming up with the idea."

"Daphne did it?" Blaise sounded confused.

His friend flinched. Curse her flapping mouth! She could keep secrets from teachers, authority figures, her own parents, but she was used to honesty around her friends, especially now that Daphne was an official part of her group. She shrugged, faking nonchalance. "It was just a general suggestion. I was the one who applied it to your Seeing."

Amazingly, he accepted her half-baked excuse. She must be getting better at lying.

"Shall we go up to the library and stage a long, loud conversation about looking into different courses for next year?" Blaise smirked, teeth white against his dark face.

Hermione giggled. "You had me at 'library.' Let's go!"


Yay, a double update. I figured I owe you after ignoring you for so long. Don't worry, though, Chalice should be up by the end of the month.