Disclaimer: I don't own anything you'll recognize.
A/N: Alright, alright, I know…. Way too damned long wait… Well I can't say much about that apart from sorry. This chapter was not one of the easiest for me to write and I must have changed my mind about the way it was supposed to go about ten times. So I'll post this before I change my mind again.
Given the time it took me to get it out, this is the unbetaed version, I will post the corrected chapter as soon as I get it back from my beta who I thank in advance for his work.
So I hope you'll enjoy this chapter. Only one more to go and the Epilogue.
Naia
Chapter 10
What had happened was all over the school. Hermione stayed in her room for the rest of the day, reading the whole time to keep her mind off of what had happened.
She did not leave, not up to face everyone.
She had changed into one of her old T-shirt and shorts after taking a long hot shower. Munching on one of the apples she kept in her room, she turned a page, eager to know who had killed the heiress when a soft knocking on her door startled her.
"Who is it?"
"It's us, Hermione," answered Ginny.
"Us?"
"Yes, can we come in?"
Assuming she meant her and Padma, Hermione stood up and went to open the door.
She flushed as she saw that Harry and Draco were also here, aware of the clothes she was currently wearing.
"H-Harry… I…"
The young man chuckled.
"Sorry to come like this, but we all thought you were in need of some serious cheering up time…" said Harry, raising drinks while Draco was holding some food in his arms.
Before Hermione could answer, Ginny spoke up.
"Can we enter?"
Hermione blushed and stepped aside, letting them in. She was glad she had tidied her room a little and that nothing compromising was lying around.
Harry and Draco put the drinks and food on a small table Hermione unfolded for them. That done they took out plastic glasses, bowls and plates and placed them next to the food.
All of them settled around the room. Padma sat on a chair while Draco went to sit on her bed, Ginny settling on his lap. Hermione took a cushion and sat on the floor imitated by Harry.
"Where is Ron?" she asked.
Ginny rolled his eyes.
"That prat got into a fight with Theo and Snape happened to pass by at that moment. He's in detention at the moment."
"What was the fight about?"
Draco snorted.
"Nothing in particular. Ron is just easily riled up and was acting like the red-head he is."
Ginny smacked him upside down.
"What have you against red-heads?"
Draco kissed her on her cheek.
"Absolutely nothing my dear."
The evening was spent talking, laughing and playing games. It was about midnight when they left a considerably more cheerful Hermione.
Harry waited a bit behind as they wished the young ballerina a good night.
"You'll be alright, won't you?"
Hermione nodded.
"I should. Thank you for this…"
Harry smiled gently at her.
"That was the least we could do, Hermione."
There was an awkward silence.
"Well, I'll be going…" finally said Harry tentatively. "I'll see you tomorrow morning?"
Hermione nodded, a bit relieved that the silence had been broken.
"Yes. Well, good night then I guess…"
Harry nodded.
"Yeah, good night, see you tomorrow."
He stepped out and walked to the staircase.
Hermione closed the door and leaned against it, sighing. Whatever was going with Harry, she hoped it would solve itself quickly… As if she didn't have enough things to worry about…
The rehearsals resumed the next day and the teachers decided the best way to keep tongues from running wild was to completely exhaust them… It was working with more or less success, but Hermione was most of the time too tired and busy to think about it.
Before she realized it May had come to an end and between all the studying needed to be done for the finals and last rehearsals for the Gala and the presentation of Phoenixia, Hermione had little time to herself but she had come to like this, it left her less time to think and ponder about what was going on.
The inquiry about the incidents and attacks against her was not progressing quickly. The print found had not been in the police's files and the comparison to the prints of the student population had been a dead end.
The Headmaster was keeping her updated on the progress or lack of them.
Though she would love nothing more than to forget this ever happened, she knew the culprit had to be found…
And there was Harry…
Though she had made sure not to change her behaviour around him, the butterflies that seemed to appear whenever he was near were not really linked to the upcoming Gala. She had lost the ease she felt while with him… Sometimes, she spent wonderful moments with him, other times there was this something hanging between them that made those times really awkward …
If only she could understand what was going on…
She shook her head and finished to lace her last costume for the final scene in Phoenixia: The weddings. It was white and silver with exquisite embroideries strewn over the bodice and the outer skirt. After a last check on her appearance, she went to wait for her cue to step on stage.
Feeling quite nervous as she always was since her accident when she had to dance in the main auditorium, she breathed in and out deeply, slightly humming along with the music, shaking her feet one after the other to relax her ankles.
The final scene went by quickly and without much problems and they waited for the lights to dim before going backstage and waiting for their cue to come and salute.
Black, Lupin and Sinistra had them go other some of the trickier parts to refine their synchronization. They then were allowed them to go shower and change, freeing them for their evening classes or independent practices.
Harry came out from the changing rooms that were, hair still wet from his shower and stepped in the Hall, stopping as he spotted Emily standing next to a tall man with long brown hair that curled slightly and reached his shoulder blades. He was dressed in a pair of dark pants with a white shirt. From the arm draped around Emily's waist, Harry surmised that it must be Trent and sighed.
He couldn't really ignore them, he had been raised better than that, but he couldn't say that the thought of talking to her appealed to him.
He stopped next to her and put her bag down.
"Hello Emily, Jonathan, I assume. I see you're fine…" He said nodding to the both of them.
Emily straightened herself and smiled tightly to her ex-boyfriend.
"That was a lovely rehearsal, Harry. You are getting even better if it is even possible."
Harry shrugged, uncomfortable with her presence. He did not know how to act with her. If he was truthful with himself, he was still a bit sore from their break-up.
"Thank you Emily. I heard that people are awaiting your premiere…"
She nodded.
"Yeah, you can't imagine how nervous I am.
Both fell silent.
"So what happens now, Harry? Are you still angry with me?"
Harry sighed, racking his hand through his hair.
"I can't say I'm really glad to see you Emily… and I can't say you didn't hurt me."
Emily got a mulish glint in her eyes that Harry knew all to well.
"I was just honest with you, Harry. I didn't want to pretend something that I was no longer feeling… It was hard only being second in your life and Jonathan has been treating me like a princess…" She shot a smile at Jonathan. "Well I don't suppose that you want to hear about it…"
Harry shrugged.
"Good for you Emily, at least I can see you are just as tactful as ever."
Emily just rolled her eyes.
"Don't be a child, Harry. We are both old enough to be civil to each other…"
Harry tightened his lips together.
"Why are you here, Emily? I don't think you have that much spare time, in particular spare time to dedicate to visit an ex- that…," he started a bit snappishly before being cut by a hand on his arm. Turning, he saw Hermione was back from the changing rooms, her wet hair gathered in a messy bun, a few locks clinging to her face.
"Harry, I-… Oh! Sorry to interrupt. How are you Emily?" she asked a bit testily.
"I'm fine… You were fabulous on the stage," answered the young actress. "This is Jonathan." She said introducing the young man standing by her side.
"Thank you, Happy to meet you" Hermione said, flushing. "Well, I'll wait for you in Studio three, Harry."
"I won't be long."
She nodded and shifted her sport bag before leaving the entrance Hall.
Emily watched with a small smile as Harry followed her until the doors closed on her back.
"You like her, don't you?"
Harry looked back at her, startled out of his musings.
"No I-… We're just good friends, Emily," he sighed, "and she happens to be my dance partner."
"Denial, Harry… I just think that you two would be great. She can probably understand you more than I and since you are both crazy about ballet, I don't think she would mind not always being first in your heart."
Harry shook his head.
"Hermione is a great person, Emily but we are only friends, don't try to see things that do not exist."
Emily frowned.
"Lying doesn't become you, Harry. Try to tell me that you don't fancy her one bit, go on, try."
"I do not fancy her," he replied with a flat voice.
"Then, you are a fool."
Harry rolled his eyes.
"Even if I did, I don't want it to come in the way of our friendship… I'm sure I'm just a good friend to her. And with everything going on for her at the moment, I don't want to add one more thing for her to worry about… "
"Boys…" sighed Emily. "I think having someone to comfort and help her would be good for her,"
"Maybe, but…"
"Harry, if you do not make the first step, you risk having someone else do it. I'm not blind and I can see there are many dancers here who wouldn't mind having a go at her…"
Harry frowned.
"I think it is nothing of your business, Emily."
The young woman shrugged.
"This is just my point of view. But I would get a move if I were you…"
"Emily…"
She raised her hands.
"Alright, alright… stay in Denialland if it makes you happy…"
Harry shouldered his bag.
"I need to go. We still have quite a lot of work for our gala…"
Emily nodded.
"Of course, Jonathan and I will be coming and I heard through my uncle that your parents and the company were going to be present too."
Harry nodded.
"Yes, there will be scouts both for Phoenixia and for the gala."
"Are you aiming for a company in particular?"
Harry shook his head.
"No, my parents and I have already something planned…"
Emily raised an eyebrow then realized what he meant.
"So you'll do it then?"
The young man nodded.
"Yes, my parents and their friends will help me at first…"
Emily gave him a tight smile.
"I wish you luck then… I hope that this movie opens doors for me…"
Harry frowned.
"But you said that Jonathan…"
She nodded.
"Yes, he wants to play with me again, but I would like to get cast for myself and not because I happen to be Jonathan's girlfriend." She looked up to Trent and smiled gently.
Shifting his bag a little, Harry sighed.
"I can relate to the feeling. But I don't worry for you, you'll succeed."
"Thanks…"
Silence fell on them.
She looked at her watch.
"Well… I should go… I'm on a rather tight schedule…" she paused then took two thick pieces of paper. "Those are two invitations for the premiere in Glasgow in a week... I know it's not really the closest town, but that the only one doing a premiere that wasn't too far away. I also sent two of them to your parents and they agreed to come."
Harry did some mental counts then smiled.
"I should be able to go."
She returned his smile.
"Thank you. Tell me what you'll think of it, please?"
Harry nodded and pocketed the two invitations.
"Well, I'll go now. Good luck for your premiere and take care."
She nodded.
"Same for you, Harry. See you at the gala."
Harry smiled tightly before walking away to Studio Three.
However he couldn't get what Emily had said out of his head… The next day was a Sunday and as such there weren't any scheduled rehearsals though the students were free to work in the studios or the auditoriums by themselves.
He stayed alone for the day, needing to think. Skipping dinner, he went to the kitchen to grab a sandwich then made his way outside to clear his head.
However things weren't any clearer when he came back inside.
Wandering through the corridors, he came to a stop when he heard music coming from the Small auditorium. It was used for auditions, examinations, castings since it could only hold one hundred people at most.
He easily recognized the music and had to repress a smile as he spotted the object of his thoughts on the stage. She was currently working on the solo of Kalia. He watched as she moved around the stage, lost in the music, and a small smile made its way on his face.
She was beautiful, not in the canon way, but beautiful nonetheless and if Harry was truthful he quite liked it.
Maybe Emily was right… If he was honest with himself, he didn't really behave in the way towards Hermione than towards his other female partners…
But to say that it might mean something more…
He didn't want this, whatever it might be, to ruin their friendship.
He leaned on the wall and kept on watching her as she skipped to another part of the ballet: Kalia's return to life if Harry wasn't mistaken.
As time passed Harry came to realize that their friendship would not be the same anyway. After what Emily had said, he wouldn't be able to behave as he had before without second guessing everything he did. So why not give this a try?
Silently, he walked to the CD player, glad that Hermione had only lit on the stage light. Quickly rummaging through the pile of CDs, he found what he wanted and set it on the second track of the CD player and set it to start playing once the piece Hermione was currently performing would end..
Then he quietly made his on stage and stayed behind the curtains, observing the young woman.
He knew what he wanted now.
°¤o¤°¤o¤°¤o¤°¤o¤°¤o¤°¤o¤°¤o¤°¤o¤°¤o¤°¤o¤
Hermione finished her part as she rose on her pointes, doing an arabesque before slowly wrapping her right leg around her left to slowly turn, her arm rising in crown position above her head before she slid on the ground still turning slowly on herself to end in fourth position, her right leg in front, her right arm still up in crown position while her left one had fallen to second position, her eyes fixed on her right hand.
As the last note ended, she let out a sigh and her arm fall to her side before taking off her pointes and massaging her feet then starting to stretch her legs.
However she frowned as she did not hear the familiar sounds of Kalia's and Istyan's duet which should have been the music piece following this solo. In its place, a definitively Spanish tune was playing itself… A tango if she was no mistaken.
Before she could think more about it, a hand appeared in front of her.
Startled she looked up to see a smiling Harry.
"May I have this dance?"
Not really understanding what he meant, she tilted her head on the side.
"Harry, what?..."
He crouched done next to her and took her hand, still smiling. Drawing her up, he repeated his question, his eyes fixed on hers.
"Hermione, May I have this dance?"
Mind whirling about Harry's strange behaviour, Hermione nodded, not really understanding what was going on and a bit scared of knowing it.
Immediately, she knew something was different.
While they had danced the tango before, it had never had this intensity. Harry was holding her tightly, pressing her body to his own, his right hand resting on the small of her back. His eyes were holding hers and she found she couldn't look away.
He led through the steps of the dance, and Hermione understood why this was called Lover's dance. They glided across the stage together, movements perfectly in tune. Startled at first, she slowly started to imitate him, pouring the same intensity to her moves.
Then the music switched to a more languorous rhythm. Harry's attitude shifted slightly as he pressed her tightly against him, their dance taking a more sensual turn. He made her turn and had her against him, with her back to his chest, his hands holding hers, his arms crossed in front of her. Turning her to him he dipped her backward, following her, their faces a few centimetres apart. He straightened both of them and resumed their dance, holding Hermione even tighter if it was possible as they moved as one.
Harry used every trick he had learnt about Tango, every move he could think of, his eyes never straying from those of his partner.
Finally, as he heard the music coming to an end, he made her twirl before dipping her backwards with him hovering above her.
Both of them were slightly out of breath but none of them was looking away.
Hermione watched with trepidation as he leant closer, his green eyes getting even more intense. Her stomach was doing flip flops and her heart was beating so hard she was sure it would jump out of her chest soon.
"Harry…"
She was silenced as he freed her hand and brought a finger above her lips.
"Hermione…"
Slowly leaning closer, giving her the opportunity to stop him, he brought his lips to hers in a gentle, timid kiss.
Straightening both of them upward, breaking the kiss, he placed his hands on the small of her back as she brought hers to his neck. Leaning closer and closing his eyes, he kissed her once more.
Feeling her relaxing, he deepened the kiss, pushing his tongue to her lips. He felt her opening her mouth hesitantly and gently coaxed her into responding.
After a few moment of blissful snogging, he pulled away a little but did not let go of her waist.
"Hermione, I…" He paused then continued. "I won't say I'm sorry I did that because I'm not. However I don't want you to feel forced in this… So if you don't want to… I'd understand…."
Hermione stared at him, brain starting to catch up with what had happened. She couldn't believe that Harry… Harry Potter had kissed her…
"Why?"
Harry frowned lightly.
"Why what?"
She shook her head, trying to think clearly.
"Why did you kiss me?"
Harry chuckled lightly.
"Someone made me realize that you were not only a friend to me…" he paused thinking on how to explain something he didn't understand
that well himself. "I-I like you a lot Hermione. You're nice, intelligent, beautiful… I like spending time with you, talking with you… Dancing with you."
Hermione would have smiled if she hadn't been that shaken by what had just happened.
She thought of her current relationship with Harry. She was very aware of his good-looks after all she had often envied Emily.
She knew she felt different with him that she did with Ron or Draco…
"Hermione?" She looked up to see Harry watching her expectantly, fidgeting. "so, will- er- will you go out with me?"
She took a deep breath. She had known from the start what would her answer but that did not make it any easier.
"Harry, I-…"
His face closed a little. However she didn't let him cut her.
"I'm willing to give this a try. But it can't come in the way of our work, do you understand? I would be glad to be your girlfriend, but I don't want this to hinder our practice or studies…"
A wide smile broke on Harry's face.
"I couldn't agree more… Then, you won't mind if I kiss you again…" Without leaving her time to answer, he brought her close to him and
kissed her.
They parted and Hermione looked at the mural clock seeing it was already past curfew.
"We need to go…"
"I'll walk you to your room."
She gathered her things and shouldered her bag. Harry took her hand and they made their way back to her room. As they stopped in front of it, she put her bag down and unlocked her door. She then turned to Harry.
"Well, then, I'll see you tomorrow morning."
"Same time?" asked Harry.
She nodded.
He cupped her face and kissed her gently.
"Good night then and sweet dreams," he said lowly after pulling away.
"To you too," she whispered. She freed herself from his embrace, pecked him on the lips and stepped in her room, closing the door behind her. She slumped against it, he heart thumping in her chest.
She wanted to pinch herself… Harry Potter had just asked her out…. And she had said yes….
Shaking her head, she changed and went to bed. Things would be clearer after a good night's sleep.
However sleep was long to come and morning came way too soon for her taste.
She got up and dressed for her run, taking more care than usual in her appearance, not that sport wear could be form fitting, but she made
sure her ponytail was done as nicely as possible. She rolled her eyes at herself, really she was being ridiculous, but that did not stop her from glancing in the mirror as she left.
She took her water bottle and her apple and hurried down to the lake.
She smiled as she spotted, but couldn't help feeling nervous. What if he had changed his mind and realised that there were much nicer girls
around?...
She spotted Harry stretching next to a bench, a water bottle and a banana put under it.
She couldn't repress the giddy relieved feeling that shot through her as he got up from the bench he was sat on and walked to her, smiling.
Embracing her, he kissed her.
"Good morning to you, Hermione."
She leant her head on his shoulder.
"To you too, Harry."
"I hope you slept well."
She nodded, relishing being in his arms.
"I did, but now, I think we should get a move on… unless you want to miss breakfast?"
Harry shook his head widely.
"Perish the thought!"
Placing her sweater on the bench, Hermione started to stretch, joined by Harry. A few minutes later they began jogging side by side at their usual pace. Once they reached their daily number of laps, they finished with a little sprint which Harry won.
Making a little victory jump, he walked to his bench and drank from his bottle.
Both of them were panting and sweating profusely: May was coming to an end and the weather had been quite warm for a few days. Add to that that the sun was rising a bit earlier every day and it made their jogs more taxing on them.
They started to stretch, talking.
"It's getting hot, isn't it?"
Hermione nodded.
"Yes, it is. The temperatures are a little high compared to the average…" she answered, stretching her right thigh.
"By the way, I think I was the one to win our little race," he started, smiling.
"Yes, so?"
"So, it's in my opinion that I deserve a prize…"
Hermione rolled her eyes… "And what do you have in mind?..."
Harry let go of his left foot and swiftly took her in his arms.
"Something like this, for example…" He kissed her and quickly snaked his tongue in her mouth. Startled at first, Hermione quickly responded. After a minute, they pulled away, and Hermione gave him a swat on the head.
"You're not finished stretching, and we need to hurry or we can say goodbye to our breakfast."
Holding his hands up in surrendering, Harry went back to his stretching, not without stealing another quick kiss.
After a few more minutes, they gathered their things and started to make their way back inside holding hands. They reached the staircase leading up to the dorms.
As they reached Hermione's door, she dropped his hand to get her pass from her pocket.
Sliding in the slot above the door knob, she waited for the light to shift to green before opening the door.
Turning to face Harry, she smiled at him.
"I'll see you at breakfast then."
He nodded.
"I'll wait for you down the stairs."
Hermione rolled her eyes.
"You don't have to, not that I don't appreciate the thought but…."
Harry brought a finger to her lips.
"Shush, I want to," he stated calmly, "unless you don't want to be seen with little old me?"
Hermione swatted him on the head.
"Don't be an idiot. I should be the one saying this. Girls would kill for being your girlfriend…"
Harry shook his head.
"Then we'll agree to disagree," he said with a smile, taking a hold of her right hand.
Hermione just smiled, gave him a quick peck on the lips before slipping in her room.
She went straight to the bathroom and took a quick shower. As she dried herself, she went to her wardrobe to pick her clothes for the day.
She would never admit it, but she took more time to decide than usual. Finally getting fed up with her hesitancy, she picked her favourite pair of jeans and a cute hazel top she had been told brought out her eyes.
Once she was dressed, she gathered her hair in a neat low ponytail then started to braid it. Tying the end, she then started to roll it around the base of the ponytail, fixing it firmly with hair pins as she went. Checking herself in the mirror to be sure nothing was wrong, she then picked her bag and hurried downstairs to meet Harry.
He was leaning against the wall, dressed in jeans and a white tee-shirt, his black hair still damp from his shower was sticking in every direction.
He straightened upon noticing her. Taking her hand, he kissed her gently.
"You look great."
"Flatterer."
"How can I be when I speak the truth?" he said, pushing away a small strand of hair that had fallen in front of her eyes.
Hermione returned his smile hesitantly, not really knowing how to act, this being new to her. What if Harry decided that she wasn't good enough…
She was distracted from her musings as Harry kissed her once more.
"Don't think so much, Mione."
Hermione swatted him on the head.
"Don't butcher my name, mister, you don't see me calling you Har or Ry, do you?"
"But I called you Mione before…" said Harry frowning.
"I don't really like that nickname, and only let friends use it… after all my name is not that easy to pronounce."
"But then, why can't I?...
Hermione shot him a shy smile.
"You're not only my friend now, Harry, unless I misunderstood what you said yesterday."
Harry laughed.
"Alright, you got me there, but can I come up with my nickname for you?"
Hermione rolled her eyes.
"If you want too, as long as it is nothing too sugary…"
Harry smiled and kissed her on her nose.
"Alright, I will try to think of something…"
Hermione rolled her eyes and shot a look at her watch.
"Well, we should go or there will be nothing left for us."
They quickly reached the Great Hall's doors and entered hand in hand.
There weren't a lot of people around at that time aside from the early risers and part of the school's staff. They took their trays and put some food on it before going to sit at their usual table, keeping some seats for their friends.
They both ate in comfortable silence. Harry lifted his head up to look at the Teachers' table. He noted with relief that Snape was absent, having probably finished already. Professors McGonagall and Flitwick as well as a few others were also not there. However he easily spotted Remus and Sirius, the latter looking like the canary that had eaten the canary. They were seated next to Sinistra and Dumbledore whose eyes were twinkling madly and the two of them were wearing big smiles. Harry knew he wasn't going to hear the end of it, his godfather would only be too happy to tease him… And get his father to join on it.
He looked down and groaned softly.
"What's the matter?"
He looked up at Hermione who was watching him with concern.
"Nothing, just that my godfather is going to be a real nightmare about the two of us…"
Hermione paled a little at that.
Like everyone in Hogwarts, she had learnt that getting on Sirius Black's bad side was definitively something to avoid. Marcus Flint had learnt it the hard way.
He had thought himself funny to talk back to Sirius and try to show off by trying a stunt the teacher had forbidden them to do then.
Besides the immediate punishment and shouting Marcus had earned himself, his suffering had not ended that quickly.
Sirius had taken on partnering him with the worst girls and using him as demonstration for all his lower classes. He was also surprisingly always a volunteer when it came to chaperoning children during discovery classes.
Harry placed a hand over hers.
"Hey… I didn't mean it like this Hermione. He will be thrilled about us, he never really liked Emily…" he said with a bitter smile. "He's just
going to enjoy teasing us and will probably get my dad on it too."
Hermione was relieved upon hearing this. Teasing, she could handle, though hearing about Harry's dad made her nervous what if they didn't like her.
She shook her head. One thing at a time… Thinking about meeting the parents was a bit early, they had been dated for barely a day.
They resumed their breakfast and were soon joined by Ginny and the others as students started to fill the Hall. Soon the walls were echoing
with lively chatter.
Ginny slumped next to Hermione.
"I hate mornings."
Hermione rolled her eyes.
"And don't you roll your eyes at me, Hermione."
The young woman didn't deign answering, knowing it would fall on deaf ears.
Breakfast was quickly over and soon people started to leave for classes.
Harry and Hermione went to clear their trays and walked back to their table to wait for their friends to finish.
A few minutes later, they all stood up and headed for the History classroom for their first lesson.
Harry grabbed Hermione's hand and squeezed it gently when he felt her tense a little.
"Relax Hermione," he said lowly.
Hermione looked down.
"Sorry, it's just that I really don't know how to act… This is quite new to me."
Harry shook his head.
"Don't apologise, I understand. But you know, you shouldn't worry that much. I like you as you are…"
"But…"
"No but. We'll take this at your pace. Just stop thinking too much and let things come in their time. Though the not thinking part might be a little difficult," he added teasingly.
"Why, you little!"
She used her free hand to try to hit him in the shoulder but he was quicker than she was and caught he wrist.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, resorting to violence are we Miss Granger?"
She struggled a little trying to wrench her hands free. However Harry had tightened his hold on them and wasn't letting go.
"Harry, let me go… Harry!"
He raised an eyebrow at her.
"I don't think so Mademoiselle, you need to pay for your deed."
He kissed her lightly on the lips before letting her go.
"Now we are even."
Hermione shook her head.
"Now come on, you big kid."
They resumed their walking only to see their friends watching them with looks ranging from surprised to smug.
Ginny crossed her arms and pulled her most intimidating face.
"And when were you going to tell us about this?"
A guilty look crossed Hermione's face.
"Well, you see…"
Ginny seemed to think this was taking too long and walked with Padma to her friend.
Both took one arm each and dragged her away tuning out her protests.
Harry, Ron and Draco could only watch them, gaping.
Draco was the first one to shake himself out of it.
He shot a smirk at Harry.
"So you and Hermione?"
Harry nodded, smiling.
Draco's smirk widened and he turned to Ron that was scowling at his dark haired friend.
"Pay up Weasley."
Ron rolled his eyes and took out his wallet grumbling.
"Here is your money, you leech."
Harry raised an eyebrow at this.
"I don't want to know, just make sure she never hears of this or you'll be dead men."
Draco pocketed his money and smiled at Harry.
"Not my fault he never learns, so when did it happen?" he said as they walked to Binn's classroom.
"Last night."
"I'm happy for the both of you." He paused for a minute before speaking lowly. "However I'll make something clear, Potter. She's not
someone for playing. So if you're not serious about this relationship break it now and make it clean. I won't have you hurt her, got it?"
Draco's eyes were dead serious and Harry noticed that Ron's was mirroring his face.
He rolled his eyes.
"Enough with the drama, guys. I happen to really like and admire Hermione. I will not hurt her if I can help it."
Draco looked in his eyes and seemed to be satisfied.
"Good, brotherly duties fulfilled."
The three dancers resumed their walk to the History classroom and took their seats, saving three for the girls that had yet to arrive.
They arrived seconds before the bell rang and hurried to the seats besides the boys.
Hermione looked quite annoyed as she stepped in the room followed by Ginny and Padma who were trying to get her to slow down.
She sat next to Harry and got her things out.
"Rough time?"
Hermione just sighed.
"I apparently broke one of the cardinal rules in the Girl Handbook. I swear they are worse than the Spanish inquisition…"
"They will calm down… Binns would be able to make a raging lion go to sleep." He took his hand and squeezed it to comfort her.
Hermione smiled half heartedly.
They both quietened as Binns started to drone out the day's review. The exams would take place next week, then they would have one
more week of intensive rehearsals before the Gala.
Harry took out his history book, knowing that Hermione would not let him sleep this hour away as many did. He took out two small earplugs and put them on before concentrating on his text.
Some time later, he noticed people packing and took out his earplugs. Finally, it was the end of the lesson. He packed everything and waited for Hermione, taking her hand as they walked to Hooch's room
Padma and Ginny wisely kept their distances.
Both Harry and Hermione were not unaware that many turned to glance their way before starting whispering
Trying not to let them get to him, he concentrated on his girlfriend.
Even though she didn't have the stunning blond beauty of Fleur or was as nice-looking as Emily, Ginny or some other girls, but she was beautiful to him.
She noticed him starring and smiled at him.
"Do I have something on my face?"
Harry just shook his head.
"No, I was just enjoying the view."
Hermione shook her head.
"Flattery will get you nowhere, mister."
"It was worth a try," he answered, smiling, opening the door for her. "Well, I'll see you in a few minutes."
Hermione nodded and in a bold move, at least for her, pecked him on the lips before hurrying to the changing rooms
Hooch's fitness session passed quickly, people were too busy trying to follow her orders to gossip, much to Hermione's relief.
As soon as Hooch freed them, everyone headed for the changing rooms. She wiped herself with a small towel before dressing herself.
"So Hermione, is it true?"
She turned to see that several girls were looking at her strangely.
"What?"
Parvati looked her up and down.
"Is it true that Harry asked you out?" she asked as if she couldn't believe it.
"He did," answered Hermione shortly.
Whispers broke around the room. Hermione sighed and looked to Parvati and Lavender that were looking at her with jealousy and scorn.
"Why?" she continued, "Do you have a problem with it?"
Parvati pursed her lips.
"Not really, just having a hard time understanding how someone like him can date someone like you…"
Hermione looked down, flushing at the veiled insult before looking up, jaw tightened.
"Well, maybe if you used your brain, you might be able to understand a basic sentence."
Ginny shot her a proud look as she finished packing her bag.
Parvati flushed.
"Listen you little…."
She wasn't able to say anymore as Padma stood up and went to stand in front of her twin.
"No, Vati, you listen. Leave Hermione alone, unless you want me to phone our parents… I'm sure they would be pleased to know what
you have been up to, wouldn't they?"
Parvati's lips tightened as she glared at her sister before she went back to pack her bag and left the room in a huff, soon followed by her
friends.
Hermione ignored the eyes on her and zipped up her bag before heading out of the room. The boys were waiting for them.
"What happened in there? We saw Parvati and her merry band of friends storm out of here."
Hermione shrugged and looked at Ginny and Padma that were coming behind her.
"Nothing, just some girl talks."
The boys chose not to pursue the matter and they all headed for McGonagall classroom. Hermione quickly changed into her ballet clothes
and laced up her shoes. Moving her ankles in a slow circle to make sure the shoes were laced correctly, Hermione tightened the left one a little before standing up and getting out of the change room.
Lavender shot a look towards the door and then to her friends but before she could do anything she crossed the fierce eyes of Ginny.
"Don't even think of it, Lavender. After all I'm sure Professor Snape would be really interested in knowing who stole from his labs."
The young woman flushed and quickly left the room shooting a murderous glare at the red-head.
Ginny finished getting ready with a smug smile.
McGonagall had them all warmed up quickly and soon put them through her gruelling routine.
As Hermione concentrated on her position, she thought she had never been ever so thankful for the old teacher's no nonsense attitude.
After a few snapping comments, she had her class subdued and silent except for the music filling the room. She passed through them, correcting those that needed to.
"Mr. Finnegan, straighten your back!"
She corrected the arm position of a girl then gave a sharp tap to Ron's leg.
"Pay attention to your leg, Mr. Weasley."
The red-head immediately corrected himself.
Even if the end of the year was near, the stern professor did not let down her vigilance. She rarely missed mistakes in her class and pushed them all to their limits. Once the lesson was over, they all headed to the rooms assigned for group rehearsals for the Gala. The afternoon would be dedicated to Phoenixia's rehearsals.
Hermione went back to the changing room to get her bag, not bothering to change since they had rehearsal just know.
She walked to Harry who was talking with Terry, Seamus and Justin. They had been divided in two groups. One would perform the Introduction and the Evil witch appearance while their group was performing the waltz. And they would all perform the Finale with Cho Chang and Cedric Diggory as Aurora and her Prince.
Slipping her hand in his, she offered him a smile as he turned to look at her.
"Ready to go?" she asked, nodding to the other three dancers.
"Whenever you are, milady."
"We're in Room 2, aren't we?"
Harry faked a sigh.
"Yes, with my darling godfather…"
Hermione snorted.
"Don't worry," she said, kissing him on the cheek, "I will protect you from big bad Sirius Black."
Seamus laughed.
"So how long have you two been together?"
Harry looked at him strangely.
"Why do you want to know?"
Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Let me guess, Draco had a bet going on?"
Seamus tried to deny it, but the young Irish man couldn't lie to save his life.
Shaking her head, Hermione decided to ignore it, not that she wouldn't get back at Draco for betting on her love life.
Seamus decided to change the topic quickly before he compromised himself more than he had already had. They kept talking until they reached room 2.
Putting their bags into the changing rooms, they then went to stretch a little and warm up as well as going over some moves while waiting for everyone to arrive.
Sirius and Remus were already in the room and went straight for Harry as he noticed him going over some steps on his own as Hermione was rehearsing with the girls already present.
"So, How are things going on with your "friend"?" asked Sirius, smirking.
Harry rolled his eyes.
"You can stop right now, Sirius. And no need to be so smug about it."
Sirius shook his head.
"No, no, no, Harry." He shook his finger. "You won't get away that easily… So who was right?..."
Harry chose to ignore him.
"Harry, Harry…"
Remus rolled his eyes.
"Sirius, I think you have better things to do at the moment than annoy and embarrass your godson."
The black-haired man looked at his colleague.
"You're spoiling my fun."
"And you are wasting time," the sandy-haired professor retorted.
Sirius shook his head and walked to the front of the room.
"Alright, everyone, I leave you five more minutes to warm up and then you'll perform your scene once and we'll go over the parts that need to be worked."
Hermione walked to Harry and they went over a few steps together, tuning their moves to the other. Then they did a few a the trickier lifts they had to perform.
They were working on their turns when Sirius asked them all to take their positions. Surveying the room, he corrected a few of them before putting on their music.
They started to move, watched by Sirius and Remus.
Hermione let herself enjoy this moment as she glided around the room, tightly held in Harry's arm. The young man always relaxed her when she danced.
For the following hours, Sirius had them go over parts of their dance times and times.
"One last time please," said Remus. "Miss Abbot, be careful with your arms during your jumps. Mr. Finch-Fletchey, please try not to look too afraid when carrying your partner and do not slouch."
He watched as the students kept on dancing.
"Very good Mr. Zabini. A smile please Miss Greengrass, better."
Finally the music came to an end and Hermione held her position until Sirius motioned to them to relax.
"Good. Tomorrow we will go over it a few times to make sure you did not forget everything we corrected today. Then we will review your
pieces for your graduation exam. Thank you for your attention."
The students all started stretching in small groups, discussing today's session and what they were doing this afternoon.
Hermione was leaning on the leg she had placed on the barre while talking to Harry.
"So ready for this afternoon?"
Harry shrugged.
"I think so… Or at least I hope Sinistra won't be on my back too much."
"As if she would, on the other hand Ron and Seamus will probably suffer."
They talked lightly for a few minutes before Harry remembered the two invitations that Emily had given him.
"Hermione are you free next Wednesday?"
She looked at him strangely.
"Well, yes… Why do you ask?"
Harry smiled.
"Emily gave me two invitations for her movie's premiere in Glasgow next week. If it is alright with you and the Headmaster, I'd like you to
accompany me."
Hermione was a bit torn.
She knew it wasn't really a good idea to pull something like that this close to the Gala, but the thought of an evening out with Harry was really appealing.
"Well, if the Headmaster agrees to it, then I'll be glad to go with you."
Harry smiled widely and cupped her face, kissing her.
"Thank you,"
Hermione returned his smile.
"I should be the one to thank you."
Harry didn't answer as he bent forwards, his chest touching his thighs, his hands grabbing hold of his ankles.
He stayed this way for a few moments before straightening himself and stretching his arms up.
He turned to Hermione.
"You're done?"
Making several circles with her head, she then stopped and nodded.
"Yes, Just need to change."
"I'll meet you outside the room," he said, eyeing his godfather warily.
Hermione chuckled. After kissing him lightly, she headed for the changing rooms.
A few minutes later they were making their way to the Hall for their lunch. Ginny and the others were waiting for them. Ron looked quite upset as he speared his food.
Taking a seat next to them, Hermione shot a look at Ginny.
"Sinistra," said the red-head as an explanation.
Hermione stifled a laugh.
Ron looked up at her.
"Not funny Hermione. She's been on my back the whole time…"
It was well known that Sinistra liked to focus on one people, usually the first one that would make a mistake in her lesson.
Deciding to avoid this subject, Hermione told her friends about the premiere.
Ginny squealed at the news and immediately started to plan what she was going to wear.
Once lunch was over, they went to the auditorium for their afternoon rehearsal. The rest of the week went in the same fashion. Hermione tried to ignore the fuss the tabloids made about her relationship with Harry since people saw it fit to inform them of this development. She was happy that her mail was now being screened since she dreaded to think of the amount of hate mail from heartbroken fan girls she would have gotten otherwise.
Her mother had phoned her to get her side of the story and had been reassured once Hermione had been finished explaining. That didn't
stop her from giving Hermione a new rendition of the Talk.
On the day of the premiere, she left the rehearsal early in order to get ready. Both her and Harry had been allowed to leave the school grounds for the occasion. James and Lily Potter would drive them to and back from Glasgow since they had too received invitations.
Hermione showered a bit longer than usual, using some hair care product to tame her hair as Ginny had showed her. Drying herself she then got dressed. Ginny had convinced her to wear the dress Mrs Malfoy had gifted her with as well as her grandmother's amber set.
Thanks to the product Ginny had got her, her hair was a mass of ringlets instead of its usual bushy self. Taking a few hair pins, she twisted
the strands falling in front of her face and pinned them on her head's side, only leaving a few to frame her face. Fixing her hair with some spray, she then put on her make up. Some golden eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, a touch of blush and some gloss for her lips were all she
used.
Putting on her jewellery, she was trying to clasp her bracelet when she heard someone knock on the door.
"Coming."
Holding the bracelet in one hand, she walked to the door and opened it to reveal a smiling Harry.
She took in his outfit. Black tailored pants, a shimmering emerald green shirt and a black jacket: the outfit outlined his body and only made him look even more handsome.
"You look wonderful, Hermione," he said, "This is for you," he added, handing her a single red rose.
She blushed and smiled at him. Taking the rose, she kissed him softly.
"Thank you very much. And you don't look that bad yourself… Come in, I just have to put on this blasted bracelet, take my shawl and I'm
done."
Harry nodded.
"Don't worry my parents won't be there before ten minutes." He saw her place the rose in a vase and fill it with water. Then she struggle
with the clasp of her bracelet.
Coming behind her, he took the two hands of the bracelet.
"Allow me," he whispered, gently closing the bracelet before kissing her neck.
Hermione shivered a little but leaned against him, trusting him.
Holding her in his arms, Harry sighed happily, looking at the clock, he saw that they needed to go or they would be late.
Kissing her on her temple, he let her go.
"We should go, Glasgow is not that close."
Hermione nodded. Taking the beige shawl waiting on a chair, she took Harry's hand and they both left her room, heading to the castle's
entrance once Hermione had made sure her door was locked.
They reached the castle entrance with a few minutes to spare.
Harry leaned against the wall to watch his date who was fussing on her dress.
"Hermione?"
She looked at him.
"You are aware there might be some journalists at the premiere, aren't you."
Hermione nodded with a sigh.
"Yes, though I wish they would leave us alone…"
They heard a car pull up and went outside, Harry's arm circling Hermione's waist.
Harry's parents exited the car and smiled at the two youths.
Harry hadn't needed to tell them about Hermione since Sirius had called them the first day. They had phoned him to know what was going on as the tabloids had a field day with this piece of news. The surprising thing was that Skeeter remained strangely silent about the whole thing. However giving the smirk on Draco's face, Lucius Malfoy might not be stranger to this development.
Harry embraced both of them before taking Hermione's hand.
"Mum, Dad, you remember Hermione?"
They both nodded to the brown-haired ballerina.
"It's a pleasure to see you again, Hermione, Harry has told us much about you."
Hermione glared a little at him, blushing. She took the hand James Potter offered her.
"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Potter, Mrs. Potter."
"Oh dear! Call me Lily please, Mrs. Potter makes me thing of James' mother."
Hermione smiled.
"I'll try, Mrs.-I mean Lily."
James chuckled a little.
"Don't scare her, Lily, not come on, you don't want to be late, don't you?"
They all climbed in the car and James started the car.
The drive went by pleasantly, James and Lily asking about the school, the coming Gala, the teachers. James told them a few of his
adventures in Hogwarts.
Finally they arrived to Glasgow and went to park the car to the private parking under the theatre.
"The advantage of being famous," stated James with a drawl, making his wife chuckle.
They got out the car and took the lift, bringing them to the entrance of the theatre.
Flashes immediately went out.
Harry leaned on Hermione, placing his arm around her waist as he did so.
"Welcome to the great circus."
Hermione had a hard time refraining herself from laughing. Harry smiled, happy to have gotten her to relax and steered her towards the
stairs.
The Potters went to take their seats. James and Lily went to greet a few acquaintances as Harry stayed with Hermione.
Slowly people trickle inside and sat, chatting quietly. Finally the lights went out and the movie started.
Two hours later the lights went back.
Hermione smiled up at Harry. She had put her head on his shoulder during the movie and he had snaked his arm around his waist.
"You alright?"
She nodded and pulled away, rising to her feet.
"So what did you think of it?" Harry asked as he wrapped her shawl around her.
"It was a good movie… Emily does have talent. The plot was a bit weak though but the stunts made up for it. Did she perform all of them?"
Harry shook his head.
"She did those on horses and the easier ones, she had doubles when it was too dangerous."
Hermione nodded and they made their way back to the car with Harry's parents.
The drive back was quiet. Feeling quite tired, Hermione fell asleep half-way through it.
Carding his fingers through her hair, Harry shifted her in a more comfortable position for the both of them.
"You seem very happy with her, Harry," said Lily, smiling.
"I am, mum."
"Then I'm happy for you both."
They arrived at Hogwarts around one in the morning. The Headmaster had given them a pass to be able to enter the school upon their
return.
"I'll walk you up to your room."
They slowly walked up the stairs in comfortable silence. They finally reached Hermione's room.
Taking out her pass, she put it in the box next to her but nothing happened. Frowning, she put it again and clenched the doorknob.
The door opened.
"You did not close it when you left?" asked Harry.
"I'm sure I did… You were there anyway…"
Harry passed his hand through his hair.
"You're right, but then?..."
He paused and pushed the door and stood stunned in the doorway.
Hermione stifled a gasp.
Her room was turned upside down. Everything had been thrown around, torn, broken. The curtains were lying down, torn from their
hangers. Her books were lying around, pages torn from them.
Words like slut or whore were written on the walls in red paint.
He heard a gasp.
Hermione was pale as a ghost, the arm holding the door trembling.
Harry turned on his heels.
"Come on, Hermione. You don't need to see this. I'm sure Ginny won't mind if you stay in her room for tonight."
"B-But… I-I… I need to…"
"No you go to Ginny's. I will go warn people."
She nodded, obviously going into shock.
He walked her to Ginny's room and knocked loudly.
After several knocks, the door flew open.
"Do you know what time…" she started, obviously incensed. She stopped when she saw an obviously distraught Hermione supported by a
shaken Harry.
"I'm sorry Ginny, but can Hermione stay with you tonight?"
"What is going on?"
"Her room was destroyed."
"What?"
"Ginny, please… Not now… I'm going to warn Dumbledore."
She shook her head.
"No, go see McGonagall first, her room is down the aisle. She's the one chaperoning the girls' level this week."
She took Hermione's arm and drew her in her room.
"Now, go, I'll take care of her," she paused, "Harry… This is not the usual things going on… this is going further than harassment."
He nodded before heading down the corridor.
Fifteen minutes later, the police was present and was searching the whole room.
Inspector Moody was questioning all the girls living in the rooms close to Hermione's room while Kingsley was showing her, Harry and
Ginny the videos from the cameras placed in the corridor.
Around 11 pm, three people dressed in black and wearing white masks stopped in front of her room. The smallest of the three handed a white card.
Two of them, the tallest entered the room while the smallest stayed in the entrance, her head swirling from right to left.
"Enlarge the image." Kingsley asked one of his colleagues.
The man paused the video and zoomed.
The person was wearing black pants, a black long sleeved shirt and gloves.
"Zoom on the suspect and play the video, I thought I saw something," ordered Kingsley.
They all watch as the person kept looking for someone while her accomplices were trashing the room.
Suddenly Ginny spoke up.
"Stop it!"
The man immediately froze the video.
She flushed a little.
"I'm sorry could you go backward a little and zoom on the right wrist."
The man tapped quickly on his keyboard and soon the video played once more.
Ginny leaned forwards, concentrating.
"Stop."
The video froze.
"Can you zoom once more and focus the picture a bit more."
"I'll try…"
After a few more seconds, the wrist came into view.
"Here, you see, the bracelet!"
Harry frowned.
"So?..."
"You can't know, Harry, you haven't been here long enough. But Hermione, don't you recognize it? She couldn't keep flaunting it to us
when she got it…"
Hermione frowned then her eyes widened as she finally realized what her friends meant.
Ginny turned to Kingsley.
"I could recognize that bracelet anytime, it belongs to Marietta Hedgecombe. She's one year under us here."
Kingsley looked up.
"You're sure? You are aware you will be asked to testify."
Ginny nodded.
At that moment, Inspector Moody entered the small room.
"No prints, nothing major for now. The men that did it were professional and they were obviously looking for something."
Hermione shivered.
"But what! I've been living here for a year and this room has rarely been used since it's the one the furthest from the lift. I'm sure that it has
stayed empty for years before."
"That I don't know, Miss Granger. However I'm sure that Miss Hedgecombe will be able to shed some light on this…"
Kingsley turned to look at Albus Dumbledore.
"Headmaster, you won't object to have us talk to Miss Hedgecombe?"
The old man shook his head.
"As long as she is aware of her rights as a minor, I see no problems with that."
Soon enough a young girl was brought in the room.
Kingsley had her sit down.
"Headmaster, why am I here? What is happening?"
Inspector Moody snorted but was silenced by a dark look from his partner.
"Miss Hedgecombe you were recognized on a video as participating to the destruction of Miss Granger's room. Now as a minor you are allowed to call your parents or someone to represent you. Anything you will say may be used during prosecution."
The young girl looked at a shaking Hermione who was being held by Harry, Ginny standing by their side.
She looked at the detective.
"Can you insure my protection? Can you swear I will be protected?" There was a panicked edge in her voice.
"We can place you under our witness protection program, Miss, I take you wish to cooperate."
The young woman nodded.
"It started two years ago… The school was… was becoming too much for me." She paused, trying to compose herself. "I was able to
keep up with the school work but the dance was getting too much, I was barely able to keep up. My technique was average and I needed more time to remember the steps and so I needed to work late in the night several time… I wasn't able to get enough sleep so my school work started to drop." She gulped.
"During the summer, I kept practicing and I was getting exhausted… my friends dragged me to bars and discos to try to forget about it and
that's where I met him."
"Who?" Kingsley had started to record their interview.
"I only learnt his name later. He had heard me talking about my problems in school with my friends. He told me he could help me."
"How?"
"He said he could get me something to deal with the fatigue… He gave me some pills for free at first… and it worked. I was no longer tired.
I was able to practice I much as I needed without falling asleep during the day."
She paused.
"But at Christmas, he told me he could no longer give them to me for free and by that time I was addicted… I needed them."
"So what did you do?..."
"I did whatever I could to get enough money to get me my pills. I used all the money my parents sent me, I borrowed some. I sold some of
my things…"
"But this year after November, he told me he would get them for me for free if I followed his orders."
"What orders?"
"I was to get Hermione out of the school or at least out of her room. I don't know why… apparently there was something there he was
desperate to get back. So I used the hate letters, the threats."
"What about the packages, the destroyed costume?"
She nodded, tears going down.
"I tried to refuse him, but he threatened to stop giving me my pills and by that time I couldn't do without them…"
"So I did it…"
"What about the trap?" asked Moody.
She looked at Hermione with tearful eyes.
"I'm really sorry about that, but I thought if you were sent to the hospital then this nightmare would end. If I got you out of your room then he had sworn he would ask nothing else of me."
"You could have killed her," said Harry, tightening his grip on Hermione.
She shook her head.
"I didn't think of it, I just wanted this to end… but when it failed I needed to remain discrete, wait for everything to die down. Tonight was
a last attempt, I was hoping you would get scared enough and leave the school even if you didn't, you wouldn't be able to remain in your room and so would leave it open to him to search it…'
"Who were the two men with you?"
She shook her head.
"I don't know them, I was told to make them enter the school and show them to Hermione's room…"
"Do you still have some of those pills?"
"Yes, I got some two weeks ago…"
"I will need a few for analysis."
"Who is that man?" asked Moody
"He told me his name was Tom Riddle…"
Kingsley and Moody looked at her sharply.
"Can you repeat that name?"
"Tom Riddle."
Kingsley turned to the agent standing next to him.
"Tonks, get some men and search this room from floor to ceiling, take down the walls if needed. You're looking for some boxes showing a
skull with a serpent coming out of its mouth."
The woman with pink hair saluted and left the room.
Kingsley gestured to another woman.
"Miss Hedgecombe, Agent Kellerson will escort you back to your room and stay with you for your protection. Tomorrow you will be
escorted to St Mungo to be cured. You might be required to stay there for some time."
"B-But what about the exams? I-I can't…"
Dumbledore coughed lightly.
"Miss Hedgecombe, I think you should recover from this ordeal first."
"B-But…"
The agent called Kellerson gently made her stand up and led her outside.
Kingsley and Moody looked at Dumbledore then at the youths next to them.
"Children, we will allow you to stay only because we think Miss Granger needs to know the truth," started Kingsley.
"Yes, what you need to know is that Tom Riddle is a dangerous man. Miss Hedgecombe is not the first one to be tricked like this… This
put her into much danger, but now we should be able to draw him away from the school as soon as we will have put our hands on what he was after."
"But who is he?" asked Ginny.
"He is one of the more pre-eminent figure in the drug market… He goes by the surname of Lord Voldemort or You-know-who as people
of the underground are too scared to say his name…"
Kingsley nodded then stood up.
"We can't tell you much more. This is now out of our field. Miss Hedgecombe will probably be asked to testify and questioned as to who
she can identify. But this investigation will be directed by another department."
Dumbledore nodded.
"Her security will be guarantied, I hope."
"Yes, but for now, Miss Granger, I know it's difficult but do you wish to bring Miss Hedgecombe to court."
Hermione shivered a little, leaning more against Harry.
After a few seconds, she spoke up.
"Can I give you an answer tomorrow morning inspector."
Moddy nodded.
"Of course, just call us tomorrow. Now I think we will leave you get some rest if you can."
The youths stood up.
"If you need something to help you to sleep, you can go see Mrs. Pomfrey, Miss Granger."
The young woman looked undecided but finally shook her head.
"No, thank you Headmaster. However if it is possible I would like to have a friend with me."
"It is okay my dear, I'll have a spare bed sent to miss Weasley's room. We'll have your things sent there and any damages will be paid by
our insurances."
"Thank you Headmaster."
With that the three youths left the room, leaving the adults discuss what had happened.
The night was short for everyone and by the time of breakfast, most of the school knew of what had happened. Hermione went to have
breakfast, surrounded by her friends. They surrounded her at the table and prevented people from bothering her.
The morning rehearsals were cancelled but students were allowed to practice on their own if they wished. Hermione and her friends went to get a room for them. For some time they worked on their graduation dance before shifting to ballroom dancing to relax a little.
They were dancing a slow waltz when people entered the room.
They waited for the music to die down before making their presence known.
"Miss Granger?"
The young brown-haired ballerina turned sharply on her heel.
"Mum, Dad!"
She ran to them and hugged them fiercely.
Her mother hugged her back tightly.
Harry and the others watch the display silently not wanting to interfere.
After a few minutes, Hermione slowly withdraw from her mother's hug.
"I'm happy to see you both… you remember my friends?"
Her parents nodded, offering a small smile.
"So who is Harry? No let me guess… It's the dark-haired one, isn't it?"
Hermione blushed.
"Yes."
Harry walked to them and handed his hand to Mrs. Granger.
"Happy to meet you, Mrs. Granger, Mr. Granger."
They both shook his hand.
"Glad to finally get to meet you, we have heard a lot about you from Hermione."
Ron looked at his watch.
"Well it's nearly lunch time. Do you want to eat with us?"
The Grangers looked at Mrs. McGonagall who was standing in the doorway.
"I don't see any problem with this, Miss Granger."
They all went to the hall, Hermione talking quietly to her parents.
"Hermione are you sure you are fine?"
"Not really mum, but I will be…"
"You can come home if you want… I'm sure your Headmaster would understand."
Hermione shook her head.
"No, I want to stay and dancing is the best way for me to get my mind off from all of this."
"Are you sure, Hermione. You could finish you year later. After what you have been through I'm sure people would understand."
"No, mum. Please."
Cheryl Granger sighed.
"As you wish, my dear, but promise me you will call us if anything happen."
Hermione smiled at her mother.
"Thank you."
"No need, dear, I can see how much this means to you. Now on to other matters, I must say you know how to choose them, he is quite the
looker…"
"Mum!"
Cheryl just smiled.
Lunch went by quickly and the Grangers though they had been invited to come and watch the rehearsal decided to go back home.
The week leading to the presentation of Phoenixia passed in a blur of rehearsal, meeting with the hairdressers, the make up team. Hermione
had to meet with Mrs. Pince to try on her new Aurora costume.
In a way she was glad for all this activity. It kept her mind off what had happened and made her so tired in the evenings that she quickly fell
asleep then.
In the end she had decided not to pursue Marietta, on the condition that she went to a centre to deal with her addiction and did not
approach her again. A restriction order was then issued.
Two days before the presentation of Phoenixia, as she was involved in a rehearsal for a part of Phoenixia, Harry left the auditorium.
Unknowingly from her, he had asked for a meeting with the Headmaster.