The Pawns, the Rooks, the Knights, and the Queen and King
Disclaimer: The characters do not belong to me. The only one that does so far is Leila Grayheart, and if you don't know who the other characters belong to, then shame on you.
Summary: "We are all but pieces in his game; no one knows their true role. But whether I'm a pawn, a rook, a knight, or even a queen, I will always be sacrificed for the King. Now tell me why I should return to a game in which I will have to sacrifice myself for another, with no gain of my own?" "Simple." He smirked. "Just because he set up the game, doesn't mean the players always follow."
Chapter 4: New Beginnings
For the rest of the day, Hermione and Leila sat together and wrote up the contract for as long they could until Madame Promfrey demanded that Leila needs her rest. Hermione had asked whether she could stay with Leila, however, there were no room in the ward. Voldemort's attack on wizards had been more active lately and many were new order members who were too inexperienced and were hurt. Madame Promfrey told Hermione that Dumbledore had saved her a room and that Malfoy will take her to it. Hermione sighed, and walked outside the ward just as Malfoy came.
"You know," he told her, as he walked right past her. Hermione taking the hint followed him. "You could have told me that everything was fine, so that I could go on my merry little way, instead of waiting outside for about an hour."
"Aww," Hermione teased, "you actually stayed outside the ward in case she really was a Death Eater? Worried that the little mudblood couldn't take care of herself?"
"Such ingratitude," he sneered, "I thought Gryfindors are noble, not sarcastic."
"And I thought Slytherins are uncaring."
"If you think that I care for you," he replied coldly, that sent shivers down her spine, "then you are deadly wrong."
It was then Hermione noticed the change in him. Before, his words had always been cold and harsh, but there was really no true threat in his words. Now however, it seemed he meant exactly what he said. It was as if something dark had loomed over his once childish hatred. Then again, she thought, war can do that to just anyone because she was sure that she was not the same bookworm Granger she was when she was at school either.
When the two finally reached a portrait of two Greek goddesses, who Hermione recognized as Artemis and Aphrodite, Malfoy said, "Golden apple," and the portrait immediately swung open. Briskly, he walked away without another word to her. Sighing, she was about to go in when a voice called out to her.
"Granger," Malfoy called without even turning back. "Not bad. Looks like you've finally grown into your womanhood."
"What?" she yelled angrily, slightly blushing, as he disappeared around a corner.
"What'd you expect my dear?" Artemis, in the picture, said wryly. Hermione turned around, and stared angrily at the dark brown haired beautiful goddess. She had brown eyes as well, and was wearing Greek men clothing, with a bow on her back. She was fingering the tip of her arrow lazily, her hair in a single braid. "You are wearing nothing, but a bathrobe. At least tie it tighter around yourself dear."
"What do you me—" her mouth formed the letter o as she saw that indeed, she still wore her bathrobe from this morning. Although she had tied it tight around herself this morning, the knot had unwound and even though it wasn't flapping, it revealed quite a bit of her cleavage. Quickly, she tightened the knot.
"Aww," Aphrodite sighed, her long blonde hair, waving about as she shook her head. She wore a vibrant pink Greek dress, and was biting into an apple. "Don't tighten it dear. It looks better that way."
"I don't think so."
"Why not?" she smiled. "The handsome, blonde young man from earlier seems to think so too."
Slightly blushing, Hermione muttered, "Night," and went inside briskly.
The next morning, Hermione woke up early and found that everything she needed was in the cabinet, and clothes were provided in the closet. Sighing in relief, she quickly performed her daily morning ritual, and changed into a pink sleeveless tank top, somewhat dark green shorts, and a pair green flip-flop. Walking out, she greeted the two goddesses and quickly went to the Hospital Wing. Due to the fact that she was short, many seventh years staying for the summer was taller then her. Some even mistook her for a student, until they realized who she was.
"I hate taking potions!" she heard Leila whine from outside the infirmary. "Can't I just take an aspirin for my headaches?"
"Miss Grayheart!" Madame Promfrey shrieked, "my potions are ten times stronger then those medicine!" she said indignantly.
"Yes," Leila nodded, as Hermione came in and sat down next to her bed. "But it also tastes ten times worse. Please, I would very much like an aspirin."
"Hmph, very well then," Madame Promfrey said, as she left rather unhappy at the fact that her potion was being compared to Muggle medicine. Her potion was ten times stronger then that worthless thing!
"Making friends already huh?" Hermione noted. "Just take her potion. It doesn't taste that bad."
"Meia," Leila sighed. "I refuse to drink that thing! It's bitter, salty, and sour. Not to mention the smell is horrifying!" She shook her head and shuddered at the thought, and quickly drank a pill. "I took the liberty of finishing the contract. Just take it to the old geezer and have him sign on the dotted line." She sighed, lying down on the bed again.
"You don't want to take it to him with me?"
"…I'm sorry Hermione," Lenne lied, "I don't think I'm feeling well enough yet."
"…I see," Hermione nodded, seeing straight through the girl's lie. She inwardly smiled for whenever Leila lied to Hermione, her voice would go slightly lower at the end of the lie. Walking back out, she stopped and looked back at Leila. She was still lying on the bed with a soft smile on her face, but Hermione saw through her smile and her brow creased with worry. Leila's jaw was tense, and her eyes although seem at the epiphany of peace, she saw fear behind it. Leila doesn't like Dumbledore for a reason, Hermione thought, and Leila never dislike someone without a really good reason.
"First years!" Draco growled, causing several students to jump at least two feet in the air. He inwardly smiled, and thought, Hmph, still got it. Without further delay, the first years immediately followed him. Harry laughed as he saw the sour expression on Draco's face as one was scared stiff and couldn't even move. Seeing as he had his own duties, Harry quickly led other students to their area and smiled. This year was bound to get interesting, and he was more than happy that his childhood friend is back. Too bad she had to bring along that friend of hers.
"Welcome," Dumbledore's voice echoed throughout the Great Hall. With everything under way, and running smoothly, everyone was now in their seats and the first years sorted. "To another year at Hogwarts!" he paused for the applause to end, and smiled again. "As you are all well aware, there is more than a likely chance that Voldemort will attack here. However, your teachers and I vow to protect you all to the best of our abilities. Sadly, we teachers cannot be everywhere, therefore you all must be on, what some of you may remember from Professor Moody, CONSTANT VIGILANCE. Keep your eyes and ears open, and report to your teachers should you suspect anything." He paused then, to allow the information to sink in. Looking around, he knew that not all the students were loyal to him, but he was willing to turn a blind eye as long as there is no trouble. "In light to this, we have acquired assistance from two trustworthy witches that shall become your professors this year. Allow me to call," he took a deep breath then, and said, "Hermione Granger and Lenne Grayheart!"
And on cue, the door busted open with Hermione in a black robe and Lenne in professional muggle clothes. It was a sight indeed, the two stood with smirks on their faces as everyone turned to stare at them in shock. In shock that Hermione was the teacher, the traitor, and Lenne boldly dressing in muggle clothing. The two waltzed up to the teacher's table and took their seats. As soon as the student body finally composed themselves and was about to riot, Dumbledore interrupted.
"As you all know," he said, staring fiercely down at them should any dare to interrupt, "Miss Granger was once a student in these very halls herself. In one night, she lost it all, due to a misunderstanding." Confusion immediately hit the student body, as everyone looked up to him confused.
"YOU'RE JUST COVERING FOR HER!" one of the students yelled, Lenne noted that it was a female with beautiful blonde hair. Meeting her blue eyes, she gave her a cold smile that immediately silenced her.
"No I am not," Dumbledore smiled, "I wish to apologize to Miss Granger," he said, turning to Hermione and bowing. "For we, no I have misjudged her, causing her to be shunned by her very peers and the rest of the Wizarding World. In truth, the one who had let Voldemort escape and ruined that fateful night that we could have killed him, was none other than this man here." He said, pointing his wand to a nearby wall, and whispering a few words, an image appeared.
Everyone gasped as the image showed a red haired man laughing maniacally. Hermione's eyes widened as she recognized who it was. "Ronald Weasley?" she whispered. Immediately, she looked over to Harry and Draco. Harry didn't looked surprised at all, and his eyes glared at the image with hatred while Draco looked at the image with indifference.
"The true traitor was none other than Ronald Weasley," Dumbledore yelled, "he confessed it himself not a week ago. During that time, he had helped Voldemort gain power and helped him apparated out of the castle. Following that, he revealed our plans again and again to him. At this very moment, he is standing on trial and shall be sent to Azkaban tomorrow." He finished, as the image disappeared.
Shocked faces met Hermione's. Everyone started to talk, some accepting the evidence, others refuting it.
"If another person," Dumbledore said loudly, "should accuse Miss Granger again, that person will be dealing with me personally. I will not have any of my students disrespect any of my teachers." He said deadly, and after a moment, he smiled, and said, "Now, as for what they will be teaching. Miss Granger," he smiled at Hermione, "shall be taking over for Professor McGonagall, and will be teaching Transfiguration. She shall also by Gryffindor's head." He smiled as everyone on the Gryffindor table cheered loudly. "And as for Miss Grayheart here," he said, trying to catch her eye, but Leila merely looked down at the students, "she shall be teaching physical education to all sixth and seventh years." Everyone began muttering then, as again many were confused. "I shall leave the introduction of the class to her, and yes, this class is a requirement for you all to graduate. You must take it for at least two years. Seventh years will be pardoned for the one year as this is their last year, however, everyone else will be taking it for two years. They may choose to take it for more than two, but they must take if for any two years of their choice."
"As the Headmaster had said," Leila said coolly, "I shall be teaching you all a little thing called physical education. I'm sure, that at least," she rolled her eyes, "some of you know what it is, so I will not go in depth. You all shall know of it soon enough when class starts tomorrow. Sixth and seventh years do not need to fear for it will not mean extra work because I will guarantee you an O in it as long as you do your best and show improvement in you abilities, you shall be fine. I understand that the pressure is great with O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s, and I'm not unreasonable. But if you give me any reason for dislike, you can trust that I will make you suffer all wraths of hell." She smiled sweetly, as deathly silence met her speech. She knew that only muggles knew what it was and really couldn't care less what the others thought of her bluntness.
"Ahem," Dumbledore started. "Well, you will have a week to sign up for that class for the younger students. And now, let us begin our feast!" he roared, as food appeared and everyone ate.
"Slightly…harsh don't you think?" Hermione raised her eyebrow at Leila as she started piling up on the beef.
"If you think that was harsh, you wouldn't have liked my original then," Leila smiled as she took some smashed potatoes.
"You sure she's not a Death Eater?" Harry whispered in Hermione's ear.
"You're just being overly suspicious," Hermione whispered back. "What about Malfoy?"
"He's okay now," Harry shrugged.
"What do you two teach anyway? I was surprised that I'm heading the Gryffindors and not you."
"I'm the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and Malfoy here is now the Potion Master as well as the Slytherin Head."
"What's the deal with Ron?" Hermione asked quietly.
"To be honest," Harry sighed. "I don't know much about it myself. Malfoy caught him actually." And before Hermione even asked, he smiled and told her, "and I believe every word Malfoy said. Our plans have been leaked throughout the years, and no one figured out why. I started talking to Ron about it, how we might have a traitor. Immediately, Malfoy was blamed and so forth. However, when he told me that it wasn't him, I believed him. Later on, he and I set the traitor up. Yes, Malfoy and I. He had a suspicion who it was, but I had no clue. I just knew that it wasn't him or me. I didn't even think whether it could be Ron or not. Next thing I knew, Ron was telling everything to Voldemort before my very eyes, and that's the end of the story."
"Wow," Hermione smiled. "Ron? Rather hard to believe but, I think the most surprising thing should be that you trust Malfoy."
"He's not bad once you get to know his principles I suppose," Harry shrugged. "Ready for a new year 'Mione?" Harry smirked.
"I haven't been called that in so long now," Hermione smiled softly, "but the question should be, whether you are ready for the new year because from what I hear, Leila's going to spice things up to get fired."
"Leila…I know that you're worried about me and all, but…don't you have a morning class?" Hermione asked as she once again looked over her class schedule. She was teaching advanced transfiguration first period, and she wanted to make the best impression as possible. Leila seeing how stressed she was volunteered to help, and had been setting the class up for the day's events.
"Please Meia," Leila rolled her eyes as she straightened some books. "Like I'm going to get fired."
"You know," Hermione said smugly as she sat down in her leather chair, which she brought from her own office. It was a large chair that allowed her to lean back comfortably in it. "We have something called magic," and with that said, with a wave of her arm, the class was immediately neat and tidy.
"Shush," Lenne reprimanded, "as good as magic is, I have arms and legs that could have easily done that."
"Again," Hermione sighed, "might I remind you that you have a morning class? And from what I've heard from Harry, Slytherins and Gryffindors still don't mix well. Why did you choose to put the two houses of seventh years together anyway?"
"Because," Leila smirked. "I like a challenge."
"What the hell!" a blonde growled as she stood in her P.E. shorts and overly large white t shirt. "What kind of class is this anyway? Why do I have to wear shorts that reach my knees and an overly large plain white t shirt?!"
"I know!" a pretty brunette nodded vigorously.
"I mean, look at me!" the blue eyed blonde added, "We're not even allowed to change this stupid uniform!"
Outside the castle, two large groups of seventh years stood separate. On one side were of course the Gryffindors and the other, the Slytherins. It was as if an invisible line divided the two houses. On the Slytherin side, a lone black haired boy rolled his eyes at the two girls in his house complaints. Honestly, he thought, just how dense can these girls be?
On the other side, a young girl with blue sun glasses and dark brown hair sat down in the grass. Leaning against the tree, she sighed in content and drift off in a light slumber. Although her glasses looked like sun glasses, it was in fact also a prescription glass.
"It's been ten minutes!" the blonde shrieked, "What the hell's taking that Mudblood teacher so long?!"
"That will be an extra two laps for you 6," said teacher called out as she walked towards the group. Looking around, she saw that she got several leers despite her clothes. She wore a simple jacket, and knee length shorts, however it still wasn't enough. Sighing, she rolled her eyes at the whistles. "I hear another whistle and all of you will be running an extra five laps."
"Running?" the blonde asked, surprised. "Just what kind of class is this?"
"If you want to know," Leila said coldly, "then I suggest that you shut the hell up." Immediately, the girl silenced as she saw the underlining tone Leila had. "I have very little patience, and if you decide to be a smartass, then I suggest you do so in other classes because I will make you regret ever opening your mouth." Inwardly smirking at the replies she got, she took out her wand and immediately a spreadsheet appeared in glowing colors of purple. "Find your name, and sit according to the number besides it. From here on out, you will be referred to by that number." With that said, she muttered another spell and immediately a row of numbers appeared on the ground. When she saw no one moved, she sighed in annoyance and said, "I suggest you move, now before I add more laps." Despite the confused faces, people started sitting immediately.
When everyone was seated, the blonde raised her annoying voice again. "Why do I have to be surrounded by these losers?" she demanded
"Tough luck," Leila replied. "And if you don't like it, you can walk right out of my class. I can really care less whether you graduate or not." After everyone quieted, Leila took in a deep breath and started, "Well, all you need to know about my class is, as long as you do as you're told, you'll do fine. This includes doing your best at everything, and following my every word." After a moment, she continued, "Physical Education is a class in which I shall help you train your body, build your endurance, strength, and stamina. As I know, many people ignore their health in the wizarding community due to spells and potions, however, statistics has proven that an active wizard or witch who doesn't rely on such things will live much longer. The reason why most of you probably don't even know the existence of these spells and potions is due to the fact that it is in everything the wizarding community eat – the very air you breathe in consists of these spells and potions. However, it only affects the magical community. You can find more information on this from Madam Promfrey should you wish to." She took a deep breath. That was a mouthful, she thought. "If I am to cast the spell that reverse all those spells and potions you drank, most if not all, of you will probably be obese, and you will be suffering from many other health problems." Again, she paused as she watched people squirm about uncomfortably about what she just said.
"Please," the blonde cried out, "there is no such spell! Besides, I'm perfectly naturally healthy." She said confidently.
"Oh really?" Leila grinned, "why don't we test that out." Taking her wand out of her sleeve within a blink of an eye, she cast the spell. The girl's body began shaking as suddenly she started throwing up. Her eyes glared at Leila when suddenly her hands started getting chubbier, her legs quivered at the weight it was now supporting. Her heart shaped face turned round, her cheeks started bulging out, and her stomach got bloated. Soon enough, she fell, unable to get up and carry her weight.
"What now six?"
"…" the girl couldn't say anything as she turned red from embarrassment as several boys and girls laughed at her.
"Should I reverse the spell now?" the girl nodded immediately, and Leila obliged. She even fixed the shirt and pants which had ripped from the transformation.
When the laughing refused to stop, she added, "If any of you continue to laugh, I will cast the same spell on you." Immediately, everyone quieted and she smiled cheerfully. "Now for the class's curriculum, each week, you will be running a mile. Every other week, you will be running straight for twenty minutes no stopping. You walk, and I'll make you run more. The rest of that time you will be playing sports." At the mention of this, several faces light up. "Not just Quidditch. You'll be playing other sports, such as tennis, basketball, softball, football, etc. Any requests for a certain sport, you merely have to submit to me a two feet long, size twelve writing scroll on why that sport, and how it helps train your body. Any questions?"
"What are those sports you just mentioned?" the black haired, silver blue eyed boy from slytherin asked coolly, despite his ignorance. A couple stifled their laughs, but with a simple glare from a brown haired, green eyed boy, they immediately stifled their laughs.
"Those sports will be explained in a later date," Lenne shrugged. "Because I am a new teacher, you guys will have to bear with me a bit. However, I guarantee that there will be no stress in my class because as I said, you listen to me, and do everything I say, we will have no problems whatsoever." She smiled slightly, now, "We shall start the class with your basic stretches."
Many didn't even know the basic stretches, save for a rare few who managed to copy her movements perfectly. Others however, were either confused and feeling stupid copying her, or refused to. The ones that refused to stood coolly on the sidelines and watched. It was a mixture of both Gryffindors and Slytherins, and some noticed that besides their number in purple in the air, tallies were marked next to them.
"For those of you who did do their share of the class," Lenne grinned, "You are excused from actually memorizing those stretches. The rest of you however," she smirked, "will have a test on these stretches the next time I see you. Meaning, you all," she turned to the kids on the sidelines, "will be doing exactly what I just did perfectly, and in the right order. Now," she smiled, "everyone run from here to the Forbidden Forest and back again. That is about a mile away."
Again, there was a number of kids who refused to move and Lenne continued to smile. As each person ran to the forest and back, there were times that appeared above their head, and was recorded besides their number When there was but seven minutes of class left, all the students who ran was back and breathing slightly heavily. "You guys are dismissed," she nodded, but as the ones who didn't run went back towards the school, she yelled, "You guys on the other hand, are not."
"What?" Number six yelled out, glaring coolly at her.
"Please," another boy mocked her, "Like a Mudblood of a teacher like you can do anything to us anyway. Elisa is right, you are nothing but a pathetic Mudblood."
"Try leaving then," Lenne winked. Some students stayed back, slightly fearful, but the boy, Taylor, and Elisa led a small group and walked confidently towards the castle when they hit their head loudly – as if they hit a wall.
"See those tallies beside your name?" Lenne smiled sweetly, those tallies mean that not only do you have to run the mile, but also you have to run around the lake that many times before you may leave."
"But," a girl who was in the back looked fearfully at her, "we have class to go to!"
"Should have thought of that," she snickered, "before you decided to ignore my instructions."
"Will you give us a late pass?" another asked.
"Hell nah!" Lenne laughed as she conjured a black wooden chair and table, with aromatic raspberry tea on top. She gracefully sat down and sipped her tea while the students stared unbelievably at her. "Well?" she smiled, "aren't you guys going to start running or what? I can stay here all day you know," she winked, "I get payed by the hour."
Immediately, some started running towards the Forbidden Forest.
"Bitch," Elisa muttered.
"Whore," Lenne grinned back. "And for disrespecting me, that's another tally. Have fun Six." She winked.
Lenne didn't hear it, but it was not like she didn't expected it – as Elisa ran, she muttered, "I am going to kill that Mudblood within the first attack!"
a/n: oh joy for lenne.