We are back to Hermione today! The story will continue on from her perspective. Enjoy!
Chapter 8: A surprising turn of events
Hermione sat down at the Gryffindor table, Ron and Harry weren't up yet. It was early, Hermione was hoping to catch a particular someone to speak to. The great hall was quiet, some professor's were up and a few other students, it was quite a contrast between the usual chaos that took place. Hermione grabbed some yoghurt and a cup of coffee. Might as well eat something. Hermione wouldn't admit it to anyone, but she was nervous. Her mind couldn't stop drifting to the dreams she had been having. Who is it? What on earth does it mean? Those dreams. And whoever they are smells amazing. She had questions, ones she didn't have the answer to. But maybe someone did.
"Luna!" Hermione called out, she stood up and waved the Ravenclaw over. Ever since the quidditch match Hermione had speculated that Luna knew more than what she let on. Luna spun around and gave Hermione a smile.
"Good morning Hermione." Luna took a seat across from her. Hermione gave her a smile. "How have you been?" Luna gave her a dreamy smile before she responded. "All good here." Hermione suspected there was more to that answer but she left it alone. "Did you sleep well?" Luna asked, she tilted her head slightly. Hermione set down her spoon and gulped. This was proving to be harder than expected. Hermione cleared her throat. "Actually Luna." She looked up and met the blonde's eyes. "I was wondering if I could talk to you about something?" Luna gave Hermione a knowing smile. "Why don't we go somewhere more private?"
Hermione followed Luna though the corridors of Hogwarts, it took her a while to realise where they were headed. "I haven't been in the Room of Requirement since the war." Luna briefly turned back to face her. "Me neither." They stood in front of the seemingly boring wall. After a couple of moments it opened up. Luna and Hermione glanced at each other before stepping into the room. Inside the room was decorated with a large black rug, a big couch, table with some tea and buiscuts. It was small and cozy but exactly what Hermione needed. "Let's sit." Luna's dreamy voice broke through to her. She nodded and took a seat next to her.
"Luna I would like to think of us as friends right?" Hermione straightened her posture a bit and clasped her hands together. Luna gave her a reassuring smile. "I should hope so." She responded. Hermione was feeling more nervous by the second, the only person who knew anything about what was happening was Ginny, but even her knowledge of her dreams was limited. "i think something is happening to me." She paused and took a deep breath. "I think there may be something wrong with me, I am going a bit out of my mind." Hermione met Luna's unreadable expression. "Why don't you just start from the beginning and we can go on from there."
"Okay. Well, get comfortable, it's a bit of a long story." Hermione joked awkwardly in an attempt to ease the tension, Luna didn't seem to mind. "So last wee, we had potions with the Slytherins." This better give me some clarity or else all of this is going to be for nothing, "I had to sit next to Parkinson. Not that that has anything to do with this story but, well, I don't know. Jesus, get a grip of yourself and stop rambling! Luna motioned for her to continue and Hermione felt quite grateful that she was not interrupting her. "We then heard that we were going to brew Amortentia. I'm sure you know what that is." Luna nodded and gave her a knowing smile. "I am familiar with the potion, yes." "We had to go to the front of the class to observe the potion and also smell it I guess." Hermione felt butterflies erupt in her stomach as she thought back to the intoxicating aroma. "So I took a whiff of it." Hermione felt blood rush to her cheeks. "You don't have to be ashamed Hermione, it's just me." Luna sensed that Hermione felt uneasy with the whole topic.
"Right well, anyway. it smelt amazing, and warm." She couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. "I mean I don't know who it is. Which was fine, but now." Here it comes, you can do this. "That night, I started having these dreams. They were weird, I was always in a familiar place, somewhere I knew. And there is someone there. I don't know who but I think they are female." Hermione said the last bit softly. Luna didn't mention it if she noticed. "It's like I am dreaming about some alternate realities of some possible scenarios with this person. Romantic scenarios." Hermione met Luna's eyes in the hope she could give her some insight.
"Hermione." Luna said breaking the silence that had followed Hermione's pause. "I think I understand what is going on. And don't worry. You're not crazy, this just isn't that common." Hermione felt a weight lift of her shoulders, it was quickly replaced with curiosity. "So what's going on? Why do I keep having these dreams and what do they mean?" Luna took a sip of her tea before responding. "I don't think I will be able to answer all your questions but I do know I can help." Finally time for some answers! "All of these 'symptoms' you are experiencing are affects of the Amortentia potion, this is actually pretty common but just not very well documented." So it has to do with potions? Hermione thought as she let Luna's words sink in. "These dreams you are having are most likely linked to what you desire, or rather who you desire." "So I'm in love with someone I just don't know who?" Luna titled her head and met Hermione's eyes. "You could put it like that. The Amortentia potion must have made some subconscious part of you realise that. In these dreams, can you smell the aroma of the Amortentia potion?" Hermione's eyes widened slightly as things seemed to come into place. "Ahem, yes. I do." Luna seemed to smile at this. "Your subconscious it telling you that there is someone you desire, deeply. Most likely someone you know." She set her tea down on the table. "My advice for you is too listen to what your body is telling you." Hermione huffed and rolled her eyes.
"How am I supposed to do that when I don't even know who it is?" God I am sick of this. "That's easy Hermione, you already know what they smell like." Luna had a hint of amusement in her voice. "Let's talk some other time though, we have that duelling tournament starting soon." Hermione looked at her watch and checked the time. "Yeah, you're right." Well this conversation got me somewhere I guess. But am I ready to find out who I am dreaming about?
"Welcome students!" Professor McGonagall's voice boomed through the great hall, it had been cleared out and was now a big empty space. "You are here to improve house unity, this is especially important after recent. Events." Everyone knew what their Headmistress was referring to. Hermione who was standing near the entrance of the Hall next to Ron, Harry, Ginny and Luna looked around to see familiar face's get a rather glum look at the mention of the war. She absentmindedly traced the mudblood scar on her arm. "This tournament/event will last a week. Though we could go on longer than that." What type of tournament is this? Hermione thought, it seemed others had the same thought as they whispered amongst themselves, they quickly stopped as the Headmistress continued. "I am afraid we may have bent the truth a bit. We will not only be duelling this week. All classes are on hold so you will have no homework for them." Ron looked quite pleased at this. "However. This week will be spent getting to know each other beter, getting to known not only your housemates but also those from other houses better."
Is this going to be like a bonding or therapy type week? God I am really not ready to open up old wounds. Hermione was not alone in this, a quick glance to her friends and she could see the same worry and fear etched on their faces.
"Now, we will be holding a tournament. Among other things..." The headmistress let her gaze sweep over the students gathered in the Great Hall. "Today we will be starting with fighting a boggart." Many students began to protest, this was simple magic that they had learned years ago. "Now I know you may think this is beneath you, that it is too easy. But skill is not what we will be focussing on, the boggart will show you your worst fear. Think of it as a bonding exercise." McGonagall finished her speech.
Smart idea, by fighting the boggart we will have to face our fears again. Hermione had to applaud her professor, despite this, she was most certainly not looking forward to facing a boggart.
Fifteen minutes later and all students, no matter what house were gathered at one side of the great hall. In the middle was a closet, similar to the one they had faced in their third year. Hermione shot a glance to Harry, he was slightly flushed and his hands were shaking. Hermione put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Harry, no matter what comes out of that closet, I believe in you. No one will judge you, everyone knows what you've been through." Harry met Hermione's eyes and pulled her into an unexpected hug. "After this," He said as he pulled away. "I need to tell you something." Hermione furrowed her brows out of worry. "Don't worry." He said quickly as if reading her mind. "It's a good thing, like a really," He paused and Hermione was sure she saw him glance over to the group of Slytherins standing near the corner. "really, good thing." He finished, he smiled brightly before turning his attention back to the center of the hall.
The golden trio stood together, so far a few Hufflepuffs had started, one by one they had turned their worst fear into something entertaining. the tension had broken slightly as students laughed at the confused Boggart. Hermione's eyes wandered over to the Ravenclaws, they seemed to be in good spirits unlike the Slytherins who were much like the Gryffindors, standing stone faced in silence waiting for it to be over.
"Gryffindors, please line up and get ready!" Professor McGonagall voice broke through the laughter and the tense atmosfeer returned as Ginny stepped up to the closet.
Ginny slowly and carefully walked to the centre of the hall. She had a brave look on her face, ready to face whatever came out. Everyone was silent as they waited in suspense. Ginny readied her wand as she closet slowly. At first Hermione couldn't quite see what came out due to people standing in front of her. When a cold drawling voice broke the silence she knew exactly what or rather who had stepped out.
"Ginevra. It's good to see you again. I see you grown." Tom Riddle had an almost proud smile on his face as he confidently paced around Ginny who had yet to speak. Hermione saw Ron and Harry tense up in front of her. "Cat got your tongue? Perhaps you are just nervous to see me again, understandable. But weak." His cold eyes set on Ginny as he continued his monologue. "Weak. Now still, after all these years, it shouldn't be too hard to get into that mind of yours." He aggressively shot his hands out, he paced right towards Ginny, who was still frozen out of fear. "Riddikulus!" Ginny shouted confidently, her smile grew as she watched Tom Riddle shrink to the size of a doll while angrily screaming in a hilarious high pitched voice. A chorus of laughter broke out from the Gryffindors and Ginny walked back with a confident stride, Ron cogratulated her with a smooth High-five as she beamed. Hermione felt her shoulder relax knowing she could face whatever would happen.
Ron had just been up after surprisingly facing a very angry Molly Weasley and then making her swell up like a balloon. Now Harry was up and the whole hall turned silent. Ron came over and stood next to Hermione. "He's got this." he said as he squeezed her shoulder. "I know he does." In the corner of her eye she saw a very worried Malfoy standing next to his friends. What is up with him? Since when does he care about Harry? Hermione's thoughts were cut short when she got distracted by another Slytherin standing next to Malfoy. Parkinson. Hermione felt her stomach tense up. Just nerves for Harry. And for me I guess. She quickly wrote it of. Suddenly Parkinson's eyes shot up and met Hermione's. The look of surprise on the Slytherin's face was evident. Her eyes were wide, mouth slightly agape and a blush across her cheeks. Hermione quickly averted her gaze and turned back to Harry who was about to start. Keep your head in the game and stopped focussing on some girl, she is not important and probably hates you.
"Hermione, you there? Harry is about to start." Ron shook her slightly and nodded towards to centre of the hall where Harry was standing, wand at the ready. His expression was unreadable but Hermione knew he was scared. The closet opened and Hermione heart started to beat faster and harder. She felt a cold sweat break out.
everyone had expected Voldemort to step out but were surprised when three people stood before them. Ginny, Ron and Hermione shared a look as they saw their Boggart counter parts standing in front of Harry with disappointed looks on their faces.
"Guys?" Harry said and briefly shot a look back at his friend behind him. he must have been confused too. "Sorry Harry." Boggart Ron stepped forward. "You need to leave us alone." His tone was cold. "W-what? Harry sputtered out of confusion, he looked hurt and Hermione wanted nothing more than to hug him. "You need to stay away from us." Hermione then said. Rather weird to see myself standing there. Hermione thought. "It's too dangerous to be with you. You're putting us all in danger." Hermione's counter part continued with a look of disgust on you face. "Go away!" Ron than shouted angrily, Harry stepped back, he was visibly sweating. "What? No! I-" Harry scrambled for words before stepping forward again. "No way! You're not real. Riddikulus!" he shouted with a gleam in his eyes. It must not have been strong enough because Hermione, Ron and Ginny continued shouting at him. "Riddikulus!" Harry shouted again. It seemed to work as the shouting and screaming turned into weird gibberish. Goo started to spill out of there mouthes as it fell on the floor they slipped over it and fell on each other. Laughter broke out from the room and even the Slytherins joined in. Harry quickly turned back to his friends. Hermione beamed at him and pulled him and Ron into a group hug. "You did great." She whispered in her ear.
"Miss Granger?" Professor McGonagall smiled at her. "You're up." Right, Hermione. It's your turn now. She mentally readied herself and shook out the nerves before grabbing her wand. Her footsteps echoed as she drew closer to the closet. She could feel all eyes on her. Her stomach was doing flips and Hermione was afraid she might vomit. You've got this. Hermione took a confident stance and turned her attention to the closet.
The large doors slowly opened, somehow the closet looked bigger and more daunting. Hermione gulped. Once again a cold sweat broke out as a tall slender figure stepped out. "Granger!" A shrill high voce grated everyone's ears as Bellatrix stood before Hermione. Without thinking Hermione took a step back and shielded her scarred arm. "Scared are we? Not so feisty now are we huh, Mudblood." The last word was said with such disgust that Hermione felt a shiver run up her spine. Her mouth was dry but she still managed to get a strangled word out. "Your words don't hurt me anymore Lestrange." At this Bellatrix tilted her head. "Sure your not." her voice was dripping with fake pity. "Always putting other in front of yourself, makes them rather easy targets. See I can still hurt Potter, Weasley, Longbottom is quite amusing to watch squirm. Or you know. That special someone." Her voice drawled and she looked Hermione in the eye. Hermione met her cruel eyes. She could feel a cold fear wrap around her around her heart. "Aha! Still got it. Wouldn't want other to know about your dirty little secret." Hermione clenched her wand and angrily pointed it at the boggart. "Shut up." She said firmly. "Tah tah, Granger. You know that won't be enough. You, won't be enough and nobody could ever l-" "Shut up!" Hermione said again. Louder this time. "What? It's the truth. You're broken and alone and nobody. Nobody will ever want you!" Hermione shot forward, her heart was racing and tears threatened to spill from her eyes. "Riddikulus!" She shouted, her voice was cracking and she felt a lump in her throat. It wasn't working. "Won't work not strong enough Mudblood." Bellatrix continued uneffected by the spel.
"Riddikulus! Riddikulus! Riddikulus!" Hermione shouted desperately. It didn't do anything and Hermione fell to her knees. "No one will ever want you. Pathetic look at you. Can't really blame them can you?" Bellatrix laughed. Hermione's mind was swirling with anxious thoughts. Her vision began to cloud. The last thing she remembered was someone shouting 'Riddikulus' from the other side of the room.
Jesus Christ what happened? Where the hell am I? Hermione blinked against the light of the sun that was streaming through the window. After she adjusted to the light she recognised where she was, the hospital wing. Her throat felt raw and she gratefully gulped down the water sitting on the bedside table. "You're awake." It was Ron smiling warmly at her, standing next to him was Harry. They both had sympathetic looks on their faces. "Uh yeah." She responded feeling rather awkward as she remember the events that led her to the hospital wing. "Are you hungry? I can go over to the kitchens and fetch you something?" Ron said, Hermione smiled at him. "Actually yeah. That would be nice, thank you." "Ofcourse 'Mione, I will be back in a bit." Ron turned away and headed to the kitchens.
Harry watched him leave before turning back to Hermione. "Are you alright?" He asked and shuffled his chair closer to the bed. "I don't know. I guess I just thought I had gotten over the past." Harry nodded and gave her a sad smile. "I know. But we went from a lot of trauma. You can't just 'get over that'. No matter how much you want to." Hermione smiled. She knew Harry would understand. "Yeah, a bit embarrissing though."
"Don't worry about what everyone else thinks, you can't always be strong, wise Hermione who has saved my arse more times than I can count." They chuckled and the tension in the room lifted, "So." Hermione said, she was quite eager to change the subject. "You wanted to tell me something? Something 'really good." She teased. Harry blushed and looked down. "You can't tell Ron. At least not yet." Hermione nodded, her curiosity was growing by the second. "So when we had potions, you know when we arrived late? Well the potion smelt familiar..." Has he been having dreams too? Hermione pondered. "When I realised who it was it took me a while to accept it. I want to start by clearing something up. I'm gay." He met her eyes and awaited her response. Hermione looked up and gave him a warm smile. "Oh Harry, that fine. You know I will always love you." Harry let out a sigh of relief. "I know, but still, it's different." He said.
"So whoever you smelt in the potion is a guy?" Harry just nodded, his shoulders tensed slightly. "So, I'm going to tell you who it but I want you to keep an open mind and know that I really like him and I think he likes me too, because we talked a lot and he makes me really happy."
"Harry just tell me who it is! I won't be upset I promise." She said in an attempt to calm him down. "Promise?" he said softly. "Promise." She sated firmly. "If he makes you happy than I can't really be mad about it." Harry briefly clenched his eyes shut before speaking. "It's Draco." Hermione let his words sink in before it hit her. Draco. Malfoy. "Malfoy?! You like Malfoy?" Her eyes were wide and she shot up. "YOu said you wouldn't be mad." Harry reminded her. Hermione calmed down a bit seeing that her friend was nervous. "Right yeah, can you just, like, explain?" Harry nodded.
"So during potions I recognised his scent and it really messed with my head, because it's Draco Bloody Malfoy and I didn't even know I was into guys. But then I started thinking about it and it just. It just made sense." He got a shy smile on his face and looked down to his clasped hands. "And then we had the quidditch match and the bludger was going to him, something in me just clicked and I pushed him out of the way, I just, couldn't let him het hurt. Then during the weekend we were both cooped up here and I dunno. We just started talking and he's actually really funny and sweet." Hermione couldn't help but chuckle at this. "I find that a little hard to believe." Harry nodded understandably. "I know. I know. But he changed a lot. We got really close and it was just so easy to talk to him. We are going to hang out again tonight in the astronomy tower." Hermione laughed at the visible excitement on Harry's face. "But Hermione." he said and his face turned more serious. "Would you maybe be open to talking to him? Sometime in the future?" Talk to Malfoy? Am I really ready for that? Then again he seems to make Harry really happy and I could see if he has really changed. "Yes, I would be open to that." "Great! it wouldn't really be anytime soon though." Harry said with a relieved smile.
"You know thinking about it I'm kind of sad I didn't see it sooner." Hermione teased. "You guys were always so obsessed with each other." Harry's face turned bright red. They wanted to continue the conversation but Ron walked in with a tray filled with fod.
"I'm back! Did I miss anything?" Ron cheerfully walked in and set the tray in front of Hermione. "I didn't really know what you wanted so I just got you a bit of everything." he scratched the back of his neck. "Thanks Ron." Hermione said knowing that if she couldn't finish it Ron would gladly eat some.
"So uhm, what happened after I passed out? Who got rid of the boggart?" She had been quite curious as to who had vanquished the Boggart. Harry and Ron shared and uneasy look.
"What? Did something else happen?" her voice was laced with worry.
"No. Uhh." Ron started before Harry helped him. "Another student got rid of the boggart, turned Bellatrix into an elephant with a party hat on." Harry and Ron both shared a nervous laugh. "So? Who was it?" Hermione was growing rather eager to know who had saved her.
Harry gulped and leaned forward a bit.
"Uh, it was Parkinson."
Hermione shot up and her heart started beating faster and faster.
WHAT?!
Dum Dum DUUUUUM! A lot happened and Draco and Harry are moving forward nicely. Don't worry I will have some more Pansy and Hermione interaction very soon. Until next time. Btw your comments are really great and I am glad you're enjoying the story so far! :)
